Once Upon a Time: Discovering Our Forever After Story

by Debbie Macomber

From one of America’s favorite storytellers comes a heartwarming, inspirational book to help readers understand their lives as one continuous, never-ending story.

God has a story for your life . . .

Debbie Macomber has inspired readers with her stories for decades. Now for the first time, she helps each of us to understand that life is a story, part of a grand narrative that God is writing day by day.

With chapters that cover the importance of literary elements such as characters, setting, backstory, and conflict, Macomber uses the structure of a story to illustrate God’s hand in our lives. Each chapter has a storytelling prompt—a searching question that will help frame our story—and a sidebar that pulls an idea out of the chapter and expands it with practical tips.

Once Upon a Time shares Debbie’s love of story and helps showcase the big picture of the story God is writing through us.

Genres: Nonfiction, Inspirational, Christian, Spirituality, Christian Living, Romantic, Biography

224 pages, Hardcover

First published May 7, 2013

About the author

Debbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.

In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.

Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.

She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once Upon A Time: Discovering Our Forever After Story is a highly inspirational and biblically based book of encouragement. Debbie Macomber refers to her own life experiences to inspire us to write our own life stories and encouraging a relationship with God. Finding her own relationship in 1972, she shares with us her journey and uses her literary experience and references to help us to do the same.

I have to admit that I didn’t realize this was a work of non-fiction. This is not my typical fiction, paranormal or romance read. That being said, I enjoyed Debbie’s life story, it was humorous and encouraging. Her relationship is God and Christian beliefs is self evident. The idea that we are all creating our own stories and was the purpose in writing this book was edifying. I do believe this book would perfectly suit the The Perfect Driving Life fans and would be great for church book club reads.

This ARC copy of Once Upon A Time was given to me by Howard Books in exchange for an honest review. This book is to be published May 28, 2013.

[Dundee Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a fan of Debbie Macomber, you will love this. I listened to this on audio with Debbie as the narrator. She takes you along with her on a journey to what inspires her writing, what her process is and tells some of her secrets that make her novels so inviting. She also incorporates Bible scripture, and how this influenced some of her topics. After reading this, I wanted to sit down and have tea with her and listen to some more of her inspiration. I didn't want the book to end.

[Melanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Once Upon a Time was different than I was expecting. I feel like those who are writers or aspiring writers will really enjoy the book, however I didn't love it. It was unique the way it was written and I did enjoy some aspects, but there were a couple things that I didn't like.

All in all, not a book for me.

*I received a complimentary eBook copy of this book for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, only my honest opinion.

[Gladys Drybred · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book gives you a look at life and how God is there working through yours even when you aren’t aware. I have a new appreciation of Debbie Macomber and the books she writes.

[Kathleen (Kat) Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you were writing a story about your life up to this point, how would it begin? "Once upon a time," or "a long, long time ago," or "in a faraway land," or "happily ever after?" Just hearing these words offers a sense of excitement and expectation, a sense of anticipation. A story is about to unfold, and those key words tell all we need to know about the kind of story it will be. As we explore ways to see our lives as one grand story, we're going to realize that all the parts - the good parts and the bad, the trouble and the heartache, the disappointment and the discouragements we face - are important to the story, and, as we already know redemption is coming.

In the latest inspiration novel from best selling author Debbie Macomber, Once Upon A Time, she invites readers to take a journey into their own story, the story of their life. Most of us would never think our own story is worth reading much worth sharing, but that is where you are wrong. As Debbie encourages the reader throughout this book to take a look at different parts of our life, back to our favorite part of growing up, our childhood home, room or town; to look at we loved most about growing up, perhaps a family tradition that even now you carry into your own family, or a memorable time in school you have never forgotten. When we look back at the smaller pieces one at a time, she encourages the reader to pick up a journal and begin to write these thoughts down. Maybe it's a place you love to go for some unknown reason, she encourages you to dig deep to understand what the draw might be. Who were the main characters in your own life? Perhaps siblings, relatives, friends or even a stranger has impacted your life so much you will never forget them.

Working her way through the book chapter by chapter much like writing her own books, she encourages the reader to spend some time looking back at their life. It might surprise you to see just how much amazing details and stories you would have to share. This is the point of this book. To encourage you to begin your own story, a legacy, a way to share what impact you have made in this life, the things that are important to you. What about your name? Who picked it out, why, what significance does your name mean? Does that have any impact on the person you are today or what the desires of your heart are?

Debbie works through this novel with the reader as if you're having an intimate conversation with her. From sharing her own stories or stories that have impacted her own life, you feel as if you're on this journey together. I even love the idea of using this book if you're thinking about writing your own book, fiction or not, to help you through the process of putting ideas together on character development or settings. This is also a great book to encourage you to begin journaling your own family stories, perhaps as a basis to interview your grandparents and see what they have to share. Life stories are important. They are important to God.

"Without memory, we'd have to relearn everything every day. Without memory, we'd forget who we are and where we've been. Without memory, we'd lose faith because we'd forget the faithfulness of God."

I received Once Upon A Time by Debbie Macomber compliments of Howard Books, a division of Harper Collins Publishers for my honest review and received no monetary compensation for a favorable one. This one will forever have a permanent home on my library shelf at home because I plan on referring to it quite a bit. My husband and I are even now chronicling our parents lives so we can keep their stories alive long after that have passed away so we can share them with future generations. This book is an exceptional tool to use for just that purpose and perhaps for creating your own personal legacy. I rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars and gives you insight on just how interesting your own life really and truly is. Perhaps there is even a happily ever after waiting just for you!

[Cathie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book that helps a writer to uncover their own stories; who we are, what we have experienced, memories within us. Throughout it is infused with how our upbringing and events are connections to God, the world around us and how our memories can be used as good tools to connect with others, to relate and to share our common bonds and our common feelings.

This book shows and tells how to pull memories from your past and how to get in touch and feel safe while exploring events. There are lots of suggestions for bringing new life to your memories, taking what you know in your head and transferring it to your heart along with the feelings that we often bury.

A very good exploration to discovering the joys, the hurts, the comical and the uniqueness into the stories you have hidden inside of you and the experiences that others can relate to and then very practical directions on how to set these to paper and to share with others, without fear or regret the truths, fears and experiences that you know so well through fictional writing.

Although this is a small book in word count it is large in the exercises it gives to finding one's own true story telling voice. Some of the exercises are uncomfortable to do and I had to put it down many times and say enough exploration and then wait to want to come back to find out more of what was there inside of me. It gently moves the reader along to being able to put down on paper and remember in our hearts everything, every nuance of our past so that we can write the stories that make others laugh, relate, cry, gasp, sigh, explode with their own feelings and their own rememberances and identification. It's all about the connections we have and losing the disconnect we gather as we move away from experiences in the past.

[Sharon Chance · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore just about everything Debbie Macomber has ever written. And I have been truly inspired by her recent non-fiction, inspirational books. "Once Upon A Time: Discovering Our Forever After Story" is her latest, and it is wonderful.

Macomber works through this book with the reader as if you're sitind down to tea, having an intimate conversation with her.

From sharing her own inspiring stories or other stories that have impacted her own life, you can almost feel as if you're on this journey together with Macomber’s loving guidance and advice leading the way, like a good friend.

This is a great book to encourage you to begin journaling your own family stories. It's not that hard - just pick up the pen or sit down at the computer, and begin. With a little help from Debbie via this book - it will be smooth sailing. Life stories are important and they are worth committing to paper for posterity,

[Mary Chrapliwy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Macomber's book is part memoir, part spiritual, part writing book.

I didn't know what to expect when I opened this book. I've read quite a few of Macomber's books and enjoyed them immensely, but this nonfiction titled held more of Macomber than her novels do. Intensely Christian, she begins each chapter with a verse from the bible (both old and new testaments). She frequently injects faith into her chapters and sometimes gets a bit preachy, which at times was a just a bit off-putting. I've never felt comfortable with books that preach too much. She also explains in this book why her fiction is not preachy, which I believe opens her beautiful fiction to a broader audience.

As I said, this book is part memoir (parts left me teary-eyed), part spiritual (parts that became too preachy were skipped over), and part writing book. This book was more of a window into what makes Debbie Macomber tick since none of the three dominate the book.

[Rachel Sides · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm one of those people who thinks that Debbie Macomber's name on the front of a book is reason enough to read a book. I grabbed Once Upon a Time without reading the blurb on the back because it didn't matter; I'd read it no matter what it said. Once Upon a Time is a nonfiction book designed to assist readers in writing there personal story, their life story. Debbie shares tales behind some of her story-lines, her personal history and her faith. Each chapter contains a story prompt for the readers to write a little piece of their stories. I believe everyone has a story to tell and with the help from this book, most people should be able to begin the process.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to on CD

This book really should be read. There are journaling and writing exercises a the end of each chapter. She uses journaling as a means for you to break through your creative blocks through story telling. At the end of every chapter she gives a subject for you to write on. She is quite the Christian sprinkling bible passages through out the book for inspiration. If you are put off by that you may want to pass this up for something a little more secular. However there is value here.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am sorry for the loss of Debbie and her husband. I really am. Having said that I do not agree with a lot of her beliefs. I enjoy her books and thought she was a Christian. Maybe so but her Catholic teaching makes me question.

There are other things that she says that bother me as well. Jesus wasn’t born in a barn. Never heard that one. We do not go through the desert. We believers are the righteousness of God in Christ, victorious, one with Christ, and so much more. We are corrected as all children of God must be, but we are forgiven of all sins.

Many believe a Christian becomes an angel when they die. Otherwise they would not say as much. CS Lewis was Anglican which is just about the same as Catholicism. They believe faith in Jesus + works = salvation. Good works follow salvation, they do not help earn it. That is self righteousness and leads to hell. Purgatory is not scriptural and infant baptism isn’t either.

Mother Theresa was actually miserable. I feel that she knew in her soul that she could never do enough to help earn her way to Heaven. She would have been right. The thing about angels that I didn’t mention is they are always in the masculine gender. No female angels in their natural form.

Peter is not the foundation of the Church. Jesus is the rock, the cornerstone of, the foundation of the Church. The 3 days and 3 nights after the death of Jesus — He in spirit went into Paradise and proclaimed His victory over all that He died to buy back and to proclaim to hell His victory and their loss. When He rose from the dead, the OT saints rose also after He did. Then when He ascended so did they. That was the first part of the first resurrection. Jesus was the first fruits. The first to be raised to never die again and the OT believers followed.

Don’t add books to the Bible. That is the reason for so much heresy. Do not add to or take away from the gospel. It is the gift of God by grace through faith apart from works. Works will be rewarded when we are at the judgement for believers. Salvation is determined in this life or the lack of salvation. There is the judgment for the just and the judgment for the unjust. Love to all. Cathy R

[Cami · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how God-centric and scripture-focused this is! I have never actually read any of her fiction books, though I've enjoyed Cedar Cove episodes on TV. I loved the concept of viewing your life through the elements of storytelling and an eternal perspective. I have never resonated with being a storyteller because that connotes imagining fiction, but this book helped me see that I do love people's stories and am indeed a storyteller in my own way.

This book is thorough in detailing the various parts of a story and relating them to our lives, but in doing so, it got tedious and slow in sections. I actually listened to this as an audiobook on double speed. Not everything was super interesting, but there are enough great gems to give the book 4 stars. This would be good to go through with another person or in a group.

I loved this quote: "When we tell stories about ourselves to our families, we forge the strongest link possible--shared history."

I liked how she said at a recent Thanksgiving, instead of listing the blessing for which they're most grateful, they each talked about the time when they most felt God's presence in their lives. I also love that she had a whole chapter devoted to angels and "the unseen" world that touches our lives if we have eyes to see it. Learning of her son's death was heart-wrenching, yet she told it with the perspective of God's presence. I loved the part about the hero's journey being an archetype for our mortal journey, and I'd like to study that more in depth. The part about altars at the end of chapter 16 is also worth revisiting.

The book's ending is perfect: an invitation to share your own story with her personally. I think I might just do that!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book may not be for everyone (I.e., maybe not for those who don’t like to read non-fiction; who don’t value biblical scriptures/stories/messages throughout; or those who feel no call to write a book or journal.). It DID appeal to me. I have been encouraged much of my life to write and I enjoy writing. Plus, I enjoy others’ stories, including those of Debbie Macomber in this book. I valued the author sharing her approaches to writing a book. I enjoyed the quotes and anecdotes she shared, not only from her own life, but also from other well-known authors. For me, her book was a gift!

[Lana Lynne Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Christian writer and avid reader, I adored this book. I plan to recommend it to my fellow authors and critique group. The way she weaves story elements with scripture and real life events is captivating, and the story prompts help you dig deeper. I turned the last page praising the Lord--the Author of all things--for my still unfolding life-story. The privilege of being an author and the legacy of the stories He allows me to pen resonated. Thank you, Debbie Macomber.

[Dennis Raffaelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book very interesting. It gives insight into how an author approaches his or her work. It gives you ideas on how to approach reviewing your own life. This author comes across as very likable.

[Gato Negro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical advice for creative writing with an ever present Christian theme. I borrowed this from the library but plan to buy a copy.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a slug to read. Overly repetitive. Took away a few points but was glad it was a book of few pages.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable

[April]

Nothing wrong with this little book. I'm not a writer, so it didn't really excite me. I had a few other library books to read before the due date, so I decided to put this one down.

[El Hoffman · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF, not interesting.

[Amanda Dicicco · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually enjoyed this book a lot. It helped me out a lot on writing. Thanks Debbie macomber for this book. I highly recommend this book if your writing.

[V Back · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for when you're already a Macomber fan. Debbie is an inspiration! She has a closeness with Christ and relies on Heavenly help.

[Kendra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a novel! Not what I was expecting, but a pleasant background story of a pleasant author :)

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great tips on writing your personal story.

[K4tie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was not at all what I expected. That is not entirely bad or entirely good. Books reach out to each of us in a different way. I have for many years now struggled with accepting or not accepting Christianity. I did not expect in the least when I requested to review this book that I would be walked through some of the very stories that give me pause in my acceptance of Christianity. The thought of someone being able to part the sea, walk through it, and drop it is one of the many stories that I can't suspend my belief in how the natural world works and believe at face value. Although I feel misgivings for not being able to wholeheartedly embrace everything about Christianity I know that for this reason I cannot. However, even coming from a place such as I am that I was not looking to be schooled on the inspirational messages contained in the Bible I still kept reading and was of course unable to part from the book without feeling richer for having read it. Debbie does not just throw out versus from the Bible and examples from her life leaving the book feeling like Sunday school gone wrong. She expertly weaves in quotes and examples from a great many people's lives. One of which that made me pause in my reading was Mother Theresa. I don't want to spoil what was said, so you will have to read the book to see what amongst the myriad of thought provoking tidbits stand out to you. Christian or not this book is a great journey on how to start teasing out the creative energy we all have inside of us. That's right, every one of us! I received a free copy of this book from Howard Books in exchange for an honest review. These opinions are my own.

[TAMMY CUEVAS · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Once Upon a Time, fiction bestseller Debbie Macomber challenges the reader to find and share their own life story. The author shares her personal journey from a dyslexic childhood to a New York Times bestselling author. Ms. Macomber shares personal anecdotes from her own life, such as the teacher who told her she would never be a writer. These honest recollections give the a feeling of a conversation between friends, rather than an impersonal book.

Each chapter covers a specific area of discovering and writing one's story, and ends with a storytelling prompt. For instance, Chapter Two ends with a prompt to describe your childhood home in detail, while Chapter Five urges the reader to write about their name; i.e., who chose the name, the meaning, and what you would rename yourself if you could. Each chapter also begins with an appropriate Scripture from the Bible. One of my favorites was Chapter Three, which began with Deuteronomy 32:7.
This is not only a challenge for all of us to find our personal story and write it, or share it in some way, but it is also a fascinating look at how one writer has honed her craft. For writers, readers, and wanna-be writers (that would be me), this is a must-read.
5 stars

I received Once Upon A Time by Debbie Macomber compliments of Simon & Schuster Publishers for my honest review and received no monetary compensation for a favorable one.

[Dani C. (Polly's Place) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book by one of my favorite authors but it is unlike any I have read from her before. Somehow I had missed that she has written several inspirational nonfiction books and this is one of them. I thought it was just another one of her fabulous novels of love and romance. Well it is not!

In “Once Upon A Time: Discovering Our Forever After Story” Mrs. Macomber helps us realize that we each have a unique and interesting story to tell: our life story. She encourages you to tell that story in how ever you feel most comfortable; through writing, scrapbooking, art or any other means that speaks to you.

Throughout the entire book Mrs. Macomber tells you bits and pieces of herself and the extraordinary life she has lived so far. She is a real inspiration to me and I really enjoyed reading this because it helped me feel like I was getting to know someone so gifted and blessed.

I know for myself this book was a real eye opener and it will be one I read again when I get ready to tell my own story…

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the best sound recordings I have ever heard. The voice of the narrator was wonderfully pleasing to the ear. The content was for everyone, not just for aspiring writers. The gems I gleaned from this book I will be able to use in my daily life and in all my relationships. It was practical, realistic, heartwarming, intellectual and fun. Debbie touched my heart through her inspiring and encouraging stories, observations, confessions, and suggestions. I loved the CD's so much that I had to buy the book. This way I can highlight in it all I want without a library getting mad! I feel like I know Debbie personally after hearing the CD because she shared so much of herself and her family in the book. She expressed thoughts in ways I always wished I could. As a Christian, musician, wife, and mother I know that I will be able to enjoy Debbie's words for a lifetime. She delivers practical advice for examining the person we are and digging deeper to find out who we really are. All this, in an attempt to piece our own life story together.

[Pelican Rapids · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not one of my favorites

[Lana Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Once Upon a Time: Discovering Our Forever After Story" is one of those books that inspires, encourages and guides one into writing of any form for any reason - journaling, fiction, non-fiction, blogging, self-discovery, legacy, etc. This is an amazing read. Filled with wise suggestions, story prompts, and tidbits from Macomber's life and writing.

A writer friend and I are discussing this book chapter by chapter, comparing our highlighted areas and sharing our personal stories with one another. What a great way to deepen our relationship.

This is a timeless book that resonates with one's soul.