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Blueprints
New York Times Bestseller
Returning to her beloved New England, the New York Times bestselling author of Sweet Salt Air explores the limits of love and asks what happens when the right man comes along at the wrong time?
Caroline and Jamie McAfee are close. Not only do they enjoy their relationship as mother and daughter, they're in business together as the team that fronts the popular home renovation show Gut It! All is well with these two strong women, but when the network tells Caroline that Jamie is to replace her as host, Caroline feels betrayed by her daughter and old in the eyes of the world.
Jamie is unsettled by the cast change and devastated by her mother's anger, but she has little time to brood when a tragic accident leaves her two-year-old half-brother in her care. Accustomed to a life of order and precision, Jamie suddenly finds herself out of her depth, grappling with a toddler who misses his parents and a fiancé who doesn't want the child.
Amid such devastation, Caroline and Jamie find themselves revising the blueprints they've built their lives around. With loyalties shifting and decisions looming, mother and daughter need each other; but the rift between them is proving difficult to mend. As the women try to remake themselves and rebuild their relationship with each other, they discover that strength and even passion can come from the unlikeliest places. For Caroline, it's an old friend, whose efforts to seduce her awaken desires that have been dormant for so long that she feels foreign to herself. For Jamie, it's a staggering new attraction that allows her to breathe again-and breathe deeply-for the first time in forever.
A riveting novel from a master storyteller, Barbara Delinsky's Blueprints reminds us that sometimes love appears when we least expect it, and when we need it most.
Returning to her beloved New England, the New York Times bestselling author of Sweet Salt Air explores the limits of love and asks what happens when the right man comes along at the wrong time?
Caroline and Jamie McAfee are close. Not only do they enjoy their relationship as mother and daughter, they're in business together as the team that fronts the popular home renovation show Gut It! All is well with these two strong women, but when the network tells Caroline that Jamie is to replace her as host, Caroline feels betrayed by her daughter and old in the eyes of the world.
Jamie is unsettled by the cast change and devastated by her mother's anger, but she has little time to brood when a tragic accident leaves her two-year-old half-brother in her care. Accustomed to a life of order and precision, Jamie suddenly finds herself out of her depth, grappling with a toddler who misses his parents and a fiancé who doesn't want the child.
Amid such devastation, Caroline and Jamie find themselves revising the blueprints they've built their lives around. With loyalties shifting and decisions looming, mother and daughter need each other; but the rift between them is proving difficult to mend. As the women try to remake themselves and rebuild their relationship with each other, they discover that strength and even passion can come from the unlikeliest places. For Caroline, it's an old friend, whose efforts to seduce her awaken desires that have been dormant for so long that she feels foreign to herself. For Jamie, it's a staggering new attraction that allows her to breathe again-and breathe deeply-for the first time in forever.
A riveting novel from a master storyteller, Barbara Delinsky's Blueprints reminds us that sometimes love appears when we least expect it, and when we need it most.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published June 5, 2015
1149 people are currently reading
8159 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Delinsky
307 books4,356 followersI was born and raised in suburban Boston. My mother’s death, when I was eight, was the defining event of a childhood that was otherwise ordinary. I took piano lessons and flute lessons. I took ballroom dancing lessons. I went to summer camp through my fifteenth year (in Maine, which explains the setting of so many of my stories), then spent my sixteenth summer learning to type and to drive (two skills that have served me better than all of my other high school courses combined). I earned a B.A. in Psychology at Tufts University and an M.A. in Sociology at Boston College. The motivation behind the M.A. was sheer greed. My husband was just starting law school. We needed the money.
Following graduate school, I worked as a researcher with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, and as a photographer and reporter for the Belmont Herald. I did the newspaper work after my first son was born. Since I was heavily into taking pictures of him, I worked for the paper to support that habit. Initially, I wrote only in a secondary capacity, to provide copy for the pictures I took. In time, I realized that I was better at writing than photography. I used both skills doing volunteer work for hospital groups, and have served on the Board of Directors of the Friends of the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and on the MGH’s Women’s Cancer Advisory Board.
I became an actual writer by fluke. My twins were four when, by chance, I happened on a newspaper article profiling three female writers. Intrigued, I spent three months researching, plotting, and writing my own book - and it sold.
My niche? I write about the emotional crises that we face in our lives. Readers identify with my characters. They know them. They are them. I'm an everyday woman writing about everyday people facing not-so-everyday challenges.
My novels are character-driven studies of marriage, parenthood, sibling rivalry, and friendship, and I’ve been blessed in having readers who buy them eagerly enough to put them on the major bestseller lists. One of my latest, Sweet Salt Air, came out in 2013. Blueprints, my second novel with St. Martin’s Press, became my 22nd New York Times bestselling novel soon after its release in June 2015. Making Up, my work in progress, will be published in 2018.
2018? Yikes. I didn’t think I’d live that long. I thought I’d die of breast cancer back in the 1900's, like my mom. But I didn’t. I was diagnosed nearly twenty years ago, had surgery and treatment, and here I am, stronger than ever and loving having authored yet another book, this one the non-fiction Uplift: Secrets From the Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors. First published in 2001, Uplift is a handbook of practical tips and upbeat anecdotes that I compiled with the help of 350 breast cancer survivors, their families and friends. These survivors just ... blew me away! They gave me the book that I wish I’d had way back when I was diagnosed. There is no medical information here, nothing frightening, simply practical advice from friends who’ve had breast cancer. The 10th Anniversary Volume of Uplift is now in print. And the money I’ve made on the book? Every cent has gone to my charitable foundation, which funds an ongoing research fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Connect with me on Facebook: facebook.com/bdelinsky
Look for my photos on Instagram: instagram.com/barbaradelinsky
Following graduate school, I worked as a researcher with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, and as a photographer and reporter for the Belmont Herald. I did the newspaper work after my first son was born. Since I was heavily into taking pictures of him, I worked for the paper to support that habit. Initially, I wrote only in a secondary capacity, to provide copy for the pictures I took. In time, I realized that I was better at writing than photography. I used both skills doing volunteer work for hospital groups, and have served on the Board of Directors of the Friends of the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and on the MGH’s Women’s Cancer Advisory Board.
I became an actual writer by fluke. My twins were four when, by chance, I happened on a newspaper article profiling three female writers. Intrigued, I spent three months researching, plotting, and writing my own book - and it sold.
My niche? I write about the emotional crises that we face in our lives. Readers identify with my characters. They know them. They are them. I'm an everyday woman writing about everyday people facing not-so-everyday challenges.
My novels are character-driven studies of marriage, parenthood, sibling rivalry, and friendship, and I’ve been blessed in having readers who buy them eagerly enough to put them on the major bestseller lists. One of my latest, Sweet Salt Air, came out in 2013. Blueprints, my second novel with St. Martin’s Press, became my 22nd New York Times bestselling novel soon after its release in June 2015. Making Up, my work in progress, will be published in 2018.
2018? Yikes. I didn’t think I’d live that long. I thought I’d die of breast cancer back in the 1900's, like my mom. But I didn’t. I was diagnosed nearly twenty years ago, had surgery and treatment, and here I am, stronger than ever and loving having authored yet another book, this one the non-fiction Uplift: Secrets From the Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors. First published in 2001, Uplift is a handbook of practical tips and upbeat anecdotes that I compiled with the help of 350 breast cancer survivors, their families and friends. These survivors just ... blew me away! They gave me the book that I wish I’d had way back when I was diagnosed. There is no medical information here, nothing frightening, simply practical advice from friends who’ve had breast cancer. The 10th Anniversary Volume of Uplift is now in print. And the money I’ve made on the book? Every cent has gone to my charitable foundation, which funds an ongoing research fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Connect with me on Facebook: facebook.com/bdelinsky
Look for my photos on Instagram: instagram.com/barbaradelinsky
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 904 reviews
March 17, 2015
So frustrated by this author. She has really great ideas, but they are ruined by over melodramatic, soap opera-esque bad writing. The grief parts of this book were good, and the concept behind a young career woman who needs to balance a very busy career with having motherhood thrust at her very unexpectedly while dealing with grief was intriguing to me. Unfortunately, this strong woman's problems are all solved by her mom and her man. The fact that these women were "independent, strong women" was shoved down the reader's throat, but their actions, including having their men (unnecessarily) at important business meetings, actually illustrated the opposite. The male characters were caricatures/ stereotypes and so easy to predict. This is the third Delinsky book I've read and they all frustrate me to no end because I want her to use her good ideas and rise above bodice-ripper chick-lit, but alas, I was disappointed yet again. I won this in a Goodreads First-Reads giveaway.
February 7, 2017
Delinsky never lets me down for a quick, enjoyable get away read. I seem to turn to her for something less heavy though no less entertaining. Once again she delivers.
Characters that are well developed and a storyline that is often heart tugging as well as heart warming. She writes of everyday people who face the trials and tribulations that many of us do, or have. This story was especially thoughtful as it focused on the relationship of Mothers and Daughters, how they develop and how they change. Both of the women in this story were facing life changing events and in the end they were both stronger alone as well as together.
For a light and quick read I recommend.
Characters that are well developed and a storyline that is often heart tugging as well as heart warming. She writes of everyday people who face the trials and tribulations that many of us do, or have. This story was especially thoughtful as it focused on the relationship of Mothers and Daughters, how they develop and how they change. Both of the women in this story were facing life changing events and in the end they were both stronger alone as well as together.
For a light and quick read I recommend.
March 8, 2015
I have read numerous Delinsky books, but this one was not one of my favorites, too many feelings and not enough story. The mother in the story is accomplished and attractive, but she has not been "with" a man for over a decade as her philandering ex-husband made her believe that she was not young or attractive. From there are discussions about the value of sex, okay, but must we read continually about how she knew that he wanted her, or the physical details of how her body responds? Of course the men are all super hot, with great bodies, book strayed too far into bodice ripper for my tastes and lacked the characterization that is usually in Delinsky's stories. The daughter spends a day with a two yr. old and states that she now has so much respect for stay-at-home moms. Is she being patronizing? as she quickly finds an all day nanny, who handles her day so easily. Glimmers of possibility as both the daughter and the mother learn to live the life that they have chosen, just not on the level that I would expect from this author. Book received from goodreads contest, thank you.
March 31, 2015
What caught my attention about Blueprints was the premise of the story: a mother and daughter who are stars of a home improvement TV show named Gut It. Okay, I admit I’m a HGTV, DIY, This Old House fan, and I think there are more of us out there that would find this story interesting too just from that angle, but there is more to it as I found out. The mother, Caroline is a master carpenter and the host of Gut It, her daughter Jamie is a talented architect whom the network wants to have host the show full time, and they let her know they want a more youthful face to represent the program. As much as Jamie wants this for her future, she doesn’t feel ready, and doesn’t want to hurt her mom. Caroline is not old, still attractive and has a huge fan base, but the implication that she’s beyond her prime is devastating, and because Jamie knows about it, but didn’t talk to her sets up a division between them. They have always been a team in the families’ construction business, which is the backbone of the show, and Jamie’s grandfather and father run the business. Jamie’s parents have been divorced for ages, and her dad has a new wife and baby son. As Caroline, who never remarried, and Jamie try to repair their relationship a tragedy happens and their lives are change forever. Just like a house being remodeled, it’s never about surface changes, there is always something hidden that you uncover that needs attention before the house can be rebuilt; and this is what happens to this family.
I liked this book, the characters were very real, and the author is a skillful storyteller. One warning, there is some sexual content in the middle of the book. I personally found the one thing I would have liked to have changed was the ending: it felt rushed and even though it had an epilogue to tie up loose ends it could have been another chapter longer. 4 stars.
I liked this book, the characters were very real, and the author is a skillful storyteller. One warning, there is some sexual content in the middle of the book. I personally found the one thing I would have liked to have changed was the ending: it felt rushed and even though it had an epilogue to tie up loose ends it could have been another chapter longer. 4 stars.
April 6, 2015
As a mother and daughter team, Caroline and Jamie MacAfee are best friends as well, and each of them is impeccable in their roles within the family company, MacAfee Homes. Their reality show, Gut it!, is all about renovating and bringing attention to the company's work.
As the host of the show, Caroline has hit her stride. Confident and proud, she enjoys basking in all of it. And Jamie's role as the architect brings her unique talents to the mix.
So when the network producers decide that a major change is in order, all hell is about to break loose. They want 56-year-old Caroline to step down from hosting, replaced by her daughter Jamie. And Jamie is told first, tasked with giving the news to her mother.
But she hesitates. And then too much time has passed, and major drama is unleashed. Compounded by the secrecy, as well as by a few other issues, the fallout has the potential to damage the relationships between mother and daughter, as well as the company.
On the heels of this stunning reveal, the accidental death of Roy MacAfee and his wife Jessica, will change everything. As Jamie's father, and company CEO, these deaths will turn what might have been a mildly disastrous event into total chaos. What will happen to the company now? Will positions of power be toppled? And how will Jamie's new role as guardian of her two-year-old half-brother Tad change not only her work life but her personal life?
Her fiancé, Brad, has been distant and aloof lately, but adding a baby to the mix seems to have brought out his worst qualities. Were those problems there all along?
Just when she needs it most, Jamie discovers an unexpected friend and resource, a single dad raising a three-year-old, and suddenly, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. As if to fill in the void left by the rift with her mother, Jamie quickly falls in love and behaves impulsively for her.
Meanwhile, Caroline, stunned by how being marginalized because of age tears at her confidence, turns to an old friend for romantic comfort.
My favorite parts were the descriptions of the homes as they were renovated and redesigned, a guilty pleasure of mine that felt as good as watching an HGTV special. The mother-daughter issues felt real as well. Competition between them is exacerbated by the reminder that older is not necessarily valued, not even in a family company. A painful awakening.
Themes of family dynamics, competition, power, and severed bonds bring just the right amount of drama to this otherwise feel-good story. Somewhat predictable, but thoroughly engaging, "Blueprints: A Novel" was a captivating read that deserves 4.5 stars.
As the host of the show, Caroline has hit her stride. Confident and proud, she enjoys basking in all of it. And Jamie's role as the architect brings her unique talents to the mix.
So when the network producers decide that a major change is in order, all hell is about to break loose. They want 56-year-old Caroline to step down from hosting, replaced by her daughter Jamie. And Jamie is told first, tasked with giving the news to her mother.
But she hesitates. And then too much time has passed, and major drama is unleashed. Compounded by the secrecy, as well as by a few other issues, the fallout has the potential to damage the relationships between mother and daughter, as well as the company.
On the heels of this stunning reveal, the accidental death of Roy MacAfee and his wife Jessica, will change everything. As Jamie's father, and company CEO, these deaths will turn what might have been a mildly disastrous event into total chaos. What will happen to the company now? Will positions of power be toppled? And how will Jamie's new role as guardian of her two-year-old half-brother Tad change not only her work life but her personal life?
Her fiancé, Brad, has been distant and aloof lately, but adding a baby to the mix seems to have brought out his worst qualities. Were those problems there all along?
Just when she needs it most, Jamie discovers an unexpected friend and resource, a single dad raising a three-year-old, and suddenly, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. As if to fill in the void left by the rift with her mother, Jamie quickly falls in love and behaves impulsively for her.
Meanwhile, Caroline, stunned by how being marginalized because of age tears at her confidence, turns to an old friend for romantic comfort.
My favorite parts were the descriptions of the homes as they were renovated and redesigned, a guilty pleasure of mine that felt as good as watching an HGTV special. The mother-daughter issues felt real as well. Competition between them is exacerbated by the reminder that older is not necessarily valued, not even in a family company. A painful awakening.
Themes of family dynamics, competition, power, and severed bonds bring just the right amount of drama to this otherwise feel-good story. Somewhat predictable, but thoroughly engaging, "Blueprints: A Novel" was a captivating read that deserves 4.5 stars.
October 5, 2025
Jamie and Caroline are mother and daughter who work together in a family company that designs and builds houses and as part of a reality TV Show. Jamie is an architect and Caroline is a builder. Both think their life is all planned out, like a blueprint. Then an accident changes everything. Suddenly their world changes and they need new plans.
I have to be fair here because those of you that know me, know that I would have NEVER in a million year EVER even picked this book up, much less actually opened it and read it, if it didn't meet yet another challenge...and to make it even worse, a challenge that I created! Whoever would have thought that finding a book with a character that builds a house would have been this hard?
The story is interesting enough, and there are several good lines of action that each one carries its own various emotions. But good heaven's how many descriptions do you need??? In some places there were literally 3 entire pages of descriptions of facades. Facades with bay windows, facades with columns, facades with other types of windows, facades of verandas...come on! If I ever want to build a house, I now know everything and more about FACADES!!!
The two main characters, mother and daughter. Caroline and Jamie were just way too unrealistic. I'm going to give it 3 stars because it did serve the purpose that I picked it up for.
I have to be fair here because those of you that know me, know that I would have NEVER in a million year EVER even picked this book up, much less actually opened it and read it, if it didn't meet yet another challenge...and to make it even worse, a challenge that I created! Whoever would have thought that finding a book with a character that builds a house would have been this hard?
The story is interesting enough, and there are several good lines of action that each one carries its own various emotions. But good heaven's how many descriptions do you need??? In some places there were literally 3 entire pages of descriptions of facades. Facades with bay windows, facades with columns, facades with other types of windows, facades of verandas...come on! If I ever want to build a house, I now know everything and more about FACADES!!!
The two main characters, mother and daughter. Caroline and Jamie were just way too unrealistic. I'm going to give it 3 stars because it did serve the purpose that I picked it up for.
March 3, 2015
This was a Goodreads giveaway. The book is an advance readers' edition. I am assuming that the issues with typos (fiarce instead of fiance, shouts instead of shorts, etc.), grammar, and continuity will be resolved before the book is released. This is the first book that I have read by this author.
The marketing description of the book is about a mother and daughter who work on the same television show, "Gut It". On the mother's 56th birthday, the network decides to replace her as host with her daughter. To add to this drama, the father/ex-husband of the two main characters dies in a car accident and his daughter was named as the guardian to his young son.
The characters are likeable and the main theme is fine, but the story just did not work for me. Part of the problem is that the book seems to add one drama after another. I don't think that some of these mini dramas added much to the story and in fact made it more like a soap opera. Some events were not realistic. The dialogue was choppy in parts and cliched in others.
I really wanted to like the book more than I did. I love receiving a book through the Goodreads giveaway. The short description provided in the giveaway sounded interesting.
The marketing description of the book is about a mother and daughter who work on the same television show, "Gut It". On the mother's 56th birthday, the network decides to replace her as host with her daughter. To add to this drama, the father/ex-husband of the two main characters dies in a car accident and his daughter was named as the guardian to his young son.
The characters are likeable and the main theme is fine, but the story just did not work for me. Part of the problem is that the book seems to add one drama after another. I don't think that some of these mini dramas added much to the story and in fact made it more like a soap opera. Some events were not realistic. The dialogue was choppy in parts and cliched in others.
I really wanted to like the book more than I did. I love receiving a book through the Goodreads giveaway. The short description provided in the giveaway sounded interesting.
June 11, 2015
I have always loved Barbara Delinsky's novels from years ago up to this very date and this book was good. I can't say its the 'best ever' book I have read by her, it was OK and enjoyable.
It seems the TV show is hosted by a family, its called Gut It. Its a 'MAKE OVER' show. But of course like any family we have all ages from young to old and because of ratings, and new younger people watching its thought to attract even more younger viewing they should have younger people doing the show.
Claire is excellent in what she does but fears the producer wants to axe her and bring in the "newer Model" Jamie.
Of course this causes tension.
Jamie is her daughter!
Well like any family all doesn't go to well at times, family loyalty, moving ahead, family trust, business. Which would you choose?
Its a very well thought up to date book from this author and pretty well will bring in newer readers I would think.
I didn't rave about this book, but it was a pleasant read.
**Thank you to St. Martin's Press via Net Galley for this read for review copy **
October 26, 2015
I'm usually a fan of Delinsky's work, but this was a big departure from her usual subject matter and it showed. Instead of her usual family sagas, this book was about a New England family that owned a home construction business and also produced a reality DIY type show on home remodeling. I got the feeling that Delinsky was way out of her league in this one. It felt repetitious and like the author didn't really have a plan for where the book was really going to go. It felt like it wandered a little bit here and then a little bit there. Yes there was her usual family drama but when she wrote about the construction business her writing felt forced. This was by far my least favorite of all of Delinsky's novels. 2 stars.
June 11, 2015
Blueprints by Barbara Delinksy was a thoroughly enjoyable read, and as soon as I read the opening pages I was hooked. Both Caroline and Jamie are smart, competent women, each very talented at what they do.
Caroline is thrown by her possible axing of being the host of the home makeover show Gut It. She senses it's because of her age that Claire the snarky director is wanting to replace her with the younger Jamie. This creates tension for Claire, she is very good at what she does, yet it would be her daughter who would replace her. She loves Jamie and they have always been there for each other. Suddenly their relationship is strained and Caroline finds herself at odds with her daughter.
Jamie loves her mother, has been thrown by the sudden responsibility of caring for her step baby brother when he loses both his parents in a fatal car accident. She then finds Brad, the man she is about to marry, isn't keen on having a ready made son in the mix. She meets a local at the park, a Dad with a son just a year older than Tad. He seems to offer support and a whole lot more that Jamie soon appreciates.
Life becomes very busy for both women, it seems like their relationship is strained for ages, although in actual time it is not really that long. Each one finds herself in a new situation, dealing with issues that are so important for them. With the support of the men who love them, each one finds her way through the maze to something new and satisfying.
Love for family, the bond between a mother and daughter, the enjoyment of passionate love with a strong partner, strong women competent at what they do, all combine in this book to make it a downright pleasurable read.
Caroline is thrown by her possible axing of being the host of the home makeover show Gut It. She senses it's because of her age that Claire the snarky director is wanting to replace her with the younger Jamie. This creates tension for Claire, she is very good at what she does, yet it would be her daughter who would replace her. She loves Jamie and they have always been there for each other. Suddenly their relationship is strained and Caroline finds herself at odds with her daughter.
Jamie loves her mother, has been thrown by the sudden responsibility of caring for her step baby brother when he loses both his parents in a fatal car accident. She then finds Brad, the man she is about to marry, isn't keen on having a ready made son in the mix. She meets a local at the park, a Dad with a son just a year older than Tad. He seems to offer support and a whole lot more that Jamie soon appreciates.
Life becomes very busy for both women, it seems like their relationship is strained for ages, although in actual time it is not really that long. Each one finds herself in a new situation, dealing with issues that are so important for them. With the support of the men who love them, each one finds her way through the maze to something new and satisfying.
Love for family, the bond between a mother and daughter, the enjoyment of passionate love with a strong partner, strong women competent at what they do, all combine in this book to make it a downright pleasurable read.
September 19, 2018
I was thoroughly enjoying this book at first but at about the halfway mark, it kind of started going downhill. I lost interest in the story a bit because it was quite redundant, the same things kept coming up over and over and it got old fast. But then the ending slightly made up for it, it was perfect how it all turned out!
April 10, 2015
Caroline and Jamie MacAfee are mother and daughter, carpenter and architect and integral members of the cast of a reality fix it show called “Gut It!”
The home renovation series showcases the women of MacAfee Homes and has become popular with the do-it-yourself crowd. When the director decides the program needs a facelift to attract a younger demographic, family allegiances are put to the test.
I love it when an author puts in the research hours needed to add authenticity to her novel. Delinsky writes stories which feel very current and in the case of Blueprints, she brings the home reno business to life. Her knowledge of home construction, contracting and the quirks and challenges of an architects life feel very honest and real. Not only does she include the currently popular reality programs but she slips in asides about the current erotica novel readers as she explores one of her main themes, love.
There are other themes running throughout the novel such as ageism and loyalty but love in its many forms grounds the book. The secondary characters are so well developed they become essential to exploring this theme. The leading men, Dean and Chip might be too good to be true and push the novel almost into a straight romance genre but there are enough not so great guys and side plots to keep any reader interested.
If you are looking for a book that explores the challenges faced by women at various stages in their working lives along with a feel good read, Blueprints is a winner.
* ARC received from publisher via NetGalley for review*
The home renovation series showcases the women of MacAfee Homes and has become popular with the do-it-yourself crowd. When the director decides the program needs a facelift to attract a younger demographic, family allegiances are put to the test.
I love it when an author puts in the research hours needed to add authenticity to her novel. Delinsky writes stories which feel very current and in the case of Blueprints, she brings the home reno business to life. Her knowledge of home construction, contracting and the quirks and challenges of an architects life feel very honest and real. Not only does she include the currently popular reality programs but she slips in asides about the current erotica novel readers as she explores one of her main themes, love.
There are other themes running throughout the novel such as ageism and loyalty but love in its many forms grounds the book. The secondary characters are so well developed they become essential to exploring this theme. The leading men, Dean and Chip might be too good to be true and push the novel almost into a straight romance genre but there are enough not so great guys and side plots to keep any reader interested.
If you are looking for a book that explores the challenges faced by women at various stages in their working lives along with a feel good read, Blueprints is a winner.
* ARC received from publisher via NetGalley for review*
September 11, 2015
ARC received courtesy of Goodreads.com giveaway
I must disclose right away that I am a HUGE fan of Barbara Delinsky. I've loved nearly everything of hers that I've ever had the pleasure to read. "Blueprints" is at a whole new level, even for Delinsky.
A novel centered around a family-owned construction business with a television remodeling show to boot. This book delves into what it really means to be a woman "of a certain age". Her daughter struggles with her own engagement when all hell breaks loose when her father and his wife are killed in an accident.
This novel needs to be a movie! I can tell you that I was able to "watch" while read! This would also make a great book for book clubs to read this winter.
Barbara Delinsky tops all of her other novels with this one!
I must disclose right away that I am a HUGE fan of Barbara Delinsky. I've loved nearly everything of hers that I've ever had the pleasure to read. "Blueprints" is at a whole new level, even for Delinsky.
A novel centered around a family-owned construction business with a television remodeling show to boot. This book delves into what it really means to be a woman "of a certain age". Her daughter struggles with her own engagement when all hell breaks loose when her father and his wife are killed in an accident.
This novel needs to be a movie! I can tell you that I was able to "watch" while read! This would also make a great book for book clubs to read this winter.
Barbara Delinsky tops all of her other novels with this one!
June 20, 2019
A really good book about a mother/daughter team who have a home remodeling show on TV. I always enjoy Barbara Delinsky's books. I needed something lighter after reading "When the Crawdads Sing" and this fit the bill. It is predictable love story for the mother and the daughter and they both found their way to happiness which I was so happy about myself. The younger girl went through so much with her fiance and the person she married. I had to look to the end of the book to make sure she stayed with the one she chose because she went through so much to get there. Definitely enjoyed this book.
April 17, 2015
*I received this book (Blueprints - Advanced Readers' Edution) free via first reads in exchange for an unbiased review* I enjoyed the storyline! Mother and daughter work together for the family business and are also best friends. They are both going through their own seasons of life when a double disaster strikes. Who will be the next host of their TV show?! What direction will the family business go?! And when will they each discover true love apart from each other?!
The story was a touching one with some happy endings. I enjoyed reading this book. Although it was 400ish pages, it was a quick read.
The story was a touching one with some happy endings. I enjoyed reading this book. Although it was 400ish pages, it was a quick read.
July 21, 2015
Listened to the audio book which is probably the only reason I got through this. I have enjoyed some of her other books like 'While my sister sleeps,' but this book was seriously terrible. It was so cheesy and the men were so unrealistic and besides the tragedy that occurs in the beginning of the book nothing else happens. Skip this one. I wish I had.
June 18, 2015
Disappointing! This author normally has much better developed characters and plot. This tilted too much towards "bodice ripper" books. I skimmed the last third of the story.
August 10, 2015
Loved this mother and daughter tale. I became totally engrossed in Caroline and Jamie's lives and didn't want it to end.
February 12, 2019
Големи надежди възложих на тази книга, защото засяга две много любими за мен теми, телевизионни предавания за ремонти и отношения между майка и дъщеря 😍
Обаче... историята е много интересна, има няколко линии на действие, всяка от които си носи своите емоции, НО стила на писане на авторката...не е моя 😏 на места има има по 3 страници описания на фасади, с еркери, с колони, прозорци, веранда иииииииии.
Така че, ако сте в търпеливо настроение и обича те много описателното писане горещо препоръчвам 📖
Обаче... историята е много интересна, има няколко линии на действие, всяка от които си носи своите емоции, НО стила на писане на авторката...не е моя 😏 на места има има по 3 страници описания на фасади, с еркери, с колони, прозорци, веранда иииииииии.
Така че, ако сте в търпеливо настроение и обича те много описателното писане горещо препоръчвам 📖
June 9, 2015
A special thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. "Stunning front cover!"
A long-time fan of Barbara Delinsky, once again delivers a winning women's fiction drama with BLUEPRINTS. A realistic contemporary portrayal of the many challenges and complexities, faced by women of ages from 20’s to 60’s; of today’s modern world relationships--from professional, personal, family, and motherhood mixed with humor and some tantalizing sexy distractions.
Gut it! A local television production, a home renovation series headlined by women—specifically the women of MacAfee Homes. The show was not touted by high drama nor celebrity antics, just real work by real people with whom an audience of real women identified.
However, when the director decides the program needs a facelift to attract a younger demographic, family allegiances are put to the test. Caroline MacAfee is a skilled carpenter, her daughter Jamie, a talented architect and together they have been the faces of Gut It.
Jamie MacAfee is twenty-nine and pretty much financially independent. Her parents are divorced and Caroline was not just her mother, but her best friends. Roy, her dad had moved on not once more, but twice. Jamie did not care for his second wife and his third wife, Jessica was close to Jamie’s age with a young son, and she had become a friend. All the family happened to be employed by MacAfee homes (so a lot of input).
Caroline age fifty-six had always taken pride in her work and the audience loved her. However, when she is told the network wants her daughter to replace her as host, the day after her birthday, she is devastated. Can you imagine what this does to your ego? The show wants to target a younger demographic, aiming for the twenty-five to forty-year old range.
This news places Jamie in an awkward situation, since her mom built the show, and now they think her mom is too old. She was simply being rewarded for her age at the expense of her mother, who was being punished for hers. At age fifty-six she looks great; however, for television, it means over-the-hill. She is allowed to stay on the show, just not in the limelight.
The fallout causes a strain between mother and daughter, and soon after comes the accident of Roy MacAfee, CEO of MacAfee Homes, and his young wife (father and ex-husband). Now Jamie is confronted with the role as guardian of her two year old half-brother, Tad and her fiancé, Brad is less than thrilled with the news. So there is drama all the way around for these two women with much more . . .
