Throwback Thursday: 16 Lighthouse Road by Debbie Macomber

 Author: Debbie Macomber
First Published in 2001 by Mira (Harlequin)
Audiobook by Brilliance Audio

Dear Reader,

You don't know me yet, but in a few hours that's going to change. I'm inviting you to my town of Cedar Cove because I want you to meet my family, friends and neighbors. Come hear their stories--maybe even their secrets!
Cedar Cove--people love it and sometimes they leave it, but they never forget it!

Olivia Lockhart

I've never been a fan of soap opera's, except for a brief time in my youth when Luke and Laura were getting married on General Hospital.  16 Lighthouse Road reminded me of a soap opera, but in a good way.  The characters are engaging and realistic.  Cedar Cove is a small town attached to a Naval base.  Everyone knows everything about everyone else.  

This was a hard book to review because there are multiple story lines going on in the book.  I think the thing that appealed to me the most about the book is that none of the relationships are perfect.  Everyone seems to be having a tough time, whether it is with their spouse or their children.  While there are HEAs and resolutions for some of the characters, others are left hanging and unresolved.  From further research about the series, it looks like some of the story lines span multiple books in the Cedar Cove series.  I definitely will be looking for the next book in the series, 204 Rosewood Lane.

I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed listening to Sandra Burr narrate. She has quickly become one of my favorite narrators. 

 

Call Me Mrs. Miracle

Author: Debbie Macomber
Publisher: Mira Books

This Christmas, Emily Merkle (call her Mrs. Miracle!) is working in the toy department at Finley’s, the last family-owned department store in New York City. And her boss is none other than…Jake Finley, the owner’s son.

For Jake, holiday memories of brightly wrapped gifts, decorated trees and family were destroyed in a Christmas Eve tragedy years before. Now Christmas means just one thing to him — and to his father. Profit. Because they need a Christmas miracle to keep the business afloat.

Holly Larson needs a miracle, too. She wants to give her eight-year-old nephew, Gabe, the holiday he deserves. Holly’s widowed brother is in the army and won’t be home for Christmas, but at least she can get Gabe that toy robot from Finley’s, the one gift he desperately wants. If she can figure out how to afford it…

Fortunately, it’s Mrs. Miracle to the rescue. Next to making children happy, she likes nothing better than helping others — and that includes doing a bit of matchmaking!

This Christmas will be different. For all of them.

I listened to the audio version. It was a very quick "read". I really enjoyed the story. Just the right book to put me in the mood for the holiday season. Even though it was published this year, it had an old fashion feel to it. The characters were fun and believable. The romance was sweet, without any angst and a nice change of pace. My only regret is that it wasn't longer. I would have liked a better epilogue or more about Holly's brother and her boss. I would definitely recommend for anyone looking for a quick holiday read. 5 stars on Goodreads.