74 Seaside Avenue

Cedar Cove #7

by Debbie Macomber

Olivia Lockhart-Griffin 

Cedar Cove, Washington 

Dear Reader, 

Do you remember Teri Miller? She works at Get Nailed, the beauty salon here in town. Well, Teri got married a little while ago—to Bobby Polgar, the famous chess champion. They've moved into a beautiful house, 74 Seaside Avenue, which has a spectacular view of Puget Sound. 

Teri's my hairdresser, and she confided that something seems to be worrying Bobby. When she asked him about it, he told her he was "protecting his queen," and she got the oddest feeling that he wasn't talking about chess, but about her. 

Rachel Pendergast also works at Get Nailed, and I've heard that she has two men seriously interested in her. I also wanted to tell you that Linnette McAfee, who's Roy and Corrie's daughter, recently left town because her love life fell apart. We all know about that kind of trouble. 

Oh, by the way, Teri says we should come in soon for a manicure and a chat…. 

Olivia 

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, Ebooks

416 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Debbie 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.

Reviews

[Suz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Possibly some little spoiler-ish bits here.

I both read and listened to this on audio cd. The narration was terrible, she went into robot mode when speaking as a male!

A rewarding and safe read as always, some unlikely things happened in my opinion (characters in this series play it very 'safe'). One example was a couple in a long distance relationship who visit each other and the guy stays at a friends house?! I'm being judgemental, I know!

Cedar Cove is moving along nicely, it was nice seeing the Sheriff meet a lady he loved, as with Bruce and Rachel. Grace was unlucky with some bad tenants (solved in a kind of unlikely manner again), and our beloved Olivia has been given some bad news. Interesting enough, the author has made preludes to Charlotte's age, which I didn't see coming as in Cedar Cove things just keep plodding along. (A bit like my favourite childhood series where the girls just didn't age). I guess I'm not expecting the real life bits like this as it's super breezy and light. I'm being judgemental again.

Looking forward to see what comes next, also of interest is an interview with the author, you can see she has got a very loyal following, who are committed to this series.

[Readaholic Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the cedar cove series. I really like Bobby and I find his and Teri's relationship interesting.

[CP · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fine story by one of my favorite authors.

[Amy Mortensen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got a third through this book and had no idea what was going on. There were way too many characters and no plot. I had to stop reading it because it was driving me crazy.

[Karen J · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Jenness · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty typical Macomber - enjoyable and easy to read. However this book had so many different characters and story lines that didn't intersect that it was hard to keep track of who was related to who and what was going on with each one. At times it was such a jumble I almost gave up as I was so confused. But I hung in till the end and that is exactly what I got. The End. The book ended with several of the story lines up in the air, but I won't tell you which ones. I'm sure that means there is another book to follow. I just don't know what the address of that one is.

[Linda · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring! Disconnected! Still trying to figure out who was who! Ha, ha, I just read reviews from other people and no wonder I couldn't figure out the characters, etc. It's #7 in a series and characters are woven in and out throughout each book. I still would only give it 2 stars because it's like a gossipy soap opera!

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book 7 in the Cedar Cove series centers on hairdresser Teri and her chess champion husband, Bobby Polgar. While Teri has a dynamic personality and is a great addition to the cast of characters, Bobby is not realistic. A chess genius, he has limited social skills but his scenes feel forced. The drama of this book revolves around a Russian chess player who threatens to harm Teri unless Bobby throws a chess match. I don't doubt the competitiveness of chess, but the whole story arc was ridiculous.

[Harlequin Books]

Categories
Small Town & Rural Fiction, Women's Fiction, Family Life Fiction, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
Cedar Cove

[Bingbong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good solid 4 star so far for this whole series!!!

Just hanging out with my old friends!!

My heart is breaking for Olivia and Jack!! Linette is in a new town and I love it there!! Since I also live on a farm outisde a small town this series is just perfect for me. Good values, sweet Romance.

I love it that mature people also fall in love here - and that they have moral values!!

The bit of suspense in every novel, this one with Russian Mafia is excellent!!!

No chance of me stopping this series now!!

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I enjoyed the book. However, I did not know care for Rachel’s storyline.

[BJ Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this more than I thought I would through the first half of the book, but I have read Debbie Macomber books before, so I stayed with it, and the last 1/3 was worth the read. But I learned a very valuable lesson: even though books in some series are written as 'stand-alones', picking up one in the middle of the series is like coming into a movie in the middle; by the time you get to the end, you've figured things out, but you're aware you missed so much more.

