Vienna Price never intended to return for more than a passing visit to Oregon and all the bad memories she'd left behind. But when your career tanks, home is where you go to nurse your wounds and chart a new course. Only temporarily, of course--because as much as she loves her quirky mom, anything more than a short stay would drive them both crazy.
A trip to Oregon isn't in Matt Quinn's plans, either, until a perfectly timed appeal for help arrives from his sister. What better place to decompress after a shattering loss than a quiet, seaside town named Hope Harbor? But R&R isn't on the agenda when he arrives to find his sister's new enterprise on life support.
Vienna, however, may have just the skills needed to resuscitate the foundering B&B--if Matt can convince her to hang around long enough to mend an inn . . . and his heart.
Irene 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.
4.5 Stars! When I requested to read Sandcastle Inn by Irene Hannon I was not aware that it was the tenth book in the Hope Harbor series. That being said, I discovered that it could easily be read as a stand-alone book. I believe that Irene Hannon included a few characters who appeared in all the books in this series but also introduced new characters into each subsequent book. Sandcastle Inn was my first book that I had read by Irene Hannon and the first book that I had read in this series. I.istened to the audiobook that was narrated by Therese Plummer. She did an excellent job narrating this book. The pace of the book was perfect and it was well plotted. Irene Hannon masterfully included elements of romance, hope and second chances in her book, Sandcastle Inn.
As the title suggests, the tenth book in this series was about the Sandcastle Inn, an inn that was in dire need of repairs and renovations if Kay, the new owner of the Inn, was going to convert her recent purchase into a thriving and successful Bread and Breakfast. The Sandcastle Inn was located in the small, quaint town of Hope Harbor that was situated off the coast of Oregon. Its need for repairs beckoned several of the characters towards its location and served as the backdrop for their newly formed relationships.
Among the characters was Matt Quinn, Kay’s younger brother, who had taken an extensive break from his veterinarian practice in San Francisco to help his sister get the Sandcastle Inn up and running. Matt had recently suffered a very tragic loss. His arrival in Hope Harbor was meant to not only help his sister with getting the repairs started on the Sandcastle Inn but also to help himself try and recover from his loss. Kay was grateful for Matt’s presence because she was traveling back to where she and Matt had grown up. The woman who had practically adopted them when their parents died was having major surgery and Kay wanted to be there for her.
Another visitor to Hope Harbor was Vienna Price. Vienna’s mother, Bev, had settled in Hope Harbor a few years ago. Bev owned a bookstore there and marched to the beat of her own drum. Her wardrobe was quirky as were some of her ideas. Above everything else, Bev wanted nothing more than to rekindle her relationship with her daughter, Vienna. Her parenting skills had not always been conventional but she loved Vienna with her whole heart. Vienna had decided to visit her mother but had reservations about how much time they should actually spend together. She loved her mother but too much time spent together in close quarters might prove problematic. It had been a long time since the two of them had spent time together. Vienna had been so absorbed in climbing the corporate ladder in her job that she rarely made time for anything else. All the hours and devotion she had put into her job had been wasted and totally overlooked by her boss she realized when she was let go from her position. Vienna saw this as an opportunity to reconnect with her mother so she headed for Hope Harbor.
Then there was Andrew and Paige. They were a married couple who were down on their luck. A person that they had trusted impeccably took advantage of their trust and destroyed their business and reputation not to mention that that person absconded with all their money. Andrew and Paige were homeless and broke but their love for one another was so strong. How would the Sandcastle Inn become the catalyst for all these people to come together, learn how to hope again, find purpose, get a second chance at life and find romance?
I have to mention that I really enjoyed the character of Charley, the man who operated the fish taco stand in Hope Harbor. It was my understanding that Charley was a character that had appeared in prior books in this series. He was wise and his advice was often very good and worth following. Charley also claimed an affinity with two sea gulls named Floyd and Gladys. All the characters, old and new, were flawed and because of that they were endearing and believable. The Hope Harbor series was an enjoyable find. Even though I read the tenth book first, I totally enjoyed it and hope to read more books in this series including the first one. I highly recommend Sandcastle Inn by Irene Hannon.
