Julia finds herself in a rush to meet a deadline to re-write her book when she realizes her main hero is not so easily disguised as her crush Aidan who she shared a steamy kiss under a mistletoe.

Aidan is focused on being a good Dad, after his ex-wife is being difficult with the arraignment for custody. He finds Julia enchanting but he is set on not getting involved with anyone else. Though Julia seems to be involved in all the lives of his family members.

Julia seems to always gets herself into all sorts of predicaments but she is overall endearing and means well.

~~Reviewed by Evelyn~~

I’m always a sucker for a good Christmas story, and SUGERPLUM WAY by Debbie Mason did not disappoint. Full of loveable main characters, a sweet romance, a fascinating small town with colorful townsfolk, children caught up in the Christmas season, and, of course, Christmas itself, there is much to like.

It’s a cute story about a romance writer trying to find a HEA for herself. Everyone in town loves Julia Landon and readers will too. She cares about people and does her best to help everyone by doing anything she can for them from lending money to problem solving and matchmaking. Sometimes she comes across as a bit over the top and too good, but she has a dark secret to balance it out.

Aiden Gallagher is always a bit grumpy but with good reason: an ugly divorce and an ex-wife who uses his daughter to try to manipulate him. His daughter means everything to him and he’s not interested in another relationship with another woman, especially Julia who he feels is a little weird. He’s even arrested her a few times for some of her antics around town. He can’t resist her forever, however, but I’m glad that their relationship developed slowly and comfortably especially given that he is a single dad.

The town and all its Christmas traditions were, of course, perfect. How could you not love a town called Christmas, Colorado? This was the first book in the series that I have read, and this was really the only place, however, that I had wished I had read the other novels first. I sometimes felt that I was missing things in the stories of some of these people that I would have liked to have known. I did feel that the backstories of the main characters had been filled in very well, however.

The plot, like the characters, was very complex. While mostly light-hearted, there were many emotional twists and turns. One moment in particular brought tears to my eyes. One slight frustration with Ms. Mason’s writing style, however. I sometimes felt that it got a bit wordy and frantic, but it in no way detracted from my enjoyment of the book.

All in all, a solid four-star effort and a great addition to the upcoming Christmas season. Now I want to go back and read all the Christmas, CO books that I missed!

I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

his is the 4th book in the Harmony Harbor series, and you really should read the previous books, or you will be pretty lost with the who's and the what's of this town.

Aidan Gallagher's story is the one I have been waiting for in this series. He's been all kinds of gruff and grumpy in the previous books, and I wanted him to get his HEA.

Julia Landon is the town's Christmas spirit. She is the good fairy that wants to make everyone's life perfect.

Ugh, so me she was just a little too perky and perfect, and at times it made me want to shake her up!

I kinda did want Aidan and Julia to get together, but then at times, I just didn't feel them. Can't quite put my finger on what it was, but I did flip-flop between wanting them together and not.

And don't get me wrong, I do love a slow burn in my romance - but a sloth swimming through treacle would have been quicker than these two! I think that may be why I erred about them? And why I nearly tapped out on their story.

I pushed through, and I am glad that I did, as I was happy with the arc the story took and where our lovelies ended up. Secrets revealed, mysteries solved. So much happening.

Sugarplum Way is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit (and I am sure we all know someone like Julia!)

Can't wait to see what Ms Mason brings us next

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra

Debbie Mason’s Sugarplum Way does not disappoint. I have read two other books in this series (and will go back and pick up the ones I am missing) and have just started reading Debbie Mason’s Christmas, Colorado series…that is how much I like this author’s writing! If you like romance, like to laugh and be swept away for a few hours, then this is the series for you.

The story begins with Julia Landon working on her book (she is a writer as well as the owner of Books and Beans – her bookstore). Right off the bat, I found Julia a bit quirky. After all, who has 48 timers in a collection? However, Julia’s timers have apparently “saved her butt in the past”. Julia is up against a 24- hour deadline, that has been put off once before. I was intrigued:

"Back in June, she’d published the first book in the Warrior trilogy, Warrior’s Kiss, on her own. It had taken off
almost immediately, exceeding her wildest expectations. Reader support had been phenomenal, and the
extra money had come in the nick of time. Sales were down at her bookstore-Books and Beans-and
fulfilling her vow to her late fiancé Josh Winters was costly.”

So what was this vow all about? It turns out to be interesting (no…I cannot spoil it for you) and a definite reason that kept me reading so diligently.

Oh…and let us not forget the funny scenes which kept me chuckling for quite a while. Those were certainly in abundance. One such scene is when Aidan comes to find out why yet again the fire alarm went off (FYI…you will learn that the alarm is wired directly to the fire station – her father’s doing by the way). In this scene, Julia’s less than stellar housekeeping skills comes to light….after all…she has a deadline, so who cares about putting her “stuff” away? Once Aiden determined the source that triggered the fire alarm, he is wandering around Julia’s apartment and opens her bedroom door.

“Sugarplum, my bedroom didn’t look this bad when I was a kid.”

She scooted past him to scoop up her bras and panties and any other embarrassing items that were lying
on the floor…and on the bed…and on her dresser. And half sticking out of her nightstand drawer! As breezily
as she could, she moved to the front of the nightstand in hopes of blocking his view. “It’s a little smoky in
here. Maybe you should open that window too?” She smiled. He sighed.

As soon as his back was turned, she thigh-checked the nightstand drawer closed. Only it didn’t close. Instead it acted like a rocket launcher, and her fluorescent pink vibrator sailed through the air to land with a splash in the goldfish bowl sitting on the bench at the end of her bed.

The ensuing banter back and forth was definitely funny, I could not help but laugh and laugh.

The story unfolds and then continues to unfold. There are many layers and each layer is more interesting. Besides being a romance, it is also a bit of a mystery. It took quite a while before I was able to figure out her vow to her late fiancé. It involved many people, both alive and ghostly. I must say, the antics of the ghosts was also chuckle worthy.

I found the progression of the relationship between Aiden and Julia very well paced. Julia seemed to always be cognizant that Aiden was a dad first, a trait I appreciate. I also was quite impressed with how many things Julia was juggling at one time. I got exhausted just thinking about all that she did…run a bookstore, popular author and head of Harmony Harbor’s Christmas committee in addition to ensuring the Gallagher family happiness (though they don’t know this – it is part of her vow to her late fiancé).

I would also like to point out, the cover for Sugarplum Way is just adorable. While all of her covers are attention grabbing this one is by far my favorite.

I have now read a handful of books by Debbie Mason and I must say that I am impressed as to how her books seems to take me away and engulf me in the reading experience one hundred percent. I love that! I will continue my journey through the books in this series which I have not read and I highly recommend the entire series for your reading pleasure.

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

I don't know what I was expecting when I decided I want to read this but I can say this was not it.

As I started reading it, it felt as If I was watching a Hallmark Xmas movie. The way Julia was with her role as towns "fairy" I felt it was just too cheesy.

But then the more I got into the story the more I like it. I don't know if I got a sniff​ of that magic dust that Julia believes in but this just might be one of the cutes books I've read in a long time. The fact that we don't get to read anything past kissing was really refreshing and just what I needed.

Huge 4* read for me.

***Review copy requested and received on behalf of OMGReads Blog***

I'm always happy to read a new novel by Debbie Mason and Sugarplum Way is her fourth novel in the Harmony Harbor series.

Aiden Gallagher is back in Harmony Harbour and working for HHPD as he tries to rebuild his life and relationship with his daughter after separating from her mother. Since arriving back in the town he grew up, Julia Landon has been on his radar for all the wrong reasons. He wants to find out what she's up to because nobody can be that helpful, caring and considerate for nothing, can they?

Julia Landon has secrets and intends to keep it that way in the town she moved to some years ago. As a writer and owner of a book-store and café, she's already overcommitted with work as a publisher deadline looms. As a matchmaker, there's another couple she's trying to get back together, but the gruff cop keeps getting in her way for all the wrong reasons until it is the right reason.

The protagonists are likeable as always. The author has a knack of bringing two unlikely characters together to make them fit. Julia plays her part perfectly. She is adorable as she weaves her brand of magic around Harmony Harbor, some of which manages to reach the gruff police officer who already has her on his radar. The supporting cast is mostly made up of characters we've been introduced to earlier in the series, adding an all around feel good factor. The writing is mostly light and humorous, however, Ms Mason never shies away from broaching difficult topics. Sugarplum Way is a mix of the two as secrets are revealed and the consequences have to be dealt with.

This latest instalment in the Harmony Harbor series didn't make as much impact as the previous novels. The writer always includes many sub-plots intersecting each other in her narratives but found this novel more of a challenge to follow. At one point I read what appeared to be a random paragraph repeatedly to understand it, only for it to make sense after reading a few more pages.

Although a standalone, I'm glad I've been following the series and are familiar with the huge supporting cast. Even for me, it can be a struggle sometimes remembering who's who and all the sub-plots. Overall, I'm enjoying this series and looking forward to reading the remaining stories about life in Harmony Harbor, it's just Sugarplum Way didn't quite hit the mark for me mostly due to how I take in and absorb a lot of information at once.

3.5 stars

***arc received courtesy of Forever via NetGalley***

Like usual, I just a series late ... and unfortunately I think that this is one of the times that it kinda bit me a little.  Not as much as with some books but just enough to leave me just a tiny bit dissatisfied.  There is a lot of history with Julia and the people of Harmony Harbor, and more importantly here with Aidan.  I will give Mason props for doing a really good job of keeping me engaged and informed of the important bits that I might have missed but there were little things that I didn't have a clue about that came into play a few times.  I still loved Aidan and Julia and I was rooting for them to figure things out from the very first page, but it just made me feel a little ... left out because I wasn't there from the beginning of the series. 

Now, having said that, I really enjoyed both the story and Mason's writing.  The plot was very well done and kept me engaged all the way through.  The characters (both primary and secondary) felt real and I was involved in their lives right away.  The pacing was spot on - never seemed to drag and I was sad when we got to the end because it was over too soon.  And you can't beat the Christmas season for adding to the romance and fun.  Overall, a really wonderful read.  Which would have probably been perfect if I'd discovered this series a few books ago  :)

With lots of Christmas charm and delightfully likable characters, Sugarplum Way brings the holiday feels and then some.  Returning readers are sure to be thrilled ... new readers might want to consider checking out the backlist.  If they are anything like this one, you will have lots of great reads to get you through the next few months.  (Or weeks if you are a super fast reader like me!)

Bookstore owner and self-appointed Christmas fairy, Julia Landon is beloved by almost everyone in Harmony Harbor. Full of goodness and light, she's funny, kind, and generous, bringing magical stories to life for the children of the town, watching over the neglected, and acting as the Gallagher family's own personal guardian angel. But Julia is keeping secrets and one of them weighs heavily on her. If it comes to light, it could not only tear apart the happiness she's found among the citizens of Harmony Harbor but ruin her deepening relationship with Aidan Gallagher.

Aidan is having troubles of his own. The gruff, cynical former DEA agent is battling his ex-wife over what's best for their young daughter, still grieving over the deaths of his mother and baby sister years ago, and struggling with the deep-seated anger and bitterness he doesn't realize he still has. The last thing he needs is to be sidetracked by Harmony Harbor's very own Christmas elf, yet that's exactly what seems to be happening. Even though he's sure Julia is hiding something, he can't seem to stay away from her. The more time he spends with her, the more she burrows into his heart and softens his edges but when Julia's secret is exposed will Aidan be able to find forgiveness in his heart?

I adored this couple. They fill each other's spaces, creating a solid foundation for a lasting love. Though the journey to their HEA is filled with twists and turns, I like that Mason injects a healthy dose of humor and light along with the emotional turmoil and dash of danger. As with other stories in this series, I appreciate that Aidan's ex (formerly portrayed as a selfish witch) is more fully explored. With a seven-year-old daughter in the picture, Aidan and Julia cannot exist outside of his former family unit (nor do they want to) and Mason approaches that dynamic with thoughtful, realistic care. I look forward to, hopefully, seeing more of Harper's character evolve in future books. Julia's Texas sheriff father and one of her three protective brothers are introduced in this book. I'm intrigued by both of them and keeping my fingers crossed for more sightings, either in this series or a future one.

I've fallen in love with Debbie Mason's Harmony Harbor. She's created a group of interesting, realistic characters and woven them into a perfectly imperfect fabric of life in her small east-coast town. There are secrets, betrayals, loves lost...and won, second chances, intrigue, a matchmaking ghost, a butler who isn't what he seems, wonderfully realistic children who are exactly as they seem, characters filled with kindness and generosity, others filled with pettiness and jealousy, and, finally, deeply emotional love between couples of all ages. As Julia would say, a forever and always love.

While each of the books in this series stands on its own, I strongly encourage readers to read the series books in order. There are several characters, relationships, and story threads that continue to evolve throughout the books. Reading them in order will deepen and enrich your understanding and appreciation of these characters and their stories. The books, in order, are: Mistletoe Cottage, Starlight Bridge, Primrose Lane, and Sugarplum Way.
4.5 stars

Sometimes a kiss under the mistletoe will lead to something amazing. Other times that kiss just remains in the memory of the mistletoe, thought about but not acted upon… with so many unanswered questions of “What if?” That’s pretty much where one special kiss ended for Julia and Aidan. Some sizzle, lots of questions and no action. For now. Neither could stop thinking about it but neither did anything more about it. Until Julia wrote Aidan into one of her romance novels. At least her characters could see what might have happened if only.

Take one small town, two stubborn people and one adorable little girl then sit back to watch the magic happen.

Sugarplum Way is a combination of laughter and tears, frustrations and dreams come true, issues of the past and present colliding and one couple who has to pick up the pieces and figure out how they fit back together as a family. The true star of this one is Ella Rose. One sweet child who with a child’s honesty, boldness and simplicity will bring Julia and Aidan together… eventually. Sometimes tender, other times slapstick-ish, Sugarplum Way will keep you engaged and on your toes as we work our way through the obstacles, and one human issue, to find a happy ending for Julia and Aidan.

I liked this couple. Often they got in their own way along their journey to falling in love. Single parenting is not easy, add an ex that wants what they gave up back and the complications pile on. It’s easy to fall into this story as the characters are realistic and believable. I grew up in a small town so it always gives me a smile to return to this one with all its uniqueness and quirkiness as well.

I’d recommend this story and the series to any Romance reader who enjoys the tender moments as well as the ones that have you tearing your hair out… because after all both are part of life.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

4.5 Stars
You guys, it finally happened!! Debbie Mason wrote a book where I didn’t loath the hero for 60% of the story!! If you pay attention to my reviews for Ms. Mason’s books you probably heard me rant about how angry her heroes make me but how she manages to always make me love them in the end, so this is a huge deal that I didn’t feel this way about Aiden.

Aiden has always been the moody brother. Going through a pretty rough divorce through most of this series he’s been the mysterious brother that I couldn’t wait to meet. I love a brooding hero and Aiden hit all the right notes for me. A newly single father who just wants his relationship with his daughter to be restored he doesn’t have time for relationships, especially with the shady woman who’s always in costume and knows way too much about everything in Harmony Harbor.

Julia is on a personal mission to fulfill the wishes of everyone in Harmony Harbor. She might know too much about everyone but it’s only because she’s paying that much attention to them. After an unforgettable kiss under the mistletoe with Aiden, she can’t help but wish that she too could get her happy ever after but she’s got a secret. Keeping her secret is just as important as granting wishes but falling for the one guy who could uncover her secret, who also happens to be one of the people that secret could affect the most doesn’t bode well for her.

I loved the progression of Aiden and Julia’s friendship/relationship. It was fun to watch as Julie forced Aiden to lighten up a little bit. Even better, although there was an ex involved, Aiden managed to not constantly choose her over his feelings for Julia, or more importantly over what was best for his daughter. Proving that Aiden is the most sensible of the Gallagher brothers. :)

Once again the paranormal aspect of the story gives an added mystery and uniqueness to the story and, although I was a little hesitant about it in the beginning, it actually is one of my favorite things about this series.

Every time I finish a new book from Debbie Mason I’m already itching for more. I can’t wait to see what’s next for us in Harmony Harbor.

Julia is Christmas all wrapped up in one. She has a lot on her plate but keeping busy helps with the secrets she's keeping and her thoughts on the task at hand. But the question is how much longer can she keep these and protect those she cares so much about. Aidan is home and he needs to figure out what to do. He has to find out what Julia is really up to he knows there it more then meets the eye but it seems no one has anything bad to say about her. Can he get to the bottom of everything or will things come to light and change everything for everyone?

I really love reading this series I just can't seem to get enough. I love the closeness of the family and how not matter what life throws at them they come together and get through it. I really love GG and her crazy antics. I really loved how in this a lot more things came to light making a lot more sense for other things in other books. I really Enjoyed Julia and her strong family and there no none sense ways that seem extreme sometimes. They fit in with the Gallagher's and Harmony Harbor perfectly. The story was super sweet and puts you in the Christmas Spirit it really is a fun read and I had a hard time putting the book down. This book is so worth the read. I really hope there is more to come with this town and these fun characters.

Favorite Quotes:

“I just wish they’d remember I’m thirty-two and not fifteen.” Colin looked down at her feet, and his lips twitched. She followed his gaze. She had on a cozy red plaid onesie with fake fur lining the hood and reindeer slippers on her feet. She shrugged, smiling up at him. “What can I say? I love Christmas.”

Maybe because he didn’t smile often, it felt like a precious gift when he did, like you meant something to him, like you were special.

She ignored her inner hussy, who yelled Who needs a bed and suggested Julia throw herself on the floor at his feet. Her inner hussy was way more optimistic about their chances of getting lucky tonight.

…her fluorescent pink vibrator sailed through the air to land with a splash in the goldfish bowl sitting on the bench at the end of her bed. She slapped her hands over her mouth, releasing a muffled “I’ve killed Eric and Ariel! … It’s not funny! My fish are drowning. Save them!”

A lie means saying something with a deliberate intent to deceive, and what I did is more like embellish the truth.

My Review:

Sugarplum Way was a sweet and amusing story with an entertaining and active storyline. Colleen celebrated her first anniversary as a ghost, the holiday season was in full swing, romance was in the air, petty small town rivalries/politics/ gossip continued to rule, snow was falling, Julia kept the firemen busy and broke the record for false fire alarms from burning her food, and The Secret Keeper of Harmony Harbor book was still unaccounted for, which kept the vast majority a bit on edge and more than a few extremely anxious about their deeply-held secrets being exposed. I smirked my way through this fun and jovial tale, although it was not all easy breezy for Julia as she was busy as a beaver daydreaming and maintaining a long-held secret crush on a growly and complicated Gallagher while actively cloaking her secret identity, organizing the community Christmas committee, writing a book, covertly playing fairy godmother, running her store, and attempting to bolster and imbue the entire town with Christmas cheer. I adored her tremendous heart, clever wit, and sweet nature and have enjoyed every installment of this endearing series thus far. I doubt I could ever tire of learning the dark secrets and personal shame of the various townspeople, as I’m snoopy like that.

Sugarplum Way by Debbie Mason was a pleasant surprise. It is the fourth book in the series and though this is the first book I am reading from it, I did not feel lost. This was a sweet book that puts readers in the Christmas spirit.

Julia Landon writes about happily-ever-after in her romance books, but finding it for herself is proving to be difficult. Though her mind is plagued by the kiss she shared under the mistletoe last year, she knows nothing will come from it. So instead she writes about what she felt in her current novel.

The last thing Aiden needs is to be in a relationship. What matters to him is to be the best dad he can be. Being a single dad is hard enough, he does not need to add any other complications to his life. His daughter, Ella Rose, is all he needs. So why can’t he forget that kiss?

Julia is the kind of person everyone likes and gravitates too. She loves helping others and often does so, even when it is not asked for. She is quirky, fun and caring. Aiden on the other hand is serious and responsible. His daughter is his world, but the mother of his child does not make his life easy. Julia and Aiden seem almost opposite from each other, but there is something there between them.

After Aiden and Julia share a passionate kiss at the last holiday party, they find it hard to put it out of their minds. However, Julia is disappointed to learn Aiden does not do relationships. So what is a girl to do? Put him in her next novel of course. When Aiden learns this, he is intrigued and wonders what could be between them. But when secrets and the past come back to haunt them both, can they find a way to be together?

Sugarplum was a fun story to read and will put readers in the Christmas spirit. It was a slow romance that was sweet and charming. The story was easy to read, light and easy to fall into.

This is the first novel I have read by this author and it won’t be the last. Christmas is my favourite time of the year so after looking at the cover and reading the blurb I was always going to jump in head first and although I haven’t read the other books in the Harmony Harbor series I still really enjoyed Sugarplum Way. This book has so much going for it, fun loveable characters, a lot of emotion mixed with just the right amount of laugh out loud moments, a town that we would all love to live in with residents that all have a story to tell. I will be going back and reading the previous books n this series as I really want to know more about Harmony Harbor and it’s residents.

I always enjoy a trip to Harmony Harbour. I love the small town feel and the reunion with past characters of Mason's books. I always enjoy when the main characters are at odds with one another and throw in a kid and a ghost and you've hooked me. To fully appreciate the storyline and unravel the secrets, these books do need to be read in order.

Sugarplum Way is all about the three H's: heart, humor and hope. Ms. Mason gets in touch with her lighter side this holiday season. With a little more laughter and not as many tears, she makes the heart rejoice and delights the inner romantic with an irresistible comedy that continues to give long after the last page is devoured. Endearing characters, a hint of drama and tempting secrets serve as the backdrop for a deliciously sentimental carol of the heart.

Sugarplum Way is a Christmas story, As much as I felt this story had potential, for me, it was just too slow to get where it was going; it just didn’t grab me. It just didn’t have that fairy dust Christmas vibe.

The story is about an author and her crush, who she writes about. Aidan Gallagher wants nothing to do with Julia Landon; he thinks she is up to something with the way she helps everyone. Aidan is a single dad to Ella Rose so he thinks he doesn't have time for romance. All Julia wants to create is her very own happily ever after.

However, if you are a fan of a happy ever after romance you may well love this one. This is the fourth book in The Harmony Harbor Series.

I have decided I will read anything Debbie Mason writes! This series has been so wonderful. Sugarplum Way has all of the things I love about the Harmony Harbor series. The characters are fun and likeable, the town feels cozy and familiar, and the story was full of emotion but also some really funny laugh out loud moments as well. I really enjoyed that Aidan and Julia didn't quite get along at first but seem to have this crazy attraction to one another. It made their story really fun and kept things interesting. I felt like I could relate to Julia and I loved how adorable she is. That might be why I think this may have been my favorite of the series so far. But really I feel like each book just gets better and better. The other characters have appearances in this book as well, including my favorite ghost, which keeps everything from being about the will they or won't they. I would definitely recommend anyone interested in this book to read the others in the series first though. Trust me you won't regret it! So to review... I loved it, I highly recommend it, and I need more Harmony Harbor!

Here I go again talking about a Christmas story with Halloween decorating my blog. This is truly part of the life of a blogger. You sometimes read books out of season.

I could have waited till close to Christmas to read Sugarplum Way, but I have a problem, I love Debbie Mason's stories and hate waiting on them. I know, I'm like a little kid on Christmas morning when it comes to not wanting to wait to open up my presents. A little Christmas humor thrown in there to distract you from the Halloween decor.

Those who know me know that I love talking about the books I read. Could be why I sent fifteen years as a bookseller and then when I stopped doing that, a romance book blogger. I can't help myself, I love to discuss books.

Or I should say I usually like to. Now don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with Sugarplum Way, only that it's very hard to talk to you about it without giving anything that I feel is important away. You know me, I like readers to learn plot points on their own.

It always enhances the story.

Which means that I'm going to have to skirt around them in this review. Just let me start off with if you haven't yet read any of the books in this series or her Christmas, Colorado then you really need to. I kinda feel like a stalker here with my feelings for her...books! I'm laughing here when I'm saying this because it kinda relates to the book. You'll have to read it to find out why.

So what I will tell you is that Sugarplum Way has all the characters we've grown to love from the beginning of the series. You'll love how Aidan and his brothers give each other such a hard time. They cracked me up more then once. Speaking of brothers you meet Julia's brother in this book, he's one of three, I wonder if we are looking at a new series when this one is over? I will just let the Christmas fairy's put that out there!

Like the prior books this one includes a little mystery and a dash of paranormal in the form of a ghost. I really loved their story and couldn't put it down. When we get to the best part of the book, that's the part I refuse to talk to you about because I want you to experience it for yourself I did some shouting and even a shed a tear or two.

I was so emotional.

Of course in the end it all worked out and you along with the characters are happy. I'm telling you, so many good things and some bad, happen in this story that will leave you so thrilled that you've read it. Do yourself a favor and read the series in order, the main story works better that way. Trust me, you'll want it that way too as you get into the series. They'll make look so pretty under the Christmas tree waiting to be opened. Make sure you're not hosting.

Unfortunately the book was not for me, no review was publicly posted on Amazon, B&N, Goodreads or Twitter etc, so no ratings were affected in relation to it.

This title was not a standalone and therefore extremely difficult to get into the story. Constant references by characters of things that had happened in previous books and the lack of development of those characters due to it likely being done in previous releases just made this book impossible to relax into.

That said the writing style was easy to get along with, so I would happily try something else by this author in the future.