That said, I enjoy books about small towns and the general neighborliness and friendships that last - even the gossiping that goes on!

[Glenda L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another enjoyable read about the people in Cedar Cove. Debbie Macomber makes her characters come to life ... can't wait to read the next one. I have read the first 6 of the series and loved each one of them.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keep 'em coming! I'm hooked on this series which comes out every September.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another good book in the series. I'm already looking forward to the next book to find out what happens in the lives of the characters.

[Diana Donnelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 7th book of the Cedar Cove series. Like all the others I have enjoyed it. She leaves each book with a slight mystery and an introduction to an new character. As I mentioned before starting from the beginning is the best way to enjoy this series.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whenever I read a book from this series I feel like I am visiting old friends. Very enjoyable.

[Bertha Ivins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still 😀

[Judy Churchill · Rating 4 out of 5]

More . . .

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

74 Seaside Avenue is the address of Teri (Miller) Polgar and her chess champion husband, Bobby. Teri begins the narration in the 7th book in the popular Cedar Cove series by Debbie Macomber. Once again, we join our well-loved residents of Cedar Cove to find out what is happening in their lives. Teri’s story involves subtle threats and kidnapping and a surprise for Bobby, as well as some tactical chess moves; Teri’s friend from Get Nailed, Rachel Pendergast, whose navy boyfriend Nate Olsen has moved to San Diego, finds she has to make a choice between heartthrob Nate and his possible political career, and Bruce Peyton and his sweet and slightly needy daughter, Jolene; Linnette McAfee decides to leave Cedar Cove for parts unknown when she is rejected by Cal Washburn; Troy Davis, coming to terms with the recent death of his wife, Sandy, a victim of Multiple Sclerosis, reconnects with an old girlfriend, but fears his daughter Megan’s disapproval; Olivia Lockhart Griffin needs the support of her best friend, Grace, after her latest mammogram; her husband, Jack, finds his AA resolutions sorely tested at the news; Grace Sherman Harding, rejoicing at the birth of two more grandchildren, learns that honesty is the best policy when it comes to telling her husband, Cliff, about the reappearance in town of Will Jefferson; Anson and Allison, Jon and Mary Ellen make brief appearances; and the reader is left wondering if Will Jefferson’s intentions are benign, and if Pastor Dave Flemming is all he seems. Macomber once again does what she excels at: people and relationships. Her characters are multi-faceted and her plots have a few twists (and in this case, a twister) to keep it interesting. An entertaining read that will have readers looking forward to 8 Sandpiper Way.

[ஐ Katya (Book Queen)ஐ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book more than the last, which in this series, is saying something. Linette Cox flees Cedar Cove due to a broken heart and ends up in Buffalo Valley, North Dakota. (Buffalo Valley is another, older series by the same author and familiar faces from that series show up in Buffalo Valley.) Loved Teri and Bobby Polgar's story, kidnapping, chess match, etc. Happy Rachel finally made her choice as that was getting tiring.

Not too thrilled with Sheriff Troy Davis' new romance with an old flame as he's making stupid decisions. His romance is to continue into the next book. The missing old woman's jewelry appears to have one piece show up in the Pastor's pocket, found by his wife, so that's the new mystery and unfortunately their home is the address for the next book. I'm definetly NOT looking forward to that storyline. Knowing what's coming, I seriously feel like calling it quits on this series. I'd like to know what happens with a few of our recurring characters (like Olivia's cancer) but could seriously careless reading about the man of the cloth's mundane troubles that (from the blurb) appear to have lead him to theft. (He discovered the old lady's dead body, so hopefully the missing jewelry theft is all he might be guilty of, hoping there was no foul play in her death as well.)

Still has a soap opera feel to the series. You get used to following a half dozen storylines at the same time and hearing from everyone's point of view but it gets old occassionally. Especially when there are several couples you'd rather not hear anything about.

[Jeanine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 7th book, in the Cedar Cove series. These books just keep getting better. I love starting a new book, already knowing many of the characters. The author keeps the books interesting by always introducing a few new characters. The book is labeled a romance novel, in my public library, but it is so much more than that. There is often some suspense added to these stories, too, & this one was no different.

