Review - - Reunited on Sugar Maple Road

Reunited on Sugar Maple Road

by Debbie Mason

Highland Falls - Book 6

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: September 5, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

Highland Falls police officer Emma Scott is a workaholic who doesn’t do small talk, hugs, or anything else touchy-feely. Ever since her fiancé’s death over a year ago, Emma’s been sleepwalking through life, and her family is growing increasingly worried about her. Enter Josh Callahan, her brother’s best friend. Josh is obnoxiously good-looking and, even more annoyingly, in a perpetually cheerful mood. Though he may drive her crazy, his suggestion to fake date him is brilliant because there are no feelings involved. At least, not at first.

High school football coach and volunteer firefighter Josh Callahan is a fun-loving guy who is all about friends, family, and community. After his wife left him, he committed to staying uncommitted, except now he’s earned the nickname “Heartbreaker of Highland Falls.” Spending time with Emma will improve his rep while she can
remember what it means to get out and enjoy life again. And his plan works…until Josh realizes that the feelings he has for Emma are all too real.  But is Emma ready to share her heart again?

PJ's Thoughts:

If you enjoy contemporary romance that's low on steam but huge on heart, with emotional depth that brings the tears and humor that has you laughing out loud, Debbie Mason is an author who should be on your must-read list. I've been reading her since her debut and she continues to pull my heartstrings, getting better and better with each book she writes. 

Reunited on Sugar Maple Road brings Mason's Highland Falls series to a conclusion with another heart-tugger that I've already read twice. Her characters become like family. I'm totally invested in them, in their struggles and their happiness, immersed in the ups and downs of their lives. Whether it's Emma and her journey through grief, Josh and his realization that his best friend's pesky sister holds his heart, a dog who captured my affection, or any of the secondary characters who bring humor, richness, and poignant emotion to their lives - even a few ghosts stuck in the in-between - I'm with them, rooting them on, every step of the way, not ever wanting to say goodbye. 

If you enjoy friends-to-lovers romance with fake relationships, second chances, grief, healing, mysteries to be solved, well-placed humor, and poignant emotion, give this one a try. I loved it. 

While Reunited on Sugar Maple Road is the sixth and final book in Mason's Highland Falls series, it's written in such a way that it can be enjoyed on its own. I, of course, highly recommend the entire series but readers who have not yet discovered these stories, should not hesitate to jump in here...and then go back to the beginning and enjoy everyone's journeys to love.

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

 

Review & Giveaway - - The Inn on Mirror Lake

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

 

Review & Giveaway - - Falling in Love on Willow Creek

Falling in Love on Willow Creek

by Debbie Mason

Highland Falls - Book 3

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: June 29, 2021

Reviewed by PJ

Single mom-to-be Sadie Gray will do anything to find her younger brother before the law catches up with him. Even if it means returning home to the small town of Highland Falls with a baby due any moment. But when that moment comes sooner than expected, and Sadie finds herself stranded on the top of a mountain—in labor--she couldn’t be more grateful for the park ranger who finds her and helps deliver her daughter safely. Soon they’ve formed a tight friendship, and while he may be hinting at more, Sadie isn’t planning to stick around after she finds her brother.

FBI agent Chase Roberts wasn’t looking for love when he agreed to go undercover as a park ranger to find an on-the-run informant. But he can’t help being drawn to beautiful, warm-hearted Sadie and her sweet baby daughter. He’s always longed to put down roots and start a family. But how can he hope to keep Sadie’s trust when she finds out that his job is to arrest the brother she’s been looking for? 

PJ's Thoughts:

When I finished reading Debbie Mason's Christmas, Colorado series, I didn't know how she was going to top it. But then she introduced readers to Harmony Harbor and I was completely immersed into the town, the families, and the ghostly thread that ran through the series. I was so sad to say goodbye to those characters and, once again, was certain her next series would be good but would be unable to replace the Gallagher and DiRossi families in my affections. And then along came Highland Falls and my heart expanded to welcome more feel-good stories and the heart-stealing characters who bring them to life.

After reading an advance copy of this book a couple months ago, I had planned to skim it once again over the weekend before writing a review. I hadn't even reached the end of the first chapter before these characters pulled me right back into their story and I ended up re-reading the entire book for a second time. Every single word. Mason's balance of romance, suspense, hilarious comedy, and heartfelt emotion kept me eagerly turning pages from beginning to end. Her descriptions of Highland Falls brought the small mountain to life and have pretty much convinced me that if I hop into my car and drive a couple hours west I'll be right there with my favorite Highland Falls residents in all their nosy, supportive, sometimes quirky, and frequently hilarious small-town glory. I've fallen for them all, enjoy catching up with them in each book, and eagerly welcome all new arrivals to town. 

Sadie and Chase a/k/a Michael have secured their place as one of my favorite Mason couples. I fell hard for Michael in the first chapter, almost as hard as he fell for Sadie and her newborn daughter. My heart melted over his special bond with the baby and his determination to keep both Sadie and her daughter safe, even if he had to bend a few of his sacred rules to do so. My heart ached for Sadie as she struggled to find her footing as a single mom with a colicky baby while dealing with her scumbag ex, trying to keep her grandmother out of bankruptcy, trying to track down her on-the-run younger brother, staying one step ahead of the bad guys, and falling for the man who is lying to her about who he really is. That's a lot to handle, but handle it she does. I really enjoyed the evolution of her character, the inner strength she discovered, the support she found through her female friendships, and, how she handled her relationship with Michael after his true purpose for being in Highland Falls was revealed. 

As with the first two books in the series, the supporting cast is vast, vividly depicted, and integral to the lead couple's story. I absolutely adored Finn, the kleptomaniac pooch who forms an immediate bond with Sadie's daughter and I can't wait to find out what Mason has in store for potential new couples in future books. Falling in Love on Willow Creek can be read as a standalone but because key characters and past events from the first two books are prominently featured in book three I suggest reading the books in order beginning with Summer on Honeysuckle Ridge, followed by Christmas on Reindeer Road, and then Falling in Love on Willow Creek.  

But the story doesn't end there! There's a bonus novella, A Wedding On Honeysuckle Ridge, included at the end of Falling in Love on Willow Creek that is an absolute delight. There are reluctant brides, over-zealous groomzillas, matchmaking grandmothers, trouble-making grandfathers, adorable babies, a six-year-old romance advisor, and last, but definitely not least, a sweetly sentimental but hilariously inept marriage proposal that still has me laughing. 

I enthusiastically recommend adding Falling in Love on Willow Creek to your summer reading list. 

Debbie Mason is one of the authors I turn to when I'm looking for a good comfort read that tickles my funny bone and touches my heart. What author fills that need for you?

Six-year-old Teddy Buchanan is one of my all-time favorite children in fiction. I adore that kid! Do you have a favorite fictional child?

One person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, June 30 will receive a print copy of Falling in Love on Willow Creek. 

*Must be 18

*U.S. only

*Void where prohibited

Review - - Christmas on Reindeer Road

 

Christmas on Reindeer Road

by Debbie Mason

Highland Falls - Book 2

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: September 29, 2020

Reviewed by PJ

Can the magic of mistletoe bring together two busy single parents?

Mallory Maitland knows all too well what it's like to feel abandoned, which is why she's sworn never to give up on her two stepsons -- her late husband's children. But when the teens land in hot water, she's got a whole new problem: how to resist the caring and incredibly hot Chief of Police Gabriel Buchanan. All Mallory wants is to give the boys a magical holiday. She doesn't need the distraction of wondering what it would be like to kiss Gabriel under the mistletoe.

After his wife died, Gabriel left his job as an adrenaline-chasing New York City homicide detective to focus on raising his three sons. But back in Highland Falls, he doesn't have to go looking for trouble. It finds him -- in the form of a beautiful neighbor and her troublemaking stepchildren. With Gabriel's mother-in-law looking for any excuse to gain custody of his sons, Gabriel can't risk getting involved with Mallory, even though she's the only woman capable of making this Christmas -- and all the rest to come -- his best ever.

PJ's Thoughts:

If this book doesn't put you in the holiday spirit, nothing will. It's like a cozy blanket, twinkling Christmas tree, and mug of hot chocolate - with marshmallows - all wrapped up in one delicious bundle. I adored every single word. 

Mason has populated her fictional community with a plethora of characters ranging from quirky to mischievous to downright meddlesome. I loved some and wanted to kick others off the nearest cliff but isn't that the way in most small towns? I really enjoyed getting to know Gabe and Mallory better, learning their back stories and watching them navigate the numerous - and often hilarious - pitfalls awaiting them. It was also fun to catch up with Hunter and Abby from book one, Summer on Honeysuckle Ridge. And then there were the boys. They made me laugh, made me cry, broke my heart, then filled it with happiness. I fell for all five of them but Gabe's youngest, six-year-old Teddy? He's something special, one of my favorite kids in a romance, ever. He stole my heart...and every single scene he was in.

There's so much emotional depth in this story. It has *all* the feels. Honestly, I just wanted to wrap my arms around these characters and hug them tight. I loved them so much. But, along with the emotion that accompanies some serious issues, Mason has also laced the story with a heartwarming, lighthearted touch. She's an author who transitions seamlessly from heart-wrenching to hilarious while immersing readers in the lives of her vividly and realistically depicted characters. She had me sobbing on one page, snort-laughing on the next, and eagerly looking ahead to whatever awaited me around the next turn. 

I've been reading Debbie Mason since her debut and more than a few of her books have been 5-star reads for me but this one, this one is special. I had already pre-ordered Christmas on Reindeer Road in e-book (because I have limited space) but after reading it - twice - I ordered another copy in print. It's joining my holiday shelf, the one containing those books I can see, touch, and curl up with in front of my Christmas tree every year as I once again revisit beloved characters and lose myself in their journeys to a happily ever after.  

I highly recommend Christmas on Reindeer Road for your holiday romance reading. As Teddy Buchanan says, "This is what love looks like on Reindeer Road." 

 

Do you have a shelf of holiday romances you reread every year?

What are some of your favorite Christmas romances?

Have you read Debbie Mason yet?

 

Review - - Summer on Honeysuckle Ridge

Summer on Honeysuckle Ridge
by Debbie Mason
Highland Falls - Book 1
Publisher: Forever
Release Date: May 26, 2020
Reviewed by PJ
 

Welcome to Highland Falls, a small town where love is always in the air.
In just a few months Abby Everhart has gone from being a top LA media influencer to an unemployed divorcée living out of her car. So inheriting her great-aunt's homestead comes at the perfect time. Abby heads to Highland Falls, North Carolina, to spruce up Honeysuckle Farm before putting it on the market for some much-needed cash. But instead of finding a charming getaway, she discovers a serious fixer-upper, complete with a leaky roof, overgrown yard, and a reclusive -- albeit sexy -- man living on the property.

Ex-Delta Force soldier Hunter MacKenzie has faced war and loss, but nothing has quite prepared him for an outgoing redhead who's determined to turn his life upside down. Hunter doesn't want to get involved with anyone, especially a city girl who plans to sell the only place he's ever felt at home. But the sparks between them are undeniable. Spending time with Abby is easy. Convincing her to stay for good is another matter entirely.


PJ's Thoughts:

With each book she writes, Debbie Mason further cements her place on my author auto-buy list. I enjoyed her Christmas, Colorado series and fell hard for her Harmony Harbor characters and their journeys to love. I was so sad to see Harmony Harbor end and skeptical that Mason could create new characters I would love as much as the Gallaghers and DiRossis but, you know what? I just finished an ARC of Summer on Honeysuckle Ridge, the (May 26) book that will launch her new Highland Falls series, and she's done it again. Abby just may be my favorite Mason heroine ever. She's so endearing, and so much more than she initially appears. Learning what she has overcome made me like her even more and discovering the full story of how her dog, Bella came to live with her made her someone I'd want to be best friends with for life. I loved watching her evolution throughout the book. I'm a total pushover for a brooding alpha hero with a gentle side and a tortured soul. Hunter checked all my happy boxes and Abby's too...eventually. These two are so good together. I can't wait to (hopefully) see how their love story continues to evolve throughout this new series. 

I'm already invested in this small mountain town and the people who live there. I'm looking forward to discovering what Mason has in store for Highlands Falls and her citizens. Based on Summer on Honeysuckle Ridge, it's going to be a fun ride. Book two, Christmas on Reindeer Road, releases September 29. I already have it on pre-order. 

If you enjoy multi-layered characters, humor, emotional twists and turns, and heart-tugging romance that will leave you eager for more, I enthusiastically recommend a visit to Highland Falls, North Carolina and Debbie Mason's Summer on Honeysuckle Ridge. 

~~~~~~~~~~~

I live in North Carolina and have a special fondness for the small towns in my state's western mountains. Are there areas of your state that you enjoy exploring? Tell me about them.

Have you read any of Debbie Mason's books? Do you have a favorite book or couple?

One person who comments before 11:00 PM, May 27, will receive a print copy of Summer on Honeysuckle Ridge. 

*Must be 18 or older

*U.S. and Canadian addresses only