The book blurb sounded intriguing, which is why I chose to read it.
When I opened the first chapter, I was completely lost, and remained so for the first few chapters until I finally closed the book wondering what it was all about.
The story starts off with Ariana, who is injured from a business/apartment fire and has been holed up in her Grandmother’s home since the accident. She’s incredibly afraid of leaving the place (the reason is likely explained later) but she leaves to assist her Grandmother in campaigning for the mayoral race, which Gran is polled to lose. On her first outing, she runs into her old flame, and the man she’d suddenly left without explanation. Granny’s a bit violent (taking her cane to her opponent’s campaign sign) and not all there in the head. The old flame is dating someone else but it’s obvious that he still has feelings for Ariana.
Then, the story turns to…the matchmaking ghost.
This did it for me. I ended my reading experience right there. It’s a personal preference - I don’t like romances with matchmaking ghosts. It takes away from a satisfying ending – the characters don’t have to work for love because a ghost is manipulating every thing so they will fall in love; and that trope doesn’t really leave a choice for the couple. Can they truly have a happily ever after when the ghost leaves his/her matchmaking ways???
What I didn’t realize was this book is part of a series and is something like book 8 or 9, though that’s not mentioned at all on the backcover content (thus explaining why I was completely lost!).
The author writes well, lots of description and humour infused through the text, but there’s too much backstory to cover that I felt this is unable to be classified as a standalone title.
I received an ecopy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

A very good Christmas romance. Enjoyed the plot and the author’s writing. I recommend to readers who enjoy a good romance read.

After an unexpected accident Arianna is not fully living life. WIth the help of her grandma and someone from her past her life will be turned around and she will see things differently.

I loved this story it was heartfelt and cute. Even with the characters having conflicts.


** I received a copy o this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review**

The rivalry between Arianna and Connor two high school sweethearts, was hilarious. It didn't help that Connor represented Arianna's husband in her divorce, so bad blood makes the conversations quite heated. It was a nice light, fun holiday read.

Some drawbacks, were a supposed ghost of one of the grandmothers, which seemed weird and unnecessary to the story. Also some of the conversations or arguments seemed childish and silly. A lot of the adults acted like petulant children. Otherwise, it was a quick read with holiday flair.

Fun holiday read! The story is well written and interesting. The characters are wonderful and takes place in a fantastic little town. Great small town/holiday read.

The Corner of Holly and Ivy by Debbie Mason is the 7th book in the Harmony Harbor series. Even though it is the 7th book in the series it can be read as a standalone. I suggest reading the other books in the series because there are references to the previous books that if you read them first you will not be confused. This book was another winner in my eyes. It is a heart-warming captivating book about second chances. It is a wonderful feel good story that had me hooked right away. I did not want to put it down. I laughed I cried and I can’t wait for the next book to come out.

Outstanding contemporary holiday romance that takes the reader on a journey of young romance, heartbreaks, joy, sorrow, laughter and despair. This is a wonderful second chance romance. At times I laughed out loud with the well developed characters antics and then to tears. To me that is a testament to Ms. Mason's excellent writing ability. Real life is a combination of all emotions and yes it's a great book to get 'away from the real world'. This is the first book I've had the pleasure of reading by this author but it won't be the last. All the characters especially Connor and Arianna makes this a fantastic romantic journey even with all the real life obstacles they endure. I highly recommend this stand-alone book that has a HEA. I received a complementary copy of this book via Net Galley and chose to write a review. I look forward to reading future books by Ms. Mason.

Ariannas dream when up in flames along with the shop went on fire that also damaged her body as well. Depressed for a while she rearly went out and trying to help her grand mother who has dementia in any way that she can. It seems though her grandmother is campaigning for a mayoral race and doesn't seem to be in the right frame of mine then Connor a attorney and old flame of hers come around trying to help out but managed to get her running on her grandmothers behalf. Theres a mess and a half that's going to come up in this book and your not going to want to miss it.

I loved that that here was so much going on in this book. With how nicely it was written and just how things were turning out it was just so easy to get consumed with the book where I rarely moved engrossed in this book. I was just curious to see what was going to be going on and wondering if Glamma would do something else. Then there was the romance that was happening between Arianna and Conner and its so easy to want to root for them. I loved getting to know the characters over the course of the book and was curious to see who did win after all they were going through. Overall pretty great book I really enjoyed it.

I really enjoyed this book but I think I would have enjoyed it more if I'd read the previous book. But the cast of characters were good and the story was a nice way to ease into holiday reading.

What do you do when your life has been turned upside down? That is a question that goes through Arianna's head on a daily basis. She is still recovering from the fire that destroyed not only her business but also her livelihood. She is so emotionally broken from the thought of never being able to create again that getting out of bed has become harder and harder to do. Connor watched Arianna die and be brought back, he doesn't know what he would have done if she hasn't made it. His feelings for her have never changed and he realizes that he wants her in his life. When Arianna's grandmother decides to run for mayor and needs her granddaughters help Connor jumps at the chance to insert himself into the mix. Things are looking great and their relationship starts to move forward but Arianna has a deep dark secret that she knows will pull Connor and her apart. Follow along as these two take two steps forward and one step back in a dance called love. This was such a emotional roller coaster of a read it had me laughing, crying, and in the end rooting for love to be conquered. I look forward to seeing what happens next with this wonderful cast of characters!

