204 Rosewood Lane - Debbie Macomber [0]
#1 New York Times Bestselling Author
DEBBIE MACOMBER
“As always, Macomber draws rich, engaging characters.”
—Publishers Weekly on Thursdays at Eight
“A multifaceted tale of romance and deceit, the final installment of Macomber’s Dakota trilogy oozes with country charm and a strong sense of community.”
—Publishers Weekly on Always Dakota
“Macomber closes book two with a cliffhanger, leaving readers anxiously awaiting the final installment to this first-rate series.”
—Publishers Weekly on Dakota Home
“Sometimes the best things come in small packages. Such is the case here….”
—Publishers Weekly on Return to Promise
“Ms. Macomber provides the top in entertaining relationship dramas.”
—Reader to Reader
“Macomber’s storytelling sometimes yields a tear, at other times a smile.”
—Newport News, VA Daily Press
“Popular romance writer Macomber has a gift for evoking the emotions that are at the heart of the genre’s popularity.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Well-developed emotions and appealing characters.”
—Publishers Weekly on Montana
Dear Friends,
Welcome back to Cedar Cove! Olivia, Grace, Charlotte, Jack, Justine and Seth are eager to continue their stories—and introduce you to a few other residents. Like small towns everywhere, Cedar Cove is a mixture of the good, the bad and the unexpected. That’s my way of telling you that a few surprises await you in this story. Yes, you’re finally going to discover what happened to Dan. And the Beldons will have a most unusual guest at their bed-and-breakfast…. So along with a visit to small-town America, I’ve tossed in a bit of mystery.
My hope, as always, is that you’ll feel right at home in Cedar Cove—whether you begin the series with the first book or the tenth. Note that you can tell where the book appears in the Cedar Cove series by the address. Just look at the first number in the address. (For instance, 204 Rosewood Lane is the second book.)
If you’re wondering if there really could be a town like this, let me assure you there can…and there is. Cedar Cove is based on my own hometown of Port Orchard, Washington. Naturally, my characters aren’t based on anyone in town, despite all the speculation over coffee at the Pancake Palace (not the restaurant’s real name). You see, I’ve lived in small towns all my life and I’ve learned that people are basically the same everywhere.
Now, sit back and relax. My friends in Cedar Cove can’t wait to fill you in on everything that’s been happening. And when you’ve finished reading this book, please let me know what you think. You can reach me in two ways—through my Web site at www.debbiemacomber.com (write your comments in the guest book) or write me at P.O. Box 1458, Port Orchard, WA 98366. I’d love to hear from you.
Warmest regards,
DEBBIE MACOMBER
204 ROSEWOOD LANE
To Nina Lyman and her incredible cats.
What a blessing your friendship has been.
Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
One
Grace Sherman stared down at the legal form that would start the divorce proceedings. She sat in the attorney’s office with Maryellen, her oldest daughter, who’d come with her to offer support. Grace reminded herself that this should be straightforward, that her decision was made. She was ready to end her marriage, ready to piece together her shattered life. To begin again… But her hand shook as she picked up the pen.
The inescapable fact was that she didn’t want this—but Dan hadn’t left her with any other option.
Five months ago, in April, her husband of almost thirty-six years had disappeared. Vanished without a trace. One day everything was perfectly normal, and the next he was gone. Apparently by choice and without a word of explanation. Even now, Grace had difficulty believing that the man she’d lived with, the man she’d loved and