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

I read this book in about 2 days. It wasn't really all that bad. I did enjoy it more than the first book in the series but I was disappointed in just a couple of things. First, the young military couple from the first book didn't make much of an appearance in this book. Cecilia is mentioned but just in passing really. Her husband must be out to sea because nothing is mentioned about him. Second, I (like other reviewers) thought there were just too many characters in this book. Even though I'd read the first book I had a hard time keeping everyone straight. There really should be a chart or listing at the front of the books if there are to be so many characters.

This book had some good story lines though. The mystery with the dead man at the B&B and also the hint of mystery about Jon Bowman had me reading to the end as fast as I could. I also liked the continuing story of Olivia and the developing love triangle with her ex-husband and current boyfriend. I thought the relationship between Grace and Cliff was sweet and romantic. I believe the storyline with Zach and Rosie was building up for the next book.

All in all this was a good book and worth the time reading. I am now anxiously awaiting the next book in the series. This book left too many questions left unanswered and leaves the reader wanting more :)


Where in the world is Dan?   November 16, 2002
 8 out of 8 found this review helpful

Much like the first (16 Lighthouse Road) in the Cedar Cover series I really enjoyed this book. Admittedly there are many characters in the series but one must remember a town is full of people and to keep a series going more people need to be introduced. Like other reviewers I was anxious to read 204 ROSEWOOD LANE to find out what happened to Dan Sherman. That question is answered after many months and a heart wrenching decision being made by Grace. In this second book there is more mystery. A man ends up dead in a bed and breakfast. Does someone in town know who he is? Why the cosmetic surgery? Zach and Rosie Cox are headed to divorce court. The judge's decision about the joint custody is a surprise. Olivia is now caught in a triangle. Grace has found herself a good friend in Cliff Harding. Maryellen has found herself in a delicate situation with a local photographer.

As I have with this book, I look forward to reading 311 Pelican Court. Thanks Debbie for another great read!


A book that has a lot to offer   December 8, 2002
 6 out of 7 found this review helpful

Courtesy of A Romance Review

204 Rosewood Lane is a continuation of Debbie Macomber's last book 16 Lighthouse Road in her Cedar Cove Series. Love, marriage, life and relationships are the elements within this series.

This book has a lot to offer. Although the book is centered around Grace - how she handles her life after the disappearance of her husband, how she discovers the secrets of her daughter, Maryellen, etc., there are clearly more stories that are involved other than Grace's personal life. There is no limitation of how many books following this series as Ms. Macomber states on her website.

If you are going to follow this series, there will be more you could look forward to but it is recommended to read the series starting with the first book, 16 Lighthouse Road, as there are unsolved matters that will not be answered until you read the following book.


Not one of her best   March 23, 2003
 4 out of 5 found this review helpful

204 Rosewood Lane by Debbie Macomber

Second in a series of books centered on the fictional town of Cedar Cove, Washington, 204 ROSEWOOD LANE takes over where 16 LIGHTHOUSE ROAD leaves off. The same characters return to this book: Grace, who is a librarian at the local library at Cedar Cove; her daughters Kelly, who is a new mom, and Maryellen who finds herself drawn to a mysterious photographer whose artwork she sells. Grace is also dealing with a missing husband, and has asked a private detective to try to track him down. Then there is Olivia, Grace's best friend. She's the favorite local judge of Cedar Cove. Her daughter Justine has finally settled down and has married a highschool classmate, but is also dealing with a past lover who is still hanging around. And, Olivia is still seeing Jack Griffin, who she met in the first book, and their romance is moving slowly but surely.

New characters are introduced, in the form of Zach and Rosemary. Their marriage is falling apart, and there doesn't seem to be anything anyone can do to help them out.

Again, I find the same problems with this book that I found in the previous one. There are simply too many main characters, too many plotlines floating around. Debbie Macomber is a great writer and is famous for creating characters you can love. But for some reason she's missing the mark in this new series of hers. I am hesitant to read her next one, 311 Pelican Court. I do have to say that both books 16 LIGHTHOUSE ROAD and 204 ROSEWOOD LANE were fast reads. There is a good chance I will give it one more try before I give this series a rest.


Left me crazy needing to know more   January 22, 2003
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

I loved the book 204 Rosewood Lane. I kept up with all that was going on just fine. I just got done reading this book today and I am ready for the next book in the series. I have my own ideas about the dead man and want to see if what I am thinking is anywhere close to being right. I would like to be notified as soon as the next book comes out. I hope my wait for the next book in this series won't be long.