Hope Harbor is just what the name suggests: a place to find hope and perhaps healing and peace. Christi hopes to secure a loan from an old acquaintance, someone whom she hasn’t seen in a decade, when they parted not on the best of terms. It’s a long shot, but it’s her only chance for the money she desperately needs. Jack is now a policeman and a writer whose debut novel hit the bestseller list. The last person he expected, or wanted, to see in Hope Harbor was the girl who broke his heart. But there she was, illegally taking refuge in an unoccupied house. Their story is a sad one, but the aftermath is even sadder. Beth and Steve also have a shared tragedy that drove the happily married couple apart. Whether the love they once had can survive the loss they share is the question they cannot face. These lives of these two couples will gradually intertwine, as they attempt to make right the wrongs of the past. The characters are well developed, and the storylines are masterfully interwoven into a cohesive and engrossing tale. One character who makes short but vital appearances is Charley, artist and fish taco guy, who is beloved by all and who has the uncanny and miraculous ability to know what people need to give them hope. And this he does, along with a fish taco. This is a lovely and gentle novel, just like the rest of the series, well written and entertaining. Bad things may happen, but if they do, it is better to find refuge in Hope Harbor than anywhere else. ( )

This is the first book I've read by RaeAnne Thayne, but I may read more. I enjoyed the setting and characters, and although the book is secular, it wasn't too sexy. ( )

3.5/5

This is the story of three generations of women in the same family that have not been close at all over the past few years, but are thrown back together when the family matriarch Juliet has extensive injuries on the job. Juliet has been raising her teenage granddaughter Caitlin since Caitlin's mother died. But when Juliet's activities are restricted so she can heal after her accident and surgery, Juliet's other daughter Olivia comes back home from Seattle to manage the family business and to help out at the house. Naturally there is tension and the butting of heads, especially where Caitlin is concerned, and it takes some work to get the family close again.

The setting is Cape Sanctuary, which happens to be the same area where The Cliff House is set. I didn't realize these two books take place in the same world when I started the book, so it was a cool thing to figure out as I was reading. I completely understand Olivia's reluctance to move back in with her mother temporarily, because it is sometimes really hard to go back home when you've been gone for a long time. In this case, there are a lot of memories in Cape Sanctuary that are painful for Olivia, and I just really was able to connect with her feeling so out of place and uncomfortable there in the beginning.

All three of the women have their own issues, and I found these issues to be plausible even within the confines of one family. At times, it sort of seemed like there was just a lot of drama within this family, but Ms. Thayne always does a good job of addressing things and wrapping things up by the end of the story. I admit that I felt sad a little when thoughts and conversations turned to Caitlin's (deceased) mother; it is so hard to live with grief and sadness after losing someone, even if they've been gone for many years, and the circumstances of this tragedy broke my heart. Still, I always find that Ms. Thayne's stories are hopeful and positive, and I do love reading them.

I love the idea that forgiveness is the great healer of people and families.

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you, Harlequin Books and NetGalley! ( )

What a dreary book. ( )

A beautiful Northern California setting. A cottage by the sea. A small town that stands together. A lingering sadness of the past waiting to be resolved. A family of strong women, each working through her own challenges and all eventually supporting one another. A couple of sweet romances for good measure. The Sea Glass Cottage by Reanne Thayne a feel good story perfect for a cozy afternoon.

Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2020/03/the-sea-glass-cottage.html

Reviewed for NetGalley ( )