Title: The Inn at Rose Harbor
Author: Debbie Macomber
Genre: Women’s Fiction; Series
Published: July 2012 – Ballantine Books
Hardcover: 352 pages
My take: Jo Marie Rose suffered an excruciating loss and, because of that loss, she’s started on a new path in life. She has become the new owner of an inn in Cedar Cove, Washington.
Debbie Macomber really sets the tone for her new series. I wasn’t sure she could pull me in when I’d already read the complete Cedar Cove series. She does let characters make brief appearances in TIARH but she doesn’t let them take over. The stars of this first book are Jo Marie and her first two guests to stay at the inn: Josh Weaver and Abby Kincaid.
Josh Weaver is back in Cedar Cove to see his estranged stepfather, Richard, who is literally on his deathbed. Richard kicked Josh out of the house weeks before his high school graduation. Now, over ten years later, Josh comes home to make sure he can find some of his deceased mother’s things before the house can be sold. What he didn’t expect was to meet an old classmate who could be instrumental in helping Josh come to terms with a few things life has thrown at him.
Abby Kincaid hasn’t been back to her hometown in many years. Her parents no longer live there and Abby hoped never to return after a tragic accident took her best friend. She carries a lot of guilt over that event and doesn’t think she’ll ever forgive herself much less be forgiven by many people in Cedar Cove. When her brother announces his wedding to a girl from Cedar Cove, Abby knows she can’t avoid going back home.
What the main characters in this novel have in common is a need to attain some peace in their lives. Debbie Macomber’s new series is a winner for me. I love tales of redemption and she is one of the best at writing them. If you’re a fan of hers I think you’ll enjoy The Inn at Rose Harbor.
Note: I bought the short story When First They Met before reading this book. It fleshes out the story of Jo Marie before she bought the inn. You don’t have to read it (you’ll get bits and pieces in The Inn at Rose Harbor) but I’m glad I did because it was an emotional introduction to Jo Marie. Her empathy for others will definitely be felt in this series.
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Disclosure: See sidebar. I was not compensated for my review.
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