As Caroline is four years away from age sixty (been there, not a pretty thought);however, not everyone thinks she is over-the-hill, and may be time for "Stella to get her groove back". :) Carolina has always felt passion for work and her daughter, but a man, like Dean—could be the worst or possibly the best! Loved this part...
I really enjoyed the story, from the stunning front cover, which grabbed me, as well as the design concept, and the older woman--a fantastic topic as many of us baby boomers are facing this today with our careers, as opportunities do not come along for the over 55-65 age range as often as in our younger years.
Fans of highly-charged women’s topics, women’s fiction, family dynamics, romance, chick-lit and lovers of HGTV, home remodeling, architecture, design, Wendy Wax’s Ten Beach Road home renovation series, and Mary Kay Andrews’ books will enjoy Barbara’s storytelling with her in depth research into the architecture and design business. An engaging and fun beach read of love, life, aging, motherhood and reinvention.
JDCMustReadBooks
A long-time fan of Barbara Delinsky, once again delivers a winning women's fiction drama with BLUEPRINTS. A realistic contemporary portrayal of the many challenges and complexities, faced by women of ages from 20’s to 60’s; of today’s modern world relationships--from professional, personal, family, and motherhood mixed with humor and some tantalizing sexy distractions.
Gut it! A local television production, a home renovation series headlined by women—specifically the women of MacAfee Homes. The show was not touted by high drama nor celebrity antics, just real work by real people with whom an audience of real women identified.
However, when the director decides the program needs a facelift to attract a younger demographic, family allegiances are put to the test. Caroline MacAfee is a skilled carpenter, her daughter Jamie, a talented architect and together they have been the faces of Gut It.
Jamie MacAfee is twenty-nine and pretty much financially independent. Her parents are divorced and Caroline was not just her mother, but her best friends. Roy, her dad had moved on not once more, but twice. Jamie did not care for his second wife and his third wife, Jessica was close to Jamie’s age with a young son, and she had become a friend. All the family happened to be employed by MacAfee homes (so a lot of input).
Caroline age fifty-six had always taken pride in her work and the audience loved her. However, when she is told the network wants her daughter to replace her as host, the day after her birthday, she is devastated. Can you imagine what this does to your ego? The show wants to target a younger demographic, aiming for the twenty-five to forty-year old range.
This news places Jamie in an awkward situation, since her mom built the show, and now they think her mom is too old. She was simply being rewarded for her age at the expense of her mother, who was being punished for hers. At age fifty-six she looks great; however, for television, it means over-the-hill. She is allowed to stay on the show, just not in the limelight.
The fallout causes a strain between mother and daughter, and soon after comes the accident of Roy MacAfee, CEO of MacAfee Homes, and his young wife (father and ex-husband). Now Jamie is confronted with the role as guardian of her two year old half-brother, Tad and her fiancé, Brad is less than thrilled with the news. So there is drama all the way around for these two women with much more . . .
As Caroline is four years away from age sixty (been there, not a pretty thought);however, not everyone thinks she is over-the-hill, and may be time for "Stella to get her groove back". :) Carolina has always felt passion for work and her daughter, but a man, like Dean—could be the worst or possibly the best! Loved this part...
I really enjoyed the story, from the stunning front cover, which grabbed me, as well as the design concept, and the older woman--a fantastic topic as many of us baby boomers are facing this today with our careers, as opportunities do not come along for the over 55-65 age range as often as in our younger years.
Fans of highly-charged women’s topics, women’s fiction, family dynamics, romance, chick-lit and lovers of HGTV, home remodeling, architecture, design, Wendy Wax’s Ten Beach Road home renovation series, and Mary Kay Andrews’ books will enjoy Barbara’s storytelling with her in depth research into the architecture and design business. An engaging and fun beach read of love, life, aging, motherhood and reinvention.
JDCMustReadBooks
June 25, 2015
On Caroline MacAfee’s 56th birthday, she is told that she is too old to continue hosting the home improvement show, ���Gut It!” that she has been a part of for years. Her replacement doesn’t want to tell her about the switch. I mean, how do you break it to your own mother that her replacement is…well, her very own daughter? There is, of course, conflict knowing that the job that Caroline loves and knows so well is being taken from her and there is sadness as Jamie finds the relationship she has with her mom is slipping away from her in this new role. When a traumatic death happens in their family, not only do these two realize that they will have to work together to pick up the pieces of their loss, but their entire life has went into a different direction than either of them expect.
Since this book tells the story of Caroline, at the age of 56, and Jamie, in her thirties, it is a book that you could share with your own mother and will appeal to women of all ages. The story of friendship between this mother & daughter duo made for a beautiful read and would be a great beach read escape this summer. The story particularly shines as Jamie learns to find herself and finds love for the unexpected family she has been shouldered with. Caroline’s blossoming relationship between her and her longtime pal also builds into a beautiful love story in the golden years of life. I would recommend this book for fans of Kristen Hannah and Diane Chamberlain, two of my favorite authors for a fun escape from the heavier books.
At the heart of it all, this story is all about how the blueprints of our life change over time. We all have plans, but let’s face it… they rarely work out the way we expect them to.
Since this book tells the story of Caroline, at the age of 56, and Jamie, in her thirties, it is a book that you could share with your own mother and will appeal to women of all ages. The story of friendship between this mother & daughter duo made for a beautiful read and would be a great beach read escape this summer. The story particularly shines as Jamie learns to find herself and finds love for the unexpected family she has been shouldered with. Caroline’s blossoming relationship between her and her longtime pal also builds into a beautiful love story in the golden years of life. I would recommend this book for fans of Kristen Hannah and Diane Chamberlain, two of my favorite authors for a fun escape from the heavier books.
At the heart of it all, this story is all about how the blueprints of our life change over time. We all have plans, but let’s face it… they rarely work out the way we expect them to.
June 21, 2015
A mother and daughter team on a Home makeover show called Gut It.. Caroline MacAfee is the host and carpenter on the show, daughter Jamie MacAfee is the Architect and designer.. Both woman are smart and work together in harmony, but then that harmony is put to the test when many things change in their relationship. All of a sudden the network thinks Caroline is too old to host the show, and they want Jamie to step in, and then an accident and death of her father and step-mother makes Jamie an instant mother when she is left guardian of her half brother who is 18 months old. The men in their lives make things even more complicated. Then with the accident Caroline takes on more of the business end of things when Patriarch and President of the company and the MacAfee family is getting too old and the death of his only son takes a toll him with his health.
Can these too woman who were once so close and now torn by the crisis in their lives get back that wonderful mother daughter harmony.
A wonderful book by Barbara Delinsky. She gets the relationship that is a mother and daughter and the men who love them and who they manage to control their lives when it seems that all is falling about them. I always know when I read a book by Barbara Delinsky I am going to get a wonderful story, as I have since I picked up her books back in the early 90's. Always the consummate storyteller.
Can these too woman who were once so close and now torn by the crisis in their lives get back that wonderful mother daughter harmony.
A wonderful book by Barbara Delinsky. She gets the relationship that is a mother and daughter and the men who love them and who they manage to control their lives when it seems that all is falling about them. I always know when I read a book by Barbara Delinsky I am going to get a wonderful story, as I have since I picked up her books back in the early 90's. Always the consummate storyteller.
May 15, 2015
I won this as a first reads through Goodreads. Thank you!!!
It took me a tad longer to get into this particular book by Barbara Delinsky than it did with some of her other books. It seemed to start out a bit slow, but then I did feel the storyline picked up and I did get into the lives of the two main characters: Caroline and her daughter Jamie. Caroline and Jamie are involved in a home improvement reality show when Caroline, who is the main host of their show is told that she is out as host and her daughter is in due to her age. Also at this time, Jamie's father, who is divorced from her mother, perishes in a car accident leaving Jamie in charge of her half brother. Caroline and Jamie were extremely close, but due to all these unforeseen circumstances, it throws a wrench into their relationship and life starts to test them.
Overall I enjoyed the book. It took a bit for the story to develop I felt, but once it did, I found myself drawn to the storyline.
It took me a tad longer to get into this particular book by Barbara Delinsky than it did with some of her other books. It seemed to start out a bit slow, but then I did feel the storyline picked up and I did get into the lives of the two main characters: Caroline and her daughter Jamie. Caroline and Jamie are involved in a home improvement reality show when Caroline, who is the main host of their show is told that she is out as host and her daughter is in due to her age. Also at this time, Jamie's father, who is divorced from her mother, perishes in a car accident leaving Jamie in charge of her half brother. Caroline and Jamie were extremely close, but due to all these unforeseen circumstances, it throws a wrench into their relationship and life starts to test them.
Overall I enjoyed the book. It took a bit for the story to develop I felt, but once it did, I found myself drawn to the storyline.
August 9, 2015
This was an OK read. I was interested in the characters and the storyline but found it unnecessarily lengthy in places ...... Probably about a 3 and a half.
April 9, 2015
When you pick up a new Barbara Delinsky novel, you expect to read about a strong female character, some sort of conflict to be overcome, and of course some romance. Ms. Delinsky delivers on all counts in her latest novel, “Blueprints.” There are two main characters, a mother and a daughter, each with strong opinions which provide obstacles in their relationship. In the midst of all their problems, somehow each finds romance.
I liked Caroline from the beginning of the book. She learns she is being forced out of her job for someone younger. This is becoming more common in the workplace, but Caroline’s situation is unique – she is being replaced by her own daughter! Caroline hosted a home improvement TV show and network execs want her daughter, Jamie, who previously took a back seat to her mother, to take over the lead role. Caroline becomes suspicious of Jamie and unfortunately when a tragedy strikes, the two become estranged, just when Jamie needs her the most.
It took me a little longer to warm to Jamie, but once I did, I was rooting for her and found myself taking her side in her problems with Caroline. I don’t want to give anything away, but Jamie was forced to take on a huge responsibility and she definitely rose to the challenge.
The book was fast-paced and kept my attention from the beginning to end. There were parts of the story that frustrated me, though. The male love interests of both mother and daughter are both wonderful, but the male leads who aren’t so nice seemed one-dimensional. Jamie’s relationship moved unrealistically fast, even though the story is sweet. My biggest complaint is that it doesn’t ring true that a mother who had previously been so close to her daughter would abandon her when she really needs her because of pride. Maybe this would have been believable if their relationship had been strained, but the two adored each other before Caroline lost her top billing on Gut It!
The ending is great and even though I didn’t love every part of the book, I liked the book and I think other fans of Delinsky will enjoy the book as well.
I received this book from NetGalley, through the courtesy of St. Martin's Press. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
I liked Caroline from the beginning of the book. She learns she is being forced out of her job for someone younger. This is becoming more common in the workplace, but Caroline’s situation is unique – she is being replaced by her own daughter! Caroline hosted a home improvement TV show and network execs want her daughter, Jamie, who previously took a back seat to her mother, to take over the lead role. Caroline becomes suspicious of Jamie and unfortunately when a tragedy strikes, the two become estranged, just when Jamie needs her the most.
It took me a little longer to warm to Jamie, but once I did, I was rooting for her and found myself taking her side in her problems with Caroline. I don’t want to give anything away, but Jamie was forced to take on a huge responsibility and she definitely rose to the challenge.
The book was fast-paced and kept my attention from the beginning to end. There were parts of the story that frustrated me, though. The male love interests of both mother and daughter are both wonderful, but the male leads who aren’t so nice seemed one-dimensional. Jamie’s relationship moved unrealistically fast, even though the story is sweet. My biggest complaint is that it doesn’t ring true that a mother who had previously been so close to her daughter would abandon her when she really needs her because of pride. Maybe this would have been believable if their relationship had been strained, but the two adored each other before Caroline lost her top billing on Gut It!
The ending is great and even though I didn’t love every part of the book, I liked the book and I think other fans of Delinsky will enjoy the book as well.
I received this book from NetGalley, through the courtesy of St. Martin's Press. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
January 23, 2016
Well, I have never read anything by Barbara previously, and the ONLY reason I chose this one was due to the title, as my husband is the co-owner of "The Blueprint Company" in Mt. Vernon, WA, and his business partner's husband was recently added to the Top 15 Seattle area architects - he is a highly internationally recognized architect due to his award winning "Tsunami House" on Camano Island, WA.
Although Barbara acknowledges architects and construction people at the end of her book, I felt that using the title "Blueprints" was REALLY a stretch. As I hear all types of conversations about blueprints, architectural design, and personally know many building contractors (2 in my immediate family), and am currently watching the construction of my best friends' house down the street, I felt disappointed that there was NOT more regarding how designs are really brought forth, nor the complicated process of doing the actual blueprints (although they are no longer "blue") - one cannot believe how many pages there are in even the "smallest" of plans, nor the fact that there have to be so many "sets" for the various contractors associated with the construction.
The story, building of characters and their inter-relationships was very interesting.
Although Barbara acknowledges architects and construction people at the end of her book, I felt that using the title "Blueprints" was REALLY a stretch. As I hear all types of conversations about blueprints, architectural design, and personally know many building contractors (2 in my immediate family), and am currently watching the construction of my best friends' house down the street, I felt disappointed that there was NOT more regarding how designs are really brought forth, nor the complicated process of doing the actual blueprints (although they are no longer "blue") - one cannot believe how many pages there are in even the "smallest" of plans, nor the fact that there have to be so many "sets" for the various contractors associated with the construction.
The story, building of characters and their inter-relationships was very interesting.
March 20, 2015
Blueprints is a story of love, loss, and finding your way when the original plans for you life no longer fit. This is the second Barbara Delinsky book I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed it! It was a story of a mother and daughter who are going through big changes in their lives and how that effects their relationship. Always close, Caroline and Jamie are now finding themselves competing for the same job. Each of them had thought they knew what they wanted and where their lives are headed but when a tragic accident kills Jamie's father that all changes.
I really related to Jamie and my heart ached for her as she tried to find her way as an instant mother to her young half brother. I enjoyed getting to know Caroline as well but I had a hard time understanding how she could stay so distant from a daughter she was once so close to. As a mother myself, there is nothing my children could do that could keep me angry with them for long. I did find the first 70/75 pages and the last 50 pages to be slow but everything in between was everything I love in a book; romance, longing, deep feelings, and connections.
I really related to Jamie and my heart ached for her as she tried to find her way as an instant mother to her young half brother. I enjoyed getting to know Caroline as well but I had a hard time understanding how she could stay so distant from a daughter she was once so close to. As a mother myself, there is nothing my children could do that could keep me angry with them for long. I did find the first 70/75 pages and the last 50 pages to be slow but everything in between was everything I love in a book; romance, longing, deep feelings, and connections.
July 19, 2015
It is tough to try and pick up fragmented pieces of your life. Change is inevitable in relationships, especially having to do with family. The book dives into a struggling relationship with a mother and daughter. The author is a master at women's fiction stories that suck you in a weave a great tale. This one is no different.
The audio version of a story like this is refreshing. I love hearing the different characters and really getting into their heads. You can almost picture them and the reader did a great job. I enjoyed listening and would be wrapped up in the story for hours!
I can relate to the mom, Caroline, in so many way! I enjoy reading stories about women in my age group and this story line was interesting. Dealing with family drama can be a bit of a drag and reading about it can be heavy too. There were some parts that I felt could have used some umph. Some monotony on the conversations and it was a bit slow to start but overall I enjoyed listening to the audio story.
Barbara Delinsky is a solid writer with so many wonderful stories under her belt. I know when I pick up one of her books there is plenty of pleasure between the pages - or in this case, in my ears!
The audio version of a story like this is refreshing. I love hearing the different characters and really getting into their heads. You can almost picture them and the reader did a great job. I enjoyed listening and would be wrapped up in the story for hours!
I can relate to the mom, Caroline, in so many way! I enjoy reading stories about women in my age group and this story line was interesting. Dealing with family drama can be a bit of a drag and reading about it can be heavy too. There were some parts that I felt could have used some umph. Some monotony on the conversations and it was a bit slow to start but overall I enjoyed listening to the audio story.
Barbara Delinsky is a solid writer with so many wonderful stories under her belt. I know when I pick up one of her books there is plenty of pleasure between the pages - or in this case, in my ears!
June 22, 2015
Blueprints by Barbara Delinsky is the newest book in her collection. Once again, she has brought us into a new world and new characters with great skill. Jamie and Caroline are mother and daughter who work together in a family company that designs and builds houses and as part of a TV Show. Jamie is an architect and Caroline is a builder. Both think their life is all planned out – like a blueprint until the accident changes everything. Suddenly their world changes and they need new plans.
For me, Barbara Delinsky’s novel Blueprints reminded me of how life is not static it changes again and again. Resilient people learn to change with it even when it is hard. Jamie and Caroline have to move forward and find their way in among life’s confusion. Addressing how life changes, mother/daughter relationships and love in one book is quite a feat, something that Barbara Delinsky is able to do while weaving in an interesting story that will capture the reader’s attention. I did not want to stop reading or put the book down!
An awesome read!
For me, Barbara Delinsky’s novel Blueprints reminded me of how life is not static it changes again and again. Resilient people learn to change with it even when it is hard. Jamie and Caroline have to move forward and find their way in among life’s confusion. Addressing how life changes, mother/daughter relationships and love in one book is quite a feat, something that Barbara Delinsky is able to do while weaving in an interesting story that will capture the reader’s attention. I did not want to stop reading or put the book down!
An awesome read!
June 11, 2015
Caroline and Jamie work on a home renovation programme called Gut It. Caroline is a carpenter and her daughter is an architect. They love their work. But the tv company have decided that they no longer want Caroline and want Jamie to run the show. It causes heartbreak for Caroline as Jamie didn’t handle passing on the news very well and causes problems between them aswell.
The descriptions of the houses are great- made you feel as though you were watching the programme.
Jamie’s dad and his new wife are then killed in a car accident and she is left in charge of her little brother. Will that cause problems for her and her fiance?
The book explores all sorts of issues- family relationships, romance, grief and acceptance of aging along with professional competition!
With many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for a copy of this book.
The descriptions of the houses are great- made you feel as though you were watching the programme.
Jamie’s dad and his new wife are then killed in a car accident and she is left in charge of her little brother. Will that cause problems for her and her fiance?
The book explores all sorts of issues- family relationships, romance, grief and acceptance of aging along with professional competition!
With many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for a copy of this book.
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