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Cedar Cove #11
1105 Yakima Street
1105 Yakima Street
Cedar Cove, Washington
Dear Reader,
You’ve probably heard that my wife has left me. Rachel’s pregnant, and she says that she can’t handle the stress in our household anymore. My thirteen-year-old daughter, Jolene, is jealous of her. Maybe it’s my fault. As a widower I spoiled her – Jolene was reading over my shoulder just now and says that’s not true. She claims Rachel ruined everything. But that’s not true. The real question is: How can I get my wife back? I don’t even know where she is. She’s not with Teri Polgar or any of her other friends from the salon. The other question is. . . when will Jolene grow up and stop acting like such a brat? Of course, I’m not the only one in town with problems. Linc Wyse’s father-in-law is trying to destroy his business. And you know Charlotte Rhodes? Seems she’s becoming forgetful, and the family’s worried about her and Ben. Lots of other stuff going on – but Rachel is better at keeping up with it than I am. If you have any idea where my wife is, please give me a call. Please. —Bruce Peyton
Cedar Cove, Washington
Dear Reader,
You’ve probably heard that my wife has left me. Rachel’s pregnant, and she says that she can’t handle the stress in our household anymore. My thirteen-year-old daughter, Jolene, is jealous of her. Maybe it’s my fault. As a widower I spoiled her – Jolene was reading over my shoulder just now and says that’s not true. She claims Rachel ruined everything. But that’s not true. The real question is: How can I get my wife back? I don’t even know where she is. She’s not with Teri Polgar or any of her other friends from the salon. The other question is. . . when will Jolene grow up and stop acting like such a brat? Of course, I’m not the only one in town with problems. Linc Wyse’s father-in-law is trying to destroy his business. And you know Charlotte Rhodes? Seems she’s becoming forgetful, and the family’s worried about her and Ben. Lots of other stuff going on – but Rachel is better at keeping up with it than I am. If you have any idea where my wife is, please give me a call. Please. —Bruce Peyton
366 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
659 people are currently reading
4725 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Macomber
894 books20.6k followersDebbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.
In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.
Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.
She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.
In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.
Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.
She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 553 reviews
May 22, 2017
This the second last instalment of an enjoyable and simple series is needing to come to an end (for me). I didn't love this one, the Peyton storyline (Bruce and Joelene) here was too weak for my liking, with characters doing things that were not too nice, even for Cedar Cove standards. Added to this is the way happenings are all wrapped up quite neatly, it is not realistic in most cases. Though to be fair, this series is a wholesome one, and perhaps I'm tiring of this. I will still happily read number 12 as I have enjoyed the series as a whole, but with so many books to read and access to a dozen or more libraries, I need to move on to bigger and brighter things. These books always did fill a nice gap in my reading and I am glad I read them. Die hard fans will always be happy with books by Debbie Macomber.
January 2, 2013
OK. We have a pregnant, newly wed, apparently really sweet woman, Rachel, with a spiteful, vicious, spoiled-rotten monster of a stepdaughter, and a spineless, whining, stalking, bullying husband. The husband wrings his hands because his wife walks away after having enough of being tormented by the stepdaughter until she is stressed out, sick, and close to losing her baby from dealing with the monster stepdaughter and the useless, self centered whiny excuse for a man she is married to who won't say boo to the brat. While she is away, he panders to the daughter and stalks the wife, trying to get her to come back. Oh, but let's not try to control the monster child! He lets her cook him dinner, clean his house, and make horrible statements about Rachel both to him, and to others, and never even lifts his voice. And we are supposed to be rooting for this sick and twisted relationship? Of course, the author makes Rachel forgive all, the daughter makes a miraculous change, and it all ends happily ever after. . . where is my barf bag, anyway? What kind of woman is so weak minded as to think that a man who puts her through this kind of treatment for MONTHS is worth going back to?!?!? Sickening.
This author was recommended to me because I have been under a lot of stress lately, and I wanted something 'fluffy' to read. Well, it actually stressed me out even more than I was before! I read a review that says that "I am very happy to say that Debbie Macomber is back to her usual form . . ." If this is her usual form, I am amazed and disgusted that apparently she has written over 100 books of this perverted nonsense and she is still selling books - and still getting good reviews. I counted the above described spineless monster, the monster stepdaughter, a pregnant single woman in a twisted relationship with the father of the child (who is in a relationship with another woman who he is still seeing), a psychotic rich man who has isolated his wife and daughter and tried to drive his daughter's husband into bankruptcy. Oh, and a 60-year-old male gallery owner who is totally self involved - and of course his gallery worker, a very nice woman, is enamored with him, and puts up with his treatment, which includes calling her obsessive, controlling (pot, kettle anyone?) - oh, and "big-boned"....
No more of this. I think I will go pull out a horror story. At least I know that that is going to be horrific. The beliefs of these readers who think that these kinds of behaviors, these kinds of relationships, are not only acceptable but worth writing "romance" novels about says something really scary about the state of women's minds. Something deeply scary.
This author was recommended to me because I have been under a lot of stress lately, and I wanted something 'fluffy' to read. Well, it actually stressed me out even more than I was before! I read a review that says that "I am very happy to say that Debbie Macomber is back to her usual form . . ." If this is her usual form, I am amazed and disgusted that apparently she has written over 100 books of this perverted nonsense and she is still selling books - and still getting good reviews. I counted the above described spineless monster, the monster stepdaughter, a pregnant single woman in a twisted relationship with the father of the child (who is in a relationship with another woman who he is still seeing), a psychotic rich man who has isolated his wife and daughter and tried to drive his daughter's husband into bankruptcy. Oh, and a 60-year-old male gallery owner who is totally self involved - and of course his gallery worker, a very nice woman, is enamored with him, and puts up with his treatment, which includes calling her obsessive, controlling (pot, kettle anyone?) - oh, and "big-boned"....
No more of this. I think I will go pull out a horror story. At least I know that that is going to be horrific. The beliefs of these readers who think that these kinds of behaviors, these kinds of relationships, are not only acceptable but worth writing "romance" novels about says something really scary about the state of women's minds. Something deeply scary.
October 14, 2018
Es una novela coral de personajes adultos que lo que tienen en común es vivir o trabajar en el mismo pueblo, Cedar Cove, cuyos problemas de relación son variados y normales, los que se van solucionando más o menos desde el comienzo de la lectura hasta el final. No ha estado mal pero es como si me hubiera encontrado con la segunda o tercera temporada de una serie, con muchas historias anteriores de todos los vecinos que yo desconozco, pero que aún así ves porque te engancha saber qué pasará con el matrimonio roto por la hijastra, o con la embarazada de un chico que acababa de conocer, que además fue al pueblo porque sus padres adoptivos habían muerte y quería conocer a sus padres biológicos, o el joven matrimonio cuya esposa, hija de un hombre poderoso, ha roto relaciones con su familia porque no aprueba la relación, o el matrimonio mayor que ya es demasiado mayor para vivir solo... y así algunas más...
Quizá si comienzas la lectura desde el libro uno de la serie todo sea mucho más entretenido. Quizá.
No tiene conflictos importantes, no tiene sentimientos importantes, y se puede leer sin sobresaltos y sin llevarte las manos a la cabeza pensando qué locura estás leyendo... eso sí, es una lectura fácil de olvidar.
#próximasreseñas
Quizá si comienzas la lectura desde el libro uno de la serie todo sea mucho más entretenido. Quizá.
No tiene conflictos importantes, no tiene sentimientos importantes, y se puede leer sin sobresaltos y sin llevarte las manos a la cabeza pensando qué locura estás leyendo... eso sí, es una lectura fácil de olvidar.
#próximasreseñas
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March 24, 2020Jolene needs to die.
Painfully.
Painfully.
October 17, 2011
After I finished this book, I had planned to rate it a three with the caveat about the Bruce Rachel storyline. But in reality, I can't rate any book that has such an awful hero at the heart of the story. He was whiney, selfish and totally wimpy. His daughter is ruining his life and drove off his wife and all he does is whine, stalk the ex and then get mad at the ex when she won't do what he wants.
It disturbs me that Macomber thinks calling every hair salon in town to find his ex that blocked his number gets points for persistance instead of a restraining order. He also disturbed her at work - even though he knew her boss was getting mad at her.
And of course he does NOTHING to resolve the problem, his spoiled brat of a daughter gets a change of heart.
While this isn't the first time I found some of her characters behaving badly, that's real life. But she does on occasion present this bad behavior as admirable. And this was just too bad not to get a 1 for the whole book.
It disturbs me that Macomber thinks calling every hair salon in town to find his ex that blocked his number gets points for persistance instead of a restraining order. He also disturbed her at work - even though he knew her boss was getting mad at her.
And of course he does NOTHING to resolve the problem, his spoiled brat of a daughter gets a change of heart.
While this isn't the first time I found some of her characters behaving badly, that's real life. But she does on occasion present this bad behavior as admirable. And this was just too bad not to get a 1 for the whole book.
August 15, 2012
Well. I don't know that there's anything I liked about this book. Where to start....
1. I can't keep any of the characters straight. I should have known it was a bad sign when the book starts with a list of people! Plus, most of the characters seem interchangeable. After all, how many pregnant women in dysfunctional relationships does one book need?
2. So many sentences end like this...?. But they're not questions, just unfinished declarative statements...?. This is one of the dumbest things...?.
3. Completely unlikable characters. Yes, most of them. I don't even KNOW that many whiny, irresponsible, emotionally-stunted-relationship-y people myself.
4. The resolution to the plot doesn't even seem logical. (here's your spoilers) The main conflict is between Rachel, a pregnant newlywed, her juvenile husband whatshisface, and his daughter from his first marriage, Jolene. Jolene is 13, and like any teenager, totally self-absorbed. She is jealous that she has to share Daddy's attention. So far so good. Daddy whateverhisnameis is a total pussy and lets his daughter run everything. Jolene drives Rachel away. Yeah, ok, I guess this makes sense so far, right? Jolene is finally convinced to go to a therapist. In the course of a couple months, things slowly improve. Then in the last 10 pages, Rachel suffers from severe food poisoning. Jolene is so upset when she's worried Rachel will miscarry, that magically everything's fine now. Wait, what? That's the end? Shit.
So, in conclusion, don't waste your time. In retrospect, I might have been better off reading some sort of crap like Twilight or 50 Shades of Grey.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2020
This is the 11th book of this series and I still love it!!
Wholesome values and sweet romances and seriously bad parenting!!! Hahah.... Jolene needs decipline and she irritated me through the whole book!!
This series was such a part of my holidays I can't believe I am near the end!!
Wholesome values and sweet romances and seriously bad parenting!!! Hahah.... Jolene needs decipline and she irritated me through the whole book!!
This series was such a part of my holidays I can't believe I am near the end!!
April 8, 2012
At the risk of upsetting die-hard Debbie Macomber fans, this was the least favorite of her books that I've read. I found myself rolling my eyes most of the time. Why do these characters play such games? Grace, refusing to fall in-love with a puppy. I can't even remember the characters names anymore, and I just finished the book-- the whiny pregnant girl who ditched the hunky doctor (in the last book). Will and Miranda... good Lord, that was a boring and predictable thing waiting to happen. Worst of all was the whole Rachael fiasco-- with the bratty daughter. My eyes almost rolled permanently in the back of my head, when Rachael refused to accept money from Bruce, while pregnant with his child. Really? It seems like all the characters are just playing games-- heaping on the guilt and stubborn pride. All the story lines wrapped up in a neat little bow-- as predictably as I figured they would. This is good, clean reading. Nothing wrong with that, but I guess I've outgrown the Harlequin romance type of novels. Now, for an exciting history fiction-- with knights sweeping damsels onto the back of their horses, swords, fights, and all that stuff. You won't find it here.
September 10, 2011
When the list of characters in the book is 4 pages long, it should tell you something.
This book read like 6 short stories all juxtaposed together. The short amount of time spent on each couple, family, or issue, was so brief (maybe 4 or 5 chapters total) that there was no way the writer could go into any depth. All the drama, the development of the characters, it was all surface-level. Flat and honestly, a little disappointing.
By the time I got interested in a couple, the chapter would end and I would have to spend the first few pages of the next chapter figuring out who we're talking about now.
Reads like a soap opera, but if that's your thing...fine. It's just not for me.
This book read like 6 short stories all juxtaposed together. The short amount of time spent on each couple, family, or issue, was so brief (maybe 4 or 5 chapters total) that there was no way the writer could go into any depth. All the drama, the development of the characters, it was all surface-level. Flat and honestly, a little disappointing.
By the time I got interested in a couple, the chapter would end and I would have to spend the first few pages of the next chapter figuring out who we're talking about now.
Reads like a soap opera, but if that's your thing...fine. It's just not for me.
May 30, 2013
Having followed the people of Cedar Cove through the series, it's like spending time with old friends. As many of the families struggle with so many of the same issues we too face in our own lives, it's comforting to know we are not alone.
May 23, 2020
2 ⭐⭐ - Meh!
============
==> May, 2020
Jolene is a big annoying bitch.
I didn't remember that there would be so many mixed stories and none developed in depth.
Lost 1 star.
3 ⭐⭐⭐ - OK decent reads.
======================
==> February, 2012
============
==> May, 2020
Jolene is a big annoying bitch.
I didn't remember that there would be so many mixed stories and none developed in depth.
Lost 1 star.
3 ⭐⭐⭐ - OK decent reads.
======================
==> February, 2012
October 12, 2023
1105 Yakima Street by Debbie Macomber
Cedar Cove #11
10h 47m on 9 discs narrated by Sandra Burr
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Featuring: Washington State, Author's Letter, Multiple POVs, Recaps, Seattle, Separation, Family Drama, Marital Woes, Pregnancies, Pets, Closures, Sex - Off-Camera, Children Reading to Dogs, Magic Timeline, Teen Tantrums, Adult Children, Holidays, Cliffhangers
Rating as a movie: PG-15 for adult content
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½💔 🤰
My thoughts: 💿 34% Disc 4 Track 1 Ch. 13 - This is pretty good so far. Bruce, Jolene, Rachel, and Gloria, good grief. 😔 They have way more nerves than I do. I'm looking forward to knocking this out tomorrow.
💿 77% Disc 7 Track 13 Ch. 30 - Loving it, setting a marker only because I don't know when I'll be stopping again after dinner.
💿 84% Disc 8 Track 10 Ch. 33 - I'm not mad at the wrap-ups but these relationship issues are outlandish yet entertaining.
This book felt like 2 books, the first part was 5 stars and the second part 4 stars, so I decided to split the difference. This ended on the biggest cliffhanger of them all. I'm so glad I have the book for 1225 Christmas Tree Lane, I'm over CDs. This skipped so badly that I have to get a book and read chapters 15, 16, and 33, I know what happened but I missed a lot of the beating-around-the-bush dialogue. I'll start the next book tomorrow.
Recommend to others: Yes. I'm not mad it's ending, but after reading it I understand why she wrote Rose Harbor, which I think was even better than Cedar Cove.
Cedar Cove
1. 16 Lighthouse Road (2001)
2. 204 Rosewood Lane (2002)
3. 311 Pelican Court (2003)
4. 44 Cranberry Point (2004)
5. 50 Harbor Street (2005)
5 5. 5-B Poppy Lane (2006)
6. 6 Rainier Drive (2006)
7. 74 Seaside Avenue (2007)
8. 8 Sandpiper Way (2008)
8.5. A Cedar Cove Christmas (2008)
9. 92 Pacific Boulevard (2009)
10. 1022 Evergreen Place (2010)
11. 1105 Yakima Street (2011)
12. 1225 Christmas Tree Lane (2011)
Welcome Back to Cedar Cove (2021)
Related series:
Rose Harbor
0.5. When First They Met (2012)
1. The Inn at Rose Harbor (2012)
1.5. Lost and Found in Cedar Cove (2013)
2. Rose Harbor in Bloom (2013)
3. Love Letters (2014)
3.5. Falling for Her (2015)
4. Silver Linings (2015)
5. Sweet Tomorrows (2016)
Cedar Cove #11
10h 47m on 9 discs narrated by Sandra Burr
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Featuring: Washington State, Author's Letter, Multiple POVs, Recaps, Seattle, Separation, Family Drama, Marital Woes, Pregnancies, Pets, Closures, Sex - Off-Camera, Children Reading to Dogs, Magic Timeline, Teen Tantrums, Adult Children, Holidays, Cliffhangers
Rating as a movie: PG-15 for adult content
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½💔 🤰
My thoughts: 💿 34% Disc 4 Track 1 Ch. 13 - This is pretty good so far. Bruce, Jolene, Rachel, and Gloria, good grief. 😔 They have way more nerves than I do. I'm looking forward to knocking this out tomorrow.
💿 77% Disc 7 Track 13 Ch. 30 - Loving it, setting a marker only because I don't know when I'll be stopping again after dinner.
💿 84% Disc 8 Track 10 Ch. 33 - I'm not mad at the wrap-ups but these relationship issues are outlandish yet entertaining.
This book felt like 2 books, the first part was 5 stars and the second part 4 stars, so I decided to split the difference. This ended on the biggest cliffhanger of them all. I'm so glad I have the book for 1225 Christmas Tree Lane, I'm over CDs. This skipped so badly that I have to get a book and read chapters 15, 16, and 33, I know what happened but I missed a lot of the beating-around-the-bush dialogue. I'll start the next book tomorrow.
