Winner of a Golden Scroll for 2024 Romance Novel of the Year & a Christian Indie First Place Winner for 2024!
Neither Death nor Relocation nor a Hurricane can stop love.
Eva Elliott uprooted her young daughter, Willow, to move to Moanna, a small Georgia coastal island. She hopes the scenery change and new job will help her deal with the guilt from a tragic death in her past. When local islander, Thad, saves little Willow from drowning in the Atlantic on their first day at the beach, there’s immediate chemistry between him and Eva. But shame, secrets on both sides, ex-lovers, and a killer hurricane all threaten the love and life they seek to share—and one of them may not survive.
With a background in education and theology, Kristen served as a children's ministry director and women’s leader for many years before returning to her first love—writing the stories playing out in her head. She dove into the publishing world writing numerous articles, devotionals, and novels. After managing an international blog and a publishing house’s social media feed, she found herself as an intern at the esteemed literary agency, Writers House, in the summer of 2022. This landed her a job with Martin Literary Management where she now takes on author clients of her own. Stories are her thing and authors are her people. When not on her computer or with her nose in a book, you can find her getting a little too loud from the sidelines of a kids’ basketball or football game. You can check her out at: www.kristenterrette.com.
Safe Harbor was such a great read! This was one of those books that I didn’t want to set down. The characters felt so real. The faith message was strong and important to the story, yet was included in a very natural way.
I liked that the main characters were people who had made decisions that pulled them away from God’s leading at some point in their lives. For Thad, he had made his way back to following God’s direction in his life a few years earlier. Eva was still walking her path, heavy with guilt and even some anger at the losses she suffered. I appreciated the gentle way Thad, John, and even Eva’s mother helped guider her back.
Both main characters were very likeable and I thought that they were very realistically written. Thad was a wonderful man, trying his best to help people and very drawn to Eva right from their first meeting. It was fun to see Eva try to resist her attraction to him, yet little by little she opened up her heart to the possibility of love again. I loved this story from start to finish!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This book is the PERFECT summer read. It’s a sweet, heartwarming, faith-inspired romance with cozy, sandy, salty vibes that made me want to move to the beach. I loved the love story (especially the banter between the two main characters), but the mother-daughter relationships and female friendships were just as precious and fun to read. Reminded me of Francine Rivers.
Very well written! While reading Safe Harbor, you feel like you are apart of the story. Each characters relationship with God is so inspirational and leaves you longing for God's direction in your own life. Looking forward to reading the next one by Kristen Terrette.
A love story that touches the heart and gives hope for the future. I enjoyed this story very much. I received a copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
Every day I looked forward to the time I could sit down and pick up this book. While not generally a reader of romances I looked forward to finding out how the two main characters, Eva and Thad, would eventually decide to commit, though they had a lot of personal obstacles to overcome.
But this book was in some ways more about finding God, than about finding love. Though of course the two things were intertwined. The theme of forgiveness, not just of ourselves, but others, was a strong and compelling part of the story, and where most of the tension lay. Would Eva be able to forgive unforgivable (in my mind) behavior and reunite her estranged family? Would she be able to forgive herself and find herself worthy of love?
If I had a critique of this book it would be to not proselytize so much, but to simply show the process of Eva’s returning belief and the joy it brings her. I’m not the ideal reader for this aspect of the book, since I’m not only not religious, but not a believer, and so this felt a bit heavy handed. Others may find it the most compelling part of the story.
Overall it was a satisfying book with interesting, well drawn characters, and a lot of provocative clues to what might come in future books.
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
SAFE HARBOR (Moanna Island Series) By K. Terrette
Set in a small coastal town in Georgia, this inspirational, contemporary romance was a fast-paced read, perfect for a quiet summer‘s day.
It is told in alternating points of view between the female lead, headstrong Eva, and the male lead, the sexy and doting Thad. The characters were well developed and it was easy to become immersed in their ups and downs as they battled past demons, grew, and strived toward their future dreams. Thad taking a genuine interest in Eva's sweet and sassy young daughter, Willow, as well as the presence of supportive family members on both sides was a delight.
As well as the memorable characters, the setting was beautifully described. The lead up to the hurricane climax and it’s aftermath could well have had a bigger presence in the story, but perhaps that would have detracted from the emotional changes playing out within the main characters and in their budding relationship.
Would recommend to anyone looking for a sweet, inspirational romance story. Find a patch of sunshine, sit back, and enjoy!
Book Review: Safe Harbor April 25, 2018 musingsofedwina Edit "Book Review: Safe Harbor" “Safe Harbor” by Kristen Terrette is an enjoyable, well-written book that I found hard to put down. I quickly became involved in the characters’ lives, especially Eva, as she struggles to find her way back to God.
The story takes place in Moanna, an island off the coast of Georgia. Thad, a former NFL player, and his father, John, relocated there several years before the story begins. Eva, her daughter, Willow, and her mother, Ellen have since moved there to have a fresh start.
God causes Thad and Eva to run into each other all the time and the attraction, much to Eva’s dismay, grows. The walls that Eva erected many years ago begin to slowly crumble.
This book included many scriptures on forgiveness, how much God cares for us, how much he loves us. He patiently waited for Eva to come home, just as he patiently waits for us.
This book was a blessing to me as I’m sure it will be to all who read it.
Safe Harbor is a page-turner romance that jumps right in with a charming meet-cute in an ideal, beach setting. It's a story that explores the pain we carry and the will to move on. Thad is dreamy and has formed into the exact right person for Eva, but the question always remains: will she let him in? The story reads fast especially since we see the main players in every scene, which is great because they are adorable together even when they don't feel this way about themselves. Safe Harbor is a lovely read if you're looking for peace in miracles or if, like me, you find echoes of confidence in the release to the potential of life working out just as it should (especially when you live and let go). And, of course, if you love a flirty romance! *I received a free book in exchange for an honest review.
The author created believable characters, Eva and Thad, with real life challenges from their wayward past Can they overcome their pasts? Can forgiveness be received? When winning seems near, struggles and problems of the present collide with their progress. How does it all end? For the answer you will need to read, “Safe Harbor.” I gave it five stars believing you will enjoy meeting Eva’s little girl and mom along with Thad’s dad and various other characters. Good action in the beginning and towards the end, but I would have liked a little more action throughout. I look forward to reading her next book in the “Moanna Island Series.”
Kristen Terrette is a talented and gifted author and it shows in this beautiful and encouraging story. Safe Harbor shares the powerful message of how God can bring beauty from ashes. The alluring setting, set on an island off the Georgia coast draws you in with beautifully developed, relatable characters, and a relevant plot. This story was powerful on many levels. I had a hard time putting it down. Safe Harbor was a book that truly touched my heart-- and it will do the same for you. A sweet and encouraging read.
I received this book in return for a review of my honest opinion. First I’ll start by saying Kristen is an extremely talented writer. The words flow so easily from chapter to chapter. The characters are relatable and keep your interest throughout the book. Including a faith based perspective was probably my favorite aspect as I found the Bible references refreshing and applicable to the story. It was a heartwarming read and I’m looking forward to the next. I definitely recommend this for anyone looking for a sweet and inspiring story.
This beautiful love story between 2 people & their families with their faith in God was touching. A page turner & a great read! The story makes you believe in true love even though they both have past baggage. Kristen Terrette is a wonderful writer! I received a free copy from the writer & this is my honest review.
This book was amazing! I loved the storyline and the overall concept. If you’re a sucker for a good romance that also has character growth, this is the book for you. It was also so well written! I received my copy from the author and this is my honest review!
A beautiful love story that unfolds on the Island of Moana, off the Georgia coast. The author put her heart into the writing and the results are amazing. I recommend this book for a great summer read.
I’ve read this book twice because it’s such a good story! It is beautifully written and draws you in quickly (which I need and love). She paints the characters so well and you are invested in their relationships. A great book for anyone!
I enjoyed this story of hope and repentance. While each character had tragedies to deal with, they found the strength and courage to overcome them through God.
Inspiring & uplifting! Love the sweet characters, caring nature & respectful tone of the plot as well as the way God worked through these characters’ lives for the better and with time. A must read!
Safe Harbor is such an amazing story of love and restoration. Thad and Eva are a great couple, and I am going to miss them! I can't wait for the next book in the Moanna Island series -- or any book by Kristen Terrette.
Safe Harbor is a beautiful love story that draws you into the lives of Eva and Thad. While you may have never been in the shoes of Eva (or Thad!), Kristen does an incredible job of illustrating their stories in such a way that helps you feel their emotions and understand their struggles. In a world where romance is often over-specialized, it was refreshing to read a story where love is built on the foundation of mutual trust and respect. I enjoyed having God woven throughout the entire story, and look forward to reading more about Eva and Thad in future books! I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own.