- ROSE HARBOR IN BLOOM - This is the first novel by Debbie Macomber I have read. Recently widowed Jo Marie Rose has started up a Bed & Breakfast business in Rose Harbor. Her husband is missing, presumed dead in Afghanistan and Jo Marie is trying to move on with her life. She has become friendly with Mark, the rather dour handyman and is planning an Open Day for the residents of Rose Harbor to see her blooming business. This book centres around Jo Marie's guests - Annie, who has planned a big 50th Anniversary party for her beloved grandparents. All Annie has ever wanted is a marriage like theirs but as the day for celebration comes closer and her grandparents constant bickering seems they are nearer divorce than anniversary Annie starts to think she was imagining their happy life together. Add to that the fact she is still being pursued by her cheating ex and her grandparents neighbour turns up, a man she detests but who seems determined to get to know her and Annie wonders if the party will go as planned! Then there is Mary, a quiet, solitary woman, obviously very ill and bearing secrets. Mary has come to lay some ghosts to rest but doesn't expect to find the happiness she gave up twenty years before. Before the weekend is out love is blooming in Rose Harbor. This was a nice story, rather neat and somewhat predictable. It was fine for an easy read but didn't really grip or intrigue me. I didn't really care about any of the characters and didn't think that any of the story was very original and it took me a while to read because I really didn't care what happened. Thanks to netgalley for the chance to read and review.