Thank you to RB Media for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of Sandcastle Inn by Irene Hannon through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A trip to back to the small coastal town of Hope Harbor, Oregon means meeting wonderful characters and visiting with old friends, like Charley, artist and taco maker, a couple of local clergymen, who enjoy their teasing and competition, and others. We can always expect a heartwarming story of restored souls. Matt is on a much-needed R&R break from his vet practice, staying at his sister Kay's new but needing work inn while she is out of town. Vienna is between jobs where she works in the luxury hotel industry. She is visiting her mom, Bev, retired librarian and new owner of a bookstore, a popular spot for the community. Andrew and Paige need a break after a friend embezzled from their construction business, leaving them broke and homeless. The four come together through Bev and her community bulletin board to form a team to refurbish Kay's inn and great things happen, including romance, healing, and new beginnings. This is a great new addition to the series. I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.
“The danger of being too locked into plans is that we can breeze right past forks in the road that could lead to an even better destination than the one we had in mind.”
I am woefully behind on my Hope Harbor reading, but the marvelous thing about this series – and the community it features – is that you feel immediately at home no matter when you stop by for a visit. It was pure joy to spend time again with Charley (the enigmatic town sage known for his mouthwatering fish tacos) and Floyd & Gladys (the lovebird sea gulls who seem to be just as sentient as Charley) – all three of whom are quite possibly my favorite recurring fictional characters of all time. It was also pure joy to become acquainted with the new cast of characters for Sandcastle Inn.
Vienna is the complete opposite of her free-spirited mother, so she’s anticipating lots of clashes during their time together in Hope Harbor. While I could totally understand Vienna’s frustration with her mom’s apparent flightiness over the years, I also loved the joy and warmth that Bev exuded in this story and how Vienna begins to see her mom through new eyes. Another unexpected surprise for Vienna during her stay in Hope Harbor is the sparks that flare to life between her and Matt Quinn, another visitor to this unique town. I could feel the electricity tangibly leaping off the page whenever they shared a scene which (fortunately for all of us) was a frequent occurrence. The divine appointment to the timing of their paths crossing (though that first meet cute was a doozy haha) and the growth they each experience during their time in Hope Harbor made me enjoy their love story as much for the emotional layers as the romance. (I know, I know… what is happening to me? LOL)
I know this review is getting overly long but I would remiss if I neglected to mention the side story involving a young couple who are also divinely appointed to be in Hope Harbor when Matt and Vienna are. Paige and Andrew are struggling in the aftermath of a business betrayal and trying to find a fresh start. Their characters, the journey they’re on, and how God works on their behalf really touched me, and I wanted to reach in and hug them tightly on more than one occasion. Kudos to the author for creating two such compelling couples in this story – I can’t imagine Sandcastle Inn without all four of them!
Bottom Line: If you are due for a visit to Hope Harbor, Sandcastle Inn has an opening just for you! Come for the romance and the ocean view, stay for the fish tacos – and of course a chat with Charley. This is such a delightful setting, and the multidimensional characters that Irene Hannon so skillfully writes just add to the engaging dynamic. Subtle-but-meaningful faith themes walk hand-in-hand with sweet & swoony romance and touching plot layers, not to mention the moments of wit and wisdom at the hands of beloved recurring characters. Meeting Vienna, Matt, Paige, Andrew, and Bev (as well as Kay and Cora) was truly a pleasure and I loved how their stories intersected so perfectly as answers to their respective prayers. Already looking forward to book eleven!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
A milestone for author Irene Hannon with her tenth book in the Hope Harbor series set on the Oregon coast. If this was a real town, I would definitely want to visit to meet the residents and sample the goodies at Chocolate Harbor, The Perfect Blend and tacos made by Charlie. No matter how many books in this series there are always some happily ever afters. Not to say the author does not give the characters plenty of obstacles. But with wisdom dispensed by Charlie and Bev and two golf buddy clerics, there are spiritual lessons to be learned. With beautiful scenery described and fascinating circumstances, Hope Harbor never gets old. Sandcastle Inn was chock full of interesting information on renovating a run down B and B and turning it into an upscale Inn. There were two romances to follow as well as some family drama. And the loveable seagulls, Flloyd and Gladys, make their customary appearance for all to enjoy. I am so glad there are more books coming from this talented author. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Reads Review Program and NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
Why is this the first time I’m reading book #10 in the Hope Harbor series by Irene Hannon? Thanks to my bff reading friend Barbara for introducing me to this series so now I can read all the others. I really really enjoyed this book and it reads great as a stand-alone but I do want to read the others. I want to live in a town like Hope Harbor! What a wonderful “feel good” story. A nice break from all the thrillers I’ve been obsessed with the last few months! Thanks to NetGalley for this early copy in exchange for my honest review. Looking forward to more by this author.
Brought a tear to my eye at one point .. good book. Bev is Vienna’s mother and owns the bookstore in town. Vienna and Matt Quinn fall in love. I loved the healing in the mother-daughter relationship. Also the healing between Paige (husband Andrew) and her parents. Nice to see the CS Lewis book: A Grief Observed has a prominent role in this book for the hero.
3.5⭐I absolutely loved reading Irene Hannon's books. While I enjoyed reading the previous book, Windswept Way, I wasn't as fond of this one. Sandcastle Inn is a heartwarming, love story that revolves around family, second chances, healing, and the importance of trusting God. The story is set in the small town of Hope Harbor, where anything can happen.
Matt is a veterinarian who has suffered a devastating loss and is not looking for love. Vienna, on the other hand, has just lost her job and is looking for a place to stay. Personally, I didn't like Vienna too much as she complained a lot, especially about where to stay, despite her mother being very kind and providing her with a place to stay. However, I found Matt to be a great character. who left his city to care for his sister's new business. I particularly enjoyed the secondary characters, Paige and Andrew, they are the stars of this story. This is the first time I found myself liking the supporting characters more than the main characters, they story was a winner for me as they truly emphasized the meaning of "promising for better or for worse". The story was narrated from both couples' perspectives... the content is clean language-romance and faith-filled.
I love being back in Hope Harbor, Charlie and his fish tacos, and our pair of seagulls, and the beautiful seashore.
Charlie seems to always be in the know and at the right place at the right time. This time we have a young woman who has lost her corporate job and visiting her Mom, then we have a man who is going to help his sister restore her disrepair inn, and then a couple really down on their luck.
The author has this group of people come together, and we are there to see how they all come together, and the part Charlie plays.
We also have a Mom, she wants a relationship with her daughter, but boy does she have a lot of surprises for her.
In the end there are decisions to be made, and some healing, along with some sweet romance!
As usual I love my visits to Hope Harbor, and they never disappoint!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.
This one starts out a little dismal but ends up alright. There were lots of characters that were struggling through issues in this book and they all seemed to find their way just fine. It did feel like at times there was maybe some excess plot or just some things that weren’t really needed for the story or the romance. The romance also felt like it wasn’t really focused on and then all the sudden they love each other.
With these Hope Harbor contemporary novels, the reader can hop in anytime during the series and enjoy a story set in a place where many characters have come to find a new beginning. So, even though this is book ten in the series, you can feel confident in picking up this novel even if you haven’t read the other stories.
I really liked both the main characters and the side characters in Sandcastle Inn. The main characters, Vienna and Matt, had a very bad initial meeting. Yet once they began working together on the inn, it was apparent that there was a romantic tension bubbling beneath the surface. However, these two seemed destined to not give in to that attraction. Matt carried a lot of grief and guilt, which kept him from really living life. Vienna had a plan for her future and she felt that working on the improvements for Sandcastle Inn would only be a short stop on her way to much more.
The side character love story was so sweet! Paige and Andrew arrived in Hope Harbor with desperate financial circumstances. As their backstory unfolded, I felt for these two young people who had made hard choices to be together, thrived, and then had the rug pulled out from beneath them. I loved seeing their lives begin to turn around.
Including this novel, I have read five of the Hope Harbor books: the first three in the series and then books nine and ten. I look forward to catching up on the earlier stories and for the next upcoming book in the series.
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
A milestone for author Irene Hannon with her tenth book in the Hope Harbor series set on the Oregon coast. If this was a real town, I would definitely want to visit to meet the residents and sample the goodies at Chocolate Harbor, The Perfect Blend and tacos made by Charlie. No matter how many books in this series there are always some happily ever afters. Not to say the author does not give the characters plenty of obstacles. But with wisdom dispensed by Charlie and Bev and two golf buddy clerics, there are spiritual lessons to be learned. With beautiful scenery described and fascinating circumstances, Hope Harbor never gets old. Sandcastle Inn was chock full of interesting information on renovating a run down B and B and turning it into an upscale Inn. There were two romances to follow as well as some family drama. And the loveable seagulls, Flloyd and Gladys, make their customary appearance for all to enjoy. I am so glad there are more books coming from this talented author. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Reads Review Program and NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
A heartwarming read about new beginnings, hope and healing.
Vienna Price comes to Hope Harbor to figure out her next steps after her job is eliminated, but she doesn't plan on sticking around. But she can't help but be drawn in by the wonderful people, and the community that welcomes her.
Matt Quinn comes to Hope Harbor at his sister's request to help her with her failing Bed and Breakfast, and he enlists Vienna at the suggestion of her mother. An engaging read, with good natural relationship building, strong faith, and character growth.
I loved seeing Charlie again with his mysteriously good timing, and sage advice. I loved coming back to Hope Harbor, seeing the familiar faces and healing relationships in this feel-good, faith-filled read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Okay - this one wasn’t entirely the book/authors fault. When I requested the ALC I didn’t realize it was a Christian romance. Which honestly, doesn’t typically bother me (I’m Catholic myself), but this was a little heavy handed on the churchiness for me.
Early on I was having a hard time developing interest in the story. It felt like literally every other Hallmark Movie about a new owner of a run down B&B needing to fix it up and not having the time or money to do it and having to work with the other MC who needs a place to stay. EXCEPT with this one he makes her continue to drive through the fog even though she has said several times she’s uncomfortable with it, and she refuses to ask to stay at the B&B because she is attracted to him and staying in the same B&B (but in different rooms) breaks propriety. *rolls eyes*
But again, I decided to push through. The straw that broke the camel’s back was when the two MCs both used the word “concur” in a conversation within a minute of one another - ie. “I hope they concur.” NO ONE SPEAKS LIKE THIS.
The narrator was great considering the content she had to work with, and honestly she’s probably the main reason I stuck it out to 50% before DNFing.
The characters more than the romance kept me invested in this book. I liked getting to getting to know their stories and seeing them interact with one another. Vienna and her mom are opposites in so many ways, but this visit has given Vienna a chance to see her understand her mom better and connect in a new way. Matt is in town to assist his big sister with the overwhelming challenges of the inn while she is away caring for a friend. Quite a few times Matt felt like a big brother looking after his little sister. I enjoyed their phone conversations, especially when Cora got on the phone. When the cause of Matt's grief was shared, my heart broke for him. Andrew & Paige have experienced quite the trial, and I loved how Paige stuck by Andrew, encouraging and supporting him. I liked the way the characters grew and accepted the changes that were happening in their lives. However, it felt like a lot of the romance happened off the page, and I wasn't as connected to their relationship as I would have liked. It was fun to see recurring characters and mentions of previous characters. Another uplifting addition to the Hope Harbor series. Can I go hang out at Bev's Book Nook?
Sandcastle Inn is the 10th book in the Hope Harbor series. While fans of the series will enjoy seeing some familiar places and characters (like Charlie and his pelican friends), this can absolutely be enjoyed as a standalone if it's your first visit... or if you missed a few along the way.
When I pick up a book in the Hope Harbor series, I know that not only am I going to get a super sweet love story... but that it's also going to leave me feeling hopeful as well. This was absolutely no exception. In this book, we meet Matt and Vienna, both who have recently come to Hope Harbor for a brief stay. Her to visit her mom while she figures out some things after her career goes downhill and him to decompress and help his sister with the B&B she purchased. He quickly learns there's a lot more work needed than he realized, and he brings in Vienna to help him fix it up... along with another down on their luck couple who needed some respite too. All of these characters have things that they are healing from, and I loved the story's overall message of healing and second chances, which we see through not just Matt and Vienna's romance, but through other characters in the story too. Hope Harbor is the perfect place for those who need some healing and this story really depicted that very well. I enjoyed it very much and find myself looking forward to the next visit.
If you enjoy a beautiful love story with light Christian content that will leave you feeling hopeful, this is definitely one to check out.
**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Sandcastle Inn is the TENTH book in the Hope Harbor series by Irene Hannon! There is at least one more book slated for this series. They do not need to be read in order to be enjoyed, a few characters appear in all the books. I am completely caught up on this series and have enjoyed all the books.
Sandcastle Inn is a story about family, faith, healing, loss, and reconciliation. It is also about shifting priorities to live your best life.
Read for
-Charley the sage who dishes out wisdom with a side of fish tacos
-Gladys and Floyd-our trusty reoccurring love bird seagulls
-two love stories
-miracles
-small town in Oregon - beautiful location
-feel good story
While all is not roses and sunshine, several of the characters have hard things in their past, this is still a nice story to escape into.
Sandcastle Inn (Hope Harbor Book #10) by Irene Hannon is a beautiful restoration story. What I like best about this book is that Hannon has created relatable characters because she writes them as flawed people at major turning points in their lives. Hannon provides a plot that allows the characters of Vienna and Matt to meet, and each has their own set of problems. Will it be possible for the struggling Sandcastle Inn to be the common factor to solve their problems? Hannon shows how God works through all things while these two work to restore the Inn. He provides soul restoration and allows these two to draw closer to Him and each other. I highly recommend this excellent book!
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Revell and NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own and without influence.
3,5 ⭐️ Leuk tiende deel in de Hope Harbor serie. Leuke personages en leuke verhaallijn, maar toch geen vier sterren omdat het wel weer voorspelbaar was.
Fabulous as always! Irene’s Hope Harbor series never disappoints and this one is no exception. I loved the dual stories in this one and how hope is portrayed in their stories. Fantastic characters and a wonderful story make this an easy 5 star read for me. Can’t wait for my next trip to Hope Harbor…only a year or so to wait!
It was great to be back in Hope Harbor once again. The taco truck owner Charley continues to be a beloved character as he dispenses food and wisdom. Matt, Vienna, Paige and Andrew were all endearing characters as well. I loved how Paige and Andrew supported each other through the highs and lows of life. Matt was a wonderful brother and support to his sister. I loved how Vienna worked so hard in whatever she did.
Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.
Irene Hannon’s latest book in her Hope Harbor series is a well-crafted and charming story of people who need each other, but they just don’t know it yet. The characters are believable and delightful to get to know, especially Paige and Andrew, a couple down on their luck after a business failure. They are secondary characters but they were my favorites because of Paige’s optimism and her belief that Andrew can still succeed if he is willing to try. Of course, I was immediately drawn into the story of Matt and Vienna, the protagonists. Matt has suffered a devastating loss in his life and is not looking for love while Vienna has just lost her career and is looking for a place to land. All of these exceptional characters end up in Hope Harbor, the little town where dreams become reality and anything can happen. This is a sweet portrayal of family, drama, and developing love, all presented with a depth of emotion and realism that made it a warmhearted and satisfying addition to the series. The characters were easy to cheer for and the scenic setting of a little town with all of its charm and a few quirky characters made the story dance into my heart as it unfolded. There are a few conflicts in this carefully plotted story, but the characters all worked well together towards the happy ending that I so enjoy. I cannot review a Hope Harbor book without mentioning Charlie and his taco stand. Charlie is back again, offering wisdom and even a timely book for Matt to read. The characters, the plot and the setting all combine to make a delightfully satisfying romance with a foundation of faith, hope and family at its core. This book can be read and enjoyed as a standalone, but I would not miss a single visit to the little town of Hope Harbor and all of the emotional depth that the author so realistically and expertly portrays. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
This cute story of second chance brings warmth to the heart. Good people doing wonderful things to other without asking anything back. “Sandcastle Inn” will show us how this is possible.
Vienna Price returns for a passing visit home to Oregon after her career tanks she is there to nurse her wounds and chart a new course for the future. Matt Quinn on vacation takes a trip to Oregon to help his sister who has recently bought a dilapidated inn. Vienna and Matt cross path and luck is on his side, Vienna has just the skills to help him resuscitate the B&B....and find all the help they needed....and slowly they fall for each other....awe....
I enjoyed this fiction and how the characters matched so well. The atmosphere created is wonderful I wish this town wasn’t fictional I would like to meet the residents, of course these people are to idyllic to be real but one can dream. Through the pages we discover Matt’s tragic past and Vienna skills and how resourceful she is. The project brings in a wonderful couple Paige and Andrew who had lost everything and will do anything to start their lives again and getting a job as contractors at the Inn was a dream come true. For Vienna, Matt, Paige and Andrew all they needed was a second chance and Hope Harbor was there to help. This story keeps a slow and steady pace and is said with clean and active language.
And love is in the air......What a wonderful story, well- said and well-done.
Many thank you to the publisher Revell and Netgalley for providing me with this ARC.
Welcome back to Hope Harbor! Another lovely story set in the small Oregon coast town of second chances.
This book had all the charm of the previous stories, plus an inspirational thread that hit home on many levels. Reconciling broken or damaged relationships, forgiving each other and their own past mistakes, moving on in life after major setbacks, and loving your neighbor were meaningful themes in this one. I enjoyed the cameo appearance of Charley and his animal sidekicks, helping hurting people with his divinely inspired wisdom. It wrapped up nicely with a romance and a lot of hope.
An enjoyable read for an afternoon at the beach or anytime of the year. Easy to read as a stand alone, though all of the books in the series are quite good. 4.5 stars
(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)
I loved everything about Sandcastle Inn written in Irene Hannon's delightful signature style! 5 stars!
Sandcastle Inn is a wonderfully charming story with the restoration of an Inn on the Oregon coast at its center. Marketing professional Vienna Price and Veterinarian Matt Quinn are richly drawn characters whose initial meetup is not the stuff of dreams, but later sparks are flying. Hannon still sits the throne as queen of the classic slow burn romance.
Hope Harbor has become one of my favorite places to visit with its lovely seaside setting complete with coffee shop, taco stand and Sweet Dreams Bakery. There are the usual variety of unique characters including Charlie the taco vendor and Floyd and Gladys too. I love that Vienna's eccentric mom Bev runs the Book Nook and is well loved within her community. Bev's beliefs that she'd rather "spend her money in travel and theater and experiences than a pile of bricks..." preferring to read books and make jewelry. She is so completely opposite of her saving, planning and strategizing daughter it was fun to watch the two together.
The bottom line is, Sandcastle Inn is pure reading enjoyment! I'm thrilled to hear there will be another Hope Harbor book to look forward in the future. It can't happen soon enough for a return visit to this idyllic destination. I appreciate Revell Publishers making a copy of Sandcastle Inn available for review. All thoughts and opinions are my very own.
Sandcastle Inn is an emotional and heartwarming tale of second chances. Secrets, heartache, regret, damaged relationships. All of these are issues our characters are dealing with. But with a few breaks, thought provoking words of advice (we can always count on Charley for that!), as well as a willingness to approach the future with open-mindedness and taking a few chances, we see the community of Hope Harbor work its magic on Vienna and Matt, and on Paige and Andrew. The book was touching and spellbinding. I loved this return to Hope Harbor!
Have you read any of the God Winks Books? Did you love them?? If you did, don’t pass this one up!!
We start off with Kay, who has purchased a B&B with ALL of her savings, and heart! She loves it! Unfortunately, it will need a lot more blood, sweat, tears and money to make it viable…
She reaches out to her brother, Matt, to come visit for a month to keep an eye on the B&B while she goes to help an Aunt who needs surgery. Once he arrives, and sees the place, his heart plummets… He is a Vet, NOT a handyman…
Next we have Bev, the owner of the adorable book and jewelry shop. A light-hearted, hippy type, free-spirited woman, who is relatively new in this small Oregon beach town herself…
Then there’s Vienna, Bev’s daughter, the straight-laced, ever hard-working young woman…who has plans to take on the world and succeed, but instead loses her job! 😮
Add in Paige and Andrew, who had a well established, money making, esteemed construction company… and then lost everything…
Plus, Charley and his taco truck… and his pet pigeons! ❤️
THIS IS ONLY AN OUTLINE OF THE CHARACTERS AND THEIR BEGINNINGS! Please do not take it as a spoiler…
This small little town has so much love and camaraderie going on, it’s amazing! AND, you can just FEEL the presence of GOD all around!!
Hearts have been broken. Businesses’ have failed. Families have feuds. Bonds have been broken…And yet, through it all, God’s love and healing hands show through it all!
I laughed. I cried. My heart broke for them. But, God has a way… A way of showing you the right path…the right people…the right communities…
In short…this one had it all!! Brought out all those feelings in me that make you remember…and also, help you to forget…
Of note: This is book #10, but can certainly be read as a standalone. Im sure I’ve read some in this series, but not all, and NOT in any order…
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!
Thanks to #NetGalley and #RecordedBooksMedia for an ARC of the audiobook which releases TODAY, 4/2/24!!
#SandcastleInn by #IreneHannon and beautifully narrated by another favorite of mine #TheresePlummer.
⭐️ Beach town setting. And the name is: Hope Harbor!! 🏖 ⭐️ Romance…not quite. No one is looking for any of it! 😬🙄 ⭐️ Family drama…but, can we get past it now that we’re all grown up??!!?? ⭐️ Second chances, when we are at our lowest points… 🙏🏼 ⭐️ Small town peeps with very deep roots in community, service, helping others, God, Church, and just downright GOODNESS! 💫 IMO…what else can you possibly ask for??
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I'm a newcomer to Irene Hannon's Hope Harbor series, and actually, the last title Windswept Way was my first experience with one of these titles. I wholeheartedly enjoyed that one, and loved how idyllic and charming the town was, while the story still hit on a few deeper issues. When I saw there was a new book in the series coming out, I couldn't wait to give another of her beautiful small town romances a try. This one was every bit as good as the last one was, and left me thinking about it long after I finished it.
Hope Harbor's residents are part of what make the town and the stories so appealing, and it was lovely to get another visit with Charley, Bev and the hilarious clergy tasked with helping all of the town with their spiritual needs. Sandcastle Inn introduces us to several new characters, with Matt and Vienna being the main couple, and Andrew and Paige having a lovely side story all their own. Matt comes to town to help take care of his sister's struggling bed and breakfast while she's called away to help a friend. He's nowhere prepared for the amount of the work the inn needs, and that puts him into contact with Vienna, Andrew and Paige. He can't deny the sparks are flying between him and Vienna, but his past has left me incapable of moving on into the future. Can the two make their own way into happily ever after, all while trying to launch a successful idyllic inn?
With a swoon worthy romance, a wonderful setting, and a realistic portrayal of the way grief can affect every single area of someone's life, I loved my second visit to Hope Harbor, and I appreciated that this one could definitely be read as a stand alone. While I adored Matt and Vienna's story, I have to say that it was Andrew and Paige's that made this one a true winner in my eyes. Without spoiling anything, I have to say that I loved the emphasis on what it truly means to promise for better or for worse, and I adored how fiercely they cared for each other and everyone around them.
Another beautiful contemporary from Irene Hannon, and one that I would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a heartwarming clean romance that has a light faith element.
Final Rating: 4/5.
Thanks so much to Revell for allowing me to advance read and review this title!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Revell) via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.
SANDASTLE INN is a sweet story about fresh starts, forgiving yourself, letting go, and pushing through when life is difficult. It's about family, friendship, trust, and love. Fans of clean romance, Christian romance and this author will enjoy spending time in this cozy beach town with these lovable characters.
This was a nice escape read and perfect for readers looking for a beach read. I enjoyed these characters from the start. They're flawed and complicated while also being likable and people I'd love to have as family or friends in real life. There's also two different storylines, the first on two characters who are supposed to be visiting and find themselves slipping into love, and second a married couple who are trying to find their way. I liked the first storyline the most while also finding the second enjoyable. I love that initial shock of chemistry between two people and watching them fall in love. I thought the author did a good job letting these characters figure things out and work through their challenges to sweet, happy endings, which allowed for a bit of character development. The inspirational elements were weaved through well and didn't feel forced. I also really enjoyed the story and the setting. Who wouldn't want to escape to a cozy seaside town and a bed and breakfast under renovation? Plus one of the characters owns a bookshop. It was a nice little escape and rejuvenation as a reader.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This was an enjoyable story from beginning to end. It was a great setting, with lovable characters, and a sweet romance. Definitely a recommended read!
Content: Clean Source: I received a complimentary copy through Celebrate Lit, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
And mistakes aren’t an intentional infliction of injury, which is a different matter altogether. So why should we hold them against ourselves? In truth, expecting perfection may be a bit arrogant. Only God is perfect.
Sandcastle Inn took us back to the coast of Oregon, to Hope Harbor where characters go to recoup and take a break from their crazy life.
Both Matt and Vienna found themselves in Hope Harbor to get some well-deserved R&R after their lives did not work out as planned. Matt’s story was heart breaking.
Though Matt and Vienna both had ideas and plans for Hope Harbor to only be a temporary rest stop to get them back to their plans for their lives, through circumstances, meetings, a strong connection and wisdom from Charley and Bev, they discovered that God’s plans might include a longer stay.
This is the tenth book in the series, though each book can be read as a stand-alone.
“Too many people carry heavy burdens of guilt over mistakes, and that can snuff the joy from the glorious gift of life God has blessed us with. A life he wants us to live fully and without regret.”
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*