Navy Brides

Navy #1-2

by Debbie Macomber

Two stories of women whose men also love the sea

Navy Wife

Lindy Kyle flees to Seattle to weather a broken heart but is unprepared for a roommate like Rush Callaghan. Strong, sensitive and sexy, the temporarily dry-docked naval officer is everything she’s ever dreamed of in a man…and in a husband. Though they are swept away on a tide of passion, Rush holds duty to his country above all else. When he has to return to service, does Lindy have the courage to be his wife?

Navy Blues

Despite her ex-husband’s stubbornness, Carol knows Lieutenant Commander Steve Kyle would be the perfect man to father the child she so desperately wants. But she also realizes that the strong, honorable man would never allow his child to be raised without him. Passion together was never the problem—it was the absences that tore them apart. Have they grown enough to risk trying again?

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit, Audiobook

480 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published November 29, 2022

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

[Jennie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book contains two short stories with the same characters in each. Both stories had a good idea, but the couples broke up and got back together many times in each story. The reader knows that they will eventually get together and they do, so at least 100 pages could have been deleted in my opinion.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Navy wife
2.75 stars - I enjoy Debbie’s writing and tone, but I did not love this story! I read one of her Christmas stories last Christmas Eve and picked this up for a dollar with a plan to read it on July 4th. what can I say, holiday reads are fun and this is my way of enjoying them! I was interested in this one specifically because of the supposed fantasy of being with a military man. this was no fantasy. this was a nightmare…..

spoilers lol

everyone in this story exhibited highly questionable behavior. and then there were consequences to those actions…….like yeah actually marrying someone you’ve only known for 2-3 weeks is not a great move! especially when he is about to ship out to the navy for 6 months!! I am willing to suspend a lot of logic to enjoy these stories but this just went too far for me. the story eventually becomes how Lindy, the female main character, changes her life and thought system in order to accommodate her husband, while he does almost nothing in return. the marriage feels deeply unequal. and then, a huge chunk of the story is justifying the misogyny of it all!!! like oh you knew what you were signing up for when you married a navy man. like no she did not she is 22 and knew the guy for a fortnight??? and HE knew it was a bad idea but just wanted to guarantee she would stay with him!!!! talk about bad judgment all around!!! and then they are emotionally tortured because of a MAIL MISHAP. ugh!!! I was so annoyed at the end when this man was literally believed DEAD to the world and lindy loses her mind (rightly so) and he is then alive and badly injured but is still like…..sorry wife gotta get back on that beautiful ship you know the seas always come first. I was like say sike right now…..AND THEN HE GOT BACK ON THAT BOAT!!!! THE ONE THAT WAS ALso ATTACKED AND ALLEGEDLY DAMAGED BY AN ENEMY PLANE? HUH!!!!?????? and then they’re separated for 6 more weeks!!! and then when he gets back they decide to stay together and he is like wife I will leave the navy for you because I love you so. And after she gets advice from another navy wife and her navy brother she is like no I don’t want to change you from who you are. Stay in the navy, rush (yes his name is rush like the rush of the high seas because he was born on the sea) …. So she has to be the one to change and make sacrifices and he gets to keep prioritizing the military and “honor” or whatever. I did not find this romantic I just found it depressing.

Navy Blues
2.75 - These may be my least favorite main characters of all time. I could rant about their toxic behavior and how annoying it was but it doesn’t seem worth my time. asshole characters can be fun when they are well written and have some sort of redeeming elements. not this guy! Steve Kyle is the worst! I felt very compelled to finish reading this book if only to start a new story that I know won’t make me angry!!!

the part that truly shook me is that they named their baby STEPHANIE ANNE THAT IS MY NAME!!!!!

[Simonne · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first story in this duo was first published in the late 1980s. That explains a lot. Like the views around marriage, and maybe even the sexist thinking of the male characters, where men must protect their peace from crazy women - who they’re apparently in love with. I didn’t find either romance particularly believable and the drama was more soapy than angsty. All this said, I liked Macomber’s writing style and am still interested in reading her later stories about women and friendship, which I hear good things about.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Navy Brides is a two-volume book by Debbie Macomber. The two books are Navy Wife and Navy Blues. Both books are set in Seattle and are about siblings Lindy and Steve Kyle. Each of the siblings is trying to find their one true love but their situations are never easy. With Steve Kyle being on a sub for three months at a time, and his roommate Russ being on a ship for six months at a time, romance seems out of the question. That is, unless the two women involved are truly navy wife material. The books are both really good and easy to read.

[Elizabeth McCormick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both books in this double feature were touching and a must read. I felt very connected to these characters. I adored Rush and was very frustrated with Steve. Bith men are worth reading about - especially when their tough ladies are in the mix!

[Evelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reprint compilation of two stories from early 2000s so a little dated technology-wise but still cute.

[Natalie Garzon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second Debbie Macomber book I’ve picked up—the first one I read was The Sooner the Better. Right away, I could tell this one had a totally different vibe and writing style.

The story follows Lindy and Rush, who basically go through a whirlwind romance. In just three weeks, they face a ton of ups and downs before deciding to get married. Since this is one of Macomber’s older books, the relationship moves super fast—definitely quicker than what we’re used to in more modern stories. Lindy jumps into marriage without really knowing what it means to be a Navy wife, and honestly, she wasn’t ready for the loneliness that came with Rush’s career.

Rush, on the other hand, was a bit all over the place. He clearly loved his job and had no intention of giving it up, but when it came to marriage and relationships, he felt kind of uncertain . At one point, he even admits he only ever wanted casual flings, nothing serious. So, their dynamic definitely had its challenges.

On a side note, I think my copy of the book was faulty. didn’t even get the second story, Navy Blue, which was supposed to be included. Kind of a bummer!

[Bena Solomon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok before I get into the review (which is FABULOUS in one word) I have to share about my journey with this book. So I got this book in January but didn’t start it till February cause it was a love story and I wanted to read love stories in February. So I read the first part of the book and fall in the love with the characters! So I’m excited to get to the second story when I discover I have a defective copy of the book! I was just the first story repeated again. I proceeded to get 3 defective copies of the book from Barnes and nobles. So I finally got the correct copy from the library!!
Now for the review, Debbie Macomber is a timeless author and I love all of her books and this one is no exception. I truly fell in love with all of the characters and I love that they kind of went together. Lindy, Rush, Steve and Carol all have a place in my heart now forever.

[Sabrina Brown · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not impressed at all. I even wondered if Ms. Macomber was actually the author. I chose the book for a bit of fluff reading, but I expect even fluff reading to have a solid story line, & have the facts correct.
A simple, but significant mistake for a person that lives in the Seattle area, the view from the condo, looking over the water (Elliot Bay) you can see Harbor Island & West Seattle, but you cannot see the Columbia or Smith towers. Simple yes, but significant.
The dialog was very high schoolish - unbelievable high drama. I’m sorry, but I am disappointed that I spent any money on this 🤷🏼‍♀️

[bookwyrmemma · Rating 3 out of 5]

With Debbie Macomber, you are always guaranteed a lighthearted, feel-good romance, and this book is no exception. While these two stories weren’t my favorites, they still carried the warmth and charm that make Macomber’s books so enjoyable.

The storylines were predictable, following her familiar themes of love, personal growth, and happy endings. However, one of the things I appreciate most about Macomber’s storytelling is how she can take a well-loved plot and present it in so many different and engaging ways.

Rated: 3.0/5.0

[Linda H. Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being married to a naval officer I enjoyed these books immensely. Have not read all of them but so far have enjoyed the ones I read. My husband was never aboard a ship but he did have to away at times and it’s always hard to be left behind. Because of his security clearance I was never given any information.

[Suzie Stolz · Rating 2 out of 5]

misprint, or false advertising?

the second part was supposed to be about the main character's brother, but it ended up just being an exact reprint of the first story. I assume this is the outcome of a very unfortunate accident. it's good enough of a story, but how does an accident like this happen??

[Carol · Rating 1 out of 5]

The most pathetic couples. I could not stand how these couples could not communicate, rushed to wrong conclusions, etc. They flipped their emotions on and off/love & hate. It was ridiculous and I couldn't get thru each book fast enough.

[Gayle Adelmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only one story reprint was done of the first story navy wife, navy blues missing

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I’ve read all of this series I plan to read.

[Bridget LaDuca · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first story was better than the second. Sometimes Macomber's characters are just too frustrating for words. I never would have fallen for or forgiven Steve.

[Jackie Valentino · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as good as the other Navy ones, first one wasn't as bad as the second. I wanted to smack Steve the entire time I was reading this. He was such a jerk!

[David A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Long and involved plot but very good once you got into the book. It has been quite a while since I read Debbie Macomber, but it will not be so long next time.

[Jenny Gardiner · Rating 3 out of 5]

My book had the same story in it twice. I think they forgot to quality check my book. I was looking forward to reading about Steve’s story.

[Happyscrapper · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

[nikki hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Navy Brides is 2 shorter novels in 1 book with the same characters but new story lines/different character focus! I found this book a massive used book sale and immediately had to buy to it because my husband is in the Navy! I enjoyed this easy read and lighthearted book with great story lines and romance stories. This book 100% gave me Hallmark vibes or beach read vibes!

[Debbie Beshears · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well.... Navy Wife was entertaining! However, I guess my paperback was a dud. When I went read on to "Navy Blues", the whole second half of the book was actually Navy Wife again. Bummer. Must have been a major printer snafu. Oh well, I'll get it sorted with the publisher, but I was looking forward to reading Navy Blues.

[Bev Walkling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked how both stories in the book were interconnected.

[Kim Smiley · Rating 4 out of 5]

2 Books in one read this time.

Book 1: Lindy has moved to try and forget her past. A fiancee that broke up with her married someone else, Lindy is now living in her brother's apartment. He's in the Navy and is at sea most of the time. Now she just needs a job so she can look for her own place.

In walks Rush Callahan in the middle of the night. He lives there too and is also Navy and back from his ship that needs repair. He may be back for a whole month. At first, they HATE each other, but more and more become to like each other. Enough for Lindy to get over her broken heart and move on with Rush?

Book 2: Lindy's brother Steve, who has been divorced a little over a year, is still in love w/ his ex-wife Carol. He's become very hardened. Then right before Christmas, Carol invites him over to "talk." Little does he know that Carol is still in love with him and being in her 30's, decides it's her last chance to ever get pregnant and she couldn't find a better man that her ex. The trouble is, he divorced her because he was convinced that she cheated on him while he was away. He was 100% wrong but would never listen to reason.

Will Carol's attempt to get pregnant and her scheme work? Or will all backfire and these two are destined to remain apart and divorced?

Two good stories, equally enjoyed!

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Navy Brides contains two books Navy White and Navy Blue. I listened to the audio book. Navy White is the story of Lindsey Kyle getting over the guy who dumped her and comes to stay in WA while here brother Steve and his apartment mate are both out on maneuvers. Unexpectedly Steve's buddy Rush comes home because his ship returned early. Rush and Lindsey get off to a rocky start at the surprise of someone else in the apartment. However they soon fall in love. Navy Blue is the story of Steve Kyle and his ex wife Carol. Steve divorced her because he thought her unfaithful, which she had not been. She misses Kyle, but longs to have a baby and feels her biological time clock is ticking. She seduces her ex at Christmas and gets pregnant. The story involves the rocky road they travel as they learn to communicate better and of course fall back in love and eventually re-marry. It has all the soft porn of a romance novel. Both books describe the life of Navy wives and the ups and downs of their relationships.

[Bethany · Rating 2 out of 5]

These two stories were not my favorite. I have read other books by Debbie Macomber and have really enjoyed them, but these ones, not so much.
The story lines were the usual, predictable story lines, but what I had a hard time with was how descriptive she was, which is unusual for her. I could have done without those parts. But if you took out those parts, you wouldn't have a story line.....

So unfortunately, I have to give this one low stars. Was not my favorite of hers.

[Jen Blansett · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book (part) was better than the 2nd. I really didn’t like the male main character in the 2nd part. Also, there was more description of the intimacies between the characters than I would like.

[Heather Bridson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet stories. I had read the second one before, but the first was great. It brought back memories from my first marriage, but there was enough difference it didn't bring up the pain. Anyway, I love the characters and the book in general. I love Debbie Macomber's writing.

[Robean · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know why, but the edition I have is literally the same book twice. I thought it was supposed to be two books?
The actual book is... fine. I'm not sure if military romances are my thing, but I'd be open to reading this author again.

[Sandra Randall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought it was good. Letting folks know it’s not easy being married to a military man or woman.