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Hope Harbor #2
Sea Rose Lane
Three-Time RITA Winner Invites Readers Back to the Captivating Coastal Town of Hope Harbor
After a devastating layoff, attorney Eric Nash heads back to the town where he grew up--only to discover that his childhood home is being transformed into a bed & breakfast. Instead of plotting his next career move in peace, he's constantly distracted by noise, chaos--and BJ Stevens, the attractive but prickly blonde architect and construction chief who's invaded the house with her motley crew.
As for BJ, her client's son might be handsome, but after a disastrous romance, dating isn't high on her agenda. Yet when they join forces to create a program for Hope Harbor seniors, might they also find healing, hope, and a new beginning themselves?
Three-time RITA Award winner Irene Hannon takes readers back to Hope Harbor for a new season of charm, romance, and second chances.
After a devastating layoff, attorney Eric Nash heads back to the town where he grew up--only to discover that his childhood home is being transformed into a bed & breakfast. Instead of plotting his next career move in peace, he's constantly distracted by noise, chaos--and BJ Stevens, the attractive but prickly blonde architect and construction chief who's invaded the house with her motley crew.
As for BJ, her client's son might be handsome, but after a disastrous romance, dating isn't high on her agenda. Yet when they join forces to create a program for Hope Harbor seniors, might they also find healing, hope, and a new beginning themselves?
Three-time RITA Award winner Irene Hannon takes readers back to Hope Harbor for a new season of charm, romance, and second chances.
368 pages, Paperback
First published June 7, 2016
807 people are currently reading
1816 people want to read
About the author
Irene Hannon
121 books3,009 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 334 reviews
April 7, 2025
What a beautiful romance! Hannon has a true gift for creating real-life characters readers can connect with. The coastal Oregon setting is gorgeously rendered in this second Hope Harbor novel, and the overall theme of hope resonates through every part of the story.
Eric Nash returns to his father’s home in Hope Harbor after being downsized from his high-powered job as an attorney. He finds the house in full remodel mode, and the contractor is an attractive woman named BJ Stevens. Eric didn’t make a very good first impression when he hit BJ’s truck, and he makes matters worse when he questions the legality of her Hispanic employees. Eric has to make amends with BJ and the workers he offends, and learns a bit about himself along the way. How can BJ trust a man who isn’t planning to stay, and how can Eric learn where he really belongs?
Eric Nash returns to his father’s home in Hope Harbor after being downsized from his high-powered job as an attorney. He finds the house in full remodel mode, and the contractor is an attractive woman named BJ Stevens. Eric didn’t make a very good first impression when he hit BJ’s truck, and he makes matters worse when he questions the legality of her Hispanic employees. Eric has to make amends with BJ and the workers he offends, and learns a bit about himself along the way. How can BJ trust a man who isn’t planning to stay, and how can Eric learn where he really belongs?
January 27, 2018
Very touching and uplifting; just how I like my Christian fiction.
July 19, 2018
I went into this with low expectations because Christian fiction is what it is. I rolled my eyes at the frequent references to electric sizzles between BJ and Eric, but kept reading. (High-school-type romance is pretty normal for CF.)
But around page one hundred this happened: "One honking big distraction, wearing worn jeans, a chest-hugging T shirt and a killer smile was walking her way." Seriously? Not only is the writing full of clichés, it follows the world's pattern for relationships, which is largely based on physical attraction. Does this writer really want me to root for a heroine who is this shallow? (Earlier in the book Eric had ogled BJ's "shapely legs clad in snug denim.")
Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, and many other gifted women authors were able to convey significant chemistry between their protagonists without one mention of tight clothing. I wish Christian fiction could follow suit.
But around page one hundred this happened: "One honking big distraction, wearing worn jeans, a chest-hugging T shirt and a killer smile was walking her way." Seriously? Not only is the writing full of clichés, it follows the world's pattern for relationships, which is largely based on physical attraction. Does this writer really want me to root for a heroine who is this shallow? (Earlier in the book Eric had ogled BJ's "shapely legs clad in snug denim.")
Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, and many other gifted women authors were able to convey significant chemistry between their protagonists without one mention of tight clothing. I wish Christian fiction could follow suit.
September 3, 2025
i'm rereading this whole Hope Harbor series via audible editions and am loving Therese Pummer's narration so much! She breathes life into these characters and heart and humour into her interpretation of Hannon's exquisite words.
*****
I adore this series. Each book reads as a standalone but I love the continuity the familiar folks from Hope Harbor bring to each story. I especially adore Charley who crops up at the most convenient times with words of wisdom or silent acceptance as needed. There's something divinely inspiring about that man and his way with people...and critters.
So, as first meets go, this one is a bust. Well, it's fun for the reader but not so much for BJ and Eric. Talk about making a bad first impression -- on both sides. Kind of light-hearted with undercurrents of angst. Not to mention instant awareness. The words fairly crackle off the page as these two muddle through their first scene. Thing is, both have blinders on so their next meet and the one after that and...well, let's just say there are a lot of missteps before they sort out a wary truce. Scrumptious to read!
Told from multiple points of view, Hannon weaves together a compelling story of loss and heartache. There are some edge-of-your-seat moments where I hardly dared breathe as I watched events unfold before my eyes. I love how this author meshes diverse threads into a triumphant conclusion that celebrates the hope being in relationship with God can bring. And she's an expert at throwing out unexpected zings of humour that always catch me off guard and have me laughing out loud.
Sea Rose Lane is a slice of real life and the whole gamut of emotions that entails. Cue the Kleenex box and chocolate bonbons. You'll need a hefty dose of both as you navigate your way through the pages of this book. Besides -- how can you not want to read a book that features a belching seal named Caspar? Doesn't that little juicy tidbit have you salivating for more? :-)
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. in exchange for my honest review.
*****
I adore this series. Each book reads as a standalone but I love the continuity the familiar folks from Hope Harbor bring to each story. I especially adore Charley who crops up at the most convenient times with words of wisdom or silent acceptance as needed. There's something divinely inspiring about that man and his way with people...and critters.
So, as first meets go, this one is a bust. Well, it's fun for the reader but not so much for BJ and Eric. Talk about making a bad first impression -- on both sides. Kind of light-hearted with undercurrents of angst. Not to mention instant awareness. The words fairly crackle off the page as these two muddle through their first scene. Thing is, both have blinders on so their next meet and the one after that and...well, let's just say there are a lot of missteps before they sort out a wary truce. Scrumptious to read!
Told from multiple points of view, Hannon weaves together a compelling story of loss and heartache. There are some edge-of-your-seat moments where I hardly dared breathe as I watched events unfold before my eyes. I love how this author meshes diverse threads into a triumphant conclusion that celebrates the hope being in relationship with God can bring. And she's an expert at throwing out unexpected zings of humour that always catch me off guard and have me laughing out loud.
Sea Rose Lane is a slice of real life and the whole gamut of emotions that entails. Cue the Kleenex box and chocolate bonbons. You'll need a hefty dose of both as you navigate your way through the pages of this book. Besides -- how can you not want to read a book that features a belching seal named Caspar? Doesn't that little juicy tidbit have you salivating for more? :-)
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. in exchange for my honest review.
April 20, 2020
A delightful contemporary romance with a touch of whimsy. BJ is an architect and builder and Eric is a lawyer out of work. Hope Harbor isn’t home to either of them—BJ is new in town and Eric has been gone for years—but they come here to regroup from the past. BJ just wants a quiet and fulfilling career; Eric fully expects to go back and join the rat-race after a few weeks away from the big city.
Overall it’s an endearing romance with a set of vivid side characters that nicely round out the set.
Overall it’s an endearing romance with a set of vivid side characters that nicely round out the set.
June 30, 2016
It was relaxing and fun to return to the town of Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast with Irene Hannon’s second book in the Hope Harbor series. Sea Rose Lane can stand alone if you haven’t read book one. I enjoyed seeing the quirky and intuitive Charley again and the side story involving Luis was very moving.
I liked BJ and Eric and enjoyed seeing their relationship bloom. Both of them were battling internal hurts. BJ had a painful past relationship that hung over her and made trusting men difficult. Eric lost the powerful job that defined who he was. But Hope Harbor has a way of instilling hope in those who move there. This was an enjoyable contemporary romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
I liked BJ and Eric and enjoyed seeing their relationship bloom. Both of them were battling internal hurts. BJ had a painful past relationship that hung over her and made trusting men difficult. Eric lost the powerful job that defined who he was. But Hope Harbor has a way of instilling hope in those who move there. This was an enjoyable contemporary romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
September 11, 2016
I want to say that I enjoyed this book, but I didn't. It was sweet and I do think others will like it, but it never pulled me in. An ARC was received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For me, this book was boring. It was practically all internal thoughts which dragged on and on. There were some good stories behind the thoughts, but I thought they were presented in a dry way. Sometimes page after page of introspection can be too much. First you have them internalizing their thoughts while they are talking and then you have them going back over those thoughts after the fact. But it's the same thoughts.
