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Cedar Key #5
Secrets On Cedar Key
New York Times bestselling author Terri DuLong's heartwarming new novel invites you to Cedar Key, Florida--a close-knit community that offers an easy pace, gorgeous scenery--and a whole new perspective on family and forgiveness. . .
In the wake of her husband Andrew's sudden passing, there's nowhere Marin Kane would rather be than back on Cedar Key. Marin plans to run the needlepoint store next to her mother Dora's yarn shop, and settle once more into her tranquil hometown. Then a bombshell arrives: a secret daughter Andrew never revealed to anyone.
Now nineteen, Fiona was the product of a summer affair Andrew had when he was out of town teaching--while Marin was home with their two small sons. All Fiona wants is a chance to meet her half-brothers and Marin--and through them get some sense of the father she barely knew. Marin isn't sure she can ever overcome her sense of betrayal. But buoyed by old friends--and a new love--the answers may unfold, guiding both Marin and Fiona to a true refuge at last.
In the wake of her husband Andrew's sudden passing, there's nowhere Marin Kane would rather be than back on Cedar Key. Marin plans to run the needlepoint store next to her mother Dora's yarn shop, and settle once more into her tranquil hometown. Then a bombshell arrives: a secret daughter Andrew never revealed to anyone.
Now nineteen, Fiona was the product of a summer affair Andrew had when he was out of town teaching--while Marin was home with their two small sons. All Fiona wants is a chance to meet her half-brothers and Marin--and through them get some sense of the father she barely knew. Marin isn't sure she can ever overcome her sense of betrayal. But buoyed by old friends--and a new love--the answers may unfold, guiding both Marin and Fiona to a true refuge at last.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
210 people are currently reading
423 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 72 reviews
December 5, 2020
enjoyed getting to know the residents of Cedar Key in this second book i have read in the series. i need to look into the others from the series.
November 22, 2014
This has been a series I have enjoyed a great deal I have the last book Farewell to Cedar Key coming in as soon as it is published. The women have all been fun and I have felt a connection with all of them. The main character for the next book is always introduced in the book you are currently reading,( with this series you should read all the books) I knew Marin's story was coming up next and I was looking forward to it. I had the women coming in from the previous books and the yarn store and a needlepoint store that Marin would be running. Everything was set up for me to like this book as much as I liked all the other books, except something just didn't click for me, I had a very hard time connecting with Marin up until the last maybe 6 chapters and was pushing myself to finish this one. I also found myself not really caring about her love interest Worth either. I'm still not sure why it happened, the writing and flow of the book was the same, I enjoyed all of the old and new characters and I am still looking forward to the last book in the series and The Ormond Beach series that will be released next summer.
November 28, 2013
specially around the holidays, I love a good, sweet, easy romance with family values and a cozy theme - like knitting. Terri DuLong's Secrets on Cedar Key had it all - except it wasn't very good. Maybe I couldn't handle the dozens of characters because I haven't read the earlier books in the series. Or maybe I didn't relate well to the main character (she's a little older than I am). I think the main problem was that the book was disjointed, wordy, and didn't flow well at times.
DuLong used a lot of pages describing things that didn't move the plot forward. And even if I forgave that, sometimes I was left hanging after a plot point wasn't followed through: We hear about Marin planning and making a cassoulet for her beau... but then we don't hear about the actual dinner where they eat it. We hear about numerous other dinners that are irrelevant, but not the cassoulet dinner, even though its preparation was described, and then described some more. Another example is when Marin's stepdaughter is having a baby. The nurse comes in with dialogue, including saying that the doctor will give an epidural. Well, the labor and delivery is described, and no epidural was given. So why mention the epidural in the first place?
Secrets of Cedar Key drove me crazy with so much description of irrelevant people, places and things. If the story was told in half the words, I could have enjoyed Marin's new romantic relationship, the expansion of the yarn shop, the changes in her family, and the quirkiness of the other Cedar Key residents. As it stands, I can't recommend it.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
DuLong used a lot of pages describing things that didn't move the plot forward. And even if I forgave that, sometimes I was left hanging after a plot point wasn't followed through: We hear about Marin planning and making a cassoulet for her beau... but then we don't hear about the actual dinner where they eat it. We hear about numerous other dinners that are irrelevant, but not the cassoulet dinner, even though its preparation was described, and then described some more. Another example is when Marin's stepdaughter is having a baby. The nurse comes in with dialogue, including saying that the doctor will give an epidural. Well, the labor and delivery is described, and no epidural was given. So why mention the epidural in the first place?
Secrets of Cedar Key drove me crazy with so much description of irrelevant people, places and things. If the story was told in half the words, I could have enjoyed Marin's new romantic relationship, the expansion of the yarn shop, the changes in her family, and the quirkiness of the other Cedar Key residents. As it stands, I can't recommend it.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
July 4, 2020
Another excellent book by the wonderfully talented Terri DuLong, in which she writes about the town of Cedar Key, and the various individuals that live there. This one focused on Marin Kane, as she deals with the loss of her husband, Andrew, and the aftermath that comes with it. Marin is shocked to learn that Andrew had a secret, one in which she wasn't privy to learning about until after his passing. As Marin becomes entangled with Andrew's newfound family, she also learns about herself, as she works on opening a needlepoint shop, along with becoming smitten with Worthington Slater, a dashing man that sweeps Marin off of her feet. I loved reading about all of the characters, and how each of them helped one another in certain situations, bringing forth support and love at all times. It was heartwarming to read the bond that the women of the knitting crew experienced, giving me the hope that one day I could have the same bond with a group of women. I loved how Terri DuLong made you feel as though you were actually in Cedar Key, with her vivid descriptions of the landscape and townsfolk. A feel good book that made me believe in the power of friendship, and the ability to change no matter what situation you may be faced with.
February 19, 2023
secrets on Cedar Key
I enjoyed the story, but there were some glaring errors. The main one being that when Marin found out about the mail box her husband had had, and consequently the letter from the lawyer in it, the lawyer had no idea that her husband Andrew had died. Yet when she contacted the lawyer he said that Andrews daughter had asked for her phone number! Why wouldn’t she have asked for her father’s number? There was quite a few things that didn’t make sense. I’m not sure what the secrets were, unless it was Dora’s revelation, because Marin certainly didn’t keep a secret.
Not sure why so many authors think it necessary to give the main characters really different names while everyone around has everyday names. However I didn’t like the way Marin blabbed everything to everyone. In spite of it I did enjoy the story for the most part, but there were so many characters that at first it was hard to keep track.
I enjoyed the story, but there were some glaring errors. The main one being that when Marin found out about the mail box her husband had had, and consequently the letter from the lawyer in it, the lawyer had no idea that her husband Andrew had died. Yet when she contacted the lawyer he said that Andrews daughter had asked for her phone number! Why wouldn’t she have asked for her father’s number? There was quite a few things that didn’t make sense. I’m not sure what the secrets were, unless it was Dora’s revelation, because Marin certainly didn’t keep a secret.
Not sure why so many authors think it necessary to give the main characters really different names while everyone around has everyday names. However I didn’t like the way Marin blabbed everything to everyone. In spite of it I did enjoy the story for the most part, but there were so many characters that at first it was hard to keep track.
January 25, 2023
I absolutely love this series and am sad that this is the penultimate book in it. If you like Debbie Macomber books then you'll like this series.
The series is set on Cedar Keys, a small island off of Florida, and its stories are of the people who live there, or who come, and just don't leave.
This book is about Dora's daughter Marin, who comes to live with her Mother after her husband dies suddenly. After selling her family house, she makes Cedar Keys her home, and opens a Needlepoint shop next to her mothers Yarn shop. The contractor getting the shop ready seems to like her, but can she even think of a relationship, so soon after her husband's death? She receives a call which turns her world upside down, did she know her husband at all? What will her grown up Sons say?
Whilst each book is a standalone story, the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
The series is set on Cedar Keys, a small island off of Florida, and its stories are of the people who live there, or who come, and just don't leave.
This book is about Dora's daughter Marin, who comes to live with her Mother after her husband dies suddenly. After selling her family house, she makes Cedar Keys her home, and opens a Needlepoint shop next to her mothers Yarn shop. The contractor getting the shop ready seems to like her, but can she even think of a relationship, so soon after her husband's death? She receives a call which turns her world upside down, did she know her husband at all? What will her grown up Sons say?
Whilst each book is a standalone story, the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
May 20, 2017
I always enjoy reading the Cedar Key series. It is easy reading and I can find myself reading for hours before I realize it. It had been awhile since I read the first four books in the series, so it was nice that this book gave some brief review of the characters to jog my memory. I appreciated the underlying theme of forgiveness and family. I am a sucker for happy endings which may be why I enjoy this series.
September 10, 2021
Another very enjoyable book. More than just a romance, this is a story of what and who really makes a family — and it isn't always blood. Marin is in her mid-fifties, and still recovering from the sudden death of her husband, Andrew, when she learns he had an illegitimate daughter, while they were married. As she struggles to deal with her reactions to this news, she becomes acquainted with Worthington Slater, who helps out with the remodel of her mother's yarn shop. Recommended.
May 13, 2018
Interesting story, with complex but personable main characters. The plot may not appeal to all readers, but the themes of friendship, love, forgiveness, and personal growth will.
An enjoyable addition to the series.
An enjoyable addition to the series.
May 18, 2018
I have enjoyed this series so far and the ongoing lives of the main characters and local residents. Although not "Wow!" books, they are providing me with easy reading in a setting I love and the cherished bonding of women and close friends and the importance of these, as well as family.
April 20, 2023
3.5 Pleasant book about a widow who learns a disturbing secret her husband kept from her which threatens her ordered life. This is the perfect read when you're in the middle of a thriller as Secret unfolds quietly and organically.
April 13, 2018
Really liked this one!
September 21, 2019
I enjoyed the friendships in this book and the storyline was so enjoyable. I’m going to check out more of the Cedar Key stories.
May 3, 2020
Light and easy reading. If you have a passion for yarn, this is another reason to read the story.
May 20, 2021
Almost did not read because I had not read any of the others, but it didn't matter. Loved the book!!
July 26, 2021
Pleasant beach read. A little predictable but enjoyable.
October 31, 2022
Loved that Marin took control of her life and moved forward with making herself and her outlook on life a priority.
February 26, 2023
Starting towards the end of a series isn't my usual thing. Yet, I enjoyed the story and meeting the characters. Though much of the plot was predictable, this knitter enjoyed the premise.
March 13, 2023
Good family story and realizing that forgiveness is easier than holding onto anger. Great location in a charming town on the west coast of Florida.
June 3, 2023
I loved this book! I did not want it to end.
I will be reading more by this author.
I will be reading more by this author.
October 11, 2024
Very nice comfort read. It was nice to have the same cast of characters. The group becomes a family of knitters. This also shows the importance of family and friends who become family.
February 16, 2025
This is another story in the Cedar Key series. It features Marin Kane and her new love interest, Worth. It is a well-written story of betrayal, forgiveness, friendship, and love. I like this series.
September 4, 2025
Loved this book. Actually love all the cedar Key books. Excellent writing and female bonding stories.
March 17, 2017
The fifth book in the series. The books remind me of stories that could be on the Hallmark channel.
December 31, 2015
Secrets on Cedar Key by Terri DuLong
Love this series and know even without knowing who the book is about that it's another keeper. It involves knitting, a city in Florida and a sense of good community feelings.
Marin has lost her husband Andrew and moved to Cedar Key with her mother now that the boys are grown and set in their locations with work. She helps her mom and others run the yarn store. She wants to run a needlework area and when the contractor has a heart attack, Worth Slater takes over.
She finds out some money was being sent to two people who she has no idea who they are and will investigate.
The part I love about this book is the atmosphere of the yarn shop to everybody who walks in the door. The weekly meeting is also a time for great food, sharing and others with a similiar need to bond with one another.
As island life goes on Marin is getting closer to knowing the truth about her husband and arrangements are made for the funeral of a friend. She confides in others who are not sure what to believe and they are there for her regardless of the outcome.
If you have not read the other books in the series you are told of the important things that happened in the past-just NOT everything so the books can be read out of order. There are a lot of characters but you tend to remember who goes with who (names and careers are mentioned) and the story is easy to follow.
Marin takes things slow and gets acquainted with Worth. They have dinner a few times and she's able to go with him to his house where he claims he and his wife, now dead, had met her and Andrew at a charity function for the college. He had left an impression on her back then... and likewise...
Love all the charity work in the book: locks of love hair cuts, and fund raisers.
Funny how the gossip travels around town and the concept of a movie being filmed in town have some scurrying to shape up their shops. Love all the chat about the shops and changes that have occurred and new owners with other ones.
Marin learns neither of the boys will be home for Thanksgiving but her BFF will come for Christmas. She does have to face what to do with the account and tries to find some answers on the internet. Many stressful days and she books a flight to Paris which Andrew and her were to return to.
Her mother tells her why she was against her buying the house and she hopes she can forgive and move on with her life and that the trip to Paris will help. So many details besides booking the flight and she's grateful to have the offer of a place to stay while there.
Travel in Paris is breathtaking, many details and I feel as if I'm there, I've always wanted to go with my daughter.
She recalls things that bring up images of Andrew and their sons and how they interacted with one another and thought he did deserve forgiveness.
Symbolism of the afghans during the war was enlightening to listen to and so much needed then.
Sparks of romance and love in Paris. Marin feels good about herself and her decision, is it the right one?
Love how the book got it's name and this series just keeps getting better and better. I'm not sure how the author can put so much into 300 pages. If another wrote it, it'd have to be 600 pages. Prefer the 300 page myself. She's got a way with words, the right ones together.
What I also really like is having many generations of families so you see how the author is able to solve the current day problems with any age group.
I received this book from Kennsington in exchange for my honest review.
Love this series and know even without knowing who the book is about that it's another keeper. It involves knitting, a city in Florida and a sense of good community feelings.
Marin has lost her husband Andrew and moved to Cedar Key with her mother now that the boys are grown and set in their locations with work. She helps her mom and others run the yarn store. She wants to run a needlework area and when the contractor has a heart attack, Worth Slater takes over.
She finds out some money was being sent to two people who she has no idea who they are and will investigate.
The part I love about this book is the atmosphere of the yarn shop to everybody who walks in the door. The weekly meeting is also a time for great food, sharing and others with a similiar need to bond with one another.
As island life goes on Marin is getting closer to knowing the truth about her husband and arrangements are made for the funeral of a friend. She confides in others who are not sure what to believe and they are there for her regardless of the outcome.
If you have not read the other books in the series you are told of the important things that happened in the past-just NOT everything so the books can be read out of order. There are a lot of characters but you tend to remember who goes with who (names and careers are mentioned) and the story is easy to follow.
Marin takes things slow and gets acquainted with Worth. They have dinner a few times and she's able to go with him to his house where he claims he and his wife, now dead, had met her and Andrew at a charity function for the college. He had left an impression on her back then... and likewise...
Love all the charity work in the book: locks of love hair cuts, and fund raisers.
Funny how the gossip travels around town and the concept of a movie being filmed in town have some scurrying to shape up their shops. Love all the chat about the shops and changes that have occurred and new owners with other ones.
Marin learns neither of the boys will be home for Thanksgiving but her BFF will come for Christmas. She does have to face what to do with the account and tries to find some answers on the internet. Many stressful days and she books a flight to Paris which Andrew and her were to return to.
Her mother tells her why she was against her buying the house and she hopes she can forgive and move on with her life and that the trip to Paris will help. So many details besides booking the flight and she's grateful to have the offer of a place to stay while there.
Travel in Paris is breathtaking, many details and I feel as if I'm there, I've always wanted to go with my daughter.
She recalls things that bring up images of Andrew and their sons and how they interacted with one another and thought he did deserve forgiveness.
Symbolism of the afghans during the war was enlightening to listen to and so much needed then.
Sparks of romance and love in Paris. Marin feels good about herself and her decision, is it the right one?
Love how the book got it's name and this series just keeps getting better and better. I'm not sure how the author can put so much into 300 pages. If another wrote it, it'd have to be 600 pages. Prefer the 300 page myself. She's got a way with words, the right ones together.
What I also really like is having many generations of families so you see how the author is able to solve the current day problems with any age group.
I received this book from Kennsington in exchange for my honest review.
March 7, 2017
It was a pretty good book. I like this author overall, but sometimes the story just doesn't fit together as much as I'd like it to.
November 19, 2014
4.5 stars.
Secrets on Cedar Key is a very charming novel about friendship, family, forgiveness and love. This fifth installment in Terri DuLong's Cedar Key series is a beautiful journey for Marin Kane as she reconciles her hurt and anger over her now deceased husband's long ago betrayal and opens her heart to the unexpected love she finds with Worth Slater.
Marin Kane is faced with two setbacks in the new life she has created in aftermath of her husband Andrew's sudden death seven months ago. The first is relatively minor, easy to solve and brings a surprising friendship. Marin's Christmas grand opening of her needlepoint shop is in jeopardy when the contractor has a heart attack but luckily her mom Dora knows someone who can finish the job. Marin strikes up an immediate friendship with his substitute, the handsome and very sexy Worth Slater. Their instant rapport leads an easy and surprising friendship that grows into something much deeper as the months pass.
The second and much more serious complication that Marin is forced to deal with is the irrefutable evidence that Andrew had a secret affair that resulted in the birth of a daughter, Fiona, who is now nineteen years old. Marin's reflections on her sometimes troubled marriage are painfully honest as she tries to decide what to do with this newfound knowledge. Battling her feelings of betrayal and resentment, she continues to put off making a decision but an impulsive trip abroad provides Marin much needed distance to sort through her emotions and figure out how to handle the situation.
One of the aspects I found most appealing about Secrets on Cedar Key is the fact that Marin and Worth are an older couple. Both are widowed with grown children and in Worth's case, grandchildren. Their maturity is a refreshing change of pace and their life experiences provided added depth to their characters. Their romance gently creeps up on both of them and their transition to lovers is a natural extension of their friendship. It is a truly delightful romance that avoids angst and anguish as they embrace their evolving relationship.
Secrets on Cedar Key is the first book I have read from the well-established Cedar Key series, but I had no trouble jumping right into the series. There are numerous guest appearances by characters from the previous novels, but Ms. DuLong provides enough back story that I never felt lost. I am intrigued by the glimpses of the characters' stories and I will definitely be picking up the previous books in the series.
A timeless love story that will appeal to the romantic in us all, Secrets on Cedar Key is captivating story of forgiveness and new beginnings. The picturesque town of Cedar Key is warm and inviting and serves as a lovely backdrop for the unfolding story. Terri DuLong has an engaging writing style and an uncanny ability to create realistic characters that readers will find easy to relate to. It is a heartfelt and emotional addition to the Cedar Key series that old and new fans do not want to miss.
Secrets on Cedar Key is a very charming novel about friendship, family, forgiveness and love. This fifth installment in Terri DuLong's Cedar Key series is a beautiful journey for Marin Kane as she reconciles her hurt and anger over her now deceased husband's long ago betrayal and opens her heart to the unexpected love she finds with Worth Slater.
Marin Kane is faced with two setbacks in the new life she has created in aftermath of her husband Andrew's sudden death seven months ago. The first is relatively minor, easy to solve and brings a surprising friendship. Marin's Christmas grand opening of her needlepoint shop is in jeopardy when the contractor has a heart attack but luckily her mom Dora knows someone who can finish the job. Marin strikes up an immediate friendship with his substitute, the handsome and very sexy Worth Slater. Their instant rapport leads an easy and surprising friendship that grows into something much deeper as the months pass.
The second and much more serious complication that Marin is forced to deal with is the irrefutable evidence that Andrew had a secret affair that resulted in the birth of a daughter, Fiona, who is now nineteen years old. Marin's reflections on her sometimes troubled marriage are painfully honest as she tries to decide what to do with this newfound knowledge. Battling her feelings of betrayal and resentment, she continues to put off making a decision but an impulsive trip abroad provides Marin much needed distance to sort through her emotions and figure out how to handle the situation.
One of the aspects I found most appealing about Secrets on Cedar Key is the fact that Marin and Worth are an older couple. Both are widowed with grown children and in Worth's case, grandchildren. Their maturity is a refreshing change of pace and their life experiences provided added depth to their characters. Their romance gently creeps up on both of them and their transition to lovers is a natural extension of their friendship. It is a truly delightful romance that avoids angst and anguish as they embrace their evolving relationship.
Secrets on Cedar Key is the first book I have read from the well-established Cedar Key series, but I had no trouble jumping right into the series. There are numerous guest appearances by characters from the previous novels, but Ms. DuLong provides enough back story that I never felt lost. I am intrigued by the glimpses of the characters' stories and I will definitely be picking up the previous books in the series.
A timeless love story that will appeal to the romantic in us all, Secrets on Cedar Key is captivating story of forgiveness and new beginnings. The picturesque town of Cedar Key is warm and inviting and serves as a lovely backdrop for the unfolding story. Terri DuLong has an engaging writing style and an uncanny ability to create realistic characters that readers will find easy to relate to. It is a heartfelt and emotional addition to the Cedar Key series that old and new fans do not want to miss.
March 9, 2014
There are no secrets that time does not reveal. – Jean Racine
I became a fan of Terri DuLong’s Cedar Key series with Book 4, POSTCARDS FROM CEDAR KEY. I was eager to read Book 5, SECRETS ON CEDAR KEY to catch up with this small town on Florida’s West Coast. In Book 5, DuLong focuses on a secondary character from Book 4, Marin Kane. Recently widowed after her husband’s sudden heart attack, Marin relocates from Gainesville to her home town of Cedar Key. In fact, she moves in with her mother as she sorts out her life. With her grown children out of state, Marin feels adrift. She begins to gather steam by working in her mother’s yarn shop that has created a comfort zone for the town’s female population. In fact, Marin is looking forward to opening a needlepoint shop adjacent to the yarn shop. When the contractor suffers from a stroke, a retired architect-turned-handyman steps in. Worth Slater, a widower himself, is attracted to Marin and seeks to lift her spirits at the yarn shop … and in her personal life. Then Marin received an unexpected letter from a Boston attorney that reveals her husband fathered a daughter.
SECRETS ON CEDAR KEY gives readers gives Marin’s first person POV on how to deal with this unexpected news, especially when she learns that the daughter wants to be part of Marin’s family. Meanwhile, her family and friends gather around Marin during knitting sessions to provide comfort, support, and even advice.
It was easy to slip back into Cedar Key. DuLong delivers a heroine that is older, a plot that offers a subtle conflict, and a cast of secondary characters that populate an actual town. I offer two criticisms of DuLong’s writing – she tends to draw out simple actions, such as getting into a car and driving to the shop. Likewise, it seems a little too convenient that things fall into place for Marin – the trip to Paris, the arrival of Fiona, and her romance with Worth. Yet I could not put this book down. DuLong kept me interested in the lives of these knitters-turned-friends, even a knitter from Paris. Perhaps the appeal is DuLong’s lesson in forgiveness, community, and friendship.
Recommended read for fans of older heroines, slower paced plots, and small town settings.
I received an ARC from Kensington for an honest review.
I became a fan of Terri DuLong’s Cedar Key series with Book 4, POSTCARDS FROM CEDAR KEY. I was eager to read Book 5, SECRETS ON CEDAR KEY to catch up with this small town on Florida’s West Coast. In Book 5, DuLong focuses on a secondary character from Book 4, Marin Kane. Recently widowed after her husband’s sudden heart attack, Marin relocates from Gainesville to her home town of Cedar Key. In fact, she moves in with her mother as she sorts out her life. With her grown children out of state, Marin feels adrift. She begins to gather steam by working in her mother’s yarn shop that has created a comfort zone for the town’s female population. In fact, Marin is looking forward to opening a needlepoint shop adjacent to the yarn shop. When the contractor suffers from a stroke, a retired architect-turned-handyman steps in. Worth Slater, a widower himself, is attracted to Marin and seeks to lift her spirits at the yarn shop … and in her personal life. Then Marin received an unexpected letter from a Boston attorney that reveals her husband fathered a daughter.
SECRETS ON CEDAR KEY gives readers gives Marin’s first person POV on how to deal with this unexpected news, especially when she learns that the daughter wants to be part of Marin’s family. Meanwhile, her family and friends gather around Marin during knitting sessions to provide comfort, support, and even advice.
It was easy to slip back into Cedar Key. DuLong delivers a heroine that is older, a plot that offers a subtle conflict, and a cast of secondary characters that populate an actual town. I offer two criticisms of DuLong’s writing – she tends to draw out simple actions, such as getting into a car and driving to the shop. Likewise, it seems a little too convenient that things fall into place for Marin – the trip to Paris, the arrival of Fiona, and her romance with Worth. Yet I could not put this book down. DuLong kept me interested in the lives of these knitters-turned-friends, even a knitter from Paris. Perhaps the appeal is DuLong’s lesson in forgiveness, community, and friendship.
Recommended read for fans of older heroines, slower paced plots, and small town settings.
I received an ARC from Kensington for an honest review.
October 13, 2013
Tightly Knit Secrets
Terri Dulong brings us back to the small seaside community of Cedar Key, Florida with installment number 5 - Secrets of Cedar Key.
The highly anticipated expansion of the popular knitting shop, “Yarning Together” meets with an unexpected delay but the ever- positive co-owner “Dora” Foster thinks she has just the answer to seeing the needlepoint addition completed. Dora, whose 56-year-old daughter, Marin Kane, a retired English professor and mother of 2 grown sons, has returned home to Cedar Key and is beyond excited to become manager of the new department scheduled to open just before Christmas.
Marin, recently widowed, lost her husband, also a professor at the university in Gainesville just 7 months ago from a heart attack, which took his life right in the middle of a classroom lecture. Marin is now determined to find something positive in her life. However, just days into the store’s renovation project Marin is the sole witness to the unforeseen heart attack of the village handy man. While concern over his health is present, selfish thoughts run through her mind that all will be lost for her hopes to have the shop ready before Christmas. How soon Marin will find that the furthest thing from her mind will be her new needlepoint department. A long ago secret, something beyond her wildest imagination soon surfaces which forces Marin to reflect on all she has known. Knit within this story are also secrets kept by those Marin holds both and not so close, but will she chose the “right” path or the path of least resistance? You will need to read for yourself and find out!
Terri Dulong brings us back to the small seaside community of Cedar Key, Florida with installment number 5 - Secrets of Cedar Key.
The highly anticipated expansion of the popular knitting shop, “Yarning Together” meets with an unexpected delay but the ever- positive co-owner “Dora” Foster thinks she has just the answer to seeing the needlepoint addition completed. Dora, whose 56-year-old daughter, Marin Kane, a retired English professor and mother of 2 grown sons, has returned home to Cedar Key and is beyond excited to become manager of the new department scheduled to open just before Christmas.
Marin, recently widowed, lost her husband, also a professor at the university in Gainesville just 7 months ago from a heart attack, which took his life right in the middle of a classroom lecture. Marin is now determined to find something positive in her life. However, just days into the store’s renovation project Marin is the sole witness to the unforeseen heart attack of the village handy man. While concern over his health is present, selfish thoughts run through her mind that all will be lost for her hopes to have the shop ready before Christmas. How soon Marin will find that the furthest thing from her mind will be her new needlepoint department. A long ago secret, something beyond her wildest imagination soon surfaces which forces Marin to reflect on all she has known. Knit within this story are also secrets kept by those Marin holds both and not so close, but will she chose the “right” path or the path of least resistance? You will need to read for yourself and find out!
November 4, 2013
Booklist review:
Since her husband Andrew’s unexpected death, 56-year-old Marin Kane and her two sons have moved in with her mother, Dora, who runs a knitting shop in the coastal island town of Cedar Key, Florida. Marin and Dora plan to expand the shop to include needlepoint and to hire wealthy retired architect Worth Slater to plan and execute the renovation. While Marin impatiently awaits this, she accidentally discovers that Andrew had an affair that produced a daughter and that he has kept a secret bank account for the girl. Now the bank needs Marin’s signature as his survivor to release the money. Stunned by Andrew’s unfaithfulness, Marin can’t decide what to do and discusses the situation with Dora and Worth, who has become a good friend. Should Marin meet the daughter? Sign the papers? To clear her head, Marin flies to Paris over Thanksgiving and stays in Worth’s apartment there. DuLong’s sixth low-key romance will enchant her fans and entice readers who love heartwarming, down-home stories. — Pat Henshaw
Since her husband Andrew’s unexpected death, 56-year-old Marin Kane and her two sons have moved in with her mother, Dora, who runs a knitting shop in the coastal island town of Cedar Key, Florida. Marin and Dora plan to expand the shop to include needlepoint and to hire wealthy retired architect Worth Slater to plan and execute the renovation. While Marin impatiently awaits this, she accidentally discovers that Andrew had an affair that produced a daughter and that he has kept a secret bank account for the girl. Now the bank needs Marin’s signature as his survivor to release the money. Stunned by Andrew’s unfaithfulness, Marin can’t decide what to do and discusses the situation with Dora and Worth, who has become a good friend. Should Marin meet the daughter? Sign the papers? To clear her head, Marin flies to Paris over Thanksgiving and stays in Worth’s apartment there. DuLong’s sixth low-key romance will enchant her fans and entice readers who love heartwarming, down-home stories. — Pat Henshaw
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