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I've read other books in this series. When I started this one, I felt like I didn't know any of the characters. I can't tell if I missed something along the way, or if that's just how this entry is. (Eventually a few series regulars make their way into the story--Charlie for one.)

The tide pools mentioned sound very interesting.

This is what I'd term "feel-good-fiction". Hope Harbor seems to have the effect of making everything turn up roses. People find love; people find purpose; people conquer their demons. It's the way we wish life would be. ( )

In a way, this book contains stories of characters who "paid it forward" and by doing so found joy and healing for themselves. Each one, through the giving of themselves, finds healing for the problems that they carry. Steven, a vet who carries the pain of what he did and saw overseas, finds healing when he decides to help his brother and the community he lives in. Holly, a teacher in Starfish Pier, finds healing when she reaches out to an elderly neighbor who has little hope. Patrick, while on the brink of losing everything he cares for, finds hope and healing by clinging to the love of his family and brings to life for the whole town the history of an ancient cannon. Pete, who came to Starfish Pier to end his life, finds it again by letting the kindness of the people of the town give him a reason to live and by doing so Pete is able to find a reason to give back. Then there is Charley, a common thread in it all, always showing kindness and linking the townspeople together with his constant love and giving. Each one of these characters finds a sense of hope and belonging that gives them the strength to be better people. This is a great reminder that giving of ourselves to others especially when we are hurting can give us much more than we ever dreamed.Another excellant novel from Irene Hannon

Holly is a tender-hearted school teacher, living on her own at last. A bit over-protected by her parents because of a medical condition, she lives a private life, and cares greatly for the people in her new community. Steven has recently left the military, where he was a special-ops soldier, highly trained in combat. A chance meeting between these two very different people grows into a friendship that seems destined to be more, that is, until they start sharing things from their past. It is obvious that, while attracted to each other, that may not be enough to overcome their differences in what they believe. This novel explores different social issues, including abortion, assisted suicide, war, and more. The author addresses these issues in a thoughtful and moral manner. The story is well written, with well-developed characters. Even the secondary characters are quite interesting, especially Charley, the taco guy. This series never gets boring, it only gets better. ( )