The author puts, in the front of the book, a list of all the main characters, & I find this to be very helpful. There are a lot of people in these stories, & there are new people, too. It can be hard to remember who is who, from book to book, especially if some people marry into the families of other characters. Having this list helps to refresh my memory, before I start reading the book.

I also love the way Ms. Macomber ends the books. Some of the book's plots are resolved, while others are left unfinished. So, we need to read the next book to find out what happens. Also, she always introduces someone new, in such a way that makes you want to start the next book right away. The next book is "8 Sandpiper Way," which is the home of Pastor Dave Flemming & his wife, Emily. Fortunately, I just got a phone call, from my branch of the public library, telling me the book I ordered has arrived. Perfect timing.... :)

[Romancing the Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debbie Macomber has created such a rich and engaging town in her Cedar Cove series. 74 Seaside Avenue is the seventh book in the series and it lives up to the high expectations delivered by the previous installments. This is a series that really must be read in order. Story lines arc from one book to the next. Characters keep reappearing to update you on what has happened since their book. And new characters that will eventually have their own story make their introductions.

Trying to summarize the book would be near impossible since there were 3 main plot lines as well as a couple other minor ones. But I do highly recommend this series to anyone who is looking for a book that will tug on your heartstrings and has romance, but leaves the details to your imagination. The order of the books in this series are:

16 Lighthouse Road
204 Rosewood Lane
311 Pelican Court
44 Cranberry Point
50 Harbor Street
6 Rainier Drive
74 Seaside Avenue
8 Sandpiper Way
92 Pacific Boulevard
1022 Evergreen Place

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's exciting that Terri is pregnant, hope everything works out for her & Bobby. I would expect for Bobby to hire a Bodyguard to protect Terri. He seems to really love her. The relationship that seems to be starting between Terri's Sister Christine & Bobby's Chauffeur James is unexpected. That is going to be fun. Interesting to see where the reacquaintance of Troy & his High School Sweetheart will go. Hope his Daughter doesn't have MS, that would be terrible. It is about time that Bruce & Rachel finally get their feelings for each other out in the open. I am really worried about Olivia, hope her Cancer is not bad. I don't know about Will moving back to Cedar Cove. If he concentrate's on the Art Gallery that would be fine. Can't wait to hear more about Justine's Victorian Tea Room. Oh dear really don't want to think that Pastor Dave may be responsible for stealing those jewels.

[Maggie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a quick and easy read, but I didn't find it all that enjoyable. I know it's part of a series, I think it's like the 8th or something, but I've never read any of the other books. I'm hoping this explains the complete lack of connection I felt with any of the characters. It jumps from couple to couple in small town in Washington state and I really only cared about maybe two of the story lines. Since it's in a series, it also left a lot of loose ends that I'm sure will be tied up in subsequent books, but I just don't care enough to wonder what happens to the people.

It was pretty mindless, but I still couldn't wait for it to be over.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

My husband saw this book at the library and thought I'd like it so he grabbed it for me. Neither of us knew this was #7 in series until I came to rate it on Goodreads. I was going to say that for such an easy read, there were too many characters for me to keep their backstories straight so I was rating it a 2. Finding out that it's so far in a series explains why and if I'd read all the previous books, I would have been able to keep it straight and I would have given it 3 stars. But I really don't think I would have read more than the first one.

[Karen Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Cedar Cove novel, written in Debbie Macomber's usual form. I am a fan of the series, so I loved the book. There are a few surprises in this one and it's going to be a long wait until August 2008 for 8 Sandpiper Way and Debbie's contract goes through sequel 9, so we have at least two more years to enjoy Cedar Cove and all of the residents we have become close to.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy the Cedar Cover Series by Ms. Macomber...they are an easy enjoyable read...you don't necessarily have to start at book number 1 to enjoy the book, but I would recommed starting at 1 if you think you are going to read them. This was just the easy read that I needed after all the Harry Potter books (all 7 in a row) followed by His Dark Materials Trilogy.

[Kristi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

Better than the last several books in this series, mostly due to the fact that we were not subjected to 20-25% of the book upfront being a rehash of past events. I do think Macomber could still improve her hints and reminders of pivotal past events to be a bit more subtle, but overall there was significant improvement. If that continues I will continue reading the series.

[Debbie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldnt get through it. Picked up an audio book for a drive to Tahoe. Actually lasted 2 disks and still don't know why anyone would read or listen to this book. No depth to the characters and if it was going to have a plot, I didn't last long enough to find out.