Review: Sunrise on Cedar Key by Terri DuLong

Paperback, 352 pages

Expected publication: November 1st 2011 by Kensington (first published October 25th 2011)

more details...ISBN : 0758268653 (ISBN13: 9780758268655)

From the publisher:

Set on the enchanting island of Cedar Key, Terri DuLong's new novel weaves a warm, welcoming tale of second—and even third—chances, of long-held secrets, and newfound loves. . .
For the second time in ten years, Grace Stone is starting over on Cedar Key. Grace first moved to the serene island to escape a disastrous relationship. Now a visit with her Aunt Maude is interrup

...moreSet on the enchanting island of Cedar Key, Terri DuLong's new novel weaves a warm, welcoming tale of second—and even third—chances, of long-held secrets, and newfound loves. . .
For the second time in ten years, Grace Stone is starting over on Cedar Key. Grace first moved to the serene island to escape a disastrous relationship. Now a visit with her Aunt Maude is interrupted by unwelcome news: Grace's apartment and coffee shop have been destroyed by fire.
Grace is devastated, yet ever-practical Maude has a plan. While she helps Grace resettle, Maude even has a business venture in mind—weekend knitting retreats where women can craft, chat, and support one another.
But other surprises await, including the return of Grace's estranged sister, and a tentative romance with the local bookstore owner. Knitting together her past and future will mean untangling the painful threads Grace left behind. But the result could be a vibrant new life—and the courage to live it fully. .

My thoughts:  Reading about the community in Cedar Key is like a visit with very good friends that always leaves me with feelings of warmth. In her stories, DuLong celebrates womanhood, family relationships, love and friendships. Not all is sweetness and light. Her characters are strong women who have hurdles to jump but are finally able to put the past to rest and to face the future with courage and hope. It's how her well developed characters handle their hurts and joys that appeals the most to me. Although sometimes there is sorrow and we may have to say goodbye to some while welcoming others;  it's just like in real life with a balance of pain and pleasure. A visit to Cedar Key is always a much anticipated joy!

 Sunrise in Cedar Key is # 3 in the Cedar Key series. Any one of these books can be read as a stand-alone, however I would recommend  starting with the first in the series. Each book features one of the residents of this wonderful community with the rest of the residents playing a very supportive part.  As Aunt Maude says, everyone has a story and I for one can't wait for the next adventure from Cedar Key!

You don't have to be a knitter to enjoy these heart-felt stories.  4****

Terri DuLong hails from my home state of MA and now lives in Cedar Key just about an hour north of Podunk. Be sure to follow the link to Cedar Key to see more about the characters and the locations in Terri's books.  Terri can be found on Facebook and at her website. Her previous novels include Casting About and Spinning Forward.

 

 

Disclosure: A review copy of the book was provided by the author, Terri DuLong, in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you so much, Terri, for another wonderful visit in Cedar Key!