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Country Bride
Luke Rivers is a man of his word.He agrees to marry Kate Logan when she foolishly proposes to him--after one glass of champagne too many--at her former fiance's wedding reception. And Luke, stubborn rancher that he is, refuses to renege on his promise.Kate was devastated when the man she'd always loved married another woman, a newcomer to their Oregon town. But now, not only does Luke refuse to break their engagement, he insists that Kate doesn't love Clay--she actually loves him!
1 pages, Audio CD
First published November 1, 2003
789 people are currently reading
2962 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Macomber
894 books20.6k 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 260 reviews
February 28, 2017
Don't waste your time on this book. I don't recommend it at all! (That's pretty obvious from my 1-star rating, though, eh?)
Okay, here's the deal. I've been hearing for quite some time about how good of an author Debbie Macomber is. "She writes such good, clean romance!" - "You really should read her books, she's a great author!" Well, so much for that. Did I just get hold of a rotten one or something? Or are all of her books like this one?
First of all, the writing just really wasn't all that great. Second, the characters were wholly unlikable. Third, the storyline wasn't very good at all. It could have had some potential... but not much, I don't think. Finally, I don't actually consider this book "clean" because, to me, clean includes not having bad language and there is bad language in this book. It's also got quite a bit of sensuality in it, though nothing beyond that.
Kate was annoying at best. She really just got on my nerves more than anything. And Luke? GAH!! The words I could think to describe him are not flattering whatsoever. He's pretty much just a bully. He decides he's going to get what he wants and determines that nothing is going to stop him. So he pushes and badgers Kate in an effort to get his way. Telling her that she loves him and needs him, and insisting that she's going to marry him. And everyone in the story is in favor of them getting married! Let me tell you: if some guy was treating me the way Luke treated Kate, I would get away from him as fast as I could-- and every person I know would back me up on that too. And if I had a friend who was being treated this way, I certainly wouldn't want her anywhere near a guy like that, much less married to him!
How am I supposed to want a happy ending for these two, I ask you? I couldn't. I wouldn't even have finished the book except that I wanted to write this review with full knowledge of the entire story.
If one of my friends can honestly tell me that this is one of Debbie Macomber's worse books and can recommend a much better one of hers to read... I am willing to give her another shot (so long as my library has the book you recommend & I have time to read it).
Note for my Christian reader friends:
This book does contain (mild?) cussing and sensuality.
Okay, here's the deal. I've been hearing for quite some time about how good of an author Debbie Macomber is. "She writes such good, clean romance!" - "You really should read her books, she's a great author!" Well, so much for that. Did I just get hold of a rotten one or something? Or are all of her books like this one?
First of all, the writing just really wasn't all that great. Second, the characters were wholly unlikable. Third, the storyline wasn't very good at all. It could have had some potential... but not much, I don't think. Finally, I don't actually consider this book "clean" because, to me, clean includes not having bad language and there is bad language in this book. It's also got quite a bit of sensuality in it, though nothing beyond that.
Kate was annoying at best. She really just got on my nerves more than anything. And Luke? GAH!! The words I could think to describe him are not flattering whatsoever. He's pretty much just a bully. He decides he's going to get what he wants and determines that nothing is going to stop him. So he pushes and badgers Kate in an effort to get his way. Telling her that she loves him and needs him, and insisting that she's going to marry him. And everyone in the story is in favor of them getting married! Let me tell you: if some guy was treating me the way Luke treated Kate, I would get away from him as fast as I could-- and every person I know would back me up on that too. And if I had a friend who was being treated this way, I certainly wouldn't want her anywhere near a guy like that, much less married to him!
How am I supposed to want a happy ending for these two, I ask you? I couldn't. I wouldn't even have finished the book except that I wanted to write this review with full knowledge of the entire story.
If one of my friends can honestly tell me that this is one of Debbie Macomber's worse books and can recommend a much better one of hers to read... I am willing to give her another shot (so long as my library has the book you recommend & I have time to read it).
Note for my Christian reader friends:
This book does contain (mild?) cussing and sensuality.
June 22, 2021
Debbie Macomber’s Country Bride was my introduction to this hugely popular author. I’m ashamed to admit that although I’ve read a handful of her Harlequins, I had no idea that Debbie Macomber was such a commercial hit with her small-town romances. Up until recently, I had no clue that she’s got a whopping 200 million books in print and has written several movies for the Hallmark channel.
Country Bride was released in 1990, and I recall really loving it. Although this book maintains a largely positive rating overall, I was surprised that the top Amazon and Goodreads reviews were negative, blaming the heroine for being too self-centered or the hero for being too overbearing. I thought nostalgia might have colored my opinion of this book, but after a recent re-read, my feelings on Country Bride remain unchanged; I love this little series romance, and a big reason was the hero, Luke.
Country Bride is the sequel to Macomber’s A Little Bit Country, and I read the books in reverse order, which negatively affected my opinion of the first book in the series. In A Little Bit Country, countryman Clay dumped his girlfriend and fiancee, Kate Logan, for Rorie, a city girl. Country Bride picks up at Rorie and Clay’s wedding, where the heroine keeps up a brave face, pretending to be happy for the newly wedded couple, even though she’s heartbroken inside. Giving her support is her long-time ranch foreman, Luke Rivers.
I was really into soap operas back when I first read this book, so my head did a bit of mental casting for Luke. I pictured him as actor Randolph Mantooth, of Emergency fame, whom I knew from the ABC daytime soap Loving as the smooth, level-headed half of the super couple Alex and Ava. Ava was a manic, crazy “bad-girl,” a perfect foil for the sedate Alex. (Side note: you could always tell who Loving’s big couples were because of the alliteration, like Trisha and Tucker, Rocky and Rio, etc., although lots of soaps did that, too). I thought Mantooth’s handsome, even-keeled attitude fit perfectly for Luke.
Lisa Peluso & Randolph Mantooth, aka “Ava & Alex” from Loving:
Anyway, Kate downs one too many champagnes at Rorie and Clay’s wedding reception and flirts outrageously with Luke, going so far as to propose to him. The next day she’s embarrassed but sure that Luke will quietly forget all about her silliness. To her shock, he’s insistent that the proposal was real, and what’s more, that Kate has feelings for him.
He stands firm on acting if their engagement is genuine and that they truly are a couple. Kate is blindsided. Where had all this come from? To her, Luke was just dependable, reliable Luke, always there, and always doing what was expected of him. How dare he act as if he knows what’s in her heart?
Now I suppose if I have imagined Luke like “Pizza the Hutt” from Spaceballs:
I would have thought Luke’s behavior was pushy and creepy. But in the land of romance, our heroes are always handsome, and on rare occasions that they aren’t, they have lots of magnetism that draws people to them.
Kate is stubborn. Luke is bullheaded. The two are certain that their way is right. Luke calls Kate his “princess,” which is a bit squicky, but he knows Kate is a high-maintenance type of gal, and he’s up to the task been of keeping her happy. He’s tired of being ignored and takes advantage of the best opportunity he gets to show Kate her love for Clay was an illusion.
I think it’s possible that readers who dislike this romance don’t like heroes who claim to know the heroine’s mind better than she does hers, which is a fair argument. It’s just in this case, Luke’s right. Kate’s feelings for Clay might have been genuine, but they never ran deep. He was just seen as the perfect guy, the perfect partner, and Kate, who tried to cultivate a reputation as the perfect woman, had her mind fixated on Clay; it was never truly her heart.
This 30+-year-old small-town romance may seem from another world entirely and may not appeal to modern readers who don’t like men who come on as strong as Luke did. I don’t mind it if it’s presented appealingly. For me, this book worked. I thought this was a sweet romance about two people who made an unusual but convincing pair and would rank it as one of the better Harlequin Romances I’ve read.
4 1/2 stars
Country Bride was released in 1990, and I recall really loving it. Although this book maintains a largely positive rating overall, I was surprised that the top Amazon and Goodreads reviews were negative, blaming the heroine for being too self-centered or the hero for being too overbearing. I thought nostalgia might have colored my opinion of this book, but after a recent re-read, my feelings on Country Bride remain unchanged; I love this little series romance, and a big reason was the hero, Luke.
Country Bride is the sequel to Macomber’s A Little Bit Country, and I read the books in reverse order, which negatively affected my opinion of the first book in the series. In A Little Bit Country, countryman Clay dumped his girlfriend and fiancee, Kate Logan, for Rorie, a city girl. Country Bride picks up at Rorie and Clay’s wedding, where the heroine keeps up a brave face, pretending to be happy for the newly wedded couple, even though she’s heartbroken inside. Giving her support is her long-time ranch foreman, Luke Rivers.
I was really into soap operas back when I first read this book, so my head did a bit of mental casting for Luke. I pictured him as actor Randolph Mantooth, of Emergency fame, whom I knew from the ABC daytime soap Loving as the smooth, level-headed half of the super couple Alex and Ava. Ava was a manic, crazy “bad-girl,” a perfect foil for the sedate Alex. (Side note: you could always tell who Loving’s big couples were because of the alliteration, like Trisha and Tucker, Rocky and Rio, etc., although lots of soaps did that, too). I thought Mantooth’s handsome, even-keeled attitude fit perfectly for Luke.
Lisa Peluso & Randolph Mantooth, aka “Ava & Alex” from Loving:
Anyway, Kate downs one too many champagnes at Rorie and Clay’s wedding reception and flirts outrageously with Luke, going so far as to propose to him. The next day she’s embarrassed but sure that Luke will quietly forget all about her silliness. To her shock, he’s insistent that the proposal was real, and what’s more, that Kate has feelings for him.
He stands firm on acting if their engagement is genuine and that they truly are a couple. Kate is blindsided. Where had all this come from? To her, Luke was just dependable, reliable Luke, always there, and always doing what was expected of him. How dare he act as if he knows what’s in her heart?
Now I suppose if I have imagined Luke like “Pizza the Hutt” from Spaceballs:
I would have thought Luke’s behavior was pushy and creepy. But in the land of romance, our heroes are always handsome, and on rare occasions that they aren’t, they have lots of magnetism that draws people to them.
Kate is stubborn. Luke is bullheaded. The two are certain that their way is right. Luke calls Kate his “princess,” which is a bit squicky, but he knows Kate is a high-maintenance type of gal, and he’s up to the task been of keeping her happy. He’s tired of being ignored and takes advantage of the best opportunity he gets to show Kate her love for Clay was an illusion.
I think it’s possible that readers who dislike this romance don’t like heroes who claim to know the heroine’s mind better than she does hers, which is a fair argument. It’s just in this case, Luke’s right. Kate’s feelings for Clay might have been genuine, but they never ran deep. He was just seen as the perfect guy, the perfect partner, and Kate, who tried to cultivate a reputation as the perfect woman, had her mind fixated on Clay; it was never truly her heart.
This 30+-year-old small-town romance may seem from another world entirely and may not appeal to modern readers who don’t like men who come on as strong as Luke did. I don’t mind it if it’s presented appealingly. For me, this book worked. I thought this was a sweet romance about two people who made an unusual but convincing pair and would rank it as one of the better Harlequin Romances I’ve read.
4 1/2 stars
December 22, 2017
I generally love anything Debbie Macomber writes, but this series really bothered me because there was example after example of women saying something and then men completely ignoring or disregarding them. The main female character, Kate, keeps trying to put up healthy boundaries and asks for her needs on multiple occasions only to have the male main character, Luke, completely ignore them and bully her into what she wants. Then (spoiler alert) for her to fall in love with him at the end just makes it all ok. I feel like the subtle message is that women should be submissive or that its ok and even attractive for men to bully women or ignore their boundaries. There is a moment near the end where Kate does finally stick up for herself, but it does not make up for all the stuff at the beginning. I found similar frustrations when reading A Little Bit Country.
September 7, 2016
Country Bride is the second book in the Country Brides series by popular American author, Debbie Macomber. When Clay Franklin breaks off his long-standing engagement to Kate Logan to marry Rorie Campbell, Kate is understandably devastated. But someone is there to support her: Luke Rivers is the manager of her father’s ranch, and has been her good friend for a long time. After some bubbly at the wedding, Kate suggests that Luke should marry her, and he readily agrees: after all, he has been in love with her for years. But the next morning, Kate changes her mind; Luke doesn’t, so it becomes a battle of wills. This one is sweet and funny (especially the wedding lottery) if just a bit too drawn out. 3.5 stars
May 26, 2017
I didn't like this story although it appeared to have elements I enjoy. The hero just decided out of the blue to tell the heroine that she should marry him. They hadn't dated, no sex, just I want you to marry me. And she just laughs it off. This is the whole book. They are casual friends but never dated. She thinks she is still in love with her ex-fiance who ended up marrying her new best friend. Mind you, she never exchanged bad words with the bestie or even really fought for her ex. And she didn't become friends with the bestie until after she stole her man. Its so ridiculous. I kept reading, hoping something would change or get better somehow. Instead it got worse. The hero was in love with her for years apparently but never said so. I think its time for me to stop reading these small town romances. They get more disappointing each day.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2022
I am on a Debbie Macomber binge ~ this is novel #14 and the third novel in recent weeks!
I really am NOT a Chick Lit/Romance fan but guess I am still into reading “feel good” novels!
However this one didn’t work for me
I really am NOT a Chick Lit/Romance fan but guess I am still into reading “feel good” novels!
However this one didn’t work for me
July 2, 2016
This is the first Debbie Macomb book that I did not enjoy at all. The female lead is so annoying! The entire plot line was predictable and not in a good way. I did not enjoy the hero calling her princess the entire time and wanting to "take care of her". No. It did not work for me at all.
June 9, 2012
Fairly sweet romance. He was pretty convinced she loved him and would eventually marry him. I liked his determination to have her at all costs. I didn't like though that he didn't seem to really be hearing what she was telling him. I guess though that was the way this character was. He was so determined to marry her that he couldn't see that maybe he just needed to step back for a moment and let her stand on her own feet for a while just to prove to herself that she could. Also she kept insisting that he didn't love her and he couldn't hear that what she needed was him to prove that he loved her in a romantic way and not just as a habit he had of taking care of her. I guess then he was written fairly well as an oblivious man. I liked her and how she was pretty honest with herself about the progression of her feelings.
Short and sweet and hit the spot for a light easy read.
Short and sweet and hit the spot for a light easy read.
July 28, 2018
This book just seemed silly to me. I didn't understand the characters. Luke seemed to be unable to verbalize anything worthwhile and Kate was simply pathetic in her inability to know her own mind at the age of 24. She constantly harped about how she could take care of herself, but came across like a 15-year-old just coming into her hormones.
April 1, 2023
A Country Affair by Debbie Macomber
Originally published as Country Brides in 1991
[A Little Bit Country and Country Bride]
395-page Paperback story ends on 376
Genre: Romance > Contemporary Romance; Chick Lit, Adult Fiction, Anthologies, Westerns
Featuring: 2-books-in-, Oregon, Horses, City Girl, The Story Continues, Book Preview - One Charmed Christmas by Sheila Roberts Ch. 1
Rating as a movie: PG-13
My ratings:
A Country Affair (2021) ⭐️⭐️¾
A Little Bit Country (1990) ⭐️⭐️½
Country Bride (1990)⭐️⭐️⭐️
My thoughts: 32 of 376/395 A Little Bit Country Ch. 3 - I had to Google MGB. I don't feel bad since now I know it was old and rare in 1990. I've seen them and never knew the name. The plot is ridiculous, very Hallmark.
📖 81 Ch. 7 - This is how I imagined 70s romance novels are; dramatically polite friction. Nevertheless, I didn't see that coming; it's so hackneyed. I don't know if this story puts me to sleep or if I'm willing to sleep to get a break from it. These characters could be in Bedford Falls and fit right in.
📖 201 Country Bride Ch. 1 - A Little Bit Country was a snoozefest. The characters were flat, and the way everyone sat idly by and let others dictate their future was severely outdated and disappointing. I hope the next book is better.
📖 268 Country Bride Ch. 5 - I don't know what trope this is, but it's the opposite of that last one. If I had read one of these books as a standalone, I would have been upset; I see why they were thrown together. I like this one a lot better than the last one, although the plot is unbelievable.
There is so much to unwrap here. Let's start with the publications. A Little Bit Country was first published in January 1990, and its sequel (unclaimed) Country Bride was released in June 1990. The stories are practically one. Country Bride starts at the end of A Little Bit Country and even has multiple recaps of events from the first story, yet there isn't a series or anything connecting the two. In October 1991 a double feature of both books was released titled Country Brides. I just happened to find it because of the similar titles on Goodreads. So A Little Bit Country is just a retitled publication of Country Brides, there is also the 2016 Country Bride with RaeAnne Thayne that features Country Bride by Macomber and Woodrose Mountain by Thayne. I get so annoyed when things like this happen. I once read a series by Shelley Shepard Gray and it was nearly 2 years before I discovered a spinoff series in the same town. Anyway, these stories were just okay. For some reason A Little Bit Country was annoying and although Country Bride had similar delusions the vibe just made it better. To be honest, despite enjoying Country Bride, until the last quarter, Kate got on my nerves in both books. I don't think the plot of either book aged well, I'm surprised it wasn't an issue in 1990 as sexual harassment was alive in the late 80s. Guys refusing to take no for answer, and the "I'll give my all until you want me" trope, isn't romantic.
Recommend to others?: No. This story is a bit disappointing.
Originally published as Country Brides in 1991
[A Little Bit Country and Country Bride]
395-page Paperback story ends on 376
Genre: Romance > Contemporary Romance; Chick Lit, Adult Fiction, Anthologies, Westerns
Featuring: 2-books-in-, Oregon, Horses, City Girl, The Story Continues, Book Preview - One Charmed Christmas by Sheila Roberts Ch. 1
Rating as a movie: PG-13
My ratings:
A Country Affair (2021) ⭐️⭐️¾
A Little Bit Country (1990) ⭐️⭐️½
Country Bride (1990)⭐️⭐️⭐️
My thoughts: 32 of 376/395 A Little Bit Country Ch. 3 - I had to Google MGB. I don't feel bad since now I know it was old and rare in 1990. I've seen them and never knew the name. The plot is ridiculous, very Hallmark.
📖 81 Ch. 7 - This is how I imagined 70s romance novels are; dramatically polite friction. Nevertheless, I didn't see that coming; it's so hackneyed. I don't know if this story puts me to sleep or if I'm willing to sleep to get a break from it. These characters could be in Bedford Falls and fit right in.
📖 201 Country Bride Ch. 1 - A Little Bit Country was a snoozefest. The characters were flat, and the way everyone sat idly by and let others dictate their future was severely outdated and disappointing. I hope the next book is better.
📖 268 Country Bride Ch. 5 - I don't know what trope this is, but it's the opposite of that last one. If I had read one of these books as a standalone, I would have been upset; I see why they were thrown together. I like this one a lot better than the last one, although the plot is unbelievable.
There is so much to unwrap here. Let's start with the publications. A Little Bit Country was first published in January 1990, and its sequel (unclaimed) Country Bride was released in June 1990. The stories are practically one. Country Bride starts at the end of A Little Bit Country and even has multiple recaps of events from the first story, yet there isn't a series or anything connecting the two. In October 1991 a double feature of both books was released titled Country Brides. I just happened to find it because of the similar titles on Goodreads. So A Little Bit Country is just a retitled publication of Country Brides, there is also the 2016 Country Bride with RaeAnne Thayne that features Country Bride by Macomber and Woodrose Mountain by Thayne. I get so annoyed when things like this happen. I once read a series by Shelley Shepard Gray and it was nearly 2 years before I discovered a spinoff series in the same town. Anyway, these stories were just okay. For some reason A Little Bit Country was annoying and although Country Bride had similar delusions the vibe just made it better. To be honest, despite enjoying Country Bride, until the last quarter, Kate got on my nerves in both books. I don't think the plot of either book aged well, I'm surprised it wasn't an issue in 1990 as sexual harassment was alive in the late 80s. Guys refusing to take no for answer, and the "I'll give my all until you want me" trope, isn't romantic.
Recommend to others?: No. This story is a bit disappointing.
September 30, 2019
This book was so bad, and not in like a guilty pleasure or crappy mac and cheese kind of good bad, this was just bad! It wasn’t romantic at all, to me it felt more like an abusive relationship than a romantic one.
In a love story you want to root for the couple but I did not want them together. I felt stubbornly and wholeheartedly opposed to them as a couple. From the way the town treated her, “Stick by your man honey” as he literally picked her up and carried her out of a bar because he was mad she was on a date with someone else. Or “I worry about you, Kate. I have a terrible feeling that you’re going to end up 30 and all alone.”
To the way Luke himself treated her. He wasn’t cute or sweet about wanting to marry her or trying to win her over. He just repeatedly told her “you love me” or “stop being so stubborn and just marry me.” It was honestly cringe worthy. I do not recommend this book at all, save yourself the time.
In a love story you want to root for the couple but I did not want them together. I felt stubbornly and wholeheartedly opposed to them as a couple. From the way the town treated her, “Stick by your man honey” as he literally picked her up and carried her out of a bar because he was mad she was on a date with someone else. Or “I worry about you, Kate. I have a terrible feeling that you’re going to end up 30 and all alone.”
To the way Luke himself treated her. He wasn’t cute or sweet about wanting to marry her or trying to win her over. He just repeatedly told her “you love me” or “stop being so stubborn and just marry me.” It was honestly cringe worthy. I do not recommend this book at all, save yourself the time.
November 16, 2016
I think I force finished this book, it was lacking something and Luke seemed a bit pushy to me. I'm not sure really what the motivation behind this book was, but It is not what I am used to from Ms. Macomber.
April 28, 2024
It’s amazing how pride gets in our way and changes the outcome.
May 22, 2016
The first story in this book is Country Bride by Macomber. Normally, I enjoy her books though there are some I don't. This was one of those, unfortunately.
This story was pretty terrible, I almost stopped reading. Kate annoyingly let's everyone run her life, keeps her apologizing over every little thing and acts like an immature girl. Luke is just as bad. Overbearing, stalker behavior (come on, he follows her and her date and then carries her out?) and badgering someone into loving you? Oh please! Immaturity on both sides.
Overall, one of the worst books by Macomber I've ever read. Skip it!!
The second story is Woodrose Mountain by Raeanne Thayne. This story was better than Macomber's, in that it had a plot and wasn't as lifeless. It was the normal predictable romance, with people falling in love after only a short time. At least there was more to the story than just romance. Not the greatest story ever but it was an easy, enjoyable read.
This story was pretty terrible, I almost stopped reading. Kate annoyingly let's everyone run her life, keeps her apologizing over every little thing and acts like an immature girl. Luke is just as bad. Overbearing, stalker behavior (come on, he follows her and her date and then carries her out?) and badgering someone into loving you? Oh please! Immaturity on both sides.
Overall, one of the worst books by Macomber I've ever read. Skip it!!
The second story is Woodrose Mountain by Raeanne Thayne. This story was better than Macomber's, in that it had a plot and wasn't as lifeless. It was the normal predictable romance, with people falling in love after only a short time. At least there was more to the story than just romance. Not the greatest story ever but it was an easy, enjoyable read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2016
For about the first half of this book, I was enjoying the light read and the connection between the two main characters. By the time I got halfway done, I started to get tired of the repeated arguments the two were making over and over again. The FMC continued to say she didn't want him at all (even though she actually DID want him) and the MMC kept on saying she needed him, not realizing that saying that over and over and over wasn't getting him anywhere. THEN, we get about 85% through the book and the FMC FINALLY realizes she wants to be with the MMC, butter pride keeps getting in the way. Even after knowing this, SHE STILL PUSHES HIM AWAY - no reason whatsoever. It was so frustrating. So incredibly frustrating. I was gonna give this book 3 stars, but no. I just got pissed off about it all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2014
This is clearly a book aimed at women but whether it hits the spot with women of today is another matter. Set in small town America,it could just as well have been set 100 years ago for the values it seems to portray, or is it just that, as a male reader, I look at things differently. Whether women like being told how they feel and what they should do b their male counterparts is another matter entirely (surely). This is really a short story and is very easy to read and holds the reader (hence giving it a 3 rating)even if it does come to a predictable conclusion (I was hoping for some wicked twist at then end, but I was to be disappointed).
June 4, 2023
Quick Summary: A quick, light-hearted romance
My Review: Country Bride by Debbie Macomber was a sweet short. This love story brought together two stubborn people who secretly harbored feelings for one another.
My Final Say: Readers who want a super speedy love story between two people who seem to be at cross purposes, this book is for you.
Rating: 3/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status: Clean
Level: 🍬
#libraryfind
My Review: Country Bride by Debbie Macomber was a sweet short. This love story brought together two stubborn people who secretly harbored feelings for one another.
My Final Say: Readers who want a super speedy love story between two people who seem to be at cross purposes, this book is for you.
Rating: 3/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status: Clean
Level: 🍬
#libraryfind
February 23, 2016
The heroine seemed to be really, really confused throughout the entire book. One glass of champagne made her propose to someone she's not interested in? Really? The whole thing revolved around that and how she didn't love him and he didn't love her - even if he said so - because she knows better.
April 20, 2023
Super unbelievable and unlikable characters with an unbelievable and gross plot. Do not read.
July 9, 2024
Wow. This was a shit show. What was with these two, I don't know. Luke was a little annying sometimes, but Kate pissed me off repeatedly. She had no idea what she wanted and strung Luke along. Wtf. She was horrible.
2 🌟 stars because I finished it
2 🌟 stars because I finished it
December 22, 2020
I am a huge fan of escapist romance reads. Improbable situations? Great. Ridiculous deals leading to romance? Fantastic. And even better, this one promised to be devoid of secret billionaires, celebrity, exotic locations. All the soapy stuff that is usually the hallmark of shallow characters.
Country Bride is set in a small town with an un-glamorous but attractive teacher as the main character and a hunky ranch hand for a love interest. This is my kind of book, surely! Simple romantic, guilty pleasure, entertainment.
Well I was right about one thing: the setting, characters, and situation were all totally fine. Nothing to write home about, but entertaining and fun.
But when I got about a quarter of the way through and encountered some rather abusive behavior portrayed as romantic, I couldn't continue. When Kate is on her way out the door to go on a date, Luke tries to convince her she's in love with him instead. She's protesting, and he's kissing and touching. He's insisting she's in love with him, even if she doesn't know it yet.
And after several repetitions of "No," "Stop it," "Don't," Luke responds with this winner: "I don't think I should stop." (paraphrased for clarity) And he continues to press kisses on her.
Oh hell no. That's an immediate "did not finish" for me.
Force is not confidence. It's not romantic. It's abusive and gross. If someone tells you to stop, YOU EFFING STOP. Pencil's down. Test over. The end. I don't care if she really does love you deep down and you're destined to be together forever. Right now, she said stop.
And this isn't just because of sexual assault. Luke couldn't be bothered about Kate's wishes. He couldn't respect her enough to take her at her word when she told him what she wanted/needed. That's not love.
But hypothetically, what if Luke was right (he wasn't)? What if Kate did want him to continue kissing and touching her. Well if Kate decided to play games in that situation (saying no when really she meant yes), then I'd lose all respect for her anyway.
So all in all, that conversation put the whole book to bed. The situation was gross, and I came out the other side disliking both characters.
Country Bride is set in a small town with an un-glamorous but attractive teacher as the main character and a hunky ranch hand for a love interest. This is my kind of book, surely! Simple romantic, guilty pleasure, entertainment.
Well I was right about one thing: the setting, characters, and situation were all totally fine. Nothing to write home about, but entertaining and fun.
But when I got about a quarter of the way through and encountered some rather abusive behavior portrayed as romantic, I couldn't continue. When Kate is on her way out the door to go on a date, Luke tries to convince her she's in love with him instead. She's protesting, and he's kissing and touching. He's insisting she's in love with him, even if she doesn't know it yet.
And after several repetitions of "No," "Stop it," "Don't," Luke responds with this winner: "I don't think I should stop." (paraphrased for clarity) And he continues to press kisses on her.
Oh hell no. That's an immediate "did not finish" for me.
Force is not confidence. It's not romantic. It's abusive and gross. If someone tells you to stop, YOU EFFING STOP. Pencil's down. Test over. The end. I don't care if she really does love you deep down and you're destined to be together forever. Right now, she said stop.
And this isn't just because of sexual assault. Luke couldn't be bothered about Kate's wishes. He couldn't respect her enough to take her at her word when she told him what she wanted/needed. That's not love.
But hypothetically, what if Luke was right (he wasn't)? What if Kate did want him to continue kissing and touching her. Well if Kate decided to play games in that situation (saying no when really she meant yes), then I'd lose all respect for her anyway.
So all in all, that conversation put the whole book to bed. The situation was gross, and I came out the other side disliking both characters.
February 21, 2018
Debbie Macomber is a delightful author who has written wholesome love stories that don’t sugarcoat life, but are heartwarming. This was not one of them. I learned after reading this book was written over 20 years ago and my idea is that she got a lot better.
The premise is a jilted fiancée is comforted by a longtime friend and family ranch employee at her former fiancé’s wedding. Say that five times fast! In her sad state she suggests they shouldn’t get married. He is all on board, she wakes the next day horrified at the suggestion. Kate appreciates Luke’s friendship and help during this upheaval but feels he doesn’t love her and she doesn’t love him, not as wedded couples should. Like is convinced Kate does love him, just doesn’t realize it and jumps at the chance to make her his. Sounds good, interesting, yet the characters were so one dimensional. I wanted to choke Kate with her whining and inability to face her own reality. I wanted to shake Luke who couldn’t seem to come out and clearly say his feelings. So they spend 99% of the book circling each other, pissing off each other, stirring up the talk in their small town, and basically making us all miserable in the process. It is not until the very last pages of this book you get any resolution and it is so anticlimactic because you are so mad at the characters and the whole situation.
So, don’t read this one, go pick a more recent Macomber romance that you should enjoy more.
The premise is a jilted fiancée is comforted by a longtime friend and family ranch employee at her former fiancé’s wedding. Say that five times fast! In her sad state she suggests they shouldn’t get married. He is all on board, she wakes the next day horrified at the suggestion. Kate appreciates Luke’s friendship and help during this upheaval but feels he doesn’t love her and she doesn’t love him, not as wedded couples should. Like is convinced Kate does love him, just doesn’t realize it and jumps at the chance to make her his. Sounds good, interesting, yet the characters were so one dimensional. I wanted to choke Kate with her whining and inability to face her own reality. I wanted to shake Luke who couldn’t seem to come out and clearly say his feelings. So they spend 99% of the book circling each other, pissing off each other, stirring up the talk in their small town, and basically making us all miserable in the process. It is not until the very last pages of this book you get any resolution and it is so anticlimactic because you are so mad at the characters and the whole situation.
So, don’t read this one, go pick a more recent Macomber romance that you should enjoy more.
January 30, 2016
I tried to like this book, I really did, but I was pretty glad when it was over. I'm giving it 3 stars because it was well-written, and I saw this was published in 1990 (I suspect romances were done a little differently back then. If this came out today, I don't think I could manage more than 2 stars).
It started out fine - the most enjoyable scene for me was Luke and Kate at the wedding, probably because I didn't know either of them well at that point. Kate is a little exasperating at times throughout but Luke is the real problem. He's domineering. He talks down to Kate. He shows no emotion, and no love for her, other than repeating, "I love you" over and over. He insists that she marries him, which I thought could have been a cute premise if executed differently, but instead he bashes her over the head with the idea that she "needs" someone to take care of her.
Unfortunately, he wears her down in the end. This is the first romance novel I've ever read where I wasn't hoping for a Happily Ever After. I would have been thrilled to see Kate kick him out of her new apartment and settle down with some cats and knitting, because that would have been better than actually marrying a caveman like Luke.
I will look for something more recent of Macomber's next and see if that's more to my liking.
It started out fine - the most enjoyable scene for me was Luke and Kate at the wedding, probably because I didn't know either of them well at that point. Kate is a little exasperating at times throughout but Luke is the real problem. He's domineering. He talks down to Kate. He shows no emotion, and no love for her, other than repeating, "I love you" over and over. He insists that she marries him, which I thought could have been a cute premise if executed differently, but instead he bashes her over the head with the idea that she "needs" someone to take care of her.
Unfortunately, he wears her down in the end. This is the first romance novel I've ever read where I wasn't hoping for a Happily Ever After. I would have been thrilled to see Kate kick him out of her new apartment and settle down with some cats and knitting, because that would have been better than actually marrying a caveman like Luke.
I will look for something more recent of Macomber's next and see if that's more to my liking.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2016
Debbie Macomber's Country Bride I would give three stars (if I could separate these two books). I enjoyed this story. It was cute and sweet, yet at times I wish it would have went a little differently. I just felt like Kate and Luke could have communicated a little bit better. But overall, I enjoyed the story.
Raeanne Thayne's Woodrose Mountain I would give four stars. I was sucked into this book right away. This story flowed nicely and made you want more and more as it went on. Toward the end when a secret is revealed (I won't reveal to not spoil the book), I was sort of confused. I thought the accident that Brodie's daughter was involved in should have been a explained a little differently to answer the question I had. But I adored Brodie and Evie's chemistry. Great book!
Raeanne Thayne's Woodrose Mountain I would give four stars. I was sucked into this book right away. This story flowed nicely and made you want more and more as it went on. Toward the end when a secret is revealed (I won't reveal to not spoil the book), I was sort of confused. I thought the accident that Brodie's daughter was involved in should have been a explained a little differently to answer the question I had. But I adored Brodie and Evie's chemistry. Great book!
March 8, 2014
In Macomber’s romance novel, Kate Logan is devastated when the man she loves breaks their engagement and marries Rorie Campbell. Drowning her sorrows in champagne, she vigorously throws herself at Luke Rivers and proposes—to him! Once sober, Kate is horrified at her actions and sheepishly insists Luke disregard her request. To her surprise, he refuses to break their “engagement” and insists that she loves him. What follows is a dance that neither can walk away from.
As always, Macomber has spun an engaging tale.
As always, Macomber has spun an engaging tale.
June 13, 2015
Debbie Macomber is a well-known writer of clean romance novels; I have read and enjoyed many of her books. Country Bride is a good (if simplistic) story, but it is filled with cliches and skimpy on details that would have made the story more realistic. This book would not have rated three stars except for the author's ability to take a "barely-there" plot and stretch it into a reasonably interesting story.
April 18, 2019
Country Bride was a let down. A Little Bit Country, the first in the series, was so enjoyable and cute.
Yeah I know. These books are romance fluff. Afternoon beach reads. No offense to the author or readers. I like a cute book like I like a cute romcom. Easy, sweet and predictable.
Country Bride was just dumb though. Luke is the worst. Kate is dumb. The two of them are terrible together and their is zero chemistry. This was forced, Debbie should have stopped with ALBC.
Yeah I know. These books are romance fluff. Afternoon beach reads. No offense to the author or readers. I like a cute book like I like a cute romcom. Easy, sweet and predictable.
Country Bride was just dumb though. Luke is the worst. Kate is dumb. The two of them are terrible together and their is zero chemistry. This was forced, Debbie should have stopped with ALBC.
September 24, 2018
DNF = 1*
The set up should have appealed to me. I like marriage of convenience. But I quickly became so annoyed by the whole thing and deleted it from my phone even though I had no service and no other book available. I just needed it gone.
The narrator mispronounced several words so I would avoid her in the future and will likely avoid this author.
The set up should have appealed to me. I like marriage of convenience. But I quickly became so annoyed by the whole thing and deleted it from my phone even though I had no service and no other book available. I just needed it gone.
The narrator mispronounced several words so I would avoid her in the future and will likely avoid this author.
April 25, 2019
I bought this audio book for like $5 and I started listening to it while I was in the car on a long road trip. I also didn’t realize it was a sequel when I bought it, so that didn’t help, but it was cheap and looked cute. It wasn’t the worst book I’ve ever read (listened to) but it was definitely corny and not my style. It helped with the long drive though.
March 25, 2016
I didn't enjoy this as much as I usually do with this author. I found the hero's total insistence he'd take care of her and kept nagging her to marry him and informing her that she loved him very infuriating. He was very pushy.
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