Review: Hannah's List by Debbie Macomber

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 Winter Adams, a trained chef who owns a cafe 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. During the months that follow, he spends time with Winter, Leanne and Macy, learning more about each of them...and about himself. 

Title: Hannah's List
Author: Debbie Macomber
Format: hardcover, 412 pages
Genre: contemporary romance, contemporary fiction 
Source: Big Honcho Media (Thanks Chelsy!)
Published: April 2010
Buy the book: book depo



My Thoughts
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. 

The Book Vixen Rating