This is Debbie Macomber at her finest. Meet Julia, Karen, Liz and Claire - four very different women facing very different problems. They meet at a writing class but continue meeting up every Thursday morning at eight. Julia is a happy mother-of-two who has just opened her own knitting shop. What could go wrong? An unexpected, and unwanted pregnancy. Karen is in her twenties and has been pursuing an acting career for as long as she can remember. But her mother does not approve. In Karen's opinion, her mother wants her to be like her sister Victoria. Except, Victoria does not have it all worked out, and very soon relies on Karen to help her out of a terrible situation. Liz is a widow. Her husband died unexpectedly. Just when the grief had lessened, her two children move away, leaving her even more lonely. And then she begins to be pursued by a handsome doctor. Is she ready to date? Does she want to be involved with this arrogant man? And Claire. She had been through ahurrendous divorce. Her husband left her for a younger model - leaving her hurt and angry. But through her son she discovers what her ex is going through. She is about to learn there is a fine line between love and hate.This was a great book, I really enjoyed it. It was easy reading, good chick-lit, but with some deeper issues. Macomber explores cancer, death, premature births and domestic abuse. And in my opinion, she did it well. In some cases, there were no happy endings, which is realistic and made the book more inviting. There were extremely sad moments, moments were I was shocked by the abuse, worried about the baby and cheering on the characters as they walked down paths of love and forgiveness. With all these issues I think Macomber did a great job.I really liked how this was based on the author's own life. She has a network of friends that she meets up with regularly. Although the characters and events are fictional, there was an added dimension knowing that it was based on personal experience.All the characters were great. I connected with all of them on different levels and found myself hoping and wishing for them, and experiences their emotional hardships with them. They all had a different story but they way they helped each other was lovely. This is ultimately a book of friendship, and it is just lovely.I did feel that some of the characters were not featured as much as others, which was a shame, however, they did cross into each others stories to knit the narrative together. And speaking of knitting, it was interesting thatMacomber included that hobby in the book, especially in the form of a knitting shop, as her Blossom Street series also revolves around a knitting shop.Overall, I just really enjoyed this book. It is a book of friendship and companionship. It is easy to read, well written chick-lit.
In Southern California, four women, who met at a journal-writing class, now meet each Thursday for breakfast - four very different women with one thing in common: they are friends.Clare Craig's husband left her and their two sons about a year ago for a 20-year old. Clare is just trying to live well and put the anger and hatred behind her. Learning a secret about her husband changes everything.Liz Kenyon, a 57-year old hospital administrator, is alone on New Year's Eve for the first time. Her husband was killed in a car accident 6-years ago, and her two children have recently moved out or away. Liz is trying to live contentedly by herself, but finds herself attracted to Sean Jamison, a young, womanizing pediatrician.Karen Curtis is a starving actress working as a substitute teacher, using the degree her mother keeps reminding her that "we paid for." Karen feels she's a huge embarrassment and disappointment to her mother, unlike her perfect older sister, Victoria. But Karen soon learns just how perfect Victoria really is.Julia Murchison seems to have it all - a great husband and marriage, and two terrific teenagers. She owns a small knit shop where the personal touch keeps the customers returning. Julia is trying to be grateful for what she has and see the positive side of things. Life throws her a curveball - she's 40 and pregnant.My first book by Debbie Macomber. A smooth, light read. Wonderful character development. Very well-written and enjoyable.
What do You think about Thursdays At Eight (2002)?
Thursday, 8:00 a.m.Mocha moments, breakfast club!Every week, these words appear in the calendars of four women. Every week, they meet for breakfast — and to talk, to share the truths they’ve discovered about their lives. To tell their stories. To offer each other encouragement and unfailing support.Clare has just been through a devastating and unexpected divorce. She’s driven by anger and revenge — until she learns something about her ex-husband that forces her to question her own actions. Forces her to look deep inside for the forgiveness she’s rejected…and the person she used to be.Elizabeth is a widow, in her late fifties, a successful professional. A woman who’s determined not to waste another second of her life. And if that life should include romantic possibilities — well, why not?Karen is in her twenties, and she believes these should be the years for taking risks, reaching for your dreams. Her dream is to be an actor. Except that her parents think she should be more like her sister, the very conventional Victoria!Julia is turning forty this year. Her husband’s career is established, her kids are finally in their teens and she’s just started her own business. Everything’s going according to schedule — until she discovers she’s pregnant. That’s not part of the plan.Thursdays at EightA time to think about lives lived, choices made. A time for friends…
—Andrea Guy
I started reading this book Friday night ( I read at night whan i get in bed) and i couldn't put it down. I really like this style of writing and these characters. I love it when there are different people at different life-points and ages together in a book. I didn't get to sleep til pretty late because of reading this book. I ended up finishing it last night in bed after just 3 nights. I was actually envious of Julia, the woman who got pregnant! I cannot believe I feel like I would like to be pregnant again. I also liked Karen cuz she started out as a sub and became a teacher...and NO, subs do NOT get paid $250 a day!!! if they did, i'd still be subbing! Even Clare and Liz were likeable characters even tho i have nothing in common with the, I still liked reading about them. had a decent ending.
—Carrie
I have mixed feelings. I read "Thursdays at Eight" 15+ years ago and it had a huge impact on me. The idea of picking a word for the year (instead of resolutions that get broken a week later) really stuck with me.This time when I read the book, the one word didn't seem to carry the same weight. The story is still good. Four women who meet each week to share their ups and downs.After more than 15 years of reading Debbie Macomber, some of the stories are starting to sound similar. Both "The Shop on Blossom Street," "Thursdays at Eight" and "A Good Yarn" focus on the lives of a group of women and how with the support of each other make it through the difficult times.I guess after all this time, the story didn't feel as unique as it did the first time I read it. 5 ***** for my first reading, 3*** for my recent reading, therefore I settled on 4**** for my Goodreads rating.
—Lori
