REVIEW: The Inn on Mirror Lake by Debbie Mason

The Inn on Mirror Lake by Debbie Mason: Nate Black just wants to check in on the family of his best friend who recently passed when he is somehow convinced that he should help out a woman by being her fake boyfriend. It isn’t just any woman either. It’s Ellie MacLeod who he hasn’t been able to forget about since sharing a dance at his friend’s wedding. What was supposed to be a simple visit turns into him taking in a boy who is fighting the loss of his father and on top of it they are going to stay at the Inn that Ellie runs.

Ellie has to scramble when she finds out that her mom is planning on selling the Inn out from under her grandfather. When her grandfather and her decide to fight the change, they have to find ways to save the Inn. Thankfully, there is a contest coming to town that would draw a lot of business their way if the Inn is shown in the right light. She just has to revamp the Inn in less than two weeks… Thankfully she has new houseguests. She offers Nate’s room to him free of charge if he helps with the Inn. As they grow closer, sparks fly but are either of them ready for the repercussions of chatty townspeople, returning exes, and a potential drug ring?

When the book starts, Nate is closed off to the idea of anything but vengeance for his best friend. As he starts to build closer relationships with not only Ellie but also his friend’s son Ryder, he starts to question his decisions and what he really wants. As most men would, he tries to run from it all. The way that Ellie chooses to talk to him and not push the idea of long term really shows him that she is not like the other girls that he has dated. His character ends up even stronger than he thought was possible because of the decisions he makes.

Ellie has given up on pleasing her mother when the book starts. Her mom only sees her as a failure in her job, relationships and because of her abilities. As she starts to make changes at the Inn, she also makes changes within herself to know what her worth is and where her loyalties lie. She finds what she is passionate about and how she deserves to be treated in her relationships with her friends and family.

Overall, the book was very easy to follow. You could definitely tell that there were other books beforehand, but it didn’t deter from the actual story. It made me want to go back and read the others as well though! It was the perfect amount of cute tension-building romance without completely taking over the storyline. Such a light and great read!

Book Info:

Publication: February 22, 2022 | Forever | Highland Falls #4

They swear they’re not right for each other but the matchmakers of Highland Falls are out to prove them wrong.

Elliana MacLeod has come home to whip the Mirror Lake Inn into tip-top shape, the only way to prevent her mother from selling the beloved family business. In between watching over mischievous, cigar-sneaking Grandpa Joe and trying to help Highland Falls win the Most Romantic Small Town in America contest, Elliana’s plate isn’t just full, it’s overflowing. She can’t refuse Nathan Black’s offer to fix up the inn, even if the gorgeous law enforcement officer has made it abundantly clear he considers her a friend, and nothing more.

Nate knows he’s not cut out for long-term relationships or white picket fences, and that’s what Ellie deserves. Yet keeping her at arm’s length is nearly impossible, especially once they’re working—and living—side-by-side. The more time he spends with Ellie, the more he wants, and not just for today but forever. When Ellie’s ex returns to town, has Nate missed his chance with the woman of his dreams?