First time I actually wasn't too fond of a leading character. Perhaps I was being too judgmental but in this case I think it was deserved. After all just how stupid can a guy be -- a professional man -- a CPA for goodness sake whose very career has him watching over people's finances with a clear view of their lives. Other than your shrink I can't think of anyone who knows clients business better than a CPA. So all the more reason for my angst with Gus Hollister.

THE BLOSSOM SISTERS by Fern Michaels is about people coping with their lives and of course she made the lives of her characters quite messy. So in this wonderful tale filled with all sorts of crazy folk we learn quite a bit about how they were shaped. The theory of nature vs nurture relegates a lot of responsibility to parenting but Fern Michaels speaks more about our own control as adults. And in THE BLOSSOM SISTERS she clearly feels that adults need to get a better handle on their lives.

THE BLOSSOM SISTERS are Rose, Iris and Violet. Three sisters who raised Gus with love and generosity. And Gus repaid them by marrying a woman Elaine who after a year kicked him out of his own home. The sisters weren't very fond of Elaine -- the feeling mutual. But when Gus took Elaine's side and distanced himself from his grandmother and aunts the hurt went deep. Now that Elaine is gone Gus returns to the sisters with his tail between his legs.

THE BLOSSOM SISTERS have quite a little business set up with a rather unique workforce. In order to get back in their good graces Gus is going to have to prove himself. Not really all that difficult a position for Gus who actually turns out to be a good guy. Alright I guess everyone has a moment of weakness. Gus is certainly going to have to pay for his.

Lawyers are brought into the picture when Elaine files for divorce and true to self wants absolutely everything. Her demands are deep. Her malice knows no bounds. This is going to be nasty. And just to make things more difficult Gus' own lawyer Jill treats him like pond scum.

Suffice it to say when the lawyers start their investigations for the divorce they are going to uncover some really intriguing information on Gus' ex-wife-to-be Elaine. And since I absolutely won't spill the proverbial beans all I will say is that you will be appalled and somewhat shocked at what they find and what they fail to discover. Fascinating. Frightening. Strange.

Gus is actually a really lucky guy. Other than the Elaine episode his life has been filled with people he loves and that love and care for him. Gus has no choice but to swallow his pride and follow his heart. And that leads him back to THE BLOSSOM SISTERS.

Fern Michaels created very real and very flawed characters in THE BLOSSOM SISTERS but at the same time made certain that these odd folks were extraordinarily loveable. There's a lot going on in what on the surface appears to be a simple tale. Do not be fooled. THE BLOSSOM SISTERS will take you on quite a journey toward discovering what is important and the value of being trusted. Many of us have been blessed with grandparents and elderly relatives that have enriched our lives in so many ways. You will certainly be richer after meeting these cagey, smart, industrious and loving sisters.