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Those Manning Men #2
Stand-In Wife
Tragedy had shattered Paul Manning's whole world--leaving him a widower with three small children. Reeling from shock and grief, he turned in desperation to the one person he knew he could count on--gentle, caring Leah Baker. Slowly, Leah eased his sorrow--and filled his life with new meaning. Then Paul made an amazing discovery: He needed Leah--and desired her with an overwhelming passion. But asking Leah to be his wife was one thing; winning her trust was another. Somehow, he had to convince this woman he'd just vowed to honor and cherish forever that they belonged together--heart and soul...
384 pages, Hardcover
First published March 10, 1992
160 people are currently reading
847 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Macomber
894 books20.6k followersDebbie 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.
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
December 7, 2025
Thirty-six year old Paul was married to beautiful Diane, 27. She was his whole world.
They had twin 4 year old boys and Diane was pregnant with a girl.
Diane gave birth and due to complications she fell into a coma.
Paul and Diane's older sister Leah, were constantly at her bedsite, until the doctor encouraged them to go home to rest.
That night Leah had a vivid dream. Diane came to her, told her that Paul and the children would need her help and asked her if she was willing to take her place.
Leah promised to do whatever was needed.
Leah woke up from the dream and alarmed rushed to the Hospital.
Diane had passed away .
SPOILERS
Diane was at peace, but Paul was in turmoil, experiencing fear, anger and deep sadness.
The next six months of his life were dismal. Working full-time as a journalist, his mother taking care of the baby on weekdays, taking the twins to preschool.
Diane was the only family Leah had. The two women were very close.
After Diane's passing, Leah would finish from the college she was working as a professor, and she would go to her brother in law's house, prepare dinner and do the laundry.
Even on weekends she would go and help for several hours.
Both Paul and Leah were exhausted.
He was feeling guilty that Leah was sacrificing herself for him and his children.
She told him that those children were the only family she had.
Leah decided to give her notice at the college, take a leave of absence and move in with the kids for two years.
Paul would not hear of it, it was not fair on her to give up her life, and what about her professor boyfriend, Rob.
Leah convinced him that it was best for the children, Rob would understand.
The plan worked out well.
It was easy for Leah to understand why Diane had fallen in love with Paul.
He was a good person and a handsome man.
Paul liked Diane's sister. She was a generous woman and he'd always be grateful to her.
He did not know what he would have done without her.
He had the support of his parents, two brothers and sister in law, but Leah was the one other person who loved Diane as much as he did.
The first time he met Leah, he'd expected another Diane, full of life and laughter, blond and beautiful.
Leah was none of those things.
She was quiet and unassuming, sensitive and loving and her gentleness was a balm that was healing them all.
Paul would find himself in a foul mood every time Leah would go out with Rob.
Leah decided not to see Rob anymore.
She was not really in love with him and she did not appreciate his insinuations about her living situation.
One night Paul kissed Leah on impulse. The next few days there was a sexual tension between them.
A strained awareness of each other.
One day Paul's parents came to visit. They had an agenda.
They argued that Paul and Leah should get married.
Later, the two talked about it and decided that getting married made sense for all their sakes.
They got married and Leah told him that their marriage would be better served if they delayed the physical aspect. They should develop a solid friendship before they take it to the next level.
Paul agreed but insisted they sleep in the same bed.
Paul was physically attracted to Leah, he admired and trusted her. She was generous and sweet.
He found himself married to one and devoted to the other.
Torn between two sisters, one alive, the other one dead.
Married to both.
They came together two weeks after the wedding.
Paul expected to feel guilt and remorse but he felt freedom and joy instead.
Leah suspected she was pregnant and Paul was not happy about it.
He couldn't lose Leah as well to childbirth. Not again.
Leah was hurt by Paul's negative reaction to her suspected pregnancy, but it turned out to be a false alarm. She told him she was going on the pill. He needed worry about her getting pregnant with a baby he did not want.
Paul told her that he was only afraid of losing her.
"Exactly. Who'd be here to wash and clean for you? Who'd be here to raise your children and warm your bed? You'd miss me all right, but for all the wrong reasons."
Paul told her for the first time that he loved her.
Things were going well between them again, until Paul dreamed of Diane, and in his sleep he called Leah, Diane.
Leah told him that for the first time in her life, she was not willing to take second place to her sister.
She wanted to be loved for herself.
Paul was upset too. Was he suppose to tell Leah he did not love Diane anymore? He would always love Diane. He couldn't understand how he could love two women at the same time.
Leah was never jealous of Diane, but now that she was in love with Paul, she was feeling jealous.
She went to Diane's graveside one rainy day. Sobbing, she told Diane:
"Paul is your husband Diane. But now he's my husband too. Is that what you intended? Is it what you wanted? For me to raise your children and to love Paul?"
Suddenly, it stopped raining. The dark clouds parted and sunlight broke through.
Leah took it as a sign from beyond.
She returned back home and Paul told her that he loved her but did not want to let Diane go.
Now, he said, he remembered what had happened the previous night:
Their lovemaking was so perfect, and Leah went to sleep in his arms and as he lay there half asleep, he realised what was different. He had released Diane. He let go of her.
He dreamed of Diane that night. Diane was releasing him too.
Saying goodbye.
Leah told him that he and the children were Diane's gift to her.
They had twin 4 year old boys and Diane was pregnant with a girl.
Diane gave birth and due to complications she fell into a coma.
Paul and Diane's older sister Leah, were constantly at her bedsite, until the doctor encouraged them to go home to rest.
That night Leah had a vivid dream. Diane came to her, told her that Paul and the children would need her help and asked her if she was willing to take her place.
Leah promised to do whatever was needed.
Leah woke up from the dream and alarmed rushed to the Hospital.
Diane had passed away .
SPOILERS
Diane was at peace, but Paul was in turmoil, experiencing fear, anger and deep sadness.
The next six months of his life were dismal. Working full-time as a journalist, his mother taking care of the baby on weekdays, taking the twins to preschool.
Diane was the only family Leah had. The two women were very close.
After Diane's passing, Leah would finish from the college she was working as a professor, and she would go to her brother in law's house, prepare dinner and do the laundry.
Even on weekends she would go and help for several hours.
Both Paul and Leah were exhausted.
He was feeling guilty that Leah was sacrificing herself for him and his children.
She told him that those children were the only family she had.
Leah decided to give her notice at the college, take a leave of absence and move in with the kids for two years.
Paul would not hear of it, it was not fair on her to give up her life, and what about her professor boyfriend, Rob.
Leah convinced him that it was best for the children, Rob would understand.
The plan worked out well.
It was easy for Leah to understand why Diane had fallen in love with Paul.
He was a good person and a handsome man.
Paul liked Diane's sister. She was a generous woman and he'd always be grateful to her.
He did not know what he would have done without her.
He had the support of his parents, two brothers and sister in law, but Leah was the one other person who loved Diane as much as he did.
The first time he met Leah, he'd expected another Diane, full of life and laughter, blond and beautiful.
Leah was none of those things.
She was quiet and unassuming, sensitive and loving and her gentleness was a balm that was healing them all.
Paul would find himself in a foul mood every time Leah would go out with Rob.
Leah decided not to see Rob anymore.
She was not really in love with him and she did not appreciate his insinuations about her living situation.
One night Paul kissed Leah on impulse. The next few days there was a sexual tension between them.
A strained awareness of each other.
One day Paul's parents came to visit. They had an agenda.
They argued that Paul and Leah should get married.
Later, the two talked about it and decided that getting married made sense for all their sakes.
They got married and Leah told him that their marriage would be better served if they delayed the physical aspect. They should develop a solid friendship before they take it to the next level.
Paul agreed but insisted they sleep in the same bed.
Paul was physically attracted to Leah, he admired and trusted her. She was generous and sweet.
He found himself married to one and devoted to the other.
Torn between two sisters, one alive, the other one dead.
Married to both.
They came together two weeks after the wedding.
Paul expected to feel guilt and remorse but he felt freedom and joy instead.
Leah suspected she was pregnant and Paul was not happy about it.
He couldn't lose Leah as well to childbirth. Not again.
Leah was hurt by Paul's negative reaction to her suspected pregnancy, but it turned out to be a false alarm. She told him she was going on the pill. He needed worry about her getting pregnant with a baby he did not want.
Paul told her that he was only afraid of losing her.
"Exactly. Who'd be here to wash and clean for you? Who'd be here to raise your children and warm your bed? You'd miss me all right, but for all the wrong reasons."
Paul told her for the first time that he loved her.
Things were going well between them again, until Paul dreamed of Diane, and in his sleep he called Leah, Diane.
Leah told him that for the first time in her life, she was not willing to take second place to her sister.
She wanted to be loved for herself.
Paul was upset too. Was he suppose to tell Leah he did not love Diane anymore? He would always love Diane. He couldn't understand how he could love two women at the same time.
Leah was never jealous of Diane, but now that she was in love with Paul, she was feeling jealous.
She went to Diane's graveside one rainy day. Sobbing, she told Diane:
"Paul is your husband Diane. But now he's my husband too. Is that what you intended? Is it what you wanted? For me to raise your children and to love Paul?"
Suddenly, it stopped raining. The dark clouds parted and sunlight broke through.
Leah took it as a sign from beyond.
She returned back home and Paul told her that he loved her but did not want to let Diane go.
Now, he said, he remembered what had happened the previous night:
Their lovemaking was so perfect, and Leah went to sleep in his arms and as he lay there half asleep, he realised what was different. He had released Diane. He let go of her.
He dreamed of Diane that night. Diane was releasing him too.
Saying goodbye.
Leah told him that he and the children were Diane's gift to her.
April 19, 2012
I didn't love this one. The story was just a little creepy to me - wife dies in childbirth, sister takes over, sister and husband fall in love and marry in less than a year.
March 27, 2014
Reviewed for THC Reviews
Stand-In Wife is another gentle contemporary romance in Debbie Macomber's Those Manning Men series. As with the other Manning books so far, this novel didn't have a very involved plotline, but overall, it was sweet and enjoyable. In this one, Paul Manning is suddenly widowed when his wife dies of complications following childbirth. She leaves him with young twin sons and a newborn baby girl to raise. With the multiples stresses of child care, home care, his job, and grieving, Paul is barely keeping his head above water, until his dead wife's sister steps in to help out. With them living in the same house together, unexpected feelings begin to surface, leading to a marriage of convenience and much, much more.
Paul is a man at loose ends. He's grieving for the loss of his wife, but at the same time, doesn't have the luxury of taking time to really grieve with three young children to care for. He and his sister-in-law, Leah, bond over their shared loss. When she offers to move in with them, Paul appreciates her help, but his sense of pride sometimes gets in the way. I think it makes him feel rather inadequate as both a man and as a parent that he can't do it all himself. It was kind of amusing that when Paul started having confusing feelings toward Leah, he pushed her toward Rob, a guy she'd only casually dated, but then he experienced unfamiliar jealous feelings when the pair actually went out. Soon his parents convince them to marry, because of Leah having no health insurance and the children, especially baby Kelsey, viewing her as their mother. Of course, by then, Paul knows he's falling for Leah; he just doesn't fully understand the extent of his feelings until faced with the fear of losing her when she thinks she might be pregnant. Even then, he, unfortunately, doesn't go about expressing those feelings in a clear and healthy way. It's not until the end that he figures everything out and is able to tell her how he really feels in a way that she understands.
Leah was tremendously selfless to give up her teaching job to move in with Paul and take care of the kids until they're older and in school. Her sister was her only family, so Leah loves and misses her deeply. With her sister gone, Leah sees this as an opportunity to stay close to the kids, who are now the only family she has left, as well as a way to fulfill a "promise" she made to Diane when her sister appeared to her in a dream the night she died. Leah goes into it believing this to be a temporary arrangement, but when she starts having feelings for Paul and realizes she would never be able to leave the children, accepting his marriage proposal isn't a difficult choice. Still, she believes it to be little more than a marriage of convenience, because she thinks Paul could never truly love her the way he loved her sister. They're just too different. Diane was the beautiful, vivacious one, while Leah was the shy, bookish, plain Jane. Although Leah always loved her sister and never blamed or envied her, their mother always treated Diane differently, like she was the golden child, while Leah was only second-best. This still makes her feel inadequate in more ways than one, especially when she misunderstands some of Paul's words and actions. Then Leah begins, for the first time in her life, to envy Diane even though she's dead. It takes a long time for Leah to finally realize that Paul loves her every bit as much as he did Diane, but in a different way.
Things get rolling for these two when they share a passionate kiss. Both are rocked to the core but afraid to admit it, which unfortunately leads to them reading things into the other's reactions that aren't entirely true. They have an almost impossible time communicating how they really feel, because they are both confused by their emotions. Paul is still in love with his dead wife and feeling guilty for loving another woman too. It doesn't help matters that the woman in question is his wife's sister. At the same time, he thinks she was repulsed by his kiss, when of course, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, Leah loved every minute of it but has trouble believing Paul could be attracted to her after being in love with her gorgeous, outgoing sister. As a result, they spend a lot of time around each other walking on egg shells. This lasts throughout most of the book, with the primary conflict being various misunderstandings, based on miscommunication, lack of communication, and misperceptions. This isn't my favorite form of conflict, but it seems to be par for the course in all of Debbie Macomber's books I've read so far. It wasn't too bad here, because at least, I understood most of the time where they were coming from. However, it could sometimes be a little frustrating that they didn't communicate better.
Stand-In Wife brings back Paul's brother, Rich and his wife, Jamie (Marriage of Inconvenience). We get to see the happy couple and their growing family a little ways down the road from their book. The last Manning sibling standing, Jason, becomes a sounding board for Paul and has some surprisingly good advice for someone who's never been married. This carefree bachelor becomes the hero of the next book, Bride on the Loose. Overall, Stand-In Wife was a light and easy, but enjoyable read that has left me looking forward to seeing what's in store for Jason. Stand-In Wife was originally published as a stand-alone novel in the Silhouette Special Edition line, and was later reprinted in the single-author anthology The Manning Brides along with the first book of the series.
Stand-In Wife is another gentle contemporary romance in Debbie Macomber's Those Manning Men series. As with the other Manning books so far, this novel didn't have a very involved plotline, but overall, it was sweet and enjoyable. In this one, Paul Manning is suddenly widowed when his wife dies of complications following childbirth. She leaves him with young twin sons and a newborn baby girl to raise. With the multiples stresses of child care, home care, his job, and grieving, Paul is barely keeping his head above water, until his dead wife's sister steps in to help out. With them living in the same house together, unexpected feelings begin to surface, leading to a marriage of convenience and much, much more.
Paul is a man at loose ends. He's grieving for the loss of his wife, but at the same time, doesn't have the luxury of taking time to really grieve with three young children to care for. He and his sister-in-law, Leah, bond over their shared loss. When she offers to move in with them, Paul appreciates her help, but his sense of pride sometimes gets in the way. I think it makes him feel rather inadequate as both a man and as a parent that he can't do it all himself. It was kind of amusing that when Paul started having confusing feelings toward Leah, he pushed her toward Rob, a guy she'd only casually dated, but then he experienced unfamiliar jealous feelings when the pair actually went out. Soon his parents convince them to marry, because of Leah having no health insurance and the children, especially baby Kelsey, viewing her as their mother. Of course, by then, Paul knows he's falling for Leah; he just doesn't fully understand the extent of his feelings until faced with the fear of losing her when she thinks she might be pregnant. Even then, he, unfortunately, doesn't go about expressing those feelings in a clear and healthy way. It's not until the end that he figures everything out and is able to tell her how he really feels in a way that she understands.
Leah was tremendously selfless to give up her teaching job to move in with Paul and take care of the kids until they're older and in school. Her sister was her only family, so Leah loves and misses her deeply. With her sister gone, Leah sees this as an opportunity to stay close to the kids, who are now the only family she has left, as well as a way to fulfill a "promise" she made to Diane when her sister appeared to her in a dream the night she died. Leah goes into it believing this to be a temporary arrangement, but when she starts having feelings for Paul and realizes she would never be able to leave the children, accepting his marriage proposal isn't a difficult choice. Still, she believes it to be little more than a marriage of convenience, because she thinks Paul could never truly love her the way he loved her sister. They're just too different. Diane was the beautiful, vivacious one, while Leah was the shy, bookish, plain Jane. Although Leah always loved her sister and never blamed or envied her, their mother always treated Diane differently, like she was the golden child, while Leah was only second-best. This still makes her feel inadequate in more ways than one, especially when she misunderstands some of Paul's words and actions. Then Leah begins, for the first time in her life, to envy Diane even though she's dead. It takes a long time for Leah to finally realize that Paul loves her every bit as much as he did Diane, but in a different way.
Things get rolling for these two when they share a passionate kiss. Both are rocked to the core but afraid to admit it, which unfortunately leads to them reading things into the other's reactions that aren't entirely true. They have an almost impossible time communicating how they really feel, because they are both confused by their emotions. Paul is still in love with his dead wife and feeling guilty for loving another woman too. It doesn't help matters that the woman in question is his wife's sister. At the same time, he thinks she was repulsed by his kiss, when of course, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, Leah loved every minute of it but has trouble believing Paul could be attracted to her after being in love with her gorgeous, outgoing sister. As a result, they spend a lot of time around each other walking on egg shells. This lasts throughout most of the book, with the primary conflict being various misunderstandings, based on miscommunication, lack of communication, and misperceptions. This isn't my favorite form of conflict, but it seems to be par for the course in all of Debbie Macomber's books I've read so far. It wasn't too bad here, because at least, I understood most of the time where they were coming from. However, it could sometimes be a little frustrating that they didn't communicate better.
Stand-In Wife brings back Paul's brother, Rich and his wife, Jamie (Marriage of Inconvenience). We get to see the happy couple and their growing family a little ways down the road from their book. The last Manning sibling standing, Jason, becomes a sounding board for Paul and has some surprisingly good advice for someone who's never been married. This carefree bachelor becomes the hero of the next book, Bride on the Loose. Overall, Stand-In Wife was a light and easy, but enjoyable read that has left me looking forward to seeing what's in store for Jason. Stand-In Wife was originally published as a stand-alone novel in the Silhouette Special Edition line, and was later reprinted in the single-author anthology The Manning Brides along with the first book of the series.
March 19, 2025
Stand-in Wife by Debbie Macomber (1992)
Manning Family #4 Those Manning Men #2
147-page Kindle Ebook (location only) story Location 21-2736
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Featuring: Blurb, Infidelity, Toxemia, Difficult Birth, Widower, Seattle, Washington; Army Vet, Sister-in-law & Widower Trope, Close Proximity Trope, Montana, Author, Innocent Cohabitation Trope, Math Professor, Infant, Preschoolers, Twins, Tricenarians, Grief and Mourning, Forbidden Love Trope, Characters, Plots, and Spoilers From Previous Books, Friends-to-Lovers Trope, Tricenarians, Marriage of Convenience, Dual POVs, Sex - Closed Door; Selfish Outbursts, Family Dynamics, Drama, Publisher's Links
Rating as a movie: PG-13
Memorable Quotes: “I feel guilty enough knowing what this is doing to my parents,” he said. “Please, don’t you sacrifice yourself for me, too.” “It’s not for you,” she told him. “It’s for Ryan, Ronnie and Kelsey. And it isn’t a sacrifice. If the situation were reversed, Diane wouldn’t think twice about doing the same for me. She’d expect me to help.” Paul closed his eyes and nodded, his face grim. “I still don’t feel good about it.”
“That’s why I want to give my notice at the college and move in with you and the kids.”
He was going to stay awake and wait for her, Paul decided. He didn’t care how late she was; he was going to sit right in this chair until she was home. If she didn’t come home…well, he’d deal with that when the time came. He’d have to do some serious thinking about the situation if it turned out Leah spent the night with Rob Mullins. He didn’t want an immoral woman raising his children, he thought heatedly.
Diane was gone. Dead. He was alive. But was he? He felt caught somewhere between life and death. One foot in the present, the other in the past. Diane and Leah. They were sisters. He was related to Leah. How could he feel the way he did about her? It was wrong.
She’d wanted him so badly. Wanted to feel his arms around her. Wanted his kiss. Wanted to experience the welcoming touch of his tongue… She’d wanted her sister’s husband. Leah closed her eyes and waited for revulsion to attack her. Waited for guilt to bury her. She waited. And waited. But it didn’t come. Not the revulsion or the guilt.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️🪦💒
My thoughts: 🔖34% Location 946 of 2768 Chapter Five - If I had read the blurb, would have skipped this one. This is one of my least favorite tropes, more than Secret Baby. My other book has a similar trope, but it's a thriller.
This isn't my thing so I wasn't expecting to love it, I was all set to give this a solid 3 stars but Chapter 11 changed my mind Leah got on my nerves, you want to take your sister's family and then erase her? You knew you were stepping in someone else's shoes, and you're upset they are a part of your marriage? I just couldn’t it's bad enough you want your sister's family as your own but to not want her/your husband to love her anymore, ridiculous! I think I'm done with this series; it's not bad, just outdated and okay.
Recommend to others: Not likely, but it's not the worst of the bunch.
Manning Family
1. The Cowboy's Lady (1990)
2. The Sheriff Takes a Wife (1990)
3. Marriage of Inconvenience (1992)
4. Stand-in Wife (1992)
5. Bride on the Loose (1992)
6. Same Time, Next Year (1995)
7. Silver Bells (2009)
Those Manning Men
1. Marriage of Inconvenience (1992)
2. Stand-in Wife (1992)
3. Bride on the Loose (1992)
4. Same Time, Next Year (1995)
Silver Bells (2009)
Manning Family #4 Those Manning Men #2
147-page Kindle Ebook (location only) story Location 21-2736
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Featuring: Blurb, Infidelity, Toxemia, Difficult Birth, Widower, Seattle, Washington; Army Vet, Sister-in-law & Widower Trope, Close Proximity Trope, Montana, Author, Innocent Cohabitation Trope, Math Professor, Infant, Preschoolers, Twins, Tricenarians, Grief and Mourning, Forbidden Love Trope, Characters, Plots, and Spoilers From Previous Books, Friends-to-Lovers Trope, Tricenarians, Marriage of Convenience, Dual POVs, Sex - Closed Door; Selfish Outbursts, Family Dynamics, Drama, Publisher's Links
Rating as a movie: PG-13
Memorable Quotes: “I feel guilty enough knowing what this is doing to my parents,” he said. “Please, don’t you sacrifice yourself for me, too.” “It’s not for you,” she told him. “It’s for Ryan, Ronnie and Kelsey. And it isn’t a sacrifice. If the situation were reversed, Diane wouldn’t think twice about doing the same for me. She’d expect me to help.” Paul closed his eyes and nodded, his face grim. “I still don’t feel good about it.”
“That’s why I want to give my notice at the college and move in with you and the kids.”
He was going to stay awake and wait for her, Paul decided. He didn’t care how late she was; he was going to sit right in this chair until she was home. If she didn’t come home…well, he’d deal with that when the time came. He’d have to do some serious thinking about the situation if it turned out Leah spent the night with Rob Mullins. He didn’t want an immoral woman raising his children, he thought heatedly.
Diane was gone. Dead. He was alive. But was he? He felt caught somewhere between life and death. One foot in the present, the other in the past. Diane and Leah. They were sisters. He was related to Leah. How could he feel the way he did about her? It was wrong.
She’d wanted him so badly. Wanted to feel his arms around her. Wanted his kiss. Wanted to experience the welcoming touch of his tongue… She’d wanted her sister’s husband. Leah closed her eyes and waited for revulsion to attack her. Waited for guilt to bury her. She waited. And waited. But it didn’t come. Not the revulsion or the guilt.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️🪦💒
My thoughts: 🔖34% Location 946 of 2768 Chapter Five - If I had read the blurb, would have skipped this one. This is one of my least favorite tropes, more than Secret Baby. My other book has a similar trope, but it's a thriller.
This isn't my thing so I wasn't expecting to love it, I was all set to give this a solid 3 stars but Chapter 11 changed my mind Leah got on my nerves, you want to take your sister's family and then erase her? You knew you were stepping in someone else's shoes, and you're upset they are a part of your marriage? I just couldn’t it's bad enough you want your sister's family as your own but to not want her/your husband to love her anymore, ridiculous! I think I'm done with this series; it's not bad, just outdated and okay.
Recommend to others: Not likely, but it's not the worst of the bunch.
Manning Family
1. The Cowboy's Lady (1990)
2. The Sheriff Takes a Wife (1990)
3. Marriage of Inconvenience (1992)
4. Stand-in Wife (1992)
5. Bride on the Loose (1992)
6. Same Time, Next Year (1995)
7. Silver Bells (2009)
Those Manning Men
1. Marriage of Inconvenience (1992)
2. Stand-in Wife (1992)
3. Bride on the Loose (1992)
4. Same Time, Next Year (1995)
Silver Bells (2009)
December 21, 2010
Leah and Diane are sisters and have always been close. With no other family they have always been there for each other. Diane is married to Paul and has cute twin boys. When she finds out she is pregnant her husband and her are elated. After the birth of their 3rd child Diane dies after childbirth. Diane convinced her sister would have done anything if their situations were reversed she does everything to help Paul and his three children. After 6 months after Diane's death she decides she should move in with Paul to help him more. So from there it is predictable what will happen by the end. I enjoyed the story and was slightly weirded by the whole thing as well.
nfmaa
November 19, 2024The title says it all..... that's exactly what she was 🤷🏿♀️
March 2, 2024
Well written, interesting. Got tired of the protagonist’s thought process over and over. The author has a skill of writing about a situation such that the reader feels the turmoil of the characters.
August 9, 2019
I love Debbie always just bring you in to the story. They are so good I am not able to put it down because I want to see what happens next.
September 8, 2022
Continuing in my crusade of expanding my reading horizons, I picked this book up (I figured that I'd never even glanced at a Harlequin romance before, so why not?).
I will say that my rating is really more around 3.75 stars. Honestly I enjoyed the book. The themes of love and loss were visceral. I ached for the characters, truly. Only at times did the drama seem a bit, idk, contrived? Thickly laid on? Like, I get it, the plain sister feels insecure because she's trying to marry the husband of the beautiful, late sister; but after like the third time that Leah has an emotional confrontation with Paul, it almost felt as if she was looking for ways to be insecure. IDK, maybe I'm just too male to get it. 🤷♂️ All in all, the two finally learn to give themselves permission to love each other w/o feeling as if they're disrespecting the memory of Diane (dead sister/wife extraordinaire), and we close with a cute little one-big-happy-family scene on the living room couch.
From the technical side (or w/e; idk, it's late when I'm writing this), I'm amazed at how fast of it read this was (even with my busy schedule this week). I guess I'm too used to denser fiction, but this was a breeze. Dead wife as a topic notwithstanding, this was a textbook 'light' read.
I've read romance light novels/manga before, but this was the first 'true' (who am I to even decide that, huh?) romance novel I've read. All in all, I could see myself reading another one (assuming the premise sounded interesting and it handled the 'physical' component of married life as tastefully as this one did).
I will say that my rating is really more around 3.75 stars. Honestly I enjoyed the book. The themes of love and loss were visceral. I ached for the characters, truly. Only at times did the drama seem a bit, idk, contrived? Thickly laid on? Like, I get it, the plain sister feels insecure because she's trying to marry the husband of the beautiful, late sister; but after like the third time that Leah has an emotional confrontation with Paul, it almost felt as if she was looking for ways to be insecure. IDK, maybe I'm just too male to get it. 🤷♂️ All in all, the two finally learn to give themselves permission to love each other w/o feeling as if they're disrespecting the memory of Diane (dead sister/wife extraordinaire), and we close with a cute little one-big-happy-family scene on the living room couch.
From the technical side (or w/e; idk, it's late when I'm writing this), I'm amazed at how fast of it read this was (even with my busy schedule this week). I guess I'm too used to denser fiction, but this was a breeze. Dead wife as a topic notwithstanding, this was a textbook 'light' read.
I've read romance light novels/manga before, but this was the first 'true' (who am I to even decide that, huh?) romance novel I've read. All in all, I could see myself reading another one (assuming the premise sounded interesting and it handled the 'physical' component of married life as tastefully as this one did).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2019
Good story plot but the primary characters too wimpy!
March 5, 2012
While I'm sure that there's a remote chance of this happening, it seemed fanciful to me.
February 19, 2013
Not much there for a story. Premise not believable that husband would love again so quickly after loss of wife he supposedly loved so much.
March 2, 2021
⏱ Sixty second, no spoiler summary
Paul’s wife, Diane, dies after childbirth and leaves him alone with four-year-old twin boys and a newborn daughter. Diane’s sister, Leah starts to help with childcare and then moves in to make things easier for all of them. Paul’s parents suggest they get married because it just “makes sense”. They get married quickly, remain platonic but then fall in love and struggle with their feelings of guilt. Happy ending.
👍🏻Turn Ons
I’m a sucker for a series, and this one continues the Manning family with Paul. I liked the small tidbits of info we get about the sisters in Montana and Jamie and Rich from the last book. That’s about all. The story was predictable but also kind of out there.
👎🏻 Turn Offs
Why?? Why would you suggest two people get married in this situation? They didn’t suggest it because they were “living in sin”, but because it would be easier all around. I just found it a little far fetched for the parents to suggest this. I see why Leah would help out, and moving in did make things a little easier for Paul, but the marriage just threw me for a loop. And then they fall in love but the feelings of guilt over the dead sister got annoying. She’s dead.
👵🏻 Safe to talk about with Grandma?
Yup. In fact, my grandma probably read this book. No language, minimal sex scenes and no violence. Would my grandma approve of two people getting married like Paul and Leah did? Probably not.
⭐Rating ⭐
Three stars because it’s part of the series and I already mentioned my series fascination. But not higher because the plot wasn’t the best.
Title & Author: The Stand-In Wife by Debbie Macomber
Format: Paperback
Read: 2/27/21-3/2/21
Rating: Three stars
Paul’s wife, Diane, dies after childbirth and leaves him alone with four-year-old twin boys and a newborn daughter. Diane’s sister, Leah starts to help with childcare and then moves in to make things easier for all of them. Paul’s parents suggest they get married because it just “makes sense”. They get married quickly, remain platonic but then fall in love and struggle with their feelings of guilt. Happy ending.
👍🏻Turn Ons
I’m a sucker for a series, and this one continues the Manning family with Paul. I liked the small tidbits of info we get about the sisters in Montana and Jamie and Rich from the last book. That’s about all. The story was predictable but also kind of out there.
👎🏻 Turn Offs
Why?? Why would you suggest two people get married in this situation? They didn’t suggest it because they were “living in sin”, but because it would be easier all around. I just found it a little far fetched for the parents to suggest this. I see why Leah would help out, and moving in did make things a little easier for Paul, but the marriage just threw me for a loop. And then they fall in love but the feelings of guilt over the dead sister got annoying. She’s dead.
👵🏻 Safe to talk about with Grandma?
Yup. In fact, my grandma probably read this book. No language, minimal sex scenes and no violence. Would my grandma approve of two people getting married like Paul and Leah did? Probably not.
⭐Rating ⭐
Three stars because it’s part of the series and I already mentioned my series fascination. But not higher because the plot wasn’t the best.
Title & Author: The Stand-In Wife by Debbie Macomber
Format: Paperback
Read: 2/27/21-3/2/21
Rating: Three stars
October 4, 2018
This is the second of the Manning Bride series. Even though there are characters from the first book, this book can stand alone. However, reading this one before the first might have some spoilers. (I read this one first and haven't yet read the first.)
Things in this book get complicated and that's what keeps the pages turning. The lead characters have suffered much, mostly as a result of Dianne's death. The first half of the book is spent bringing Leah, her sister, and Paul, her husband, together. In the second half, they face the everyday problems that come from their unusual situation. Many of the pages of the book are spent examining the feelings of the lead characters. It seems that DM focuses more on feelings than witty banter.
Paul can be difficult to like at times. He gets very self-absorbed. For much of the book, it seems to me that he acts at times almost like he owns Leah as a possession. He has good moments also. Meanwhile the thing that is unattractive about Leah is her insecurities, but when she's not dwelling on them she is quite the lovable character.
I must admit that I struggled in my mind as to how I felt about a man having a relationship with the sister of his late wife. I realize that it is a prudish sentiment.
There are some mystical dreams or visions that are described and accepted as being real.
There are no real mature themes. Marital sex takes place without any description.
Things in this book get complicated and that's what keeps the pages turning. The lead characters have suffered much, mostly as a result of Dianne's death. The first half of the book is spent bringing Leah, her sister, and Paul, her husband, together. In the second half, they face the everyday problems that come from their unusual situation. Many of the pages of the book are spent examining the feelings of the lead characters. It seems that DM focuses more on feelings than witty banter.
Paul can be difficult to like at times. He gets very self-absorbed. For much of the book, it seems to me that he acts at times almost like he owns Leah as a possession. He has good moments also. Meanwhile the thing that is unattractive about Leah is her insecurities, but when she's not dwelling on them she is quite the lovable character.
I must admit that I struggled in my mind as to how I felt about a man having a relationship with the sister of his late wife. I realize that it is a prudish sentiment.
There are some mystical dreams or visions that are described and accepted as being real.
There are no real mature themes. Marital sex takes place without any description.
April 29, 2025
This was my first Debbie Macomber book and I was so excited to jump on the bandwagon to see what the hype was all about! Stand-In Wife is actually the second book in Those Manning Men series but can be read as a stand alone which is really nice (especially since I didn’t read the first one. I personally listened to the audiobook and like the voice narrator was lovely. Her voice was pleasant and felt right for Leah but she also did a great job of slightly changing her voice for other characters without sounding ridiculous.
Paul and Leah find each other through a mutual tragedy, the loss of his wife/ her sister. Leah steps in to help Paul with his children and feelings begin to develop. Neither of them know what to do with their desire because they feel as though they have an obligation to Diane. Once they push through their fears and emotional roadblocks, they find love and happiness as a family.
I enjoyed the realness of the feelings that Paul and Leah felt about moving on after Diane’s death. Having the story bounce between both POVs was also helpful to round out the story to get both perspectives which I feel was very important to the story. I enjoyed the moments when Leah was bonding with the children and Paul allowing himself time to himself after devoting so much to his children after his wife’s death.
This book was a quick read/listen for me and I think it would make a great one-sitting read for any romance reader!
Paul and Leah find each other through a mutual tragedy, the loss of his wife/ her sister. Leah steps in to help Paul with his children and feelings begin to develop. Neither of them know what to do with their desire because they feel as though they have an obligation to Diane. Once they push through their fears and emotional roadblocks, they find love and happiness as a family.
I enjoyed the realness of the feelings that Paul and Leah felt about moving on after Diane’s death. Having the story bounce between both POVs was also helpful to round out the story to get both perspectives which I feel was very important to the story. I enjoyed the moments when Leah was bonding with the children and Paul allowing himself time to himself after devoting so much to his children after his wife’s death.
This book was a quick read/listen for me and I think it would make a great one-sitting read for any romance reader!
January 18, 2018
This is probably my favorite book of the whole Manning series. Yes it may seem a little off that only six months after his wife's death he marries again, but it's not really a creepy thing. Leah is a woman with no more family left. Her family was Diane, so now she felt like she owed it to her sister to care of her sister's family. They didn't start out with huge attraction. Leah and Paul found their way to each other, despite the devastating loss of someone they both loved. Leah as a character spoke to me. She doesn't have much of a self esteem, and throughout the book she constantly doesn't feel like she's worth anything, and I guess i really understand that. Through this book Paul showed Leah that she was worth everything. He chose Leah. He finally let go of Diane and loved Leah with all his heart. To me that would speak volumes that someone for once had chosen me, the same way that Leah had felt. For once someone chose her for who she is. Someone saw her instead of being pushed to the shadows. Yes there was a heartbreak in this book, but it just made the ending so much sweeter. The fact that Leah went without a family to having two boys and baby girl, it's more than she ever wanted. On top of that Paul learned to work through his grief, and found love this huge love in Leah. It was a heartwarming story that I love to read over and over again.
