“I wrote these letters so that long after I’m gone, you’ll know that I loved you, had great hopes for you, and wanted to give you my best advice on living in this tough world. If I can’t be there with you, I hope my letters will act as a sort of reminder of me—as if I’m standing there beside you, whispering in your ear, and putting my arm around your shoulder.”
Mike Huckabee has worn many hats throughout his life: pastor, politician, governor, presidential candidate, talk show host, rock bassist, pundit, husband, and father. But since his first grandchild was born, he’s found that the role of grandfather is more satisfying than just about any of the others.
Huckabee wanted to give something to his grandson, Chandler, that would last forever. He began drafting a series of letters to Chandler recounting heartwarming stories from his past and the bittersweet lessons learned along the way. With the birth of his granddaughter, Scarlett, just a year later, Huckabee was further inspired to convey his love and wisdom.
Dear Chandler, Dear Scarlett touches on the timeless topics of faith, love, family, overcoming adversity, and staying true to your values in the face of failure and temptation. For instance, Huckabee tells how being forced to pick up pecans from the trees in his yard taught him the value of hard work. (“We were told that if we wanted to eat that night and sleep in a bed instead of in the yard, we’d pick up the pecans.”) Years later he learned the real meaning of love after watching a friend care for his dying wife who could no longer recognize him. (“He loved her not because he enjoyed it or found pleasure in it, but because he had promised that he would never leave her until death parted them. And here he was, keeping that promise, faithful to the end.”)
Like his bestseller A Simple Christmas, Dear Chandler, Dear Scarlett isn’t about politics. It’s a deeply personal, heartfelt, inspirational book that can be enjoyed by anyone. As Huckabee writes: “Although my advice comes from my personal experience and I’m writing with my grandkids in mind, I hope any parent, grandparent, child, or grandchild can take away something valuable from these letters. I’ll try not to be too obnoxious, but don’t worry, if you ever sit next to me on a plane, I’ll still be happy to show you all the photos of Chandler and Scarlett I have on my phone.”
Download and start listening now!
"Great book - written in a very down-to-earth way to Mike Huckabee's two grandchildren - He says many of the things I'd like to say to my grandchildren about country, love, education, and other important aspects of life. Well-written, easy to follow, and humorous throughout."
— Karen (5 out of 5 stars)
“Mike Huckabee has written a book that touches all the bases, from hilarity to profundity. I loved it and so will you.”
— Bob Barker“As grandparents, we want to leave something behind to our grandchildren, ensuring that our memory lives on. Governor Huckabee’s book is a perfect example of what we will do in order to preserve our legacy so that future generations will continue to feel our presence.”
— Neil Sedaka“It is so very important to always have one’s eye on the young—to nurture them and rear them in the most loving and intelligent of ways. Mr. Huckabee understands this and acts accordingly. He does it with grace and with wisdom. Thank you, sir.”
— Robert Duvall“Chandler and Scarlett are lucky to have a grandfather as thoughtful and caring as Mike Huckabee. This series of heartfelt and deeply personal letters speaks not only to his grandchildren but also delivers a universal message of hope and love—life lessons that any parent or grandparent would want to pass on.”
— Joan Lunden“Dear Chandler, Dear Scarlett is refreshing and uplifting—with simple and rare life lessons that we can all learn something from. Mike Huckabee is full of class and humbly shows it off in this book!”
— Josh Turner“As a grandfather of eleven, I clearly understand Governor Huckabee’s great expectations for his grandchildren. These love letters will inspire every reader to love not just in word but in deed. You will see how to communicate love, offer wisdom, and enjoy special time with your grandchildren, while helping to protect their future.”
— James Robison“Discusses love and marriage, the environment, and even creativity in decent, heartwarming ways.”
— Publishers Weekly" What a treasure for Huckabee's grandchildren! To be able to read and read again these letters filled with wisdom and love will be priceless to them. "
— Debbie, 10/6/2013" This was typical Mike Huckabee. While I do appreciate Huckabee's moderate tone on issues like education and the environment, his theology can use a lot more depth... Overall an enjoyable book full of home-spun wisdom, practical advice and entertaining stories. "
— Kevin, 9/9/2013" This is a charming book but not much different from what most grandparents would write. "
— Pauline, 9/1/2013" Sounds cliche', but I laughed, I cried. Such a sweet book that will be a grandpa's legacy to his grandkids long after he leaves the earth. "
— Lara, 7/23/2013" DEAR CHANDLER, DEAR SCARLETT is a warm and inspirational book. Author, Mike Huckabee, wrote in a simple, refreshing style and conveyed some quite valuable life lessons. "
— Carol, 4/2/2013" What a sweet and well put together book. It makes me not only grateful that my children have wonderful grandfathers like this man, but reminds us how little our children really are and what sweet pieces of advice we as parents should be passing along as well. "
— Jessica, 3/24/2013" Mike Huckabee offers some great words about so many aspects of life. I found it so meaningful. "
— Paul, 1/15/2013" this was a great book that i think is very applicable to daily life. i really enjoyed learning more about mr. huckabee, and several of his advise points made so much sense they are now some of my favorite quotes!!! "
— Amber, 12/12/2012Mike Huckabee hosts the popular
talk show Huckabee on Fox News Channel and The Mike
Huckabee Show each weekday on Cumulus Radio and presents “The Huckabee
Report” commentary three times daily on six hundred radio stations. He served
as lieutenant governor of Arkansas from 1993 to 1996 and as governor from 1996
to 2007. During the 2008 presidential race he came in second place for the
Republican nomination. His books include the New York Times bestsellers Do
the Right Thing, A Simple Christmas, and A Simple
Government.He and his wife, Janet, have three grown children
and three dogs.