🍇🏖️ "Blackberry Beach" (Hope Harbor #7) (2021) 🏖️🍇 - Book Review
MY REVIEW
Series: Hope Harbor (Book #7)
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Revell (April 6, 2021)
Language: English
ISBN 10: 080073615X
ISBN-13: 978-0800736156
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“Katherine Parker is on the cusp of having everything she ever wanted--fame, money, and acclaim. So why isn't she happy? In search of answers, she comes incognito to Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast for some R&R. Maybe in her secluded rental house overlooking the serene Pacific she'll be able to calm the storm inside.
Coffee shop owner Zach Garrett has found his niche after a traumatic loss--and he has no plans to change the life he's created. Nor does he want to get involved with his reticent new neighbor, whose past is shrouded in mystery. He's had enough drama to last a lifetime. But when Katherine and Zach are recruited to help rehab a home for foster children, sparks fly. And as their lives begin to intersect, might they find more common ground than they expected . . . and discover that, with love, all things are possible?”
Thank you in advance to the publisher, Revell (a division of Baker Books), for providing an advanced review copy through Interviews & Reviews. A positive review was not requested or required, and all words are my own.
This was not my first visit to Hope Harbor. I was introduced to the series last year with Starfish Pier. And, I recently read the author’s new suspense series – Triple Threat – Point of Danger. The author manages to write both genres masterfully and draw readers in.
This is the author’s seventh (7th) book in this series, and definitely an interesting one. There is so much she tackles in this with regard to certain subjects. But, as with the previous book, Starfish Pier, she does so in a way that isn’t preachy or bold. She merely brings up a view, popular or not, and poses it in a way that does make the reader at least think.
The books in the series have striking and vivid covers that a reader could easily envision themselves in Hope Harbor. This was no different.
There are only a few characters that appear from previous novels: Charley the Taco vendor, Steven Roark (Starfish Pier), and Adam (Sandpiper Cove). The characters from Hope Harbor, Sea Rose Lane, Pelican Point, and Driftwood Bay do not make any appearances in this book.
Speaking of characters – the main characters are Zach, Kat (Katherine), Zach’s aunt Stephanie, and Zach’s barista Frank. Minor characters are Simon (a major pain) and Charley.
I REALLY would love to see Charley get his own story.
Right off, I adored Zach. He was one of the best characters. And, in contrast to him, there was selfish Simon. Kat (Katherine) took a bit of getting used to. Stephanie was interesting, especially given her background. Frank was one of those that took some time, but was deeply conflicted. Experiencing a loss and trying to move on can seem like a betrayal.
The plot is beautiful – a deep introspective look into fame, a reflection finding ourselves, and what we want from life.
This had a bit of mystery; and a slow romance with gripping and emotional prose, often being philosophical.
Hannon’s descriptive and vivid writing set the tone for this and put me right into the setting. Definitely a beach type read that was hard to put down.
Readers will get not one, but two romances – Zach/Kat (Katherine) and Stephanie/Frank.
The story starts off with mystery woman Kat – who is she, where is she from, and what is her story? Only taco seller Charley knows who she is and her past.
But, Kat isn’t the only newbie to Hope Harbor; Zach’s aunt is also there as well. And, she provides a good view on houseguests – “after three days, guests, like fish, start to smell”. I will admit to chuckling with it.
Kat, a recluse, meets Zack after sampling the blackberries. She’s there after an “incident” involving someone she was close to. I was very curious as to what the incident was. As a result she remains stand-offish, and she isn’t too keen to go back to Hollywood.
She’s there to relax, and Zach offers friendship – nothing more, despite his growing feelings for her. But, her agent Simon doesn’t respect her privacy. In fact, a script comes his way that will launch Kat into stardom – but, there is a problem with it, one that challenges her morals, which are dear to her.
While it isn’t just the script where her dilemma lies – it is also her future. Does she want to go back to what she’s wanted, or does she want to settle in Hope Harbor.
One hobby that Kat enjoys; and could be “fruitful” – chocolate making, specifically truffles. Oh, how I wish I could’ve tasted them. The author described them so beautifully; I could practically smell the chocolate. It was truly so vivid and real that I wanted to grab a chocolate bar.
Moving on …
The problem, as Charley notes, is that Kat’s success isn’t what she envisioned. Rarely is. “Most things in life are a mixed blessing”, and he isn’t far off from that as Zach and his aunt know from personal experience.
Zach, Kat, Stephanie, and Frank are also connected to the local charity – Helping Hands. This briefly touches on Adam’s past as an ex-con. Readers familiar to the series will remember his introduction in Sandpiper Cove.
Hannon slightly tackles the issue of ex-cons, especially those who are trying to make a new life after paying their debt to society. Some readers might have issues with that, depending on the crime. It is a tough subject.
The romances of Zach/Katherine and Stephanie/Frank slightly parallel the other. Katherine is at odds with herself over her career, not knowing if she is returning to Hollywood. Stephanie has retired, and after having a good career, she has no one to share her success with. She doesn’t want to move to Hope Harbor unless there is a future for her there – she already has that issue in New York.
As Katherine states, acting was more fun when done out of love rather than obligation. I think this is true of almost any “craft” out there. Stephanie was pushed to success by her father because of the strides he made.
Zach has his own tale of giving up a lucrative job to try a dream or passion.
While Zach is patient with Kat, Simon (Kat’s agent) is the opposite – pushy and demanding. As a result, it isn’t long until Zach discovers who Kat really is when Simon shows up. Still, that doesn’t change their dynamics. But, it puts new obstacles in Katherine’s way.
At that point it was clear – this guy really is all about the money. The confrontation with Simon really puts the Hollywood life in perspective.
While Katherine is undecided on her future, when something comes up in Zach’s personal life – her wisdom is beautiful, touching, and appropriate. It is the absolute example of God using trials for miracles.
While Zach and Katherine decide how they want to proceed (if they do), Frank and Stephanie’s road is different. Nothing is tying her to her old life in New York, yet Frank can’t get past the past. It’s easy to see where he is coming from. In addition, he doesn’t feel he measures up to what Stephanie has experienced. She, on the other hand, hasn’t “experienced” much due to her career.
The last third (1/3) of the book really begins to pick up.
The personal issue was Zach was definitely easy to see coming. Katherine’s decision, to me, was obvious. I think I knew that was coming. She definitely asks two questions we all should take time for:
** Who was she?
** Who did she want to be?
This was one of those reads that is emotionally engaging, challenges us to find the answers to Katherine’s questions, while pointing out that success is different to everyone – rich, poor, married, single. It shows the upsides and downsides of what we want, the realities of getting it, and the value of the sacrifices made. Perhaps the best nugget of wisdom from this – “the heart is the best compass at any road”.
God truly puts things in our way to help us discover all of what and who we’re meant to be, and where we’re meant to be doing what we should be doing.
This was such a beautiful story, but it did seem a bit odd to not include a few more characters from the previous books. As Steven was mentioned, I was hoping to find out how he and Holly were doing.
Fans of the author, those who’ve read the previous books in the series; and those who enjoy Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove series are sure to enjoy this book. And, I know I am eagerly awaiting my to return to Hope Harbor next spring (2022).
On the suspense end – I dearly loved the self-plug in chapter 15! Then again, I also adored the name of a minor character – Dr. Edwards. I think the reason why is obvious.
As this is distributed by Revell (a division of Baker Books), a Christian/faith themed publisher; there will be references of faith and God, second chances, forgiveness, and redemption. These are slightly tied to the story’s central theme.
Even though this is part of a series, it is easily a standalone read, but I would suggest reading them all together to see the progression of the series and where it all got started.
Speaking of getting started …
If you’re on Revell’s Beyond The Book Facebook page, Hope Harbor will be April’s “read of the month”. I already have my copy and can’t wait to get to the beginning for this series!
Oh, and yes Frank, I remember the movie Crocodile Dundee.
RATING:
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html)
Other Books in the Series:
Yet when both Jeanette and Logan find themselves pulled into the life of a tattered Christian family fleeing persecution in war-torn Syria, might they discover that love sometimes comes calling when it's least expected?”
Series: Hope Harbor (Book #6)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than sixty novels, including the long-running Hope Harbor series, as well as Point of Danger and the Code of Honor, Private Justice, and Men of Valor suspense series, among others. Her books have been honored with three coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, and she is a member of that organization's elite Hall of Fame. Her many other awards include National Readers' Choice, Daphne du Maurier, Retailers' Choice, Booksellers' Best, Carol, and Reviewers' Choice from RT Book Reviews magazine, which also honored her with a Career Achievement Award for her entire body of work. In addition, she is a two-time Christy Award finalist. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.
You can find her on the following social media accounts:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100050942934639
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irenehannonauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/IreneHannon
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