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Romance and Peppermint Lattes: Here Comes Trouble / The Forgetful Bride

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No matter how unlikely the pairing, with #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber, you know true love awaits!

Here Comes Trouble

Maryanne Simpson has been putting in the work to become a respected journalist, a journey made that much easier by her father owning a newspaper! An unflattering piece written about her by rival columnist Nolan Adams lights a fire under her, and before you know it, she’s quit her job, moved out of her luxury apartment and sworn off her trust fund.

Desperate to prove to Nolan—and herself—that she’s got what it takes to make it on her own, she suddenly finds herself neighbor to the gruff newsman. He’s certainly not an appropriate match for a socialite like herself, but as the days pass, Maryanne finds herself wanting something more than just his respect…

The Forgetful Bride

When Caitlin Marshall and Joseph Rockwell were eight and ten years old, they got married in a pretend ceremony. Now, twenty years later, Caitlin is a businesswoman trying to leave those embarrassing childhood memories behind. If only Joseph—now a successful Seattle contractor renovating her office—would let her forget.

Her professional image is deeply important to her, which is why Joe gets so much enjoyment out of teasing her in front of her boss. But harmless pranks are a cover for deeper feelings, and Cait and Joe find themselves steps away from realizing there just might be something real between them after all.

Don’t miss these other sweet holiday romances from Debbie Macomber! Romance and Peppermint Lattes A Cozy Christmas Blizzard The Perfect Christmas A Christmas Message

352 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 28, 2025

275 people are currently reading
437 people want to read

About the author

Debbie Macomber

907 books20.7k followers
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.

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5 stars
191 (45%)
4 stars
114 (27%)
3 stars
89 (21%)
2 stars
22 (5%)
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3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Linden.
2,125 reviews1 follower
July 10, 2025
There are two novellas in this collection. In Here Comes Trouble the first chapter tells us how it ended, but the rest is told in flashback. Trust fund nepo-baby Maryanne gets a coveted job on Daddy’s Seattle newspaper despite her lack of experience. Cynical reporter wrong-side-of-the tracks Nolan from a rival paper writes an article full of rich girl put-downs about her being a debutante, so she quits both the paper and her luxe apartment and moves into a dump while taking a job as both a waitress and a rent-a-maid. This will prove to Nolan that she is not just another rich girl! This relationship story was really tiresome, as Nolan kisses her while saying he doesn’t want to get involved. And would a pampered princess really take a job as a maid and a waitress? Debbie Macomber’s strength is usually in her characters, but this setup just seemed ridiculous.

The second, The Forgetful Bride, is equally ludicrous. When Joe is 10 he wants to kiss 8 year old Caitlin (anyone who has ever known a 10 year old boy will find this particularly unbelievable) but she says they have to get married first, so her 10 year old brother officiates. Cait, who has a crush on her boss, meets Joe as an adult, and he teases her about their childhood wedding, and continues to mention it to anyone who will listen. Cait was not the most likable character (except for the airport incident) and she was incredibly obtuse about her boss. Debbie must be digging these lame stories out of her archives (especially with throwback names like Maryanne, Barbara, and Carol) but maybe it would have been better if she hadn’t. I received an advance copy from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for stefan.
113 reviews8 followers
January 1, 2026
The Forgetful Bride Was funnier story then the other story.
Profile Image for Lilian♡.
222 reviews9 followers
December 21, 2025
3.75⭐️ for "here comes trouble" 🎄
3.5⭐️ for "the forgetful bride" 🎁

3.75⭐️ overall!!!

this was a cute Christmas romance! but I didn't really connect to the characters since these stories are so short. but I enjoyed it! 🥰
Profile Image for Barb Lie.
2,086 reviews4 followers
October 6, 2025
Romance and Peppermint Lattes by Debbie Macomber are two novellas in this collection.

Here Comes Trouble

We meet MaryAnne Simpson who works at a Seattle newspaper, with the help from her father, who owns a number of newspapers.  MaryAnne wrote an article, and to her dismay, a cynical reporter writes about MaryAnne’s column, about her being a rich girl debutante; with both the rival reporter and her going back and forth.  Nolan Adams decides to meet MaryAnne for dinner to discuss their thoughts.  MaryAnne quits the paper, as she takes a few different jobs, as a maid and now a waitress.  Nolan helps her get an apartment where he lives, next door to his own apartment. She wants to prove to Nolan and herself that she has what it takes to make in on her own.  