April 30, 2025
Stand In Wife is by seasoned author Debbie Macomber. This story revolves around the eldest Manning brother as he stumbles upon love that’s actually right before his eyes, but having suffered the loss that he did he is blind to such possibilities. The Mannings will be visited again in other of her novels
In Stand In Wife Paul Manning is destroyed when his wife Diane succumbs to complications from childbirth and toxemia leaving behind a newborn daughter and twin sons. If it weren’t for Diane’s sister, Leah, and Paul’s family stepping in to help there’s no telling how the broken family would have survived the first six months after Diane’s passing. But now Leah is ready to do even more by taking leave from her teaching position at the community college. Her proposal is to care for her sister’s family like Diane had asked her to in a dream. Initially resistant, Paul does agree and Leah leaves her job, gives up her apartment, and becomes the live in nanny for her niece and nephews.
As the day to day becomes the norm, the roles become traditional. Will the lines blur as they raise Paul’s children together?
This story is filled with well drawn characters and deals with people going through difficult circumstances. This story will entertain the readers. I did enjoy this book and would recommend it!
In Stand In Wife Paul Manning is destroyed when his wife Diane succumbs to complications from childbirth and toxemia leaving behind a newborn daughter and twin sons. If it weren’t for Diane’s sister, Leah, and Paul’s family stepping in to help there’s no telling how the broken family would have survived the first six months after Diane’s passing. But now Leah is ready to do even more by taking leave from her teaching position at the community college. Her proposal is to care for her sister’s family like Diane had asked her to in a dream. Initially resistant, Paul does agree and Leah leaves her job, gives up her apartment, and becomes the live in nanny for her niece and nephews.
As the day to day becomes the norm, the roles become traditional. Will the lines blur as they raise Paul’s children together?
This story is filled with well drawn characters and deals with people going through difficult circumstances. This story will entertain the readers. I did enjoy this book and would recommend it!
December 24, 2019
This story was just so good, it made my heart hurt for the characters.
Paul has lost his wife, Diane to childbirth due to a complication delivering their baby girl Kelsey.
Leah, who is Paul's sister-in-law, has lost her sister and best friend.
And though both would like the world to just stop, they have to move on. Most especially for the 3 very young children that Diane left behind.
In order to give these kids the stability they need, Leah and Paul decide to get married. Because they are affair that having lost their mother, if they lose their mother figure, Leah, it would have a devastating effect on the kids, when time comes for Leah to move out of Paul's move.
Paul feels like he's cheating on his wife Diane, by loving his now wife Leah.
Leah feels like she's taking her sister's place, and even though it should be okay to want her husband to love her, it feels like a crime wanting Paul to fall in love with her, because he was her sister's husband.
I absolutely loved reading about Paul and Leah's journey to a guilt free, loving relationship. 5/5
Paul has lost his wife, Diane to childbirth due to a complication delivering their baby girl Kelsey.
Leah, who is Paul's sister-in-law, has lost her sister and best friend.
And though both would like the world to just stop, they have to move on. Most especially for the 3 very young children that Diane left behind.
In order to give these kids the stability they need, Leah and Paul decide to get married. Because they are affair that having lost their mother, if they lose their mother figure, Leah, it would have a devastating effect on the kids, when time comes for Leah to move out of Paul's move.
Paul feels like he's cheating on his wife Diane, by loving his now wife Leah.
Leah feels like she's taking her sister's place, and even though it should be okay to want her husband to love her, it feels like a crime wanting Paul to fall in love with her, because he was her sister's husband.
I absolutely loved reading about Paul and Leah's journey to a guilt free, loving relationship. 5/5
April 28, 2025
After having lots of frustration with the previous book in this series, I was pleasantly surprised with finding this one more enjoyable. Paul and Leah have both suffered a great loss and each have baggage from that loss as well as also other things in the past. The conflict was believable and it was a sweet read to watch them find their way to love, overcoming the issues and becoming a family.
Do keep in mind that this is a recording of an older book so there are definitely some dated concepts here.
I also enjoyed the narration. The narrator did a great job voicing both perspectives and with the male/female voices.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this audiobook. The thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
Content Notes: Fade to black/closed door romance
Do keep in mind that this is a recording of an older book so there are definitely some dated concepts here.
I also enjoyed the narration. The narrator did a great job voicing both perspectives and with the male/female voices.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this audiobook. The thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
Content Notes: Fade to black/closed door romance
March 9, 2025
I read this book as an audio novel. While the story sounded interesting, I found myself somewhat creeped out by the plot. For the romance to have happened so quickly after the death of his wife and with the sister-in-law left me feeling disturbed and creeped out. I finished the book, and the story never really allowed me to get past the marriage. It just felt way too uncomfortable.
Adding to this uneasiness was the book's narrator. The reading of the book made the female protagonist seem needy and whiney. The male protagonist came across as a wimp. Perhaps it was how it was read, but the narrator really caused me discomfort and a lack of enjoyment.
Overall, I give the book a three, but in all honesty, I would find it hard to recommend this book to anyone.
Adding to this uneasiness was the book's narrator. The reading of the book made the female protagonist seem needy and whiney. The male protagonist came across as a wimp. Perhaps it was how it was read, but the narrator really caused me discomfort and a lack of enjoyment.
Overall, I give the book a three, but in all honesty, I would find it hard to recommend this book to anyone.
March 16, 2025
Audiobook Review⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to @htp_hive, @htpbooks and @netgalley for the #gifted audiobook.
Lisa Zimmerman’s narration was great—I really enjoyed her performance, and she made the story easy to listen to. As for the book itself, it was a short, easy read, but there were a few things I struggled to get behind.
The biggest issue for me was the premise: he marries his late wife’s sister, and no one seems to care! It just didn’t feel realistic. It was both weird and somehow totally accepted by everyone in the story, which made it hard for me to buy into. The romance also moved way too fast and didn’t feel developed enough to be truly believable.
That said, it was still a good story overall, and I didn’t mind it too much—I just didn’t love it.
Thank you to @htp_hive, @htpbooks and @netgalley for the #gifted audiobook.
Lisa Zimmerman’s narration was great—I really enjoyed her performance, and she made the story easy to listen to. As for the book itself, it was a short, easy read, but there were a few things I struggled to get behind.
The biggest issue for me was the premise: he marries his late wife’s sister, and no one seems to care! It just didn’t feel realistic. It was both weird and somehow totally accepted by everyone in the story, which made it hard for me to buy into. The romance also moved way too fast and didn’t feel developed enough to be truly believable.
That said, it was still a good story overall, and I didn’t mind it too much—I just didn’t love it.
April 30, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for the ALC.
I have read most of Debbie Macomber’s books. Unfortunately, this one falls short of her usual works. In full transparency, I listened to this book, so the narrator did influence my review. I would highly recommend NOT doing this book as an audiobook. The narrator used a very high-pitched squeaky voice for the voice of Leah and the kids, somewhat reminiscent of Mickey Mouse. It made it very difficult to take her seriously as a strong female character. I did not find the romantic chemistry between Leah and Paul believable. Usually, the author does a great job developing the relationship, and as a reader, I’m just waiting for them to get together. Not this time. Could it have been the voice of the narrator that affected my impressions? Absolutely. Overall, this was a take-it-or-leave-it book.
I have read most of Debbie Macomber’s books. Unfortunately, this one falls short of her usual works. In full transparency, I listened to this book, so the narrator did influence my review. I would highly recommend NOT doing this book as an audiobook. The narrator used a very high-pitched squeaky voice for the voice of Leah and the kids, somewhat reminiscent of Mickey Mouse. It made it very difficult to take her seriously as a strong female character. I did not find the romantic chemistry between Leah and Paul believable. Usually, the author does a great job developing the relationship, and as a reader, I’m just waiting for them to get together. Not this time. Could it have been the voice of the narrator that affected my impressions? Absolutely. Overall, this was a take-it-or-leave-it book.
June 21, 2025
Angsty but Good
Paul is a grieving widower with three little ones to raise alone. Leah feels strongly she needs to help raise the children since her sister came to her in a dream with this request. Leah is willing to sacrifice most anything to make this happen, including giving up her job and her apartment to make it work. Paul and Leah are eventually drawn together under these difficult circumstances. A good story with fully faceted characters and fully recommended.
I listened to the audio version and the audio presenter was very good as well.
This Audio ARC was provided to me by NetGalley. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
Paul is a grieving widower with three little ones to raise alone. Leah feels strongly she needs to help raise the children since her sister came to her in a dream with this request. Leah is willing to sacrifice most anything to make this happen, including giving up her job and her apartment to make it work. Paul and Leah are eventually drawn together under these difficult circumstances. A good story with fully faceted characters and fully recommended.
I listened to the audio version and the audio presenter was very good as well.
This Audio ARC was provided to me by NetGalley. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
June 7, 2017
I turn to Debbie Macomber when I want a clean, quick, fluffy read, and she never fails to disappoint. This is one of her older books. A very quick read, not a lot of depth. The premise of the novel is what happens when a man loses his wife to death and then later falls for her sister. Mostly, the book made time think about how I'd feel about it if I died and my husband was ready to remarry. It's a hard thing to consider.
(The cover for this book has changed. The one from my library is not quite so dated looking.)
(The cover for this book has changed. The one from my library is not quite so dated looking.)
November 25, 2021
I read this as a part of the Manning Brides bind up. I just couldn't get on board with the premise of this book. Paul's wife dies and leaves him with their 3 kids (2 twins and a newborn girl). Her sister Leah moves in to take care of the kids and then Paul wants to take care of her so he proposes marriage. However, 7 months after the wife dies they are having SUPER lustful feelings and actions and an undeniable love and that just feels weird. I understand people bonding over grief but the lustiness of this book felt gross.
February 5, 2024
2/3/24-2/4/24 Stand In Wife - The Manning Brides Book #2 or The Manning Brothers Book #2 - the oldest Manning brother, Paul, and his sister-in-law, Leah end up in unusual circumstances in this novel due to the arrival of Paul’s newest child, Kelsey. Twists and turns, misunderstood signals and angst play a depth in this story that can easily shake the two up. Add twin boys to the mix and life can get hectic and chaotic each and every day. Paul’s parents and his single brother play pivotal roles in their lives.
January 3, 2025
I usually enjoy Debbie Macomber’s heartwarming tales, but this one didn’t sit right with me. The premise—a widower quickly moves on to his late wife’s sister—felt too rushed and uncomfortable for me to fully enjoy the story. While Macomber’s writing is as engaging as ever, the emotional dynamics in this one gave me the ick.
I understand what the story was trying to achieve, focusing on healing and second chances, but the relationship’s timing and context overshadowed the heartwarming moments. It is not one of my favorites from this author.
I understand what the story was trying to achieve, focusing on healing and second chances, but the relationship’s timing and context overshadowed the heartwarming moments. It is not one of my favorites from this author.
January 12, 2018
It's hard for me to review this book. I enjoyed the story, but I found it creepy at times how Paul leered at his sister-in-law so soon after his wife's death. I think this story would have been a lot better if it would have taken place a little longer after Diane died, at least a year. It just felt too soon. It did get better the more the story went on though.
All in all, not my favorite Debbie Macomber book, but it wasn't bad.
All in all, not my favorite Debbie Macomber book, but it wasn't bad.
August 6, 2018
Another book from the 90s gifted a new cover. Sadly, much like the first novel of the Manning Men where it’s a marriage of convenience and both characters are completely nuts. They constantly contradict themselves with their behavior. Leah drove me up the wall the the martyr attitude and her feelings of inadequacy compared to her sister yet none of that was ever resolved. Also not at all a fan of him marrying and falling in love so quickly.
April 18, 2025
Thank you to Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for the ALC!
The narration by Lisa Zimmerman was good. The story it's self did not stand up to the test of time.
Although it was a quick and easy listen/read. The premise (which sounded good) gave me the ick in how it was delivered. Both main characters seemed very wishy washy and I didn't believe the insta love from either of them.
I usually enjoy Debbie Macomber's books, but this one just didn't hit.
The narration by Lisa Zimmerman was good. The story it's self did not stand up to the test of time.
Although it was a quick and easy listen/read. The premise (which sounded good) gave me the ick in how it was delivered. Both main characters seemed very wishy washy and I didn't believe the insta love from either of them.
I usually enjoy Debbie Macomber's books, but this one just didn't hit.
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