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Autumn Nights: The Playboy and the Widow / Almost an Angel
When the weather starts to turn chilly, get cozy with two classic tales of romance where falling in love means becoming part of a family.
The Playboy and the Widow
Unwilling to let go of the memory of her husband, Diana Collins is struggling to raise her two girls on her own. When confirmed bachelor Cliff Howard swoops in and helps her one day, their connection is immediate. But Diana isn't ready to risk her heart again, and Cliff doesn't think he's ready for family ties. Cliff comes to realize that while he may seem like he's got everything, he doesn't have what he really wants, and he might find he's trading in his sports car for a station wagon…
Almost an Angel
Bethany Stone has been secretly in love with her boss, Joshua Norris, for ages. She's about to give up—on Joshua and her job—when he asks for her help. Outside the office. Joshua's ten-year-old is coming to live with him and he has no idea how to raise a precocious little girl. Bethany is happy to help, hoping Joshua might finally see her as more than an assistant. And Joshua discovers that he needs Bethany, in the best way possible.
[Macomber's] novels are always engaging stories that accurately capture the foibles of real-life men and women with warmth and humor. —Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
The Playboy and the Widow
Unwilling to let go of the memory of her husband, Diana Collins is struggling to raise her two girls on her own. When confirmed bachelor Cliff Howard swoops in and helps her one day, their connection is immediate. But Diana isn't ready to risk her heart again, and Cliff doesn't think he's ready for family ties. Cliff comes to realize that while he may seem like he's got everything, he doesn't have what he really wants, and he might find he's trading in his sports car for a station wagon…
Almost an Angel
Bethany Stone has been secretly in love with her boss, Joshua Norris, for ages. She's about to give up—on Joshua and her job—when he asks for her help. Outside the office. Joshua's ten-year-old is coming to live with him and he has no idea how to raise a precocious little girl. Bethany is happy to help, hoping Joshua might finally see her as more than an assistant. And Joshua discovers that he needs Bethany, in the best way possible.
[Macomber's] novels are always engaging stories that accurately capture the foibles of real-life men and women with warmth and humor. —Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
- GenresRomance
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published October 26, 2021
12 people are currently reading
376 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Macomber
895 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 36 reviews
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May 12, 2022The last book she was reading
September 26, 2022
Stories were cute enough. I assumed that they would take place in autumn, but neither of them did! Oh well. They still gave me the cozy feels.
Almost an Angel was the better story, by far. The first story was a bit problematic in that the man used the woman’s children to get close to her and he was quite immature.
Almost an Angel was the better story, by far. The first story was a bit problematic in that the man used the woman’s children to get close to her and he was quite immature.
October 9, 2023
Was a good book but the second story had me frustrated with the characters by the end. I enjoy this book as I do with all of Debbie Macomber's books. She writes with a style one can relate to. Look forward to more of her books
December 16, 2025
2 stories in one book. 3 ⭐️ for first and solid 3.4 ⭐️ for second. Cute lil romancies
August 24, 2025
This one was actually disappointing☹️ I was excited, thinking these two stories would be cute, short fall romances, but alas, these stories took place in spring/summer, and February which bummed me out. I also wasn’t a big fan of the writing style.
The Playboy and the Widow: These two just irked me over their lack of communication. I get they had different relationship experiences but the fact Diana couldn’t even communicate her feelings to Cliff was a bit annoying. The girls were cute, but that was about the extent of it in this one for me.
Almost an Angel: I enjoyed this story more than the first, but it also had its flaws. I liked the build up of the relationship more in this one, but it still felt unrealistic. How could a couple go from working together as boss/assistant to getting married in mere months? They weren’t even officially dating.
Maybe it was because they were shorter stories they didn’t have the depth you’d like the see, but it made the relationships feel rushed, with no sense of time lapse in the story.
The Playboy and the Widow: These two just irked me over their lack of communication. I get they had different relationship experiences but the fact Diana couldn’t even communicate her feelings to Cliff was a bit annoying. The girls were cute, but that was about the extent of it in this one for me.
Almost an Angel: I enjoyed this story more than the first, but it also had its flaws. I liked the build up of the relationship more in this one, but it still felt unrealistic. How could a couple go from working together as boss/assistant to getting married in mere months? They weren’t even officially dating.
