Starfish Pier

...from the publisher...
A year ago, ex-Delta Force operator Steven Roark left the rigors of combat behind to run fishing charters in Hope Harbor, decompress, and talk some sense into his kid brother. Business is good--but making peace with his past is more challenging than he expected.
First-grade teacher Holly Miller leads a quiet, low-profile existence--until she's recruited to advocate for a cause that's dear to her heart. When she solicits Steven's assistance, sparks fly--especially after they find themselves on opposite sides of an issue that disrupts their placid seaside community.

As these two seemingly incompatible souls search for common ground, might they discover a deeper connection--and find that love can banish darkness and light the way to a future filled with promise?

Bestselling and award-winning author Irene Hannon invites you back to Hope Harbor--where hearts heal . . . and love blooms.

...my thoughts...
I have been enjoying the Hope Harbor series by Irene Hannon since reading Hope Harbor, book one in the series. I have been watching for Starfish Pier to become available since I finished reading the previous book, Driftwood Bay.  Irene Hannon is a wonderful author, whether she is writing a series such as Hope Harbor or suspense filled novels with high intrigue.  I have become a steady fan over many years.

Hope Harbor is just the place you want to come to for relaxation, a view of the ocean and small town camaraderie at Charley's Fish Taco truck.  It is not the place you come to if you want to be removed from all human contact.  Holly Miller encounters just such a man when her new neighbor Pete moves next door. Meeting him soon after encountering an abrupt Steven Roark surprised her when everyone else in her new town were so friendly. At times I wondered how this would all tie together, but that is part of what makes Hannon's books so good to read. There seemed to be so many roadblocks for Holly and Steven, yet I couldn't help but wonder "why not?" Each had reasons they couldn't let go of that would hinder a loving relationship. 

Letting go of the past can be difficult in order to live in the present.  Sometimes that very idea of community can be stifling when we encounter the same people wherever we go.  But sometimes that is the very thing that can heal the heart.  This book touches on some of the issues many face in our society today.  They are not sugar coated but bring a message of hope where these wonderful characters are facing a challenge.  They are all fictional, of course, but each serves a purpose to bring the story together in the end.  Characters and locations from the previous stories are woven into the story and mesh with this new set of characters.

I appreciate receiving an advance copy of the book for review from NetGalley.   The opinions expressed are my own, but I do recommend this book with 5 stars.  It is like visiting one of your favorite locations and visiting with good friends.