Tuesday, August 07, 2012

The Inn At Rose Harbor by Debbie Macomber

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Rose Harbor Inn #1
Publication Date: 14th August 2012
Pages: 352
Book Source: ARC courtesy of Random House & NetGalley

Synopsis: From #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber comes a heartwarming new series based in the Pacific Northwest town of Cedar Cove, where a charming cast of characters finds love, forgiveness, and renewal behind the doors of the cozy Rose Harbor Inn.

Jo Marie Rose first arrives in Cedar Cove seeking a sense of peace and a fresh start. Coping with the death of her husband, she purchases a local bed-and-breakfast—the newly christened Rose Harbor Inn—ready to begin her life anew. Yet the inn holds more surprises than Jo Marie can imagine.

Her first guest is Joshua Weaver, who has come home to care for his ailing stepfather. The two have never seen eye to eye, and Joshua has little hope that they can reconcile their differences. But a long-lost acquaintance from Joshua’s high school days proves to him that forgiveness is never out of reach and love can bloom even where it’s least expected.   
The other guest is Abby Kincaid, who has returned to Cedar Cove to attend her brother’s wedding. Back for the first time in twenty years, she almost wishes she hadn’t come, the picturesque town harboring painful memories from her past. And while Abby reconnects with family and old friends, she realizes she can only move on if she truly allows herself to let go.

A touching novel of life’s grand possibilities and the heart’s ability to heal, The Inn at Rose Harbor is a welcome introduction to an unforgettable set of friends.



My Thoughts:
I love Debbie Macomber's Blossom Street series so I jumped at the chance to grab the first book in this new series set in Cedar Cove. The Inn At Rose Harbor is one of those books that has you yearning for escape in a rose and jasmine scented arbor with tea and a good book. 

Jo Marie Rose makes a life changing decision to purchase a B&B in Cedar Cove after her husband Paul is tragically killed in Afghanistan. The fresh start also marks the beginning of a change that brings comfort, peace and healing, in some ways bringing her closer to Paul.

My absolute favourite part is when little Rover chooses Jo Marie, I got a little teary over it, it was just so sweet ... I'm a sucker for animals mending broken hearts.

A dog that needed healing. I wondered if it was possible that Rover had recognised the pain in my own heart. Rover continued to hold my gaze, his look intent. I knew I should give this decision more thought - factor in the issues it might cause for the inn, especially if it turned out that he had a prickly personality. Yet something inside me said it would be okay ... more than okay. Rover belonged with me at Rose Harbor Inn.
I squinted down at the dog and blinked back tears. "Did Paul send you?" I whispered. (uncorrected ARC)

Jo Marie's first guests are both dealing with painful memories on their reluctant return to Cedar Cove. I really enjoyed getting to know both Joshua and Abby, watching hearts heal and guilt leave as they forgive, watching them make new, happy memories, and open themselves up to happiness and love.

There were so many poignant moments, I can't wait to visit Rose Harbor Inn again and find out more about Jo Marie's next guests. Maybe Jo Marie will find love again ... with gruff Mark, would be my guess. 

Debbie's author  message was very touching ... it was lovely she shared the significance of the name Rose in her family.

Debbie Macomber's charming website is one of my favourites to visit with all the recipes and knitting patterns. I noticed there's a prequel to The Inn At Rose Harbor - When First They Met - might have to check it out. 




11 comments:

  1. I love Macomber's books and really enjoyed her series with the numbered titles that was also set in Cedar Cove I think. I fell behind a bit though and still have number 10 and 11 of that one sitting on my shelf to read. Glad you enjoyed it!

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    1. I've only read the Blossom Street series Jill, none of the original Cedar Cove series but I think I have a couple of them ... sigh, not enough hours in the day lol

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  2. I am thinking this is a read I would really enjoy!! Thanks for the great review!!!

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  3. I really liked it - and so happy there's a new series that's even set in Cedar Cove! My review goes up next week. Did you read the prequel? One of the better prequels I've read - it brought on a few tears!!

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    1. I was considering the prequel Mary, now I'll have to get it lol. I'll keep an eye out for your review too :)

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  4. Another one of those authors that I should try one day

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    1. Debbie Macomber & Nora Roberts are my go-to comfort reads!

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  5. I like Debbie Macomber's books but I do find them a bit too sweet for me. I did think about getting this one but can't remember if I ended up doing so or not.

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    1. Marg maybe you'd like this one better, there's a lot of heartache and angst, before the sweet ;)

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  6. I just started reading her books a few years ago so I have many to go and thought this one sounded good when I first came across it. Now your review makes me want to get a copy now!!

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