It is great to be back in Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast. The quaint town is a beautiful refuge. This time we meet Zach Garrett who has left his high dollar, pressure cooker life to open his dream coffee shop. He is seeking a slower pace and everything worthwhile.
Being the haven that it is, Hope Harbor draws Katherine Parker who has been questioning her whole career. The house she rents in order to re-evaluate her priorities just happens to share Blackberry Beach with Zach. A hero who cooks and a heroine who makes chocolate truffles, a wonderful pairing!
There are great match-ups in this story including the returning sea gull duo, Floyd and Gladys. We see old friends: The sparring golf buddies, Father Murphy and Reverend Baker as well as Charley of the food truck who always dispenses wisdom with his fish tacos: “I expect most dreams are reachable, if the person is willing to pay the price. The question is whether the goal is worth the cost-and whether the return on investment is positive or negative.”
WINNIE'S REVIEW:
“A person had to choose to stay—or return—without coercion or they could never be truly yours.”
It’s been a while since I’ve read one of Irene Hannon’s books, but the cover and premise of Blackberry Beach called to me, and I couldn’t resist. Now I need to go back and read the other books in the Hope Harbor series that I’ve missed. Hannon’s setting in Hope Harbor, Oregon, and her colorful, well-crafted characters grabbed me from the first page and kept me captivated to the end. Zach Garrett is a wonderful, compassionate hero whose concern for others made him a popular coffee shop owner. Katherine Parker is a successful actor who visits Hope Harbor to contemplate a career change. I enjoyed their interactions and seeing their relationship grow.
Charley was a breath of fresh air with his fish tacos, sage advice and observations. He was definitely a fantastic part of the story and added to my enjoyment of it. The stellar cast of secondary characters gave depth and a bonus plot twist. The small-town charm of Hope Harbor made me want to visit, and the story was delightful and satisfying.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Revell through Interviews and Reviews. All opinions are my own.
"No matter what happens, I'll always be grateful our paths crossed."
"The mystery woman was back." The lovely visitor to The Perfect Blend was certainly eye-catching, even if she did prefer to wear her over-sized sunglasses inside his coffee bar. It had been a long time since anyone had sparked his curiosity, so Zach Garrett decided to be pro-active, but the lady responded with a dose of polite evasion. According to the local muse, "she may be hiding behind a protective wall. Could be she's dealing with a boatload of heavy stuff". If Zach had realized just how heavy, would it have made any difference? Probably not.
Katherine Parker has returned to Hope Harbor with a desire to remain low key and hopefully anonymous. Her Hollywood lifestyle had brought her the "fame and fortune" she once craved, but the price tag had been extremely high, a man had lost his life. Now, she faces a decision . . . . cut off all ties to her past or accept a premiere role that is being offered to her on a silver platter. And why does a pair of chocolate brown eyes have anything to do with it?
Enjoy this satisfying return to a place where the author has established life long friends for her readers, placing Katherine and Zach at the top of list . . . . . with a bonus scenario that will delight the heart of every romantic! Second chances are a beautiful thing to behold . . . . and trust in the Almighty is a powerful place to begin. And of course, there's Charley!
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I also purchased a copy.
Coffee shop owner Zach Garrett has found his niche after a traumatic loss--and he has no plans to change the life he's created. Nor does he want to get involved with his reticent new neighbor, whose past is shrouded in mystery. He's had enough drama to last a lifetime. But when Katherine and Zach are recruited to help rehab a home for foster children, sparks fly. And as their lives begin to intersect, might they find more common ground than they expected . . . and discover that, with love, all things are possible?
Bestselling and award-winning author Irene Hannon invites you to come home to Hope Harbor--where hearts heal . . . and love blooms.
BONUS REVIEW- Paula's review of Hope Harbor #1 in the series!)
“Come to Hope Harbor-where hearts heal and love blooms.”
Hope Harbor is full of hurting people. Can they connect to be able to hope again?
Tracy Campbell and Michael Hunter are both mourning their spouses. Tracy is trying to lose herself in keeping her family business afloat. Could the new stranger in town be the answer to her prayers?
“What we want and what God sends our way are often two different things-but He always has our best interest at heart.”
When Michael comes to town, he impacts lives and finds purpose again.
Delightful story of hope and healing. A picturesque setting in Oregon with characters that you want to get to know.
“I have a feeling that in Hope Harbor, anything is possible.”
A visit to Hope Harbor is special and I will be returning.
* I purchased this ebook from Amazon. All opinions are my own.* 4 stars and solid faith thread.
Both of these books sound really good and I will need to add them to my want to read list for the future.
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