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 Getaway By Emily March---Lake in the Clouds Book 1

After years of putting her family first, Genevieve Prentice is making a fresh start—but it’s never easy to leave the past behind.

Widowed young, Genevieve Prentice dedicated her life to raising her four children. Now, though, they’re all grown and scattered to the wind, and Genevieve is ready for a change. In a flash of inspiration, she puts her home on the market and heads to Lake in the Clouds, Colorado, to renovate a rustic waterfront lodge with her sister. But just as they begin, Genevieve gets the shock of a lifetime: the arrival of her son.

Jake Prentice built a career out of being dependable, one that left him perennially stressed and overworked. Finally heeding his mother’s words of wisdom, he’s quit his job and is ready to find out what truly makes him happy. And now, as he stands surrounded by open sky and fresh, pine-scented air, he’s got no regrets . . . until former colleague Tess Crenshaw appears at the lake, forcing him to reassess what—and who—he really wants.

As they work together to renovate the lodge, Genevieve and Jake embark on a heartfelt and inspiring journey to learn about themselves, each other, and the true meaning of family.

                            

I thoroughly enjoyed Emily March’s The Getaway! The novel is filled with relatable characters, romance and family drama. The bond between sisters Genevieve Prentice and Helen McDaniel plus the unspoken attraction between Jake Prentice and Tess Crenshaw drew me into the story.

Genevieve Prentice has had enough of the bickering between her four children. She realizes that she cannot fix their problem. However, she can put herself first and move forward. Genevieve is a strong woman and I enjoyed how she rediscovered herself, her passions—and all the possibilities in her new chapter.

Jake Prentice is a dynamic character— he’s the family fixer and a workaholic. He is overwhelmed with the constant cutbacks at work, the bickering between his brothers and sisters and feels guilty that he laid off one of the company’s rising stars; Tess Crenshaw. I enjoyed the pages where Jake finally understood that he is responsible for his own happiness. Jake travels to Colorado to visit his mom and aunt and take the time to figure things out.

Loved that the author chose to tell this story of family and new beginnings from three points of view. I related to Genevieve’s story as it’s difficult to put yourself first, not your family. Loved that she embraced her new community, made new friends and went on the Sound of Music trip with her sister—something they had talked about for years! Jake ignored his attraction towards Tess as he was her manager. Loved that Jake reached out to Tess and invited her to Colorado. The romance between the couple sizzled as they explored Lake in the Clouds. Loved that Jake put his relationship with Tess first and that she understood that Jake needed to embrace all of the new opportunities that life had to offer him.

Emily March is one of my favorite authors. Her novels are written from the heart, the characters are relatable and her stories are centered on families. The Getaway is a realistic portrayal of family life— love and laughter, sibling rivalry, forgiveness, understanding and a romance that will tug at your heartstrings. Love the community of Lake in the Clouds and the peace and serenity that surrounds it.

I am looking forward to the next book in this series—loved the sparks between Gage and Genevieve, intrigued that Willow and her children are returning to Lake in the Clouds and can’t wait to count Helen's cuckoo clocks in the Raindrop Inn!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the publisher

Susan's Review of Always On My Mind by Samantha Chase-- Magnolia Sound #10

Returning to Magnolia Sound was never part of the plan. Then again, Parker Bishop rarely had one. Yet after confessing her love to her best friend right before his wedding, she needs time to lick her wounds from the disastrous scene that unfolds. After the unsympathetic welcome she receives from her parents and siblings, Parker finds herself absentmindedly driving through town in search of a place to stay.

That’s when she spots the flier and a familiar name…

Ethan Harlow enjoys the peace and quiet. Unfortunately, finding a moment of it becomes impossible when the flier he posts for a roommate brings Parker crashing into his life. Of course, he remembers her from high school. It’s impossible to forget little miss popular who was always the center of attention. All he wanted was to split the rent and keep to himself. Instead, Parker transforms his home and makes him question the dreams he gave up out of fear of stepping out of his comfort zone.

The attraction they feel to one another makes crossing the line from roommates to lovers seem inevitable. But the more Parker encourages Ethan to pursue his dreams, the less likely it becomes that they can have any kind of future together. Can they find a way to claim their happily ever after or will their individual paths make a future impossible?

Ethan Harlow is shocked to learn his high school crush Parker Bishop has returned to Magnolia Sound and needs a place to stay. She has relatives—lots of them, doesn’t she?? Ethan reluctantly agrees to let Parker move in---and she turns his life sideways!!

Always on My Mind is an opposites attract romance and more importantly a story of family relationships. Parker’s place in her family is cast in stone—she’s perceived as spoiled, flaky, and impulsive. She’s never had a full time job and her family fears she will never settle into a career. Ethan moved back to Magnolia to care for his late father. He is a college science professor who is a bit of a nerd and sticks to his routine.

Samantha Chase’s dynamic characters draw me into her novels. Love the complicated relationships between the Coleman and Bishop families in this series. The conversations between Parker and her sister are brutally honest and it was easy to imagine Parker being overwhelmed, stressed and hurt. I felt for Parker-she was trying to rebuild her life and her family couldn’t let go of their perception of her. They couldn’t see her strengths. These scenes were emotional and so very well written.

Loved the how the tentative friendship between Parker and Ethan led to sparks of attraction which resulted in a sweet romance. I wondered how free- spirited Parker and routine -oriented Ethan would work-loved that they were exactly what each other needed! Ethan is a quiet, thoughtful man and during the novel—he turned out to be the perfect swoony hero for Parker! Just loved him! Both characters listened to and supported each other – and these strengths enabled them to grow personally and professionally. Loved the plot twists and the Easter Eggs hidden throughout the novel—this is special treat for the author’s long time readers!

Samantha Chase explores several themes throughout this novel—there is conflict and drama, passion and honest conversation—all the elements that I adore in a novel. Adored Parker and Ethan and was so invested in their journey. Small town romance readers--this is the book you've been waiting for!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the author.

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

Susan's Review Of Just Say Yes, Can't Say No & Don't Say Maybe By Cindy Kirk-- Silver Creek Series Books 1-3

Cindy Kirk's Silver Creek series is fantastic! I loved the tie in to the author's Good Hope series. The engaging characters, the sizzling romance and the family drama kept me reading.

Just Say Yes
Britt Appleton in Colorado, staying in the new Silver Creek complex, trying to meet Denver’s Most Eligible Bachelor before her job interview but having no luck. At least she’s made two new friends since arriving in the Mile-High City; JR’s grandmother and a construction worker, Amos Lee. The scruffily-sexy carpenter couldn’t be more different than the clean-cut JR, but Britt finds herself falling head over heels in love.
Review
Just Say Yes is an engaging, character driven contemporary novel by Cindy Kirk. Brittany Appleton and JR Driskill appeared in the author’s Bachelor Games in Good Hope which featured Britt’s sister Bea. Although they were in town at the same time the couple never crossed paths in Good Hope. Britt makes a bold move by using JR as a reference when she applies for a social media position in one of his family’s businesses. I found this piece of the storyline enjoyable and engaging—I had to see how it played out.
Britt arrives in Denver for a job interview only to learn that the meeting has been postponed. She’s between jobs and is counting on winning the position with the Colorado Grizzlies football team. Britt meets Amos Lee and they have an instant connection; Britt is drawn to the intelligent sexy carpenter and Amos is wowed by Britt’s positive go getter attitude and generous spirit. I loved, loved the chemistry between Britt and Amos.
I love Cindy Kirk’s voice—she blends family, romance with real life situations. Just Say Yes is perfectly paced and the plot conflict is relatable and draws the reader into the story. The novel had the perfect amount of romance and unexpected plot twists to keep me intrigued.


Can’t Say No
Having secured a position as social media specialist for the Colorado Grizzlies--the football team owned by the Driskills—Britt is determined to prove her worth. Worried her ties to JR might cause her boss, JR’s sister, Nyla, to dismiss her abilities, she asks JR to keep their relationship private.

JR wants to support Britt and agrees to her request. But keeping their growing love under-wraps is easier said than done. When their relationship is splashed across gossip sites, Britt’s reputation takes a hit.

Review

Can’t Say No is the second book in Cindy Kirk’s Silver Creek series. The complex family relationships, the compelling drama and the multi-faceted characters intrigued me.
Cindy Kirk has created the perfect balance between emotional, passionate romance and family drama in this novel. The romance between Britt and JR and the sensual relationship between Nyla and Deron drew me into the story. Britt and JR’s relationship is tested several times during the story. Nyla holds herself to a high professional standard—so high that her decisions impact members of her family and the family business. Each couple had secrets—secrets that when revealed will shake the Driskill family personally and professionally. Can’t Say No is a well written contemporary novel. Family relationships between siblings, parents and grandparents are explored. Cindy Kirk wowed me with the storyline, superb dialogue and the many surprising plot twists.
If you are looking for a well plotted contemporary romance, pick up a copy of Can’t Say No!

Don't Say Maybe

Deron has been in love with Nyla since they were seventeen, stealing glances in the hallways of their high school. Running across her in Paris, far from family and prying eyes, was his hoped-for miracle. He knows they could be so good together, if she would just give him a chance.
While they agreed what happened in Paris must end there, the feelings that have grown between them can’t be denied. When the truth is revealed, both will be tested on how far they are willing to go for love.
Review
Don’t Say Maybe is a steamy contemporary novel filled with secrets and family drama. The third book in Cindy Kirk’s Silver Creek series features Nyla Driskill and Deron Flock. The intensity of their secret romance surprised and intrigued me.
Deron asks Nyla to take over a mentoring a group of recent college graduates. I was not sure if Nyla was up to the challenge of counselling and guiding the group through the job search. Nyla lived and breathed her job and often put it before her family. During each meeting, Nyla offered suggestions, solved issues and provided support.
The program enables the author to showcase the positives of Nyla’s business experiences. Deron attends the meetings as an observer and Nyla appreciates his support—this strengthens their relationship. The real benefit of the mentorship group—Nyla is provided with the opportunity to reassess her own life.
Cindy Kirk engages the reader with the forbidden romance aspect of the novel. Deron and Nyla decide to keep their relationship a secret because of the long standing, bitter feud between their families. I loved that the couple was given an opportunity to explore their relationship away from family and work pressures. Don’t Say Maybe is filled with dynamic characters, superb dialogue and a passionate romance.
Deron and Nyla’s off the charts romance drew me into the story but, the well plotted storyline kept me turning the pages to its satisfying conclusion!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARCs provided by the author