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Cedar Cove #5.5 & 8.5
Christmas in Cedar Cove: 5-B Poppy Lane / A Cedar Cove Christmas
First, drop in at 5-B Poppy Lane, where you'll get a chance to visit with Helen Shelton, her granddaughter Ruth and Ruth's husband, Paul. They'll offer you a cup of mulled cider and the story of how they metand they'll share Helen's breathtaking adventures during the Second World War.
Then drive out to Grace and Cliff Harding's place. They have a small horse ranch not far from Cedar Cove. Mary Jo Wyse and her little girl, Noelle, will be there, too. Join them in reliving their memories of the Christmas Mary Jo came to Cedar Cove, pregnant and alone, and had her baby in the Hardings' stable (well, actually the apartment above it). That's the night firefighter Mack McAfee began to fall for Mary Jo and the idea of a familywith her.
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304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
508 people are currently reading
2515 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Macomber
895 books20.6k followersDebbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.
In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.
Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.
She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.
In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.
Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.
She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 237 reviews
November 22, 2020
Two short stories in one.
1. 5-B Poppy Lane (5.5)
2. A Cedar Cove Christmas (8.5)
As an audio book, each stories are a little over 4 hours long. Nice and sweet. I especially like the second story which has some familiar characters from the series but can read as a standalone Christmas story.
1. 5-B Poppy Lane (5.5)
2. A Cedar Cove Christmas (8.5)
As an audio book, each stories are a little over 4 hours long. Nice and sweet. I especially like the second story which has some familiar characters from the series but can read as a standalone Christmas story.
December 28, 2010
Two really cute Christmas stories. The first one you didin't need to know a thing about Cedar Cove to enjoy it. The part about WWII was very interesting. The second story was delightful in the way in updated the familiar Christmas story. More Cedar Cove characters were in this story, but the story would be enjoyable even if you were not familiar with the Cedar Cove books.
November 13, 2020
I realized shortly after starting each of the two stories in the book, that I already read these several years back.
March 13, 2015
This read was a wonderful Christmas story. Debbie Macomber at her best.
November 3, 2019
I love the world of Debbie Macomber. Such good feels about love and life. Her characters do have problems and there are shady characters too. However good always triumphs. I love the values she upholds . Her stories are so wholesome !
July 20, 2011
if this is all it takes to be a "New York Times #1 Bestseller" then i'm flabbergasted. most memorable sentence. "Jean Claude knew too much. He could not be allowed to live." i laughed out loud. at least i think it was Jean Claude. might have been jean pierre or something. i wrote better stuff in junior high school. and this person has written like 5000 books? yikes.
December 27, 2022
Easy fluffy small town vibes
December 18, 2019
This book had 2 stories in it: 5-B Poppy Lane and A Cedar Cove Christmas BOTH by Debbie Macomber!!
I really enjoyed both stories about Family, Faith and the meaning of Christmas!!!
Can't wait to read more books by Debbie in the future!!!
I really enjoyed both stories about Family, Faith and the meaning of Christmas!!!
Can't wait to read more books by Debbie in the future!!!
December 3, 2023
This book contains two stories in one. The first is “5-B Poppy Lane” and tells the story of characters not previously in the Cedar Cove novels. The second is “A Cedar Cove Christmas” which is a modern day retelling of the birth of Christ, including the three wise men. It was a fun read, for sure!
“We all seem to learn our lessons the hard way” (192).
“We all seem to learn our lessons the hard way” (192).
January 8, 2020
I thought that this was Good
December 7, 2024
I absolutely LOVED this book!! I can’t wait to read more of her books!! It was 2 books in 1. The first one was about a girl who falls in love with a marine and about her grandmother in WW2. The second was about a girl who was pregnant with a baby girl and falls in love with a fireman. They were both like a hallmark which I LOVED. They were both so good but in my opinion the first one was better. I definitely recommend this book!!!
November 20, 2014
You're invited to Cedar Cove this Christmas!
First, drop in at 5-B Poppy Lane, where you'll get a chance to visit with Helen Shelton, her granddaughter Ruth and Ruth's husband, Paul. They'll offer you a cup of mulled cider and the story of how they met--and they'll share Helen's breathtaking adventures during the Second World War.
Then drive out to Grace and Cliff Harding's place. They have a small horse ranch not far from Cedar Cove. Mary Jo Wyse and her little girl, Noelle, will be there, too. Join them in reliving their memories of the Christmas Mary Jo came to Cedar Cove, pregnant and alone, and had her baby in the Hardings' stable (well, actually the apartment above it). That's the night firefighter Mack McAfee began to fall for Mary Jo and the idea of a family--with her.
The book was awesome. What can i say. Got into the 'history' of Ruth and Paul, as well as Helen and Sam. Was a real eye opener. Don't judge a book by its cover comes to mind. People are individuals, and unless you walked in their shoes, don't judge them. Brings home the importance of family and holidays. And even though most of my family is gone, the memories are still strong. 5 stars.
First, drop in at 5-B Poppy Lane, where you'll get a chance to visit with Helen Shelton, her granddaughter Ruth and Ruth's husband, Paul. They'll offer you a cup of mulled cider and the story of how they met--and they'll share Helen's breathtaking adventures during the Second World War.
Then drive out to Grace and Cliff Harding's place. They have a small horse ranch not far from Cedar Cove. Mary Jo Wyse and her little girl, Noelle, will be there, too. Join them in reliving their memories of the Christmas Mary Jo came to Cedar Cove, pregnant and alone, and had her baby in the Hardings' stable (well, actually the apartment above it). That's the night firefighter Mack McAfee began to fall for Mary Jo and the idea of a family--with her.
The book was awesome. What can i say. Got into the 'history' of Ruth and Paul, as well as Helen and Sam. Was a real eye opener. Don't judge a book by its cover comes to mind. People are individuals, and unless you walked in their shoes, don't judge them. Brings home the importance of family and holidays. And even though most of my family is gone, the memories are still strong. 5 stars.
December 14, 2017
First, drop in at 5-B Poppy Lane, where you'll get a chance to visit with Helen Shelton, her granddaughter Ruth and Ruth's husband, Paul. They'll offer you a cup of mulled cider and the story of how they met--and they'll share Helen's breathtaking adventures during the Second World War.
Then drive out to Grace and Cliff Harding's place. They have a small horse ranch not far from Cedar Cove. Mary Jo Wyse and her little girl Noelle, will be there, too. Join them in reliving their memories of the Christmas Mary Jo came to Cedar Cove, pregnant and alone, and had her baby in the Harding's stable (well, actually the apartment above it). That's the night firefighter Mack McAfee began to fall for Mary Jo and the idea of a family--with her.(from the book jacket)
Then drive out to Grace and Cliff Harding's place. They have a small horse ranch not far from Cedar Cove. Mary Jo Wyse and her little girl Noelle, will be there, too. Join them in reliving their memories of the Christmas Mary Jo came to Cedar Cove, pregnant and alone, and had her baby in the Harding's stable (well, actually the apartment above it). That's the night firefighter Mack McAfee began to fall for Mary Jo and the idea of a family--with her.(from the book jacket)
January 7, 2018
Macomber is to books as Hallmark is to Christmas movies. Yes you know everything will work out perfectly for true love in the end, but her books are sweet, feel good stories. Every once in a while nice to read.
January 2, 2011
Good book.
December 26, 2016
Very sweet Christmas read!
December 10, 2020
I've seen several Hallmark/Lifetime movies based on Debbie Macomber books when I used to be a TV viewer, but have never read one of her books till now. Christmas in Cedar Cove: An Anthology was a typical Christmas story times two. Complete with all the holiday nuances of warm, toasty fireside snuggles with the one you love, cookies and decorations, families gathering and memories shared and I can't leave out relationship misunderstandings and makeups. Although there's so much more in these two stories.
In the first story we meet Helen Shelton, who will finally share the story of her life during WWII to her granddaughter Ruth and Ruth's husband Paul. Ruth has never heard this story before and is stunned to learn what a hero her grandmother is and was. Helen will show Ruth how important compromise is in life choices, especially when it comes to your loved ones.
In the second story we meet Mary Jo Wyse an unwed pregnant young woman who is searching for the baby's father who is supposed to be in Cedar Cove, but like most of what he's told her it's a lie and he isn't anywhere near there. She ends up all alone in a strange town on Christmas Eve. A compassionate librarian takes her under her wing and invites her to stay in her vacant apartment above her barn. Just so happens her barn is currently home to the animals being used in the live nativity scene for the church, so there are sheep, donkeys, horses and yes even a camel to keep Mary Jo company. I know the barn, the animals, and a pregnant Mary on Christmas Eve. But don't assume you know what's going to happen. There's a few surprises in store for you in this one.
Both of these stories were really very cute Christmas stories. Maybe a little bit schmaltzy and corny, but isn't that why we read them? I enjoyed them both, but I would have liked to read more about Helen's story in WWII. I haven't read the rest of the series, so maybe there's another book within the series that delves deeper into the story, I don't know. The characters were fun and endearing for the most part, of course you've always got those you could live without, but even they help tell the story. This was a quick read and a fun read. Love my Christmas stories this time of year. Happy Reading!
In the first story we meet Helen Shelton, who will finally share the story of her life during WWII to her granddaughter Ruth and Ruth's husband Paul. Ruth has never heard this story before and is stunned to learn what a hero her grandmother is and was. Helen will show Ruth how important compromise is in life choices, especially when it comes to your loved ones.
In the second story we meet Mary Jo Wyse an unwed pregnant young woman who is searching for the baby's father who is supposed to be in Cedar Cove, but like most of what he's told her it's a lie and he isn't anywhere near there. She ends up all alone in a strange town on Christmas Eve. A compassionate librarian takes her under her wing and invites her to stay in her vacant apartment above her barn. Just so happens her barn is currently home to the animals being used in the live nativity scene for the church, so there are sheep, donkeys, horses and yes even a camel to keep Mary Jo company. I know the barn, the animals, and a pregnant Mary on Christmas Eve. But don't assume you know what's going to happen. There's a few surprises in store for you in this one.
Both of these stories were really very cute Christmas stories. Maybe a little bit schmaltzy and corny, but isn't that why we read them? I enjoyed them both, but I would have liked to read more about Helen's story in WWII. I haven't read the rest of the series, so maybe there's another book within the series that delves deeper into the story, I don't know. The characters were fun and endearing for the most part, of course you've always got those you could live without, but even they help tell the story. This was a quick read and a fun read. Love my Christmas stories this time of year. Happy Reading!
December 19, 2017
This was actually two books in one. “5-B Poppy Lane” is about Cedar Cove resident Helen Shelton’s days in France fighting in the French resistance underground during WWII. She tells the story to her granddaughter Ruth and Ruth’s new love, a soldier in Afghanistan. Ruth hates the war w/ all her being, and the tension arises in the fact that she does NOT want to be involved w/ a career marine. You can see the ending from a mile away and this is kind of an eye-roller of a novella.
The second book, “A Cedar Cove Christmas,” is the story I planned on reading. Nearly 9-months-pregnant Mary Jo Wyse wants to tell the family of the uninvolved father-to-be about the existence of her child. She takes off for Cedar Cove on the morning of Christmas Eve, leaving her three overprotective older brothers behind, who take off after her in a panic when they figure out she has left. The three Wyse men (get it?) fumble their way to Cedar Cove and have several misadventures and get lost several times trying to find their sister. In the meantime, Mary Jo is trying to find any of her long-gone boyfriend’s family and goes to the library for help, where she receives information from Grace, the librarian, and attention from fireman Mack after she has a dizzy spell. Grace insists she rest in her guest apartment, which is above their horse barn. Labor ensues after Grace and all her family go to the church Christmas pageant; Mack shows up in time to deliver the baby and everything ends well, of course. I liked the re-telling of the Christmas story, and I especially liked that the heroine’s name was Mary Jo. I lost my childhood best friend to cancer last week. She was 59 years old. Her name? Mary Jo. God works in mysterious ways that make us smile sometimes.
The second book, “A Cedar Cove Christmas,” is the story I planned on reading. Nearly 9-months-pregnant Mary Jo Wyse wants to tell the family of the uninvolved father-to-be about the existence of her child. She takes off for Cedar Cove on the morning of Christmas Eve, leaving her three overprotective older brothers behind, who take off after her in a panic when they figure out she has left. The three Wyse men (get it?) fumble their way to Cedar Cove and have several misadventures and get lost several times trying to find their sister. In the meantime, Mary Jo is trying to find any of her long-gone boyfriend’s family and goes to the library for help, where she receives information from Grace, the librarian, and attention from fireman Mack after she has a dizzy spell. Grace insists she rest in her guest apartment, which is above their horse barn. Labor ensues after Grace and all her family go to the church Christmas pageant; Mack shows up in time to deliver the baby and everything ends well, of course. I liked the re-telling of the Christmas story, and I especially liked that the heroine’s name was Mary Jo. I lost my childhood best friend to cancer last week. She was 59 years old. Her name? Mary Jo. God works in mysterious ways that make us smile sometimes.
October 5, 2021
Two novella/short stories.
5B-Poppy Lane 4 stars
Not so much a Christmas story as one with a prologue and epilogue set at Christmas. The prologue tells the outcome of the romance story. The story itself is a combination of a story of how the lovers got together and one of Ruth's grandmother's experiences in World War II and immediately after. This is a fairly short story and a quick read.
A Cedar Cove Christmas 5 stars +++
This is a parody on the original Christmas story. The very pregnant Mary Jo goes to Cedar Cove trying to reconnect with the deadbeat father or his family on Christmas Eve. Her 3 brothers, surnamed Wyse follow with the intent of "making things right" with the father. Chaos ensues, at least for the brothers, while Mary Jo finds a community willing to welcome this stranger with love. Several sentimental moments occur.
There are references to God and the original Nativity.
Mature themes: there are references to capture and torture of a man by Nazis. There are no descriptions of sex. Alcohol use is sporadic.
5B-Poppy Lane 4 stars
Not so much a Christmas story as one with a prologue and epilogue set at Christmas. The prologue tells the outcome of the romance story. The story itself is a combination of a story of how the lovers got together and one of Ruth's grandmother's experiences in World War II and immediately after. This is a fairly short story and a quick read.
A Cedar Cove Christmas 5 stars +++
This is a parody on the original Christmas story. The very pregnant Mary Jo goes to Cedar Cove trying to reconnect with the deadbeat father or his family on Christmas Eve. Her 3 brothers, surnamed Wyse follow with the intent of "making things right" with the father. Chaos ensues, at least for the brothers, while Mary Jo finds a community willing to welcome this stranger with love. Several sentimental moments occur.
There are references to God and the original Nativity.
Mature themes: there are references to capture and torture of a man by Nazis. There are no descriptions of sex. Alcohol use is sporadic.
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December 2, 2020Christmas in Cedar Cove was absolutely heartwarming and gives you all the good Christmas feels. This book has two small stories; first is about Helen and her granddaughter Ruth. Ruth sends a Christmas card to a marine, Paul. What unfolds is a story of friendship and then love. Ruth shares with her grandma about Paul and their relationship and this opens the door for Helen to share her very painful love story and past that occurred during WWII. The second story is about Mary Jo Wyse and her 3 overprotective brothers. Mary Jo is pregnant and is trying to locate the baby's father on Christmas Eve, before her brothers can get to him. As always the wonderful people of Cedar Cove take Mary Jo in for the night (Christmas Eve) where she finds herself in need of assistance from the local paramedic, Mack, as she finds herself in labor. Some of the well known characters of Cedar Cove make brief appearances in both of these heartwarming Christmas stories.
December 10, 2025
Cute, and heavy, half story fillers between books.
While now dated, the Poppy lane was a holiday prelude but also heavy, dealing with personal survival, fighting, and tragedy under Nazi oppression and the love stories that are possible during and after the wars, leading to the "modern day" love story during the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts sending holiday cards and the juxtaposition of being against the reasons for conflict but loving the military member dedicated to the mission and the debate of stay with family or be uprooted for love and military life.
I love the Cedar Cove series, this one was a pregnant 20 something and it was straight nativity scene, totally on the nose, and was eye rolling with zero conflict resolution. I had really hoped for more, or less, with cute surprises instead of, as I said, rolling my eyes the whole time. A wasted chance, really.
While now dated, the Poppy lane was a holiday prelude but also heavy, dealing with personal survival, fighting, and tragedy under Nazi oppression and the love stories that are possible during and after the wars, leading to the "modern day" love story during the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts sending holiday cards and the juxtaposition of being against the reasons for conflict but loving the military member dedicated to the mission and the debate of stay with family or be uprooted for love and military life.
I love the Cedar Cove series, this one was a pregnant 20 something and it was straight nativity scene, totally on the nose, and was eye rolling with zero conflict resolution. I had really hoped for more, or less, with cute surprises instead of, as I said, rolling my eyes the whole time. A wasted chance, really.
December 14, 2022
This book actually contained 2 stories. The first one, 5-B Poppy Lane, was very short. Yes, a novella. The focus was more on Ruth's penpal relationship with a military man stationed in Afghanistan, and her grandmother's history in Word War II including a marriage she had never spoken of. Not so much a Christmas story, and not much of a romance. But a nice little story.
