Settle in At Driftwood Bay by Irene Hannon

...publisher's notes...
After tragedy upends her world, Jeannette Mason retreats to the tiny Oregon seaside town of Hope Harbor to create a new life. Vowing to avoid emotional attachments, she focuses on running her lavender farm and tea-room--until a new neighbor with a destructive dog and a forlorn little girl.

Yet when both Jeanette and Logan find themselves pulled into the life of a tattered Christian family fleeing persecution in war-torn Syria, might they discover that love sometimes comes calling when it's least expected?

Bestselling and award-winning author Irene Hannon invites readers back to the charming seaside town of Hope Harbor, where they are sure to find peace, healing, and a second chance at happiness.
invades her turf. But she needn't worry. Dr. Logan West is too busy coping with an unexpected family, a radical lifestyle change, and an unruly pup to have any interest in his aloof and disagreeable neighbor.

...my thoughts.
I was waiting for Driftwood Bay to be published since reading the author's tease in Pelican Point, book 4 in the Hope Harbor series.  It is like meeting up with an old friend and catching up on their lives.  We vacation along the Oregon Coast for about a week each summer and the charm of Hope Harbor resonates with me.

Logan is new to Hope Harbor and although Jeanette has been pouring herself into her new business for over a year, she hasn't really connected with many people and that was her plan when settling in the tiny coastal town.  Irene Hannon has the gift of creating characters that she can delve into and bring out their best traits and leaves them happy for the changes.  Logan and Jeanette do not seem, at first to have any chance of becoming good neighbors let alone friends. I enjoyed the pace that their pasts emerged as they began to change.

Charlie, a constant in all Hope Harbor books, has the wisdom and insight that leaves many wondering how he can know their thoughts or what they need.  Does he have special gifts or are his words of advice simply coincidence?  Either way, he is near when least expected and knows when you "might" show up for one of his famous fish tacos.

I recommend this book with 5 stars simply because it is that good.  Hope Harbor is a special place in the heart of Irene Hannon's fans.  Just enough magic inspired by faith, love and a wonderful location to change the hearts of those who need it most.  I am already looking forward to book 6 in this series.

Pelican Point Beckons Your Return to Hope Harbor

publisher's notes...

A crumbling lighthouse is not part of the inheritance Army doctor Ben Garrison expects to claim when he journeys to Hope Harbor. Fresh out of the service, he wants only to unload the tower of bricks, decompress from years of treating battlefield trauma, and prepare to launch his civilian career.

Hope Harbor Herald editor Marci Weber has other ideas. She may not be a Hope Harbor native, but the small Oregon seaside town has become home--and she's determined to save the Pelican Point landmark.

Sparks fly as the two go head to head over the fate of the lighthouse. But when they start to cooperate, a different kind of fire ignites. And as they work together, might Hope Harbor heal the hearts of these two romance-wary souls.

Bestselling author Irene Hannon invites readers back to their favorite town for a story that will light a beacon of hope within their hearts.

my thoughts...

I looked forward to this book for many months and it lived up to my expectations.  It took me back to the coastal town of Hope Harbor and many of the characters I loved in the first two books of the series.  

Although they got off on the wrong foot, newcomers Ben Garrison and Marci Weber fit right into the small community.  Both of them had plans that didn't include a romance yet they continued to connect on many levels, especially when it came to the Pelican Point Lighthouse. Pelican Point, a landmark that was slated to be purchased by a wealthy developer  was probably going to be demolished in favor of a sprawling development.

Irene Hannon is a master when it comes to character development.  She takes on challenging issues and shows us how a little faith can make a big impact on the lives of those she intertwines within the story.  Greg is a young, disabled veteran who moved back to Hope Harbor with his wife Rachel.  Bitter after an I.E.D. attack took his leg, it seems as though life couldn't get any worse for them.  For Rachel, life with Greg wasn't what she dreamed of when she left home to marry her handsome soldier.  

One constant in all the Hope Harbor books is Charley, Fish Taco stand owner extraordinaire.  He silently observes everything about the community and is a quiet force who makes his customers think of things that may seem unconnected, yet as they walk away his wisdom radiates.  If I have to have a favorite character, it has to be Charley because he seems to be that still, small voice we often hear when we aren't ready to listen.  Even though I don't eat fish tacos I would willingly try one just to meet Charley. 

Best selling author Irene Hannon is a three-time RITA Award Winner. If you have  ever read her books you know why.  Whether it is the coastal Hope Harbor series or perhaps a thriller such as Dangerous Illusion in her Men of Valor series you will be hooked into the story right away and be looking for publication dates for the the next book in the series as you turn the last page.  

If you enjoy a good romance with a nice coastal village setting, this is for you.  I recommend this book with 5 stars as the Oregon Coast beckons within the pages, and you will almost hear the seagulls calling.