Book Review: Addressing Widowhood

Christina Hamlett has been a Guest Blogger here numerous times. An accomplished novelist, playwright, interviewer, former actress--the list goes on. Now, she has added one more description after her name. Widow! Ms. Hamlett lost her beloved husband of 25 years Easter Sunday of 2023. 

She learned a great deal in the months after her husband's death and has written a book to share her experiences, thoughts, and tips for other widows. The title is 'Everything I Know About Widowhood I Learned From Jessica Fletcher'.

Ms. Hamlett's husband's illness lasted only a few short months, but they had time to discuss many things that she would need to know once she was alone. Finances, burial or cremation, and more. A difficult task for many, but important.

This is not a typical, somber book about becoming a widow. Ms. Hamlett writes with warmth and humor while giving some excellent guidelines for married women who suddenly find themselves alone. 

The title of the book, of course, refers to the 'Murder She Wrote' series starring Angela Lansbury that ran for many years. The author admired Ms. Lansbury's character, Jessica Fletcher, and writes that there was much to learn about being a widow by watching the widowed sleuth in the popular series. 

One chapter gives a Must-Do Checklist which is important, but Ms. Hamlett also gives advice about what you should aim for as a widow. Things like living life to the fullest, finding a purpose in life (big or small), taking care of yourself, and embracing the things you love. She also cautions about things you should not do.

There is a lot of her personal story which readers will find of interest. Stories about her courtship and marriage, a humorous section on the man she dubbed 'The Cremation Guy', and possible new relationships. 

The final section of the book is a list of other books that might be helpful to widows. 

As a Help for Widows book, I'd give this one 5 stars. I also think it would be of interest to those women still married but who might possibly find themselves in the widow category someday. 

The book is an ebook as well as paperback. Look for it at your favorite bookseller or online.