An Ideal Marriage?: Father's Day / First Comes Marriage/ Here Comes Trouble

by Debbie Macomber

Three of the bestselling author's novels are contained in one volume and includes "First Comes Marriage," in which spirited Janine Hartman refuses to let her grandfather choose a husband for her until she meets his selection - Zach Thomas, a devastatingly handsome man who just merged his business with the Hartman family firm. Original.

Genres: Romance, Fiction

434 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2001

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

[Lea Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed An Ideal Marriage, but First Comes Marriage was a trifle irritating.
Here Comes Trouble was alright.

[ஐ Katya (Book Queen)ஐ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Contains three stories:

'Father's Day' - I thoroughly enjoyed this one.

'First Come Marriage' - This one was a bit odd, especially as the story didn't end with their marriage.

The third story sounded so terrible, I didn't even bother reading it.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three of Macomber's fun romance novels. I couldn't decide which of the three I liked better.

[Marina · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Comes Marriage
I give this a 3.5 to 4 stars.It was a nice story.Good drama. Sweet passion.
(Solution: Wedding, #3)
Read the other two stories in the following anthologies;
Right Next Door (Father's Day) & Glad Tidings (Here Comes Trouble).
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Spoiler
Note to Self;
Janine Hartman(granddaughter,rich,volunteer,pal)+Zachary Thomas(Zach,30's,ex-army,rich,business supply co. owner,new partner),Anton H.(her grandad,board chairman,business supply firm owner now partner,retiring,widower),Pamila Hudson(Pam,13yo,pal,clothing designer).

[IrishFan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really like Debbie Macomber's books usually. This one not so much. It was short stories, which may have had something to do with it. I liked the first story well enough, but the last two just didn't develop for me. I already knew that the characters were going to end up together in each story and the way they got there was just ok. Especially the last story. I just didn't care for the main characters at all.

[Jen Manning · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three story compilation: Father's Day: Robin moves to a new neighborhood and her son's quest to make friend's with the neighbor's dog brings about an unexpected romance, First Comes Marriage: Janine's grandfather has the best of intentions and desires to match her with his new business partner Zach, and Here Comes Trouble.

[Dianne Lipe · Rating 2 out of 5]

An Ideal Marriage is really three stories in one book. I only read the first--couldn't bring myself to read the other two. I found the story to be very predictable and somewhat corny. As a result, I was bored.

[Barbara]

This was three different love stories. I enjoyed each one. This is light reading.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good fluff book. I need one of these every once in a while. Three short romances that make you smile.

[Danielle Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet