What do you think?
Rate this book
Hope Harbor #7
Brombeer-Bucht
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.
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.
Perfect Paperback
First published April 1, 2021
233 people are currently reading
2972 people want to read
About the author
Irene Hannon
122 books3,010 followersIrene Hannon, who writes both contemporary romance and romantic suspense, is the author of more than 65 novels. Her books have been honored with three coveted RITA awards from Romance Writers of America (the “Oscar” of romance fiction) and she is a member of that organization's elite Hall of Fame. She has also received a Career Achievement award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. Other awards for individual books include National Readers' Choice, HOLT Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, Retailers Choice, Booksellers' Best, and Reviewers' Choice from RT Book Reviews. She is also a two-time Christy award finalist.
Millions of her books have been sold worldwide, and her novels have been translated into multiple languages.
A former corporate communications executive with a Fortune 500 company, Irene now writes full time. To learn more about Irene and her books, visit www.irenehannon.com.
Millions of her books have been sold worldwide, and her novels have been translated into multiple languages.
A former corporate communications executive with a Fortune 500 company, Irene now writes full time. To learn more about Irene and her books, visit www.irenehannon.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 335 reviews
November 18, 2021
This is a Clean Romance Christian Fiction, and this is the 7th book in the Hope Harbor series. I have not read the other six books in this series. It took me about 50% to get into this book. I think it also took 50% of this book to care about the characters. I feel the characters could have developed faster in this book, and I found that the first have of this book was very slow moving. I did enjoy the last half of this book. I think overall this is a short moving friendship with a little romance. I just like a little faster moving book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Fleming H. Revell Company) or author (Irene Hannon) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
May 6, 2021
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. These are my honest thoughts.
If you’re in the mood for a fluffy beach read, this book is a great fit. I usually like more depth to the books I read, but every now and then, a beachy read is exactly what I’m in the mood for. That was the case when I picked up Blackberry Beach by Irene Hannon.
One of the best lines (to me) was this gem: “Life shouldn’t be all about accruing money.” It was great to see characters making choices NOT based on money but rather on God’s direction for their lives. This was so refreshing!
The beach scenes were some of my favorites in this story. The view was declared to be amazing, but I wish it would have been described a little more so it could have come alive in my mind. The discussions on the beach and the romantic bits that took place there were heartfelt and entertaining.
The cover was completely gorgeous. The purple hues were beautiful and complementary, and I loved that Katherine’s sunglasses were highlighted! They played a big role in the story, so it was fun to see they made it to the cover as well. It was fun also to have the pair of seagulls flying in the background of the cover, considering they play such significant roles throughout the entire series. The only alteration I would make is to highlight the blackberries a bit more. They’re hard to see in the bushes at the bottom of the cover. But overall, this was a breezy, fun cover that piqued my interest.
Zach was a great character. I liked that he was mystified by the leading lady from the jump but then dug deeper until he got to know her at different levels. This was handled well with chivalry and respect, which made me feel right at home getting to know these two.
The older-couple romance angle was so sweet! I adored Stephanie and Frank so much and would love to see them pop back around in a future book.
The reunion was great and well written. I can’t say more than that without spoilers, but it was something special.
The coffee shop and chocolate making aspects of this story were delightful and detailed.
There were some things that bugged me about this book too. I’ll briefly touch on them now, but I’ll try to not bemoan the things too much, because this was a fun read overall.
1 | Charley.
Charley is this mysterious Mexican man who always knows too much about everybody. There are no context clues for how he “discerned” the information, so he clearly knows the details by magic of some sort. I’m not sure if it’s supposed to be “divine” or magician or genie type magic, but it drives me nuts every time because it’s completely unrealistic and makes me think these books ought to be labeled as Magical Realism instead of Contemporary Romance.
2 | Magical animals.
Floyd and Gladys (a pair of seagulls), a seal, and a dolphin all acted unlike any of their real-life counterparts that I’ve ever seen. They seemed to follow unspoken directives from Charley (who’s the one who named them). These critters acted unnaturally to me, and they gave me the willies.
3 | Follow one’s heart.
Charley advised a character to follow their heart because it had “never betrayed him.” This is poor advice, considering the Bible calls the heart “more deceitful than anything else” (Jeremiah 17:9). Several characters were stated to follow their hearts when making huge life decisions. I was really disappointed that prayer and seeking God’s will only came into play on one or two big decisions instead of the majority of the time, considering this book is in the Christian Fiction genre.
4 | Actress in disguise.
The whole actress in disguise plot did not work for me at all. In theory, it was great. I love that type of story, so I was really looking forward to this one. In actual application, it wasn’t very well done here. It was inconsistent throughout, sometimes claiming the lady wasn’t famous at all (thus, would not be easily recognized), while other times she was a “rising star” or on the verge of leaving the business altogether (indicating she’d already had a full career). At one point very late in the story, she even admitted “I’m not a household name.” That right there broke the entire actress in disguise plot for me. If she wasn’t a household name, then nobody would have recognized her whether or not she changed her hair color and wore dark sunglasses. Another reason I didn’t believe she wouldn’t be recognized is because in real life, actors and actresses are easily recognized with sunglasses, baseball caps, different hair colors and styles, and without their stage/screen makeup. If this make-believe actress was really half as famous as she claimed, she would have definitely been recognized in today’s tech-heavy society. One last thing about this actress thing. Nowhere through the entire book had she even thought or mentioned that she was considering directing rather than acting… yet, on page 292, she suddenly declared she was “getting more interested in the directing side of the business.” That came as a complete shock, because the whole time through the story, she’d been dragging her feet about making a decision about her first A-list movie role. There had been no previous hint at all about directing being an option.
5 | Awkward name drop.
It’s pretty common in Christian Fiction for authors to name-drop their friends by including titles or names. I’m fairly used to this now. What made this one extremely awkward to me was that Mrs. Hannon name dropped herself: “She held up the new Irene Hannon suspense novel she was reading.”
Overall, this was a cute read. Reality was suspended in a few places, but many readers will be able to better overlook those spots than I. The beachy-ness of the story was exactly what I wanted when I picked up this book, so on that front, I was definitely satisfied.
Content: replacement profanity, alcohol, sexual innuendo, tarot cards analogy, betting/wager analogies, drug abuse, crude sexual phrase, Catholicism
If you’re in the mood for a fluffy beach read, this book is a great fit. I usually like more depth to the books I read, but every now and then, a beachy read is exactly what I’m in the mood for. That was the case when I picked up Blackberry Beach by Irene Hannon.
One of the best lines (to me) was this gem: “Life shouldn’t be all about accruing money.” It was great to see characters making choices NOT based on money but rather on God’s direction for their lives. This was so refreshing!
The beach scenes were some of my favorites in this story. The view was declared to be amazing, but I wish it would have been described a little more so it could have come alive in my mind. The discussions on the beach and the romantic bits that took place there were heartfelt and entertaining.
The cover was completely gorgeous. The purple hues were beautiful and complementary, and I loved that Katherine’s sunglasses were highlighted! They played a big role in the story, so it was fun to see they made it to the cover as well. It was fun also to have the pair of seagulls flying in the background of the cover, considering they play such significant roles throughout the entire series. The only alteration I would make is to highlight the blackberries a bit more. They’re hard to see in the bushes at the bottom of the cover. But overall, this was a breezy, fun cover that piqued my interest.
Zach was a great character. I liked that he was mystified by the leading lady from the jump but then dug deeper until he got to know her at different levels. This was handled well with chivalry and respect, which made me feel right at home getting to know these two.
The older-couple romance angle was so sweet! I adored Stephanie and Frank so much and would love to see them pop back around in a future book.
The reunion was great and well written. I can’t say more than that without spoilers, but it was something special.
The coffee shop and chocolate making aspects of this story were delightful and detailed.
There were some things that bugged me about this book too. I’ll briefly touch on them now, but I’ll try to not bemoan the things too much, because this was a fun read overall.
1 | Charley.
Charley is this mysterious Mexican man who always knows too much about everybody. There are no context clues for how he “discerned” the information, so he clearly knows the details by magic of some sort. I’m not sure if it’s supposed to be “divine” or magician or genie type magic, but it drives me nuts every time because it’s completely unrealistic and makes me think these books ought to be labeled as Magical Realism instead of Contemporary Romance.
2 | Magical animals.
Floyd and Gladys (a pair of seagulls), a seal, and a dolphin all acted unlike any of their real-life counterparts that I’ve ever seen. They seemed to follow unspoken directives from Charley (who’s the one who named them). These critters acted unnaturally to me, and they gave me the willies.
3 | Follow one’s heart.
Charley advised a character to follow their heart because it had “never betrayed him.” This is poor advice, considering the Bible calls the heart “more deceitful than anything else” (Jeremiah 17:9). Several characters were stated to follow their hearts when making huge life decisions. I was really disappointed that prayer and seeking God’s will only came into play on one or two big decisions instead of the majority of the time, considering this book is in the Christian Fiction genre.
4 | Actress in disguise.
The whole actress in disguise plot did not work for me at all. In theory, it was great. I love that type of story, so I was really looking forward to this one. In actual application, it wasn’t very well done here. It was inconsistent throughout, sometimes claiming the lady wasn’t famous at all (thus, would not be easily recognized), while other times she was a “rising star” or on the verge of leaving the business altogether (indicating she’d already had a full career). At one point very late in the story, she even admitted “I’m not a household name.” That right there broke the entire actress in disguise plot for me. If she wasn’t a household name, then nobody would have recognized her whether or not she changed her hair color and wore dark sunglasses. Another reason I didn’t believe she wouldn’t be recognized is because in real life, actors and actresses are easily recognized with sunglasses, baseball caps, different hair colors and styles, and without their stage/screen makeup. If this make-believe actress was really half as famous as she claimed, she would have definitely been recognized in today’s tech-heavy society. One last thing about this actress thing. Nowhere through the entire book had she even thought or mentioned that she was considering directing rather than acting… yet, on page 292, she suddenly declared she was “getting more interested in the directing side of the business.” That came as a complete shock, because the whole time through the story, she’d been dragging her feet about making a decision about her first A-list movie role. There had been no previous hint at all about directing being an option.
5 | Awkward name drop.
It’s pretty common in Christian Fiction for authors to name-drop their friends by including titles or names. I’m fairly used to this now. What made this one extremely awkward to me was that Mrs. Hannon name dropped herself: “She held up the new Irene Hannon suspense novel she was reading.”
Overall, this was a cute read. Reality was suspended in a few places, but many readers will be able to better overlook those spots than I. The beachy-ness of the story was exactly what I wanted when I picked up this book, so on that front, I was definitely satisfied.
Content: replacement profanity, alcohol, sexual innuendo, tarot cards analogy, betting/wager analogies, drug abuse, crude sexual phrase, Catholicism
April 12, 2021
Hope Harbor is a delightful small town on the coast of Oregon where you might say people go for second chances or just to getaway...some even wind up staying. Zach left the corporate world and Chicago behind a few years ago to pursue a different life as a coffee shop owner. One of his baristas, Frank is a retired postal worker who lost his wife a few years ago. Katherine Parker (in disguise as Kat Morgan) is on a visit from her career as an actress to recuperate from a scandal and figure out what she wants. Zach's Aunt Stephanie has just retired from a career as a high level corporate world traveler. Her home is in New York City. Zach is drawn to Kat and wants to find out her story when she visits his shop but she is pretty shy. Frank and Stephanie are also drawn to each other but their lives are on opposite coasts, not to mention other obstacles. Will they decide to go back to their lives or try something new? It is a fun places to watch people and recurring residents, especially Charley with his taco food truck, along with his many animals friends like Gladys and Floyd, sea gulls, and others. The two local men of the cloth are a hoot and the community always comes together to take care of each other. This is another pleasant read by Irene Hannon.
I received a complimentary ARC from Revell Publishing and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
I received a complimentary ARC from Revell Publishing and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
February 21, 2021
I love Irene Hannon’s fictional town of Hope Harbor! She has created a wonderful little town and taken her readers there a number of times now. I so very much enjoyed meeting these new characters and getting to see old friends again. Such a precious place. I want to visit and get a fish taco from Charley. I do believe he is an angel unawares. Don’t miss this latest offering in Hannon’s series.
My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book via Net Galley. I received no compensation and the opinion here is my own.
My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book via Net Galley. I received no compensation and the opinion here is my own.
March 23, 2021
Oh, how I love being back in Hope Harbor, Oregon, it's a comforting ideal place, that feels so welcoming. Charlie is here with his fish taco's, and boy would I love to try them! We also meet back with some other characters from previous books, but this can be read alone, but the others are equally good!
With this book we are gifted with those fish taco's, but also yummy coffee and then to die for chocolate truffles. I loved the way the author brought the previous characters back for a cameo using their products in those truffles!
We are given some sweet romance, one couple are seasoned citizen's trying to decided if they want to embrace "love", will they be unfaithful to a deceased spouse, and then a younger couple, one has left the rat race of a power job, and the other is running from a Hollywood scandal.
Yes, this quickly becomes a page turner, I needed answers! When all is said and done, I wanted to continue on in the lives of these people, and wouldn't mind staying in Hope Harbor!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.
With this book we are gifted with those fish taco's, but also yummy coffee and then to die for chocolate truffles. I loved the way the author brought the previous characters back for a cameo using their products in those truffles!
We are given some sweet romance, one couple are seasoned citizen's trying to decided if they want to embrace "love", will they be unfaithful to a deceased spouse, and then a younger couple, one has left the rat race of a power job, and the other is running from a Hollywood scandal.
Yes, this quickly becomes a page turner, I needed answers! When all is said and done, I wanted to continue on in the lives of these people, and wouldn't mind staying in Hope Harbor!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.
February 19, 2021
Blackberry Beach is a lovely return to the charming seaside town of Hope Harbor. Irene Hannon is the queen of the slow simmer romance. She's in her element in Blackberry Beach, with not just one, but two terrific romances for readers to enjoy.
Zach Garrett has evaluated his life goals and and made changes, landing him as owner of The Perfect Blend coffee shop. A mysterious customer, Kat draws his interest, especially after he discovers she's renting the beach house next door. She's looking for a sanctuary of solitude to rethink her own goals, "where better for an appeal for divine guidance to produce results than in an town named Hope Harbor?"
Zach's aunt Stephanie arrives for a visit, peaking the interest of his part time help, Frank. I love there's an older couple with some sparks flying. "It appeared the ember of attraction could burst into flame at any age."
Hannon has so many beautiful quotes in this story, but I do have a few favorites,
*"It's amazing how many small glimpses of paradise we can get here on earth if we take the time and make the effort to notice them."
*The heart is the best compass at any crossroads."
