That Just Happened!

Macomber, Debbie. A Cedar Cove Christmas. Mira Books. 2008.

I really enjoyed this book. Although it is part of a series, Macomber did a good job of giving you a little bit of background on each of the characters in Cedar Cove as they appeared in the book.  This is yet another book I have read that has had very punny names. The protagonist Mary Jo (Mary & Joseph) and her three brothers (last name Wyse) are perfect examples of this.  It follows a very familiar Christmas story, but we all know who the father is (and he is a jerkface!) and there actually is a manger! 

I liked the fact it was a quick read and that the story line moved at a good pace.  It definitely touches on the themes of charity, kindness and the holiday spirit.  The characters were just so likeable, Cedar Cove definitely seems like a place I would want to visit.  The other thing I really liked about this book is that as I was reading and being introduced to the characters, little tidbits about their past was mentioned.  It made me want to know more about their past as it seemed so troubled, yet everything seems to have worked out. Still, I got the feeling there was an underlying tension in Grace’s house (the character who takes Mary Jo in on Christmas Eve).  The relationships seem solid, but like they have to work really hard for it.  Macomber writes a Cedar Cove series and I am guessing you get to know the past lives of the characters a lot better and I really think I need to pick some of them up.  For more information on the author you can go to her website www.debbiemacomber.com

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants a quick read about a modern take on a classic Christmas tale.