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You keep wondering when everything is going to happen.The Stand In Wife was okay; it was interesting how Debbie Macomber incorporated her feelings on certain spiritual issues, such as the dreams and what-not, however, I'm not sure how I really feel about the whole thing. Not a bad story though.The Manning Brides is the longest volume in the series of three, but I read it in less than four days. Welcome to the third and fourth books of the series. I had a bit of a harder time getting through that book; I felt that it was a bit long and a little predictable. I've read it at least twice now. I found The Marriage of Inconvenience interesting and it was probably my favorite out of the two books in this volume. I find Rich and Jamie to be two very stubborn people who definitely let their pride get in the way of their feelings.
I've read a few romance novels, and I actually have to say I appreciate the fact that Macomber does not go into graphic detail when it comes to sex, though there are certainly enough innuendos.In the end, I have wonder if I'm just not a good candidate for romance novels--at least not those that are like these two books. How they could not have a clue as to what the other person was feeling, not know what they themselves were feeling and ultimately say some absolutely stupid things to each other was beyond me.
The timing of the development of the relationships also felt odd--things happened much too quickly and to me, the various family members did not react to certain events the way I think most people would. Maybe I just can't relate, but I just can't envision real people acting like these silly couples.
I had never read a Debbie Macomber novel before this set of books, which I happened across our local independent bookstore several weeks ago. I found myself rolling my eyes often, and I'm not sure that I have ever been more frustrated with characters than I was when it came to Rich & Jamie and Paul & Leah.
Actually, I felt that both stories--but especially Stand-In Wife--focused so much on the couples and hardly at all on other characters (friends & family) that the stories just felt even less real.I realize that romance novels are very much an escapist read, but I need more substance to really appreciate a story like either of these and to truly "escape." Macomber's writing is easy to read and follow, and I could at least enjoy the fact that the books both ended "happily ever after." But I think that lately I've been reading so many books that are deeper, more emotionally gripping, and better written, and I was simply unable to appreciate this title in the manner it had been intended. I decided I wanted to start a light read last night and, well, that's pretty much exactly what I got and so I'm writing just one review for both stories.
The story lines just felt so unrealistic and ridiculous--especially the way the couples were acting.
I couldn't put the book down. what a great read. I felt likethe characters in the book were talking to me.
In both cases the characters are well-developed with a quality of humor while keeping the romantic chemistry light at first/steamy toward the end. Well, she finally takes the plunge and (after quitting her job) moves in with Paul who slowly begins to love once more. Well, he agrees (since they've been good friends for years) and finally realizes that Jamie is the perfect woman for him. All in all we're given an adequate romance with characters willing to give love a second chance. Paul has lost his wife and is left grieving while trying to raise three young children. Deb Macomber's second book in this breathtaking series, The Manning Brides, once again goes to prove why the crown of contemporary romance sits so snuggly upon her head and why it's not an easy one to take off.
In this first tale we have Rich who is asked by his friend Jamie to be the "donor" of a child she desperately wants. Both tales have Deb Macomber's trademark stamped on them and why we read her to begin with. We were first introduced to this series with her bestseller: The Manning Sisters: The Cowboy's Lady The Sheriff Takes A Wife (MIRA) Anyone familiar with this series knows the two story format and that holds true for book two. Leah Baker has also suffered the heart-ache of loss and does her best to help. I also would highly recommend reading--Siren by Geo Tin: Sirens (Mass Market) I just finished reading it and it was spectacular.don't miss it. The first tale is Marriage of Convenience and those who've read The Manning Sisters will recognize the brothers.
The second tale is Stand-In Wife and like the first story this time we read about Rich's brother Paul.
Then what happens when you make your choice. This was my first Debbie Macomber book. A really great love story. I could not put it down till the end. I was hooked from the begining and had to read through the end. She caputres how it feels to fall in love with the right person at the wrong time.
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