Christmas in Cedar Cove

Christmas in Cedar Cove gathers two holiday stories from the Washington town of Cedar Cove, each told through the memories of the people who lived them.

The first centers on 5-B Poppy Lane, home to Helen Shelton, her granddaughter Ruth and Ruth's husband, Paul. Over mulled cider, the family tells how Ruth and Paul met. Helen also recalls her experiences during the Second World War.

The second moves to a small horse ranch outside town, owned by Grace and Cliff Harding. Mary Jo Wyse and her young daughter, Noelle, look back on the Christmas Mary Jo arrived in Cedar Cove pregnant and alone. She had her baby in the apartment above the Hardings' stable.

That same night, firefighter Mack McAfee began to fall for Mary Jo, and for the idea of having a family with her.

The tone is warm and domestic, a holiday read built on remembered moments and the pull of home. Readers are welcomed in as guests, with the stories handed over one household at a time.