A Friend or Two

by Debbie Macomber

Elizabeth Wainwright, an East Coast heiress in disguise, takes a job waitressing at a Fisherman's Wharf café, eager to live a simpler life. One day Andrew Breed―handsome, mysterious and charismatic―walks in. He says he's a longshoreman, but his words and actions don't quite add up. Is Elizabeth falling in love with someone who's pretending to be something other than he claims? Is Andrew?

Genres: Romance

185 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

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

[Chey]

I’m not going to give this a rating, just because I wouldn’t know where to put it. I was disappointed by the lack of character development, and wish the love story was a bit more of a slow burn.

[Samantha · Rating 1 out of 5]

Okay, I get it… it’s a romance and not all are held to the highest regards where it comes to good literature. But for me, a book is a book and I want it to get my attention and make me care. This book didn’t manage either. From the start the characters are overly unrealistic (even for romance.) The father and grandmother discussing this girl was forced. The narrator is unlikeable and having to listen (audiobook) to her pretentious opinion as I continued was so frustrating I couldn’t bother with the rest. Not to mention… she is willing to run away from her dad, but she will begin to waitress on a dime (which BTW….so unrealistic not just because she's spoiled and doesn't know how to work...but also because you don't just get an apron and start a job, doesn't work that way.)

[Katie Schneider · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to like this story but it just didn’t do it for me

[ABookAddictHere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beth runs from her family and the trouble of feeling like she can’t do anything. She hides out in a small apartment and gets a job as a waitress. She later on meets Andrew and falls in love with him but she finds him suspicious a little with all the timing of her whereabouts . She eventually finds out he was hired by her father and is furious with both of them. Will she stay with him or run away again

[Lis Sigona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another of Debbie Macomber’s lighthearted stories. Something I could dig my head into, enjoy for a couple of good nights, and forget about the stresses of the world happenings. I really can enjoy such lighthearted reading in these turbulent times.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a older book from Debbie Macomber, but still feels new. Elizabeth (Beth) has been running since her Mom died. She could have anything she wants, but she wants her own identity. She goes to San Francisco and starts her life again.

[Vanessah · Rating 2 out of 5]

For a quick read, this was just 'meh'. The romance felt forced. I didn't really connect to any of the character, and there was no character development. It was pretty easy to guess where the story was headed and the 'twist' at the end.

[Cathie McManus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elizabeth left the East Coast to find herself. She meets Gilly. She gets a job with Gilly. Breed shows up. Elizabeth and Breed have feelings for each other. He doesn't want to act on them. She knows he is hiding something. She is devastated when she finds out the truth.

[Glenys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beth is loaded money wise but grieving her mums death, meets Breed not realising he is a body guard hired by her dad to protect her. Of course they fall in love, she finds out he is paid to look after her and cracks it.

[Jenn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Weak conflict, bad character development.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this even though it has a copyright date of 1985. Good fantasy. Took me a while into book before figuring out the ending. That helped to keep me reading.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I did figure some things out but I still enjoyed the ride.

[Donna Stewart · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fluff book. Enjoyable, fast read. Romance.

[Mary Ellen Barringer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A typical Macomber fantasy romance. It's a quick read. I like the setting in San Francisco. Good for the beach, or a rainy day.

[Garnet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh to have life be this way.

[Kristen Jane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bleh—not a fan of this one.

[Sage Bennett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was underwhelming. I didn’t really like either character but the guy was overly difficult and rude.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A predictable romance but a decent escape for a summer afternoon read.

[Debbie Heaton · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Macomber’s romance novel, East Coast heiress Elizabeth Wainwright just wants a simple life. On a whim, she takes a job as a waitress at a Fisherman’s Wharf café hoping to find some real happiness and satisfaction in life. One day Andrew Breed walks in all handsome and mysterious. Sparks begin to fly and both of them find themselves falling in love but are they each something other than they seem?

A wonderful story of mistaken identity.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually don't read Harlequins but it was a Debbie Macomber combo book so I bought it. I wasn't disappointed al little predictable but a good read, I enjoy all of Debbies books.

[Liesel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Quick and easy read but overall not thrilled at all with it. Super predictable and the ending was just awful. Would not recommend.