Maybe it was because they were shorter stories they didn’t have the depth you’d like the see, but it made the relationships feel rushed, with no sense of time lapse in the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2022
Autumns Nights is two books in one, The Playboy and the Widow and Almost an Angel. I have previously read The Playboy and the Widow so I just read Almost an Angel.
Bethany has been in love with her boss for ages and knows he is not aware of it. Unable to confess her feelings Bethany decides the best course of action is to quit and make a clean break from Joshua. That does not go according to plan though when Joshua askes Bethany to help him with his ten year old daughter Angela who is coming to live with him. Soon Bethany has found herself in over her head as she struggles with her emotions for Joshua not being replicated and caring deeply for the spunky Angela.
Debbe Macomber is a master of writing typical feel good stories with happy endings. I like that on occasion and it is nice to have a light read at times. The writing is smooth and consistent, clearly Mrs. Macomber has an amazing editor.
Bethany has been in love with her boss for ages and knows he is not aware of it. Unable to confess her feelings Bethany decides the best course of action is to quit and make a clean break from Joshua. That does not go according to plan though when Joshua askes Bethany to help him with his ten year old daughter Angela who is coming to live with him. Soon Bethany has found herself in over her head as she struggles with her emotions for Joshua not being replicated and caring deeply for the spunky Angela.
Debbe Macomber is a master of writing typical feel good stories with happy endings. I like that on occasion and it is nice to have a light read at times. The writing is smooth and consistent, clearly Mrs. Macomber has an amazing editor.
November 16, 2024
I am giving this book 3.5 stars. There were 2 short stories in this book. One being "The Playboy & the Widow" & "Almost an Angel." I thought these stories would give off fall or autumn vibes, but I was wrong. Both stories were cute though. My favorite was "Almost an Angel." I liked this story more because it was cute & it held my attention all the way through. The first short story took me forever to read because I could not get in to it.
August 20, 2025
I am giving this book 3.5 stars. There were 2 short stories in this book. One being "The Playboy & the Widow" & "Almost an Angel." I thought these stories would give off fall or autumn vibes, but I was wrong. Both stories were cute though. My favorite was "Almost an Angel." I liked this story more because it was cute & it held my attention all the way through. The first short story took me forever to read because I could not get in to it.
January 9, 2022
Cute stories. Enjoyed the second more than the first, surprisingly. Reading the summary on the back I thought it was going to be the other way around. It was very sweet. The one critique I have for these two story novels (in general) is that the plot often seems rushed, especially towards the end. I didn’t feel that quite as much in the second story though.
June 24, 2025
Two short stories written in the 1990's. Follows the typical plot line of creating tensions between the couple, love, more tension, and than getting together. I enjoyed the first story more than the second, felt the second one was not as well developed.
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October 1, 2021Categories
Romance Collections & Anthologies, Women's Fiction, Contemporary Romance
Romance Collections & Anthologies, Women's Fiction, Contemporary Romance
January 2, 2022
Good stories........quick chic-lit
January 15, 2022
Both of these stories were a joy to read. These classic romance tales were warm, cozy and funny.
January 27, 2022
I'm not usually a fan of books containing two stories. If you're looking for an easy to read romance than this is for you. Both stories were just long enough.
July 23, 2022
Fast read, somewhat trite. Enjoyed.
September 7, 2022
Interesting
October 15, 2022
Excellent stories. Loved all the characters in both books. Heart warming and lots of happy emotions.
October 25, 2022
Such a great book. A must read!
December 4, 2022
The playboy and the widow 3 🌟and almost an angel 5 🌟.
December 23, 2022
I liked it. A bit of romance to end the year.
March 11, 2023
Bothe stories were so good, but the 2nd one “Almost an Angel” was so decedent! ❤️
March 13, 2023
The Playboy and the Widow & Almost an Angel are combined in this book.
June 18, 2023
Almost An Angel - Joshua and Bethany
August 31, 2023
Okay stories but not my favorite
October 20, 2023
This book has two cute romance stories in one. I was a little bummed though because I picked this book as a good Autumn book and it has absolutely nothing to do with fall. The title is misleading.
December 19, 2023
2 light easy read not very realistic reads
April 10, 2024
Stories were engaging and good reads. Got through it quickly
June 23, 2024
The first “book” was okay. I would give it 2 stars. Although cute these stories are short and missing a lot. The 2nd “book” was much better! Super cute idea!
September 26, 2024
The first book kept me up to late into the night.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews