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The Road to Love: Love by Degree / The Rain Sparrow
Fall for these two beloved stories about life, love and second chances
Love by Degree by Debbie Macomber
When Ellen Cunningham decides to go back to school as a mature student, she knows that money is going to be tight. She also knows she's lucky to find inexpensive lodging in a house near the campus, but she didn't count on having to live with three college-aged boys--or deal with the bad-tempered landlord, Reed Morgan. Reed has no patience for college-boy antics, but the chemistry between him and Ellen might warm him up to his new tenants...
The Rain Sparrow by Linda Goodnight
Renowned yet private, thriller writer Hayden Winters lives a life colored by lies. As he is deeply ashamed of his past, his hunger for an honest relationship and dreams of starting a family remain unsatisfied, and he can trust no one with his secrets--until he meets Carrie Riley. When they discover a vulnerable young boy hiding at the inn where Hayden is staying, the two are compelled to help him, and soon they're drawn into a centuries-old mystery that will either bring them closer together--or tear them apart.
Love by Degree by Debbie Macomber
When Ellen Cunningham decides to go back to school as a mature student, she knows that money is going to be tight. She also knows she's lucky to find inexpensive lodging in a house near the campus, but she didn't count on having to live with three college-aged boys--or deal with the bad-tempered landlord, Reed Morgan. Reed has no patience for college-boy antics, but the chemistry between him and Ellen might warm him up to his new tenants...
The Rain Sparrow by Linda Goodnight
Renowned yet private, thriller writer Hayden Winters lives a life colored by lies. As he is deeply ashamed of his past, his hunger for an honest relationship and dreams of starting a family remain unsatisfied, and he can trust no one with his secrets--until he meets Carrie Riley. When they discover a vulnerable young boy hiding at the inn where Hayden is staying, the two are compelled to help him, and soon they're drawn into a centuries-old mystery that will either bring them closer together--or tear them apart.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published March 28, 2017
86 people are currently reading
941 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Macomber
904 books20.7k 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 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 15, 2021
2 stars. Although I only read the first story in this book. It was akin to watching a cheesy 1980’s episode of Three’s Company with a little bit of blue collar booty mixed in....yep, weird as it sounds that is accurate.
Overall: nope. just not a good one, 2 stars for effort.
Overall: nope. just not a good one, 2 stars for effort.
August 3, 2019
I already gave a rating to the first book "Love by Degree" It was good but not my favorite Debbie Macomber book.
The second book "The Rain Sparrow" Was a real page turner for me...I found it really hard to put the book down.
The second book "The Rain Sparrow" Was a real page turner for me...I found it really hard to put the book down.
December 10, 2019
Story 1: bleh. One star.
Story 2: I quite enjoyed it. Just as sweet as the ice tea they were drinking but in a nice way.
ETA: I really enjoyed the world building, I still sometimes feel like I could turn around and be in Honey Ridge.
Story 2: I quite enjoyed it. Just as sweet as the ice tea they were drinking but in a nice way.
ETA: I really enjoyed the world building, I still sometimes feel like I could turn around and be in Honey Ridge.
June 5, 2017
I enjoyed the second story more than the first one.
October 5, 2019
2.5 stars. Reviews in individual stories.
Love by Degree- 3 stars
The Rain Sparrow- 2 stars
Love by Degree- 3 stars
The Rain Sparrow- 2 stars
September 7, 2022
Not Debbie Macomber’s best but the second story was outstanding!
July 27, 2017
I was...not super thrilled with this one. Or these, rather, since it is two books in one. Except it's more like there's a whole book, plus like a novelette tacked onto the front? Although, since the full length book is almost two stories told in one, I guess that makes it three short stories kind of? I don't know, it just seemed kinda odd to me.
The stories themselves were written very well, if not super interesting. I just finished the book last night and I barely remember the plot of the second story, let alone the first one.
They were technically very good, I guess they just weren't my jam, so to speak.
The stories themselves were written very well, if not super interesting. I just finished the book last night and I barely remember the plot of the second story, let alone the first one.
They were technically very good, I guess they just weren't my jam, so to speak.
March 11, 2023
It was hard to rate this book because it has 2 different stories. I enjoyed both stories, but I liked the second one more. I really enjoyed the characters and the story line of the first story, very believable. All up until the end when the woman jumped to conclusions, didn't communicate and made a mess of the relationship. Of course, the man finally got her to talk and they worked it out.
The second story characters were also believable, it was more in depth. The second story had 2 story lines in it and both were well thought out. Very enjoyable to the end and it had a twist you don't see coming.
The second story characters were also believable, it was more in depth. The second story had 2 story lines in it and both were well thought out. Very enjoyable to the end and it had a twist you don't see coming.
August 7, 2024
Two books in one
Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2024
Love By Degree, is a wonderful story about a young lady in her mid-twenties who went to college and rented a room of young college students. Once the elder brother comes home early from an over seas work assignment, sparks fly. But are they from the electrical outlet or between Ellen and Reed?
The Road to Love, this is a dual time line story. I'm usually not a fan of this type story because it's hard to do well. Linda Goodnight did an amazing job of keeping the stories flowing and the characters interesting.
I loved both stories!
Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2024
Love By Degree, is a wonderful story about a young lady in her mid-twenties who went to college and rented a room of young college students. Once the elder brother comes home early from an over seas work assignment, sparks fly. But are they from the electrical outlet or between Ellen and Reed?
The Road to Love, this is a dual time line story. I'm usually not a fan of this type story because it's hard to do well. Linda Goodnight did an amazing job of keeping the stories flowing and the characters interesting.
I loved both stories!
May 30, 2017
Because I love Debbie Macomber's books, I was unsure before reading this book whether the co-authorship would affect the writing, but this was as excellent as any Debbie book written by herself. There are two separate stories in the book, one with a male primary character, and one with a female. An enjoyable read!
May 14, 2025
Really enjoyed the 1st story.
The 2nd story by Linda Goodnight - Loved!!! I enjoyed the story line for the present, overcoming past hurts and betrayal, but the ghost story of years ago - loved the history, characters and all the prejudices of two different worlds then to finally be united after a tragedy makes them see what is really important. shame there are still people like that today.
The 2nd story by Linda Goodnight - Loved!!! I enjoyed the story line for the present, overcoming past hurts and betrayal, but the ghost story of years ago - loved the history, characters and all the prejudices of two different worlds then to finally be united after a tragedy makes them see what is really important. shame there are still people like that today.
January 18, 2023
I am never disappointed by Debbie Macomber. She always holds my interest.
Linda Goodnight is a new author for me. I am pleased that these books were printed together. I cannot wait to read more books by Linda!!!
Linda Goodnight is a new author for me. I am pleased that these books were printed together. I cannot wait to read more books by Linda!!!
November 6, 2017
I just read the first story. It was ok. Older brother I thought was a jerk.
November 9, 2018
Nice story.
August 10, 2019
Two stories about two women who don't realize they're looking for love, until it hits them between the eyes. Another good beach read.
June 10, 2023
I throughly enjoyed Debbie Macomber’s novel. It was one of my firsts of Linda Goodnight. I really enjoyed reading her novel in the second part.
November 29, 2025
I always enjoy reading Debbie MaComber books. I'm never disappointed in her stories
November 4, 2023
My neighbor gave this book to me.I enjoyed reading it and kept my interest.
My first time reading Author Linda Goodnight book. This was had to put down .
There were several twist -in turns that helped the story flow good.
My first time reading Author Linda Goodnight book. This was had to put down .
There were several twist -in turns that helped the story flow good.
April 30, 2017
The Road to Love is actually two books. The first, Love by Degree is by Debbie Macomber. The second, The Rain Sparrow is by Linda Goodnight. Both novels are well-written and excellent. They are realistic and fun to read.
In Love by Degree, Ellen Cunningham had finally, at the age of twenty-five, decided to go to college. Her sister had married, her brother was in the military, and her Mother had begun a romance of her own. Ellen was finally free to get on with her own life. She had taken a room at a house with three young men, Derek, Pat, and Monte. She thought Derek owned the house. Because she loved to cook, she became their main cook but taught the boys how to prepare simple recipes. She also instructed them in the art of using the vacuum and the washer. She was happy with her choice and was doing her best in all aspects of her life. That is until the real landlord, Reed Morgan, came home.
In The Rain Sparrow, Hayden Winters came to Honey Ridge to do research and to write on his next novel. He was a well-known and loved thriller writer. No one knew his true past. One stormy night, he went to the inn’s kitchen for coffee and ran into Carrie Riley, the town’s librarian. She was terrified of storms so he spent some time talking her down. In the middle of the storm, he saw a young boy, Brody, out in the storm. He brought him in and thought he recognizes him as an abused boy. Hayden knew the symptoms well having been abused himself. With Carrie’s help, Hayden sets out to help Brody as much as he can. That night, Hayden also begins to have dreams from the Honey Ridge right after the Civil War. What was going on?
In Love by Degree, Ellen Cunningham had finally, at the age of twenty-five, decided to go to college. Her sister had married, her brother was in the military, and her Mother had begun a romance of her own. Ellen was finally free to get on with her own life. She had taken a room at a house with three young men, Derek, Pat, and Monte. She thought Derek owned the house. Because she loved to cook, she became their main cook but taught the boys how to prepare simple recipes. She also instructed them in the art of using the vacuum and the washer. She was happy with her choice and was doing her best in all aspects of her life. That is until the real landlord, Reed Morgan, came home.
In The Rain Sparrow, Hayden Winters came to Honey Ridge to do research and to write on his next novel. He was a well-known and loved thriller writer. No one knew his true past. One stormy night, he went to the inn’s kitchen for coffee and ran into Carrie Riley, the town’s librarian. She was terrified of storms so he spent some time talking her down. In the middle of the storm, he saw a young boy, Brody, out in the storm. He brought him in and thought he recognizes him as an abused boy. Hayden knew the symptoms well having been abused himself. With Carrie’s help, Hayden sets out to help Brody as much as he can. That night, Hayden also begins to have dreams from the Honey Ridge right after the Civil War. What was going on?
September 27, 2017
It's a love story. They're all about the same.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews