Primrose Lane (Harmony Harbor, #3)

by Debbie Mason

[Lynn]

In this latest instalment of the Harmony Harbor series, attention's focused on the enigmatic Dana Templeton and Dr. Finn Gallagher.

Badly injured when rebels attacked his hospital in the Congo while working for Doctors Without Borders, Dr Finn Gallagher is only back in Harmony Harbor to convalesce. He's frustrated his injuries are slow to heal but gives him time to notice Greystone Manor's long-term, enigmatic resident Dana Templeton. When Finn sees the willowy red-headed woman acting erratically, he's determined to help and understand why. Only the outcome makes him confront his own issues and questions his future beyond his recovery.

Dana Templeton knows it is only a matter of time before her secrets are revealed to everyone at Greystone Manor. Currently, she's also struggling to cope as an important anniversary looms. When Dr Finn Gallagher sees her acting strangely, he swoops in and suspects the worst of her. Taking matters into his own hands he makes it is a personal crusade to put her on the right track. However, as her true identity's revealed and secrets exposed, she's drawn to her protector, despite his resemblance to the man who betrayed her. Thankfully, she's not looking for a relationship with a younger man, is she?

I loved the early build up of Finn and Dana/Olivia's relationship. They dislike each other, yet attracted to each another too, making their interactions combustible and entertaining. However, as Olivia's secrets are revealed, skeletons come out of the woodwork and make life complicated for them both. The sub-plot is antsy and tugs the heartstrings, making uncomfortable reading as Olivia's past brings up even more heartache. Thankfully, there's plenty of humour to balance the proceedings as Colleen, Jasper and Simon's antics add respite from the drama. Plenty of other familiar faces too for those acquainted with this series, making this another enjoyable trip to Harmony Harbor.

Like the previous books in this series, Primrose Lane is standalone, however, with cross-over characters appearing in each novel, I highly recommend reading all the books in sequence to fully appreciate Greystone Manor and Colleen.

4 stars

***arc received courtesy of publisher Forever via NetGalley***