Wedding Dreams: First Comes Marriage / Sweet Dreams on Center Street

by Debbie Macomber, Sheila Roberts

It's not the wedding of her dreams—or is it?

First Comes Marriage by Debbie Macomber

Janine Hartman loves her grandfather but balks at his plan to choose her a husband. Zach Thomas, the intended groom, has recently merged his business with the Hartman family firm, and that's the only Hartman–Thomas merger he wants. But Grandfather has other ideas, ideas belonging to a different place, a different time. "It would be a perfect match," he insists. Zach and Janine don't agree. In fact, they agree on only one thing—that Gramps is a stubborn, meddling old man. But…what if he's right?

There's no wedding in her dreams—or is there?

Sweet Dreams on Center Street by Sheila Roberts (previously published as Better Than Chocolate)

Sweet Dreams Chocolate Company has been in the Sterling family for generations, but now it looks as if they're about to lose it to the bank. That would be a disaster, for the family and for the town of Icicle Falls, Washington. Can Samantha, the eldest daughter and new head of the company, come up with a way to save it? Unfortunately, the fate of Sweet Dreams is in the hands of her archenemy, Blake Preston, the bank manager with the football-hero good looks. It's enough to drive her to chocolate. But Blake's also enough to convince her that (believe it or not) there's something even better than chocolate!

Genres: Romance, Fiction

544 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published July 26, 2016

About the author

Debbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.

In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.

Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.

She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.

Reviews

[Joyce A. Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chocolate and the widow mom

This really is, as usual, a good read that includes a close family, various problems occurring in everyday life with insight in ways to deal with them. Mom is widowed twice in two years and is consumed by grief. The family business is in danger of being foreclosed on by the local bank and it takes the community and all of the family working together to find solutions.

[Ann Boytim · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Janine Hartman's grandfather decides he will be a matchmaker he finds someone who he has just made a business partner the ideal candidate for Janine. These two meet and they do not like one another at all. Opposites in every way but Janine's grandfather has other ideas and is a stubborn old man.

[Cynthia O'reamer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not very entertaining. Just another day of reading.

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I forced myself to finish the first book in this double feature. The story line was pretty lame. Sorry second book, but I don’t want to read your story anymore.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the Sheila Roberts book more than the Debbie Macomber story

[Carol Stanley-Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two very wonderful stories. Romance, human frailties and some laughs. Another good beach read.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

First story wasn't very good but I really enjoyed the second story and I hope to read other stories from Icicles Falls.

[Robin Moreno · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read it in 4 hrs felt I was there and felt the felling of the characters.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed both stories in this two in one book!
Debbie Macomber and Sheila Roberts are two of my favorite authors!

[Diane Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting book about getting people together by the Grandfather.

[Stacie Batch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Debbie McComber’s book was good. Shelia Roberts book was hard to get through. I struggled with finish it.

[Reader]

'<@$<

[Devin Dobran · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was ok. I liked the first story better

[Ivy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was mostly painful. The Debbie Macomber was typical of her early work. You know the end from the beginning. Thankfully it was short. It was schmaltzy at best. The second book was also just a mindless read, but it was long and went nowhere forever. It took forever, I should have abandoned it, but I guess I am a suckered for punishment. Skip this one!

[Mike V · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall Rating: 4/5
Enjoyment Rate: 4/5 for Debbie's books and 3.5/4 for Shelia's book.

Overall, I enjoy both book, but I wish there was more scenes/chemistry between the two main character in Shelia's book. Debbie's book was alright and a quick read. Nonetheless, I enjoy both book! :D

[Jane Maloney · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a fun novella to read!

[Colleen Hanushewsky · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun, easy read while still being able to cheer on the Chicago Cubs!