Cedar Cove Book 1: 16 Lighthouse Road by Debbie Macomber

Performed by Sandra Burr
Harlequin Enterprises/MIRA Books/Brilliance Audio
Contemporary Women’s Fiction
Contemporary Romance
Unabridged Audio Book
Rating: 4.5

"Divorce Denied." That is the decision Family Court Judge Olivia Lockhart makes when a young couple, Cecelia and Ian Randall, come to her asking for their prenuptial agreement to be overturned so they can get a divorce. Olivia is convinced they aren't giving their love a chance and decides they need to remember why they married in the first place.

Olivia has a lot going on in her life outside of the courtroom as well. Her relationship with her daughter Justine is more strained than ever and Olivia doesn’t know how to reach her. Olivia's mother Charlotte is playing amateur sleuth trying to track down family of a man recently deceased she used to visit at the senior citizens home. Olivia's best friend Grace's husband has disappeared and no one knows why. Then there is the added fact that Jack Griffin, editor of the local newspaper would like to build a more than friendly relationship with Olivia.  

Welcome to Cedar Cove. In this small town, everyone knows everybody else’s business, and they love it that way. Relationships between all of the characters are strong and deeply rooted, to the point when something unfortunate happens, it is a guarantee everyone will rally behind them, just as they will cheer them on when things are going well.

While Olivia’s story is given a touch more focus here, I love that 16 Lighthouse Road (Olivia’s address) does not really revolve around her. The catalyst for the story is Olivia’s decision at the hearing of Ian and Cecilia so they play a significant role in the story as well. Their story is so sad and it was a joy to experience the healing and recovery from their loss that actually makes their love all the stronger.

I love the chatty tone of the Cedar Cove series. When I started listening to 16 Lighthouse Road, I felt as though I was sitting down with everyone as they shared with me what was happening around town. Sandra Burr does that good of a job bringing everyone to life. There is a reason she is one of my favorite audio book performers.

The more I read of Debbie Macomber's books, the more I like her. She knows how to get to the hearts of her readers and tell an emotional story that has quite an impact on the reader. Macomber truly understands what makes women's friendships work and shares the wisdom with us through her books.

© Kelley A. Hartsell, May 2008. All rights reserved.

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