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The Unexpected Husband: Jury of His Peers / Any Sunday
Jury of His Peers
Caroline Lomax is on jury duty and, by sheer coincidence, so is Ted Thomasson. She'd known him when she was twelve and he was fifteen. Back then, she thought he was obnoxious—and she hasn't changed her mind. But other things have changed. Ted's become very attractive, for one. And he certainly knows how to kiss.
Now Ted wants Caroline to see him as more than a boy from her past. He wants her to see him as the man she'll marry.
Any Sunday
Until now, Marjorie Majors has made a point of avoiding doctors. But an attack of appendicitis doesn't give her any choice. Dr. Sam Bretton's confident diagnosis and gentle care are exactly what she needs, and his bedside manner is pretty appealing, too. She's starting to fall for him—until he asks her to find another doctor.
Except his reason isn't what she thinks it is. He wants to be her husband, not her doctor!
Caroline Lomax is on jury duty and, by sheer coincidence, so is Ted Thomasson. She'd known him when she was twelve and he was fifteen. Back then, she thought he was obnoxious—and she hasn't changed her mind. But other things have changed. Ted's become very attractive, for one. And he certainly knows how to kiss.
Now Ted wants Caroline to see him as more than a boy from her past. He wants her to see him as the man she'll marry.
Any Sunday
Until now, Marjorie Majors has made a point of avoiding doctors. But an attack of appendicitis doesn't give her any choice. Dr. Sam Bretton's confident diagnosis and gentle care are exactly what she needs, and his bedside manner is pretty appealing, too. She's starting to fall for him—until he asks her to find another doctor.
Except his reason isn't what she thinks it is. He wants to be her husband, not her doctor!
368 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
About the author
Debbie Macomber
843 books19.6k followersDebbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.
In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.
Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.
She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.
In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.
Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.
She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
December 16, 2013
My mom is a huge fan so I thought I would give it a try. The first story, a jury of his peers, started okay until the heroine, Caroline Lomax, started freaking out on Ted Thomasson, the hero. She was on a tear from the beginning and as I read on , she became more and more shrewish (if there is such a word) Who the hell wants to hook up with someone like that? Her reasons were beyond stupid (She was adopted. What does that have to do with anything? Ted was a calm and quiet guy. Since when has that become a bad trait in a guy? Like I said, Caroline is stupid) I tossed the book. I'm not even going to bother with the second story. I'm way too annoyed to read any further
July 26, 2012
Quick easy read and I did enjoy it, but... I waver between 2 and 3 stars because I couldn't relate to the super independent women who freaked out over a man who might want to help them or even open the door for them, as if somehow that meant he felt they were weak or incapable. Nor could I relate to the prideful bursts of rudeness or self protecting lies that they of course regretted as soon as they were said. Bla!
March 13, 2013
In the past, I have enjoyed books written by Debbie MaComber, but this book was just sappy. Caroline meets up with Ted, a boy from her childhood. She hates him. She loves him. She sends mixed messages throughout the book. The book, in my opinion, is not written well and it is just, well, sappy. MaComber needs to go back to Blossom Street.
Then I went on to read Any Sunday, that is within the covers of The Unexpected Husband. Well, they deserved to be in the same cover. However, Any Sunday was a tad better than the other book, not much, but a little. Debbie Macomber can write better than this. Actually, anyone can. Both of these books were written to be romance novels. Both had the main characters fall madly in love. Push away from the one they couldn't live without, get back to gether just to do it all over again. Cheesy!
Then I went on to read Any Sunday, that is within the covers of The Unexpected Husband. Well, they deserved to be in the same cover. However, Any Sunday was a tad better than the other book, not much, but a little. Debbie Macomber can write better than this. Actually, anyone can. Both of these books were written to be romance novels. Both had the main characters fall madly in love. Push away from the one they couldn't live without, get back to gether just to do it all over again. Cheesy!
August 17, 2012
Not read much of Macomber. Hope this was early work. Two shorter stories that were entertaining except for the fact that I wanted to poke the protagonists in the eye. I don't know if it was an attempt to have more conflict or what, but the fickle nature of the women drove me nuts. Were they plucking petals from daisies? "He loves me!" "He loves me not." "He loves me!" "I hate him." A few words said at the wrong time and her world falls apart, particularly with "Jury of His Peers." On the upside, a clean read.
October 14, 2013
Debbie Macomeber, at least writes clean romances. This appears to be an early novel. I listened to this on CD, and the first three CDs were the two main characters bickering with each other. It was annoying. I can't imagine these two people loving each other. I could not see anyone going after the two of them, because of the hung jury verdict. I wouldn't recommend this book.
November 20, 2014
Hated the main characters in both these stories. So stupid you just want to reach into the book and smack them
April 12, 2018
Just awful. If I could give it less than one star I would. Couldn't finish it.
September 28, 2021
The Unexpected Husband is two books in one. Jury of his Peers and Any Sunday are the two books, neither are very long stories but they do leave the story with a complete ending.
Jury of his Peers
This was my favorite of the two stories it had more humor I could relate to. Caroline has always had a a problem with her longtime acquaintance Ted. The two are forced to spend more time with each other when they are put on the same jury. Due to unforeseen circumstances the two are forced to spend more time together where they quickly get on each others last nerve.
Any Sunday
Marjorie does not do doctors at all even when pain in her side has her doubled over barley able to move. Finally her coworker and friend insists on making an appointment for her. To Marjorie's horror the doctor is not a monster but a normal man around her own age. Learning she needs emergency surgery for an inflamed appendix puts her in a near panic attack state which Dr. Sam cannot ignore. Knowing Marjorie is all alone with no family nearby Sam agrees to stay with her while she has surgery and wakes up afterwards. The beginning of love starts to form as Sam helps Marjorie learn to not be totally terrified of the hospital.
Both stories are typical Debbie Macomber style, romance with a hint of humor along the way. Fun, light, reads that easily distract the mind.
Jury of his Peers
This was my favorite of the two stories it had more humor I could relate to. Caroline has always had a a problem with her longtime acquaintance Ted. The two are forced to spend more time with each other when they are put on the same jury. Due to unforeseen circumstances the two are forced to spend more time together where they quickly get on each others last nerve.
Any Sunday
Marjorie does not do doctors at all even when pain in her side has her doubled over barley able to move. Finally her coworker and friend insists on making an appointment for her. To Marjorie's horror the doctor is not a monster but a normal man around her own age. Learning she needs emergency surgery for an inflamed appendix puts her in a near panic attack state which Dr. Sam cannot ignore. Knowing Marjorie is all alone with no family nearby Sam agrees to stay with her while she has surgery and wakes up afterwards. The beginning of love starts to form as Sam helps Marjorie learn to not be totally terrified of the hospital.
Both stories are typical Debbie Macomber style, romance with a hint of humor along the way. Fun, light, reads that easily distract the mind.
January 14, 2018
I thought I would have read this faster since it had two good sounding books in one.
Jury of his peers frustrated me because this temperamental woman couldn’t stop being so critical of this man who in my opinion had no flaws, except for his attraction to this angry woman and putting up with her and her irrational judgment.
Any Sunday was a much better read, you can still have a strong female character without all the annoying and unnecessary anger.
Jury of his peers frustrated me because this temperamental woman couldn’t stop being so critical of this man who in my opinion had no flaws, except for his attraction to this angry woman and putting up with her and her irrational judgment.
Any Sunday was a much better read, you can still have a strong female character without all the annoying and unnecessary anger.
January 1, 2018
Were women really this stupid??? I couldn't even finish this book as the women in both stories made me furious!! DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME!!
April 8, 2021
Read for library's Blind Date with a Book. Eh, you get what you get.
November 21, 2019
This was technically a DNF - I made it through the first story "Jury of His Peers", which was so absurd and terribly written, I couldn't stand to read the second story.
I guess having seen so many of Debbie Macomber's books lining the shelves of libraries and book stores, I assumed she was a good writer, but this particular book does not do her any credit at all.
First of all, the stereo-typical red-haired "hot head" female lead is not just quick tempered, but totally unreasonable, in more ways than one. She flip-flops between being overly (and aggressively) dramatic and being just as drastically meek. All she does is come up with completely dumb reasons to be angry with Ted, explode (not very wittily, I might add), and then come sniveling back for an apology after HE goes off. There are plenty of reasons not to like him, but she insists on ignoring serious red flags in favor of truly petty dislikes.
Besides the fact the both characters were intensely immature (think: watching a set of two year old children argue complete nonsense for a whole weekend) in Every. Single. Thing. they did, Ted was so creepy in his come-ons, I was flinching and thinking in the back of my head: plot twist, he is gonna kill her and have tea parties with her dead body for the rest of the book.
Example: A "strong, independent female" has been driven home by someone she considers a tiresome childhood enemy, because he insisted on driving her parents to the airport, and she wanted the chance to say goodbye to them. He "wont allow" her to catch a cab, because he's a "gentleman". They drive home in complete silence, and she is extremely uncomfortable even giving him her address. As they pull up to her house, he gets out of the car and starts walking with her. She says, "You aren't coming into my house. I didn't invite you, I don't want you to come in." He grabs her by the arm, and tells her, "Oh yes I am coming into your apartment," and proceeds to drag her across the street. She says, "okay," and goes with it.
WHAT? What the hell did I just read? Is this why women ignore red flags when creeps come after them, because absolutely terrible books like this are read by women, and they assume, "this must be a romance, he's a gallant gentleman who is showing his manliness and his secret passion for me by aggressively grabbing me all the time and demanding to be let in where he isn't welcome."
The crazy thing is, he's a total prude when it comes to physical stuff, but the whole book both characters run so hot and cold, it gives you whip lash. One minute Ted is gushing his romantic heart out (the same compliments over and over, which you would think lose their potency after the 10th time over, but our heroine doesn't seem to mind, being extremely surprised every time they are said again) and the next minute he is calling her stupid and ignoring her for days at a time....then telling her he can't stand to be without her. Isn't their a psychological term for that kind of mental treatment? Or is it just manipulation?
Anyway, I found it overall incredibly annoying, rape-y, unnecessarily aggressive, contradictory and otherwise unpleasant. I would not recommend. Also, the trial plot? Completely predictable, and so, so anticlimactic.
I guess having seen so many of Debbie Macomber's books lining the shelves of libraries and book stores, I assumed she was a good writer, but this particular book does not do her any credit at all.
First of all, the stereo-typical red-haired "hot head" female lead is not just quick tempered, but totally unreasonable, in more ways than one. She flip-flops between being overly (and aggressively) dramatic and being just as drastically meek. All she does is come up with completely dumb reasons to be angry with Ted, explode (not very wittily, I might add), and then come sniveling back for an apology after HE goes off. There are plenty of reasons not to like him, but she insists on ignoring serious red flags in favor of truly petty dislikes.
Besides the fact the both characters were intensely immature (think: watching a set of two year old children argue complete nonsense for a whole weekend) in Every. Single. Thing. they did, Ted was so creepy in his come-ons, I was flinching and thinking in the back of my head: plot twist, he is gonna kill her and have tea parties with her dead body for the rest of the book.
Example: A "strong, independent female" has been driven home by someone she considers a tiresome childhood enemy, because he insisted on driving her parents to the airport, and she wanted the chance to say goodbye to them. He "wont allow" her to catch a cab, because he's a "gentleman". They drive home in complete silence, and she is extremely uncomfortable even giving him her address. As they pull up to her house, he gets out of the car and starts walking with her. She says, "You aren't coming into my house. I didn't invite you, I don't want you to come in." He grabs her by the arm, and tells her, "Oh yes I am coming into your apartment," and proceeds to drag her across the street. She says, "okay," and goes with it.
WHAT? What the hell did I just read? Is this why women ignore red flags when creeps come after them, because absolutely terrible books like this are read by women, and they assume, "this must be a romance, he's a gallant gentleman who is showing his manliness and his secret passion for me by aggressively grabbing me all the time and demanding to be let in where he isn't welcome."
The crazy thing is, he's a total prude when it comes to physical stuff, but the whole book both characters run so hot and cold, it gives you whip lash. One minute Ted is gushing his romantic heart out (the same compliments over and over, which you would think lose their potency after the 10th time over, but our heroine doesn't seem to mind, being extremely surprised every time they are said again) and the next minute he is calling her stupid and ignoring her for days at a time....then telling her he can't stand to be without her. Isn't their a psychological term for that kind of mental treatment? Or is it just manipulation?
Anyway, I found it overall incredibly annoying, rape-y, unnecessarily aggressive, contradictory and otherwise unpleasant. I would not recommend. Also, the trial plot? Completely predictable, and so, so anticlimactic.
May 6, 2018
I have read almost all of Macomber's books years ago and loved them. I feel so comfortable when reading her books. I feel like I am watching what is going on and feel relaxed. I must say, the two stories in this book really let me down. I thought maybe these stories might have been from her first books, so I checked. No. What happened? In the first story the main female character is such a self-absorbed spoiled brat! She didn't care whom she put in danger or hurt. It was always about her. Yes, toward the end she did improve. I was happy when the book came to an end so I didn't need to hear her whining voice anymore.
The second story again had the female lead always ready to think the worst of people without even giving them a chance. I got tired of her also, but a little less than the first story. The other characters in the story were great. This woman really needed counseling which she should have gotten years ago.
Sorry, could not really encourage the reading of this book.
The second story again had the female lead always ready to think the worst of people without even giving them a chance. I got tired of her also, but a little less than the first story. The other characters in the story were great. This woman really needed counseling which she should have gotten years ago.
Sorry, could not really encourage the reading of this book.
December 12, 2021
two stories in one book my Debbie Macomber. I had already read Jury of His Peers before, but chose to read it again. I still found it enchanting and a nice read for a second time around. I normally do not like to read a book a second time. But it really was not hard to do with Debbie’s book.
Any Sunday was a different take for me. Maybe it was my mood or maybe it’s the upcoming holidays. But I struggled with the bickering and unhappiness in this story. Or maybe it us the news and the never-ending doom and gloom of the pandemic and new viruses and mask mandates, etc. I guess I just wanted everything rosy and happy and so forth. But I found it seemed every other paged held some angry, some argument, some unhappiness. So I was just a bit of. I liked the story, I just was in angst myself about the characters being in angst! Lol!
Any Sunday was a different take for me. Maybe it was my mood or maybe it’s the upcoming holidays. But I struggled with the bickering and unhappiness in this story. Or maybe it us the news and the never-ending doom and gloom of the pandemic and new viruses and mask mandates, etc. I guess I just wanted everything rosy and happy and so forth. But I found it seemed every other paged held some angry, some argument, some unhappiness. So I was just a bit of. I liked the story, I just was in angst myself about the characters being in angst! Lol!
March 11, 2023
I guess my world and the world of certain women is just so different that I cannot begin to relate to or understand them. I chose this as an audiobook because I like to listen while driving and our local library has a limited number of audiobooks to select from. I am curious about the lives of certain white women - do they really believe that a handsome, wealthy, and loving man will rescue them and cart them off for a glorious life together? This is the type of woman portrayed in this book, and I kept checking myself as to the reality of their situations. Is this what little white girls grow up expecting in life? For goodness sake!!!!
March 1, 2024
This isn't one of her best books Debbie Macomber has written. It's a short story and seemed promising, but the more I read, the more irritated and angry I became with the two main characters. I certainly came to resent Ted halfway through the book with all his whiplash decisions. He reminds me too much of my ex with his secrets and his demanding behavior. And Caroline seemed strong and stubborn one minute and a flaky two-dimensional character the next. I just couldn't catch ground with her.
January 11, 2018
two nice stories in this one book
Jury of his peers....She sees him waiting for Jury duty just like she is and remembers him
other story is Any Sunday which is about a car saleswomen who has an appendicitis and falls in love with her doctor
cut things happen like he buys a car from her just so she can see him and she tries to make another doctors appointment so she can see him
Jury of his peers....She sees him waiting for Jury duty just like she is and remembers him
other story is Any Sunday which is about a car saleswomen who has an appendicitis and falls in love with her doctor
cut things happen like he buys a car from her just so she can see him and she tries to make another doctors appointment so she can see him
November 12, 2021
Two for one story. No. 1 - Jury of His Peers. Is a story of the blossoming of a romance between two jurists as a they try to decide the fate of the accused. No. 2 - Any Sunday. Is a story of a woman going to the doctor during an attack of appendicitis and the woman and the doctor fall in love. She is very insecure and almost ruins everything.
September 24, 2022
I have read many Debbie Macomber books and have enjoyed them. I did not think this was one of her best books. The characters in both stories seem to be the same, and the stories I found to be predictable and have similar themes. This does not mean I won't continue to read her books. The ones I have read had interesting stories and well-developed characters.
October 26, 2019
So this book was tedious.... see what I did there. The women in this book was just terrible. Its my first book from Debbie Macomber and I don't think I would read more from her. Please let me know if she has better books I may give it a shot.
September 23, 2017
Romance. Two books in one.
April 11, 2018
so outdated and predictable and yet I can't stop reading them!
December 17, 2018
Macomber has a gift for story telling. Hard to put down.
February 6, 2019
Both cute stories sometimes a little unrealistic but definitely enjoyed them!
September 20, 2019
Didn't really care for Jury of His Peers, did enjoy Any Sunday though!
March 7, 2020
Debbie Macomber is one of the best Authors and this book is a wonderful read. Everyone needs to get this book. I loved it.
December 21, 2020
Two books in - both were decent reads and good escapism in pandemic times but perhaps not as good as her single volume novels.
December 30, 2020
An interesting read of elementary schoolmates meeting again decades later. Dealing with preconceptions & assumptions of behaviours & motivations. There's also fodder of being dissenting voices on a jury with the potential of repercussions from it.
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April 27, 2022Both books were cute. Very fast reading. Recommended.
June 13, 2022
Fulfilled all of the stereotypes of a crappy 50 cent romance book. The main characters were so badly written I wanted to throw up and the same goes for the plot
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews