Griffin James purchased a fixer upper when she and her fiancé moved to Icicle Falls, but not much fixing has been done. She needs her back steps repaired and several rooms, plus the whole outside, need a new coat of paint. She's also not sure she's ready to marry Steve. They've grown apart instead of closer together. When she confronts him about this, he doesn't even fight for their relationship, just packs his bags and leaves. Where is her life going now?

Stefanie Stahl has a surprise waiting for her too as she arrives home to find that her husband Brad has torn down the wall between the dining and living rooms to give her the open effect she wants. That might not be so bad except for two things ... Brad started two other projects he hasn't finished, and Stef is hosting a shower at her home the next day.

All three of these ladies are in need of a handy man. Enter Grant Masters. Grant is Dan Master's father, who is married to Charley, owner of Zelda's Restaurant in town. Grant has been retired in Mexico since the unexpected death of his wife and is ready to get back to work, at least part time. The three ladies pool their money to win Grant for a day at the annual Raise the Roof Fundraiser. Of course their projects can't be completed in a day, but at least they can get a start. Will they find more in this deal than expected?

It's always great to go back to Icicle Falls to visit the charming characters in this delightful German-themed town in the Pacific Northwest. Sheila Roberts has created a magical place where friendship and love abound, and you never know who's going to turn up here next. Each of these three ladies has a construction issue that Grant Masters can solve, but how he goes about it is a most interesting story in itself. There are many other underlying issues here as well that Grant lends some wisdom and insight into. STARTING OVER ON BLACKBERRY LANE is another enchanting tale in Ms. Roberts Life in Icicle Falls series about tearing down walls (both literally and figuratively) and moving forward. It's about dreams dying, but then being reborn. Griffin is a food photographer and is working for Beth Mallow helping her publish her mother's recipes. Throughout the story, the recipes are mentioned and at the end Ms. Roberts includes some of them. What a delicious extra bonus!

Book Summary