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Morning Comes Softly
A shy Louisiana librarian, Mary Warner fears she'll always be alone—so she answers a personals ad from a rancher in Montana. Never before has she done anything so reckless, casting the only life she knows aside to travel to a strange place and marry a man she's never met. But something about this man calls to her—and she knows this may be her very last chance at happiness.
Tragedy made Travis Thompson the guardian of three orphaned children—and determination leads him to do whatever it takes to keep the kids out of foster homes. When he decides to take a long shot on a personals ad, the results are surprising, and before he knows it, he has agreed to marry a mysterious Southern woman sight unseen.
It could be the mistake of a lifetime. But Mary Warner may be exactly what this broken family needs. And with a little faith, a little trust, and a lot of love, two lonely hearts might just discover the true meaning of miracles.
Tragedy made Travis Thompson the guardian of three orphaned children—and determination leads him to do whatever it takes to keep the kids out of foster homes. When he decides to take a long shot on a personals ad, the results are surprising, and before he knows it, he has agreed to marry a mysterious Southern woman sight unseen.
It could be the mistake of a lifetime. But Mary Warner may be exactly what this broken family needs. And with a little faith, a little trust, and a lot of love, two lonely hearts might just discover the true meaning of miracles.
374 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 15, 1993
1660 people are currently reading
5058 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Macomber
901 books20.8k 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 610 reviews
August 9, 2018
Super sugary sweet romance, but just the thing when you want Mac n' Cheese instead of Beef Bourguignon. It is a great comfort read.
May 21, 2018
I really, really liked this book. It gave me really nice and fluffy feelings the whole time.
Travis
Mary
Travis is a hard working rancher, with not even one romantic bone in his body, who decides to get married after he gets the custody of his older brother’s three children.
He places an ad and Mary, a quiet librarian answers to it.
They both come together for the purpose of raising the children.
There was no insta love, but disappointed for both of them. Even though they decided to get married for the children, they would try make their marriage a real one.
Travis wanted a long legged woman, but he got a small one instead.
Travis wasn’t what Mary hopped for either, but they did make a nice couple in the end.
It made smile most of the times, and their first night together felt real and very awkward.
I’ll definitely read more by this author.
Travis
Mary
Travis is a hard working rancher, with not even one romantic bone in his body, who decides to get married after he gets the custody of his older brother’s three children.
He places an ad and Mary, a quiet librarian answers to it.
They both come together for the purpose of raising the children.
There was no insta love, but disappointed for both of them. Even though they decided to get married for the children, they would try make their marriage a real one.
Travis wanted a long legged woman, but he got a small one instead.
Travis wasn’t what Mary hopped for either, but they did make a nice couple in the end.
It made smile most of the times, and their first night together felt real and very awkward.
I’ll definitely read more by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2018
I loved it!!! This book had me laughing, crying and made me so mad as times. This book was right up my alley. Fun, endearing book. The kids were adorable.
April 17, 2022
4.5 STARS
This was one amazing story that made me laugh and cry, made me angry and sad and happy at times… It took me a while to get used to the writing, I don’t know if it is a ‘Montana thing’ or ‘Debbie Macomber thing’ or ‘90’s thing’ (the book was first published in 1993) but all complaints I had were quickly forgotten when the story itself began to unfold.
Shy Louisiana librarian and rough bachelor Montana rancher - he is struggling to raise his brother's three children and she answers his ad for a wife. They agree to marry for the children's sake…
When they meet for the first time, they are both disappointed. What comes after is my favorite part of the book and it is so wonderfully written - the awkwardness of a marriage between two strangers, how they slowly get to know each other...
When Travis thought in the beginning she was meek and mousy, he discovered that in reality she was a spitfire. Travis himself was a character who wasn’t always perfect – he was bull headed and Mary knew beforehand, he was a card-carrying chauvinist. But he was also honest and loyal, and even though he didn’t believe he could ever love Mary because he wasn’t attracted to her, he still treated her with utmost respect.
They begin to care for each other, worry about each other, get jealous… and they gradually realise they have actually fallen in love with each other. I loved the way Ms Macomber expressed their feelings, it felt so tangible and relatable.
There is a subplot, a second love story connected to the mystery about who ran Travis's brother off the road, it annoyed me a little bit first, but I got invested after a while. Also, the story itself is a bit outdated (not only because it’s 30 years old). If they didn’t use microwave and phones and didn’t drive cars, I’d say the story takes place around 1900. Or maybe in the 60’s.
Nevertheless, it was a suspenseful romance I couldn’t put down, both main characters and their three children really grew on me, and I see myself re-read it in the future.
This was one amazing story that made me laugh and cry, made me angry and sad and happy at times… It took me a while to get used to the writing, I don’t know if it is a ‘Montana thing’ or ‘Debbie Macomber thing’ or ‘90’s thing’ (the book was first published in 1993) but all complaints I had were quickly forgotten when the story itself began to unfold.
Shy Louisiana librarian and rough bachelor Montana rancher - he is struggling to raise his brother's three children and she answers his ad for a wife. They agree to marry for the children's sake…
Loneliness was insidious. It knew no border or boundary, was without mercy, and couldn’t be bribed. That was what Mary had attempted to do, bargain with the deep well of pain within her by marrying a man who by his own word would never love her.
When they meet for the first time, they are both disappointed. What comes after is my favorite part of the book and it is so wonderfully written - the awkwardness of a marriage between two strangers, how they slowly get to know each other...
When Travis thought in the beginning she was meek and mousy, he discovered that in reality she was a spitfire. Travis himself was a character who wasn’t always perfect – he was bull headed and Mary knew beforehand, he was a card-carrying chauvinist. But he was also honest and loyal, and even though he didn’t believe he could ever love Mary because he wasn’t attracted to her, he still treated her with utmost respect.
They begin to care for each other, worry about each other, get jealous… and they gradually realise they have actually fallen in love with each other. I loved the way Ms Macomber expressed their feelings, it felt so tangible and relatable.
There is a subplot, a second love story connected to the mystery about who ran Travis's brother off the road, it annoyed me a little bit first, but I got invested after a while. Also, the story itself is a bit outdated (not only because it’s 30 years old). If they didn’t use microwave and phones and didn’t drive cars, I’d say the story takes place around 1900. Or maybe in the 60’s.
Nevertheless, it was a suspenseful romance I couldn’t put down, both main characters and their three children really grew on me, and I see myself re-read it in the future.
August 27, 2018
A 4 star romance with a mystery and a secondary romance that dragged it down.
The H is in need of a wife to stave off CPS from taking away his niece and two nephews since his brother and SIL died. He is in over his head and posts a Wife Wanted ad. The h, a Louisiana old maid librarian, the h and authors thoughts not mine, answers the ad on a wild hair.
An epistolary romance (book in form of letters) ensues for a while. Charming letters on both sides with the kids put in their requests just like in Mary Poppins, and lo and behold the h's name is Mary! All the H wants is long legs. He is disappointed in that regard as she is a tiny h.
The romance is rocky, rough and sweet between the two MC's, and both are surprised by the passion between them.
The secondary romance between a waitress and a lawyer in town as well as the mystery of who drove the orphans' parents off the road derailed it for me to the extent it dropped a star for me. Ground my teeth at the TSTL thoughts of the waitress about her lover and whether he may or may not be the bad guy. Just make up your mind!
However, while flawed the H and h are so endearing in their discovery of love and passion. For the h because she never thought anyone would want her, and more simplistically, the H because he never thought he could fall in love with anyone.
The H is in need of a wife to stave off CPS from taking away his niece and two nephews since his brother and SIL died. He is in over his head and posts a Wife Wanted ad. The h, a Louisiana old maid librarian, the h and authors thoughts not mine, answers the ad on a wild hair.
An epistolary romance (book in form of letters) ensues for a while. Charming letters on both sides with the kids put in their requests just like in Mary Poppins, and lo and behold the h's name is Mary! All the H wants is long legs. He is disappointed in that regard as she is a tiny h.
The romance is rocky, rough and sweet between the two MC's, and both are surprised by the passion between them.
The secondary romance between a waitress and a lawyer in town as well as the mystery of who drove the orphans' parents off the road derailed it for me to the extent it dropped a star for me. Ground my teeth at the TSTL thoughts of the waitress about her lover and whether he may or may not be the bad guy. Just make up your mind!
However, while flawed the H and h are so endearing in their discovery of love and passion. For the h because she never thought anyone would want her, and more simplistically, the H because he never thought he could fall in love with anyone.
September 10, 2022
⭐️⭐️ two stars -
This was my first Debbie Macomber, and I did not care for it. If there’s someone here that can give me a recommendation to try another one of this well-published author’s books, I’m all ears.
I figure there must be a reason that she’s published over two hundred books. I’m not inclined to pick up another one of her stories after reading this one, but I’m most definitely open to suggestions. If you can recommend a favorite from her, please suggest below. Please and thank you 😊.
For this book, “Morning Comes Softly”, I was completely underwhelmed. First published in 1993, this love story centers around a romance between a typical cliched virgin heroine and a cattle rancher. Their characters here are cardboard cutouts of a librarian and a rough around the edges rancher.
The plot is very loosely drawn, and many points are glossed over, never to be mentioned again. For instance, our heroine, Mary, starts off as a librarian, but it’s something that is barely developed and only appears in the very beginning of the story. Our Hero is a typical alpha somewhat hard-edged male without a fully drawn personality.
There was very little action between our two mc’s, and not enough emotion to satisfy this romance reader. Not even at the end. Given the unusual start these two have of marrying a stranger via mail order bride, the whole thing was kind of boring. What could’ve been an interestingly unusual romance just fell flat.
To top it all off in this cookie cutter drama, Macomber introduced a secondary love story with an equally lackluster murder mystery. Romantic suspense this was not.
Overall, I did read the entire thing, but with the thought that it might get better at some point, but it never did. I was sorely disappointed.
Do not recommend. As mentioned above, I would consider reading another book by this author as I’m convinced that she must be popular for a reason. I’ll take any and all recommendations.
Two been there, read that stars.
This was my first Debbie Macomber, and I did not care for it. If there’s someone here that can give me a recommendation to try another one of this well-published author’s books, I’m all ears.
I figure there must be a reason that she’s published over two hundred books. I’m not inclined to pick up another one of her stories after reading this one, but I’m most definitely open to suggestions. If you can recommend a favorite from her, please suggest below. Please and thank you 😊.
For this book, “Morning Comes Softly”, I was completely underwhelmed. First published in 1993, this love story centers around a romance between a typical cliched virgin heroine and a cattle rancher. Their characters here are cardboard cutouts of a librarian and a rough around the edges rancher.
The plot is very loosely drawn, and many points are glossed over, never to be mentioned again. For instance, our heroine, Mary, starts off as a librarian, but it’s something that is barely developed and only appears in the very beginning of the story. Our Hero is a typical alpha somewhat hard-edged male without a fully drawn personality.
There was very little action between our two mc’s, and not enough emotion to satisfy this romance reader. Not even at the end. Given the unusual start these two have of marrying a stranger via mail order bride, the whole thing was kind of boring. What could’ve been an interestingly unusual romance just fell flat.
To top it all off in this cookie cutter drama, Macomber introduced a secondary love story with an equally lackluster murder mystery. Romantic suspense this was not.
Overall, I did read the entire thing, but with the thought that it might get better at some point, but it never did. I was sorely disappointed.
Do not recommend. As mentioned above, I would consider reading another book by this author as I’m convinced that she must be popular for a reason. I’ll take any and all recommendations.
Two been there, read that stars.
