Hannah is the first-person limited narrator, and it is Hannah’s emotions, interpretations, and biases that determine how the reader receives the events in the story. Hannah had a traumatic childhood as a result of her negligent, self-absorbed parents who, by the time she was six years old, had fully abandoned her to the care of her grandfather. Hannah’s life was shaped by the gentle guidance of her grandfather who not only provided a stable home for her, but also introduced her to her future woodworking career.

Hannah grew up in Franklin, TN and Peekskill, NY, where she and her grandfather moved when she was a teen. Hannah is a loyal friend to Jules, whom she met at age 15 and with whom she shares most of the details of her life. Hannah’s success as a furniture maker came when her work was featured in a magazine and, much to Hannah’s surprise, caught the eye of high-dollar clients. She was engaged to Manhattan lawyer Jake Anderson but called off the wedding and soon after met her future husband, Owen, when she was 38.

Hannah prides herself on being an excellent judge of character, able to size up others rapidly and accurately. She is also empathetic and, when it comes to stepdaughter Bailey, extraordinarily self-sacrificing and tolerant.