50 Harbor Street by Debbie Macomber

Synopsis:

Dear Reader,

Considering that I'm married to Cedar Cove's private investigator, you might think I enjoy mysteries. But I don't -- especially when they involve us! Roy's been receiving anonymous postcards and messages asking if we "regret the past." We don't know what they mean....

On a more positive note, we're both delighted that our daughter, Linnette, has moved to Cedar Cove to work at the new medical clinic. A while ago I attended the humane society's "Dog and Bachelor Auction," where I bought her a date with Cal Washburn, who works at Cliff Harding's horse farm. Unfortunately Linnette is less enthusiastic about this date than I am.

Speaking of Cliff, the romance between him and Grace Sherman is back on. But that's only one of the many interesting stories here in Cedar Cove. So why don't you drop by for a coffee at my husband's office on Main Street or our house on Harbor and I'll tell you everything that's new!

Corrie

My review:

There's never a dull moment in Cedar Cove. Grace is trying to win Cliff back after her crush on best friend's brother ends their relationship. Linnette moves home only to have her mom fix her up with Cal, a man she is definitely NOT attracted to. Olivia and Jack settle into their new marriage until an emergency causes them to really think about their feelings for each other. Finally, the reader learns the truth behind those mysterious notes Corrie and her husband Roy have been receiving.

As always, I enjoyed this addition to the Cedar Cove series.

Book Details:
Series: Cedar Cove #5
ISBN-10: 0778322084
Pages: 362
Year Published: 2005
Genre: Romance (Series)
Date Finished: July 12
Rating: B

44 Cranberry Point by Debbie Macomber

Title:44 Cranberry Point
Author: Debbie Macomber
Series: Cedar Cove #4
ISBN-10: 0778320731
Pages: 377
Year Published: 2004
Genre: Romance
Date Finished: July 1

From the back cover:

Peggy Beldon
Thyme and Tide B and B
44 Cranberry Point
Cedar Cove, Washington

Dear Reader,

I love living in Cedar Cove, but things haven't been the same since a man died in our B and B. Turns out his name was Max Russell, and Bob had known him briefly in Vietnam. We still don't have any idea why he came here and-most important of all-who killed him. Because it now appears that he was poisoned. I sure hope somebody figures it out soon!

Now that we're providing the only news in Cedar Cove these day, I heard that Jon Bowman and Maryellen Sherman are getting married. And Maryellen's mom, Grace, has more than her share of interested men! The question is: Which one is she going to choose? Olivia-I guess it's Olivia Griffin now-is back from her honeymoon, and her mother, Charlotte (who's in her mid-seventies at least), seems to have a man in her life, too. I'm not sure Olivia's too pleased. . .

There's lots of other gossip I could tell you. Come by for a cup of tea and one of my blueberry muffins and we'll talk.

Peggy

First sentence: Peggy Beldon walked into her newly planted garden, taking real pleasure in the sights and smells that surrounded her.

Olivia Lockhart, Grace Sherman and their family and friends are back in this fourth installment of the Cedar Cove series. 44 Cranberry Point picks up where 311 Pelican Court ended. Bob and Peggy Beldon find themselves in the middle of a murder investigation and are shocked when they learn the killer's identity and the motive for the murder.

Ms. Macomber continues the stories of the popular characters: Olivia and her mother, Charlotte, Grace and her daughters, Jack Griffin and Cliff Harding. New characters are introduced as well. If you've read the previous novels in the series, you will feel right at home with 44 Cranberry Point.

I do like with each book, more is revealed about each character. It's as though the reader is getting to know a new friend. At times the storyline is predictable, however it doesn't diminish the reading enjoyment. If you are interested in reading this series, I suggest reading them in order as each book flows from one to the other.

