Home Books Interact Calendar Blog

Debbie Macomber interview and win a copy of her latest book

Published by SarahP on 22 Jul 2010 at 3:44 pm under BookRabbit

Hannah's List by Debbie Macomber - book cover image

The competition is now closed. Thank you everyone for entering, there are clearly a lot of Debbie fans out there. Our five lucky bunnies are Lucy Reynolds, Craig Dearden, Karen Barrett, Susan Cunningham and Karen Kerner – congratulations! We will email you all just to be sure you get the message. If you’re a fan of Lori Lansens, pop back on Monday for another book giveaway.

****

With more than 100 million copies of her books in print worldwide and her novels translated into 23 languages, Debbie Macomber is one of today’s leading voices in women’s fiction.

Readers clamor for her heartwarming books about small-town life, home and family and enduring friendships. Her writing has the feel good factor, and fans just keep coming back for more. One of her most popular series – the Blossom Street books – revolves around a neighbourhood on the Seattle waterfront. Her latest in this series is Hannah’s List and we have five copies to give away.

Synopsis

Dr. Michael Everett has been inconsolable in the year since his wife Hannah died of ovarian cancer. Unable to carry on living any semblance of a normal life without her, Michael filled his empty days with work. So he is shocked when a year after her death, his brother-in-law, Ritchie, gives him a letter Hannah had written before she died ready for the first anniversary of her death.

In it she reminds him of her love and makes one final and almost impossible, request: she asks Michael to marry again and become the father he was meant to be. Knowing his reaction, Hannah gives him a gentle push by suggesting three women—each of whom, she says, would make an excellent wife and companion.

Michael’s heart isn’t in it, but he decides to carry out Hannah’s final wish by contacting each of the women. As he spends time with each woman, Michael realizes that Hannah’s list may end up saving four lives, not just one.

Interview

But first find out more about Debbie, her favourite character from the book and what she reads when nobody’s looking…

Can you tell our readers a bit more about Hannah’s List and how you came up with the idea (we believe it’s based on a true story?)
My stories almost always come from my own life experiences or from those of people I know.  Hannah’s List was inspired by a story my friend Maggie toldme over dinner one night.  Maggie mentioned a friend of hers who had died a few years earlier.  Like Hannah, Maggie’s friend (who was actually mucholder than Hannah) gave her husband a list of women she felt would make him a good wife after her death.  I was so touched by this act of love and generosity that I decided it should be the basis of Michael’s story.

The characters you create are often a favourite aspect of your books for many of your readers – do you have a favourite character from this novel?
This might sound a bit odd, but one of my favourite characters is Hannah herself.  I say odd because the only time we see or hear Hannah is through the letter she left her husband and through his memories and those of her friends.  Yet I feel she’s on every page of this book, watching, waiting, guiding and loving Michael. Also I loved Macy from the moment she appeared in my mind.  She immediately came to life for me.  I’ve known women like her who are creative but scattered, wise beyond their years in some ways but incredibly naive in others. Caring and generous and yet often irresponsible. Of course I love Michael, too. His grief was so raw that it seemed to vibrate off the page for me.

Would you consider writing a follow-up book about Michael and the woman he chose?
Probably not. I’m onto the next projects now and I’m anxious to get back to the other characters on Blossom Street. A lot’s been happening there! I’m working on the first draft of my next hardcover, A Turn in the Road, which resumes Bethanne Hamlin’s story. She made her first appearance in the Blossom Street book A Good Yarn.

What are you reading now?
I just finished Mary Alice Monroe’s Time is a River and for sheer fun I’ve been reading Once More to Zelda, which tells the stories behind literature’s most intriguing dedications.

Do you read reviews? How seriously do you take them?
The reviews I consider most important are the ones that come from my readers. It’s what they say about a book that resonates most strongly with me. In fact, reader feedback has changed the course of my career a number of times. The Cedar Cove series is a good example of that. I’d written a number of shorter series set in Texas, Alaska, North Dakota, and every day I seemed to receive mail asking about this or that character. I realized that my readers were just as attached to these communities and their people as I was, so the ongoing Cedar Cove series was born. Don’t get me wrong; reviews do matter, and an author needs to read the various reactions to his or her work. As for how seriously I take printed reviews… hmm, well I guess it all depends on what they have to say!

What was your favourite childhood book?
I struggled to learn how to read and didn’t really understand the concept of phonics, of sounding out words, until I was about ten.  Once I became a regular reader, I enjoyed biographies and read about the lives of Clara Barton and Florence Nightingale (I wanted to be a nurse.) But my favourite book from childhood, which I reread a number of times, was The Secret Garden. Later, as I entered my romantic phase, I was crazy about Pride and Prejudice.

Which authors do you read?
It’s important for any writer to read across the board, fiction, non-fiction and just about everything in between. That said, there are a number of authors who are automatic buys for me.   Lately I’ve been on a David Baldacci kick reading his Camel Club series, and, because of my grandkids, Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series.  And of course I read my friends, Christina Skye, Susan Mallery, Karen Young, Robyn Carr and others.

Which book has made you laugh?
I laughed out loud at the first Janet Evanovich novel, One for the Money.

Which book has made you cry?
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

What classic novel haven’t you read, but would like to?
I’ve never read The Thin Man by Dashiell Hammett, but I love that movie (1934, with William Powell and Myrna Loy), and the story has always appealed to me. I haven’t read Moby Dick, either; I’d like to, but that one’s so far back on my shelf I may never get to it!

Do you have a guilty pleasure read?
I enjoy those wonderful romantic fantasies inspired by Jane Austen, so when I’m in the mood for a good Regency romance, I read Mary Balogh.

What are you working on now?
The May 2011 hardcover I mentioned, A Turn in the Road. And I’m about to revise my novella The Twenty-First Wish.

Competition

Now leave a comment below for a chance to win one of five copies of Hannah’s List, kindly given to us by the lovely folk at Mira Books and Midas PR.

We’ll pick five winners next Thursday 29 July at 12 noon. Good luck and happy reading BookRabbiters!

****

To help spread the word, we have now added the BookRabbit blog to GiveawayScout which lists all blog giveaways, contests and sweepstakes in one place. It scans a large number of giveaway blogs, like ours, and updates every hour with the latest offers.

134 responses so far

134 Responses to “Debbie Macomber interview and win a copy of her latest book”

  1. # Sue Holroydon 23 Jul 2010 at 1:03 pm

    Another book from Debbie – hurray! All her books are very realistic as they are written from instances that have happened.

    Looking forward to reading this one

  2. # stuart hargreaveson 23 Jul 2010 at 1:11 pm

    THE COVER IS A WORK OF ART

  3. # Kimberley McCartneyon 23 Jul 2010 at 1:21 pm

    Fantastic, Debbie Macomber’s book are always brilliant, and it being another Blossom Street is even better!

  4. # Paul Hanleyon 23 Jul 2010 at 1:25 pm

    Loving the cover!!

  5. # Soniaon 23 Jul 2010 at 1:34 pm

    Looks great – would love a copy :)

  6. # Vickyon 23 Jul 2010 at 1:36 pm

    I just love the cover! Please enter me, I’d love to read this one :)

  7. # Lewis Pettiton 23 Jul 2010 at 1:37 pm

    Yummy looking cakes!

  8. # Kerry Wiseon 23 Jul 2010 at 1:38 pm

    I must say I am really looking forward to reading this xx

  9. # phyllis elletton 23 Jul 2010 at 1:38 pm

    wow, looks like another great read from Debbie Macomber, well lets dream of being picked :)

  10. # Spavon 23 Jul 2010 at 1:38 pm

    This book sounds great. I can’t wait to read it. Count me in, please!

  11. # Donna B (@Coistycat)on 23 Jul 2010 at 1:39 pm

    Having never read any of Debbie Macombers books this one would make a great introduction to an new author xx

  12. # fi tomlinsonon 23 Jul 2010 at 1:42 pm

    i have never read any of these books before but i have to say i like the look of this book and i’m sure i would enjoy reading it

  13. # mel butcheron 23 Jul 2010 at 1:43 pm

    great giveaway, i have loved every book that i have read by Debbie Macomber, i’d love to win this one, thanks for the opportunity

  14. # Lisa Rowsellon 23 Jul 2010 at 1:56 pm

    I’ve never read any of Debbie’s books, and would love the chance to get stuck into a new book which sounds very engaging.

  15. # Lucyon 23 Jul 2010 at 1:59 pm

    I can’t believe I’ve not read any of her books yet, they sound exactly the type of book I like to curl up with after a long day. Stories about friendship and family with the feel-good factor :)

    And I could definitely do with the feel good factor right now!

    Thanks for introducing me to a wonderful new author :)

    Lucy (@AetharaGirl)

    xx

  16. # Ireneon 23 Jul 2010 at 2:03 pm

    Love the idea of this book, I have not read one of Debbie Macomber’s books before but that will soon be rectified :)

  17. # Lizon 23 Jul 2010 at 2:07 pm

    Have never read any of her books, but the description sounds fab. Would love the chance to be introduced to a new author.

  18. # Tracey Fordon 23 Jul 2010 at 2:08 pm

    It sounds a great read and i adore the cover. reminds me of a trip to Devon to visit friends last year where we had a cream tea.. heaven xx

  19. # Carol Pon 23 Jul 2010 at 2:10 pm

    How have I missed these books . If i am fortunate enough to win this one I would be very pleased. A woman after my own heart I like Janet Evanovich too and have read many of her books.

  20. # Suzanne @lucentegirlon 23 Jul 2010 at 2:15 pm

    Love Debbie Macomber!. Please include me.

  21. # kellyon 23 Jul 2010 at 2:36 pm

    it looks likeanother great book from this author

  22. # Nicolaon 23 Jul 2010 at 2:43 pm

    Looks like a great book.

  23. # Norma McGillon 23 Jul 2010 at 2:59 pm

    This is my kind of feel-good factor,easy reading. Would love to win this book!!

  24. # Solangeon 23 Jul 2010 at 3:17 pm

    Sounds great

  25. # FionaLynne Edwardson 23 Jul 2010 at 3:27 pm

    I’d love to read this! It’s really my kind of book.

  26. # patricia holdenon 23 Jul 2010 at 3:33 pm

    BRILL

  27. # EdithPon 23 Jul 2010 at 3:52 pm

    Would love to win.

  28. # Laura McQueeneyon 23 Jul 2010 at 4:09 pm

    I would love to win this as I have just started my maternity leave and I would like to read this book in my (few) quiet moments.

  29. # Richard Sutherlandon 23 Jul 2010 at 4:42 pm

    I’d love this as a gift

  30. # Julie Pon 23 Jul 2010 at 5:02 pm

    Looking forward to another excellent read from Debbie Macomber, hasn’t ever let me down

  31. # Janine Houghtonon 23 Jul 2010 at 5:17 pm

    Now this would be a great read for my hols

  32. # Alan Won 23 Jul 2010 at 5:37 pm

    Sounds like this is a really good read

  33. # Natalie Wallaceon 23 Jul 2010 at 5:38 pm

    Love Reading would love to win this book

  34. # Valerie Hartleyon 23 Jul 2010 at 5:47 pm

    Fingers crossed, would love to win.

  35. # sharon hugheson 23 Jul 2010 at 6:02 pm

    looks like a good book

  36. # Jason Batemanon 23 Jul 2010 at 7:14 pm

    I shall cross every part of my body in hope of winning this book.

  37. # sarah baileyon 23 Jul 2010 at 8:01 pm

    now this is my kind of author, love her books

  38. # Lakshmion 23 Jul 2010 at 8:15 pm

    I love discovering new authors, and would love to give Debbie a try.

  39. # Gillaon 23 Jul 2010 at 9:10 pm

    Liked her other books, so sure I’d enjoy reading this. Please enter me.

  40. # Jen Bon 23 Jul 2010 at 9:14 pm

    This book sounds really good. Can just picture it now, snuggle on the sofa with a cup of tea and no children running around…ahhh..bliss.
    As you can tell, would love to win it.

    Many thanks x

    @luckyduckyme

  41. # Georgina Ballon 23 Jul 2010 at 9:35 pm

    Sounds fantastic read!

