Transcript of Life Chat with Debbie Macomber, Author of "Twenty Wishes"

New York Times bestselling author, Debbie Macomber will be on Gather discussing her new book, Twenty Wishes, in The Book Review Group on Thursday, May 29th at 9 pm ET.


She's written the 4th story in the Blossom Street Books about a female character who is thirty-eight, childless, a recent widow and alone. The story follows her life as it takes unexpected turns, she forms new, surprising bonds, her wishes come true.

Follow this link to leave a question or CHAT LIVE with Debbie Macomber

“Babyproofing Your Marriage”

The “Babyproofers” Stacie, Cathy, and Julia are a humorous bunch of moms (and wives) that not only give helpful tips, but they also share from their own experiences and experiences of others. Many stories and viewpoints from both the male and female perspective are given. The overall goal of this book is to unite husband and wives through the early childhood years while providing an understanding of what the other spouse needs and wants out of the marriage.

The authors go through lengthy descriptions of how children change marriage, and individuals. Examples of men not helping in the house and childrearing yet yearn for more physical contact with their wife predominate the better part of this book. For those that are experiencing this situation (and by the sound of it from this book – the majority of married couples) there are numerous tips to help both parties get what they need out of the other spouse.

While reading this book, I realized very early in my reading that my marriage is unique and not at all like the partners described in this book. I have been blessed with a wonderful husband who probably does more than his share around the house and has always helped with the children. Whether it is feeding, changing a diaper, washing clothes, cleaning up bodily excretions, reading a story, or sitting next to a toddler while he makes potty, my loving husband is always there for me and my children.

Although this book was not written for my particular situation, it would be extremely helpful for many. This book is well written with plenty of humor along the way. My advice would be to read this book while expecting your baby. Once your baby arrives, there is very little free time to read during the first few months. In addition, this book would be a wonderful shower gift for any expectant couple.

“Babyproofing Your Marriage”
By: Cockrell, O’Neill, and Stone
Publisher: Collins
ISBN: 978-0-06-117355-4

You Have Always Been Brilliant

Life changing, motivational books are only effective if a connection is made between the author and reader. The reader must believe what the author is sharing and then make changes in their own personal life. Through “Release Your Brilliance,” Simon Bailey has connected with the reader as a real person, sharing his own personal story and using symbolism that is understandable to all readers in order to share the knowledge he has gained through his own life experiences.

Throughout this journey, we are compared to magnificent diamonds that are already “Brilliant.” We are taught through the process of reflection and journaling exactly how to release the brilliance that is within each of us. Reflection is the key component and Simon helps the reader to reflect on many parts of their life in a new and inspiring way.

We are encouraged to examine all relationships, goals and “Facets” of our life. Once our “Facets” are polished and refined, our inner “Brilliance” will begin to shine and others will notice the positive changes we have made in our lives.

In addition, real-life “Brilliant” people share their stories with us which help to clarify, focus and motivate the reader to answer questions and develop plans to enhance the individual’s own life.

In addition to this book, Simon has many additional tips and resources available on his website and DVD.


“Release Your Brilliance”
By: Simon T. Bailey
Publisher: Collins
ISBN: 978-0-06-145187-4

Overcoming the Force of Violence

Finding redemption and self forgiveness is the difficult task that is revealed through the history and growth of a young boy that ultimately is able to redeem himself as a grown man.

Through the story of “The Kite Runner”, we read and enjoy the deep friendship and bond between two young boys. Hassan proves over and over his loyalty to Amir, while Amir yearns for his father’s approval and love. This bond is ultimately broken by bullies, fear, confusion and the Afghan rules and society. I felt a closeness to each of the characters in this story and felt as though I was struggling to make decisions with them as they were living their lives. I wanted to give them my input especially to Hassan and Amir. In fact, the character development was told in such a magnificent way that one instance took me by surprise.

This is a brilliantly told story and one that will not be forgotten. As an American, I was taken into an unknown culture. I was intrigued by the author’s descriptions of Afghanistan and the various cities and cultural areas. I enjoyed reading about the preparations for and the kite flying contests that occurred in the Afghan winters of past. I was saddened by the treatment of the less fortunate, the abused and abandoned orphans, and the rampant destruction of property and human life by the Taliban.

The foreshadowing in the plotline was woven in carefully so that the reader was not readily aware that this element would appear in the future. In addition, I was pleased to have several of the plot resolutions end in a way that I had anticipated.

I highly recommend this novel and I am looking forward to the motion picture that is in theaters this month.

The Kite Runner
By Khaled Hosseini
Publisher: Riverhead Books
ISBN: 978-1-59448-000-3

"Plane" Jane Discovers Life and Art

“If Andy Warhol Had a Girlfriend” is a fun, lighthearted story of a young woman finding her own identity with the help of her friends and strength that she finds within herself. “Plane Jane”, as she calls herself, is easily identifiable in most every young woman. She is single, has relationship issues, resents her boss, dislikes a co-worker, is bored with her mundane life and is having difficulty finding meaning in her chosen career. These real life issues are so very common among young women that the character of Jane is easy to identify with, even if the reader has moved passed this phase of their life; it can bring back so many individual memories from the readers past.

This novel is centered on the theme of art. However, the reader does not need to know anything about art to enjoy this heartwarming story. This Novel is not a true romance story; it is more in the category of “chick-lit.” However, I would imagine many men would also enjoy Jane’s quirky nature and her experiences in the art world.

I found that this was a very quickly paced novel as Jane and the famous artist Ian traveled around the globe promoting Ian’s artwork. I was eager to read of their adventures together and the mishaps along the way. I was very please by Jane’s character development throughout this story. She began as a very week and uncertain individual who needed to rely on others. In the end, she was transformed into a strong woman who knew exactly what she wanted out of life and carrier and was able to vocalize her feelings and solve her own problems.

One major theme presented in this novel is to always think positive of situations that may seem negative or not fit into our plans. You may find unexpected growth in yourself by remaining positive and finding the “good” in all situations.

“If Andy Warhol Had a Girlfriend”
By Alison Pace
Publisher: Berkley
ISBN: 0-425-20024-8