The second story, Christmas in Cedar Cove, was a longer story. However, the prologue should have been an epilogue because it literally gave away the ending of the story in more ways than one. It really didn't belong before the story started.
The story itself was a nice Christmas story that compared heavily to the original Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ. This was very well done.
The second story, Christmas in Cedar Cove, was a longer story. However, the prologue should have been an epilogue because it literally gave away the ending of the story in more ways than one. It really didn't belong before the story started.
The story itself was a nice Christmas story that compared heavily to the original Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ. This was very well done.
May 8, 2017
I have read many of Debbie Macomber's books and never found one I didn't like. I have read all the Cedar Cove books and have enjoyed everyone's story , Olivia and Grace being my favorites. This book is a must read if you have not yet read it. I especially liked the story of how Mary Jo Wise found herself in Cedar Cove looking for the father of her unborn child. This all happens during Christmas. She gets help from Grace and meets both Olivia and firefighter Mack McFee. Mary Jo has three brothers who she feels are smothering her and go to Cedar Cove to find her. They find themselves in some trouble with the law when they get lost.
December 30, 2017
great book. Macomber strikes again in this two for one Christmas collection set in Cedar Cove. First, we meet Ruth and her Sergent Marine Paul as they visit her grandmother Helen whose glimpses into the war torn past provide the answers that Ruth needs in her relationship with Paul
Then we meet Mary Wyse in A Cedar Cove Christmas which tells the story of the birth of mary's daughter Noelle, now one year old. As the family prepares for a Christmas Eve bash at Grace and Cliff Harding's horse ranch, they reflect on the events of the past year. All in all a good read.
Then we meet Mary Wyse in A Cedar Cove Christmas which tells the story of the birth of mary's daughter Noelle, now one year old. As the family prepares for a Christmas Eve bash at Grace and Cliff Harding's horse ranch, they reflect on the events of the past year. All in all a good read.
June 30, 2018
Christmas in Cedar Cove
Very heartwarming stories. The first set against the memories of a girl's grandmother during the harrowing days of WWll as a resistance fighter in France and juxaposed with the modern day grand-daughter's decision on whether or not to continue her relationship with a young Marine. The second is a modern day tale of a very pregnant young woman who comes to Cedar Cove seeking her baby's father and finds the spirit of Christmas is still alive in this small town!
Very heartwarming stories. The first set against the memories of a girl's grandmother during the harrowing days of WWll as a resistance fighter in France and juxaposed with the modern day grand-daughter's decision on whether or not to continue her relationship with a young Marine. The second is a modern day tale of a very pregnant young woman who comes to Cedar Cove seeking her baby's father and finds the spirit of Christmas is still alive in this small town!
December 15, 2020
This was my first Debbie Macomber read and I won’t be rushing to read another. This book was actually 2 short stories. Both had so much filler dialogue that it was making me irritated. I’m not sure if this is her writing style or if it was just this book. There were also so many characters, it was hard to keep track of who was who. Most of the characters were under developed and unnecessary to the main story line. Both stories did have all the warm fuzzies that you would want from a Christmas book.
December 12, 2019
2 stories in one book. I was looking for a fun, uplifting holiday read. I've enjoyed previous Debbie Macomber books Mrs. Miracle and Angel books. I didn't quite get the light, holiday treat I was after.
The first story was pretty intense and a bit of a downer. The second story was pretty good - a clever parallel to the story of the birth of Jesus. But so many characters to keep track of - it would definitely help to have previously read books in the Cedar Cove series.
The first story was pretty intense and a bit of a downer. The second story was pretty good - a clever parallel to the story of the birth of Jesus. But so many characters to keep track of - it would definitely help to have previously read books in the Cedar Cove series.
August 14, 2018
I love Debbie Macomber's stories. This one especially since it is a sweet story, one I haven't read about. I would love Two sweet stories of love, family and Christmas. Just sweet stories for sure! I loved them both and I'm very happy to have read how Mac and Mary Jo met. Anyway, just a great story!
December 29, 2016
Sweet story!
Sweet that it went along with the Christmas story! Good wholesome read. Great story and characters! Would love to believe that there are people and places like Cedar Cove!
Sweet that it went along with the Christmas story! Good wholesome read. Great story and characters! Would love to believe that there are people and places like Cedar Cove!
May 28, 2020
It is quick easy read book, Mary Jo is bright and very personable although her brothers are made to be quite silly. A little too silly for me.i enjoy all the characters except the brothers. It is a nice hallmark type Christmas book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 237 reviews