What does an older woman do when she finds herself alone in her later years? In a newly released novel, written by Dr. Joan MacCracken, we find Elizabeth Sloan alone after the sudden death of her husband.

She decides to fulfill her dream of living year-round in a small, coastal town in Maine, and after considering the long dark, winter nights and the inefficiency of heating her large home for just one person, hatches a plan; she will invite three other older women to move in with her for the winter.

“The Winter House: A Season of Sharing” transports the reader into the living quarters where four new housemates grow in friendship, sharing intimate and sometimes difficult, conversations, as only women can. Elizabeth learns how a community can come together to support and appreciate one another.

Using her book, "The Winter House," as a backdrop, McCracken will present some of the demographics facing seniors in our communities.

How might one begin to think about alternatives to facing years of living alone? As a staunch support of “aging-in-place,” she hopes to raise the awareness of this topic.

The Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library is hosting a Literary Luncheon with MacCracken on Friday, Dec. 12 at 11:45 a.m. at the Boothbay Harbor Town Hall. The cost of the lunch from Red Cup Coffeehouse is $10. Payment is due at registration. Last day to register is Thursday, Dec. 11. Please stop by the library to register early as space is limited.