4.05

4

Jul 06, 2011

This is number 7 in Debbie Macomber’s Blossom Street Series. I love this series – it is about friendship, love and knitting. These are fun, easy-to-read, heartwarming books that will appeal to most women.

This book follows Michael, a man who a year ago lost his wife to cancer. Hannah was the love of his life and her death devasted him. On the anniversary of Hannah’s death he goes out for dinner with her brother, who gives him a letter Hannah has written. In it she writes that she wants him to This is number 7 in Debbie Macomber’s Blossom Street Series. I love this series – it is about friendship, love and knitting. These are fun, easy-to-read, heartwarming books that will appeal to most women.

This book follows Michael, a man who a year ago lost his wife to cancer. Hannah was the love of his life and her death devasted him. On the anniversary of Hannah’s death he goes out for dinner with her brother, who gives him a letter Hannah has written. In it she writes that she wants him to re-marry and has suggested three ladies who might be suitable. Michael hates the idea of this but to honour Hannah he meets all these woman – and one of them will change his life.

I was reading what Debbie Macomber had to say at the beginning of this book and I was touched to find out that this is based on a true story – she had a friend who did this and I thought that was lovely.

I love the Blossom Street books. I find I can’t put them down once I’ve started. Macomber has a way of drawing me into the story and adding in the characters from other books in the series to keep it all tied together. I felt for Michael – how hard must it be to lose your spouse and then to receive a letter they have written asking you to remarry? I felt his character was well written – sometimes he was sad, other times angry – at everything, including Hannah – and yet we watched him heal so often by the end he was happy – and of course he fell in love, which was so nice to read.

Honestly, the storyline is not a surprise. The ending isn’t hard to guess but I don’t mind that in Macomber’s books because I get very engaged in the story. I liked the characters – all had their own story and I loved reading about their lives and seeing the effect one person could have on them all. Hannah seemed so special and friends and family really were rooting were Michael to love again.

These books are enjoyable, lovely, engaging reads. I can easily read one straight after the other. Macomber is one of my favourite authors and I highly recommend her. I love the storyline, her books don’t contain bad language or graphic love scenes, her writing is easy to read and easy to follow and I love these books! It isn’t hard for me to give this book four out of five – maybe next time the ending will surprise me! ...more

1

May 17, 2013

Once in a while most readers stumble across a book that leads them to ask "How was this ever published?" For me, Hannah's List is that book. I'll start by saying I'm not a fan of romance and tend to avoid the genre. But, I read the blurb about this book and was intrigued. The idea is brilliant and had the potential to be an excellent story. I also read the reviews on Goodreads, and there were some pretty good ones. So, I thought, I'm trying new things, how about giving romance a chance? So I Once in a while most readers stumble across a book that leads them to ask "How was this ever published?" For me, Hannah's List is that book. I'll start by saying I'm not a fan of romance and tend to avoid the genre. But, I read the blurb about this book and was intrigued. The idea is brilliant and had the potential to be an excellent story. I also read the reviews on Goodreads, and there were some pretty good ones. So, I thought, I'm trying new things, how about giving romance a chance? So I did, and boy am I disappointed.

It's almost a challenge to pick what I disliked most about this book. I thought the writing was incredibly poor. There was a lot of telling, not showing, going on in this book, with various recaps provided by the author as if the reader was far to stupid to remember what had happened a chapter ago. Transitions between paragraphs or memories were poorly done. In fact, the view point of this book changed throughout also. At first we begin in the first person of Michael Everett. But then, we move into the third person for his love interests. I've not seen this done before, and I did not like it. Perhaps if the writing were better, more engaging, then the the author could've pulled it off. But it wasn't, and she didn't, and it just seemed she was trying to fill the pages with information that really didn't need to be in the story at all.

Most of the characters were same-same, showing similar, stilted and predictable dialogue. I wouldn't say I could identify with any of the characters and I found the massive change in Michael's feelings seemingly over night in the book very hard to deal with. In a book such as this, I expect a certain level of development, showing us how people move through grief. While there was a certain element of this, it was unrealistic.

Two of the characters were well-developed. However, one of these could be crowned the most annoying character in the history of novel writing. One of the love interests of the main protagonist was incredibly unlikable. She was childish, and had a "poor me, the world is unfair" kind of attitude - not something I look for in characters I want to identify with. The other of the well-developed characters was repeatedly referred to as 'cantankerous'. I swear there's a correlation between the quality of a book and the number of times a particular word or phrase is repeated.

If you like well-developed characters who you can grow to like, excellent writing where not a word is wasted, and a tight, coherent story that keeps you engaged, do not read this book.
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3

Nov 17, 2010

I've been avoiding this author, not consciously, just with an fairly good idea that what she writes is not really my cuppa. (Ahh...patio furniture novels). But I felt like it was time I tried one, so I'd know whether or not to recommend them. I tend to be not as interested in what I call 'sweet' or 'gentle' romances. This was definitely of that sort.

I will say that I did not like the choice to mix the 1st person POV of the hero with 3rd person POV for the three women involved. Pick one or the I've been avoiding this author, not consciously, just with an fairly good idea that what she writes is not really my cuppa. (Ahh...patio furniture novels). But I felt like it was time I tried one, so I'd know whether or not to recommend them. I tend to be not as interested in what I call 'sweet' or 'gentle' romances. This was definitely of that sort.

I will say that I did not like the choice to mix the 1st person POV of the hero with 3rd person POV for the three women involved. Pick one or the other. Mixing them is just laziness on the part of the author, in my opinion. Other than that the writing was competent. The plot and character motivations were clear. This was a book that depended mostly on the characters thoughts, followed next in importance by the conversations the characters had. Almost no effort was made to set any sort of scene. Descriptions of place or characters were practically nonexistant. While the fact that Hannah had died and Michael missed her was sad, the writing was not such that for me I felt any real need to cry or whatever. The writing style kept me a bit removed from the emotions of the story.

The heroine was an interesting character. You knew from the beginning which woman he would choose. I liked her ditsy artist style although she was just a bit too insecure. I would have liked her to be more self assured in her differentness. You didn't really see/experience the couple falling in love they just were which was fine in this light of a romance. The secondary characters were well drawn. I was almost as interested in seeing the two women he didn't choose get the opportunity to mend things with the men they really loved as I was to see Michel get his HEA. I also really liked the old man, Harvey.

If you're looking for excitement, drama, angst etc., not going to find it here. If you want a sweet story with people who seem true to life, a story that you could see actually happening in real life, this is perfect for you. This was nice, I enjoyed it, for myself though, I just want a wilder ride in my fiction. I can say though that I can happily and confidently recommend DM's books to customers who tell me they want something sweet. ...more

4

Apr 17, 2010

Review copy provided by publisher

It's been one year since Hannah's death. Hannah was just 36 years old when she passed away from ovarian cancer. Her husband, Michael, was at her bedside when she passed. Hannah and Michael had been trying to start a family when she was diagnosed. After 18 months of trying unsuccessfully they saw a fertility specialist only to find out that Hannah had stage-four ovarian cancer. The cancer was terminal and taking over very quickly.

During the year following Hannah's Review copy provided by publisher

It's been one year since Hannah's death. Hannah was just 36 years old when she passed away from ovarian cancer. Her husband, Michael, was at her bedside when she passed. Hannah and Michael had been trying to start a family when she was diagnosed. After 18 months of trying unsuccessfully they saw a fertility specialist only to find out that Hannah had stage-four ovarian cancer. The cancer was terminal and taking over very quickly.

During the year following Hannah's death, Michael has been living his life filled with sorrow and grief, just going through the motions of day-to-day tasks. He goes to the gym in the mornings with Ritchie, Hannah's brother and Michael's best friend. After which he goes to work as a pediatrician.

On the one-year anniversary of Hannah's death, Ritchie hands Michael a letter; a letter from Hannah.


My darling Michael,


I know this letter will come as a shock to you and I apologize for that. It's been a year now and I imagine it's been a difficult one for you, as well as our parents and Ritchie. I would've given anything to have spared you this grief.


In the letter, Hannah's urges Michael to marry again and have children and be the father he is destined to be. She goes on to list three women that would make a good wife and companion, each with her own unique qualities and attributes.

The first woman on the list is Winter Adams, Hannah's cousin who owns a french cafe. Winter has a big heart and loves children. She also cooks incredible meals.

Second, there's Leanne Lancaster, Hannah's oncology nurse, who is divorced and going through a rough time of her own. Hannah had admired her emotional strength. Leanne is kind and caring.

