Customer Reviews

Small Town Christmas: Return To Promise\Mail-Order Bride

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I loved this book. I am so happy Debbie took us back to Promise, TX. Even better she took us back into the lives of Cal and Jane Patterson. This couple is taken through the ringers and back again, but there love for one another shines through. The book had both love and drama in it. The second story was great as well, but if you are a fan of the Promise series then you will love this story. Please Debbie, write more about Promise TX and the characters from the stories, because they are amazing to read.

I'm not your love story kind of girl. I have been reading true crime for years so when I decided I needed a break from TC I picked up "Small Town", and I'm glad I did. The first story is about the Pattersons. Clay is your handsome, rugged cowboy (what's a love story if it doesn't have a handsome, rugged man?). Cal and Jane have a nice marriage but when a woman comes to town with her sights set on Cal things get rocky. In the second story Caroline gets jilted at the alter and her loving aunts decide to send her on a vacation in Alaska but is it really a vacation? The story of Paul and Caroline is just as sweet as Cal and Jane's. If you are looking for a sweet romance with just enough sugar then "Small Town Christmas is for you.

I am a big fan of Debbie Macomber's Promise Texas series. I was excited when I picked up the book Small Town Christmas and seen that Return to Promise was in it. I was a nice book to catch up with Jane and Cal. I especially liked the second story Mail Order Bride. It was a little far fetched but it was funny and had a sweet ending.

Who doesn't love a Christmas-based story? I was looking forward to reading all the ones that I had ordered. Unfortunately, I will have to re-order these books in the hard cover version, single story each. The print is so small in the "mass-produced paperback versions", that I got a headache when trying to read it, even with my glasses. Also, the words run into the binding, which has to be almost broken to read. I was only able to read about 5 pages of the first book. I should have spent the extra money in the beginning. I'll leave these in the library at work; someone will pick them up.

This was my first book by the author, and I didn't know what to expect. I ended up thoroughly enjoyed by both stories. Neither of the stories contained graphic details (in my opinion), making them each exceptionally sweet.

"Return to Promise" was about two people who are married that happen to be going through a rough patch, while "Mail-Order Bride" is about two people falling in love. I liked both of them. "Mail-Order Bride" is a bit longer than the other story, but not by much. Because of the smaller length, neither of the two stories were too heavy. Each said what needed to be said, and left the rest to imagination, while still allowing for character development.

One thing I really enjoyed about the books was how both of the male protagonists were not the chauvinistic, unchanging types often found in this genre. It was refreshing.

One thing though, I would not say that either of these stories is a Christmas story (as in a story revolving around Christmas and/or Christmas time). I had read the synopsis, so I wasn't disappointed, but do not judge the book by the cover.

I would recommend this book for anyone looking for a light, happy read in the romance genre. You can snuggle up and enjoy.

As a Debbie Macomber book lover, I loved this book also. Just beware, that if you are reading the Promise series, this should be read last (and they are all not out yet). It gives away a few things that you could imagine would happen anyway.
Mail-Order Bride was a good read, but not really believable. True romance book at its best!

I always enjoy Debbie Macomber's books. She's a great story-teller, her characters are very real and I actually become a part of their lives. I always read Debbie Macomber!

I purchased this book since I had the other Promise books. Will probably get around to reading it shortly.

I always enjoy reading books by Debbie Macomber and this book is another addition to my collection. I am a fan of the Promise, Texas stories. It was nice to revisit Cal and Jane in the first story, Return to Promise. Commitment, loyalty and love are always interesting to read about. Jane & Cal bring a smile to your face & warm your heart.

The second story, Mail-Order Bride, was funny. When Caroline Myers' two match-making aunts (they are a hoot!) send her on a fall vacation to Alaska, she's in for a big surprise.

This book is well worth picking up for the 2 stories that are above average Debbie Macomber Christmas publication.

Happy reading!!!

Small Town Christmas: Return To Promise\Mail-Order Bride
I would like to know what year it was published. Because most of Debbie Machomer books are written as a series. I would like to read them in order.

This book and most of her writing's I really enjoy. Romantic but not over the top on sex. .