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Married in Seattle: First Comes Marriage / Wanted: Perfect Partner
How to meet and marry a man in Seattle
There are all the usual ways, of course, but here’s how Janine Hartman and Meg Remington did it.
Janine: my grandfather Hartman arranged a husband for me! Zach Thomas, the intended groom, was just as outraged as I was. But gramps insisted we’d be “a perfect match.” First comes marriage, according to him.
Meg: my teenage daughter, Lindsey, had the nerve to place a personal ad on my behalf—Wanted: Perfect Partner. Worse, Steve Conlan, who answered the ad, was perfect, according to her.
Does Grandfather know best? Did a teenage matchmaker get it right? You decide!
“Debbie Macomber writes characters who are as warm and funny and real as your best friends.” —New York Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs
There are all the usual ways, of course, but here’s how Janine Hartman and Meg Remington did it.
Janine: my grandfather Hartman arranged a husband for me! Zach Thomas, the intended groom, was just as outraged as I was. But gramps insisted we’d be “a perfect match.” First comes marriage, according to him.
Meg: my teenage daughter, Lindsey, had the nerve to place a personal ad on my behalf—Wanted: Perfect Partner. Worse, Steve Conlan, who answered the ad, was perfect, according to her.
Does Grandfather know best? Did a teenage matchmaker get it right? You decide!
“Debbie Macomber writes characters who are as warm and funny and real as your best friends.” —New York Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs
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First published January 1, 2009
106 people are currently reading
1440 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Macomber
895 books20.8k 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 133 reviews
September 20, 2010
I have seen several women (usually at the airport) reading Debbie Macomber books. I picked one up at the library and quickly scaned through it. It didn't seem to questionable so I thought I would give it a try. My first confusion came when I realized that there were actually 2 stories in the one. I absolutely loved the first story. If it would have slown down to be a little more realistic and been a full novel by itself I would have probably adored it more. Nevertheless I still would give the first book 5 stars.
I was surprised how clean the first novel was in comparison to what I thought I might read. I was pleasantly surprised. The second story probably had more of a romance novel feel to it but it was definitely cleaner than any Nora Roberts book I have read. It also seemed that there was very little swearing in the novel which is another plus. I will probably read another of her books in the future. Any suggestions let me know?
I was surprised how clean the first novel was in comparison to what I thought I might read. I was pleasantly surprised. The second story probably had more of a romance novel feel to it but it was definitely cleaner than any Nora Roberts book I have read. It also seemed that there was very little swearing in the novel which is another plus. I will probably read another of her books in the future. Any suggestions let me know?
July 25, 2015
Actually I am giving this book a ten rating. There are two novels each of them worth a five to 5+5+10. Both stories are about a couple being set up with each other, neither pair wanting it. They were both hilarious. The first a grand daughter and business partner were set up with each other by the grandfather of the girl who is the new business partner through a merger of the guy. Neither were enthusiastic about it about the other to start with. The second novel the woman's teenage daughter and man's little sister did the setting up through a newspaper ad by the daughter answered by the sister. Both parties again did not like the idea of being set up. This novel had some really hilarious scenes in it. It was a romantic book and I usually read adventure and mystery books, but I am glad I read this book. I really enjoyed it. It was a pocket book which I have troubles reading; I need to use reading glasses to see the writing and normally take about a week to read a pocket book, but I finished this the second day after I started it.
October 30, 2021
This book contained two novellas about love on the West Coast. Both focused on a relative setting up a blind date feeling that the person they were picking was the perfect match for their relative. In First Comes Marriage, grandfather sets up his granddaughter, Janine, with his new partner. In Wanted; Perfect Partner, Lindsay and her best friend become match makers through the newspaper and set her mom up with one of the men who answered. Needless to say, both of the matches run into lots of bumps before they decide they are perfect matches.
I thought the first one was cute, but was really disappointed in Macomber in the second. The second story seemed like all they wanted to do whenever the couple got together was kiss and hug on every occasion they met, and it definitely put me off.
I thought the first one was cute, but was really disappointed in Macomber in the second. The second story seemed like all they wanted to do whenever the couple got together was kiss and hug on every occasion they met, and it definitely put me off.
February 8, 2009
This was actually two books in one. The first story "First Comes Marriage" was disappointing. It wasn't believable and I felt the ending was too pat. The second story "Wanted: Perfect Partner" was more believable and the characters were more interesting. I could actually picture a couple of teenagers setting the couple up for a date.
May 24, 2009
I enjoyed both stories in this book. The Grandfather has some "old-fashioned" views in the first story, but he meant well. The second story is about a daughter helping her single mom, and a sister helping her single brother. After some interesting situations,..everything turns out well ( dont want to give too much away )
July 16, 2017
A bit too saccharine for me.
The stories aren't bad, they're just a tad boring and overly sweet. I usually enjoy Macomber's sweetness, but these felt like throw-away ideas that she quickly fleshed out some to get a book out due to commitment.
There are definitely better Debbie Macomber books out there.
The stories aren't bad, they're just a tad boring and overly sweet. I usually enjoy Macomber's sweetness, but these felt like throw-away ideas that she quickly fleshed out some to get a book out due to commitment.
There are definitely better Debbie Macomber books out there.
May 4, 2009
Another book with 2 reissues of older Macomber books. These are both books from the early 90s.
First Comes Marriage
Typical Macomber...cute, simplified story. A little "incomplete" in my opinion. The story was too weak for me. Not one of the better Macomber stories, but still an easy read...quick and fluffy. I did smile quite a bit when the grandfather was around.
Wanted: Perfect Partner
Better than the first story. Maybe a little over the top, but cute. Classic kids meddling with their parents love lives. A few good laughs and plenty of smiles as I read this one.
First Comes Marriage
Typical Macomber...cute, simplified story. A little "incomplete" in my opinion. The story was too weak for me. Not one of the better Macomber stories, but still an easy read...quick and fluffy. I did smile quite a bit when the grandfather was around.
Wanted: Perfect Partner
Better than the first story. Maybe a little over the top, but cute. Classic kids meddling with their parents love lives. A few good laughs and plenty of smiles as I read this one.
July 25, 2009
While a little predictable and somewhat redundant, these two stories were cute. But that's it. It did come in handy to read though since my little boy is sick and wanted to do nothing but lay on the couch with me and watch cartoons. I'm glad I had something light and fluffy to read that I could put down and come back to multiple times through out the afternoon and evening.
December 22, 2014
Another enjoyable book by one of my favourite authors.
November 16, 2013
I could hardly put the book read til 3 in the morning.
Very good storyline, recommend to read.
Very good storyline, recommend to read.
May 19, 2023
Janine Hartman loved her grandfather & would do anything for him. She is young, eccentric & loyal to her volunteer work. When her grandfather asks her to come for meet for lunch to discuss changes Gramps is making wit his life & business. Janine cannot deny his request.
Zach Thomas recently merged his business with Alton Hartman. Alton respects, admires, & knows that Zack would make a great prospect for his beloved granddaughter Janine.
Janine expects to meet Gramps at the restaurant. Instead she meets at Gramps usual table Zach Thomas. Who is this man? Why does he seems to turned off by my appears, & bubbly personality? He is arrogant, critical, & way to serious, from his behavior, attitude, & his style.
Alton finally shows up & Zach wonders why he wanted his granddaughter at this lunch? They were suppose to go over business?
That is when Zach & Janine find out that Alton will be semi retiring. Janine thinks its a great idea. Though both young folks thinks there is something more than meets the eye. This is more than making company changes. Especially since Janine isn't involved in the business. Why would she need to mee the new CEO of her Grams company?
Day's later & a couple of awkward interactions with Zach. Janine's Gramp's has a heart to heart with her. He informs how she needs to meet someone who is serious about her future. She doesn't seem in a hurry, Though she does agree with her Gramps that the people she has been dating are not husband material. But why is her Gramps in such an interest in her love life?
