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The Reluctant Groom: All Things Considered / Almost Paradise

All Things Considered

Judd Matthiessen was married, and it didn't work out. He left his wife, Lanni, and their daughter, which seemed to prove what his father had always said—he was no good. But now the old man's illness brings Judd back to the family ranch. Despite all his bitterness, all his anger, Judd asks Lanni to join him. When she does, he finds that he still has strong feelings for her, and he has to wonder: Is there such a thing as a second chance?

Almost Paradise

Jeff Roarke has a strict no romance in the workplace policy. So what if the workplace happens to be a summer camp deep in the woods? He's the camp director and he's against anything that will distract the kids…or the counselors. And there's nothing more distracting than love! He discovers how true that is when he falls for counselor Sherry White. He's determined to resist her—and she's just as determined not to let him!

464 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 27, 2015

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About the author

Debbie Macomber

905 books21.2k 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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Community Reviews

5 stars
66 (25%)
4 stars
91 (34%)
3 stars
77 (29%)
2 stars
21 (8%)
1 star
7 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Barbi Huhn.
732 reviews14 followers
January 22, 2017
I really enjoyed both of these stories.
The story of Judd and Lanni was wonderful. I loved reading as they were able to work through problems and grow as a family. Judd's Dad was an interesting character who truly came out when dealing with his granddaughter, Jenny.

The story of Jeff and Sherry was an interesting one. Reading how Sherry interacted with her campers and how she got around certain subjects was quite humorous. The end of their story was my favorite part though!
Profile Image for Kerry.
181 reviews
July 23, 2023
It's not Blossom Street! Actually I didn't know this was two stories and was a little shocked going from one story to another. Not usually a reader of romance novels (the book was a gimme) I found the stories a little sappy and silly. However I did finish the book which I considered not doing at one point. The first story, All Things Considered, was just a slightly steamy romance novel. The second story, Almost Paradise, is more like young adult fiction. Not really my genre but if you.like this genre, light romance, the stories are okay,. Almost Paradise is kind of cute, light reading. I have read a few of the Blossom Street books which were also gimmes. Even though they were not my favorite genre I found them to be cute, light reading with interesting characters and we'll formed stories.
Profile Image for Jenny Smith.
84 reviews
September 12, 2024
Two stories!

Lanni and her daughter Jenny are left by Judd (husband/ father). He shows up two years later to take Jenny to meet his dying father in Montana. Only, his father isn't really dying...Judd and Lanni try to work out their marriage.

Sherry starts work at a summer camp for intellectually talented children. Camp director Jeff Roarke is very strict in his roles. Sherry has a cabin with her "7 wizards". It's a very charming story of livening up the summer camp and hope the director and counselor fall in love.
1,639 reviews33 followers
May 20, 2018
These “updated” tellings of Macomber’s early books seem to have two things in common, irrational women and overbearing men. These weren’t terrible, but only ok, fine to while away a rainy afternoon.
Profile Image for Heather Bridson.
430 reviews8 followers
April 8, 2019
I love this book, I guess I say that in a lot of my reviews, but I really love these stories. This book has two stories in it, different but both very good. Well written, well developed characters and just a fun read!
Profile Image for Becky Griffus.
254 reviews
July 29, 2022
Both stories were enjoyable. All marriages go through things, but nice to see people work at a marriage and not give up so easy. It takes two.
Loved the second one, I would have loved to have Sherey as a camp counselor. Oh the fun at camp!!
874 reviews8 followers
March 7, 2020
For a Debbie Macomber this book was a huge dissappointment. Very predictability and nothing much to draw me in.
393 reviews
January 17, 2022
Easy reading, fun stories
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
32 reviews2 followers
September 17, 2024
4 Stars for Cute, but 2 stars because I really think I've read both of these stories but they were just packaged in a new book.
Profile Image for Sherri.
109 reviews7 followers
March 1, 2017
Two novels in one, didn't understand the title. I enjoyed "Almost Paradise" much better...4 stars
Profile Image for Jane Drager.
Author 14 books132 followers
September 7, 2016
For the most part, I enjoy a Debbie Macomber book, but this one was a struggle to finish. Too many characters with irritating ways. If I were the heroine, I'd have thrown my hands up and left.
Profile Image for Yvonne.
5 reviews
February 23, 2015
I wanted a nice, light, quick read for my holiday. And this book was perfect.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews