Between The Pages - Magical Midnight

Magical Midnight 

Catherine Lanigan 

January 2024  

Midnight takes place on the Michael's Wisconsin dairy farm when a strange woman appears on the winter solstice. Neither father or son realize she is an angel, who has till midnight on Christmas Eve to bring the estranged two men back together. What ensues is a heartwarming story of love, faith, and the true meaning of forever.

Between The Pages 

Magical Midnight is a heartwarming story and makes you feel good during and after the read. The plot of a father and son who have drifted apart over the years and an angel helping repair their relationship is engaging. The characters are well-developed and interesting, and the visual setting is picturesque. The angelic twist is realistic and has you thinking about love, faith, and miracles. This book has an inspirational message of believing and cherishing every moment. 

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - Home For Christmas

Home for Christmas
Catherine Lanigan
November 2019

Can a magical Christmas under glass… 

…bring them back together for good? 

Widowed dad Adam Masterson still doesn’t understand why Joy Boston left Indian Lake and broke his heart all those years ago. Now she’s returned to sell her grandfather’s beloved poinsettia greenhouse—and Joy and Adam’s connection is as strong as ever. But Joy has a life in New York. And Adam has only until Christmas to convince Joy that she belongs in Indian Lake—with him. 

Between The Pages 
Book twelve of the Shores of Indian Lake is a perfect holiday read. If you are a fan of this series or a new-comer, you’ll love stepping into this quaint little town and you won’t want to leave. Joy returns after the passing of her grandfather and she is set on selling his greenhouse and returning to New York. But after rekindling her friendship with Adam, and the rest of her childhood friends, she is wrapped up in the warmth of being home. There are so many wonderful scenes in this story. Adam’s son, Titus, is adorable and steals every scene. The coming and going of characters in past books as they help Joy reopen the greenhouse. Ms. Beabots and the mystery that surrounds her past, which we get small hints about in each book. The well-developed characters are what make this series a hit. Their interaction and connection is like one big family. The fun is finding out what everyone has been up to because their story never ends as they continue to grow in future books. The details behind the death of Joy’s parents and a hybrid poinsettia create added interest to this storyline. Adam and Joy made a wonderful addition to the series with a heartwarming and touching tale of a second chance at love. This book is a Christmas must-read.

Rating 
4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Hers To Protect

Hers to Protect
Catherine Lanigan
May 2019

She’s sworn to protect… 

But does that include a speeding celebrity? 

Violet Hawks is a by-the-books police officer—so when she catches a man speeding, she arrests him. Only, the man is famous race car driver Josh Stevens. To make amends, Josh launches a charm campaign, and it works on the small town…and on Violet. But when Josh is connected to an investigation, Violet begins to wonder—can she trust her instincts when her heart is involved? 

Between The Pages 
The author has done another outstanding job with Shores of Indian Lake book eleven, which captured my attention from the beginning pages. I thoroughly enjoyed Violet and Josh’s story. Their animosity to friendship to falling in love was endearing. You can feel their instant connection. The dialogue was filled with emotion and wit. I love a story with a good slice of humour and this book not only had the fun, but suspense and action added to the entertaining plot. The visual is what makes this book so captivating. I saw each and every scene. I felt like I was part of the story – between the pages – and witnessed the reaction on the characters faces to the setting the author wonderfully described. This story places you in the Shores of Indian Lake. And not only did I get to watch two new characters fall in love, I got to revisit some of my favourites characters from past books. After eleven books one would think the series would fizzle, but not a chance. The author keeps giving her readers more. This series does not disappoint. Every book stands well on its own, but I encourage readers to dive into some of the earlier books, which are guaranteed to hook you onto the next and the next. As for me, Home for Christmas - book twelve, has already been downloaded to my tablet.

Rating 
5 Stars

Between The Pages - Rescued by the Firefighter

Rescued by the Firefighter
Catherine Lanigan
November 2018

He saved her life… 

But will he destroy her dreams? 

Firefighter Rand Nelson is tall and handsome and has literally walked through an inferno for Beatrice Wilcox. He’s a hero…and that’s exactly the problem. Beatrice knows all too well the risks of loving a man with a dangerous career. But when Rand’s report threatens her beloved children’s camp, Beatrice can’t refuse his offer of help…even though she knows they’re both playing with fire.

Between The Pages 
Rescued by the Firefighter is book ten in the Shores of Indian Lake series, and I’ve read all but the first to books, so I was anxiously awaiting a return visit. The author draws you into the story immediately with a fire in the woods near the camp Beatrice owns. Upping the already intense action, two children are missing and Beatrice runs into the fire to rescue them only to be rescued by Rand. Rand and Beatrice have an instant connection, and Rand’s interaction with the two boys from the fire is captivating as he grows attached to them. This story introduces a new set of characters – workers at the camp and the children attending, which are all enjoyable to get to know. Beatrice and Rand continue to push away from each other adding tension to their relationship. The scene where Beatrice and the boys attend Rand’s family barbeque was touching. The ending was perfect with a Labor Day dinner at Mrs. Beabots where past characters from the previous books gathered, and Rand and Beatrice make an announcement to the group. A heartwarming story you won’t want to put down.

Rating 
4 Stars

His Baby Dilemma

His Baby Dilemma
Catherine Lanigan
December 2017

Must they always be continents apart? 

Nobody expects Paris fashion designer Grace Railton to settle down in her Indiana town, least of all Mica Barzonni. Fifteen months ago, he turned to her for comfort and compassion following a farming accident that left him permanently injured. Then she returned to France and went silent on him. 

Until, suddenly, Grace shows up on his doorstep with life-altering news. Mica, a father? He’s barely learned to navigate his postaccident life. But this could be his chance to become the man he’s always wanted to be—the husband and father Grace and their baby son need. Now Mica just has to convince her to stay. 

Between The Pages
I quite enjoy visiting the Shores of Indian Lake, and this story takes you back to the town’s quaint setting and the wonderful characters who have made this series so interesting. This book spotlights Mica, one of the Barzonni brothers—a family you can’t help but love. Mica has a disability, which gives an emotional punch to the story line. The scenes of his interaction with his son, Jules, are tender and sweet. It took me a bit to warm up to Grace, but her love for her son and Mica is touching. We get a closer look into Mrs. Beabot’s closet, which is exciting peek at this series’ bonding character. The author has once again taken the reader on a journey into the Shores of Indian Lake, and delighted us with a heartwarming escape of romance, family, and fun.

Rating 
4.5 Stars

Family of His Own

Family of His Own
Catherine Lanigan
July 2017

He's ready to settle down…with or without her. 

Scott Abbott has always loved Isabelle Hawks. And he's always been her rock. Patient, dependable, strong. But lately, she's been acting like that rock is weighing her down. With her art career taking off, Isabelle has been spending less and less time in Indian Lake…and with him. Scott isn't even sure what they are to each other anymore. They might be friends with a history, but it sure doesn't feel like a future. Maybe it's time for Scott to set her free and focus on his own dreams. A real home. A family. All the things he had hoped to share with her… 

Between The Pages 
A don’t-want-to-put-it-down story! Scott is the man single women dream about. He’s perfect in every way. His first meeting with Bella and Michael, and learning their history, pumps the emotion to the max. Another highlight of this story is getting to visit the Shores of Indian Lake and revising some of my favourite characters from past books. The only quirk I had with the story was Isabelle’s indecisiveness. After learning how quick she had to grow up and to take care of her siblings, her drive to find herself is understandable. However, I didn’t believe it when she said ‘I’m falling in love with two men. At the same time’. She’s attracted to Wes, and definitely infatuation with his personality and talent, but love? However, she does...eventually; see the man who is perfect for her. This is a long story, but the author pulls you in with heartwarming emotion, a captivating plot, and an irresistible town. A must read!

Rating 
5 Stars

Protecting The Single Mom

Protecting The Single Mom
Catherine Lanigan
April 2017

Getting involved shouldn't be this dangerous… 

Cate Sullivan is no damsel in distress. She's kept herself and her son safe for six long years. Built a good life in Indian Lake. But now that her drug-dealing ex-husband is moving his operation here, that life is about to explode. 

Her instincts tell her to trust Detective Trent Davis. That he's more than just a handsome cop doing his duty. The former Green Beret has even formed a fast bond with her son. But there's something he's not telling her. Some darkness that keeps him from giving in to the feelings she knows are growing between them. Cate trusts Trent to keep her safe, but the real question is whether he'll trust himself with her heart. 

Between The Pages 
This is the seventh book in the Shores of Indian Lake series, and the author does an excellent job of returning the reader back into this adorable town. Having read four of the previous titles in this series, I was thrilled to reconnect with past characters. In this story, we’re introduced to Cate who is running from her past. Her son, Danny, steals every scene he is in. He’s a wonderful addition to the cast. The hero, Trent, has his own personal issues, and you’ll root for his happy ending. It was also fun to get a better look into the mysterious background of Mrs. Beabots. Filled with emotion, action, suspense, and family connections, this story has it all. I can’t wait to return to Indian Lake in July to continue the adventures in this town with Family of His Own.

Rating
5 Stars

Sophie's Path

Sophie’s Path 
Catherine Lanigan
July 1, 2016

Her choice. His consequences. 

Nurse Sophie Mattuchi has seen a lot of angry patients in the ER, but no one's ever rattled her like Jack Carter. He has no right to blame her for his friend's death. Sophie did everything she could. Didn't she? Yet his accusations sting, and that sets off all kinds of internal alarms. She's never cared this much about any man's opinion of her. But Jack is different. He stirs up feelings. Strong feelings. Guilt. Anger. Attraction. Curiosity. Sympathy. Sophie's definitely not interested in Jack, but even if she was, he'd never forgive her for the decision she made that night in the hospital. Would he? 

Between The Pages 
This story leads with an emotional start and holds that intensity throughout every chapter. Ms. Lanigan’s includes the topic of drug addiction which is masterfully written. Chemistry and emotion fill the pages of this story. As you read the books in the Shores of Indian Lake series, you’ll feel a part of the setting and the wonderful supporting cast, where so many characters have become my favourites. I hope the author allows us to revisit this small town very soon.

Rating 
4.5 Stars

Fear of Falling

Fear of Falling 
Catherine Lanigan
March 2016

Her best bet is to stay away 

Was Olivia hearing this right? The one man in Indian Lake she'd found truly intriguing since, well, forever—the hopelessly handsome heir to the region's most successful farming operation, Rafe Barzonni—was involved in horse racing? That made him, and her sudden attraction, downright dangerous. He wasn't just out of her league. He was a gambler. Like her father. With the shame of her father's racetrack betting addiction still haunting her, Olivia can't be part of that world. Rafe's world. She can't trust him, or his magnetism. But there's something deep in his incredible blue eyes that keeps drawing her closer…

Between The Pages 
The perfect heartwarming romance. Ms. Lanigan ups the emotion in this story. Rafe and his horse, Rowan, open the pages of this book and capture your heart immediately. The plot draws you in and holds your attention. The main characters have you rooting for them, and the secondary cast of characters are enjoyable and fun to revisit as the series continues. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this smooth and well-written story, and I didn’t want to put it down. The story ends with the twist I had hoped for and brought a tear to my eye. This is the fifth book in the Shores of Indian Lake series, and my favourite! I’m looking forward to reading Sophie’s Path, which is already in my reading list.

Rating 
5 Stars

A Fine Year For Love

A Fine Year For Love 
Catherine Lanigan
January 2015

Her grandfather told her never to trust a Barzonni.

Nothing gives Liz Crenshaw more delight than walking the hills of her family’s winery and tending her precious vines. And nothing frustrates her more than Gabe Barzonni, the handsome, successful and utterly aggravating son of Indian Lake’s most prominent farmers. All her instincts scream “avoid”, especially when she finds out he’s going into the wine business himself. But Liz can’t seem to shake him. One minute, he’s nosing around her property, the next he’s arranging to escort her to her best friend’s wedding. Well, too bad. Whatever he has designs on—her or her land—Gabe is out of luck. Now to get him out of her mind… 

Between The Pages 
This is book three from the Shores of Indian Lake series. The chemistry between Liz and Gabe is evident from their first scene together. The scenery and story line were superbly crafted. The secondary characters were enjoyable and the plot twists gave the story an added edge. Placed in the setting of the small town of Indian Lake, the story is filled with emotion and plenty of wine. I’ve read Katia’s Promise (book four), and I looking forward reading Fear of Falling, which I believe is book five.

Rating 
4.5 Stars

Katia's Promise

Katia’s Promise
By Catherine Lanigan
May 2015

The past is a risky place to visit. 

As a top insurance agent in Chicago, Katia Stanislaus isn't just used to pressure; she thrives on it. When she finds out her firm's future is at stake, she's the first to dream up a solution: relocate to Indian Lake and land the town's reclusive millionaire as a client. Austin McCreary might be the sweetheart she left brokenhearted when they were teens, but she can't let her feelings—or his—get in the way of her career. If she can just convince him to listen to her explanation, and her pitch, he'll see this is the deal of a lifetime. But that would involve talking, and he won't even take her calls! How ridiculous. Because this is strictly business…isn't it? 

Between The Pages 
A heartwarming sweet romance of second chances. The main characters are strong and the setting is picturesque. The author created a town that every reader will want to visit. Because this is the fourth book in the Shores of Indian Lake series, I felt a little left out. I wanted to know more about the lives of the secondary characters. However, the story stands on its own as Katia and Austin rekindle their love. An enjoyable read. I hope to visit Indian Lake again.

Rating 
4 Stars