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Mulberry Park #2.5
Almost Home
"The Marrying Kind" by Debbie Macomber
High school sweethearts Katie and Jason haven't seen each other in ten years - and now she's walked back into his life. With one look, the love they shared comes flooding back - only now the odds seem stacked against them.
"Whale Island" by Cathy Lamb
Family secrets and imposing friends are making Chalese feel like an outsider in her very own home on beautiful Whale Island. But it's only when a shocking revelation makes her feel truly lost that she opens her heart to the possibilities the past offers - including a chance at love with the last man she expected.
"Queen Of Hearts" by Judy Duarte
Her high school reunion is coming up, and advice columnist Jenn Kramer couldn't be dreading it more - until she lays eyes on Marcos. Jenn hardly noticed him when they were kids, but know he's all grown up.
"The Honeymoon House" by Mary Carter
It doesn't get more romantic than Andy Beck's cottage on Marth's Vineyard. But love is the last thing on his mind - he just wants to get the cottage ready for his best friends honeymoon. At least that's the plan, until he finds the gorgeous Maid of Honour ransacking his house - in the most irresistible way.
High school sweethearts Katie and Jason haven't seen each other in ten years - and now she's walked back into his life. With one look, the love they shared comes flooding back - only now the odds seem stacked against them.
"Whale Island" by Cathy Lamb
Family secrets and imposing friends are making Chalese feel like an outsider in her very own home on beautiful Whale Island. But it's only when a shocking revelation makes her feel truly lost that she opens her heart to the possibilities the past offers - including a chance at love with the last man she expected.
"Queen Of Hearts" by Judy Duarte
Her high school reunion is coming up, and advice columnist Jenn Kramer couldn't be dreading it more - until she lays eyes on Marcos. Jenn hardly noticed him when they were kids, but know he's all grown up.
"The Honeymoon House" by Mary Carter
It doesn't get more romantic than Andy Beck's cottage on Marth's Vineyard. But love is the last thing on his mind - he just wants to get the cottage ready for his best friends honeymoon. At least that's the plan, until he finds the gorgeous Maid of Honour ransacking his house - in the most irresistible way.
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
479 people are currently reading
2296 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 94 reviews
August 23, 2009
Note: Debbie Macomber's name may be the largest on the book, but she contributed the fewest number of pages by far...
“Whale Island” by Cathy Lamb
4 stars
Lots of humor...of all the stories in the book, this is the one I would have liked to have seen expanded. It was the longest of all the stories (129 pgs) and it seems like it easily could have been longer and delved into a bit more of the story. It had the most depth to it of all the stories and I found myself really liking all the characters.
“Queen of Hearts” by Judy Duarte
3 1/2 stars
Judy Duarte brings back Mulberry Park in this one...if you haven't read that book, it is a very sweet, good book. This is another sweet story. Two people from high school come back together and find that they both have changed. Very tame and makes you hope that everyone grows into a better person after high school.
“The Honeymoon House” by Mary Carter
3 1/2 stars
Interesting one...some of it was a little over-the-top...some of it was just funny...overall, cute, but I just didn't feel it all the way through...something was missing and I just can't put my finger on what it was.
“The Marrying Kind” by Debbie Macomber
4 stars
The shortest of all the stories. Different from a lot of other Macomber books...there was actually sex in this one! Even though it was short, I still really liked this one.
“Whale Island” by Cathy Lamb
4 stars
Lots of humor...of all the stories in the book, this is the one I would have liked to have seen expanded. It was the longest of all the stories (129 pgs) and it seems like it easily could have been longer and delved into a bit more of the story. It had the most depth to it of all the stories and I found myself really liking all the characters.
“Queen of Hearts” by Judy Duarte
3 1/2 stars
Judy Duarte brings back Mulberry Park in this one...if you haven't read that book, it is a very sweet, good book. This is another sweet story. Two people from high school come back together and find that they both have changed. Very tame and makes you hope that everyone grows into a better person after high school.
“The Honeymoon House” by Mary Carter
3 1/2 stars
Interesting one...some of it was a little over-the-top...some of it was just funny...overall, cute, but I just didn't feel it all the way through...something was missing and I just can't put my finger on what it was.
“The Marrying Kind” by Debbie Macomber
4 stars
The shortest of all the stories. Different from a lot of other Macomber books...there was actually sex in this one! Even though it was short, I still really liked this one.
January 20, 2013
I enjoyed all the novellas. I bought this because Cathy Lamb is my favorite author. She always has a healthy dose if humor and real life in her books. The other 3 novellas did not disappoint. I like this yellow of book to have on hand when running errands. Easy to pull out in the grocery line or Drs. office.
October 6, 2012
the first novella was a fun read. although it seemed the main character was overreacting about her past, but then again maybe it is plausable. it had some funny moments. i liked the friends interactions which were funny re the childrens authors ex-boyfriends's new woman.
November 16, 2014
I rate this for the Judy Duarte story online, I can't stand Debbie Macomber anymore and I didn't read the other stories
February 11, 2012
Almost Home is an omnibus of 4 romance stories with Debbie Macomber’s name large on the cover, despite the fact that her contribution is very small.
Whale Island is a romance novella by Cathy Lamb. Chalese Hamilton is an author of children’s books, living incognito on Whale Island under the guise of an animal lover who makes jams and jellies. Aiden Bridger, a journalist with the Washington Review, is determined to do a story on her. Chalese is worried that his expose will harm her standing on the island, but worse, will uncover some family secrets that Chalese and her mother and sister would rather remain hidden. Add to that the fact that Aiden and Chalese seem to be mutually very much attracted, and you have the basic premise of the story. The plot’s OK, but the characters are rather irritating, and some of the language made me want to throw up: “long, lusty lashes” “my nervousness unnerved me” UGH!! Don’t need to read any more by Cathy Lamb!
Queen of Hearts is a romance novella by Judy Duarte. Jennifer Kramer and her 5 year-old daughter Caitlyn are living with Jenn’s mother, Susan, who is in the throes of divorce, after Jenn’s marriage to problem gambler and high-school sweetheart, James, broke-up. Jenn is trying to make ends meet working part-time for the local paper as an agony aunt. Marc Alvarado, high-school geek with a crush on Jenn, is now a successful business man about to embark on a scholarship scheme for college students. Marc recognises Jenn immediately as the cheerleader who rejected him, but she doesn’t know this rich and very hot tycoon, although she is very attracted to him. The Dear Diana emails are a cute touch: even if the plot is rather predictable, it’s a sweet romance and probably one of the best of the four stories.
The Honeymoon House is the name of the cottage that maid-of-honour Kate Williams has been charged by almost-bride Amanda Bailey to de-romanticise in the romance novel of the same name by Mary Carter. The cottage belongs to Andy Beck, who has done his utmost to make it a romantic setting for his best friend Pete Dean’s honeymoon, and he’s very annoyed to find this sexy bridesmaid undoing all his hard work, drinking the happy couple’s champagne and invading the privacy of his darkroom. A bit of a shaky start, but the novel eventually develops with a good plot, some likeable characters (and some irritating ones) and some sweet and sad moments. One of the better offerings in this omnibus.
The Marrying Kind is a very short romance novella (only 69 pages) by Debbie Macomber. Ten years ago, after Katherine Kern had been married to Jason Ingram for all of 2 hours, her parents had separated the couple, had the marriage annulled and he never saw her again. Now, less than 2 days before he is to marry Elaine, he sees her in the bar of his hotel. When he eventually approaches her, stunned that he is still as attracted as he ever was, they both feel the need to discuss what happened. Before either of them knows what has happened, they have spent the night together, and things start to get very complicated. Unusually for Debbie Macomber, this book contains a rather hot sex scene about 15 pages in. Jase seems a bit self-centred, while Katie could do with a bit more spine, but love conquers all in this small dose of Macomber romance.
Whale Island is a romance novella by Cathy Lamb. Chalese Hamilton is an author of children’s books, living incognito on Whale Island under the guise of an animal lover who makes jams and jellies. Aiden Bridger, a journalist with the Washington Review, is determined to do a story on her. Chalese is worried that his expose will harm her standing on the island, but worse, will uncover some family secrets that Chalese and her mother and sister would rather remain hidden. Add to that the fact that Aiden and Chalese seem to be mutually very much attracted, and you have the basic premise of the story. The plot’s OK, but the characters are rather irritating, and some of the language made me want to throw up: “long, lusty lashes” “my nervousness unnerved me” UGH!! Don’t need to read any more by Cathy Lamb!
Queen of Hearts is a romance novella by Judy Duarte. Jennifer Kramer and her 5 year-old daughter Caitlyn are living with Jenn’s mother, Susan, who is in the throes of divorce, after Jenn’s marriage to problem gambler and high-school sweetheart, James, broke-up. Jenn is trying to make ends meet working part-time for the local paper as an agony aunt. Marc Alvarado, high-school geek with a crush on Jenn, is now a successful business man about to embark on a scholarship scheme for college students. Marc recognises Jenn immediately as the cheerleader who rejected him, but she doesn’t know this rich and very hot tycoon, although she is very attracted to him. The Dear Diana emails are a cute touch: even if the plot is rather predictable, it’s a sweet romance and probably one of the best of the four stories.
The Honeymoon House is the name of the cottage that maid-of-honour Kate Williams has been charged by almost-bride Amanda Bailey to de-romanticise in the romance novel of the same name by Mary Carter. The cottage belongs to Andy Beck, who has done his utmost to make it a romantic setting for his best friend Pete Dean’s honeymoon, and he’s very annoyed to find this sexy bridesmaid undoing all his hard work, drinking the happy couple’s champagne and invading the privacy of his darkroom. A bit of a shaky start, but the novel eventually develops with a good plot, some likeable characters (and some irritating ones) and some sweet and sad moments. One of the better offerings in this omnibus.
The Marrying Kind is a very short romance novella (only 69 pages) by Debbie Macomber. Ten years ago, after Katherine Kern had been married to Jason Ingram for all of 2 hours, her parents had separated the couple, had the marriage annulled and he never saw her again. Now, less than 2 days before he is to marry Elaine, he sees her in the bar of his hotel. When he eventually approaches her, stunned that he is still as attracted as he ever was, they both feel the need to discuss what happened. Before either of them knows what has happened, they have spent the night together, and things start to get very complicated. Unusually for Debbie Macomber, this book contains a rather hot sex scene about 15 pages in. Jase seems a bit self-centred, while Katie could do with a bit more spine, but love conquers all in this small dose of Macomber romance.
August 28, 2012
Almost Home is a collection of four novellas, headlined by bestselling Debbie Macomber.
Whale Island by Cathy Lamb is about a reclusive children’s book author who lives on a coastal Washington state island and the reporter sent to interview her. Chalese steels herself for what Aiden will uncover. Not just her present as the popular creator of animal stories but her past as a victim.
Queen of Hearts by Judy Duarte tells the story of Marcos “The Brain” Taylor and his high school crush, Jenn Kramer, when they meet up again just before their 10 year reunion. Jenn doesn’t recognize her handsome new boss, Marc, but feels drawn to his kindness and strength. Although there is something familiar about his eyes … Jenn writes the advice column in the local newspaper and several of the recent letters from a self-described lovelorn geek hit pretty close to home.
The Honeymoon House by Mary Carter is Kate and Andy’s story. And Amanda and Pete’s. And Kate and Jeff’s. But really it’s Kate and Andy’s. Amanda called off her wedding to Pete just before walking down the altar and ordered her best friend to strip the Martha’s Vineyard cottage of anything romantic. While fulfilling her maid of honor duties, Kate runs into the cottage’s owner, Pete’s friend Andy. Both Andy and Kate have literal and psychic scars to heal before they find their happily ever after.
The Marrying Kind by Debbie Macomber starts with Jason Ingram seeing a woman from his past in the hotel bar just two days before his wedding. Kate Kern was his first love. Also his first wife. When their honeymoon was interrupted by her parents dragging her off, Jason lost her. Seeing her again awakens old feelings for both Jason and Kate. But he’s engaged.
All four books are fun and fit together well in this collection. Each have strengths and a weakness. In Whale Island, Chalese and her friend Brenda and sister Christie are a bit over the top in their shenanigans. I don’t believe two people could fall through a glass skylight onto a butcher block table without severe injury. But Chalese’s emotional journey rang true for me so I could forgive the inconsistencies in the story.
Probably the weakest story for me was Queen of Hearts. I just never really connected to the stiff-as-cardboard Jenn. And I didn’t believe she wouldn’t recognize Marc, a young man whom she remembered quite well.
The Honeymoon House has plenty to enjoy, and I did, in spite of the overly dramatic and unlikeable Amanda. The ending felt rushed as Kate’s emotions ran the gamut too quickly to ring true.
The Marrying Kind shows Debbie Macomber’s experience in telling engaging stories. Kate and Jason’s chemistry jumped off the page, but I disliked that they hopped into bed so quickly. I get that it’s all about the story and that got the story ticking, but it didn’t make me sympathize with either of them when they were guilt-wracked the next day.
Overall, Almost Home is a fun book to pick up and pass a few hours with. The four novellas make it easy to read one story in a sitting.
I recommend it!
I received a free copy of this book for review purposes and it did not influence the honesty of my subjective opinions.
Whale Island by Cathy Lamb is about a reclusive children’s book author who lives on a coastal Washington state island and the reporter sent to interview her. Chalese steels herself for what Aiden will uncover. Not just her present as the popular creator of animal stories but her past as a victim.
Queen of Hearts by Judy Duarte tells the story of Marcos “The Brain” Taylor and his high school crush, Jenn Kramer, when they meet up again just before their 10 year reunion. Jenn doesn’t recognize her handsome new boss, Marc, but feels drawn to his kindness and strength. Although there is something familiar about his eyes … Jenn writes the advice column in the local newspaper and several of the recent letters from a self-described lovelorn geek hit pretty close to home.
The Honeymoon House by Mary Carter is Kate and Andy’s story. And Amanda and Pete’s. And Kate and Jeff’s. But really it’s Kate and Andy’s. Amanda called off her wedding to Pete just before walking down the altar and ordered her best friend to strip the Martha’s Vineyard cottage of anything romantic. While fulfilling her maid of honor duties, Kate runs into the cottage’s owner, Pete’s friend Andy. Both Andy and Kate have literal and psychic scars to heal before they find their happily ever after.
The Marrying Kind by Debbie Macomber starts with Jason Ingram seeing a woman from his past in the hotel bar just two days before his wedding. Kate Kern was his first love. Also his first wife. When their honeymoon was interrupted by her parents dragging her off, Jason lost her. Seeing her again awakens old feelings for both Jason and Kate. But he’s engaged.
All four books are fun and fit together well in this collection. Each have strengths and a weakness. In Whale Island, Chalese and her friend Brenda and sister Christie are a bit over the top in their shenanigans. I don’t believe two people could fall through a glass skylight onto a butcher block table without severe injury. But Chalese’s emotional journey rang true for me so I could forgive the inconsistencies in the story.
Probably the weakest story for me was Queen of Hearts. I just never really connected to the stiff-as-cardboard Jenn. And I didn’t believe she wouldn’t recognize Marc, a young man whom she remembered quite well.
The Honeymoon House has plenty to enjoy, and I did, in spite of the overly dramatic and unlikeable Amanda. The ending felt rushed as Kate’s emotions ran the gamut too quickly to ring true.
The Marrying Kind shows Debbie Macomber’s experience in telling engaging stories. Kate and Jason’s chemistry jumped off the page, but I disliked that they hopped into bed so quickly. I get that it’s all about the story and that got the story ticking, but it didn’t make me sympathize with either of them when they were guilt-wracked the next day.
Overall, Almost Home is a fun book to pick up and pass a few hours with. The four novellas make it easy to read one story in a sitting.
I recommend it!
I received a free copy of this book for review purposes and it did not influence the honesty of my subjective opinions.
August 8, 2012
Almost Home by Debbie Macomber and others
I love the idea of having 4 themed books in one big book. What I don't like is finding out I've read all of them as they were first published in 2009. If you've not read them they are fantastic reads and you might find a new author that you gotta go get all of their books to read cuz they are so good.
Whale Island by Cathy Lamb
Chalese is with her accomplish Brenda and they are on their way to the police station because the Chief requested them to confess.
The night before they had some drinks and climbed on top of Stephens flat roof and spied through the skylight and it crashed into the house with them.
She's having a bad day, Aiden from the newspaper wants an interview cuz he's figured out who she really is under her alias name, and she's having hot flashes and she has zits on her face.
And she gained 15 more pounds. She is a children animal book author that depicts them with to their environment, etc
She is also a pet communicator and takes care of quite the bunch of animals, not only dogs.
He gets bits and pieces over the upcoming weeks. He's not sure what is real and what isn't but he finds out about her, Ginny, Brenda and her sister, Christie escapades.
The reason it takes this long is because she needs to finish writing her book and with her sisters pregnancy interruptions and her friends thinking she works too hard she's not able to concentrate.
He digs and finds out more than he ever told her and then some. Her past is a mess and she learns more at the hospital...
.
Queen of Hearts by Judy Duarte
Jennifer Kramer, divorced, mother of one girl lives with her mother and writes a love advice column. He recalls Marco from school but nobody can locate him in time for the class reunion.
She's been given the job of reporting all about, so now she will have to go.
Marc Alvardo is in town and has moved his business to the area and they offer a high school scholarship. Takes them some time to realize who he really is...
.
The Honeymoon House by Mary Carter
Andy Beck is on Martha's Vineyard getting the cottage ready for the bride and groom. He interferes when a Maid of Honor is caught ransacking the house, and he will
get to the bottom of it all...
.
The Marrying Kind by Debbie Macomber
Katie and Jason were married once. Upon the annulment they had both disappeared and now in CA he's about to be married and he sees her at the restaurant and they agree to meet.
It ends up with more than a meeting and over the next several days he finds out what happened to her to make her sign and she finds out where he moved to and why. Is it possible they can recover what they once had as he's about to be married, to Elaine..
I love the idea of having 4 themed books in one big book. What I don't like is finding out I've read all of them as they were first published in 2009. If you've not read them they are fantastic reads and you might find a new author that you gotta go get all of their books to read cuz they are so good.
Whale Island by Cathy Lamb
Chalese is with her accomplish Brenda and they are on their way to the police station because the Chief requested them to confess.
The night before they had some drinks and climbed on top of Stephens flat roof and spied through the skylight and it crashed into the house with them.
She's having a bad day, Aiden from the newspaper wants an interview cuz he's figured out who she really is under her alias name, and she's having hot flashes and she has zits on her face.
And she gained 15 more pounds. She is a children animal book author that depicts them with to their environment, etc
She is also a pet communicator and takes care of quite the bunch of animals, not only dogs.
He gets bits and pieces over the upcoming weeks. He's not sure what is real and what isn't but he finds out about her, Ginny, Brenda and her sister, Christie escapades.
The reason it takes this long is because she needs to finish writing her book and with her sisters pregnancy interruptions and her friends thinking she works too hard she's not able to concentrate.
He digs and finds out more than he ever told her and then some. Her past is a mess and she learns more at the hospital...
.
Queen of Hearts by Judy Duarte
Jennifer Kramer, divorced, mother of one girl lives with her mother and writes a love advice column. He recalls Marco from school but nobody can locate him in time for the class reunion.
She's been given the job of reporting all about, so now she will have to go.
Marc Alvardo is in town and has moved his business to the area and they offer a high school scholarship. Takes them some time to realize who he really is...
.
The Honeymoon House by Mary Carter
Andy Beck is on Martha's Vineyard getting the cottage ready for the bride and groom. He interferes when a Maid of Honor is caught ransacking the house, and he will
get to the bottom of it all...
.
The Marrying Kind by Debbie Macomber
Katie and Jason were married once. Upon the annulment they had both disappeared and now in CA he's about to be married and he sees her at the restaurant and they agree to meet.
It ends up with more than a meeting and over the next several days he finds out what happened to her to make her sign and she finds out where he moved to and why. Is it possible they can recover what they once had as he's about to be married, to Elaine..
August 14, 2017
I'm giving this anthology 5 stars because it was just incredibly entertaining: funny, heartwarming and a welcome balm from my terrible dismay about the recent election. I hadn't read any of the authors, except for Debbie Macomber, prior to this. All four novellas dealt with love: either lost and regained, or hesitation involving potential love. I liked the quirky characters---not predictable. I liked the unique occupations some had. Altogether a delightful read. And I'll definitely be seeking other books by the authors.
Read
October 16, 2016Reading now:
Cathy Lamb's story as narrated by Laural Merlington. She reads 'as if' she is aware of what the emotion in the story actually is, and is reading with a complimentary attitude. She also doesn't have any voice ticks that draw attention to themselves and away from the story.
Cathy Lamb's story as narrated by Laural Merlington. She reads 'as if' she is aware of what the emotion in the story actually is, and is reading with a complimentary attitude. She also doesn't have any voice ticks that draw attention to themselves and away from the story.
July 26, 2019
Four stories put into one book just seemed to be too much. By the time I finished the book I almost forgot what the first two stories were about, it would have been more enjoyable if these authors worked together to make one huge story that linked together. I felt as if the stories were too short and would have had more potential if they were a separate book themselves, seemed like soo much was missing and everything was just straight to the point there was no wondering which I look forward to in romance books I don’t want anything too sappy which they all seemed to be. But I still liked the book in a certain way, if your looking for short quick love stories this would be a book to read.
Whale island- I felt as if I couldn’t relate to this story at all, hard to keep my interest going. Chalese just seemed to be all over the place her life just one big mess. Good for her though she found love, the ending made up for the rest. May have not been the best opener for the book.
Queen of hearts- this story seemed really sweet and charming, I definitely found it interesting. Loved how Marcos got jenn In the end, but it makes jenn seem kind of shallow for she could have had him all along but he wasn’t good enough in high school. She made a few mistakes and they grow up, they reunite and live happily ever after. I did love the dear Diana part, the moment she finds out it’s Marcos who is now mark is a moment to remember. Probably my favorite of the four stories.
The honeymoon house- another cute love story that you wouldn’t expect. Just did not care for how the females were portrayed throughout. They seemed almost crazy, for how Amanda cancels the wedding last minute and a year later she still married Pete anyway, and how Amanda doesn’t seem to want Kate to move on after her brothers death. The beautiful part was kate opening up like a butterfly, she over cane her dilemmas and found love again when she didn’t think it was possible.
The marrying kind- high school sweethearts, how heart warming. Katie and Jason definitely have a beautiful story about them, in a way I was happy with the ending because duh they were obviously meant to be. I just did not like how they reunite, very dirty how Jason cheated on his soon-to-be-wife! With his high school sweetheart! But my oh my steamy love scene, which I loved. I did feel as if this story had so much more potential of it was longer it was way to short I could tell right away when I started reading it how it was going to end so let’s say it was slightly disappointing.
Whale island- I felt as if I couldn’t relate to this story at all, hard to keep my interest going. Chalese just seemed to be all over the place her life just one big mess. Good for her though she found love, the ending made up for the rest. May have not been the best opener for the book.
Queen of hearts- this story seemed really sweet and charming, I definitely found it interesting. Loved how Marcos got jenn In the end, but it makes jenn seem kind of shallow for she could have had him all along but he wasn’t good enough in high school. She made a few mistakes and they grow up, they reunite and live happily ever after. I did love the dear Diana part, the moment she finds out it’s Marcos who is now mark is a moment to remember. Probably my favorite of the four stories.
The honeymoon house- another cute love story that you wouldn’t expect. Just did not care for how the females were portrayed throughout. They seemed almost crazy, for how Amanda cancels the wedding last minute and a year later she still married Pete anyway, and how Amanda doesn’t seem to want Kate to move on after her brothers death. The beautiful part was kate opening up like a butterfly, she over cane her dilemmas and found love again when she didn’t think it was possible.
The marrying kind- high school sweethearts, how heart warming. Katie and Jason definitely have a beautiful story about them, in a way I was happy with the ending because duh they were obviously meant to be. I just did not like how they reunite, very dirty how Jason cheated on his soon-to-be-wife! With his high school sweetheart! But my oh my steamy love scene, which I loved. I did feel as if this story had so much more potential of it was longer it was way to short I could tell right away when I started reading it how it was going to end so let’s say it was slightly disappointing.
February 27, 2018
Overall rating: 4
Whale Island -- Zany characters in an entertaining "dramedy".
Queen of Hearts -- Enjoyable but predictable.
Honeymoon House -- Didn't care for the whiny Amanda.
Marrying Kind -- Class Reunion Time! Head cheerleader, star football player, nerdy class valedictorian, secret identities, advice columnist -- what's not to love?!
Whale Island -- Zany characters in an entertaining "dramedy".
Queen of Hearts -- Enjoyable but predictable.
Honeymoon House -- Didn't care for the whiny Amanda.
Marrying Kind -- Class Reunion Time! Head cheerleader, star football player, nerdy class valedictorian, secret identities, advice columnist -- what's not to love?!
October 24, 2024
not my normal read
i picked this book because Cathy Lamb had a part in it. but i was hoping it was a story collaborated on by the three authors. unfortunately it wasn't. my personal prospective is that it was the stories written hastily on order to sell a few books. very disappointing
i picked this book because Cathy Lamb had a part in it. but i was hoping it was a story collaborated on by the three authors. unfortunately it wasn't. my personal prospective is that it was the stories written hastily on order to sell a few books. very disappointing
December 4, 2024
I read a lot, I like women's fiction, mysteries, historical fiction, non fiction. Not so much a fan of sci-fi, and now not a fan of romance fiction. I hadn't read much of that genre in a while, and guess I probably won't. I didn't like most of the characters and wanted them to get a life. I was hoping at least one of these authors would appeal to me, but not really. It was a quick light read.
March 13, 2019
Cathy Lamb was by far the best story writer in this compilation . Her humour grabbed my interest and entertained me from first page to the last.
The other stories were quite dull and predictable in comparison .
The other stories were quite dull and predictable in comparison .
October 29, 2019
All stories were good. Kept wanting to read more and more.book was hard to put down
Debbie Macomber is one of my favorite authors and I liked te book title.caught my attention. Can't wait to read my next book.
Debbie Macomber is one of my favorite authors and I liked te book title.caught my attention. Can't wait to read my next book.
October 6, 2021
These three novellas were good, entertaining reads. Although I really enjoy Debbie Macomber’s books in general, it wasn’t one of her best.
The 2nd and 3rd novellas were enjoyable and kept my interest more. In general, they were better than the first author, but I did enjoy them all.
The 2nd and 3rd novellas were enjoyable and kept my interest more. In general, they were better than the first author, but I did enjoy them all.
March 28, 2022
all good
All stories in this group were very good, some family involvement that revealed life problems and life’s loving, a very realistic description of the characters as they unravel their issues.
All stories in this group were very good, some family involvement that revealed life problems and life’s loving, a very realistic description of the characters as they unravel their issues.
June 29, 2017
Four different authors and romance novellas in one book. The first one was funny, may read her books again. The other three were what you'd expect.
January 26, 2019
Almost Home
A good anthology with four fun stories. I liked a couple better then others but they were all good stories. I borrowed this book from my Online Library.
A good anthology with four fun stories. I liked a couple better then others but they were all good stories. I borrowed this book from my Online Library.
June 4, 2019
I enjoyed this mix of authors. Prior to this, I had only read Debbie Macomber and not I would definitely take a look at some of the other's books.
June 25, 2019
Save yourself. If you want to read about ridiculous pitiful immature women then go for it.
September 3, 2019
4 unique stories worth the read
January 2, 2020
Took me forever to get through the first story.
October 26, 2020
Was a great book!!! I never want to put her books down.
March 16, 2021
Marriage for Real
I wondered how you were going to make this romance feel right. I love how you manage to arrange it to become possible. Thank you once again!
I wondered how you were going to make this romance feel right. I love how you manage to arrange it to become possible. Thank you once again!
August 19, 2021
Four independent love stories. Entertaining. Macomber was best.
October 23, 2021
2.8⭐
Not bad but also not as good. Not a book I would recommend.
Not bad but also not as good. Not a book I would recommend.
March 21, 2022
So although it says Debbie Macomber, this has 4 short stories by different authors, and the last one was written by her. First one was pretty terrible. I skimmed most of them.
April 20, 2022
Not her best book
Three stories in one book...all too short with not enough content. You knew where the story was going and the ending long before the final pages.
Three stories in one book...all too short with not enough content. You knew where the story was going and the ending long before the final pages.
April 24, 2023
Love this book!
The writers all wrote a very story! Debbie Macomber is one of my favorite authors! The story's were very good!
The writers all wrote a very story! Debbie Macomber is one of my favorite authors! The story's were very good!
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