Sometimes you just have to have faith that things will work out. For Nora Huckleberry, though, the future looks grim. In reality, even the present doesn’t look so great. She has lived in small-town Guthrie all her life. At a young age, Nora had to step in and care for her little sister Kit when their mom died and dad broke down. The Miss Guthrie Diner fell into her hands, and now it’s her comfort zone. More, really, it’s her everything.

But in Guthrie, making ends meet can be a challenge. So when local resident Peggy Johnson dies suddenly, leaving her entire estate to the Huckleberry sisters, Nora dares to let herself hope. The Johnson place consists of many acres, and mega store HG wants to buy it. HG already had been in negotiations with Peggy before her death. So now it might be simply a matter of finalizing the details. Kit is thrilled. She can use the money, as usual, for whatever whim currently has hold of her. But Nora isn’t so sure. A store like HG would change their little town, certainly --- but for the better? For Kit, it won’t matter; she’ll be long gone. Nora will be stuck with the results.

"THE LATE BLOOMERS’ CLUB is a lovely story of how people pull together for each other.... [C]url up with your own favorite pet and escape into Guthrie for a few hours. You will come away a richer and happier person."

While Elliot, the corporate representative, hangs around town, Nora looks at the potential sale from both sides. She gets to know the Johnson property. Unfortunately, she learns that it comes with substantial liens. Nora is already fighting to keep her head above water --- and to help Kit realize her latest dream. More debt could sink her. But the bad news doesn’t stop there. She soon gets hit with another blow. And then another. How can she possibly go on? She always has been the one to take care of others. When will it be her turn? In the midst of all this upheaval, Nora has begun to notice Elliot and sees him as more than HG’s rep. Actually, he’s quite an attractive man, and it has been a long time since her divorce. But, no, she can’t take the chance of getting hurt.

As Nora puts everyone else’s problems before hers, she finally hits rock bottom. She’s in a hole from which there seems to be no way out. Maybe she should just sell to HG. But despite the desperation of her situation, that idea doesn’t sit well. Nora’s nature longs to honor Peggy’s wishes. If she does what she thinks is right, her sister will be mad at her. And the people of Guthrie are divided on the issue, so she will make enemies whatever she decides. In an effort to escape the weight of her problems, she focuses on rescuing Peggy’s dog Freckles. At least it takes her mind off of her own troubles momentarily. But nothing is easy, even luring Freckles back home. If she can, though, it could be the beginning of a whole new day.

Louise Miller’s THE LATE BLOOMERS’ CLUB is a lovely story of how people pull together for each other. We all know that small towns can be a hotbed of gossip. Well, sometimes that’s a good thing. If everyone knows your business, they know when to pitch in. But can Nora let go of her stubborn independence and allow others to help? Having forever been the one to lean on, it is hard to switch roles. However, it just may be the ideal way to heal a suffering heart. So curl up with your own favorite pet and escape into Guthrie for a few hours. You will come away a richer and happier person.