Two sweet romances. One is a marriage of convenience, and the other is an arranged marriage. Savannah thinks she will never find someone who will want to marry her and have a family. She thinks she is defective because of an accident she had as a child. Her parents are afraid to leave her to go traveling and she is desperate for them be able to go and leave her. Nash is looking at becoming a partner in his law firm, but the partners think he needs to be married. It seemed best for both of them to have a marriage of convenience. Can it turn into a real marriage?
Janine's grandfather is getting up there in years and has plans to retire. He is giving control of his company to Zach, and he also wants Janine to marry Zach. Janine and Zach are not particularly happy about an arranged marriage, but her grandfather doesn't see anything wrong with that. After being thrown together a few times, they decide to give it a try. Can they find a lasting happiness together and make her grandfather happy too?

Stories were nice ...it was an okay read. They were mostly slow read.
Not my most fav book of Debbie Macomber

It isn’t summer until I have read a new Debbie Macomber book. She writes such beautiful romance stories, and this one didn’t disappoint. I loved the characters, but the setting was definitely my favorite!

First thing I will mention about Under the Summer Sky by Debbie Macomber is that this is not one singular story but two novella length romance stories which are roughly the same length and combined into the one book. Both stories in Under the Summer Sky have different couples on their way to marriage which ties them together while being very different plots.

First we have Marriage Wanted where we meet Savannah Charles who makes a living out of helping others find their way to the alter. Savannah has a new client excited for her wedding but finds the client’s brother, Dash Davenport, is completely against the wedding so Savannah does everything she can to show Dash that marriage is as magical as she believes it to be.

Next in First Comes Marriage Janine Hartman is thrown for a loop when her grandfather introduces her to Zach Thomas. Zach has been preparing to merge his business with Janine’s grandfather’s but her grandfather has his eye on a different merger and suggests to the couple that they marry. Well, Janine of course is completely against an arranged marriage even if it worked for her grandfather back in the day but the more time she spends with Zach planning against her grandfather the closer they become.

Debbie Macomber is an author I’ve read many times before so I will admit to picking this one up without paying attention it being more than one story. Being split into two I was left with my usual novella feel of wanting more to each to get to know the characters better when the story ends so quickly. Pushing that to the side though I’d say I enjoyed Marriage Wanted a bit more than First Comes Marriage with I think the arranged marriage idea just making feel a bit dated or something. Overall I’d give both combined stories three and a half stars having enjoyed them but preferring the authors longer full length novels.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

Under the Summer Sky is a charming collection of two short novels that serve up a delightful mix of wholesome women's fiction and romance. Both stories are imbued with warmth and a touch of humor, making them perfect for readers who enjoy heartwarming tales with a splash of romantic tension.

"Marriage Wanted"

In Marriage Wanted, the battle of wills between the protagonists drives the narrative. This story explores the classic "opposites attract" trope, pitting two very different characters against each other in a clash of personalities and desires. Their interactions are engaging and filled with playful banter, keeping readers invested in the ongoing struggle to see who will give in first. The resolution is satisfying, as the characters' journey to understanding and compromise is both realistic and rewarding. The eventual union of the couple feels earned, providing a happy and fulfilling conclusion that will leave readers with a smile.

"First Comes Marriage"

The second novel, First Comes Marriage, continues the theme of unexpected pairings with a fresh twist. Here, two individuals who seem worlds apart are brought together by the well-meaning machinations of a meddling uncle. The story excels in building tension and anticipation as the characters navigate their differences and discover common ground. The push and pull between them is handled with skill, creating a compelling dynamic that propels the narrative forward. The gradual realization that their union might be more beneficial than initially thought adds depth and warmth to their relationship, culminating in a satisfying and heartwarming resolution.

Overall, Under the Summer Sky offers a delightful escape into a world where love conquers differences and opposites attract. The novels provide a perfect blend of romance, humor, and emotional depth, making them a wonderful choice for readers seeking light, yet engaging, women's fiction.

Debbie Macomber has another great summer read with Under the Summer Sky and fans will not be disappointed. Bravo Debbie and look forward to Christmas Duet in the fall. Bravo Debbie to your Canadian book reading fan.🙋‍♀️🇨🇦🙏❤️📚💐👏🙌

Two wonderful Debbie Macomber stories in one book! We love an aloof man like Dash who can convince a woman like Savannah that she is worthy of love. I also enjoyed the story of Zach and Janine, brought to together against their will (or so they thought) by her meddling grandfather!

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book a lot. It was a wonderful summer book!

This was actually my very first book by this author, and I really liked it! Now I can’t wait to go back and read more from her!

Typical sweet Debbie Macomber book, but a bit predictable. It was sweet and I loved the brother/sister relationship. Fans of Debbie Macomber will love it.

When I chose this book I didn’t realize that it is two novellas combined in one book. The stories themselves were basically good, but, as is the case with most novellas, they were lacking details. I don’t really care for novellas because they seem disjointed and feel unfinished. I normally love Debbie Macomber books, so I won’t let my dislike of novellas stop me from reading more of her books in the future.

I received an advanced readers copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Under the Summer Sky is the perfect summer quick read the book has 2 stories both about marriages that begin in an unconventional way.

Marriage Wanted and First Comes Marriage. I found both to be enjoyable reads.
Marriage Wanted involves a wedding planner and a brother of a client who is not in favor of marriage.
Read this one to see if his attitude changes by the end of the story.
First Comes Marriage is a twist on an arranged marriage. Neither person involves is interested. Read this one to see if that changes.
Both stories were fun, quick reads.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the advance ARC.

I loved these stories , marriage is more than just a name on paper , though these characters seem to want that, their hearts have other ideas . As the characters get to know each other , their mindsets on marriage just may change , This author always writes from her heart!

Two heartwarming stories revolving around marriage.
Both stories are heartfelt and just pull you in.
The humorous aspect in Debbie Macomber books is always a plus to me. She writes such entertaining and fun books.
Perfect summer reading!

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. Al opinions expressed are my own.

I love Debbie Macomber books.She’s one author I’ve been reading for over 18 years who hasn’t conformed to society by taking the Lord’s name in vain or throwing F-Bombs.Those are my two words that make me put down a book or quit watching a tv show.These are 2 rereleases that I read years ago.

Under the Summer Sky is comprised of two of Debbie Macomber's older romance novellas: Marriage Wanted and First Comes Marriage.

I didn't realize when I started this book that these were not new stories and it wasn't until I started writing this review that I looked up the two stories. They have both been published alongside other novellas a few times, but it looks like they were first published as individual books in the early 1990s. I wish I had known that as I would have been in a different mindset and might have enjoyed the plots slightly more.

There are things in the stories that dated the stories - like relying on landline telephones but I couldn't really put my finger on the time period.

When reading the first story, I had to check several times to make sure it was really by the author whose books I've come to love. It was rough reading. I don't care much for romance novels but usually can find some entertainment. But I could not stand the characters Savannah and Nash. They are awful, self-centered people. And we were in their heads way more than I liked. They don't appear to have any friends and I totally see why they don't. I couldn't see myself being friends with them.

The second story was slightly better. We only really get Janine's thoughts and we aren't in her head as much as there are much more external activity. I definitely think that if I had known this was set in the 1990s I would have enjoyed it more because I would have better understood the motivations and views. But my mind kept trying to set it in the 2020s and it just didn't work.

I found both of the stories kind of sexist - the women couldn't possibly be happy without being married and they need someone to take care of them. It didn't seem to matter that Savannah owns a successful business and Janine is independently wealthy.

I went to this thinking that it would be a sweet women's fiction story but they turned out to be romance novels with unlikeable characters (I often dislike the characters in romance novels). I was very disappointed. However, if you enjoy reading older romance novels, then you will probably find this to be an entertaining read.

My review is published at Girl Who Reads - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2024/07/under-summer-sky-by-debbie-macomber.html

I like Debbie Macomber’s books, but I was disappointed in this. I assumed that this was a new book. Instead it was a reissue of two of her older books.
I received a copy from net galley

Normally I enjoy anything Debbie Macomber writes! But I admit, I struggled with this...
Under a Summer Sky is a combo of 2 older books coming together under one new title. But for me, the stories never really came together. Each is more like a novella but the first one felt rushed and unrealistic. And I just could never even really get into the 2nd story. I was really looking forward to this book, kind of a pallet cleansing, light summer read. I'm so sad to say it just didn't work for me but, maybe it will for you 🤷

I really enjoyed this book. Two books with two couples who weren't attracted at first. Always Debbie macomber one of my favorite authors writes a heart warming romance book that I recommend.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. This was the cutest story. It's two love stories in one! This is the perfect book to read by the pool.