Reunited on Sugar Maple Road

Highland Falls #6

by Debbie Mason

Fake dating isn’t supposed to lead to real feelings....

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

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

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Family

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 5, 2023

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

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review coming soon.

[Shae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm sad to see this series finished. This particular installment was unique in the series, with some paranormal elements as well as dealing with grief and loss. I adore this brother's best friend romance a lot, and it is perfect for the fall season! I'm excited to see what Mason brings is next!

[Jaime Fiction Fangirls · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the final book in the Highland Falls series and I'm sad to see it end.

Emma has moved back home to be near her brother and his wife after losing her fiance and having a miscarriage. In order to deal (or not deal) with the pain from her loss, she throws herself into her work as a police officer. Josh has finally moved on from his wife leaving him for her ex and has thrown himself back into the dating pool and is shocked to learn that he's earned himself "heartbreaker" status because he never makes it past a few dates before moving on. After Emma rescues a family from a drowning, nearly drowning in the process, she is visited by her fiance's ghost telling her that he needs her to move on so that he can cross over to be with their baby who also passed. Feeling pressure from her fiance's ghost and her family to get a life outside of work, Emma takes Josh up on his proposal to fake date to revamp his reputation and to prevent the townspeople from setting them both up on dates with other people. Josh and Emma have both crushed on each other in the past but neither of them are aware and they didn't act on it because of her older brother Cal, who happens to be Josh's best friend. It seems that everybody but Cal is plotting to get them together though and it isn't long before they can't hide their feelings anymore. But can Josh play second fiddle to Emma's dead fiance (and his ghost) and can Emma trust that Josh would choose her over her brother's feelings?

Beyond the romance aspect of this story is the element of the haunted, abandoned house and mystery of the sisters who are rumored to haunt it. Emma and Josh take it upon themselves to keep watch over the house as the local teens make plans to explore the house. From nosey teenagers to greedy property investors and the family who has inherited the abandoned house, the paranormal aspect of the story lent that perfect added side plot that made the story perfect for a fall read.

I love Debbie Mason's storytelling and really don't mind that she closes the door on sexual situations. She does a great job of creating tension and a slow burn and remains one of my favorite authors who I read on the regular.

*I received an early copy from NetGalley for voluntary review

[Linda Smatzny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read with engaging characters set around a woman who can't seem to stop grieving her fiance.

[Monica Gearhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this series. I hope she writes more so we can get updates on everyone. Maybe do a Quinn and Raine story.

[Lyndsey Bookish Nature · Rating 3 out of 5]

~~~ I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~~~

This is the newest book and #6 in Debbie Mason's Highland Falls series. Overall I have really enjoyed this series (I've read all the books), however, Reunited on Sugar Maple Road is not my favorite. This book follows the story of Emma and Josh. Emma is still grieving the loss of her fiancé, Brad. This book takes place around Halloween, which makes it a perfect fall/autumn read. Highland Fall is full of ghosts, spirits, and witches that are stirring things up around the town. I personally am not into paranormal things, so this really wasn't my cup of tea, however, many probably would really enjoy this aspect of the book. The overall themes of this book is healing, grieving, believing, and love/romance. I am hoping there are more Highland Falls books and that I enjoy the storyline better.

[Kaye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Highland Falls is a small town where every knows your business. Emma Scott is a police officer still morning the death of her fiancé and fellow officer over a year ago. She turns into a workaholic. She has a near death experience while rescuing a family whose car runs into a river Josh Callahan is a high school football coach and volunteer firefighter. He helps resuscitate Emma. They’ve know each other forever and he is best friends with her older brother Cal. Cal and wife Bri (Emma’s best friend) were the love interest in the previous book in the series.

The blurb focuses on the idea that the two start fake dating to stop the town from setting her up with people and to improve his image as a serial dater. But I thought that was silly as they actually reveal it’s fake to lots of people. I did like them spending time together. And I liked Gus the dog.

This book is coming out for fall before Halloween and has supernatural elements. There is a murder and witch mystery around a haunted house and other paranormal activities. This is all clean and the favorite movie references is to Hocus Pocus. This finishes the Highland Falls series. I only gave one star to the previous book so I’m glad I enjoyed this one more. But brother Cal is over the top in his reactions to his sister dating. The covers continue to draw me to the authors books.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review. (3.5 Stars)

[Jodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final book in the Highland Falls series by one of my favorite authors Debbie Mason. Although I enjoyed every book prior to this in the series, this story by far is my favorite. The story to me was people trying to move forward in life after a huge loss and discovering how to do that.

Emma Scott is a Highland falls police officer who lost her husband in a tragic accident and losing the baby she was pregnant with at the time of his death. During a rescue that Emma was trying to save people in a crash, she has a near death experience that changes the way she was dealing with her loss.

Josh Callahan is a head coach and is her brother's best friend. He has always been around as since Emma and her brother were young kids . Josh has always viewed Emma as "off limits" since he cherished the friendship they all shared. Since he was trying to help Emma move on from her loss and his breakup from awhile ago, he comes up with an idea to "fake date" to throw family and friends off their backs so they can both try to start real dating. What could go wrong?

Debbie Mason writes such heartwarming stories that carry you away, but this story with the ghostly element ,fun banter between Emma and Josh, and a visit with some Highland Falls characters makes this a winner! I will be sorry to see this series end, but I loved how it ended. Highly recommend this series and Thanks to NetGalley and Forever for the arc.
#NetGalley
#ReunitedOnSugarMapleRoad
#Forever

[Denise Schenk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma Scott moved back home after her fiancé was murdered and she lost their baby. She is working for the police department in town and seems to just work all the time.
Josh is her brothers BFF and they grew up together; he is the high school football coach. Josh is known for being a serial dater since his divorce.
One night on her way home she witnessed a car going off the road into the river. She jumps in to save the family of three; Josh is a volunteer firefighter and arrives on the scene and dives to save Emma. Emma had a crush on Josh as a teenager; but now she just manages to put one foot in front of the other each day.
Emma and Josh decide to fake date to get everyone to back off on their lives.
Great story line with Emma trying to save a 100-year-old murder and teens trying to sneak into a haunted house.

[Taryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since the death of her fiance over a year ago Emma Scott has just been existing. Her family is truly worried for and wants to find a way that they can help her. Her brothers best friend Josh hates seeing her hurt and tries to step in, hoping to bring her back to the world of the living. Neither wants a relationship but both want everyone to know that they are okay. The two decide to fake date in hopes of getting everyone to leave them alone. Spending so much time with one another brings forth real feelings though. Will the two remain just friends or will their true feelings come forth. Follow along to find out what the future holds for these two.

[Marie Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book…but knowing it’s the last of the series,it’s like saying goodbye to good friends! Emma lost her fiancé on the day they were to wed & then shortly afterwards lost the baby she was carrying. Josh,her brothers best friend & her crush when she was a teen,has been grieving a divorce. He’s known as a 2 date serial player & she’s over people trying to set her up…they come up with the brilliant idea to “fake date” each other & then they seriously fall for each other. If you’re a fan of paranormal activity & happily ever afters then this is the book for you. It releases on 9-5-‘23 I received this ARC for my honest review

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story!
It had me feeling all the feels and more.
Loved the paranormal aspect.
The authors writing flows effortlessly and keeps you engaged throughout the book.
Just a fun, cozy story that makes for perfect reading.
Highly recommended book!
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
@shortbookthyme

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time I read a book by Debbie Mason. I really connected with the characters and I started reading the book around Halloween and read through Thanksgiving. It helped me to enjoy the autumn season. I highly recommend.

[Shelby Sutter · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a cute little story

[Tammy Webb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t really like the personality of the main character and I could have done without the spiritual aspects, but I enjoyed parts of it enough to finish it.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute book that I thought for sure would be like a hallmark fall movie. However the author through in a mystery with a Haunted House and deceased beings. While it was a cute story it felt choppy and didn’t flow. There were a few times that I thought, is this book over yet? But with a happy ending and the Haunted house issue solved it was an ok story.

[Jennifer Kayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sorry to see the end of this series. All of Debbie's series are good and look forward to more of her books.

[Susan Purnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed! Certainly kept my interest!

[Laura A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Emma is happy with her quiet life. Her friends think otherwise. She has known Josh for many years. When they start going out, their chemistry was through the roof. I enjoyed this book and can't wait to read her next one.

[Kaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
SPICE: 🔥🔥



Well, well, well..this read was certainly an unexpected surprise.

Emma Scott just wanted people off her back. The workaholic cop from Highland Falls has built an emotional wall around herself after her fiancé and work partner died over a year ago. Throwing herself at her work has her family and friends on level-10 concern about her when she just wanted to be left alone.

Enter the solution to her well-meaning problem: Josh Callahan. Her older brother's best friend is not looking for any commitment either after being burned by marriage before. Trying to fix his reputation as Highland Fall's resident lothario, he offers his services as a fake boyfriend to Emma to get everyone off their backs. It shouldn't be a hard sell; after all, as a volunteer in the town's fire rescue and the high school football coach, it would not be a stretch to fall for the likes of him.

As with every well-intentioned fake relationship, the lines start to blur, but can Josh convince Emma that he is worth the HEA?

This book delivered the sweet romance it promised and offered a healthy side dish of suspense and mystery that I was not prepared for. Did I mention that there is also some paranormal stuff involved? I mean, it was definitely a pleasant surprise on top of the wonderful chemistry between our main characters. I love the progression of their relationship from somewhat friends to lovers, and that plotline was nicely balanced with the action, suspense, and mystery.

This is apparently the last in a series, but as a newbie, I was fine with the read as a standalone. There are characters that I suspect are from previous books in the series, but I got enough context to follow along.

** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Debbie Mason, Forever Publishing, and NetGalley for providing an ARC. **

[OpenBookSociety.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://openbooksociety.com/article/r...

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra

Debbie Mason has done it again with the final installment of the Highland Falls series, Reunited on Sugar Maple Road. An engaging contemporary romance which kept my interest from the first page. Well, if truth be told, I was hooked just from the summary of the book.

This story involves Emma Scott, a local police officer in Highland Falls. Emma is still recovering from the death of her fiancé, whom died a little over a year ago. What is frustrating to Emma is that her friends and family think she should be “getting on” with her life. Well, they should walk in her shoes! There is no timeline in processing a grief as great as losing a loved one. However, Emma is starting to feel like she wants to figure out how to move forward. And then we have the ever fun loving and hunky Josh Callahan. Josh is the high school football coach and is known around town as the “heartbreaker of Highland Falls”. He seems to break off any relationship after just two dates (is that really then considered a “relationship”). As the reader learns, Emma is actually the ‘annoying’ little sister of Josh’s best friend Cal. The arrangement Emma and Josh cook up is to fake date so that Emma can have some much needed practice, as well as satisfy her family and friends need for her to move on. This arrangement also lends itself to a plan for Josh to recoup some of his credibility as a nice guy and not just a serial dater.

There are a number of other plot lines to keep a reader intrigued, like haunted houses (and the ghosts within), crooked politicians (oh my!), rambunctious teenagers (as if there are any other kind at Halloween) and finally – visits from Emma’s deceased fiancé urging her to move on so that he and their deceased baby can too. With a storyline around Halloween, you really get a supernatural vibe and even the teenagers refer to Seaton House as haunted and thus a place of interest around this time of year.

I enjoyed the depth and breadth of the characters, especially Emma and Josh. The storyline was one that widowed readers can relate to. Additionally, anyone who has lost a child will also be haunted by the presence of the many ghosts/aberrations that appear. But lest we forget – there are certainly laugh out loud moments! Watching the two main characters navigate their way through speed dating had my chuckling out loud.

The ancillary story lines were also filled with mystery, intrigue, romance and just good ole sleuthing as to who was murdered and by whom. I also enjoyed how Emma also assisted Josh with the football team – it just seemed so natural and frankly, something that would happen in a small town. This story also pulled at the heartstrings as well as the funny bone. A well rounded read.

As always with this series – I love the book’s cover art. Draws me in every time!

If you have read any of my previous reviews – I like to leave the majority of the very scintillating details out so that you can discover them. This story had many intriguing tangents, which I hope you will get to discover yourself. If you are into romance with a bit of intrigue and murder thrown in, then I would highly recommend Reunited on Sugar Maple Road in particular and the Highland Falls series and Debbie Mason in general.

[Donna Repsher · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reunited on Sugar Maple Road is the sixth novel is Debbie Mason's Highland Falls series, and it's also the first book I've read in the series as well as the first book I've read by this author, and it was just a so-so read for this reviewer. Having not read the first 5 books in the series created quite a bit of character confusion, and considering the 150 to 200 or so unnecessary filler pages in this novel, I can only give it, at best, a 2-star rating.

Emma Scott, a police officer in this small town, is the heroine. She lost her fiancé 17 months earlier, and her unborn child a week after that. She's been unable to get past her grief at the loss--she only has her dog, Gus, for company, and she's just going through the motions at her job. On her way home from work one night, Emma spots a car veering off the road and into the river, and she jumps into the cold river to rescue the family trapped inside--and after she nearly drowns, she has a near death experience, seeing and talking to her dead fiancé, Brad. So far, so good--I don't mind a bit of the paranormal in my romances, and who should come to rescue her from the icy waters? It's Josh Callahan, her brother's best friend, who works for the local fire department. He's a serial dater with a 2-date per woman limit, and this novel suddenly becomes a friends-to-lovers romance, as eventually these two characters pretend to fake-date, so that all th eother people in Emma's life who keep telling her it's time to stop grieving and move on, including the ghost of her dead fiancé, Brad, who makes numerous appearances, will stop bugging her.

What I felt bogged this story down unmercifully was the 100-year-old murder mystery, the author of a book about the haunted house and her husband who have just moved to town, the strange occurences at the haunted house, all the Halloween-themed events and home decorating in town, a whodunit with someone attempting to stop the renovation of the haunted house, Emma's involvement with the members of the school football team that Josh coaches, a seance, small town politics, etc, etc., etc. In this reader's opinion, I think this would have been a far better read without all the seemingly endless and unnecessary subplots that seemed to take forever to wade through. Additionally, there are numerous references to a Halloween movie entitled Hocus Pocus, which I've not seen and don't care to see. What I did want to see was the growing relationship between Emma and Josh, which is all but lost amid the many other subplots.

The timing of the release of this novel prior to Halloween, is good, as is the HEA ending of this novel, but getting to there was rather tedious, and although this would probably work as a Hallmark movie, it just wasn't my cup of tea.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this. The opinions stated are my own.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma and Josh’s love story in Reunited on Sugar Maple Road by Debbie Mason, book six, and the last story, in the Highland Falls series, is a sweet, heartwarming, emotional tale of love, loss, and learning to move on. Josh Callahan and Emma Scott have both suffered the loss of their love ones, though in completely different ways. Josh's wife left him suddenly and they are now divorced, whereas Emma's fiancé was shot in front of her. Both have gone through the grieving process: denial, anger, hopelessness, and sadness. Josh moved on by returning to the dating and socializing scene, so much that he is known for being a serial dater. Emma, on the other hand, is stuck in the sadness stage. Other than her job as a police officer where she has become a workaholic, she avoids interacting with others, as much as possible. Her family and friends are worried about her; urging her to get back into the social scene, or volunteering in the community, rather than constantly working or locking herself away at home. Aft Emma has a near-death experience while rescuing a family whose car runs into a river along with a spiritual visitor urging her to return to the world of the living. Josh is the one to resuscitate her and stay with her after being released from the hospital. With everyone meddling, Emma and Josh decide to fake date in order get everyone to back off on their lives. Along the way, there’s the release of a book about the history of an abandoned and haunted house, teens fascinated with sneaking into said house, and Emma trying to solve the 100-year-old murder mystery surrounding the house. Even Gus, Emma’s dog, gets involved with the case. Both are determined to resist the attraction they feel and those deeper feelings lurking in their hearts as they try to solve the happenings around them, real and paranormal. Emma and Josh will need to let go of the past and drop the guards around their hearts before they are able to let love in, once again.

Ms. Mason wrote an enjoyable, emotional, and heartwarming story that should not be missed. She provided a tale in which the whole town gets involved with Emma and Josh’s dating life as ghosts, witches and kids get in on the action. Rich with sizzling chemistry, family dynamics, clever banter, supportive friends, and paranormal characters help Emma and Josh find love, happiness, and a future together. I highly recommend Reunited on Sugar Maple Road to other readers; the perfect read for the upcoming Halloween season.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Ann Lorz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reunited on Sugar Maple Road is Mason at her finest. When she is writing about ghost her stories adds another layer. I loved reading Reunited on Sugar Maple Road, but I was also sad at the same time. I hate leaving the people of Highland Falls. I've grown to really enjoy them.

Both Emma and Josh are in prior books, so you know who they are and know a bit about them from the prior book. You really learn about them in this book. I really love Josh. He's fun loving and open and honest. Sadly, because he wants to play around and not settle down it seems like he's a player and not a good person. Instead, he just didn't want to go back to a time where he felt broken hearted and alone.

As you get to know Josh you see the real guy, the one that's good and caring and loves hard. I also loved the relationship he has with the boys he coaches. He really cares about them and takes his job seriously. He's the type of person that you can't help what to know.

Now Emma is the total opposite of Josh. She's angry all the time and sad. You do understand it. She's very sad about losing the person she loved. As cold and uncaring as she comes off you see beneath all that to the good caring person she is.

Together these two are perfect. They balance each other out and bring out the best in each other. As the book progresses you see more and more of how these two works together. You also see how much they care and love each other.

I really enjoyed this story and as much as I am sad to see them go, I am looking forward to seeing what's next.

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ARC received for an honest review

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet and rather poignant story of love, loss and learning to move on. Both Josh and Emma (Em) have both suffered the loss of their chosen one, though in different ways. Josh's wife left him suddenly and they are now divorced, whereas Em's fiance was shot in front of her. Both have gone through the grieving process…...the denial, anger and abject sadness. Josh has made the effort to move on by returning whole heartedly to the dating and socializing scene, so much much so that he is now labeled as a player. Em, however is stuck in the sadness stage and other than her job as a police officer, she tends to shut herself away from others. So much so, her family and friends are worried about and keep urging her to get back into the social scene, even volunteering in the community rather than working constantly or locking herself up at home. It takes a near-death experience and a spiritual visitor to nudge her back into the world of the living.

Once upon a time, Em used to fantasize about dating Josh, her brother’s best friend, but Josh never showed any interest in her and always treated her as a kid sister. She has no idea that Josh had similar feelings for her, but didn’t want to lose her brother as a best friend. Getting back to dating is torturous for Em, especially with everyone watching, critiquing and far too interested in what’s going on and how she feels about it. Then everyone seems to be nudging Em and Josh together…. his parents, their friends and her dead fiancé. Both are determined to resist the attraction they feel and those deeper feelings lurking in their hearts. Can they each let go of the past and drop the guards around their hearts to let love in again?

I loved these characters and their story both pulled at my heartstrings and entertained. The addition of a murder mystery and a haunted house to the storyline made this book even more intriguing and enjoyable. I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[Jessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Release Date: September 5, 2023

📖📖📖📖

Highland Falls police officer Emma Scott is a workaholic who doesn’t do small talk, hugs, or anything else touchy-feely. Ever since her fiancé’s death over a year ago, Emma’s been sleepwalking through life, and her family is growing increasingly worried about her. Enter Josh Callahan, her brother’s best friend. Josh is obnoxiously good-looking and, even more annoyingly, in a perpetually cheerful mood. Though he may drive her crazy, his suggestion to fake date him is brilliant because there are no feelings involved. At least, not at first. Josh Callahan is a fun-loving guy who is all about friends, family, and community. After his wife left him, he committed to staying uncommitted, except now he’s earned the nickname “Heartbreaker of Highland Falls.” Spending time with Emma will improve his rep while she can remember what it means to get out and enjoy life again. And his plan works…until Josh realizes that the feelings he has for Emma are all too real. But is Emma ready to share her heart again?

This is a delightful #hallmarkchannel romance. It has some fun twists and turns in the plot regarding an abandon house that keep you interested and wondering. The romance was very sweet and the characters are both enjoyable and people you wish you knew in real life! I would definitely recommend this book!

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

#reunitedatsugarmapleroad #debbiemason #hallmarkchannelromance
#foreverpublishing #grandcentralpublishing #netgalleyreads #romance #bookreview #bookstagram #booklover #bookstagram #bookworm #booknerd #booktok #bookrecommendations #bibliophile #booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookblogger #igreads #goodreads #bookclub #bookreviews #bookblog

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma Scott has returned to Highland Falls after a double tragedy that has left her not wanting any long-term relationships and becoming a workaholic in her job on the local police force. Well-meaning friends have been trying to get her interested in a social life, but Emma is not having it. Long time family friend Josh Callahan steps up to the plate to help her out in a fake relationship. Emma once had a big crush on Josh and that chemistry is still there. Although it drives Emma crazy that he is always ‘Mr. Cheerful’ and helping the town being a big hero. Emma just wants to do her job and sit home with the dog and a bowl of ice cream. But does she really want to do it alone? Emma is still grieving, and Josh is the town heartbreaker. They both have a lot of baggage from their past to get to the present and see a future together.

These two are fighting the inevitable and while working on finding out why a local house is haunted and who was murdered in the house many years ago, those long-ago feelings they both have returned and can the two figure it out. A lot of fake dating is required and the whole town is working to get these two to see what is right in front of them, a love that will be lasting.

I like this story. I liked that Emma and Josh were both feeling the same things for each other and fighting hard not to commit their true feelings, especially Emma. I like how the whole town gets in on their dating life and ghost, witches and kids get in on the action. A good read for the upcoming Halloween season, so curl up with your fav beverage under a warm blanket on a cool autumn night to read it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review with my own thoughts on this book.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of two souls who are more alike than they realize. Emma Scott is a Highland Falls police officer who lost her future husband in a tragic accident. It is very apparent that she has mostly lost her will to live. She is functioning on as little wattage as she has to in order to make people leave her alone. Josh Callahan is Emma's brother's best friend. He is a coach and a volunteer firefighter. His heart has been broken in a different fashion in that his beloved just left him. He has no desire to be in relationship. After an accident, they are kind of thrown together and both realize they can help the other one.

The story was sad and happy at the same time. They decide to play the game and date each other. They both go into this scheme with no intentions of anything ever coming of it. You can see the immediate attraction. I loved the characters in the story, especially Emma's over protective brother. Emma is a sad lady, but she does care about other people. You will see a particular scene in the beginning of the book that shows she cares for others.

There is a little haunted house and murder mystery to solve as well. The haunted portion is G-rated and just for fun. I have to confess I was a little weirded out by her talking to her deceased boyfriend. I was not expecting this portion of the story, but it did add an element of intrigue to the story. The first chapter pulled me into the story and made me long for fall. Just looking at the cover of the book will make you want to curl up with a blanket and warm by the fire with a little pumpkin spice on the side.

Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Julie Eichelberger-Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reunited on Sugar Maple Road is the sixth and final in the Highland Falls series but can be read as a stand alone. This is a story of finding a way to move on after the loss of a love. Emma's fiance died on the day they were to be married as he tried to stop a crime from occurring and a week later she lost the baby they were expecting. She moved back to Highland Falls and transferred to the police department but is still struggling over a year later to move on. Her family and friends are constantly trying to fix her up in the hopes that she will become her old self again. On the way home from work, she sees a car careen off the road and go into the river. After calling it in, she dives in to save the family. As she frees the father, she becomes entangled and has to be rescued herself. Josh, Emma's brother's best friend, who is a volunteer firefighter rescues Emma. She had a crush on Josh in high school and still feels the flutters when he is around. He has a reputation of being a heartbreaker and serial dater after his wife left him for a former boyfriend. He suggests to Emma that they fake date to solve both there problems but as they spend time together, fake feelings become real but both must decide if they are ready to commit. Add in the mix a hundred year old unsolved murder case, ghosts, witches, a haunted house and an adorable dog. This is a wonderfully written story with laughs, tears, a little bit of anger and heart full of love. I have to say this is my favorite story in the series and am sad to see it end.

I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.

[Pj Ausdenmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

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

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

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

*ARC received from publisher via NetGalley. Fair and unbiased review.