Susan's Review of At Home on Marigold Lane by Debbie Mason --Highland Falls-5

True love deserves a second chance.

For family and marriage therapist Brianna MacLeod, moving back home to Highland Falls after a disastrous divorce feels downright embarrassing. Bri blames herself for missing the red flags in her relationship and worries she’s no longer qualified to do the job she loves. But helping others is second nature to Bri, and she soon finds herself counseling her roommate and her neighbor’s daughter. Bri just wasn’t expecting them to reunite her with her first love . . .

Caleb Scott knows his failed marriage has been tough on his stepdaughter, so he’s grateful she’s found someone to confide in . . . even if it’s Bri MacLeod. Seeing Bri brings up feelings he’d thought were long buried. He knows it’s not the right time for either of them to be rekindling a relationship, but being with Bri feels right—like coming home. He’ll just have to convince her that risking her heart again might give them exactly what they both need . . . a second chance.

At Home on Marigold Lane is a charming, emotional story of second chances set in the tight knit community of Highland Falls. Debbie Mason blends romance, family drama, emotion and healing in this story. I was drawn to Brianna and her struggle to heal herself emotionally and physically.

Brianna has had a tough year; she divorced her abusive ex-husband, broke her ankle and femur and fractured her skull. A marriage and family therapist, Brianna knew she needed to take steps forward to heal herself. Her journey was not an easy one; at times Brianna was frustrated, angry and overwhelmed. Debbie Mason portrayed Brianna’s journey honestly and I was invested in her story. Loved Brianna’s strength of character—she practiced what she told her patients—to listen and forgive—two very important messages.

Caleb Scott is my type of hero—he’s a caring man trying to do right by his family and friends. He puts others needs above his own. Loved that he grabbed the chance to reconnect with Brianna. Their relationship is filled with family drama—it’s very complicated and messy. Loved that Debbie Mason wrote a realistic story for Cal and Brianna—life can be difficult at times. I enjoyed how this couple worked together, shared their feelings and worked through the issues. The chemistry between Brianna and Cal sizzled and as a reader I could feel the love, the emotion, the connection between them.

Loved that the entire community of Highland Falls supported the trauma center and the fund raising meetings added lots of humor into the story. Loved Izzy, Em and Josh and how the author incorporated their stories into the novel.

At Home on Marigold Lane has all the small town warmth and charm of a Debbie Mason novel—the characters and their stories captivated me and I had a hard time putting the book down. Loved the conclusion to the story as the last few chapters were full of surprises!

If you enjoy small town romances by Robyn Carr, Samantha Chase and RaeAnne Thayne—you will adore At Home on Marigold Lane!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by Forever

Susan's Review of The inn on Mirror Lake by Debbie Mason--Highland Falls #4

They swear they’re not right for each other but the matchmakers of Highland Falls are out to prove them wrong. Elliana MacLeod has come home to whip the Mirror Lake Inn into tip-top shape, the only way to prevent her mother from selling the beloved family business. In between watching over mischievous, cigar-sneaking Grandpa Joe and trying to help Highland Falls win the Most Romantic Small Town in America contest, Elliana’s plate isn’t just full, it’s overflowing. She can’t refuse Nathan Black’s offer to fix up the inn, even if the gorgeous law enforcement officer has made it abundantly clear he considers her a friend, and nothing more. Nate knows he’s not cut out for long-term relationships or white picket fences, and that’s what Ellie deserves. Yet keeping her at arm’s length is nearly impossible, especially once they’re working—and living—side-by-side. The more time he spends with Ellie, the more he wants, and not just for today but forever. When Ellie’s ex returns to town, has Nate missed his chance with the woman of his dreams?

The Inn on Mirror Lake is the fourth book in Debbie Mason’s Highland Falls series. The attraction between Nate Black and Ellie MacLeod, the mischievous senior citizen matchmakers, the family drama and the gorgeous setting drew me into this novel immediately.

