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Friends & Then Some
There has to be another way; Lily decided after playing "Moon River" in the hotel lounge for the thousandth time. She had to marry a man who could take care of her and her grandmother in style. But she needed help to find him. That help came from her best friend Jake. After all, hadn't he rescued them from the hotel manager Gram was casting a voodoo spell over? Jake agreed, and the hunt was on. But while they were looking for a rich husband, Lily discovered that her feelings for Jake were changing. He was her friend--and then some.
189 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1986
About the author
Debbie Macomber
923 books21.3k 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 138 reviews
March 31, 2017
It was an alright read, not one of her best. Lily was just to materialistic for me and shallow until the end of the book.
July 1, 2015
This novel is two parts romance, one part comedy of errors, and a dash of fairy tale. Macomber combines the best parts of friendship with the difficulties of budding romance, and all the heartache of trying to find your one and only. Emotions are palpable throughout, and the plot was quite enjoyable.
Macomber has filled this novel with characters who have heart. They may not always make the most logical decisions, but they definitely make emotional ones. Jake & Lily had me in stitches and close to tears. The ease, yet sudden difficulty that they feel around one another seemed so real and natural to me. Jake’s caring yet independent nature made him so easy to fall in love with. Lily’s desire for stability was completely understandable, even if she went about it in what turned out to be the wrong way. And one can’t forget Gran. She was fantastic and made the story for me. I loved her little eccentricities & all the love she had for those she considers family.
This isn’t necessarily my favourite of Macomber’s novels, but it’s definitely an enjoyable, heartfelt read. It is a great summer read for any who enjoy romance with a little laughter.
Macomber has filled this novel with characters who have heart. They may not always make the most logical decisions, but they definitely make emotional ones. Jake & Lily had me in stitches and close to tears. The ease, yet sudden difficulty that they feel around one another seemed so real and natural to me. Jake’s caring yet independent nature made him so easy to fall in love with. Lily’s desire for stability was completely understandable, even if she went about it in what turned out to be the wrong way. And one can’t forget Gran. She was fantastic and made the story for me. I loved her little eccentricities & all the love she had for those she considers family.
This isn’t necessarily my favourite of Macomber’s novels, but it’s definitely an enjoyable, heartfelt read. It is a great summer read for any who enjoy romance with a little laughter.
February 3, 2020
A super light romance novel that was a bit dated but hey...I’ll take a friends to lovers story any day of the week.
June 29, 2015
This was one of Debbie Macomber's first published books. It was a little different than her most recent books, and it is great to see how she has grown as the amazing author she is today.
Friends and Then Some is a little rough on the edges in my opinion. I kind of think that the characters where a little one dimensional, but all in all a quick summer read.
Friends and Then Some is a little rough on the edges in my opinion. I kind of think that the characters where a little one dimensional, but all in all a quick summer read.
September 24, 2019
Predictable romance novel.
May 30, 2024
It was a good book, busy this time of year, so took me longer to read. It was easy to figure out how it was going to end..😊
May 18, 2024
Love is love. Though it may not be plain to see.
October 26, 2021
Silly airy fun that somehow reminded me of I Love Lucy, with Gran as Ethyl and just as much eye rolling for sailor Jake (of course his name is Jake) and piano-playing Lily.
March 8, 2014
Title: Friends And Then Some
Author: Debbie Macomber
Publisher: D.M. Books
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 4
Review:
"Friends And Then Some" by Debbie Macomber was a beautiful classic read of Lily and Jake's romance. The author has a way that her reads as very enjoyable and a light read. This was somewhat a little predictable but still a good read. I really enjoyed how this author was able to finally get these two together. I found this read was one that once you start reading it will be hard to put down until the end. I found the characters were all well developed, believable and my favorite one beside the hero and heroine would be the eccentric Gram.
If you are looking for an entertaining read then you have come to the right place for "Friends And Then Some" will give it to you.
August 29, 2014
I*t is an okay story thus far, it was a great nice read though, great plot start and character build -up but as soon as i got into the middle it became a tad slow towards dragging. I was hoping Jake was a business tycoon in disguise as a lowly taxi- driver , but nah he was not .but if he was that would have beena great plot to the story!!! to tie-up with its happy ending .
Other than that it was an alright read.
Other than that it was an alright read.
July 11, 2015
Great story line! Loved how the female character realized there was more to finding a great guy than just his money.
July 23, 2018
Awful. Predictable from the first page, and who would care about a woman who just wants a Sugar Daddy?
March 30, 2020
It was very predictable, but a lot of romance novels are. I only read it because my grandmother gave it to me. I hate romance novels.
January 1, 2014
Whoop whoop first book of 2014 done!!
Cute book by the way!
Cute book by the way!
Read
May 10, 2021Get your mind out of whatever gutter reading the title has put you in after reading the title-this is not that kind of book. I’m okay with a sexless romance book. I’ve read a couple romances that made me forget sex was even an option because they were so fulfilling in every other way. My issue with this book does not stem from the absence of window steaming scenes or even from its short length. No, my issue is with the male MC. I spent the last 30-40 minutes of the audiobook sitting in my apartment alone yelling for the male MC to “go fuck himself” (glamorous image, I know). I even turned it into a song, that’s how serious I was. I didn’t understand his problem with deepening his relationship with the fem MC and the only explanation I got was a tiny bloop about 20 minutes into the shenanigans where in his mental monologue, he stated he didn’t want their relationship to change and I’m guessing he feared adding a sexual component would wreck their relationship. It’s a valid concern, I don’t refute that, yet why was it as difficult as pulling teeth using a pumpkin carving kit whenever the fem MC tried to get him to explain himself in any kind of detail? He stated his decisions and opinions like ”this is the way it is chick, and I know you agree with me deep down so let’s not talk about this and say we did.” The worst part was he didn’t let her speak whenever they started getting into it. Your opinion doesn’t matter in our relationship because I have spoken! Now come over here and give me an only-friends kiss. If he had just let her speak, she would have told him her priorities had shifted and a good 2/3 of his argument for being anti-relationship would have collapsed. He acted like a child plugging their ears and sing-yelling at the top of their lungs. Zero communication skills or interest in developing them. What’s more, he re-directed his discomfort with the situation to anger and aimed it at the fem MC like a massive glitter cannon. He said some shitty shit “in the heat of he moment”, shit no good friend should say. I can understand stuff slipping out once, maybe twice, but he was an asshole several times (even gave her stony silences and treated her like a burden when he was having trouble controlling his emotions) with minuscule apologies given in-between. His behavior towards the middle-ish end was dickish and showed that he believed that his comfort zone was the only place their relationship could flourish. Selfish AF.
The fem MC is an enabler. When her bestie was an ass, instead of sticking to her guns and making him apologize on his knees, head bowed in supplication, she spent a good half of the book chasing after HIM because she couldn’t stand the distance. Okay, that’s fine. There are plenty of people who are very quick to bend, but then I can’t be expected to be all up-in-arms about the 15th time the male MC says something funky to her and she runs off crying. It was too much, my sympathy only extends so far. I also didn’t understand her initial obsession with marrying rich. She was a musician, and a supposedly talented one. She could have rented herself out to fancy people and made good money for herself, why was that not an option? She could have been set on having the freedom using someone else’s money brings, which is fine with me, I just needed a little more explanation.
The male MC is a hypo(crite). I didn’t like how he handled the “broken promise” thing. I also was hoping the intuition thing would get fleshed it a little more. Could have been an interesting /unique addition, but as it was, the descriptions were super vague and his “fear” for the fem MC didn’t amount to anything. Stating the sugar daddies were wrong for her because the male MC was right for her made me doubt the validity of the “intuition” he’d had and question its purpose.
The grandma was cool, I liked her. Though I must have missed the part where it was explained why she spoke Swahili and believed in voodoo when I didn’t get the impression from the descriptions of her that she was from the South, black, or from Africa.
All-in-all, I wasn’t moved by this “romance”. Definitely felt more like a “despite your glaringly obvious flaws, I still love you” kind of story, which is a pity, because it started off so good.
The fem MC is an enabler. When her bestie was an ass, instead of sticking to her guns and making him apologize on his knees, head bowed in supplication, she spent a good half of the book chasing after HIM because she couldn’t stand the distance. Okay, that’s fine. There are plenty of people who are very quick to bend, but then I can’t be expected to be all up-in-arms about the 15th time the male MC says something funky to her and she runs off crying. It was too much, my sympathy only extends so far. I also didn’t understand her initial obsession with marrying rich. She was a musician, and a supposedly talented one. She could have rented herself out to fancy people and made good money for herself, why was that not an option? She could have been set on having the freedom using someone else’s money brings, which is fine with me, I just needed a little more explanation.
The male MC is a hypo(crite). I didn’t like how he handled the “broken promise” thing. I also was hoping the intuition thing would get fleshed it a little more. Could have been an interesting /unique addition, but as it was, the descriptions were super vague and his “fear” for the fem MC didn’t amount to anything. Stating the sugar daddies were wrong for her because the male MC was right for her made me doubt the validity of the “intuition” he’d had and question its purpose.
The grandma was cool, I liked her. Though I must have missed the part where it was explained why she spoke Swahili and believed in voodoo when I didn’t get the impression from the descriptions of her that she was from the South, black, or from Africa.
All-in-all, I wasn’t moved by this “romance”. Definitely felt more like a “despite your glaringly obvious flaws, I still love you” kind of story, which is a pity, because it started off so good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2022
This is probably the first Debbie Macomber book that I haven't absolutely adored. Granted, it is one of the "Debbie Macomber Classics" titles, so an older work.
Lisa and Jake have been best friends since they met a year ago. Lisa is rather stuck up and comes off as shallow. She's a talented piano player whose sole goal in life is to land a rich man who will take care of all of her financial worries. Jake leads a simple life after his time in the Iraq War, penning short stories and driving a cab white staying rather reticent about his life. They seem like an oddball couple, yet are completely devoted to each other.
The problem with those kinds of friendships is one always ends up falling for the other. Jake can see past Lisa's shallow surface, but also thinks he isn't right for her. He is so kind and giving, but also has an awful jealous streak where Lisa is concerned. He also plays a hot and cold game that is absolutely maddening. I think I never really warm up to him because he reminds me too much of my ex-boyfriend.
Lisa probably has the most growth in this story as she starts to realize that these rich suitors really are not what she wants. She doesn't seem to understand that someone like Jake could actually be enough.
The two of them definitely have the best friend and bickering things down pat. Those two things usually guarantee a smoking relationship. But this one fell flat. I almost felt like the author wasn't quite sure what to do with them, either, and had to wrap up the story to make a deadline.
All of that being said, though, I still read the whole thing in one afternoon.
Lisa and Jake have been best friends since they met a year ago. Lisa is rather stuck up and comes off as shallow. She's a talented piano player whose sole goal in life is to land a rich man who will take care of all of her financial worries. Jake leads a simple life after his time in the Iraq War, penning short stories and driving a cab white staying rather reticent about his life. They seem like an oddball couple, yet are completely devoted to each other.
The problem with those kinds of friendships is one always ends up falling for the other. Jake can see past Lisa's shallow surface, but also thinks he isn't right for her. He is so kind and giving, but also has an awful jealous streak where Lisa is concerned. He also plays a hot and cold game that is absolutely maddening. I think I never really warm up to him because he reminds me too much of my ex-boyfriend.
Lisa probably has the most growth in this story as she starts to realize that these rich suitors really are not what she wants. She doesn't seem to understand that someone like Jake could actually be enough.
The two of them definitely have the best friend and bickering things down pat. Those two things usually guarantee a smoking relationship. But this one fell flat. I almost felt like the author wasn't quite sure what to do with them, either, and had to wrap up the story to make a deadline.
All of that being said, though, I still read the whole thing in one afternoon.
February 24, 2019
As a Debbie Macomber fan, overall this was one her more average stories. Gram was easily the best part of the book. But there’s another character whose flaws I just couldn’t ignore.
Lily is completely oblivious to Jake’s feelings, which I was willing to give a pass on. What I can’t forgive as easily is Jake.
Jake starts off crushing on Lily (which is about as subtle as a train wreck). But then he just
Lily is completely oblivious to Jake’s feelings, which I was willing to give a pass on. What I can’t forgive as easily is Jake.
Jake starts off crushing on Lily (which is about as subtle as a train wreck). But then he just
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2021
Lily Morrissey plays piano at a fancy San Francisco hotel making mood music for the well-healed guests. She's eager to find a Sugar Daddy who can give her everything money can buy, something she and her grandmother have never had.
Her best friend is a cabby and small sailboat owner who writes short stories. Jake Carson loves his life, but doesn't seem to be wanting what Lily craves, although they both love to sail on the bay together during Lily's days off.
But Lily's grandmother knows something neither of these star-crossed almost lovers don't. They are made for each other. But what's it going to take for each of them to admit their feelings? Several dates with rich men for Lily? Several fights with Jake that he then insists on apologizing for?
Her best friend is a cabby and small sailboat owner who writes short stories. Jake Carson loves his life, but doesn't seem to be wanting what Lily craves, although they both love to sail on the bay together during Lily's days off.
But Lily's grandmother knows something neither of these star-crossed almost lovers don't. They are made for each other. But what's it going to take for each of them to admit their feelings? Several dates with rich men for Lily? Several fights with Jake that he then insists on apologizing for?
October 15, 2020
Friends- And Then Some: A Novel was a great read by Debbie Macomber. Lily is looking for a husband and wants him to have a big bank account. She wants to find security for herself and her grandmother. She has had a hard time finding love and it seems as though her best friend Jake gets in the way. She knows that Jake could be perfect for her but all he wants is the freedom of being on his boat. Jake doesn’t want to lose Lily or see her in another mans arms, but they don’t seem to be on the same page. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more by Debbie Macomber.
November 10, 2020
Rich in love
Lily is playing songs she doesn't like in a hotel bar filled with rich people. Her goal is to marry a rich man after being raised on a shoe string budget by her grandmother.
Jake is a struggling author who pays the bills by driving his cab. They meet when Lily's grandmother decides to confront the hotel management in the lobby and, seeing the incident from his cab, Jake rushes both of them away before the police arrive, making him their hero.
Filled with twists and tiffs that will keep you engaged!
Lily is playing songs she doesn't like in a hotel bar filled with rich people. Her goal is to marry a rich man after being raised on a shoe string budget by her grandmother.
Jake is a struggling author who pays the bills by driving his cab. They meet when Lily's grandmother decides to confront the hotel management in the lobby and, seeing the incident from his cab, Jake rushes both of them away before the police arrive, making him their hero.
Filled with twists and tiffs that will keep you engaged!
March 5, 2021
To be completely honest, I picked this book, free on my Kindle, because I wanted a quick read to catch up on my challenge. My bad. I do like her most recent books and hate to be cruel to early attempts, especially as she did manage to get published, but this early attempt was formulaic and hard to believe. She is so beautiful, he so rugged, they play games with each other for way longer than could possibly be healthy, and she has a Grandmother who does African rites, supposedly, although she clearly is appropriating them inappropriately. Oh well, it was an early attempt.
August 19, 2017
Simple story of girl wants the "finer things in life" - big house, fine-dining, fancy clothes - provided by a money man. Girl's best friend, a taxicab chauffeur with very little money - loves and protects her, unable to provide her with all of her hearts desires.
As time passes, their friendship deepens into an "accidental kiss" that leads to the shocking discovery that all they ever wanted and needed was each other.
As time passes, their friendship deepens into an "accidental kiss" that leads to the shocking discovery that all they ever wanted and needed was each other.
November 17, 2019
I listened to this book on Audible at an increased speed for my own preference. The narration was okay so it did not distract from the story.
I love a good Macomber book and this one didn’t disappoint! Typical best friend tries to find best friend a mate while hiding their own feelings — but still a great story!
I love a good Macomber book and this one didn’t disappoint! Typical best friend tries to find best friend a mate while hiding their own feelings — but still a great story!
November 9, 2020
Fun love story of two people trying not to be in love
I am married to my best friend and I see a lot of my own romance in this delightful story. The unexpected warmth, the contentment, the passion and the willingness to put the other person’s needs first. Debbie captured the essence of what makes lasting relationships work.
I am married to my best friend and I see a lot of my own romance in this delightful story. The unexpected warmth, the contentment, the passion and the willingness to put the other person’s needs first. Debbie captured the essence of what makes lasting relationships work.
December 16, 2020
Classic Debbie
From the descriptions of two beautiful young people to an instant desire created when they accidentally kiss, an emotion that causes consternation throughout the rest of the book and most commonly to a lack of communication that always ends happily ever after, this is a classic Debbie Macomber book. Loved reading her for so many years I can’t count.
From the descriptions of two beautiful young people to an instant desire created when they accidentally kiss, an emotion that causes consternation throughout the rest of the book and most commonly to a lack of communication that always ends happily ever after, this is a classic Debbie Macomber book. Loved reading her for so many years I can’t count.
January 25, 2021
Cute time killer
Though I have quickly become a Macomber fan, this one is my least favorite. I understand that love is complicated and there’s nothing perfect in life. The back and forth of the same thing was a little blah for me. Not trying to be rude. I mean, it’s a decent time killer, just not a favorite.
Though I have quickly become a Macomber fan, this one is my least favorite. I understand that love is complicated and there’s nothing perfect in life. The back and forth of the same thing was a little blah for me. Not trying to be rude. I mean, it’s a decent time killer, just not a favorite.
May 14, 2021
Intriguing
The friendship and constant conflict of what the Lily and Jake thought they wanted in life made the story interesting. Also, the constant battle in Jake to give her what she wanted was heartwarming. In addition for him to get to the realization that he loved her made the story intriguing.
The friendship and constant conflict of what the Lily and Jake thought they wanted in life made the story interesting. Also, the constant battle in Jake to give her what she wanted was heartwarming. In addition for him to get to the realization that he loved her made the story intriguing.
May 30, 2021
Honestly, this was a very predictable book and the characters weren’t really to my liking. I wish we could have seen them grow more and the ending just seemed a little rushed.
Do I recommend this book? No. Do I recommend Debbie? Definitely, her recent books are better according to me. She’s definitely grown as an author.
Do I recommend this book? No. Do I recommend Debbie? Definitely, her recent books are better according to me. She’s definitely grown as an author.
November 28, 2021
Jacks behavior toward lily is unacceptable and unattractive. Men stalking and getting angry at women and being controlling bothered me throughout the book. Lily is portrayed as a childish helpless girl, which is also disturbing. I don’t expect much from the characters or chapter development in mccombers books but this was upsetting to me that people call this romance.
October 21, 2019
This was such a cute short novel. At first it took me a while to warm up to the heroine who was desperately trying to find a rich husband but she had her own charm that few on you and the progression of their relationship was satisfying. I do love a good friends to lover book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews