More Than Words, Volume 2: What Amanda Wants / The Yellow Ribbon / The Way Home / Shelter from the Storm / Into the Groove

Blossom Street #2.5 (What Amanda Wants)

by Debbie Macomber, Sharon Sala, Jasmine Cresswell

Five of our most popular authors have contributed to this second annual short-story collection inspired by the lives and efforts of this year's More Than Words Award recipients. By sharing the stories of these reallife heroines with our readers, Harlequin strives to turn awareness into action. Proceeds from the book are reinvested in Harlequin's charitable initiatives.

What Amanda Wants by Debbie Macomber

The Yellow Ribbon by Sharon Sala

The Way Home by Jasmine Cresswell

Shelter From the Storm by Beverly Barton

Into the Groove by Julie Elizabeth Leto

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Anthologies

413 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2005

About the author

Debbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.

In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.

Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.

She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.

Reviews

[Hannah Beth (Hannah's Book Cafe)]

Just read for What Amanda Wants to finish the Blossom Street series. 😅

[Donna]

I got this book because I wanted to read Debbie Macomber's story called "What Amanda Wants" which connected with her Blossom Street series. It is a story about a teen-aged girl who finds out the cancer she had when she was 7 has come back in her senior year. This story takes a look at the different challenges teens dealing with cancer face. Hospitals are set up for children, where clowns visit the kids, or for adults where it is really quiet. Teens are different and need an area where they can be themselves.

This story and all the others are based on real women who started real charities who have made a difference to the people who need them in their community. The other stories were all romance stories but weren't horrible. Some of the stories were good and some were okay. The last one actually made me cry and that doesn't happen very often. Each story is a quick read and worth the time. Run a bath, grab a drink and read a short story.

[Mynguyen]

Based on real stories about ordinary women who make extraordinary differences in the lives of many others, this book is not only an enjoyable but very informative and inspiring read. Readers are also kept engaged by a touching love aspect in each story. Those are true stories of the heart. This is light reading but gives us deep thoughts.

[Lori]

This book is a pretty wonderful collection of stories, highlighting non-profit organizations, established by real women who have made a difference. I was not aware of all these wonderful achievements. The stories were all well-written, but my favs were teenslivingwithcancer.org, the title says it all, and Second Wind Dreams whose purpose is to make dreams come true for the elderly.

[Cathie McManus]

Heart-wrenching story. Amanda is a teenager who had everything she wanted in life. Unfortunately, her leukemia returned. She found out who her real friends were. She suffered and healed. She found a true friend in Lydia.

[Sandra Bensley]

5 different stories of 5 people who have made a difference in their communities for the better. Each story relating back to the program that was featured. Second Wind Dreams, Dress for Success, Groove with Me, Melissa's Living Legacy Foundation, and Street Haven at the Crossroads.

[Bonita McCoy]

Three great stories. All sweet romances that have swoon worthy moments. Enjoyed them.

[Helen]

I only read "What Amanda Wants" from this book. It was a good story of a teen who has cancer.

[Garnet]

Just the book “What Amanda Wants” - Easy read. Interesting view of how cancer affects anyone involved.

[JoAnne]

Enjoyable read. Novels based on real women who have made a difference in their communities. Five very different stories. Cried reading stories by Debbie Macomber and Sharon Sala but others were good too. Good beach read now that it's summer. Would recommend. Will definitely read other More Than Words anthologies.

[Elizabeth]

loved it!

[Michele]

Tearjerker; what was I thinking.

[Jan Stone]

Another good vacation Debbie Macomber read but more like a short story compiled with 2 other authors.