And lastly, there's Macy Roth, whom Hannah describes as "funny and clever and multi-talented". Hannah believes that Macy will make him smile and bring balance to his life.

Hannah's List is told from first POV (Michael) and 3rd POV narrative (everyone else). I didn't realize this until about 4-5 chapters in but it helped me experience Michael's emotions first hand. I have to admit, I was emotionally spent after reading the first couple of chapters. My chest ached from my uncontrollable sobbing. Have the tissues ready! But Hannah's List was definitely worth all the tears I shed.

At just a bit over 400 pages, Hannah's List appears to be long but I was so wrapped up in the story that it went by pretty smooth and fast. Macomber's writing got me emotionally involved and attached to the characters. And I'm pleased to say that I'm happy with Michael's final decision. The only thing I found missing was sizzle; there is no seduction or love scenes in Hannah's List, which I was okay with. After all, the focus of this book is more about emotions and relationships.

Until now, I hadn't heard of Debbie Macomber. I am glad that I was given the opportunity to read Hannah's List. The premise grabbed me and Macomber had me from the very first couple of pages. I will certainly be checking out her other novels. Nicholas Sparks fans will surely enjoy Hannah's List. ...more

4

Apr 29, 2011

If you've read any of my old reviews, you know that I'm a big Debbie Macomber fan. She knows how to weave a good story and tug at the heartstrings. So, when I was approached by Big Honcho Media to help with their media blitz to promote Debbie's newest release, I jumped at the chance. Today, you're getting a review of Hannah's List. And tomorrow, we're starting a contest that will give away 3 copies of the book as well as an extra special prize.

But today is about the review...

Occasionally, we get If you've read any of my old reviews, you know that I'm a big Debbie Macomber fan. She knows how to weave a good story and tug at the heartstrings. So, when I was approached by Big Honcho Media to help with their media blitz to promote Debbie's newest release, I jumped at the chance. Today, you're getting a review of Hannah's List. And tomorrow, we're starting a contest that will give away 3 copies of the book as well as an extra special prize.

But today is about the review...

Occasionally, we get an opportunity to change our lives—whether it’s another chance at love, changing the path we’ve chosen or going back and making amends for the past. Hannah's List is the story of a widower who is given an unexpected letter from his wife on the first anniversary of her death. In a remarkable act of love, Hannah includes a list of three women for him to consider marrying. With a unique twist and intriguing element, readers will be in for a wonderful story of a love that transcends time, hope that is exceptionally unselfish, and the possibility of a future otherwise unfathomable. An unexpected letter. An impossible request. The gift of a second chance.

Debbie Macomber has written another tear jerker. From page one, as Michael is reflecting on the loss of his wife and how hard the year has been without her, I was drawn into the story. And I didn't want to put the book down as Michael struggles to follow through with Hannah's last wish to fall in love again.

Now the book could've expanded a little more on Hannah's battle with breast cancer. And Michael probably gave in to Hannah's list a little too easily and quickly. But overall, I really enjoyed the story and the quirky characters Ms. Macomber sprinkled throughout the novel. I recommend Hannah's List for those looking for a sweet romance that is guaranteed to produce a few tears.
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2

Jul 27, 2010

This book is pretty cheesy, but that's not always a bad thing. I lost track of how many times I rolled my eyes during the story though.

5

Jan 19, 2013

From the very beginning this book had me in tears. It was so sad, and hard to read I just wanted to cry. But finally it got better and better. By the end I had a smile on my face. It was such a sweet read. I love stories like this.

3

Apr 24, 2010

This wasn't up to Macomber's usual standards. It was a unique premise and rather unique that a man is the center focus of the romance novel. However, before half way through, you knew exactly how it would end, and who would end up with who. All that was missing was the details of how they'd get there. It wasn't bad. It was okay. But okay was all it was because I got bored because the ending was so predictable and I had half the book to go to get there. It was good enough I wouldn't tell anyone This wasn't up to Macomber's usual standards. It was a unique premise and rather unique that a man is the center focus of the romance novel. However, before half way through, you knew exactly how it would end, and who would end up with who. All that was missing was the details of how they'd get there. It wasn't bad. It was okay. But okay was all it was because I got bored because the ending was so predictable and I had half the book to go to get there. It was good enough I wouldn't tell anyone not to read it, but I wouldn't go so far as to recommend it either.

