Cottage by the Sea

CHAPTER 1

Annie Marlow hated to disappoint her parents, but she simply wasn t going to fly home to Seattle for Thanksgiving. She d already made the arrangements for Christmas and it was too late to change everything now. She had plans.

Working as a physician assistant, Annie didn t get many four-day weekends, and Trevor was cooking a turkey and had invited her over for the day. Steph would be there, too, and they were both anxious to meet a cute young doctor who had recently joined the clinic at another site.

What her mother really wanted, Annie realized, was a family photo for the Christmas card her parents routinely sent out each year. For all she cared, they could photoshop her in. There wasn t any need for her to change her plans, especially now, less than a week before Thanksgiving.

Gabby, her cousin, was flying to Los Angeles to join them. Giving up time with Gabby for a Christmas-card photo? Not happening. Besides, Annie had a new pair of four-inch designer heels and a dress she intended to use for a girls night out on the town.

Her mother tried again, laying on the guilt. Annie, please?

Mom, you can t change everything at the last minute like this. She glanced at the time and inwardly groaned. Much more of this conversation and she d be late meeting Steph for their yoga class.

Your brother is coming with Kelly and the baby.

This was her mom s best inducement? Her brother? The favored son? She had already seen Mike and his family twice this year. He was planning to be there for Christmas, too, remember. Mike was the one who needed to change everything around. It was unfair that she should rearrange her entire life to suit her brother s schedule.

We haven t been together as a family since August.

Pressing the phone to her ear, Annie became impatient as her mother continued speaking.

You haven t seen the baby in a while. Did you know Bella is walking already?

I ll see Bella when I drive up this Christmas. I ll make

Debbie Macomber, the author of It's Better This Way, A Walk Along the Beach, Window on the Bay, Cottage by the Sea, Any Dream Will Do, If Not for You, and the Rose Harbor Inn series, is a leading voice in women's fiction. Thirteen of her novels have reached #1 on the New York Times bestseller list, and five of her beloved Christmas novels have been hit movies on the Hallmark Channel, including Mrs. Miracle and Mr. Miracle. Hallmark Channel also produced the original series Debbie Macomber s Cedar Cove, based on Macomber s Cedar Cove books. She is, as well, the author of the cookbook Debbie Macomber s Table. There are more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide.

Romantic, warm, and a breeze to read one of Macomber s best. Kirkus Reviews

Macomber never disappoints. Tears and laughter abound in this story of loss and healing that will wrap you up and pull you in; readers will finish it in one sitting. Library Journal (starred review)
 
Macomber s patented recipe of idyllic small-town life with a touch of romance is sure to result in a summer best-seller. Booklist
 
Macomber s story of tragedy and triumph is emotionally engaging from the outset and ends with a satisfying conclusion. Readers will be most taken by the characters, particularly Annie, a heartwarming lead who bolsters the novel. Publishers Weekly