This book is actually two stories in one, some of the author's earlier novellas (90s era, I believe). Both of the stories center around unlikely couples and marriage. They are lighthearted, clean, closed door romances perfect for a day at the beach. While the first story was a bit predictable, I still liked the characters and the sweet storyline. I didn't really connect with the characters in the second book and wasn't really sure why they went along with the arranged marriage. I never really felt like they belonged together even at the end
Thanks to Harlequin Trade through Netgalley for the advance copy of this book. The opinions in this review are my own and given voluntarily.

Perfect summer beach read. The storyline is predictable, but in a good way. Perfect light read for the beach!

This novel is actually a two in one, and both stories are lovely, as is always the case with this author. The first is about a woman who has a love hate relationship with the brother of a wedding consultant client, and the second involves a couple who consider a marriage of convenience. I really enjoyed both stories, although I think the first one was a little better.

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?

Two sweet stories of romance! These are older stories written by the author and now rereleased. These were good for a quick read!

I enjoyed reading Under the Summer Sky by Debbie Macomber. You will fall in love with all the characters. I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely. Happy Reading!

I enjoyed both books, but I liked Nash and Savannah’s story better. He was adamant that marriage wasn’t for him, due to his previous relationship ending horribly. She was a wedding planner. When they made a bet to prove the other wrong, they end up getting more than they bargained for. Their relationship is believable and their chemistry is fantastic. They bring out the best in each other.
Zach and Janine were a good story as well, but I got tired of one or both of them saying the same thing over and over again. An arranged marriage isn’t ‘normal’ anymore, and that is exactly what her grandpa did. He tried to arrange their marriage. They were good together, when they weren’t bickering, but the constant reminder that neither one believed what her grandpa was saying or believing about them was monotonous.

Overall, I enjoyed these books, and maybe if they were longer, more could have gone into them and I would have liked them more. I received an ARC and this is my honest, voluntary review.

Under the Summer Sky is 2 mini romances, Marriage Wanted and First Comes Marriage. Both are quick reads, perfect for a day at the beach or the pool. Both stories show that love is found when you are not expecting it. Heartfelt stories that just make you smile while you read.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This review is based on an ARC from NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher.

A beautifully written love story for wedding consultant Savannah Charles. Savannah doubts if she will ever have her “happy ever after”. A man’s interest soon fades when he notices her limp and the scars resulting from the horrific injury she suffered as a child. When Susan Davenport enters her bridal shop, Savannah realizes that Susan is on a limited budget and helps her to plan the wedding of her dreams. Susan’s brother, Nash doesn’t approve of the wedding and arrives at the bridal shop expressing his disdain for matrimony. Nash plans to convince Savannah that marriage is outdated, but when he spends time with her, will he decide that just time with her is not enough, will he want forever? In First Comes Marriage, a bonus story, Janine Hartman’s grandfather, Anton, has merged his business with avowed bachelor Zachary Thomas, but why does he continually involve Janine in their meetings? She finds Zachary disagreeable and he doesn’t understand why she only volunteers at a Friendship Club for youth. She enjoys her volunteer time and finds no reason to take a job that someone might truly need. Is there a chance for them or will her grandfather’s meddling keep them apart? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

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 is the first story about Savannah a wedding coordinator and dress shop owner who believes she will only find romance through the stories and weddings of her clients. She meets the brother of one of these clients who is absolutely against the institution of marriage. They place a wager to convince the other for or against the value of marriage and that’s when the sparks fly!
In First Comes Marriage Janine and Zach are the prospects for Janine’s grandfathers arranged marriage. Both Janine and Zach are only children with no other family and her grandfather thinks they would make a great match and have beautiful children. Who needs love and romance? Zach and Janine must work together to convince him otherwise.
Debbie Maccomber’s books are fun, easy reads, always a favorite for a good story. Her books are like a warm cup of soup on a cold day her stories always warm the heart.

This is a two story book & it has everything you expect from a Debbie Macomber novel. Love, dreams, finding yourself, & Happy ever after. Loved these two stories!!!!!!

This book contains two stories, 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.

I was under the misconception this was a new novel, but this is actually two older novels that have been released several times. The first one is Marriage Wanted, and it is about a woman by the name of Savannah Charles who is a wedding planner. A young woman comes to see her to have Savannah help her plan her wedding on a budget and confides that her brother hates weddings, doesn't believe in love, and is against her getting married. He shows up at Savannah's shop later and he & Savannah go head to head trying to make each other see the other person's view. As you will suspect, he ends up falling in love with Savannah & they get married. The second book is called First Comes Marriage, and it is about Janine Hartman’s grandfather passing over the reigns to his Hartman family firm to Zach Thomas, and trying to arrange a marriage between the two. He came from a time and place of arranged marriages and they were not about to be set up, so they were at an impasse.

Book one, although it had a predictable ending, was still enjoyable to read. It was a light-hearted and fun romance, and I liked that the main female protagonist had physical limitations. She was relatable in that she got severe pain episodes and they hindered her daily life. I really had a hard time engaging with any of the characters in the second book. I didn't find any of them relatable, and the story just didn't keep my interest. Overall, this was just not the caliber of work I have come to expect from this author, and I can't recommend this one.

I usually really like Debbie’s books but these were a miss for me. For one they are older books being released again so maybe that’s why they didn’t click with me.
The first story was really underdeveloped and the second one just wasn’t realistic in 2024 so I didn’t even finish that one.

This book was so sweet!! 2 short stories are included in this re-published book of Debbie Macomber's - Marriage wanted from 1993, and First comes marriage in 1991. I will say that I think the title is a little misleading, since both books are focused on marriage, and not beachy days like the cover and title suggest. It is a quick read perfect for the beach, however. They read like Hallmark movies and will surely entertain you.

I always enjoy Debbie Macomber. Under the Summer Sky was just as romantic the second time around as Savannah and Nash learn trust each other.

Book One - Marriage Wanted

What a fun and at times a bit frustrating read. Based in Seattle Washington Savannah is the owner of a wedding shop. She coordinates the entire wedding from beginning to end ,including the dress and tuxedo. One afternoon in walks a young bride to be named Susan. She and her fiance Kurt are on a strict budget as they are paying for it on their own. Susan has a brother but he doesn't want anything to do with her or weddings. He happens to be the best divorce attorney in Seattle! Nash Davenport happens into Savannah's shop and decides to make a wager against marriage with Savannah.

Very good book! Highly recommend!

Second book - First Comes Marriage

Zachary Thomas and Janine Hartman are meeting each other for the first time. Janine's gramps has merged his company with Zach's company. Anton Hartman is gramps! He wants Zachary and Janine to meet as he thinks they would be a great love match! He argues that back in the day that is how it was done. Besides that he knows them both and thinks they both have so much in common. They don't think so, but do they?

Happy reading!

Unbeknownst to me, Under the Summer Sky is actually two of Debbie Macomber's older novels made into a new release.

First up - Marriage Wanted is a story about a wedding planner, Savannah, who meets a divorce lawyer, Nash, as she's planning his sister's wedding. As a divorce lawyer, he doesn't believe in marriage. Savannah obviously believes in happily ever after and thus, the two spar over whether or not marriages can last. I don't want to give anything away, but I felt their 'agreement' was a bit contrived.

Next up - First Comes Marriage which is a story of a grandfather who believes in arranged marriages and thinks he knows the perfect husband for his granddaughter, Janine. Obviously, Janine has different thoughts on the subject and her grandfather's choice, Zach, is far from ideal in Janine's opinion.

The two stories are quite dated, often using terminology not used in 2024. While I love Debbie Macomber's writing, I'm not a fan of short stories. I would rather enjoy a story that encompasses a novel. That said, one could easily breeze through this book in a day or weekend, so if you're looking for an easy read, pick up Under the Summer Sky.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

One Pub Date July 2, 2024. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Two stories for the price of one in this sweet summer romance that’s perfect for the beach. Easy to pick up and put down. These stories have been previously published in the early 1990s.

Each novella poses a different way to the altar; one a marriage of convenience, the other an arranged marriage. If you enjoy closed door, no heat romances, this is for you. Not a ton of chemistry between the characters and lacking in depth in the story.

Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing/Mira Books for this ARC. This is my honest opinion.

Two HEAs from the early 90s in one volume! Readers might find some comments cringe-worthy but will root for both couples. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Makes for a good beach house book.