It's not a blossom street book per se, but fleeting appearances are made by some blossom street regulars. ...more

5

Aug 23, 2010

"Hannah's List" is another first for me. This is my first book by Debbie Macomber. Debbie has such a good sense of how to manipulate the reader to really care about the characters. I love this book. I read it in 2 days. That's how good it is.


Let me start off that the main character in this book "Michael" loses his wife Hannah to cancer. And on the year of his wife's death his brother-in-law gives him a letter from his dead wife. Hannah wrote a letter for Michael before she died explaining how "Hannah's List" is another first for me. This is my first book by Debbie Macomber. Debbie has such a good sense of how to manipulate the reader to really care about the characters. I love this book. I read it in 2 days. That's how good it is.


Let me start off that the main character in this book "Michael" loses his wife Hannah to cancer. And on the year of his wife's death his brother-in-law gives him a letter from his dead wife. Hannah wrote a letter for Michael before she died explaining how she wants him to marry and have children. She knew he wouldn't go out and date so she wrote him a list of 3 women she feels would have a good impact in Michael's life. But how can he remarry when he is still in love with his dead wife. So at first Michael wasn't interested whatsoever. But with the encouragement of his brother-in-law he meets the ladies his wife put on his list.


So he meets them one by one and they all help him start moving on and letting go of his dead wife. They teach him to enjoy life again, to laugh, to smile and most of all ONE special one teaches him to love again. A feeling he thought he'd never feel again but he was wrong and Hannah was right. Finally happy once again all thanks to "Hannah's List". =) ...more

2

Apr 27, 2016

I understand that this is a contemporary romance, so it's going to be a little sappy, but this book was ridiculous. I liked the premise: Hannah knows she's going to die of cancer so she writes a list of 3 women who might make a good wife for her husband after she passes. I especially liked that it was inspired by a real woman and I think that's a very interesting idea; however, I did not believe any of the characters at all. I felt like this was happening in a fake world. There was absolutely no I understand that this is a contemporary romance, so it's going to be a little sappy, but this book was ridiculous. I liked the premise: Hannah knows she's going to die of cancer so she writes a list of 3 women who might make a good wife for her husband after she passes. I especially liked that it was inspired by a real woman and I think that's a very interesting idea; however, I did not believe any of the characters at all. I felt like this was happening in a fake world. There was absolutely no grit, no rawness or sense of reality. Which, again, is fine, I suppose, if that's Macomber's style. But then don't try to "urbanize" it. The husband is a dr. and volunteers at a community clinic where one of his patients, Shamica (read: black woman), is a victim of domestic violence. This part felt trite at best, offensive & racist at worst. The other thing that bothered me was the way everyone spoke. These 3 women were supposed to be in their twenties and early thirties in 2010 and they all said, "Oh, Michael, I'm so glad you phoned," more times than I can count! What 20-something year old woman says "phoned"? And then his feelings switched on a dime: one moment he's in such deep mourning, he couldn't even imagine marrying again, the next, he's buying an engagement ring for a woman he barely knows! What? Again, I don't mind a healthy helping of romantic cheese, but gimme a little substance underneath. ...more

4

Apr 10, 2010

I saw the premise of this book and was intrigued. Dr. Michael Everett had been married to the love of his life, Hannah, for 12 years, until she died. The book starts on the one-year anniversary of Hannah's death. Hannah's brother Ritchie gives Michael a letter she had written before she died, asking Ritchie to give it to Michael after a year had passed. In the letter, Hannah tells Michael how much she loved him, and that she wants him to be happy. She then goes on to ask him to start dating I saw the premise of this book and was intrigued. Dr. Michael Everett had been married to the love of his life, Hannah, for 12 years, until she died. The book starts on the one-year anniversary of Hannah's death. Hannah's brother Ritchie gives Michael a letter she had written before she died, asking Ritchie to give it to Michael after a year had passed. In the letter, Hannah tells Michael how much she loved him, and that she wants him to be happy. She then goes on to ask him to start dating again, going so far as to list three women she thinks would be good candidates to settle down with and start a family.

Oh my gosh - I can't lie, the first few pages made me teary-eyed. Ms. Macomber just drew me right in to the pain and anguish Michael still feels at losing his wife, even a year later. His feelings for his wife are so sweet and raw and good. You could tell he'd gone back to living his day-to-day life again, but he was just going to the motions. After much introspection, and gentle (and not-so-gentle) coaxing from his brother-in-law, he decides to at least attempt to honor Hannah's last wish.

