A Girl Like Janet

by Debbie Macomber

Enjoy a vintage workplace romance from #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber!

There’s nothing efficient office assistant Janet Montgomery can’t do for her demanding boss, Reese Edwards, from organizing his calendar to consoling his many ex-girlfriends. Yet, after two years, Reese barely notices the warm-hearted woman behind the professional armor and carefully coiled chignon. Until after-work computer classes shake up their Monday to Friday routine and Reese begins to see the real Janet— sweet, fun…and irresistible. But it’ll take more than flowers and candy to win a girl like Janet!

Also by Debbie Macomber
LOVE THY NEIGHBOR
HEARTSONG
UNDERCOVER DREAMER
 

Genres: Romance, Christian Romance

182 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 1984

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

[Shaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I checked out this book at a local library. This book isn't really advanced, the letters are big and it's a simple read that you can do in one sitting.

I loved the plot though, the second I read about how Janet had to transition from a type writer to a computer with a floppy disk I knew this books was OLD! Still it was a nice story and I'm happy with the ending.

[Judy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Debbie Macomber books have always been a way for me to relax and just enjoy reading. I thought A Girl Like Janet was a new book, but it was reprinted from 1984. Janet is the main character. She works as a secretary and her father is a Pastor of a church. Janet falls in love with her boss whom is a player. Later, of course, they fall in love and he proposes. Janet has very strong values and religious commitments.I found this book an easy read and a breath of fresh air in this day and time.

[Lynda Batten]

Enjoyed this book.

[Diana H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not at all what I expected from an older title by Debbie Macomber.
This is a great book - it's an unexpected love story hidden in a Christian fiction title.
That's what was so amazing about the book - it's a well-written and entertaining romance between a preacher's daughter and her boss.
I really enjoyed this book!

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read about a girl who falls for her boss who is a womanizer. Cute early Macomber.

[Sheilad37 · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok, there was something about Janet that annoyed me a little.

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short book, fast read. I wish the author would have gone deeper into this story and not ended it where she did.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a reissue of an older book.

It was a little dated but the story of love is timeless.

[Ruth Bolard · Rating 1 out of 5]

No character development, no emotional connection with the characters. Very choppy!

[Virma · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little disconnected - not one of her best.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed it and was able to find it in large print. It is one of her earlier books and a good light read.

[Ruth Hays · Rating 4 out of 5]

A vintage Debbie Macomber book I found in large print. A good story and an easy read. Church and relationship with God are woven in as well.

[S Washam · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a good read.

[Mary Cassidy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I keep hoping Macomber’s early books will be as good as her later ones, but no. This is extremely formulaic. My first thought was it is heavily drawing upon a great novel, Jane Eyre, then when I thought about it I realized that this plot goes back to one of the first novels in English, Pamela. The oppressive, arrogant male in power and the chaste, believing, strong minded female. But they did it so much better back in the past. This one is way too uneven, there isn’t really any time to develop the idea so rapid changes occur then retreat, then occur again. None of the characters are terribly believable except maybe the younger brother, which is a nice touch and would get it three instead of two stars,. But starting with the ski slope, I was cracking my husband up because I could not help myself from saying things like, “stupid” or “dumb” outloud. I lost all respect for the main character when she, supposedly an intelligent woman, first decided to go to the expert slope and then didn’t have the sense to simply say to someone getting off the ski lift, “I made a mistake, I cannot ski this trail, when you get to the bottom would you alert the ski patrol?” Then to turn away help out of pride. Come on, were women really that dumb back in the day? As for the male lead, I would not touch him with a ten foot pole, as I assume he is a Trump like character who would never change so radically in the end. Sorry, I keep trying these older books and swearing I will not again. But this was large print and my eye (I only have one) has been giving me problems. Sorry, Debbie, but don’t let them resurrect any more.

[Michelle Herzing · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Girl Like Janet audiobook is a reissue of an early Debbie Macomber novel, and in the author's comments at the beginning of the book, she talks about considering revising the book to make it more up-to-date. While I respect the decision not to do so, as one prominent aspect of the novel is Janet's resistance to learning to use the computer for word processing instead of her trusty typewriter, I must disagree with the decision to leave the misogynist pig of a male main character unchanged. Had I not received this audiobook from RB Media to review, I would have DNFed for sure. I just could not figure out what in the world Janet could possibly see in her jerk of a boss to 'fall head over heels in love' with him! I do not read many Christianity heavy novels, but even a 'submissive woman' does not explain Janet's response to such a person.

The audiobook is good quality, with a very good narrator. I also give kudos to the main female character for her occasional fits of gumption in standing up to her boss.

Thank you to RB Media for the advanced listening copy of A Girl Like Janet by Debbie Macomber. The opinions in this review are my own.

[Reeca Elliott · Rating 3 out of 5]

There’s nothing efficient office assistant Janet Montgomery can’t do for her demanding boss, Reese Edwards. She even consoles his many ex girlfriends. But then sparks fly between these two after they attend a computer class together. But all is not as smooth as you expect.

This was first published in July 1984.

I have heard of this author my whole life. I just have never read her for some reason. And to be honest, I may have to try an updated novel next. This would have been something I loved to read in high school. But it is VERY predictable and it has quite a few eye roll moments. It is also a bit more christiany than I like. But for some reason, I could not stop listening.

The chemistry between the characters takes a bit to get there. I enjoyed Janet but I did want to slap Reese a time or two. Then he would do something to redeem himself.

The narrator, Susan Bennett did a very good job with all the voices.

Need a sweet tale…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this audiobook from the publisher for a honest review.

[Madeline (always_reading1)]

A Girl Like Janet by Debbie Macomber
Thank you @recordedbooks for providing me with the audiobook! 

This short novella centers on Janet, a buttoned-up and wildly capable office assistant, and her boss, Reese. For two years, Janet has seamlessly managed Reese’s work calendar (and his chaotic dating life) while keeping her own feelings hidden behind a professional facade and a sleek chignon. But when an after-work computer class throws them together outside of office hours, Reese finally sees Janet for the warm, witty, and charming woman she really is.

Audiobook Review: Susan Bennett delivers a smooth, engaging performance that fits this classic novella perfectly. Her pacing keeps the short story moving naturally without feeling rushed, and she handles the character distinctions with ease.

Overall, this was a sweet, fast-paced throwback romance perfect for fans of clean, heartwarming love stories or longtime readers of the author looking to explore her early catalog. 

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5🌟

This is my first ever Debbie Macomber novel, and I went into this blind (beyond of course knowing she's written a million bestsellers) and I'm not quite sure I'm her target audience. This book is a recent re-release, and was originally written in 1984.

I liked the workplace romance vibe, but struggled with the strong religious overtones in this novel. I realize now that her Christian aspects in novels vary - some having none and some having a lot. I would guess this one falls into the more category, and it was a bit too much for my tastes. I also thought Reese was pretty awful and kept going "girl no!" to Janet as she continues to fall and give him a million chances. The writing is good, the pacing was great, the general romance and HEA were done well.

Thank you to RB Media for a free ALC of this title for review!

[Asheley T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

First released in 1984 by Silhouette Inspirations; re-issued as a Harlequin Special Release in 2025.

I loved it! It's a novella length workplace romance. You really have to go into classic category romance with an open mind; much of the story is problematic in terms of today‘s standards. I very much doubt this would be published in this form today. Even so, I read it like the classic, old-school romance that it is, and I loved it. I really like Janet and if I were in a situation like hers, I would probably be wishy-washy too.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short easy listening cute story girl works for a boss who seems to date only blondes. She is responsible to send them the Jewelery and flowers when he breaks it off with them. She is hesitant to become emotionally involved with him. As they both take computer classes they become closer. His kindness to her Down syndrome brother helps in her falling in love with him. In true to the authors stories it ends with them getting engaged.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a re-release book and one I'd never read. I didn't mind it being dated as that was known up front.
Janet is a nice person severally tempted by her handsome boss. They way they went back and forth got confusing as he was a bit of a cad. The last chapter or two made the book and that 5+stars.

[lynda kosnik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute read

Definitely a good read. This was not one of my favorites of Macomber's books. There was not much character development and any wOman with any sense Would not have put up with her boss' shenanigans. I also did not like the amount of God and Christianity referenced in the book.

[Laura Rodman · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too religious.

Had I wanted a relifious.book I uno would have gotten a bible. This book is so.unlike any of her other books. I feel as if I was taken in because of the author' s name.

[Peggy Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book

This was a hard to put down book. The ups and downs, missed communication, and stubbornness of Janet and Reese made this a wonderful read. I highly recommend reading this throwback to the 1980's.

[Shannon · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book from the 80s released on audio just did not work for me at all and couldn't listen to a minute more. I usually enjoy Macomber's books but this one was not for me. The rudest boss, who suddenly likes his secretary... Just no.

[Marilyn Hargesheimer · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't like Reese from the beginning. And I never changed my mind about him. I only read half the book. Not the best story from my favorite author.

[Alexa Danilchuk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read - cute book.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!

I have recently returned to church and I just felt right! A very enjoyable read and encourage all to read!

[Melinda Forbes · Rating 1 out of 5]

Smarmy waste of time

Total tripe. I read this stupid formulaic story because of the author but it is TERRIBLE. Don’t waste your time too!

[Cherie Joiner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feel good romance!

Loved the way the gospel was shared in this book! I love reading books by Debbie. Always easy reading and clean romance.