Hannah Coulter is a gem of a book. Amazingly written by a man, not one false step can be found in the sweet, beautifully written text. Hannah lives in rural Kentucky and graduates from high school just before Pearl Harbor. Her family life has been awful and she is really raised by her grandmother.

Going out on her own, marrying a soldier who she sees briefly over 5 years and who doesn't make it back, she and her daughter find happiness with her 2nd husband. Their life is one of family and friends, good times and bad, but never a sense of defeat is shown. Hannah is philosophical and brave, telling her own story.

In the light of so many overly depressing stories, this is one which doesn't hold back the joys and sorrows but does so in a very life affirming way.