The three women on Hannah's list are:

Winter Adams, Hannah's cousin and friend. Winter owns a french bakery and is on a "break" with her on again-off again boyfriend, Pierre. When Hannah originally wrote the letter Hannah and Pierre had broken things off. Now, a year later, they're taking a break again, after trying uncussessfully to make things work again.

Leanne Lancaster, who was one of Hannah's oncology nurses. Leanne had been married, but around the time Hannah had started chemo Leanne's husband, an accountant, had gotten into huge trouble for unscrupulus financial reasons, and Leanne had divorced him.

Macy Roth is an artist/model /actress who was friends with Hannah but Michael didn't know. Macy is a bit of a free spirit, someone who takes life as it comes and loves people and animals. She's never been married and has a cantankerous old neighbor whom I loved.

All three seemed to be kind, smart, generous women. I liked two of them and thought they'd be good for Michael, one got on my nerves a bit (okay, a lot). And poor Michael, he was so out of practice with dating and he'd sort of jumped in with both feet; at one point he found himself trying to remember who'd cooked which meal for him!

I breezed through this book! It was such a sweet story, the characters were likeable and Ms. Macomber's style of writing put vivid pictures in my head as I read. I really liked Michael and his love for Hannah was so sweet. The secondary characters' stories were woven in nicely. As I mentioned above, I loved Macy's neighbor, Harvey, and Michael's brother-in-law, Ritchie - they were just "good people", if you know what I mean.

It wasn't until about Chapter 8 that I realized Michael's story was told in 1st person POV and everyone else was told in 3rd person POV. It seems like that would be awkward, but it wasn't; I don't think I've read another book written like that but I liked it - I feel like it made me feel closer to Michael.

While Michael didn't end up with the person I would have chosen for him, Ms. Macomber wrapped things up nicely and everyone did get an HEA. Now, if you're looking for "sexytime in your storytime", you won't find any, but if you're looking for a light, sweet read, then this is a book you'd enjoy. I give Hannah's List 4 out of 5 stars.
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4

Apr 08, 2010

This is my first Debbie Macomber novel and not my last. It seems for some reason I always hesitate to buy the novels that most people are crazy over. It is my understanding that just her name will sell a book before synopsis or title is available. I would not say that this is my favorite author, but she was definitely enjoyable for a general market fiction. Coming as a reader of various genres I generally like my fiction to be tasteful and for the most part this was. There were about five sexual This is my first Debbie Macomber novel and not my last. It seems for some reason I always hesitate to buy the novels that most people are crazy over. It is my understanding that just her name will sell a book before synopsis or title is available. I would not say that this is my favorite author, but she was definitely enjoyable for a general market fiction. Coming as a reader of various genres I generally like my fiction to be tasteful and for the most part this was. There were about five sexual sentences in the whole book and if they were removed I think it would not have changed the plot or emotions of the scenes one bit but would have made it more tasteful for my opinion.

Hannah's List is a story of a widower and a letter that his wife wrote him urging him to move forward in life. Personally this is a tough subject for me as I'm fairly set in the one and only rule, but the author really does show a point and paints a fair story. I think that this was an incredibly touching read as you get to know the full handful of characters. Easily this could be a great and touching drama film. I do highly recommend this read. I am so glad that I was able to read it, and I look forward to adding more Debbie Macomber books to my shelf in the future.



*Thanks to Nancy Berland PR for providing an ARC for review.* ...more

4

Nov 07, 2010

While overall somewhat predictable, some of the twists were unexpected and the entire book was very sweet -- at times heartbreakingly so. Bring tissues.

3

Jun 17, 2019

I liked this one but not as much as some of the others in the series.

3

Nov 06, 2017

I hope this is the book I read, I don't see the cover I did read though, but I think this is a pretty similar description of the one I did read, i think??! wow, wee 10 books in this series, found it at Walmart for a good price. I love Debbie!! love this cover! I admit there are some tear-jerk-er moments in this read ...but an HEA moment too. I read book #8 in this series and enjoyed it a bit more than this one, but that doesn't mean I did enjoy this read, just have to say my peace ... I hope this is the book I read, I don't see the cover I did read though, but I think this is a pretty similar description of the one I did read, i think??! wow, wee 10 books in this series, found it at Walmart for a good price. I love Debbie!! love this cover! I admit there are some tear-jerk-er moments in this read ...but an HEA moment too. I read book #8 in this series and enjoyed it a bit more than this one, but that doesn't mean I did enjoy this read, just have to say my peace ... considering I read book 8 before book #7 apparently ...who knew, I sure didn't and I feel you can read Debbie's books not in order and you don't feel lost at any point ...you might enjoy reading them in order if you wanna know every single detail. but I find no issue reading hers out of order. Just my 2 cents there! Do as you please but do read Debbie ...she is just a peach ... love her style ... love her to pieces and yes i will be reading more from her very very soon. She is a go 2 for me. Love her! ( ; ...more

