Starlight Bridge

Harmony Harbor #2

by Debbie Mason

A second chance for romance...

Hidden in Graystone Manor is a book containing all the dark secrets of Harmony Harbor, and Ava DiRossi is determined to find it. No one-especially not her ex-husband, Griffin Gallagher-can ever discover what really tore her life apart all those years ago. With Griffin back in town, it's more important than ever that she find the book before someone else does. Because her ex is still angry with her for leaving him. And he still has no idea Ava never stopped loving him...

Ava is no longer the vibrant, happy woman Griffin had once loved and married, and he would do anything to bring back the sparkle to her brilliant green eyes. But what's never changed are the sexy sparks of attraction between Ava and Griffin, and he won't give her up again without a fight. He knows there's the real possibility of a future together... if the truth doesn't burn the bridge between them forever.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Paranormal, Chick Lit, Small Town Romance

368 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 28, 2017

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Meant To Be Loves Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free It's Live!!!
I have a soft spot for this series. Debbie Mason has put together a continuing tale of family, secrets and some ghostly intervention to take you away from your day to day life. Here in Harmony Harbor you can see how a fight to keep a stately hotel from becoming a victim to a developer brings fractions of families together. It allows us to follow through the individual books all of those who are touched by it.

Each book is a stand alone yet have continuing characters, so the desire to find out what the next secret and couple will be is strong. You can jump in at any time.

This story had many layers of complexity with the main characters. Ava and Griffin were married many years ago... happily. Things happened and Ava sent Griffin away, claiming she no longer loved him.

It broke both of them.
Both pretended to move on... but deep scars still feel fresh when they see each other.

She has always loved him... and thought she was doing the right thing...
He tried to move on...even marrying again but in the end both he and his new wife understood he was not all in on this marriage. The ex wife has remained friends with Griffin and is still protective of him.

All of this comes together with the attempt of saving the Graystone Manor...It was left to all of the family to ensure it would not be sold unless all could agree. The Matriarch past away recently....but she is still there...working her ghostly skills in trying to rectify secrets she kept all those years.

This covers the main characters' true love for another, the reason for Ava's pushing him away and the continuing pursuit of the developer who is using underhanded tactics to get his hands on the Manor.

We see how fear can cripple us and stop the telling of truth...where if one did...the shame and pain would be released. We also are shown how enabling loved ones can keep them from overcoming the demons they are fighting... and it can become a crutch for both parties.

The biggest perk of this series is the out and out promotion of going for your love...for laying it out there...and each installment does that. All of them have humor and intrigue with a secret and ghostly interference but the thrust of it is the coming together of couples who are meant to be.

Mistletoe Cottage (Harmony Harbor #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Christmas with an Angel: A Short Story (Harmony Harbor
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~

So what was a fun Christmas read....
Has developed into an Intriguing series...

It has Mystery...
There's Loves gone by and Fighting to Re-ignite...

The Catch to it all is a Journal...
Hidden and it has Everyone's Secrets...
Will it be found...
And How will it Impact Everything...

Diving in to see what happens...

Starlight Bridge (Harmony Harbor #2)- February 28th 2017


A gifted copy was provided by Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley for an honest review.

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amusing, tender, and uplifting!

Starlight Bridge is a playful, heartwarming, second-chance romance that transports you to Greystone Manor and into the life of the handsome, confident Grant who still can’t quite understand what actually went wrong in his first marriage and the troubled, hardworking Ava who is on an all-consuming mission to find the late Matriarch’s hidden journal that contains the one secret she never wants to be known.

The writing is heartfelt and light. The characters are troubled, secretive, quirky, and kind. And the plot told from alternating POVs is an engaging mix of family, friction, friendship, miscommunication, self-reflection, oddball situations, hilarious hijinks, attraction, chemistry, enduring love, and a dash of the paranormal.

Overall, Starlight Bridge is a comical, hopeful, entertaining tale by Mason that is a delightful mix of sweet romance, familial drama, and mystical mayhem.

Thank you to Forever and Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in an exchange for an honest review.

[Lily (Night Owl Book Cafe) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just knew the moment I picked up Starlight Bridge by Debbie Mason that this was going to be the book that will briefly pull me out of my reading slump, and I was right.

We met Ava and Griffin in book one, and ever since then I have wanted to know their story.

Ava and Griffin are divorced. They use to have one of a kind love, but after Griffin get's deployed, something happens that changes Ava and suddenly she is serving the divorce papers. It didn't take long for the readers to kind of learn what happened to Ava, but Ava doesn't want Griffin to find out. The problem is, Colleen, Griffins great-grandmother wrote it down in a journal that now everyone in Graystone Manor and their enemies want to get their hands on.

This book did not disappoint. I was a little worried about how I would feel about it after not liking Sophie in book one, but I totally loved and adored Ava - she had such a big heart when it came to Griffin and her own father no matter the circumstances. I felt for the girl, I really did. What happened to her was horrible and who caused, it was even more heart breaking. But, I enjoyed the simmering attraction and love between Ava and Griffin and I loved watching it unfold through the story. It was sweet, it was wondering and no amount of time took away from the strong hold the two have on each other. Watching them as they worked on staying together despite Griffin's families opinion on her was endearing and left me cheering them on.

There is so much going on. Outside of battling her attraction for her ex-husband, Graystone Manor is still in trouble and Griffin is one of the siblings that is ready to vote to sell the place. A lot of the Gallagher's don't want that, so they hope that Ava can change his mind. Ava is also dealing with her father, who had an accident years ago and now cannot walk. He spends his days chain smoking, watching TV, and drowning his sorrows with liquor. When he isn't doing that, he is letting his anger explode on Ava and she is suffering, but she loves her father, so she does everything she can to help him.

This really was a great page turner. Another book that I had a hard time putting down and found myself reading at four in the morning. I loved that Colleen is still around as a ghost. I think I had an issue with it in the first book, but once I got passed it, I found that I enjoy that part of the book. It's different and I am okay with that.

Tons of secondary characters are in book two, so we get to see how Liam and Sophie are doing. I have to admit, I still don't like her and this book did nothing to change my opinion on her. The way she treated her cousin when things were rough at the Graystone manor with the new cook went uncalled for. I thought Sophie of all people would understand. Rose, the DiRossi grandmother is still funny and great, I loved her character in book one as well as this one.

There was a development between Griffin and Lexi - his second ex-wife that even though at the time I found annoying and unnecessary - I grew to respect when my opinion of Lexi changed by the end of the book.

Overall, I really loved this. The storyline follows what's been happening in book one with the Manor, so even thought this could be read as a standalone - I feel like the readers would be confused with some of the stuff that happens in this book - so I strongly recommend starting with book one.



Honestly, I did not know how to review this novella (?) because I wasn't really sure what is happening here.

Let me explain. This novella follows immediately the events that happen in book one. Michael has been dumped in the alter so to drown out his sorrow he goes to the bar owned by Shay Angel's uncle, a girl he once fell in love with but also is partially responsible for sending her to jail.

Well, apparently Shay needs his held - or so her uncle thinks and Michael finds himself trying to get her out of a dangerous situation.

This was a super quick read, maybe like 20 minutes? I felt like I read a few chapters in a book and was left wanting more. We get a brief snip of how Michael is feeling after the wedding being such a big mess, we get to meet Shay. The ending left on a sort of a weird note. There was no HEA between these two, but a promise to meet at the same spot a year later.

It felt like a prologue to a book. At least I hope Michael get's a book because it sounds like it be fun. Shay and Michael are so completely different with their backgrounds, but we don't get enough out of this book to really feel neither the connection, nor the characters. Honestly, I didn't even feel like this needed to be written, but okay?This review was originally posted on Night Owl Book Cafe

[Mara · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not my cuppa. I wasn't that interested in the romance, and overall the plot was too bland. The past secret was self evident from page 2 and the lack of a tight story made the reading more than a bit boring.

Mostly I couldn't warm up to the main characters whose main characteristics seemed to be a pushover. Everyone rolled them over. Meh... It was soo irritating :/ Much more than the ghost and her antics... :)

[DJ Sakata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favorite Quotes:

She doesn’t look suspicious, she looks constipated.

Ava took a long, satisfying drag on her cigarette. She’d given in to its siren call after she’d eaten the two cupcakes she’d snuck from the kitchen at the manor. Sadly, they were divine, and probably a thousand calories each.

I wanna write a new ending to our story. One that has you growing old by my side.

My Review:

This series is an amusing hybrid of genres including cozy mystery, contemporary romance, women’s fiction, and paranormal. Starlight Bridge continues to provide a clever and amusing premise with ongoing family drama, feuds, angst, ghostly interference, gossip, espionage, sabotage, busy body aunties, rivalries, greed, heartbreak, and a few second chance romances. The storyline is a slowly evolving melodrama with multiple plot threads with quirky and intriguing characters that seem to have their own secrets and agendas. Thankfully, among the tension and angst, I also found an equal amount of comical scenes and amusing banter. I enjoyed the humor as well as the use of a fumbling ghost who is hampered by limited energy and ghostly knowledge as well as a small territory for her haunting, yet her cat taught her to use him as her minion to influence or garner the attention of the living. As a cat lover, I found that to be quite clever. I am looking forward to the next installment and hope to ascertain the mystery behind Dana as well as the contents of the Book of Secrets. Color me intrigued.

[Suze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava has a secret and there's only one person who knew. This woman wrote it down before she died together with a number of other secrets she'd been told in her life. Ava is trying to find this memoir, so she can keep her secret safe. Ava works as a maid in Graystone Manor and is taking care of her handicapped father. Everyone in Harmony Harbor knows something changed Ava. She was happily married to Griffin and was well on her way to getting a nursing degree, but all of a sudden she dropped out and asked for a divorce. What happened to Ava and why is she so determined that nobody will find out?

Griffin is back in Harmony Harbor. He stayed away and got married to another woman, but is now single again. When Griffin first sees Ava he's shocked. She's no longer the vibrant woman he used to know. Her clothes are ugly and she is thin and tired. He still sees her beauty though and feels the same way he felt about her all those years ago. Do they have a second chance together or are there too many people and secrets standing in their way?

Starlight Bridge is a gripping romantic story. Griffin is a kind and caring man and when he loves he does it with all his heart. He's a true hero and his protective streak is admirable. He's perfect for Ava. She used to be a gorgeous and talented girl with a bright future, but too many blows turned her into a shadow of the woman she used to be. Griffin doesn't know why she left him and is surprised to find out she still has feelings for him too, which makes him even more confused. I was curious to find out what happened between him and Ava and Starlight Bridge kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.

Graystone Manor is an interesting place to read about. It's a family business and every member is interesting. I was fascinated by the influence of the ghost of the past and the fascinating intrigues of the present. Debbie Mason writes in a thrilling and entertaining way. Her stories are captivating and filled with controlled chaos, true love, mysteries, amazing characters, eccentricities, plotting and friendship. I loved Starlight Bridge, it's a fantastic book and I highly recommend it.

[Ann Lorz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog:
http://romancingthereaders.blogspot.c...

This series is turning out to be a wonderful ride. It's heartwarming, romantic and funny! The trifecta of a good romance for me. A book works better when I find myself crying one second, laughing the next and sighing after.

I'm not always a fan of second chance romances. I feel like it's a song played twice with the first time not being so good. But since I love Mason's books I just had to give it a try. Plus, it didn't hurt that I really liked the two main characters for this book.

From the first book I wanted to know what happened with Ava. I knew it had to be something bad, she just all but shut down and from what you learn in the first book, it wasn't like her. What you find out is both shocking but not. I know you'd love to know what it was, well get started reading and you too will know.

I also liked Griffin, his taste in second wives not so much. Lexie is just....I'd love to say more about her but believe me it truly would ruin the book for you. Some things are meant to be learned as they happen.

I will say this, so much of this story pulled at my heartstrings. I don't think anyone could be as nice as Ava is. She goes above and beyond for everyone.

Starlight Bridge has a slight mystery that started in Mistletoe Cottage. The author is doing a wonderful job of keeping us on our toes. I can't wait to see what happens in Primrose Lane. I wasn't sure that after loving Mason's Christmas Colorado series I'd be able to fall in love with a new series. I'm glad to find out that I have. The Harmony Harbor series is just so wonderful.

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[Bookgasms Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am absolutely hooked on the small town charm that Debbie Mason does so well. This new series is no exception, with friends and neighbors who know each other and their business better than they should, and meddle more than is necessary. Yet, it is just the kind of community one would dream of, where someone has your back, where people look out for you, and where you can find happiness.

The only reason that I didn't give this story 5 stars was that this was a tale based around a gross lack of communication, and that is always the kind of conflict that I struggle to follow, to sympathize with. It doesn't take a lot to just open up, especially to those who you profess to love, and show a little honesty and trust. I often struggle to believe the level of love and commitment in the feelings when such a small thing as words are so difficult to share.

Still, this was overall as delightful a read as the ones that came before, and as the Christmas series before that. Ava was a likeable heroine, who I could easily find myself at least hoping she received her well deserved HEA, and Griffin was as much the alpha and so little the asshole that I couldn't find it in me to fault him for his actions either. The drama of ex wives and meddling family kept this in a true Debbie Mason style that I thoroughly enjoyed. I can't wait for more from Harmony Harbor. ~ George, 4 stars

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story in Debbie Mason’s continuing Harmony Harbor saga. This story belongs to Ava and Griffin. It’s a story of lost love, second chances and past secrets ready to explode at any moment.

As we learned in the first book, there is a journal which spills the deepest, darkest secrets of several people from Harmony Harbor. The book is hidden somewhere in Graystone Manor. Unfortunately for Ava, she’s one of those people with a deep, dark secret. She is determined to find that book before anyone else does. It’s especially important now when her ex-husband Griffin Gallagher returns to Harmony Harbor. He must never find out the real reason she divorced him all those years ago. He must never know that she is still in love with him.

Griffin hardly even recognizes the woman Ava has now become. Her face no longer shines with happiness, instead she seems defeated. Obviously life has taken its toll on her. Griffin’s feelings for her have never died and he plans to win her back. He has no intentions of backing down, regardless of how much she pushes him away.

Ava and Griffin’s story hooked me immediately. I couldn’t put this one down. I had to know how it would all work out. Their love shines through each page. There are a couple of times I wanted to knock some sense into both of them, but overall, I just wanted to hug them and tell them it was going to be alright.

The secondary cast of characters are well written and grab your interest as well. There is an excellent mix of villains and “good guys”. It taught me that I need to read the entire book before jumping to conclusions about characters. I started out hating one, then loving the character by the end. There’s even a ghost that hangs around. I won’t say more as I don’t want to spoil it.

This is an excellent addition to the series. In fact, I loved it even better than the first one. It had intrigue, mystery, and romance wrapped into one package. Can’t wait for the next one!



FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Forever for the free copy of this book for honest review!

Starlight Bridge features Ava and Griffin, who divorced years ago with Ava holding a painful secret she thought would ruin them. Their lives are still entwined as she works at the property his family owns, and he's just returned home to find their connection still blazes.
This was a romance that hung out in the sweet side, despite the characters dealing with some deep and dark issues (see trigger warnings at bottom of review). Family plays a huge role in the story- family you're born into, married into, family you choose, family you make- and seeing all the connections between their families and the way people support and uplift Ava and Griffin was lovely. It's pretty closed door and lower on the steam scale, but the love between Ava and Griffin definitely pops off the page.
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(TW: past rape, abuse)

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starlight Bridge reminds me of books by Sheila Roberts, Debbie Macomber and Sherryl Woods. It is a second chance trope romance, a small town romance with some redemption thrown in. There's also a friendly ghost that likes to give a push to get things going the way she wants them to. It was a good fun read that left me so happy in the end!
I listened to the audio version and the narration by Becket Royce was very good. She has a voice that's very pleasant to listen to and she did a great job.

[Catherine Wright (Cat's Guilty Pleasure) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a wonderful story, I absolutely love second chance at love stories and this one did not disappoint. This one had me turning the pages so I could see what was going to happen and see if these two would finally get their happily ever after. This was an emotional read and I enjoyed every minute of it.

[Bette Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

Loved getting to know Ava and Griffin better and having their whole story. All the quirky residents of Harmony Harbor show up to support these two getting their second chance. Absolutely loved it!

[Reading-for-life (Angela Sanford) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this novel! Author Debbie Mason has written another best seller !

[Megan Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this series out of order on accident but this one is the best in the Harmony Harbor series! Had me smiling, tearing up, laughing... all the feels!

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second chance romance stories always tug at my heartstrings and Starlight Bridge by Debbie Mason was no exception. I found myself not wanting to put this book down - savoring every word, wanting to know how this amazing story would turn out. Even though this is the second book in the series, it is not necessary to read the first book to understand what is going on, but I would suggest begin with the first book, just to have some background information – especially character introductions. I have not read the first book yet, but I will as soon as possible because just based on Starlight Bridge, this is an awesome series! I simply loved the small town feel of Harmony Harbor and its residents and thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent with them. Starlight Bridge is a lovely story of how two people who were truly meant to be together but separate due to a blip in life, get a second chance at love and secrets that have been kept are finally revealed, bringing them closer than ever before. With a little bit of ghostly intervention, Ava and Griffin will finally get their happily ever after they both deserve.

If you love second chance romance stories, then I would highly recommend Starlight Bridge…I assure you that you will not be disappointed in the least.

*I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars


Starlight Bridge is storytelling at it's best. Ever since I read the fun start of the series, MISTLETOE COTTAGE, I have been waiting for Ava and Griffin's story.
This series has something for everyone. It is full of love, family, loyalty, betrayal, laughter, an odd new friendship and even a ghost. It's been over a decade since Ava divorced Griffin, without telling him why, and since then she's a shadow of her former self. Griffin has returned to Harmony Harbor for a short time, to see for himself if the family Graystone Manor should stay with the family or be sold. He is also in search of a new start since the end of his military career and a second marriage.
With Griffin's presence around the manor, Ava is on edge since her secret is in the missing journal of his late grandmother. But the sparks still fly between her and Griffin. Something else is happening in her life and it is making Griffin start to worry about her again, even though she broke his heart.
It was nice to see the changes in Ava as she found her strength. She was kicked in the gut more than once by life, but life is starting to look good again as Griffin has her back to a lot of the negatives in her life. She is no longer the young woman whose world was torn apart, but now she is a vivacious woman who can tackle life, knowing that she matters to those in her world. She has a generous heart which is truly tested when Griffin's second ex comes to town. I can't say too much more about the story, you are going to have to take a look yourself, because boy it's worth it! This story is so complex-it makes you laugh one moment and tearing up the next. The characters are fun at times and frustrating at other times which makes them realistic and oh so human. The story is a reflection of the ups and downs of life with friends and family and a second chance of a forever love. STARLIGHT BRIDGE is a wonderful addition to the series and I can't wait for the next book this summer.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

Harmony Harbor book two, Starlight Bridge. I love a good second chance romance and this one was wonderful. Ava and Griffin never stopped loving each other but for reasons Ava never shared they divorced. The two characters, Ava and Griffin, were we written and very easy to connect with their chemistry was palpable. The love and loyalty to Griffin in the Gallagher family is obvious because of their dislike toward Ava after the divorce. As a whole this book has so much going on; Sophie, from Mistletoe Cottage book one of the series, is still trying to save Greystone Manor and make it successful and trying to convince Ava to take on the head chef's position. When Greystone Manor gets into a wedding show competition with a rival there is more at stake then just the competition.

Ava quit school and moved back home to take care of her father who was in a bad crash and became paralyzed. Ava silently withdrew more and more into herself and became just a shadow of the person she once was. Griffin tried to move on even remarried and divorced again all the while convincing himself he hated Ava and trying to figure out what he did wrong to push her away. The only person Ava told the truth to was Colleen Gallagher, and when Colleen died and admitted to writing down all the secrets in her memoirs in her video will Ava knew she had to find that before anyone else to make sure her secret stayed a secret. Ava has successfully avoided Griffin for the better part of the decade but when he comes home to help with the renovations at the manor and is staying at the manor there is no avoiding him. Especially since a curtain ghost and her cat keep trying to push them together. But with the Bridal show competition going one and someone trying hard to make sure they fail and to make things even worse for Ava, Griffin's second wife shows up unexpectedly and is determined to make Ava's life hell. Lexie, Griffin's other ex, blames everything on Ava. I hated Lexi for most of the book, understandably Lexi's dislike toward Ava was because she didn't know Ava and all she was the the "broken" Griffin she left behind but Lexi's dislike became childish after a while. Griffin and Ava are meant to be together and no matter of disgruntled ex-wives, belligerent french chefs, or suspicious butlers will stand in their way to be together again. But when the past rears it's ugly head it may be more than Ava can handle.

Overall, Great book. It was a great romance with some excitement, angst, and humor.

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful second chance romance this story was! *happy sigh* I am so lucky to have read it because my heart seems fuller from it :)

I've never read any work by Debbie Mason before and I feel like I've been missing out on something special. She created characters in both Ava and Griffin that will affirm your faith in love, friendship and humanity. I was awed by Ava and everything she went thru and OH SO proud of the woman she was! And Griffin ... he was just perfect!

Their story is quite the journey. It is not for the weak at heart. It is not fluff. It is wonderful and uplifting . I seriously could not love this book more!

Debbie Mason .... you are on my radar!

Copy provided by the publisher for blog tour review

[OpenBookSociety.com · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://openbooksociety.com/article/st...


Title: Starlight Bridge
Series: Harmony Harbor, #2
By: Debbie Mason
ISBN: 1455537225 (ISBN13: 9781455537228)
Author’s Website: http://authordebbiemason.com/index.html
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra


Summary:

Hidden in Greystone Manor is a book containing all the dark secrets of Harmony Harbor, and Ava DiRossi is determined to find it. No one-especially not her ex-husband, Griffin Gallagher-can ever discover what really tore her life apart all those years ago. With Griffin back in town, it’s more important than ever that she find the book before someone else does. Because her ex is still angry with her for leaving him. And he still has no idea Ava never stopped loving him.

Ava is no longer the vibrant, happy woman Griffin had once loved and married, and he would do anything to bring back the sparkle to her brilliant green eyes. But what’s never changed are the sexy sparks of attraction between Ava and Griffin, and he won’t give her up again without a fight. He knows there’s the real possibility of a future together… if the truth doesn’t burn the bridge between them forever.

Review:

First let me say that Debbie Mason can certainly tell a story. I was enthralled from the very beginning and captivated until the last word. The Harmony Harbor series is just that…a series….but each individual story acts as a stand-alone title. With the characters in one story after another, it may just persuade you to read the entire series in due course….I know I want to ☺

Griffin and Ava used to be husband and wife. When they split up, Griffin left town while Ava remained. She is working at Greystone Manor as a chambermaid. Greystone Manor (built in the early nineteenth century and fashioned after a medieval castle) is the Gallagher family legacy, the family to which Griffin is a part of. With the passing of Colleen (the Gallagher matriarch), a book of secrets kept by Colleen is at risk of being discovered and this could lead to trouble for Ava for the book contains her biggest secret, which led to her walking away from Griffin.

I love how Griffin remembers his and Ava’s previous life together:

“She might be as stubborn as she used to be, but she was at least thirty pounds lighter. When they were together, she’d been all soft, lush curves……he caught a whiff of the same perfume she used to wear – sweet and sultry. It brought back memories of all the times he’d held her in his arms. Seven years of memories, most of them amazing.”

Colleen is still around, in ghost format. Her goal is to get Ava and Griffin back together again (they did make the cutest couple after all – they are soul mates in Colleen’s eyes). With the help of Simon, the cat who’d arrived at the manor just a week before Colleen passed, no end of shenanigans take place in an effort to keep hidden the book of secrets from Ava. There were other ghostly interventions which added a certain levity to the story.

There certainly was no end of additional story-lines to keep this reader interested – some not so uplifting, others quite comical. I found the storyline about Ava and her father VERY emotionally moving. It certainly added depth to this contemporary romance novel. Given the intensity I would rather you read it as opposed to me trying to quickly explain – you will understand once you have finished reading this book.

Another story-line had me totally giggling. As you learn, Ava’s goal is to become the chef at the manor. With Griffin back in town, she may never get the chance. You see, the manor is in imminent danger of being sold unless it can turn its fortunes around. One way to accomplish this is to win a cook-off against a rival manor. Unbeknownst to Ava, Monsieur Gaston St. John as just been offered the job as the manor’s new head chef. The sabotage that ensued (both towards and from Gaston by Ava and crew (which definitely includes ghosts) is hilarious. If you are not laughing at their antics….I don’t know what will make you laugh.

The story-line involving Griffin’s other ex-wife started out less than stellar for me but as time went by, I found I liked Lexi more and more. All I have to say on this front is…why don’t people communicate more? Of course, that is a given with any of the relationships in this book. So many misunderstandings could have been avoided by plan ole fashioned communication.

All in all, I found this story a very satisfying read. There was sufficient depth of the characters to pull me in and keep me fully invested in the outcomes for each and every one of them. I laughed, I cried, I swooned. Really, not much else I can say except that I cannot wait for the next book in the series, Primrose Lane.

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*

[Claire Mc Partlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

NARRATOR: Becket Royce.
​I've really loved all this series so far, and this one was just as enjoyable. There's just so much going on - intrigue, romance, family issues, a ghost and lots of hidden secrets in a 'missing' book.

I must admit though that at the beginning one of the main characters, Ava, was really irritating me. She had trained as a nurse so knew the signs but ignored the fact that her Father was bullying and abusing her, making excuses for him over years because he was in a wheelchair. But... once you get past the first few chapters it gets a lot better, back on track to the great series it is, so I was glad I persevered.

The other main character to this story is Gabriel Gallagher, Ava's ex-husband. The two main families are the Gallaghers - Irish, moneyed, owners of Greystoke Manor, and the DiRossis - Italian, more down to earth, although fairly volatile. The older members of both families haven't really seen eye to eye for years, but the younger ones are closer and have even married between the families.

Gabriel is an ex-SEAL and has recently retired, even though he's only in his late 30s. He is drawn back to Greystoke Manor to help with some renovations and visit family, even though he's not sure he wants to keep the Manor or sell it. The matriarch, Collette, who died in the first book and is a meddling ghost in the background of all books so far, left the Manor to her grandchildren, but they all have to decide to make a go of it, or sell it, it has to be unanimous.

And then there are all the secrets Collette wrote down in a missing book, that everyone is desperately searching for in fear that it will fall into the hands of someone who will tell all their secrets, one of which is Ava's secret.

To confuse things even more, Gabriel married a second time to Lexi after his divorce from Ava, but is now also divorced from her, even though they are still close friends. Because Lexi was desperate for a baby she had an agreement with Gabe that he would 'help' with her predicament when she got to a certain age, which he very kindly did! They didn't think the 'help' had worked, but all of a sudden Lexi turns up saying she's pregnant with his child. So of course he agrees to be around for the baby, even though they're not together any more, just friends. Lexi wants to move to Harmony Harbor to be around all Gabe's family, which he agrees to, living separately, but of course Ava lives there and Lexi and Ava don't get on. So there are lots of unresolved secrets and feelings floating around, causing lots of issues.

There's also the issue of sabotage going on while the family try and stage a Wedding Fayre to help bring the Manor back to the forefront of the community and bring it back into profit.

So as usual there's lots going on in the background to keep things interesting, which I really love in this series, it's certainly not boring!

[✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC received from publisher for an honest review

The Harmony Harbor series and this author are quickly becoming a bit of a must read for me.

Add in the beautiful second chance romance of Starlight Bridge and I was a goner.

We met Ava in the first book Mistletoe Cottage, but you don't really need to read it before Starlight Bridge (though why would you want to miss any of the goodness?)

Family tensions, business dramas, ghostly interventions - none of this can stop our Ava and Griffin from falling in love - again.

I love the banter and snark between the characters. Not going to lie though, for a while I didn't think there was a snowflakes chance of Ms Mason pulling it all together, everyone with their HEA. But she did it, and did it well.

I have quickly become enamoured with the ladies and gents of Harmony Harbor and can't wait to see what adventures Ms Mason takes us on next.

 

[WTF Are You Reading? · Rating 4 out of 5]

Debbie Mason's Starlight Bridge has all of the drama and conflict that fans of Women's Fiction crave. Along with a very healthy helping of charm and "happily ever after" styled romance.

Graystone Manor may be a hotel. But to the family that has called the both the manor house and the surrounding grounds home for generations; it is so much more. Now, that family legacy and all that it stands for hangs in the balance. With the death of family matriarch Colleen still fresh in the hearts and minds of all concerned, and the still missing status of her famed "journal of family secrets". Not to mention, money hungry developers with dollar signs in their eyes, and the manor in their sights. Things seem to be going from bad to worse...fast.

Or so one would think...

There is however, always hope...and Colleen. Because though she may be dead, she is far from gone. As such, she is doing all she can from the great beyond, to see things put to rights.

While all of this drama swirls around the two. Leading lady Ava Rossi, and her counterpart, Griffin Gallagher, have a long standing date with fate and each other. When his return to the manor house in order to conduct business, brings the now divorced pair face to face, and heart to heart.

Starlight Bridge offers readers the perfect escape full of charm, wit, heart, and drama. Much of the story focuses on Ava, her past, her relationship to Griffin, and her secrets. She is a likeable creature for the most part, though rather weak. But the antics of Colleen's ghost, in addition to other busy bodies hell bent on getting the two together; do a lot to spare readers the drudgery of her martyrdom.

This is a very well written book. Its only detraction and fatal flaw being that it suffers from a case of
" if you would just..." In this case, the if you would just being "if you would just tell the truth." The characters in this book spend so much time hiding from what they feel, know, and want that the title of this book should be Peekaboo.
If however, you are a reader who relishes long, drawn out, bouts of 'should I or shouldn't I'. This is the book for you.

Reviewer's Note: This book is the second in a closely related continual series. Though this book may be read as a standalone, important details are contained in book 1.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ava DiRossi is on a mission. If she doesn't find Colleen Gallagher's hidden diary, the diary that contains the secrets of Ava and other residents of Harmony Harbor, things are going to get ugly. Because there are things in that diary, things that are best kept covered up. And with the return of Ava's ex-husband, Griffin Gallagher, to Harmony Harbor, she's more determined than ever to find the diary and keep her secrets in the past.

STARLIGHT BRIDGE, the second book in the Harmony Harbor series by author Debbie Mason, is a lovely combination of second-chance love story with a twist of mystery and a wee bit of the paranormal. I love stories that revolve around small-town life, and Harmony Harbor is just that sort of place, a place where love, friendship, and community are the focal points, and everyone looks out for each other.

When Griffin returns to find that life for Ava is anything but easy, his unexpected feelings of protection point to deeper emotions that he thought he'd put to rest. Never fully understanding why she'd ended things the way she had, Griff is determined to start fresh with Ava. But that darned diary. Ava is certain that the secrets that it hides could rip them apart forever.

I am a sucker for an happy ending, and second-chance love is so much the sweeter sometimes. The obstacles that Griff and Ava have to overcome to get their HEA are heartbreaking, but seeing them get past those things made me a happy reader.

STARLIGHT BRIDGE is the sort of book that makes me remember why I return to romance again and again. It's got heart and friendship, and the focus isn't on fan-your-face steaminess. It's just a sweet read that shows how important it is to take a chance with your heart, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. An easy 4 stars, I highly recommend this book, and look forward to visiting Harmony Harbor again soon.

***ARC generously provided for an honest review.***

[Aleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on lampshadereader.com



I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy (Via Netgalley) of this book.



 
I was anxious to read Ava’s story in Starlight Bridge by Debbie Mason. Hers was a story that needed to be told. I wanted her to have a happily ever after and knew that she was getting in her own way to achieving it. Thanks to a friendly ghost who kind of acts like a fairy godmother now, happily ever afters are just what every character might get in this series.

Ava, has practically given up. I felt for this character. Of course curiosity about why she is the way she is also played a role into why I felt such sympathy over her. Someone does not go from normal, happy, and outgoing to withdrawn, sad, and almost reclusive for no reason.

‘She’d tried to disappear, to hide in plain sight. She hadn’t wanted to attract attention. She understood why she hadn’t then. But more than a decade passed, and still she wore ugly clothes that were two sizes too big. She didn’t care what she looked like.’

A character like this is bound to pull at any readers’ heart strings. She pulled mine. I desperately wanted to know what happened to her and when there was a little hint to what it was...I felt dread, anger, and sadness all at the same time. Wow, Debbie Mason, thanks for that whammy of a backstory.



So, of course, like our friendly ghost Colleen, I wanted Ava to be happy. Seriously, I would have done exactly what Colleen did to help bring Ava and Griffin back together again. He needed to know what happened so he wouldn’t be mad at her anymore. I’ve never felt such a pull into a story before.

But, melodrama aside, it’s not all seriousness. There are humorous moments that involve a cat who happens to be Colleen’s sidekick, and a scene with cookies (see my post on that here.) Of course, firemen and hoses, play a role too...

 

“I bet you have a very big hose,” an older woman said to Griffin with a lascivious wink.
“I’m with the Coast Guard, ma’am. My brother here is the firefighter. His hose isn’t that big though.”

 



Overall, if you like a story that tears your heart out and puts it back together again, then you will love this one.

 

A little note...

Can be read as a standalone...BUT if you want the true backstory (especially about Colleen’s state) read the series from Book 1. If not, you can still get the overall gist of it.
You get to read Ava, Griffin’s, and Colleen’s POV.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know that clean, or sweet, romances can be a hit or miss with some authors. Some can't quite build up the sexual chemistry to a level where it becomes believable that the characters are actually having sex behind that bedroom door. I've read books where the chemistry just wasn't there and when that door closed, I pictured them playing Monopoly instead of messing up the sheets. Debbie Mason is one of the few authors that I've read that always brings the chemistry and sexual tension without needing to be in the room. The chemistry between her couples is always sizzling. Once the spark ignites, it's amazing and such fun to watch.

I started pining for Ava and Griffin from the moment I met them in the first book from this series. Ava tugs at your heart. She's drastically changed since her divorce from Griffin. No longer the bright and bubbly person he once loved, Ava tends to fade away in the background. Once they reconnect, all of those feelings they thought were buried so deep come rushing back to the surface... His need to not only protect her, but also buy her shoes. It's a cute story, trust me. Ava starts to blossom back into her usual self and it doesn't take long for Griffin to notice. I adored them together, especially how open Ava was when it came to accepting Griffin's past. Honestly, I don't think I could open my arms as wide as she did, but that is what makes Ava such a strong woman. It takes a while for her to shed the shell surrounding her heart, but it is a wonderful transition once she does.

From start to finish, Starlight Bridge enchanted me. There's an element of magic in Debbie's romances that is on a whole different level. I love how everything fades away as I immerse myself into her creative worlds. It's a place where I'd love to live filled with characters that I would love to call friends. If you are ever in the mood for a sweet, behind closed doors romance, never pass up one of Debbie's books. Trust me, you won't regret it.

I received an advance copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Lucia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second chance romance with surprising emotional twists that make for a great and unexpected read

Starlight Bridge is a second chance romance with surprising emotional twists that completely catch you off-guard but make this such a great and unexpected read. Following on from the first book, this can be read as a standalone, however, there is an ongoing storyline in the background (with a mixed in spiritual element) that is easier to follow if you have read the first book, although each book focuses on a different couple so can be read as a standalone with HEA but won’t necessarily wrap up everything in the bigger picture. Starlight Bridge is a clean, heart warming romance that I thoroughly enjoyed and can’t wait to read more from the series.

Told mostly from Ava’s and Griffin’s points of view (a couple parts from other perspectives), Ava and Griffin have a painful past that still greatly impacts on both in different ways. However, when things culminate both are forced to face up to situations in their lives which result in the two growing closer again. However, things are never simple and Griffin’s ex throws in a new twist that has you wondering whether or not Ava and Griffin will ever have a chance at a second chance happily ever after. I will say I loved the element of Lexi, especially as her character unravels. For those who read book one, plenty of familiar faces pop back up to give readers the chance to catch up with them and their stories.

Overall, I really enjoyed this well written, sweet and witty, steadily paced romance and can’t wait to read more book in this great series!

*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book via NetGalley from the publisher. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

[Valorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ava is a shell of her former self. She is skin and bones, wearing drab clothes, smoking, and running herself ragged. The one thing that is absolutely the same, her love for her ex-husband Griffin. She just couldn't torment him any longer after what happened and she couldn't tell him what happened either. She also left nursing school and works as a maid at the manor and takes care of her father who is wheelchair bound after an accident and a nasty drunk.

Griffin, a recently retired Navy Seal, didn't even recognize Ava when he came home for his GG's funeral. Lexi, his second ex-wife didn't care much for Ava and asked her for towels even though they had plenty. After a bit of time at home though, Griffin realizes he never stopped loving Ava. He gets a call from Lexi telling him she needs to talk to him but will only do so in person. He needs to go back to Virginia to wrap things up any way. Finally, Lexi comes over and surprise she is pregnant. It was from a deal they had made when they divorced three years ago, that if she wasn't still single and not pregnant by 39, Griffin would be her sperm donor. It go weird quick and they ended it but a baby was made. Lexi has no family and suggest they all move to Harmony Harbor and for Griffin to be a part of his child's life. The only stipulation is he not have any contact with Ava.

Once back in Harmony Harbor, Griffin comes up with a plan to bring the two women together. Griffin soon realizes his plan worked really well when the two women become best friends with Ava forgetting she has plans with Griffin. It also turns out the two ladies end up sharing their deep dark secrets with one another leading them to be each others heroes.

[Kaitlin S. (stacked_shelf) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Starlight Bridge by Debbie Mason was an uplifting, tender second-chance romance that is packed full of deep, dark family secrets.

Ava DiRossi works at Graystone Manor, an old inn that has been in her ex-husband’s family for quite some time now. Once the matriarch of the family passes away, Graystone manor is struggling to stay open which brings her ex-husband, Griffin, back to town. For Ava, the timing of his return couldn’t be worse as she scavenges to find a book full of Harmony Habor’s secrets that the matriarch of the family hid in the inn before she passed. A book that holds Ava’s deepest darkest secrets, including why her marriage deteriorated all those years ago. She needs to find the book before her secret gets out, but she’s not the only one set on finding this book. Griffin has never truly gotten over his first wife and was blindsided by the divorce. He is still harboring pain and anger, but when he sees Ava again a rush of emotions come over him. The love is still there. The attraction is hotter than ever. He knows he shouldn’t have let her go that easily. This time he is ready to fight for her, but can they overcome the deep well of secrets that destroyed them in the past?

This book was wildly entertaining. It was packed full of family drama on all fronts, which kept me interested throughout the whole novel. The characters in the novel were quirky and endearing. I absolutely fell in love with Ava’s character. She’s strong yet gentle. The romance between Ava and Griffin was tender and heartwarming. Overall, Starlight Bridge was a quick read and a perfect escape to Harmony Harbor.

Thank you to Forever Publishing for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review. Review written by @stacked_shelf.

[Shelly Hammond · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Harmony Harbor series and it's so much fun! It's a very good idea to read the first in the series before this and to read all of them in order. It'll all make more sense and the characters will mean more if you do.
In this book the ghosts are stirring, well one anyway and her book of secrets is causing Ava DiRossi a world of worry. See, her one fear is that her ex-husband find out what made her life go all askew so many years ago. Of course, Griffin is in town so she is doing everything she can to get her hands on that book ASAP! She knows Griffin is still upset that she left him and non too pleased with her but he also has no clue that she still and has always loved him. Of course, once they see each other it's hard to deny that spark that's always been there but times are different. She's not the happy go lucky girl she once was and he has quite a few things he's failing to mention to her. However, he still wants to see if they can maybe make a go of it again and she may feel the same. As long as her secrets stay hidden, and, well his really can't...
I enjoyed this book. It was nice to get to see some of the characters from the first book and where they are now. It was also great to see how the dearly departed are spending their free time. If you liked the first book in the series, you'll likely enjoy this one as well. It's written in the same style and, since it takes place in the same and around the same location, it really feels like a story continuation rather than just a book two (if that makes sense? It works in my mind but not sure it's translating well in my words).
This is a terrific series so far and I recommend giving the first book a shot so that you can get to this one!