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
