Nancy’s Reviews > Blackberry Beach > Status Update

we’ve spoken with the Helping Hands board and thrown our hat in the ring. We’ll be married before all the paperwork and final approval from the state are completed, and we can’t think of a more gratifying way to spend our retirement than by helping children get a solid start in life in a loving home.” Zach stared at them. The engagement announcement wasn’t unexpected. But houseparents at Hope House?

Mistaken note. Read HH6 in Jan. 2025 and Steven Roark was main character in that book. In HH5 he was minor character = Thomma’s boss on boat. I confused him with Doug ! Doug’s main emphasis was re: Pelican Point Lighthouse. (Mixed up because of military background.)

Today had not played out as he’d expected. Frank flipped the single piece of salmon destined to be his Wednesday dinner, closed the lid on the small grill, and ambled over to the edge of the patio.

Aunt S to Frank
There was ample opportunity to talk in the quiet bedroom, as Frank had indicated—but all at once he seemed tongue-tied. Not a problem. After years of cultivating clients and running meetings, keeping the conversational ball in the air was a no-brainer. Rule number one—ask open-ended questions.

Aunt + Zach
What are we having?” “Cioppino, featuring shellfish and halibut straight off the wharf. I picked up the ingredients after the boats came in.” “I’m glad I had a light lunch. Give me a few minutes to freshen up and I’ll set the table.”

she adjusted her sunglasses and scooted to the far end, pulling her bag along with her. As if to accommodate the new addition to their trio, the two seagulls stood, waddled a few feet away, and snuggled up together on the sidewalk, keeping the human couple under surveillance. Zach sat,

“You could join her. There’s room on the bench.” “I don’t know.” He studied her again. “She likes her privacy.” “Privacy has its pluses—but too much solitude can get lonely.” She leaned down to share a bite of her taco with one of the two birds. “She doesn’t have to be lonely. Hope Harbor is a welcoming place.” “Maybe that’s why she came into town today. For company.”

The truth was, acting had been the most fun back in college, on a small stage with a live audience, before money and power trips and publicity stunts were involved. When she did it out of love. But perhaps that was true of any passion.

Kat + Charley

“Thank you. Making chocolate is fun.” “And acting isn’t?” “Um . . . yeah. Of course it’s fun.” Or it had been, once upon a time. Before all the craziness began to suck the joy out of performing. Before everyone wanted a piece of her. Before fame became a carrot that enticed her to do things she later lamented. Before someone died.

Why don’t you see if they’re assembling a landscaping crew?” “That’s a great idea,” Zach chimed in. “Father Murphy created a beautiful meditation garden behind St. Francis.” “Thank you for the compliment.” The priest gave a slight bow. “I’ll see if those skills are on the list. I also want to add an idea for a fundraiser. I was thinking we could hold a Taste of Hope Harbor gathering,