Cass runs a small bakery and her kids are in college, a credit to this divorced mother. But she's never home, or too tired, and didn't realise she had a roof leak until the ceiling fell in. She's glad to get together with her friends for Griffin's wedding shower party, only to find that Stef's husband Brad has started taking down walls. Stef is apprehensive as his projects tend to run for months. Meanwhile, Griffin would really love if her intended Steve would get up and do some repairs. He just plays videogames. Okay, it's his job, but does it have to eat up his spare time too? Their fixer upper house needs a lot of fixing. She's starting to wonder if their entire marriage will feel this way... burdened with resentment. Muriel Sterling, owner of the town's family-run chocolate factory, tells Griffin that men all have flaws and women can't improve them.

Moving back to town is Grant Masters, a retired builder who took a few years off after the loss of his wife, and is now ready to work some more. He starts a small repair firm in Icicle Falls because his son and grandkids live here. The town's signature historic Bavarian-style buildings need running repairs. Grant thinks that at sixty-two, he's not past finding the company of ladies enjoyable. If only they wouldn't keep mistaking him for George Clooney.

If you have read any of the series you already know that this is a big-hearted story about ordinary decent folks who help their neighbours. You won't be surprised to find a lot of humour too. The drama may be domestic, but it's modern. Griffin creates food photos for a blog, with some fascinating insider tips, and considers moving to New York to succeed while she's young. Women keep very busy, engaged with other women through businesses and friendships. Stef's husband Brad resents his wife's hiring professional help and saying it's finally getting done; after all, he's got to take the kids to sports on weekends, so when does he have time to complete the work? Tread carefully ladies, for men have easily bruised egos. Men, try to realise that women prefer a clean finished home to a messy broken one.

As well as some entertainment and life lessons, look for tasty recipes in the back of the book. STARTING OVER ON BLACKBERRY LANE by Sheila Roberts may be among her best books, with deft character handling and a well woven story of various life stages. The romances are suitable for teens to adults.

Book Summary