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Dakota #0.5
Dakota Farm
DAKOTA FARM (previously published in 2013 as THE FARMER TAKES A WIFE)
LONELY FARMER SEEKS WIFE…MUST LIKE COUNTRY LIFE.
Dave Stafford reckons he’s got enough to offer a woman: he’s decent and hardworking, and his farm in Buffalo Valley does all right. But there aren’t many women in town, so he places a personal ad. And he gets one single reply. Only Emma Fowler, a woman from Seattle, is interested. But when she arrives in North Dakota, she’s a little different from the picture she sent—and that’s not all Emma hasn’t been completely honest about. Emma is desperate to change her hectic, stretched-thin life, for her own sake…and for her three-year-old daughter. She’s been lonely, too, and is hoping that this practical match will be the solution for her bruised heart. Dave and Emma will discover they can make a family, once they get used to the fact that they are husband and wife!
29 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2013
561 people are currently reading
1088 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.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
March 8, 2020
Cute but SO short. Since I'm planning to read the rest of the series, it was nice to read this novella and get introduced to the community, but there just wasn't a whole lot of substance to this story because it is so short. It's about a man who wants to find a wife for him and his daughter. Emma, the only woman who answers the ad, is even better than he thought she would be and their "arranged" marriage works better than they could have expected. She is determined to make it work because her great grandparents were an arranged marriage and it was perfect.
January 2, 2021
Dakota Farm
Dakota series, Book .5
Debbie Macomber, author
Although sweet, the story went a bit to fast and was too short. I felt it was insufficient to really get to know the characters. Thus, I'm looking forward to getting to know them better in the full length novels of this series.
Dakota series, Book .5
Debbie Macomber, author
Although sweet, the story went a bit to fast and was too short. I felt it was insufficient to really get to know the characters. Thus, I'm looking forward to getting to know them better in the full length novels of this series.
January 26, 2019
This is more of a short read. Given that, there wasn't really a climax or anything like that. I guess I expected more.
February 22, 2019
Makes me want to go back and read all of the Dakota books again. I really enjoyed them.
2/22/19: So, I AM going to go back and read the Dakota books again! :)
2/22/19: So, I AM going to go back and read the Dakota books again! :)
July 13, 2020
Two-haiku review:
Farmer wants a wife
Puts ad in farm magazine
She sees it, answers
Very very short
Nice beginning, end too quick
Wish it were longer
Farmer wants a wife
Puts ad in farm magazine
She sees it, answers
Very very short
Nice beginning, end too quick
Wish it were longer
May 4, 2021
Cute novella. I love the town and it was nice to see it before it started building up again. I wish it were longer. I also don’t remember Emma in the series?
December 2, 2021
A very short book about 2 lonely people finding love. This book though it had great characters and a good story line just seemed a little to short. I get it is a novella but it seemed just as you were getting to know the characters it was over. A fun fast read.
February 6, 2017
Great way to start the Dakota Trilogy. Just a short little story
September 10, 2022
Dakota Born by Debbie Macomber 409 pages Paperback story ends on 380
Dakota #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Western Romance, Chick Lit
Featuring: North Dakota; Dying Town, Savannah, Georgia; Family Secrets, Bad Romance, Teenagers, Negative Tropes, Sex - Fade Out, Bonus Short Short/Prequel - The Farmer Takes A Wife aka Dakota Farm #0.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rating as a movie: PG-13 for language and sensuality
Songs for the soundtrack: "Piece Of My Heart" by Janis Joplin, "End of the Line" by Bob Dylan, "Satisfaction" by The Rolling Stones, "Small Town" by John "Cougar" Mellencamp, "The Thunder Rolls" by Garth Brooks, "Harvest Moon" by Neil Young, "Close To You" by The Carpenters
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½
My thoughts: 📖 Page 114 of 409 Ch. 6 - This was pretty comforting until I got to the show disdain and bully her because you have feelings part of the book. I'm only stopping now because football is over and my other half wants to watch The Patient. Macomber books are always quick reads. I have a question, single room high school but won the football state championship? 🤔
📖 228 Ch. 12 - 3 out of 5 of these guys are cantankerous jerks, I know Debbie is going to fix 2 of them but I seriously want them kicked to the curb, especially the married one. You don't get to treat people like crap because you're emotionally immature and lack communication skills.
📖 288 Ch.15 - Make that 4 out the 5 men are jerks, and that's not saying much because Bob is a pushover with a jerkette of his own. None of the relationships in this book are good. I forgot to count Dennis before, he'd make 6, and he's not putting anything in gear even though he wants to. I was enjoying the story despite the drama until my least favorite trope popped up, now I'm dreading the rest.
This story wasn't half bad, it was incredibly frustrating. Lots of bad relationships and terrible communicating. I assume it's because the story will continue in the next book that so much was left unfinished. I read The Farm Takes Wife, later published as Dakota Farm, it's a prequel about a farmer putting a want ad in a magazine. It was okay. I'm going to continue this series because the environment is friendly; the characters are dramatic and stubborn but not so much to make it intolerable. Also I would appreciate secret baby stickers on books.
Recommend to others?: Sure, this small town had it's headaches but everyone bands together.
Dakota #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Western Romance, Chick Lit
Featuring: North Dakota; Dying Town, Savannah, Georgia; Family Secrets, Bad Romance, Teenagers, Negative Tropes, Sex - Fade Out, Bonus Short Short/Prequel - The Farmer Takes A Wife aka Dakota Farm #0.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rating as a movie: PG-13 for language and sensuality
Songs for the soundtrack: "Piece Of My Heart" by Janis Joplin, "End of the Line" by Bob Dylan, "Satisfaction" by The Rolling Stones, "Small Town" by John "Cougar" Mellencamp, "The Thunder Rolls" by Garth Brooks, "Harvest Moon" by Neil Young, "Close To You" by The Carpenters
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½
My thoughts: 📖 Page 114 of 409 Ch. 6 - This was pretty comforting until I got to the show disdain and bully her because you have feelings part of the book. I'm only stopping now because football is over and my other half wants to watch The Patient. Macomber books are always quick reads. I have a question, single room high school but won the football state championship? 🤔
📖 228 Ch. 12 - 3 out of 5 of these guys are cantankerous jerks, I know Debbie is going to fix 2 of them but I seriously want them kicked to the curb, especially the married one. You don't get to treat people like crap because you're emotionally immature and lack communication skills.
📖 288 Ch.15 - Make that 4 out the 5 men are jerks, and that's not saying much because Bob is a pushover with a jerkette of his own. None of the relationships in this book are good. I forgot to count Dennis before, he'd make 6, and he's not putting anything in gear even though he wants to. I was enjoying the story despite the drama until my least favorite trope popped up, now I'm dreading the rest.
This story wasn't half bad, it was incredibly frustrating. Lots of bad relationships and terrible communicating. I assume it's because the story will continue in the next book that so much was left unfinished. I read The Farm Takes Wife, later published as Dakota Farm, it's a prequel about a farmer putting a want ad in a magazine. It was okay. I'm going to continue this series because the environment is friendly; the characters are dramatic and stubborn but not so much to make it intolerable. Also I would appreciate secret baby stickers on books.
Recommend to others?: Sure, this small town had it's headaches but everyone bands together.
August 21, 2022
Clean romance. I was disappointed in this book. I knew it was a short story before I started reading it but as I read it it was almost like the author cut out huge chunks of the story to make it short. Chapters ended randomly without wrapping up what had been going on. I just didn’t think it was very well done. If it had been a little longer it still could have been a short story but maybe then the author could have done more with it. About half the book was just back story. I like getting to know the characters but if that takes half the book then maybe we don’t need so much backstory or maybe the book needs to be longer to actually allow time for the story. I just wasn’t really impressed with this book but I’m hoping maybe the rest of the series shows more of the characters’ love and their life together. At least this book would have more of a purpose. I would not recommend this book as a stand-alone book but if you’re going to read the rest of the series then maybe this would be a good introduction. I’m just not sure yet as I haven’t read the rest of the series yet.
June 26, 2023
LONELY FARMER SEEKS WIFE…MUST LIKE COUNTRY LIFE.
Dave Stafford reckons he’s got enough to offer a woman: he’s decent and hardworking, and his farm in Buffalo Valley does all right. But there aren’t many women in town, so he places a personal ad. And he gets one single reply. Only Emma Fowler, a woman from Seattle, is interested. But when she arrives in North Dakota, she’s a little different from the picture she sent—and that’s not all Emma hasn’t been completely honest about. Emma is desperate to change her hectic, stretched-thin life, for her own sake…and for her three-year-old daughter. She’s been lonely, too, and is hoping that this practical match will be the solution for her bruised heart. Dave and Emma will discover they can make a family, once they get used to the fact that they are husband and wife!
Heather's Notes
I knew this story was short, but it is super short. It was a nice story, but it didn't really make me want to pick up the next book.
Dave Stafford reckons he’s got enough to offer a woman: he’s decent and hardworking, and his farm in Buffalo Valley does all right. But there aren’t many women in town, so he places a personal ad. And he gets one single reply. Only Emma Fowler, a woman from Seattle, is interested. But when she arrives in North Dakota, she’s a little different from the picture she sent—and that’s not all Emma hasn’t been completely honest about. Emma is desperate to change her hectic, stretched-thin life, for her own sake…and for her three-year-old daughter. She’s been lonely, too, and is hoping that this practical match will be the solution for her bruised heart. Dave and Emma will discover they can make a family, once they get used to the fact that they are husband and wife!
Heather's Notes
I knew this story was short, but it is super short. It was a nice story, but it didn't really make me want to pick up the next book.
August 6, 2019
Debbie Macomber is one of my favourite authors. I love they way she writes her characters into the storylines and how they develop. None are ever the same which keeps the books interesting.
This is a book of a short story, 4 chapters I believe, but the way she develops the two main characters would not necessarily be to everyone’s taste. But as it works well with the Dakota series it’s definitely worth a purchase.
I have other authors to read on my kindle, but whilst ever I have a Debbie book, she will always win.
Keep up the good work
This is a book of a short story, 4 chapters I believe, but the way she develops the two main characters would not necessarily be to everyone’s taste. But as it works well with the Dakota series it’s definitely worth a purchase.
I have other authors to read on my kindle, but whilst ever I have a Debbie book, she will always win.
Keep up the good work
November 15, 2022
This was a very short story that is meant to be a prequel to the Dakota series. The theme is marriage of convenience with the potential for love. However, I think the real point of the story is to illustrate how desperate and dying the little town of Buffalo Valley has become.
The story was okay. It wasn’t long enough to have much depth and I don’t really think it added much to the series.
The story was okay. It wasn’t long enough to have much depth and I don’t really think it added much to the series.
November 21, 2024
I loved that short story
As always, I loved this short story - and all books by Debbie Macomber. Debbie knows how to draw you in and keep you involved in the story until you finish reading the book. Then you are sorry to be finished because you enjoy it so much. I recommend all books by Debbie Macomber to people - men or women of all ages. Try it - you'll like them too.
As always, I loved this short story - and all books by Debbie Macomber. Debbie knows how to draw you in and keep you involved in the story until you finish reading the book. Then you are sorry to be finished because you enjoy it so much. I recommend all books by Debbie Macomber to people - men or women of all ages. Try it - you'll like them too.
January 31, 2018
I love Debbie Macomber. I love her characters and her depiction of their relationships with each other and with their community. This is a good throwback mail-order bride story set in the present. Very interesting and heartfelt.
September 5, 2018
Anything by Debbie Macomber
I
Love her books i can't think of better author. She gets you into a book so fast that pin three or four pages you're hooked ,but u almost don't want finish it.
I
Love her books i can't think of better author. She gets you into a book so fast that pin three or four pages you're hooked ,but u almost don't want finish it.
June 8, 2019
Very short
Very short not what I expected at all, in both ways sorry I actually paid for this book. Sorry it's good but to short and really this is the first time I haven't liked her writing.
Very short not what I expected at all, in both ways sorry I actually paid for this book. Sorry it's good but to short and really this is the first time I haven't liked her writing.
January 20, 2021
literally nothing happened lol. It was in the span of a week but only 2 days have been spoken about.
No story and character development whatsoever. This could have been a great story but the author failed. Too bad because Debbie usually writes great stories.....
No story and character development whatsoever. This could have been a great story but the author failed. Too bad because Debbie usually writes great stories.....
July 8, 2017
Good Short Story
Good for a rainy afternoon read. Gentle love story with a happy ending. Great for the imagination and a good feeling when finished
Good for a rainy afternoon read. Gentle love story with a happy ending. Great for the imagination and a good feeling when finished
September 17, 2017
Delightful
A sweet little story that captures your heart and warms your soul. Debbie Macomb does it again. This is a very fine piece/ of work.
A sweet little story that captures your heart and warms your soul. Debbie Macomb does it again. This is a very fine piece/ of work.
November 11, 2017
This was cute but way too short to develop any real feelings.
December 15, 2017
Great!
Great as usual,characters well defined and interesting. Typical excellence by Debbie Macomber, amazing author. Straight through read! Enjoyed the time!
Great as usual,characters well defined and interesting. Typical excellence by Debbie Macomber, amazing author. Straight through read! Enjoyed the time!
March 10, 2018
Too short
It was an fun and excellent read, but I kept thinking I had only downloaded the sample. I have been trying to figure out why only the sample was downloaded for weeks now.
It was an fun and excellent read, but I kept thinking I had only downloaded the sample. I have been trying to figure out why only the sample was downloaded for weeks now.
July 16, 2018
Great short story.
February 18, 2019
It is super short, but it is an introduction to the town of Buffalo Valley and a few of the residents.
February 23, 2019
Down home people
Story appeals to me as these are good, honest, hard-working people just trying to make a living, finding love and community.
Story appeals to me as these are good, honest, hard-working people just trying to make a living, finding love and community.
May 9, 2019
Good book
This was a good story, although I didn’t expect it to be so short. A little disappointed that the story didn’t continue.
This was a good story, although I didn’t expect it to be so short. A little disappointed that the story didn’t continue.
May 18, 2019
Dakota Farm
Very good but very short! Keep reading to get to know the Dakota series! It has a lot of surprises!
Very good but very short! Keep reading to get to know the Dakota series! It has a lot of surprises!
August 9, 2019
Didn't know that this was just a prequel to the Dakota Series by Debbie Macomber, but it was good so I am going to reread that series.
Read
October 29, 2019Loved it! Like the other "Dakota" books, it was great; very absorbing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews