Haven Harbor

by Katherine Spencer

Carrie Duffy heads home with a suitcase full of worries. Downsized from a dead-end job, the single mom is about to lose her apartment, too. The small town on Haven Island where she grew up with her sisters is the perfect place to chart a new course. Then a family crisis strikes, and Carrie must put her plans aside and run the Duffy’s restaurant.

The Blue Sky Cafe sailed smoothly for decades—until Carrie’s widowed mother, Gena took charge. Now the ship is sinking fast. The accounts are a disaster, and the staff is barely manageable, especially the dark eyed, mysterious cook, Jack Dubensky. Can Carrie save the family’s treasure and still find a path of her own?

Ten years ago, Tess Hargrove left Haven Harbor in disgrace, accused of a crime she didn’t commit. But she can’t refuse her beloved Aunt Lila, who always stood by her. Lila inherited High Meadow Farm, which could belong to Tess, if she’d accept the generous gift.

But the fateful night that changed so many lives is not forgotten. Especially by Ben Croft, who blames Tess for his brother’s death. Soft-spoken, honest, and hardworking–Tess is nothing like he imagined, and Ben starts to wonder if she’s borne a grave injustice. And, if he’s losing his heart to the one person in the world he can never forgive.

468 pages, Paperback

First published November 20, 2022

About the author

Katherine Spencer was a fiction editor before turning to a full-time career as a writer. The author of more than thirty books, she also writes the Angel Island series, as well as the Black Sheep Knitting Mysteries under her real name, Anne Canadeo. She lives with her husband and daughter in a small village on the Long Island Sound. Outside of her office, she is active in many community charity projects.

Reviews

[Bernadette B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great new book from a great author!I've read all of Katherine Spencer's books, many more than once. I was so excited to see a new one published. Just like her Cape Light books, I was quickly drawn into the stories of very likable characters, told with humor, drama and romance, in a beautiful setting she describes so well. Like her other books, this story is heartwarming and upbeat with lots of unexpected twists. Believable, well developed characters face problems that aren't easily solved. And she has a knack for showing how many lives in one town connect and how the actions of one person effect others may not even know. I recommend this book to her fans and new readers, and readers of Debbie Macomber, Rae Ann Thayne, and other writers who combine rich family and romance stories. I'm looking forward to more books in the Haven Harbor series.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carrie and Tess who are struggling with personal problems, are returning by ferry to Haven Harbor to be with family for various reasons. An act of kindness gives them a bond when they meet again later. As they go their separate ways, little do they know their lives were about to change.
I loved this book. It is well written and engages you as the characters are spun together in a charming small town.

[L Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

great new series!

In Haven Harbor, a new cast of friends are introduced! Great character development and setting! Looking forward to more visits!!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a huge fan of the Cape Light and Angel Island series and looked forward to the new releases each year. While I was sorry that those series had to come to an end, I was so excited to see Haven Harbor series. I was not disappointed at enjoyed getting to meet a new family of characters to meet. Already looking forward to book #2 to see what is in store for everyone. I love series that move characters along while still checking in to know what is happening with the others. It makes it feel like a family gathering and catching up with each read! I hope this series has a long run like the others!

[Kathryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

After about 150 pages, I finally gave up on this book. I simply did not care at all about the main characters and could not get "into" the plot at all. However, that being said, I had just read Penmarric for the first time, and comparing this book to that one is like comparing Ramona the Pest to Pride and Prejudice. This book, imo, is about as "light" as whipped cream, but with less substance, in my opinion. It seemed like it was written by an introductory creative writing class student and aimed for a readership whose library consists mainly of Readers Digest condensed books and Harlequin romances.

[Sheila Penwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really loved this story. It was both happy and sad but great. Tess and her Aunt Lila . Carrie & Sophie coming home so Carrie can run the Blue Sky Cafe for her Mom and all the things that happen to both Tess and Carrie at the Cafe. I already can't wait for the next one. Tess and Carrie really handle everything well. A VERY GOOD READ.

[Sandym24 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited to see that Katherine Spencer had a new series coming out. I loved the Cape Light series and was sad when it ended. Haven Harbor did not disappoint. It is a wholesome, charming small town read.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is so wonderful to have a new book from Katherine Spencer. I was drawn in by the characters and loved their story. Wonderfully written!

[Theresa Knudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

After enjoying all of Katherine Spencer's Cape Light and Angel Island books, I was delighted to find Haven Harbor. As with her other books, Haven Harbor has very interesting, characters you enjoy spending time with while they face challenges and grow in their ability to meet them. This is the first book in a new series. I thought the second book was coming out this year, but can't find anything about it. Katherine Spencer (Anne Canadeo) is one of very few authors I have ever really looked forward to hearing from again.