🏖️☀️ "Hope Harbor" (Hope Harbor #1) (2015) ☀️🏖️ - Book Review
MY REVIEW
I was introduced to the author’s writing last year with a spiral bound ARC of the sixth (6th) novel in this series, Starfish Pier. I also read the first book in her newest suspense series, Point of Danger (Triple Threat #1).
In anticipation of this year’s newest release in the Hope Harbor series, Blackberry Beach (#7), I decided to buy books 1-5, along with a paperback copy of #6 since my ARC was a bit … big (you can read that blog here: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/02/starfish-pier-hope-harbor-series-6-2020.html).
And, while my TBR list is frighteningly overwhelming, this series is definitely on my “PRIORITY” list.
In April, Revell’s Beyond the Book Facebook Group, picked Hope Harbor (#1) as its monthly read. So, of course it took me nearly a month to read it. Otherwise, this book is a two (2) to three (3) day read as most Revell books are.
This particular book sets the stage for the series and establishes certain characters that may or may not appear over the course of the series.
And, like the other two books, Hannon adds some real-life issues to the story. Some that make readers take stock of their own views as well without coming across as preachy or in-your-face. There is a subtlety that exists keeping the reader focused on the story rather than the individual message.
This book deals heavily with death of a spouse (two in this case), grief, loss, depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), suicide, and teen pregnancy. So, it isn’t a light read by any stretch of the imagination. Then again it isn’t a “Debbie Downer” read either.
This fabulous book starts off with a stunning and gorgeous cover that fits this book to a “T”. And, it definitely feels like a vacation or a “second chance” type of location.
Readers will be introduced to Tracy, Michael, Anna, Grace, along with our favorite (as he will become) taco-peddling sage – Charley. Tracy and Michael have similar tragedies as they will come to know.
The POVs switch from Tracey who I wasn’t too sure about, but came to understand; Michael, who I instantly liked and felt sad for; and prickly Anna, who I never really warmed up to, but admired her taking a step forward later in the book.
Written with an easy flow and short chapters; Hope Harbor is dramatic, emotional, inspiring, and thought-provoking.
Right off Michael is disappointed in his trip – the Sea Gull Hotel is closed and he has no idea where he is going to stay. He’s arrived in Hope Harbor as more of a fulfillment promise to his late wife as it was a special place to her. He’s also there to clear his mind and relax from his work.
He then, literally, runs into Tracy.
Anna is pretty much a recluse, but thanks to Charley and his free order of tacos for the guy, she meets Michael. Michael reminds her of her son John. She, for some reason, invites Michael to stay in her annex.
Right off, with that start, Hope Harbor is gripping and emotional; and has me wanting to know more about the three characters.
Tracy is trying to keep her uncle and his wife’s cranberry farm afloat, though it isn’t easy. Hannon realistically threw in the struggles to show what a farming industry faces in today’s world. In addition, Tracy seems to be the “go-to” person for Helping Hands, a charity that needs some structure and financial help.
Michael heads to a church and gives up because of the message. But, clearly there is a reason for his “mission” in Hope Harbor. He runs into Tracy again, though not as devastating as the first time and learns about Helping Hands. He also thinks she’s married. But, that isn’t the case.
Eventually, Tracy gets Michael to volunteer and he helps someone with a simple job. Though, it is clear his talents lie elsewhere. For some reason, he doesn’t want to talk about his job at his non-profit. And, readers learn he lost his wife 18 months ago and Tracy lost her husband 2 years earlier so she “gets” it. Now, Michael wants to know more this fascinating woman.
Anna’s husband is deceased and her son is estranged. And, for a while, the reader has to “hold on” before learning what happened. Though Anna realizes she’s being stubborn which is a terrible way to be. At least she knows it.
Neither Tracy or Michael want to fall in love again. But, as they both learn – God does amazing work at bringing people together. And, on page 86, Hannon uses something my mother used to teach me – “What we want and what God gives us are often two different things.”
Both Michael and Tracy feel responsible for their spouses’ deaths. And, by Michael helping with Tracy’s cranberry farm, the two grow close. Close enough that they end up solving a potential problem with a teen.
Anna has a slight accident that results in her needing assistance, and the young person who comes her way reminds her of the past. Yet, she is still compelled to help the girl.
While Michael still loves his wife, he’s wondering if there is room for someone else, particularly Tracy. He is definitely open to exploring his feelings; but his return to Chicago looms in the distance. Though he does feel like he is dishonoring Julie by enjoying the town she loved.
Tracy then has to confront her own past and tells Michael of her spouse’s death. This might be difficult for readers who’ve lost a loved one in this manner. It is interesting to see how Michael doesn’t judge Tracy and helps her.
Grace helps Anna see why holding on to the past is robbing her of a future. It isn’t until 2/3 in that Anna begins the process of reconciling with her son. And, a tense reunion between Grace and her parents has Anna recounting her own tragic story that led to her current, and lonely life. It was, to me, a risk for Michael to suggest Anna taking Grace in not knowing the situation. And, I am not sure I would’ve suggested it. Still, it works in a way that has a profound effect on everyone.
And, Michael comes up with a unique way to save the cranberry farm that involves Anna.
The ending is a bit predictable, but lovely. And, since it establishes the series, obviously readers will have to keep reading it to see where it is going.
There were times this was an over-whelming read, and other times I just couldn’t put it down. There is a plot point that I hope to see addressed in future novels. I did have an idea as Tracy and Michael were getting together and wondered if they were going to play a part with Grace’s “future”.
One funny moment involves Anna and a rabbit. The readers are also introduced to Floyd the seagull, newly widowed, but gets “Gladys” as a mate.
As it is distributed by Revell; there will be some references to God, second chances, themes of redemption, bible quotes, and LOTS of bible lessons. It is a clean read with no foul language or intimate scenes. There is a “questionable” word in it (sl-t) that some readers might object to.
One of the questions from Beyond the Book addressed the idea of packing up and moving to find love or explore it. It is clear that Michael has nothing in Chicago and could make new memories in Hope Harbor. This book teaches us that sometimes in getting away, we often gain a perspective we don’t have where we are. And, we that we heal by helping.
There is no doubt now that I want to see what becomes of the characters from this book in books 2-6 as they don’t seem to appear in books #6 and #7. I also recommend readers do the same.
Fans of the author, and those who enjoy Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove and Blossom Street series are sure to enjoy this one.
Check out my blog on Blackberry Beach (https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2021/03/blackberry-beach-hope-harbor-7-book.html) to see purchase links for the series, as well as short blurbs.
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)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than forty-five romantic suspense and contemporary romance/women’s fiction novels including the Heroes of Quantico, Guardians of Justice, and Private Justice series., along with That Certain Summer and One Perfect Spring. Her books have garnered dozens of honors including two coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America. She is a two-time Christy Award finalist.
You can also 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
Website: www.irenehannon.com
* This post contains affiliate links
Comments
Post a Comment