Olivia LockhartCedar Cove, Washington

Dear Reader,

If you've been to Cedar Cove before, you've probably met my friend Grace Sherman. You can usually find her at home--she lives at 204 Rosewood Lane--or at the public library, where she works. Like me, she grew up in this town and she's raised two daughters here. But did you hear that about six months ago, her husband disappeared? Just...disappeared. Where's Dan? Why did he go? Who's he with? Will Grace ever find out?

I hope that all of us, her family and friends, are bringing her comfort during this difficult time. Comfort and a sense of shelter. I'm continually reminded that life can and does go on. For instance, everyone's been discussing weddings and babies lately. Justine, my daughter, rather impulsively got married a little while ago. Grace's daughter Kelly recently had a baby. Unfortunately, she refuses to accept that Dan might not return to see his first grandchild. Grace's older daughter, Maryellen, is more realistic. Grace thinks she's seeing a new man but for some reason won't say who it is.

Then there's Jack Griffin, our local newspaper editor, the man I've been seeing. And...well, I have lots to tell you. Come on over and we'll talk!

Olivia