Out of the Rain: Marriage Wanted / Laughter in the Rain

From This Day Forward #3-4

by Debbie Macomber

The old adage says Marry in haste, repent at leisure.
Marriage Wanted
Can you marry in haste and not repent at all?
As far as Nash Davenport's concerned, marriage isn't shelter from the storm, it is the storm. He's a divorce attorney, himself divorced, who believes no married couple can live up to their wedding vows. Savannah Charles, however, believes in the valueand the valuesof marriage. She's a wedding planner who finds herself saying yes when Nash unexpectedly proposes. Even though it's strictly a business proposal
Laughter in the Rain
Can you marry at leisureand wish you'd done it in haste?
Abby Carpenter has been involved with predictable, practical Logan Fletcher for years. One day she meets the unpredictable, impracticaland very excitingTate Harding. Does an everyday guy like Logan have a chance against a handsome stranger like Tate?
"

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Womens Fiction, Drama, Chick Lit

416 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published July 26, 2011

About the author

Debbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.

In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.

Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.

She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.

Reviews

[Katherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't usually read Debbie Macomber but I needed a story with an "O" so I picked this up, which turned out to be two stories. The first Marriage wanted was better but by no means great. The hero was good but the heroine (who has a limp) was whiney and got on my nerves. The second Laughter in the rain was just plain stupid. It seemed to be written by a Jr. High student. Dialogue was tedious and I skimmed a good portion. Guess I will stay away from her books.

[April Suter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two books in one edition:
Marriage Wanted: Savannah is a wedding consultant helping Nash's sister plan her wedding. Nash, a divorce attorney with a negative experience in love, barges into Savannah's business telling her she must stop the sister from getting married and in his opinion the dumbest thing to do on this earth. So Savannah has a lot of work to do to make the wedding happen. Nash's boss thinks it is time for him to move on and get married--again an unbelievable, unthinkable suggestion...but Savannah wants her parents to quit worrying about her and start traveling and Nash really wants the parnership in the firm so they come up with a crazy plan. Debbie Macomber really shows her writing talent when she writes how in this book Savannah has an injury from her youth so she limps but ends up in Nash's arms dancing at the wedding.

Laughter in the Rain: Abby has been dating the Logan for years, they have a comfortable schedule and routine they follow. She meets Tate, who is a little intriging and different and would like to spend time with her and needs her to teach him how to read. Logan stands his ground and says it is him or Tate not both. Abby is crushed and wants time to think, and then gets jealous when Logan is spending time with someone else. What was Abby and Logan missing in their relationship...will communication help or does it mean it is time to more on.

410 pages

[Theresa Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was divided into two stories, both of which dealt with difficulties in relationships due to lack of open communication. I thought each was a bit repetitive, with unresolved issues repeated a few times too many to hold my interest. I do love this author and I did get some satisfaction out of reading them but they were not my favs.

[Veronica F · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this because I needed to read a book that was written by an author who shared my zodiac sign. Its 2 separate stories and both were so-so.

The females are whiney and annoying and the male were unconvincingly possessive but not in that sexy make you want them way.

[Garnet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic story, fun to read through Debbie Macomber’s point of view. Taking a chance on a fake marriage is risky.

[Marianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

An omnibus of two Debbie Macomber romances:
Marriage Wanted is the third book in the From This Day Forward series by popular American author, Debbie Macomber. Wedding planner, Savannah is asked by Susan Davenport to plan something within her limited budget for her wedding to Kurt. Her older brother Nash is her only living relative, but is so against marriage she doubts he will even attend. Savannah is determined to give Susan a romantic wedding she will cherish.

Nash Davenport is bitterly divorced, and a ruthless divorce lawyer who loves his sister but can’t condone her marriage. He arrives at Savannah’s bridal shop full of scorn and negativity. How is it, then, that he and Savannah, two people with such radically opposed views of marriage, end up married just a few months later? Another sweet romance from the queen of feelgood. 4★s

Laughter in the Rain is the eleventh stand-alone romance by popular American author, Debbie Macomber. When Abby Carpenter meets Tate Harding, she is immediately attracted. Her relationship with Logan Fletcher seems dull and predictable, so when Tate asks her out, she doesn’t really hesitate. But it seems that Logan isn't willing to be a third wheel: he starts to take their romance to the next level, and when Abby continues to see Tate, gives her an ultimatum. Abby soon realises that all is not as it first appears with Tate, and that she misses Logan’s company more than she ever expected to.

This romance is not up to Macomber’s usual standard: Abby is irritating in her attitudes, Tate is selfish and proud, and just needs to grow a set and get over himself, and Logan, least annoying of the lot, is too quick to jump to conclusions. They all need to communicate more, and there was a bit too much male ego happening. A happy ending I’m not sure this lot deserved. 3 ★s

[Sally906 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I dip into Debbie Macomber’s work from time to time – always a feel good read. ‘Marriage Wanted’ was no different – I really enjoyed how she developed the story, it was funny at times and a quick read. Both Savannah and Nash were likeable and believable – the plot was something I could see happening. Then I got to ‘Laughter in the Rain’ and it all went downhill after that. I just couldn’t relate to Abby and Logan at all, they were both quite selfish and foolish, her more than him, and I just wanted to smack them both. I got that it is supposed to be about trust but I couldn’t feel any chemistry between the main characters, I felt that she only wanted Logan when the other romance didn’t pan out the way she wanted AND she actually wanted them both and had the gall to be upset when Logan told her to go away. Sorry – Abby was a stupid character in my humble opinion and really didn’t deserve a happy ending. Do yourself a favour and read the first story – but give the second a miss.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a 2-in-1 novel. I really liked the first story. The storyline that basically turns unbelievers into believers of love and marriage and self worth is always a plus for me. But the second book... I just couldn't feel the chemistry between the main characters. Even at the end of the novel I was just plugging through it because I wanted to know what happened. I hated how indecisive Abby was through so much of the novel. So just ok for me.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first story in the book but the second one got on my nerves. Logan kept repeating himself and their relationship just went in circles for way to long. I would have stopped reading if I didn't want to find out so bad if they made it through all their mistakes.

