Finding love with grooms from the Lone Star State.
Norah
Norah Bloomfield is feeling a bit unneeded these days. Her father is recovering from his heart attack, and her sisters are each busy planning their weddings. But then a cantankerous Texan named Rowdy Cassidy crashes his small plane in Orchard Valley, and into Norah's life. In all Norah's nursing experience she’s never encountered a more difficult man. Or a more irresistible one. But Rowdy's connection to the Bloomfields is complicated, and Norah doesn't know if she can trust her heart to him.
Lone Star Lovin'
When Sherry Waterman arrives in Pepper, Texas, she’s definitely not in the mood for romance. But if anyone could change her mind, it’s the hardworking, good-looking Cody Bailman. Except the rancher seems to have neither the time nor the patience for pursuing a woman. Fortunately, his twelve-year-old daughter is determined to bring them together. Sherry’s definitely attracted to Cody—in fact, she’s close to falling in love with him—but she needs to know if he feels the same first!
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.
The setting for both love stories were quaint towns. Very likeable places. Makes you want to visit. The male characters were just too grumpy and so difficult with their partners. Personally I would have dumped them lol
Sorry Debbie, I just couldn't get into this. The relationships felt thrown together and not believable. I don't mind fluff but this was too much for me. Couldn't finish it. ☹️
“Orchard Valley Brides”, a sequel to “Orchard Valley Grooms”, consists of two previously published books by Debbie Macomber: “Norah”, first published in 1992 and “Lone Star Lovin’” first published in 1993.
Norah
Norah Bloomfield’s sisters Valerie and Stephanie have found true love but Norah is still looking for Mr. Right. She certainly doesn’t think it will be Valerie’s ex-boss Rowdy Cassidy, whom she meets after he crashes his small plane in Orchard Valley. Rowdy is cantankerous, stubborn, and proud yet Norah is increasingly attracted to him. There’s one big problem however – Norah thinks Rowdy is still in love with Valerie.
I really enjoyed reading “Norah”. Yes, the story is a bit implausible (I doubt there’s a hospital in the world that would allow Rowdy to get away with what he does) but the chemistry between Norah and Rowdy is good and it is fun to watch them fall in love – in fact, I was smiling the whole time I read the book. Norah’s concerns about whether or not Rowdy is still in love with Valerie are very understandable and add another dimension to the book. Rowdy at first is a bit of a cliché as a character but as the book goes along you begin to understand why he acts the way he does and his character becomes a bit deeper.
Lone Star Lovin’
Sherry Waterman feels the need for a change so she leaves Orchard Valley and moves to Pepper, Texas to work as a Physician Assistant. She knows things will be different in Texas but isn’t quite expecting everyone in Pepper to know her business – including her growing attraction to rancher Cody Bailman. Cody seems attracted to Sherry but he’s not quite so good in the romance department. Hopefully he’ll get better – Heather, his twelve year old daughter, thinks Sherry would be the perfect mom.
Sherry was such a minor character in the Orchard Valley series that I was a bit hesitant to read an entire book about her but I was glad I did as “Lone Star Lovin’” is a very cute romance. Macomber always does an excellent job of portraying small town life and Pepper, Texas, with its assortment of slightly eccentric but caring characters is a lot of fun to visit. The romance between Cody and Sherry is very cute and there are some very funny moments as Cody does his best to woo Sherry. Heather is a typical Macomber child, a bit too good to be realistic, but she plays an important part in the romance. Orchard Valley fans will be happy to see Norah appear in the book and to get an update on her life with Rowdy.
Having read Orchard Valley Grooms - the story on how the older two Bloomfield sisters found love - I simply had to find this book in order to find out the story of sister number three. And it involved a nice little twist ... I have definitely come to love Debbie Macomber's writing and this book is no different. Her style is straight forward and her characters fleshed out to the nines - another author who's stories are often so involving and intriguing that I simply could not stop reading until I got to the end. This was also the case with book one of the Bloomfield sisters, covering high-powered business woman Valerie meeting her equally workaholic doctor husband to be as well as impulsive world traveller Steffie making up with old flame Charles, editor and now publisher of the town paper. Here, Nurse Norah having remained single and determinately so, but newly 'psychic' daddy David knows better. So, Debbie Macomber is covering her story here and ... but that would spoil the twist. As with book one, there are also two stories included in book two - and since there is only one sister left, a nurse friend of Norah's is to find her life mate. However, the beginning of Sherry's tale almost put me off from actually reading it - essentially, if the reasons for her initial move had been explained right away that would probably have made the 'introduction' of her character much more palatable. As is, the story di turn out to be as involving and intriguing as the Bloomfield sisters in the end - courtesy of the brilliance of author Debbie Macomber.
I picked this book up at the grocery check-out since I had a 7 hour drive. It has two short stories in one book. I had enjoyed Macomber's Blossom Street series so I thought this book would be a good read for a long drive. Unfortunately, this book is not a good read. After reading just a few pages, one can see exactly how the story will end. There are no surprises and it was very boring. The author chose to stereotype the characters and write them as one dimensional. The only reason I finished the first story was because I had nothing else to read in the car. I definitely had no interest in reading the second story in this book. This book is not recommended.
This is the second of two books written about three sisters and a friend. The middle sister who has always been the homebody remaining in Orchard Valley with their father while the other sisters have travelled away from home. She meets her man in the most unusual way and finds love makes home anywhere. The friend has moved from Orchard Valley to make a new start for herself in Texas. She finds herself new friends and a new love in a small town full of interesting characters.
I liked the first story. I would be a little hesitant to fall in love with Rowdy too. Especially since he seemed to like her sister so much.
I did not care too much for the one about Sherry. It seemed a little too far fetched for me. Plus I was in 4-H enough yrs to know that they do NOT have a project on getting your parents hitched. Not even as a self determined project. I did enjoy the character of Heather.
Though I have loved some of her books, I'm not a huge DM fan. She can be hit or miss for me. These are two short novels that were originally published in the early 90s.
I enjoyed both of them. Some of the notions were a little antiquated, but for the most part these novels are timeless.
I’ve enjoyed Married In Texas. Norah stood her ground and in the end it all worked out. There is another book within this one and I’ll update my review when I finish it. Lone Star Lovin was really good too. Both stories were about finding that special someone. Quick and fun read.
2 novels in one book. Twice the reading pleasure from Debbie Macomber. NORAH follows the 3 Bloomfield sisters of Orchard Valley through the trials and tribulations that follow their father's heart attack and subsequent weddings of of 2 of the young women. Norah is a dedicated nurse who has yet to find her perfect match. and is feeling somewhat unneeded--a third wheel--as it were. Then things get interesting when the hard-driving, tech mogul "Cowboy", Rowdy Cassidy, arrives from Texas to break up one of her sister's wedding. He crashes his plane and is taken to the hospital where Norah works. He is badly hurt, but manages to shake things up by moving his office to the hospital during his recovery. He demands that Norah be his nurse, stepping on all kinds of toes and pushing his way into her heart even though she doesn't want him to. She feels he is still pining for her sister--not true. To make a long story short, she does fall in love with, rejects him on "principal" because of her need to protect her sister. But, he will not leave her alone and eventually wins her heart. She returns to Texas with him and they marry. Tried and true to Macomber, there is a happy ending of sorts because they wed, but she is half a nation away from her family.
LONE STAR LOVIN' is the second of the novels. It involves Sherry Waterman, a friend of Norah Bloomfield-Cassidy. Sherry is a doctor who leaves Orchard Valley to join a small town practice in Pepper,Texas. She arrives 2 weeks early and is mistakenly put to work immediately when the local Doc takes off on a fishing trip. She wants to leave to visit her friend Norah in Houston. But, the town seems to have other plans for her. She is angry and upset about losing her 2 week vacation with Norah. AND, she is basically thrown into the arms of hard-working, good-looking rancher, Cody Bailman. She ends up delivering the baby of his best friends, meeting his daughter, twelve year old Heather who thinks that Sherry is "perfect for Dad." Heather joins the rest of the town in trying to get Cody and Sherry to date and marry. Both resist, but in true Macomber fashion, they do end up at the altar with enough twists and turns to make for a fun read.
This novel is a combination of one of the Orchard Valley Trilogy (Norah) and Norah's friend Sherry Waterman (Lone Star Lovin').
Norah
Norah is the youngest of three girls and a dedicated hardworking nurse for the Orchard Valley Hospital. Just days before Valerie, Norah's oldest sister, is planning on getting married Rowdy Cassidy, Valerie's old boss, injures himself in a plane crash in Orchard Valley and becomes one of Norah's most difficult patients.
I have to be honest, I found the pace of the story to be quite slow-moving, and I did not care much for Rowdy. I thought he was a male chauvinist and a complete asshole.
One star
Lone Star Lovin'
Sherry Waterman, Norah's friend, accepts a Physician Assistant position in the small town of Pepper, Texas. Cody Bailman, a good-looking rancher, approaches her requesting advice on controlling Heather, his rebellious twelve year old daughter. Sherry offers to talk to Heather, and soon both Heather and Cody decide that Sherry needs to become Cody's new wife. Unfortunately, Sherry is not entirely convinced that Cody truly loves her.
I actually enjoyed this story more than the other one. For example, Cody's failed attempts at romancing her with serenading her with his singing and playing guitar is pretty hilarious. In addition, he hand picks a bouquet of daisies for her but ends up needing medical attention for a nasty skin rash from the poison ivy.
To be truthful, I was actually rooting for Cody and his endeavors at romance.
Four stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
These two romance novellas provide relaxing escapist, if predictable, reading. In the first, Oregon nurse Norah has a demanding patient at the hospital, Rowdy, who turns out to be her sister Valerie's former boss, injured flying into Orchard Valley from Texas for Valerie's wedding. Norah is the only one of the three sisters who has not yet found love, and for some reason she has an immediate attraction to Rowdy, who proclaims himself anti-marriage. In the second novella Norah's friend Sherry leaves Orchard Valley for a job as a physician's assistant in Pepper, TX. She meets a local rancher, Cody, and his precocious (and somewhat obnoxious) 12 year old daughter, who wants her widower dad remarried, even though he proclaims that he just wants to forget all of the romance and just tie the knot, much to Sherry's dismay. Not to worry-- Debbie will make sure, as she always does that there will be HEA endings all around.
Norah (10/31/23-11/1/23 read) one-of four books, three of which are about each sister. Norah is the youngest sister. Great easy read, with some companionable twists and turns. Enjoyed as always because I enjoy Debbie Macomber’s writing style. Interesting how she wove this from Valerie into Norah.
Lone Star Lovin’ (11/1/23-11/2/23) continuation of one of the characters in Valerie’s storyline Sherrie Waterman that has spread her wings hoping to follow in Valerie, Stephanie and Norah’s happy life of love and marriage. Debbie Macomber always out does herself in these novels and gives us hopeless romantics a great fantasy to follow. Never disappoints me. Great for a very heavy snowfall day!
Debbie Macomber never disappoints, and this book was no exception. Her storytelling is always engaging, filled with warmth, love, and heartfelt moments. The first story, Norah, was especially sweet. I loved watching Rowdy and Norah’s romance unfold—their journey was tender and charming, making it easy to root for them. Macomber has a way of crafting characters that feel real and relatable, and this story was no different.
Rated: 4.0/5.0—Overall, this was a lovely, feel-good read, perfect for anyone who enjoys sweet romance with well-developed characters and a satisfying love story. Another delightful book from Debbie Macomber!
This book had two stories in it. The first was about Norah and Rowdy. This is a continuation of the Orchard Valley Grooms. Norah is the 3rd sister to get married, she marries her sister Valerie's former boss. The second story is about her friend Sherry when she moves to Texas and meets her new love. These stories are the typical of what Debbie writes. They are a good easy uplifting read about love.
This is a two story book, but I only read "Norah" as I had read the other story a long time ago. Norah is a nurse and when a small airplane crashed outside her small town, she was the nurse on duty. It turned out the victim was Rowdy Cassidy the owner of CHIPS a large important company. He is a terrible patient and the only one he wants waiting on him is Norah. As you can imagine, a romance developed abet by a rocky start. A good read!
I typically like romances and I've heard good things about this author. However, the romances were too pat. Rowdy is a total jerk yet Norah still falls for him. Shellie declares she is in love with Cole about five minutes after meeting him. It was just too blah for me. I like a little more character development. These characters were one-dimensional.
As a huge fan of the author, I found that this series wasn't like her usual writings. Then I realized these were originally written in the 90's and that explained a lot. I liked this book better than the Orchard Valley Grooms.
Family values displayed. PG13 rating. I always enjoy Debbie Macomber books. Always interesting and romantic. Because she writes series, you will want to keep buying her books to find out what's happening next, though each book stands on its own
Two books in one. A mindless Texan love story. Easy read. After reading first book, I have to admit, I took my time in delving into 2nd book. Cute but... wasn't one of those books that you wake up in the middle of the night wanting to read a few more pages.
I really enjoyed these two romances. I barrowed this from my mother-in-law. They are more great ones by Debbie Macomber. I am never disappointed by her books. I voluntarily chose to review these. I've given them both 5* ratings.
I always enjoy Debbie Macomber for summer reading. Romance novels are fun from time to time. This one was a two for one, because it had 2 books in one book. Both stories were connected, and I enjoyed them both.
Love love love this book so much. I enjoyed them both! It's quite angsty and romantic which I definitely love love so much 😄 wouldn't want it in any other way 😚
This was a fun relaxing book to loose myself in. I kept turning the pages to see what the men would say now. they just didn't know how to relate to women.