311 Pelican Court by Debbie Macomber

Title:311 Pelican Court
Author: Debbie Macomber
Series: Cedar Cove #3
ISBN-10: 1551667193
Pages: 377
Year Published: 2003
Genre: Romance
Date Finished: June 4

From the back cover:

Rosie Cox
311 Pelican Court
Cedar Cove, Washington

Dear Reader,

One thing about Cedar Cove - people sure are interested in what other people are doing. Take me, for instance. Everybody in this town knows that my husband, Zach, and I recently got a divorce. Everybody also knows that Judge Olivia Lockhart decreed a pretty unusual custody arrangement. If won't be the kids moving between my place and Zach's. We're the ones who'll be going back and forth!

Olivia isn't immune to gossip herself. Will she stay with Jack, the guy who runs our local paper, or will she get back with her ex? Inquiring minds want to know!

But the really big gossip has to do with the dead guy - the man who died at a local bed-and-breakfast. Who is he and why did he show up there in the middle of the night? Roy McAfee, our local private investigator, is absolutely determined to find out. I hope he does - and then I'll let you know! See you soon. . .

Rosie

First sentence: From the moment Rosie Cox entered Cedar Cove's divorce court, she'd felt a renewed sense of failure - not to mention betrayal.

My review: I've really enjoyed this series that author Debbie Macomber has written. The characters are warm and engaging and the reader cannot help but to wonder what will happen next in Cedar Cove. Although this is classified as a romance novel, there's a bit of a mystery as well.

The mystery begins when Dan Sherman, Grace's husband, leaves his family. Later his body is found next to a suicide note. In the note, Dan informs Grace about an incident that happened during Vietnam. This incident has haunted him his entire life. Later we learn a stranger is found dead at Thyme and Tide Bed and Breakfast. Is his death somehow related to Dan?

Each book in this series, flows elegantly into the next one. Though the families live separate lives, the series has a small town appeal and everyone knows (and cares) for each other. If you are in search of a good series with likable characters, I'd suggest you start with book one 16 Lighthouse Road. Soon you too will get caught up in the happenings of Cedar Cove, WA.

204 Rosewood Lane by Debbie Macomber

Title: 204 Rosewood Lane
Author: Debbie Macomber
Series: Cedar Cove #2
ISBN-10: 155166923
Pages: 379
Year Published: 2002
Genre: Romance
Date Finished: May 21

From the back cover:

Grace Sherman

204 Rosewood Lane
Cedar Cove, Washington

Dear Reader,

If you've been to Cedar Cove before we've probably met. You can usually, find me either at home or at the public library, where I work. I've lived in this town all my life and raised two daughters here. But my husband and I -- well, about six months ago, he disappeared. Just . . . disappeared. Where's Dan? Why did he go? Who's he with? Will I ever find out?

My hometown, my family and friends, bring me comfort during this difficult time. Comfort and a sense of shelter. I'm continually reminded that life can and does go on. For instance, everyone's been discussing weddings and babies lately. Justine -- the only daughter of my best friend, Olivia Lockhart -- impulsively got married a little while ago. My own daughter Kelly recently had, a baby. Unfortunately, she refuses to accept that Dan might not return to see his first grandchild. My older daughter, Maryellen, is more realistic. I think she's seeing a new man, but for some reason she won't tell me who it is.

Then there's Jack, who's been pursuing a romance with Olivia, and his son, Eric, and Eric's girlfriend, Shelly (I think she's pregnant), and Zach and Rosemary Cox, whose marriage is reputedly on the skids and . . . Well, just come on over and we'll talk!

Grace

My review: In the next installment of the Cedar Cove series, we are introduced to Rosie and Zach Cox. Zach is extremely frustrated that Rosie spends more time volunteering and barely has time to cook a meal. Dinners at their house are usually microwaved or take-out. Marital stress takes it toll and the couple decides to separate.

Meanwhile, Grace Sherman has divorced her husband, who disappeared in 16 Lighthouse Road. She's convinced he left her and her daughters for another woman, so she decides it's time for her to move on as well. She develops a friendship with Cliff Harding and entertains the idea of moving their relationship forward.

Grace's daughter, Maryellen, has sworn off men as a result to a short-lived marriage. Maryellen feels men are not to be trusted and spends her time avoiding the dating scene and engrossed in her work. That is until she meets Jon.

