For All My Tomorrows

by Debbie Macomber

A widow must decide if her heart will allow her a second chance at love in this moving novel from Debbie Macomber.

Lynn Danfort had always counted on her husband, Gary—a loving father, dedicated friend, and first-rate cop. But when Gary was killed in the line of duty, Lynn was left a widow and a single mother to two young children. Then she lost another pillar of support when Gary’s partner, Ryder Matthews, left town, unable to cope with his grief.

Now, three years later, Lynn is shocked to learn that Ryder is back, and he wants to make up for lost time. Only Ryder knows his true motivation: to capture Lynn’s heart. It won’t be easy. But Ryder has to find out whether Lynn is ready to love to again . . . or whether Gary’s memory will stand forever in his way.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Fiction

268 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Debbie 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.

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Never read anything by this author before, but picked it up on a whim since she’s pretty well known. Let me tell you.. it’s hot garbage. And not even good spicy hot garbage, just bad. It was written a few decades ago, so there’s some differences in dialogue/scenes but the main character has an 8 year old son and 11 yr old daughter- both of whom speak nothing like any children I’ve ever known. Every time their dialogue came across, I found myself rolling my eyes at the adult/proper mannerisms the author gave them. The plot was flat, all the dialogue around the main character’s business (Slender, Too- a fitness salon for weightloss) was on point for the 80s but super problematic, and I absolutely loathed the love interest “Ryder.” At first, he was the typical interest- kind, wanting to court her, interested in taking things slow, proving he’s there for her, bonding with his Godkids, etc. then suddenly he turned into this pushy, whiny, domineering ego maniac who barely backed off when she told him to and who wanted to just step in suddenly and dictate her & her family’s life. I found myself literally cringing through all of the romance scenes and feeling disgusted. Not a fan at all.

[Odessa Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

It says a lot that I started the book on the 24th of January and finished the book on the 24th of January. Debbie Macomber has a way of drawing you into her world and making you fall in love with her characters. I was enthralled from the minute I opened the novel. In the midst of editing my own novel, I needed some downtime. Lynn and Ryder's world was just what I needed to sink into. I cried with Lynn as she mourned losses, and I cheered Ryder on as he fought for the woman he loved.

I give this novel five stars and two thumbs up.

Great job, Debbie.

[Christina Sinisi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me start by saying that Debbie Macomber is one of my favorite authors and an absolutely lovely person. When I was in the Lowcountry RWA, I enjoyed meeting her and she was a joy.

However, I didn't like this particular book. I got about halfway and the main characters got hot and heavy in a wave pool at the water park with her eight year old son nearby. Just no. From that point on, I found myself skimming the book and aggravated.

I think because this is a classic, the characters might behave differently than is accepted now? No, I think this is one of her earlier books and she grew as a writer. Gives me hope!

So, if I were to pick one of her books to read, this wouldn't be it. Instead, read one of the angel series or the yarn shop. So much better.

[Clare · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don’t usually write reviews...

I note this book was originally published in 1996 and it’s probably an indication of how things have changed but I found some of Ryder’s behaviour felt like coercive control! I was thinking ‘get out while you can!’ rather than fall into his arms. He’s insisting they get married within weeks, move house, removed photos of dead husband. Didn’t feel like love to me!!

[Alyssa · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was just so annoyed throughout this whole book. I wanted to put it down but it wasn’t a long read and I thought maybe it would get better. I just got annoyed by the fact that they were all of a sudden in love and no one was concerned about that and it just didn’t seem realistic. He seemed kinda creepy and stalkerish in his like thoughts. It just wasn’t the book for me.

[Lisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a very hard book to read. The characters were weak and whinny. No story other than a very demanding man and a women so weak that she would allow someone to disrespect not only her but the memory of her deceased husband and also Ryders best friend. I just wanted to scream at each of them (Ryder, Lynn, Michelle and Jason) to just grow up.
Definitely not a fan of this book!

[Melissa eastmond-tollfree · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the female character and her children, but the male character I hated.
He never listened when she said no, he was pushy and demanding. I was hoping she'd meet someone else as he wasn't worthy to be her husband.

[Jeanne (love2cook) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent romance story. After her husband was killed in the line of duty, Lynn thought she needed someone to lean on. Their best friend Ryder walked away leaving her alone to face an uncertain future. Three years later Ryder is back and making romantic gestures to her.

The children Jason and Michele were unbearable. At times, I just wanted to skip that part of the story, or discipline them myself.

[Skye · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a small struggle to get through his book. I love Debbie's books, but this was just left me feeling 'ehh'. I didn't like how Ryder came into the story forcing his way into every inch of Lynn's life....it was borderline creepy. In the end there is a small amount of resolve but the book left me feeling a little disappointed and a little uncomfortable.

[Elena Mijares · Rating 3 out of 5]

My copy of the paperback said the book was published in 1989 so perhaps it didn't age well. I found Ryder to be extremely pushy and inappropriate in many of their encounters. He and Lynn had good chemistry and I was dying to know how everything would turn out but this was a very rushed and cringe-tastic romance.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t finish as book progressed into a formulaic-type romance 🙄

Not my cuppatee, sorry!

[Britni · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yeah.... I did not like this book.

At first it was okay, but then the love-interest "Ryder" got a little obsessive and crazy. MAJOR red flags. In the beginning, there was a "her" view then "his" view, but that disappeared about halfway through. It was only her point of view the rest of the book. The children did not act their ages, a little too well-spoken for 8 & 11. Maybe hang around more kids for an accurate profile? I skimmed through the last 5 chapters of the book, just so I could say I finished it. It was ridiculous. Still ended with red flags and I was yelling "RUN WHILE YOU CAN..." Ryder was so childish and avoidant towards adult conversations but wanted to talk it through all in one chapter. That was odd as well- it's like the author ran out of space and tried cramming it all together.

[Linda A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love, Loss, Finding Love Again

This is a beautiful story of losing your beloved, yet moving forward. It is easy to become involved with the characters and pull for them to build a new life. My problem is the talks that should have occurred before Ryder and Lynn married. Neither character took the institution of marriage lightly, so for them not to have talked and resolved the issues concerning Lynn's husband and Ryder's close friend's death is not very acceptable. Still, it was an enjoyable read.

[Raquel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Seemed very physically based, which I didn't enjoy. Both have their troubles, thoughts, emotions but seems very bad/toxic at times. Both kids seem like they control/ manipulate her, though she wasn't very involved with them for most of this story. Overall seemed like a sad story, not in a good way. Positive was that L&R talk some about what's going on (between a lot of physicality, which wasn't enjoyable) and they work on being open to suggestions from each other as to how to improve themselves - in work, emotionally, mentally.

[BUYbye · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wanted to like this book, alas no such luck.
The characters and storyline were so fragmented they did not know which end was up. There were so many self centered behaviors of the parents, it was repetitive.to the point of complete aggravation.

I used to read by this author some years back and enjoyed.
If this is indicates anything, not interested. Not sure why she
would sabotage her own book???

[Izzy]

I have enjoyed reading her books in the past but I struggled to finish reading this book. I found Ryder's behavior to be irrational, creepy and controlling. This is someone who lost her husband in such a tragic way and Ryder wants her to forget he existed? And he was his partner? The whole thing of him taking over to get married and have kids was crazy!! Lynn appeared so confused and bulldozed into things. This is not romantic or normal behavior.

[Charlotte Flanagan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was pretty good, but the characters were a little annoying. Debbie is one of my favorite authors, but I'm not a fan of her older books, especially the Harquelin Romance books. This book was sensual with a lot of sexual tension. I was given several of her older books but don't know if I will read them all. I prefer her later books written within the last 12 years or so. They are cleaner, and although they have romance, they deal with other issues has well. They have more depth to them.

[Diane Cordell · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is pretty weak—one of Debbie’s earlier ones. There’s no real story— just a romance. I do like the way she presents her character—esp the kids. I leafed through it in less than a day skipping right over the love scenes. They called it passion but it never felt passionate to me. Would not recommend it.

[Ginger McLynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

meh

This is the first book of Debbie’s that I have struggled to get through. I had to skim much of it as it is just such a tedious book. The ending was good but the plot was so thin and watery. I kept struggling through expecting more substance but it wasn’t to be found in this book. I am sad to say…really! I usually enjoy her books.

[Karen Sheldon · Rating 3 out of 5]

very touching story

This story revolves around a family of four and the father’s best friend; father dies and friend leaves the area. He comes back three years as he misses his “family” he left behind. This is a very realistic recreation of a love between friends and family and the growing of love that can also happen after a death.

[Emma Inman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great Debbie love story as usual. It hurt my heart even if it was short-lived that Ryder wanted her to forget her widowed husband completely. He didn't like the memory of him, didn't want any of his belongings around the house, and made her feel as if she was cheating on him by still remembering him. In the end, it all worked out for the best and had a great ending as usual.

[Cathie McManus · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Lynn needed Ryder the most, he ran away. Three years later, he returns. Not only does he want to make amends, he needs Lynn. She tries to keep him at arm's length. Even though he won't admit it, Ryder still hasn't resolved his feelings in Gary's death.

[Beth Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

For all my tomorrow's

I really enjoyed reading this book. Having the kids so involved with there Mom and Ryder was fantastic. I've read Debbie Macomber's books and she is still marvelous.

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 rating, if that was possible. Definitely steamier thank I remember Macomber books being.

Story of Lynn, whose police officer husband was killed 3 years earlier, her two children - Michelle & Jason, and Ryder, her husband’s former partner.

[Cynthia McVay McVay · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Interesting Read

Ms Macomber tackles the difficult subject of life after the loss of a spouse with her usual caring, Some parts were hard to read, but it is a wonderful story.

[mrs jeanette burton · Rating 1 out of 5]

awful book

I usually love these books but this one! The male lead bullied and forced his way into sex with the female lead, not a role model for this day and age. I just wanted to call social services on him.

[Woenchen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story did not age well! The dynamic between the character is problematic. For me there is nothing romatic about it. What I liked though, was the somehow more realistic part of a widow and her daily struggles as a mother and bussines woman.

[Carol Rankin · Rating 5 out of 5]

For All My Tomorrows

Terrific story with surprises and mystery. The characters were able to find love 💘! The whole family grew up in love 💘!

[Janetta Gerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

Great reading and interesting from page one. Pulled at the heart strings. Very real life. Another Macomber great book for all readers.

[Debbie Blackwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the Author