Small Town Christmas: Return to Promise / Mail-Order Bride

by Debbie Macomber

Promise, Texas, is a good place to live with the person you love. When rancher Cal Patterson and his wife, Jane-better known as Dr. Texas-face a threat to their marriage, she leaves Promise, the town that's become her home as much as his. Will Jane be back by Christmas? Because, for both of them, the greatest gift of all would be her Return to Promise.

Gold River, Alaska, isn't your average town. After being jilted by her fiancée, Caroline Myers ends up there-thanks to her matchmaking aunts, who send her on what appears to be an autumn vacation. Not surprisingly, they have something different in mind. Something that involves spending a snowy Christmas in handsome Paul Trevor's home-as his Mail-Order Bride.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary

375 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published November 1, 2008

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

[Beth Pearson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is 2 stories in 1 book. The book is called "Small Town Christmas," and the first story in it is
Return to Promise.

This is about a married couple that are having a tough time communicating and keeping their marriage alive and happy.

On a personal note : ) One of the easiest ways to keep a marriage thriving is for the husband to appreciate his wife and give her the praise, gratitude etc. so she knows he is still thrilled to have her. Before all your Dr. Laura fans get fired up, I will be the first to say this works both ways. On this particular issue however, I have seen more men forget to do this. Here's my theory why:
1. Men aren't as good as multi tasking as women, so they just don't think about it.
2. Women crave more romance then men. Praising, confessing love, gratitude and joy falls more into that category.
3. Men's task list is about 5 items long: make money, make love, eat good food, help with the kids or do a honey do project to make wife happy. Women have a task list about 88 times longer then men and it contains things the husband doesn't even consider needs to be done (neighbor gifts, sauteing veges before adding them to the soup, folding clean clothes instead of just leaving them in the laundry basket, etc.) so it is easier for men to not realize just how much their wife does.

So, with that little soap box speech given, we'll get back to the story of Return to Promise. : )
If you have the above mentioned problem AND the other spouse isn't good at communicating their needs, desires, etc. you end up with a story like the one I read. Throw into it a hottie that wants the husband for herself, grief and the stress of caring for aging parents on the wife and you have the whole 197 page story. Which was o.k. Predictable but easy read. If either of these 2 stories were to be called a traditional "Christmas Story" I would say more of this one. I gave it 2 stars.

"Mail Order Bride" was definitely my favorite. On it's own, I'd give that one 4 stars. I liked the conniving, meddling, spinster aunts and the sexual tension between the 2 main characters. there is nothing like wanting sex and not being able to have it, that makes for a great story. : ) I thought it the story was fun. Naturally, predictable, but an enjoyable ride non the less. I'd recommend this story.

[Cathy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can't review this because I couldn't bring myself to finish it.
The book is two novellas. I just had to stop almost to the end of the first. I did not care about any of the characters and had no sympathy for their plight: clueless husband and suspicious wife.
I'm not even attempting the second novella.
I'm surprised because I always liked this author's work in the past.

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

The first story was pretty amusing (way to make something out of nothing!) but the second one's premise was so off-putting that I could not finish it.

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very disappointing. I picked this book up at a sale because I wanted a light fun Christmas book. The picture on the front and the title "Small Town Christmas" lead me to believe that this would be a cheesy Hallmark-ish type Christmas story. Just what I wanted. Well it is not.
This book is not a Christmas book. This book is actually 2 books, neither one is really a Christmas story.
Return to Promise - A husband and wife are both too stubborn to apologize or to even listen to what the other would have to say. But I guess that would also require that one of them was willing to talk. Did not enjoy the characters. 2 stars.
Mail-Order Bride - even worse. 2 horrible aunts decide that their niece needs to get married so send her to Alaska as a mail-order bride without her knowledge. Meddling old women are not cute and should not be shown in such a way in books. The niece marries the man in a drunken stuppor (the aunts spike her tea.) No one, not even the priest, have any issues with her getting married in the state that she is in. Again, lack of communication, along with stubbornness and arrogance (on both sides) lead to a disaster of a book. 1 star.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the second story so much more that my rating went up from 3 to 4 after finishing it. The second story is a tad far-fetched, but very entertaining.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

1st Novel: Return to Promise
Read 7/13/25 to 7/17/25

Characters:

Cal Patterson-Rancher w/his younger brother Glen. Married to Jane.

Jane Patterson-better known as Dr. Texas. Cut her hours back to one weekend a month to raise her kids. Once they are in school then she will return full time. Friends with Annie, Dovie and Ellie her sister-in-law. In fact, Ellie and Glen were the ones that arranged her first date with Cal. That didn’t go well. But once he volunteered to give her riding lessons, they fell in love.

Paul Patterson-Cal and Jane’s 3 yr old son.

Mary Ann-Cal and Jane’s 18 mo old daughter.

Glen Patterson-Cal’s younger brother. Married to Ellie. At one point, Glen is so worried about Cal and Jane that he reaches out to his dad. Cal and Jane love each other and whatever is wrong would eventually right itself.

Ellie Patterson-Married to Glen. Works at Frazier Feed.

Johnny Patterson-Oldest child of Ellie and Glen.

Robin-Glen and Ellie’s daughter.

Phil Patterson-Cal and Glen’s dad. Widower. Owned Lonesome Coyote Ranch. When he had health problems, him and Mary gave the ranch to their sons and bought a bed and breakfast in town.

Mary Patterson-Cal and Glen’s mom. Married to Phil. Died from Alzheimer’s disease.

Stephanie Dickinson-Jane’s mom.

Harry Dickinson-Jane’s dad who doted on his only daughter.

Derek Dickinson-Jane’s younger brother by 5 years. Assistant casting director in the movie industry. He visits his parents briefly. He doesn’t have the emotional aspects of dealing with his parent’s situation.

Annie Porter-Jane’s best friend for almost their whole lives. Moved to Promise because she wanted to be near her best friend after her divorce. Met and married Lucas. She is pregnant again so that’s why she hired Nicole so she could reduce her hours at the bookstore.

Lucas Porter-Vet. Married to Annie.

Frank Hennessy-Retired as Sheriff 3 yrs ago. Goes golfing with Phil. Was single for sixty years until he married Dovie.

Dovie Hennessy-Married to Frank. Owned an antique store. Her first husband was Marvin. Friends with Mary. Her death was as hard on Dovie as it was on Phil. They both cried together when Mary no longer recognized either of them.

Savannah Smith-Married to Laredo. She grew up as next door neighbors with Cal and Glen.

Laredo-Married to Savannah.

Grady Weston-Savannah’s brother. Cal’s closest friend his entire life.

Caroline Weston-Married to Cal’s best friend Grady. The local Post Mistress.

Gordon Pawling-Friends with Phil and Frank. They golf every week.

Nell Grant-Cook at the Chili Pepper (Texas barbecue restaurant).

Travis Grant-Married to Nell.

Jeremy Grant-Travis and Nell’s son. Plays the trumpet.

Emma Grant-Travis and Nell’s daughter. Plays the flute.

Pastor Wade McMillen-Cal’s friend.

Amy McMillen-Pastor’s wife.

Nicole Nelson-Was Jennifer’s roommate but just moved back to Promise. She is after Cal whether he’s married or not. She used to be a bank teller but got a job at Annie’s bookstore.

Jennifer Healy-Dumped Cal 2 days before the wedding. Married and divorced twice.

Brian Longstreet-Manager of the grocery store. Went on one date with Nicole but she found him full and lacking the strength of character that Cal possessed.

Lane Moser-Nicole dated him her first week back. She knew him from her old days at the bank. But he was 18 years her senior and divorced.

Julie-Jane’s best friend all through high school. She’s married and lives 10 mins away from Jane’s folks. Hadn’t seen Jane in 4 years. Into beauty pageants with her daughter. Jane noticed that her and Julie have grown apart and no longer have anything in common.

Megan-Jane’s best friend all through high school. A divorced single mother. Hadn’t seen Jane in 4 years. Megan is bitter about her divorce and speaks negatively about him in front of their 12 year old daughter. Jane was depressed after seeing her and Julie.

Denise-Works at the cafe in the local bowling alley.

Emma Bishop-Teenager that babysits for Glen and Ellie’s kids.

At the beginning, I did not care for Cal. He enters a bull riding rodeo competition without letting her know until the last minute. He was really good and won the amateur trophy. His brother got a babysitter so he could dance with his wife after the rodeo. But not Cal and Jane really wanted to.

When Jane’s dad fell and broke his hip badly, she went with the kids to California to help at her mom’s request. She wanted Cal to come with them but he stayed behind as the bull sale was coming up for him and Glen. She’d had a had to call Cal and lengthen her stay in California. The doctors discovered her dad had lung cancer. Once he was on a treatment plan and was doing better, she with her kids flew back home. Cal picked them up from the airport. Instead of a welcome homecoming, she was met with chaos. 3 weeks worth of mail was stacked up, as well as his laundry, dirty dishes, garbage overflowing, the bed was stripped but not made. She started cleaning up and when she finally went to bed she was asleep on her feet. He then wanted to make love but she was too exhausted. He felt she was punishing him. He turned his back on her and said whatever. WTH. The dude has a pea for a brain. Then I started disliking Jane. She knows in her heart that Cal is not into Nicole. But she keeps prodding him into an argument. So much until she’s out of control with her verbiage. She’s mentioning events where he could be alone to have an affair. She even blamed him stating that he sent her off to California with the kids. I don’t blame him for staying quiet when she’s rampaging in psycho mode. Then she says that he’s quiet becoz she hit too close to the truth. She is so way off the mark and he doesn’t deserve that. By now, it’s an effort for me to keep reading to see how this storyline plays out.

It was Frank who first noticed that Nicole looked like trouble. First, Nicole approached him at the rodeo. But he barely recognized her and was too distracted to pay much attention. Then she uses him as a reference to get a job at Annie’s bookstore. When Cal went to a restaurant coz he didn’t want to cook, she boldly comes up and sits at his table. She didn’t eat with him as she was meeting her date there. She’d had a crush on him since 10 years ago but he was engaged to her roommate. She moved back to Promise to claim him as her prize. She also knew how to undermine marriages. Glenn noticed a car parked near the barn and drove him and Cal to see who it was. They found Nicole lounging on Cal’s porch. She made him a taco casserole. Well, news had spread in that small town that Nicole had brought Cal dinner. Glen and Ellie had not said a word to anyone. It was Nicole herself that was spreading the gossip. She is dropping his name into every conversation she can, intentionally stirring up speculation. Devious bitch!

Then the veil was lifted for Jane when she went to Annie’s bookstore with Mary Ann in the stroller and Nicole introduced herself. They stared hard at each other. She knew then that Nicole wanted her husband…enough to destroy their marriage. Nicole voiced it in a way that left Jane no doubt that she wants him.

During Jane’s conversation with Cal informing him of this, Uncle Ken called to deliver the news her dad died. He suffered a massive heart attack. Cal bent over backwards to be supportive of her and her family during this time of grief. When he tried to comfort her with a hug, she would stiffen causing him to draw back. When he was concerned about her exhaustion and not eating, she would be condescending. When he tried to be her anchor, she would reject him. He even gently asked, “May I hold you?”. Jane said, “No. Leave me alone.” Cal crouched in front of her, “I’m afraid I can’t do that. I want to help you. Let me do that, all right?” She shook her head no. He gently helped her get ready for bed and she didn’t resist. But as soon as he climbs into bed beside her, she informs him that he’s returning back home without her and the kids. She even went as far as talking to her uncle and agreeing to workin in his medical practice behind Cal’s back. What was even worse was her mom and her uncle were more into enticing her to stay in California then working on her marriage. They were like that from the moment she first got there before her dad died. Selfish twits! This wasn’t what she really wanted, but her uncle had set everything into motion and she didn’t know how to stop it. She knew she was running out of money but lacked the courage to call Cal and ask for money even knowing he’d send it. She knew that in her pain and grief that she was the one who sent Cal away.

On Thanksgiving Day, Phil showed up at Cal’s and insisted they go out to eat instead of Cal holed up by himself. Good thing, too…coz Nicole had phoned his house twice and there’d been no answer. Her plans of seduction were foiled.

Then one day when Jane called the bookstore since that was where she was told she was, Nicole answered instead. She let Jane know that when Jennifer broke off the engagement with Cal, that he hadn’t gone after her either. Nicole even continued the conversation in a way that stated she was with Cal. Nicole kept playing games with Cal as well. She phoned him that the book Jane ordered was in and she could drop it off. Cal declined and gave her the address of Jane’s mother.

After 6 weeks without his family, Cal goes to the local bar for a couple drinks. None other than Nicole sits down at his table and proceeds to tell him that she wants him…has always wanted him. He tells her he’s married. Nicole clarifies that he’s separated. He tells her to leave. He tells her he’s in love with his wife. He loves his children. He’s not interested in an affair with anyone.

Her uncle has been pestering Jane about hiring a divorce attorney… so after Jane had that unwanted convo with Nicole, she decided to hire one. She confided this to her friend Dovie. Dovie tries to reason with her. Jane defends her actions by saying Cal hasn’t tried reaching out to her. Dovie pointed out that she hadn’t tried to reach out to him either. In the midst of he pity party, Dovie has had enough and gives her a “Now, you listen to me, Jane Patterson” speech.

Grady goes to see his best bud, Cal. After Dovie spoke with Jane, Dovie runs into Savannah and tells her about it. Savannah told Caroline and Caroline told her husband Grady. “Jane’s filing for divorce.” Cal, “The hell she is.” Grady chuckled, What are you going to do?” Cal, “What else can I do? I’m going after her.” Grady, “”You’re bringing her home? Cal, You bet I’m bringing her home.” Then Grady looks around the kitchen and points out that it’s a bit of a mess. He cleans up everything and decorates the house for Christmas. He called Jane and left a VM that he’s flying out to get them.

Jane was in the waiting room at the attorney’s office when she began crying knowing that this was wrong. The kids needed their father and she needed her husband. She resolved to fight for him. She got to her mom’s and the lovely VM was waiting for her to hear. She packed up her and the kids and flew home to him. Only she couldn’t get a hold of him. She didn’t want him to fly to her coz she wouldn’t be there. She gave her flight info to Ellie. When Ellie couldn’t reach him either, she called in the troops. Lol! Nell puts a huge note on his door to call Ellie. Caroline calls Grady and he goes barreling down the driveway to Cal with the same message. Cal calls Ellie and gets the flight info. But before he leaves, he stops by the bookstore and tells Nicole to stay out of his life, to quit ‘running into him’, and to stop seeking him out!”

After their reunion, Cal and Jane decided to have a 3rd child. If it was a boy, they would name him Harry after her dad.



2nd Novel: Mail-Order Bride
This novel was better.
Read 8/6/25 to 8/15/25

Characters:

Caroline Myers-Jilted by her fiancé.

Ethel Myers’s-Caroline’s Great Aunt.

Mabel Myers’s-Caroline’s Great Aunt.

John Morrison-Alaskan pilot.

Ethel and Mabel are sisters. Their dad said that brew can enhance one’s ability to solve problems. For over 50 yrs they were unable to find husbands of their own do how could they discover one for their niece. Their grandma was a mail-order bride and was very happy with their grandpa. So the sisters found an ad…a Paul Trevor, 32, from Gold River, Alaska was asking for a wife. So they answered the ad. So the brew helped. Their father’s recipe was most beneficial.

The Aunts treated her to a vacation to Alaska to help heal her heart. Lol! They told her it was for 1 week. Her aunts were charming, loving and thoroughly enchanting.

Caroline married him in a drunken daze as her aunts spiked her tea. Paul fell in love with her at first sight. However, she did grow to love him just as much. He was handsome, gentle, kind and loving. She also became attached to Alaska and the friends she made there.

[Drebbles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Debbie Macomber's "Small Town Christmas" contains two previously published novels: "Return to Promise" and "Mail-Order Bride".

In "Return to Promise", Cal Patterson and his wife Jane have been happily married for several years. But now a series of events have caused problems in their marriage and Jane leaves Cal, taking their young children with her. Jane's not sure if she can ever trust Cal again, but Cal is willing to do anything he can to have his family together by Christmas.

"Return to Promise" is Macomber's take on what happens to a marriage when a couple stops communicating. Unfortunately, Cal and Jane began to wear on me very quickly. At times I wanted to shake some sense into the two of them. Jane had some real reasons to be upset, but she quickly jumped to conclusions without talking or listening to Cal, listening to town gossip instead. Cal came across as being very loving, which Jane failed to notice, but he was incredibly naïve when it came to Nicole Nelson's actions. For me, Nicole was the most interesting character in the book and she deserves a book of her own.


Caroline Myers is devastated after being jilted by her fiancé and her elderly aunts want to help her so they answer an ad for a "Mail-Order Bride" in her name, only they neglect to tell her what they did. Before she knows it, she's in Alaska and married to Paul Trevor. Sparks fly immediately between the two - although not always in a good way. Will Caroline adjust to life in Alaska and fall in love with Paul or will she spend Christmas alone?

"Mail-Order Bride" is a cute romantic comedy. The set up is a bit ridiculous - it's hard to believe that Caroline didn`t realize she was taking part in a marriage ceremony - but once Macomber moves beyond that clunky beginning the book is quite enjoyable. The adjustments that both Paul and Caroline have to make to married life are quite real. There are some genuinely funny moments especially when the two clash. The romance bits are also nicely done, never explicit as Macomber always lets her readers use their imagination. Macomber does throw a few unnecessary kinks into the romance, and Paul is a bit too much of a neanderthal, but for the most part it's a sweet romance.

"Small Town Christmas" is not the best Debbie Macomber collection that I've read, but it's still a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of the holidays.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Return to Promise is the eighth and last Heart of Texas novel by Debbie Macomber and is set a few years after Promise, Texas. Nicole Nelson returns to Promise after leaving town with her friend Jennifer Healy (who had just left Cal Patterson standing at the altar), some ten years previous. As soon as ex-Sheriff Frank Hennessey spots her, he tells his wife Dovie that Nicole is trouble. And he’s right! Even though Nicole seems sweet and friendly, she has her sights set on Cal Patterson, despite his wife and two children. Her father’s nasty accident has Jane Patterson and her children travelling to California to be with her mother, leaving the way clear for Nicole to set tongues wagging. Readers will be pleased to revisit Promise after an interval of a few years, to reconnect with characters from the previous seven books, and to see how Cal and Jane manage to mess things up in their seemingly perfect marriage. This instalment has humour and heartache, casseroles and cattle-riding, romance and rejection, a funeral and ultimately, a happy Christmas. The only thing Macomber didn’t resolve was whether Cal will be allowed to keep riding in the rodeo……
Mail-Order Bride is the 30th stand-alone romance novel by Debbie Macomber and is set in the small and very remote town of Gold River, Alaska. After she was recently jilted, Caroline Myers’s scheming great aunts decided, under the influence of Father’s “tea”, that they would answer an ad for a mail-order bride on her behalf. Believing they had bought her a holiday in Alaska, she travelled to Gold River, imbibing in a lot of Father’s brew on the way when the flight got a little hairy, and took part in a ceremonial welcome that involved her agreeing to something….. When she woke the next morning, she found she’d agreed to be Paul Trevor’s wife. This delightful romance has a rather ditzy heroine, a very patient hero and while occasionally bringing a lump to the throat, also, at times borders on slapstick comedy. This sweet Debbie Macomber offering is a fun read.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like to call my Christmas books fluffy reads because they often aren't as serious of subjects as I normally read.
The first book in this two in one book was Return to Promise. It was about a couple in Texas Cal and Jane. Jane's father broke his hip by falling and Jane goes to California to be with her mother. Meanwhile Cal stays home in the fictional town of Promise. Cal and Jane's marriage encounters a huge road bump that could not have a happy ending. Jane leaves her home in Promise. Will she be back for Christmas? The only thing I did not like about Return to Promise is the fact it took a long time to figure out how this book was about Chrismtas.

The second book was Mail-Order Bride. I think I enjoyed Mail-Order Bride a little bit better than Return to Promise. Mail-Order Bride is about Caroline whose aunts send on her a vacation to Alaska. Little does she know that they have arranged a marriage for her with a gentleman named Paul Trevor. Their relationship is rocky relationship. Will their marriage last? I really enjoyed Mail-Order Bride. Caroline was such a strong, spicy caracter and Paul was a perfect gentlemen who sometimes got frustrated. It makes you wonder about how people would ever agree to an arranged marriage and how arranged marriages sometimes even work out. I would recommend both of this Christmas books. They are light reads and you will laugh and wonder with both of them.

[Marian]

The premise of Return to Promise was a little predictable, but it was the background details that really drew me into the story. What I love about Debbie Macomber is the way she depicts small town life. There was a lot of interesting dialogue between Cal and his neighbors, family, and friends as they tried to help him sort through his problems.

But back to the premise. The whole problem was lack of communication. Let's be real. Cal and Jane could have sorted out their problems a lot sooner if he learned how to be honest and she learned how to listen to a situation before immediately jumping to conclusions.

Mail-Order Bride was incredibly unrealistic, but I really liked it. It was pretty humorous how Caroline didn't even realize she was participating in a marriage ceremony until hours after the ring was placed on her finger. Paul was funny and good humored. And again, there were some great small town scenes. I loved when Caroline got to meet up with the other women of the town.

My only complaint is that Caroline's great aunts got on my nerves.
1. It is really not ok to send your great niece off to another state to get married without even telling her. I know this story was written in the late 80's but it wasn't ok then either.
2. Why do they have to call each other "sister" every time they speak to each other? We get it... you're sisters!

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

You don't realize how vulnerable your marriage is until little things rock it. Return to Promise reminds you not to make decisions under distress. They are able to overcome their obstacles when they picture their future apart!
Mail-Order Bride is a touching story, filled with grief and unknowns. It was a tearjerker for me as the author portrayed Caroline's feeling very well.

[Judy Wise · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a long and loving series this was. The final book is the story of Cal and Jane and where misunderstandings and lack of communication can be a problem in a marriage.
How they find there way just before Christmas is a lovely ending. It also brings out gossip in a small town and how it works.

All in all I recommend this series to all.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

two books in one, first Dr. Jane marries cowboy Cal but Nicole comes to town to try to steal him away.
2nd is girls aunts send her to Alaska as a mail order bride unbeknownst to her. She falls in love with the guy – Paul

[Dawn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really like DM's style of writing. She is a good storyteller but the conflicts and jealousies were so contrived that I was not sure I wanted to continue - Thank goodness for happy endings!

[Rebecca Cecil · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has two stories within it.
#1. Return to Promise. Cal Patterson his wife, Jane ( best known as Dr. Texas) live in Promise Texas with their 2 small children. Jane's parents live in California when Jane's father takes ill Jane and the kids go to her parents so Jane can help her mother with her father. In steps Nicole Nelson who was best friends with a lady Cal loved and was going to Marry but she left him. Nicole has always thought about Cal and has set her eyes on him she does not care if he is married or not. They have a couple unexpected by Cal meetings, she also takes a casserole dish with food to his house, brings him lunch every day. Cal thinks she is just being nice after all 2 other women friends brought casseroles to his house. Gossip begins, and it threatens Cal's entire family. ------!! Great family story, loved it.

#2 Mail Ordered Bride- Gold River, Alaska Caroline Myers, ends up there are being jilted by her France's ---- Thanks to her matching aunts, who send her on what she believes is an Autumn vacation. But of course they had something a little different in mind. Something that involves spending a snowy Christmas in handsome Paul Trevor's home---- as his mail ordered Bride. At first Caroline thinks the whole thing is a joke, but she soon realizes her aunt are very sinister women.
Another wonderful story by Debbie Macomber.

[Civram Ausoj · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before I split my reviews into two (since this book has 2 novellas) I will review it as a whole first. The stories are like your typical 2004 movie vibe, where the plot is not that deep but keeps you going. The book expects you to have a 'Christmasy' vibe but I only felt it in the 2nd novella since the 1st novella was more deeper than the 2nd novella. Overall I liked this book but I cannot say that I will forever treasure it and I didn't get attached to the characters like in any favorite books of mine

"Return to Promise"
I liked it but I kinda think it was too bland because of how the plot is cliche and sometimes cringy. This will be your typical 'romance, married life downgrading and might lead to divorce' type of plot. But it was decent.

"Mail-Order Bride"
Now this novella is what I'm talking about. I love the story! It's a cute christmas romance wherein it's like an 'instalove' but make it more mature. I would like to thank the 2 aunts in the story. Without them this story will be nothing.

[Kellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I try and read a Christmas themed book every year. This is the book I chose for 2025.
It’s 2 separate stories. The first one is about a young Texas family. There is tension in the household due to raising young kids, the husband wanting to participate in the rodeo and the wife not approving, honesty and support of your partner, etc. So when a woman from the past shows up in town, things get even more complicated.
I did not like the wife in this book. She was too uptight and narrow minded. The story was kind of far fetched. And Christmas wasn’t really a big part of the story except for the fact that was the setting for the ending.
The 2nd story was about a woman who gets dumped at the alter and her 2 great aunts sign her up as a mail order bride in Alaska no less. None of this was realistic, however, it did capture my attention. Again, Christmas, not a big player in the theme and like the 1st story, it ended on Christmas.
I do enjoy some light reading AKA fluff. Especially around the holidays.
But now I am ready to go back to a thriller.

[Dorry Lou · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two novels in one was fun to read. One was about a wife that was a doctor. When her father got sick she left Texas for California and because things weren't good between she and her husband she had to decide whether to go home to her husband or stay in California.

The other novel was about 2 great aunts who send their niece to Alaska to become a Mail Order Bride without her knowing about the bride business.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is two books in one. The first, Return to Promise, was a good story about what can happen when people gossip and others make assumptions. The second, Mail-Order Bride, was different. A lot of back and forth issues on both sides. I wanted something with a happy ending and these did not disappoint. Typical Debbie Macomber.

[Lisa]

I cant write a review, because I didn't even finish the first book in this 2-book novel.
I did not relate to any of the characters, and Idid not find the book interesting. It was a struggle to WANT to sit down to read it, and I started this book before Thanksgiving just so I could read several Holiday books before Christmas.

[Ryviera Shayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was not a big fan of Return to Promise. It's a typical story and one that I don't enjoy. As for Mail-Order Bride - loved it! Cute, fun, creative and unexpected! You may enjoy both but I would definitely recommend Mail-Order bride! Two precocious aunts and a jilted bride is the foundation for this unique and delightful tale!

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contained two Christmas-themed short romantic novels. The first is Return to Promise and is connected to the Heart of Texas series. The second, Mail-Order Bride, was published in 1987 for Silhouette Books. They were both enjoyable reads. If I were to rate them individually, I would give Return to Promise three stars and Mail-Order Bride four stars.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has two stories. They are both nicely written. The first story has lots of interesting characters. I liked the second story more. It was more fantastical but I liked the characters more. I also laughed more.
They are both perfect for people who romanticize small town life and believe that living in a small town is full of close connections.

[Rhonda Hall Mattick · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book contains two stories. They were written 20+ years ago and the writing reflects that time. It is sweet, not explicit. It reflects a time when feelings between a man and woman weren’t as easily communicated. If you know this before reading the book, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

My favorite was Mail-Order Bride. I would have given this story 4 stars.

[Heather Bridson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just adore Debbie Macomber's stories. The second one in this one that will stir up people who think it is a horrid thing, mail order brides and a trick that ends in marriage. But really, it is a story that has a great ending. I loved it!

[Amy (amysbooksnthings) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Both stories in this book were kind of weak and forgettable. Of the two I enjoyed Mail-Order Bride more. The characters were just a tad more interesting.

I’m not sure Macomber is an author that suits my tastes.

[April Entrekin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Typical romance stories but they do get points for good sentence structure and the stories make sense and flow well. Decent light reading. I know she is a famous author in this genre but I can’t bring myself to rave about romance novels

[Nancy Shaffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two stories in one book. First one so-so; second very good.

[Swhe641200 · Rating 4 out of 5]

122017. Cute quick read for christmas

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read and loved the whole series but this one seemed out of place and depressing. I had a hard time finishing it.