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I've read all of the Cedar Cove books, and this is my least favorite. I think there are way too many storylines going at once, too many characters, and too much of nothing. I plan to read the next book, but unfortunately, I'm not expecting much from it.
I realize for some readers this can be confusing, but for me it breaks up the monotony of a book. But if Debbie gives them just enough information to get them interested in the characters then they may just go ahead and read books 1-7. And you can't throw too much at the characters or it starts to become unbelievable so I think introducing new ones to keep the series fresh was a smart move.I will admit that Debbie tends to spoon feed her audience. She gives us enough background in each book to jog our memories and if you really find yourself struggling you can always refer to the list of characters she has in the front of the book. If this is not the kind of writing style you like then you should probably stay away from her books.Another complaint I frequently see is that she tends to "recap" a lot about past books and this can get irritating.
Once you've done the usual.pregnancy problems, infidelity problems, health crises.there isn't much left to talk about. I think spending an entire book reading about Olivia's cancer, or Emily's distrust of her husband would get tiresome; but by interspersing other stories in the book the author keeps it interesting. I don't mind that she's bringing in new characters because I think it keeps the series fresh. So sometimes she can be a little smoother in her transitons between what is going on in the story and her recaps. It was like returning home to visit old friends, and making some new ones as well.I like how Debbie's cedar Cove books involve more than one storyline.
It makes sense from a marketing standpoint. From an author's standpoint, I understand why she does it. Anyone who has read more than two books by her knows that this is the way she writes.whether it is Cedar Cove or Blossom Street. After all, the main families (Grace and her girls, and Olivia and her kids) are married and married couples with kids don't always make for the most interesting storylines.
For example, when two characters are sitting down to have tea Debbie will go into more detail than other authors might about the selection of the tea, and the significance of the tea cups they use. Usually, not always, but nobody is perfect. I love Debbie's Cedar Cove series (as well as her Blossom Street series) and this book did not fail to deliver. She is very successful but, like any author, she would always like to broaden her audience. If someone picks up the series in book 8 and has no idea what the characters are talking about then they are likely to lose interest. I will admit that sometimes these recaps seem to come out of left field.like when a character is talking to someone and then they will think of how "that reminded me of." (when the situation has nothing to do with what they are remembering). But this is Ms. I have read this whole series twice now, and will probably read the whole thing again at a later point.
And she sets up more storylines for the books to follow.Some readers have complained about being confused with so many different characters, but I don't find it that hard to follow at all. I look forward to her new Cedar Cove book every year and I hope she keeps it going for as long as she can. And instead of having the conversation just jump right to the point she will have her characters talk about more mundane things first, and recap events from past stories, before she gets to the heart of the matter. Macomber's writing style. But the repetition doesn't bother me that much and she usually manages to do it in a way that is different than how the story was previously told. With the introduction of some new characters, as well as periodic visits with the old ones, I think this series could be kept alive for a long time.
I love this series by Debbie. Can't wait for the next book to come out. Too bad we have to wait a year for each one but it's worth the wait.
I have read all of Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove series and have througly enjoyed each one. With each series I feel like I am visiting old friends. I am looking forward to her Cedar Cove Cook Book when it becomes available this summer.
it was really nice to visit old friends, but not enough about pastor dave and his family. it had more about olivia then what should have been the central family. it is a nice read, but i was really looking forward to reading about dave, emily and the boys.
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