Twenty Wishes by Debbie Macomber

Anne Marie had invited several women to meet at her bookstore after hours on Valentine's day for a special celebration. These women were all widows and felt left out of the usual activities of the day. Their celebration was for life and friendship. During their sharing several suggestions were made including volunteer work, helping someone else and making a list of wishes. A discussion of the list better developed the idea. Twenty seemed like a good number and the items should be wishes or dreams, not goals or things to accomplish as on a 'honey do list.' The idea caught on and as time went by each woman who made a list seemed to be renewed or energized. Anne Marie decided to try volunteering at a grade school relating to one little girl. Just this act was life changing for both Anne Marie and her new friend. Lillie and Barbie both lost their husbands in the same plane crash and they were now interested in new love. People who were not in the 'widow group' were intrigued with the list and began their own. Such a simple act as making a list can have amazing results with ripple effects. The group members met frequently to share what was happening in their lives and how the lists helped them. I enjoyed reading this story with unexpected twists and turns and think a list may be a good thing.