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Orchard Valley #1-2
Orchard Valley Grooms: Valerie / Stephanie
Valerie rushes home to Orchard Valley, Oregon, when her father, David, suffers a heart attack. She and her two younger sisters, Stephanie and Norah, are gathering at his side, praying he'll live, fearing he'll die....
At a time like this, falling in love is the "last" thing on Valerie's mind. And with Dr. Colby Winston, of all people! He's David's heart surgeon, a renowned specialist who enjoys small-town living, while Valerie is a high-powered businesswoman who prefers city life. They're complete opposites in every way. Yet David keeps insisting she and Colby are a perfect couple.
Meanwhile Stephanie has other worries besides her father's health. She'd fled Orchard Valley three years earlier after her humiliating rejection by local journalist Charles Tomaselli. Now she's home, and it's not long before they begin reliving past battles--and renewing old feelings. He was the reason she left. This time, will he give her a reason to stay? David seems to think so....
At a time like this, falling in love is the "last" thing on Valerie's mind. And with Dr. Colby Winston, of all people! He's David's heart surgeon, a renowned specialist who enjoys small-town living, while Valerie is a high-powered businesswoman who prefers city life. They're complete opposites in every way. Yet David keeps insisting she and Colby are a perfect couple.
Meanwhile Stephanie has other worries besides her father's health. She'd fled Orchard Valley three years earlier after her humiliating rejection by local journalist Charles Tomaselli. Now she's home, and it's not long before they begin reliving past battles--and renewing old feelings. He was the reason she left. This time, will he give her a reason to stay? David seems to think so....
352 pages, ebook
First published May 1, 2010
379 people are currently reading
1590 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Macomber
917 books20.7k 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 134 reviews
July 7, 2010
Thought I rated this already.... finished it awhile ago. I find Debbie Macomber extremely irritating because people routinely fall in love and get engaged after knowing each other for LITERALLY 3 weeks! Completely ridiculous!!!
November 28, 2020
Two of Debbie Macomber's early works published together in this bind-up. I enjoyed both of these stories about two sisters whose recently widowed father suffers some heart issues and has a dream that all of his daughters will marry by the end of the summer.
August 6, 2015
The first book of this duet (Valerie's story) was not my favourite Macomber book.
Though the characters were interesting I was having a great deal of difficulty believing that a doctor would fall so quickly for a daughter of one of his patients. I also had a hard time believing that Valerie, who had been working as an executive up until her father's heart attack, would be willing to fold her tent and return to Orchard Valley after living more than a decade in Texas.
All that aside, the secondary characters were interesting and I could see how they deserved a book of their own in future. The second of the duet (Stephanie's story) was much better and more believable which ended the reading of the two on a high note.
Though the characters were interesting I was having a great deal of difficulty believing that a doctor would fall so quickly for a daughter of one of his patients. I also had a hard time believing that Valerie, who had been working as an executive up until her father's heart attack, would be willing to fold her tent and return to Orchard Valley after living more than a decade in Texas.
All that aside, the secondary characters were interesting and I could see how they deserved a book of their own in future. The second of the duet (Stephanie's story) was much better and more believable which ended the reading of the two on a high note.
February 10, 2023
This was basically the same story three times over. I stopped reading part way through the second sister. The characters are one dimensional, the stories are dated, and the sisters were high handed, unbelievable, and self-righteous
February 28, 2011
Amazed I made it through this one.
January 15, 2025
All of Debbie Macomber’s books are realistic and heartwarming to read. She is one of my favorite authors, writing about characters who undergo challenges and struggles until they find their way. I think her target audience may be for older women but that’s all right with me!
March 5, 2022
I read the first one, Valerie.
..
..
June 11, 2010
Debbie Macomber is usually one of my favorite authors, This book was a disappointment. Bought it at Walmart in Willows CA on my way to Covelo CA. I struggled to complete the first half which was about Valerie. It was just too cheesy for me. The second half was even worse. Stephanie was just pretty much pathetic. So glad to be finished. The book calls for a sequel surrounding their sister, Norah. I will not be reading that one.
December 9, 2021
Quick easy read. Good storyline. Sweet endings.