Olivia Lockhart, her mother Charlotte, daughter Justine and boyfriend Jack are also back in this book. 204 Rosewood Lane continues to interweave the lives of the residents of Cedar Cove. As more characters are introduced, readers cannot help but to feel as though they are catching up with old friends.

16 Lighthouse Road by Debbie Macomber

Title: 16 Lighthouse Road
Author: Debbie Macomber
Series: Cedar Cove #1
ISBN-13: 9781551668307
Pages: 377
Year Published: 2001
Genre: Romance (Series)
Date Finished: April 17

From the back cover:
Olivia Lockhart
16 Lighthouse Road Cedar Cove, Washington

Dear Listener,
You don't know me yet, but in a few hours that's going to change. You see, I'm inviting you to my home and my town of Cedar Cove because I want you to meet my family, friends, and neighbors. Come and hear their stories - maybe even their secrets!

I have to admit that my own secrets are pretty open. My marriage failed some years ago, and I have a rather...difficult relationship with my daughter, Justine. Then there's my mother, Charlotte, who has plenty of opinions and is always willing to share them.

Here's an example: I'm a family court judge and she likes to drop in on my courtroom. Recently I was hearing a divorce petition. In Charlotte's view, young Cecilia and Ian Randall hadn't tried hard enough to make their marriage work - and I agreed. So I rendered my judgment: Divorce Denied.

Well, you wouldn't believe the reaction! Thanks to an article by Jack Griffin, the editor of our local paper (and a man I wouldn't mind seeing more of!), everyone's talking.
Cedar Cove - people love it and sometimes they leave it, but they never forget it!

See you soon...
Olivia

My thoughts: I've had this book on my TBR list for almost 6 years! It's one of those that I keep meaning to read, but haven't yet. When I saw my library had it on audio book, I decided now is finally the time to read it.

16 Lighthouse Road is about Olivia Lockhart's family and circle of friends. Each character is introduced as Ms. Macomber allows us a glimpse in his or her life. It's a great start to what I'm sure will be an intimate series. Want to meet some new friends? Read 16 Lighthouse Road. I'm just embarrassed it took me so long to read it.

Bras & Broomsticks - Sarah Mlynowski

Title: Bras & Broomsticks
Author: Sarah Mlynowski
Series: Magic in Manhattan #1
ISBN-10: 0385731841
Pages: 310
Year Published: 2005
Genre: Young Adult
Date Finished: February 12

From the back cover: Rachel can't believe it. Her younger sister, Miri, is a witch! How come Miri inherited the supernatural skills that could have turned Rachel into a teenage superstar?

Just as Rachel suspects, magical powers are wasted on the young. Miri refuses to use them for Rachel's benefit. And Rachel is desperate! Not only does she need to learn some serious dance moves, she's got to win her best friend back, stop her father's wedding, and snag a cute guy's heart.

Maybe Rachel will discover she's got magical powers of her own. Or maybe, just maybe, she can find a way to change Miri's mind. . .

My review: I've read several of Ms. Mlynowski's chick lit books and ran across this book at the library. Having enjoyed her adult fiction, I decided to give this one a try. Rachel is just like any teenage girl: worried about wearing the latest fashion, crushing on the cute, popular guy in school and trying to maintain her friendships. It's not like she doesn't have enough already on her plate when she discovers her younger sister and her mother are both witches.

After getting over the shock (and the disappointment that she's not a witch), she convinces her sister to use some magic (against their mother's orders) to help her win over the "in" crowd and break-up her father and soon-to-be step-mother. What Rachel doesn't realize is, she should be careful what she wishes for because she might just get it.

Although Rachel makes poor choices and uses her sister's spells for selfish gain, she soon realizes what she thought she wanted isn't better than what she currently has. Bras & Broomsticks is a light, fun read, however it speaks to an important message: do not take for granted the important people in your life. Also, we sometimes may need a reminder that we cannot force other people to always do or be what we expect of them.

I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series.