December 22, 2023
“Mousy. It was the only word Travis could think to describe Mary Warner when she stepped off the plane. His heart sank and took a moment to rally itself. Long legs, that was all he’d asked for, and what did he get? Minnie Mouse.”
Morning Comes Softly is a smalltown western romance with a mail order bride trope. It’s a sweet comfort read about a shy lonely Louisiana librarian (Mary) who marries an Alpha male Montana rancher (Travis) to help him raise his brother’s three newly orphaned and adorable children.
Travis and Mary have a rough start initially as neither feels the other meets their expectations. Nevertheless, they go through with the marriage for the kids’ sake. After a while these two strangers work through the awkwardness only to discover that their spouse is perfect for them.
The focus is Mary and Travis working through differences in this slow burn open door romance. There is a secondary couple romance as well and a mystery thread about who caused the death of the orphan’s parents. The climax has a bit of tension and suspense, but I would not call this romantic suspense.
Perfect if you want a heartwarming romance with just a bit of conflict.
Morning Comes Softly is a smalltown western romance with a mail order bride trope. It’s a sweet comfort read about a shy lonely Louisiana librarian (Mary) who marries an Alpha male Montana rancher (Travis) to help him raise his brother’s three newly orphaned and adorable children.
Travis and Mary have a rough start initially as neither feels the other meets their expectations. Nevertheless, they go through with the marriage for the kids’ sake. After a while these two strangers work through the awkwardness only to discover that their spouse is perfect for them.
The focus is Mary and Travis working through differences in this slow burn open door romance. There is a secondary couple romance as well and a mystery thread about who caused the death of the orphan’s parents. The climax has a bit of tension and suspense, but I would not call this romantic suspense.
Perfect if you want a heartwarming romance with just a bit of conflict.
April 26, 2022
I’m sure I would have enjoyed this book more if it hadn’t startled me when they mentioned a dishwasher in what sure was a 1900’s book, right? 😂
Nevermind throwing the feminism out the window, of course 🤓
Nevermind throwing the feminism out the window, of course 🤓
December 27, 2021
Books like this one shouldn’t be so underrated. Small town romance really does hit different.
September 5, 2009
Loved it, loved it, loved it. It made me laugh at times and cry at others. Very good. This must be one of Debbie's earlier books first published in 1993. Doesn't have cell phones or computers or internet in the story at all.
What did I learn from this book? Here is a quote from the book that I thought was great: "Life's lessons didn't come cheap, and Travis wasn't there to issue any discount coupons."
I wish there was a sequel because I love these characters after just one book and would like to know how they are doing since the book ended. Was Mary pregnant? How are Jim, Scotty, and Beth Ann--they would be all grown up now. Did Mary and Travis have other children (besides the one she may have been pregnant with)? What happened to Logan's father (who killed Travis' brother & sister-in-law and orphaned Jim, Scotty, and Beth Ann). How are Logan and Tilley and how many children did they have? Okay, I'll never get these answers, but that's how well Debbie writes her characters. They are believable and personable and people you like and would want to know. I have read many of Debbie Macomber's books (my goal is to read all of them but I have a way to go; she is a very prolific writer) and I can't say that there are any main characters in her books that aren't likeable.
What did I learn from this book? Here is a quote from the book that I thought was great: "Life's lessons didn't come cheap, and Travis wasn't there to issue any discount coupons."
I wish there was a sequel because I love these characters after just one book and would like to know how they are doing since the book ended. Was Mary pregnant? How are Jim, Scotty, and Beth Ann--they would be all grown up now. Did Mary and Travis have other children (besides the one she may have been pregnant with)? What happened to Logan's father (who killed Travis' brother & sister-in-law and orphaned Jim, Scotty, and Beth Ann). How are Logan and Tilley and how many children did they have? Okay, I'll never get these answers, but that's how well Debbie writes her characters. They are believable and personable and people you like and would want to know. I have read many of Debbie Macomber's books (my goal is to read all of them but I have a way to go; she is a very prolific writer) and I can't say that there are any main characters in her books that aren't likeable.
