Sugarplum Way
By Debbie Mason
Harmony Harbor - Book 4
Publisher: Forever
Release Date: October 31, 2017
Reviewed by PJ
Romance writer Julia Landon knows how to write a happily-ever-after. Creating one for herself is a whole different story. But after a surprising--and surprisingly passionate--kiss under the mistletoe at Harmony Harbor's holiday party last year, Julia thought she might have finally found her very own chance at true love. Until she learns her Mr. Tall, Dark, and Broodingly Handsome has sworn off relationships. Well, if she can't have him in real life, Julia knows just how to get the next best thing....
Aidan's only priority is to be the best single dad ever. And this year, he plans to make the holidays magical for his little girl, Ella Rose. But visions of stolen kisses under the mistletoe keep dancing in his head, and when he finds out Julia has written him into her latest novel, he can't help imagining the possibilities of a future together. Little does he know, though, Julia has been keeping a secret that threatens all their dreams. Luckily, 'tis the season for a little Christmas magic.
Bookstore owner and self-appointed Christmas fairy, Julia Landon is beloved by almost everyone in Harmony Harbor. Full of goodness and light, she's funny, kind, and generous, bringing magical stories to life for the children of the town, watching over the neglected, and acting as the Gallagher family's own personal guardian angel. But Julia is keeping secrets and one of them weighs heavily on her. If it comes to light, it could not only tear apart the happiness she's found among the citizens of Harmony Harbor but ruin her deepening relationship with Aidan Gallagher.
Aidan is having troubles of his own. The gruff, cynical former DEA agent is battling his ex-wife over what's best for their young daughter, still grieving over the deaths of his mother and baby sister years ago, and struggling with the deep-seated anger and bitterness he doesn't realize he still has. The last thing he needs is to be sidetracked by Harmony Harbor's very own Christmas elf, yet that's exactly what seems to be happening. Even though he's sure Julia is hiding something, he can't seem to stay away from her. The more time he spends with her, the more she burrows into his heart and softens his edges but when Julia's secret is exposed will Aidan be able to find forgiveness in his heart?
While each of the books in this series stands on its own, I strongly encourage readers to read the series books in order. There are several characters, relationships, and story threads that continue to evolve throughout the books. Reading them in order will deepen and enrich your understanding and appreciation of these characters and their stories. The books, in order, are: Mistletoe Cottage, Starlight Bridge, Primrose Lane, and Sugarplum Way.
Have you read Debbie Mason's books?
Do you enjoy books that focus more on emotion than physical love scenes?
Do you enjoy ensemble casts in your romances?
Do you believe in Santa?
Amazon | Books-A-Million | Bar
Bookstore owner and self-appointed Christmas fairy, Julia Landon is beloved by almost everyone in Harmony Harbor. Full of goodness and light, she's funny, kind, and generous, bringing magical stories to life for the children of the town, watching over the neglected, and acting as the Gallagher family's own personal guardian angel. But Julia is keeping secrets and one of them weighs heavily on her. If it comes to light, it could not only tear apart the happiness she's found among the citizens of Harmony Harbor but ruin her deepening relationship with Aidan Gallagher.
Aidan is having troubles of his own. The gruff, cynical former DEA agent is battling his ex-wife over what's best for their young daughter, still grieving over the deaths of his mother and baby sister years ago, and struggling with the deep-seated anger and bitterness he doesn't realize he still has. The last thing he needs is to be sidetracked by Harmony Harbor's very own Christmas elf, yet that's exactly what seems to be happening. Even though he's sure Julia is hiding something, he can't seem to stay away from her. The more time he spends with her, the more she burrows into his heart and softens his edges but when Julia's secret is exposed will Aidan be able to find forgiveness in his heart?
I adored this couple. They fill each other's spaces, creating a solid foundation for a lasting love. Though the journey to their HEA is filled with twists and turns, I like that Mason injects a healthy dose of humor and light along with the emotional turmoil and dash of danger. As with other stories in this series, I appreciate that Aidan's ex (formerly portrayed as a selfish witch) is more fully explored. With a seven-year-old daughter in the picture, Aidan and Julia cannot exist outside of his former family unit (nor do they want to) and Mason approaches that dynamic with thoughtful, realistic care. I look forward to, hopefully, seeing more of Harper's character evolve in future books. Julia's Texas sheriff father and one of her three protective brothers are introduced in this book. I'm intrigued by both of them and keeping my fingers crossed for more sightings, either in this series or a future one.
