What we thought: Last One Home by Debbie Macomber

Afternoon Readers Book Club July 2016

Last One Home

Debbie Macomber

“We all face difficulties of our own, and how comforting it is to immerse yourself in a book—my book, any book, any romance. It’s entertainment, it’s escape, and it can even be an inspiration.” Debbie Macomber

Readers were eager to talk about this month’s selection and what it meant to them. They all agreed with the quote from the book jacket, that Last One Home “…delivers an inspiring new stand- alone novel about the power of forgiveness, and a second chance at love.”   The story covers many serious themes and connects them all in heartwarming ways that resonated with readers. Readers commented on the family relationships and misunderstandings, life altering events and missed opportunities, self-discovery, personal growth and hard work which resulted in love and career opportunities. 

Readers appreciated the realistic portrayals of all of the characters and said that Cassie’s young daughter was authentic and they knew pre-teens who were just like her. Cassie was a very good mother and readers said that they expected Amiee to grow into a terrific young lady. Amiee’s craving for KFC was so intense that everyone wished they had some during the discussion but said they would save the chicken legs for her. Some said they preferred the mashed potatoes, gravy and cole slaw. A lot of time was devoted to talk about the food and celebrations in the story creating a familiar atmosphere.

Readers were interested in the focus on Habitat for Humanity and the details of how people were able to work into order to obtain a new house built just for them and by them. It was fascinating. Some readers knew quite a lot about it and others were interested and surprised to discover how this topic was woven into the heart of the story.

Readers were inspired to talk about memories of The Mayflower Grove which was built in 1901, as an amusement park in Bryantville on the shores of Little Sandy Bottom Pond (Route 27). It was named after the flowers that once grew so abundantly in the area. The Brockton and Plymouth Street Railway Company wished to increase the number of passengers on their new trolley line from Whitman to Hanson. They installed a “turn-out” to allow the trolleys to make stops off the main track. To stimulate business it was decided that an amusement park would be built, and along with it came the Mayflower Grove. It consisted of a dance hall, a movie theatre, a restaurant with a barbecue site, a hotel, a boat launch, games, a pool room, a carousel and much more! Mayflower Grove attracted entertainment from all over; regular entertainers included the Bingville Band and the Bryantville Kitchen Orchestra. Miss America visited in 1926 and 1927. Years later between the depression and damage from hurricanes, the park was sold to developers and the Mayflower Grove ended. 

 

Everyone enjoyed reading the book and plan to read more Debbie Macomber as well as watch her stories on the Hallmark Channel. The author has recently published an adult coloring book depicting scenes from her Rose Harbor and Blossom Street series; The World of Debbie Macomber, Come Home to Color.

Have you read Last One Home? What did you think? Please share your thoughts in comments.