A Cedar Cove Christmas by Debbie Macomber

Mary Jo Wyse finally realized that the man she had fallen in love with and the father of her developing baby had lied to her repeatedly and had no intention of being responsible for her or the baby. Two weeks before her due date she went to Cedar Cove to meet his parents, Ben and Charlotte Rhodes ,because he said he would be there. When she arrived in town she was unsuccessful in her search for the grandparents of her baby. She became very light headed and weak so 911 was called. After checking her vitals the responding EMT suggested she rest that day. Grace Harding was very helpful even to the point of taking Mary Jo home with her on Christmas Eve. Her husband, Cliff, and her children and grandchildren were happy to share their holiday with her. All of this friendliness and acceptance was warming the heart of a needy young woman. Mack, the EMT, had connected with Mary Jo and checked on her later in the day. Judge Olivia Griffin, the sister of the baby's father, David, also showed warmth to Mary Jo and had nothing but contempt for the man she knew so well as an irresponsible liar. Debbie Macomber has written a Christmas story that even includes a camel that bites and a sweet donkey that kept time with the drumming and singing on Christmas Eve. If you are unfamiliar with the original Christmas story read Luke chapter two before reading Debbie Macomber's tale. You will recognize similarities in the two.