Most of Eric's page time is spent on his mental debate about what to do with his future career. Should he return to a grueling law practice or should he paint? He's interested in BJ, but he'll be leaving soon if he pursues his legal career. It became very repetitive after a while. I knew his internal debate. I didn't need to read it over and over.
And if Eric isn't providing enough angst, you have BJ providing angst. I wasn't too enamored of BJ. She was a little too stiff and unapproachable for someone who is building a business and involved left and right in church and community activities. She's all angst with her Helping Hand project that she wants to develop for the elderly. It's a good project, but where are all the other members of the community? Why is she doing everything single handedly until Eric shows up?
For instance, I thought it was really odd that BJ was the only one volunteering to create scene sets for the fund raising play. Generally wood working students, art students and drama club members are always volunteering to help on the sets for the plays. This seemed more contrived to set up BJ and Eric alone than to make it realistic. I would have rather have seen them developing an interest in each other but trying to keep it on the down low around students.
There have been a lot of positive reviews about the town of Hope Harbor, but I have to say that I never got a feel for the town. We primarily only got to know Eric and BJ. We get a glimpse of a few people in the town, but they felt flat and undeveloped. This may have been because there was so much effort placed on setting up BJ and Eric to be alone that everyone else just seemed like filler. Even Eric's Dad and his project to remodel his house into a Bed & Breakfast seemed like filler. The best part of this book was the story of Louis as a Cuban immigrant who lost his wife in their flight to the US and needed a reason to live. I really liked Louis's story. But then we also had Charley who was the "guiding angel" of the story, but he felt more like a busy body. So with the exception of Louis, I was never really pulled into any of the character's lives.
This is a very clean, Christian based romance. I wasn't familiar with this author and after reading a few darker thriller/mysteries was looking for something a little lighter. I, however, prefer my Christian based reading to be what I would call "Christian lite". This is not "lite", but very much a Christian based life book involving God and scripture in almost every mental debate and discussion. For those looking for a heavier version, this will probably be a good fit. This is also a sweet and clean romance which is sometimes difficult to find.
For the most part I found the story slow moving, too much angst, a little too contrived and a little too much on the sermonizing. There were some good takeaways from this story that are enriching and important, however, I felt like they were lost among the repetitive angst. For me this was 2 to 2.5 stars.
Ms. Hannon writes really well and although this story didn't work for me I would definitely look for other books by her. Her teaser preview of her next book looked very interesting…
For me, this book was boring. It was practically all internal thoughts which dragged on and on. There were some good stories behind the thoughts, but I thought they were presented in a dry way. Sometimes page after page of introspection can be too much. First you have them internalizing their thoughts while they are talking and then you have them going back over those thoughts after the fact. But it's the same thoughts.
Most of Eric's page time is spent on his mental debate about what to do with his future career. Should he return to a grueling law practice or should he paint? He's interested in BJ, but he'll be leaving soon if he pursues his legal career. It became very repetitive after a while. I knew his internal debate. I didn't need to read it over and over.
And if Eric isn't providing enough angst, you have BJ providing angst. I wasn't too enamored of BJ. She was a little too stiff and unapproachable for someone who is building a business and involved left and right in church and community activities. She's all angst with her Helping Hand project that she wants to develop for the elderly. It's a good project, but where are all the other members of the community? Why is she doing everything single handedly until Eric shows up?
For instance, I thought it was really odd that BJ was the only one volunteering to create scene sets for the fund raising play. Generally wood working students, art students and drama club members are always volunteering to help on the sets for the plays. This seemed more contrived to set up BJ and Eric alone than to make it realistic. I would have rather have seen them developing an interest in each other but trying to keep it on the down low around students.
There have been a lot of positive reviews about the town of Hope Harbor, but I have to say that I never got a feel for the town. We primarily only got to know Eric and BJ. We get a glimpse of a few people in the town, but they felt flat and undeveloped. This may have been because there was so much effort placed on setting up BJ and Eric to be alone that everyone else just seemed like filler. Even Eric's Dad and his project to remodel his house into a Bed & Breakfast seemed like filler. The best part of this book was the story of Louis as a Cuban immigrant who lost his wife in their flight to the US and needed a reason to live. I really liked Louis's story. But then we also had Charley who was the "guiding angel" of the story, but he felt more like a busy body. So with the exception of Louis, I was never really pulled into any of the character's lives.
This is a very clean, Christian based romance. I wasn't familiar with this author and after reading a few darker thriller/mysteries was looking for something a little lighter. I, however, prefer my Christian based reading to be what I would call "Christian lite". This is not "lite", but very much a Christian based life book involving God and scripture in almost every mental debate and discussion. For those looking for a heavier version, this will probably be a good fit. This is also a sweet and clean romance which is sometimes difficult to find.
For the most part I found the story slow moving, too much angst, a little too contrived and a little too much on the sermonizing. There were some good takeaways from this story that are enriching and important, however, I felt like they were lost among the repetitive angst. For me this was 2 to 2.5 stars.
Ms. Hannon writes really well and although this story didn't work for me I would definitely look for other books by her. Her teaser preview of her next book looked very interesting…
April 15, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this second book in the Hope Harbor series. The beginning reminded me of the first in the series, but as it went along, it became its own unique story. Highly recommended for Christian Romance fans.
July 2, 2020
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley, but I ended up listening to an audio version. These are my honest thoughts.
This story was adorable. The small-town vibes were amazing. Hope Harbor is definitely a town I would cherish getting to live in, given the chance. (Too bad it’s only fictional!) I loved the renovation work and the distinctive characters. Featuring a Cuban immigrant was a nice touch! That isn’t something I see a lot. In fact, I’m not sure I’ve read anything before that spotlighted this. And I especially loved that he went about it the right way, the legal way, and got his green card. Yes, please!
I thought the depression issue was handled with tact and grace. It wasn’t over-the-top at all, and it felt raw and genuine while not getting bogged down in the depths of the darkness that depression is. There was a fine balancing act on the author’s part, and she handled this like a master.
The community service work was amazing! I’m not sure I would want to participate in a project like this particular one, because it’s not safe for a single lady to be moving in with a stranger, elderly or otherwise, but I like how it was portrayed here. It seemed to be highlighting the best of cases, and I like that. I think shining the spotlight on happy news is exactly what is needed right now.
There were a couple of odd “miraculous” animal moments. A pair of birds seemed to know more than they ought and worked mysteriously to keep a person where they needed to be for a few more minutes. This creeped me out and did not seem realistic at all. There’s no way those birds knew that someone was heading that way at that precise moment or that this particular person they were hemming in was the person that other somebody was needing to talk to. Too contrived! There was one or two other moments like that, and they drove me batty, because they were obviously contrived for the sake of having a “miraculous” thread to the book that, honestly, wasn’t even needed. This book would have been five stars instead of four for me if those odd moments weren’t included.
Trigger warning: suicide attempt, depression
Content: one expletive; idolizing a man: “I’m no Charlie. Don’t expect miracles.”
This story was adorable. The small-town vibes were amazing. Hope Harbor is definitely a town I would cherish getting to live in, given the chance. (Too bad it’s only fictional!) I loved the renovation work and the distinctive characters. Featuring a Cuban immigrant was a nice touch! That isn’t something I see a lot. In fact, I’m not sure I’ve read anything before that spotlighted this. And I especially loved that he went about it the right way, the legal way, and got his green card. Yes, please!
I thought the depression issue was handled with tact and grace. It wasn’t over-the-top at all, and it felt raw and genuine while not getting bogged down in the depths of the darkness that depression is. There was a fine balancing act on the author’s part, and she handled this like a master.
The community service work was amazing! I’m not sure I would want to participate in a project like this particular one, because it’s not safe for a single lady to be moving in with a stranger, elderly or otherwise, but I like how it was portrayed here. It seemed to be highlighting the best of cases, and I like that. I think shining the spotlight on happy news is exactly what is needed right now.
There were a couple of odd “miraculous” animal moments. A pair of birds seemed to know more than they ought and worked mysteriously to keep a person where they needed to be for a few more minutes. This creeped me out and did not seem realistic at all. There’s no way those birds knew that someone was heading that way at that precise moment or that this particular person they were hemming in was the person that other somebody was needing to talk to. Too contrived! There was one or two other moments like that, and they drove me batty, because they were obviously contrived for the sake of having a “miraculous” thread to the book that, honestly, wasn’t even needed. This book would have been five stars instead of four for me if those odd moments weren’t included.
Trigger warning: suicide attempt, depression
Content: one expletive; idolizing a man: “I’m no Charlie. Don’t expect miracles.”
June 12, 2016
Sea Rose Lane
Irene Hannon
ARC received from NetGalley for an honest review.
Irene Hannon has done it to me again! SEA ROSE LANE captured my heart from the very first page and never let it go. The characters in Hope Harbor are quite eclectic and kept me giggling through out this wonderful story. Irene Hannon writes romantic suspense stories and yet, she totally captures the feelings of a sweet and clean romance. I love the way Ms. Hannon wraps the story around your heart so much so that you feel as if you are right there in the middle of things, crying and laughing with all the characters.
Eric has just moved back home to Hope Harbor after being laid off at a prestigious law firm where his goal was to become a partner. When he gets back home he discovers that the house is being converted into a bed and breakfast inn. Not only that but a beautiful woman, BJ, is in charge. BJ is a city girl and she recently moved to Hope Harbor after her heart was shredded. SEA ROSE LANE brings these two together, even though they rub each other wrong at first. Their story is filled with romance and some mystery, but mostly it is about making a relationship grow from the ground up.
Irene Hannon sure is the master of both genres, suspense as well as Christian romance and SEA ROSE LANE will show you exactly why. I did not read the first book in this series and had no trouble at all following this story. After finishing SEA ROSE LANE, I want to pack my bags and move to Hope Harbor. I could almost smell the tacos at Charlie's and was smiling at Floyd and Gladys, the local seagulls. Irene Hannon is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. She makes me feel so many different things while I'm reading her heart-warming stories. One minute I'm giggling and the next there is a huge lump in my throat. All of the characters are flawed in different ways, but you will find yourself cheering for them throughout the book. I can't wait until next Spring to read the next installment of Hope Harbor when Sandpiper Cove comes out.
Irene Hannon
ARC received from NetGalley for an honest review.
Irene Hannon has done it to me again! SEA ROSE LANE captured my heart from the very first page and never let it go. The characters in Hope Harbor are quite eclectic and kept me giggling through out this wonderful story. Irene Hannon writes romantic suspense stories and yet, she totally captures the feelings of a sweet and clean romance. I love the way Ms. Hannon wraps the story around your heart so much so that you feel as if you are right there in the middle of things, crying and laughing with all the characters.
Eric has just moved back home to Hope Harbor after being laid off at a prestigious law firm where his goal was to become a partner. When he gets back home he discovers that the house is being converted into a bed and breakfast inn. Not only that but a beautiful woman, BJ, is in charge. BJ is a city girl and she recently moved to Hope Harbor after her heart was shredded. SEA ROSE LANE brings these two together, even though they rub each other wrong at first. Their story is filled with romance and some mystery, but mostly it is about making a relationship grow from the ground up.
Irene Hannon sure is the master of both genres, suspense as well as Christian romance and SEA ROSE LANE will show you exactly why. I did not read the first book in this series and had no trouble at all following this story. After finishing SEA ROSE LANE, I want to pack my bags and move to Hope Harbor. I could almost smell the tacos at Charlie's and was smiling at Floyd and Gladys, the local seagulls. Irene Hannon is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. She makes me feel so many different things while I'm reading her heart-warming stories. One minute I'm giggling and the next there is a huge lump in my throat. All of the characters are flawed in different ways, but you will find yourself cheering for them throughout the book. I can't wait until next Spring to read the next installment of Hope Harbor when Sandpiper Cove comes out.
December 11, 2016
Reviewed at The Power of Words: http://bit.ly/2h7OOlt
I know Irene Hannon writes outstanding romantic suspense, but her contemporary stories are my favorite by far. Sea Rose Lane, set in a picturesque small town on the Oregon coast, is filled with appealing characters who face true-to-life situations and are met with hope. Secondary storylines, such as those of Luis and Eleanor, provide even more richness and depth. It’s a poignant story that covers a wide range of emotions, and it captured my attention from the very first page.
I was really drawn to BJ and Eric. BJ, carrying a little guilt that she didn’t move in time to help her grandmother, is intelligent, hardworking, and has a heart for others. Eric is a charismatic high achiever who, as the story progresses, becomes less certain of his goals. As for his faith … “For a man who preferred definites to maybes and facts to fancies, leaving tomorrow to the whim of fate – or God – was downright scary.” They have great romantic chemistry and their initial meeting is hilarious.
Only Irene could draw readers to such whimsy characters as two seagulls and a seal. And then there’s Charley! We may never know if he’s simply eccentric or his wisdom involves something more, but he is a favorite of mine.
Spiritual themes become a natural part of the story … that simple acts of kindness have far-reaching impact, that what seems like disaster can actually be a gift, an opportunity. Eleanor prays, “Let me see everyone as an equal and a worthy brother and sister – and act accordingly.” There’s also the reminder that “while looks and language and traditions might differ, all hearts feel the same emotions.”
I wish this series could go on and on, because I’ll never get enough of Hope Harbor and its residents.
Highly recommended.
I was provided a free copy of this book from Revell. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
I know Irene Hannon writes outstanding romantic suspense, but her contemporary stories are my favorite by far. Sea Rose Lane, set in a picturesque small town on the Oregon coast, is filled with appealing characters who face true-to-life situations and are met with hope. Secondary storylines, such as those of Luis and Eleanor, provide even more richness and depth. It’s a poignant story that covers a wide range of emotions, and it captured my attention from the very first page.
I was really drawn to BJ and Eric. BJ, carrying a little guilt that she didn’t move in time to help her grandmother, is intelligent, hardworking, and has a heart for others. Eric is a charismatic high achiever who, as the story progresses, becomes less certain of his goals. As for his faith … “For a man who preferred definites to maybes and facts to fancies, leaving tomorrow to the whim of fate – or God – was downright scary.” They have great romantic chemistry and their initial meeting is hilarious.
Only Irene could draw readers to such whimsy characters as two seagulls and a seal. And then there’s Charley! We may never know if he’s simply eccentric or his wisdom involves something more, but he is a favorite of mine.
Spiritual themes become a natural part of the story … that simple acts of kindness have far-reaching impact, that what seems like disaster can actually be a gift, an opportunity. Eleanor prays, “Let me see everyone as an equal and a worthy brother and sister – and act accordingly.” There’s also the reminder that “while looks and language and traditions might differ, all hearts feel the same emotions.”
I wish this series could go on and on, because I’ll never get enough of Hope Harbor and its residents.
Highly recommended.
I was provided a free copy of this book from Revell. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
June 21, 2016
Few authors can successfully write in more than one genre, but Irene Hannon is one who is as adept at penning contemporary romance as she is crafting a suspense novel. Sea Rose Lane takes readers on a heartfelt journey back to Hope Harbor, Oregon, in this engaging story. Hannon populates this small coastal town with a diverse cast of personalities, adding depth and character to this multi-dimensional tale. BJ and Eric's stories drew me in, and their growing attraction is perfectly paced and authentically portrayed. Weaving a secondary storyline among the main focus on their relationship, Hannon deftly touches on issues such as aging, immigration, and prejudice without being preachy or heavy-handed. In fact, this novel wrapped me with its warmth and made me wish I could sit on eighty-eight-year-old Eleanor's porch and taste one of her desserts. If you haven't read Hope Harbor, the first novel in this series, this one is easily read as a stand-alone. (I inadvertently missed the first one but Hannon's writing immediately made me feel at home. But I now intend to backtrack and see what I missed!) Sea Rose Lane is the perfect summer read. Don't miss it!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Baker/Revell Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have 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 Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Baker/Revell Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have 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 Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
June 30, 2016
When attorney Eric Nash arrives back home in Hope Harbor, he doesn't expect to get into a fender bender within his first few minutes. He also doesn't expect his father to be remodeling his childhood home into a Bed and Breakfast. To make matters worse, he's distracted by the pretty blonde, BJ Stevens, in charge of the remodeling. BJ isn't wanting a relationship. Not at all. No matter how handsome her employer's son may be. But when the pair join forces to create a program for Hope Harbor's seniors, maybe, just maybe they'll be able to take a chance on each other as well.
This one was pretty good. It's not my favorite one of Irene's contemporary romances. I'm still a big fan of her romantic suspense books. But this one was good.
Of all of the characters in the book, I think that perhaps Charlie (fish taco hut owner) is my favorite. I love the way that he just has this way of knowing what needs be said/done. And that everyone accepts it.
It was fun to catch up with characters from the first Hope Harbor novel too. While this is part of the series, it stands alone.
But for a summer read, it's well worth it.
I received this book for free from Revell books for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Recommended to fans of Denise Hunter, Irene Hannon, Becky Wade, Melissa Tagg, Susan May Warren
Rating - 4 stars
This one was pretty good. It's not my favorite one of Irene's contemporary romances. I'm still a big fan of her romantic suspense books. But this one was good.
Of all of the characters in the book, I think that perhaps Charlie (fish taco hut owner) is my favorite. I love the way that he just has this way of knowing what needs be said/done. And that everyone accepts it.
It was fun to catch up with characters from the first Hope Harbor novel too. While this is part of the series, it stands alone.
But for a summer read, it's well worth it.
I received this book for free from Revell books for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Recommended to fans of Denise Hunter, Irene Hannon, Becky Wade, Melissa Tagg, Susan May Warren
Rating - 4 stars
June 2, 2018
Hope Harbor is a wonderful small town. Reminds me so much of the feel of the small town in the Cape Light series by Thomas Kinkade. Filled with wonderful characters, these small towns just draw you in and make you want to head there on your next vacation.
This book focuses on BJ, a local female contractor, who is remodeling John Nash's Victorian House for a bed and breakfast. John Nash's son, Eric, is the other main character. He has just been laid off from his prestigious, climb-up-the-ladder law job with a corporate law firm and has headed home to Hope Harbor to figure out what he wants to do next with his life. BJ and Eric connect through her many volunteer jobs focusing on the elderly. BJ has moved past the hectic corporate climb, and Eric sees through BJ what life at a slower pace can mean in terms of a real life rather than a 80 hour work week.
Charley, the taco vendor, once again works his all-seeing eye throughout the story imparting wisdom to many of the town's people. Luis, BJ's assistant, definitely shows Eric that life can be a whole lot worse than what he is feeling. Eleanor is a delightful senior who helps BJ put in place a program that can be a viable help to the seniors in Hope Harbor.
Hannon threads the story with wonderful spiritual content making this another great read in the Hope Harbor series.
This book focuses on BJ, a local female contractor, who is remodeling John Nash's Victorian House for a bed and breakfast. John Nash's son, Eric, is the other main character. He has just been laid off from his prestigious, climb-up-the-ladder law job with a corporate law firm and has headed home to Hope Harbor to figure out what he wants to do next with his life. BJ and Eric connect through her many volunteer jobs focusing on the elderly. BJ has moved past the hectic corporate climb, and Eric sees through BJ what life at a slower pace can mean in terms of a real life rather than a 80 hour work week.
Charley, the taco vendor, once again works his all-seeing eye throughout the story imparting wisdom to many of the town's people. Luis, BJ's assistant, definitely shows Eric that life can be a whole lot worse than what he is feeling. Eleanor is a delightful senior who helps BJ put in place a program that can be a viable help to the seniors in Hope Harbor.
Hannon threads the story with wonderful spiritual content making this another great read in the Hope Harbor series.
April 20, 2017
This second book in the Hope Harbor series is just as intriguing as the first, though each book in the series works well as a standalone too. While BJ and Eric’s journey to happily ever after is the focus of this novel, it was actually Luis’ storyline that most captivated me. Don’t get me wrong – I loved the romance too (of course) but Luis’ subplot had so much dimension and emotion that I was always eager for an update. And Charley. Picture the big grin on my face. I adore Charley and his taco stand which dispenses as much wisdom as it does flavor.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
March 30, 2022
This was a new author for me, and I enjoyed the book a lot.
November 21, 2023
This is my least favorite of the series. It was still a decent read, but it was a bit heavier with a character contemplating suicide. Obviously, with this type of book, it doesn't happen, but I wanted a lighter read. All our favorite characters are in it and it is a story with hope.
March 5, 2020
Light and charming Christian romance.
January 25, 2020
Of the books in the series so far, Sea Rose Lane has been my favorite! Again, Irene Hannon brings the characters to life in a very engaging way, with a continuation of the other quirky cast from the first book. What's nice is, it doesn't matter if you've not read book 1, as this one is easy to get without really concerning yourself over what might have happened previously. Overall, the book struck a chord with me.
In Sea Rose Lane, Eric Nash comes to Hope Harbor after losing his high profile attorney job. Having been at the receiving end of a downsizing, and seeing my mom go through such a thing before, I immediately was curious to read more on how he would heal during the course of this story! Part of that healing comes from his meeting BJ Stevens, a female architect whose past romances have left a sour taste in her mouth for men. Her idea in wanting to help seniors was so beautifully played out, and again touched upon my heart because of its parallel to some real-life circumstances, so that this book was much more meaningful to me than book 1. I highly recommend this book as well as the series and I can't wait to read book 3!
In Sea Rose Lane, Eric Nash comes to Hope Harbor after losing his high profile attorney job. Having been at the receiving end of a downsizing, and seeing my mom go through such a thing before, I immediately was curious to read more on how he would heal during the course of this story! Part of that healing comes from his meeting BJ Stevens, a female architect whose past romances have left a sour taste in her mouth for men. Her idea in wanting to help seniors was so beautifully played out, and again touched upon my heart because of its parallel to some real-life circumstances, so that this book was much more meaningful to me than book 1. I highly recommend this book as well as the series and I can't wait to read book 3!
August 31, 2016
Another of the new audio books on the shelf on Thursday. I like contemporary romance books that are part of a series so I decided to give this on a try. I was surprised to find that I had another Christian Fiction book. Most of the time they are labeled but someone missed on this one. Hannon did a very good job of working the references to God and Prayer into the fabric of the story. Unlike Traces of Guilt those references did not interrupt the flow of the story. There are some very interesting and different characters in the book. Coming home after loosing a job is a familiar trope but it works really well for the story set in Hope Harbor. My favorite was Charlie. He steels the show even though he is a side character. He is the one that helps guide the story and the characters to their HEA. In fact there is one HEA that is not a romance but comes from a change in the lives of two of the characters. I did like the absence of sex beyond hugs and kisses. It was refreshing not to have to listen to so many body parts.
September 6, 2022
As the second book in the Hope Harbor series, I was so happy to find a bridge between the stories because while well written, you don't come back to Hope Harbor for more than a meet cute and a happy ending. You come to Hope Harbor for the people and the place. I loved that we learn more about Taco Truck Charlie and that friends like Floyd, Gladys, Methuselah, Casper and the bickering clergymen are there for comic relief. BJ and Eric are a good match and have an interesting story twisted into the lives of Luis and Eleanor. Introductions to Stone and Lexi set up book #3.
June 21, 2017
I enjoyed how this story featured more mature (as in age) MCs and that neither of them were driven by overwhelming physical urges, pulses, or tingly unmentionables. I liked that the problems they were figuring out were real life problems and how they each showed sound judgment instead of knee jerk, emotional choices. I also appreciated the dual povs and the clean content.
However, I was so bored. I wish that wasn't the case, but it was. I didn't connect to either of the MCs and their respective inner monologues wishing for choices that they'd already decided weren't good were annoying. In fact, I found the side story of Luis, the Cuban immigrant, and Eleanor, the elderly woman in town, to be much more interesting and compelling. I can't, in good conscience, recommend it to anyone looking for something more memorable.
However, I was so bored. I wish that wasn't the case, but it was. I didn't connect to either of the MCs and their respective inner monologues wishing for choices that they'd already decided weren't good were annoying. In fact, I found the side story of Luis, the Cuban immigrant, and Eleanor, the elderly woman in town, to be much more interesting and compelling. I can't, in good conscience, recommend it to anyone looking for something more memorable.
July 26, 2021
This is a great second book in the series, the thing i love about the series is not just the development of the main characters but the sideline stories where they are helping someone else. The development is a good pace and i love the fact that it is more about the story than just the romantic element. A great christian series and great characters to keep me company while working. I also love the animal interruptions as well they are a very amusing addition. Wonderful stories and character development. If this series continues in the same manner i will be sad to get to the end.
October 4, 2017
A warm hearted story about two people starting over in a small town.
After Eric Nash is layed off from his job, he comes home to Hope Harbor
where BJ an architect is also starting over. BJ is overcoming heart break
and Eric Is trying to find a new career and himself. This takes place in a
seaside village on the Oregon coast. The characters are strong, but true
people who care for each other and their town. The story held my interest
from the first page. Hope you enjoy this clean light romantic mystery that
Will make you smile, relax and feel with each page.
After Eric Nash is layed off from his job, he comes home to Hope Harbor
where BJ an architect is also starting over. BJ is overcoming heart break
and Eric Is trying to find a new career and himself. This takes place in a
seaside village on the Oregon coast. The characters are strong, but true
people who care for each other and their town. The story held my interest
from the first page. Hope you enjoy this clean light romantic mystery that
Will make you smile, relax and feel with each page.
August 17, 2020
Dit is deel 2 van Hope Harbor dat ik lees. Ik vind Irene Hannon erg mooi schrijven en zal dan ook haar boeken blijven lezen. Elk verhaal is zelfstandig te lezen, maar speelt zich af in het plaatsje Hope Harbor.
May 23, 2023
Each and every trip to Hope Harbor is an enjoyable journey; this one is no exception. Romance and predictability are between the covers yet sometimes that is just the kind of read I am looking for.
May 29, 2023
If you’ve ever watched Virgin River or a Hallmark movie, and enjoyed them, this series is for you. A place I would happily move to and people I could see myself being friends with.
Nothing too taxing, just a feel good kinda book.
Nothing too taxing, just a feel good kinda book.
August 12, 2020
Deel 2 uit deze reeks is een mooi, ontroerend verhaal met oude bekenden die terugkeren en nieuwe personages. Een vlot vakantieboek!
April 27, 2022
My first listen of this author and I enjoyed it immensely!!
May 17, 2024
Cute story, but not my fav characters.
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