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.

This book has two nice romance stories. Each involves an unconventional attitude towards marriage. These couple aren't following the "first comes love" path to the altar. They are much too pragmatic for that. This is a great beach read.

Two older novels are combined into this release from Debbie Macomber. Both are clean, closed door romances.

Marriage Wanted (1993), has a wedding planner Savannah and a divorce lawyer Nash sparring over whether marriage can last. This is a cute story and only has a few things that date it. Savannah refers to herself as crippled referring to a limp and scarring from a childhood accident. Nash is told he’d be considered for being made partner if he were married. A few scenes that may be worded differently today doesn’t take away the easy banter and chemistry. Of the two this was my favorite and I like his sister and her parents as supporting characters.

First Comes Marriage (1991) has Zach and Janine who are pushed towards marriage by her meddling and well meaning grandfather. Zach originally is interested in merging their businesses and grandpa has bigger plans. Zach has had a lot of loss and grandpa wants her to teach him about love.

These are fluffy, non complex, romances that can easily be devoured in a few hours. I can’t say I was blown away by either, but they are enjoyable. Debbie Macomber is a very good writer and I’ve given her last two books five stars. It is fun to read books from her earlier days as a writer. (3.5 Stars)

I always love Debbie Macomber books. These two individual stories are a quick read and definitely a love story!
I always recommend this authors books. #UndertheSummerSky #NetGalley

If you want a light beach read with a happily after ending this is for you. It features 2 stores that were previously published. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

If you're looking for a quick beach read featuring two happily ever after stories, this is your book. The stories are from the 1990s and read that way, especially the second story in which a guy in at a law firm is told he would have a better chance of making partner if he were married. Ouch.

But overall, these are fluffy, feel-good stories that will go well with crashing waves and fruity drinks.

Family friendly.

I was super excited for this ARC, however, I quickly discovered that it was a reprint of previous stories. One of which I had already read.

Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read and review an early copy of a Debbie Macomber book. This story is such a sweet touching story. Debbie Macomber never disappoints. I loved this book

2 sweet, romantic novellas. Easy summer reads. Light, pretty unbelievable romances that many like to read. I am sometimes a fan, but only after reading some much more serious and drama filled stories. Debbie Macomber is an automatic read for me, but these 2 novellas were pretty light and fluffy.

This is two very sweet novellas.
I enjoyed them both. Not very exciting but very satisfying fast reads.
Perfect for the beach or pool.

I didn't realize when I requested this title that it was a reprint of a previously published book with multiple titles.

I read this many years ago and enjoyed it then. Debbie Macomber is a auto-buy author for me and always knows how to warm our hearts with her easy to read romances.

The author has given her readers two unconventional stories with unlikely characters that you would ever expect to fall in love.

In ‘Marriage Wanted’ a wedding planner and a divorce lawyer each try to convince the other that their thoughts on marriage are the only correct ones.

In ‘First Comes Marriage’ a woman unlucky in love and a workaholic man are matched up by her grandfather that believes that an arranged marriage is the best way to fall in love.

Two quick enjoyable stories that are sure to delight the many readers of Debbie Macomber and new readers too.
Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/MIRA for the arc. The comments and review are my personal opinion.

We are treated to two stories about love. The first one is Marriage Wanted. Savannah Charles is in the business of love. She helps couples plan their special day. But when she encounters a bride with a brother who does not believe in love, they are each determined to prove the other wrong. Will they each succeed, or will working together make them have a change of heart? Our second story First Comes Marriage brings us Zach who has merged his business with Mr. Hartman. Mr. Hartman decided that Zach is the perfect match for his granddaughter Janine. The problem is that neither Zach nor Janine are happy with his plan and work together to set him straight. While they are working together on this plan, will it ultimately change their minds? Read further to find out about these two couples.

Debbie Macomber brings us stories about two sets of couples who are on complete sides of love. When marriage enters the equation for them, will it change their minds that they just may be perfect for each other? Or will it just show them what they have known all along?

I have read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I would like to thank NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA for this privilege.