I am a fan of Debbie Macomber’s, both as a person and as a novelist.  Her books don’t appear in Christian bookstores, but many of them would qualify. They are engaging, uplifting and thought-provoking.

A couple of inspiring hardcover books that I have.

She is on the advisory board for Guideposts (a series of Christian daily devotionals) and is a spokesperson for World Vision (a wide-reaching philanthropic organization).

Debbie Macomber holding her latest book. Downloaded with permission from her website.

Three back cover photos of Debbie Macomber. Although I’ve never met her, I believe her to be intelligent, approachable, kind and funny — just from seeing her photos and reading her books. Wouldn’t you agree?

I am also a huge fan of the Hallmark Channel. It came as no surprise to me when Hallmark made her Cedar Cove series of books into a TV series on their network. Perhaps I was drawn to this series in particular because Steve and I lived in the Cedar Cove area of Hartselle, AL for 14 years, and that is where our children were teenagers and where both daughters held their wedding receptions.

A few of my books from Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove series.

I also love Hallmark Christmas movies and at least five of them are based on Debbie’s books: Mrs. Miracle, Call Me Mrs. Miracle, Trading Christmas, Mr. Miracle and Dashing Through the Snow.

Debbie is a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.  I consider myself to be a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She blogs. I blog.  She collects recipes.  I collect recipes. But, there the similarities end.  She is a #1 New York Times best-selling author with more than 200 million copies of her books in print around the world.  I’ve written ONE book, and I hope to break 100 copies sold within the next few years.  She’s also a prolific knitter, and I’ve never knit a stitch.

But I digress.

When my Silver Fox and I were planning our trip to Alaska, I requested that we include Port Orchard, Washington on our post-cruise itinerary.  I knew it was where Debbie lived and that Port Orchard was the inspiration for her Cedar Cove series.  I learned that Debbie owns a cafe/tea/gifts place in town, so we headed there to browse and have lunch.

The exterior of The Grey House.

One of the actual places in Port Orchard that inspired Debbie.

The Grey House was delightful. The food was delicious, and the menu was very Debbie-ish, especially the extensive tea menu which included an assortment of black, green, herbal and white teas.

A view of the cafe from the tea party area.

Even the salt and pepper shakers suggest a tea party.

I ordered the loaded potato soup with an herb and cheese scone and house salad.  Steve chose the club sandwich and soup.

Potato soup, herb and cheese scone, garden salad.

A delectable Club Sandwich.

We both had dessert!  I ordered the fruit of the forest pie, because I wanted to taste marionberries before I left Washington State.  Steve chose bread pudding, because he LOVES bread pudding.  Everything was fresh and served so attractively.

Fruit of the Forest Pie

Bread pudding — oh my.

Attached to the cafe is a Hallmark store — a natural connection, don’t you think?  But, this Hallmark store had a few unique-to-Port-Orchard areas.  One was a large display of Debbie’s books. I became the proud owner of an autographed copy of Debbie’s Cedar Cove Cookbook.

Display of books by Debbie Macomber.

My latest Debbie Macomber acquisition, her Cedar Cove Cookbook.

The other area was a display of her latest books in a tea party setting.  I couldn’t resist sitting there and wishing fervently that Debbie would come walking in the door and join me for a nice chat about books while we drank tea.

A beautiful display area between the cafe and the Hallmark store.

A tea party setting where I longed for a visit from Debbie herself.

Alas, that didn’t happen, but I did learn that she comes in several times a week and that her corporate headquarters was in the adjoining parking lot.  Naturally, I headed that way for a photograph.  I was told that Debbie often writes from the third story turret room, perfect for looking out over her hometown while she weaves another tale.

Debbie Macomber’s corporate headquarters in Port Orchard, Washington.

Note to Debbie: If you looked out your window a few weeks ago and noticed a prissy grandmother-type straining to get a closer look, that was me.  And, thank you for the Bible verse included with your autograph.  It is one of my favorites.

2 Timothy 1:7 — “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.”

To learn more, go to www.debbiemacomber.com and sign up for her newsletter.