Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a copy of the book. I love how this book started with a funny meet cute. Jillie was not a very nice person because of her anxiety and panic attacks and dealing with strangers. I thought Matt was a saint in how he treated her fears and the pace of the relationship. I liked how her condition was such a big part of the book and how they dealt with it.

This is book 5 in the Gallant Lakes series and can be read as a stand alone. I did not read any of the previous books. This is a nice love story that deals with the topic of agoraphobia. Jillian suffers panic attacks when she is out in public or around a crowd of people. She has a service dog, Sophia that helps calm her and keep her company in their mountain cabin. When a developer buys the land next to her wilderness for a ski resort they get off on the wrong foot when Sophie chases him up a tree. There is humor and compassion in the writing about this illness. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Sweet story that kept me hooked and root for the characters.
I liked the romance, the plot and the fleshed out characters.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Jillian managed to managed to make a safe area for herself in the mountains but when the new neighbor Matt comes around asking for access that'll help his construction crew do work, her carefully constructed world feels like its about to crumble.

This was such an interesting book. I loved the close knit friends that Jillian has made they were so supportive and when things were getting iffy they quickly jumped in and helped her thought her anxiety attacks and such. They were also supportive trying to make sure that the new neighbor would keep his distance knowing how she was. Then once he finds out he tries to be kind about it but doesn't really understand that in Jillian's head she doesn't feel she has a choice and its only a matter of time before he leaves and clearly she's not going to leave even if they got something going on. This was just such an interesting and enjoyable read.

While sweeter than most of the romances I typically read, this story was wonderfully written and captivating. Set in the small, idyllic suburb of New Hope, the author weaves colorful characters into a vibrant community of people that look out for one another and take care of their own.

When Prescott, a finicky antiques dealer opens a new shop in the area and is forced to share a space with Danny, a dealer of eclectic treasures, the two could not appear more opposite. The pairing of styles and personalities of these two men made as much sense as displaying pewter garniture with a collection of the Smurfs. Like oil and water, these two butted heads and could agree on nothing until an outside force threatened their community. And just like that, forced to be on the same side of a cause, Prescott and Danny found common ground on which to stand that allowed them to put their differences aside and truly learn about the other person.

Both of these men were quirky and sweet, and each was deeper than first appeared. Prescott gave off a snobbish vibe, which hid the insecurities he actually felt. And Danny’s larger than life teddy bear personality was an attempt to cover the fears he had of being used for what possessions he could give a partner, rather than who he was. But as they grew to trust and respect each other, they learned that there was more than first met the eye; that oil and water didn’t need to mix in order to still complement one another.

At first, I wasn’t a fan of these two men, together or separate. They seemed too set on being enemies rather than sharing a goal of making their store work or getting to know one another. But as they opened up to each other, I enjoyed them more and more. Add in the community full of eclectic store owners and friends and the book took on a homey feel that drew me in and created warm fuzzies.

A sweet and charming story, The Beautiful Things Shoppe was the perfect book to snuggle up with on a cold day and read a warm romance.

Her Mountainside Haven is the fifth book in the Gallant Lakes series. This was a new-to-me author, so I read the book as a stand-alone and I do not feel like I missed anything. Although it was fine as a stand-alone, I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading the previous books. The series is set in the small quaint town of Gallant Lake, New York, which is a tourist town. The characters are charming and so easy to connect with.
Matt Danzer purchased the closed-ski resort after seeing pictures online. He needed a place for his brother to heal after his ski accident away from the media. He plans to remodel the resort and then sell it. He thought it would be easy, but the pictures did not show all the work needed to be done. The biggest surprise was his neighbor who did not want anyone on her property.
Jillian “Jillie” Coleman was a famous horror book author and suffered from agoraphobia. She has discovered over the years ways to live her life as full as possible and still avoid panic attacks. She lives in the small town of Gallant Lakes in isolation with only a small closed-up ski resort as a neighbor. Out on a walk one day, Jillie encounters a stranger and learns that he has purchased the ski resort and plans on re-opening it to the public. Jillie does not want the resort opening but knows the town and businesses need the money the tourists would bring.
This was a charming book to read and it was so easy to fall in love with the small town and residents. Jillie and Matt had opposite lifestyles and in order to have a future together, they had to compromise.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Her Mountainside Haven is the 5th book in the Gallant Lake Stories series, and I loved it. I enjoyed the storyline between Jillian and Matt, this storyline was a quick and easy read and kept me turning the pages. I would certainly recommend this book to others.

I received a ARC from NetGalley and the publisher and I was under no obligation to leave a favorable review, all opinions expressed here are my own.

I really wanted to like this book. But ....
It seemed Matt would say all the right things then do something that would hurt Jillie. Like her anxiety was made up. It was jarring and would pull me right out of the story.
I wanted to tell Jillie to let him go. She could do better.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc in exchange for my honest review.

Good book. Jillie is a reclusive author of a popular series of horror novels. Due to her anxiety, panic attacks, and agoraphobia, she spends little time outside of her comfortable mountain home. She has a few close friends in town who know about her issues and help Jillie cope when she visits them. As a general rule, Privacy is her middle name, so she isn't happy when she learns that the abandoned ski resort next to her property has been sold.

Matt is the manager of his younger brother's ski career. While Bryce heals from a ski injury, Matt plans to renovate and flip the abandoned ski resort. He started his business as a way to make money and stay busy while Bryce trains. His plans hit a roadblock when the only access to the property runs through his reclusive neighbor's property.

The first meeting between Matt and Jillie got their relationship off to a rocky start. Matt went exploring his new property (still in his suit!) and ended up on the wrong side of the property line. He was treed by a very protective Sophie and threatened with bear spray by a very wary Jillie. There are some tense encounters between them as Matt makes his plea for access to the road until he receives some advice from her friends. I liked the meeting he set up and how he was willing to work out a compromise that suited them both.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Matt and Jillie. It begins slowly, with the exchange of texts regarding the road, during which Jillie becomes accustomed to the intrusions. A few encounters make Jillie realize that she feels safe with Matt, which hasn't happened for a very long time. I liked watching them get to know each other, especially as Jillie opens up about her mental health issues. I appreciated Matt's desire to understand. There is a beautiful scene when he takes Jillie on a date and has to handle one of her attacks. At the same time, Matt freaks out a bit at his growing feelings for her. They don't fit in with his future plans, but he can't imagine that future without her.

I liked seeing the changes in Jillie, also. Her issues with anxiety and panic attacks are still there, but she becomes more willing to step a little outside her comfort zone. She's honest with Matt about her fears and how they affect her life. When his need to travel runs up against her inability to leave home, harsh words erupt between them. I ached for them both as each one faced the possibility that love wasn't enough. I liked the self-examination that motivated them each to make changes. The ending was fantastic. Matt's actions showed that he finally understood her, and Jillie found the strength to take some chances. I'm looking forward to future books and seeing how their relationship progresses.

I haven't read the earlier books in the series, but this worked easily as a stand-alone. It did whet my appetite to go back and read the previous books, as I am intrigued by the hints dropped about the other couples' romances.

Matt shows up in this small NY town and crashes into Jilli's life. As a reclusive author dealing with phobias and anxiety , stress plays a big factor in controlling things.

As their friendship grows, they each give up something for the other. It's an interesting story of agoraphobia and it's affect on the victim. You'll find yourself rooting for this couple but can they face the challenges and move forward?

I received a free ARC eBook from Net Galley and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinions.

Three stars.

Her Mountainside Haven was an average read. I liked the winter setting without a holiday, I find in January and February I like to read books set in winter without a Christmas or New Years' vibe, and this definitely had that. The heroine, Jillie, lives on a mountain and struggles with severe anxiety and agoraphobia. When hero, Matt, buys the deserted ski resort next door, she feels overwhelmed at the thought of tourists surrounding her.
There was nothing particularly bad about this book, but it didn't grab me. There is a huge cast of side characters, who I believe starred in previous books, but I found checking in with them, since I hadn't read their books, tedious. The sex scene is medium heat, nothing too explicit, but technically an open door.
Trigger warning for off page assault of heroine (in the past) and lots of descriptions of panic attacks.

I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

“You never had closure.” He kissed her hair. No wonder it’s still messing with your head.
“In my books, women and girls are the heroes”
“I want girls to see themselves as having power”

A fictional story about a well known author,Jillie, who has some series emotional personal issues going on in her life. She has agoraphobia stemming from her childhood spent in foster care.
She has a therepy dog, Sophie, who will make you smile as she protects Jillie.
The story contains inserts of a new book she’s in the process of getting ready to send to her publisher.
Makes for a very different, intriguing read.
Certainly a very emotional read.
How Jillie has learned to cope is truly amazing. She leads a solitary life with just a few good friends. Then she meets Matt and her life suddenly heads in another direction but is Jillie ready for this?
I did not realize this was book 5 in a series. I am happy to say, I had no problem reading this as a standalone. This is also my first time reading a book written by Jo McNally. Her writing style is wonderful and I hope to read more by her.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.

A sweet romance. Some heavy personal issues on both sides requiring understanding and growth. Love doesn't really conquer all, but it helps.

This was a cute, at some points bordering on cheesy love story and I am here for it!!
Jillie is a reclusive author who has a troubled past. She has made her home in a tiny skiing town and has a few close friends she can trust due to her anxiety and agoraphobia. Then the hit new guy in town decides to re open the ski lodge next door to her and her world gets turned upside down dealing with the idea of the people and falling for him!

I ended up liking this book. There was just so much hope involved for Jillie and Matt. I liked his patience and her tenacity. I also liked Sophie the Dog.

3.5 stars

Jillian Coleman has built a life for herself in the small quiet town of Gallant Lake in an effort to escape her abusive past. Her anxiety and agoraphobia render her a virtual prisoner in her own home. But it’s a relatively peaceful existence, until Matt Danzer buys the run down old ski resort next door to her property. Can she deal with her new neighbor intruding into her private life? Can Matt convince her to let him in?

I share several of Jillian’s mental health disorders, so I was really curious to see how they would be presented in this book. For the most part I wasn’t disappointed. Her struggles are described quite thoroughly & accurately in an effort to get Matt to understand her (and educate the reader at the same time). One thing that made no sense to me was how she made so many friends in this new town she moved to. When you’re a virtual recluse, it’s very difficult to even keep the friends that you already have, let alone make new ones. Barring that, I thought the book was interesting and well done.

Thank you to NetGalley & Harlequin Special Edition for this advanced reader copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is a Romance, and this is the 5th book in the Gallant Lake Stories series. Jillian has anxiety and panic attacks with some other stuff going on meets a developer named Matt who brought the property next to hers. I love the romance between these two. I love how Matt helps Jillian. The characters where so developed, and I loved them so much. The storyline/plot was really good and fun to read. This was a sweet, but it was a really good story to read. I got pulled into this book, and I did not want it to end. I will have to keep reading this series. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Harlequin Special Edition) or author (Jo McNally) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that. This book is schedule to be release on February 1-2021.