Book Review: Mistletoe Cottage by Debbie Mason

About the Book:

Title: Mistletoe Cottage

Author: Debbie Mason

Series: Harmony Harbor #1

Publication Date: Oct. 25, 2016

Publisher: Forever

Synopsis: ‘Tis the season for love . . .
Sophie DiRossi loved growing up in Harmony Harbor. But after fleeing in disgrace many years ago, it is the last place she wants to be. Left homeless by a fire, she’s forced to go back to the small coastal town that harbors a million secrets, including her own. Sophie sees this secret reflected every day in her daughter’s blue eyes-and she must keep it hidden from the only man she has ever loved.

Sophie’s return is a shock for everyone . . . especially Liam Gallagher. The firefighter had some serious feelings for Sophie-and seeing her again sparks a desire so fierce it takes his breath away. Now Liam will do whatever it takes to show Sophie that they deserve a second chance at love, even if everything they’ve concealed threatens to keep them apart. In this special town at this special time of the year, Sophie and Liam can only hope for a little holiday magic…

LINKS:   Goodreads   |    Amazon | Book Depository

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My Review:

Mistletoe Cottage is a heartwarming holiday romance that follows Sophie DiRossi and Liam Gallagher, friends who haven’t seen each other for years. When a disatrous fire leaves Sophie and her daughter Mia homeless, they head to Harmony Harbor. Sophie hasn’t been back to her hometown since she became pregnant with Mia, and she fears that her secret about Mia’s father will be revealed when she returns. However, she isn’t the only one keeping secrets, as she soon learns.

Liam is back in Harmony Harbor as well, and he isn’t prepared for the feelings that assault him when he sees Sophie again after so many years. As the pair reconnects, he determines to do whatever it takes to convince Sophie that they are meant for each other. But he has secrets too. Will Sophie and Liam give love a chance?

I love Liam and Sophie, and they have amazing chemistry! Sophie is a hard-working, strong woman and a wonderful mother. She is very proud, and she has a great arc throughout the story. Liam does as well. He’s so kind, thoughtful, and generous, and yet he’s going through a lot in his personal life. The author does a fantastic job of creating richly developed and compelling characters that you can’t help but root for. Their individual stories, as well as their story as a romantic couple, are engrossing.

Liam is the kind of romantic hero I love. He is so caring and supportive, and he has wanted Sophie for as long as he can remember. However, she’s always been off-limits because she is his best friend’s little sister. Liam knows how he feels, and he shows Sophie in so many ways how much he cares about her and Mia. He and Sophie have such a strong connection, and their slow-building romance is swoon-tastic! I love how hard he works to earn her trust and affection, and his growing relationship with Mia is lovely. Speaking of Mia, she stole my heart from the beginning! She’s so adorable and sweet – a little burst of sunshine in the story!

This is a sweet and romantic story with tons of magic, especially when a helpful ghost gets involved. The story also includes some realistic and difficult issues that many small towns face, and though there are several more serious plot lines, the book as a whole has a hopeful and positive tone.

Harmony Harbor is a small, quaint town with tons of charm, and it’s a great backdrop to the story. I always enjoy stories with communities where everyone knows everybody else, and secrets are difficult to keep. This town includes clashing matriarchs, long-standing feuds, a plethora of characters, and many touching and laugh-out-loud moments. Plus, the characters and plot are layered and interesting, and the love story is fantastic! I would definitely recommend the book to readers of contemporary, holiday, or second-chance romance. Special thanks to Forever Publishing for sending me a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

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Rating:

Favorite Parts:

• The romance!!

• The characters.

• The small-town setting.

Recommendations:

I would recommend the book to romance readers. However, I would suggest checking out the content warnings, as there are some parts of the story that could be triggering for readers.