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?
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.
The Inn on Mirror Lake by Debbie Mason is the fourth book in the contemporary romance Highland Falls series. As with a lot of contemporary romance series the setting is the common theme in the Highland Falls series with the main characters changing in each book. With new characters each novel they all can be read as a standalone or in any order if choosing to do so.
The residents of Highland Falls are going all out trying to win the Most Romantic Small Town in America contest. Elliana MacLeod has agreed to pitch in and renovate her Grandpa Joe’s family Inn all the while trying to stop her mother from selling it out from under Grandpa Joe.
Nathan Black is a law enforcement officer who is briefly staying at the inn that Ellie has always had a crush on but freely admits he is not the relationship type. Nate has agreed to help out with the work at the inn while he is there and Ellie is doing her best to forget about any type of relationship with him but it’s certainly not easy with the attraction between them.
First, I must admit I have never read any of the other books in the Highland Falls series so when I say they read well as a standalone I know that first hand. I have however read Debbie Mason before so I wasn’t surprised to find myself falling easily into The Inn on Mirror Lake and loving the characters and setting. There was a lot going on in the story which only made the pages turn faster and after finishing this fourth book in the series I’d love to go back to the others or read any more coming to the series.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
~~~ I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~~~
Another great addition to Debbie Mason's Highland Falls series. I've read all of the books so far and adore each one. The Inn on Mirror Lake follows the story of Ellie who is trying to protect herself and her grandfather from her mother's devious plans... of course, with a little help from Nate, an old "almost flame." The plot of this book is interesting and unique with twists, lies, and scandal. I really like the characters Mason has created for this series - and their quirky attributes. Good read here, I can't wait for the next book to be released!
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.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy of The Inn On Mirror Lake in exchange for an honest review!
Although The Inn On Mirror Lake is the fourth book in the Highland Falls series, it is the first book that I've read from Debbie Mason.
The meddlesome- but lovable side characters, charming small town, and tension in spades gave me the instant mood boost needed to get through a particularly challenging week.
Grandpa Joe reminds me of my own grandfather before he passed. Well meaning, but always up to some mischief or other.
I can't wait to go back and read Abby and Hunter's story!
This one was so fun! There is something so charming about this Highland Falls series! Though there is drama, suspense, and matchmaking by meddling elders, there is also a beautiful depth to the story. We are dealing with traumas, and many difficult subjects. CW: death of a loved one, death of a parent, domestic abuse, grief, difficult family dynamics (cheating parents and such things) Mason handles these subjects with great care, and I handled things well. Small Town romances have their own kind of charm, and Mason knows how to give it all to us. I'm hopeful of the next book in the series!!! (I'm hoping it's Bri and Cal!)
What a picturesque location! This is the first book of this series that I have read, but I was quickly drawn in. First, I loved the cover; it’s so inviting. I like the town and it’s people. Ellie’s family has some hostility and the reasons for it are explored. Grandpa Joe was a card who I enjoyed. My favorite character was Nate Black. I was all in when he arrived on his Harley and had a gravelly voice. I’d push aside Ellie to have a chance at the agent. I highly recommend this book. Thanks to Forever and NetGalley for the early copy.
I have been hooked on the Highland Falls series since the first book and this latest edition is no different. Mason delivers another sweet, feel good romance with a touch of adventure. I just love the small town vibe and sense of community and how everyone rallies around each other. And also can someone please create a B &B with literary romance themed rooms and then invite me because that would be fantastic. I loved watching Ellie and Nate's relationship continue to grow from the last book and re-emergence of all of our favorite couples from the past books. Though this ( and all the previous books ) can function as a stand alone. Meddlesome as they may be, I would love a granny Agnes, grandpa Joe and a Judge in my life. A perfect light hearted read before I dive into some thrillers
And a huge thank you to @readforeverpub for my gifted copy in return for an honest review
The Inn on Mirror Lake is the fourth book in Debbie Mason’s Highland Falls series. The attraction between Nate Black and Ellie MacLeod, the mischievous senior citizen matchmakers, the family drama and the gorgeous setting drew me into this novel immediately. Ellie is pulling out all the stops to save the family inn while caring for her Grandfather Joe. She also needs to keep the peace between Grandpa Joe and her mom as Ellie’s mom is pushing to have the Inn sold to a developer. Loved how Ellie’s friends supported her—they organized weekend tea parties to promote the inn, updated the website and are helping to renovate the inn. The matchmaking senior citizens added so much to my enjoyment of the book! Loved Grandpa Joe and the judge! Ellie tried her best to make them healthy meals but, Grandpa Joe and the Judge were interested in their weekly poker games, cigars and matchmaking! Nate is a complex, dynamic character whom I adored. At first glance, Nate appears to be a little rough around the edges, as he’s an undercover agent who drives a motorcycle and has sworn off relationships. Loved the banter between Nate and Ellie—I could see the sparks flying during their conversations and could sense that Nate was starting to acknowledge his feelings towards Ellie. The relationship between Nate and his sisters and nieces brought out the loving, caring side of his personality. Highland Falls is the perfect small town—it’s filled with quirky characters, family drama and its lakeside setting is gorgeous! I have always enjoyed the characters in Debbie Mason’s novels. Nate and Ellie’s romance has ALL the feels and their journey will tug at your heartstrings.
This book is so good! Every time I picked up "The Inn on Mirror Lake", I went on such an emotional journey with this story that is full of romance, heartfelt moments, mystery, conflict, and so much more.
Firstly, this cover is absolutely stunning! And the puppy is so cute and beautiful! Oh my goodness!
This is the fourth book in Debbie Mason's "Highland Falls" series, but the first I have read. I so look forward to going back and reading the first three novels. Ms. Mason's writing style is visceral, full of heart, and she truly knows how to make a story jump right off of the page before the reader's eyes. Each character in this book feels like a real person, and I found myself reading chapter after chapter to see what was going to happen next.
(Possible Spoilers!) Ellie and Nate make such an amazing couple. Though the two are very different in a lot of ways, they truly bring out the best in one another, understand each other. Both are so caring and loving, and I hope we see them again in future books!
If you enjoy contemporary romance, I highly recommend this book! I found it so difficult to put down, and I look forward to reading what Ms. Mason writes next.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Ellie is doing her best to keep her grandfather's Inn open and running. It doesn't help that watching over her grandpa is a job all in itself. Her mom wants to sell the place and Ellie wants to make sure that never happens. Highland Falls is in the running for becoming the Most Romantic Small Town in America and Ellie hopes to help the town win this award making it a desirable location to tourists which would bring in money. When guest Nathan Black offers to help do some work on the Inn to get ready for the contest she wants to say no but can't, she needs all the help she can get. While working with the man Ellie can't help but start to fall for him, but Nathan has made it clear that he wants nothing more than friendship. She doesn't know if there is anything she can do to get Nathan to see that they belong together. Follow along in this romantic read and see if Ellie can save the Inn, make her mother see the light, and get Nathan to open his heart.
Ellie is doing her best to keep her grandfather's Inn open and running. It doesn't help that watching over her grandpa is a job all in itself. Her mom wants to sell the place and Ellie wants to make sure that never happens. Highland Falls is in the running for becoming the Most Romantic Small Town in America and Ellie hopes to help the town win this award making it a desirable location to tourists which would bring in money. When guest Nathan Black offers to help do some work on the Inn to get ready for the contest she wants to say no but can't, she needs all the help she can get. While working with the man Ellie can't help but start to fall for him, but Nathan has made it clear that he wants nothing more than friendship. She doesn't know if there is anything she can do to get Nathan to see that they belong together. Follow along in this romantic read and see if Ellie can save the Inn, make her mother see the light, and get Nathan to open his heart.
The Inn on Mirror Lake is book #4 in the Highland Falls series. I have not read the previous books in the series and had no issue reading this as a standalone. I would like to go back and read the previous books. A cute story about Ellie who is trying to save her Grandpa’s Inn. While trying to do this, her friends are pushing her toward a relationship with Nate. To top it all off, Ellie knows a secret about her sister that could cause all kinds of trouble for her family, especially Ellie’s mother. Most of the characters are heartwarming as well quirky….they will have you smiling and laughing. There is so much going on within the story. You have major family drama, sparks of romance and even some mystery/danger thrown in. Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
I was selected to receive the ARC of The Inn on Mirror Lake by Debbie Mason. This is the fourth book of the Highland Falls series. Elliana helps run the local bed and breakfast with her grandfather. Nate is attracted to Elliana but knows he is not a long term boyfriend. Nate tried going away, but he ended up bringing his nephew to the Inn. Elliana and Nate spend a lot of time together. We hear from Elliana's mother and sister. Nate gets called to work. He is a detective. The story follows a man who is trying to buy the inn, tear it down and build condos. Thievery and trickery are discovered by Nate. All is worked out at the Happy ever after celebration. Truly an amazing story!!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Such a great book!! One of the things I love most about Ms. Mason's series books is revisiting the couples from previous books. You know that you are going to get a good story with a happy ending, and seeing previous couples adds depth to the story. Although you can read this as a stand alone, reading them in series order is what I would recommend. Either way, do yourself a favor and read these books!!
Of course I enjoyed the small town, inn on a lake, and crazy cast of characters in this one. I’m not sure I was 100% sold on the psychic story line? And while this did end up working as a stand alone, I felt very lost at the beginning not knowing who anyone was when there was a ton of characters introduced.
This is my favorite book of this series so far, and possibly my favorite of any of Debbie Mason’s books! There is mystery, suspense, serious (and not implausible) family drama, a very likable female protagonist, and an extremely sexy leading man!! I couldn’t put this one down!
I enjoyed The Inn on Mirror Lake so much. Ellie and Nate are quickly thrown into a pretend relationship when he poses as her boyfriend to intimidate her meddling family from trying to put her grandfather into a home and sell the inn that’s been in Ellie’s family for generations. I really connected with the characters. Grandpa Joe stole my heart form the beginning of the book and I was immediately rooting for he and Ellie to save the inn. Nate offers to help fix the place up--he's not a relationship guy, but he''s quite taken with Ellie. They complement each other so well and make a great couple. I definitely want to go back and read more of the Highland Falls series now that I know this is the 4th book in the series. The Inn on Mirror Lake has it all—mystery, romance, family secrets, and a gorgeous cover too. It was such a sweet escape!
Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed Nate & Ellie's story. It was wonderful to return to Highland Falls & reconnect w/characters that we met in previous books, as well as meet new characters. This story had not only romance, but also suspense! Debbie Mason creates such believable plots, that I got sucked right in and couldn't put the book down until I read to the end! Secrets were revealed that may change the whole dynamic of a family. Happy ending? Read "The Inn on Mirror Lake" and find out!!
The Inn on Mirror Lake was an enchanting read and I can’t wait to get to more of the series.
Nate, a tough-as-nails guy has met his Kryptonite in Ellie, and it’s so much fun to ‘see’ them both try to deny themselves, when we know all along they’ll end up together.
I liked that Ellie has her Granny’s gift (or curse) and that it’s not used in a magical/mystical way, but in a practical, reluctant way.
Like in the one other Highland Falls book I’ve read, I also like the mix of excitement, romance and humor as well as meeting some of the return characters.
I will definitely be reading more books from this author and I’ve already made more room for ‘M’ on my bookshelves.
Elliana Black has moved back to the Inn on Mirror Lake to help care for her Grandfather after he had some health issues. She has found that her mother wants to move her father into a nursing home and sell the inn. However, Elliana is not willing to give up; She has decided to make upgrades to the Inn for a number of reasons and her friends are helping. But a specific friend, Nathan Black has also agreed to help. Nathan the man who makes her heart beat a bit faster has agreed to help despite the struggles he is dealing with.
This novel is beyond brilliant. I couldn't put it down and more than that didn't want to! It was action packed and the romance was perfect. The storyline was fun and interesting. On top of that there was an element of "fantasy" that made the novel elevated. This was a romance novel where I was not able to guess the entire ending which made me happy! This has been the BEST summer read thus far!
This is the 4th book in the Highland Falls series and while this can be read as a stand-alone, I adore this series and recommend you start at the beginning. All the books have dogs and they definitely add to my enjoyment.
Ellie and Nate's story also includes a surly teenager, some psychic powers, a federal agent, some unsupportive family members (to put it mildly), an ex-fiancée, wonderful/quirky grandparents, interfering friends, and a town with a character all of its own. There's a slow burn romance along with a couple of light mystery storylines. I love the dialogue, the community connections, the friendships, the mystery, and the romance! It might be a little over the top, and I was totally fine with that- it was a wonderful escapist story that kept me reading.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved being back in Highland Falls! This is Ellie and Nate's book. Who got a glimpse of at the end of Sadie and Chase's book. So I was pleasantly surprised to see that he'd stuck around. We have familiar faces that bring the funny and we also get a bit of mystery.
So Ellie is working to get her grandfather's inn back into shape. The problem? Her mother is ready to put Grandpa Joe in a home and sell the inn. But Ellie is also trying to help Highland Falls win the Most Romantic Small Town in America contest.
Nate offers to help fix up the inn. And she takes him up on his offer.
He knows he's not cut out for something long-term but the more time he spends with Ellie the more he wants. But will he realize what he wants before it's too late?
Thanks so much to Forever for a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
A wonderful story! This fourth book in the series serves well as a standalone. There's some complicated stuff going on in this small town romance. There are secrets, deceit, pretend relationships and even crime and undercover operations.
The best part though, is the relationship between Nate and Allie. Nate really tries not to feel more for Ellie than the friendship they agreed on. There's something else that he thinks needs to come first in his life and he doesn't do relationships. Allie's life is complicated by her family...and her special gift. She may be psychic, but what she really needs is to be able to read his heart!
Loved the story of Ellie and Nate. Ellie came to Mirror Lake to help her grandfather and spruce up the Inn so her mother wouldn't sell. Her mother has been calling her and is coming for a visit. There is a reason she wants to sell it to a developer is because she is being blackmailed See what is behind this and how Ellie is trying to help the town win the title of the most romantic small town in America contest.
I have read every book Debbie Mason has written, and each one keeps getting better and better!
Highland Falls is a wonderful small town atmosphere for a setting, and the characters, with their tangled life webs, create such vivid scenes to the reader. I can’t help wanting to read more about this town and these wonderful characters.
Ellie and Nate’s story was so fun to read and I can’t wait to read more about this beautiful family, the MacLeods.
What a wonderful read! I have loved all of Debbie Mason's books, but this may now be my favorite. The story was engaging from the first page, I couldn't put it down. The characters are great, love the story of Ellie and Nate. Story had love, mystery, action, and family. It is the fourth book in the series, but would be enjoyable as a standalone. I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
AW MAN! This was such a good book!! There is a suspenseful edge to this book that really breaks up the motonomy of romance books. Debbie did such a great job of sucking readers in. I found that I could not put this book down. I just kept turning the pages until all hours of the night wanting, needing to know what was going to happen next.
Fun read with characters I enjoyed and a plot deep enough to keep me reading without too many side plots to get lost in. Loved the setting and the scenery, a perfectly refreshing book to escape into.
This was the first book I read by Debbie Mason. I really enjoyed it and it kept my interest. The ending was pretty predictable but other than that it's a good book! I'm going to be reading more of hers!
I really enjoyed Nate and Ellie's story, I thought they were perfect for one another. Nate seems like the quite, gruff type of guy and Ellie was just what he needed to open him up a little. I love this series!!!