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Grace Sherman
204 Rosewood Lane
Cedar Cove, Washington
Dear Reader,
If you've been to Cedar Cove before we've probably met. You can usually, find me either at home or at the public library, where I work. I've lived in this town all my life and raised two daughters here. But my husband and I — well, about six months ago, he disappeared. Just . . . disappeared. Where's Dan? Why did he go? Who's he with? Will I ever find out?
My hometown, my family and friends, bring me comfort during this difficult time. Comfort and a sense of shelter. I'm continually reminded that life can and does go on. For instance, everyone's been discussing weddings and babies lately. Justine — the only daughter of my best friend, Olivia Lockhart — impulsively got married a little while ago. My own daughter Kelly recently had, a baby. Unfortunately, she refuses to accept that Dan might not return to see his first grandchild. My older daughter, Maryellen, is more realistic. I think she's seeing a new man, but for some reason she won't tell me who it is.
Then there's Jack, who's been pursuing a romance with Olivia, and his son, Eric, and Eric's girlfriend, Shelly (I think she's pregnant), and Zach and Rosemary Cox, whose marriage is reputedly on the skids and . . . Well, just come on over and we'll talk!
Grace
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 with whom she'd had two daughters, could do anything as cruel as this.
If Dan had fallen out of love with her, she could accept that. She would've found enough pride, enough generosity, to release him without bitterness. If he was that miserable in their marriage, she would've gladly set him free to find happiness with someone else. What she couldn't forgive was the misery he'd heaped on their family's shoulders, what he'd done to their daughters. EspeciallyKelly.
Dan had disappeared shortly after Kelly and Paul had announced that after years of trying, they were finally, excitedly, pregnant. Dan had been thrilled, and Grace too. This baby was going to be their first grandchild. They'd waited so long.
Kelly had always been close to her father and his disappearance at this critical time in her life had devastated her. She'd pleaded with Grace to postpone the divorce proceedings, convinced that her father would return before Tyler was born. When Dan did return, he'd have a logical reason and would explain everything to their satisfaction.
He hadn't come back, though, and there'd been no further information. Nothing but doubts, questions, and a churning, deepening anger that intensified in the endless weeks that followed.
When Grace couldn't stand not knowing any longer, she'd hired Roy McAfee, a private detective and former policeman she trusted. Roy had done an extensive search, certain that Dan had left a paper trail, and he'd been right. What Roy had uncovered was a complete shock to Grace. A year earlier, Dan had purchased a travel trailer, paying cash for it. Grace had no idea where he'd gotten that kind of money, nor did she know anything about the trailer. He'd never mentioned it, nor had she seen it. To this day she had no idea where he'd kept it all those months. Or where it was now.
Given the mounting evidence, she had her suspicions. Grace believed that Dan had used the travel trailer to sneak away with another woman. There'd been one sighting of him and it had come late in May.
It almost felt as if her husband had orchestrated this brief reappearance, as if he was taunting her, challenging her to find him. That day had been a low point for Grace.
A co-worker of Dan's had spotted him at the marina and hurried to the library to fetch her. But by the time Grace reached the marina, Dan was gone. A woman had pulled up to the curb and Dan had climbed into the vehicle and driven away, never to be seen or heard from again.
In retrospect, she'd come to believe that Dan was providing her with the answers she so desperately needed. She could think of no other reason he would mysteriously arrive at the busiest place in town, where he was most likely to be seen-and recognized. The library where she worked was less than two blocks away. Clearly, her husband lacked the courage to tell her there was someone else. Instead he'd chosen another, crueler way to inform her; he'd humiliated her in front of the entire community. Grace knew without being told that everyone in Cedar Cove pitied her.
That sighting had settled the matter in Grace's mind. Whatever love she still felt for Dan died that afternoon. Until then, she hadn't wanted to believe there was someone else. Even when the VISA bill showed up with a hefty charge from a local jeweler, Grace had refused to accept that her husband was involved with another woman. Dan just wasn't the kind of man who would be unfaithful to her. She'd trusted him. Not anymore.
"Are you okay, Mom?" Maryellen asked, touching her arm.
Grace's hand tightened around the pen. "Fine," she snapped, instantly regretting her tone. She hadn't meant to sound so sharp.
Her daughter looked away. Grace focused on the divorce papers, hesitated a moment longer and then with haste signed her name.
"I'll see that this is filed immediately," Mark Spellman said.
Grace relaxed, leaning back in her chair. This was all there was to it? You could end a thirty-five-year marriage simply by signing your name? "That's it?"
"Yes. Since you haven't heard from Daniel in five months, I don't foresee any legal complications. The divorce should be final in a few weeks."
Almost four decades tossed out the window like so much garbage. The good years, the bad years, the lean ones, the years they'd scrimped and saved. Like all couples, they'd had their share of problems, but despite everything they'd held their marriage together. Until now, until this-
"Mom?" Maryellen whispered. Grace nodded abruptly, surprised at the emotion that choked her. She'd shed all the tears she intended to. In the months since Dan's disappearance, Grace had deeply grieved the loss of her marriage and the man she thought she knew. The truth of it was, she no longer had a choice; divorce had become inevitable. It was essential that she protect her financial interests. According to the attorney, she couldn't afford the luxury of doing nothing.
Her legal situation was one thing, and she'd dealt with that, but the emotional impact had left her badly shaken. Despite her resolve, the grief hadn't diminished. And the humiliation of what Dan had done was with her constantly. Everyone in town was aware of her circumstances and the fact that her husband had walked out on her.
Slowly, Grace set the pen aside. "I'll wait to hear from you, then," she said to her attorney, rising out of the chair. Maryellen stood with her.
The attorney, a young man closer to Maryellen's age than her own, escorted them to the office door. He began to say something, then merely looked down and murmured a brief goodbye.
Outside his small home office, the sky had turned a depressing leaden gray. Grace felt a burden of sadness settle over her; she'd known this appointment wasn't going to be easy, but she hadn't expected it to exact such a toll on her self-confidence.
Excerpted from 204 Rosewood Lane by Debbie Macomber Copyright © 2002 by Debbie Macomber
Excerpted by permission. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Great plot, good writing and a story that will make you want to read more.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.The Cedar Cove sreies goes from being a family to divorce - romance- and back to family it has it all. The frenidship that is in these book is like the naborhood that you live in eveyday.
I like the audio books I listen to them in my car as I drive it is much better then the radio.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.RonnaL
Posted May 1, 2013
This is book two in Debbie Macomber's Cedar Grove series that is being made into a Hallmark TV series beginning on June 1, with a full length movie. This small town in Washington was first introduced in "16 Lighthouse Road" , where, Olivia, a family court judge lives. "204 Rosewood Lane" is the home of Olivia's best friend, Grace.
In this book, Grace has finally decided to divorce her husband, who just walked out of their lives a year ago. No one knows where her husband is, or why he just walked out on his whole family. There are numerous "neighbors" and friends , who all interact with each other as friends, relatives, and townspeople share their lives with the reader in this series. We learn more about Olivia and Grace, plus numerous other folks. Births, deaths, squabbles, and interpersonal relationships definitely keep the reader involved in these character'l lives. Like getting a good friend's letter from home, I wanted to read and read to see how people coped, and found their joys and blessings in Cedar Grove.
LDP23
Posted February 15, 2013
Love The Cedar Cove Series!!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted October 14, 2012
2nd book in the series does not disappoint. If you are looking for a good series with great characters, welcome to Cedar Cove.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.songbirdsue
Posted June 4, 2012
Too depressing and focusing on the negative. I like to feel some warmth and togetherness in my stories. I usually like Debbie Macomber, but not this series.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted June 2, 2012
This is an awsome series because it is interesting book to read even though i never read it but o
I know i will enjoy it so recommend this book to anyone who likes Debbie Mcomber
Anonymous
Posted December 19, 2011
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Anonymous
Posted October 28, 2011
Great book
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I just discovered the Cedar Cove series, and was hooked from the first book. Ms Macomber NEVER disappoints.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Bookacholic
Posted October 23, 2011
This is series number 2 in the Cedar Cove series. I am now on book number 7. I love all the characters, and can't wait to finish one book so that I can start another. You get to know these people as if they were your best of friends. Books have a little mystery, romance, and just downright wholesomeness. You turn a page, and you can't really anticipate what will happen next. If you start this series, you will not be dissapointed.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Snowgypsy
Posted April 29, 2011
Dan remindes me of Rosanne Barb's husband...Love the twist and turns the story takes.
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.204 Rosewood Lane continues where 16 Lighthouse Road left off. I couldn't wait to read this one because I kept wondering what in the world had happened to Dan. I just love the way Ms. Macomber weaves together this story and integrates many different lives, age groups, and life dilemmas. It's wonderful how the characters develop, change, learn, and grow as people do in life. I always hate ending a book because I get so involved with the characters. In this series we can just go on and on reading further into the lives of old friends while we make new ones. Can't wait to see what happens in the next one.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.ceramics
Posted May 16, 2010
I love this series and the twists and turns it takes just like life. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. I just wish it would hurry and come out. A good read for anyone that wants to get caught up in the life of another town and all it's families.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.VAddict_319
Posted May 8, 2010
This is a very well written book....It brings you in and keeps you interested. The people of Cedar Cove are amazingly intriguing and you want to know what's going to happen. The mysterious man, the unplanned events and the uncontrolled emotions....It's a wonder anything gets done in the Cove with all this happening.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 23, 2009
In the next installment of the Cedar Cove series, we are introduced to Rosie and Zach Cox. Zach is extremely frustrated that Rosie spends more time volunteering and barely has time to cook a meal. Dinners at their house are usually microwaved or take-out. Marital stress takes it toll and the couple decides to separate.
Meanwhile, Grace Sherman has divorced her husband, who disappeared in 16 Lighthouse Road. She's convinced he left her and her daughters for another woman, so she decides it's time for her to move on as well. She develops a friendship with Cliff Harding and entertains the idea of moving their relationship forward.
Grace's daughter, Maryellen, has sworn off men as a result to a short-lived marriage. Maryellen feels men are not to be trusted and spends her time avoiding the dating scene and engrossed in her work. That is until she meets Jon.
Olivia Lockhart, her mother Charlotte, daughter Justine and boyfriend Jack are also back in this book. 204 Rosewood Lane continues to interweave the lives of the residents of Cedar Cove. As more characters are introduced, readers cannot help but to feel as though they are catching up with old friends.
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.NavyWifeATC
Posted May 11, 2009
The Cedar Cove series is one of my absolute favorites from Debbie Macomber! She draws you in with characters living real life problems---just like your friends, neighbors, even your own family. The characters are well-developed and you can pick up a book out of sequence and know what is going on. The only problem is, you have to fight a mad compulsion to go out and buy them all to get all the details!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted March 11, 2005
I'm relatively new to Debbie Macomber's books, but I love reading books where the characters continue in a series. I tried the first in this 'Cedar Cove' series, 16 Lighthouse Road and had to find this next one, '204 Rosewood Lane' as soon as I could. It had more intrigue and mystery, but still held some heartwarming tales. I'm ready now to read the next two books in this great set!! I highly recommend it.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.In Cedar Cove, Dan and Grace Sherman seemed like the perfect married couple having shared thirty-six years together. However, Dan vanished leaving behind Grace and their two daughters with one of them pregnant, all wondering and worrying about him. Grace hired a private detective and the evidence he provided her led her to believe he ran off with another woman. <P>Five months later, over the objection of her youngest daughter Kelly, who still believes her daddy will come home to see his recently born grandson, Grace files for divorce. Her other adult child Maryellen supports her mother though her father¿s sudden departure adds credence to her belief that men leave. Still romance, marriage, divorce, and babies fill the community with sadness and joy as life goes on. <P>204 ROSEWOOD LANE, the second Cedar Cove tale (see 16 LIGHTHOUSE ROAD) is an engaging look at small-town USA by one of the top authors of the genre. The story line provides insight into several townsfolk and not just the Sherman females. Dan¿s mysterious disappearance, which is mentioned in the first novel, is solved. Though that added some suspense, but not as much as the audience anticipated, as the novel is a relationship cozy not an action mystery. Genre readers will want to visit Debbie Macomber¿s second trip to Cedar Cove. <P>Harriet Klausner
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 5, 2012
No text was provided for this review.
Overview
Grace Sherman
204 Rosewood Lane
Cedar Cove, Washington
Dear Reader,
If you've been to Cedar Cove before we've probably met. You can usually, find me either at home or at the public library, where I work. I've lived in this town all my life and raised two daughters here. ...