The Late Bloomers' Club

A Novel

By: Louise Miller

Narrated by: Emily Rankin

“A downright delightful read. . . [with] everything you want from a small town summer read: sweetness, charm, and a side of romance.” –HelloGiggles

A delightful novel about two headstrong sisters, a small town's efforts to do right by the community, and the power of a lost dog to summon true love

Nora, the owner of the Miss Guthrie Diner, is perfectly happy serving up apple cider donuts, coffee, and eggs-any-way-you-like-em to her regulars, and she takes great pleasure in knowing exactly what's "the usual." But her life is soon shaken when she discovers she and her free-spirited, younger sister Kit stand to inherit the home and land of the town's beloved cake lady, Peggy Johnson.

Kit, an aspiring--and broke--filmmaker thinks her problems are solved when she and Nora find out Peggy was in the process of selling the land to a big-box developer before her death. The people of Guthrie are divided--some want the opportunities the development will bring, while others are staunchly against any change--and they aren't afraid to leave their opinions with their tips.

Time is running out, and the sisters need to make a decision soon. But Nora isn't quite ready to let go of the land, complete with a charming farmhouse, an ancient apple orchard and the clues to a secret life that no one knew Peggy had. Troubled by the conflicting needs of the town, and confused by her growing feelings towards Elliot, the big-box developer's rep, Nora throws herself into solving the one problem that everyone in town can agree on--finding Peggy's missing dog, Freckles.

When a disaster strikes the diner, the community of Guthrie bands together to help her, and Nora discovers that doing the right thing doesn't always mean giving up your dreams.

Loved it

Just a really nice, enjoyable book. This could be used as a great palette cleanser if you’ve been reading a lot of heavy subject matter books. . Enjoyed the relationship of the sisters and supportive characters. Good vacation read.

Warm small-town vibes

A welcome respite like a warm hug. Refreshing tale of romance in midlife. Good narration

Pretty good

I thought this book was o.k., but I really hated Kit's character. I just wanted someone to put her in her place and make her stop walking all over everyone and taking everyone and everything for granted. Poor Kit who felt so unwanted. This story of the big sister having to sacrifice everything for an ungrateful sibling who gets all the freedom has been done a lot. I think I'm just tired of the theme. This book was just fair.

Simple sweet story

Loved this story more than her 1st city’s bakers guide... it’s such a sweet loving story. Characters are more detailed n it made me want to move to this small simple town!

I am sorry…

As an other has said I found this book — which seemed as if it would have been la-la-la-la-la-la in a small town, deeply anxiety provoking.

Large amounts of money, people’s livelihoods at stake, a kid sister who seems gooey affectionate but wants what she wants regardless of what it costs our heroine, and a heroine who seems to be unable to speak the hell UP about anything — Anything!— had me open-mouthed on the diner floor, not looking for scraps but some GUTS from Nora.

It just went on too far and too long! Less patient readers would give up, and I ended thinking I wasted my time.