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Cedar Cove #8.5
A Cedar Cove Christmas
Mother-to-be Mary Jo Wyse arrives in Cedar Cove on Christmas Eve, searching for her baby's father. David Rhodes had said he'd be in town. But he isn't. Which leaves Mary Jo stranded, pregnant and alone. And there's no room at the local inn.…
So Grace Harding brings Mary Jo home to her nearby ranch. She and her husband, Cliff, have a houseful of guests, but they offer her a room over their stable (currently sheltering the animals�including a donkey and a camel�for Cedar Cove's Nativity pageant!).
When Mary Jo goes into labor that night, a young man named Mack McAfee, a paramedic, comes to her rescue, just as her brothers�the three Wyse men�show up in town. The people of Cedar Cove join them in celebrating the birth of baby Noel. But no one has more to celebrate than Mack. Because this Christmas brings him faith, hope and love…
288 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2007
157 people are currently reading
4201 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Macomber
895 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 675 reviews
December 23, 2016
Awww. This is sweet. I was sad I was reading it on the 23rd of December, as this is a re-telling of the nativity scene. I wished it was Christmas eve.. A joyous and light Christmas read which I enjoyed. Mary Jo Wyse - yes it's true - gives birth on Christmas eve with nowhere to actually birth. The town of Cedar Cove rallies to help her out. These people are lovely and the townsfolk to die for. I think the pessimists in all of us could learn a lesson or two from this simplicity. Welcome Noelle Grace. Mack was a lovely man too; helpful, strong, stoic. Watch this space.
Did I happen to mention Grace is a Librarian ;) I want to live in Cedar Cove. Call me Grace anytime.
Did I happen to mention Grace is a Librarian ;) I want to live in Cedar Cove. Call me Grace anytime.
January 5, 2020
I really like Debbie Macomber. Her books are like a nice hot chocolate or spiced hot apple cider on a cold's winter evening. Or settling into a warm bubble bath. Just a bit of warm comfort and always hits the right spot.
This book was a retelling of the Christmas story and she wasn't too subtle about it. I really liked it. (Except I really hoped that the guy who knocked MaryJo up would get his comeuppance.) Oh, well, maybe that happens in another book.
This book was a retelling of the Christmas story and she wasn't too subtle about it. I really liked it. (Except I really hoped that the guy who knocked MaryJo up would get his comeuppance.) Oh, well, maybe that happens in another book.
March 16, 2013
Only because I'm reading the whole series am I reading this. Otherwise the description alone is gag worthy! as she plays on TOO MANY religious christmas eve events. (ie pregant Mary Josephine Wyse, no room at the inn, 3 wyse men arriving, living in a room over the stables with a donkey and camel are housed, etc.) Sounds so cheesy and ridiculous!
This was just so hokey it was ridiculous! I liked Mary Jo and Mack McAfee but could have done without all the first christmas hooey. Even for a christian it's just too much for a romance novel. It wasn't funny. It wasn't cute. It was just plain stupid and over-the-top.
This was just so hokey it was ridiculous! I liked Mary Jo and Mack McAfee but could have done without all the first christmas hooey. Even for a christian it's just too much for a romance novel. It wasn't funny. It wasn't cute. It was just plain stupid and over-the-top.
April 4, 2011
This is a corny but cute modern telling of the first Christmas. Mary Josephine Wyse is unmarried and heavily pregnant with no daddy in sight, so she sets off for a small town – Cedar Cove – where he said he’d be spending Christmas with his parents. But the parents aren’t home & there’s no room in any of the inns, but a good-hearted woman puts her up in an apartment above the barn. The barn houses an ox and a lamb and a bad-tempered camel in addition to the horses (the town does a live manger scene). Mary Jo’s brothers, the three Wyse men - I told you it was corny! - follow her to Cedar Cove, but many difficulties delay their arrival – will they get there in time for the birth?! As you read, you may find yourself searching for each element of the first Christmas.
December 11, 2008
I got this book for my birthday (in October), and "saved" it to read during the holiday season. I was not disappointed! I have liked all of the Cedar Cove books that I've read, and this one picks up after book 8 and has a wonderful Christmas theme.
MaryJo Wyse is pregnant and looking for the baby's father in Cedar Cove. Oddly enough, she has three brothers (the Wyse men) and ends up taking refuge in a barn that happens to be housing animals for the local church's live nativity scene. The author worked in so many wonderful Christmas themes into a modern day, Cedar Cove story. Many familiar characters are back, and a couple of new ones are introduced. I hope to see more of MaryJo in the upcoming books in this series :)
This was a light, easy holiday read. I have personally read all of the books before this one, in this series, but I think you could easily pick it up and enjoy it on its own if you hadn't read any of the previous books. Although, if you are currently reading them, something that happens in book 7 is mentioned in here, so that might ruin book 7 for you if you hadn't gotten that far in the series....
MaryJo Wyse is pregnant and looking for the baby's father in Cedar Cove. Oddly enough, she has three brothers (the Wyse men) and ends up taking refuge in a barn that happens to be housing animals for the local church's live nativity scene. The author worked in so many wonderful Christmas themes into a modern day, Cedar Cove story. Many familiar characters are back, and a couple of new ones are introduced. I hope to see more of MaryJo in the upcoming books in this series :)
This was a light, easy holiday read. I have personally read all of the books before this one, in this series, but I think you could easily pick it up and enjoy it on its own if you hadn't read any of the previous books. Although, if you are currently reading them, something that happens in book 7 is mentioned in here, so that might ruin book 7 for you if you hadn't gotten that far in the series....
November 12, 2014
Mother-to-be Mary Jo Wyse arrives in Cedar Cove on Christmas Eve, searching for her baby's father. David Rhodes had said he'd be in town. But he isn't. Which leaves Mary Jo stranded, pregnant and alone. And there's no room at the local inn....
So Grace Harding brings Mary Jo home to her nearby ranch. She and her husband, Cliff, have a houseful of guests, but they offer her a room over their stable (currently sheltering the animals--including a donkey and a camel--for Cedar Cove's Nativity pageant!).
When Mary Jo goes into labor that night, a young man named Mack McAfee, a paramedic, comes to her rescue, just as her brothers--the three Wyse men--show up in town. The people of Cedar Cove join them in celebrating the birth of baby Noel. But no one has more to celebrate than Mack. Because this Christmas brings him faith, hope and love...
What a WONDERFUL Christmas story. Told in the minset of the very first Christmas. An easy light read that will take you away from your daily problems. I
highly recommend this book sometime before Christmas, especially if you are having a hard time getting into the spirit. 5 stars.
So Grace Harding brings Mary Jo home to her nearby ranch. She and her husband, Cliff, have a houseful of guests, but they offer her a room over their stable (currently sheltering the animals--including a donkey and a camel--for Cedar Cove's Nativity pageant!).
When Mary Jo goes into labor that night, a young man named Mack McAfee, a paramedic, comes to her rescue, just as her brothers--the three Wyse men--show up in town. The people of Cedar Cove join them in celebrating the birth of baby Noel. But no one has more to celebrate than Mack. Because this Christmas brings him faith, hope and love...
What a WONDERFUL Christmas story. Told in the minset of the very first Christmas. An easy light read that will take you away from your daily problems. I
highly recommend this book sometime before Christmas, especially if you are having a hard time getting into the spirit. 5 stars.
May 8, 2017
A Cedar Cove Christmas is a tender story about a typical romance gone array. Mary Jo falls in love and gets pregnant with the wicked David Rhodes who left the residents of Cedar Cove with a bad taste in their mouths for his scandalous behavior. Mary Jo’s brothers vows to go to Cedar Cove to find David Rhodes and make him do right by their sister. Not wanting to disrupt David Rhodes and his family’s holiday by warning them of her brothers intention, she travels to Cedar Cove alone to ward off trouble. Debbie Macomber writes this story in the tradition of the Christmas story of the three wise men. It’s a delight to read and left me waiting for the follow-up story. I recommend that you read the Cedar Cove series in sequence so you’ll get to know the characters and understand the story with clarity.
December 24, 2016
This is a really a nice and cozy Christmas read. It really got me in the Christmas spirit. I fell in love with all the Characters.
December 15, 2019
I only read sappy stuff for book clubs.
December 8, 2013
This story is perfect to put you in the holiday spirit. It’s perfect as part of the Cedar Cove series or as a stand-alone for Christmas.
Through this tale Macomber pulled at my heartstrings and made me laugh like crazy. It was absolutely perfect. This story is simultaneously completely original and a traditional love story. I also love the many parallels you can draw to the original Christmas story. Not only does Macomber create a brilliant storyline for us to follow but she brings it to life with her brilliant descriptions and captivating narrative so that you can picture it all.
The character development in this novel is phenomenal. Although this novel falls well into the series, you don’t ever feel like there’s anyone that you don’t know, nor any aspect of the story that is beyond you. I love how the narrator gives each character their own voice. Not only do you get to know them as individuals through the development on the author’s part, but it’s impossible not to picture them because of this.
This story brought tears to my eyes more than once and definitely warmed my heart. It’s the perfect modern day Christmas story to bring you into the holiday spirit.
Through this tale Macomber pulled at my heartstrings and made me laugh like crazy. It was absolutely perfect. This story is simultaneously completely original and a traditional love story. I also love the many parallels you can draw to the original Christmas story. Not only does Macomber create a brilliant storyline for us to follow but she brings it to life with her brilliant descriptions and captivating narrative so that you can picture it all.
The character development in this novel is phenomenal. Although this novel falls well into the series, you don’t ever feel like there’s anyone that you don’t know, nor any aspect of the story that is beyond you. I love how the narrator gives each character their own voice. Not only do you get to know them as individuals through the development on the author’s part, but it’s impossible not to picture them because of this.
This story brought tears to my eyes more than once and definitely warmed my heart. It’s the perfect modern day Christmas story to bring you into the holiday spirit.
May 8, 2012
A Cedar Cove Christmas is a novella in the popular Cedar Cove series by Debbie Macomber. As well as many favourite Cedar Cove characters, this tale features a few new ones: Mary Jo Wyse, very pregnant, arrives in Cedar Cove on Christmas Eve in search of her baby’s father, David Rhodes. David, of course, has lied (again!) and that leaves Mary Jo stranded without a place to stay because, of course, there is no room at the inn. Macomber goes on to include as many elements of the first Christmas as she reasonably can, including a stable for Mary Jo to stay in, ox, ass and camel in that stable (for the Nativity Pageant), three Wyse men (Mary Jo’s brothers), a star (or two) to lead them to said stable, and a baby born that night. As well as Macomber’s endearing characters and usual feelgood plot, there was plenty of humour in this one in the form of dialogue between the Wyse brothers. A delightful Christmas tale.
March 10, 2015
I think this book was a good book. was written with a biblical story behind it of Mary and Joseph. I really think that there could have been more of a twist to it, would have made it better at the part where Mary was trying to find a hotel to stay at that by some surprise that there was a room available.
Over all I liked the story line, but I feel it followed the story in the bible to closely with Mary and her brothers bring her gifts and her staying at a woman's barn. All closely related to the bible. I not atheist but if I wanted this in a Christmas romance I would have read that story in the bible.
Over all I liked the story line, but I feel it followed the story in the bible to closely with Mary and her brothers bring her gifts and her staying at a woman's barn. All closely related to the bible. I not atheist but if I wanted this in a Christmas romance I would have read that story in the bible.
November 25, 2010
This book was much better than The Perfect Christmas which I just read and didn't like. The story is fiction not romance but I liked the Christmasy feel and small town setting. The characters were nice to read about and unlike her other book I was actually drawn in emotionally. I am not going to run out and get more of her books but this one wasn't bad.
January 4, 2012
A lovely heartwarming Christmas story.
October 21, 2012
Loved it :) one of my favorite Christmas stories. Love Debbie macomber.
December 3, 2019
Absolutely awful. Awful characters, awful plot. Nothing feel good about it. It was utter drivel and I couldn't even finish it.
January 2, 2018
Loved this one!
December 5, 2017
3.5 stars
October 21, 2015
That’s Mary Jo’s dilemma. She’s pregnant (nine months), abandoned by her ex-boyfriend. Her brothers are arguing, claiming they’ll find her ex and force him to marry her. It’s Christmas Eve and Mary Jo is determined to find her ex in Cedar Cove before her brothers find him first!
This was a delightful short book where you’ll become reacquainted with the Cedar Cove cast. It’s like a modern version of the original Christmas story, complete with 3 Wyze men, a King, a stable, barn animals, a drummer boy and even bursting stars! This is a nice quick story to read over the holidays.
- See more at: http://ceceliadowdy.com/blog/2015/10/...
This was a delightful short book where you’ll become reacquainted with the Cedar Cove cast. It’s like a modern version of the original Christmas story, complete with 3 Wyze men, a King, a stable, barn animals, a drummer boy and even bursting stars! This is a nice quick story to read over the holidays.
- See more at: http://ceceliadowdy.com/blog/2015/10/...
November 23, 2011
This delightfully wacky modern day version of the Nativity story is creative and funny. Debbie Macomber did a great job of using the animals from the church's nativity, 3 brothers whose last name just happens to be Wyse, fireworks to represent the Star of the East, and even a restaurant owner who resembles Scrooge to retell a story of peace and love.
December 29, 2014
An entertaining holiday story although there was very little romance. The plot was fun and the action interesting as we discover all the similarities to the seasonal story. Mary Jo is nine months pregnant and looking for the father of her baby when she has a dizzy spell and paramedic Mack is called.
December 4, 2021
Delightful! A Christmas novel about Mary Jo who’s pregnant and staying upstairs above Christmas animals in a barn. There is no room at any inn. She’s single and the father is missing. Well written and perfect for putting me in the right frame of mind for the season. There is hope, peace and even love.
August 6, 2018
I loved this book!! Great story!! 2nd time reading this book!! And still love this story!!
November 13, 2018
A young woman's birthing experience parallels the Christmas story
December 21, 2014
As always Debbie delivered another amazing Cedar Cove book!
September 30, 2023
A Cedar Cove Christmas by Debbie Macomber
Cedar Cove #8.5
280-page Hardback
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas
Featuring: Author's Note, Character List, Nativity Retelling, Washington State, Pregnancy, Multiple POVs, Seattle, Christmas, Family Drama, Adult Children, Cliffhangers
Rating as a movie: PG-13 for adult content
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🎄🎁✝️
My thoughts: 📖 Page 108 of 280 Ch. 8 - I'm not a fan of this retelling, it seems quite cheesy but the humor is on point and I'm enjoying the story. I laughed aloud once I realized who fathered her baby.
I'm a little annoyed they spelled the baby's name wrong in the blurb, but maybe they thought it was a spoiler or something. I went back to the inside cover to double check and sure enough two different spellings from the sleeve to the last pages. I don't know if it was the print (which was the perfect font size & spacing) but this was the best Cedar Cove story in a while. It had some corny moments but it was funny and kind of cute.
Recommend to others: Yes. Her Christmas books are the best.
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 #8.5
280-page Hardback
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas
Featuring: Author's Note, Character List, Nativity Retelling, Washington State, Pregnancy, Multiple POVs, Seattle, Christmas, Family Drama, Adult Children, Cliffhangers
Rating as a movie: PG-13 for adult content
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🎄🎁✝️
My thoughts: 📖 Page 108 of 280 Ch. 8 - I'm not a fan of this retelling, it seems quite cheesy but the humor is on point and I'm enjoying the story. I laughed aloud once I realized who fathered her baby.
I'm a little annoyed they spelled the baby's name wrong in the blurb, but maybe they thought it was a spoiler or something. I went back to the inside cover to double check and sure enough two different spellings from the sleeve to the last pages. I don't know if it was the print (which was the perfect font size & spacing) but this was the best Cedar Cove story in a while. It had some corny moments but it was funny and kind of cute.
Recommend to others: Yes. Her Christmas books are the best.
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)
January 9, 2024
Listen I’m generally pretty generous with my ratings but this was…just…not good. At all. I’m sure people who love cheesy small town romance where they don’t have to think for even a second would be happy, but for me it was boring and shallow. The Christmas story metaphor couldn’t be any more heavy handed if it hit you over the head with a snow shovel. Also there were so many points where she could’ve just gone back home but she and her brothers made their family business everyone’s problem and frankly it was embarrassing. Like GIRL what are you doing??? Go home 😭
May 10, 2021
This is book #8.5 in the Cedar Cove series by Debbie Macomber. I LOVE this series! It is so warm and filled with a quaint town of wonderful characters. Each time I reach the end of a book, it leaves me wanting to hurry and get to the next one in the series. This was a quaint Christmas story that fell right into sequence with the series. I adored this story and can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
March 23, 2021
I rate this book 5/5. It was a great book, written very well. I recommend this book to people who like realistic books, where the situations seem they could happen in real life, people who like romance, and people who like a little suspense and mystery. This book had many different aspects in it, that can appeal to many people.
December 3, 2018
This book reads just like a Hallmark movie which is okay if you enjoy that kind of stuff. It's a nice read for Christmastime. This provides an introduction to this author's Cedar Cove series and characters. I have never read any other Cedar Cove books, and I will probably start reading them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 675 reviews