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Cedar Key #6
Farewell to Cedar Key
New York Times bestselling author Terri DuLong welcomes you to the colorful community of Cedar Key, Florida--a place where hearts are warm and friendship is true…
Josie Sullivan adores her Cedar Key home. It's been the ideal place to raise her daughter, Orli, who's just turning sixteen. Now that Josie has realized her dream of becoming a registered nurse, she's been offered the perfect job too--helping Dr. Simon Mancini run his new practice.
Until the clinic opens, Josie is filling in at Yarning Together, where she launches a series of knitting classes for men. Yet for all the vibrant changes, there are some tangled threads. Josie's romance-author mother, Shelby, receives a worrying diagnosis. And though Josie has always guarded her independence, her connection to Orli's father, Grant, seems to be rekindling. Most of all, as Shelby's college classmates rally around their dear friend, Josie begins to see that "home" is more than a place;it's the relationships woven into each life, strand by strand…
Josie Sullivan adores her Cedar Key home. It's been the ideal place to raise her daughter, Orli, who's just turning sixteen. Now that Josie has realized her dream of becoming a registered nurse, she's been offered the perfect job too--helping Dr. Simon Mancini run his new practice.
Until the clinic opens, Josie is filling in at Yarning Together, where she launches a series of knitting classes for men. Yet for all the vibrant changes, there are some tangled threads. Josie's romance-author mother, Shelby, receives a worrying diagnosis. And though Josie has always guarded her independence, her connection to Orli's father, Grant, seems to be rekindling. Most of all, as Shelby's college classmates rally around their dear friend, Josie begins to see that "home" is more than a place;it's the relationships woven into each life, strand by strand…
320 pages, Paperback
First published November 25, 2014
136 people are currently reading
741 people want to read
About the author
Terri DuLong
28 books227 followersNY Times & USA Today bestselling author of the Cedar Key Series. Debut novel, Lost Souls of the Witches' Castle, was released by a small press in 2002. Based on the mental facility north of Boston where I did my Psychiatric RN training, it weaves the story of a love both past and present. Since the press closed, Lost Souls is no longer in print, but is now available in eBook on both Kindle and Nook.
Daughters of the Mill is a prequel to Lost Souls and focuses on the Mill girls in Lowell, Massachusetts and the lack of women's rights in that era. Also now available in Kindle and Nook.
On Feb. 26, 2008 I signed a two-book contract with Kensington Publishing in NYC. My first novel, SPINNING FORWARD, also women's fiction, was released October 27, 2009. CASTING ABOUT, book 2 in the Cedar Key Series was released Oct. 26, 2010, along with my Christmas novella, A CEDAR KEY CHRISTMAS, in the anthology, HOLIDAY MAGIC, with Fern Michaels headlining.
Book 3, SUNRISE ON CEDAR KEY hit bookshelves October 2011 and Book 4, POSTCARDS FROM CEDAR KEY, was released October 30, 2012. Book 5, SECRETS ON CEDAR KEY will be released Nov. 26, 2013 and book 6 in 2014.
I'm originally from the Boston area, but have resided in Florida for 26 years. Eight years ago we relocated to Cedar Key (the setting for my novels) off the west coast.
Daughters of the Mill is a prequel to Lost Souls and focuses on the Mill girls in Lowell, Massachusetts and the lack of women's rights in that era. Also now available in Kindle and Nook.
On Feb. 26, 2008 I signed a two-book contract with Kensington Publishing in NYC. My first novel, SPINNING FORWARD, also women's fiction, was released October 27, 2009. CASTING ABOUT, book 2 in the Cedar Key Series was released Oct. 26, 2010, along with my Christmas novella, A CEDAR KEY CHRISTMAS, in the anthology, HOLIDAY MAGIC, with Fern Michaels headlining.
Book 3, SUNRISE ON CEDAR KEY hit bookshelves October 2011 and Book 4, POSTCARDS FROM CEDAR KEY, was released October 30, 2012. Book 5, SECRETS ON CEDAR KEY will be released Nov. 26, 2013 and book 6 in 2014.
I'm originally from the Boston area, but have resided in Florida for 26 years. Eight years ago we relocated to Cedar Key (the setting for my novels) off the west coast.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
December 31, 2015
Farewell to Cedar Key by Terri DuLong
Love this series and hate to see it end but the author will start a new series which I already know I will get all the books in that one as well.
Easy going reading, easy to follow characters and such up to date problems that we can all relate to, mixed in with knitting makes this series/book a big hit.
First thing I did when I got this ARC was to check the back of the book where extra treasures are hidden and they are there in this book also! Didn't want to start this book because in a way I never want the series to end but I realize I have to read it to find out the mystery of the treasure at the end that will be IN the story.
Love acknowledgements and so happy to learn other blind knitters as myself will be in the storyline along with male knitters.
This follows Josie and her daughter, Orli when she's lost her job as an RN but fills in at the yarn shop. Plans to spend the Christmas and 16th birthday party in Boston with her father and grandmother, along with her mom are in the works.
So many twists and turns and just when things are falling into place other upheavals. Easy to keep track of the characters and love what's going on in their lives even though at they are all different ages and relationships.
Touching book, love what the pattern stands for, love the story behind it.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Love this series and hate to see it end but the author will start a new series which I already know I will get all the books in that one as well.
Easy going reading, easy to follow characters and such up to date problems that we can all relate to, mixed in with knitting makes this series/book a big hit.
First thing I did when I got this ARC was to check the back of the book where extra treasures are hidden and they are there in this book also! Didn't want to start this book because in a way I never want the series to end but I realize I have to read it to find out the mystery of the treasure at the end that will be IN the story.
Love acknowledgements and so happy to learn other blind knitters as myself will be in the storyline along with male knitters.
This follows Josie and her daughter, Orli when she's lost her job as an RN but fills in at the yarn shop. Plans to spend the Christmas and 16th birthday party in Boston with her father and grandmother, along with her mom are in the works.
So many twists and turns and just when things are falling into place other upheavals. Easy to keep track of the characters and love what's going on in their lives even though at they are all different ages and relationships.
Touching book, love what the pattern stands for, love the story behind it.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
September 8, 2014
I absolutely LOVED this book! Ms. DuLong has written another winner! I love the interaction between the characters and explanations on why they act the way they do. Some of them have faced challenges, but that doesn't stop them from making the most out of life. There are friendships that have lasted throughout the years, and everyone is supportive and there for each other when needed most. Josie, the main character is independent, yet not sure where her life is headed. She does a lot of soul searching and finally realizes that what she wants and needs was right there all along.
July 17, 2018
Interesting story with an unusual backstory. There’s a lot happening in this book, both to the characters and in the community. The romance is predictable, but heart-tugging (and a long time coming), and a few new characters also appear.
Near the end of this book, the stage appears to be set for a spin-off series located on Florida’s east coast, near Jacksonville.
Near the end of this book, the stage appears to be set for a spin-off series located on Florida’s east coast, near Jacksonville.
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October 14, 2014This is the sixth and final book in the Cedar Key series. This story is all the more interesting and bitter-sweet by knowing we will never visit Cedar Key again with this author.
Josie Sullivan is a single mom and an RN. She was born and raised on Cedar Key where she also chose to raise her daughter, Orli. Orli’s father, Grant, has always been in her life even though he lives in Boston. Becoming pregnant in her freshman year of college, Josie decided not to marry Grant, and went back home to Cedar Key. Josie’s mother is a romance author and Shelby Sullivan’s works are known worldwide.
The Cedar Key community is a close knit group and the local knit shop is a place where women go to socialize as well as learn to knit new patterns. Josie has recently lost her nursing job in Gainesville and is asked to help out at Yarning Together after one of the owners, Chloe, has fallen and broke her arm. Josie has loved to knit since she was a child and agrees to help out. Josie’s ex-boss calls and tells her that a colleague of his, Dr. Simon Mancini, is opening a new office in Cedar Key and needs a nurse so he recommended her. Then Grant calls to ask Josie if her and their daughter can come to visit him for Christmas and Orli’s sixteenth birthday. Josie decides that her life is changing for the better.
This is another great story of all the characters that make up Cedar Key. I love checking in with the ladies at Yarning Together and finding out about the new people in town. I have greatly enjoyed reading the Cedar Key series and will miss the people I have come to know as friends. The ending of this book was a bitter-sweet moment for me that brought tears to my eyes. Anyone, female or male, who enjoys knitting, should read this series. I will admit I am not a knitter but love the camaraderie that these knitters share. I have given this book 5 Blue Ribbons on Romance Junkies website.
Courtesy of RomanceJunkies.com
Josie Sullivan is a single mom and an RN. She was born and raised on Cedar Key where she also chose to raise her daughter, Orli. Orli’s father, Grant, has always been in her life even though he lives in Boston. Becoming pregnant in her freshman year of college, Josie decided not to marry Grant, and went back home to Cedar Key. Josie’s mother is a romance author and Shelby Sullivan’s works are known worldwide.
The Cedar Key community is a close knit group and the local knit shop is a place where women go to socialize as well as learn to knit new patterns. Josie has recently lost her nursing job in Gainesville and is asked to help out at Yarning Together after one of the owners, Chloe, has fallen and broke her arm. Josie has loved to knit since she was a child and agrees to help out. Josie’s ex-boss calls and tells her that a colleague of his, Dr. Simon Mancini, is opening a new office in Cedar Key and needs a nurse so he recommended her. Then Grant calls to ask Josie if her and their daughter can come to visit him for Christmas and Orli’s sixteenth birthday. Josie decides that her life is changing for the better.
