Member Reviews
This is an awesome holiday book that really got me in the Christmas spirit. I thought this story was adorable, however, I wish I would have read the first book, Summer on Honeysuckle Ridge, before I read this one. However, this book was fine as a stand-alone. This story was so sweet and charming and I loved how uplifting it was. This book is the perfect Christmas romance.
Son of a Nutcracker! This book definitely takes you on a ride and is not for the faint of heart. I do recommend a trigger warning for custody issues, I could see some having trouble with the content hitting too close to home.
It was a little tough to get through in the beginning and I definitely did not see all the events coming. I like being surprised by a book and this one was no exception.
Thank you Netgalley for a chance to read this early! Ive read one Debbie Mason book before, Summer on Honeysuckle Ridge, and loved it so I was so excited to read this one! I definitely was not disappointed! What a lovely story. I can’t wait to read more from her!
This is the first book I have ever read from Debbie Mason and wow, all I can say is Merry Christmas to me! First things, first, let me admit this: Christmas books and I have a love hate relationship. Is it because I am a Grinch and I don't love Christmas books? Nope. It's just that a lot of Christmas books tend to be well...what is the word for it? I guess like really really gooey. So sweet that it rots your teeth kind of gooey and I dearly love romance and Christmas and happily ever after endings and all of that I am not into reading books that are 'forced' into their own HEAs. And for me, Christmas books have a tendency to over do that. So, as much as I love Christmas and books, I am usually reticent about just jumping into a Christmas book just because someone I like wrote it.
Now, that being said...WOW...did this book change all of that for me! This books goes straight for the heart and doesn't let go. Immediately I felt for Mallory as I have been in similar situations. The custody part I mean, not all the rest but still. You could tell she was exhausted from trying and about ready to give up and completely hanging on by a thread. And then, as it always does, the other shoe or in this case shoes drop and it just seems like one thing after another keeps falling on you and you cannot catch a break.
But, throughout everything, she doesn't give up. She keeps on even though it seems like life keeps bashing her right upside the head. poor thing. God knows I have been there. But then she realizes that maybe Christmas is what everyone in her family and herself need most this year. Seems silly to a lot of people but I understand where she was coming from. You have to have something to look forward to to get you through. And of course, as life often does, it gives you some sweet a long with the bitter. Along comes Gabe and his family, who just so happen to be in the same needing Christmas situation as Mallery and her little gang.
Well let me tell you, I don't think even Santa saw all that's coming because wow, you just cannot begin to see how all of this is going to work...until it does. Jimony Christmas what a ride! I had heard some other women who had read this book say that it made them cry and I thought oh great like I need that but everyone has been just gushing over how good this book is. So I thought I would give it a try and I am so glad that I did. I cried! Happy tears and I cannot tell you the last time that a book genuinely made me do that.
I so cannot wait to delve myself into ALL of Debbie Mason's books. Her book has jump started me into the Christmas spirit this year! And normally this is not an issue but after the year we have had I have just been having trouble getting myself to feel any kind of jolly. Well, I just finished this book and told my Husband about it and how it made me feel and now it's rubbing off on him! And I am so glad. Now, it's starting to feel like Christmas and all I can say is God bless Debbie Mason! LOVE THIS BOOK!! And just so you all know, this is the first Christmas book I have read this year and I am so glad that I started with this one. Go out and get yourself some Christmas cheer!!!
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinions. Any opinion expressed is mine and mine alone.
This was a pretty cute book. Mallory is a single mother just trying to raise her step sons the best she can but can't seem to catch a break with their pranks and disregard for rules at time. As they are starting over the boys seem to take things a bit too far that ended up getting people to question her parenting. Then there is the widower Gabriel trying to handle his boys but his mother in law is looking for trouble and custody during this holiday. There is plenty of family drama going on to keep anyone busy. When getting to know these characters you can't help but want the best and hope things work out for eachother. I love seeing them work together and help eachother out. Then there was the romance that was pretty good I enjoyed it at least. Overall pretty good book I really enjoyed it.
What a fun and engaging Christmas story! Just what I needed to get me in the spirit. Definitely a nice escape with a happily every after and holiday cheer.
This is quite possibly the best Debbie Mason book to date. I loved everything about it, from start to finish. Teddy is the most darling character ever.
This is the second book in a series, and while for the most part you don't have to have read the first book to follow this cute, heartwarming Christmas story, it would probably be helpful. There were quite a few references to an event and arrest that happened last summer, and you never learn the details of those events, which I found frustrating.
The first 25% of this story was an exhausting read for me. So many characters to keep straight. I had to keep going back and searching characters to remember who was who. I imagine if you read the first book in the series, you would probably already be familiar with these characters. But, when I got further into the story, I really enjoyed it. This book was a beautiful story of loss, forgiveness, and love that will appeal to people who love a feel good, small town Christmas romance. My favorite phrase from this book...Son of a nutcracker!
Although I love a Debbie Mason story any time of the year, I especially look forward to her Christmas release for I know I’ll be getting a romance full of love and the wonder of the Christmas season… and I found all of that and more in Christmas on Reindeer Road, the second title in the Highland Falls series.
We briefly met Mallory and Gabriel in Summer on Honeysuckle Ridge, and we’ll get another glimpse into Abby and Hunter’s lives now (that’s something I always enjoy no matter the series). You don’t “have” to have read the first book in this series to understand Mallory and Gabriel’s story, but it is delightful as well, so if you can then I’d suggest going back for Hunter and Abby’s story.
Mallory and Gabriel are both facing similar family situations this Christmas season, although not exactly the same there are certainly good reasons for them to hesitate to get romantically involved with anyone right now. Mallory’s step-sons do not want to be heading to her hometown to live and they make no bones about their anger toward her. Their deceased father’s estate went to his first wife, leaving nothing for the boys to continue their boarding school lives and they are not happy about that… to the point of making false accusations that will hound Mallory for a very long time.
As the new police chief, Gabriel is ready to settle down comfortably with his sons far from the hectic life in New York. Yet, his sons are acting up, and his former mother-in-law is trying to gain custody of his sons – something his deceased wife would have never wanted and certainly something that Gabriel will do everything in his power to prevent. So, while the sparks of interest and attraction fly between Mallory and Gabriel they certainly have a lot on their plates, to begin with, and adding a romance will only complicate an already unnerving situation for them both. But then, emotions like love don’t care one bit about complicated now do they?
There were moments of extreme happiness and others of annoyance and anger that overwhelmed me. Mallory’s stepsons and Gabriel’s in-laws — more than once I wanted to have stern words with them all individually.
Christmas on Reindeer Road gave me everything I love about the Christmas season within a situation that wasn’t easy but also didn’t get in the way of true love finding its way in the end. We also get to run into familiar faces as we celebrate the Season, watch two people fall in love, and watch two families merge into one that works. If you’re in the mood to start your Christmas Romance reading then this one is a great way to begin.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Forever 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.*
I really loved this book, It was such an easy read and I finished it in a day. It was full of romance , laughter , and heartwarming moments. I actually had tears in my eyes. I fell in love with Teddy, he is so sweet and very smart. He found the true meaning of Christmas, when no one else wanted to believe in it, This is the second book I have read by Debbie mason and I am looking forward to reading more. I want to thank netgalley for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review.
*** I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review ***
This is a sweet story of a widow named Mallory who loves Christmas and makes it her Christmas goal to share the spirit of Christmas with her step-sons and the family next door- a widower and his 3 sons. This book just didn't sit with me right... It was a little cheesy (most Christmas stories are), but even more just didn't add up especially at the end when a little boy goes missing in a blizzard and the town gathers to wait around before searching for him. Also the end seemed a little rushed to the happily ever after. I did read the first book of this series also, and many of the characters cross over into this book too. This is a story of Christmas spirit, believing, grieving, healing, family, and love. It's a good book if you're looking for a light and sweet Christmas read on a chilly afternoon!
Really enjoyed this heartwarming, sweetly thrilling and engaging holiday adventure filled with interesting charters, witty banter, heart racing twists and exciting passion. Was a highly entertaining journey from beginning to end.
Debbie Mason has such a knack for mixing in lots of characters into her books but still managing to keep the story moving and keep you involved in what's going on. I liked the Christmas setting of this book, it worked really well as a backdrop of the story. I didn't really love Mallory and Gabe, their relationship just didn't quite feel right to me, but when you mix in the other characters and the Christmas spirit it does end up working well.
Christmas on Reindeer Road is the second book in Debbie Mason's Highland Falls series. The story is very enjoyable. Both Mallory and Gabe have their hands full caring for children and having lost their partners. The story is more chick-lit than a holiday romance, but was enjoyable none-the-less.
I love the Christmas season and I love to read at least one Christmas novel a year.
Christmas on Reindeer Road is the second book in the Highland Falls series. I enjoyed Abby and Hunter’s story (Summer on Honeysuckle Ridge) and I was looking forward to Mallory and Gabriel's HEA. Both characters appeared in the first book so I knew they could be great together.
Let's start by saying that Mallory and Gabriel have major family issues.
Mallory who is a medical doctor, grew up in foster care after the loss of her mother. As an adult, she married an older man who passed away and now she is moving back to her hometown with her two stepsons who aren’t happy about her decision. They make Mallory miserable in any way possible. Yet, Mallory is sure that the Christmas spirit can change the way the boys think about her and her hometown.
Gabriel Buchanan is the Chief of Police in Highland Falls. He’s a widower and he has three sons. The twins are always getting into trouble and the youngest one, Teddy is a sweetheart who believes in Santa and miracles. Teddy's main wish for Christmas is to have a new mom and he thinks Mallory can be the perfect mom and wife for them.
However, there are more than a few issues that separate Mallory and Gabriel from getting together and maybe they do need a miracle to overcome the obstacles they both are facing.
Such a cute story! Teddy was adorable. He stole the book with all his wishes.
I was happy to get glimpses of Abby and Hunter and how well they were doing together.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Forever via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Christmas on Reindeer Road is the second book in the Highland Falls series. I truly loved reading this story. Its wonderful written. I loved the storyline. The characters are delightful. Its a page turn and kept my interest.
I received an advanced copy of this story from NetGalley in exchange for my honest Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for letting me ready this story.
Complementary copy given for honest review and opinion from Netgalley. Debbie Mason hit it out of the park with this book! I laughed. I cried. I cringed. It was wonderful. Finding love after the death of your spouse was one thing but add children to the mix and you are destined for a big hot mess! This book is a for sure read!!
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Christmas on Reindeer Road is the second book in the Highland Falls series by Debbie Mason. This story centres around the lives of Mallory Maitland, a native of Highland Falls that is returning to her home town with her two stepsons following the death of her husband and Gabriel Buchanan (recently widowed), who has also returned to his roots in accepting the position of Chief of Police in Highland Falls to provide a new start for his three boys.
Mallory must deal with her step-sons down right distain for moving to Highland Falls as they would rather remain in boarding school in England. However, with their deceased father’s estate going to his first wife (and not Mallory), the funds are just not available to maintain their enrollment overseas.
Gabriel has a number of issues to deal with as well – the least of which is the ongoing tug of war for living arrangements of his sons with his late wife’s parents.
Let me start off by saying that there is a lot of family angst within each of the family units, which provide some gut wrenching moments. But never fear, there are some delightfully chuckle worthy moments as well with romance and swoon worthy scenes to make one’s heart pitter patter.
I came to love Teddy (a six-year-old young lad), Gabriel’s youngest son. He had a mission and by golly – he was one tenacious young man. His “match making” endeavours were what captured my heart. A young boy, who was too young to know his mother before she passed, with a goal of making it the BEST Christmas he has ever had by getting himself a mother J He still believed in the magic of Christmas and everyone (and I literally mean everyone in town) did their upmost to make sure that magical feeling was upheld for Teddy’s sake.
One thing I found a bit unbelievable – the fact that Mallory had this awesome car and was totally oblivious to its coolness. Really, who doesn’t know how special a Jag is – of course it might be my bias as I do appreciate great cars:
“Harry was into cars. He loved the Jag but they all look the same to me. Put me in a parking lot, and I wouldn’t be able to tell you which car was mine.”
“Okay, that’s just sacrilege.” He looked sincerely offended.
I had the biggest chuckle at Mallory’s favourite made up curse word “son of a nutcracker.” Adding to the chuckle factor were the senior’s in this book. I truly enjoy the senior perspective as they take liberties due to their life experiences, which is just priceless.
I also want to say that I was really drawn in by the cover art. Very festive without being over the top :).
I stand by my love of all written by Debbie Mason (well – at least the books I have read to date). Of course, if history is any indication – I am certain to love those few unread titles by Ms. Mason (a situation I hope to rectify in the very near future).
If “Christmas themed books” are your reading “jam”, you enjoy laughter and you like “Hallmark” type stories with a wonderfully crafted HEA (happily ever after) – then I highly recommend Christmas on Reindeer Road.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Debbie Mason
Christmas on Reindeer Road (Highland Falls Book 2)
369 pages
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🎄🦌MY REVIEW🎄🦌
Wow just wow !! Christmas on Reindeer Road blew me away. It was not at all what I expected. Talk about a book that touches on a little bit of everything. Drama and more drama lol , M.S. ,rumors in a small town , judgement , twins, death, step kids , DSS ,foster care, regrets, forgiveness, family, asthma ,single parents, bullying ,dogs , romance books, and abuse ! Welcome to Highland Falls North Carolina and Gabes and Mallorys story. This is one town i would not want to live in.
Talk about 2 people's life that has been turned upside down. Both have tons of issues they must face and deal with. They are both stubborn, strong, determined yet imperfect people that have you cheering for them throughout their story.The more Mallory and Gabe deal with their issues, the closer they get. I love how they both supported each other through through all of that drama.
Gabriel Buchanan ( Gabe) happens to be the new police chief of Highland Falls N.C. and to say the town's people are not happy to have a outsider as the new chief is an understatement.
Mallory Maitland:
If i was Mallory and i got a welcome to the town the way she did ........I think i was be running out of that town faster than i came.
Both are single parents raising their kids after their spouse died. Oliver and Brooks however are Mallorys 2 step kids. Both Mallory and Gabe also happen to be fighting to keep their own kids from being taken from them. Mallory was way more forgiving than I would be. The youngest of Gabes 3 sons Teddy who turns 6 in the book totally stole my heart. He was the sweetest.
If you are looking for a Christmas read that will take your mind off everything going on in your life this book is definitely something you will want to pick up.
#Netgalley
#ChristmasRomance
#DebbieMason
#ChristmasonReindeerRoad
Christmas on Reindeer Road is the second book in the Highland Falls Series . It is a heartwarming story that really puts you in the Christmas spirit.
Mallory moves to Highland Falls with her stepsons after her husband passed away . Her friend finds her a house on Reindeer road next to the Cop that arrested her the last time she was there , after getting false information. Gabe and Mallory has a lot of chemistry but feel like there is no chance for a relationship with all they have stacked against them .
While trying to deal with their past and make a future Gabe & Mallory are trying to do what they think is best for their children . This story is filled with love & family obligations . Debbie Mason did a wonderful job making us want to return to Highland Falls.