The Inn on Mirror Lake
by Debbie Mason
Highland Falls - Book 4
Publisher: Forever
Release Date: February 22, 2022
Reviewed by PJ
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?
PJ's Thoughts:
So many of Debbie Mason's books have hit my keeper list she's going to need her own designated shelf. She keeps getting better and better with every book she writes. I want to be friends with her characters and spend time in her fictional communities. Highland Falls now lives rent free in my mind, along with all her citizens. Hopefully, Mason intends to make this a long-running series because I am nowhere near ready to say good-bye to these characters.
In The Inn on Mirror Lake, Mason skillfully blends the humor, emotion, suspense, and feel-good romance that have been a trademark of this series. There's plenty of flirtatious fun between Nate and Ellie, along with snappy banter and sizzle but Mason skillfully balances that with complex layers that explore the emotional baggage both carry. I love the marshmallow center Nate hides beneath his tough exterior (except with his five older sisters and five nieces - what fun those scenes are!) and the bad-ass (don't mess with my loved ones) core of steel inside Ellie. I also love the fact that these are two experienced adults who come together as equals and know what they want. Well...Nate thinks he knows.
The quirky senior citizens of Highland Falls are once again front and center and living up to their meddling, matchmaking reputations. I very much enjoyed Ellie's maternal grandfather and the judge. Their relationship with Ellie is endearing, protective, and at times, hilarious. And, of course, Ellie's paternal grandmother is up to her tricks, as usual. Her special relationship with Nate continues from the previous book and is just so much fun. And then there are the couples from the first three books, family and friends, matchmakers in their own right, who seamlessly flow in and out of the story, adding humor, poignant emotion, and help keep the progression of Nate and Ellie's journey flowing. There are other key characters who also bring additional richness and depth to this story, and notched a place for themselves in my heart, but I'll leave you the joy of discovering them on your own.
This is a series that I feel is best enjoyed by reading the books in order. However, if you don't wish to do that I would recommend at least reading book three, Falling in Love on Willow Creek, where the individual journeys of Nate and Ellie begin, before reading The Inn on Mirror Lake. Regardless of where you begin, Debbie Mason's stories - and characters - are sure to tickle your funny bone, touch your heart, and leave you begging for more.
CW: While much of this story is lighthearted and fun, there are also deeply emotional topics that are introduced, including grief, mental abuse, and physical abuse that could be distressing to some readers.
Have you read any of Debbie Mason's books yet?
Highland Falls is a lovely little town of Scottish origin set in the North Carolina mountains. What's your favorite setting for contemporary romances?
As part of a contest the town has entered, the rooms at the Inn are each decorated in the style of a fictional couple. What couple would you choose for a room re-do?
Two people who post a comment on this review before 11:00 PM (EST), February 20 will each receive a print set of the first four books in Debbie Mason's Highland Falls series: Summer on Honeysuckle Ridge, Christmas on Reindeer Road, Falling in Love on Willow Creek, and The Inn on Mirror Lake.
Thank you, Forever Romance, for this generous giveaway!
*U.S. and Canada only
*Must be 18
*Void where prohibited
This book sounds great. And I have read many of Debbie's books. Thanks for this great giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read her as yet. Cleopatra's and Mark Anthony's "room" would be interesting. And I'm happy wit any setting - love variety.
ReplyDeleteI have read several of this author's wonderful books. A setting would be an old fashioned beach town. A room decor which depicts Anne of Green Gables and Gilbert.
ReplyDeleteIf you haven't read them yet, I recommend Miranda Liasson's Coming Home to Seashell Harbor and Reese Ryan's Second Chance on Cypress Lane, both enjoyable contemporary romances set in small beach towns.
DeleteDebbie's books are enjoyable. Settings are so special and one that I love is a lakeside area since lakes especially Great Lakes and lakes in the Adirondacks are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHaving grown up 8 miles from Lake Michigan, I wholeheartedly agree!
DeleteWonderful review thank you!, I enjoy Debbie Mason books, they are all very good one of my favorite Authors.
ReplyDeletePenney
Love Debbie's books!! And I love small town books!!
ReplyDeleteAnd the couple that I would re do a room would be The I Love Lucy couple!!
What a wonderful prize. TY.
ReplyDeleteCathie P.
I have read some books by this author and really enjoyed them. Can’t say that I have a favorite setting for contemporary romances. As for a room re-do, I think one inspired by Jamie and Claire from Outlander would be great.
ReplyDeleteI have not read any of Debbie's books I do not think. I would love a room with A Star is Born with the Gaga and Cooper version of the movie.
ReplyDeleteMs Mason is not an author I have read yet. I obviously need to do that soon. I think I might like a room decorated in a style that would would be Bogie and Bacall.
ReplyDeleteI hope everyone is well and safe and happy.
I love all of her books but especially her Harmony Harbor and Highland Falls series.
DeleteThis was my first read book by Debbie, although I own a bunch. I loved this story, despite not reading earlier books in the series. I would dedicate a room to Shana & Ruark from one of the first romance books I read.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you enjoyed it! I hope you give Falling in Love on Willow Creek a try too. I think you'll love - and understand - Nate even more after reading it.
DeleteI haven't read Debbie Mason's books yet tho I do love small town series. I have to put thee on my tbr list!
ReplyDeleteI hope you give them a try, Di. She's really is an exceptional author. At this point, if she publishes it, I buy it. No questions asked.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree with you more PJ. I have every one of her books. I was lucky to get an ARC of this one. Still can't wait for it to drop on my kindle.
ReplyDeleteI've read a couple of her books.
ReplyDeleteI'd decorate with a Lizzy & Darcy theme.
denise
I read The Trouble with Christmas when it first came out and was happy with the Hallmark Channel adaptation of it. I don't know why I haven't made more of an effort to red more of hers, they are just what I enjoy. Small town stories are favorites and work well no matter where they are set in the country. I have read many I enjoy and where the town is located gives its own special flavor to the story as long as the other small town elements remain the same.
ReplyDeleteI would love to see an Outlander room. A wonderful couple and it would fit right in with the history of the town.
This series will be especially enjoyable since I live in the foothills of those TN/NC mountains. It makes the stories so much easier to relate to when I am familiar with the setting and history.
Thank you for the giveaway.
I’ve read and enjoyed a few of her Christmas stories set in Christmas, Colorado and Harmony Harbor.
ReplyDeleteWow, it’s too hard to pick one favorite setting. I grew up on Lake Michigan and love water views. I also like to hike in the mountains. Small towns are great like Avalon, NY, Lucky Harbor, CA, Fool’s Gold, CA, Cedar Cove, WA, Serenity,SC …
Favorite Couple Aragorn and Arwen Lord Of the Rings
This is a wonderful giveaway! I love small town romances. Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDelete