Harmony might look like a sleepy little town where everyone knows everyone else but looks are deceiving. Lifelong feuds have created a deep chasm between the McAllen and Truman families but there's something brewing in the air. People's feelings are about to change and life in Harmony is going to change as well. Reagan's first impression of her new town is that it fit the description of Miss Beverly who had spent many hours telling tales of her home. Upon the death of Miss Beverly Reagan figures Harmony is as good a place to run off to and see if this could finally be a place where she feels safe. First hurdle is to convince the locals that she is Miss Beverly's granddaughter but that isn't going to be so simple. Beverly's brother Jeremiah still lives in Harmony and when Reagan finds herself at his front door she quickly realizes that her gig is up. And yet Jeremiah seems accepting of her even though she knows he isn't buying her guise as his niece.

The founding families of Harmony also include the Matheson's. There is an interesting history between Alexandria McAllen, the sheriff, and Hank Matheson, the fire chief. Alex's family is ripe with interesting characters including her brother Noah who aspires to be a rodeo bull rider and follow in his father's footsteps. But Noah finds himself drawn to the newcomer, Reagan and although she is determined to keep him at arms lengths their friendship blossoms into something quite lovely. Then you have the amazingly diverse and rather bizarre Matheson clan including a sister Liz, a budding artist, whose horrid relationship with men have her creating rather gruesome paintings like More Coffee, Dear with a man floating face down in a huge cup of coffee -- just to mention one. But now there seems to be a sinister element -- an arsonist -- whose fires are becoming more frightening as they appear to be closing in on the town of Harmony. Facing the greatest challenge of their careers Alex and Hank are forced to put personal issues aside as they confront the growing possibility that the arsonist is one of their own. Strange that as Reagan ran to Harmony for safety she might have to hit the road once again. But this time she would be leaving part of her behind -- her heart.

Well done. Perhaps I shouldn't use that phrase considering part of the story line of WELCOME TO HARMONY. This is a fast moving, engaging tale that keeps you turning pages. Didn't realize till the end that it is the first of a trilogy but now I will definitely be on the lookout the next installment. Thomas's characters become as familiar as family or friends. Definitely puts her on my watch list. Enjoy.

Book Summary

Never-before-published-from the New York Times bestselling author of Rewriting Monday

Sixteen-year-old runaway Reagan has always wanted a place to belong. She's never had a real home of her own, but perhaps she could borrow someone else's. Under an assumed name and identity, she moves to Harmony, Texas, but keeps her distance from the welcoming townsfolk. Until prairie fires threaten Harmony-and Reagan learns the true meaning of family, friends, and home.