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Sugar and Spice
BY THE BOOK...
With her high school reunion coming up, librarian Jayne Gilbert was determined to go with a handsome man on her arm. The problem: finding one. So Jayne decided to rely on her favorite source of instruction: books.
Riley Chambers had no room in his life for women - especially not this gorgeous innocent armed with a book on How to Pick Up a Man.
Unfortunately, women like Jayne had a way of sneaking up on a man, and whether he liked it or not, he was hooked. But had it been by the book?
With her high school reunion coming up, librarian Jayne Gilbert was determined to go with a handsome man on her arm. The problem: finding one. So Jayne decided to rely on her favorite source of instruction: books.
Riley Chambers had no room in his life for women - especially not this gorgeous innocent armed with a book on How to Pick Up a Man.
Unfortunately, women like Jayne had a way of sneaking up on a man, and whether he liked it or not, he was hooked. But had it been by the book?
187 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 1, 1987
255 people are currently reading
595 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Macomber
894 books20.6k 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 52 reviews
October 24, 2018
Bueno, elegí este libro para la lectura del #retoRita2 #RitaMacomber del mes de octubre. Pues no sé si será igual en el resto de libros publicados, que tiene un montón, pero este me ha resultado soso, soso... le he dado dos estrellas, porque los últimos capítulos tienen un poco de acción y eso lo salva un poco.
Pues os cuento de que va:
Jayne tiene que ir a la reunión de antiguas alumnas de su clase pero no quiere ir sola. Han pasado diez años y su vida es tal y como predijeron sus compañeras. Jayne es bibliotecaria, bastante sosa en el vestir y con la nariz siempre metida en los libros. Con sus relaciones tampoco es que le haya ido muy bien y a sus veintisiete años aún es virgen.
Pues Jayne se niega a ir sola a la reunión y demostrar que sus compañeras tenía razón por lo que se propone encontrar al hombre adecuado en los dos meses que faltan. Para ello recurre a sus amigos: los libros.
Durante este proceso intentará conocer a hombres mientras se choca una y otra vez con su vecino, Riley. Un hombre misterioso, y sospechoso que Jayne piensa que puede ser un delincuente pues lo ha visto haciendo trapicheos raros.
Al principio cada encuentro termina con alguna burla o encontronazo, pero poco a poco los encuentros dan lugar a una amistad en la que Riley le propondrá ser su acompañante a la reunión y que con el roce acabaran enamorándose. Pero el misterioso Riley oculta algo que pondrá en peligro la relación que acaba de empezar.
Pues nada la historia sosa, bastante predecible muy de la época (al fin y al cabo se publicó en 1987) de Riley casi no conocemos nada más que lo obvio, y de Jayne es una pavisosa a la que no hay quien aguante y juntos son demasiado pegajosos y empalagosos, yo he visto un exceso de azúcar y un defecto de pimienta, ya que nuestro maromo al enterarse de que la moza está sin estrenar, ni corto ni perezoso se propone hacer las cosas bien, o sea mantenerla casta y pura hasta el matrimonio... en fin un rollo.
Lo bueno es que es muy corto y lo leí en un solo día.
Pues os cuento de que va:
Jayne tiene que ir a la reunión de antiguas alumnas de su clase pero no quiere ir sola. Han pasado diez años y su vida es tal y como predijeron sus compañeras. Jayne es bibliotecaria, bastante sosa en el vestir y con la nariz siempre metida en los libros. Con sus relaciones tampoco es que le haya ido muy bien y a sus veintisiete años aún es virgen.
«—Me pasé todo el último curso escuchando las historias que contaban mis compañeras sobre sus aventuras en los asientos de atrás de los coches —suspiró—. Yo nunca viví aventuras como esas.
—Y diez años más tarde sigues sin tener nada que contar, ¿verdad?
—Exactamente. Y lo que es peor: han pasado diez años y he resultado ser tal y como mis compañeras predijeron: soy bibliotecaria y vivo sola.»
Pues Jayne se niega a ir sola a la reunión y demostrar que sus compañeras tenía razón por lo que se propone encontrar al hombre adecuado en los dos meses que faltan. Para ello recurre a sus amigos: los libros.
Durante este proceso intentará conocer a hombres mientras se choca una y otra vez con su vecino, Riley. Un hombre misterioso, y sospechoso que Jayne piensa que puede ser un delincuente pues lo ha visto haciendo trapicheos raros.
Al principio cada encuentro termina con alguna burla o encontronazo, pero poco a poco los encuentros dan lugar a una amistad en la que Riley le propondrá ser su acompañante a la reunión y que con el roce acabaran enamorándose. Pero el misterioso Riley oculta algo que pondrá en peligro la relación que acaba de empezar.