August 7, 2021
This is my first Debbie Macomber and it sure won't be my last.
You know what about this book that won me over? It's those damn kids. And Mary's loneliness. My God, I couldn't express that feeling as well as Ms Macomber did. It felt even more tangible and I could unfortunately relate to her too well.
You know what about this book that won me over? It's those damn kids. And Mary's loneliness. My God, I couldn't express that feeling as well as Ms Macomber did. It felt even more tangible and I could unfortunately relate to her too well.
May 25, 2024
Morning Comes Softly by Debbie Macomber was a nice, clean, and sweet romance read.
This book came out in 1993! It shows it's age with the dating notes in the newspapers, but otherwise it holds up. Travis Thompson is raising his 2 nephews and niece after his brother and sister in law are tragically killed in a car accident. He's having a tough time, so he submits a dating request to the newspaper. And not just dating, it's for an arranged marriage of convenience. Mary Warner, a shy, small town librarian, answers and jumps into the marriage. The two grow to love each other, in a very Christian/religious type of story, and help make sure the kids have a good life.
This book is sweet and an easy read! It does drag on a bit at places, but I did like it.
I did not enjoy Mary constantly being referred to as ugly and not good enough. That one irked me. I get the whole trope... but really? Sure, it's written in 1993... but still... Why was this ever a trope?
Any who, okay read.
Three out of five stars.
This book came out in 1993! It shows it's age with the dating notes in the newspapers, but otherwise it holds up. Travis Thompson is raising his 2 nephews and niece after his brother and sister in law are tragically killed in a car accident. He's having a tough time, so he submits a dating request to the newspaper. And not just dating, it's for an arranged marriage of convenience. Mary Warner, a shy, small town librarian, answers and jumps into the marriage. The two grow to love each other, in a very Christian/religious type of story, and help make sure the kids have a good life.
This book is sweet and an easy read! It does drag on a bit at places, but I did like it.
I did not enjoy Mary constantly being referred to as ugly and not good enough. That one irked me. I get the whole trope... but really? Sure, it's written in 1993... but still... Why was this ever a trope?
Any who, okay read.
Three out of five stars.
September 11, 2022
2.5 🌟 I picked this book because of the MOC trope but I didn't realize it was contemporary and not HR. Still, I continued because I started liking the plot and small-town vibe. The problem is after 50% the whole drama with kids became too much for me. I wanted the focus on relationship development and not on kids or side characters.
November 19, 2018
Chauvinistic drivel. Whatever possessed me I do not know. I guess I went looking for a kindler, gentler read. This was just bad and honestly an affront to any free thinking woman that would put up with such an ass jack. Not worth it. So not worth it.
December 24, 2015
Enjoyable read but I did get frustrated at the heroines reference to "being not pretty"
April 22, 2015
I really like it. An epilogue would have been nice.
December 31, 2019
This mail-order bride, small-town, ranch romance with a sprinkling of murder mystery was just waaaaaaaaayyyyy too hokey for me. And I have been known to like, even love hokey romances.
March 11, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Such a heartwarming story which captured me from the first page.
Such a heartwarming story which captured me from the first page.
December 30, 2021
Loved this book, love is decided by fate..
You must read this
You must read this
August 4, 2014
I got this book off of Swaptree because I liked the idea of the storyline. I received a note with it from the previous reader stating how much she enjoyed it, and still I put off reading it for awhile. I finally picked it up and started reading it and got sucked in. This is my first Debbie Macomber book and she truly knows how to write. Her use of words is different than I'm used to reading and made the book so much more enjoyable. I wasn't sure how the storyline was going to play out, but I enjoyed finding out. Being an outsider in this brand new relationship between Mary and Travis was really nice. I felt like I was a friend and found myself cheering for them to make it work.
My only complaint is that I would have liked to have learned how Mary managed to tie up all the loose ends at home so quickly, but it's true that that really has nothing to do with the story at hand.
The background story on Tilly and Logan was very enjoyable as well, though I was a little naive and it took me awhile to put the pieces together of why they were even in the story.
My only complaint is that I would have liked to have learned how Mary managed to tie up all the loose ends at home so quickly, but it's true that that really has nothing to do with the story at hand.
The background story on Tilly and Logan was very enjoyable as well, though I was a little naive and it took me awhile to put the pieces together of why they were even in the story.
August 9, 2016
The book was a modern twist of mail order bride story. It was too sugary for my taste with many things that stretched credibility, especially, in character development. Take for example our h. At the begging of the story she was characterized as a shy, quite Louisiana spinster of 32 years old who didn't have any dates and was still a virgin. I would think the male population of her town was either blind or stupid. The woman could cook sophisticated dishes, saw dresses for her friends, and sang beautifully. She was not ugly either. h travel to Montana to meet a rancher who advertized for a wife. Almost overnight our h experienced metamorphosis and turned into outspoken lady who was eager to show her "southern hospitality" to neighbors by inviting them for dinner, participating in many community activities. And, oh, did I mentioned that she was from a warm and humid Louisiana town but had no problem what so ever adjusting to a cold, windy, dry Montana weather?
June 12, 2020
Was this really written by Debbie Macomber? I’ve read several of her books over the years and I had to look twice to make sure. I assumed from the summary that it was a historical romance but after starting it, I had to go back and look at the date and setting as well. It was contemporary at the time of publication and I have to say “hasn’t aged well” doesn’t cover it. It really seems like it should be taking place in the 1800s except for the phones, cars and microwaves. DNF at 30%. The characters are too caught up in how the heroine looks, not to mention that even in the 90s it would have been inappropriate to travel halfway across the states to marry a total stranger without at least checking the guy out to make sure he wasn’t an axe murderer. The fact that DCS left three children in his care isn’t necessarily a ringing endorsement for me. They had TVs in the 90s. Didn’t she watch Silence of the Lambs?
January 9, 2018
I will be rereading this book and will be doing a review at that time.
June 25, 2018
Reread
April 14, 2011
I was expecting more from this book because I really love this author's Cedar Cove series and her Blossom Street series. I almost quit reading it, but I wanted to give it a chance because I do love Debbie Macomber's other books.
The one thing that bothered me from the beginning was the blatant stereotyping of the two main characters. The Montana cattle rancher who took on his brother and sister-in-law's three children after the parents were killed in a tragic car accident, was a rough and rather hard-living cowboy who talked like a "hick from the sticks." The children were in danger of being taken from him because his ranch house was not fit for a family to live comfortably, and he hadn't the time to properly care for the kids. He was bothered with social workers visiting the home and making suggestions to him for their care that he was incapable of providing. It was suggested by someone that he take out a personal ad for a wife, and the children decided what he needed to ask for in a woman. She had to be able to sew, sing, cook well, and clean and organize.
Mary was one who answered the ad, although there were more than what the family expected. She was a 32-year-old virgin from Louisiana, a small timid-looking and rather mousy (although her blue eyes were her most attractive asset), Southern-bred lady who lived in an orderly and very comfortable inherited home in Petite, LA. She had long ago given up being sought after for a relationship after seeing all her friends and school mates marry and have families. Against the advice of her best friend, she answered the ad. The children were the ones who were most approving of Mary's qualifications, so after corresponding several times, she was chosen.
After a rough start, life became better for the family, but I won't give away the rest of the story, which, at times, read like a cheap romance novel, sorry to say. There were some good parts that were well-written, and I see that some really loved this book. But when he started calling her "woman" and "owning" her, it really bothered me. I felt that her redeeming qualities were her sewing, cleaning, and cooking skills when, in truth, a man can learn those things as well.
This was not Debbie Macomber's best effort.
The one thing that bothered me from the beginning was the blatant stereotyping of the two main characters. The Montana cattle rancher who took on his brother and sister-in-law's three children after the parents were killed in a tragic car accident, was a rough and rather hard-living cowboy who talked like a "hick from the sticks." The children were in danger of being taken from him because his ranch house was not fit for a family to live comfortably, and he hadn't the time to properly care for the kids. He was bothered with social workers visiting the home and making suggestions to him for their care that he was incapable of providing. It was suggested by someone that he take out a personal ad for a wife, and the children decided what he needed to ask for in a woman. She had to be able to sew, sing, cook well, and clean and organize.
Mary was one who answered the ad, although there were more than what the family expected. She was a 32-year-old virgin from Louisiana, a small timid-looking and rather mousy (although her blue eyes were her most attractive asset), Southern-bred lady who lived in an orderly and very comfortable inherited home in Petite, LA. She had long ago given up being sought after for a relationship after seeing all her friends and school mates marry and have families. Against the advice of her best friend, she answered the ad. The children were the ones who were most approving of Mary's qualifications, so after corresponding several times, she was chosen.
After a rough start, life became better for the family, but I won't give away the rest of the story, which, at times, read like a cheap romance novel, sorry to say. There were some good parts that were well-written, and I see that some really loved this book. But when he started calling her "woman" and "owning" her, it really bothered me. I felt that her redeeming qualities were her sewing, cleaning, and cooking skills when, in truth, a man can learn those things as well.
This was not Debbie Macomber's best effort.
July 4, 2017
What an exquisite read "Morning Comes Softly" was for me. I have been on a mail-order bride jaunt since reading LH's Duncan's Bride and this beautiful story of shy librarian, Mary Warner and rough Montana rancher Travis Thompson took my breath away. Mary is the type of heroine that I adore, kind, compassionate, intelligent, educated, and self-assured. Finding herself past thirty and all alone in the world after the death of her beloved brother an mother, Mary decides to leave her comfortable albeit lonely life behind in Louisiana to take the scariest leap of her life by answering an ad for a mail-order bride.
I loved reading Mary and Travis' letters back and forth to each other. Both spoke honestly of their expectations and it was so sweet to include the three children, Travis' orphaned niece and nephews, in the written correspondence. I was as nervous as Mary when she stepped off that plane in Montana and I prayed that Travis would keep his stupid first impression of disappointment to himself.
No need to worry, Mary had a way of taking care of herself and she presented with so much dignity and confidence, not just in her cooking and sewing abilities. Mary brought so much more meaning into the Thompson household. Although the children were traumatized in the aftermath of their parent's death in a suspicious auto accident and Travis was consumed about finding out the truth of his brother and sister inlaw's deaths, Mary managed to bring a sense of clam and order into her new family.
I loved this book, I have never read anything by Debbi Macomber before, I am very glad that I took a chance on a recommendation for "Morning Comes Softly" because I would have missed out on a treasure of a story. This book will go on my keeper shelf for many future re-reads.
I loved reading Mary and Travis' letters back and forth to each other. Both spoke honestly of their expectations and it was so sweet to include the three children, Travis' orphaned niece and nephews, in the written correspondence. I was as nervous as Mary when she stepped off that plane in Montana and I prayed that Travis would keep his stupid first impression of disappointment to himself.
No need to worry, Mary had a way of taking care of herself and she presented with so much dignity and confidence, not just in her cooking and sewing abilities. Mary brought so much more meaning into the Thompson household. Although the children were traumatized in the aftermath of their parent's death in a suspicious auto accident and Travis was consumed about finding out the truth of his brother and sister inlaw's deaths, Mary managed to bring a sense of clam and order into her new family.
I loved this book, I have never read anything by Debbi Macomber before, I am very glad that I took a chance on a recommendation for "Morning Comes Softly" because I would have missed out on a treasure of a story. This book will go on my keeper shelf for many future re-reads.
December 21, 2016
A shy Louisiana librarian, Mary Warner fears she'll always be alone—so she answers a personals ad from a rancher in Montana. Never before has she done anything so reckless, casting the only life she knows aside to travel to a strange place and marry a man she's never met. But something about this man calls to her—and she knows this may be her very last chance at happiness.
Tragedy made Travis Thompson the guardian of three orphaned children—and determination leads him to do whatever it takes to keep the kids out of foster homes. When he decides to take a long shot on a personals ad, the results are surprising, and before he knows it, he has agreed to marry a mysterious Southern woman sight unseen.
It could be the mistake of a lifetime. But Mary Warner may be exactly what this broken family needs. And with a little faith, a little trust, and a lot of love, two lonely hearts might just discover the true meaning of miracles
Tragedy made Travis Thompson the guardian of three orphaned children—and determination leads him to do whatever it takes to keep the kids out of foster homes. When he decides to take a long shot on a personals ad, the results are surprising, and before he knows it, he has agreed to marry a mysterious Southern woman sight unseen.
It could be the mistake of a lifetime. But Mary Warner may be exactly what this broken family needs. And with a little faith, a little trust, and a lot of love, two lonely hearts might just discover the true meaning of miracles
March 18, 2022
I didn't care for this book much. Ugh too much stereotyping! I thought it was set in the old western times but was surprised that it was set in a modern time (TV, microwave, minivans etc.) I was expecting a sweet story but it was mostly a story of a chauvinistic rancher who ends with his dead brother's kids celebrating the fact that some meek librarian answered his ad for a wife.
She can stay at the ranch, cook, handle the kids, clean the house, mend clothes, stay out of my barn, and fulfill her husband's manly desires (anytime and everytime!!). Great! I'll marry her. Voila' end of story. Add in bits of "I'm so jealous" because my buddy complemented my wife's cooking, "Dammit, I wanted a woman with long legs but ended up with a short mousy woman", and whatever else drivel of a side story which I mostly skimmed over.
I'm chucking this book to the donation pile.
She can stay at the ranch, cook, handle the kids, clean the house, mend clothes, stay out of my barn, and fulfill her husband's manly desires (anytime and everytime!!). Great! I'll marry her. Voila' end of story. Add in bits of "I'm so jealous" because my buddy complemented my wife's cooking, "Dammit, I wanted a woman with long legs but ended up with a short mousy woman", and whatever else drivel of a side story which I mostly skimmed over.
I'm chucking this book to the donation pile.
July 10, 2019
Re-Read 10.07.2019
Ich kicher immer noch vor mich hin: Völlig konstruiert, irgendwie altmodisch geschrieben, Macho-Cowboy durchläuft Läuterungsprozess mit unscheinbarer Bibliothekarin, während sie die Kinder seines verstorbenen Bruders aufziehen müssen (ich weiß...😂😂😂). Aaaaaber irgendwie sweet. Fast nostalgisch :)
Ich kicher immer noch vor mich hin: Völlig konstruiert, irgendwie altmodisch geschrieben, Macho-Cowboy durchläuft Läuterungsprozess mit unscheinbarer Bibliothekarin, während sie die Kinder seines verstorbenen Bruders aufziehen müssen (ich weiß...😂😂😂). Aaaaaber irgendwie sweet. Fast nostalgisch :)
May 29, 2020
Rating: 1 / 5 stars
DNF at 51%.
This exchange is 100% unacceptable:
Travis grabbed hold of Jim's arm. "I won't have you talking to me or anyone else like that, you hear me? You aren't so big that I can't wallop your behind."
Jim snorted and jerked his arm free. "I'd like to see you try."
"I'd welcome the pleasure."
For reference Travis is the uncle in his mid-thirties and Jim is twelve.
DNF at 51%.
This exchange is 100% unacceptable:
Travis grabbed hold of Jim's arm. "I won't have you talking to me or anyone else like that, you hear me? You aren't so big that I can't wallop your behind."
Jim snorted and jerked his arm free. "I'd like to see you try."
"I'd welcome the pleasure."
For reference Travis is the uncle in his mid-thirties and Jim is twelve.
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