Irene Hannon

Hmm, I have waited a few days to write this review and am still not sure what to say. On one hand, it was a good story but on the other, there were a lot of aspects that I was not too fond of.
I was quite fond of Eve's personality. She was not at all shy and very blunt. She definitely had me laughing at points because of the way she point-blank addressed everything.
Now, this story got very political at times. As you may know, I do not like politics discussed much in books (either side of the aisle) and this felt over the top at times.
Overall, this was a decent story but not one that I will be rereading.

Rating: 3/5
Language: n/a
Romance: kissing
Spiritual: characters are Christians
Violence: a lot of violence of various sorts due to the nature of the story, Antifa, bullet wounds

*I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required.… (altro)

It is always a treat to return to Hope Harbor, Oregon in the contemporary romance novels of Irene Hannon. Her series is now 10 books strong! And each successive story just gets better and better. I loved Sandcastle Inn! In this novel several newcomers are introduced to the small seaside town, but the community is so welcoming that they soon feel at home. Does it sound like I feel Hope Harbor is a real place? 😉 Hannon has created a wonderful setting with charming characters that have continued throughout the series. One old time resident and the two seagulls that seem to witness every new budding relationship are very special additions to each book. In Sandcastle Inn, Hannon focuses on several types of relationships — new romance, family dynamics, and a married couple. As always, the narrative’s main focus is on the the attraction and developing romantic relationship of the two main characters, but I really enjoyed how Hannon explored the varying types of relationships between parents and grown children and sibling relationships. The story line of the married couple was my favorite! All of the stories add a depth that make the book more than just a romance, as well as adding to the feeling that Hope Harbor really exists! A solid faith thread runs naturally throughout the narrative — it’s never preachy.

If you like contemporary romance with some small town charm and well-developed characters, then Sandcastle Inn is a must-read. I would recommend starting at the beginning of the series, though. While 10 books may sound daunting, think of all the fun you are going to have spending time in Hope Harbor!

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(Thanks to Celebrate Lit and the publisher for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)… (altro)

Another delightful romance in the Hope Harbor series! I was introduced to this fabulous Irene Hannon series a year ago and immediately fell in love with the charming small town on the Oregon coast and its lovable characters. It’s a place of second chances, romance, and neighborly kindness. In Sandcastle Inn, there are two couples in need of the love and second chances Hope Harbor offers.

Finding herself suddenly between jobs, Vienna Price decides to visit her mother in Hope Harbor despite their seemingly insurmountable differences. Matt Quinn has come to take a break from his veterinary practice and find some respite after experiencing unspeakable tragedies. He’s also there to help his sister Kay with her hastily purchased Bed and Breakfast in need of a lot of repairs. When Kay has to leave suddenly for an emergency, he’s left to care for the Inn and repairs. Vienna just so happens to have the expertise he desperately needs, but can he convince her to stay and help?

Andrew and Paige are in dire straits after an employee embezzled money and destroyed their construction company. They’ve come to Hope Harbor hoping to start over. When Matt learns of their plight, he offers them a second chance that could potentially benefit them all.

I loved returning to Hope Harbor and all the amazing characters. I enjoyed Matt’s and Vienna’s second chance romance. Neither one’s looking for love yet the pull towards each other is undeniable. With Vienna, Matt’s finally able to open up about his grief and find happiness again. There’s also the strain between Vienna and her mother Bev. I enjoyed how Vienna was able to see her mother in a new light. I also loved Paige and Andrew. Paige’s been estranged from her parents since her marriage to Andrew, and losing their company didn’t help matters. I loved the way they were able to find new opportunities in Hope Harbor and mend their relationship with Paige’s parents.

Though this story can definitely be read as a standalone, it’s more enjoyable if you’re familiar with the endearing residents of Hope Harbor like the wise, intuitive Charley who runs the taco stand and the golf playing clergymen. Highly recommend this gentle, sweet, lovey, inspirational series that’s such a pleasure to read. After Sandcastle Inn and Windswept Way, I’m eagerly looking forward to reading the previous books in the series as well as future books! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided. 4-4.5 stars!… (altro)