3

Oct 24, 2014

I guess I'm kind of a sucker for "letters from the dead" stories, like 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson. This is not as good as that one but it's a better than average romance. One year after his wife Hannah's death from cancer, Michael receives a letter from her urging him to start a new life. And she has three possible candidates picked out for him. We get to meet each of them and thoroughly concur with his final choice. But don't worry, the two lovely ladies who don't make the I guess I'm kind of a sucker for "letters from the dead" stories, like 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson. This is not as good as that one but it's a better than average romance. One year after his wife Hannah's death from cancer, Michael receives a letter from her urging him to start a new life. And she has three possible candidates picked out for him. We get to meet each of them and thoroughly concur with his final choice. But don't worry, the two lovely ladies who don't make the final cut are able to make positive changes in their own lives! ...more

4

May 03, 2013

A woman, dying of cancer, wants her husband to remarry after she's gone and even makes him a list of potential wives? Sounds slightly improbable, but that is the plot of this book and apparently it is loosly based on a true incident. It spite of the subject matter it is not a depressing book. It actually has some lighter moments and characters,like Macy's irrascible neighbor Harvey. Some reviewers didn't seem to like the main character,Dr. Michael Everett,but I found him sympathetic and A woman, dying of cancer, wants her husband to remarry after she's gone and even makes him a list of potential wives? Sounds slightly improbable, but that is the plot of this book and apparently it is loosly based on a true incident. It spite of the subject matter it is not a depressing book. It actually has some lighter moments and characters,like Macy's irrascible neighbor Harvey. Some reviewers didn't seem to like the main character,Dr. Michael Everett,but I found him sympathetic and likeable.The story was a little too predictible at times(I knew who Michael would end up with fairly early on), but still an enjoyable read. ...more

4

Sep 27, 2010

I have to say that I am growing more fond of Debbie Macomber's books with each on that I read. When I first choose to read Hannah's List I was not sure how I would take to it. Reading about how someone could ask there signficant other to move on when they are gone is heart wrenching in itself. Let alone thinking about having to do it in real life.
This can be a tear jerker in some parts. Just brace yourself if you venture out to read this book. It is a good read, it is light in other sections I have to say that I am growing more fond of Debbie Macomber's books with each on that I read. When I first choose to read Hannah's List I was not sure how I would take to it. Reading about how someone could ask there signficant other to move on when they are gone is heart wrenching in itself. Let alone thinking about having to do it in real life.
This can be a tear jerker in some parts. Just brace yourself if you venture out to read this book. It is a good read, it is light in other sections and in others it brings home the fact that we are all human in our relationships and sometimes what is best for us is not always the easy way out.
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4

May 19, 2010

Really enjoyed this book. It was interesting to have the book mostly told from the man's (Michael's) point of view and seeing how he reacted to his wife's death and her list of possible future wives. Some parts were humerous but in a lot of ways this was much more serious than most Macomber books. I also loved that there was a tie-in to the Blossom Street books with one of the woman on Hannah's list being her cousin Winter who owns the French Cafe. Through that Alix and Lydia both made Really enjoyed this book. It was interesting to have the book mostly told from the man's (Michael's) point of view and seeing how he reacted to his wife's death and her list of possible future wives. Some parts were humerous but in a lot of ways this was much more serious than most Macomber books. I also loved that there was a tie-in to the Blossom Street books with one of the woman on Hannah's list being her cousin Winter who owns the French Cafe. Through that Alix and Lydia both made appearances in this book. I also found Alix counseling Winter on how her reactions to certain things were contributing to the problems her relationship was having. The exercise Alix gave her was really interesting and useful! ...more

3

Feb 05, 2012

A solid read, but not one my favorites from Ms. Macomber.

Michael is a doctor, whose wife Hannah passed away from ovarian cancer. They loved each other dearly, and she didn't want him wasting away the rest of his life and so wrote him a letter before she died and had her brother deliver it to him a year after her death. In it, she encourages him to continue living and to remarry, even suggesting three women that he get to know better to start. One is her cousin Winter, a restaurant owner nearby. A solid read, but not one my favorites from Ms. Macomber.

Michael is a doctor, whose wife Hannah passed away from ovarian cancer. They loved each other dearly, and she didn't want him wasting away the rest of his life and so wrote him a letter before she died and had her brother deliver it to him a year after her death. In it, she encourages him to continue living and to remarry, even suggesting three women that he get to know better to start. One is her cousin Winter, a restaurant owner nearby. The second is Leanne, her oncology nurse. The last is Macy, an artist who's a bit of a free spirit.

As always, Ms. Macomber does a splendid job with creating a warm community around the good doctor. There's naturally some tension and interest in seeing which of these three women "clicks" best with him and seeing as he heals whether his wife will have been right about even this :)

My trouble was simply that I didn't care much for the character of the woman he does end up choosing and that marred my appreciation for the rest of the story as well. ...more

4

Sep 03, 2015

Dr. Michael Everett has been a widow exactly one year now. He can't seem to move past his wife Hannah's death. Michael doesn't do sociable things like playing poker on Thursday nights any more, dating, or biking. He's lost touch with the world around him. Michael's brother in law Ritchie stunned him by handing him a letter from Hannah. Michael didn't know what to do or say. After reading Hannah's letter, Michael is in a state of shock, denial, anger, and unwilling to follow through with Hannah's Dr. Michael Everett has been a widow exactly one year now. He can't seem to move past his wife Hannah's death. Michael doesn't do sociable things like playing poker on Thursday nights any more, dating, or biking. He's lost touch with the world around him. Michael's brother in law Ritchie stunned him by handing him a letter from Hannah. Michael didn't know what to do or say. After reading Hannah's letter, Michael is in a state of shock, denial, anger, and unwilling to follow through with Hannah's request. Now Michael doesn't appear to have much choice but to follow his dead wife's directive. Winter Adams is trying to cope with not being able to see or hear from Pierre since their second breakup. Leanne Lancaster is struggling to accept that her ex husband doesn't want anything to do with her. Meanwhile Macy Roth just appears to breeze through life taking it as it comes. Macy's free spirit and kindness go hand in hand. What do these women have in common? Will Michael follow Hannah's request? Your answers await you in Hannah's List.

This series is unique and intriguing to read. I find the characters to be interesting, fascinating, compelling, honest, and down to earth. The story falls into similar categories for me as well. Definitely looking forward to my next adventure in this series. ...more

5

Apr 24, 2010

It had been a year since Hannah’s death and while Michael Everett had continued his life, he still hadn’t moved on. Knowing her husband the way she did, Hannah left a letter with her brother, Ritchie (Michael’s best friend) with instructions of when to deliver it. One year after her death she was giving him one more last request, move on, re-marry, have kids, be happy. It would be a difficult request to fulfill so Hannah had given him the help he needed. The rest of the letter contained names of It had been a year since Hannah’s death and while Michael Everett had continued his life, he still hadn’t moved on. Knowing her husband the way she did, Hannah left a letter with her brother, Ritchie (Michael’s best friend) with instructions of when to deliver it. One year after her death she was giving him one more last request, move on, re-marry, have kids, be happy. It would be a difficult request to fulfill so Hannah had given him the help he needed. The rest of the letter contained names of three women: Winter Adams - Hannah’s own cousin and the owner of the café on Blossom Street.
Leanne Lancaster - an oncology nurse that was always kind and caring. Macy Roth - a model and artist that was funny and clever and always has a smile to share. Not believing for a minute that he would pick one of his late wife’s choices to be a wife to him now, but knowing he had to grant her final wish, he decided to give it a try.

Book 7 ….. A little different perspective than normal, it is all from the mans (Michaels) point of view. Not mush of a connection to Blossom street, but wow - it was an emotional ride. From the first paragraph to the last it was an emotional book for me. There was a connection with the characters were from the beginning. The ladies all had problems as does Michael, but that just makes them all easier to relate to. Predictable - yes the one you think he ends up with from the beginning is the one he ends up with, but it’s the journey and not the outcome that makes this emotional drama worth the time. Tears flowed, for varied reasons and after all the “I knew its” I just reminded myself that this is why I like Debbie Macomber books so much. The simple yet emotional charged story of a man trying to move on.
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4

May 17, 2011

"On the anniversary of his beloved wife’s death, Dr. Michael Everett receives a letter Hannah had written him.
In it she reminds him of her love and makes one final request. An impossible request — I want you to marry again. She tells him he shouldn’t spend the years he has left grieving her. And to that end she’s chosen three women she asks him to consider.
First on Hannah’s list is her cousin, Winter Adams, a trained chef who owns a café on Seattle’s Blossom Street. The second is Leanne "On the anniversary of his beloved wife’s death, Dr. Michael Everett receives a letter Hannah had written him.
In it she reminds him of her love and makes one final request. An impossible request — I want you to marry again. She tells him he shouldn’t spend the years he has left grieving her. And to that end she’s chosen three women she asks him to consider.
First on Hannah’s list is her cousin, Winter Adams, a trained chef who owns a café on Seattle’s Blossom Street. The second is Leanne Lancaster, Hannah’s oncology nurse. Michael knows them both. But the third name is one he’s not familiar with — Macy Roth.
Each of these three women has her own heartache, her own private grief. More than a year earlier, Winter broke off her relationship with another chef. Leanne is divorced from a man who defrauded the hospital for which she works. And Macy lacks family of her own, the family she craves, but she’s a rescuer of strays, human and animal. Macy is energetic, artistic, eccentric — and couldn’t be more different from Michael.
During the months that follow, he spends time with Winter, Leanne and Macy, learning more about each of them…and about himself. Learning what Hannah already knew. He’s a man who needs the completeness only love can offer. And Hannah’s list leads him to the woman who can help him find it."

This is, sort of, another in the Blossom St. series. The interesting, to me, part of this story is the process of change in Michael as he is forced to recognize , within himself, that his view of who he is and what he wants from life is really very different from what he thinks he should want and be. The focus of the story is supposed to be Michael's transition from grief to awaking the sense of life within himself. I found that part of the story unrealistic - rather as if the writer was writing what she thought he should have felt. But the people in the story and their lives where well done and interesting. ...more

3

Jun 12, 2011

There is something comforting about this type of book. It's one that you know you can turn to when you need a light read that can take you away for a minute. I don't read this genre of book that often because I sometimes feel like it's too predictable and sappy. And in some ways it was. But I have to say I also was pleasantly surprised by some aspects of this. First of all, while this book is not in the Blossom Street series, it apparently has some of the same characters; readers of that series There is something comforting about this type of book. It's one that you know you can turn to when you need a light read that can take you away for a minute. I don't read this genre of book that often because I sometimes feel like it's too predictable and sappy. And in some ways it was. But I have to say I also was pleasantly surprised by some aspects of this. First of all, while this book is not in the Blossom Street series, it apparently has some of the same characters; readers of that series will get to re-visit some characters and learn more about them. Those who haven't (me) won't know the difference. Most of the book was written in first person from the point of view of the widower, Michael. Macomber's style of writing works best, for me, in first person because of the manner in which she inserts a lot of the character's thoughts. I thought she built Michael's character well; but there were approximately 2 times when I thought "okay, I don't care how great and sensitive a guy he is, a real guy would't do/think that". But then, I suppose 2 times isn't too bad. The three women in the book are narrated in third person. This works well, but I also felt that the women (especially two of them) had very similar voices and it was hard to tell them apart. But the one I could tell apart I really liked!

What I think Macomber does well is the dialogue between the characters. The majority of the book involves conversations, and I appreciated these parts of the book the best. I don't care for being told too much what someone is thinking. I liked the direction the story went and was really enjoying the book. But then at one point in the end the story became a little hokey for me... but, I will say it was in a way what I expected. What's important is the book kept me wanting to read more. I loved the character of one of the women (won't tell you which one!) and of Hannah. She wasn't really in the story except for when the husband referred to or thought about her, but she is the type of woman I hope I can/will be. This book was good for me, I think. Sometimes you need a book like this, sort of like you need a Lifetime movie every now and then for a good cry, even if it's not your typical genre.

Taken from my blog at www.takemeawayreading.com ...more

5

Feb 22, 2019

Loved it so much!! ???????????? Loved it so much!! ...more