Hannah's List by Debbie Macomber

A gentle read by the supreme expert of gentle reads. This is the story of Michael, a widowed pediatrician whose wife died of ovarian cancer. She left a letter to her husband with her brother to be given to him one year after her death. In the letter she lists three women she feels would make great candidates to be his new wife.

Michael still struggles with the loss of his wife. He isn’t really thinking about embarking on a new relationship but Hannah’s letter encourages him to at least meet with each of the three women.

Although this story is a bit predictable, it is a refreshing change from the thrillers and mysteries which this reader is prone to.

Looking for something light and devoid of explicit sexual or murderous details—try this!

Ladybookbug!

Without Mercy by Lisa Jackson

Blue Rock Academy, nestled in the mountains of Oregon, is a boarding school for wayward, financially endowed, youth.

Shaylee, sister of Jules, daughter of Edie, is sent there for rehabilitation. Unfortunately, all is not what is seems at the academy. Several murders take place and there seems to be an undercurrent of subterfuge prevailing.


Reverend Lynch is the leader of the Blue Rock Academy. He runs a tight ship and tries to keep all the students in line. However, there is an elusive side to him which bears scrutiny.

Jackson leads the reader along the mysterious path, keeping us guessing as to who the perpetrator is. When the mystery is finally uncovered, you may be surprised.

Ladybookbug!

Every Last One by Anna Quindlen

Mary Beth Latham, mother of three teenagers, is someone who values family and friendship. Married to an ophthalmologist, Mary Beth runs her own landscaping business. Busy to the max, Mary Beth still has time to interact with all of her family members, including Ruby’s boyfriend Kiernan.

This is the story of incredible loss. It is also the story of incredible strength and perseverance in the midst of that loss. The author begins the book by drawing the reader into the family unit. We become a part of the closeness and recognize that this family cherishes their lives. While they are not exempt from the occasional spat, they are a family that is close-knit. Then, the unthinkable happens and Mary Beth is thrown into a whirlwind of emotions, not knowing how to deal with it all. She only knows that she must be strong for her son Alex.

Quindlen has again, made us understand how one learns to cope and move on after a great tragedy. The reader becomes one with Mary Beth and we empathize with her as she sands floors, bursts into tears and becomes undone. We never fail to encourage her to move forward, utilizing all the strength she has left. A story wrought with courage and determination.

Ladybookbug!