Ellie is pulling out all the stops to save the family inn while caring for her Grandfather Joe. She also needs to keep the peace between Grandpa Joe and her mom as Ellie’s mom is pushing to have the Inn sold to a developer. Loved how Ellie’s friends supported her—they organized weekend tea parties to promote the inn, updated the website and are helping to renovate the inn. The matchmaking senior citizens added so much to my enjoyment of the book! Loved Grandpa Joe and the judge! Ellie tried her best to make them healthy meals but, Grandpa Joe and the Judge were interested in their weekly poker games, cigars and matchmaking!

Nate is a complex, dynamic character whom I adored. At first glance, Nate appears to be a little rough around the edges, as he’s an undercover agent who drives a motorcycle and has sworn off relationships. Loved the banter between Nate and Ellie—I could see the sparks flying during their conversations and could sense that Nate was starting to acknowledge his feelings towards Ellie. The relationship between Nate and his sisters and nieces brought out the loving, caring side of his personality.

Highland Falls is the perfect small town—it’s filled with quirky characters, family drama, and its lakeside setting is gorgeous I have always enjoyed the characters in Debbie Mason's novels. Nate and Ellie'sromance has ALL the feels and their journey will tug at your heartstrings.

The Inn on Mirror Lake can be read as a stand alone novel. I thouroughly enjoyed it without reading the previous books and am looking forward to the next Highland Falls novel!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the author

Blog Tour for PRIMROSE LANE by Debbie Mason

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: PRIMROSE LANE           

Author: Debbie Mason

Series: Harmony Harbor, #3

On Sale: June 27, 2017

Publisher: Forever

Mass Market: $7.99 USD

eBook: $5.99 USD

Add to Goodreads

Olivia Davenport has finally gotten her life back together. She's left her painful past behind, started over in a new town, and become Harmony Harbor's most sought-after event planner. But her past catches up to her when Olivia learns that she's now guardian of her ex's young daughter. With her world spinning, Olivia must reconcile her old life with her new one. And she doesn't have time for her new next door neighbor, no matter how handsome he is.

Olivia may act like she's got everything under control, but Dr. Finn Gallagher knows a person in over her head when he sees one. He'd really like to be the shoulder she leans on, but Olivia makes it clear she doesn't want his help. Since he's returned to town, his waiting room has been full of single women feigning illness. Yet the one woman he's interested in is avoiding him. But with a little help from some matchmaking widows and a precocious little girl, Finn might just win Olivia over.

BONUS: The eBook edition includes a complete novel from BookShots Flames, THE MCCULLAGH INN IN MAINE by Jen McLaughlin!

BUY THE BOOK HERE

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THE HARMONY HARBOR SERIES

MISTLETOE COTTAGE, #1

CHRISTMAS WITH AN ANGEL, #1.5

STARLIGHT BRIDGE, #2

PRIMROSE LANE, #3

Series Page on Goodreads

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Debbie Mason is the USA Today bestselling author of the Christmas, Colorado series. Her books have been praised for their "likable characters, clever dialogue, and juicy plots" (RT Book Reviews).  When she isn't writing or reading, Debbie enjoys spending time with her very own real-life hero, their four wonderful children, two adorable grandbabies, and a yappy Yorkie named Bella.

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Debbie Mason’s Primrose Lane is a heartfelt second chance story which features Finn Gallagher and Olivia Davenport. The third novel in the series takes place at Greystone Manor, a hotel located in the coastal community of Harmony Harbor, Massachusetts. The small town setting, the unique characters and the witty and honest dialogue appealed to me and I read the novel in one afternoon.

Debbie Mason provided a few subtle clues about Greystone Manor’s event planner Dana Templeton in the first two Harmony Harbor novels. It seems that Dana is running from something or somebody. This interested me and I couldn’t wait to read her story. In chapter one, it’s revealed that Dana is really Boston socialite Olivia Davenport. Overwhelmed with grief, from the deaths of her son and husband, Olivia has become addicted to painkillers. Despite her substance abuse problem, Olivia is able to function as the manor’s event planner until Dr. Finn Gallagher returns home and uncovers her secret.

At first, I didn’t understand Finn’s harsh attitude towards Olivia. The conversations between the couple were honest, very direct and emotional. Finn was tough with Olivia, he made her own and deal with her feelings. I loved the scene when Finn drives Olivia to Greystone Manor after she almost bought drugs from an undercover policeman. Olivia opens up to Finn about being named guardian of her late husband’s six year old daughter. His compassionate response to Olivia indicated to me that he was starting to care for Olivia.

‘So this is why you haven’t been sleeping and the reason for the panic attacks and self -medicating?” At her reluctant nod, he said. ‘You should have told me. You should have told someone. This isn’t a situation you had to deal with on your own, Liv. You have friends here. People who care about you.”

I became invested in Finn and Olivia’s story, cried as Olivia bravely dealt with her issues, laughed at Simon, Jasper and Colleen’s antics and grew to love Olivia’s step daughter, George. Finn and Olivia learned to trust and forgive each other as they faced several obstacles during the story. Love how the author wove elements from the first two novels into Primrose Lane. Colleen’s ghost, the missing book of secrets and the knowledge that someone is undermining the Gallagher family’s interest in Greystone Manor adds an element of mystery to the series and connects the storylines. The well -paced novel’s conclusion was suspenseful and reminded me that intrigue and secrets are an important part of the small town community of Harmony Harbor.

If you enjoy reading books by Emily March, Robyn Carr and Donna Alward---you will adore Primrose Lane!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by Forever

Cover, Excerpt and Giveaway! Celebrating Debbie Mason's Primrose Lane !!!

ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: PRIMROSE LANE
Author: Debbie Mason
Series: Harmony Harbor, #3
On Sale: June 27, 2017
Publisher: Forever
Mass Market: $7.99 USD
eBook: $5.99 USD
Add to Goodreads

PREORDER THE BOOK HERE
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Olivia Davenport has finally gotten her life back together. She's left her painful past behind, started over in a new town, and become Harmony Harbor's most sought-after event planner. But her past catches up to her when Olivia learns that she's now guardian of her ex's young daughter. With her world spinning, Olivia must reconcile her old life with her new one. And she doesn't have time for her new next door neighbor, no matter how handsome he is.

Olivia may act like she's got everything under control, but Dr. Finn Gallagher knows a person in over her head when he sees one. He'd really like to be the shoulder she leans on, but Olivia makes it clear she doesn't want his help. Since he's returned to town, his waiting room has been full of single women feigning illness. Yet the one woman he's interested in is avoiding him. But with a little help from some matchmaking widows and a precocious little girl, Finn might just win Olivia over.

BONUS: Includes a complete novel from BookShots Flames, THE MCCULLAGH INN IN MAINE by Jen McLaughlin!



THE HARMONY HARBOR SERIES
MISTLETOE COTTAGE, #1
CHRISTMAS WITH AN ANGEL, #1.5
STARLIGHT BRIDGE, #2
PRIMROSE LANE, #3
Series Page on Goodreads

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Debbie Mason is the USA Today bestselling author of the Christmas, Colorado series. Her books have been praised for their "likable characters, clever dialogue, and juicy plots" (RT Book Reviews). When she isn't writing or reading, Debbie enjoys spending time with her very own real-life hero, their four wonderful children, two adorable grandbabies, and a yappy Yorkie named Bella.


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EXCERPT
Dr. Finn Gallagher found himself at the clinic on Primrose Lane, wondering what the hell he’d gotten himself into.
In the seven and half hours he’d been there, he’d seen forty-five patients. Only five of whom actually had something physically wrong with them. All five were female and under the age of sixteen. As far as he could tell, not one of them was interested in marrying him.
The other forty had nothing wrong with them. And, as far as he could tell, were very interested in marrying him. If they weren’t, their grandmothers and mothers were. Interested in him marrying their daughters and granddaughters, that is.
At the beginning of the day, it was kind of amusing, even a little flattering. But by 10:45 it had gotten old and annoying. It didn’t help that he kept thinking of the patients he saw while working with Doctors Without Borders. Those people needed him, desperately. They weren’t fake coughing or complaining about phantom chest pains. They were sick and hungry, wounded and scared. They weren’t spoiled and whiny and ungrateful. He winced at his unflattering characterizations and intolerance. While there was some truth to his observations, the throbbing ache in his leg injury was making him grumpy. Knowing his father had been right and Finn wasn’t ready to go back to the Congo wasn’t doing much to improve his mood.
Sherry, Doc Bishop’s nurse and a woman Finn had dated in high school, opened the door to the closet-sized office. “Pain hasn’t let up, has it?” she asked with a compassionate smile.
“I’m good. Just had to return a couple of phone calls.” He set down the cold cup of coffee he hadn’t had a chance to drink, removed the ice pack from his knee, and surreptitiously hid it behind the welcome-to-the-clinic plant from the staff, which Finn now mentally referred to as the matchmaking clinic from hell. He pushed to his feet with a closed-mouth smile that hopefully hid his clenched his teeth from Sherry’s observant gaze.
“Really? I rescheduled Molly, Sally, and Karen’s physicals to tomorrow, but if you’re okay to see—”
“No, tomorrow’s good. On second thought, why don’t you schedule them with Doc Bishop? They’ve been going to him for twenty years. I’m sure they’d be more comfortable—”
“They would be or you would?” she said with a laugh, and then proceeded to share way too much information about all three women before adding, “Dr. Bishop won’t be in tomorrow. Mrs. Fitzgerald invited him to make up a foursome, remember?”
Finn rubbed his jaw. “I’m not sure that’s something you should share—”
She made a ha-snort sound and then cuffed him on the shoulder. “Not that kind of foursome, silly. They’re playing golf.” She ha-snorted again. “It’s no wonder that’s where your mind went after the offers you’ve had today. Kerry will get a good laugh over that one.”
If Sherry had her master’s in gossip, Kerry, the receptionist, had her PhD. Finn figured he’d provided them with enough to talk about for a month at least. He lifted his chin in the direction of the examination rooms. There were five. “Who’s next?”
“I cleared out the waiting room of all but legit complaints, so you only have four. Patient number one won’t take long. She just needs her script renewed.” She handed him a file.
He looked at the name and handed it back. “Might be better if Doc Bishop sees Ms. Templeton.”
“He left early. Mrs. DiRossi invited him for dinner, and I think he wanted to get spiffed up.” Sherry frowned and looked from Finn to examination room number one. “Is there a reason you don’t want to see Dana?”

Starlight Bridge By Debbie Mason

Title: STARLIGHT BRIDGE

Author: Debbie Mason

Series: Harmony Harbor, #2

On Sale: February 28, 2017

Publisher: Forever

Mass Market: $7.99 USD

eBook: $5.99 USD

Add to Goodreads

A second chance for romance...

Hidden in Graystone Manor is a book containing all the dark secrets of Harmony Harbor, and Ava DiRossi is determined to find it. No one—especially not her ex-husband, Griffin Gallagher—can ever discover what really tore her life apart all those years ago. With Griffin back in town, it's more important than ever that she find the book before someone else does. Because her ex is still angry with her for leaving him. And he still has no idea Ava never stopped loving him...

Ava is no longer the vibrant, happy woman Griffin had once loved and married, and he would do anything to bring back the sparkle to her brilliant green eyes. But what's never changed are the sexy sparks of attraction between Ava and Griffin, and he won't give her up again without a fight. He knows there's the real possibility of a future together...if the truth doesn't burn the bridge between them forever.

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Excerpt

“We’re in business, Simon. This should do—”

“Tell Grams I’ll see her in a bit.”

Her gaze shot to the door. She’d recognize that voice anywhere. Griffin was here. Now. Outside the door. She shot to her feet, shoving the candelabra in front of the fireplace.

Meow.

She’d trapped Simon. She grabbed the cat, put him on the floor, and scooped up the bucket and sponges while frantically searching for somewhere to hide. The balcony.She didn’t care if she froze to death; she couldn’t let him find her here.

As she turned to run, Ava heard the beep of the passkey. She wouldn’t make it. She spun around and ranthe short distance to the bathroom. Her breath coming inpanicked puffs, she stepped inside the bathtub and carefully inched the crimson and gold shower curtain across the rod. She sagged against the tile wall, praying his in a bit meant he’d drop his bags off and leave.

If it had been anyone other than Griffin, she’d pretend to be cleaning the room. But she remembered all too clearly the humiliation of being discovered by Griffin and his ex-wife the last time they’d stayed at the manor. He’d looked at Ava like he hadn’t known who she was, and his wife had asked for fresh towels, acting as though Ava hadn’t done her job.

And then there was the book. She couldn’t leave without it.

“How did you get in here?”

Her gaze jerked to the curtain, her heart beating double time. She let out the breath she’d been holding when the bed creaked. Simon. Griffin was talking to the cat. “Better question would be, what have you been up to? Your paws are black. Off the bed, buddy.”

Her toes curled in her shoes, a warm, fluttery sensation settling low in her stomach in response to the slow drawl of Griffin’s deep voice. He always spoke in that low, unhurried tone. Even when he was angry or when he was whispering how much he loved her or when he was talking her out of her temper. Only then there’d been a hint of laughter too. Her temper used to amuse him. He had along fuse; she had a short one. She used to, at least.

Her lips curved at the memories; then her wistful smile faded when the consequences of what he’d just said penetrated her lovesick brain. Simon’s paws were dirty. All she’d need was for Griffin to start looking for the source.She had to…

There was the rasp of a zipper, then the light thud of something hitting the floor. At the sound of heavy footfalls approaching the bathroom, Ava’s eyes went wide, and she pressed her back against the tiled wall. A bare, muscled arm reached past the curtain, a large hand turning on the water. The cold spray from the shower head hit her in the face, and a small, shocked squeak escaped before she could contain it.

Griffin whipped back the shower curtain. His thick,toffee-colored hair glistened under the fluorescent light, his dazzling, deep blue eyes wide in surprise. She opened her mouth to say something, but the words got stuck in her throat as her eyes drifted down his body. He was completely and gloriously naked. And even more beautiful than she remembered.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Debbie Mason is the USA Today bestselling author of the Christmas, Colorado and Harmony Harbor series. Her books have been praised for their "likable characters, clever dialogue and juicy plots" (RT Book Reviews). When she isn't writing or reading, Debbie enjoys spending time with her very own real-life hero, three wonderful children, two adorable grandbabies, and a yappy Yorkie named Bella in Ontario, Canada.

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Tasty Virtual Tour for MISTLETOE COTTAGE by Debbie Mason

'Tis the season for love . . .

MISTLETOE COTTAGE

Harmony Harbor #1

Debbie Mason

Releasing Oct 25th, 2016

Forever

'Tis the season for love . . .

Sophie DiRossi loved growing up in Harmony Harbor. But after fleeing in disgrace many years ago, it is the last place she wants to be. Left homeless by a fire, she's forced to go back to the small coastal town that harbors a million secrets, including her own. Sophie sees this secret reflected every day in her daughter's blue eyes-and she must keep it hidden from the only man she has ever loved.

Sophie's return is a shock for everyone . . . especially Liam Gallagher. The firefighter had some serious feelings for Sophie-and seeing her again sparks a desire so fierce it takes his breath away. Now Liam will do whatever it takes to show Sophie that they deserve a second chance at love, even if everything they've concealed threatens to keep them apart. In this special town at this special time of the year, Sophie and Liam can only hope for a little holiday magic . . .

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Debbie Mason is the bestselling author of the Christmas, Colorado series and Harmony Harbor series. Her books have been praised for their "likable characters, clever dialogue and juicy plots" (RT Book Reviews). She also writes historical paranormals as Debbie Mazzuca. Her MacLeod series has received several nominations for best paranormal as well as a Holt Medallion Award of Merit. When she isn't writing or reading, Debbie enjoys spending time with her very own real-life hero, their three wonderful children, two adorable grandbabies, and a yappy Yorkie named Bella.

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“Seriously? I don’t think I can be friends with you anymore,” Marco said to Liam then looked down at Mia. “You have to put up with these two making goo-goo eyes at each other all the time, Cara?”

Mia gave her uncle a woe-is-me look and nodded.

“I feel for you, kid. I really do.” He took her hand. “Come on, I’ll get you a hot chocolate. You too,” Marco said to Amanda and Zach.

 “Just when I’m tempted to whack him, he does something sweet. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. He’s really good with Mia.”

“Hate to break it to you, babe. But your brother isn’t doing it out of the goodness of his heart. In his mind, the kids are chick magnets.”

Sophie raised an eyebrow. “From what I saw and heard at the parade, all you guys at HHFD are chick magnets.”

 “It’s the uniform. Speaking of which, I’m going to get out of my gear.”

“I was kind of hoping you’d stay in it.”

“I’ll wear it for you later when we’re alone,” he said with a wink. “Did you leave my stuff in the study?”

“Yes, but your dad and Kitty are in there getting Fergus ready. And I’m serious about you staying in uniform. I was hoping you’d man the lottery table and charm all the ladies into buying tickets.”
            “You’re joking?” He sighed when she fluttered her eyelashes at him. “You’re serious. You’re lucky I love you. Tell me where you want me.”

She gave him a wicked grin.

“Don’t tease me,” he said, taking her by the hand. “I know you too well. I won’t get five minutes alone with you until this thing is over.”

Review of Mistletoe Cottage by Debbie Mason

Mistletoe Cottage is second chance romance set in a small New England coastal town during the holiday season. Debbie Mason crafts an entertaining romance between single mom Sophie DiRossi and firefighter Liam Gallagher complete with complex family relationships, fabulous secondary characters and a bit of mystery.

Sophie and her daughter Mia drive cross country from California to Massachusetts after a fire leaves them homeless. Sophie’s car runs out of gas near Greystone Manor, a hotel run by the Gallagher family. Liam Gallagher rescues Mia from a smoke fire at Greystone Manor and carries her outside to Sophie. I loved the immediate connection between these three characters! Sophie is a single mother who puts her daughter first. She’s made several bad judgement calls and I emphasized with her situation. Liam is a Boston Firefighter who is on medical leave after a serious injury. He had a huge crush on Sophie in high school and seeing Sophie has rekindled his feelings. I loved that Liam and Mia bonded early in the novel—adored how caring Liam was towards Mia and his determination to bring some fun and romance into Sophie’s life.

Debbie Mason has created a great slice-of-life novel. She is spot on with her description of life in a small community north of Boston. The author captures the tight knit community where holiday traditions are important and where everyone knows each other’s business. A disagreement between the Gallagher and the Di Rossi families adds a lot of humor to the storyline. Ms. Mason balances the romance between Sophie and Liam with a series of mysterious events at Greystone Manor. Loved all of the holiday symbolism throughout the story, the well- defined secondary characters and the mysterious events at Greystone Manor. The ending of Mistletoe Cottage took me by surprise—it was fabulous and perfect for this couple. Am looking forward to the next book in the series—hoping we learn more about Marco, Ava, Kitty and Rosa!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman