Rose Harbor in Bloom (Rose Harbor 2)

Rose Harbor in Bloom is the second full-length novel in the Rose Harbor series by popular American author, Debbie Macomber. In this instalment, Jo-Marie Rose’s guests of note are: Kent and Julie Shivers, a couple celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary; their granddaughter, party planner Annie Newton; the son of their next door neighbours, Oliver Sutton; and New Yorker, Mary Smith, recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Annie is annoyed by Oliver’s presence, stunned by the bickering between her grandparents and irritated by never-ending calls and texts from her ex-fiancé. The sudden changes in Mary’s life have brought her back to Washington State to seek out two people from her past. On top of looking after her guests, Jo-Marie is dealing with developments in the fate of her late husband’s remains, an open house afternoon and Mark Taylor, her cranky handyman. Mark’s prickliness adds a bit of spice and mystery to the tale, and he finds himself in the unenviable position of having to accept Jo-Marie’s help. Characters from the e-short, Lost and Found in Cedar Cove play a pivotal role, news of the previous guests is heard, and favourites from the Cedar Cove series also make appearances. Macomber deals with everyday issues, her characters have depth and appeal and there is an unexpected twist or two in the plot. Macomber is the queen of feelgood, and this book is no exception.