The Lowdown on Debbie Macomber Books
Having read several Debbie Macomber books, I know what to expect from one of her stories. First, there will be some sort of conflict between two people who are attracted to each other. These two people will outwardly show disdain for each other, while inwardly long to be with each other. Due to circumstances beyond their control, the characters will find themselves forced to be in each other's company. This contact will allow them to get to know each other. The resulting friendship paves the way for a deeper romantic bond. The book will likely end with a marriage. I have never read one of her books that deviated from this basic plot line.
So, Why Read Debbie Macomber Then?
Every once in a while, I enjoy reading a nice, wholesome love story. The characters in Macomber's books are nice people, even though they sometimes have rough edges. The situations she puts her characters in are fun to read...my favorite being The Midnight Sons series where lonely Alaskan Bachelors advertise for woman...so cute and usually pretty funny.
Back to Glad Tidings
Out of the two stories, I enjoyed There's Something about Christmas better. The premise of this story revolves around a journalist, Emma Collins, who must face her fear of flying in order to further her career. Her big break is to write a series of articles on National Fruitcake finalists in Washington state. The love interest is Oliver, the outwardly cocky, overly good-looking, maverick of a pilot who takes her to visit these contestants in his small aircraft. After a fair amount of misunderstandings and fights, he wins Emma's love through several heroic acts such as finding her a place to live after she is evicted from her apartment. (This new apartment just happens to be the one right next to his.) He even manages to help Emma relearn the joy of Christmas, which is very endearing. Plus, I loved all the fruit cake recipes!
The second story, Here Comes Trouble, begins on Christmas Eve when the young daughters of the protagonists ask to hear how their parents met. Of course, the couple despises each other at first, being rival Seattle newspaper columnists. Nolan, the father, publicly insults the mother, Maryanne by calling her a spoiled Debutante who depends on her daddy for home and career. Maryanne is embarrassed, but sees some truth in this portrayal. Determined to be independent from her father, Maryanne quits her job and moves out of her posh Seattle apartment. Nolan feels guilty about this and offers to help her. He (surprise, surprise) finds her an apartment right next door to his. There are misunderstandings and fights. Nolan must find a way to look past her wealth and upbringing, to see her for who she really is. There was one small detail in this story that really bothered me, but that clearly reveals the wholesome nature of Debbie Macomber's mind. Maryanne dresses for a date and wears a long black velvet skirt, a blouse, a black velvet blazer, and a cameo necklace. Not exactly what I think a young woman in her twenties would wear on a date!
Overall, Glad Tidings is an enjoyable book. I'd recommend it to people who like light romances. If you'd pick up this book because of the cute puppy on the cover, you're probably the type that would enjoy reading it.
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