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Book Review of Welcome to Harmony (Harmony, Bk 1)

Welcome to Harmony (Harmony, Bk 1)
Welcome to Harmony (Harmony, Bk 1)
Author: Jodi Thomas
Genre: Romance
Book Type: Paperback
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Sometimes the first book in a long series can be overwhelming with all the new characters and introducing their subplots. This book is very smooth and balanced, a treat to read. The story starts with a poor, run-away foster girl, Reagan. She's been working at a nursing home and happens upon Beverly Truman. Old Beverly enjoys sharing tales of her life in her hometown -- Harmony, Texas. Reagan has never belonged anywhere; when Beverly dies, Reagan decides to go to Harmony.

Beverly's last living relative, Jeremiah Truman, is a grouchy old codger who avoids saying anything nice if he can avoid it. He accepts the lie that Reagan is his niece and Beverly's grandchild. Since Beverly moved out and went to a nursing home, Jeremiah has been alone. Perhaps that is why he accepts Reagan. However, he insists that Reagan go to school; she reluctantly does so. There she meets a lanky, tall kid named Noah (Preacher) McAllen. He dreams of being a national champ bull rider, like his father.

Noah's sister is Alexandra McAllen and is the sheriff of Harmony. Every Saturday night, she goes to the bar and gets drunk. Hank Matheson, the town's volunteer fire chief, dutifully drags her out and takes her home. They have an interesting back story.

When Hank notifies Alex that they have an arsonist in town who has started a rash of fires, they start to gear up for battle, before the arsonist burns down the town.

This is such a charming story because it appeals to readers; each of us would like to come from a small town like Harmony. These are not paragons of virtue but realistic folks who are trying to make a living, live in peace with their neighbors and handle the craziness in their families.

Harmony Series
**1. Welcome to Harmony (2010)
2. Somewhere Along the Way (2010)
3. The Comforts of Home (2011)
4. Just Down the Road (2012)
5. Chance of a Lifetime (2012)
6. Can't Stop Believing (2013)
7. Betting the Rainbow
8. A Place Called Harmony (2014)