I've fallen in love with Debbie Mason's Harmony Harbor. She's created a group of interesting, realistic characters and woven them into a perfectly imperfect fabric of life in her small east-coast town. There are secrets, betrayals, loves lost...and won, second chances, intrigue, a matchmaking ghost, a butler who isn't what he seems, wonderfully realistic children who are exactly as they seem, characters filled with kindness and generosity, others filled with pettiness and jealousy, and, finally, deeply emotional love between couples of all ages. As Julia would say, a forever and always love. While each of the books in this series stands on its own, I strongly encourage readers to read the series books in order. There are several characters, relationships, and story threads that continue to evolve throughout the books. Reading them in order will deepen and enrich your understanding and appreciation of these characters and their stories. The books, in order, are: Mistletoe Cottage, Starlight Bridge, Primrose Lane, and Sugarplum Way.
Have you read Debbie Mason's books?
Do you enjoy books that focus more on emotion than physical love scenes?
Do you enjoy ensemble casts in your romances?
Do you believe in Santa?
Purchase Links
Amazon | Books-A-Million | Bar
Connect with Debbie
Website | Facebook | Twitter
Debbie Mason’s TLC Book Tours TOUR STOPS:
Monday, October 23rd: Romancing the Readers
Tuesday, October 24th: Books and Bindings
Thursday, October 26th: Cheryl’s Book Nook
Friday, October 27th: The Romance Dish
Monday, October 30th: Ms. Nose in a Book
Wednesday, November 1st: Broken Teepee – excerpt
Thursday, November 2nd: Romantic Reads and Such
Friday, November 3rd: Laura’s Reviews
Monday, November 6th: Books a la Mode – excerpt
Wednesday, November 8th: From the TBR Pile
Thursday, November 9th: Books and Spoons – excerpt
Friday, November 10th: View from the Birdhouse
Monday, November 13th: Moonlight Rendezvous
Tuesday, November 14th: Bewitched Bookworms
Wednesday, November 15th: Suzy Approved
Thursday, November 16th: Thoughts on This ‘n That
Friday, November 17th: Novel Gossip
Monday, November 20th: Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers
Tuesday, November 21st: OMG Reads
I enjoy both as well as ensembles and love Debbie's books. On my list.
ReplyDeleteI've been reading her since her debut. I think she gets better and better with each book she writes.
DeleteI've got this one on pre-order. You recommended Debbie Mason's books to me, PJ, and I'm grateful. I enjoyed her Christmas, Colorado books, but I really fell in love with the Harmony Harbor books. I'll be reading Sugarplum Way next Tuesday.
ReplyDeleteI think you'll like it, Janga!
DeleteNever read her books. I will have to add her to my author list!
ReplyDeleteShe's really good, Amy. Hope you enjoy them!
DeleteI've read several of her books
ReplyDeleteI hope you've enjoyed them as much as I have!
DeleteI have it on pre-order and can't wait to read it. If you are a fan, sign up for her newsletter. They are hilarious. The back and forth between Nell and Kitty.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to do that.
DeleteLove her books, wonderful contest
ReplyDeletePenney
Good luck!
DeleteYes I have read Debbie's books and love them, I don't focus more on emotions love all kinds of the romances, and yes I love the cats and dogs in books. I believe in Santa love playing the part.
DeleteI have been collecting the books, but am sadly behind. I definitely need to read the whole series in order. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely better when read in order. :)
DeleteI always enjoy her books. Thanks for the review and giveaway chance. I'm almost caught up in this series.
ReplyDeleteCarol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
I love Debbie Mason's books and I just love this new series. I can't wait to get my hands on this new books.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful review PJ!❤ I love Debbie's stories and cannot wait to read Sugarplum Way, I just love this series.❤
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like there is quite a lot to love in this series, and in this book in particular!
ReplyDeleteThanks for being a part of the tour!