Pues nada la historia sosa, bastante predecible muy de la época (al fin y al cabo se publicó en 1987) de Riley casi no conocemos nada más que lo obvio, y de Jayne es una pavisosa a la que no hay quien aguante y juntos son demasiado pegajosos y empalagosos, yo he visto un exceso de azúcar y un defecto de pimienta, ya que nuestro maromo al enterarse de que la moza está sin estrenar, ni corto ni perezoso se propone hacer las cosas bien, o sea mantenerla casta y pura hasta el matrimonio... en fin un rollo.
Lo bueno es que es muy corto y lo leí en un solo día.
December 15, 2025
I didn’t realize going in that these were reissued stories. It wasn’t until the lack of cell phones and other technology of today became apparent. But honestly? That didn’t pull me out of the experience at all. If anything, it made the emotions stand out more. The relationships, the uncertainty, the longing, never felt dated. Both of these stories remain surprisingly relevant because the heart of them is so human and timeless.
The first book, Yesterday Once More, wrapped itself around my heart in that familiar, comforting way that only Debbie Macomber can. It reminded me why I’ve loved her stories for so long. I felt a little antsy the whole time, but in the best way. I was quietly stressed for these two, never quite sure how on earth they were going to make it to their happy ending. With every page, I found myself rooting harder. That slow, uncertain tension kept me hooked and emotionally invested without ever becoming overwhelming.
But Sugar and Spice Kisses, the second book, was my absolute favorite. I loved the opposites-attract energy, especially because both of them were fighting it so hard. The push-and-pull, the denial, the moments where you just want to shake them and say please stop lying to yourselves, it was delightful. Warm, romantic, and quietly emotional, this story felt like a reminder of Macomber at her best. Gentle but heartfelt, simple but meaningful. By the end, I had that contented, sigh-happy feeling that only certain authors give me, and it reminded me all over again why she’s always been a comfort read for me.
The first book, Yesterday Once More, wrapped itself around my heart in that familiar, comforting way that only Debbie Macomber can. It reminded me why I’ve loved her stories for so long. I felt a little antsy the whole time, but in the best way. I was quietly stressed for these two, never quite sure how on earth they were going to make it to their happy ending. With every page, I found myself rooting harder. That slow, uncertain tension kept me hooked and emotionally invested without ever becoming overwhelming.
But Sugar and Spice Kisses, the second book, was my absolute favorite. I loved the opposites-attract energy, especially because both of them were fighting it so hard. The push-and-pull, the denial, the moments where you just want to shake them and say please stop lying to yourselves, it was delightful. Warm, romantic, and quietly emotional, this story felt like a reminder of Macomber at her best. Gentle but heartfelt, simple but meaningful. By the end, I had that contented, sigh-happy feeling that only certain authors give me, and it reminded me all over again why she’s always been a comfort read for me.
October 14, 2013
Not one of my favorites from Debbie (& I've read a lot). In theory, the premise was good, but highly unlikely. The characters seem a little fake and the story is somewhat dated. However, if you're already a big Debbie Macomber fan, go ahead & read it. If not, start with the Cedar Cove or Blossom Street series first!!!
June 25, 2019
A typical Debbie Macomber romance ... easy to read and makes you feel good. I've had this one on my shelf forever.
May 31, 2020
Primera novela que leo de Rita Macombe y he de decir que colmó todas mis expectativas con una historia simple que puede pecar de simplona y naif pero que está bien desarrollada y escrita.Esta novela tiene como protagonista a Jayne Gilbert una bibliotecaria de 27 años,ella es una mujer independiente pero solitaria,con ciertos problemas para entablar relaciones con los hombres.El disparador de la historia será una reunión de ex alumnas a la que tiene que asistir pero no quiere enfrentar a sus viejas compañeras con una vida que no ha cambiado mucho : ella sigue sola y aún es virgen.asi es como planea conseguir un hombre para acudir a esa reunión.en el transcurso de esos planes se topa varias veces con Riley Chambers ,él es el vecino un tanto misterioso pero sumamente sexy y seguro que parece no soportarla y que apenas tiene oportunidad la provoca.o sea le mete puyas.De a poco el acercamiento entre ambos se vuelve cotidiano e inevitable y surge la atracción y amistad para terminar ambos enamorados uno del otro a pesar de sus diferentes modos de vida.Mientras ella representa toda la ingenuidad y tranquilidad personificada,él tiene un empleo que lo lleva al límite siempre.El vínculo entre ellos está muy bien escrito y representado lo único que lamento es que la autora no quiso llevar esa atracción y buena química entre los dos a alguna escena sexual y eso no puedo dejarlo pasar.mas allá de este gran detalle y algunos momentos que yo hubiese obviado la historia se ganó mi corazón así que la recomiendo para aquellas almas románticas y soñadoras.
May 18, 2024
Oh the woes of dating and … reading self-help books, acting like an accessory, not being yourself in an attempt to impress. Perception is reality.
May 2, 2017
I'm home sick and this was exactly the right book to read.
There were no surprises, I didn't have to concentrate, it was just fluff to keep me awake (mostly).
It's a romance - it's what you expect - girl meets boy - conflict - girl gets boy.
There were no surprises, I didn't have to concentrate, it was just fluff to keep me awake (mostly).
It's a romance - it's what you expect - girl meets boy - conflict - girl gets boy.
July 8, 2013
An easy, mindless, but fun, beach read. Predictable, but fun getting there.
June 26, 2021
I really do feel bad when I have to write negative reviews, but the message is important in this case: *stop glamourising toxic masculinity*
July 25, 2021
Librarian Jayne Gilbert is invited to her high school reunion. She'd love to go, if only to show the other girls at the private school that she's happy in her single life, but what would make it even better is if she was escorted by a man. Her best friend encourages her, so she starts researching how to find one by doing what she's always done: reading one or more books.
Unfortunately, the man she's most attracted to happens to be her neighbor, who helps her pick up the volumes she drops just outside the elevator as she gets out to go to her apartment. Turns out that particular guy is keeping secrets from her about who he really is and why he can't tell her.
When she inadvertently uncovers at least one of his secrets, she goes to the cops--only to discover that he's part of an FBI undercover sting. Now what is going to happen? Will he still take her to the reunion? Will she let him?
Unfortunately, the man she's most attracted to happens to be her neighbor, who helps her pick up the volumes she drops just outside the elevator as she gets out to go to her apartment. Turns out that particular guy is keeping secrets from her about who he really is and why he can't tell her.
When she inadvertently uncovers at least one of his secrets, she goes to the cops--only to discover that he's part of an FBI undercover sting. Now what is going to happen? Will he still take her to the reunion? Will she let him?
November 15, 2022
Jayne Gilbert wants to go to her high school reunion. Trouble is, she is plain and doesn't have an escort. She's a librarian and runs the children's department. Nothing else is going for her in life. She's as mundane as mundane can be. Ten years after graduation, she is still single. She wants to prove her school mates wrong. Jayne goes out and tries to teach herself the art of meeting a man.
Then she meets the mysterious Riley Chambers, her next door neighbour. This changes everything and Jayne begins to fall for Riley Chambers. This is another feel-good write from Debbie Macomber.
I enjoyed this one as I can relate to Jayne. Like Jayne, I worked and ran the Children's Library at my local public library. Like Jayne, I was also plain but then I met a man who changed everything and turned my life upside down the right way!
Then she meets the mysterious Riley Chambers, her next door neighbour. This changes everything and Jayne begins to fall for Riley Chambers. This is another feel-good write from Debbie Macomber.
I enjoyed this one as I can relate to Jayne. Like Jayne, I worked and ran the Children's Library at my local public library. Like Jayne, I was also plain but then I met a man who changed everything and turned my life upside down the right way!
March 28, 2023
Book 1 in "Learning to Love" two classic Debbie Macomber books filled with love and laughter.
I loved this one! Just like the title said "a classic" Debbie book!! What I loved most about Sugar and Spice was how innocent and sweet Jayne and Riley's relationship is. The book was originally released in 1987, pre cell phone, social media, internet. The whole plot simply wouldn't work in today's world of instant access to information and people, but if you go into it knowing it was wrote/set in the 80's it's so good.
The 2nd release in 2011, double feature "Learning to Love", is 183 pages and I finished it in 2 1/2 hours. I simply couldn't put it down before bed. Quick plot, straight to the point and not all the fluff words/sentence trying to make it a longer read. It's really the perfect quick read!
I loved this one! Just like the title said "a classic" Debbie book!! What I loved most about Sugar and Spice was how innocent and sweet Jayne and Riley's relationship is. The book was originally released in 1987, pre cell phone, social media, internet. The whole plot simply wouldn't work in today's world of instant access to information and people, but if you go into it knowing it was wrote/set in the 80's it's so good.
The 2nd release in 2011, double feature "Learning to Love", is 183 pages and I finished it in 2 1/2 hours. I simply couldn't put it down before bed. Quick plot, straight to the point and not all the fluff words/sentence trying to make it a longer read. It's really the perfect quick read!
November 3, 2025
In an attempt to be open-minded, to explore new genres, to tap into the tradition of romance novels that generations of women before me have adored………..I tried my first Debbie Macomber. I had low expectations, but it was worse than I expected. I tried to wear generous “it was written in 1987” goggles, but nope— this was not only poorly written, it depressed me and now I’m thinking about how millions of women have absorbed these toxic tropes (“she’d be beautiful if a man just removed her glasses and fixed her”) and emotionally disregulated patterns (every fight ends in forced intimacy, every scene has melodramatic bickering). Sigh.
September 22, 2020
Undying Love
This is a sweet story of two people who meet, face complications, but ultimately end up together. It is not a long story, so I am forgiving of the rather fast pace this couple experiences falling in love. I find it a bit unbelievable that a "plain Jane" spends 10 years making few efforts, if any, to build her self confidence and her personal image, but goes into full throttle after simply meeting a man who also lives at her apartment complex. But this is a fun, quick, happily ever after story.
This is a sweet story of two people who meet, face complications, but ultimately end up together. It is not a long story, so I am forgiving of the rather fast pace this couple experiences falling in love. I find it a bit unbelievable that a "plain Jane" spends 10 years making few efforts, if any, to build her self confidence and her personal image, but goes into full throttle after simply meeting a man who also lives at her apartment complex. But this is a fun, quick, happily ever after story.
April 10, 2024
Jayne and Riley
Why did it have to end just like that?! I mean, we wanted to read how the reunion went and how everyone reacted and maybe even a bit after they got married. I think it's unfair 😂 that we couldn't read any of those scenes.
Overall, though, I really enjoyed the book. I think I liked the male character a tiny bit more than the female character. Riley was so thoughtful and caring.
Before even actually knowing Jayne, he had the instinct to protect her.. It was all because of love. They were perfect for each other.
Once again, I must reiterate that the ending shouldn't have just ended like that.
Why did it have to end just like that?! I mean, we wanted to read how the reunion went and how everyone reacted and maybe even a bit after they got married. I think it's unfair 😂 that we couldn't read any of those scenes.
Overall, though, I really enjoyed the book. I think I liked the male character a tiny bit more than the female character. Riley was so thoughtful and caring.
Before even actually knowing Jayne, he had the instinct to protect her.. It was all because of love. They were perfect for each other.
Once again, I must reiterate that the ending shouldn't have just ended like that.
September 19, 2020
From Depression to Laughter and Love Again
Let's face it! When I saw a Macomber book for just $2.99, I jumped on it! You are without a doubt, my all time favorite author. I'm smiling to myself just thinking about it. You create characters that capture my imagination with dialogue and humor that I truly enjoy. You have widespread readership so please keep 'em comin'.
Let's face it! When I saw a Macomber book for just $2.99, I jumped on it! You are without a doubt, my all time favorite author. I'm smiling to myself just thinking about it. You create characters that capture my imagination with dialogue and humor that I truly enjoy. You have widespread readership so please keep 'em comin'.
December 11, 2020
Meh, but cute and quick. I consider these books an intermezzo of sorts. A little cleanser between more serious books. Or not. But like the intermezzo course it cleans the palate with it's refreshing lightness and that's it's job.
December 21, 2020
As a librarian myself, I was excited to find this book with the main character being a librarian. I enjoyed the characters. The relationship development between the two was entertaining and engaging. I highly recommend it.
May 25, 2024
I had high hopes for this one as it sounded fun and featured a librarian. It fell waaay short for me unfortunately. It didn’t seem real or natural and the story was kind of dumb for my tastes. A miss for me!
August 16, 2024
Ok so I will preface by saying Debbie did warn that this was an old book that she had written when she was still learning to write…
But it felt like an 8th grader wrote it for an extended English project. I finished it because it only took me 3 hours. But it was REAL bad.
But it felt like an 8th grader wrote it for an extended English project. I finished it because it only took me 3 hours. But it was REAL bad.
November 28, 2025
This is a compilation of 2 of Debbie Macombers novels from the mid 1980’s so they seem dated to me. I have read many of her books thru the year and even though some parts seemed archaic the characters and their situations were interesting for a light read.
May 10, 2017
Cute idea and a sweet story.
November 17, 2017
enjoy the book
November 30, 2018
weird book.
January 8, 2019
This story line was pretty good. Enjoyed reading the book
December 26, 2020
A nice quick read. A librarian meets a man that doesn't seem to have all the best qualities. Somehow they work it out.
January 8, 2021
This was an enjoyable read.
February 5, 2021
Debbie Macomber has such a way with writing feel good tales with just enough of a twist to keep my interest. This one was no different.
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February 28, 2021Cute book
I enjoyed Debbie Macomber's books. It as cute and enjoyable book to read during covid. Looking forward to another book of hers.
I enjoyed Debbie Macomber's books. It as cute and enjoyable book to read during covid. Looking forward to another book of hers.
May 16, 2021
More saccharine than sugar and can anyone really be as dumb as the main character appeared?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews