Deserted by David Rhodes, her unborn child's father, a very
pregnant Mary Jo Wyse leaves her home in search of David,
whom she believes is visiting family in Cedar Cove for
Christmas. Mary Jo's three very protective older brothers
are in hot pursuit on Christmas Eve to find Mary Jo and
bring her home. While searching for David's family, Mary Jo
finds they're on vacation and due to return Christmas Day.
All the inns and hotels are full, but Grace Harding
befriends Mary Jo and offers her rooms above her stable
where animals are housed for the live Cedar Cove Nativity
pageant. Mary Jo declines Grace's offer to attend church
services that evening. She wants to rest from the dizzy
spells she had earlier when a paramedic, Mack McAfee,
responded to her 911 call. Alone, desperate and in labor,
Mary Jo again calls Mack. She and Mack feel a definite
spiritual connection that strengthens through her delivery
and gives Mack faith, hope and love. The three Wyse men,
bearing gifts, arrive at the Harding Ranch to find a
surprise.
Debbie Macomber's Christmas story is a parallel re-
enactment of the birth of Jesus with interesting
similarities. I found the story an uplifting tale of a town
full of caring, loving residents. Much cheer and newfound
faith is shared among the characters. I loved the
characters, who left me with a warm, fuzzy feeling. The
setting and characters portray Cedar Cove as a storybook
perfect place with beautiful people. I was truly sorry when
I reached the final page as it was very enjoyable and
seemed far too short. Thank you, Debbie!
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.…
So Grace Harding brings Mary Jo home
to her nearby ranch. She and her husband, Cliff, have a
houseful of guests, but they offer her a room over their
stable (currently sheltering the animals — including a
donkey and a camel — for Cedar Cove's Nativity
Pageant!).
When Mary Jo goes into labor that night, a
young man named Mack McAfee, a paramedic, comes to her
rescue, just as her brothers — the three Wyse men — show up
in town. The people of Cedar Cove join them in celebrating
the birth of baby Noel. But no one has more to celebrate
than Mack. Because this Christmas brings him faith, hope
and love...