Cedar Cove

"You don't know me yet, but in a few hours that's going to change. You see, I'm inviting you to my home and my town of Cedar Cove, because I want you to meet my family, friends, and neighbors. Come and hear their stories - maybe even their secrets!"

In this original short story, Jo Marie Rose readies her inn for spring, turning to her new friends Grace and Olivia when she needs them most.

Jo Marie has big plans for her bed-and-breakfast. With the help of handyman Mark Taylor, she intends to plant a beautiful rose garden in time for her upcoming open house. Jo Marie and Mark rarely see eye to eye - especially on matters of home improvement - but she knows he has her best interests at heart. After the two walk the grounds, Jo Marie realizes that her beloved rescue dog, Rover, is missing....

"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?"

"One thing about Cedar Cove - people sure are interested in what other people are doing. Take me, for instance. Everybody in the town knows that my husband, Zach, and I recently got a divorce. Everybody also knows that Judge Olivia Lockhart decreed a pretty unusual custody arrangement...."

"I love living in Cedar Cove, but things haven't been the same since a man died in our B and B. Turns out his name was Max Russell, and Bob had known him briefly in Vietnam. We still don't have any idea why he came here and - most important of all - who killed him. Because it now appears that he was poisoned. I sure hope somebody figures it out soon!"

Considering that I'm married to Cedar Cove's private investigator, you might think I enjoy mysteries. But I don't - especially when they involve us! Roy and I have been receiving anonymous postcards and messages asking if we "regret the past". We don't know what they mean.

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. Find out why every Christmas in Cedar Cove is special!

Dear Listener: As you may have heard, we've recently had quite a shock. My daughter, Justine, and her husband, Seth, lost their business, The Lighthouse restaurant - to arson. The investigation continues. The prime suspect is a young ex-employee named Anson Butler, who disappeared right after the fire.

Dear Listener: Do you remember Teri Miller? She works at Get Nailed, the beauty salon here in town. Well, Teri got married a little while ago—to Bobby Polgar, the famous chess champion. They've moved into a beautiful house, 74 Seaside Avenue, which has a spectacular view of Puget Sound.

"I have something to confide in you. I think my husband, Dave, might be having an affair. I found an earring in his pocket, and it's not mine. I'm also worried because some jewelry was recently stolen from an old woman - and Dave used to visit her a lot. You see, he's a pastor. And a good man. I can't believe he's guilty of anything, but why won't he tell me where he's been when he comes home so late?"

Mother-to-be Mary Jo Wyse arrives in Cedar Cove on Christmas Eve, searching for her baby's father. David Rhodes had said he'd be in town. But he isn't. Which leaves Mary Jo stranded, pregnant and alone. And there's no room at the local inn....

"I'm not much of a letter-writer. As the sheriff here, I'm used to writing incident reports, not chatty letters. And I've got plenty to keep me occupied, like the unidentified remains found in a cave outside town. And the fact that my friend, Judge Olivia Griffin, is fighting cancer. And the break-ins at 204 Rosewood Lane -- the house Faith, my former girlfriend, happens to be renting from Grace Harding...."

Dear Listener, Guess what? I’m falling in love! With Mack McAfee. My baby daughter, Noelle, and I have been living next door to Mack since the spring. I’m still a little wary about our relationship, because I haven’t always made good decisions when it comes to men. My baby’s father, David Rhodes, is testament to that. I’m so worried he might sue for custody. In the meantime, the World War II letters I found are a wonderful distraction. Come by sometime for a glass of iced tea and I’ll show you the letters....

Dear Reader,You’ve probably heard that my wife has left me. Rachel’s pregnant, and she says she can’t handle the stress in our household anymore. My 13-year-old daughter, Jolene, is jealous of her. Maybe it’s my fault. As a widower I spoiled her - Jolene was reading over my shoulder just now and says that’s not true. She claims Rachel ruined everything. But that’s not true. The real question is: How can I get my wife back? I don’t even know where she is. She’s not with Teri Polgar or any of her other friends from the salon.

Beth Morehouse expects this Christmas to be one of her best. Her small Christmas-tree farm is prospering, her daughters and her dogs are happy and well, and her new relationship with local vet Ted Reynolds is showing plenty of romantic promise. But... someone recently left a basket filled with puppies on her doorstep, puppies she’s determined to place in good homes. That’s complication number one. And number two is that her daughters Bailey and Sophie have invited their dad, Beth’s ex-husband, Kent, to Cedar Cove for Christmas.

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.