What do you think?
Rate this book
Wanted: Perfect Partner
Sweet, fun romance stories by #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber are to be enjoyed again and again!Single mom Meg Remington isn’t looking for another chance at love, but her teenage daughter, Lindsay, has other plans, so she places a personal ad on her mother’s behalf. When it’s answered by Steve Conlan, he actually seems…perfect! But there’s more at work, as the reluctant couple soon discovers. Meg and Steve want to teach their matchmakers a lesson—if only they weren’t really falling for each other!Originally published in 1995
126 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 1995
1701 people are currently reading
880 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Macomber
907 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
June 29, 2019
Reprint of 1995, G-rated, romantic comedy novel
Meg is a 37-year-old widow with a 15-year-old daughter, Lindsey, who is determined to foist her unsuspecting mother headfirst into dating. In order to forward that goal, she places on her mother's behalf a personal ad in their local newspaper, located in a suburb of Seattle. The ad is titled, "Wanted: Perfect Partner."
Meanwhile, 38-year-old, divorced Steve, who owns a busy construction firm, has a 19-year-old sister who also believes her brother should get back out there and start dating. She answers Lindsey's personal ad on his behalf, pretending to be Steve, and the two girls correspond while they are mutually masquerading as their older relation. In the process, they set up a blind date for Meg and Steve, who both show up, because their young relations have convinced each of them that it would be very unkind to stand up each other. From that moment on, comic chaos ensues.
This re-release of a 1995 novel shows its age in that virtually no one these days, in the era of online dating sites and dating apps for smartphones, uses a personals ad from a print newspaper to find a date. It's almost like reading a historical novel experiencing the centrality of that plot device to this story. But for fans of Debbie Macomber, and readers who are searching for G-rated romance novels, this particular novel, however dated, could be an enjoyable read. There is no cussing, no drunkenness, and no sex scenes, only a few passionate kisses. There is also no cheating, and as is the case with all conventional, adult romance novels, there is a guaranteed HEA.
A great many of Debbie Macomber's novels have been successfully made into Hallmark TV series and made-for-TV movies. Though this particular novel is not one of them, it has a very familiar, Hallmark-style approach to romance that fans of Hallmark will particularly appreciate.
I experienced this novel as an audiobook. The narrator does a good job acting out all the parts.
I rate this book as follows:
Heroine: 4 stars
Hero: 4 stars
Subcharacters: 4 stars
Romance Plot: 4 stars
Writing: 4 stars
Audiobook narration: 4 stars
Overall: 4 stars
Meg is a 37-year-old widow with a 15-year-old daughter, Lindsey, who is determined to foist her unsuspecting mother headfirst into dating. In order to forward that goal, she places on her mother's behalf a personal ad in their local newspaper, located in a suburb of Seattle. The ad is titled, "Wanted: Perfect Partner."
Meanwhile, 38-year-old, divorced Steve, who owns a busy construction firm, has a 19-year-old sister who also believes her brother should get back out there and start dating. She answers Lindsey's personal ad on his behalf, pretending to be Steve, and the two girls correspond while they are mutually masquerading as their older relation. In the process, they set up a blind date for Meg and Steve, who both show up, because their young relations have convinced each of them that it would be very unkind to stand up each other. From that moment on, comic chaos ensues.
This re-release of a 1995 novel shows its age in that virtually no one these days, in the era of online dating sites and dating apps for smartphones, uses a personals ad from a print newspaper to find a date. It's almost like reading a historical novel experiencing the centrality of that plot device to this story. But for fans of Debbie Macomber, and readers who are searching for G-rated romance novels, this particular novel, however dated, could be an enjoyable read. There is no cussing, no drunkenness, and no sex scenes, only a few passionate kisses. There is also no cheating, and as is the case with all conventional, adult romance novels, there is a guaranteed HEA.
A great many of Debbie Macomber's novels have been successfully made into Hallmark TV series and made-for-TV movies. Though this particular novel is not one of them, it has a very familiar, Hallmark-style approach to romance that fans of Hallmark will particularly appreciate.
I experienced this novel as an audiobook. The narrator does a good job acting out all the parts.
I rate this book as follows:
Heroine: 4 stars
Hero: 4 stars
Subcharacters: 4 stars
Romance Plot: 4 stars
Writing: 4 stars
Audiobook narration: 4 stars
Overall: 4 stars
July 25, 2019
This was an older book by the author, but it was still a good one. The writing style continues to flow and the characters are as charming as ever. The book was a little slow in some spots, but otherwise a good read.
The plot seems a bit childish at times as the author tries to write like a teenager, and the reader can see how it should work, but just doesn't quite make it. The characters are a bit blah in terms of excitement, but the story is a happy ending, feel good story that readers have come to know and expect from Debbie Macomber. Not a bad read, but not her best.
The plot seems a bit childish at times as the author tries to write like a teenager, and the reader can see how it should work, but just doesn't quite make it. The characters are a bit blah in terms of excitement, but the story is a happy ending, feel good story that readers have come to know and expect from Debbie Macomber. Not a bad read, but not her best.
May 22, 2024
This is exactly why people read romance novels. They give you a feel good feeling. They give you hope through imagination.
May 9, 2011
Another cutesy romance. Siblings involved. Matchmaking abounds. Who really was in control of the situation. Happy ending. Just what I sometimes need.
January 29, 2013
This was a very simple and easy and quick read. Totally predictable. Just pleasant.
August 9, 2018
I only got through two chapters and couldn't go on. It was horrible. Lousy plot, more of a teenage book than an adult.
May 16, 2018
Wanted: Perfect Partner by Debbie Macomber held some very exciting and unexpected twists. I was not sure what to expect with this read. But what I found was a fun, emotionally engaging, and romantic journey. A single divorced mother with a teenage daughter trying to get her married. A daughter who places an ad for dating in a newspaper for her mom. Single bachelor and brother to a young woman, plots to get her brother married off...only things go a little wacky, intense, and hot.
I loved reading it. Moments like Steve returning Meg's purse only to have the cops called trying t arrest him...and Meg's daughter saying he's a convicted felon...was hilarious. Steve and Meg thought they could have the upper hand on their date arrangers only for it to back fire completely. Humor was found everywhere. Steve pretended to be a convicted felon while Meg presented herself as a cheap hookup girl.
At first Steve and Meg, were emebarrassed. Then, they went from embarrassment to taking control or so they thought. But what they did not plan on was the attraction they started to feel...
Debbie Macomber once again, has written a story that tugged at my heart. I fell completely in love with her characters. All of them were amazing. They were perfect at their roles. In fact, some were so perfect, that I didn't see the ending twist. Overall, I would recommend this realistic heartfelt yet romantic comedy to all readers.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
I loved reading it. Moments like Steve returning Meg's purse only to have the cops called trying t arrest him...and Meg's daughter saying he's a convicted felon...was hilarious. Steve and Meg thought they could have the upper hand on their date arrangers only for it to back fire completely. Humor was found everywhere. Steve pretended to be a convicted felon while Meg presented herself as a cheap hookup girl.
At first Steve and Meg, were emebarrassed. Then, they went from embarrassment to taking control or so they thought. But what they did not plan on was the attraction they started to feel...
Debbie Macomber once again, has written a story that tugged at my heart. I fell completely in love with her characters. All of them were amazing. They were perfect at their roles. In fact, some were so perfect, that I didn't see the ending twist. Overall, I would recommend this realistic heartfelt yet romantic comedy to all readers.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
November 13, 2018
I will probably forever have a spot spot for parent trap stories and this one definitely falls under that umbrella. It's fairly short (the version I read was paired with another story that seemed longer than this) but it's a weird ride.
1) Since the version I read was a re-release and didn't say as much, I was a little taken aback at the Tina Turner reference(s) though I will say it did paint a vivid picture.
2) Some of the dialog was dated but it was also treated as such so... confused.
3) And this one is a plus, it's not really a story that needed to be updated or fell apart due to the lack of cellphones at every turn.
Nope, what made the story fall apart was just how obnoxious and over the top Lindsay and Brenda are to Meg. Not even the reveal at the end that Nancy and Lindsay were behind the whole thing (even more than we're originally led to believe) is enough to save this. Meg's weirdness about dating and the two steps back for every one step forward (a trope I'm rarely on board with) as well as Lindsay's "so you gonna marry us or not" after Meg and Steve haven't known each other all that long combined to sink the story for me. I liked the idea but the execution fell flat.
1) Since the version I read was a re-release and didn't say as much, I was a little taken aback at the Tina Turner reference(s) though I will say it did paint a vivid picture.
2) Some of the dialog was dated but it was also treated as such so... confused.
3) And this one is a plus, it's not really a story that needed to be updated or fell apart due to the lack of cellphones at every turn.
Nope, what made the story fall apart was just how obnoxious and over the top Lindsay and Brenda are to Meg. Not even the reveal at the end that Nancy and Lindsay were behind the whole thing (even more than we're originally led to believe) is enough to save this. Meg's weirdness about dating and the two steps back for every one step forward (a trope I'm rarely on board with) as well as Lindsay's "so you gonna marry us or not" after Meg and Steve haven't known each other all that long combined to sink the story for me. I liked the idea but the execution fell flat.
May 6, 2023
Wanted: Perfect Partner is one of Debbie Macomber's early works. I really like the slapstick humor and light nature of Mrs. Macomber's early work.
Meg is perfectly happy with life of running a bookstore and being a single mom to her teenage daughter. Lindsey has other ideas for her mother though and decides to put a personal in the newspaper finding her mother a date without telling her. Somehow the teen talks her mother into meeting a man she has been corresponding with and a whirlwind of trouble soon follows.
Nancy is determined to play matchmaker for her bachelor elder brother. Instead of admitting she is searching for love for him Nancy just sets Steve up on a blind date. Not wanting to hurt the woman's feelings by not showing up he goes to explain everything. Soon though he finds himself tugged into Meg's life whether or not he wants that.
This is a short story less then two hundred pages but it is complete. Some small character development but mainly laughs that kept me reading.
Meg is perfectly happy with life of running a bookstore and being a single mom to her teenage daughter. Lindsey has other ideas for her mother though and decides to put a personal in the newspaper finding her mother a date without telling her. Somehow the teen talks her mother into meeting a man she has been corresponding with and a whirlwind of trouble soon follows.
Nancy is determined to play matchmaker for her bachelor elder brother. Instead of admitting she is searching for love for him Nancy just sets Steve up on a blind date. Not wanting to hurt the woman's feelings by not showing up he goes to explain everything. Soon though he finds himself tugged into Meg's life whether or not he wants that.
This is a short story less then two hundred pages but it is complete. Some small character development but mainly laughs that kept me reading.
August 6, 2018
Wanted : Perfect Partner is by Debbie Macomber. Lindsay Remington and her best friend Brenda put a personal ad in the paper to find Lindsay’s Mom , Meg, a husband. They set up an exercise routine for Meg and manage to get her into some new clothes. They also answer Steve’s letters and set up a date with him. However, they tell Meg about all this only shortly before she is supposed to meet Steve. Meg goes to meet him to apologize for her daughter.
Nancy Conley writes letters for her big brother, Steve, in the same way Lindsay does. She also tells Steve about the date only shortly before he is to be there. Steve goes to apologize as well.
Steve and Meg decide they need to make their loved ones pay for the way they set them up. They unite in their revenge and meet on the sly to make plans. Whose plans will work out?
Nancy Conley writes letters for her big brother, Steve, in the same way Lindsay does. She also tells Steve about the date only shortly before he is to be there. Steve goes to apologize as well.
Steve and Meg decide they need to make their loved ones pay for the way they set them up. They unite in their revenge and meet on the sly to make plans. Whose plans will work out?
August 26, 2020
Debbie Macomber will never write the great American novel, but her books can generally be counted in for a solid-quality, lighthearted, enjoyable, easy read. Wanted: Perfect Partner did not live up to expectations. The pacing felt choppy and rushed. There was very little character development. It lacked emotional depth. Worst of all, the big "surprise ending reveal" was completely obvious. While I will definitely read her books again, I won't waste my time rereading this one.
November 16, 2023
Deception Really Worked
Daughter, Lindsey, places an add for her mother, Meh, asking for her perfect husband. Sister Nancy, answers theme letter pretending to be her brother, Steve. Even though they are attracted to each other, they don't want to admit it. They make a foolish decision to act in rude ways to show their families (the girls) that they chose the wrong person for each other. Find out what they did and what happens, because of everyone's deception.
M
Daughter, Lindsey, places an add for her mother, Meh, asking for her perfect husband. Sister Nancy, answers theme letter pretending to be her brother, Steve. Even though they are attracted to each other, they don't want to admit it. They make a foolish decision to act in rude ways to show their families (the girls) that they chose the wrong person for each other. Find out what they did and what happens, because of everyone's deception.
M
January 6, 2026
A funny read. With two scheming young ladies, a daughter and a sister, it was hrad to keep straight just who was manipulating whom in this story, but it did keep me laughing as Steve fell in love for the first time and Meg tried to get past ten tears of hurt and frustration and fear after her divorce. You had to keep reading just to see who was pulling what strings and if there really would be a happily ever after.
November 21, 2019
I like Ms. Macomber’s writing style but this book was tiresome. He wants her, she wants him, she’s not sure then she doesn’t know what she wants, then she loves him. That, plus all the gazing into eyes and wanting each other but putting it off and the daughter and sister’s involvement in their love life just did not do it for me. However, I’m no quitter so I did finish the book.
April 19, 2020
I love her books. Beach read. When Meg's daughter and Steve's sister decide they need to find love, they take matters into there own hands, Meg's daughter Lindsey places an add that Nancy, Steve sister answers. What follows is a string of events to teach the girls a lesson but finds Meg and Steve falling in love.
June 7, 2021
I had the book version with 2 novels in one! Both were great romance stories. I loved the first story where the sister and daughter worked together to bring their loved ones together in a unique way. The other story was lovely where two people in the same dangerous job come together regardless of differences.
January 23, 2019
Another "Perfect Partner" with Debbie Macomber!
Another enjoyable book by Macomber. Like coming home and curling up in the hammock with a good glass of wine. It's a school day and a work day so you can finally emerse yourself into another life for a few hours. Keep them coming.
Another enjoyable book by Macomber. Like coming home and curling up in the hammock with a good glass of wine. It's a school day and a work day so you can finally emerse yourself into another life for a few hours. Keep them coming.
July 29, 2019
This is a fast, easy, safe read. The plot revolves around an older couple who manage to get themselves into an elaborate ruse to convince her young daughter and his younger sister, who have been match-making, that they aren't suitable. Debbie Macomber presents an enjoyable story.
May 28, 2021
Debbie Macomber does it again
This book held my attention from the first page. Teenagers are unbelievable sometimes and Lindsey sure was. If you're a fan of Debbie Macomber, you will love this book.
This book held my attention from the first page. Teenagers are unbelievable sometimes and Lindsey sure was. If you're a fan of Debbie Macomber, you will love this book.
September 16, 2021
I liked the story, but Meg was so irritating at times. Like take a breath and realize you’re being absolutely ridiculous. She was the one creating these imaginary problems. I loved how sneaky Nancy and Lindsey were. Such great little actresses.
July 4, 2024
Great Read
Interesting. Keeps you wanting to turn the page to find out what Steve and Meg are going to finally do. I think it's cute that their family members set them up for a date
Interesting. Keeps you wanting to turn the page to find out what Steve and Meg are going to finally do. I think it's cute that their family members set them up for a date
April 14, 2025
I usually like her romantic stories but this one didn’t hold my interest as long as most. Someone else mentioned “parent trap” so it was cutesy but then kind of corny. But it made for a good quick weekend read.
May 8, 2017
This was a super cute romance.
October 29, 2017
Good premise, but terrible execution. I did not believe a single character’s feelings, motivations, or actions. Not for me.
January 13, 2018
Hooked
Very good read, got me pulled in and want more. Caught me buy the heart strings for sure. Xoxox ms. Kemp
Very good read, got me pulled in and want more. Caught me buy the heart strings for sure. Xoxox ms. Kemp
July 16, 2018
Fast quick read, out loud funny at times, predictable. I enjoyed a quick, entertaining read!
August 8, 2018
Excellent romance. As always, Debbie Macomber satisfies the need for a quick, relaxing read. Great book for summer reading.
August 22, 2018
I love feel good corney stories. This one was a quick read and I enjoyed the drama.
September 20, 2018
Too short to call a novel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews