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Deliverance Company #2
Sooner or Later
The sequel to #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber's classic Someday Soon!
When stubborn but proper Texas postmistress Letty Madden hires a rough soldier, Jack Murphy, to help her find her brother for the price of one night together, she has no idea that he will fall deeply in love with her.
When stubborn but proper Texas postmistress Letty Madden hires a rough soldier, Jack Murphy, to help her find her brother for the price of one night together, she has no idea that he will fall deeply in love with her.
Mass Market Paperback
First published April 25, 1996
3965 people are currently reading
2235 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Macomber
895 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 300 reviews
May 30, 2012
[audio] Not the Debbie Macomber of Blossom Street, this second in the Deliverance Company series adds suspense and some descriptive zing to the "good girl with "traditional" values changes bad boy" romance plot. There is action (but not Steve Berry or James Rollins or even Brockman style), disasters (with kisses to make it better), and not everything is happily ever after. This was almost chaste for those seeking romantic suspense, but some detailed descriptions of both the romance and the violence give it a red-flag for "gentle readers" who enjoy Macomber's newer titles. I added the magical realism tag to cover Leddy's perceptions of her twins emotions and the Christian tag because it plays a significant part in Leddy's character.
November 15, 2010
This book was linked to the last book I read by Debbie, Someday Soon. Murphy had a small part in the book but he is one of those characters that you cant get out of your head. Well, he got his story in this book and it was awesome! He got EXACTLY what was coming to him! My mom is a huge fan of Debbie Macomber...I am starting to become one myself. She reminds me alot of Nicholas Sparks...her stories are very touching and heart warming.
August 10, 2019
Borrowed from Kindle Prime Reading because I was in the mood for a fun, light romance and I remembered enjoying Macomber years ago...
This book was AWFUL. The storyline and characters were shallow and implausible, and it was really all about the sex -- but then it would be weirdly graphic for a paragraph or two and then it was back to the "story." And no way I am buying that tricking someone into having sex leads to the love of your life.
This book was AWFUL. The storyline and characters were shallow and implausible, and it was really all about the sex -- but then it would be weirdly graphic for a paragraph or two and then it was back to the "story." And no way I am buying that tricking someone into having sex leads to the love of your life.
August 26, 2019
Only got in about 2 chapters and knew that book was not for me. I don't like graphic violence or overt sexuality and that's how it started out. I read a Debbie Macomber years ago that was fun and romantic. This is not one of those. I'll pass.
December 7, 2016
I am a Debbie Macomber fan, but I was very not a fan of this book. It had too many racy and graphic sex scenes and not enough of a story line. Disappointing.
July 15, 2021
The virginity plotline infuriated me. Nothing ended correctly. It wasn't a horrible book I overall, but the good did not outweigh the bad.
June 1, 2024
Long but a must read! Quite different as the plot is sometimes thriller/suspense.
February 13, 2019
********SPOILERS*********************
This book is not "my cup of tea", when it comes to romance. Letty is looking for her brother, Luke, and asks for assistance with the search from mercenary, Shun Murphy. Murphy seems good at his job, however, to ask for payment from Letty in the form of her virginity is not honorable. Letty in turn manipulates him by drugging him and making him believe they had sex. The back and forth of manipulation, anger, and tension between Letty and Murphy throughout the book is not romantic in the least bit in my opinion. My opinion my be bias because the books I am accustom to reading have men wanting to protect women without payment and especially not badgering/harassing a woman into giving him her birginity. Murphy's attitude about virginity as a payment made me feel like his character was thoughtless, scummy, and very dislikeable. Also, I wasn't keen on the fact that Letty then gave into him only when she needed him for her own selfish needs.
The side story, Marcie and JAck, also did little in the romance department. Jack's selfish need to use Marcie for sex when he has a layover in town is meh! He only realizes he has feelings for her because a gentleman has found her desireable and treats her the way she deserves.
This book is not "my cup of tea", when it comes to romance. Letty is looking for her brother, Luke, and asks for assistance with the search from mercenary, Shun Murphy. Murphy seems good at his job, however, to ask for payment from Letty in the form of her virginity is not honorable. Letty in turn manipulates him by drugging him and making him believe they had sex. The back and forth of manipulation, anger, and tension between Letty and Murphy throughout the book is not romantic in the least bit in my opinion. My opinion my be bias because the books I am accustom to reading have men wanting to protect women without payment and especially not badgering/harassing a woman into giving him her birginity. Murphy's attitude about virginity as a payment made me feel like his character was thoughtless, scummy, and very dislikeable. Also, I wasn't keen on the fact that Letty then gave into him only when she needed him for her own selfish needs.
The side story, Marcie and JAck, also did little in the romance department. Jack's selfish need to use Marcie for sex when he has a layover in town is meh! He only realizes he has feelings for her because a gentleman has found her desireable and treats her the way she deserves.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2020
I gave this book three stars for several reasons: 1 - I didn't like Letty, she irritated me with her stupidity and her attitude, not a likable person. That being said, the relationship between her and Murphy was stale. 2 - A second storyline between Jack and Marcie was more interesting but again, the characters were lackluster. I'm presuming there's another book about Jack as that story just dropped. 3 - The description says that "they couldn't fight forever", well if the little spats they had was considered fights then I don't know what a real fights are. It was more disagreements or impatience than fights between Murphy and Letty.
They're on mission to rescue her brother and encounter guerillas, etc. Action no action, easy read but not much substance in it.
They're on mission to rescue her brother and encounter guerillas, etc. Action no action, easy read but not much substance in it.
April 4, 2020
Woman vs Man who won?
When I began reading this novel I wondered how the story was going to play out. A postmistress going to a foreign country with an individual who really didn't want go and didn't want to take her. But it came together very well and was interesting to read. All the problems they ran into and the problem of them getting along made me want to continue reading to find out how it ended. At the end of the novel it all came together. A plus was another story was inserted with the main story.
When I began reading this novel I wondered how the story was going to play out. A postmistress going to a foreign country with an individual who really didn't want go and didn't want to take her. But it came together very well and was interesting to read. All the problems they ran into and the problem of them getting along made me want to continue reading to find out how it ended. At the end of the novel it all came together. A plus was another story was inserted with the main story.
August 6, 2025
Difficult to put down. Loved the character usage from book #1.
November 7, 2014
It may not be fair of me to even rate this, as I barely got past chapter one. I just could NOT get in to this one. I don't know why it was so disappointing to me, I loved her Cedar Cove series so very much. Either this was written in her early days, and just not so great for some reason, or my book tastes are really changing.
June 16, 2019
Disappointing
I didn't like this book. I hurriedly leafed through hoping I would find the writing I expect from Macomber. I particularly disliked the lowlife men portrayed in the story. Come on! So sad.
I didn't like this book. I hurriedly leafed through hoping I would find the writing I expect from Macomber. I particularly disliked the lowlife men portrayed in the story. Come on! So sad.
August 12, 2021
All the men in this book get a 1/5, but the plot is good.
July 11, 2013
Didn't enjoy this book, as much as the others I have read by this author.
Story line did not flow and was unbelievable at various points in the story line.
Story line did not flow and was unbelievable at various points in the story line.
February 8, 2021
Bren
This was a great read, one hard to stop reading! Thanks! I will be looking for more by Debbie Macomber.
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This was a great read, one hard to stop reading! Thanks! I will be looking for more by Debbie Macomber.
.
October 3, 2017
I had to pick this one up because of my last read. .. `The Sooner the Better`
I briefly read others comments and yes, I agree that this is not the typical Debbie Macomber book. Thank God.
Normally, the books that I have read by this author and typical romance and fluff. I do not mind those but if I read only those, I think I can compare it to eating the same damn meal everyday. Its nice to have a bit of variety and still have our favorites.
This book starts readers off probably a bit harsh. There is a scene at the beginning we are to believe this man is a heartless ass and wants a woman's virginity for him to risk his life to retrieve her twin brother. I too felt uncomfortable at times reading it but for once, this author has written not what women want to hear but how a man can truly think. Its not all rainbows and pink fluffy clouds!
"Before you go," she said, shoulders squared, " I want you to know I think you're the most unprincipled, unscrupulous, immoral man I've ever met."
Murphy hitched his eyebrows up a notch and chuckled softly. "You mean to say it's taken you this long to discover that?"
November 4, 2019
A very different read from one of my favorite contemporary romance writers.
Debbie Macomber has written some of the most touching stories, I have ever read. I grabbed this, fully expecting a lovely story of the variations of life in a nuclear supportive environment. Wow, was I in for a different ride.
This has all the critical elements that make me a true fan of Ms. Macomber, but there are so many twists and turns that I was totally dizzy, lol. Honestly, at the onset, I thought I'm not sure this will be for me. I decided to give it another chapter to decide if I should invest my time in it. By that next chapter, I was hooked. It was fast moving, action packed, and still had the conflicts, forgiveness, love, and depth of character that we expect from this very talented writer. There were some dark characters that did the gravest wrongs, but eventually goodness and decency overcame the vile, cruelty, and inhumane evil.
Debbie Macomber has written some of the most touching stories, I have ever read. I grabbed this, fully expecting a lovely story of the variations of life in a nuclear supportive environment. Wow, was I in for a different ride.
This has all the critical elements that make me a true fan of Ms. Macomber, but there are so many twists and turns that I was totally dizzy, lol. Honestly, at the onset, I thought I'm not sure this will be for me. I decided to give it another chapter to decide if I should invest my time in it. By that next chapter, I was hooked. It was fast moving, action packed, and still had the conflicts, forgiveness, love, and depth of character that we expect from this very talented writer. There were some dark characters that did the gravest wrongs, but eventually goodness and decency overcame the vile, cruelty, and inhumane evil.
November 17, 2019
This is the 2nd novel of a trilogy about the men that were part of an elite team of men that formed Deliverance Company. Although the majority of novels in a series by Debbie Macomber can be read as a stand-alone, I wouldn't recommend reading this novel without having first read "Someday Soon." Murphy is the new owner and lead of Deliverance Company but while on a brief interlude of rest from missions he is challenged with a new job by his local postmistress.
I loved the grit of the postmistress Letty Madden and her determination to rescue her twin brother Luke. Shaun Murphy is used to being "in charge" and issuing the challenges to others so it's quite fun to turn the pages as Letty becomes not only his client but rescue partner.
I can't wait to read the last novel of the trilogy.
I loved the grit of the postmistress Letty Madden and her determination to rescue her twin brother Luke. Shaun Murphy is used to being "in charge" and issuing the challenges to others so it's quite fun to turn the pages as Letty becomes not only his client but rescue partner.
I can't wait to read the last novel of the trilogy.
January 23, 2025
Not your typical Debbie Macomber story
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited because it was by Debbie Macomber and I typically enjoy everything I've read by her. This was a little different from most of her books though. It is a romantic suspense with an alpha type male protagonist and a virgin heroine. It also had another ongoing story about a man named Jack and a woman named Marcie. The link between the two stories was that both men were mercenaries with the Deliverance Company. I won't go into all the details of the story but it had a rather dated feel to it (written in 1996) and rather more focus on lustthan many of the author's books. It was ok, but not my favourite of her writings.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited because it was by Debbie Macomber and I typically enjoy everything I've read by her. This was a little different from most of her books though. It is a romantic suspense with an alpha type male protagonist and a virgin heroine. It also had another ongoing story about a man named Jack and a woman named Marcie. The link between the two stories was that both men were mercenaries with the Deliverance Company. I won't go into all the details of the story but it had a rather dated feel to it (written in 1996) and rather more focus on lustthan many of the author's books. It was ok, but not my favourite of her writings.
June 30, 2020
Another hit from Debbie Macomber! Any bragging I'd do about her stories would be repetitively redundant! She knocks another intense story out of the park in her book, Sooner or Later.
If I narrowed one specific kudos, it would be when Luke answered Rosita's question, "How can a God let this happen to us...How could He allow Hector and the others to die such a horrible death?"
Luke responded, "God isn't responsible for the hate in the world."
Through this fiction book, I'll use this non-fiction answer when someone asks this. Thank you for writing light to a sometimes dark world Debbie!
If I narrowed one specific kudos, it would be when Luke answered Rosita's question, "How can a God let this happen to us...How could He allow Hector and the others to die such a horrible death?"
Luke responded, "God isn't responsible for the hate in the world."
Through this fiction book, I'll use this non-fiction answer when someone asks this. Thank you for writing light to a sometimes dark world Debbie!
September 22, 2020
Shaun Murphy has just finished a job with his Deliverance Company and has taken a few weeks off to recuperate so he returns to his spread in Boothill, Texas where no one know him. But the postmistress, Letty Madden has a problem: her twin brother, Luke, who is a missionary in the South American country of Zarcero is missing and that country is at war. Letty wants to hire Murphy to find her brother and she will do anything and she means anything to find her brother! But Murphy doesn’t need her money so he asks for something else instead, never suspecting that she would give it to him! Read on for the adventures of Murphy and Letty in Zarcero and what awaits them there......
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2022
The cliches just keep on coming. This book has everything: a virginal woman the hero teases for being a prude, a magical twin connection, the heroine dressing up like a sex worker - complete with frilly dress and red lipstick - to help bust the hero out of jail, etc.
And some of the dialogue, like Letty blurting out "Does he need a physician?" Not doctor, for some reason, but physician. "How was it? The lovemaking between us?" (That's a guy speaking.)
It was ridiculous, but like I said, pretty faithful to the genre in that it hits all the main tropes. So for that reason, I'm giving it three stars.
And some of the dialogue, like Letty blurting out "Does he need a physician?" Not doctor, for some reason, but physician. "How was it? The lovemaking between us?" (That's a guy speaking.)
It was ridiculous, but like I said, pretty faithful to the genre in that it hits all the main tropes. So for that reason, I'm giving it three stars.
August 11, 2025
I read this book sometime ago and I ended up reading it again once again. As usual, the story was uplifting and with a happy ending. I read so many books that at some point it feels good to pick a book you have already read and relive the story.
I was captivated by Deliverance Company and I had hoped that Cain would give it up. Ranching appears to much safer than running around the jungle in South America and waiting to be killed. I was routing for the women, of course because of their strong character and will to survive no matter what. The ending came all too soon. I was a bit disappointed when I couldn't read anymore. I am looking forward to reading the third book in the series.
I was captivated by Deliverance Company and I had hoped that Cain would give it up. Ranching appears to much safer than running around the jungle in South America and waiting to be killed. I was routing for the women, of course because of their strong character and will to survive no matter what. The ending came all too soon. I was a bit disappointed when I couldn't read anymore. I am looking forward to reading the third book in the series.
June 3, 2019
Another great read !!
I have been a fan of Debbie Macomber for a long time. Her stories are well written, have great characters and keep you interested until the last word.
Sooner or Later is a wonderfully written story with well developed characters and a great plot. Debbie has a smooth way about bringing God into her novels along with a little spice just to heat things up.
I never feel disappointed when I read a story written by this wonderful author.
So, if you are looking for a good beach read, grab a copy of "Sooner or Later."
I have been a fan of Debbie Macomber for a long time. Her stories are well written, have great characters and keep you interested until the last word.
Sooner or Later is a wonderfully written story with well developed characters and a great plot. Debbie has a smooth way about bringing God into her novels along with a little spice just to heat things up.
I never feel disappointed when I read a story written by this wonderful author.
So, if you are looking for a good beach read, grab a copy of "Sooner or Later."
June 8, 2019
I really enjoyed this second book in the Deliverance Company series. In an attempt to find her twin brother serving as a missionary in a Central America country, Lettie, a postmaster in a small Texas town, hires Murphy to take her to find Luke. She offers him a great deal of money, but he finally says he will do it, in exchange for her spending the night with him. She agrees, but has her own plan to go through with this request. I won't tell you any more, you really need to read this for yourself and I don't want to spoil your own discovery and enjoyment. You won't be sorry!
July 25, 2019
I"ve had several books by this author on my shelf for a while so I knew that "Sooner or Later" I would read one. I was first attracted to this author because I like to knit and she has a series that centers around a yarn shop. This book is not one of that series.
I expected a sleepy little feel-good romance story. Wow, was I surprised! This novel had romance, and adult hookups, and travel to exotic, fictional, Central American countries. Way more than I expected but all of it thoroughly captivating and immensely enjoyed.
Like Jodi Piccoult or Elin Hilderbrand meets Diana Gabaldon.
I expected a sleepy little feel-good romance story. Wow, was I surprised! This novel had romance, and adult hookups, and travel to exotic, fictional, Central American countries. Way more than I expected but all of it thoroughly captivating and immensely enjoyed.
Like Jodi Piccoult or Elin Hilderbrand meets Diana Gabaldon.
July 30, 2019
This I s my second book n this series. When I started this book , I could not put it down. The way you have chosen the profession of the characters are so true to life it seems you are very m much a part of the story...the only thing I disliked was Marcie not choosing Jack. I can't wait to read the third book and hope it goes on to life as the children get older. It is such a wonderful read. Thank you for this seties
I have told several people and want to know if it is in paper print or just on digital print
I have told several people and want to know if it is in paper print or just on digital print
August 31, 2019
I almost didn't finish reading this book.
I had read the complete series of Cedar Cove books and when this one came up in Prime reading benefits I was happy to see another Debbie Macomber story to enjoy. I was but shocked to see it was more explicit about sex,but the characters had grabbed my attention so I read on. What I wasn't prepared for was the twist before the end. I was so angry that I wanted to quit reading! I did finish the book, but I didn't like the turbulence before landing. This will be the only one of this series I read.
I had read the complete series of Cedar Cove books and when this one came up in Prime reading benefits I was happy to see another Debbie Macomber story to enjoy. I was but shocked to see it was more explicit about sex,but the characters had grabbed my attention so I read on. What I wasn't prepared for was the twist before the end. I was so angry that I wanted to quit reading! I did finish the book, but I didn't like the turbulence before landing. This will be the only one of this series I read.
September 1, 2019
How hard they fall
Lettie hires Murphy, who is taking a break, to help find her twin brother, a missionary, who has been captured in a foreign country under false pretenses. At first he refuses to take her, then strikes a bargain: one night with him for his help. It takes a while, she agrees but deceives him a bit, and off they go. Many weeks later, they discover Luke is dead, the revolutionary regime want them, and they discover they love each other. A bit hokey, but I suppose love comes when it wants, no matter the circumstances!
Lettie hires Murphy, who is taking a break, to help find her twin brother, a missionary, who has been captured in a foreign country under false pretenses. At first he refuses to take her, then strikes a bargain: one night with him for his help. It takes a while, she agrees but deceives him a bit, and off they go. Many weeks later, they discover Luke is dead, the revolutionary regime want them, and they discover they love each other. A bit hokey, but I suppose love comes when it wants, no matter the circumstances!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 300 reviews