In a short time, both MaryAnne and Nolan become close, but he is determined not to become involved romantically; even though he continues to kiss her. Though Nolan finds himself attracted to MaryAnne, he doesn’t feel she is not a match for a socialite like her.  Will MaryAnne find a way to win over Nolan? I really enjoyed this story, as it was so very well written by Debbie Macomber.




The Forgetful Bride

When Caitlin Marshall and Joseph Rockwell were 8/10 years old, Caitlin insisted that Joe marry her, in a fake ceremony.  Twenty years later, Caitlin has a crush on her boss, and meets the contractor who is fixing their work place. At first, she doesn’t recognize Joe, from 20 years ago, but he remembers her very well; as he teases her about their childhood wedding.

Joe continues to tell people he married her in there childhood years; and she tries to ignore him, but in a short time, a friendship grows.   Joe realizes that Cait has feelings for her boss, and he goes out of his way to continue to tease her, even in front of her boss.  In reality, the boss is not interested and slowly Joe pushes to get Cait to look at the truths. 

Joe gets lots of enjoyment convincing Cait to spend more time together, with fun pranks, leading to deeper feelings.  When Cait realizes that her best friend, is the one who her boss wants.  But now, as time has passed, both Cait and Joe begin to realize that their relationship is becoming very real.

Romance and Peppermint Lattes was a sweet romantic novellas that was lots of fun.   Romance and Peppermint Lattes was very well written by Debbie Macomber.  I suggest you read both novellas, as it was an enjoyable read.

Barb
Profile Image for Roberta (Always Behind).
729 reviews15 followers
December 22, 2025
Romance And Peppermint Lattes is two of Debbie Macomber’s previous novels into one charming book. The two stories stand up fairly well even though there are a couple dated references. For those of us who haven’t read either tale, it’s fun to read these all at once.

In Here Comes Trouble, Maryanne Simpson wants to become a serious journalist even though she has her job and lifestyle thanks to her father owning the newspaper and a trust fund. Nick Adams is a more experienced columnist at rival newspaper. He writes a scathing article about Maryanne. She decides he is partly right about and she takes drastic steps to change her whole life.

To gain Nolan’s respect she moves out of her fancy apartment, quits her job and doesn’t use her trust money.

As luck would have it, she ends up moving in next door to Nolan in a much smaller apartment. They are thrust into situations that reveal different sides of their personalities. Still they are from much different backgrounds. Can they find common ground?

Both protagonists grow and change some over the arc of the story. You know you will always get a sweet romance with Debbie Macomber. She has written so many lovely novels over time.
Profile Image for Caroline.
296 reviews
December 30, 2025
Okay the first book was meh. Like at sometimes the rivals to lovers was amazing at others the guy just annoyed me. Like if he really knew he loved her then he would have told her before she moved back home. Especially how she laid herself completely vulnerable for him and he said that she should just go back with her parents. He just pissed me off. But the second book. Omg their love story on the second hand was so easy to get through. Joe was absolutely obsessed with Caitlin. Every time he kissed her, I could just feel the heat through the pages. Also the fact that the book started off with them getting married when they were kids and Joe gave her baseball cards. And then later when they were actually getting married he gave her two baseball cards, I just melted. He is just so sweet. This was a good Christmas read, other than the fact that the first book was awful and had nothing to do with Christmas. But the second book made up for it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Dyan.
666 reviews2 followers
October 6, 2025
I gave this book 4.5 stars.

If you are looking for cute, Christmas short stories, these two are really good.

Here Comes Trouble

This one was good, not great, but good. If you like the grumpy and sunshine trope, this is for you.

Forgetful Bride

This was my favorite of the two. The prologue was just adorable. I laughed so hard numerous times while reading this short story. I loved all the chaos and bickering between Cait and Joe. I loved Joe, but Cait, bless her heart, was an idiot.

If you like short, fun, light reading, these are perfect stories for you.

This book should be available October 7, 2025.

Thank you to Edelweiss, HarperCollins, and Debbie Macomber for my advanced digital readers copy of this book for my honest opinion.
297 reviews5 followers
October 24, 2025
When we’re young the years pass so slowly, but our parents talked about how fast time passes. This book emphasized this passage of time in a startling manner. It was subtitle things, such as a woman having to find a place to move her office during renovations, and how stressed out she was because of this. At first, I was thinking why was she tying herself in knots over this, she can work from anywhere. Then I remembered this was 1991 and the internet didn’t exist. The worldwide web wasn’t even a glimmer in most people’s minds.

I thoroughly enjoyed taking a step back in time and reading these classic romances. It’s illuminating to read these stories from the added perspective of almost 35 years. How some things have changed so drastically while others have not. Join Debbie Macomber for a cozy romantic read, laughs and a little time travel.
Profile Image for Ann.
6,025 reviews83 followers
November 1, 2025
Two shorter novels by a favorite author, Debbie Macomber. Here comes Trouble and the Forgetful bride are paired in this Christmas tribute. Maryann, a wannabe journalist is out to prove to rival Nolan that she has what it takes to be hired. In The Forgetful Bride, Caitlin is having her office remodeled and the contractor looks familiar and acts like he knows her. It turns out that when she was 10 she married her brother's best friend and now he is lording it over telling everyone they are married. Both are happy romances in Debbie's signature style.
Profile Image for Diane Shearer.
1,199 reviews10 followers
December 4, 2025
Two Christmas themed novellas. The first was cute. The second was awful. Cait is everything I despise about career women. She has a Bridget Jones style crush on her boss. Give me a break. Totally inappropriate and never ends well. Besides which she’s a whiny brat who doesn’t know her own mind. I really dislike her. I got this from the library , which I recommend if you are a huge fan who will read everything Debbie Macomber writes, like me. If you’re not a huge fan I would skip this. There’s plenty of better stuff to read out there.
Profile Image for Tatjana C.
102 reviews
December 29, 2025
Didn’t realize there was two stories in this book, but honestly after cringing through the first book I didn’t even attempt the second. Two stars was being generous, this love story was ridiculous and felt like she could’ve done so much more with it. The woman chasing the uninterested man and confessing her love with no return of feelings, mentioning marriage so early and then jumping into it without even having a proper relationship? Cringe worthy. Literally can’t bring myself to read the second novel in this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Tcozybookcorner.
601 reviews91 followers
December 6, 2025
3.5⭐️overall {Book}
Two Novellas—one book. Cute Xmas stories. Short, light, happy, fun reading.

Here Comes Trouble: if you like grumpy(x)sunshine this one’s for you. 3⭐️

Forgetful Bride: I preferred this one. Comedy. Loved the prologue. Cait and Joe were fun and the banter was on point. Joe deserves a medal for the chaos Cait brings to the table. 3.75 /4⭐️
75 reviews
November 5, 2025
I have really enjoyed both these stories, Debbie Macomber brings her amazing characters to life.

“Romance and Peppermint Latte’s “ started with the end and continued in a flash back which was done brilliantly.

“The Forgetful Bride” a great story, it would make a good film
Profile Image for Sally Walker.
573 reviews
December 14, 2025
another 5 star read from Debbie Macomber. I love this author and always have. it was just a bonus there was 2 books in 1. I always enjoy the comfort and coziness of her books and writing. Its like coming back home and being with a best friend while enjoying hot chocolate and cozy socks.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
591 reviews3 followers
December 18, 2025
A bind up of two previously published stories.

Here Comes Trouble reminded me of a 50's or 60's sitcom. Parents retell how they met.

In The Forgetful Bride, the main character was in love with her boss.
Profile Image for HTP Books.
1,580 reviews202 followers
Want to read
October 1, 2025
Contemporary Romance, Wholesome Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Holiday Romance
4 reviews
November 3, 2025
Romance and Peppermint Lattes

I really enjoyed reading this book. Two very different stories but both with happy ending. Easy to read would definitely recommend it.
Profile Image for Amy.
1,637 reviews33 followers
December 11, 2025
These are two short books. They were both really good. Love Debbie Macomber book. She never disappoints.
Profile Image for Lauren Harrison.
80 reviews1 follower
December 29, 2025
3.5⭐️ two mindless and predictable quick romance reads, but still entertaining! Not really Christmasy, just take place around Christmas time
24 reviews
January 1, 2026
You can tell this was a set of early Macomber. It wasn't as engaging as her later works.
Profile Image for Janet.
3,356 reviews24 followers
January 2, 2026
Two classics in one book! I loved this so much. Great stories that show why Ms. Macomber is a beloved author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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