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The Way to a Man's Heart
This is an alternate cover edition of ASIN B00H6JHV6E
In this classic story from Debbie Macomber—available for the first time as an eBook—a feisty waitress and a handsome professor receive an education in love over Chaucer and chicken-pot pie.
Meghan O’Day isn’t sure what captures her fancy more: the sexy stranger in her Wichita diner or his reading material. Before long, Grey Carlyle becomes a regular, ordering the nightly specials and chatting with the spirited redhead about the classics. Certain that her favorite customer has an appetite for more than home cooking, Meghan decides it’s time to teach the good professor a thing or two about romance.
Grey notices the sparkle in Meghan’s eyes the moment she opens up about her passion for literature. She’s the breath of fresh air and joy this reserved and lonely teacher needs in his life. They say opposites attract, and Grey becomes a true believer each time he holds Meghan in his arms—even as they hit a few speed bumps on the road to togetherness. But if Grey knows anything about great books, it’s that the best tales always have a happy ending.
BONUS: This edition includes excerpts from Debbie Macomber's The Inn at Rose Harbor and Dashing Through the Snow.
In this classic story from Debbie Macomber—available for the first time as an eBook—a feisty waitress and a handsome professor receive an education in love over Chaucer and chicken-pot pie.
Meghan O’Day isn’t sure what captures her fancy more: the sexy stranger in her Wichita diner or his reading material. Before long, Grey Carlyle becomes a regular, ordering the nightly specials and chatting with the spirited redhead about the classics. Certain that her favorite customer has an appetite for more than home cooking, Meghan decides it’s time to teach the good professor a thing or two about romance.
Grey notices the sparkle in Meghan’s eyes the moment she opens up about her passion for literature. She’s the breath of fresh air and joy this reserved and lonely teacher needs in his life. They say opposites attract, and Grey becomes a true believer each time he holds Meghan in his arms—even as they hit a few speed bumps on the road to togetherness. But if Grey knows anything about great books, it’s that the best tales always have a happy ending.
BONUS: This edition includes excerpts from Debbie Macomber's The Inn at Rose Harbor and Dashing Through the Snow.
192 pages, ebook
First published August 1, 1989
878 people are currently reading
957 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Macomber
908 books20.7k followersDebbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.
In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.
Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.
She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.
In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.
Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.
She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
November 25, 2020
I’m sorry to say that Grey was too unforgivable for me to continue with this book. I’m a college graduate, but I don’t believe everyone needs to pursue a college education, and certainly you’re not wasting any of your potential if you decide not to go. Grey was very condescending to Meghan, like it would be impossible for someone to be worldly and intelligent without a college education. He just couldn’t believe it. And that would have been the end of it for me, if I were the one he had asked on a date. But she went on the date with him anyway, and even gave him ANOTHER chance after his petulant reaction to her honest opinion of the lecture they attended. He was so childish. I wanted to quit then. But I decided to keep reading after he apologized and explained himself, thinking, surely he’s redeemed now. Surely they will have a nice dinner date. Oh no. Decided to quit for good and DNF’d this book after Grey straight up accused Meghan of having another man in her apartment, just because she wasn’t ready to open the apartment door five minutes early. Knowing there were more than 2 hours left in the book, I didn’t think I could put up with more of Grey’s toxicity and Meghan repeatedly tolerating this abuse and disrespect.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2020
Sorry, I usually enjoy her novels as quick reads, but this one was just too badly put together. Perhaps because I have worked in the academic environment, but I did not find her characters believable at all, nor did I think they behaved in a way anyone would outside of a novel, constantly cutting off their noses, so to speak. They are not behaving nobly, they are acting beyond stupid and I cannot imagine anyone over fourteen thinking as these “adults” do. I hate to be negative, but I found this a very irritating book.
June 16, 2015
Such a cute story and funny too!!
February 18, 2019
3.5 stars if I'm being generous. I don't know how this book wasn't better! It's set in Kansas, its got elements of both food and holidays, and the 2 main characters bond over books. So many good things going for it, but it was just dull. The characters were very surface level so I didn't really connect with them and the plot was too stereotypical and moved too fast. It's a story of a couple who meet, a secret is revealed about who one of them is, they get over it, the mother in law creates problems, they get over it, theres a potential other lover, they get over it--- alls well that ends well. I wouldn't necessarily recommend this book but its got great bones! Just wish it had more depth.
SPOILERS AHEAD:
This one is about Meghan and Grey. She's a waitress and he's a literature professor, but she doesn't know that at first. They meet in the restaurant when she waits on him as he's reading a book. They spark up a friendship but then she realizes he's a professor and she's uneducated and there's all sorts of insecurities and she feels like she was a little deceived. They get over it. She decides to go back to school but not take his classes so they can continue their relationship. There is another professor who has the hots for him and on Thanksgiving, Grey cancels his date with Meghan and her family and instead is at home with his own mom and the lady professor. She goes over and sees it and gets angry. She decides she's done with him and tries to match him up with the professor. He says she has it all wrong but then he goes cold too. Eventually they work it all out and end up happily ever after with 2 kids under 1. AH!
SPOILERS AHEAD:
This one is about Meghan and Grey. She's a waitress and he's a literature professor, but she doesn't know that at first. They meet in the restaurant when she waits on him as he's reading a book. They spark up a friendship but then she realizes he's a professor and she's uneducated and there's all sorts of insecurities and she feels like she was a little deceived. They get over it. She decides to go back to school but not take his classes so they can continue their relationship. There is another professor who has the hots for him and on Thanksgiving, Grey cancels his date with Meghan and her family and instead is at home with his own mom and the lady professor. She goes over and sees it and gets angry. She decides she's done with him and tries to match him up with the professor. He says she has it all wrong but then he goes cold too. Eventually they work it all out and end up happily ever after with 2 kids under 1. AH!
March 4, 2021
Honestly, I was expecting more from this, reading the description of a couple who discuss literary classics while they fall in love seemed to be a cute story, which I suppose it was but I definitely found it lacking, like there just wasn’t enough depth, there wasn’t enough of a conflict and I found the dialogue of the main characters unrealistic. I also feel like the professing love section was anti-climactic. Give it a little something come on.
❤️ : 3/5
🔥 : 1/5
❤️ : 3/5
🔥 : 1/5
May 17, 2022
I love reading books by Debbie Macomber because these stories tend to know exactly what they are. This one was short and easy without any drama. One of her "classics" with an HEA. I read it after a very long, sweeping historical fiction story, and it was the perfect choice to keep me occupied during a particularly busy week at home and work. Parts of the story were a little bit silly and quite predictable, and-if I'm being honest-I got annoyed with the male and female leads at various points as the story progressed. But I never got stressed about the story, and that's exactly what I wanted when I picked it up.
Audiobook Notes: I bought the audiobook so I could listen while I worked. Nancy Peterson narrates nicely.
Title: The Way to a Man's Heart by Debbie Macomber
Narrator: Nancy Peterson
Length: 5 hours, 40 minutes, Unabridged
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Audiobook Notes: I bought the audiobook so I could listen while I worked. Nancy Peterson narrates nicely.
Title: The Way to a Man's Heart by Debbie Macomber
Narrator: Nancy Peterson
Length: 5 hours, 40 minutes, Unabridged
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
August 4, 2022
Easy vacation read. Light and predictable. I was looking for a “safe” book. This fit the bill.
October 13, 2022
Debbie is my very favorite author, will always have time for her books!
October 21, 2023
A professor and student relationship type storyline. It was a little dull where there could have been potential for more excitement in the romance.
May 28, 2024
How about the way to a woman’s heart? Sometimes the female protagonist is overly paranoid. That can become boring. I wonder how many romance novels have a bright, strong female character.
June 22, 2011
An unlikely romance
This book has all the stereotypical markings of poor girl meets rich guy. The heroine is a sunny, diner waitress who strikes the fancy of a horn-rimmed glasses wearing, sober, classical literature professor. In between serving chicken potpie or chicken fried steak, they would have hasty but lively conversation on Milton, Dante and Pope. She’s well read in the classics herself but she only finished a high school degree and her lack of college experience inhibited her at first. But nevertheless, the hero fell in love with her.
But of course, the path of true love never did run smooth so the snooty Other Woman is present in the story with the equally snooty mother of the Hero rooting for her as the “better choice.” Plus, there’s nothing like newfound college friends complete with a pretend-boyfriend to make the hero work himself into a complete lather.
Epilogue with their baby was sweet.
Out-of-print but this is a surprising find.
This book has all the stereotypical markings of poor girl meets rich guy. The heroine is a sunny, diner waitress who strikes the fancy of a horn-rimmed glasses wearing, sober, classical literature professor. In between serving chicken potpie or chicken fried steak, they would have hasty but lively conversation on Milton, Dante and Pope. She’s well read in the classics herself but she only finished a high school degree and her lack of college experience inhibited her at first. But nevertheless, the hero fell in love with her.
But of course, the path of true love never did run smooth so the snooty Other Woman is present in the story with the equally snooty mother of the Hero rooting for her as the “better choice.” Plus, there’s nothing like newfound college friends complete with a pretend-boyfriend to make the hero work himself into a complete lather.
Epilogue with their baby was sweet.
Out-of-print but this is a surprising find.
September 9, 2018
Picked this up as something to read while waiting for holds from the library to come through. Was interested in getting a feel for Macomber's writing style. This is a quick read. It started off sweet enough even though it has a sappy, dated feel to it. But as I continued to read, I was frustrated both by the characters' thinking/words/actions and the unrealistic dialogue. The "story" is cute and predictable (as expected), but overall I was annoyed and eager to finish. I would try Macomber again just in case this is a one-off but will be sure to set lower expectations.
July 6, 2014
3.5
Very cute.
Reading this book reminded me of watching a romantic comedy from the 50's. Sure, it was dated and a little sappy, but it was enjoyable and feel-good. A quick, easy, relaxing read.
Very cute.
Reading this book reminded me of watching a romantic comedy from the 50's. Sure, it was dated and a little sappy, but it was enjoyable and feel-good. A quick, easy, relaxing read.
July 29, 2015
I really enjoyed this book!
Such a sweet story of friendship and love!
Such a sweet story of friendship and love!
December 7, 2020
I couldn’t decide if this was set in the 50s or the 80s but either way it was really hard to read and the characters were so stereotypical it was painful.
February 29, 2020
This is the first book l have read from Debbie Macomber, and it won’t be the last.
I thought this book was sweet, with lots of twists and turns, it had excitement and irritation, all in the name of 💓 love.
Meghan O’ Day, attracted to a sexy stranger, in her Wichita diner, which she works as a waitress.
Before long Grey Carlyle, becomes a regular, ordering the nightly specials and chatting with the redhead 👩🦰 waitress about the classics.
Grey notices the sparkle in Meghan’s eye the moment she opens up about her passion for literature.
She’s a breath of fresh air, this reserved and lonely teacher, needs in his life.
They say opposites attract, and Grey becomes a true believer each time he holds Megan in his arms, even when there are hiccups on the way.
It’s such an easy sweet read.
I thought this book was sweet, with lots of twists and turns, it had excitement and irritation, all in the name of 💓 love.
Meghan O’ Day, attracted to a sexy stranger, in her Wichita diner, which she works as a waitress.
Before long Grey Carlyle, becomes a regular, ordering the nightly specials and chatting with the redhead 👩🦰 waitress about the classics.
Grey notices the sparkle in Meghan’s eye the moment she opens up about her passion for literature.
She’s a breath of fresh air, this reserved and lonely teacher, needs in his life.
They say opposites attract, and Grey becomes a true believer each time he holds Megan in his arms, even when there are hiccups on the way.
It’s such an easy sweet read.
April 26, 2020
A cute little story, written originally in 1989, this is a charming little romance between the professor and a waitress who both love English classics. I liked the little glimpses of them talking about the classics (and I mostly agreed with our heroine).
The book is really short so it packs a lot in, the couple meeting, falling in love, overcoming their differences and two (not kidding) mini-breakups which the hero and then the heroine decide it's better than they should not be together.
I think I was predisposed to like this book as was smiling through all of these shenanigans. It was a fun couple of hours with a coffee - it won’t stay with you long and you may need to ignore some of the dated elements (but nothing problematic) but still fun.
The book is really short so it packs a lot in, the couple meeting, falling in love, overcoming their differences and two (not kidding) mini-breakups which the hero and then the heroine decide it's better than they should not be together.
I think I was predisposed to like this book as was smiling through all of these shenanigans. It was a fun couple of hours with a coffee - it won’t stay with you long and you may need to ignore some of the dated elements (but nothing problematic) but still fun.
April 15, 2023
2.5 stars. The dialogue was clunky, the plot was dumb and the ending was predictable. This was written in the late 1980s but sounded like it was written in the 50s. The reference to a cell phone was the only way I knew it wasn't from an earlier period. I don't believe 24-year-old Meagan would say 'You're darn tootin'.
It was laughable that Meagan decided one day to show up at a University to register for courses with no mention of her applying or submitting her grades. She was admitted as a student instantly!
Meagan and Grey kept breaking up over the stupidest misunderstandings that could've been solved with basic communication. Then the story could've been told in about 10 pages.
It was laughable that Meagan decided one day to show up at a University to register for courses with no mention of her applying or submitting her grades. She was admitted as a student instantly!
Meagan and Grey kept breaking up over the stupidest misunderstandings that could've been solved with basic communication. Then the story could've been told in about 10 pages.
October 20, 2020
A nice refreshing story
I really enjoyed this book. I'm not a big love story fan, usually more sex than relationship, but this was refreshing. Megan is a 24 year old waitress. Grey is a thirty something year old college professor. The only thing they have in common is their love for classic literature. Apparently, that's enough to start building their relationship. The only thing a little offputting was the number of times there were misunderstandings between them that almost broke them up. Boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy and girl are together. Too many boy loses girl. Still a really good read.
I really enjoyed this book. I'm not a big love story fan, usually more sex than relationship, but this was refreshing. Megan is a 24 year old waitress. Grey is a thirty something year old college professor. The only thing they have in common is their love for classic literature. Apparently, that's enough to start building their relationship. The only thing a little offputting was the number of times there were misunderstandings between them that almost broke them up. Boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy and girl are together. Too many boy loses girl. Still a really good read.
November 2, 2020
I absolutely loved this book! I laughed, I smiled and I had a tear or two. Great writing as usual from this author. I fell in love with Ms. Macomber because of a used book store in our town. I literally went through a shelf of her books. Then came my Kindle. I couldn’t resist this story as it sounded just the perfect Sunday afternoon read. Ordinary Meghan whose love of literature, love of family and working as a waitress; meets customer Professor Grey Carlyle. It’s funny and it’s an odd mixture of lives that came together in a way that will make you laugh. Thanks for a great story.
October 13, 2020
Falling in Love Over the Classics
A Literature Professor walks into a diner... When Grey Carlyle walks into Rosie’s Diner, it’s fate that seats him in Meghan O’Day’s section. The both have a love for the classics, but Meghan’s love comes from her desire to read, not from a higher education. These two fight or attempt to fight what fate has deemed a match, but you can’t hide true love.
A Literature Professor walks into a diner... When Grey Carlyle walks into Rosie’s Diner, it’s fate that seats him in Meghan O’Day’s section. The both have a love for the classics, but Meghan’s love comes from her desire to read, not from a higher education. These two fight or attempt to fight what fate has deemed a match, but you can’t hide true love.
July 22, 2024
A quick and sweet read
This story was sweet and darling, as most of Mrs Macomber's stories are. It was also a quick read, perfect for a rainy day or evening home without the kids. Of course, I don't recommend starting at 10pm like I did thinking I would read for 30 minutes and then turn out the lights.... But mistake... Its after midnight now and I have to get up at 4am! But it was worth it.
This story was sweet and darling, as most of Mrs Macomber's stories are. It was also a quick read, perfect for a rainy day or evening home without the kids. Of course, I don't recommend starting at 10pm like I did thinking I would read for 30 minutes and then turn out the lights.... But mistake... Its after midnight now and I have to get up at 4am! But it was worth it.
April 27, 2020
Way to a good read
Debbie Macomber has consistently written great stories and being able to read some of her earlier works prove it. This story kept my interest because of the characters and all of their quirks.
No tweets or zoom and still good! Imagine that! Better yet read the book.
Debbie Macomber has consistently written great stories and being able to read some of her earlier works prove it. This story kept my interest because of the characters and all of their quirks.
No tweets or zoom and still good! Imagine that! Better yet read the book.
November 12, 2020
A Sweet Love Story
The Way to a Man’s Heart is a sweet love story between a waitress & a college professor with a shared love of the classics.
Debbie Macomber is a New York Times bestselling author. Her stories feature uplifting relationships between family members, strong friendships & of course romantic love.
The Way to a Man’s Heart is a sweet love story between a waitress & a college professor with a shared love of the classics.
Debbie Macomber is a New York Times bestselling author. Her stories feature uplifting relationships between family members, strong friendships & of course romantic love.
July 26, 2021
Meghan O'Day is a waitress with a great self-taught knowledge of the classics, which she loves. Professor Grey Carlyle teaches literature at the local university. He didn't pay much attention to the waitress until she noticed his reading material and commented. Thus began a new chapter for both of them. A sweet story. Easy read.
October 12, 2021
I enjoyed this clean romance. I voluntarily chose to review this and I've given it a 4.5* rating. This required the heroine to grow up a little more and get a little more self confidence at the same time. There were funny bits thrown in through this also. Add siblings and family life, and I just had to laugh out loud. This was a nice weekend read.
July 30, 2017
Once again Debbie sucks you in with her wit and charm of characters making you wonder if Meghan and Grey will make it as a couple or refuse to fall in love with the obstacles thrown in the story. This is a must read book and also a quick read.
January 4, 2018
This is about Meagan, a young well read young woman who meets an English professor. Eventually they fall in love. Their lives are complicated by an overbearing mother(his) and a little jealousy on his part. This was a quick and pleasant read.
March 20, 2018
Romance, clean
Older novel of hers, still a cute, read. The H and h were a little old style, so while contemporary, it might not have the feel that someone from the 21st century would want to read. Still, I enjoy a nice romantic fall, so still an enjoyable escape for me.
Older novel of hers, still a cute, read. The H and h were a little old style, so while contemporary, it might not have the feel that someone from the 21st century would want to read. Still, I enjoy a nice romantic fall, so still an enjoyable escape for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews