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Shutter Sounds: An Aster Mountain Lodge Novel

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Diana Walters is in LA to help her brother out of a jam—that’s it. But a late-night encounter with a photographer sets her on a new path. For the first time in years, Diana is doing something entirely for herself. As exciting and fulfilling as it is, she knows it’s temporary. With her half-brother’s wedding on the horizon, tensions rising with her mother, and a horse ranch back home that needs her attention, her days in LA are numbered.

Toby Adams is over LA. The city has drained his inspiration and dried up his dreams—until a glittering blonde with a too-sad smile and a handful of secrets careens into his path. He falls hard and fast, but there’s a he’s leaving LA for a photography residency in Colorado. With their goodbye looming, he’s torn between digging into those secrets or making the most of the days he’s guaranteed.

As their paths collide again and again, Diana and Toby have to decide whether love means letting go, or holding on a little tighter.

319 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 16, 2023

10 people want to read

About the author

Ellie Mack

7 books18 followers
Ellie Mack is a contemporary and new adult romance author, coffee addict, and raccoon enthusiast. After growing up in the Intermountain West, she settled in New York with her husband and a deeply elderly cat. A mood reader through and through, she is reading at least three books at any given time--and usually writing even more.

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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Profile Image for Caitlin.
318 reviews3 followers
November 1, 2023
This was a beautiful story of how two people
can learn to love. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and seeing them grow. I loved the side character Paul. Love that part of the setting was in beautiful Colorado!
Profile Image for Books Next Door.
5 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2023

@elliemackbooks IS OFFICIALLY MY NEW FAVOURITE AUTHOR !!

I mean, when I was taking up ARCs and signing up for book tours, I never expected to find a book SO GOOD and an author who's writing style, story telling, and plot framing I WILL ABSOLUTELY ADORE 🤌🏻

Okay so, HERE ME OUT

Meeting a total stranger, trying to hook up with them, and the night going wrong (not totally) can freak anyone out so I don't blame Diana for the self doubting spree she went on.

But Diana Walters is way too capable of keeping her feelings to herself.
So, what made her go vulnerable in front of the stranger when she meets him again ?

She totally expects him to run off.

We all do.

But

Toby Adams is not someone who runs away. Instead, if you unload on him, the first response he'll give you is, " Do you want to go into the ocean and scream ?"

WHO DOESN'T WANT THAT AT ONE POINT OR THE OTHER IN THEIR LIFE ?

The chemistry and sexual tension just adds to all of this. I practically chewed through the pages waiting for them to make up for their one night stand that went wrong and oh boy was my wait worth it 💅🏻♨️

With severe mommy AND daddy issues, this novel has a stomach twirling plot that takes you through a journey of siblings whose parents had an f'ed up life but still their kids found love in partners who understood their trauma and loved them for them ❣️

Trust me, you NEED this book in your life 👠
Profile Image for Stephanie Louise.
Author 4 books27 followers
March 26, 2024
This was one of my favorite reads of the year, and I’m bummed that it’s over. 🥰
Diana and Toby/Adam’s love story is filled with ups and downs, family drama, and so much clever humor that often had me laughing out loud.

“I need to get a good look at this photographer, because he’s got to be super hot. That’s my theory on why you risked getting murdered by a stranger in California, and I need evidence.”

“It would be rude for me to frighten all the guests by banshee-shrieking in the trees.”

And the sweet lines hit me right in the heart.

“Since I’m not allowed to tell you how much I miss you, I’ll say this instead: Do you know how ugly sunsets are when you’re not here to share them? They’re terrible, Blondie. Can’t stand them.”

“Dad always gives Mom the first slice of pie because even when she’s wrong, he’s still on her side.”


I ADORE books where a main character faces mental health challenges and we see them grow stronger with the loving support of their partner. Diana’s panic attacks felt very authentic (I’ve had them) and Toby’s guidance was so sweet and patient, I rooted for him even louder.

Their break-up made me cry because their bond was so beautiful written, it broke my heart a little. Of course, that only made the reunion more satisfying and I loved their well-earned HEA. I’ll definitely read the rest of the series after this one. Looking forward to more Natalie. 😆
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for McKinley Devine.
179 reviews12 followers
November 9, 2023
The Aster Mountain Lodge series has become my favorite of the year and this third installment did not disappoint.

This is a must read series!

Finally getting Diana’s story was amazing and I absolutely adored every single second. She is exceptionally well thought out and complex, she feels so beautifully human. Several times I forgot she doesn’t actually exist!

Adam/Toby has got to be one of my favorite MMCs in the contemporary romance world (after Paul and Danny that is!). I absolutely loved his softness and ability to speak about emotions. It was so refreshing given so many stories in the romance genre are inundated with toxic masculinity!

One of the biggest standouts from this third installment is how much of the other couples we get! Ellie Mack includes them seamlessly and at this point I feel like I’m a part of the Walter’s family.

I cannot wait for the next one!!

A huge thank you to Ellie Mack and Hazel Book Tours for an ARC of this book. I was given a free copy in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own!
Profile Image for Padmapriya.
51 reviews3 followers
December 1, 2023
This is the third book in the Aster Mountain Lodge series, following What Happens at the Aster Mountain Lodge and the Gala Contract. Shutter sounds can be read as a standalone, but for a well set story line up, it is best to read the first two books as well. I always love books where the main characters are relatable and not described as picture perfect, in that way I absolutely love this book. I find Adam a emotionally supportive man, who handles emotions well, which to me is one of his attractive traits. As there are reappearances of characters from the other books, I could connect more with the book and it creates a bond. Author’s words to set the situations are so engaging and lets the readers engross into the world that the author sets. I suggest the aster mountain lodge series for readers who like to read a short series but a detailed, connecting romance series.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and Hazel’s book tours in exchange for an honest review. All the opinions are my own


26 reviews
November 18, 2023
Best Aster mountain Lodge book yet!

Omg the chemistry!! I have like 0 nails after demolishing this book in one sitting.
Ellie Mack has smashed this story, the chemistry, the plot, the pace, the world building, the characters, the steam all 10/10.

For anyone reading reviews and wondering if this book is for you, imma say yes! This is a perfect quick binge read for a rainy autumn evening. This book is a part of the Aster mountain lodge series but can easily be read as a standalone, though I'd highly recommend reading the others first so you can fully appreciate the way Ellie has so skillfully woven in the other characters plot lines and inside jokes (yodel IYKYK)
Profile Image for Mrs Wilson.
885 reviews13 followers
November 29, 2023
This is the 3rd book in the series, but all 3 can be read alone and/or out of sequence.

Shutter Sounds follows the story for Diana and Toby. Their lives intersect by chance and have a wonderful time getting to know one another, but they each know there is a time limit on their time together. What will they do when their paths cross again?

I loved hearing about Diana because I loved her in Book 2. When I heard Shutter Sounds was her story, I was really excited. Ellie Mack brings her characters to live with success and emotion for each one. I really liked how Diana was painted and how her character grew and I loved her more in the end.
Profile Image for MJ.
114 reviews4 followers
November 19, 2023
Such a great book. I loved seeing Diana and Paul work through some of their sibling strife in this one as well. Diana is a gripping character and Ellie weaves a heartbreaking story with a beautiful ending.
Profile Image for Sonja Charters.
2,773 reviews140 followers
December 7, 2023
This is book 3 in the Aster Mountain Lodge series and was just as beautifully written as the first two books - What Happens At The Aster Mountain Lodge and The Gala Contract.

Although this book focusses on Diana's story and as such could be read as a standalone, I'd definitely recommend that you read these books in order from the start as they do link up, some characters do appear again and the setting is much more visual when read as a series.

I loved everything about this book. It was emotional, it was fun, it was super spicy and the tension and chemistry was just superb.

Diana is only in LA to help her brother out - but when she meets photographer, Adam, she can't ignore the pull and chemistry between them.
With him leaving soon for pastures new and her going back home soon, things seem doomed - but will their paths cross again?....

I loved our main characters relationship - from the very first meet, I knew they'd be perfect and was rooting for them throughout.
Being so invested already, made this an exciting and emotional rollercoaster as things developed but seemed certain to end.


Ellie has a knack for writing characters who just jump right off the page and embed themselves in your heart. So it was lovely to also see some of the characters from previous books returning.

Another really lovely read - beautifully written and full of fun.
Profile Image for Albany Archer.
Author 3 books92 followers
November 28, 2023
I love Diana. She is beautifully flawed and real. I related to her over and over again. She made me cry, laugh, rage, and demand she find a therapist. (Or maybe that is all just Ellie's engaging, engrossing writing?)
I love Toby. I love Adam. I love him whoever he is. I want a book boyfriend who will take me to scream in the ocean and sees me as I am, not as I pretend to be.
Read this book. Read books 1 and 2 too. Because Ellie's characters will make you fall in love. They are raw, relatable, and like coming home after a long day to a soft blanket.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews

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