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Inheriting Harmony: A Small Town, Ranch Hand, Single Mom Romance (Harmony Falls) Paperback – October 14, 2024
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Ash Gilbert and her 10-year-old son Josh are looking for a fresh start when they inherit her grandmother's estate in the charming town of Harmony Falls. What Ash doesn't expect is the immediate spark she feels with Dexter Woodward, the ruggedly handsome ranch hand who's been managing the property.
As Ash navigates single motherhood in a new town, she finds herself drawn deeper into the close-knit community and Dexter's strong, comforting arms. But small towns have big secrets, and Harmony Falls is no exception.
When her ex-husband's sudden interest in the estate threatens her newfound peace, Ash must decide who to trust. Can she overcome her past hurts and open her heart to love again? Or will the weight of family history and small-town politics drive her away?
"Inheriting Harmony" is a heartwarming small-town romance about second chances, family bonds, and finding love when you least expect it. Fall in love with Harmony Falls – and the man who calls it home.
**This is book 1 in the Harmony Falls Series. It can be read as a standalone. Each book in this steamy series has a HEA!**
- Print length336 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateOctober 14, 2024
- Dimensions5.25 x 0.84 x 8 inches
- ISBN-13979-8343211085
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Product details
- ASIN : B0DK3M5FS1
- Publisher : Independently published
- Publication date : October 14, 2024
- Language : English
- Print length : 336 pages
- ISBN-13 : 979-8343211085
- Item Weight : 13.6 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.25 x 0.84 x 8 inches
- Book 1 of 3 : Harmony Falls
- Best Sellers Rank: #4,744,716 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #13,823 in Small Town Romance (Books)
- #23,751 in Contemporary Romance (Books)
- #68,918 in Romantic Suspense (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Ava is a steamy contemporary romance author who lives in sunny California. You can learn more at avahawthorne.com. Follow Ava on Amazon to be the first to know when more books come out!
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonTop reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2024Format: KindleVerified PurchaseThis was everything I was hoping for. This was amazing. The story behind it was well written and meaningful. It was beautiful.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2024Format: KindleVerified PurchaseOh the mystery! The relationship between Dexter and Ash was so sweet but the mystery of the estate is what immediately hooked me! The relationship between Dexter and Josh was so precious. That Epilogue has me excited for book 2 because I need more mystery!
- Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2024Format: KindleAsh and Dexter's characters have a bumpy road and help bring the mystery together. This book is a cute, romantic, steamy mystery all rolled into one. It leaves you wanting more and to find out the truth about the town's history.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2024Format: KindleIn this charming novel, Ava Hawthorne crafts a compelling narrative that weaves together classic romance tropes with surprising depth and authenticity. Set in the picturesque town of Harmony Falls, "Inheriting Harmony" delivers a heartfelt story about second chances, family legacy, and the courage to confront the past.
Plot Overview
When Ash inherits her grandmother's estate, she reluctantly returns to her hometown with her young son in tow. The inheritance comes with strings attached – not just the practical responsibilities of managing the estate, but the emotional baggage of confronting her past. Enter Dexter, the steady and attractive ranch foreman whose presence complicates Ash's carefully planned life, especially when her son develops an enthusiasm for the horses under Dexter's care.
Strengths
Setting: Harmony Falls emerges as more than just a backdrop; it's a living, breathing character with nosy neighbors and small-town charm that feels authentic rather than cliché
Character Development: Ash's journey from reluctant inheritor to someone who might finally be ready to put down roots feels genuine and earned
Supporting Cast: The local community adds color and depth to the narrative, creating a rich tapestry of small-town life
Family Dynamics: The exploration of generational ties and family history adds meaningful weight to the romance plot
Areas for Improvement
Romance Pacing: The relationship between Ash and Dexter occasionally feels rushed, missing opportunities for deeper emotional development
Intimate Moments: While the chemistry is evident, more scenes showing the couple's growing emotional connection would strengthen their bond's credibility
Notable Elements
Complex Ex-Husband subplot: Rather than serving as a mere antagonist, the ex-husband's presence adds realistic complications to Ash's journey
Mystery Component: The underlying secrets threatening the town add tension and stakes beyond the romantic plot
Single Parent Dynamic: The integration of Ash's role as a mother feels natural and adds depth to her character
Writing Style
Hawthorne's prose is accessible and engaging, making for an easy read without sacrificing emotional impact. The balance between romance, family drama, and small-town politics is well-maintained throughout the narrative.
