This was a surprisingly good book. Years ago, I used to read everything by Debbie Macomber and stopped though I can't remember why. I think it's when I discovered paranormal romance and Debbie's writing no longer appealed. I needed to read something by her for an author of the month challenge so when I saw this audiobook, I jumped on it. It reminded me why I enjoyed her stuff in the past. This is part of the Blossom Street series and though definitely chick-lit, it was very much a tear-jerker.

Four local widows meet at Anne Marie's bookstore and they are all miserable and hating life since they were only widowed in the last year and haven't come to terms yet. They decide to write down twenty wishes each and make them happen. Now these ladies are well off and any wish is certainly not out of the realm of possibility. I enjoyed meeting Lily, Barbie, Elise and Anne Marie. I liked the individual stories of each lady and the fulfillment of their wishes.

But Ellen was my favorite and the reason for the tear-jerker part of this book. 8 year old Ellen was despondent for various reasons I won't get into but the school felt she needed a "lunch buddy" (this is an older women who spends lunch with the child once a week, kind of as a mentor). Elise is a lunch buddy and talks Anne Marie into the program as well. Anne Marie is matched up with Ellen and the heart-breaking story really starts right there.

This story has elements of romance, cozy small town living, child protective services (and all that entails). Just a regular chick lit kind of book with real heart and depth. If you haven't read Debbie Macomber before, or it's been years, this book (or even any book in the Blossom Street series) is a great place to get a story warm your heart and make everything seem A-OK again. Oh and make sure you have a tissue while reading, you'll surely need it. Truly wonderful.