What Matters Most: Shadow Chasing / Laughter in the Rain

by Debbie Macomber

Available in one volume for the first Shadow Chasing and Laughter in the Rain, two of Debbie Macomber’s classic novels that explore true love and life’s most pleasant surprises.

Shadow With only seven days to unwind in the sun-drenched splendor of Mexico, Carla Walker isn’t expecting to find “Mr. Right.” Then she meets Philip Garrison. But when Carla finds out that Philip is a cop—just like her father—she’s devastated. She has always vowed to stay away from police officers and the tumultuous lifestyle that comes with them. Despite their chemistry, and Philip’s persistence, Carla ends the fling. Only when she returns home to Seattle does Carla realize that it hadn’t just been the tropical sun that set her blood afire; it had been Philip. Now she wants him back, but is Carla willing to compromise on her biggest deal-breaker for true love?

Laughter in the Rain - Abby Carpenter longs for the type of romance she’s read about in books. She loves her volunteer work teaching English and has had a steady casual relationship with warm and trustworthy Logan Fletcher for years, but something is missing. Then along comes Tate Harding, the unpredictable, impractical—and very exciting—handsome stranger she meets in the park. Abby is confronted with real passion—but is she willing to risk her relationship with Logan, who has always been steadfast in his commitment? When faced with an ultimatum, Abby must choose between security and a whirlwind, novel-worthy romance.

Genres: Romance, Fiction

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 23, 2024

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

[Corine Borowiak · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a giveaway. It has two quick read romance novels. Both are sweet, old fashioned romance stories. Shadow Chasing has Carla and Nancy finding their heart throbs while vacationing in Mexico. Of course, there is conflict, then resolution. I loved both of these ladies. Laughter in the Rain Has Abby finding a new love interest while still dating her steady boyfriend, Logan. Logan sets her free to pursue her interest in Tate. When she realizes Tate's true interest in her, she goes back to Logan, but conflict arises when she continues to see Tate while telling Logan she loves him, but he has to trust her as she continues to meet with Tate. This story became frustrating as Abby was locked into a promise to Tate to keep secret while they were meeting. I just wanted to give each player a swift kick in the pants. But, this is the conflict in a formula romance.

[Florence Fales · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway!!!
Romance written by Debbie Macomber at her best!!!!
This book contains two stories. Shadow Chasing and Laughter in the Rain.
Both books follow couple either meeting for the first time or a couple who are engaged. Everything goes wrong but then everything goes right.
Both stories are wonderful!!! Definitely a Goodread!!!!!!

[Linnea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even as a nice romance,, both stories were a bit choppy

[Sue]

The two stories were very similar and the characters argued a lot. Some of the conversations did not seem realistic. The last 75 pages I just read the dialogue so I could finish the book.

[Gwen Susanek]

This book has 2 books.
Shadow Chasing was a good fast reading book.
Laughter in the Rain was just an ok book.

[Monica Capalia · Rating 3 out of 5]

More like a 2.5 star
Normally love the author’s books, but not this time.
Her writing has improved a lot since these stories.

[Leslie Finn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting stories; I liked "Shadow Chasing" better than "Laughter in the Rain," but I've liked some of her other books even better than this one.

[Janet Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has 2 cute stories. I enjoyed it.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

2 books in 1 loved the 1st story. The 2nd was ok

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very light reading but typical ending

[Kimberly Forrester · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is a little repetitive

[BEVERLY ANGSTADT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two nice novellas

[Anjeanett Grant · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you want to hate the the FMC, then this is a great read. I can't believe the men were so patient. I would have given up way sooner.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two sweet stories. I definately liked the first one, Shadow Chasing, better. It was interesting to read a couple of Debbie's stories from "way back when".

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great one by Macomber!

[Shirley Dilley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Predictable; characters not that interesting, so many pages to skip over due to nothing really changing-pages of arguments over the same thing.

[Pat]

Read Shadow Chasing back in 2020. Didn’t want to read it again. Then Laughter in the Rain as I was reading this one sounded very familiar that I had read it before.

[Julia Cantrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the first book, but the second book had a little too much drama for me!

[Shirley Zeller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give them a 4 star.