Pole süüdi!

by Debbie Macomber, Ann Kitsnik (Translator)

Two childhood rivals reconnect during jury duty—and are forced to navigate their complex feelings for one another—in this heartwarming novel from #1  New York Times  bestselling author Debbie Macomber. 

Caroline Lomax is eager to exercise her civic duty and report for jury duty. However, when she sees a familiar face on her first day, she is near certain that she has come face to face with Ted Thomasson, the thorn in her side throughout high school—and the last person she’d want as a fellow juror.

Ted still seems to relish in making Caroline squirm, but he shocks Caroline when he declares that he’s always harbored feelings for her. Just as she attempts to make sense of it all, they’re both selected for the same case . . . and as things intensify in and out of the courtroom, it becomes clear that Caroline has an enormous decision to make.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Chick Lit, Enemies To Lovers

200 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1986

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

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the jury portion of the book even though it was a little unrealistic. The two main characters in the love story were secluded together because the court gave away their "not guilty" vote in public court. I don't think that happens. It went along with the storyline though. In their seclusion, they were to fall in love. I agree with other reviews that Caroline was mostly combative. It took away from the romance.

[Rod Horncastle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't believe I totally enjoy Debbie Macomber's Romance novels. Oh well, who knew?!

This story is possibly the most frustrating annoying somewhat insane matchmaking setup ever put down in a book. I loved it.
So an adopted girl (with rich parents) who's planning on becoming a chef, gets stuck in jury duty with an old nemesis from highschool (basically in Seattle)... except now they both hate and love each other in the deepest of passions - Sure, like this never happens in real life. They vote on the jury and then the threats and danger cause them to flee the city together. Soon they pick up a four legged friend and find a romantic place to hole up.

This is some great dialogue that lets us into the minds of women in love. (it's not necessarily pretty either) but it's rewarding.
This is a very early novel by Macomber - yet, it's just as good as her more recent books. (she did touch it up...)

[Norine Luker · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm A Debbie macomber fan but

I have read a LOT of Debbie's stories and thoroughly enjoy them even when dated/her earlier works. But I have to say that the heroine of this story may be the most unlikeable heroine I have ever encountered in a romance novel. How the hero ignores all that is beyond me unless he was really just after her dads money. Give this one a miss or prepare yourself for a lot of cringing. Just read her latest Must Love Flowers which was charming so go get that

[Jaylene · Rating 2 out of 5]

Predictable, and a little unbelievable - I really don't think this couple would ever work in real life.

[Elizabeth · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well, there’s bad, and then pretty bad and finally there’s that I can’t believe I actually read that.

[McKenna R · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were some problematic things going on in this book, but I can’t complain too much because I still enjoyed it lol. It’s definitely dated—it had that general air of casual chauvinism you get in older media. Like “Yes, women are smart and rational creatures! Most of the time!” or “She’s strong, independent, and single, and it’s fine! But don’t worry, we won’t make her stay that way!” or “Women mean what they say! No means no! Except for when she’s actually lying and the man knows better, so he has to ignore what she’s saying. For love!” I’m not sure if that all totally made sense, but hopefully you get the gist of what I’m trying to say.

But I did find the plot very interesting, and I enjoyed the book much more than I thought I would. It’s a childhood rivals to lovers sort of setup, with very very brief, sort of half-hearted appearances of fake dating and the “only one bed” tropes. Sort of “grumpy meets sunshine” a little at some points too.

The constant fighting did get repetitive and frustrating, and the two main characters did not communicate well most of the time at all. At times I was like “Caroline, girl, I’m trying to root for you, but you’re making it so freaking hard.” Little dummy.

Also, the time period was confusing. It FELT older, like AT LEAST early nineties, but then every once in a while there’d be something like “And then Ted pulled out his smart phone and brought up his navigation app” and it’s like “THEY’VE HAD CELL PHONES THIS WHOLE TIME?? Why haven’t they been using them?!” On the other hand, there was the aforementioned, sometimes subtle sexism, and the main characters’ names are Caroline and Ted. There was also, like, a lot of corduroy. At one point, the love interest is described as “compellingly male,” which I found delightful and I also think gives you the general vibe of this book.



Also, note to self, if I look back at this book later and am like “why did I tag this with ‘cried?’”—it’s because (minor spoilers) there’s a scene where the MC leaves a dog behind, and then as they’re driving away they look back and the dog is running after them into traffic, trying to follow them :’( And it made me think about saying goodbye to my dog before she died a few months ago. And I thought about how much she loved me and how I knew she would have stayed with and followed me still if there was literally any way she could have. That might not really make sense either, but hopefully it’s enough to remind me of why I tagged this book.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. Loved the premise and the fact that it featured some of my favorite tropes (enemies to lovers, one bed, fake relationship). However, I feel like there could have been so much more written to further the development of the plot. In some parts it passively mentions they discussed hard topics but never say what. I think those minute details would have made the story stronger. The ending was a bit eh but overall a fun read.

[Garnet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite the plot, starting with jury duty. I became overwhelmed with the constant “lying”-denial of feelings from the female protagonist. Enough was enough. Also, though understanding the upbringing of a person affects her m/his personality, it seemed overboard how immature and self-centered the female protagonist was. I almost didn’t finish the book because of that. But, I realized, the character simply irritated me.

[Cathie McManus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caroline and Ted end up on the same jury duty. She has always hated him for his perfect self. Caroline tormented him when they were young.

They are forced together when they both get threats. They spend more time apart at the cottage. Ted says because he is fighting his longing. The ending didn't work to well for me.

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun quick read about a guy and girl who met at teenagers and they fought like cats and dogs the whole time they were neighbors. The constant teasing etc. continued many years later when they meet when serving on a jury together. They were the only two on the jury that determined the defendant was not guilty. The rest is just fun.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable!

Caroline and Ted knew each other as teenagers and were now serving jury duty together. When things get a little out of hand, the two are encouraged to leave town, together, for a short time. Tension, fear, a little drama, and a HEA.

I’m all for strong, independent female characters. I don’t particularly like when they behave in a very immature way.

[Cassi Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one leans more into emotional storytelling than romance, and I actually really liked that. It’s about second chances, doing the right thing, and how one moment can change everything.

Not super fast-paced, but it pulls you in with the characters and their choices. Definitely one of those “makes you think” kind of books

[Kathy Hennessy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute pool afternoon read, but overall "meh". Had a really cool thriller-esque backstory that I wish had more. I would have rated higher because I liked the characters and dynamics but the ending was way too fast and abrupt.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good example of our preconceived ideas being totally wrong about someone. It is a delightful tale that brings two people together by serving on a jury. Their past gets in the way of their finding each other desirable.

[Barbara Griffiths · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've never rated a Debbie Macomber book so low. I almost didn't finish it. Disliked both main characters. Too much arguing and stupid reactions to little things. I've read some good "opposites attract" books, this was not one of them.

[Annika · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mõnus ajaviiteromaan.

[Christine Lisi · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. Not a fast page turner though.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was pretty good. I really enjoyed the adventure.

[Linda · Rating 1 out of 5]

Caroline was a mean woman to Ted since childhood. They were so very different. I didn’t like this character.

[Colleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Predictable. Didn’t really like the characters.

[Marie Christensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick fluffy book

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sweet story and a quick read.

[A · Rating 2 out of 5]

The h calls the H as Tedious Ted but truly she is the one who is tedious for people around her.

[Charlie Reiner · Rating 3 out of 5]

how many books do we think I’ll finish while waiting for my delayed flight?

[Camilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Täpselt õige raamat ajaviiteks

[helen allphin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good love story

Good book, well written,just the right amount of suspense. Two strong personalities unite in love and commit to get married.

[Linda Bruchert · Rating 4 out of 5]

No real surprises but a good cozy read.

[Lynda Watts · Rating 1 out of 5]

Someone reviewed “ Well, there’s bad, and then pretty bad and finally there’s, I can’t believe I actually read that.”I echo those sentiments. Dull, lifeless, predictable read.

[Tricia Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, so funny in so many parts.