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Candles on Bay Street
In the close-knit community of Fort Kent, Maine, Sam Thibodeau carries a flame for the boisterous and very beautiful Dee Dee Michaud. Until she roars off in a sleek Corvette with the local bad boy, beginning a new life far from home.
Now, fifteen years later, Dee Dee has returned, mysteriously single with a young son to raise alone. Amid rumors and whispers, she launches a candle-making business, while Sam, now married, feels his life turning upside down. For his old love is more enchanting than ever, even though an unmistakable sadness shadows her high spirits, causing folks to What secret is she keeping from those who care the most?
Now, fifteen years later, Dee Dee has returned, mysteriously single with a young son to raise alone. Amid rumors and whispers, she launches a candle-making business, while Sam, now married, feels his life turning upside down. For his old love is more enchanting than ever, even though an unmistakable sadness shadows her high spirits, causing folks to What secret is she keeping from those who care the most?
272 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
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260 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
January 3, 2015
An absolutely wonderful story set in Fort Kent, Maine around 1997. It is about friendship and living and dying. Very well written. It is also beautifully illustrated by John Hafford.
The story is about best friends Sam and Dee Dee, who have been friends since they were toddlers. Sam was in love with Dee Dee, but she fled off with another man the night they graduated from high school in 1982. He went off to college and met and married his wife.
Dee Dee comes back to town after 15 years with her young son and she opens a candle making shop in her parents old house. She is dying and she asks Sam and his wife Lydia to adopt her son.
It is such a beautifully written book. It is written from Sam's perspective, and it is almost a coming of age in your 30's story as one confronts some of the issues of adulthood. It also touches on the forbidden subject of helping someone to die with dignity.
I cried while reading it because of the lost love, the friendships, and Dee Dee dying.
The story had a nice flow to it, and the ending was beautifully done.
I absolutely loved it, and would recommend it. It is one that I will keep and share.
Maybe one of the reasons that I loved it was because I grew up in Maine and graduated from high school in 1981. I do know that it was so very well written that I now want to read her book, Dancing at the Harvest Moon. K.C. McKinnon is the pen name of Cathie Pelletier, and she has published books in both names.
The story is about best friends Sam and Dee Dee, who have been friends since they were toddlers. Sam was in love with Dee Dee, but she fled off with another man the night they graduated from high school in 1982. He went off to college and met and married his wife.
Dee Dee comes back to town after 15 years with her young son and she opens a candle making shop in her parents old house. She is dying and she asks Sam and his wife Lydia to adopt her son.
It is such a beautifully written book. It is written from Sam's perspective, and it is almost a coming of age in your 30's story as one confronts some of the issues of adulthood. It also touches on the forbidden subject of helping someone to die with dignity.
I cried while reading it because of the lost love, the friendships, and Dee Dee dying.
The story had a nice flow to it, and the ending was beautifully done.
I absolutely loved it, and would recommend it. It is one that I will keep and share.
Maybe one of the reasons that I loved it was because I grew up in Maine and graduated from high school in 1981. I do know that it was so very well written that I now want to read her book, Dancing at the Harvest Moon. K.C. McKinnon is the pen name of Cathie Pelletier, and she has published books in both names.
October 31, 2012
Quando peguei nesse livro para ler, a minha intenção era a de lê-lo e depois libertá-lo para uma possível troca ou venda. No entanto, não sou capaz de o tirar para sempre da minha estante...
Uma história que começa no presente/passado e sem nunca se perder as raízes.. Uma história passada em Fort Kent, uma cidadezinha repleta de gente de moral, de gente boa e de gente com um passado histórico...
Sam, um veterinário dessa cidade, casado com Lydia, também veterinária e amante das cidades do interior Canadense, reencontra-se com o seu primeiro amor de adolescência. Dee Dee Michaud... uma linda rapariga que tinha fugido com um rapaz mal tinha acabado o secundário.. engravidou e 12 anos depois de se ter ido embora regressa com um filho de 9 anos, Trooper. Quando se encontra com Sam e Lydia, revela que está a morrer e que precisa de um casal meigo e honesto que lhe fique com o filho. Dee Dee tornou-se conhecida depois do seu regresso por ter uma pequena loja de velas handmade... Ela costumava dizer que em cada vela que se acende, nasce um anjo...
Devo dizer que houve alturas no livro em que as lágrimas brotaram dos meus olhos, mesmo sem eu querer.. principalmente na altura em que Dee Dee parte para a eternidade.
Recomendo vivamente.. Uma história repleta de amor, saudosismo, amizade, dor e muita muita ternura!
Uma história que começa no presente/passado e sem nunca se perder as raízes.. Uma história passada em Fort Kent, uma cidadezinha repleta de gente de moral, de gente boa e de gente com um passado histórico...
Sam, um veterinário dessa cidade, casado com Lydia, também veterinária e amante das cidades do interior Canadense, reencontra-se com o seu primeiro amor de adolescência. Dee Dee Michaud... uma linda rapariga que tinha fugido com um rapaz mal tinha acabado o secundário.. engravidou e 12 anos depois de se ter ido embora regressa com um filho de 9 anos, Trooper. Quando se encontra com Sam e Lydia, revela que está a morrer e que precisa de um casal meigo e honesto que lhe fique com o filho. Dee Dee tornou-se conhecida depois do seu regresso por ter uma pequena loja de velas handmade... Ela costumava dizer que em cada vela que se acende, nasce um anjo...
Devo dizer que houve alturas no livro em que as lágrimas brotaram dos meus olhos, mesmo sem eu querer.. principalmente na altura em que Dee Dee parte para a eternidade.
Recomendo vivamente.. Uma história repleta de amor, saudosismo, amizade, dor e muita muita ternura!
January 14, 2013
Didn't read about the book beforehand- just started to read and the first chapter sucked me in. Makes you think about friends and life. Would compare to a Mitch Albom book
Watching movie. Oh my. Just as good as book!! Watch it with kleenex
Watching movie. Oh my. Just as good as book!! Watch it with kleenex
August 19, 2011
So sweet but so very heartbreaking
January 11, 2026
Dee Dee's story of returning to Bay Street touched me deeply. I appreciated the author's ability to transform a classic romantic premise into a powerful reflection on family and the bonds that time does not extinguish. It's a read that warms the heart, much like the flame of a candle.
December 10, 2017
A treasured story of commitment, trust, and loyalty between two souls that never truly parted ways. A must read by Mckinnon that has such wonderful reflections on what love is and what loss can do to a family unit unless there are other cherished friends close-by to help and support the one in need of it.
This book honors all the veterinarians in our world working hard to provide their needed services. Inside these pages, a close-knit community is honored, too along with the unique setting.
The artwork that graces each chapter is full of beauty and it gives a unique flavor to each chapter before it is read. The quotes are also very fitting and give another added dimension to each chapter with the relationship and also reflecting back on the talent of candlemaking and the use of candles. Dee Dee's choices in life are represented and her character is vibrant. The narrator supports her throughout the storyline along with the secondary characters.
Sam struggle is sad and touching as he tries to face his own demons about making a critical choice that will affect his own family unit. He and his practice are a strong presence as this story unfolds through him. His wife is always present and has such a giving soul. Her commitment to him and his past connections are so emotionally moving. These friends rallying around each other and providing strength during a critical life crisis are apparent in this beautiful end-product.
The St. John River is present along with the Canadian border and the bridge that serves as the crossing. Nature is often mentioned and used as a device throughout the story. Fort Kent is represented but there is no real Bay Street in it. However, many of the other elements do exist in northern Maine. Music of the time period is often referenced in this book--another special touch.
I must warn readers that this one is a real tear-jerker at times; however, it also has some very cheerful funny moments sprinkled among the pages. It is an emotional roller coaster to experience. I was sad to see it end and I would have loved more about this community and the local residents. All goods things must come to an end. This is truly a fabulous book that must be shared and passed around to others.
This book honors all the veterinarians in our world working hard to provide their needed services. Inside these pages, a close-knit community is honored, too along with the unique setting.
The artwork that graces each chapter is full of beauty and it gives a unique flavor to each chapter before it is read. The quotes are also very fitting and give another added dimension to each chapter with the relationship and also reflecting back on the talent of candlemaking and the use of candles. Dee Dee's choices in life are represented and her character is vibrant. The narrator supports her throughout the storyline along with the secondary characters.
Sam struggle is sad and touching as he tries to face his own demons about making a critical choice that will affect his own family unit. He and his practice are a strong presence as this story unfolds through him. His wife is always present and has such a giving soul. Her commitment to him and his past connections are so emotionally moving. These friends rallying around each other and providing strength during a critical life crisis are apparent in this beautiful end-product.
The St. John River is present along with the Canadian border and the bridge that serves as the crossing. Nature is often mentioned and used as a device throughout the story. Fort Kent is represented but there is no real Bay Street in it. However, many of the other elements do exist in northern Maine. Music of the time period is often referenced in this book--another special touch.
I must warn readers that this one is a real tear-jerker at times; however, it also has some very cheerful funny moments sprinkled among the pages. It is an emotional roller coaster to experience. I was sad to see it end and I would have loved more about this community and the local residents. All goods things must come to an end. This is truly a fabulous book that must be shared and passed around to others.
November 9, 2008
Such a beautiful, gripping read!
August 27, 2012
A very sincere story of true friendship
March 8, 2013
Probably one of the most depressing books I have ever read. Pass it by, folks; pass it by.
February 22, 2015
In the book Candles on Bay Street,the author KC McKinnon tells a story of small town veterinarian Sam Thibodeau'ss first love coming back to live where they had grown up together. DeeDee Michaud brings with her a 9 year old son and has come back to find him a home knowing she is dying of cancer. Sam still holds a torch for DeeDee even though he is happily married to another veterinarian. Surprisingly, his wife Lydia and DeeDee become friends and Lydia supports Sam in agreeing in advance to adopt DeeDee's son trooper after DeeDee dies. Sam, Lydia, and DeeDee all draw close together in helping DeeDee approach the end of her life. Although the plot is an unlikely one, the author did a beautiful job in developing the main characters--especially the emotions Sam goes through in struggling to deal with DeeDee's impending death.
June 13, 2014
A wonderful story of romance, love, life and melancholy. The writing is wonderful often making you laugh and sometimes leaving you teary-eyed. You identify with the characters easily and get engrossed in the story very quickly. A nice melancholic read. (I know it sounds like an oxymoron.)
January 8, 2020
Really loved the characters & their relationships. Emotional - sad, and funny, but would recommend - love to 'feel' the characters!
March 29, 2020
Sweet story of first love, enduring friendship and coming home again when you need your friends the most
January 21, 2024
"Every time you light a candle, an angel is born."
February 23, 2018
Sam Thibodeau is thrilled to hear that his first love, Dee Dee Michaud, is returning to their home town thirteen years after running off to marry Bobby Langford. She has Bobby's son Trooper but has been raising him as a single parent most of his young life. Dee Dee starts a candle making business with great success. Eventually it becomes obvious that Dee Dee is in poor health. She is depending on the people she grew up with to help get her through some difficult times. If I say anything more I would give away too much of the story. This book was made into a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie. I have not watched the film version but I've read the book twice. Keep the Kleenex box close by.
Read
February 27, 20245 stars through chapter 10, then it changed direction. At chapter 11, what started as a beautiful story that I thought would become one of my favorites to read over and over became a book I never want to look at again the rest of my life. That was when the author took something beautiful and turned it into something horrible. It was meant to be a beautiful act of love, but no. I get it, hard choices, sticking with your closest friend, so it was a good effort, but what they did wasn't beautiful. It was hopeless and awful. Thankful the Hallmark movie changed its direction.
April 6, 2025
Ugh what can I say besides this book was amazing. I bought this for two dollars at a warehouse sale because I thought the cover was cute and now I’ve just finished the book and I’m so amazed with how good it was. It had an interesting story, well developed characters, and the setting just made the book more enjoyable. I will definitely recommend this to people. I just love it when books make me laugh, cry, and be confused all at the same time. This book is definitely getting me out of my reading slump. 🙏🙏
March 17, 2024
I picked it up off my bookshelf because it was the thinnest book there. I wanted to read but wasn't looking for a book that would take months to finish. WOW is all I can stay without giving anything away. Once I started reading, I became invested in the characters and the story. I felt like I was in the book living this life as a bystander in the small town. You know what they say when you become invested......the ending is never easy.
June 10, 2018
A tearjerker of the best kind. This is a beautiful story about love, loss, and the faith of friendship. The story has a timelessness that pierces the heart and soul. The flicker of candle light is a little more magical to me because of K.C. McKinnon's novel.
December 3, 2019
Super Sweet Sad Story
This reads like Cathie Pelletier's debut novel which I think it is. So sweet it was made into a movie for Hallmark. That says it all. I did expect more. It's a good thing that Pelletier writes better and more sophisticated stuff nowadays.
This reads like Cathie Pelletier's debut novel which I think it is. So sweet it was made into a movie for Hallmark. That says it all. I did expect more. It's a good thing that Pelletier writes better and more sophisticated stuff nowadays.
February 10, 2023
In true Nicolas Sparks fashion this story tugs at the heart strings and gives us all a sense of a higher purpose in life. A childhood friendship rekindled reminds me of some of my own friends and their lives.
September 3, 2019
Quit about half way.
October 20, 2019
A quick easy read. I liked the characters, and it had some cute, quirky humor, but it was a sad story.
February 8, 2022
good book
July 11, 2022
Much better and deeper than the description indicated
July 16, 2022
A sweet, sad, awesome story.
September 6, 2023
I enjoyed this book almost as much as her other book.
March 3, 2024
a beautiful heartwarming story
Wonderful characters full of love, even n the hardest circumstances. Way ahead of its time on an important social issue. Well done.
Wonderful characters full of love, even n the hardest circumstances. Way ahead of its time on an important social issue. Well done.
July 25, 2024
This one wasn't as dull as dancing on the harvest moon
April 14, 2025
Wonderful book. I enjoyed very much.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews