The Manning Grooms

Those Manning Men #3-4

by Debbie Macomber

Jason Manning is content with his life as a bachelor, a slob and a sports fan. Then a precocious girl named Carrie Weston decides to play matchmaker, introducing him to her mother, Charlotte. To his relief, Charlotte is as averse to marriage as he is. But Jason's feelings start to change once he gets to know his Bride on the Loose.

James Wilkens was almost a Manning groom—because he almost married one of the Manning sisters. With that broken engagement behind him, he spends New Year's Eve in Las Vegas…where he meets Summer Lawton. She's just suffered a painful betrayal, and James promises her that in a year, she'll be over it. To prove his point, he makes a date to meet her in Vegas Same Time, Next Year. Except it turns out to be more than a date—it's a wedding!

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Christian, Ebooks

491 pages, Paperback

First published December 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

[Ann Mat · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a retrieve to see Debbie Macomber in a different light. The knitting series talks about life while this one exceeds romance. Since this is my first book from the series, I grow closer to the manning family. I wish that I owned the complete series.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two books in one...
Bride on the Loose
Jason Manning is a confirmed bachelor until he meets Charlotte. They both fall quickly and then the trouble ensues...
Same Time, Next Year
Christy Manning broke James Wilkins heart five years ago, but he's moved on...Summer just got her heart broken and James knows just how to help her move on.

Classic Macomber. I loved all in the series that I have read (I missed the first two about the Manning sisters). Both stories are quick reads (I read the whole book in less than a day) with romantic stories. In each story, the characters are plagued with real troubles (sometimes to an extreme) and the other part of the couple helps them through the problem. In the end, love conquers all and everyone is happy! Yea!

These are feel good stories that are sweet and romantic...I won't hesitate to keep reading Macomber's books.

[Sheila Samuelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
In this 3rd and Final installment of The Manning Family Series we visit with 2 men who help 2 single woman learn about life and love after heartbreak in the 1990s.

All 6 Characters were so enjoyable and interesting to read about. My Favorites were Summer, Julie and James from Same Time Next Year (1995). Jason Carrie and Charlotte were okay but i expected to enjoy them more then i did.

The Setting of both stories were very intriguing and enjoyable to read about which really makes the reader feel like your actually in the book especially when the scenery was described.

Overall A Good Combo Book to read if your looking for quick and enjoyable Romances to read!! Can't wait to read more by Debbie in the future!!

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two older books in one volume. Here are my two-haiku reviews:


Bride on the Loose

She is single mom
Her marriage was terrible
Can she love again?

Nice character depth
Series, but could stand alone
End a bit sudden


Same Time Next Year

They meet in Vegas
She's been dumped by fiance
He writes her letters

Very sweet story
Almost fairytale romance
With loving couple

[leticia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised with these two books compared to the first ones. Book #3 went over Jason Manning's love story to Charlotte. During the first two books, Jason seemed to be the reasonable brother and only bachelor left. I'm glad the author stuck to the personality that Jason showed during the first two books. I found Charlotte's behavior to be a bit weird, I understood it was due to trauma but her running off and not discussing something so important with Jason seemed a bit unrealistic. She didn't consider Carrie or Jason when making the decision. For book #4, even though James is not Manning, I enjoy that he is a very close family friend. This book had a similar theme to #3 due to the runaway partner and the very fertile women they all seem to pick throughout the series. I enjoyed that James, like Jason, was much more mature and emotionally available for their partner.

[Kristi Powers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two stories back to back. Always enjoy these cute little stories by Debbie Macomber.

[Cecelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jason Manning is content with his life as a bachelor veterinarian. He is also the owner/superintendent of an apartment complex. Charlotte Weston lives in one of the apartments with her nosy daughter, Carrie. Carrie is determined to set her mom up with Jason - her mom has been single for a long time and it's time for her to date again. Jason is reluctant to pursue Charlotte. However, as he gets to know shy, pretty Charlotte, he finds himself intrigued.
Charlotte is attracted to Jason, but, knows that there can be no romance between them. She harbors a deep secret - a secret which she believes may have contributed to her bitter divorce years ago.
I liked the characters in this book. Jason was a great guy and he really stuck by Charlotte and he was a perfect gentleman. Charlotte was a sweet lady who'd had her heart broken - and her soul had been broken too, that's why she never dated after her divorce.
So, have you ever found it hard to date after a bitter divorce? What happened? Were you able to start dating and find true love again?
2. Same Time, Next Year
When James Wilkens literally runs into Summer Lawton in Vegas on New Year's Eve, she's in tears. Eager to help her, they share dinner. She tells of her fiancé's recent betrayal and James predicts that she will be over her pain in one year. They make a deal to meet in one year at the same place - just so that James can prove his point about getting over a lost love.
James and Summer keep in touch during their year apart. When they meet again, their attraction kindles, but, would they make a good couple?
Summer is much younger than James, and James is trying to get a political position. Would his potential voters accept his marriage to a much younger, attractive woman who is an actress at Disneyland?
I loved this sweet, endearing story. It's not too deep, just simple and fun.
So, have you ever fallen in love with someone via letters or via the internet? What happened when you met in person?

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the the first book of the two-part set. Ms. Macomber really delved into the emotions and psychology behind a fledgling relationship. Also, it was eerily similar to a relationship I had so I could relate to her on point story. The second novella, "Same Time, Next Year" was, in my opinion, a typical, syrupy romance story but still enjoyable. Like I said before, men should read these books to "keep in touch with their feminine side." I would give "Bride On....." five stars and "Same Time....." three stars, thus four stars overall.

[Angela Holland · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was good but not great. Check out my blog for more of this review. http://griperangsbookmarks.blogspot.com

[Julianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for THC Reviews
*newest review for this anthology

Bride on the Loose - Bride on the Loose is the third story in Debbie Macomber's Those Manning Men series, and I'd have to say it's probably my favorite in the series so far. Carefree bachelor, Jason Manning was the last of the Manning men still standing, but he's finally brought to his knees by a little thing called love, when a matchmaking teenager tries to fix him up with her mom in hopes that having a man in her life will make her mom more lenient about her dating. Jason wasn't too pleased about this and turned the girl down flat, until her machinations brought him and her mother together, leading them to discover they had some things in common. Unfortunately, his new lady love is quite skittish due to a terrible first marriage in which she was abused. This doesn't stop Jason from marrying her and finally giving his family their hoped-for big wedding to attend, but the occasion isn't quite the joyous one it should be when the bride gets cold feet.

Jason has a breezy attitude and tends to be a pretty easy-going guy for the most part. He's a caring veterinarian who gets to save the day by rescuing and treating a badly injured dog that the heroine and her daughter found in the street. When he's not working, Jason is a sports nut who spends nearly all his free time either watching every sport imaginable on TV or playing softball on a team with his brothers. There was one point early in the story when I had misgivings about Jason, because he made a few off-handed comments that seemed rather chauvinistic and which gave me unpleasant memories of his sister's hero, Russ (The Cowboy's Lady). Even though I wasn't terribly amused, I think it was meant to be a humorous battle of the sexes conversation. Other than this incident and one on his wedding day when Jason got extremely ticked off at Charlotte when she told him lies out of fear, with the intention of stopping the wedding, Jason was a pretty good guy who was patient and gentle. Early on in their relationship, it was rather cute how he started falling in love with Charlotte and didn't even realize it at first. He's essentially the consummate bachelor who spends some time protesting his own feelings, but once he makes up his mind, he's pretty much unstoppable. At the end, when Charlotte finally fessed up about everything that happened in her first marriage, Jason was very kind and compassionate.

Charlotte is a single mother who's been through a lot in her life. Her father walked out on her and her mother, and then her mother died when she was only a teenager. She ended up marrying young, and it was an awful marriage that caused her heartache and heartbreak in so many ways. The only good thing that came out of it was her daughter, Carrie, and now that she's divorced, the two of them are basically alone in the world. That doesn't stop Charlotte from longing for a family to call her own, but she was so traumatized by her first husband that she's avoided men like the plague until her daughter decides that her mom needs a man in her life and approaches Jason, who is their landlord, about filling the position. From the beginning, Charlotte is unperturbed by Jason's love of sports and him being a slob. She even held her own when Jason made his lame comments about women. She's also an excellent mother, who obviously adores children and would dearly love to have more. However, the abuse she suffered has made her extremely nervous around men and also something of a people pleaser, who has to learn to stand up for herself and that she's not the woman her husband led her to believe she was.

Since Jason is the last Manning sibling to get married and the only one to have a big wedding, of course, the entire Manning clan is on hand. Still, it was primarily Paul and Leah (Stand-In Wife) and Rich and Jamie (Marriage of Inconvenience), who played the strongest roles, and it was nice to see them and their growing families. As far as I can tell, Debbie Macomber's characters never ever have sex outside of marriage, so it's always amusing to see what schemes she'll come up with next to get her couple hitched quickly before falling into bed (although the door is always closed on these scenes). This time, the well-meaning but overbearing Manning parents played a role in that. Despite how ridiculous some of these scenarios are, I somehow still manage to enjoy the story in the end.

Overall, I really liked Bride on the Loose. I think the only thing that could have made it better is if it had been a bit longer to develop the characters and plot a little more fully. Because of the emotional nature of Charlotte's past, it isn't quite as light and breezy as some of the other stories in the series have been, but it was still a fairly easy read. Now I'm looking forward to finding out what's in store for Christy's ex-fiancé and family friend, James, in the final full-length novel of the series, Same Time, Next Year. Bride on the Loose was originally published as a stand-alone novel in the Silhouette Special Edition line, and was later reprinted in the single-author anthology The Manning Grooms along with the fourth book of the series. Star Rating: ****

*Same Time, Next Year - Same Time, Next Year is the fourth and final full-length novel in Debbie Macomber's Those Manning Men series. As with pretty much all the books in the series, it's a sweet, light romance. Although thankfully, Ms. Macomber doesn't gloss over sexual attraction, there are no explicit elements, making it suitable for most romance readers. In this book, James, Christy Manning's ex-fiancé and the man she left in the dust, finally gets his HEA. While James isn't a Manning by blood, he's been a friend of the family for years and is basically an honorary Manning. The Manning parents definitely treat him like one of their own and welcome Summer into their lives as well, but of course, they each have their own parents too, so it makes for a large, warm, family-oriented story.

James is a hard-working attorney who has just been appointed to serve out the term of a retiring Superior Court judge. At thirty-seven, he's the youngest person to be appointed to the bench in Seattle, and he has every intention of running for office in the fall in hopes of making his new job permanent. Most people seem to view James as something of a stodgy, stuffed shirt, which could kind of be seen in some of the previous books of the series. Although he does begin the book seeming rather reserved, he gets over that pretty quickly when Summer comes into his life. Once he realizes how much in love with her he is, he's transformed into a very loving and passionate man. I suppose it could be said that Summer simply brought out the best in him.

Summer is a light and breezy character most of the time, but her emotions still occasionally get in the way of her making the best choices. She's an actress and singer who performs at Disneyland. She really enjoys her job, but when she falls for James, she's more than willing to give it up to stand by his side as he pursues his career. Much like with the other heroines in this series, her parents are well-meaning, but a bit overbearing, and she kind of allows them to run rough-shod over her, though not nearly as much as Christy did in her book. I'm glad that Summer stood up to her cheating ex-fiancé, although I did question her judgment just a little when she didn't tell James about her ex continuing to call her even after they were married. I also felt like she let James's campaign manager get to her way too easily. I kind of understood that she wanted to do what was best for her husband and his campaign, but the man was obviously an idiot. Ultimately, I felt like she was a bit naive and should have had an open, honest conversation with James about it before essentially running away.

James and Summer are a cute and well-matched couple, but I have to admit the beginning of the story was a little slow for me. I just didn't really feel that building attraction like I wanted to. They met in Las Vegas on New Year's Eve right after Summer had discovered her fiancé's infidelity, and James consoled her. Having gone through a similar break-up himself, he understood her and assured her that she would feel much better within a year, which led to them making a 'date' to meet in Vegas again the next New Year's Eve. Throughout the coming year, they exchanged letters monthly, which I thought was a sweet gesture since few people actually write letters anymore. Supposedly a deep friendship built between them during that time, but we don't really get to see that happening. When they meet up again, Summer initially isn't even thinking of James in a romantic way, so the sudden attraction to one another and the quickie marriage felt like they were going from 0 to 100 within only a few days time. It might have been nice if they'd actually started experiencing romantic feelings for one another through their letter writing. Once they're married, though, the love and passion they feel for one another is very obvious. They can hardly stand being apart (honestly I don't think the long separation was all that necessary, but will grudgingly admit it added conflict and tension), and when they're together they can hardly keep their hands off each other.;-) I was so glad when James's dad finally put an end to their misery and brought Summer home to James.

With all the family ties, there are secondary characters aplenty. James's dad was my favorite. He's been wanting James to marry and give him grandkids for a long time, so he's crazy about Summer. He very much treats her like the daughter he never had, and has lots of great fatherly advice to dispense to both James and Summer. He's very involved in their lives, without being overbearing like Summer's family and the Manning parents can sometimes be. Of course all the Mannings who reside in Seattle show up at some point in the story, and it was fun to see them and their growing families.

Overall, Same Time, Next Year was a sweet story that I mostly enjoyed. Having read the entire Those Manning Men series now, plus The Manning Sisters duet, I know that Debbie Macomber sometimes uses soap-opera-style plotting that makes me want to groan, yet somehow it all works out in the end and I can't help feeling happy for the loving couple. Not to mention, her stories always express the all-important emotion I look for in a romance. There's one more wrap-up novella in this series, Silver Bells, that is supposed to reunite the entire Manning clan for Christmas while telling a new story. I have no idea who the main characters might be, but I'm looking forward to reading it this coming holiday season. Same Time, Next Year was originally published as a stand-alone novel in the Silhouette Special Edition line, and was later reprinted in the single-author anthology The Manning Grooms along with the third book of the series. Star Rating: ****

[Elizabeth Meadows · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've just finished listening to books 1-4 of the Manning Men series and really enjoyed them. I think if I had to pick favorites, I liked book 3 the best. Most of the Debbie Macomber books that I've read have been her newer books and now I'm going to make a concentrated effort to listen to as many of her "vintage" stories as I can.
The thing I like best about her books is that she can write an interesting and romantic story and keep it clean. I love all of the creative ways she weaves her stories in order to keep her characters from going to bed before going to the alter. Sometimes you end up with some rather bizarre circumstances and some hasty weddings, but the stories are fun and uplifting.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Manning Grooms is a 2-fer. One novel is called "Bride on the Loose" and the other is "Same Time Next Year", totaling 491 pages. These are both romance novels and to me this time around they are just too much like Harlequin novels. The men are likeable but the women (although likeable too) also are doing the "poor me" thing all the time. Both women have characters who are written to be strong and tell it like it is but they don't. Their communication skills are lacking and sometimes I just wanted to scream "open your mouth and tell the truth". I don't like overt sex in the books I read and I have to say both books waited until marriage to have it but the inuendos and constant lustful longings got old. There is not a lot of swearing and no F words, thank goodness.

[Jessica Ellingson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Debbie threw me right for a loop with how fast she dived into the story of Jason and Charlotte. The lack of build up was unexpected for her, to be honest. I know this is one of her older works - but it felt different. The second story was much more in line to how she normally writes.

I absolutely loved the first two book (sets) in this trilogy. Definitely recommend this book for those who want to read about Jason, the final Manning child to be married/fall in love and read about James and whatever happened to him after he got jilted. Both were fun stories, both focusing on women who had substantial damage done to them from previous relationships, struggling to love not only themselves but accept that others can love them too!

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Read this on the kindle

This is a 2 story book while the 1st one was a good one (Bride on the Loose) about Jason Manning the last unmarried Manning

The 2nd book (Same Time Next year) was a really good one it is about James who was going to Marry Christie Manning but while engaged she married someone else 5 years later he meets Summer
I think this one was the better of the 2 but both are good

[Heather Bridson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another in a great series by a great romance author. I love both stories in this book! First is Jason's story of falling in love with someone hurt by a past relationship. The trials and issues that come with it and ending with a happy ending! The second is the story of the almost Manning groom, the family friend and supreme court judge who found love in Vegas, married in Vegas, and had twins. Great stories!

[Jayeeta · Rating 3 out of 5]

The stories are sweet, but some of the details are just too repetitive. Everyone gets pregnant on their honeymoon? Really? The women are ALL younger than the men, often substantially younger. The women have basic jobs that they are happy to give up for their husbands. What's with the Manning series? I like that the stories are happy and not overly dramatic, but it feels like Macomber could have tried a little harder with this series.

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I love Debbie Macomber, the Manning books were written in a very formal, stilted manner and very tedious to read. I became impatient waiting for all the secrets and lack of communication to come to an end! The best of the series was the book written about James Wilkens and he wasn't even a real Manning.

[Natalie Schroeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this a lot. The plot was easy to follow and role of the teenage daughter made me laugh.
The second one was a bit more complicated but still fun. All in all I enjoyed these stories and want to go read the first two in the series.

[Bonnie Staughton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was actually 2 stories. My preference is the 2nd story as I didn't like the personality of the "groom" in the first story.

I've read many of Debbie Macomber's books and they are all pretty predictable. But, nice stories to read on a lazy day when you don't want too much action.

[Lesly · Rating 1 out of 5]

Syrupy sweet romance. Too much like a Harlequin romance.

[Carolanne wollin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why is it so hard for people to just communicate.

[Lorraine Duran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debbie Macomber never fails me.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first story was pretty decent, but the second one was below her regular standards. It was still enjoyable, though. I'd give the first story a 4/5, and the second 2/5

[Laila · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy read, that helped me escape reality for a little while.

[Vanessa Hinojosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading these love stories, I found it at times too cheesy, but overall a good read. I wish the story lines developed a little better, but then again this book was written in the 90s.

[Tammy Downing · Rating 5 out of 5]

The two stories in this book are sweet and full of love. There some twists and turns but ultimately love wins out

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book as two short stories in it. I enjoyed Bride on the loose, but I did not love same time, next year.

[Becky Griffus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good as always. I love the Debbie Macomber books. Nice stories.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for Debbie and her books! And this did NOT disappoint at all.
It's a two-in-one:
1. Bride on the loose.
2. Same time, next year.

Double the fun!

[Carey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Predictable, easy read.