Testimonials
“Corrine Jacobson recently spoke to the Cleburne Lions Club about her book, A HANDBOOK FOR WIDOWS. The book provides support and practical suggestions for the recently widowed, after the death of a mate, the power of attorney and a directive to physician and family. She suggested writing your own obituary, having it on file, checking about bank accounts after a death and preparing funerals. Corrine Jacobson was in the industrial safety supply business for l8 years and has been widowed l6 years.”
Kirk Kirpatrick
President of the Cleburn LIons Club
August 15, 2010
“I read the book immediately and was amazed by the concision, clarity and thoroughness. The combination of detailed practical advice and spiritual counsel seems to me unique.”
Candace Sherber
McLean, VA
June 1, 2010
BOOK REVIEW BY WINDING ROADS BOOKS AND MORE:
In A Handbook for Widows, help is offered for women of any age who have suffered the loss of their mate. This simple little book provides timeless gems of advice. It will actually be of immense benefit to those feeling all the confusion and grief of tasks needing completion when death inevitably pays a visit. No one really wants to take care of all the many and varied issues that arise. However, it is a fact that life is for the living and a large part of moving forward is dealing with the situation. Within the pages of this book, women will find comfort in the words of someone who has already done it all – and survived the process to look forward to the future. Part and parcel of this hand book is advice reminding grieving widows to stay focused and tend to the simple daily things, easily forgotten in the morass of emotion such as: not leaving keys in the car, watching pots and pans when cooking, and watching speed limits when driving. The authors include suggestions on funeral arrangements, how to deal with and include other family members, getting started right away on any legal matters, making sure of finances, and how to make those first days and nights alone more bearable until enjoyment returns on some unknown day. There is much to be appreciated between the covers of this small book. I spotted only a few grammatical errors while reading it through, which was a relief given that more manuscripts these days seem rife with them. The book’s contents are a positive reflection of what being a surviving spouse feels like; from the moment of loss until healing begins and the future looms brighter. Corrine Jacobson suggests that “Hospice workers and those with loved ones in Hospice are ideal to receive this book. Financial Planners and Probate Lawyers also find it useful and especially when writing wills.” I’d say that anyone who is female is a prime candidate for owning and at some point utilizing this thoughtful guidepost.
Lori Kinnard, Owner
Winding Roads Books and More
615 N. Broadway
Joshua, TX 76058
Phone: 817-484-2900
BOOK REVIEW BY THE BEST TIMES:
“A Handbook for Widows,” by Memphian Rose M. Rubin, Ph.D., and Corrine Jacobson, was written to help new widows cope with a range of legal, emotional and financial matters. Practical advice is offered to aid with decision making on issues such as notifying family and friends of hte dealth, planning a funeral, preparing an obituary, how to deal with the estate, medical bills and suddenly living alone. The book also offers practical suggestion on how to begin a new life after the death of a spouse. “A Handbook for Widows” came about after Jacobson’s husband of 22 years died. She sought books that would help her with widowhood but didn’t find them. She and Rubin then wrote the book to help widows “find a new path in their lives.” The authors wrote: “You will find the courage to move forward with your life. After the death of a loved one, most of us start out living minute to minute. But this will grow into hours, days, weeks, and months; and then the 1st year anniversary will arrive, and you will know that you have survived.” Rubin is professor of economics at hte Fogelman College of Business and Economics at the University of Memphis. She has co-authored two books about American Households and has written dozens of scholarly research papers on health and aging.”
The Best Times
3100 Walnut Grove Rd., Suite 404
Memphis, TN 38111
Phone: 901-458-2911
BOOK REVIEW BY KEVIN TIPPLE, SENIOR NEWS:
Having a spouse die unexpectedly is a shock and something that happens all too frequently. With no warning or planning, the widow or widower is left behind to deal with the aftermath as best they can. This small self published book offers guidance for widows as well as widowers on how to deal with all the things that have to be dealt with in the aftermath of the death of a spouse. …
…To read the full review please visit Mr. Tipple’s blog:
http://kevintipplescorner.blogspot.com/2010/04/reviewing-handbook-for-widows-by.html
“Thank you for writing your book. It is wonderful and so useful and should be marketed to all congregations for for those have lost a spouse.”
Toby Perilman, recently widowed
February 16, 2010
“Without this handbook, I would have lost my home. She gave me such insight, on how to handle all financial affairs, that I was able to control all my finances. While grieving, one gets so lost in ones emotions, that this book, puts everything into perspective. It helps you to solve problems, that you would not even have thought would come about. She gives you deep insight, on information, that you would not believe you would need. I would have lost all my possessions without her advice.”
Betsy
Jan. 25, 2010
“I have been working with seniors and their families for over 30 years and this book is a welcome addition to helping them. When a person loses a spouse it is always a shock—whether the death has happened suddenly or was expected for a time. There is a huge adjustment to be made and this book helps the widowed focus on what needs to be done as well as teaches coping skills. This book is also helpful in teaching adult children what their parents are experiencing and can open up communication and show areas that the adult child can help their grieving parents.”
Constance Kilgore
Jan. 25, 2010
“Along with grieving for a loved one, comes the realization that you must do all the things your loved one took care of. Grieving is very stressful and emotionally tiring. Corrine’s book gives easy,practical, useful information to help you solve problems. It is a great handbook to have on hand.”
Barb, recently widowed
January 20, 2010
“My husband now has hospice, so I know that I must face widowhood in the near future. A friend suggested I buy this book and I am so glad she did. The authors explain in a very concise manner the necessary steps a widow must take following her husband’s death. Now that I know what to expect, I can begin to organize some of these documents and be prepared when I need them. The authors cover almost all aspects of widowhood including taking care of your own health which many widows neglect. This book has already been invaluable to me and will continue to be my handbook in the future. I highly recommend it.”
Amy Stein, via Amazon.com
January 10, 2010
“Thanks for organizing your thoughts into a wonderful book for survivors.”
Joy Kirsch
Certified Financial Planner
November 25, 2009
“A Handbook for Widows” is so much more than the title implies. This pocket sized book is packed with information, guidance and resources for anyone who has lost a spouse, parent or even an adult child. The steps, small and large, that are required to move forward in the wake of loss are tremendous and the authors have presented a path that is easy to follow with this book. I greatly encourage all libraries, nursing homes, temples, churches, counselors, educators as well as doctors and nurses to pick up several copies and pass them onto their clients.”
Caryn Gottlieb FitzGerald, author
www.carynfitzgerald.com
September 30, 2009
“We have placed A Handbook for Widows in our library and thank the author, Corrine Jacobson, for writing such a special book.”
Lisa Adams
Public Relations Coordinator
CTMC Hospice Care
September 2, 2009
“This book is attractive and well-written and provides amazing insight into what to do if confronted by the sudden or expected death of a loved one. Death is not the standard dinner-table topic, and many people avoid talking about it. However, this book isn’t about death, it’s about life! It’s about the life of the survivor and practical steps to transition that life from one with a loved one to one without that loved one. No matter what stage of life you are in, you could face a sudden tragedy. Alternatively, you might be caring for one or more aging parents who are facing end-of-life issues. This book is for you. It may not be relevant now, but it will be one day. Why wait?”
X. Kirk, via Amazon.com
September 1, 2009
“Sam,
The book you sent has 56 pages of very good information. All married women should read it. We learn some things too late. I’m touched by the fact you not only wanted to help me, but sent a source. I read it immediately after receiving it.
Thank you,
JoNell”
The preceding letter was written by a woman
who received my book as a gift from a work colleague.
September 1, 2009
“What a fabulous tool this book has become for my mother. While consumed by caring for my ill father, this book is helping her navigate her way through life’s changes and to make decisions that might have otherwise been overlooked. After years of following my father’s lead, this handbook is guiding her thru simple everyday issues as well as serious decisions that will impact her life after my father’s passing. It is a comfort to me to know that she can find direction and consolation from other women who have lost their spouse. Thank for this wonderful book … A must have for women living before and after the loss of a spouse.”
E. Moore, via Amazon.com
August 26, 2009
“Having just finished your book, and feeling so proud of you and your generous spirit, it was necessary to let you know the very real gift you have written. I have sent it to a friend in another state who has a very ill husband as I know it will help her.”
Carol Rains
August 16, 2009
“Up front, I admit that the author is my cousin. However, My wife and I have read her book and it is in our library. The reason is simple. It is a step-by-step guide through the emotion-wracked process of recovering emotionally and financially from the death of a spouse. Corrine Jacobson has been there, she was an accomplished business woman with an eye for detail, and she has documented everything that she had to do, everything that she learned, and everything that was useful in this book. How many birth certificates do I need and why? What happens with our bank accounts and savings? What is it like to mourn and what should I expect to feel? What can I expect from friends and relatives? Right now, when all is well and it is hard to believe that anyone needs to know all this. But think for a moment — the doorbell rings and there is a policeman on the porch. “I am sorry to tell you, but your loved one was killed in an auto accident.” That is an “Oh My God, what do I do now,” moment. This book will tell you.”
Sam Brunstein
August 14, 2009
“This book has a lot of good, practical suggestions, both for the financial and emotional changes that occur. The book suggested getting many death certificates. I was absolutely surprised at how many I needed. I think the funeral home made arrangement for ten but I needed more. This is a book that women need immediately when their spouse dies, but most women are not out shopping for books then, but it would be a nice gift to give someone at the time, or women should have one on hand. I think they’ve put together a great book.”
Mrs. J. Jensen
March 26, 2009
