Hannah's List

by Debbie Macomber,
MIRA, 2010

Dr. Michael Everett is a lonely man, still grieving the loss of his wife Hannah to ovarian cancer a year earlier. On the anniversary of her death, his brother-in-law, Ritchie, gives him an unexpected "gift" - a letter Hannah wrote him when she knew she was going to die, a letter in which she asks him to do her one last favour.

There's nothing Michael wouldn't do for Hannah, his soulmate and the love of his life. But Hannah asks the unthinkable - she asks him to move on with his life and to find love again. So determined is she that he find a suitable second wife that she gives him the names of three women she thinks would be a good match, and urges him to get in touch with them.

With additional pressure from Ritchie and great reluctance on his part, Michael begins dating. Will one of the women on Hannah's list capture Michael's heart? If so, which will it be? Hannah's cousin, Winter, a wonderful cook and owner of the French Cafe? Leanne, an oncology nurse who treated Hannah with such compassion and care during her illness? Or Macy, an irrepressible artist with a penchant for collecting pets and people?

Macomber has written an engaging story and populated it with compelling characters. If you're looking for a gentle romance that will tug at your heartstrings, this is it.

Knit Together

Discover God's Pattern for Your Life
by Debbie Macomber
FaithWords, 2007

Popular and prolific fiction author, Debbie Macomber, presents her first work of nonfiction. Here she puts forth twelve things that we were created for, including success, relationships, gratitude, and worship. Debbie talks openly about her faith and how it shapes her life, and uses real-life experiences to support her thesis. Occasionally a concept from knitting, a craft Debbie passionately pursues, will illustrate a point.

I found this book full of practical wisdom that I can apply to my own life. While the copy I read was borrowed from my local library, I intend to purchase my own so that I can highlight key ideas and make notes in the margins. It's a great book to purchase as a gift for the new high school or college graduate or for fans of the author.