*"..beauty and hope can be found everywhere, even in the smallest places people tend to overlook."
Hannon is wonderfully skilled at developing a sense of community and relationships between her characters. Some are easy to love, some are more of a challenge, but all find a place in this welcoming town. Of course, a visit to Hope Harbor wouldn't be complete without Charley, Floyd and Gladys!
In addition to the appealing characters who find their happy ever after in Blackberry Beach, Hannon has written a food lovers story. I enjoyed both the romance and the culinary delights!
Readers will thrill at the sigh-worthy epilogue and it's deliciously swoony ending! I am one of Hannon's "enchanted readers" she's mentions in her author's note and I'm delighted to learn there will be a book eight next year. Until then, I'll content myself with Hannon's next romantic suspense Labyrinth of Lies, coming in October. I appreciate Revell making a copy of Blackberry Beach available for review. All thoughts and opinions are my very own.
Zach Garrett has evaluated his life goals and and made changes, landing him as owner of The Perfect Blend coffee shop. A mysterious customer, Kat draws his interest, especially after he discovers she's renting the beach house next door. She's looking for a sanctuary of solitude to rethink her own goals, "where better for an appeal for divine guidance to produce results than in an town named Hope Harbor?"
Zach's aunt Stephanie arrives for a visit, peaking the interest of his part time help, Frank. I love there's an older couple with some sparks flying. "It appeared the ember of attraction could burst into flame at any age."
Hannon has so many beautiful quotes in this story, but I do have a few favorites,
*"It's amazing how many small glimpses of paradise we can get here on earth if we take the time and make the effort to notice them."
*The heart is the best compass at any crossroads."
*"..beauty and hope can be found everywhere, even in the smallest places people tend to overlook."
Hannon is wonderfully skilled at developing a sense of community and relationships between her characters. Some are easy to love, some are more of a challenge, but all find a place in this welcoming town. Of course, a visit to Hope Harbor wouldn't be complete without Charley, Floyd and Gladys!
In addition to the appealing characters who find their happy ever after in Blackberry Beach, Hannon has written a food lovers story. I enjoyed both the romance and the culinary delights!
Readers will thrill at the sigh-worthy epilogue and it's deliciously swoony ending! I am one of Hannon's "enchanted readers" she's mentions in her author's note and I'm delighted to learn there will be a book eight next year. Until then, I'll content myself with Hannon's next romantic suspense Labyrinth of Lies, coming in October. I appreciate Revell making a copy of Blackberry Beach available for review. All thoughts and opinions are my very own.
June 7, 2024
Another fun and light Christian romance.
March 30, 2021
It is great to be back in Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast. The quaint town is a beautiful refuge. This time we meet Zach Garrett who has left his high dollar, pressure cooker life to open his dream coffee shop. He is seeking a slower pace and everything worthwhile.
Being the haven that it is, Hope Harbor draws Katherine Parker who has been questioning her whole career. The house she rents in order to re-evaluate her priorities just happens to share Blackberry Beach with Zach. A hero who cooks and a heroine who makes chocolate truffles, a wonderful pairing!
There are great matchups in this story including the returning sea gull duo, Floyd and Gladys. We see old friends: The sparring golf buddies, Father Murphy and Reverend Baker as well as Charley of the food truck who always dispenses wisdom with his fish tacos: “I expect most dreams are reachable, if the person is willing to pay the price. The question is whether the goal is worth the cost-and whether the return on investment is positive or negative.”
I like the giving spirit of the residents as they pull together for community projects, even Zach’s visiting Aunt Stephanie. More than one romance blooms in this place of refuge.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *
Being the haven that it is, Hope Harbor draws Katherine Parker who has been questioning her whole career. The house she rents in order to re-evaluate her priorities just happens to share Blackberry Beach with Zach. A hero who cooks and a heroine who makes chocolate truffles, a wonderful pairing!
There are great matchups in this story including the returning sea gull duo, Floyd and Gladys. We see old friends: The sparring golf buddies, Father Murphy and Reverend Baker as well as Charley of the food truck who always dispenses wisdom with his fish tacos: “I expect most dreams are reachable, if the person is willing to pay the price. The question is whether the goal is worth the cost-and whether the return on investment is positive or negative.”
I like the giving spirit of the residents as they pull together for community projects, even Zach’s visiting Aunt Stephanie. More than one romance blooms in this place of refuge.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *
March 26, 2021
I have read several of Irene Hannon's romantic suspense novels. However, this my first romance by the author. Although, this is in a series of several books, I didn't feel as if I had missed out on anything. I enjoyed it very much. It was a quick read with loveable characters set in a picturesque town. I loved how sweet the romance played out with two couples finding love.
*I was given a copy of the book by the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
4.5 stars
*I was given a copy of the book by the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
4.5 stars
April 26, 2021
Most things in life are a mixed blessing. The question is whether the good parts outweigh the bad.
This was my first visit to Hope Harbor but it will not be my last. I’m definitely going to start this series from the start before the next release next year. Even though I haven’t read the other books in this series, I did not feel lost and this book can be read as a stand alone.
Ok, so not sure if this is on the editor, author or publisher, but the summary of the book made it sound a lot different to what actually played out.
But cloudy days serve a purpose too. Without them, we'd take sunshine for granted.
Katherine and Zach - I enjoyed how their relationship developed, however, I would have liked to ‘see’ more of the connection. Aunt Stephanie’s love story felt like it had more ‘spunk’. However, I loved how Katherine and Zach was there for each other and pushed each other to confront difficult decisions or situations. I did wanted Katherine to put Simon in his place quite a few times!
For those who have been raised well, the heart is the best compass at any crossroads.
Fans who enjoy contemporary fiction, with a dash of mild romance, will enjoy this one.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*
This was my first visit to Hope Harbor but it will not be my last. I’m definitely going to start this series from the start before the next release next year. Even though I haven’t read the other books in this series, I did not feel lost and this book can be read as a stand alone.
Ok, so not sure if this is on the editor, author or publisher, but the summary of the book made it sound a lot different to what actually played out.
But cloudy days serve a purpose too. Without them, we'd take sunshine for granted.
Katherine and Zach - I enjoyed how their relationship developed, however, I would have liked to ‘see’ more of the connection. Aunt Stephanie’s love story felt like it had more ‘spunk’. However, I loved how Katherine and Zach was there for each other and pushed each other to confront difficult decisions or situations. I did wanted Katherine to put Simon in his place quite a few times!
For those who have been raised well, the heart is the best compass at any crossroads.
Fans who enjoy contemporary fiction, with a dash of mild romance, will enjoy this one.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*
May 14, 2022
"No matter what happens, I'll always be grateful our paths crossed."
"The mystery woman was back." The lovely visitor to The Perfect Blend was certainly eye-catching, even if she did prefer to wear her over-sized sunglasses inside his coffee bar. It had been a long time since anyone had sparked his curiosity, so Zach Garrett decided to be pro-active, but the lady responded with a dose of polite evasion. According to the local muse, "she may be hiding behind a protective wall. Could be she's dealing with a boatload of heavy stuff". If Zach had realized just how heavy, would it have made any difference? Probably not.
Katherine Parker has returned to Hope Harbor with a desire to remain low key and hopefully anonymous. Her Hollywood lifestyle had brought her the "fame and fortune" she once craved, but the price tag had been extremely high, a man had lost his life. Now, she faces a decision . . . . cut off all ties to her past or accept a premiere role that is being offered to her on a silver platter. And why does a pair of chocolate brown eyes have anything to do with it?
Enjoy this satisfying return to a place where the author has established life long friends for her readers, placing Katherine and Zach at the top of list . . . . . with a bonus scenario that will delight the heart of every romantic! Second chances are a beautiful thing to behold . . . . and trust in the Almighty is a powerful place to begin. And of course, there's Charley!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I also purchased a copy.
"The mystery woman was back." The lovely visitor to The Perfect Blend was certainly eye-catching, even if she did prefer to wear her over-sized sunglasses inside his coffee bar. It had been a long time since anyone had sparked his curiosity, so Zach Garrett decided to be pro-active, but the lady responded with a dose of polite evasion. According to the local muse, "she may be hiding behind a protective wall. Could be she's dealing with a boatload of heavy stuff". If Zach had realized just how heavy, would it have made any difference? Probably not.
Katherine Parker has returned to Hope Harbor with a desire to remain low key and hopefully anonymous. Her Hollywood lifestyle had brought her the "fame and fortune" she once craved, but the price tag had been extremely high, a man had lost his life. Now, she faces a decision . . . . cut off all ties to her past or accept a premiere role that is being offered to her on a silver platter. And why does a pair of chocolate brown eyes have anything to do with it?
Enjoy this satisfying return to a place where the author has established life long friends for her readers, placing Katherine and Zach at the top of list . . . . . with a bonus scenario that will delight the heart of every romantic! Second chances are a beautiful thing to behold . . . . and trust in the Almighty is a powerful place to begin. And of course, there's Charley!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I also purchased a copy.
April 16, 2021
I was so excited to take another trip to Oregon in the seventh Hope Harbor book.
The beachy descriptions sound so relaxing and the call of the seagulls make me want to visit the town for some delightful relaxation time. While there I'll definitely need to pay a visit to the coffee shop Zach Garrett runs. Suffering from a traumatic loss he is comfortable running his coffee shop and trying to put the past behind him. One thing he is not looking for is a romance but he is intrigued by his reclusive beach neighbor.
Katherine Parker is a woman that should be happy, she has all she could possibly need fame,fortune an offer to star in an upcoming movie with a popular movie star. She should be thrilled with how life is progressing but she feels something is missing.
I enjoyed seeing how Zach persisted in getting Kat to open up while drawing her into a friendship . I think she needed someone like this to draw her out.
I enjoyed revisiting the characters I've read about in previous books especially friendly guy Charley the taco stand guy. I think he'd be am interesting character to talk to.
Can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the entire fun series.
Pub Date 06 Apr 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own
The beachy descriptions sound so relaxing and the call of the seagulls make me want to visit the town for some delightful relaxation time. While there I'll definitely need to pay a visit to the coffee shop Zach Garrett runs. Suffering from a traumatic loss he is comfortable running his coffee shop and trying to put the past behind him. One thing he is not looking for is a romance but he is intrigued by his reclusive beach neighbor.
Katherine Parker is a woman that should be happy, she has all she could possibly need fame,fortune an offer to star in an upcoming movie with a popular movie star. She should be thrilled with how life is progressing but she feels something is missing.
I enjoyed seeing how Zach persisted in getting Kat to open up while drawing her into a friendship . I think she needed someone like this to draw her out.
I enjoyed revisiting the characters I've read about in previous books especially friendly guy Charley the taco stand guy. I think he'd be am interesting character to talk to.
Can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the entire fun series.
Pub Date 06 Apr 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own
March 26, 2021
Every trip to Hope Harbor is magical and uplifting and this book surely proved that. This is the story of Zach Garrett, the owner/operator of The Perfect Blend coffee shop in town. Happy in his new life and his escape from the demands of his previous career, Zach is not looking for any kind of relationship. When Katherine Parker comes to town for a vacation from her career, there is an instant attraction to Zach, but both know it can’t go anywhere since she is there briefly and he isn’t seeking a relationship. The way their attraction progresses really made this story for me. Everything was a natural progression, without any kind of forced “gotta bring this to a close” kind of plot. There were some twists and some challenges that were unexpected. There was also a sub-plot when Zach’s aunt Stephanie, newly retired from her career, comes to visit and meets Zach’s part-time barista Frank. I really enjoyed visiting Hope Harbor again, a place where everything is described so realistically that I can put myself right there with the characters. The characters themselves fairly jumped off the page and talked to me. In fact, I found myself giving advice to Katherine and Stephanie as I read the book and was happy that they took that advice sometimes. The author knows how to tell a story that draws you in, and that is the magical part of Hope Harbor. I may not be at a beach, but I felt like I was, enjoying the views and the moments of quiet and reflection that her characters were enjoying. I highly recommend this clean Christian fiction to anyone who needs some positivity in their lives! Although this is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone, as can any of the Hope Harbor books. But I’m betting that once you have read one, you will want to read all of them just to get that happy feeling that these books give you.
Disclaimer
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley as part of the Revell Reads Blogger Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Disclaimer
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley as part of the Revell Reads Blogger Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
April 30, 2021
Every time I read an Irene Hannon book I never want to leave!
Except maybe her suspense. 😉
The Hope Harbor series is a wonderful series, I’ve only read four of them and in a series with more than five or six books they can get boring but that isn’t so with Hannon’s work.
The hope, the heart, and the sweetness of Blackberry Beach was just so wonderful, I loved reading every page and I found that I want to read the whole series and there was nothing to make me lose interest in a heartwarming story that gave a hard tug on my heartstrings.
Plus, may I just say, I LOVE and want a coffee shop like in this book?!
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Except maybe her suspense. 😉
The Hope Harbor series is a wonderful series, I’ve only read four of them and in a series with more than five or six books they can get boring but that isn’t so with Hannon’s work.
The hope, the heart, and the sweetness of Blackberry Beach was just so wonderful, I loved reading every page and I found that I want to read the whole series and there was nothing to make me lose interest in a heartwarming story that gave a hard tug on my heartstrings.
Plus, may I just say, I LOVE and want a coffee shop like in this book?!
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
May 28, 2023
De wegen van de befaamde actrice: Katherine en een barista: Zach, kruisen elkaar in Hope Harbor. Een fijne feel-goodroman. "Veelgood" en voorspelbaar, het begint allebei met een V. Dat was duidelijk te merken in dit boek 😁. Wat we wel mateloos irriteerde is dat ze haar eigen boeken aanprees in het boek. "Ik zat lekker net in mijn boek." Ze stak de nieuwste Irene Hannon omhoog. Het zorgde ervoor dat ik gelijk uit mijn boeken-wereldje werd getrokken.
April 12, 2021
I am completely obsessed with this series! Blackberry Beach is the seventh book and I hope there are seventy more! No worries if you aren't familiar with the fabulous Hope Harbor series...well, yes, you should worry over all that you're missing out on...but each book reads well as a standalone so you can pick up anywhere and start reading.
There are some wonderful consistencies in each book though. The loving small town vibe fueled by caring people intent on making a difference in their little part of the world. The congenially sparring clergy with their rapier wit and quirky banter. The oddly intelligent seagulls, Floyd and Gladys, who like to keep an eye on folks who need some extra TLC. And Charly, of course. Artist with a paintbrush and grill, he has an eye for noticing and and a heart for caring and an uncanny way of putting pieces together in an almost divine manner....honestly, I'd read these books just for Charly!
And here's where I reveal just how completely besotted I am with this series. I have the first six books tucked away on my keeper's shelf and this latest (notice I didn't say last...please let there never be a last!) in my audible library. And because I adore both Irene Hannon's storytelling and Therese Plummer's narration so much, I'm getting ready to start listening to the series right from the start. Book in hand, ear buds in, and I'll be in bibliophile heaven for hours on end. :-)
This seventh book delivers all the heart and hope and second chances that have become trademark with the series. Where the romance develops slowly, from hesitant first missteps to a slow lowering of defenses that catapult Katherine and Zach into serious discussions and deep soul searching along with some toe-curling banter and delicious kisses. Happy sigh. I loved every blessed second!
There are some wonderful consistencies in each book though. The loving small town vibe fueled by caring people intent on making a difference in their little part of the world. The congenially sparring clergy with their rapier wit and quirky banter. The oddly intelligent seagulls, Floyd and Gladys, who like to keep an eye on folks who need some extra TLC. And Charly, of course. Artist with a paintbrush and grill, he has an eye for noticing and and a heart for caring and an uncanny way of putting pieces together in an almost divine manner....honestly, I'd read these books just for Charly!
And here's where I reveal just how completely besotted I am with this series. I have the first six books tucked away on my keeper's shelf and this latest (notice I didn't say last...please let there never be a last!) in my audible library. And because I adore both Irene Hannon's storytelling and Therese Plummer's narration so much, I'm getting ready to start listening to the series right from the start. Book in hand, ear buds in, and I'll be in bibliophile heaven for hours on end. :-)
This seventh book delivers all the heart and hope and second chances that have become trademark with the series. Where the romance develops slowly, from hesitant first missteps to a slow lowering of defenses that catapult Katherine and Zach into serious discussions and deep soul searching along with some toe-curling banter and delicious kisses. Happy sigh. I loved every blessed second!
June 6, 2021
Without trying, I have read every book in the Hope Habor series and Blackberry Beach was just as enjoyable as the other six!
In this installment, Perfect Blend Coffee owner Zach Garrett is happy with his life, he left his high-powered job in Atlanta, and though he doesn't have the earning power as he once did, he believes himself to be content until he meets his next-door neighbor, Kat, who is trying to stay incognito for reasons he plans on finding out why.
Blackberry Beach was a HEA. I could complain that some things were too neatly put out and then resolved a little too easily, it was in all an easy read for me, and I really liked the characters especially Charley ( one of the regularly occurring characters in this series) and the subplot involving Zach's Aunt Stephanie.
In this installment, Perfect Blend Coffee owner Zach Garrett is happy with his life, he left his high-powered job in Atlanta, and though he doesn't have the earning power as he once did, he believes himself to be content until he meets his next-door neighbor, Kat, who is trying to stay incognito for reasons he plans on finding out why.
Blackberry Beach was a HEA. I could complain that some things were too neatly put out and then resolved a little too easily, it was in all an easy read for me, and I really liked the characters especially Charley ( one of the regularly occurring characters in this series) and the subplot involving Zach's Aunt Stephanie.
April 12, 2021
*Warnings*
#1 This is a long review, so pull up a chair and grab a bowl of popcorn. You’ll be here awhile. #2 When I read a review, I want substantial information. So I will not skimp on the details. Which may mean some spoilers, so watch out. #3—additional warning reserved only for this review—Here we go…again...I’m trying out yet another method. Let me know what you think: unconstrained stream-of-consciousness; numbered pros and cons; detailed review minus any fangirling whatsoever (I think I wrote, like, one of those before); or whatever this turns out to be. The feedback is appreciated.
Stars: 3 ½
Synopsis: Katherine Parker has abandoned her career to find solace in Hope Harbor after a tragic accident. Zach Garrett did the same several years ago, and now he’s at home in Hope Harbor as the owner of The Perfect Blend. Will the two neighbors be able to forge a friendship, or will Katherine’s secrets keep them apart?
Favorite Quote: “He didn’t pray for himself, Zach. He prayed for you.”
So, I think it’s become pretty obvious now that I have a love/hate relationship with contemporary fiction.
I avoid it, and yet, at the same time, I crave it. Make sense? Yeah, I don’t get it either. So, because of my strange relationship with contemporary fiction, I am always wary whenever I begin a modern-day story.
It wasn’t any different with Blackberry Beach.
Maybe I’m not the best advisor, since this particular style of contemporary isn’t necessarily my forte (I’m more of a Tammy L. Gray, Sarah Monzon, or Julie Lessman girl), but it’s always good to get a second opinion.
Blackberry Beach has great potential, but the escapist theme and slow progression kept it from making a lasting impression. The characters—Kat and Zach—had great character arcs and visible, although extremely slow, development. I liked seeing the definite change and their thought processes as they made huge decisions; however, I do think that took way too long (Kat, for instance, didn’t make her final decision until within the last five chapters), and I was lacking some of the emotional and spiritual struggle I was hoping to see.
Speaking of, though there was mention of prayer, church, God, and the two clergymen in Hope Harbor, I found the spiritual aspects lacking. For one, Kat has apparently been a Christian for some time, but she never made much mention of it or turned to God until it was nearly too late. In the meantime, Zach has given up on a relationship with God, and we barely see him mending fences with his Heavenly Father, which was upsetting. Blackberry Beach is definitely more of an “inspirational” read, but it’s not one to inspire readers to look to God in trials.
Blackberry Beach is the last book in the Hope Harbor series, and I’ve never read the previous books. I would wager that’s why I felt like there was something lacking the setting, as if Hope Harbor had been thoroughly developed and elaborated on in the earlier books and Hannon just skipped over that this time. Regardless, Blackberry Beach could definitely be read as a standalone. Nothing else seemed missing at all.
Unless we’re talking about the vibrancy of the period itself, which did seem lacking. When I read contemporary novel, I expect to read it just like I do a historical novel—I expect to see authenticity and to learn. So, yes, a few name brands thrown in, name drops, pop culture references—all of them make for a realistic and authentic experience that invests me into the story. It may not make the story timeless, but it helps me better envision the story. Blackberry Beach was lacking that vision.
And can I just say that Zach, although a well-developed character (by means which I will elaborate on in a moment), seemed very unguyish? (Which was not a word until now.) Maybe it’s because he’s an Atlantian-turned-Oreganian, but I did find both him and Frank very unrealistic in their voices (both in their monologue and dialogue).
I love it when an author has a strong voice and balanced writing—but at times the author’s voice overrides their characters’. Such happened in Blackberry Beach, where I wasn’t able to differentiate Zach from his aunt or Frank from Kat. I would’ve liked to have seen a more masculine presentation, I guess. One book that pulled that off was Becky Wade’s True to You. Y’all, John’s POV sounded convincingly male and fit his personality—something for which I commended Wade in my review.
Unfortunately, Hannon doesn’t have that talent, so while the characters all looked good on paper, they didn’t sound good on paper—make sense? Their development and character from others’ POVs was strong and for the most part convincing, but once we entered their minds, I lost all sense of stability and realism.
That made it very difficult to connect with the characters. I had a hard time investing emotion into the story—and maybe that’s the point. Maybe this story was intended to whisk me away from life and empty my head and heart of all trouble. For some people, that may be why they read. But I read not only to escape but also to feel. To create lifelong friends, fangirl and ship my favorite characters, cry for the protagonist, ache for the villain, and even yell “Idiot!” at my Kindle a couple times. That’s how books like A Voice in the Wind, A Passion Redeemed, and Unblemished burrowed their way into my heart.
However, there is yet good to this book.
Despite how uninterested I was in the characters or story, I still kept coming back! Perhaps it was for the hope that it would get better, the desire to know what decision Kat came to (and, earlier on, what her past was), or simply because Irene Hannon does have well-balanced, maybe even captivating, prose.
She did a very good job of capturing the inner thoughts of the characters within the narrative, which left little need for italicized internal monologue. I appreciate that, even if she didn’t capture the male characters very well. The balance between thoughts, description, and action was very well done—however, I would’ve liked a little more emotion and less dialogue.
All that being said, I think Hannon probably makes a better suspense writer than romance. I can definitely see her writing style, developmental skills, and languid pacing giving a suspense novel more depth—but I’ll have to read one to find out!
I felt a thirst to finish the story, and I truly am glad I did. Now I know that this isn’t my preferred genre or contemporary style. I think this book would cater to a lot of readers—particularly the ones who like slow plots, clean reads, and not a lot of emotional investment! I’m just not one of them.
Disclaimer: A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
#1 This is a long review, so pull up a chair and grab a bowl of popcorn. You’ll be here awhile. #2 When I read a review, I want substantial information. So I will not skimp on the details. Which may mean some spoilers, so watch out. #3—additional warning reserved only for this review—Here we go…again...I’m trying out yet another method. Let me know what you think: unconstrained stream-of-consciousness; numbered pros and cons; detailed review minus any fangirling whatsoever (I think I wrote, like, one of those before); or whatever this turns out to be. The feedback is appreciated.
Stars: 3 ½
Synopsis: Katherine Parker has abandoned her career to find solace in Hope Harbor after a tragic accident. Zach Garrett did the same several years ago, and now he’s at home in Hope Harbor as the owner of The Perfect Blend. Will the two neighbors be able to forge a friendship, or will Katherine’s secrets keep them apart?
Favorite Quote: “He didn’t pray for himself, Zach. He prayed for you.”
So, I think it’s become pretty obvious now that I have a love/hate relationship with contemporary fiction.
I avoid it, and yet, at the same time, I crave it. Make sense? Yeah, I don’t get it either. So, because of my strange relationship with contemporary fiction, I am always wary whenever I begin a modern-day story.
It wasn’t any different with Blackberry Beach.
Maybe I’m not the best advisor, since this particular style of contemporary isn’t necessarily my forte (I’m more of a Tammy L. Gray, Sarah Monzon, or Julie Lessman girl), but it’s always good to get a second opinion.
Blackberry Beach has great potential, but the escapist theme and slow progression kept it from making a lasting impression. The characters—Kat and Zach—had great character arcs and visible, although extremely slow, development. I liked seeing the definite change and their thought processes as they made huge decisions; however, I do think that took way too long (Kat, for instance, didn’t make her final decision until within the last five chapters), and I was lacking some of the emotional and spiritual struggle I was hoping to see.
Speaking of, though there was mention of prayer, church, God, and the two clergymen in Hope Harbor, I found the spiritual aspects lacking. For one, Kat has apparently been a Christian for some time, but she never made much mention of it or turned to God until it was nearly too late. In the meantime, Zach has given up on a relationship with God, and we barely see him mending fences with his Heavenly Father, which was upsetting. Blackberry Beach is definitely more of an “inspirational” read, but it’s not one to inspire readers to look to God in trials.
Blackberry Beach is the last book in the Hope Harbor series, and I’ve never read the previous books. I would wager that’s why I felt like there was something lacking the setting, as if Hope Harbor had been thoroughly developed and elaborated on in the earlier books and Hannon just skipped over that this time. Regardless, Blackberry Beach could definitely be read as a standalone. Nothing else seemed missing at all.
Unless we’re talking about the vibrancy of the period itself, which did seem lacking. When I read contemporary novel, I expect to read it just like I do a historical novel—I expect to see authenticity and to learn. So, yes, a few name brands thrown in, name drops, pop culture references—all of them make for a realistic and authentic experience that invests me into the story. It may not make the story timeless, but it helps me better envision the story. Blackberry Beach was lacking that vision.
And can I just say that Zach, although a well-developed character (by means which I will elaborate on in a moment), seemed very unguyish? (Which was not a word until now.) Maybe it’s because he’s an Atlantian-turned-Oreganian, but I did find both him and Frank very unrealistic in their voices (both in their monologue and dialogue).
I love it when an author has a strong voice and balanced writing—but at times the author’s voice overrides their characters’. Such happened in Blackberry Beach, where I wasn’t able to differentiate Zach from his aunt or Frank from Kat. I would’ve liked to have seen a more masculine presentation, I guess. One book that pulled that off was Becky Wade’s True to You. Y’all, John’s POV sounded convincingly male and fit his personality—something for which I commended Wade in my review.
Unfortunately, Hannon doesn’t have that talent, so while the characters all looked good on paper, they didn’t sound good on paper—make sense? Their development and character from others’ POVs was strong and for the most part convincing, but once we entered their minds, I lost all sense of stability and realism.
That made it very difficult to connect with the characters. I had a hard time investing emotion into the story—and maybe that’s the point. Maybe this story was intended to whisk me away from life and empty my head and heart of all trouble. For some people, that may be why they read. But I read not only to escape but also to feel. To create lifelong friends, fangirl and ship my favorite characters, cry for the protagonist, ache for the villain, and even yell “Idiot!” at my Kindle a couple times. That’s how books like A Voice in the Wind, A Passion Redeemed, and Unblemished burrowed their way into my heart.
However, there is yet good to this book.
Despite how uninterested I was in the characters or story, I still kept coming back! Perhaps it was for the hope that it would get better, the desire to know what decision Kat came to (and, earlier on, what her past was), or simply because Irene Hannon does have well-balanced, maybe even captivating, prose.
She did a very good job of capturing the inner thoughts of the characters within the narrative, which left little need for italicized internal monologue. I appreciate that, even if she didn’t capture the male characters very well. The balance between thoughts, description, and action was very well done—however, I would’ve liked a little more emotion and less dialogue.
All that being said, I think Hannon probably makes a better suspense writer than romance. I can definitely see her writing style, developmental skills, and languid pacing giving a suspense novel more depth—but I’ll have to read one to find out!
I felt a thirst to finish the story, and I truly am glad I did. Now I know that this isn’t my preferred genre or contemporary style. I think this book would cater to a lot of readers—particularly the ones who like slow plots, clean reads, and not a lot of emotional investment! I’m just not one of them.
Disclaimer: A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 7, 2021
Blackberry Beach is the 7th book in Irene Hannon's Hope Harbor series. Those of us who have already fallen in love with Hope Harbor are going to love heading back for another visit and seeing some familiar characters. Still, those new to the series will certainly be able to read this on it's own... though I suspect you may want to go back and find out more about this fantastic town!
Be it a sweet romance or a heart racing suspense, I always know that when I pick up an Irene Hannon book that I am in for a treat. Blackberry Beach did not let me down! Irene does a great job of creating this world that as a reader I want to come back to time and time again. Hope Harbor is an easy town to fall in love with--- a safe haven where many go to find peace...and love! This romance between coffee shop owner Zach Garrett and actress Katherine Parker was a great story of second chances that I truly enjoyed... but it wasn't the only romance within the story. It was perhaps the side romance between a few supporting characters that I enjoyed even more--- a reminder that love can happen at any time and that God's timing is always perfect! Some appearances by previously introduced characters like Charley and his seagull friends make this story all the more delightful. I would say that the pace did perhaps seem a little slower than others I've read by the author, but honestly that could have just been timing (or lack of time to sit and truly get into the story) on my part. Either way, it was an enjoyable read and a fantastic addition to this series.
Whether you're returning to Hope Harbor or visiting for the first time, this is a great read that fans of Christian romance are sure to enjoy! I know I certainly did!
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
Be it a sweet romance or a heart racing suspense, I always know that when I pick up an Irene Hannon book that I am in for a treat. Blackberry Beach did not let me down! Irene does a great job of creating this world that as a reader I want to come back to time and time again. Hope Harbor is an easy town to fall in love with--- a safe haven where many go to find peace...and love! This romance between coffee shop owner Zach Garrett and actress Katherine Parker was a great story of second chances that I truly enjoyed... but it wasn't the only romance within the story. It was perhaps the side romance between a few supporting characters that I enjoyed even more--- a reminder that love can happen at any time and that God's timing is always perfect! Some appearances by previously introduced characters like Charley and his seagull friends make this story all the more delightful. I would say that the pace did perhaps seem a little slower than others I've read by the author, but honestly that could have just been timing (or lack of time to sit and truly get into the story) on my part. Either way, it was an enjoyable read and a fantastic addition to this series.
Whether you're returning to Hope Harbor or visiting for the first time, this is a great read that fans of Christian romance are sure to enjoy! I know I certainly did!
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
February 2, 2024
Zach is the owner of the local coffee shop, Kat has arrived in town incognito and is trying to keep to herself while trying to make some decisions. They are neighbours and Zach tries to befriend her so she isn't always alone. I really enjoyed getting to know these characters and following along with them while they tried to figure out the future. It was fun to return to Hope Harbor and learn what's going on in the community now and have mentions of previous characters. Charlie continues to provides wisdom to those around him and make you think. Kat's hobby is making chocolate truffles so there is a lot of references to this, if you have a sweet tooth this may make you want some for yourself. I enjoyed having two possible relationships to root for. I enjoyed the insight of both Charlie and the pastor, each made the characters think. One has made a decision about their aspirations in life and the other is trying to figure out their dreams and God's plan for them. I was invested in all these characters and enjoyed getting the four different points of view. I also liked seeing a reconciliation happen and getting glimpses into what past characters have been up to since we interacted with them in the earlier books.
"I expect most dreams are reachable, if a person's willing to pay the price. The question is whether the goal is worth the cost - and whether the return on investment is positive or negative."
"I expect most dreams are reachable, if a person's willing to pay the price. The question is whether the goal is worth the cost - and whether the return on investment is positive or negative."
May 28, 2021
Another great visit to Hope Harbor, with author Irene Hannon. In this novel, Katherine is a Hollywood actress fleeing from a situation gone bad, with everyone breathing down her neck. A former co-star, with whom she'd had a relationship, has died of a drug overdose, and she is taking heat about whether she had something to do with his death. She decides to take a breather in Hope Harbor, a place she remembered from her youth, and re-evaluate her life and her decisions. What she didn't plan on was living next door to a young man who has faced some of the same life questions, who is finding some peace in Hope Harbor, but still wrestling with relationships from his past. Can they help each other through the rough patches, and find a way ahead?
Here again, the characters rely on their faith in God to undergird their decisions; not in a preachy way, but in a quiet, firm reliance on the wisdom from above.
One funny incident in the book has one of the characters reading the "latest Irene Hannon novel." That cracked me up! Might as well promote your work while you are at it!
Here again, the characters rely on their faith in God to undergird their decisions; not in a preachy way, but in a quiet, firm reliance on the wisdom from above.
One funny incident in the book has one of the characters reading the "latest Irene Hannon novel." That cracked me up! Might as well promote your work while you are at it!
April 5, 2021
Admittedly - I've not read the first six books in the Hope Harbor series, but that didn't make this book any less enjoyable or harder to understand. Kat has escaped from LA to the beautiful and sleepy community of Hope Harbor to "hide out" and re-evaluate what she wants out of her life. She's fresh off a tragedy and scandal and she's hoping she can fly under the radar. What she doesn't expect to do is catch the eye of the charming coffee shop owner who just so happens to be her neighbor. From the moment she walks into his shop hiding behind her sunglasses, Zach is smitten. He wants to get to know her better and in the process he will find out that they have more in common then they thought. They both have baggage and they both have done abrupt life changes - but is that what Kat wants? Can he convince her to stay? Predictable, but nice relaxing fluff.
March 22, 2021
Being back in Hope Harbor feels like going home. I just adore this series. Each book is light, sweet and full of hope. They can be read as a stand alone but it's so nice seeing characters from previous books show up again. I would love to take a trip to this quaint little town and of course, have one of Charlie's famoush fish tacos.
This is a must read for those of you who like a light contemporary Christian romance.
**I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.**
This is a must read for those of you who like a light contemporary Christian romance.
**I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.**
July 29, 2022
Wat een mooie kaft voor dit exemplaar in de reeks en wat blijft het zalig om deze reeks te lezen! Instant vakantie gevoel. Ook al is het verhaal totaal voorspelbaar toch blijft het leuk om te lezen omdat het erg vlot te lezen is en omdat de personages heel vertrouwd zijn. Ik blijf een fan.
March 17, 2021
Welcome back to the quaint town of Hope Harbor, Oregon! A special place of second chances. Easy to read as a stand alone, with a few returning character cameos, like Charley with his divine fish tacos and advice. This was an enjoyable read with a focus on two romances--one younger and one older couple--both newly acquainted and unexpected.
Readers who enjoy lighter contemporary romances set in small towns should enjoy this story. Think 'Hallmark' with underlying Christian themes of reconciliation and redemption. The romances are tender and clean, with a love-at-first-sight vibe. Both couples have issues to work out based on preconceived notions and false assumptions. It made me think about how often I assume things about others and hesitate to reach out in friendship as a result.
The work project idea from a previous story carries on here with a focus on helping others in foster care. I liked how the community comes together so amicably to help others in need. Also encouraging was the way characters turned back to God for help and guidance in difficult decisions, and in extending forgiveness to reconcile. It added depth to the story without feeling too heavy.
Overall a satisfying story, perfect for a beach read or evenings by the fire. Recommend!
(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)
Readers who enjoy lighter contemporary romances set in small towns should enjoy this story. Think 'Hallmark' with underlying Christian themes of reconciliation and redemption. The romances are tender and clean, with a love-at-first-sight vibe. Both couples have issues to work out based on preconceived notions and false assumptions. It made me think about how often I assume things about others and hesitate to reach out in friendship as a result.
The work project idea from a previous story carries on here with a focus on helping others in foster care. I liked how the community comes together so amicably to help others in need. Also encouraging was the way characters turned back to God for help and guidance in difficult decisions, and in extending forgiveness to reconcile. It added depth to the story without feeling too heavy.
Overall a satisfying story, perfect for a beach read or evenings by the fire. Recommend!
(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)
March 31, 2021
This just wasn’t the book for me. The heroine Kat did not engage me at all. I get that she was traumatized but it took so long to learn the why and how of it. That I never could root for her early in turned me off and I never got invested in the book. To be fair I am not typically a fan of Christian fiction, but if it’s engaging enough, it doesn’t matter. This was not the case here for me
April 29, 2021
Other than a gratuitous plug for the author's suspense novels in the middle of the story, this was an excellent book -- perhaps the best of the Hope Harbor stories. I particularly enjoyed the dual romance lines and, of course, it was fun to reconnect with Charley, Floyd, Gladys, and the other Hope Harbor "regulars."
March 28, 2021
** “I expect most dreams are reachable, if a person’s willing to pay the price. The question is whether the goal is worth the cost — and whether the return on investment is positive or negative.” **
Take a trip back to Hope Harbor, the town of second chances, with Irene Hannon’s latest offering, “Blackberry Beach.”
Katherine Parker is escaping from her chaotic life, hoping to remain incognito, when she meets Zach Garrett, the owner of the local coffee shop. When electricity flies, they both realize they must overcome past doubts and insecurities while developing trust in one another.
While Katherine must make a major career decision, Zach must decide if he wants to rebuild a relationship with his estranged father — before it might become too late. And while they’re working through their issues, Zach’s Aunt Stephanie and employee Frank find themselves quickly attracted to each other, but also having to overcome assumptions and pasts.
“Blackberry Beach” is a delightful story filled with a lovely town and delightful characters. Many have very real and relatable issues, and we revisit many favorites from past books, including the very wise and prophetic Charley and his taco truck, as well as a belching harbor seal named Casper and two cuddling seagulls, Floyd and Gladys.
Hannon will put a smile on your face and a flutter in your heart, as well as offer you some great themes, like seeking sanctuary and tranquility; overcoming loneliness; having keen vision; beauty and hope can be found everywhere; good can often come from bad (“But cloudy days serve a purpose too. Without them, we’d take sunshine for granted.”); stop going through the motions of faith and hang on to God’s promises; and the heart can alter plans because it’s our best compass.
Even though this book is part of Hannon’s “Hope Harbor” series, you could read “Blackberry Beach,” which is due out April 6, as a standalone, but I would encourage you to go ahead and read the other stories in the series. The next book is due in April 2022.
Five stars out of five.
Revell provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
Take a trip back to Hope Harbor, the town of second chances, with Irene Hannon’s latest offering, “Blackberry Beach.”
Katherine Parker is escaping from her chaotic life, hoping to remain incognito, when she meets Zach Garrett, the owner of the local coffee shop. When electricity flies, they both realize they must overcome past doubts and insecurities while developing trust in one another.
While Katherine must make a major career decision, Zach must decide if he wants to rebuild a relationship with his estranged father — before it might become too late. And while they’re working through their issues, Zach’s Aunt Stephanie and employee Frank find themselves quickly attracted to each other, but also having to overcome assumptions and pasts.
“Blackberry Beach” is a delightful story filled with a lovely town and delightful characters. Many have very real and relatable issues, and we revisit many favorites from past books, including the very wise and prophetic Charley and his taco truck, as well as a belching harbor seal named Casper and two cuddling seagulls, Floyd and Gladys.
Hannon will put a smile on your face and a flutter in your heart, as well as offer you some great themes, like seeking sanctuary and tranquility; overcoming loneliness; having keen vision; beauty and hope can be found everywhere; good can often come from bad (“But cloudy days serve a purpose too. Without them, we’d take sunshine for granted.”); stop going through the motions of faith and hang on to God’s promises; and the heart can alter plans because it’s our best compass.
Even though this book is part of Hannon’s “Hope Harbor” series, you could read “Blackberry Beach,” which is due out April 6, as a standalone, but I would encourage you to go ahead and read the other stories in the series. The next book is due in April 2022.
Five stars out of five.
Revell provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
March 5, 2021
Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review
A sweet love story between two lonely people in the beautiful, peaceful coastal town of Hope Harbor, “Blackberry Beach”, by Irene Hannon (Revell) is an enjoyable, well written read with strong elements of faith.
Zach and Katherine are at different stages of their lives: while Zach found peace after experiencing pain and loss and changing gears, Katherine is at a crossroads and struggling to find her path.
I liked Zach and Katherine, their integrity and the honesty between them and how they learned to trust each other.
Along the slow burn between these two characters, the romance featuring an older couple is a refreshing dimension of the story.
Stephanie and Frank, still full of energy and vitality, are romantic characters in their own right and I loved how the author portrayed them as individuals and together, giving them depth.
Exploring themes of loss and grief, family conflict and reconciliation and healing, the story takes place in the secluded Blackberry Beach, and is book 7 in the Hope Harbor series by Irene Hannon (a chance to revisit the friendly, charismatic character of Charley and his two seagull friends).
A sweet love story between two lonely people in the beautiful, peaceful coastal town of Hope Harbor, “Blackberry Beach”, by Irene Hannon (Revell) is an enjoyable, well written read with strong elements of faith.
Zach and Katherine are at different stages of their lives: while Zach found peace after experiencing pain and loss and changing gears, Katherine is at a crossroads and struggling to find her path.
I liked Zach and Katherine, their integrity and the honesty between them and how they learned to trust each other.
Along the slow burn between these two characters, the romance featuring an older couple is a refreshing dimension of the story.
Stephanie and Frank, still full of energy and vitality, are romantic characters in their own right and I loved how the author portrayed them as individuals and together, giving them depth.
Exploring themes of loss and grief, family conflict and reconciliation and healing, the story takes place in the secluded Blackberry Beach, and is book 7 in the Hope Harbor series by Irene Hannon (a chance to revisit the friendly, charismatic character of Charley and his two seagull friends).
March 23, 2021
Reading a Hope Harbor book is like coming home. Each books sweeps you away to the idyllic small Oregon town that makes you want to nestle in, grab tacos from Charlie’s truck, and take a seat on the pier with Floyd and Gladys. Blackberry Beach lives up to the very high bar this series has set. I found myself longing to stroll on Blackberry Beach to sit on the weathered log to watch Casper & Trixie playing in the ocean.
Zack Garrett is the town barista and owner of The Perfect Blend. When visiting Kat Parker steps into his coffee shop, sparks fly between them. Her desire for privacy and fear of recognition almost drives her into seclusion. Charlie’s prompting of both Kat and Zack helps the two connect. Together, they realize they must confront their pasts and learn to trust God and others.
Zack and Kat each have very unique stories. Each bring interesting twists to the book. I also enjoyed getting to meet Zack’s dad and an aunt Stephanie as well as his barista employee, Frank. Each bring their own personality and uniqueness to Hope Harbor and the book. Every character in the storylines teach us a lesson if we only listen from the sea gulls to the ministers.
You can never go wrong with a Hope Harbor book but especially Blackberry Beach. Ms. Hannon paints a vivid picture with her words making you feel as if you have stepped into the pages of the story. I cannot wait to return to Hope Harbor next spring!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
Zack Garrett is the town barista and owner of The Perfect Blend. When visiting Kat Parker steps into his coffee shop, sparks fly between them. Her desire for privacy and fear of recognition almost drives her into seclusion. Charlie’s prompting of both Kat and Zack helps the two connect. Together, they realize they must confront their pasts and learn to trust God and others.
Zack and Kat each have very unique stories. Each bring interesting twists to the book. I also enjoyed getting to meet Zack’s dad and an aunt Stephanie as well as his barista employee, Frank. Each bring their own personality and uniqueness to Hope Harbor and the book. Every character in the storylines teach us a lesson if we only listen from the sea gulls to the ministers.
You can never go wrong with a Hope Harbor book but especially Blackberry Beach. Ms. Hannon paints a vivid picture with her words making you feel as if you have stepped into the pages of the story. I cannot wait to return to Hope Harbor next spring!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 335 reviews