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Orchard Valley #1
Valerie
Rediscover Orchard Valley, where three sisters will each find love in this favorite series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber.
Valerie rushes home to Oregon when her father suffers a heart attack. She and her two younger sisters gather at his side, praying he’ll live.
The last thing Valerie expects at a time like this is to fall in love—and with a man like Colby Winston, yet. She’s a take-charge, big-city businesswoman; he’s a renowned heart surgeon who loves small-town living and wants a stay-at-home wife. Valerie can’t understand why she’s so attracted to him—or why her father keeps insisting that she and Colby make a perfect couple.
Does her father know something she doesn’t?
Originally published in 1992
Valerie rushes home to Oregon when her father suffers a heart attack. She and her two younger sisters gather at his side, praying he’ll live.
The last thing Valerie expects at a time like this is to fall in love—and with a man like Colby Winston, yet. She’s a take-charge, big-city businesswoman; he’s a renowned heart surgeon who loves small-town living and wants a stay-at-home wife. Valerie can’t understand why she’s so attracted to him—or why her father keeps insisting that she and Colby make a perfect couple.
Does her father know something she doesn’t?
Originally published in 1992
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1992
562 people are currently reading
874 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Macomber
903 books20.7k followersDebbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.
In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.
Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.
She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.
In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.
Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.
She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
May 30, 2017
A childish story lacks of depth.
Even the characters suffering lack of depth, and the story of infatuation is childish. In short, not bad, just childish.
סיפור ילדותי וחסר עומק.
גם הדמויות חסרות עומק, גם הסיפור עצמו של ההתאהבות. בקיצור, לא גרוע, סתם ילדותי.
Even the characters suffering lack of depth, and the story of infatuation is childish. In short, not bad, just childish.
סיפור ילדותי וחסר עומק.
גם הדמויות חסרות עומק, גם הסיפור עצמו של ההתאהבות. בקיצור, לא גרוע, סתם ילדותי.
August 30, 2025
3.5 out of 5 stars
October 24, 2018
Could be okay for a young adult or pre-teen, but otherwise the book was very bland and insipid. No emotional depth to the story, and it just seemed, in my opinion, to lie there on the page. It just didn't seem to come to life for me, and couldn't hold my interest. I won't miss this book if I put it down without finishing it, and I won't be picking up either of the other two books in the series. If you're looking for a good book to read...don't look at this book, unless you want to be lulled to sleep.
July 27, 2020
#1 in the Orchard Valley romance series
This was a very pleasant surprise, although it shouldn't have been because I usually like Macomber's romances. What surprised me, though, was that this was written in 1983, and the women in the story were much more enlightened than the usual women in the books of this time period. Valerie is a top executive, but she rushes home to Oregon when her father has a heart attack. As she gets to know her father's doctor/surgeon, she starts to feel romantic sparks which are reciprocated. But Colby (Dr. Winston) has decided he wants to marry an old-fashioned woman who will be a homemaker and mother to his kids. Valerie won't fit that mold. Both of them realize that their expectations for marriage won't mesh, so they resist any hint of a relationship. But when Valerie's father has a dream that convinces him that Valerie and Colby will marry, he can't stop pushing them together. I liked the realistic expectations that both main characters had, as well as the fact that both respected the other's life choices. They felt sparks, but they also acted like grown-ups and didn't just jump into bed together or decide that love would conquer all. Colby was not the controlling alpha that many men of that genre/time period are. The characters were all great, approachable, and vulnerable. Supporting characters of Dad David and sisters Steffie and Norah added some good dimension to the back stories. A good book that promises to continue as a pleasant short series.
This was a very pleasant surprise, although it shouldn't have been because I usually like Macomber's romances. What surprised me, though, was that this was written in 1983, and the women in the story were much more enlightened than the usual women in the books of this time period. Valerie is a top executive, but she rushes home to Oregon when her father has a heart attack. As she gets to know her father's doctor/surgeon, she starts to feel romantic sparks which are reciprocated. But Colby (Dr. Winston) has decided he wants to marry an old-fashioned woman who will be a homemaker and mother to his kids. Valerie won't fit that mold. Both of them realize that their expectations for marriage won't mesh, so they resist any hint of a relationship. But when Valerie's father has a dream that convinces him that Valerie and Colby will marry, he can't stop pushing them together. I liked the realistic expectations that both main characters had, as well as the fact that both respected the other's life choices. They felt sparks, but they also acted like grown-ups and didn't just jump into bed together or decide that love would conquer all. Colby was not the controlling alpha that many men of that genre/time period are. The characters were all great, approachable, and vulnerable. Supporting characters of Dad David and sisters Steffie and Norah added some good dimension to the back stories. A good book that promises to continue as a pleasant short series.
