44 Cranberry Point [Mass Market Paperback]

The characters I have grown to enjoy through the first three Cedar Cove books are all back and moving forward/backward in their lives. Opening the pages of this book was like going home to visit with these dear friends I've become very fond of. Debbie Macomber has not only given us another visit to this charming town and added new dimensions to the characters, but also provides us with a suspenseful resolution to the murder that occurred back in book one.

The focal point of this story is the home of Peggy and Bob Beldon who manage the Thyme and Tide B and B at 44 Cranberry Point. Nerves have been on edge with Peggy and Bob since a fellow Vietnam soldier, Max Russell, was found murdered at the inn. Bob, a recovering alcoholic, has the biggest challenge of his sober years when the need for a drink overtakes him. Will he manage to control himself or will he throw away all his hard work and good intentions?

Judge Olivia Lockhart of 16 Lighthouse Road is back from her honeymoon with newspaper editor Jack Griffin, but the adjustment period is harder than either imagined. Can a neat freak health nut live in harmony with a sloppy fast-foot addict?

Maryellen and Jon Bowman finally marry and seem happy with daughter Katie. But will the arrival of Jon's parents disrupt their happy home? Can the disowned son ever forgive his parents' betrayal? Jon is stubborn and it will take a major tragedy to get him to even consider reconciliation.

Grace Sherman has made a decision and Cliff Harding is the one she wants. Alas, Grace's internet romance with Will Jefferson may have ended any hopes for a life with Cliff. When Will visits Cedar Cove, what will Grace do?

Romance is in the air for septuagenarians Charlotte Jefferson and Ben Rhodes, but will a background search uncover facts about Ben that would stand in the way of this romance?

Ian Randall is home on leave but tensions are mounting with wife Cecilia. Will they put their grief over losing daughter Allison in perspective and be ready to try to have another child?

Private investigator Roy McAfee has been getting strange and rather threatening notes. A package left on his doorsteps is the ultimate cliffhanger ending and it should be no surprise to followers of this series that the spotlight will now shift to the McAfee home at 50 Harbor Street for the next installment in the series.

In addition to the main characters, minor characters such as Rachel the nail tech, widower Bruce Peyton, Stanley Lockhart and others make appearances and propel the storyline, thanks in large part to a hilarious Dog and Bachelor auction which makes matches and mismatches aplenty.

Debbie Macomber has given us the perfect soap opera in book form and I eagerly look forward to each new installment. I would advise readers to begin at the beginning to eliminate any confusion in this multi-populated series.

Cedar Cove is the the fictional town that Debbie Macomber has created for this series and 44 Cranberry Point centers around the mystery of the death that occurred one rainy night at the Thyme and Tide Bed and Breakfast that is owned by town residents Bob and Peggy.

As in the previous books in this series, you will also get the chance to meet up with all the past towns people that have been highlighted. Just to name a few you have....

Ian and Cecilia from 16 Lighthouse Road
Grace Sherman from 204 Rosewood Lane
and
Rosie and Zach Cox from 311 Pelican Court

I would never say that this series should be considered literary classics, but they are an enjoyment to read and I am looking forward to 50 Harbor Street that comes out in September 2005.

The mystery of the B&B is solved althought the killer became obvious it was still fun to read. Charlotte got a love interest, Maryellen moved forward with her life with Jon and their daughter. Cecelia decided it was time for another baby but Ian didn't quite agree. Grace had her hands full with her love interests while Olivia adjusted to life with her new husband. Read and enjoy.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 44 reviews  4.2 out of 5 stars