One Simple Act: Discovering the Power of Generosity »

When Debbie Macomber started out, she was a young, dyslexic mother of four who wrote in her kitchen on a rented typewriter. Years later, she's the blockbuster bestselling author of dozens of heartwarming novels that celebrate love, laughter, and the bonds of family and friendship.

A master storyteller’s true stories show how simple acts of generosity have lasting life-changing impact on recipients as well as givers.

Publishers Weekly

Macomber, one of today’s leading fiction writers with more than 100 million books in print, walks a new path with this nonfiction title. “I’ve just got to share the news,” she says of her book on generosity. “Intentional acts of generosity can open our lives to the very best God has to offer.” Macomber builds her book on the biblical story of Jesus’ multiplication of five loaves and two fishes, a miracle recorded in all four gospels, using her storytelling prowess to retell the tale. She then takes readers on a journey through the true meaning of generosity (and it’s not about cash): encouragement, good deeds, forgiveness and believing the best. She also delves into giving, listening and hospitality, and dips into what generosity means when it comes to Christmas, caregiving and prayer. The theme, Macomber says, is, simply, to offer what you have. She fills out her chapters with real-life stories, suggestions for “Simple Acts” and brief “Discovery” sections. This is a useful, inspiring study of an underpracticed art, written by one who has received, given and witnessed generosity. (Nov.)

1 Fleas, Footsteps, and Checkout Lanes 13

The Springboard of Gratitude

2 Loaves, Fishes, and Miracle Math 37

The Mystery of Sharing 37

3 Keys, Candy, and Army Men 49

The Act of Encouragement

4 Spilled Latte, Backpacks, and Tollbooths 69

The Habit of Good Deeds

5 A Memory, a Guard, and an Outstretched Hand 85

The Impact of Forgiveness 85

6 A Coach, a Cough Drop, and a Light Bulb 101

The Power of Believing the Best

7 Point Hope, a Piano Recital, and a House Yet to Come 117

The Bounty of Open-Handed Giving

8 Static, Stories, and Chow-Chow 137

The Art of Listening 137

9 Jambalaya, Cupcakes, and the North Platte Canteen 155

The Practice of Hospitality

10 Waiting Rooms, Blossoms, and Letters That Last 171

The Privilege of Inspiring Hope

11 Glue, Legends, and a Slumber Party 191

The Spirit of Christmas 191

12 Bread Crumbs, Minnows, and Submarines 211

The Gift of Caregiving

13 A Kingdom, Ten Dollars, and Afghans of Love 227

The Bounty of Time

14 Red Stars, Research, and a Rolex 247

The Offering of Prayer

15 A Question, an Opportunity, and a Conversation Worth Having 261

The Sharing of Our Faith Stories

16 A Treasure, a Shawl, and a Hymn over the Phone 277

The Heart of Service

17 Giving God the Last Word 293

Acknowledgments 301

Appendix A One Simple Act Reader Questions 305

Appendix B Some of Debbie Macomber's Favorite Charities 309

Notes 311