June 18, 2022
The Start of Something Beautiful
This first book in this new series is amazing!!!!!
Valerie has to rush home from her busy high ranking job in Houston to her small hometown in Orchard Valley, Oregon when she learns that her beloved dad had suffered a life threatening heart attack. She is joined by her two sisters and spends most of her time in the hospital cardiac waiting area spending what little time she can in intervals with her father as well as the heart surgeon who will save her fathers life!
This heartwarming book reads like a made for Hallmark movie that you never want to end. Luckily, there are more books in this series to keep the heart beating!!!!
This first book in this new series is amazing!!!!!
Valerie has to rush home from her busy high ranking job in Houston to her small hometown in Orchard Valley, Oregon when she learns that her beloved dad had suffered a life threatening heart attack. She is joined by her two sisters and spends most of her time in the hospital cardiac waiting area spending what little time she can in intervals with her father as well as the heart surgeon who will save her fathers life!
This heartwarming book reads like a made for Hallmark movie that you never want to end. Luckily, there are more books in this series to keep the heart beating!!!!
January 10, 2018
Destiny Fulfilled
When Valerie's father has a heart attack, Valerie returns home to see him. She meets her fate, according to her dad, when she meets her dad's doctor. She and Colby believe they have nothing in common. Will they give up on love or except their Destiny? Read the book and see for yourself.
When Valerie's father has a heart attack, Valerie returns home to see him. She meets her fate, according to her dad, when she meets her dad's doctor. She and Colby believe they have nothing in common. Will they give up on love or except their Destiny? Read the book and see for yourself.
August 21, 2019
Again another great beginning of A series.
A great story about the importance of love within a family.
Love between sisters, their father, and even the undying gratitude all have for the family doctor. A wonderful romance that almost doesn't happen and why are great secondary themes meant to make the reader think.
What a wonderful story of love that actually can happen.
A great story about the importance of love within a family.
Love between sisters, their father, and even the undying gratitude all have for the family doctor. A wonderful romance that almost doesn't happen and why are great secondary themes meant to make the reader think.
What a wonderful story of love that actually can happen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2020
ive read this series before and dont really like it. The Orchard valley sisters are likeable enough but their men are total jerks and these otherwise bright career women put up with it because they hear the L word at the end of the book in spite of being treated like dirt until then. Do Not recommend this series at all
July 30, 2024
3.5
Highly recommend getting books for your bday with you as the main character. Early 90's romance. Valerie moves from TX to the PNW 😂 and ends up marrying a Dr, but not before they argue about how women can work and raise a family..
I love how spicy in the early 90's is getting engaged within 3 weeks of meeting someone because you kissed a couple of time 💕
Highly recommend getting books for your bday with you as the main character. Early 90's romance. Valerie moves from TX to the PNW 😂 and ends up marrying a Dr, but not before they argue about how women can work and raise a family..
I love how spicy in the early 90's is getting engaged within 3 weeks of meeting someone because you kissed a couple of time 💕
February 26, 2020
Colby was set on what his wife will be like. Unfortunately, an out dated notion. Valerie was set on returning to her job halfway across the country. Funny how things work out. Instead of a conversation, they both stand stubborn. Others could see the truth.
I love her father.
I love her father.
December 27, 2022
Debbie has done it again!
Here is another exceptional book. I could really relate to the females in this story. And to have a dream wrapped around it made the story more interesting. As always Dad knows best.
Here is another exceptional book. I could really relate to the females in this story. And to have a dream wrapped around it made the story more interesting. As always Dad knows best.
October 31, 2023
Valerie (10/29/23-10/30/23 read) one-of four books, three of which are about each sister. Valerie is the oldest sister. Great easy read, with some companionable twists and turns. Enjoyed as always because I enjoy Debbie Macomber’s writing style.
August 18, 2024
Heartfelt Story
Beautiful story of two headstrong persons who chose love over hard passages in life.
Beautiful family.
Can't wait to read about the other sisters, could not put it down.
Beautiful story of two headstrong persons who chose love over hard passages in life.
