Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove Cookbook. Debbie Macomber

      I hate to say it, but the Lighthouse was perhaps too successful, and I suspect that contributed to their marital woes. Justine’s hours are a lot more reasonable these days, which is a good thing, considering that they have a family (which is about to grow in size).

      Justine took my advice about the menu and has included a selection of savory dishes, like a delicious Broccoli Quiche with Ham and Gruyere, and desserts as well. The Chocolate Chip and Pecan Cookies are Sheriff Troy Davis’s all-time favorite. His late wife, Sandy (God rest her soul), gave me that recipe years ago. Justine has much to thank Sheriff Davis for, and I believe she put these cookies on the afternoon tea menu specifically as a tribute to him.

      And then there’s the Pumpkin Tea Cake, which I promise will melt in your mouth. You won’t be surprised to learn that this recipe’s from Peggy Beldon who serves it at the B & B she and her husband run. I’m sure her secret is the pumpkins she grows in her huge garden. I’ve never gone to the trouble Peggy does; I use canned pumpkin instead and in my humble opinion it’s almost as good.