Review - - Christmas in Harmony Harbor

Christmas in Harmony Harbor
by Debbie Mason
Publisher: Forever
Release Date: October 1, 2019
Reviewed by PJ
    

It's Evangeline Christmas's favorite time of the year, but instead of wrapping presents and decking the halls, she's worrying about saving her year-round holiday shop from powerful real estate developer Caine Elliot. Although the town has rallied around Evie, her attempts to stop Caine have been in vain. Now she's risking everything on an unusual proposition she hopes the wickedly handsome CEO can't refuse...
How hard can it be to fulfill three wishes from the Angel Tree in Evie's shop? Caine's certain he'll win and the property will be his by Christmas Eve. Yet bringing joy to others also brings back the biggest disappointments in Caine's own holidays past and challenges him to forgive and forget in order to enjoy the present festivities. But just as he dares to dream that Evie could be his Christmas future, a secret from Caine's childhood threatens their merrily-ever-after.



My thoughts:

The final book in a series is always a bit bittersweet, especially a series I've enjoyed as much as I have Debbie Mason's Harmony Harbor. I have taken these characters into my heart with laughter, tears, heartache, and love. Christmas in Harmony Harbor bids Harmony Harbor a fond farewell with a heart-tugging romance filled with humor, danger, a battle of wills, some ghostly interference, satisfying romance, answers we've all been waiting for, an unexpected surprise...or two, and a Grinch hero due a few lessons in the true meaning of Christmas. 

One of the facets of Debbie Mason's writing that I most enjoy is her world building. In this series, she's brought the town of Harmony Harbor and her citizens to life. Her characters are fully dimensional and complex, with realistic flaws and emotional depth. Her heroes and heroines are not always easy, and they're not always nice, but they're real and, in the end, they always succeed in winning my affection. Though, admittedly, some more than others. ;-)

Caine is one of those "difficult" characters and it took a good amount of time for him to win me over but win me he did. As with other characters in this series, Mason has given him a lot of emotional baggage to unravel which, for me, made his eventual redemption all the more satisfying. My heart really hurt for him - after I got over wanting to throw him off a cliff - and by the end I was cheering for his happily-ever-after. Evie, on the other hand, had me in her corner from the beginning. I was confident she was the perfect "Christmas Elf" to bring Caine out of the darkness and help him remember the good that Christmas and family are supposed to represent. 

Christmas in Harmony Harbor is an engaging, heartwarming holiday romance that can be read and enjoyed on its own but readers should be aware that, as the final story in a series with an overarching mystery, there are several plot threads that are wrapped up, questions answered, and characters present (the Gallagher and DiRossi families are big) that could be confusing if you have not read any of the earlier books. As a reader of the entire series, I turned the final page with a tear, a smile, a sigh for lives well lived and a love that endures into eternity, and eager anticipation for whatever Debbie Mason has in store for readers next. 

Tour Review - - Barefoot Beach

Barefoot Beach
by Debbie Mason
Harmony Harbor - Book 8
Publisher: Forever
Release Date: June 4, 2019
Reviewed by PJ
 

Can a summer of love make up for a lifetime of secrets?

Wedding fever has taken over Harmony Harbor this summer, and the local matchmakers have set their sights on Theia Lawson, a former navy pilot who's in town for a stay at Greystone Manor. And while Theia's got her reasons to put this small town behind her as fast as she can, there's a certain tall, dark, and irresistible man that she can't seem to get off her mind. 

Firefighter Marco DiRossi wants to beat the matchmakers at their own game so he conspires with Theia to pretend they've already fallen in love. It's only for the summer. What could go wrong? Yet as the beach season draws to a close, Marco and Theia find their pretend relationship has led to very real attraction. But when a secret from the past is revealed, jeopardizing everything they hold dear, can this unlikely couple find their way to a happily-ever-after?

My thoughts:

I'm sad to see this series winding down but happy that Debbie Mason has saved some of the best stories for last. I adored Marco and Theia and their journey is in my top three favorites of the eight Harmony Harbor books published so far. This book is a wonderful blend of action, romance, humor, mystery, family secrets, snappy dialogue, unexpected betrayal, and finding love where you least expect it. Long-held secrets are revealed, unexpected secrets come to light, and sexy firefighter, Marco DiRossi finally meets his match in a tough - but vulnerable - former Navy fighter pilot. I couldn't get enough of these two!

Barefoot Beach kept me reading way past my bedtime and, already, I want to go back to the beginning to revisit Marco, Theia, and everybody else in Harmony Harbor. If you're a fan of the Harmony Harbor series, you won't want to miss Marco's and Theia's journey to love as well as the revealed secrets and mysteries solved in this book. If you're new to the series, Barefoot Beach can be read and enjoyed on its own but I believe you will more fully appreciate the magnitude of some of the events and actions of secondary characters if you've read the previous books. The final book in the Harmony Harbor series will be Christmas in Harmony Harbor, due for release on October 1, 2019.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Have you been reading the Harmony Harbor series? Do you have a favorite book or couple in the series?

In addition to being a top notch firefighter, Marco DiRossi also knows his way around a kitchen. Do you like a hero (in books or real life) who enjoys cooking for his loved ones?

Excerpt #1

Barefoot Beach

“Cessna Citation one three five, ready for landing.” Theia didn’t have to state the runway. It was a municipal airport with only one runway, which could be tricky with crosswinds. She was okayed to land. Her heart pounded at the line of fire trucks and ambulances awaiting their arrival.

She prayed they didn’t need them.

        Her prayers were answered. As soon as they’d taxied to a stop, she unbuckled her seat belt and stood. She locked her shaky legs, fisted her trembling fingers, and gritted her

teeth when a wave of dizziness washed over her.

       “Get the Gallaghers off as quickly as possible and hold back the fire department. I want a chance to deal with this on my own.” The last thing she wanted was for them to tear her new baby apart for no reason.

       “You need to get your head looked at. Let the professionals…All right.” Caine held up his hands and then grabbed his black uniform jacket off the back of the seat. Recovering his black hat from the floor, he fitted it on his head and pulled the brim low. “On this plane, you might be

the boss, but I’m your boss on the ground. You’re getting checked out whether you like it or not.”

      Theia rolled her eyes as she followed him out the cockpit door and then winced. Maybe she wouldn’t fight too hard when he demanded she let the paramedics look her over. She didn’t have to worry about him getting the Gallagher party off the plane immediately. They did that all

on their own with murmured goodbyes.

      No apologies or thanks for the ride, she noticed. Though she supposed she couldn’t blame them. She wasted less than a second thinking about the Gallaghers and moved to the seat where the little pyromaniac had been sitting. No sooner had Theia pulled back the carpet than she heard the clump of heavy boots in the aisle. She lifted her head to peek between the seats. A firefighter in full gear filled the space. She gave a panicked yelp at the sight of the hose in his hands and shot to her feet.

       “It’s all right. I—” A blast of water knocked her on her butt.

---

Debbie Mason is the USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of the Christmas, Colorado series and the Harmony Harbor series. The first book in her Christmas, Colorado series, “The Trouble with Christmas,” was the inspiration for Hallmark’s “Welcome to Christmas.” Her books have been praised by RT Book Reviews for their “likable characters, clever dialogue, and juicy plots.” When Debbie isn’t writing, she enjoys spending time with her family in Ottawa, Canada.

Site: https://authordebbiemason.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DebbieMasonBooks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorDebMason

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6202108.Debbie_Mason

Purchase links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2YInvQZ

Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/2HHsN8w

Apple: https://apple.co/2X1wo7W

Google: https://bit.ly/2LYjJS2

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Review - - Driftwood Cove

Driftwood Cove
By Debbie Mason
Harmony Harbor - Book 5
Publisher: Forever
Release Date: February 20, 2018
Reviewed by PJ

  

I love second-chance romances and Debbie Mason has written another good one in her Harmony Harbor series with some pretty significant obstacles between our hero and heroine and their happy ending. 

When Shay Angel and Michael Gallagher first met ten years ago, she was a teenager living with her wrong-side-of-the-law uncle, and he was the privileged son of a politician, being groomed by his social-climbing mother for the "right" kind of life. Shay and Michael fell hard for one another that summer but a wrong choice and his parents' influence had a devastating impact on Shay's life and ruined any chance they had of being together. When they next saw one another, eight years later, the attraction was still there, as were obstacles. Now, two years later, Michael's job brings them together once again. Will this time be the one that finally sees these two people who clearly belong together find the happiness they deserve or will stubbornness, and families, once again keep them apart?

I've been intrigued with this couple and waiting for their book since reading Christmas With an Angel, the Harmony Harbor short story that introduces their story, back in 2016. (For a better understanding of Shay, Michael, and the forces keeping them apart, I recommend reading it before beginning Driftwood Cove.) I had the feeling, after reading the short story, that these two would bring action, friction, and fireworks to their book and boy, did they ever. 

Michael Gallagher is at a crossroads. He's left the legal career and political aspirations his mother wanted for him behind to follow his heart into the FBI. He's also left his life in Boston behind to move into a cottage on his family's property in Harmony Harbor, primarily for the benefit of his aging Irish Wolfhound who is going blind. I mean, really. A man who uproots his life for his ailing dog? How can you not love this guy? When he's assigned a new case involving mob killings he doesn't expect it to lead him to the woman he's never forgotten. He understands some things can never be forgiven and what Michael's family did to Shay was pretty harsh yet he wants another chance. But he also needs to solve the case and Shay is right in the middle of it. The question is...which side of the law is she on?

Shay Angel is such a complex character. She paid a heavy price for a youthful mistake and is now determined to stay on the straight and narrow. Trouble is, with her family and her past, that's pretty difficult. She's stubborn, independent, and loyal to a fault. She's also vulnerable (though she hides it well), reluctant to trust (with good reason), and though it pains her to admit it, still has feelings for the only man she's ever loved. At times, I was so frustrated with her I wanted to throw up my hands and walk away while, at others, I just wanted to give her a hug and tell her it would all be okay. Mason has a talent for creating depth in her characters that brings out a multitude of emotions in this reader. 

The storylines of some secondary characters from previous books in the series continue to evolve while new characters are introduced who, hopefully, are destined for books of their own. Michael's mother, a real piece of work who does her best to control her sons' lives, is a character whose story takes an intriguing turn. I'm curious to see what Mason has planned for her. A standout in Driftwood Cove is Shay's assistant, and best friend, Cherry. The former Vegas showgirl is a real scene stealer. It looks like she might be staying in Harmony Harbor which gives me hope that we'll be seeing more of her in future books. 

It's not necessary to read the first four Harmony Harbor books before reading Driftwood Cove though doing so will give you a better understanding of all the characters who appear in this book. As I stated above, though, I do recommend reading Michael and Shay's introductory story, Christmas With an Angel first. 

Bonus: This book also includes a 90-page story by Hope Ramsay titled The Fairytale Bride. 

Review Tour - - Debbie Mason's Sugarplum Way

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?

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 | Barnes & Noble

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

Tuesday, November 7th: Katy’s Library blog and Instagram

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

Wednesday, November 22nd: Jathan & Heather

Blog Tour Review - - Primrose Lane

Primrose Lane
By Debbie Mason
Harmony Harbor - Book 3
Publisher: Forever
Release Date: June 27, 2017
Reviewed by PJ

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.

Olivia Davenport (known as Dana Templeton in the first two books of this series) is a character I won't soon forget. What she went through before coming to Harmony  Harbor and what she goes through on her journey to happiness in Primrose Lane had me reaching for tissues more than once. She's working hard to make Greystone Manor the venue of choice in Harmony Harbor while struggling to deal with painful anniversaries of betrayal and grief. She may think she has everything under control but, in truth, she's barely holding her head above water. 

Finn Gallagher knows a bit about running from your past. Unable to deal with the deaths of his mother and sister, Finn has spent the past several years working with Doctors Without Borders in Africa while closing himself off from emotional attachments. Now, forced to return home to heal after being seriously injured, he's working with the local doc while keeping an eye on the lovely Olivia, a woman he doesn't trust, suspects of being on drugs, and paints with the tainted brush of past relationships. 

I enjoy a good enemies to lovers trope and while Olivia and Finn aren't exactly enemies they certainly are at odds from their first meeting. The air fairly sizzles with both animosity and unwanted attraction. Gradually, as they begin to open their eyes to who the other really is rather than viewing them through the biases of previous relationships, they begin to become friends with Finn helping Olivia begin to deal with the emotional wounds of her past. But then, just as things seem to be going well, Olivia's world is turned topsy turvy by an unimaginable turn of events (I'd tell you more but I really want this twist to unfold organically as you read the book) which causes Finn to become an even more vital part of her life and which, in turn, has an unexpected effect on his own. It's a rocky road ahead for both of them, with emotional peaks and valleys, heartwarming romance, life-threatening danger, meddling relatives, and a pint-sized whirlwind at the center of it all.  

At the rate she's going, the books in Mason's Harmony Harbor series will have their own keeper shelf in my home library. Wow, do these books bring the feels. Deep emotion, heart-tugging romance, and a touch of suspense make them hard to put down while the humor sprinkled throughout keeps the emotional intensity balanced with comic relief. And the families! The Gallaghers and DiRossis may squabble among themselves, and with each other, but when the chips are down I want these people on my side. I want to be friends with the women and drool over the men (discreetly, of course, since they love those women I like and admire). They've become more than characters in a book to me and I can't wait to see where Debbie Mason takes them next. I already have my calendar marked for book #4, Sugarplum Way, due to be released October 31. 

While each of the Harmony Harbor books stands on its own, there are key characters who appear in all of the books and relationships that continue to evolve. For maximum enjoyment, I recommend reading them in the following order: Mistletoe Cottage, Starlight Bridge, and Primrose Lane. 

Are you reading Debbie Mason's Harmony Harbor books?

Do you have a favorite Mason couple or book?

Do you enjoy emotional twists and turns in the romances you read?

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THE HARMONY HARBOR SERIES

MISTLETOE COTTAGE, #1

CHRISTMAS WITH AN ANGEL, #1.5

STARLIGHT BRIDGE, #2

PRIMROSE LANE, #3

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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