As someone who has been following this series beginning back in 2001, it was with mixed feelings that I picked up this last book. I wanted to read the book but felt saddened that the series was coming to an end. I think Ms. Macomber made a wise decision to bring it to closure since a couple of the more recent books haven't been the same quality of the earlier ones, but it still brought up feelings of melancholy since I have spent many hours enjoying her books, particularly this series. I found it fitting that the last book is a Christmas book since I believe that is an area where this author shines. It just isn't the holiday season without a heartwarming Christmas tale (particularly "Mrs. Miracle" - if you haven't read it, you really should).
Beth Morehouse is the character around which this novel is built, and we get to know her a bit better as she faces a hectic holiday season at her Christmas tree farm. As always, there are lots of things going on in her life, not just the busy business. Her college-age daughters are scheming to reunite her and her ex-husband by inviting him to Cedar Cove for Christmas, a pile of puppies has also been deposited with her that require time and effort at finding them all homes, and she is wondering if her relationship with the local vet has romantic promise.
This final novel has a slightly different feel since not only are we following Beth's story, Ms. Macomber is trying to bring many of the stories from many years to closure. There may be characters I missed, but it seems to me that every main character we have been introduced to over the past ten years is at least mentioned or has their storyline referenced. As a result, there is a lot of "stuff" going on and, at times, the narrative seems rushed but I still have to say she did a great job in writing this final book. I don't believe the intended audience is a new reader to the series, but rather a long-time fan who wants resolution. There are an even larger number of tidy endings this time out, but I think that is totally appropriate. Who wants to be left hanging after following the series for years? I think long-time fans will be pleased, but I would definitely not recommend this book as a stand-alone Christmas novel - the reader has to have the history of the characters to appreciate this final narrative.
Bottom line: Debbie Macomber ended an entertaining series in the most satisfactory way possible and with her usual grace. As a reader, I would like to say "Thank You" to her for providing hours of enjoyment to me and other readers. It has been a pleasure!
Beth Morehouse is the character around which this novel is built, and we get to know her a bit better as she faces a hectic holiday season at her Christmas tree farm. As always, there are lots of things going on in her life, not just the busy business. Her college-age daughters are scheming to reunite her and her ex-husband by inviting him to Cedar Cove for Christmas, a pile of puppies has also been deposited with her that require time and effort at finding them all homes, and she is wondering if her relationship with the local vet has romantic promise.
This final novel has a slightly different feel since not only are we following Beth's story, Ms. Macomber is trying to bring many of the stories from many years to closure. There may be characters I missed, but it seems to me that every main character we have been introduced to over the past ten years is at least mentioned or has their storyline referenced. As a result, there is a lot of "stuff" going on and, at times, the narrative seems rushed but I still have to say she did a great job in writing this final book. I don't believe the intended audience is a new reader to the series, but rather a long-time fan who wants resolution. There are an even larger number of tidy endings this time out, but I think that is totally appropriate. Who wants to be left hanging after following the series for years? I think long-time fans will be pleased, but I would definitely not recommend this book as a stand-alone Christmas novel - the reader has to have the history of the characters to appreciate this final narrative.
Bottom line: Debbie Macomber ended an entertaining series in the most satisfactory way possible and with her usual grace. As a reader, I would like to say "Thank You" to her for providing hours of enjoyment to me and other readers. It has been a pleasure!
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