Hannah's List (Debbie Macomber)

This was a great opportunity to pick up a book that's getting a lot of play in public libraries right now.

One year prior to the book's opening, Michael's wife, Hannah, died from ovarian cancer. Hannah's brother presents Michael with a final letter from her, which was to be opened one year after her death. In the letter, Hannah shares her wish that Michael re-marry; in fact, she has chosen 3 potential mates for him. The 3 prospects, who had all been impacted by Hannah's life, are quite diverse. As the story unfolds, Michael navigates these potential relationships, trying to honor Hannah's wish list.

This was a quick, easy read with fast-moving action. Macomber moved the story along without unnecessary description or fanfare. I think this book could easily be adapted into a film project. In my mind, I was casting the parts as I read - Cameron Diaz should play Macy! Macomber's characterization seemed kind of unbalanced with some characters fully formed and some sketchy through the end of the book. I think I really wanted to dislike this book (and romance lit in general). However, this was a pleasant read with a believable story, which needed some "fleshing out" in certain parts. I will probably give another Debbie Macomber title a try.

If you enjoy Hannah's List, you might also try the following fiction reads:

Dream When You're Feeling Blue - Elizabeth Berg (Random House, 2007)

This novel, set in the "home front" during World War II, is typical of Berg's works - strong, fully developed women characters acting extraordinarily under ordinary circumstances. The narration is fluid and expressive without being saccharine.

Time Is a River - Mary Alice Monroe (Pocket, 2008)

This piece of contemporary fiction, like several of Monroe's other books, weaves powerful themes of nature throughout the plot. Monroe's women characters are genuine and complete; her language is true and sparse. The reader feels a real connection to the characters contained on the pages.

The following nonfiction reads might also be of interest:

Promise Me: How a Sister's Love Launched the Global Movement to End Breast Cancer - Nancy G. Brinker (Broadway, 2010)

Brinker, a breast cancer survivor, penned this tribute to her sister, who succumbed to the disease. That sister was Susan G. Komen, and Brinker led (and continues to lead) a foundation that promises to "one day cure breast cancer for good." This book puts real human faces on this disease and shows the power that one committed person can make.

The Widower's Toolbox: Repairing Your Life after Losing Your Spouse - G. J. Schaefer (New Horizon Press, 2010)

This book has a niche audience but is a valuable addition to a public library collection. Working on the premise that men and women grieve differently, the author attempts to help men who've lost spouses identify and resolve the issues that may be overwhelming and, ultimately, help men move forward. This book's value to women readers might lie in its potential to shed light on the other gender's perspective under enormous emotion.

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie (Alan Bradley)

I never seem to do anything the usual way! True to form, I read The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, the first title of a 2-book series, AFTER I read the 2nd book in the series (titled The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag). I loved The Weed ... and hoped that The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie would help me glean background information about the characters and setting whichI might have missed by starting with Book #2.

In The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, precocious 11-year-old Flavia de Luce, a rural English schoolgirl and aspiring chemist (with a special interest in poisons), accidentally stumbles upon a man as he takes his last breath in the family's cucumber garden. The reader rides along with Flavia as she travels the English countryside on Gladys, her trusty bicycle, picking up clues to solve the mystery and absolve her beloved father, the apparent killer.

I am a mystery fan; in fact, I think it’s probably my favorite genre. I generally choose rougher, rawer mystery books (Ken Bruen and J.A. Konrath are previous favorite authors). However, the cozy mystery discussed here was a delightful change of pace. Bradley did a great job describing the English village of Bishop’s Lacey and its array of eccentric characters. I almost felt that I was traveling in Flavia’s bicycle basket as she navigated the hills, cemetery, estates, and the library of the village. Although the book was loaded with Brit-specific references and colloquialisms, it didn’t seem to distract from the story line.

Although I enjoyed both books in the Flavia deLuce Mysteries, I preferred The Weed That Strings … to The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie. The story line of the previous seemed to move more directly than that of the latter. The characters were fully developed, and I didn’t need background info from the first book to fully appreciate the sequel. All in all, however, a very satisfying read!

If you like The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, you might also try these fiction choices:

Hamish Macbeth series or Agatha Raisin series – both by M.C. Beaton

If the British Isles setting is your “thing,” this prolific author has lots to offer! With at least 20 titles in each of these series, there is certainly enough material to keep an anglophile going for a while.

The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series – Alexander McCall Smith

Warm, witty, and unconventional … that’s Precious Ramotswe, Botswana’s finest (and only) woman detective. It’s not your typical mystery!

These nonfiction titles might be of interest, too:

Rick Steves’ England 2010 – Rick Steves (Avalon Travel Publishing, 2009)

Rick Steves is candid and conversational. Not only does Steves describe England’s traditional historic sites, but he also shares info about quaint villages, pubs, and other places off the beaten path. Reading Rick Steves is like talking with an old friend.

The Most Beautiful Villages of England – James Bentley (Thames & Hudson, 2007)

In 285 full-color photographs, learn how and why villages in different regions of England are defined by their history and building materials. Explore the common features of English villages and their unique contributions to the culture and personality of their residents.