This is another great story of all the characters that make up Cedar Key. I love checking in with the ladies at Yarning Together and finding out about the new people in town. I have greatly enjoyed reading the Cedar Key series and will miss the people I have come to know as friends. The ending of this book was a bitter-sweet moment for me that brought tears to my eyes. Anyone, female or male, who enjoys knitting, should read this series. I will admit I am not a knitter but love the camaraderie that these knitters share. I have given this book 5 Blue Ribbons on Romance Junkies website.
Courtesy of RomanceJunkies.com
November 25, 2014
I got this book from Firstreads. This is my honest review.
I'm excited and annoyed with finishing this cleaver book about love, friendships, knitting and family togetherness. Why? I came into the very end of this series. But--- I am excited about going back and reading all the earlier books, starting with SPINNING FORWARD. This group of women friends, who have been close for 50 years, reminds me so much of my own BFF group of friends that have been there loving and supporting each other through love, births, illnesses and death. Knitting, travels, books, and family are such great influences in real life, and Terri DuLong got all of these things so right in her book.
Josie has had a great life raising her daughter alone. She starts a men's knitting group, supports her mom in a crises, and gets her dream job as an RN in the new hunky doctor's office. But there is always that nice friendship with her daughter's father across the country. Her daughter is coming up on her 16th birthday and both she and Josie are going to visit Dad, in Boston, for the holidays and her birthday. Josie's is also so supportive of, and supported by, her friends and their lives.
The idea of friends being a family of their own, and remembering that tried and true saying --"home is where the heart is" --moves this book along quickly for the reader. I love the connection of all the characters in different age groups. The "issues" are so commonplace, but also special to this story. Now to start at the very beginning of life in Cedar Key, Florida.
I'm excited and annoyed with finishing this cleaver book about love, friendships, knitting and family togetherness. Why? I came into the very end of this series. But--- I am excited about going back and reading all the earlier books, starting with SPINNING FORWARD. This group of women friends, who have been close for 50 years, reminds me so much of my own BFF group of friends that have been there loving and supporting each other through love, births, illnesses and death. Knitting, travels, books, and family are such great influences in real life, and Terri DuLong got all of these things so right in her book.
Josie has had a great life raising her daughter alone. She starts a men's knitting group, supports her mom in a crises, and gets her dream job as an RN in the new hunky doctor's office. But there is always that nice friendship with her daughter's father across the country. Her daughter is coming up on her 16th birthday and both she and Josie are going to visit Dad, in Boston, for the holidays and her birthday. Josie's is also so supportive of, and supported by, her friends and their lives.
The idea of friends being a family of their own, and remembering that tried and true saying --"home is where the heart is" --moves this book along quickly for the reader. I love the connection of all the characters in different age groups. The "issues" are so commonplace, but also special to this story. Now to start at the very beginning of life in Cedar Key, Florida.
December 9, 2014
If you have been following the series this is a good ending for it. I am going to miss all of these ladies.
Several mentions of Chloe and Ormond Beach in this book. I am sitting here wondering if this is going to be a spin-off into her next series. If it is it sounds like a fun idea.
Several mentions of Chloe and Ormond Beach in this book. I am sitting here wondering if this is going to be a spin-off into her next series. If it is it sounds like a fun idea.
July 30, 2019
Another great book in the 'Cedar Key' series, this one focusing on Josie and her daughter Orli, as Josie contemplates how her life has turned-out after receiving news about her mother's health, and finding a new job with the town doctor, Dr. Simon Mancini. Through a variety of situations, Josie finds the life that she is supposed to lead, while bringing happiness to all of those around her. I loved the relationships between all of the people in Cedar Key, especially the ladies from the knitting shop, along with the others who complement one another. The tension between Josie and her mother was reminiscent of many mother/daughter relationships, along with the love that Josie felt for both Grant and Simon, which turned into a love triangle between the three. I loved how focused and dedicated Orli was as a daughter, granddaughter, and friend, truly a mature and capable young woman who will thrive on her own in the future. I did find that there were some parts of the novel which were a bit cliché, such as Grant and Simon always asking Josie if she wanted a glass of wine (how much wine can someone possibly drink?) Some of the love scenes were a bit dramatic, and a tad corny at times (although romantic at others). Overall, a great finale to the characters of Cedar Key, who will certainly be missed!
January 25, 2023
As the title suggests, this is the last book in the series set in Cedar Key, I'm very sad to say goodbye to this series, and I savored this book. I've loved this series, it will be one which I'll read again, but it does set the scene for another series by this fabulous author, with 2 of the characters moving from Cedar Key to Ormond Beach.