Recommend to others: Yes. I'm not mad it's ending, but after reading it I understand why she wrote Rose Harbor, which I think was even better than Cedar Cove.
Cedar Cove
1. 16 Lighthouse Road (2001)
2. 204 Rosewood Lane (2002)
3. 311 Pelican Court (2003)
4. 44 Cranberry Point (2004)
5. 50 Harbor Street (2005)
5 5. 5-B Poppy Lane (2006)
6. 6 Rainier Drive (2006)
7. 74 Seaside Avenue (2007)
8. 8 Sandpiper Way (2008)
8.5. A Cedar Cove Christmas (2008)
9. 92 Pacific Boulevard (2009)
10. 1022 Evergreen Place (2010)
11. 1105 Yakima Street (2011)
12. 1225 Christmas Tree Lane (2011)
Welcome Back to Cedar Cove (2021)
Related series:
Rose Harbor
0.5. When First They Met (2012)
1. The Inn at Rose Harbor (2012)
1.5. Lost and Found in Cedar Cove (2013)
2. Rose Harbor in Bloom (2013)
3. Love Letters (2014)
3.5. Falling for Her (2015)
4. Silver Linings (2015)
5. Sweet Tomorrows (2016)
March 1, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 5, 2013
1105 Yakima Street is the 11th novel in the popular Cedar Cove series by Debbie Macomber. 1105 Yakima Street is the address of Bruce, Rachel and Jolene Peyton, but after months of enduring nastiness from her jealous 13-year-old stepdaughter, Rachel finally walks out on Bruce and Jolene for the good of her own health and that of her baby. A friend from Rachel’s past comes to the rescue with accommodation and support. Rachel’s stance finally goads a reticent Bruce into finally acting to bring his wife and baby home. Macomber updates the lives of other favourite characters: after a near-tragic mishap at Charlottte and Ben Rhodes’s house, Judge Olivia Griffin comes to terms with Charlotte’s increasing memory problems; Olivia’s brother Will provides a surprising amount of help and support; Will comes to realise that Shirley Bliss will never succumb to his charms, but is distracted by his encounters with her friend, Miranda Sullivan; Deputy Gloria Ashton is determined to keep her pregnancy from the baby’s father, Dr Chad Timmons, but after his own experience, Roy McAfee has other ideas; Chad is determined to be a part of his son’s life, and possibly also that of the boy’s mother; meanwhile Corrie McAfee heads to North Dakota for the birth of her grandson to Linette and Pete; Grace Harding mourns the loss of her dog, Buttercup, but Christmas Tree farm owner, Beth Morehouse shows she knows as much about human nature as she does about conifers when she places an orphaned Golden Retriever pup with the Hardings; Leonard Bellamy’s actions against his son-in-law, Linc Wyse, incite some gutsy moves by his daughter Lori and his wife Kate before Linc moves to save a marriage; and Shirley Bliss has major life changes in store. Macomber touches on many life issues: jealousy, arrogance, a father’s rights, the clutter we accumulate in our lives, the effects of dementia and ageing, aged care facilities, and the role of pets in our lives. Macomber never gives her characters a bed of roses, either in love or in life, but puts real obstacles in their way; while she may be the queen of feelgood, it costs her characters emotionally. Another heart-warming Cedar Cove instalment that sets up the final book in the series, 1225 Christmas Tree Lane.
May 22, 2020
I was not too fond of the hero in this book because he lacked a lot of common sense parenting. That frustrated me.
I read this some time ago but that was before I was reviewing. I enjoy all of Debbie Macomber books and enjoy a break from all the sex-filled stories that can be unrealistic at times.
I read this some time ago but that was before I was reviewing. I enjoy all of Debbie Macomber books and enjoy a break from all the sex-filled stories that can be unrealistic at times.
January 2, 2019
Boy did this volume of the Cedar Cove series rub me the wrong way! If this was the first book in the series, I’d never pick up the next book, and I’d probably try to avoid the author in the future. However, since it’s the eleventh out of twelve books, I felt obligated to finish it and forget about it for the good of the series. Before I forget, I’ll explain why I hated it so much.
In the Cedar Cove novels, there are so many residents, it’s virtually impossible to check in with everybody in every book. So, Debbie Macomber features four or five main plots in each. In 1105 Yakima Street, I hated every single plot featured! First, there’s a couple who married in haste and has just learned they’re going to be parents. The husband has a teenaged daughter from his first marriage in tow, and she doesn’t like her new stepmother. After the husband and wife separate, the daughter brings up a very valid argument: if they’d been responsible and used birth control, they could go their separate ways with no permanent harm done. Now a child is being brought into the world and the couple will feel obligated to stay married when they shouldn’t. What’s her father’s reaction? He thinks she’s destructive and hurtful and sends her to counseling.
Sometimes, stock characters don’t change when they’re part of a series. While I understand that and don’t have a problem with it, I do prefer the characters who grow or at least try to change. There’s a male character who started the series as a villain and is not trying to forge a new path in town as a respectable citizen. I liked him and was hoping fortune would find him. Unfortunately, when he falls head-over-heels for a woman, no one in town supports him. They take it upon themselves to tell him to stop pursuing her, and try to knock it through his head that she has zero interest in him. Then why has she accepted his date invitations? It’s extremely rude and none of the residents’ business. The replacement love interest—because the general consensus of Cedar Cove can’t be wrong—is irritating, argumentative, and critical. In real life, that’s not the type of woman a man looking for a fresh start needs.
Next up is a woman in her sixties whose faithful canine companion has died. Young people look at getting pets differently; they don’t wonder if they’ll outlive their pet or whether or not they want to attach themselves to a companion who will die when they’re in their eighties. People in their sixties think about that, and this character decided she didn’t want to get another dog—no one in Cedar Cove listens to her! A rescue worker pawns a puppy off on her friend, promising she’ll find an adoptive owner in a couple of weeks, and everyone in town, including the woman’s husband, laughs in her face when she insists she’s not going to change her mind and keep the dog. How unsupportive, rude, intrusive, and disrespectful!
