Happy Harbor

by Rachel Hanna

From USA Today bestselling author Rachel Hanna, Happy Harbor is a heartfelt hometown romance perfect for fans of Debbie Macomber and Susan Mallery.

Josie Campbell has spent her entire adult life distancing herself from her childhood in the small Southern town of Happy Harbor. Growing up with an alcoholic mother who was either absent or scandalizing the town with her antics, all Josie ever wanted was to escape to somewhere no one knew her as Diane’s daughter. Now, she finally has it all—a great job, a condo in one of Atlanta’s most desirable areas, a successful fiancé, and her teenage daughter, Kendra, enrolled at a top-rated school.

But when that life falls apart, and her beloved nana dies, Josie is forced to return to the one place she never wanted to visit again. Soon, she finds herself stepping into Nana’s shoes in Happy Harbor: running her quaint restaurant, living in their family’s historic home, and bumping into Walker Jackson—the disturbingly handsome man who lives in the guest house—on a near daily basis. All of which sounds idyllic, if it weren’t for the painful memories lurking around every corner. Still, the place seems to be good for Kendra, who begs to stay, and Josie is inclined to at least make an attempt at a new life in this old town.

That is, until her mother turns up. Diane insists she’s truly sober now and wants just one more chance. Nana’s last wish was for the two of them to reconcile, and she’s even arranged things to help make that happen. But with a lifetime of painful experiences that have taught her not to trust this woman, can Josie truly bring herself to forgive Diane?

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Fiction, Contemporary, Beach Reads, Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 11, 2024

About the author

Rachel Hanna is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of clean Southern women's fiction. She has published over 54 books and sold more than 2.5 million copies worldwide.

Her stories are set on the coasts of South Carolina and Georgia and in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia. Her heroines are often starting over in midlife, and they find new friends and sometimes new love along the way. The romance is just kisses. Readers say her books feel like coming home.

New readers usually start with The Beach House, book 1 of her South Carolina Sunsets series.

Rachel lives in North Georgia with her husband of almost 30 years and two spoiled rescue dogs. When she isn't writing, she's out in the garden or hunting for blue and white pottery in an antique shop.

Reviews

[Suzanne]

This is a book about forgiveness, moving forward and leaving things in the past. I loved the way it highlighted life choices. The choices you make and the consequences of those choices.

I am always attracted to a book set in a small town as well as a romance or dysfunctional families. Love a good ending especially when it ends up the way you want it to.

Can't wait to read Rachels extensive backlist.

[Marilyn (not getting notifications)]

Happy Harbor was the first book I had the pleasure of reading by Rachel Hanna. It was a well written women’s fiction with an element of romance that added to its enjoyment. This captivating story took place in the quaint town of Happy Harbor where everyone knew everyone and gossip traveled as quick as it was dispatched. The characters were flawed and complex which made them endearing and interesting. I listened to the audiobook of Happy Harbor that was narrated very well by Rebecca Gibel. She really did an exceptional job of capturing the essence of Happy Harbor and all the people that resided there.

Josie Campbell grew up in Happy Harbor but as soon as she was old enough to start making her own decisions she knew that she would leave and never come back. Over the course of Josie’s childhood, her mother, Diane, had embarrassed her more times than Josie wished to remember. Josie’s mother had come to rely on alcohol and drugs to drown out her pain, problems and struggles. Diane proved to be totally unreliable and never present when Josie needed her. Unfortunately, Josie was also often embarrassed by her mother’s behavior and suffered from her poor and almost nonexistent parenting skills. Thankfully, Josie’s grandmother stepped up and provided Josie with the love, support and the attention she was craving. Josie loved her grandmother with her whole heart. When Josie finally left Happy Harbor she promised herself that she would never return.

Years later, Josie, a single mother to a teenage daughter, Kendra, held down a prestigious job in marketing in Atlanta. She owned a spacious condo and boasted a handsome, attentive and successful fiancé. Josie’s daughter Kendra attended a prestigious private high school but Kendra was not happy. She felt like she did not belong at that school. The kids were rich, entitled and wanted nothing to do with her. Kendra purposely tried to get in trouble so that her mother would recognize how unhappy she was there. Then Josie lost her job. Josie was let go because she had a hard time delegating assignments and getting along with her coworkers. She always believed that no one could complete a project as well as she could so Josie took on more than she could handle and her performance suffered as a result. If that wasn’t bad enough, Josie’s fiancée broke off their engagement and was moving on with a much younger woman. A few days later, though, Josie received the most devastating news of all. Her beloved grandmother had died. Josie had to return to Happy Harbor, the one place she swore to never return to again. Josie had reservations about returning but knew she had no choice. Kendra, on the other hand, was excited about going to Happy Harbor but sad that it was under these circumstances. When Josie and Kendra arrived in Happy Harbor, they were instructed to meet with Josie’s grandmother’s lawyer for the reading of the Will. The funeral was to take place the following day. Josie learned that her grandmother had left her historic home and long owned restaurant to Josie. There were stipulations though. Josie had to remain in Happy Harbor for six months before she could consider selling either one of them. The other stipulation that Josie’s grandmother imposed on her was that Josie was not allowed to fire any of the employees her grandmother had working for her in that six month period. This was a nightmare for Josie! How would she survive for six months in Happy Harbor? Would Josie be able to run her grandmother’s restaurant and make it profitable again? Would Josie be able to tolerate the employees employed by her grandmother for the six month period? How would Kendra adapt to small town living?

Happy Harbor explored small town bonds where everyone pitched in to help their neighbors. It also explored the themes of family, loss, trust, friendship, forgiveness, reconciliation and trust. Perhaps the most prevalent aspect of Happy Harbor, in my opinion, was the complicated relationships between mothers and daughters. It also explored the possibility of how people could change if they really wanted to and if they put their mind to it and had the support and encouragement of those around them. Happy Harbor by Rachel Hanna was uplifting and inspiring. I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook of Happy Harbor and highly recommend it.

Thank you to Blackstone Publishing Audiobooks for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of Happy Harbor by Rachel Hanna through Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Jayna]

Within a few days, Josie is fired from her job, her fiancé dumps her, her daughter is expelled from school, and her grandmother died. She heads home to Happy Harbor- a place she swore to never return to- for her grandmother's funeral. Her grandmother left her her house and the family restaurant. With the requirement that Josie stays for six months- and she can't fire anyone during that period. She agrees since she has really no where else to go right now- then she discovers that her alcoholic mother has been working at the restaurant. Her grandmother meddled. Didi has been sober for a while, but Josie doesn't believe she really changed.

This started off really rough for me- Josie was intolerable. I knew she was being set up for a growth arc, but it was still hard to get through. Then there were just a bunch of things that didn't make sense- example- Josie's grandma didn't tell her she was sick because she wanted her to stay at her successful career. Yet she devised a plan to trap her in her hometown for six months. Um, the math ain't mathin'.

I just don't think I ever got over Josie's deplorable attitude and the multiple conflicting scenarios.

Rebecca Gibel narrates the audiobook. No complaints.

I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Rachel F]

Hallmark movie/book.

[♥readingfiend♥]

Forgiveness, redemption, and proof that people can change ❤

Sweet sweet read about forgiveness and redemption between a mother and daughter. This book was so sweet and heartfelt. A very cozy comfort read that proves how people can change - even addicts, even as hard as it may be for people. A little bit of romance was also added and that was a sweet addition as well.

I recommend this book as it left me feeling so good and happy!

[Stacy]

When Josie’s grandma dies, she and her teenage daughter must return to Josie’s hometown to run her grandma’s restaurant. Josie hasn’t been home in years because of her alcoholic mother, but having just lost her job and her fiancé, and her daughter Kendra wants a fresh start. Josie’s grandma has left Josie her house and restaurant, if she will agree to stay for 6 months, including reconciling with her now sober mom.

Jodie’s attitude was the absolute worst, and I can’t imagine that it will just magically go away after the end of the book. There were many flat characters. Josie had a love interest back in her hometown, and I don’t think we were ever given a reason why the two would like each other, but suddenly they are in love? This book was not for me.

Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an audio ARC of this book.

[Tracy]

A story about forgiveness and reconciliation between a mother and daughter. Well written. This was my first time I read a Rachel Hanna novel, enjoyed her writing style.

I was so grateful to be an ARC reader for this book. Thank you Rachel Hanna, Net Galley and Blackstone Publishing. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

[Katie M]

I think the book had a nice concept, but personally I don’t think it was executed all the best and it really threw me off because I hated Josie’s character. She’s always very dramatic and bitter and jumps to conclusions at every point, and the negativity was a little further than trauma response.

[Sharon]

3.5★

This was a nice change of pace and genre after reading a thriller/mystery. A lovely story set in a small town about moving forward. Love the cover of this one.

[Amy Gaskins]

This book could totally be a Hallmark movie! It has all the elements of a great story- romance, second chances, heartbreak, forgiveness, love, loss, family and a gorgeous setting. I loved the storyline- it was captivating and kept me engaged the entire time.

Josie spent her entire adult life distancing herself from her childhood in the small Southern town of Happy Harbor. Growing up with an alcoholic mother who was either absent or scandalizing the town with her antics, all Josie ever wanted was to escape to somewhere no one knew her as Diane's daughter. Now, she finally has it all--a great job, a condo in one of Atlanta's most desirable areas, a successful fiancé, and her teenage daughter, Kendra, enrolled at a top-rated school. But when that life falls apart, and her beloved nana dies, Josie is forced to return to the one place she never wanted to visit again.
I will be honest, I was not a big fan of the main character, Josie. I tried to not let her attitude and “chip on her shoulder” throughout the story taint my opinion of the entire book. I get that it was part of the author's goal in developing the story to show how the trauma and pain of her past contributed to her harsh personality.

“Sometimes our memories of bad times take up so much space that we don’t allow for better memories to replace them.”

If you are looking for an escape to a small, waterfront town this summer and love thought provoking reads and stories of second chances, I totally recommend “Happy Harbor”.

My Rating: 4 ⭐️

[Susan Kerrigan]

A very sweet light read full of emotions.

[Madelyn]

Such a cute little Hallmark read.

[Jess]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5/5)

“Sometimes our memories of bad times take up so much space that we don’t allow for better memories to replace them.”

I read this book in under 24 hours. So yeah I’d say I liked it. It was cozier than the books I typically gravitate towards but something just pulled me to this one.

I connected with so many of the characters in this book. To be honest, Josie reminded me a lot of myself and reminded me there are things, just like with Josie, that I really need to work on. Don’t we all? The opening chapters are basically Josie’s world being turned upside down in every possible aspect of her life. Just the worst day.

Josie’s connection with her grandmother really pulled at my heartstrings because that is exactly how I felt about my mommom. Just like Josie’s grandmother, mine also really valued family and connections with those around her. When Josie got “the call” i was at my doctor’s office and almost cried my eyes out.

The mime & clown school part of the will was so diabolical, and hilarious.

There were several instances of instalove in this one which is one of my least favorite tropes BUT in this book it didn’t even bother me because the book was just so perfect for me to read in this particular moment of my life.

This was an all around solid read and I just loved it so much. It is going to be added to my forever shelf. ❤️

[Rosie Trzewik]

Oh I can picture this has a Hallmark movie. Has all the elements needed. Small town, workaholic Josie with a chip or two on her shoulder, mother who was in and out of her life as a child. Loving grandmother that steps up for Josie, since her alcoholic daughter Diane has no business raising a child. Now years later her grandmother has passed and Josie needs to return to Happy Harbor, with her troublesome teenage daughter in tow. Not one believing one can change, she is surprised with her grandmother will. And shocked that her mother is back in town and that she will need to work with her.
A well written story of love, family, forgiveness and second chances. It’s been awhile since I read a book in one day, but I just couldn’t put it down. Thank you #NetGallery for this ARC. All opinions are mine and mine alone. #HappyHarbor

[Anne Marie]

I enjoyed the premise of this novel immensely, especially the theme of forgiveness, and how people can change. I thought the main character was a little too one-dimensional, and I took a point off because some of the dialogue was redundant. However, I liked the small town setting and the different relationships between mothers and daughters.

[Sandy Emmons]

This was a nice story about a small town like the one I grew up and still live in. I had heard a lot about Rachel Hanna but was hesitant to try her because I’m not a romance fan. But my friend Beth Wolf recommended this story and she was right I enjoyed it.

[Maddie B]

I can’t remember why I put this book on hold like 6 months ago. Josie is a very annoying and whiney Lorelai Gilmore.

[Natalie Worman]

I probably would’ve loved this in like 6th grade … def written for middle schoolers😭

[Maria Johnson]

I honestly finished this book, just to finish it. I found Josie to be rough and intolerable, there was nothing redeeming about her whatsoever.

[Carla]

Josie Campbell was raised in Happy Harbor by her grandmother. Her mother was an alcoholic, who was in and out of her life. When she was in, she embarrassed her endlessly with her drunken escapades. All she wanted was to escape and have a great life. She now has a great job, great condo in Atlanta, her teenage daughter, Kendra is enrolled in a top-rated school and she is engaged to a successful man. That's the way things were yesterday. Today, she has been let go from her job for not getting along with anyone, her fiancé has ended their relationship, and her rebellious daughter has been excluded from school. Not willing to give up, she applies for all sorts of jobs and found nothing. When she gets a call from home, it is her Nana's lawyer telling her that she has passed away and Josie needs to come to Happy Harbor for the reading of the will. She returns reluctantly to the place she never wanted to see again. Nana has left her everything, including her historic house and her restaurant, the meeting place for the town. The catch is she can't sell it for at least 6 months, and she can't let any of the employees go. On her first night in the house, she bumps into Walker Jackson, a handsome man who rents the guesthouse. As much as Josie wants to leave, Kendra wants to stay. She is happy at school for the first time and has friends. But, when Diane, Josie's mother appears, an employee at the restaurant, Josie doesn't know how she will do it.

I enjoyed this book, even with the forced reconciliation trope of leaving the house and business to the child or grandchild and all the townspeople helping them to see what a great place their hometown is. Kendra was a surly teenager in Atlanta, but I loved her turnaround when they moved to Happy Harbor. She is friended by a young man on the autism spectrum, who I loved. He reminded me so much of my grandson with his mannerisms. Josie is an unhappy, angry woman, who has a difficult time making friends due to her trust issues. At times, I wanted to smack her and tell her to give people a chance. Having an alcoholic parent is tough, and I don't know if Josie's reactions are typical or not, but they sure make sense. Walker, the handsome tenant is a bit of a stereotype, but I liked him as a friend to Josie. He helps her out several times with no expectations. Diane was a character that I really liked. She is a recovering alcoholic, who just wants to have a relationship with her daughter and granddaughter, which was her mother's final wish. It isn't going to be easy and she knows it. She takes all the blame and puts up with a lot from Josie, but accepts that it is her fault. There is a lot going on in this story that held my interest and kept me listening. When a situation arises that might derail all that Josie and Kendra are building, Jackson and the community step up to help, showing them that Happy Harbor might just be the place for them. This is a story of addiction, family relationships, forgiveness, repentance, reconciliation, friendship, new beginnings, community, and some romance. I listened to this book narrated by Rebecca Gibel and I enjoyed her narration. If you enjoy a romance, family relationship story with new beginnings, and some angst, then I recommend this one.

[Linda Zagon]

Rachel Hanna, the Author of “Happy Harbor” has written an entertaining and memorable novel about second chances, forgiveness, family, community, friends, love and hope. The Genres for this book are Contemporary Fiction, Romance, and Fiction. In this well written novel, the author vividly describes the small town vibes, and the colorful and dramatic characters. The characters can be described as complex, complicated, and flawed.

Josie Campbell seems to have it all. She has a teenage daughter, an important, job, and is engaged to a respectable man, until everything seems to change. When Josie’s Nana passes away, Josie is headed to the small town of “Happy Harbor”, where she grew up and is remembered as often getting into trouble. After the will is read, it seems that Josie will inherit the restaurant and home that her Nana owned with some stipulations. Josie fears seeing her estranged mother, and some of her painful memories.

I highly recommend this memorable and thought-provoking novel to other readers. I look forward to reading other books from Rachel Hanna.

