Has cancer ever affected your life?

I realize that’s a broad question, however, it’s a question that is deeply linked to A Walk Along the Beach. This was one of the strongest, most compelling Debbie Macomber books that I’ve ever read.

Willa happily runs her coffee shop, Bean There, on the beachy shore of Oceanside. Harper, her sister/best friend/roommate, often hangs around the coffee shop, often stepping in to assist Willa when Willa is short-staffed. Harper is happy and she embraces life to the fullest. Harper is also beautiful and has her share of male admirers. Willa is not as pretty as her sister and is often in the background as Harper embraces the spotlight.

Harper and Willa have an unusual relationship because Willa is more of a mother to Harper. Their mom died when they were younger, and Willa stepped in as the role of the mother – especially since their father suffered from alcoholism.

When handsome Sean comes into the coffeeshop, Harper feels that he is the perfect match for her sister. Willa is leery about Harper’s matchmaking skills as she spends time with Sean.

But, when drastic, traumatic and tragic events occur, the lives of all of the characters are drastically altered. Reading this book will make you appreciate your friends and family – be grateful for these relationships because things can drastically change in a short amount of time.

This was a strong, emotional book that I’m sure will be the number one beach read for the summer.

So, has cancer ever affected your life? If so, how?