Speaking of disrespectful, this next one’s really offensive. One of the residents has survived breast cancer, and after resting and recovering, she’s decided to return to her forty-year tradition of going once a week to aerobics class with her best girlfriend. Afterwards, the girls always go to the same diner and order coffee and coconut cream pie. As someone who is passionate about fitness and very knowledgeable about nutrition, I have a problem with their ritual and that it’s supposed to be charming and funny to the readers. But I digress. The real problem is that after the woman changes her order from coffee to tea, the waitress gives her attitude. She feels compelled to explain her decision, even though as a paying customer it’s unnecessary, and says that the medication she’s taking leaves a bitter taste in her mouth when she drinks coffee. The waitress’s response? “I don’t know what those doctors did to you, but you’re not the [girl] I used to know.” Do you believe that?
Then, the waitress makes a dramatic reappearance to the table and asks if the woman still wants the pie or if she’s going to change her mind again. The woman considers it, then says she’ll have a piece of pumpkin pie instead, since it’s a healthier option. Anyone has the right to order any kind of pie they want at a restaurant without being harassed by her server, but since this woman has been through cancer—and in this small town, everyone is aware of it—doesn’t she truly have the right to change her mind and try a different piece of pie than she’s had the past forty years? And if she’s looking after her health, shouldn’t that be greeted with applause instead of criticism? The waitress gives another dose of attitude and flat-out refuses to bring her the pumpkin pie. If this situation happened in real life, I would complain and get that waitress fired.
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In the Cedar Cove novels, there are so many residents, it’s virtually impossible to check in with everybody in every book. So, Debbie Macomber features four or five main plots in each. In 1105 Yakima Street, I hated every single plot featured! First, there’s a couple who married in haste and has just learned they’re going to be parents. The husband has a teenaged daughter from his first marriage in tow, and she doesn’t like her new stepmother. After the husband and wife separate, the daughter brings up a very valid argument: if they’d been responsible and used birth control, they could go their separate ways with no permanent harm done. Now a child is being brought into the world and the couple will feel obligated to stay married when they shouldn’t. What’s her father’s reaction? He thinks she’s destructive and hurtful and sends her to counseling.
Sometimes, stock characters don’t change when they’re part of a series. While I understand that and don’t have a problem with it, I do prefer the characters who grow or at least try to change. There’s a male character who started the series as a villain and is not trying to forge a new path in town as a respectable citizen. I liked him and was hoping fortune would find him. Unfortunately, when he falls head-over-heels for a woman, no one in town supports him. They take it upon themselves to tell him to stop pursuing her, and try to knock it through his head that she has zero interest in him. Then why has she accepted his date invitations? It’s extremely rude and none of the residents’ business. The replacement love interest—because the general consensus of Cedar Cove can’t be wrong—is irritating, argumentative, and critical. In real life, that’s not the type of woman a man looking for a fresh start needs.
Next up is a woman in her sixties whose faithful canine companion has died. Young people look at getting pets differently; they don’t wonder if they’ll outlive their pet or whether or not they want to attach themselves to a companion who will die when they’re in their eighties. People in their sixties think about that, and this character decided she didn’t want to get another dog—no one in Cedar Cove listens to her! A rescue worker pawns a puppy off on her friend, promising she’ll find an adoptive owner in a couple of weeks, and everyone in town, including the woman’s husband, laughs in her face when she insists she’s not going to change her mind and keep the dog. How unsupportive, rude, intrusive, and disrespectful!
Speaking of disrespectful, this next one’s really offensive. One of the residents has survived breast cancer, and after resting and recovering, she’s decided to return to her forty-year tradition of going once a week to aerobics class with her best girlfriend. Afterwards, the girls always go to the same diner and order coffee and coconut cream pie. As someone who is passionate about fitness and very knowledgeable about nutrition, I have a problem with their ritual and that it’s supposed to be charming and funny to the readers. But I digress. The real problem is that after the woman changes her order from coffee to tea, the waitress gives her attitude. She feels compelled to explain her decision, even though as a paying customer it’s unnecessary, and says that the medication she’s taking leaves a bitter taste in her mouth when she drinks coffee. The waitress’s response? “I don’t know what those doctors did to you, but you’re not the [girl] I used to know.” Do you believe that?
Then, the waitress makes a dramatic reappearance to the table and asks if the woman still wants the pie or if she’s going to change her mind again. The woman considers it, then says she’ll have a piece of pumpkin pie instead, since it’s a healthier option. Anyone has the right to order any kind of pie they want at a restaurant without being harassed by her server, but since this woman has been through cancer—and in this small town, everyone is aware of it—doesn’t she truly have the right to change her mind and try a different piece of pie than she’s had the past forty years? And if she’s looking after her health, shouldn’t that be greeted with applause instead of criticism? The waitress gives another dose of attitude and flat-out refuses to bring her the pumpkin pie. If this situation happened in real life, I would complain and get that waitress fired.
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July 29, 2011
Notes: I read the ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of this book.
Bruce and Rachel Peyton are facing the marital problems that come from having a child by a previous marriage. Rachel is pregnant and the stress is starting to have an effect on her unborn child. When pleas to her husband that they attend counseling as a family failed, she left Bruce. Jolene (Bruce's daughter and Rachel' stepdaughter), it seems, has turned into a wicked stepdaughter. What happened?
Linc Wyse’s business is starting to fail. His father-in-law, Leonard Bellamy, seems to have a hand in the downfall. Feeling that Linc isn't good enough for his daughter, Leonard sets out to destroy Linc's business. Linc doesn't understand why Leonard dislikes him. What could be going through his head?
Miranda Sullivan really likes Will Jefferson, but he's got a thing for Miranda's best friend, Shirley, who has a thing for Larry Knight. I wonder if Will will ever see that Miranda is the perfect person for him?
Gloria Ashton is pregnant and hasn't told the soon to be father yet. What is she waiting for?
Those are just some of the things going on in Cedar Cove, but don't let me talk your ear off with the local gossip. Take a stroll in Cedar Cove and get a feel for what's going on. You'll be glad you did.
Reading this book reminded me of how my mom described the small town she grew up in. Where everyone knew everyone else and where the 6 degrees of separation theory was whittled down to closer to 1 or 2 degrees. Where everyone pretty much knew everyone else's business. Yet even though a small town may sound like heaven on earth to some, nirvana can not always be found there. Every day life has a way of sneaking up on someone even in a small town, and the dramas of daily life can not be escaped. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting some of the residents of Cedar Cove. It reminded me of a less naughty version of Desperate Housewives. I truly enjoyed it.
For those of you who are fans of the series, the next book, 1225 Christmas Tree Lane, will be Macomber's last book in this series. *sniff* This series was recommended to me by several people. This is the first book in the series that I've read. I really appreciated that Debbie listed the characters at the front of the book and how they are related. It made it easy to just slip in to one of the later books of the series and not feel lost. I definitely see how loosing this series will sadden many of Ms. Macomber's fans. It'll be like losing part of the family. I gave this book 4 out of 5 roses.
To read more of my reviews visit my blog at www.seducedbyabook.com
Bruce and Rachel Peyton are facing the marital problems that come from having a child by a previous marriage. Rachel is pregnant and the stress is starting to have an effect on her unborn child. When pleas to her husband that they attend counseling as a family failed, she left Bruce. Jolene (Bruce's daughter and Rachel' stepdaughter), it seems, has turned into a wicked stepdaughter. What happened?
Linc Wyse’s business is starting to fail. His father-in-law, Leonard Bellamy, seems to have a hand in the downfall. Feeling that Linc isn't good enough for his daughter, Leonard sets out to destroy Linc's business. Linc doesn't understand why Leonard dislikes him. What could be going through his head?
Miranda Sullivan really likes Will Jefferson, but he's got a thing for Miranda's best friend, Shirley, who has a thing for Larry Knight. I wonder if Will will ever see that Miranda is the perfect person for him?
Gloria Ashton is pregnant and hasn't told the soon to be father yet. What is she waiting for?
Those are just some of the things going on in Cedar Cove, but don't let me talk your ear off with the local gossip. Take a stroll in Cedar Cove and get a feel for what's going on. You'll be glad you did.
Reading this book reminded me of how my mom described the small town she grew up in. Where everyone knew everyone else and where the 6 degrees of separation theory was whittled down to closer to 1 or 2 degrees. Where everyone pretty much knew everyone else's business. Yet even though a small town may sound like heaven on earth to some, nirvana can not always be found there. Every day life has a way of sneaking up on someone even in a small town, and the dramas of daily life can not be escaped. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting some of the residents of Cedar Cove. It reminded me of a less naughty version of Desperate Housewives. I truly enjoyed it.
For those of you who are fans of the series, the next book, 1225 Christmas Tree Lane, will be Macomber's last book in this series. *sniff* This series was recommended to me by several people. This is the first book in the series that I've read. I really appreciated that Debbie listed the characters at the front of the book and how they are related. It made it easy to just slip in to one of the later books of the series and not feel lost. I definitely see how loosing this series will sadden many of Ms. Macomber's fans. It'll be like losing part of the family. I gave this book 4 out of 5 roses.
To read more of my reviews visit my blog at www.seducedbyabook.com
September 5, 2011
Reviewed by Jen
Book provided by NetGalley
Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove series is one of my all-time favorites. I enjoy going back to visit all those beloved citizens each year as a new book is released. And I was saddened to hear that the series is ending come this October when 1225 Christmas Tree Lane is released.
When I picked up this book, I was excited that Rachel and Bruce's story was going to be told. They've been secondary characters for years and we've watched their relationship unfold. And now it was their turn to shine by being the lead story. However, in 400 pages, they were the stars in about 150 of them. I understand Ms Macomber has a lot of story lines she is trying to tie up, but I felt a little cheated by how little time we got to spend with Rachel and Bruce.
That said, I did enjoy getting to catch up with other people and couples from around Cedar Cove... I just wish that it hadn't taken up so much of the story. Unless you've read previous books, the following run down isn't going to make any sense to you.
Olivia is still recovering from cancer and now has to deal with her mother's failing health.
Charlotte (the aforementioned mother) and Ben deal with the after effects of a house fire.
Grace and Cliff adopt a new puppy, much to Grace's chagrin.
Will and Miranda try to work with each other without killing each other.
Shirley's new romance takes the next step.
Linc and Lori have to deal with Lori's overbearing father.
Chad and Gloria deal with an unplanned pregnancy.
And these are just the highlights. The reader keeps jumping around to each of these stories while keeping up with Bruce and Rachel. Even though I don't feel any of the threading plots really got the attention they really deserved, I found myself laughing and crying as I read. Ms Macomber has a way of touching my heartstrings which keeps me coming back for more.
If you haven't read this series, I highly suggest reading them in order as each book builds on the last and you'd likely be lost if you started this far along. Here's a handy widget for the book order. And you really won't be disappointed for trying out these books... I know I haven't been.
Book provided by NetGalley
Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove series is one of my all-time favorites. I enjoy going back to visit all those beloved citizens each year as a new book is released. And I was saddened to hear that the series is ending come this October when 1225 Christmas Tree Lane is released.
When I picked up this book, I was excited that Rachel and Bruce's story was going to be told. They've been secondary characters for years and we've watched their relationship unfold. And now it was their turn to shine by being the lead story. However, in 400 pages, they were the stars in about 150 of them. I understand Ms Macomber has a lot of story lines she is trying to tie up, but I felt a little cheated by how little time we got to spend with Rachel and Bruce.
That said, I did enjoy getting to catch up with other people and couples from around Cedar Cove... I just wish that it hadn't taken up so much of the story. Unless you've read previous books, the following run down isn't going to make any sense to you.
Olivia is still recovering from cancer and now has to deal with her mother's failing health.
Charlotte (the aforementioned mother) and Ben deal with the after effects of a house fire.
Grace and Cliff adopt a new puppy, much to Grace's chagrin.
Will and Miranda try to work with each other without killing each other.
Shirley's new romance takes the next step.
Linc and Lori have to deal with Lori's overbearing father.
Chad and Gloria deal with an unplanned pregnancy.
And these are just the highlights. The reader keeps jumping around to each of these stories while keeping up with Bruce and Rachel. Even though I don't feel any of the threading plots really got the attention they really deserved, I found myself laughing and crying as I read. Ms Macomber has a way of touching my heartstrings which keeps me coming back for more.
If you haven't read this series, I highly suggest reading them in order as each book builds on the last and you'd likely be lost if you started this far along. Here's a handy widget for the book order. And you really won't be disappointed for trying out these books... I know I haven't been.
September 20, 2011
This was a wonderful book my only problem was there were too many characters and things happening around,i wanted to read in more detail how each relationships pregress but with so many characters and their story only limited time time was allowed which somewhat disappointed me
specially for Gloria-Chad story till the end Chad was involved with another woman Joni,it was Joni who backed out and broke off,i wanted to see Chad-Gloria's relation progressing and why Gloria kept pushing Chad away but that issue was never solved
Bruce-Jolena-Rachel i wanted more detailed pregress of their relation but anyways overall it was a good read.Enjoyed it
Good read
specially for Gloria-Chad story till the end Chad was involved with another woman Joni,it was Joni who backed out and broke off,i wanted to see Chad-Gloria's relation progressing and why Gloria kept pushing Chad away but that issue was never solved
Bruce-Jolena-Rachel i wanted more detailed pregress of their relation but anyways overall it was a good read.Enjoyed it
Good read
May 23, 2020
This has been on my TBR pile for quite some time. I think what initially caught my attention was the marriage in trouble blurb. I’m sorry, but this book is a mess, way too many storylines, none given the attention they deserve.
The supposed main storyline, the one from the blurb, is ridiculous, what father allows a 13 year old run his and his wife’s lives? Let’s keep Jolene happy, she’s a jealous little brat, that doesn’t happen overnight. The brat reaches 13 without any discipline or boundaries and then she refuses to go to counseling, really?
Waste of time.
The supposed main storyline, the one from the blurb, is ridiculous, what father allows a 13 year old run his and his wife’s lives? Let’s keep Jolene happy, she’s a jealous little brat, that doesn’t happen overnight. The brat reaches 13 without any discipline or boundaries and then she refuses to go to counseling, really?
Waste of time.
May 23, 2021
Lo siento pero el planeamiento de Rachel y su marido y su huida es un sinsentido que ni lógica ni emociones pueden explicar. Es una situación tan absurda que huya de su marido y no quiera contacto con él porque su hija no la aguante que no te la puedes creer, que encima vaya a vivir con su exprometido es ya de manicomio. Retorcer tanto hace que sea haga imposible meterse en la historia. Una pena, eran una pareja con mucho potencial para crear algo interesante. Pero sus pensamientos y actos son absurdos y sin sentido, cada conversación y decisión de ella son de psiquiatría, todo tendría sentido si estuviera poseída.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
January 1, 2019June 25, 2020
Always good reading with Debbie Macomber
September 3, 2021
This book kinda annoyed me. I would never have let my kid act the way that jolene did in this book. She was cute in the other books but a spoiled brat in this one.
October 24, 2021
So many of these wonderful characters have found their place in Cedar Cove. There are a few left to reach home.
February 19, 2022
The books in this series generally have a cute small town vibe I enjoy. This one was way too focused on Bruce & his daughter Jolene who were both irritating and insufferable.
April 30, 2024
I love this series. It's has drawn me in and can't put the books down.
April 3, 2020
Ahh loved it so much!! Love the Cedar Cove series so much! Can't believe there's only 1 book left. I might cry 😭😭
August 26, 2024
It’s nice to catch up on characters from a previous book. Debbie Macomber is able to write in ways that pull you into the lives within the story. When you put the book down you walk away and those characters seem real. Certainly what they have experienced has really happened to someone.
December 18, 2011
Bruce and his daughter Jolene live on Yakima Street and they are having a huge problem. Rachel, Bruce’s pregnant wife, has decided to move out. She worries about her health and the baby and decides the hostility she is receiving from her step-daughter isn’t worth the risk. Bruce does everything he can to convince her to come back, except address the problem of Jolene. She is adamant that they do not need Rachel, and tries to prove it multiple times. Whenever Bruce decides to try to see Rachel, she’s right there to make a scene. It gets so bad that Rachel has to change her job. She’s even cut off ties with her best friend.
Desperate, Bruce begins to see a counselor, and continuously tells his daughter that Rachel is his wife and she will just have to deal with it. Rachel feels this isn’t addressing the problem and still refuses to go back. It takes a while but they begin to mend their relationship and by Christmas, they’re a family again.
This book also includes the lives of multiple other characters such as Olivia, her husband Jack, her brother Will, and their parents, Ben and Charlotte, who seem to be suffering from memory loss. Throughout the book, Olivia tries to talk them into moving into an assisted living facility. Will, who runs the art gallery, has to deal with his stubborn employee, Miranda, who ends up being quite attracted to him. The ends weren’t tied up for this relationship, but there is another book coming out!
Linc and Lori are struggling to make ends meet when Lori’s father decides to blacklist Linc. Instead of folding under the pressure, his brother-in-law helps out by directing a lot of business his way, and renting them the other half of their duplex. Lori has severed all ties from her family but is surprised when her mother, Kate, shows up. She informs Lori that she has left Bellamy because she thinks his treatment of his daughter is unacceptable. Tired of seeing the rift in the family, Linc goes to visit his father-in-law. Bellamy refuses to accept Linc as a good match for his daughter, but when Linc and Lori set up a meeting between him and Kate, he bites his pride and admits his fault. The older couple reunites.
Grace and her husband Cliff are asked to help nurse a baby pup until it’s old enough to give away. Grace agrees reluctantly but she insists that Beth find the dog a home ASAP. She refuses to fall for the dog’s charm after losing her own pet, Buttercup. Throughout the story, Grace attempts to ignore the lure of the puppy, despite his obvious affection for her. At the end, Beth arrives saying she is unable to get the dog a home, as she now has ten new puppies to place. Grace decides to give the dog to her grandchildren for a Christmas present, but as she’ s walking towards the door, she realizes she’s come to love the little mutt and can’t part with him.
1225 Christmas Tree Lane
Follow Beth's story in the final book.
Beth, who takes in stray animals and works as a dog trainer, is given a bundle of dogs and needs to get rid of them. At the same time, her ex-husband, who she hasn’t talked to in years arrives to spend Christmas with their children. Everyone believes this is an attempt on the teenagers part to have a reconciliation. However, Beth is now dating the vet. The ends were not tied up with this scene either and will be addressed in the next book, 1225 Christmas Tree Lane.
Gloria is a sheriff’s deputy who ended up pregnant by Dr. Chad. She refuses to tell him about the pregnancy but her biological father, Roy, does for her. This causes a problem between him and his wife, Linnette, as it brings up old memories of how Linnette gave up Gloria for adoption without consulting Roy first. Chad is happy about the pregnancy and does what he can to help out while staying in the shadows. Eventually, Gloria tells Chad about the baby and he reveals he’s already known. This is after her mother has already told her that Chad knows. Gloria lets Chad help with preparations as much as he wants to, but he constantly reminds her he is a relationship, which is none of her business. The girl he’s involved with comes to see Gloria one day and decides to call the relationship off because she love Chad enough to want him to be happy. Chad and Gloria confess their love and make plans for the future.
This was a great story, as all of the Cedar Cove series has been. I enjoyed revisiting old faces and meeting new people. Debbie Macomber does a wonderful job of using multiple characters without confusion. The entire story read like I was really part of their lives and it was hard to put down. I liked how she tied up some loose ends, but left enough to ensure that any true fan will be drooling until they can get the final installment of the Cedar Cove series.
Desperate, Bruce begins to see a counselor, and continuously tells his daughter that Rachel is his wife and she will just have to deal with it. Rachel feels this isn’t addressing the problem and still refuses to go back. It takes a while but they begin to mend their relationship and by Christmas, they’re a family again.
This book also includes the lives of multiple other characters such as Olivia, her husband Jack, her brother Will, and their parents, Ben and Charlotte, who seem to be suffering from memory loss. Throughout the book, Olivia tries to talk them into moving into an assisted living facility. Will, who runs the art gallery, has to deal with his stubborn employee, Miranda, who ends up being quite attracted to him. The ends weren’t tied up for this relationship, but there is another book coming out!
Linc and Lori are struggling to make ends meet when Lori’s father decides to blacklist Linc. Instead of folding under the pressure, his brother-in-law helps out by directing a lot of business his way, and renting them the other half of their duplex. Lori has severed all ties from her family but is surprised when her mother, Kate, shows up. She informs Lori that she has left Bellamy because she thinks his treatment of his daughter is unacceptable. Tired of seeing the rift in the family, Linc goes to visit his father-in-law. Bellamy refuses to accept Linc as a good match for his daughter, but when Linc and Lori set up a meeting between him and Kate, he bites his pride and admits his fault. The older couple reunites.
Grace and her husband Cliff are asked to help nurse a baby pup until it’s old enough to give away. Grace agrees reluctantly but she insists that Beth find the dog a home ASAP. She refuses to fall for the dog’s charm after losing her own pet, Buttercup. Throughout the story, Grace attempts to ignore the lure of the puppy, despite his obvious affection for her. At the end, Beth arrives saying she is unable to get the dog a home, as she now has ten new puppies to place. Grace decides to give the dog to her grandchildren for a Christmas present, but as she’ s walking towards the door, she realizes she’s come to love the little mutt and can’t part with him.
1225 Christmas Tree Lane
Follow Beth's story in the final book.
Beth, who takes in stray animals and works as a dog trainer, is given a bundle of dogs and needs to get rid of them. At the same time, her ex-husband, who she hasn’t talked to in years arrives to spend Christmas with their children. Everyone believes this is an attempt on the teenagers part to have a reconciliation. However, Beth is now dating the vet. The ends were not tied up with this scene either and will be addressed in the next book, 1225 Christmas Tree Lane.
Gloria is a sheriff’s deputy who ended up pregnant by Dr. Chad. She refuses to tell him about the pregnancy but her biological father, Roy, does for her. This causes a problem between him and his wife, Linnette, as it brings up old memories of how Linnette gave up Gloria for adoption without consulting Roy first. Chad is happy about the pregnancy and does what he can to help out while staying in the shadows. Eventually, Gloria tells Chad about the baby and he reveals he’s already known. This is after her mother has already told her that Chad knows. Gloria lets Chad help with preparations as much as he wants to, but he constantly reminds her he is a relationship, which is none of her business. The girl he’s involved with comes to see Gloria one day and decides to call the relationship off because she love Chad enough to want him to be happy. Chad and Gloria confess their love and make plans for the future.
This was a great story, as all of the Cedar Cove series has been. I enjoyed revisiting old faces and meeting new people. Debbie Macomber does a wonderful job of using multiple characters without confusion. The entire story read like I was really part of their lives and it was hard to put down. I liked how she tied up some loose ends, but left enough to ensure that any true fan will be drooling until they can get the final installment of the Cedar Cove series.
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