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As a young girl, it was rare to find me without a book in hand. I have always had an incredible passion for reading, specifically books in the category of romance, suspense, contemporary literature, and fiction, and routinely found myself reading series of books by the same author. Recreational reading became difficult when I began working on my Master’s Degree and shortly after, marriage and children took over my time. My fervor for reading has never waned and when Walmart offered me an opportunity to preview an advanced copy of New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber’s latest book Rose Harbor in Bloom, I decided that this would be my delve back into reading.
Macomber has authored over 150 books and primarily writes in the genre of romance novels and contemporary women’s fiction. Her latest book is the sequel to The Inn at Rose Harbor which was set in the Pacific Northwest town of Cedar Cove and follows the story of Jo Marie Rose. The young widow purchases a local bed-and-breakfast as a way to cope with the death of her husband while her guests work through their own life challenges. In Rose Harbor in Bloom, we return to Cedar Cove, specifically Rose Harbor Inn, the bed and breakfast Jo Marie purchased, where we meet a series of guests, each with a story to tell and a journey to embark on.
From the moment I picked up this book, I found myself immersed within the town of Cedar Cove. Macomber is a brilliant writer and wonderfully depicts the locale and the Inn with enough detail to feel like you’re right there with the characters. Despite the fact that this book is a sequel, I don’t necessarily think the books need to be read in succession. Apart from Jo Marie Rose, the characters are new and Macomber does a good job of catching readers up to speed on the events that passed in the first book.
There are several stories taking place, yet I never felt confused or disengaged. In fact, it was just the opposite. Every time a chapter ended, I couldn’t wait to find out where their journeys would lead them. Annie Newton is in town to coordinate her grandparents’ fiftieth wedding anniversary celebration. But her idealistic view of their relationship is clouded by their constant bickering and her recent broken engagement. Businesswoman Mary Smith seeks respite and closure during her visit to Rose Harbor Inn as she faces a serious illness. And while Jo Marie has worked hard to find healing and closure after her husband’s death, there are still challenges she must face in the final stage of her grieving.
Macomber develops each character in a way that makes readers feel for them. I cried several times while I read this book, the mark of a brilliant author. But what I like most about this book is the author’s hopeful perspective and the realism she brings to each of the characters and their stories. Unlike many romantic novels that seem like a far-fetched fantasy, Macomber illustrates the challenges couples face. And while never preachy, there are some subtle life lessons that readers can take away from the book.
Rose Harbor In Bloom will hit store shelves on Tuesday, August 13th 2013. If you purchase the book at Walmart, you’ll save 40% off the publishers price which makes it just $15.60.
If you’re a fan of Debbie Macomber, you’ll want to watch the new original series Cedar Cove on the Hallmark Channel airing Saturdays at 8:00/7:00 C.
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Is there a next book after Love Letters? I need to know what happened to Mark?