December 25, 2022
Okay, let's be real -- if you grab a book like this, it's probably off a table at a yard sale and you got it for the bargain price of 10 cents so you can read something brainless. And it's readable -- there are two nice love stories, one believable, one so ridiculous you laugh your way through it (I'll let you decide which if you read the book). There is at least one character whose story is relatable (yikes! imagine that kind of humiliation... and then finding out later the humiliator loved you all along...), and one who is just nice (the third sister, who maybe was meant to get her own book... I wonder if she did). But then there's the dad who keeps repeating the same thing over and over making him literally the flattest character I've ever encountered in fiction. And the grooms... I mean, what is the appeal, besides the fact that they both have good jobs and are the most handsome two men in town? Oh wait, I guess that's the point -- this book isn't about the girls whose minds swarm with the chorus, "Oh no! A beautiful man is in love with me... whatever shall I do?!" No, these are fantasy novellas about men who live in a small town and have been waiting all their lives to meet these two perfect women at just the right moment... exactly according to the dream plan.
So... if you are just trying to meet your Goodreads annual book goal and want to tear through a book in two days, this is your read! If you're looking for actual characterization or plot, don't bother.
So... if you are just trying to meet your Goodreads annual book goal and want to tear through a book in two days, this is your read! If you're looking for actual characterization or plot, don't bother.
June 15, 2018
Two books in one:
Valerie - Dealing with the possible loss of her father only four years after she has lost her mother, Valerie struck me at first as almost brash and rude, but as you get to know her, you appreciate her directness. I have met people like her and always enjoy how up front and natural they are. You never have to wonder where you stand with people like Valerie, which takes a lot of stress out of any relationship. Her budding romance is not easy. She has a careet and wants to keep it. Colby is a doctor who also works hard and wants a family to come home to, not a working mom. My favorite part of the book is when Valerie loses it and yells at Colby that maybe she doesn't want to get married and have children - lots of little Cheddars and Parmesans. It was so unexpected that I burst out laughing in public, always an embarrassment.
Stephanie = Having difficulty travelling from Italy to home during a strike, Stephanie finally arrives home just after her father's operation to find him doing better than expected. Now she has to deal with a former infatuation with her home town's newspaper editor that did not end well. I was a bit appalled at some of her youthful antics because I don't remember ever being quite that young or headstrong, so this book didn't strike me as well as her sister's story. It is well-written and flows smoothly but the road to romance between Steffie and Charles was surprisingly jarring.
Valerie - Dealing with the possible loss of her father only four years after she has lost her mother, Valerie struck me at first as almost brash and rude, but as you get to know her, you appreciate her directness. I have met people like her and always enjoy how up front and natural they are. You never have to wonder where you stand with people like Valerie, which takes a lot of stress out of any relationship. Her budding romance is not easy. She has a careet and wants to keep it. Colby is a doctor who also works hard and wants a family to come home to, not a working mom. My favorite part of the book is when Valerie loses it and yells at Colby that maybe she doesn't want to get married and have children - lots of little Cheddars and Parmesans. It was so unexpected that I burst out laughing in public, always an embarrassment.
Stephanie = Having difficulty travelling from Italy to home during a strike, Stephanie finally arrives home just after her father's operation to find him doing better than expected. Now she has to deal with a former infatuation with her home town's newspaper editor that did not end well. I was a bit appalled at some of her youthful antics because I don't remember ever being quite that young or headstrong, so this book didn't strike me as well as her sister's story. It is well-written and flows smoothly but the road to romance between Steffie and Charles was surprisingly jarring.
January 22, 2026
The first part of the book was about Valerie. She lives in Texas and gets a call that her dad had a heart attack so she rushes to be by his side. Ends up she meets her dad's heart surgeon Colby and although they both have their reservations, they do manage to fall in love.
The second part of the book was about Valerie's sister Stephanie. Stephanie flies home from Rome to stay by her dad's side after his heart attack. She reconnects with an old love who humiliated her and he is the reason she left the country. Old habits die hard and she ends up stalking him once again.
The second part of the book was about Valerie's sister Stephanie. Stephanie flies home from Rome to stay by her dad's side after his heart attack. She reconnects with an old love who humiliated her and he is the reason she left the country. Old habits die hard and she ends up stalking him once again.
October 31, 2023
Valerie (10/29/23-10/30/23 read) one-of four books, three of which are about each sister. Valerie is the oldest sister. Great easy read, with some companionable twists and turns. Enjoyed as always because I enjoy Debbie Macomber’s writing style.
Second novel - Stephanie (10/30/23 - ) the middle sister Stephanie the middle sister of three. A father’s wish and a dream he experiences during his surgery to have his daughters live happy lives.
Second novel - Stephanie (10/30/23 - ) the middle sister Stephanie the middle sister of three. A father’s wish and a dream he experiences during his surgery to have his daughters live happy lives.
July 9, 2025
The trouble of combining two books you know what the ending is going to be. Valerie’s story was a little unrealistic based on her personality and the doctors. I don’t believe their love and lifestyle changed would be decisions made in a few weeks. Stephanie’s story was more realistic but the reader already knew the ending. I’ve enjoyed some of Debbie Macomber’s books but this one would have to be rated towards the bottom.
March 3, 2023
I was overcome with butterflies when reading this novel. As Valerie is an executive, it was difficult to think that she would return to her hometown and that Colby would fall in love so immediately, but love knows no bounds. This book inspired me to read more, and it is the book that first made me appreciate them.
January 12, 2019
This is my all-time favorite Debbie Macomber book series, awesome characters, interesting plot and just plain entertaining. Highly recommended, hilarious, light-hearted reading. The sisters have an awesome relationship with their father, each other and their ultimate husband (to be).
January 26, 2019
I love reading Debbie Macomber's books! The stories are always great and fin. This one is great as well, daughters returning home to help a sick father, getting in the way of their own happiness and love, and of course a happy ending. Just a great story to read.
March 17, 2017
Valerie: 3.5*
Cz i read the manga already, i found the novel is much more elaborated and centered in the three-sister's father's near-death experience. Their mother in heaven told the father that he still has long years to live and gave him predictions on what's gonna make him look forward to living. Dr. Winston is a gorgeous doctor, and Valerie is one-heck of capable businesswoman. They are alike but opposite as well. I love how the ending is soooo romantic, and not portrayed in the manga.
Stephanie: 4*
This what we called "cinta lama bersemi kembali" "old love blooming again" lol. Steffie was mortified by her own embarrassing behaviour when she first liked Charles. She wants to prove it that Charles will like her and confess to her but end up being hurt. Three years later they met again. Suddenly, Charles started getting closer to her. What!?
Thisss, I love the story of Stephanie. So full of angst! My heart tightens every time Steph and Charles tried to get one step closer, it hurts my heart when Steph is sad
Cz i read the manga already, i found the novel is much more elaborated and centered in the three-sister's father's near-death experience. Their mother in heaven told the father that he still has long years to live and gave him predictions on what's gonna make him look forward to living. Dr. Winston is a gorgeous doctor, and Valerie is one-heck of capable businesswoman. They are alike but opposite as well. I love how the ending is soooo romantic, and not portrayed in the manga.
Stephanie: 4*
This what we called "cinta lama bersemi kembali" "old love blooming again" lol. Steffie was mortified by her own embarrassing behaviour when she first liked Charles. She wants to prove it that Charles will like her and confess to her but end up being hurt. Three years later they met again. Suddenly, Charles started getting closer to her. What!?
Thisss, I love the story of Stephanie. So full of angst! My heart tightens every time Steph and Charles tried to get one step closer, it hurts my heart when Steph is sad
May 16, 2017
This saddens me. Usually I adore Debbie Macomber but this one I just couldn't get into no matter how hard I tried. Plot seemed to go nowhere and the characters were flat.
May 23, 2017
Ok. Not one of her best
August 28, 2017
I'm a huge fan of the author but I really couldn't get into this series. I found the brides to be annoying. I did like the dad though.
January 7, 2018
I enjoyed reading this book, it has two stories in one. I need to look for the next one so that I can finish the story. One more daughter's story to be read.
February 4, 2019
Not as bad as other reviewers lead me to believe. Sweet and simple. I liked the way the two stories blended together and was glad they were bound together in one volume.
March 13, 2019
A novel that touched my feelings in every letter and encouraged me to read it from the beginning to the end
May 30, 2019
It was ok. On to the sequel. Orchard Valley Brides
July 1, 2019
Good summer read!
September 17, 2019
I love Debbie Macomber's books. Always a pleasure to read.
November 25, 2019
It was ok.
April 20, 2020
Sweet book, although pretty predictable!
November 17, 2020
True Debbie Macomber romance. Easy and very enjoyable read. Looking forward to seeing what David's visions hold for Norah.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews