Cover Image: STARLIGHT BRIDGE

STARLIGHT BRIDGE

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Member Reviews

Ava and Griffin are made for each other, but so many things stand in the way. At one time they were married, but then Ava get a divorce explaining nothing. They have not really seen each other since he shipped out. Now Grif is back! Sparks fly as Ava tries to find a book that contains all the secrets of the community, including hers., Griff 's 2nd ex-wife is pregnant and a ghost keep stirring the pot. A fun book all the way around., with a most satisfying, although unusual ending.

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Debbie Mason has release a very emotional romance story that it will keep you on your toe in order to find the ending between Ava and Griffin in Starlight Bridge.
Starlight Bridge will give Ava and Griffin another chance in romance but it will definitely take some time between them because Ava is carrying a huge secret that tear them apart from the beginning.
Ava is very beautiful yet intelligent women that any man is lucky to have her. But she carry a huge secret that tear her away from her Griffin that she is determined to keep the secret hidden no matter what. But you know what they say about secrets, it will always comes out one way or the other. And it will.
While Ave is determine to hide the secret, she gets see Griffin again. And boy does Griffin have it bad. Griffin definitely felt heartbroken when Ava left years ago but hen he saw her again, he is determined to be with her again. No matter what he will always love her.
It is going to be a very emotional journey between them. But it is definitely worth it since they truly are meant for each other. Starlight Bridge is a very emotional romance story that it will make you ride a huge roller coastal until the end. Four Stars.

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I just knew the moment I picked up Starlight Bridge by Debbie Mason that this was going to be the book that will briefly pull me out of my reading slump, and I was right.

We met Ava and Griffin in book one, and ever since then I have wanted to know their story.

Ava and Griffin are divorced. They use to have one of a kind love, but after Griffin get’s deployed, something happens that changes Ava and suddenly she is serving the divorce papers. It didn’t take long for the readers to kind of learn what happened to Ava, but Ava doesn’t want Griffin to find out. The problem is, Colleen, Griffins great-grandmother wrote it down in a journal that now everyone in Graystone Manor and their enemies want to get their hands on.

This book did not disappoint. I was a little worried about how I would feel about it after not liking Sophie in book one, but I totally loved and adored Ava – she had such a big heart when it came to Griffin and her own father no matter the circumstances. I felt for the girl, I really did. What happened to her was horrible and who caused, it was even more heart breaking. But, I enjoyed the simmering attraction and love between Ava and Griffin and I loved watching it unfold through the story. It was sweet, it was wondering and no amount of time took away from the strong hold the two have on each other. Watching them as they worked on staying together despite Griffin’s families opinion on her was endearing and left me cheering them on.

There is so much going on. Outside of battling her attraction for her ex-husband, Graystone Manor is still in trouble and Griffin is one of the siblings that is ready to vote to sell the place. A lot of the Gallagher’s don’t want that, so they hope that Ava can change his mind. Ava is also dealing with her father, who had an accident years ago and now cannot walk. He spends his days chain smoking, watching TV, and drowning his sorrows with liquor. When he isn’t doing that, he is letting his anger explode on Ava and she is suffering, but she loves her father, so she does everything she can to help him.

This really was a great page turner. Another book that I had a hard time putting down and found myself reading at four in the morning. I loved that Colleen is still around as a ghost. I think I had an issue with it in the first book, but once I got passed it, I found that I enjoy that part of the book. It’s different and I am okay with that.

Tons of secondary characters are in book two, so we get to see how Liam and Sophie are doing. I have to admit, I still don’t like her and this book did nothing to change my opinion on her. The way she treated her cousin when things were rough at the Graystone manor with the new cook went uncalled for. I thought Sophie of all people would understand. Rose, the DiRossi grandmother is still funny and great, I loved her character in book one as well as this one.

There was a development between Griffin and Lexi – his second ex-wife that even though at the time I found annoying and unnecessary – I grew to respect when my opinion of Lexi changed by the end of the book.

Overall, I really loved this. The storyline follows what’s been happening in book one with the Manor, so even thought this could be read as a standalone – I feel like the readers would be confused with some of the stuff that happens in this book – so I strongly recommend starting with book one.

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Circling around the restoration and renewal of Greystone Manor, and the people who are working to make this forgotten gem a going concern. In this book we have Ava, a well-known and regarded chef, brought in by Sophie (the nexus of the project to save the manor) to help out. But there are issues. See, Ava was once married to Griffin, and after a huge mistake, she used her fear to drive her next steps – pushing Griffin away, even though they both still loved one antoher. Now, even though she was back in town to help her dying father, she’s retreated from life and further from Griffin and his family, hoping to keep him away from the real reasons she walked from their marriage.

Griffin, for his part, never stopped loving Ava, even remarrying (although now divorced) didn’t keep him from thinking about her, wondering what he did wrong, and having the repeated ill-will toward her from his family reinforced. No one really understands why they split so long ago, and the one person who may have known is long since gone, having never shared the why to a person, but left behind in a memoir. Ava is desperate that the reasons never come to light, so her need to find this memoir, left somewhere in the Manor house, is reaching critical mass. Avoiding Griffin, who is helping with the renovation is a close second on her list.

Oh this was fun, when two people are desperate to avoid one another, and interference and coincidental moments are fueled by a ghost and a cat, the façade that Ava has constructed to hide her ever-present love for Griffin is crumbling. And together, despite bickering, ignoring and desperate attempts to not address one another directly, the passion, emotion and connection between them is clear and palpable. They just need to be honest, and despite some childish and petty behavior meant to distract and disrupt the connection from Griffin’s ex Lexi, the developer’s monkey wrenches thrown to discredit the new owners and their attempts to make the business a success and the meddling ghost, the story moves forward until Ava needs to confront or run from the secrets of the past.

Given plenty of time to reacquaint themselves, despite the back and forth, the connection and regard that Ava and Griffin have is clear, and while Ava mistakenly and rather childishly decides that her answers are the best ones, the gradual understanding and growth that she finds in the solidity of Griffin and the power of truth and honesty to allow you to move forward is clearly drawn and brings the couple together in ways unexpected. Tension from the threats to the Manor, the attraction between Ava and Griffin and the curious interferences from the ghost add a solid underlayment that draws you forward, keeping you engaged. A wonderful installment in the series, I can’t wait for the next.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

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This series is turning out to be a wonderful ride. It's heartwarming, romantic and funny! The trifecta of a good romance for me. A book works better when I find myself crying one second, laughing the next and sighing after.

I'm not always a fan of second chance romances. I feel like it's a song played twice with the first time not being so good. But since I love Mason's books I just had to give it a try. Plus, it didn't hurt that I really liked the two main characters for this book.

From the first book I wanted to know what happened with Ava. I knew it had to be something bad, she just all but shut down and from what you learn in the first book, it wasn't like her. What you find out is both shocking but not. I know you'd love to know what it was, well get started reading and you too will know.

I also liked Griffin, his taste in second wives not so much. Lexie is just....I'd love to say more about her but believe me it truly would ruin the book for you. Some things are meant to be learned as they happen.

I will say this, so much of this story pulled at my heartstrings. I don't think anyone could be as nice as Ava is. She goes above and beyond for everyone.

Starlight Bridge has a slight mystery that started in Mistletoe Cottage. The author is doing a wonderful job of keeping us on our toes. I can't wait to see what happens in Primrose Lane. I wasn't sure that after loving Mason's Christmas Colorado series I'd be able to fall in love with a new series. I'm glad to find out that I have. The Harmony Harbor series is just so wonderful.

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Instead of telling the only man she's ever loved the secret she's kept hidden from everyone, Ava DiRossi asked for a divorce. Now years later, Griffin Gallagher is back in town. Determined to hide the truth for as long as she can, and make sure his great-grandmother's memoir doesn't fall into the wrong hands, Ava does her best to remain neutral to her ex. Except it's hard to ignore the chemistry that still blazes between them, no matter how hard she tries. Will she find it within herself to reveal her secret, so she and Griffin can have a second chance at love?

The first book of this series was really good, but I loved this one so much more. Right from the beginning, this story was a beguiling, fast-paced read that I could not put down and I loved the way it started with Ava needing a miracle; someone to help her get through the hard times she's had over the years dealing with her injured father. However, it was from the moment that Griffin and Ava came face-to-face for the first time in this story where things became very interesting. The heroine doesn't know how to act around Griffin, and it's palpable he doesn't want anything to do with her because of the way things ended between them. She didn't give him a good enough reason for the divorce.

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the obstacles this couple face on their journey to happy ever after, what someone is trying to do to see that the Gallaghers sell Greystone Manor; and the main characters back stories, especially that of the heroine. She's been through so much in the years since divorcing Griffin and it made me feel sorry for her, because her dad is hard work always ordering her around and complaining; treating her like a servant instead of his daughter. However, I liked that she didn't let it break her, even when she had every reason to fall apart. Really, she's strong, brave and I liked how determined she was to move on with her life, once things started turning around for her and she could actually live her life the way she wanted.

While Griffin, he was a fantastic hero. He has some major decisions to make that aren't easy for him, but I liked the choices he did make, because he deserved a second shot at forever love with Ava. Moreover, I liked how protective he was of Ava and how he dealt with the situation between his ex-wife Lexi and Ava. They needed to hash things out to make Lexi see that Ava isn't the evil witch she thinks she is, and besides, the two women needed each other to help them deal with Ava facing the past and Lexi's uncertain future.

Overall, Ms. Mason has penned a wonderful story in this book where I could feel every emotion along with the characters; the intimacy was on the sweet side with closed bedroom scenes; and the secondary characters entertained me just as much as the main ones, especially a particular ghost that wants Ava and Griffin back together. The way this story ended had me cheering for this couple's happy ever after, because it proves that Ava isn't going to let what happened to her in the past stand in the way of her and the hero getting their second chance at love. Besides, Griffin needed to know Ava's reason for leaving him in the past and what Lexi is going through now. I would recommend Starlight Bridge by Debbie Mason, if you enjoy second chance romances or books by authors Susan Mallery, Brenda Novak or RaeAnne Thayne.

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This is book 2 in the Harmony Harbor series and I admit that I haven't read the first book in this series but I wasn't confused at all.

I loved the characters and I found this book to be a fast and easy read. Great for lazy days because I didn't want to put this one down.

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"Starlight Bridge" by Debbie Mason. This tale is one of second chances and renewed true love. Ava and Griffin married young and divorced young, but no one but Ava knew why. I liked Ava a lot and my heart hurt for her. Showing her strength, she struggled through and did what she needed to do to survive. Griffin was sexy and sweet and amazingly understanding too. There are many secondary characters, which at times was a bit confusing, but didn't take away, too much, from Ava and Griffin's story. I adored Colleen but never warmed up to Lexi. I found the first part of the book was quite emotional and had me turning each page almost regretfully yet eagerly to see what awaited our couple next. The author brought me to tears several times and my heart hurt. However, I did find that some of the resolutions that occurred were just a bit too over the top for me and took away from the journey of Ava and Griffin, making the beauty of their love a little less. Overall, this is an enjoyable read that showcases love, family and friendships. I will most certainly look forward to reading future works by this author. (received copy from NetGalley for honest review)

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I enjoyed this romance that had a little ghost story thrown in for good measure. Readers soon learn that Ava is among the people harboring secrets, and in her case, the main person the secret is hurting is herself. Her secret is why she left her beloved husband and her secret is why one of the other charcacters called her "mouse". Once that secret comes to light--and not via that book--healing begins.

The only real problem I had with the book was the ending--it was just too happy, just too pat, and frankly, not quite realistic. Still romance novels are supposed to end with happily ever after so...Part of the ending revolved around the difference between romantic love and friendly love between a man and a woman and whether friendly love can exist if one or the other is romantically involved with someone else.

The book is part of a series but stands well on its own, though there are a couple of times when characters seem to come out of nowhere.

I'd like to thank the publisher for making a review copy available via NetGalley. Grade: B.

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Griffin is called back home to help fix up the inn he wants nothing to do with he sees there is a lot more to just fixing up the inn and he still believes they all would be better off fixing it up. He also keeps running into his ex-wife and memories he would rather leave in the past and move on with his life. When he discovers a secret he is not happy and he doesn't know it he should fix it to let it go.
Ava has a huge secret from her past she would rather leave there but she also has some secrets in her life today she would rather keep private to and it seems that the secrets are all becoming to much to handle. When she is faced dealing with her ex husband, his ex wife and trying to help save the inn people start to wonder more about the secrets she hiding. Will she be able to continue to protect everyone and her heart?
What a fun book. I remember reading the first book and this book was just a fun. Some of the characters are off the charts but they add perfect to the story. If your like me You have a love hate relationship with Lexi and Jasper. I love the huge part they played in this book but I also loved Colleen and a few other characters. There is some language but its very mild other wise this book is a super fun read. I had a hard time putting this book down it truly sucks you in and before you know it your half way through, it has some twist and turns and its over all fun.

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Starlight Bridge is the second in Debbie Mason’s Harmony Harbor series. This lighthearted series picks up several months after the last installment. If you read Christmas with an Angel, just ignore it. GG is still trying to find her memoirs and right the wrongs of her life. This time she’s trying to get Griffin and Ava back together, thus ensuring Griffin’s place on Team Graystone. There are a few somewhat predictable twists and it takes far too long to reveal what broke up Griffin and Ava in the first place, though an astute reader will have figured it out fairly early. All in all, this is a solid story that will warm the hearts of small-town lovers. I really enjoy this series and am very much looking forward to the next installment.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.

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Starlight Bridge is the second full-length novel in the Harmony Harbor series. It's set in Graystone Manor run by an extended family that has recently seen their matriarch (and great-grandmother) pass. The fate of the Manor is in the hands of her descendants. They must unanimously agree to keep the inn running or sell it and split the proceeds.

In Starlight Bridge we have Griffin who has never gotten over losing Ava. She was forced to end their relationship when an event occurred over a decade ago. Now that circumstances have brought them together again will they get a second chance?

One interesting aspect of the series is that the deceased has not departed Graystone Manor. She seems to be overseeing (with the help of her friends who are still alive) the reunion of several grandchildren with the love each let get away. There's also the matter of a tell-all journal of sorts that is hidden somewhere in Graystone Manor. If that book is found the secrets of many could be made known to all.

Debbie Mason's series is light-hearted for the most part. The novels also have serious issues that the main characters must deal with in order to move forward. I enjoyed Starlight Bridge and, because of some foreshadowing at the end of this novel, look forward to reading the next book in the series.

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4 Meant To Be Loves Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free
I have a soft spot for this series. Debbie Mason has put together a continuing tale of family, secrets and some ghostly intervention to take you away from your day to day life. Here in Harmony Harbor you can see how a fight to keep a stately hotel from becoming a victim to a developer brings fractions of families together. It allows us to follow through the individual books all of those who are touched by it.

Each book is a stand alone yet have continuing characters, so the desire to find out what the next secret and couple will be is strong. You can jump in at any time.

This story had many layers of complexity with the main characters. Ava and Griffin were married many years ago... happily. Things happened and Ava sent Griffin away, claiming she no longer loved him.

It broke both of them.
Both pretended to move on... but deep scars still feel fresh when they see each other.

She has always loved him... and thought she was doing the right thing...
He tried to move on...even marrying again but in the end both he and his new wife understood he was not all in on this marriage. The ex wife has remained friends with Griffin and is still protective of him.

All of this comes together with the attempt of saving the Graystone Manor...It was left to all of the family to ensure it would not be sold unless all could agree. The Matriarch past away recently....but she is still there...working her ghostly skills in trying to rectify secrets she kept all those years.

This covers the main characters' true love for another, the reason for Ava's pushing him away and the continuing pursuit of the developer who is using underhanded tactics to get his hands on the Manor.

We see how fear can cripple us and stop the telling of truth...where if one did...the shame and pain would be released. We also are shown how enabling loved ones can keep them from overcoming the demons they are fighting... and it can become a crutch for both parties.

The biggest perk of this series is the out and out promotion of going for your love...for laying it out there...and each installment does that. All of them have humor and intrigue with a secret and ghostly interference but the thrust of it is the coming together of couples who are meant to be.

Mistletoe Cottage (Harmony Harbor #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Christmas with an Angel: A Short Story (Harmony Harbor
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

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The second book that is set at Harmony Harbor, this one did not disappoint. Ava and Griffin have a complicated past, and an even more complicated present. Put them together with a lot of meddling family and one meddling ghost and you have the perfect recipe for a book that is both fun and touching. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.

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This author is always a little tough for me to rate. There are elements in her stories I always seem to hate yet keep reading and by the end I love it. Thats what happened here. I seriously considered quitting from 35%-80% of the story. However by the time it ended I was happy I kept reading.

Going into this book I hesitated because I postively HATED Griffin in the first book. Him and his ex wife, Lexi, I abhored. You meet them as they attend the wedding that never happens and they were bastards to Ava, the heroine in this story. BUT, I read that in this book Griff decides he loves Ava and so it would be more about them and I loved Ava.

At first I enjoyed it and I was plodding along UNTIL it got terrible. I mean beyond awful. So much that I wanted to quit and if I was not reviewing I would have totally quit. Whats so awful well, while Griff is thinking he wants a chnace with Ava and he loves her even though at that point he has left town because he thinks she hates him, well his ex wife tells him she is pregnant with his baby and they had sex many times because he likes sex and he loves her. So gross. I mean seriously I HATED it!!! Then he talks her into moving to where his family lives but where Ava lives. Ava who he married, had a miscarriage with, who cannot have another child and he also agrees to not have anything to do with her because Lexi doesn't like her. UGH. Talk about throwing something in someones faces. The only saving this book was neither wants to re-marry but Griff would have totally remarried this ex wife.

This is how bad this book is and I seriously wanted to quit but I kept reading because I wanted to find the good part. Well Griff goes back to town, makes up with Ava and decides he has to wait til the baby is born and then he is going to get Ava BUT he never tells her how his ex is moving to town to and how she is having his baby. UNTIL, Lexi arrives and everyone knows. And Lexi and everyone becomes all about Lexi and turns away from Ava. Everyone but Griff who then talks into still dating him. UGH

This is what I wanted, I wanted Ava to say by bye to Griff and find a man who would make him suffer. I mean seriously I wanted him to suffer how he made Ava suffer. Yes I HATED him for most of the book. He came off very spineless and the whole my ex wife is having my baby was so icky.

Anyways around 80%Ava and Lexi form a friendship and thats finally when I started to enjoy the book. They form a relationship that was actually wonderful. They both saved this book and I actually started to enjoy it. Then I got whacked in the head with another surprise....which I am not sharing. Those two really had fabulous chemistry and saved the book.

By the end I really ended up loving all three characters and I can say I ended up enjoying the story. I would never ever ever re-read this story. Would I recommend it, nope probabbly not. BUT if you enjoy this authors writing and you love this series, beware of the stuff you will have to read about and I would read because it will take you forward to the next book in the series.

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