Tuesday, September 27, 2022

Review & Giveaway - - At Home on Marigold Lane

At Home on Marigold Lane
by Debbie Mason
Highland Falls - Book 5
Publisher: Forever
Release Date: September 27, 2022
Reviewed by PJ




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.

PJ's Thoughts:

I've been reading Debbie Mason for a long time, since her debut back in 2010 when she was writing historical time travel - with a touch of fairy magic - as Debbie Mazzuca. I followed her into small town contemporary romance (as Mason) and have never been disappointed. Her complex, well-developed characters, emotional storylines, perfectly-placed humor, and complicated family dynamics never fail to take me on an emotional ride, depositing me at the end of the book with a satisfying, well-earned, happy ending.

In At Home on Marigold Lane, Mason continues the story of Brianna MacLeod that began in book four, The Inn on Mirror Lake. While this new book stands well on its own, for a complete understanding of what Brianna has suffered, as well as the tumultuous relationships within her family, I recommend reading the two books in order. 

I never know where Debbie Mason is going to take me when I begin one of her books and in this one she took me places I did not expect. She's a master at developing an array of characters and then weaving them in and out of the story in a way that progresses the main story line as well as each individual's path, and those paths aren't always easy ones to travel. She's also very good at creating flawed, multi-layered characters who justifiably earn my anger with their actions. But then she starts unpeeling their layers, revealing emotional scars, fears, and reasons. She takes them a journey of learning and introspection and by the end of the story, I've found myself in their corner. Such is the case with a few very important secondary characters in this book who play parts in keeping Cal and Bri apart but, ultimately, become their biggest supporters. 

Mason isn't hesitant to tackle the tough subjects and there are more than a few in this book. They are balanced with humor, sweet romance, healing, and hope but they are never glossed over. Cal and Bri must both confront issues standing in the way of their happiness together but that makes their HEA all the more enjoyable in the end. I really loved these two together. I'm all about second chances and they sure deserved theirs. Mason continues the second-chances theme in this book with more than the central romance. There are second-chance friendships, second-chance family relationships, second chances to build a rewarding career, and, hopefully, more second chances to come. There are some secondary characters in this book who are in need of a happy ending. I'm hoping we'll see more of them in future books. 


Have you read Debbie Mason yet?

Do you enjoy romances with a community of characters?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, September 29 will receive a print copy of At Home on Marigold Lane

*U.S. only
*Must be 18
*Void where prohibited


 



31 comments:

  1. I haven't read Debbie Mason's books yet, but she's on my radar to try some.

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  2. Debbie Mason's books are wonderful. Yes. Romances with many characters are enjoyable.

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  3. I have a book by Ms Mason on my Kindle. I have read the blurbs on some of her books and know that she is an author I will enjoy. I like small town books because the other people in the small towns generally enter in and out of the story. Those other people can give a good feeling for what kind of small town it is. I like that. I like learning about the atmosphere and climate of a town. Is it small and welcoming or not? Is it a place I'd like to live? Are there interesting characters who just make you want to watch them in action? Yes, I absolutely love a community of characters. I have lived in small towns and at times they can be terrific....that is of course if you never want any privacy. Thanks for the lovely review. As always you make me want another book.

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  4. I have enjoyed Debbie Mason's books and I would love to win a copy of this book. Thanks PJ for another great review I am looking forward to read this book and the whole series

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  5. I have read Debbie Mason's books which are enjoyable and special. I enjoy a community of characters and small town stories very much. They are meaningful and small towns give me a good feeling.

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  6. Thoroughly enjoy them...I especially like Debbie never shying away from tough topics, handling them with grace and kindness...excellent review

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  7. It's been way too long since I've read any of Debbie's books, which makes no sense since I enjoy her books so much. I do love romances with a community of characters - especially small town ones.

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  8. Yes, I love a community of characters! I adore Debbie's books. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  9. I have read Debbie Mason't books and thoroughly enjoyed them. Her stories do not develop in a "straight line" and it is those unexpected detours that help make them so enjoyable and interesting. Her characters are multilayered and nicely developed. This sounds like another one well worth reading.

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  10. I have not read her books but would love to read this one. I love finding new authors. Thank you for the opportunity

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  11. I enjoy books like that. I love Debbie's books and love this series. Thanks for the review
    Penney

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  12. I have several of her series in my tbr pile and I've read enough to know they'll stay on my keeper shelf!

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  13. Love her harmony harbor series and Christmas colorado series. Tales are ao heart warming and i love reading about different members of a family over several books.

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  14. I have read her books. I love books with characters in a community.

    Denise

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  15. I would live nothing more than to win this book, I love Debbie Mason's books. Thanks for your great generosity. Linda May

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  16. I love her books!!!!! Can't wait to read it!!!

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  17. I would love to read this book. One of my favorite authors for many years!!

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  18. I love Debbie Mason's books and would love to win a copy! Thanks for the chance! Happy Fall Ya'll!

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  19. Patricia Bennett BarberSeptember 28, 2022 at 8:21 PM

    Yes I have and love her books.
    Always love the characters in her books!!!

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  20. Debbie does a great job weaving stories that grab you and make you feel like you are part of the storyline! I always enjoy reading her books and she is a “go-to” author for me. She doesn’t disappoint!!

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  21. I love Debbie Mason books!!! This was a wonderful story!

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  22. I love Debbie Mason books! Definitely would love the chance to win this one!

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  23. I've read a couple of her books and now I have some more on my TBR pile. I love Debbie Mason's writing style and the characters she creates!

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  24. Looks like a good book for my favorite season - fall! 🍁😆

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  25. It looks like I’m going Barnes and Noble’s tomorrow to pick up the book for hip surgery.

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    Replies
    1. I’m Noelle Wallace it would not let me say that in comment above

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  26. I like Debbie Mason books! Thanks for the chance!

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  27. Mary Debbie Mason is an amazing storyteller. I've loved everything she's written. Am looking forward to enjoying this one.

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  28. Debbie's books are my favorite. So much fun to read. Thank you for the chance

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