I love Debbie Mason’s Harmony Harbor series, especially the Christmas themed stories… however, I’m going to suggest to brand new to Debbie Mason readers that reading the previous book, Sandpiper Shore before this one will make many events much more clear. Is it absolutely necessary? Probably not, but Harmony Harbor is a small town series that builds, at times, on previous couples and events. It’s not always possible to go back to the very beginning… but I would suggest trying to read Sandpiper Shore as well as The Corner of Holly and Ivy. Just a suggestion.

There was a time when Connor Gallagher and Arianna Bell meant the world to each other. High school sweethearts, it seemed their future was set in stone… until it wasn’t and they broke apart. They might no longer be a couple but that never diminished the love that was still very much alive, buried deep in broken hearts. When Arianna’s world fell apart, the fire destroyed her business and dreams leaving her burned and injured in its wake it seemed that nothing would ever be the same again for her. As her grandmother set her sights on the Mayor’s seat, Arianna was pulled into helping her gain that dream… until her grandmother had to withdraw and encouraged Arianna to take her place. Connor has never forgotten his first love, and if the truth were told he never stopped loving her. His return to Harmony Harbor was very much because of the recent events in her life… although he might not always acknowledge that fact. Life often has a strange sense of humor for with Connor’s return the possibility of a second chance with Arianna seemed quite clear… right up until he also stepped in for a withdrawing relative in the mayoral race. Now pitted against each other how in the world will love find a way for this couple?

The Corner of Holly and Ivy is a delightful return to a small town that I adore. With a second chance at love, a bit of suspense, visiting with old friends this was a fun, emotional Christmas romance that touched my heart, made me laugh and have hope for the future of this couple. Frankly, I’ve never met a Debbie Mason story that I didn’t enjoy, and this one is no exception. I had fun with Connor and Arianna, cried a bit, laughed out loud and experienced the magic of a small town Christmas season. If that doesn’t equal a great Christmas Romance, then I don’t know what does. If you’re in the mood for a lovely, wounded couple to rekindle their love, small town antics and a lovely Christmas season – then The Corner of Holly and Ivy is perfect for you.

*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.*

This one will tug on your heartstrings! I love when a book can both make me cry and laugh at almost the same time, and it doesn't feel forced! Debbie nailed this combination, and I will just have to find more of her books in the future.

Being this was my first Debbie Mason book, and this was the seventh book in the series, I was kinda twitchy when I requested the review copy. I am a hard core advocate for reading in order, no exceptions. But I took a chance on this book, and I was not disappointed! Sometimes when you read interconnected standalones, you love a bit of the magic and story that played out in previous books, but that is not the care here. She did an excellent job of hooking me into wanting to backtrack and read the entire series!

This story seemed to just flow well. We have a sassy heroine who is struggling to find her groove back after suffering a big loss, and runs into her high school boyfriend. I loved watching their banter turn into flirting, and the flirting to turn into love again. The couple has had to tackle more hurdles than anyone should have to, and their strength and determination to persevere was inspiring.

Although the story is a holiday themed romance, the majority of the storyline takes place leading up to the holiday season, so we get to see more time lapse and more development to the characters, and I liked it!

Overall, the book was really good, and I definitely will be adding other Debbie Mason books to my TBR!

The Corner of Holly and Ivy is also referred to as The Nightmare on Main Street by Arianna Bell. The book really grabbed my attention right away and drew me into this story. There are secrets, an arson that destroys several businesses in town, a second chance romance for a couple that dated as teenagers, a family mansion that has its own resident ghost, and beloved Helen Fairchild, who is Arianna's grandmother. Helen is showing signs of dementia while running for mayor of Harmony Harbor. It is a story that shows how the past influences the future and choices we make. I thought Arianna was a very remarkable and realistic character in this story. I admired her strength in the end. I also liked Connor Gallagher who dated Arianna as a teenager and still has feelings for her. It is amazing to see all of the antics he goes through to try to win her heart back I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

Ms. Mason's latest entry in the Harmony Harbor series continues were the last book left off. To get the full benefit from this story you really should read the previous books. I imagine anyone jumping into the series here might be a bit confused. I really like Ms. Mason's writing and I did like this book. The story arc, revisiting previous characters, I really enjoyed that part. Arianna and Connor were what kept me from giving this book a 5 star rating.

Arianna and Connor were frustrating to me. While I believed they loved each other, I did not believe they truly trusted each other. I wanted to scream at them to just talk to each other. Communication would have helped a whole lot. Also, it seemed to me they were putting everyone and everything before each other. These two did not mesh as most of Ms. Mason's characters usually do.

Received as an arc from Netgalley

A book about second chances , lies, deceit, and love. High school sweethearts who see each other after years apart. They still both love each other, but she feels as if she doesn't deserve his love-she is keeping a huge secret from him and she is afraid that if she opens herself up to him he will never forgive him when and if he finds out the truth. She is also horribly burned on her one arm and no one except for her grandma and one other person knows why she ran back into the building. He never stopped loving her and was heartbroken when she broke up with him. He still wants a second chance and won't give up until he succeeds.
While working together, him so he can be close to her and she is working with him because he got her into the predicament she is in, they grow closer. Every time he thinks he is making headway, she shuts him down again. I really liked how he never gave up and how strong she was. I also really enjoyed the side story of his parents, the election, and her grandma (glamma).
A great read and another author I enjoy reading.

I love Debbie Mason's books she has away of getting to the heart of the matter no matter what. In this book you will not be disappointed she has away of bring out the laughter, the tears and getting to the heart of everything. I loved how this brought back the Gallagher family. I love Colleen when she appears in the book you know you can expect something fun is going to be said or done. In this book it follows the journey of Connor and Arianna and what happens next in there lives. I loved Helen in this book in a lot of ways she reminded me of Colleen you just never knew what was going to happen next with her. This book will guarantee that you will laugh its a good clean read and they do discuss some tough subjects but it will put you in the perfect Christmas spirit anytime of the year. This book I found hard to put down it seemed to just fly by. I can't wait to see what is next for this fun town of Harmony Harbor.

I’m going to be honest here, and if you’ve read previous reviews of mine of Debbie Mason’s books, this shouldn’t come as any surprise but, the hero of this book pissed me off numerous times. I’m so not a fan of his parents, like at all. I haven’t been throughout this series and I don’t ever see myself liking them or even cheering for them. Honestly, I think their relationship is a real problem if they need to have a politician in the family in order for their marriage to survive. But that’s an issue for another day. I can’t say that I didn’t understand Connor’s reasoning for the decision to run against Arianna but I don’t understand why he seemed to be so cruel when it came to campaigning against her. Despite his belief that he knew her true feelings about being Mayor and his need/want to protect her, it seemed that he went out of his way to embarrass her and make her look incompetent.

“Sorry. That’s all the time I’ve got. I have a meeting with the town’s planning committee in ten minutes. And I’m sure Ms. Bell and her friends would like to get back to their shopping.”

I get it, there is reasoning behind his behavior but frankly his way of “protecting” Arianna seemed more harmful than helpful.

This series has really left me feeling a strange case of whiplash. Throughout one book I fall in love with the close-knit community and the way they help each other and then in the very next I wish they would all mind their business.

I just feel like Arianna was too forgiving to Connor and his behavior and the kind of arrogance he had about them falling back into a relationship. With each of his “mistakes” she forgave him pretty easily and for some reason I just wanted her to put up more of a fight.

When Arianna’s secret came to light that’s when I really just decided that I pretty much can’t stand the matriarch’s of Harmony Harbor. Their actions and behavior is blatantly selfish and unforgivable yet it’s constantly presented to us that we should feel sorry for them because they were just trying to do what was best for the children they loved. Yet somehow the only thing I see is them being awful parents and selfish people.

Somehow, despite all of this, I can’t seem to get enough of this series and I actually end up liking the couples by the end of each book. Yes, even Connor, though I honestly think he might be the one brother that I didn’t completely fall for in the end.

A story about forgiveness and letting go of the past is just what this world needs right now. Debbie's characters make you think about things in your own life that might need dealing with as well as showing you how to do it calmly and gracefully.

The Corner of Holly and Ivy by Debbie Mason is the seventh book in the contemporary romance Harmony Harbor series. The series not only takes place in Harmony Harbor but features a different single Gallagher male falling in love. With each book in the series having a different main couple they could be read as a standalone if choosing to do so.

The Corner of Holly and Ivy is Connor Gallagher and Arianna Bell’s second chance love story. Conner and Arianna had been high school sweethearts but had split apart although their feelings have never gone away. Conner realizes the depth of his feelings when Arianna is injured in a fire in her shop and knows he doesn’t want to live without her.

However, as Arianna recovers from her burns she finds herself helping her grandmother in the campaign for town mayor and when her grandmother needs to pull out of the race Arianna takes her place. And just as Arianna is thrust into the race Connor ends up having to replace his uncle pitting the two against one another giving them another obstacle at their second chance at love.

I joined the Harmony Harbor series later on so I’m never quite sure if previous characters appear or not but even with the late start I’ve found myself enjoying each new book. The one thing about Debbie Mason is she takes her romances to a whole new level with plenty of content to make for a more action packed romance than just two people falling in love. In this one both characters are dealing with family, a political campaign and then the outcome of the campaign and their own ups and downs together. So again this was another fun trip to Harmony Harbor that I’m sure romance readers will enjoy.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

In my opinion Debbie Mason is the queen of second chance romances and she does not disappoint with this one! She has a way of creating characters that you want to have as your friends. The writing is exceptional and I just adore all the zany characters of the small town of Harmony Harbor.

Arianna Bell has had one heck of a year. First the business and career she loved is gone and now she has to see the former love of her life Connor Gallagher everywhere she turns. The Harmony Harbor matchmakers are determined to see these two reunited. Throw in a little holiday magic and you have one entertaining story.

Everyone should have this on their holiday must read list. I highly recommend it.