  42. # Maryon 23 Jul 2010 at 9:44 pm

    Sounds a great book, perfect for holidays.

  43. # Victoria Bolandon 23 Jul 2010 at 9:44 pm

    Please enter me in the draw.

  44. # Sarahon 23 Jul 2010 at 10:30 pm

    Great interview, I’d like to enter the giveaway thanks :)

  45. # HAZEL Gon 23 Jul 2010 at 10:44 pm

    WOULD LOVE TO HAVE TO HAVE THE CHNACE TO READ THIS

  46. # Joanie Mon 23 Jul 2010 at 10:58 pm

    A readerholic awaits her copy!(Please)

  47. # Anne Cateron 23 Jul 2010 at 11:10 pm

    I love the cover of the book and I’ve never read anything by Debbie. It sounds a great read, I’d love to enter please.

  48. # JAMES HOLYLANDon 23 Jul 2010 at 11:36 pm

    Hope i win

  49. # Simonon 24 Jul 2010 at 12:17 am

    Nice book, please add my name to the draw, thank you!

    Simon.

  50. # Nicky Russellon 24 Jul 2010 at 6:09 am

    Another great book… Looking forward to reading :)

  51. # Lisa Ellerton 24 Jul 2010 at 6:15 am

    I have really enjoyed all of Debbie Macombers other books and look forward to reading this one too!

  52. # Lisa Won 24 Jul 2010 at 10:53 am

    This book looks great. Please add my name into the prize draw. Thank you.

  53. # Chas Gilberton 24 Jul 2010 at 1:09 pm

    Thanks – look forward to reading it if I win.

  54. # Andrewon 24 Jul 2010 at 1:23 pm

    Please enter me in the draw

  55. # ANJIon 24 Jul 2010 at 3:15 pm

    I get so much out of reading & this seems like the sort of book that one can get lost in.

  56. # Joanne Blunton 24 Jul 2010 at 3:59 pm

    My kind of book. Looks great.

  57. # Kimberley Howeson 24 Jul 2010 at 4:55 pm

    Looks like a great read

  58. # Emilyon 24 Jul 2010 at 4:57 pm

    Please count me in, thankyou!

  59. # DEEon 24 Jul 2010 at 6:27 pm

    I HAVE READ SO MANY DEBBIE MCCOMBER BOOKS…….AND LOVED EVER ONE OF THEM

  60. # Nicolaon 24 Jul 2010 at 7:44 pm

    Sounds like a great book.

  61. # Marcie Butleron 25 Jul 2010 at 1:31 am

    Love all of Debbie’s books and looking forward to reading the new ones.

  62. # Marcie Butleron 25 Jul 2010 at 1:33 am

    Sounds like a great book. Would love to win

  63. # Craig Deardenon 25 Jul 2010 at 6:58 am

    Nice competition, love it when there’s a prize at the end of the review and interviews!

  64. # Karenon 25 Jul 2010 at 7:24 am

    Yes please, my daughter is called Hannah

  65. # Alexa Marshallon 25 Jul 2010 at 2:19 pm

    wow what an original and interesting sounding book! would look for this in the library if i didn’t win :)

  66. # GEORGINA DOCHERTYon 25 Jul 2010 at 3:52 pm

    l would love to read this book, please add my name to the draw, thank you

  67. # Clareon 25 Jul 2010 at 7:10 pm

    sounds a brilliant read!

  68. # Pamela Gossageon 25 Jul 2010 at 7:51 pm

    Would love to win this book. I will read it anyway as it has caught my imagination.

  69. # Robin Brooksbankon 25 Jul 2010 at 9:00 pm

    looking forward to reading this

  70. # Andreaon 26 Jul 2010 at 3:30 am

    love to win!

  71. # samion 26 Jul 2010 at 3:32 am

    looks good, like to win!

  72. # Claire Butleron 26 Jul 2010 at 8:09 am

    Sounds a beautiful story. And one i know is very close to home for many of us

  73. # Lori Don 26 Jul 2010 at 8:35 am

    Rock on Debbie – looking foward to reading this

  74. # shane weiron 26 Jul 2010 at 9:40 am

    i would love to win this prize

  75. # Lauraon 26 Jul 2010 at 10:28 am

    would love to read it

  76. # Amanda Won 26 Jul 2010 at 12:29 pm

    Would love to win this – I’ve never read any of her books would love to give this one a try, it sounds liek a very original and heartwarming story.

  77. # Noelia Moronta-Jacobson 26 Jul 2010 at 1:35 pm

    Interesting premise and never read this author before.

  78. # cathy jameson 26 Jul 2010 at 2:29 pm

    Looks great – would love a copy

  79. # Ibbyon 27 Jul 2010 at 12:22 pm

    would be interesting to read

  80. # Lizon 27 Jul 2010 at 1:49 pm

    Looks great

  81. # JULIE PANNELLon 27 Jul 2010 at 2:25 pm

    love it. a must for all readers. every book club must read this book

  82. # Danielon 27 Jul 2010 at 3:51 pm

    It looks great

  83. # Sarah Lon 27 Jul 2010 at 4:02 pm

    You just know if her name’s on the cover, you’re in for a cracking good yarn

  84. # ANN Bon 27 Jul 2010 at 4:27 pm

    The synopsis has got me wanting to go further into the story. Love the sound of this. Would love to Win

  85. # iain maciveron 27 Jul 2010 at 5:19 pm

    p-lease count me in thanks

  86. # sallyannon 27 Jul 2010 at 5:25 pm

    Can’t wait to read this, love Debbie’s books

  87. # Lauraon 27 Jul 2010 at 7:24 pm

    Please enter me into the competition, I am a total bookworm and would love to get my hands on a new book! Thanks

  88. # claire woodson 27 Jul 2010 at 8:51 pm

    This sounds really good.

  89. # Diane Humbleson 27 Jul 2010 at 9:01 pm

    I would love to win this book

  90. # Barbara Shawon 27 Jul 2010 at 9:41 pm

    Feeling hungry just looking at the cover. :) Please include me in the draw.

    Barbara.

  91. # Karen Holstenon 28 Jul 2010 at 5:04 am

    I would love to win this book!

  92. # jillian moreyon 28 Jul 2010 at 5:45 am

    Looks like a great read.

  93. # Gillian Byfordon 28 Jul 2010 at 6:24 am

    Sounds fantastic, would love to win this

  94. # Claire Deakinon 28 Jul 2010 at 6:59 am

    I would love to win this book, please include me in the draw

  95. # Susan Cunninghamon 28 Jul 2010 at 7:18 am

    I’m looking forward to this book, it’s like picking up an old friend!

  96. # Caraon 28 Jul 2010 at 7:38 am

    Debbie Macomber is one of my favourite authors! Iam so so excited that she has a new book out and I cannot wait to read it!!! :)

  97. # janet cleggon 28 Jul 2010 at 7:44 am

    Would love this book!

  98. # zarah robinsonon 28 Jul 2010 at 7:47 am

    Looks interesting. I would love to give it a read.

  99. # Gill Scotton 28 Jul 2010 at 9:03 am

    I love her books. Really looking forward to reading this one.

  100. # Lewis Pettiton 28 Jul 2010 at 9:11 am

    Sounds like a great read. Nice looking cakes too =)

  101. # Michelle Williamson 28 Jul 2010 at 9:45 am

    Please enter me, would love this to read on holiday

  102. # Samyon 28 Jul 2010 at 11:03 am

    looks great i’d love a copy

  103. # Rachel O'Halloranon 28 Jul 2010 at 11:10 am

    I have heard that Debbie Macomber books are great…. so it would be great to win to start reading her books.

  104. # jamesmumon 28 Jul 2010 at 12:37 pm

    sounds like a great book. would love the chance to win this. x

  105. # Gerardon 28 Jul 2010 at 1:19 pm

    Looks good Debbie, can’t wait to read it!

  106. # Sarah Tilleyon 28 Jul 2010 at 1:55 pm

    Looks great, would love to read this

  107. # Karen Kerneron 28 Jul 2010 at 2:15 pm

    Debbie Macomber’s books, particularly the Blossom Street series, are enchanting. They describe meaningful relationships, practical solutions to problems, and realistic environments. They are simply delightful–and I would LOVE to win a copy of her latest book.

  108. # Deborah Marlowon 28 Jul 2010 at 3:32 pm

    I would live to win this book to read on a lazy Sunday afternoon along with a glass of Pimms.

  109. # sarah jubbon 28 Jul 2010 at 3:37 pm

    book sounds brilliant. would love to read it

  110. # priyaon 28 Jul 2010 at 4:10 pm

    great article, the book sounds like a great summer read.

  111. # Andy Mayerson 28 Jul 2010 at 4:36 pm

    It’s not just the cover it’s what’s inside that counts as well.

  112. # Cathy MacLennanon 28 Jul 2010 at 5:27 pm

    Would love to win this great book. Thank you for the competition

  113. # ESME MCCRUBBon 28 Jul 2010 at 5:42 pm

    WOULD LOVE TO WIN THIS ONE PLEASE LET ME WIN !!

  114. # Mayaon 28 Jul 2010 at 6:05 pm

    Would love to win. Seems like another great feel good book which is what I need right now. The kids are on holiday and I’m stressed out!

  115. # Sue Harrisonon 28 Jul 2010 at 6:06 pm

    Sounds like a great book.

  116. # Amandaon 28 Jul 2010 at 6:20 pm

    I love the Blossom Street series. Debbie’s books are a pleasure to read and I look forward to reading her latest novel

  117. # kazzieon 28 Jul 2010 at 6:26 pm

    Sounds like my sort of book, would loke to be reading this on some hot beach this summer

  118. # Laura Loveon 28 Jul 2010 at 6:37 pm

    Sounds a great read – would love to win it!

  119. # rebeccaon 28 Jul 2010 at 7:00 pm

    I would love to win this book – the author is fab!

  120. # Paulon 28 Jul 2010 at 7:02 pm

    Looks like a great read to me for sure.

  121. # DENISEon 28 Jul 2010 at 7:20 pm

    Look a great book the cover looks very inviting will look out for her books next time I go book shopping!

  122. # Danielle Graveson 28 Jul 2010 at 7:29 pm

    A fab author I look forward to reading this x

  123. # Jill Bamfordon 28 Jul 2010 at 7:39 pm

    please enter me to win a copy ! Sounds like great holidya reading – and I expect my boyfriend would want to read it after me too !!!

  124. # adycrosson 28 Jul 2010 at 8:16 pm

    just the sort of book my other half loves reading

  125. # denise crosson 28 Jul 2010 at 8:24 pm

    This looks a fantastic book – could imagine reading this in the garden whilst the kids are playing

  126. # Alexandraon 28 Jul 2010 at 8:44 pm

    Wow, can’t wait to get my hands on this book! What she says in the article reall y intrigues me though. There probably won’t be a sequel… that shows good judge of her own characters, that they’re not something to be milked. You don’t get that from many authors these days

  127. # Julie kon 28 Jul 2010 at 8:52 pm

    sounds like a great read Xx

  128. # jackie curranon 28 Jul 2010 at 8:53 pm

    I would love to read this, please include me.

  129. # Helen Jacksonon 28 Jul 2010 at 9:12 pm

    I have been reading Debbie Macomber books since i was 15 and would really love this book.

  130. # lorna andersonon 28 Jul 2010 at 9:29 pm

    sounds like a great book

  131. # Hannah Barretton 28 Jul 2010 at 9:38 pm

    fab book xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

  132. # Alan Clarkeon 28 Jul 2010 at 9:57 pm

    The cover’s making me hungry —to read the book !!

  133. # Susan Carrutherson 29 Jul 2010 at 8:22 am

    Would love to win!

  134. # chicambaon 29 Jul 2010 at 3:21 pm

    My wife’s the reader in the family and I’m convinced she will really enjoy this book.

Comments RSS

Leave a Reply

BookRabbit.com

Contact us |  Privacy policy |  Terms and conditions |  Help |  About us

©2009 BookRabbit. All rights reserved.