Beautiful family.
Can't wait to read about the other sisters, could not put it down.
January 14, 2025
Sweet!
What a sweet read! Love and laughter, fighting for who you want, it's all here! If you're looking for a positive outlook, this will get you there! Thank you Debbie Macomber for another great story!
What a sweet read! Love and laughter, fighting for who you want, it's all here! If you're looking for a positive outlook, this will get you there! Thank you Debbie Macomber for another great story!
September 18, 2025
pretty hallmarky. nice story a dad has a heart attack and his daughters hurry home. the dad has an after life experience when he dies during surgery (and then comes back to life. it was predictable but a nice story
May 28, 2017
Good read. I am a big fan of books by Debbie Macomber.
Well written book and I loved the characters in the story. Looking forward to the next book in this series. 😃
Well written book and I loved the characters in the story. Looking forward to the next book in this series. 😃
January 24, 2018
Good story /quick read
What a cute little story--pretty sure I already read the other sisters stories, but I'm glad I actually was able to borrow.
What a cute little story--pretty sure I already read the other sisters stories, but I'm glad I actually was able to borrow.
March 13, 2018
Good book
It held my interest and did recommend it to my co worker.also the plot is intriguing.I would read this author again.
It held my interest and did recommend it to my co worker.also the plot is intriguing.I would read this author again.
August 15, 2018
I listened to it, I suppose I liked it but I have totally forgotten the story in the last month. I like Macomber's books. The are reliably relaxing.
January 5, 2019
Entertaining, an early one of Debbie Macombers books but still a sweet story.
May 19, 2019
Valerie
I enjoyed the way she brought the characters to life. I have liked all of her books that I have readed.
I enjoyed the way she brought the characters to life. I have liked all of her books that I have readed.
September 21, 2019
Didn't like it
November 2, 2020
Predictable and cheesy, but sometimes that is exactly what you need on a cold, rainy weekend.
November 19, 2024
A good story with happy and sad with many feelings in-between. A wonderful read.
October 5, 2025
Great Read!!!
Love can be hard sometimes but this book makes it all work. Escape I to a world of excitement. I love Debbie's books! Each one is a new adventure.
Love can be hard sometimes but this book makes it all work. Escape I to a world of excitement. I love Debbie's books! Each one is a new adventure.
September 10, 2010
Not recommended. The author's style did not appeal to me.
There was nothing interesting, creative, humorous, surprising or witty. Except for the girl being a computer company executive, it felt like it was written by a grandmother for her granddaughter back in the 1950's. It had an overly syrupy sweet feeling. The guy and girl kiss about three times. There was no other passion or intimacy. This could be categorized as Young Adult based on use of words.
There was nothing interesting, creative, humorous, surprising or witty. Except for the girl being a computer company executive, it felt like it was written by a grandmother for her granddaughter back in the 1950's. It had an overly syrupy sweet feeling. The guy and girl kiss about three times. There was no other passion or intimacy. This could be categorized as Young Adult based on use of words.
September 7, 2014
Very cute love story. What happens when you are brought home due to the fact your father just had a heart attack and you meet the surgeon and friend of your father? A good clean cut story. This is the first in the Orchard Valley series. You meet sisters Valerie, Norah and Stephanie all brought together when their father falls ill and in the middle we have to add Dr. Colby Winston. The story was a little predictable but a well written story about how love can be found any where.
February 6, 2016
I know this was a shorter than average novel, but it still seemed kind of ridiculous how quickly the characters fell in love, especially when they didn't connect from the start. Still, I did enjoy their characters and so still enjoyed the happy ending. Maybe the other stories in the series on the other 2 sisters will be better.
May 27, 2016
The oldest sister
The ups and downs of two people who are intelligent, successful in their careers and very stubborn. Having found the love of their lives they have to learn how to be in love and work through the ups and downs of a relationship that is intense but means everything.
The ups and downs of two people who are intelligent, successful in their careers and very stubborn. Having found the love of their lives they have to learn how to be in love and work through the ups and downs of a relationship that is intense but means everything.
December 9, 2015
Listen to Your Father
Fathers know best. No matter what your heart thinks it knows. Debbie Macomber does another sweet love story with apple blossoms and stubbornness. Always a good storyline.
Fathers know best. No matter what your heart thinks it knows. Debbie Macomber does another sweet love story with apple blossoms and stubbornness. Always a good storyline.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews