Member Reviews
Another great addition to the Highland Falls series!
Bri has been through a lot, and is still struggling with a physical disability. She's a strong, accomplished woman, and is determined to work through her problems - as alone as possible. Enter Cal, her first love, hometown hero doctor who happens to be married (sort of) to another woman.
Suffice it to say that there is lots of drama between the two women, plus Cal's sister Em, formerly Bri's bestie, who winds up being Bri's roommate, and Cal's stepdaughter Izzy. Secrets abound, and only add to the drama. Will Bri and Cal work through everything and find their way to happiness? Read this and find out!!
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. My opinions are my own.
Another great book in the Highland Falls series! This story gripped me right from the start until the finish. The main character was a strong woman who doubted her worth and always took the blame. She is also overcoming some severe physical disabilities. The main male character is a strong confident man who knows what he wants. Trying to navigate through all of the various lies told by various characters allows this story to have humour, as well as angst to keep you reading! All of the little subplots within the main story help to make this book a very interesting read. Lots of ups and downs in this book however it does end happily which most of us are looking for in a romance.
This story captivated me from beginning to end. I liked that it was set in the small town of Highland Falls in North Carolina. The characters were wonderful from the other books so I knew I would enjoy catching up with them in this book and I was not disappointed. It was interesting to read about Bri, Cal, and Raine and how their lives intertwined and I also enjoyed finding out about past secrets that would need to be forgiven if the characters had any hope of moving on with their lives.
I enjoyed the theme of forgiveness in the book, moving on, starting over, and second chances. The book was humorous at times and full of heartache and angst at other times, but it was always full of hope waiting in the distance. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
I've been waiting for what seems like forever for this one but it was really only a few months ago. We left off wanting to see what happens to Bri and how she'll move on from the horror that had been her life.
You go into the story feeling so bad for Bri. You know what she's been through and then start to learn more about her life in general and feel even worse. It seems like her mother has spent most of her life choicing what she should do and making decisions for her. I really can't stand the woman and don't feel bad about what she herself has gone through. She's not a good person.
But enough about her mother. I was happy that at the beginning of the book you see that she's not a hundred percent yet. She still has some healing to do. Some of it is her own fault but I think after all she has gone through she just could face her health.
I really liked Caleb and wasn't happy about him and his wife staying together for the dumbest reasons. His wife needed a ton of growing up to do and needs a lot of help with her many issues. She's not a horrible person but has an issue with only thinking about herself and making others do as she wants. I kinda wish Caleb had more of a backbone when it came to her but he didn't. Part of it was because of his love for his stepdaughter.
Because of all the lies, it put both Caleb and Bri in a bad light. At times I didn't care for where the story was going but understood why it did. There is a ton of good humor in the story and I liked how so many of the characters are forced to do things that are uncomfortable for them but are the right thing to do.
The story ends how it should and makes you wonder what's happening next. As always I enjoyed the book and want more from Mason. I'd love to say even more about the book but I don't want to ruin anything for anyone else. You should read it for yourself.
Brianna MacLeod is home. She suffered so much in her marriage and almost lost her life, but she is safe now in Highland Falls. Her family and the townsfolk have rallied around her, and now it’s time for Brianna to move out on her own and show everyone she is just fine, but the problem is, it’s just for show, she is still recovering. When she runs into the doctor that saved her life, Caleb Scott, she rallies him to help her convince her family that she is well enough to be on her own. When her once buried feelings for Caleb resurface, she does not know what to do. Things get even more complicated when she realizes Caleb is married, and she agrees to rent a house only to find out she will have a roommate; one she is surprised and not very happy to see. Can Brianna recover and create a new life for herself?
I absolutely loved this book by Debbie Mason as I was quickly drawn into the story. Even though the issue of abuse is apparent throughout the book, there is still lighthearted and humorous moments as well. There are multiple characters in the story, each adding to the detailed plot with their own issues they are trying to resolve. Forever Publishing graciously gifted me a copy of the book which I read and reviewed without bias. I was delighted to return to Highland Falls, and I would love to invite you to come visit this sweet small town too.
I've been reading Debbie Mason for a long time, since her debut back in 2010 when she was writing historical time travel - with a touch of fairy magic - as Debbie Mazzuca. I followed her into small town contemporary romance (as Mason) and have never been disappointed. Her complex, well-developed characters, emotional storylines, perfectly-placed humor, and complicated family dynamics never fail to take me on an emotional ride, depositing me at the end of the book with a satisfying, well-earned, happy ending.
In At Home on Marigold Lane, Mason continues the story of Brianna MacLeod that began in book four, The Inn on Mirror Lake. While this new book stands well on its own, for a complete understanding of what Brianna has suffered, as well as the tumultuous relationships within her family, I recommend reading the two books in order.
I never know where Debbie Mason is going to take me when I begin one of her books and in this one she took me places I did not expect. She's a master at developing an array of characters and then weaving them in and out of the story in a way that progresses the main story line as well as each individual's path, and those paths aren't always easy ones to travel. She's also very good at creating flawed, multi-layered characters who justifiably earn my anger with their actions. But then she starts unpeeling their layers, revealing emotional scars, fears, and reasons. She takes them a journey of learning and introspection and by the end of the story, I've found myself in their corner. Such is the case with a few very important secondary characters in this book who play parts in keeping Cal and Bri apart but, ultimately, become their biggest supporters.
Mason isn't hesitant to tackle the tough subjects and there are more than a few in this book. They are balanced with humor, sweet romance, healing, and hope but they are never glossed over. Cal and Bri must both confront issues standing in the way of their happiness together but that makes their HEA all the more enjoyable in the end. I really loved these two together. I'm all about second chances and they sure deserved theirs. Mason continues the second-chances theme in this book with more than the central romance. There are second-chance friendships, second-chance family relationships, second chances to build a rewarding career, and, hopefully, more second chances to come. There are some secondary characters in this book who are in need of a happy ending. I'm hoping we'll see more of them in future books.
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley for fair and unbiased review
Debbie Mason knows how to write a love story. In the fifth installment of the Highland Falls series we are blessed with getting Caleb Scott and Bri MacLoed's love story that was left in a shambles the last time we read about these two. The story picks up about a decade after their romance hit the skids. Little did they know it was not of their own doing, but someone very close to Bri who changed the course of their lives. In the time apart we learned of Bri's failed abusive marriage and Cal's own failed marriage. Bri moves back to Highland Falls to heal her body and soul. Thanks to Cal who saved Bri in one her darkest and scariest hours, he now gets to see her again. A love that had never died but was pushed aside to move forward. Can they really have it all now? He hopes so.
This story has many wonderful characters and plenty of love to help both these characters find their way back home to each other. It was an easy, delightful read that I really enjoyed. You don't need to read the previous books in order to enjoy this wonderful story, but as with any series I enjoy knowing a little backdrop of some of the recurring characters. in a series. I highly recommend this book by a talented author who can pull at the heartstrings and make you believe in second chances.
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A wonderful addition to the Highland Falls series. Bri and Caleb were HS sweethearts torn apart by her mother, unbeknownst to them until many years later. Now they're back living in the same town after Bri was seriously injured at the hands of her abusive ex-husband.
Can they pick up where they left off? Fundraising for s level one trauma center in town is on the forefront of everyone's life. Caleb and his soon to be ex-wife saved her life, and now almost a year later she moves out if the Inn her family owns to live on her own.
This provided challenges to Bri and involves a roommate. This book will make you laugh and cry along with all the characters which is always a plus in my book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Bri and Cal’s love story in At Home on Marigold Lane by Debbie Mason, book five in the Highland Falls series, is a romantic, heartwarming, emotional tale of second chances and forgiveness. It has all the fall feels, a tight-knit circle of friends and family, and a loveable dog, Gus. Brianna Macleod was forced to stay at the family inn in Highland Falls after suffering a terrible accident in which she suffered an almost fatal TBI and leg injury. She had been in an abusive marriage so time with her family to heal was needed. Her sister, Ellie, kept postponing her honeymoon to Scotland to help take care of Bri. It became Bri's goal to convince her sister that she had improved enough so she can go on her honeymoon. When Ellie asks their mother to stay at the inn during her trip to ensure that Bri will be okay, Bri decides to rent a house on Marigold Lane instead; a house she will be sharing with another person.
Dr. Caleb Scott the surgeon who saved her life from her near death accident, they almost got married many years prior but he had broken her heart and Cal felt Bri had broken his heart. What they didn't know was someone else was involved and interfered in their relationship. Cal has since married another doctor, Raine, and they have trying to convince the town to build a new trauma center for the hospital and raising the money to support it. Cal's sister, Em, lost her fiancé in the line of duty and needs to come home to Highland Falls to heal and recover. The two ladies, once best friends, end up sharing a house together, and they are not really happy with that arrangement. With Bri just getting out of an abusive marriage, trying to heal and piece her life back together and Cal living a secret life with his wife or soon to be ex, there is so much happening that involves secrets and so many lies. Hopefully, Cal and Bri are able to their lives back on track, find their way back to each get their second chance for love, while the town gets a new trauma center.
Ms. Mason wrote an enjoyable, emotional, and heartwarming story that should not be missed. She provided a tale rich with sizzling chemistry, family dynamics, clever banter, lots of laughs, supportive friends, and quirky characters giving Bri and Cal a second chance at love, happiness, and a future together. I highly recommend At Home on Marigold Lane to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Although this is part of a series, you can easily read it as a standalone without a problem following story. Think of this book as a lifetime or hallmark type movie.( producers are you listening?)
This was a fun,easy read and I really enjoyed it. I might need to start reading the priors to the series ... Alot going on but basically a second chance love story with several supporting stories mixed in . Thank you to Debbie Mason, the Publishers and NetGalley for this Advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
I really liked it and recommend it
This story is another delightful success from Debbie Mason. Just looking at the beautiful cover makes you want to sit down in a cozy reading corner with a cup of tea and be part of the HIghland Falls community. A second chance story with true to life characters. The Highland Falls stories would make a great Netflix series in my opinion. Don't miss this heartwarming, fun, romance!
True love just does not fade over time. When Bri and Caleb find out why they haven't been together all these years, it is quite a shock. They do a great job working together with their circle of friends to make things happen in their town though! This is a great feel good weekend read!
This book did not disappoint! I was hooked from the beginning not a dull moment. Cal and Bri get a much deserved second chance at love after several heartbreaking trials. The strong sense of community and unique characters this author has written so spectacularly are what make this one special.
The majority of this book I really loved. I thought Bri and Cal were a great couple, and I enjoyed their dynamic. I liked the blended family aspect on Cal's side. I liked the recovery from trauma and abuse on Bri's side. I liked the teenage daughter a lot, and felt that she added the right amount to the story.
What I didn't like about this book was 2 things. 1, that Cal was only separated, not actually divorced. I understood why the choice was made for the story, but it felt more like cheating than I personally like. 2. The Ex wife. She was spoiled, she was entitled, and a pathological liar. She would do anything to manipulate a situation to get what she wanted, and she grated on me a lot in this one.
Otherwise, the small town fall romance vibes were on point for me, and considering the book before this one, Bri's progression was truly beautiful to see.
Brianna MacLeod was forced to move home to Highland Farms after her divorce ended traumatically. She embarrassed she had to move home and be taken care of; she blames herself for everything that happened. Due to this, she hasn’t been able to perform the job she loves so much as a family and marriage therapist. When she finds herself living with a roommate, she quickly ends up counseling her as well as the neighbor's teenage daughter. The last thing she ever expected was to reunite with her first love. Caleb Scott’s marriage has failed, and his step daughter’s not taking it very well. Speaking with Bri appears to be helping her. As the two see each other more, he realizes his feelings haven’t gone away. Can he convince her that they should take a second chance at love?
A House on Marigold Lane is an adorable and heartfelt rom com that covers serious topics so well. I’ve read a few books in this series but not all of them. Debbie provides great summaries of events that have taken place in past books to keep the readers up to date. I enjoy second chance romances especially when high school sweethearts / first loves are involved. I loved the characters; they are all so realistic and relatable. There were many twists and turns that I wasn’t expecting, I enjoyed it all.
Thank you @readforeverpub and @grandcentralpub for this gifted ARC! Book is out September 26, 2022!
I like how each book follows a different couple. These books are a nice escape from daily life. It's like watching a Hallmark movie or soap opera. I don't remember too much from past books, but I like how the past characters show up in each new book. The plot and character actions get a little far-fetched, but like I said, these books are a great escape and a really fun read. I thought Bri was a great main character and evolved a lot over the course of the book. I loved Cal and Bri's interactions and thought they made a great couple. I hope Em and Josh are the next book's couple.
Wow what a wonderful book. Yes there are a lot of lies being told among the characters but that is life!
We are following Bri's life right now, she is trying to recover from the attack from her ex husband and it's hard going. She ends up staying in Highland Falls but she has to move out of her sisters Inn because her mother is coming to town. Bri doesn't want to be suffocated with her mother's attitude and the smothering she is bound to do....
Bri is a counselor and loves to help people but she hasn't started up her business yet...stick recuperating from her injuries. Not to mention she keeps putting off her appointments with the surgeon that saved her life, Caleb Scott, he's also an old boyfriend that she never got over.
Well Bri ends up, more like is being pushed into counseling people again with the help of Caleb's sister, Bri's best friend one upon a time, Em has her own problems and could really use therapy.
I have read every book in this series and I find myself loving the whole series. Debbie Mason has a way of writing so that the story flows and you don't lose interest.
The characters are wonderful even with all the lies and deceit. I especially loved Caleb in this story. He wants to come clean with everyone about the lies but to protect his soon to be ex-wife and stepdaughter he continues with them...
In the end it all works out...or does it?
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for an advanced digital copy of this book for an honest opinion. These are my words and my words only
At Home on Marigold Lane is a wonderful book full of romance, secrets, and lies.
Brianna Macleod was forced back home to her live with her family after suffering a horrific accident which caused her to have an almost fatal TBI and leg injury. She had previously been in an abusive marriage so time with her family to heal was needed. Her sister had been putting off her honeymoon to Scotland to take care of Bri. It was Bri's mission to have her sister believe she is much better so she can go on her honeymoon starting with a move to a house on Marigold Ln instead of having her mother take care of her in her sisters absence.
Bris runs into her first love Caleb Scott the surgeon who saved her life from her near death accident, they almost got married many years prior but he had broken her heart and Cal felt Bri had broken his heart. What they didn't know was someone else was involved and interfered in their relationship.
With Bri just getting out of an abusive marriage, trying to heal and peace her life back together and Cal living a secret life with his wife or soon to be ex, there is so much happening that involves secrets and so many lies. Will Bri and Cal find their way back to each other?
This story was amazing with the twists and turns.
I found this book so entertaining and extremely enjoyable.
Thank you NetGalley for the advance digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
At Home on Marigold Lane is an excellent edition to Debbie Mason’s Highland Falls series. Love the realism of the scenes in the grocery store (laugh out loud funny), and the love that shines through the pain of the characters.
This is a well written book that is full of emotions. Once you start reading it, you don't want to put it down. So many secrets and so many lies come to light in this small town. It's a page turner you don't want to miss.
I received a complimentary copy from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.