[Emily Bernard · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review would have been five stars but the second story was extremely redundant and many times I just wanted it to be over with! It was so annoying that I even struggled to give this book four stars!

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Macomber is like a guilty pleasure. The novels are not tedious; very sweet and clean, and don't require much thinking.

[Pat]

A typical cranked out book where you know the ending after page 20!! Still, I like her for a nonbrainer read after you have read something very heavy.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed both stories in this book. They were filled with wonderful characters, laughter and interesting story lines!

[brenda janowiecki · Rating 3 out of 5]

This Debbie Macomber book is two stories in one. The first is about Nash who is a divorce attorney and is divorced. He sees no reason for marriage and thinks marriage is an out dated idea. Savannah owns her own wedding shop and serves soon to be married couples with all their arrangements, clothes, and keeping the day on schedule. While she loves the idea of marriage she doesn’t believe it’s in the cards for her because of her damaged leg. The two are nothing alike and are set to change the others mind about all things marriage.

The second story is about a couple who has been dating for a year and has found it to be reliable and comfortable like a blanket on a cold night but not sizzling like a camp fire. Abby meets a guy in the park who seems interested in her and feels like she’s on fire just speaking with him. So she does the only thing she can think would be right and tells her boyfriend she wants a break to try to get to know this other guy. But is it the right decision?

It’s an enjoyable group of stories but when it comes to romance, this one is a tad predictable.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this double story book.

Marriage Wanted - a book about two people who have very different views on marriage, a wedding planner and a divorce attorney. They strike a deal to see if they can prove their case to each other to prove why they see love and marriage they way they do. Who will win, or will they be stubborn and keep to their own views?

Laughter in the Rain - a book on a relationship and how the grass may not always be greener on the other side. What does it take for you to realize what you had or what you really want? Read this book to find out.

[Diana Lepine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was written nearly 30 years ago when the euphemism for sex was “making love” rather than the awful “let’s f@@k. Both stories were well written and interesting. I believe the main issue with both couples was lack of trust. I also found it pretty unbelievable that both couples didn’t seem to have premarital sex. It was prevalent starting in the 70s, however the stories were good and I enjoyed reading them.

[Irene Davidson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this 'two-for-one' edition in a second-hand bookstore in Seattle and thought it ideal to take away on a rainy break-away to the Olympic Peninsula.
I was wrong -'Marriage Wanted' reminded me of an old Mills and Boons ..just with a more contemporary setting and 'Laughter in the Rain' was just plain irritating.
Too bad -I've read and liked other Debbie Macomber novels previously.

[Cardmaker · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you like sappy, unbelievable "love" stories, Debbie Macomber's book is for you. It's two stories. The first one was so stupid that I didn't even bother trying to read the second one. As it was, I struggled to keep going with the first one. The female main character was so unlikeable, feeling so sorry for herself all the time, I got tired of listening to her complaints.

[Glenys · Rating 3 out of 5]

two stories in this book
Marriage Wanted - Female in charge of wedding planning has a limp and lets it get in the way of life.
Laughter in the rain - Female cannot make her mind up between 2 men so puts one on hold while she gets it all wrong with the other....
Really OLD views on marriage and romance. I felt like telling both female leads to grow up.

[Ryviera Shayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debbie is a wonderful author full of fun and imagination. That said, I have not loved all of her books, although I have enjoyed many of them. This is one of those. Two wonderful stories about love and marriage and misunderstanding and make-ups. These two stories are well worth the read, many times over.

[Bonnie F. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marriage Wanted was Debbie quality and I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, storyline and characters. However, the second story, Laughter in the Rain was a huge disappointment. The repetition of the conflict and irritating exchanges between the main characters could have been resolved in one chapter, yet it drug on and on. Painful, to say the least!

[Trisha_loves_books · Rating 2 out of 5]

1st story: Marriage Wanted: I hate marriage for convenience sake. Decent ending but just ok. 2nd story: Laughter in the Rain: No honesty, no trust, why are they even together? Didn't really care for either one.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first story was enjoyable but the second took all I had to just finish it. I did not care for it at all. Both characters were just annoying. I generally like Macombers books but this one....not so much.

[Nadine Bourgault · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy her books when I want something light and fun. This book has three stories in one, all can stand alone. They are just fun and quite predictable. they made me smile. I would recommend for anyone who enjoys love stories with some humor and even some suspense.

[Lorraine O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The publisher took 2 of Debbie's older books and repackaged them to increase sales. Both stories are great, I mean, it's Debbie, how could they not be great? I just don't get why they are together. I picked it up at a yard sale, and it's now being passed around to all the cousins to read.

[Donna Spiro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it...true romance

[Joy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yuck!

[Donna Stanhope · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was an easy read. I enjoyed it

[Britt Pearson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Drama drama drama

[Stacey Houllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two great short stories in the one book. Highly recommended this book so much to readers who like reading romances.