That is when she finds out that Gramps has picked out a husband for her. Who but none other than Zach. Like in the old days when her Gramps was young. She is furious & she believes when she meets Zach again. That he must have known.
Zach gets an irate granddaughter at the house, while her Gramps is out. Zach doesn't know what has gotten into this crazy woman, Until she blurts out what her Gramps has planned for the two of them. He is in total shock. He has ot had a single conversation with Alton about this plan to get the two of them together. But like Janine know way in Hell. But for different reasons. he is never getting married.
Read how their arrangement to make sure that Gramps knows that they're not right for each other. Turns into falling in love for each other.
Its sweet, funny, & with the help of Alton Hartman he puts fate into their hands.
Zach Thomas recently merged his business with Alton Hartman. Alton respects, admires, & knows that Zack would make a great prospect for his beloved granddaughter Janine.
Janine expects to meet Gramps at the restaurant. Instead she meets at Gramps usual table Zach Thomas. Who is this man? Why does he seems to turned off by my appears, & bubbly personality? He is arrogant, critical, & way to serious, from his behavior, attitude, & his style.
Alton finally shows up & Zach wonders why he wanted his granddaughter at this lunch? They were suppose to go over business?
That is when Zach & Janine find out that Alton will be semi retiring. Janine thinks its a great idea. Though both young folks thinks there is something more than meets the eye. This is more than making company changes. Especially since Janine isn't involved in the business. Why would she need to mee the new CEO of her Grams company?
Day's later & a couple of awkward interactions with Zach. Janine's Gramp's has a heart to heart with her. He informs how she needs to meet someone who is serious about her future. She doesn't seem in a hurry, Though she does agree with her Gramps that the people she has been dating are not husband material. But why is her Gramps in such an interest in her love life?
That is when she finds out that Gramps has picked out a husband for her. Who but none other than Zach. Like in the old days when her Gramps was young. She is furious & she believes when she meets Zach again. That he must have known.
Zach gets an irate granddaughter at the house, while her Gramps is out. Zach doesn't know what has gotten into this crazy woman, Until she blurts out what her Gramps has planned for the two of them. He is in total shock. He has ot had a single conversation with Alton about this plan to get the two of them together. But like Janine know way in Hell. But for different reasons. he is never getting married.
Read how their arrangement to make sure that Gramps knows that they're not right for each other. Turns into falling in love for each other.
Its sweet, funny, & with the help of Alton Hartman he puts fate into their hands.
April 12, 2020
I have a feeling that the two stories contained in this book were previously published separately and the publisher decided to repackage them together and reissue them. The only things that connect the two stories is that they are romances set in Seattle.
I don't know that I know anyone who's had an arranged marriage. I do remember one girl in college talking about her father wanting to do it for her, but it seemed like it was more of an option than a requirement. I do have a friend who met her second husband after her kids put a profile on an online dating site.
I actually preferred "First Comes Marriage" to "Wanted: Perfect Partner". "First Comes Marriage" was cleaner--there were a few kisses but not as much wanting to make love with each other prior to marriage. In "Wanted: Perfect Partner" I felt like the two main adult characters allowed things to go a bit too far before reining themselves in--a common complaint I have about Macomber's novels. I also felt like they were playing too many games with each other instead of just talking about how they felt.
I can understand what Janine was trying to tell her grandfather--though I don't think she had the right words for it. I think what she was looking for was a deep, abiding love. A knowing that when things get tough (and they will) there's something underneath it all that will bring the two of them together to work it out. I liked that Macomber had Zach come to that point with his emotions and feelings and tell her this. Yes, the two of them played a few "games" both with each other and with her grandfather (deceptions) but overall it wasn't as blatant as what's in the other book.
In "Wanted: Perfect Partner" I almost felt like Meg and Steve were the teenagers with all their missteps and plots to get the matchmakers off their backs. In the end, it seems that Nancy and Lindsey were aware of all the gameplay and may have played along in the hopes of the two doing the exact opposite of what the "former matchmaker" wanted them to do. Shouldn't you be past games by your 30s?
I don't know that I know anyone who's had an arranged marriage. I do remember one girl in college talking about her father wanting to do it for her, but it seemed like it was more of an option than a requirement. I do have a friend who met her second husband after her kids put a profile on an online dating site.
I actually preferred "First Comes Marriage" to "Wanted: Perfect Partner". "First Comes Marriage" was cleaner--there were a few kisses but not as much wanting to make love with each other prior to marriage. In "Wanted: Perfect Partner" I felt like the two main adult characters allowed things to go a bit too far before reining themselves in--a common complaint I have about Macomber's novels. I also felt like they were playing too many games with each other instead of just talking about how they felt.
I can understand what Janine was trying to tell her grandfather--though I don't think she had the right words for it. I think what she was looking for was a deep, abiding love. A knowing that when things get tough (and they will) there's something underneath it all that will bring the two of them together to work it out. I liked that Macomber had Zach come to that point with his emotions and feelings and tell her this. Yes, the two of them played a few "games" both with each other and with her grandfather (deceptions) but overall it wasn't as blatant as what's in the other book.
In "Wanted: Perfect Partner" I almost felt like Meg and Steve were the teenagers with all their missteps and plots to get the matchmakers off their backs. In the end, it seems that Nancy and Lindsey were aware of all the gameplay and may have played along in the hopes of the two doing the exact opposite of what the "former matchmaker" wanted them to do. Shouldn't you be past games by your 30s?
August 25, 2017
These were two wonderful stories from Macomber. First Comes Marriage is the story of a modern day arranged marriage between a self-made businessman and hier to gramp's business and a bookstore owner (her gramps arranged this). This unconventional arrangement seems at odds given the circumstances and meeting. However, the two soon discover that trying to avoid the arrangement seems like they are trying to avoid fate. After a short time and finding themselves "in love", they learn they truly care deeply for one another and are, in fact, a good match.
Water: Perfect Partner is a twist on the story of kids and family playing matchmaker. In this tale, Meg's daughter, Lindsey and Lindsey's best friend, try to play matchmaker by placing an ad in the single's section of the local paper. Nancy, a reader of the paper, responds to the ad on behalf of her older brother, Steven. Nancy and Lindsey correspond as Meg and Steven and eventually get their brother and mother to meet. Steven and Meg, in an attempt to teach their respective families a lesson and thwart their matchmaking efforts, create and display hilarious "alternative characters", which leads Nancy and Lindsey to rethink their relationship skills. However, in the continuous attempt to end the charade, Steven and Meg soon discover they actually have chemistry, though Nancy and Lindsey are against the match. Interesting turn of events right?
Two simple stories with a twist. Delightful!
Water: Perfect Partner is a twist on the story of kids and family playing matchmaker. In this tale, Meg's daughter, Lindsey and Lindsey's best friend, try to play matchmaker by placing an ad in the single's section of the local paper. Nancy, a reader of the paper, responds to the ad on behalf of her older brother, Steven. Nancy and Lindsey correspond as Meg and Steven and eventually get their brother and mother to meet. Steven and Meg, in an attempt to teach their respective families a lesson and thwart their matchmaking efforts, create and display hilarious "alternative characters", which leads Nancy and Lindsey to rethink their relationship skills. However, in the continuous attempt to end the charade, Steven and Meg soon discover they actually have chemistry, though Nancy and Lindsey are against the match. Interesting turn of events right?
Two simple stories with a twist. Delightful!
September 26, 2017
There are two stories in this book. The first one, First Comes Marriage, is far-fetched and moves entirely too fast. The characters change personality in the blink of an eye, which made it even less believable than it already was.
The second story, Wanted: Perfect Partner, was much more entertaining. It still felt slightly rushed, but the story line and characters were much more believable and I even found myself laughing out loud at their actions.
In this book, the second story mostly makes up for what the first one is lacking.
The second story, Wanted: Perfect Partner, was much more entertaining. It still felt slightly rushed, but the story line and characters were much more believable and I even found myself laughing out loud at their actions.
In this book, the second story mostly makes up for what the first one is lacking.
December 26, 2018
Ok to be fair, I only read half of it. There are two books in this mass market.
All I have to say is she’s lucky I even made it through the first one!
It’s like an 80 year old lady and a 12 year old girl teamed up to make the weirdest romance. The girl is over dramatic. The guy... just isn’t a dude. I don’t know... to be honest this is exactly what I expected out of these types of romances and here we are.
Beware if you’re lactose intolerant because it is a cheese fest 😂
All I have to say is she’s lucky I even made it through the first one!
It’s like an 80 year old lady and a 12 year old girl teamed up to make the weirdest romance. The girl is over dramatic. The guy... just isn’t a dude. I don’t know... to be honest this is exactly what I expected out of these types of romances and here we are.
Beware if you’re lactose intolerant because it is a cheese fest 😂
May 15, 2017
I loved both stories in the book. First Comes Marriage where Janine's grandfather tries to arrange a marriage for her. Wanted: Perfect Partner where Meg's daughter and her friend try to find a husband for Meg. Both are lighthearted and funny. Heartwarming romance stories that will melt your heart.
October 30, 2022
I had read Wanted: Perfect Partner years ago, so this review is only for First Comes Marriage. Gramps sets up Janine with his new business partner Zach, and thinks they should get married. Janine and Zach do everything to foil the plan, but of course, they’re going to fall in love, right? Cute story.
July 5, 2017
First Comes Marriage was almost impossible to buy into. No way could I suspend disbelief that far. And then Wanted: Perfect Partner more than made up for it with an absolutely delightful romance.
FCM gets a more-than-generous 3 stars and WPP gets a whopping 5 stars. They average at 4.
FCM gets a more-than-generous 3 stars and WPP gets a whopping 5 stars. They average at 4.
March 21, 2018
The first story was a bit unbelievable and silly for me. The second story started out even more so, but it was so funny I couldn't put it down. Good airplane reading. Not going to say any more because I don't want to spoil the stories.
March 23, 2020
3.5 stars. I really liked the first story, but the second was not for me. In Wanted: perfect Partner I felt like the mom was a complete pushover and no mother would allow her 14 year old daughter to speak to a parent that way, at least hopefully.
November 16, 2022
married in Seattle is a fun book
grandpa wants his granddaughter married and decided she could marry his young business partner
the second story is about a daughter putting her mother's name on a dating site
the man's sister put her brother on the same dating site.
grandpa wants his granddaughter married and decided she could marry his young business partner
the second story is about a daughter putting her mother's name on a dating site
the man's sister put her brother on the same dating site.
January 26, 2026
After recently reading some more “tense” books, it was nice to read a more light hearted one like this. I definitely liked the first story better than the second. The second seemed too rushed to me, like there was a deadline to finish it so some parts were skipped over to get it done.
June 24, 2017
Witty. This author never disappoints.
February 19, 2018
Cute, enjoyable and entertaining!
July 24, 2018
Great pair of stories. Well written and fun to read. Nice and short as well. Just a great book!
December 19, 2018
I loved this book!
December 29, 2018
Both stories were OK but neither had me hooked. They took longer for me to finish than the speed with which I can generally fly through a book of this type
May 4, 2019
Another wonderful read from Debbie Macomber
Always excited to read another book by Debbie Macomber, this one did not disappoint. A light hearted love story, it made me smile.
Always excited to read another book by Debbie Macomber, this one did not disappoint. A light hearted love story, it made me smile.
June 22, 2019
Great book
October 6, 2019
I enjoyed both stories but the second one really tickled me! Ya gotta love teenagers!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews