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Chesapeake Shores #3
Harbor Lights
Revisit the heart of the O'Brien family in this special release of Harbor Lights by #1 New York Times bestselling author Sherryl Woods—and watch the new series Chesapeake Shores on Hallmark Channel!
Struggling in his role as a newly single father, former army medic Kevin O'Brien moves home to Chesapeake Shores. He wants a haven for himself and his toddler son, surrounded by the family he knows he can count on, and a future that's nothing like his past. But Kevin is suddenly facing a risk he hadn't anticipated, in the form of Main Street bookseller Shanna Carlyle.
Shanna immediately recognizes Kevin as a wounded soul—she's had way too much experience with the type. Still, this charming O'Brien man and his son are almost impossible to resist.
Then, just when the barriers are toppling, someone from Shanna's past appears. Confronted with a threat to their hard-won serenity, Kevin and Shanna face their toughest challenge—learning to trust again.
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2009
799 people are currently reading
4656 people want to read
About the author
Sherryl Woods
558 books4,551 followersWith two other careers to her credit before becoming a novelist and four states in which she's lived for extended periods of time, Sherryl Woods has collected friends and memories, along with way too much unnecessary junk.
"The friends are the only things I've brought with me through the years that really matter," she says. "I could probably live without one more chintz teacup, another tin-litho sandpail or another snowglobe, but I need those friends."
The theme of enduring friendships and families is always central to Sherryl's books, including her latest Chesapeake Shores series — THE INN AT EAGLE POINT, FLOWERS ON MAIN and HARBOR LIGHTS.
Author of more than 100 romance and mystery novels, Sherryl Woods grew up in Virginia. Over the years she had lived in Ohio and Florida, as well as California. Currently she divides her time between Key Biscayne, Florida and Colonial Beach, Virginia, the small, river-front town where she spent her childhood summers.
A graduate of Ohio State University School of Journalism, Sherryl spent more than ten years as a journalist, most of them as a television critic for newspapers in Ohio and Florida. For several years she also coordinated a motivational program for the more than 8,000 employees at the University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Medical Center.
Her first book, RESTORING LOVE, was published in 1982 by Dell Candlelight Ecstasy under the pseudonym of Suzanne Sherrill. Her second book, SAND CASTLES, under the pseudonym of Alexandra Kirk, was published later that same year by Bantam. She began using her own name when she moved to the Second Chance at Love line at Berkley Publishing. In 1986, she began writing full-time and also began her long career at Silhouette Books with the Desire title NOT AT EIGHT, DARLING, set in the world of television which she covered for so many years.
In addition to her more than 75 romances for Silhouette Desire and Special Edition, she has written thirteen mysteries — nine in the Amanda Roberts series and four in the Molly DeWitt series.
When she's not writing or reading, Sherryl loves to garden, though she's not at her best on a riding lawn mower. She also loves tennis, theater, and ballet, even though her top spin has long since vanished, she's never set foot on a stage, and she's way too uncoordinated to dance. She also loves baseball and claims anyone who's ever seen Kevin Costner in "Bull Durham" can understand why.
"The friends are the only things I've brought with me through the years that really matter," she says. "I could probably live without one more chintz teacup, another tin-litho sandpail or another snowglobe, but I need those friends."
The theme of enduring friendships and families is always central to Sherryl's books, including her latest Chesapeake Shores series — THE INN AT EAGLE POINT, FLOWERS ON MAIN and HARBOR LIGHTS.
Author of more than 100 romance and mystery novels, Sherryl Woods grew up in Virginia. Over the years she had lived in Ohio and Florida, as well as California. Currently she divides her time between Key Biscayne, Florida and Colonial Beach, Virginia, the small, river-front town where she spent her childhood summers.
A graduate of Ohio State University School of Journalism, Sherryl spent more than ten years as a journalist, most of them as a television critic for newspapers in Ohio and Florida. For several years she also coordinated a motivational program for the more than 8,000 employees at the University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Medical Center.
Her first book, RESTORING LOVE, was published in 1982 by Dell Candlelight Ecstasy under the pseudonym of Suzanne Sherrill. Her second book, SAND CASTLES, under the pseudonym of Alexandra Kirk, was published later that same year by Bantam. She began using her own name when she moved to the Second Chance at Love line at Berkley Publishing. In 1986, she began writing full-time and also began her long career at Silhouette Books with the Desire title NOT AT EIGHT, DARLING, set in the world of television which she covered for so many years.
In addition to her more than 75 romances for Silhouette Desire and Special Edition, she has written thirteen mysteries — nine in the Amanda Roberts series and four in the Molly DeWitt series.
When she's not writing or reading, Sherryl loves to garden, though she's not at her best on a riding lawn mower. She also loves tennis, theater, and ballet, even though her top spin has long since vanished, she's never set foot on a stage, and she's way too uncoordinated to dance. She also loves baseball and claims anyone who's ever seen Kevin Costner in "Bull Durham" can understand why.
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February 9, 2020
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Povestea lui Kevin a fost cea pe care am așteptat cu nerăbdare să o descopăr încă de la început. Fratele cel mare m-a intrigat încă de la început.
O poveste despre curaj, lupta pentru țară și destinul necruțător.
După ce soția ii moare pe front, Kevin revine în Chesapeake Shores împreuna cu fiul sau. O perioadă de durere, plângerea soției și de revenire.
Shanna este nou venită în oraș. Își deschide o librărie. Tânăra își revine după o căsătorie dezastruoasă și suferă după fiul ei vitreg.
Între cei doi se creează o legătură puternică, devin prieteni, iar Shanna este cucerită pe loc de micuțul Davy. Cu toate asemănările dintre trecutul ei reprezentat de fostul soț și fiul acestuia, și Kevin și Davy, tânăra este circumspecta. Totuși, prietenia lor, apoi atracția care încălzește atmosfera, par să le arate direcția in care trebuie să meargă.
Se simt presați, cel puțin Kevin o face, și se sperie. Iar când îl vede pe Henry și îl aude cum ii spune mami, trageconcluziile pripite și nu sta sa asculte explicații...
O poveste plină de emoții care pătrund cititorul și-l fac sa sufere si sa se bucure alături de cei doi tineri care încearcă să-și descopere calea.
Recenzia mea completă o găsiți aici:
https://justreadingmybooks.wordpress....
Povestea lui Kevin a fost cea pe care am așteptat cu nerăbdare să o descopăr încă de la început. Fratele cel mare m-a intrigat încă de la început.
O poveste despre curaj, lupta pentru țară și destinul necruțător.
După ce soția ii moare pe front, Kevin revine în Chesapeake Shores împreuna cu fiul sau. O perioadă de durere, plângerea soției și de revenire.
Shanna este nou venită în oraș. Își deschide o librărie. Tânăra își revine după o căsătorie dezastruoasă și suferă după fiul ei vitreg.
Între cei doi se creează o legătură puternică, devin prieteni, iar Shanna este cucerită pe loc de micuțul Davy. Cu toate asemănările dintre trecutul ei reprezentat de fostul soț și fiul acestuia, și Kevin și Davy, tânăra este circumspecta. Totuși, prietenia lor, apoi atracția care încălzește atmosfera, par să le arate direcția in care trebuie să meargă.
Se simt presați, cel puțin Kevin o face, și se sperie. Iar când îl vede pe Henry și îl aude cum ii spune mami, trageconcluziile pripite și nu sta sa asculte explicații...
O poveste plină de emoții care pătrund cititorul și-l fac sa sufere si sa se bucure alături de cei doi tineri care încearcă să-și descopere calea.
Recenzia mea completă o găsiți aici:
https://justreadingmybooks.wordpress....
July 21, 2014
At first I thought that this book was 'okay'. I mean sure it was clunky and obvious but it had a nice plot and some okay characters, it could easily have earnt itself the neat review of 'good afternoon read'.
It COULD have, but it didn't because there was absolutely no progression!
The leading couple were both against being in a relationship but their reasonings soon became old and soon they were just repetative. The meddling of the O'Brien family was repetative beyond belief and became the focus of the whole plot which was just frustrating. Kevin was just as bad, shouting at them all for interfering and then he did the same to most of them!
The characters were okay, though not exactly sparkling and the dialogue wasn't cringy but again, there it wasn't witty or clever or funny... the supporting cast of characters were so meddlesome and overwhelming that I was getting really worked up when they were mentioned. The one part that sticks in mind was when they were all rubbing it into Martha and John's face that Kevin was dating Shanna. That was beyond meddling out of love and just cruel and I found myself disliking the sisters rather than thinking, "Nawwww isn't that just like sisters!"
My most hated character was Laurie who was supposed to be the supportive BFF to Shanna but was actually an intensely negative and unsupporting bitch friend. She was down on the business, down on Kevin, down on Henry... it felt to me that she was very insincere and trying to make sure the Shanna was as unhappy as she was.
Overall I just wouldn't recommend.
It COULD have, but it didn't because there was absolutely no progression!
The leading couple were both against being in a relationship but their reasonings soon became old and soon they were just repetative. The meddling of the O'Brien family was repetative beyond belief and became the focus of the whole plot which was just frustrating. Kevin was just as bad, shouting at them all for interfering and then he did the same to most of them!
The characters were okay, though not exactly sparkling and the dialogue wasn't cringy but again, there it wasn't witty or clever or funny... the supporting cast of characters were so meddlesome and overwhelming that I was getting really worked up when they were mentioned. The one part that sticks in mind was when they were all rubbing it into Martha and John's face that Kevin was dating Shanna. That was beyond meddling out of love and just cruel and I found myself disliking the sisters rather than thinking, "Nawwww isn't that just like sisters!"
My most hated character was Laurie who was supposed to be the supportive BFF to Shanna but was actually an intensely negative and unsupporting
Overall I just wouldn't recommend.
May 15, 2011
I know that romance novels are considered to be not quite worthy of folks' attention. This despite the fact that more than 50% of paperbacks purchased are romance novels. It doesn't matter that 13% of all books bought in 2009 were romances. It doesn't matter that the only books on the bestseller list that beat romance fiction are movie tie-in books. Many people from my mom to even some romance readers do not treat these books with respect. And I will admit that I am unlikely to recommend any book from the romance genre to most book clubs.
But I do like to read them. I read for many reasons, but one of the main factors is to find a different world, one I can get lost in. And romances often take place in worlds that I will never enter. I can disappear into the fantasy world of a romance and not have to worry about anything for a few hours.
So Sherryl Woods is one of those novelists that can regularly "take me away" from my usual life. She creates interesting characters and communities; she sprinkles her books with humor and she often has a little bit to teach her readers.
Harbor Lights is set on the Maryland side of the Chesapeake Bay - one of my favorite bodies of water. Woods has written about 7 books set in the community of Chesapeake Shores. The main characters are the O'Briens and there are plenty of them so the books should keep on coming. And I will plan to visit this community again soon. This was a fun book.
But I do like to read them. I read for many reasons, but one of the main factors is to find a different world, one I can get lost in. And romances often take place in worlds that I will never enter. I can disappear into the fantasy world of a romance and not have to worry about anything for a few hours.
So Sherryl Woods is one of those novelists that can regularly "take me away" from my usual life. She creates interesting characters and communities; she sprinkles her books with humor and she often has a little bit to teach her readers.
Harbor Lights is set on the Maryland side of the Chesapeake Bay - one of my favorite bodies of water. Woods has written about 7 books set in the community of Chesapeake Shores. The main characters are the O'Briens and there are plenty of them so the books should keep on coming. And I will plan to visit this community again soon. This was a fun book.
December 22, 2010
I don't think I have said this before, but I can't stand the O'Brien sisters. They are completely insenistive about other people's feelings. All they care about is getting up into people's business and finding out what the hell is going on when it doesn't concern them.
I gave the previous two books 3 stars because the sisters weren't as bad in those but its like Woods makes up for it in this one. Kevin and Shanna are caught in the middle of the O'Brien family, Mick included.
With this book I don't know if I will be checking out the new ones that come out next Spring. If one is about Susie and Mack, then I will probably check out, but of course the O'Brien sisters will be all over that relationship.
I gave the previous two books 3 stars because the sisters weren't as bad in those but its like Woods makes up for it in this one. Kevin and Shanna are caught in the middle of the O'Brien family, Mick included.
With this book I don't know if I will be checking out the new ones that come out next Spring. If one is about Susie and Mack, then I will probably check out, but of course the O'Brien sisters will be all over that relationship.
June 16, 2011
Wonderful emotional read,absolutely loved Kevin-Shanna's love journey,as i m progressing with the series i m absolutely falling more and more in love with the O'Brains
Their fierce loyalty and striek of protectiveness for their own and the bond that they share is wonderful,absolutely love each O'Brians,Kevin is the sweetest man,wonderful father,brother and son
here we see hoe Megan's abandonment had affected Kevin but still the way he starts to understand Megan's decisions and her actions of past in a new light and cuts some slacks and understands her retaliation and actions for getting Mick's attention,his anger starts to fade and even helps out Mick once when he has to leave for Seattle in between
Shanna she has suffered in her own way and probably due to strong yearning for a close warm family and belong to a family,her previous marriage is based on this and it turns out to be disaster but still her bond with Henry is so strong even after court's order for no person visit to Henry they both miss each other and talk on phones,Shanna's bonding with Davy and Henry is good and i m glad she makes god friends in Bree-Abby-Jess-Susie
Kevin-Shanna both have their baggages and resistance but slowly they work it out and they realise their love for each other and it overcome all obstacles and hurdles
Absolutely enjoyed and loved Kevin-Shanna's story now going on to Mick-Megan's story
Good read
Recommend it
Their fierce loyalty and striek of protectiveness for their own and the bond that they share is wonderful,absolutely love each O'Brians,Kevin is the sweetest man,wonderful father,brother and son
here we see hoe Megan's abandonment had affected Kevin but still the way he starts to understand Megan's decisions and her actions of past in a new light and cuts some slacks and understands her retaliation and actions for getting Mick's attention,his anger starts to fade and even helps out Mick once when he has to leave for Seattle in between
Shanna she has suffered in her own way and probably due to strong yearning for a close warm family and belong to a family,her previous marriage is based on this and it turns out to be disaster but still her bond with Henry is so strong even after court's order for no person visit to Henry they both miss each other and talk on phones,Shanna's bonding with Davy and Henry is good and i m glad she makes god friends in Bree-Abby-Jess-Susie
Kevin-Shanna both have their baggages and resistance but slowly they work it out and they realise their love for each other and it overcome all obstacles and hurdles
Absolutely enjoyed and loved Kevin-Shanna's story now going on to Mick-Megan's story
Good read
Recommend it
July 30, 2016
Two-haiku review:
Wife died in Iraq
He and son move home to grieve
Falls for bookseller
Another good one
Series is satisfying
Love big family
Wife died in Iraq
He and son move home to grieve
Falls for bookseller
Another good one
Series is satisfying
Love big family
September 21, 2012
I am really enjoying this series so far. There is so much heart and warmth in these books.
Overall I enjoyed this instalment, but I did find some of the characters very irritating. Shanna should have told Lori where to shove her advice. Who needs a friend like her? I really was getting annoyed at her constant negativity and she was so unsupportive!
The constant overreaction of the O'Brien's in general was a little wearing. When Bree had her little outburst, I was honestly shocked at her bizarre behaviour. I am sure they are supposed to come across as fiercely protective, but I just thought they were unreasonable and unnecessarily volatile. Hopefully they will have calmed down a bit in the the next books (primarily because I have already bought the next three!).
Overall I enjoyed this instalment, but I did find some of the characters very irritating. Shanna should have told Lori where to shove her advice. Who needs a friend like her? I really was getting annoyed at her constant negativity and she was so unsupportive!
The constant overreaction of the O'Brien's in general was a little wearing. When Bree had her little outburst, I was honestly shocked at her bizarre behaviour. I am sure they are supposed to come across as fiercely protective, but I just thought they were unreasonable and unnecessarily volatile. Hopefully they will have calmed down a bit in the the next books (primarily because I have already bought the next three!).
February 9, 2013
I have read the two previous book of the Chesapeake Shores series by Sheryl Woods, The Inn at Eagle Point and Flowers on Main. I enjoyed both of the books and I was expecting to enjoy Harbor Lights just as much.
But it wasn't meant to be. I found it lacked chemistry between the hero and heroine, the plot seemed to be all over the place, and it really didn't resolve anything. No rotten tomatoes, please. It's just my opinion. I'm really disappointed, I was expecting so much.
I hate when this happens. Argh!
But it wasn't meant to be. I found it lacked chemistry between the hero and heroine, the plot seemed to be all over the place, and it really didn't resolve anything. No rotten tomatoes, please. It's just my opinion. I'm really disappointed, I was expecting so much.
I hate when this happens. Argh!
November 8, 2021
Great third book!! Can’t wait for the next! It’s too funny the differences between the show and the book series … I’m getting more and more mixed up with the characters LOL but still thoroughly enjoying this series!😀
July 15, 2024
Harbor Lights #3 Chesapeake Shores
5🌟
.
5🌟
.
May 1, 2012
Hero is a war veteran (medic) whose wife went back to the war, where she was killed, leaving him home to care for their toddler son. The story begins a year or so later, when his family decides it's time to get him out of his gloom and moving again. He has a really annoying, meddlesome family.
Heroine is the owner of the new bookstore next door to hero's sister's flower shop. She's divorced, with a stepson she didn't want to leave behind with his rich alcoholic father. Those backstories are only the beginning of the complications. It's a nicely told story. A good read.
Heroine is the owner of the new bookstore next door to hero's sister's flower shop. She's divorced, with a stepson she didn't want to leave behind with his rich alcoholic father. Those backstories are only the beginning of the complications. It's a nicely told story. A good read.
December 7, 2015
Yet another nice little novel about Chesapeake Shores ... I enjoy this series which I use as a palette cleanser or something to enjoy when I have a lot going on and need something on the lighter side. This series has been great as I've started a new job and am quite overwhelmed! It's nice to dig into this when I get home and need something relaxing to read!
October 24, 2018
I loved this book!! Great story!! 2nd time reading this book still love it!!
November 26, 2021
The amount of twists and turns Sheryl can put in one book. Honestly this series is just so good
March 10, 2025
Loved the book.especially the ending. Perfect 🌸
November 19, 2017
Another great story of the O'Brien family from Sherryl Woods. From the last book, we learned briefly that Kevin, who was still in the military had married another soldier, Georgia in the airport on his way to visit home. They were more or less thrown together in Iraq, both paramedics and didn't know each other all too well. Fast forward to Kevin finishing his tour as well as pregnant Georgia. But she was called back and willingly went after giving birth to their son Davey. This didn't sit well with Kevin, especially when Davey was barely a year old, that horrible knock on his door came to inform him of Georgia's death.
Fastforward almost another year and Kevin is living back in Chesapeake shores at the family home, everyone pitching in with Davey because Kevin has no idea what to do with his life. After some stern conversations with almost everyone in his family, Kevin decides it's time to quit moping and hiding and get out of the house.
He ventures into town and comes across a book store that will soon be opening right next door to his sister Bree's flower shop. He finds the owner, Shanna, horrified to find that her book shelves arrived but not assembled. This is how they meet. And Kevin is taken with Shanna, who is divorced and with a few secrets from her past as well.
Every one of the O'Briens loves to tease Kevin about how much time he spends at the book store and Davey loves to visit Shanna for stories and books. They both deny anything going on between them, but it seems they protest too much, the chemistry between them is undeniable.
Will they end up together or will Kevin being skiddish just out of a marriage and the death of his wife just over a year ago, plus the secret Shanna hasn't told him yet about her former marriage ruin their chances at happiness?
Fastforward almost another year and Kevin is living back in Chesapeake shores at the family home, everyone pitching in with Davey because Kevin has no idea what to do with his life. After some stern conversations with almost everyone in his family, Kevin decides it's time to quit moping and hiding and get out of the house.
He ventures into town and comes across a book store that will soon be opening right next door to his sister Bree's flower shop. He finds the owner, Shanna, horrified to find that her book shelves arrived but not assembled. This is how they meet. And Kevin is taken with Shanna, who is divorced and with a few secrets from her past as well.
Every one of the O'Briens loves to tease Kevin about how much time he spends at the book store and Davey loves to visit Shanna for stories and books. They both deny anything going on between them, but it seems they protest too much, the chemistry between them is undeniable.
Will they end up together or will Kevin being skiddish just out of a marriage and the death of his wife just over a year ago, plus the secret Shanna hasn't told him yet about her former marriage ruin their chances at happiness?
November 2, 2017
I didn't love this installment of Sherryl Woods's Chesapeake Shores Series. It wasn't the O'Brien sisters as other Goodreads friends mentioned - they had every right to meddle into Kevin's business, because he was frozen in his grief for the loss of his wife to an IED in Iraq. He has a toddler to raise.
True, there is no right nor wrong way to grieve, but Kevin really got on my very last nerve! He whined and whined and whined. Did I mention he whined?
But I fell in love with Main Street Bookseller, Shanna Carlyle, and Henry. They were the reasons I stayed with the novel.
Woods uses the traditional romance theme: Boy gets Girl, Boy loses Girl, and Boy gets Girl back. But the author uses Kevin and Shanna's past relationship baggage to tweak the traditional formula.
I do enjoy spending an afternoon with Sherryl Woods because she writes well and her narration is quick paced.
True, there is no right nor wrong way to grieve, but Kevin really got on my very last nerve! He whined and whined and whined. Did I mention he whined?
But I fell in love with Main Street Bookseller, Shanna Carlyle, and Henry. They were the reasons I stayed with the novel.
Woods uses the traditional romance theme: Boy gets Girl, Boy loses Girl, and Boy gets Girl back. But the author uses Kevin and Shanna's past relationship baggage to tweak the traditional formula.
I do enjoy spending an afternoon with Sherryl Woods because she writes well and her narration is quick paced.
July 20, 2019
ספר שלישי בסידרה של חופי צ'ספייק, הסוקרת את קורות בני משפחת אובריין. הפעם הספר מתמקד בקווין, חייל משוחרר שחוזר הביתה עם בנו בן השנתיים, אחרי שאשתו ואם בנו נהרגה בעירק. בעיירת הולדתו פוגש קווין את שאנה שהגיעה לעיירה לאחר נישואים כושלים, ופתחה של חנות ספרים.
הספר היה יכול להיות מקסים אם הוא היה מתמקד רק בסיפור האהבה של קווין ושאנה, ובדרך שלהם להחלמה משברון הלב שעברו בעבר. אבל למרבה הצער הספר כולל שלל דמויות משנה, שהתפקיד שלהן בעלילה מסתכם בהתערבות בלתי פוסקת בחיים ובמערכת היחסים של קווין ושאנה. זה מעיק, זה משעמם, וזה גרם לי לקרוא את הספר הזה לאטטטטטט. ספר שיכל בקלות לקבל 4 כוכבים, מקבל רק 3 בגלל דמויות משנה מעצבנות.
הספר היה יכול להיות מקסים אם הוא היה מתמקד רק בסיפור האהבה של קווין ושאנה, ובדרך שלהם להחלמה משברון הלב שעברו בעבר. אבל למרבה הצער הספר כולל שלל דמויות משנה, שהתפקיד שלהן בעלילה מסתכם בהתערבות בלתי פוסקת בחיים ובמערכת היחסים של קווין ושאנה. זה מעיק, זה משעמם, וזה גרם לי לקרוא את הספר הזה לאטטטטטט. ספר שיכל בקלות לקבל 4 כוכבים, מקבל רק 3 בגלל דמויות משנה מעצבנות.
November 15, 2018
Kevin's story. His wife was killed when she returned to Afghanistan, and he has returned home, to deal with his grief and guilt. She didn't have to go and Kevin did not understand her leaving when they just had had a baby.
Shanna has moved to Chesapeake Shores to open a book store. She is running after her divorce from an alcoholic and the court's decision that as a step mom she didn't have any visitation rights to the child from his previous marriage.
A little angst filled, but some good points on guilt.
Shanna has moved to Chesapeake Shores to open a book store. She is running after her divorce from an alcoholic and the court's decision that as a step mom she didn't have any visitation rights to the child from his previous marriage.
A little angst filled, but some good points on guilt.
August 23, 2017
Kevin and Shanna's Story
This is the third in the Chesapeake Shores series. If you're watching the TV series, the characters are the same but some plot changes happened when converting to a screenplay. I have only watched the first season, and am looking forward to the second season, but wanted to read the books first. This story of two people with a lot of past personal baggage was very interesting and I had trouble putting the book down.
This is the third in the Chesapeake Shores series. If you're watching the TV series, the characters are the same but some plot changes happened when converting to a screenplay. I have only watched the first season, and am looking forward to the second season, but wanted to read the books first. This story of two people with a lot of past personal baggage was very interesting and I had trouble putting the book down.
March 20, 2017
Pure romantic escapism with an environmental message. I love reading about the O'Brien's and all their entanglements. These books are easy to read, especially when you want to while away a rainy afternoon and don't want to think too hard about what you're reading.
January 14, 2019
First book I’ve read of this series, loved it. Story flowed very well, family dynamics was dynamite! Now I have to find books one and two in this series.
May 29, 2019
Another easy, enjoyable listen. I'm going to blow through this series this summer!!
November 3, 2019
Cute romantic read. I enjoyed this one more than I have any of the others by Ms. Woods.
July 22, 2022
This book series goes against the grain of the genres I typically reach for, but having gotten engrossed in two of Ms Woods' series turned to television shows, I am making an exception to my rule and seeing how the books compare to the screen version.
What I liked about Harbor Lights:
The O'Briens - Their personality and family dynamics amuse me. Meddling, teasing, squabbling, snarkiness. I am all 100% on board with the interactions of this family.
What I didn't care for:
Wry - I swear, if one more person spoke or smiled wryly, I might have pitched the book out the door.
What left me conflicted:
More romance-centric - I am not really much for a romance novel. There can be romance, but I need there to be more substance to the book than that. In the previous two books of this series, in addition to a romance budding, you had personal dreams and business ventures, family dynamics and friendships, personal demons and baggage that needed addressing. These things all existed in Harbor Lights as well, but it felt like the bulk of the story was Kevin and Shanna falling in love, which...meh. I wanted more balance in favor the other aspects and a little less pining and "we shouldn't but we're going to but then we're going to swear that we won't anymore except oops, we just did." The qualities I like were there and enjoyable, just not in the balance I would prefer.
Worth noting:
There is no coarse language in this book but there is one bedroom scene, and while it is handled fairly tastefully, it is still likely more explicit than some might be comfortable with.
I feel as if I had a lot more two say when I reviewed the first two books in this series. But that may be due to the fact that I enjoyed them a little more than I did this one. While I didn't hate the book, it was definitely my least favorite to this point. I continue to like the characters and the setting, but the situation that dictated the plot felt a bit off the mark for me, and I could have done with more familial developments and less schmaltzy lovey-dove content. I am by no means writing off this series, and I do look forward to more O'Brien meddling and antics to come.
What I liked about Harbor Lights:
The O'Briens - Their personality and family dynamics amuse me. Meddling, teasing, squabbling, snarkiness. I am all 100% on board with the interactions of this family.
What I didn't care for:
Wry - I swear, if one more person spoke or smiled wryly, I might have pitched the book out the door.
What left me conflicted:
More romance-centric - I am not really much for a romance novel. There can be romance, but I need there to be more substance to the book than that. In the previous two books of this series, in addition to a romance budding, you had personal dreams and business ventures, family dynamics and friendships, personal demons and baggage that needed addressing. These things all existed in Harbor Lights as well, but it felt like the bulk of the story was Kevin and Shanna falling in love, which...meh. I wanted more balance in favor the other aspects and a little less pining and "we shouldn't but we're going to but then we're going to swear that we won't anymore except oops, we just did." The qualities I like were there and enjoyable, just not in the balance I would prefer.
Worth noting:
There is no coarse language in this book but there is one bedroom scene, and while it is handled fairly tastefully, it is still likely more explicit than some might be comfortable with.
I feel as if I had a lot more two say when I reviewed the first two books in this series. But that may be due to the fact that I enjoyed them a little more than I did this one. While I didn't hate the book, it was definitely my least favorite to this point. I continue to like the characters and the setting, but the situation that dictated the plot felt a bit off the mark for me, and I could have done with more familial developments and less schmaltzy lovey-dove content. I am by no means writing off this series, and I do look forward to more O'Brien meddling and antics to come.
January 22, 2023
I loved the Sweet Magnolia series. So I had not doubt that I’d love this series as well. So thankful my grandma shared her book with me to enjoy. She and my grandpa are the ones who shared the love of reading so many years ago. It’s extra special to me now since my grandpa passed away last March. It’s something I’m able to share with my littles and he still lives on through our hearts. Every time I read, I always think of him and my grandma.
September 21, 2022
This series gets better and better with each book! I can’t wait to go back to Chesapeake Shores in the next one! The only negative is reading the series makes me sad that this is the last season of the Hallmark television series.
July 20, 2024
This was a good story. Would have rated higher, but the guy lead was annoying.
November 9, 2024
It's making me want to visit that area so it has that going for it
November 5, 2025
Didn't love the portrayal of Kevin but good book nonetheless.
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