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. ( )

In Valerie, she flies home from Texas when her Dad suffers a heart attack. Cardiologist Colby is a renowned specialist working in Val's small town, and the complete opposite of Val who unwillingly is interested in him, even as he exasperates her. In Stephanie, she's home from hiding in Italy after her Dad has a heart attack, and still recovering from Charles' rejection of her. But now Dad insists that she and Charles are going to marry, and they go along to keep him happy. ( )

“Orchard Valley Grooms” consists of two books by Debbie Macomber that were first published in 1992. The books are about the Bloomfield sisters (Valerie, Stephanie, and Norah) who have been living separate lives but come together again when their father suffers a serious heart attack.

Valerie:

Although she grew up in quiet Orchard Valley, Oregon, Valerie Bloomfield is now a high-powered businesswoman who prefers city life. Her career comes first although she suspects she may eventually become romantically involved with her boss Rowdy Cassidy. Her father, David, however has other ideas – he insists Valerie will marry Colby Winston his doctor. Colby’s looking for a wife who will stay home with their children, in other words someone the complete opposite of Valerie. Will this mismatched couple fall in love?

“Valerie” is not one of my favorite Debbie Macomber novels. Despite the subject, it has a somewhat cute premise with the father insisting he saw their deceased mother who told him all three daughters would marry and he’d end up with twelve grandchildren. This storyline does lead to some cute and funny moments. However, the Valerie/Colby romance never quite worked for me. For one thing, there seemed to be no real reason for them to fall in love and the whole career woman vs. stay at home wife thing was glossed over and wrapped up a bit too conveniently.

Stephanie:

Stephanie Bloomfield fled Orchard Valley and moved to Italy three years ago after being rejected by journalist Charles Tomaselli. Her father’s illness brings her back and she soon sees Charles and is pulled back into her old feelings for him. She is trying to prove to him that she has grown up in the three years she has been away, but will he believe her? And will she be able to forgive him for hurting her in the past?

I liked Stephanie’s story much better than Valerie’s. For one thing, the Steffi/Charles romance was much more believable (and romantic). The fact that they had been involved in the past made the romance even stronger. Macomber relies a bit too much on flashbacks but the flashbacks do add a lot of depth and humor to the story. Steffie is a much deeper character than Valerie, although I wanted her to shut up a few times and let Charles speak. All in all, I really enjoyed this romance.

“Orchard Valley Grooms” isn’t one of Debbie Macomber’s better collections, but fans of hers will enjoy the light reading. ( )