Series Potential
With its rich setting and intriguing supporting characters, "Inheriting Harmony" shows strong potential as the foundation for a contemporary romance series. The town of Harmony Falls contains enough unexplored stories to support multiple compelling narratives.
Final Verdict
"Inheriting Harmony" is a solid read that will appeal to readers who enjoy:
Small-town romance with authentic community dynamics
Second-chance stories with meaningful character growth
Single-parent narratives that balance romance with family responsibility
Cowboys with depth beyond the stereotype
Romance mixed with elements of mystery and family drama
While there's room for deeper emotional development in the central romance, the overall package delivers a satisfying reading experience that promises good things to come from this new author.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 25, 2024Format: PaperbackInheriting Harmony by Ava Hawthorne is the perfect small-town romance if you're into second chances and rediscovering yourself. The story centers around Ash, a single mom who returns to her hometown after inheriting her grandmother’s estate. Harmony isn’t just full of sweet memories, though there's also her not-so-great ex-husband lurking around, making her life a bit more complicated.
But then there’s Dexter the Ranch Foreman yeah, you know the type. The sparks between them are REAL. Ash’s juggling a lot, being a mom, figuring out her new inheritance, and maybe, just maybe, opening up her heart again.
One thing I will say though: the relationship between Ash and Dexter, the Ranch Foreman, felt a bit rushed at times. Like, there’s definite chemistry, but I wanted more moments where they’re really getting to know each other. The slow burn starts, but it kind of jumps ahead too fast without giving us those deeper, intimate scenes (not sex intimate scenes but the getting to know each other intimate scenes) that make you really feel the buildup. It would’ve been nice if the story had slowed down and added a bit more meat to their relationship, especially considering Ash’s past and everything she’s been through. Their connection was cute, but I wanted more tension and growth before they finally got together.
Now, Ash’s ex is still hanging around being the absolute worst. He’s there to remind you of what she’s been through and why she’s so hesitant to trust anyone again. But it’s not over-the-top drama. Ava Hawthorne keeps it real, and you actually feel like you know these people, like they could be your neighbors or someone you grew up with.
And let me tell you, the town of Harmony? Total small-town charm. You’ve got the nosy neighbors, the local diners, and all that cute, cozy stuff, but it’s not too cheesy. The town itself almost feels like a character in the story because so much of Ash’s growth and healing is tied to being back there. It’s like coming home, even though home isn’t all sunshine and rainbows.
What really hits hard are the themes of forgiveness and starting over. Ash’s not just inheriting a house. She’s inheriting all this emotional weight and history with her family, she’s got to decide what the hell she’s going to do with it all...run away again or finally deal with it and maybe find a way to move forward.
Honestly, if you’re into semi-slow burn romances with characters who’ve got real issues to work through, this is definitely worth reading. The romance is sweet without being too sugary, and the drama keeps you hooked without being annoying. Plus, that the Ranch Foreman? Total book boyfriend material if you like the sweet and thoughtful kind man. If you want something that’s heartwarming but still has a little bit of bite, Inheriting Harmony should definitely be on your list.
My star Rating :
3 1/2 to 4 stars. Has the potential to be a great series for Contemporary Romance
- Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2024Format: KindleThis is an entertaining cowboy second chance close proximity romance book that holds your attention from beginning to end. The storyline is intriguing and dramatic as the elements unfold. The characters are well written with depth to their personalities and steamy chemistry together. I enjoyed this book.