Publishers Weekly
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The aftermath of a fire at the Lighthouse restaurant and the search for an arsonist spark the sixth volume of smalltown drama set in Macomber's fictional Washington town of Cedar Cove (after 50 Harbor Street). Justine and Seth Gunderson, the owners of the Lighthouse, are divided by their reactions to the tragedy; Seth is obsessed with rebuilding as quickly as possible, while Justine wants to take advantage of their newly found free time. Meanwhile, Macomber follows numerous loosely connected story lines involving characters from previous volumes: an impulsive act of generosity by hairdresser Teri Miller triggers romance with a world renowned chess player; physician's assistant Lynnette McAfee encounters trouble in her relationship with shy horse trainer Cal Washburn; father-to-be Jon Bowman struggles with anger over his parents' legacy of betrayal; and several navy families face leaving their hometown. Fans of the series will snap this one up, but new readers may struggle to sort out the characters and relationships (Macomber includes a two-page list of residents to help). Those who enjoy good-spirited, gossipy writing will be hooked. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Book list
From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

Cedar Cove has been a busy place since Macomber's last installment, 50 Harbor Street0 (2005). Justine and Seth's restaurant has burned down, thanks to arsonists, and their marriage is threatened. Young Allison's boyfriend, Anson, is a person of interest in the arson case and runs away. Allison is the only one who believes he did not set the fire, but his continued absence damns him in the eyes of the town. These old friends, as well as the rest of the familiar population of Cedar Cove, have new stories to tell. There's hair-stylist Teri's most recent love interest, for example, chess-champion Bobby Polgar. Though she has no knowledge of or interest in chess, once she sees him on TV, she gives in to a sudden urge to cut his hair. Teri has no idea how her life is going to change. Readers new to Macomber's considerable narrative charms will have no problem picking up the story, while loyal fans are in for a treat. --Maria Hatton Copyright 2006 Booklist