This final book centers around Josie, daughter of a romance writer who lives in Cedar Key. Josie has always clashed with her Mum, ever since she was small. She gave up college after she became pregnant , and fiercely independent, she raised her daughter Orli on her own. Grant, Orli's father has always been un the picture, living in Boston and working as an attorney; he's never lost his love for Josie. Josie is a Nurse but loses her job because of the economy, so she helps in the Yarn shop after Chloe breaks her arm, after all, this is what the people of Cedar Key do, they help each other.
When a doctor decides to open up a practice in the town, something they've not had for many years, Josie is approached to be his Nurse, is there an attraction between them? Orli is 16 and she and Josie spend her birthday together with Grant in Boston, although her Mum has a worrying medical issue too.
Is it time for Josie to do something for her? She needs to think about her feelings for Grant.
Each book is a standalone story but the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
If you like books by Debbie Macomber, then this is the series for you.
This final book centers around Josie, daughter of a romance writer who lives in Cedar Key. Josie has always clashed with her Mum, ever since she was small. She gave up college after she became pregnant , and fiercely independent, she raised her daughter Orli on her own. Grant, Orli's father has always been un the picture, living in Boston and working as an attorney; he's never lost his love for Josie. Josie is a Nurse but loses her job because of the economy, so she helps in the Yarn shop after Chloe breaks her arm, after all, this is what the people of Cedar Key do, they help each other.
When a doctor decides to open up a practice in the town, something they've not had for many years, Josie is approached to be his Nurse, is there an attraction between them? Orli is 16 and she and Josie spend her birthday together with Grant in Boston, although her Mum has a worrying medical issue too.
Is it time for Josie to do something for her? She needs to think about her feelings for Grant.
Each book is a standalone story but the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
If you like books by Debbie Macomber, then this is the series for you.
August 7, 2019
Disappointing
As I had already invested in reading the first five books of this series, I was committed to seeing this through to the end. I enjoyed the first five over much but found the sixth very disappointing. As each of the other books expanded on a character from the island, I was surprised that the last book introduced a new character. I found that I couldn't get involved in her life and that her activities were shallow and not engaging. At the end of the story she is packing up a cat that I didn't even remember she had! Frankly, I just didn't care.... I just finished the book and can't even tell you the main character's name!
The first five in the series were very entertaining, I recommend them.
As I had already invested in reading the first five books of this series, I was committed to seeing this through to the end. I enjoyed the first five over much but found the sixth very disappointing. As each of the other books expanded on a character from the island, I was surprised that the last book introduced a new character. I found that I couldn't get involved in her life and that her activities were shallow and not engaging. At the end of the story she is packing up a cat that I didn't even remember she had! Frankly, I just didn't care.... I just finished the book and can't even tell you the main character's name!
The first five in the series were very entertaining, I recommend them.
April 23, 2022
This book is ok and many people will enjoy it, especially if you've read the other books. This is the second one I've read. There are no sex scenes which I appreciate. There is some foul language occasionally. There seem to be a lot of characters who are divorced, a lot of single moms, and independent women who don't believe in marriage. I liked the main character ok, but really couldn't understand why it took 16 years for anything to change between her and her daughter's father. While I love the caring community of Cedar Keys, I really can't relate to their lives - even simple things like all the wine and coffee drinking in the book. I don't knit either! So I won't be reading any of the other stories, as it's just not a good fit for me.
March 13, 2023
Great Read
This was my favorite of the Cedar Key series.
What I particularly like in this one (well all of them really) is the romances were taken slowly and there was no rushing into bed at the first kiss like so many books today. The rekindling of romance between Grant and Josie had me smiling, and was a bit of a surprise when it looked like she would be with Simon! Seems a little weird that they, Grant and Josie, remained friends for 16years as their daughter grew up, and that Grant had so passively waited for Josie to be ready to marry, but it was a very satisfying book and a wonderful read. Now on to Ormand Beach!
This was my favorite of the Cedar Key series.
What I particularly like in this one (well all of them really) is the romances were taken slowly and there was no rushing into bed at the first kiss like so many books today. The rekindling of romance between Grant and Josie had me smiling, and was a bit of a surprise when it looked like she would be with Simon! Seems a little weird that they, Grant and Josie, remained friends for 16years as their daughter grew up, and that Grant had so passively waited for Josie to be ready to marry, but it was a very satisfying book and a wonderful read. Now on to Ormand Beach!
February 20, 2025
This is the last book in the Cedar Key series, and it's a good one. Josie Sullivan is the main character and she is filling in at Yarning Together. Josie has always guarded her independence, with her daughter Orli she has maintained her connection with Orli's father Grant. Dr. Simon Mancini is opening his doctor's office and has hired Josie as his nurse. He seems to want to have more than a working relationship with her. She's flattered but doesn't know if she wants that. It seems her love for Grant has rekindled and it has given her lots to think about. This is a very good read.
October 8, 2021
Very enjoyable conclusion to this excellent series — I'm only sorry it's over! (One comment: the Acknowledgements really should have been placed at the end of the book, as portions of it foreshadowed events in the book.)
December 30, 2017
OMG, silly and predictable.
January 11, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. Very nice story about a family in Cedar Key, Florida (town really exists). Makes you want to visit the town.
May 29, 2018
This is the final book in the Cedar Key series and I will miss visiting this wonderful little town through this author's books and her characters. Guess I just have to return to Cedar Key myself!
January 8, 2019
Enjoyed the whole series!
April 4, 2019
Pleasant but predictable. The ending was boring, ran out of steam. I just skimmed the last 50 pages or so.
September 25, 2020
I used to like this series and characters, though this one was too fairytale like for me.
April 3, 2023
All good things come to an end. I enjoyed the many references to knitting, a skill I've practiced since my mom taught me when I was just a child.
March 18, 2017
I enjoyed reading the Cedar Key series of books. They are a story of friendship and community. In a previous review I said they are Hallmark channel caliber.
March 7, 2017
Pretty good read. You can figure out the end from the beginning.
September 27, 2014
I received an ARC of Farewell to Cedar Key written by New York Times bestselling author Terri DuLong in exchange for an honest review. I have loved all the previous books in the series and the wonderful little community of Cedar Key, Florida. This book is no exception, it is wonderful and I enjoyed reading it so much.
The book begins with Josie Sullivan who loves living in Cedar Key with her daughter, Orli who is about to turn sixteen. Although Josie is a single mother she is close to Orli’s father, Grant. He comes to visit them on and off whenever Orli didn’t make it to Boston. However, Josie didn’t see him often but talked to him on the phone regularly. Grant also knew her parents from his infrequent visits to Cedar Key.
Josie finally realized her dream of becoming a registered nurse. She loves her job and is upset when she learns that her position has been cut. The doctor she worked for promises he will try to find her another job. In the mean time, she fills in at Yarning Together, working in the shop and launches knitting classes for me. Josie is an accomplished knitter and loves teaching it to others. She soon receives a phone call from her former boss and learns she is to be offered a new job. When the phone call from Dr. Simon Mancini finally comes she is excited and agrees to meet for an interview.
When she meets Simon in person she is attracted to his warm personality in addition, he is handsome and she really enjoyed his company. She is thrilled at the prospect of helping him run his new practice. Not only is she thrilled but the island has not had a doctor for years. After going on several dates with him she discovers how much she has grown to like.
Shelby, Josie’s romance author mother has a diagnosis that has her on edge and thinking the worst. Especially since her mother can be so stubborn about going to the doctor in the first place. With the birthday of Orli fast approaching Grant wants them both to come to Boston and spend some time with him. Josie is a very independent person who always puts her daughter first in anything she does and Orli really wants to go. With the decision made they let Grant know and he makes plans for their flight.
One of the most important things I loved in this book was the friendship and love of Shelby’s college classmates. They were there for her during and after her surgery. Their show of love and support helps Josie see that home is more than a house; it is the relationships that we form with the people who are important to us.
I loved the descriptions of all the wonderful yarns, the knitting stitches and the wonderful companionship of the knitting groups. Getting together with friends is one of the most important things in life. To me this book is about those relationships and the choices we make to keep them close to us. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loved the Cedar Key series, it is wonderful. The author has done a wonderful job of focusing on the lives and relationships of the characters which makes it a great book. I could go on and on about this book, but I think you should read it for yourself. I gave it a five star review!
November 25, 2014
Farewell to Cedar Key is the sixth and final novel in Terri DuLong's delightfully heartwarming Cedar Key series. This charming installment is a little bittersweet since it is time to bid a fond farewell to the town and its inhabitants, but it is also another beautiful story of family, friendship and love.
Josie Sullivan is an independent single mother with strong ties to Cedar Key. She never married Grant, her daughter Orli's father, but they have a good relationship and he has always supported her decisions. Josie has a sometimes difficult, but always loving, relationship with her controlling mother Shelby, a best-selling romance novelist. With a new career opportunity on the horizon, Josie's life is turned upside down by romance, a scary health diagnosis for her mom and Orli's unexpected decisions about her future.
Josie has not dated much over the years, so she is a little surprised by her attraction to newcomer Simon Mancini, the new doctor in town and Josie's new boss. Although she has concerns about an office romance, Josie does see Simon socially, but she is unclear if his interest in her goes beyond friendship.
Even more surprising to Josie are her suddenly complicated feelings for Grant. They have maintained an easygoing friendship over the years and she has never questioned her decision to raise Orli on her own. But when she and Orli travel to Boston to celebrate Christmas and Orli's sixteenth birthday with Grant, Josie is stunned at her renewed feelings for him. Returning to Cedar Key clarifies which man her heart belongs to, but that only makes her decisions about her future that much more difficult.
As with previous novels in the Cedar Key series, the storyline is refreshingly light and conflict free. Matters of the heart are resolved fairly easily with little angst or fanfare. The story arc that deals with Shelby's health issue is handled realistically and this part of the plot is a turning point for Josie's relationship with her mother.
While it is always difficult to say goodbye to familiar friends and faces, Farewell to Cedar Key is the perfect finale for the Cedar Key series. Many of the characters from previous installments make guest appearances and Josie is not the only person who unexpectedly finds love. It is another warm and inviting novel from Terri DuLong that old and new fans do not want to miss.
Josie Sullivan is an independent single mother with strong ties to Cedar Key. She never married Grant, her daughter Orli's father, but they have a good relationship and he has always supported her decisions. Josie has a sometimes difficult, but always loving, relationship with her controlling mother Shelby, a best-selling romance novelist. With a new career opportunity on the horizon, Josie's life is turned upside down by romance, a scary health diagnosis for her mom and Orli's unexpected decisions about her future.
Josie has not dated much over the years, so she is a little surprised by her attraction to newcomer Simon Mancini, the new doctor in town and Josie's new boss. Although she has concerns about an office romance, Josie does see Simon socially, but she is unclear if his interest in her goes beyond friendship.
Even more surprising to Josie are her suddenly complicated feelings for Grant. They have maintained an easygoing friendship over the years and she has never questioned her decision to raise Orli on her own. But when she and Orli travel to Boston to celebrate Christmas and Orli's sixteenth birthday with Grant, Josie is stunned at her renewed feelings for him. Returning to Cedar Key clarifies which man her heart belongs to, but that only makes her decisions about her future that much more difficult.
As with previous novels in the Cedar Key series, the storyline is refreshingly light and conflict free. Matters of the heart are resolved fairly easily with little angst or fanfare. The story arc that deals with Shelby's health issue is handled realistically and this part of the plot is a turning point for Josie's relationship with her mother.
While it is always difficult to say goodbye to familiar friends and faces, Farewell to Cedar Key is the perfect finale for the Cedar Key series. Many of the characters from previous installments make guest appearances and Josie is not the only person who unexpectedly finds love. It is another warm and inviting novel from Terri DuLong that old and new fans do not want to miss.
January 31, 2015
My first chance to read this series – I love a ‘community centered’ story, and this did not disappoint. Being the last in the series, there were several characters that were introduced and already had a place in the story, and DuLong did manage to provide information that made their relationships feel solid, and encourage the reader to go back to the earlier books.
I loved Josie and her relationship and interactions with nearly every character: from teaching the men how to knit, to her discussions with her daughter, her mother and even her new boss, she felt real and plausible: the sort of character you would want as a friend. Orii is very solidly sixteen, and her relationship with her father (and her mother’s desire to make their parenting relationship a solid friendly working one) managed to give another layer of complexity to the story, especially as Josie is seeing Grant in a new way.
Simon is coming into Cedar Key with several points to his favor: handsome, single, doctor that is in need of someone to help at the clinic. Josie finds a new flirtation and a new job, fitting in with her own dreams of becoming an RN. These two have an attraction that has Josie in a bit of a conundrum: her choices between the known and the new give a romantic push that vies with the sweetness of the story.
Other secondary characters are wonderfully crafted and built, and when Jane’s mother Sophie has a health scare, the true supportive nature and solidity that is gained from finding your place in the world shines through brightly.
I need to stop picking up series at the end – it is so detrimental to my TBR pile! That being said, this is a series that I am most certainly adding to the pile, and have purchased the first five novels in the Cedar Key series. You’ll want to do the same if you are a fan of intertwined ‘small town feel’ stories that are solidly feel-good reads.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
I loved Josie and her relationship and interactions with nearly every character: from teaching the men how to knit, to her discussions with her daughter, her mother and even her new boss, she felt real and plausible: the sort of character you would want as a friend. Orii is very solidly sixteen, and her relationship with her father (and her mother’s desire to make their parenting relationship a solid friendly working one) managed to give another layer of complexity to the story, especially as Josie is seeing Grant in a new way.
Simon is coming into Cedar Key with several points to his favor: handsome, single, doctor that is in need of someone to help at the clinic. Josie finds a new flirtation and a new job, fitting in with her own dreams of becoming an RN. These two have an attraction that has Josie in a bit of a conundrum: her choices between the known and the new give a romantic push that vies with the sweetness of the story.
Other secondary characters are wonderfully crafted and built, and when Jane’s mother Sophie has a health scare, the true supportive nature and solidity that is gained from finding your place in the world shines through brightly.
I need to stop picking up series at the end – it is so detrimental to my TBR pile! That being said, this is a series that I am most certainly adding to the pile, and have purchased the first five novels in the Cedar Key series. You’ll want to do the same if you are a fan of intertwined ‘small town feel’ stories that are solidly feel-good reads.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
November 26, 2014
Saying goodbye is never easy but in Terri DuLong’s final book in the Cedar Key series, she instills a feeling of hope as the characters in the story venture away from their beloved home to start new chapters of their lives.
Josie Sullivan and her daughter Orli have lived on the Key ever since Josie returned home following her freshman year at college, pregnant, and determined to stand on her own two feet. Now Josie is facing new challenges. First she loses her nursing job, next her family discovers that Shelby, Josie’s Mother, has been diagnosed with cancer. Finally, Orli is considering a move to Massachusetts to be closer to her Dad during her senior year in high school. Grant and Josie have always maintained a loving bond as they have watched their daughter grow into a strong young woman. And Grant has never given up on the Josie and the hope that they will be together. As she faces her trials, Josie finds herself turning more and more to Grant. Slowly, she realizes the only thing keeping her from Grant and the love they can share, is her own need for control.
Then there is Chloe. She came to the Key and her family following a bitter divorce. Chloe, and avid knitter, meets Gabe, a winter visitor to Cedar Key. Their common passion for knitting brings them together. And soon these two are talking about opening their own yarn shop in Ormond Beach.
But there are other changes happening closer to home. Josie’s friend Mallory is at a place in her life when she wants something more. And Shelby, after facing down her cancer, discovers she needs to stop trying to control her life and instead try to enjoy it.
This is a book about the strong bond women share. From the knitting group, to Shelby and her group of college girlfriends, regardless of age, these women are there for each other. Thank you, Terri DuLong, for this tribute to friendship and love.
Josie Sullivan and her daughter Orli have lived on the Key ever since Josie returned home following her freshman year at college, pregnant, and determined to stand on her own two feet. Now Josie is facing new challenges. First she loses her nursing job, next her family discovers that Shelby, Josie’s Mother, has been diagnosed with cancer. Finally, Orli is considering a move to Massachusetts to be closer to her Dad during her senior year in high school. Grant and Josie have always maintained a loving bond as they have watched their daughter grow into a strong young woman. And Grant has never given up on the Josie and the hope that they will be together. As she faces her trials, Josie finds herself turning more and more to Grant. Slowly, she realizes the only thing keeping her from Grant and the love they can share, is her own need for control.
Then there is Chloe. She came to the Key and her family following a bitter divorce. Chloe, and avid knitter, meets Gabe, a winter visitor to Cedar Key. Their common passion for knitting brings them together. And soon these two are talking about opening their own yarn shop in Ormond Beach.
But there are other changes happening closer to home. Josie’s friend Mallory is at a place in her life when she wants something more. And Shelby, after facing down her cancer, discovers she needs to stop trying to control her life and instead try to enjoy it.
This is a book about the strong bond women share. From the knitting group, to Shelby and her group of college girlfriends, regardless of age, these women are there for each other. Thank you, Terri DuLong, for this tribute to friendship and love.
November 14, 2014
This last book in Terri's Cedar Key series is just plain lovely. I hate to see this series end, but hope Terri visits this wonderful community once in awhile in future novels. I feel as if I know the people, the layout, the businesses, and the restaurants, just through Terri's descriptive words. I will miss it and those who live there.
To live in a small community such as Cedar Key is to be able to thrive on your own with the support and comfort of family and friends surrounding you. No one remains a stranger as all are welcomed with open arms. Everyone rallies around those in need, whether it is raising a child on your own, or whether one has a disability or a life-threatening disease. Terri gives us a real sense of how it is to live among friends and family, the hurdles they face, and the life-altering choices that need to be made. The knitting and needlepoint shop, Yarning Together, is not only where women gather and bond, but also where men are now invited to have a kitting class of their own.
Josie Sullivan is the main character in this novel. She is a nurse in her mid-thirties, and is a single mom whose daughter, Orli is about to turn 16. Now that she has basically finished raising Orli, she realizes that she wants to focus on her own future. She has some major decisions to make, and that includes a couple of men that are interested in her.
I don't want to go into any detail about this story, as I don't want to spoil your fun. It was a very enjoyable read and I highly recommend it. I also found that it can easily be read as a standalone. If this is the first book you read by this author, you will want to return and read the rest of the series. [I received this ARC from Kensington Books as a First Reads winner on Goodreads.]
To live in a small community such as Cedar Key is to be able to thrive on your own with the support and comfort of family and friends surrounding you. No one remains a stranger as all are welcomed with open arms. Everyone rallies around those in need, whether it is raising a child on your own, or whether one has a disability or a life-threatening disease. Terri gives us a real sense of how it is to live among friends and family, the hurdles they face, and the life-altering choices that need to be made. The knitting and needlepoint shop, Yarning Together, is not only where women gather and bond, but also where men are now invited to have a kitting class of their own.
Josie Sullivan is the main character in this novel. She is a nurse in her mid-thirties, and is a single mom whose daughter, Orli is about to turn 16. Now that she has basically finished raising Orli, she realizes that she wants to focus on her own future. She has some major decisions to make, and that includes a couple of men that are interested in her.
I don't want to go into any detail about this story, as I don't want to spoil your fun. It was a very enjoyable read and I highly recommend it. I also found that it can easily be read as a standalone. If this is the first book you read by this author, you will want to return and read the rest of the series. [I received this ARC from Kensington Books as a First Reads winner on Goodreads.]
February 17, 2017
I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/13132178
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/13132178
February 9, 2015
* I won a copy of this book through the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway Program. *
I really enjoyed this story. It was set in Florida, one of my favorite places, it had compelling characters, family drama, insecurities, romance and of course it was based on knitting and crafting. It had a little something for everyone to enjoy. The author did a great job with the characters, they felt like friends by the time that I was finished with the book. She provided perfect imagery for the location and it felt like I could see the Gulf of Mexico as I was reading.....in this cold, cold NJ setting. I love the way in which the characters were able to learn life lessons throughout the story and that the author made the day to day struggles in life a part of her story. She tackled some things that most people shy away from and she did it in a respectful and passionate way. The author took the time to research things and that makes a good book become a great book.
I feel like the author was really connected to the story and to her characters. The love for them comes through the pages as the reader devours this book. I started it with the idea that I would read for a little bit and then move on to the weekend chores....except I didn't move on to them. I was engrossed in the story with Josie, Grant, Simon, Orli and the rest of Cedar Key. This book will make you laugh, cry, yell, scream and remember to call your very best friends just to say hi. Make sure you pick this book up and add it to your TBR list.
I really enjoyed this story. It was set in Florida, one of my favorite places, it had compelling characters, family drama, insecurities, romance and of course it was based on knitting and crafting. It had a little something for everyone to enjoy. The author did a great job with the characters, they felt like friends by the time that I was finished with the book. She provided perfect imagery for the location and it felt like I could see the Gulf of Mexico as I was reading.....in this cold, cold NJ setting. I love the way in which the characters were able to learn life lessons throughout the story and that the author made the day to day struggles in life a part of her story. She tackled some things that most people shy away from and she did it in a respectful and passionate way. The author took the time to research things and that makes a good book become a great book.
I feel like the author was really connected to the story and to her characters. The love for them comes through the pages as the reader devours this book. I started it with the idea that I would read for a little bit and then move on to the weekend chores....except I didn't move on to them. I was engrossed in the story with Josie, Grant, Simon, Orli and the rest of Cedar Key. This book will make you laugh, cry, yell, scream and remember to call your very best friends just to say hi. Make sure you pick this book up and add it to your TBR list.
December 18, 2014
With whispers of the "YaYa Sisterhood" present through a group of older women called the "Sisters of '68" DuLong introduces the reader to the many layers of small town life.
Main character, Josie Sullivan, is a 35 year old single mom who has not only put herself through nursing school but been able to raise a daughter Orli, and remain on amiable terms with her father, Grant Cooper. This year Orli turns sweet 16 and both parents have agreed to spend Christmas together and celebrate together a few days later.
The back story between Josie and Grant is unique. Many of us have the "one who got away." Not Josie. She has the one who is willing to wait 16 years to marry her! After becoming pregnant at 19, Josie chose to drop out of college and return home. In addition, she ensures that Grant is able to live his dream of a law career and be as active as possible in Orli's life. Her independence and his success are the only true factors she considers.
After several uneventful relationships she finally meets a handsome young doctor. Sparks begin to fly but will they fizzle out when Grant decides he wants to be a more permanent part of his daughter's life?
You'll have to read to find out.
Wonderful "feel good" and inspirational book! The prose and personalities will keep you as warm as the scarves they're knitting.
I won this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.
Main character, Josie Sullivan, is a 35 year old single mom who has not only put herself through nursing school but been able to raise a daughter Orli, and remain on amiable terms with her father, Grant Cooper. This year Orli turns sweet 16 and both parents have agreed to spend Christmas together and celebrate together a few days later.
The back story between Josie and Grant is unique. Many of us have the "one who got away." Not Josie. She has the one who is willing to wait 16 years to marry her! After becoming pregnant at 19, Josie chose to drop out of college and return home. In addition, she ensures that Grant is able to live his dream of a law career and be as active as possible in Orli's life. Her independence and his success are the only true factors she considers.
After several uneventful relationships she finally meets a handsome young doctor. Sparks begin to fly but will they fizzle out when Grant decides he wants to be a more permanent part of his daughter's life?
You'll have to read to find out.
Wonderful "feel good" and inspirational book! The prose and personalities will keep you as warm as the scarves they're knitting.
I won this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.
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