Laurel

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16 Lighthouse Road (Cedar Cove, #1)

by Debbie Macomber (Goodreads Author)

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Laurel said: " This rating applies to the entire series. While I found the story pleasing, the characters are all cookie-cutter stereotypes with the same issues (I was burned before so I don't trust any man! I got burned so I ran away! I got burned so I'm as nasty This rating applies to the entire series. While I found the story pleasing, the characters are all cookie-cutter stereotypes with the same issues (I was burned before so I don't trust any man! I got burned so I ran away! I got burned so I'm as nasty as can be to all men!) None of those reactions paint the picture of a relatable heroine or hero.

Another issue that annoyed me was the constant, "You've come to my house. I must make tea!" compulsion of every woman in the books. There is a wise adage for writers which says if you repeat something in your stories more than twice, it will annoy the readers. She should have listened. Perhaps she thought making every encounter with another human being about making and drinking tea would make the stories "cozy". It doesn't. It makes it tedious and annoying.

But my main problem with all of Debbie Maccomber's writing is her insistance that everyone in her stories goes to church, prays, reads the Bible daily. I have dozens of people in my life and none of them do that. I find it offputting that a character attends church and that it's assumed that they would. No one except religious fanatics go to church weekly, pray a lot, and read the Bible daily. For me, and I think one can assume millions more, a hero that is a religious fanatic is not appealing. It shows a weakness in character. I don't want a hero who is a follower, who prays when things go wrong. I want a character that thinks for himself, who takes action, who gets the job done, and romances his woman. It bothered me also that everyone refused to have sex before marriage, some opting for immediate marriage so they can have sex. What is this? 1950? So unrealistic. And why is there an assumption that every single person in the story will be a Christian? Is Cedar Cove some kind of religious compound? I want romance, not religion.

Despite whether you agree or disagree I think we can all agree that romance novels shouldn't have religion or politics in them. If Maccomber can't do that, perhaps she ought to write religious books that fit into her limited world view instead. ...more "

Jul 29, 2025 05:14AM · see review