Blackberry Beach Another Wonderful Visit to Hope Harbor

 

...from the publisher...

Katherine Parker is on the cusp of having everything she ever wanted--fame, money, and acclaim. So why isn't she happy? In search of answers, she comes incognito to Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast for some R&R. Maybe in her secluded rental house overlooking the serene Pacific she'll be able to calm the storm inside.

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.

...my thoughts... 

I have long been a fan of Irene Hannon's books, whether it be her suspense novels or a trip to Hope Harbor.  Needles to say, I enjoyed reading Blackberry Beach.  I can almost hear the Gladys and Floyd, the resident seagull couple and feel the sand in my toes as I walk the beach. Blackberry Beach is a novel about second chances and taking life at a slower, but meaningful pace.

 For Katherine the life she was leading was nearly out of control and she wanted to simply enjoy her time alone, escaping notice from any other being. She was beginning to think her incognito stay in a luxurious beach house was a success when she met Zach and his aunt Stephanie.  Not used to people she could trust, it was a blessing to find that things in Hope Harbor were truly different. 

 Zach's new life as a successful coffee shop owner is what he hoped it would be.  If only his father would see things his way and  understand that even though he left a big salary behind, he had everything he needed. Everything, that is except someone to share that happiness with him in peaceful Hope Harbor. 

Charley, the resident sage, fish taco chef and successful painter turns up at the most interesting times, sharing uncanny wisdom that is so in sync with others concerns to make them wonder just a little, how one man can possibly know....yet he does.

I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys good clean stories of the heart.  I received this book from the publisher, Revell and netalley. My opinions are my own.  

Reviewing: Any Dream Will Do by Debbie Macomber

Shay Benson stepped off the bus in downtown Seattle and realized that she was on her own.  She had a little money but nowhere to go. No family, no home.  Just released from Purdy Corrections Center, the real world was staring her in the face and it was overwhelming. And cold! Without thinking she walked into a church near the bus stop.  Of all the unlikely places to go she found herself in a church and found herself asking God, "You got anything for me?"

As in answer, a man looked over his shoulder and Shay realized she was not so alone after all.  Pastor Drew Douglas was deep in his own prayer as one who felt he was at his wits end.  His wife died from cancer, his church attendance was down and he could use some help with his two children.  Even after three years he couldn't seem to get on with things without her.

This quiet meeting between Shay and Drew sets the tone for a wonderful story of faith, courage, second chances and love.

Any Dream Will Do is the latest novel from beloved author Debbie Macomber. Written with well developed characters, the book is full of hope for those who seem to have lost their hope.  Shay has faced trouble since the death of her mother.  Her father was bitter and abusive and she was responsible for her younger brother Caden.  When she is seduced by the promise of love and escape from her father by her boyfriend Shooter, she finds instead an uglier world with a dangerous gang leader. Her brother is also drawn into this lifestyle and her story begins to spiral out of control.  The love she has for her brother leads her to embezzle money to ward off gang members greedy for him to repay a loan.  Off to prison she went without another word from Caden.

Drew was startled from his prayers by Shay and immediately rose to help her.  With his help she was able to enter Hope Center, a program that was designed for women who needed a second chance. The program had strict guidelines but she worked hard, graduated from the program and was ready for her new life with a new job and a new home.

Shay was grateful to Drew for seeing her as she could be, not as the woman who served time in a prison.  Her life was not easy yet it was better than she could remember. She found her faith and it stood her in good stead when troubles came her way. Life doesn't always prepare you for those times when your past encroaches like an unwelcome guest.  With Drew's help she finds her way.

Drew had faith in Shay and when things threatened to hurt her he was at her side.  As her past came to light to more members of the congregation, doubt reared its head.  Shay's resilience was admirable.  This is a well written story for anyone who has ever doubted their own courage to dream for a better situation in life.  It is uplifting and enjoyable.  When asked what her dreams were, Shay couldn't answer. She was told, "Any dream will do."  These four words were used more than once and were such an encouraging theme.  Many thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine books for the opportunity to review this book.

Sunday Review: Chasing Secrets by Lynette Eason

Have you ever felt like you were right there in the midst of the story? Award winning author Lynette Eason is one of those writers who can draw the reader into the pages.  Chasing Secrets, fourth book of the Elite Guardian series is one of those books that will take you on a suspenseful ride page after page. 

Haley Callaghan, an Elite Guardian bodyguard finds herself in the middle of  a cold case tracing back to her roots in Ireland.  Bits and pieces of her childhood unfold as she finds herself in the middle of a deadly plot and she is the target. Drawing on all her resources, she intends to find whoever is at the center of this intrigue and why.

Detective Steven Rothwell is not going to sit idly by and let her take this on her own. Even though Haley is a force to be reckoned with on her own, there is a deadly force encroaching on her. There are too many close calls in this case, endangering her life and the lives of people she swore to protect.

In true Eason style, she wraps this puzzle into a neat package of suspense, mystery and romance. If you enjoy suspenseful novels this is a book you'll want to add to your collection. 

Under A Summer Sky (Follow Your Heart Book 3) by Melody Carlson

Melody Carlson is a writer for all seasons.  Under A Summer Sky is a wonderful addition for summer reading.  Travel first class to Savanna this Summer!  Vicariously, of course with Nicole Anderson, who leaves her Seattle home to manage an art gallery for an old family friend.  The gallery is owned by Vivian Graham, her mother's best friend through school.  While growing up, summer vacations were often spent with the Graham family. Nicole and her sister Kate spent a lot of time with the sons Alex and Ryan.

Arriving in Savanna, Nicole finds she is one step ahead of her old life as a high school art teacher. Staying in the Graham home for the summer home is a dream and when she steps into the gallery she feels like she has stepped into her true calling.  Except, of course, for her snarky coworker, Amyra, an unhappy woman who seems willing to go the extra mile to make things unpleasant.  Determined to make things work, Nicole maintains a positive attitude under pressure and begins to find her niche in the gallery business. It doesn't take long for her to put her own successful stamp on the business.

Nicole presents a positive impact on a situation that could be tough. I found her character admirable.  About the second night of her stay she heard unmistakable noises from the attic.  She called on Ryan to help her investigate only to find Alex's daughter Bernie camping out in protest to her parents pending divorce.  With great aplomb, our heroine embraces the girl in a positive way by allowing her to stay in the home and mentoring her at the gallery.   The way the author characterized Nicole makes her such a good role model for the other young women in the story.

As a single woman, of course there is romance for Nicole and I went back and forth on who I wanted her to choose in the end.  The handsome Alex, who she secretly had a crush on as a teen or younger brother Ryan, the former nerd, who may be more than meets the eye.  Melody Carlson once again played this well and I liked the ending very much.

Savanna in the summer, romance, patience and finding your true calling are woven together in this wonderful summer novel.  I recommend it as an addition to any beach bag or perhaps in that carry on bag you'll stow under your seat as you fly away for your summer vacation!

Find Yourself Between the Pages of Sandpiper Cove!

Sandpiper Cove is a niche tucked away at Hope Harbor, a magical place that is home for some of the nicest people you could hope to meet.  It's a place for second chances and surprising encounters. It would seem an idyllic little spot except for a string of unprovoked vandalism in their midst. It is also the place where two of the most unlikely people meet and unite efforts to put an end to the crimes.

For ex-con Adam Stone, Hope Harbor is a realm so far removed from  his painful youth.  Moved by Reverend Baker's prison ministry, Stone was encouraged to settle there after he served his time.  He was welcomed to his new church community and was blessed with the uncanny trust of his new boss B.J. Stevens as a member of her construction crew.  His life was so much better until his place was vandalized not once but twice and his dog, Clyde was left for dead.

Widowed Police Chief Lexie Graham, a single mother, moved back to Hope Harbor soon after the death of her husband.  She is dedicated to her family and her job.  Determined to keep her town safe she enlists Stone's help to find the vandals.  What Lexie discovers about Stone is from that age old adage about not judging a book by its cover.  He is rough around the edges but there is definitely more to him than meets the eye.  As the story unfolded I was reminded of how little things we do touch others in a big way.  It is so easy to be put off by appearances or base our thoughts on what others may say.  Nothing about Stone is what Lexie believed at first.  Aren't first impressions always right?

Bestselling author Irene Hannon has a gift for developing characters in well designed plots.  Whether she is writing about romance or a suspenseful novel like Buried Secrets you will find complex characters that will keep you guessing the outcome until the story culminates at the end. It is no small wonder that she continues to delight her readers.  Sandpiper Cove is no exception.  I enjoyed this entertaining book and the study in human nature.

For my part, I was easily hooked from the beginning of this book and was sad to see it end.  It is a compelling story with a community that beckons.  I love the Oregon Coast and visiting coastal towns that are a lot like Hope Harbor.  It is easy to recommend this latest installment of the Hope Harbor series, it is just that good.