[Brooke Moore]

a nice feel good book! Classic hallmark story: city woman moves back to her hometown because of a family matter. Ends up realizing she loves her hometown and family legacy. Meets the man of her dreams. You know the one!

[Sarah]

Review to come!

[Emi Dogandjiev]

A cute read! I enjoyed the themes of repairing mother/daughter relationships and finding love. I always enjoy the small town Southern settings in every Rachel Hanna book!

[Amy Fessler]

3.5. It’s was your typical Hallmark type of book. Nice story though but very predictable.

[On_a_sandbar (Carol)]

This was a sweet, enjoyable southern family book with a touch of romance. It was a good comfort read that gave me all the warm fuzzies. I’m rating it 3 1/2 rounded up to 4 stars

Full review and post on Instagram @on_a_sandbar

“Sometimes we need to change how we react to things, not for the other person, but for our own peace.”

I received the book as a gifted copy from Blackstone Publishing and it took me awhile to get to it, but great timing, because it turned out to be the perfect summer read.

Happy Harbor is about Josie Campbell, a management director in Atlanta who would rather work alone than deal with her team of employees. Her teen daughter, Kendra is having a hard time at the pretentious high school. Josie gets fired, then broken up with by her fiancée (both incidents for ‘being difficult’) and Kendra’s suspended from school. An untimely crisis back home in Happy Harbor necessitates a return to the last place Josie wants to be.

This was a sweet small beach town romance, no spice - all feelings.
I found it heartfelt, funny, and loved all the small town quirky residents.

The main character, Josie was frustratingly stubborn, but eventually redeemed herself.
I loved the other characters and the descriptions of the picturesque small town in Georgia.

If you’re looking for another perfect beach read, here ya go!

[Joan Mathews]

2.5 ⭐️ super fast & easy read but Josie was just grappling with herself over her childhood after seemingly losing everything within a matter of days and then taking it out on other people in THE most immature ways. That’s it, that’s the plot. Maybe I just need to take a little break from the cheesy summer romances

[Lauren (litwithlauren_)]

The following synopsis, as well as the one on Goodreads, gives away the first ~20% of the book (in my opinion)...
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Josie Campbell has spent her adult life escaping her turbulent childhood in the small Southern town of Happy Harbor, where her alcoholic mother, Diane, was either absent or scandalizing the community. Now, Josie has built a successful life in Atlanta with a great job, a fiancé, a condo in a desirable area, and her teenage daughter, Kendra, at an excellent school. But when everything falls apart and her beloved nana dies, Josie is forced to return to Happy Harbor, stepping into her nana’s role by running the family’s historic restaurant and living in their home. As she navigates painful memories and encounters Walker Jackson, the charming man in the guest house, Josie begins to consider making a new life in the town for Kendra’s sake. However, her plans are thrown into chaos when Diane shows up, claiming to be sober and seeking reconciliation, with Nana’s dying wish to mend their broken relationship. After a lifetime of hurt, Josie must confront whether she can ever truly forgive her mother.
***
This book was predictable and semi-boring, although it does read quick. Josie is the most ANNOYING character, and I never found her to be likable. I met with a local book club to discuss, and they ended up feeling the same. There wasn't a lot of growth on her part, and the romance was the 'insta love' kind.

[Christine]

I love the setting and side characters. The daughter showed great growth and I ended up really liking her.

I did not like the main character, Josie, at all. I tried but she was so exhausting—constantly angry and whiny. She was right and everyone else was wrong. Constantly jumping to conclusions and ready to run out on everyone. I kept thinking there’s no way anyone would be interested in any kind of relationship with this person. She showed no compassion or empathy for people and hated this charming little town that rallied behind her. She kept me from loving this book.

I’d love more from Happy Harbor that has nothing to do with this character. It would be like a southern Cedar Cove.

[Chimmy’s Mom]

I could not finish this book of unredeemable characters. It was depressing and annoying. Multiple men abandoning their children, a mother who chose alcohol over raising her child, and a narcissistic grandmother who forced that child she raised into situations with legal trappings. I’m over halfway into the book and these horrible life choices keep replaying. The MC, who is supposedly on a growth arc, is humiliating her own child in a public store and blaming her mother for it. That’s the last straw for me.