4 Wine Glass #Review of Sugarplum Way by Debbie Mason

 

Title: Sugarplum Way
Series: Harmony Harbor #4
Author: Debbie Mason
Format: Kindle, 368 pages
Published: October 31, 2017 (Forever)
ISBN: ASIN: B01N2AICXC
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Reviewer: Linda
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 4 out of 5 Wine Glasses

Romance writer Julia Landon knows how to write a happily-ever-after. Creating one for herself is a whole different story. But after a surprising--and surprisingly passionate--kiss under the mistletoe at Harmony Harbor's holiday party last year, Julia thought she might have finally found her very own chance at true love. Until she learns her Mr. Tall, Dark, and Broodingly Handsome has sworn off relationships. Well, if she can't have him in real life, Julia knows just how to get the next best thing....

Aidan's only priority is to be the best single dad ever. And this year, he plans to make the holidays magical for his little girl, Ella Rose. But visions of stolen kisses under the mistletoe keep dancing in his head, and when he finds out Julia has written him into her latest novel, he can't help imagining the possibilities of a future together. Little does he know, though, Julia has been keeping a secret that threatens all their dreams. Luckily, 'tis the season for a little Christmas magic.

Linda's Thoughts:
“Why be ordinary when you can be extraordinary?”

I want to live in the small town of Harmony Harbor! Sugarplum Way is the entertaining fourth installment in Debbie Mason’s Harmony Harbor series. I’ve not read all the previous books …yet, but I still thoroughly enjoyed Sugarplum Way, so it works well as a standalone if that is your preference. Sugarplum Way is the HEA story of Aidan Gallagher and bookstore owner and romance writer Julia Landon. The two share a history. They aren’t exactly enemies, but, as the story opens, they are far from being friends.

In Harmony Harbor, there’s mistletoe everywhere as Christmas draws near. Julia loves Christmas. Aiden does not. Aiden is struggling both career-wise and financially as he and his wife have split. His conniving ex hopes to get back with Aiden and is holding their little girl’s visits as hostage. Meanwhile, Julie has dark secrets and is close to completing her hush-hush mission.

There’s a lot going on in this book besides Aiden’s and Julia’s relationship. The romance between Aidan’s father and his neighbor across the street is on-again, off-again. A ghostly Colleen is celebrating her first anniversary as a specter adding a bit of paranormal to this tale. The frantic search for Colleen’s still-missing tell-all Secret Keeper of Harmony Harbor book continues as residents worry about what it will disclose when found. In addition, there are small-town bitter rivalries and politics.

The characters are fun and likeable. Julia is one-of-a-kind, generous and a hoot. Aiden’s cynical detective instincts don’t trust Julia one whit. He’s still grieving and harboring anger over the tragic deaths of his mother and baby sister years ago. But, when Julia is sick, he’s there for her. The chemistry between them positively sizzles. But, when Julia’s deep, dark secret is exposed, will Aiden be able to forgive and forget?

Following please find a few of my favorite quotes from Sugarplum Way:

“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.”
--- 

…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!”

I enjoy reading festive reads year-round. Sugarplum Way is a sweet and fun story about two stubborn people and a lovely little girl. If you relish charming, cozy small-town Christmas romances that make you feel like you’re participating in the festivities, I’d encourage you to check out Debbie Mason’s Harmony Harbor series. Just set aside a block of time to read it, as it’s a page-turner infused with laughter, tears and dreams come true that you won’t want to put it down!



Suggested Reading Order: 
Mistletoe Cottage
Christmas with an Angel (short story)
Starlight Bridge
Primrose Lane
Sugarplum Way
Driftwood Cove
Sandpiper Shore