Jury of His Peers

by Debbie Macomber

Two childhood rivals reconnect during jury duty—and are forced to navigate their complex feelings for one another—in this heartwarming novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber.

Caroline Lomax is eager to exercise her civic duty and report for jury duty. However, when she sees a familiar face on her first day, she is near certain that she has come face to face with Ted Thomasson, the thorn in her side throughout high school—and the last person she’d want as a fellow juror.

Ted still seems to relish in making Caroline squirm, but he shocks Caroline when he declares that he’s always harbored feelings for her. Just as she attempts to make sense of it all, they’re both selected for the same case . . . and as things intensify in and out of the courtroom, it becomes clear that Caroline has an enormous decision to make.

Genres: Romance, Fiction

135 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 1986

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

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the jury portion of the book even though it was a little unrealistic. The two main characters in the love story were secluded together because the court gave away their "not guilty" vote in public court. I don't think that happens. It went along with the storyline though. In their seclusion, they were to fall in love. I agree with other reviews that Caroline was mostly combative. It took away from the romance.

[Rod Horncastle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't believe I totally enjoy Debbie Macomber's Romance novels. Oh well, who knew?!

This story is possibly the most frustrating annoying somewhat insane matchmaking setup ever put down in a book. I loved it.
So an adopted girl (with rich parents) who's planning on becoming a chef, gets stuck in jury duty with an old nemesis from highschool (basically in Seattle)... except now they both hate and love each other in the deepest of passions - Sure, like this never happens in real life. They vote on the jury and then the threats and danger cause them to flee the city together. Soon they pick up a four legged friend and find a romantic place to hole up.

This is some great dialogue that lets us into the minds of women in love. (it's not necessarily pretty either) but it's rewarding.
This is a very early novel by Macomber - yet, it's just as good as her more recent books. (she did touch it up...)

[Norine Luker · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm A Debbie macomber fan but

I have read a LOT of Debbie's stories and thoroughly enjoy them even when dated/her earlier works. But I have to say that the heroine of this story may be the most unlikeable heroine I have ever encountered in a romance novel. How the hero ignores all that is beyond me unless he was really just after her dads money. Give this one a miss or prepare yourself for a lot of cringing. Just read her latest Must Love Flowers which was charming so go get that

[Jaylene · Rating 2 out of 5]

Predictable, and a little unbelievable - I really don't think this couple would ever work in real life.

[Elizabeth · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well, there’s bad, and then pretty bad and finally there’s that I can’t believe I actually read that.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. Loved the premise and the fact that it featured some of my favorite tropes (enemies to lovers, one bed, fake relationship). However, I feel like there could have been so much more written to further the development of the plot. In some parts it passively mentions they discussed hard topics but never say what. I think those minute details would have made the story stronger. The ending was a bit eh but overall a fun read.

[Garnet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite the plot, starting with jury duty. I became overwhelmed with the constant “lying”-denial of feelings from the female protagonist. Enough was enough. Also, though understanding the upbringing of a person affects her m/his personality, it seemed overboard how immature and self-centered the female protagonist was. I almost didn’t finish the book because of that. But, I realized, the character simply irritated me.

[Cathie McManus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caroline and Ted end up on the same jury duty. She has always hated him for his perfect self. Caroline tormented him when they were young.

They are forced together when they both get threats. They spend more time apart at the cottage. Ted says because he is fighting his longing. The ending didn't work to well for me.

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun quick read about a guy and girl who met at teenagers and they fought like cats and dogs the whole time they were neighbors. The constant teasing etc. continued many years later when they meet when serving on a jury together. They were the only two on the jury that determined the defendant was not guilty. The rest is just fun.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable!

Caroline and Ted knew each other as teenagers and were now serving jury duty together. When things get a little out of hand, the two are encouraged to leave town, together, for a short time. Tension, fear, a little drama, and a HEA.

I’m all for strong, independent female characters. I don’t particularly like when they behave in a very immature way.

[Kathy Hennessy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute pool afternoon read, but overall "meh". Had a really cool thriller-esque backstory that I wish had more. I would have rated higher because I liked the characters and dynamics but the ending was way too fast and abrupt.

[Annika · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mõnus ajaviiteromaan.

[Christine Lisi · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. Not a fast page turner though.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was pretty good. I really enjoyed the adventure.

[Linda · Rating 1 out of 5]

Caroline was a mean woman to Ted since childhood. They were so very different. I didn’t like this character.

[Colleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Predictable. Didn’t really like the characters.

[Marie Christensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick fluffy book

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sweet story and a quick read.

[A · Rating 2 out of 5]

The h calls the H as Tedious Ted but truly she is the one who is tedious for people around her.

[Charlie Reiner · Rating 3 out of 5]

how many books do we think I’ll finish while waiting for my delayed flight?

[Camilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Täpselt õige raamat ajaviiteks

[helen allphin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good love story

Good book, well written,just the right amount of suspense. Two strong personalities unite in love and commit to get married.

[Linda Bruchert · Rating 4 out of 5]

No real surprises but a good cozy read.

[Lynda Watts · Rating 1 out of 5]

Someone reviewed “ Well, there’s bad, and then pretty bad and finally there’s, I can’t believe I actually read that.��I echo those sentiments. Dull, lifeless, predictable read.

[Tricia Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, so funny in so many parts.

[Paige Pearson · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the writing was fine with this one, I spent most of the book wishing someone would slap some sense into the female lead.

[Mark · Rating 2 out of 5]

An old, old Silhouette romance, showing its age in many ways but most notably by having the woman flip-flopping between extreme emotions, often within the space of consecutive paragraphs, and the man being all stoic and then almost forcing himself on her. Not a great read these days. Only one thing puzzles me though: if this was published in 1986, why is the guy consulting "GPS on his phone"?

[Brittany · Rating 1 out of 5]

My mom got this at the library. The blurb on the back sounded interesting so I thought I'd give it a try. That being said, this is probably the last time I'll be checking out a book of my mother's. Caroline's childish attitude towards Ted had me rolling my eyes. I understood her distaste for him as a kid. He was a quiet and serious child. Caroline interpret that as being stuck up. She was a child. She didn't know much about Ted. Her reasons for treating him badly as an adult didn't hold as much weight though. When they met up again Ted was nothing but kind to her. He was still reserved. He showed he wasn't stuck up though. Caroline's bitchy attitude was unwarranted. I don't need to like the heroines in the books I read. I just need to be able to understand where they are coming from. I didn't like or understand Caroline in Jury of His Peers.

[Noelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I immediately fell in love with this book the moment I started reading it! I loved Debbie Macomber's language; it was easily relate-able. I fell in love with Caroline, though halfway through, I was irritated by her childishness and the fact that she was acting like a colossal bitch. I loved Ted, as well. I wish there was more suspense added to the case. It ended just like that, as if the author was in a rush to finish writing the story. Though slightly flawed, I loved the plot. I just love these kinds of love stories. Overall, it was a great, fun read and I couldn't put it down!