🗻 🧰 🏚️ 🏠 “Windswept Way” (Hope Harbor #9) (2023) 🏠 🏚️ 🧰 🗻 – Book Review
MY REVIEW
Series: Hope Harbor (Book #9)
Paperback: 352 Pages
Publisher: Revell (April 4, 2023)
Language: English
ISBN 10: 0800741919
ISBN-13: 978-0800741914
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“Buying a haunted house was never in Ashley Scott's plans, but when an intriguing opportunity drops into her lap after a major setback, she finds herself trekking cross-country to Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast to launch a new life.
Wounded warrior Jonathan Gray isn't sure what to make of the attractive woman on his reclusive older neighbor's isolated property, but her presence is none of his business--until she enlists his help with an ambitious project. When Jonathan finds his interest in the new arrival becoming more personal than professional, however, his defenses go up. There's no room in his life--or his heart--for romance.
Yet, as these three hurting people join forces to restore life, laughter, and love to a historic estate that has known too much sadness, they may also find healing, hope, and happiness for themselves.”
Thank you in advance to the publisher, Revell (a division of Baker Books), for providing a complimentary review copy through Interviews and Reviews. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
I got started reading the Hope Harbor series with the sixth (6th) book, Starfish Pier in 2020. I enjoyed it so much that I ended up buying books #1-#5 in the series with plans to read them before the seventh (7th) book was released. I read the first book, Hope Harbor as part of the Beyond the Book Facebook monthly read, but books #2-#5 still remain on the TBR list. Each year I look forward to the latest visit to the newest installment (despite still needing to read four books).
I have found that with a series, it is best to read the previous books prior to the new release if you’re new to the series. This is usually because some characters from the previous books return and/or there are SOME references to events in the previous books. However, unlike some series, not all of the characters featured in Hope Harbor return.
Hannon introduces us to:
🏡 Ashley
🧰 Jon
🏡 Rose
🧰 Kyle
💘 Laura
While welcoming back:
🖌️🌮 Charley (artist and taco maker)
📰 Marci (Pelican Point)
✨ B.J. (Sea Rose Lane)
⚖️ Eric (Sea Rose Lane)
☕ Zach (Blackberry Beach)
🚓 Lexie (Sandpiper Cove)
⛪ Rev. Paul Baker
⛪ Father Kevin Murphy
Charley is one of the rare characters from the series that has appeared in ALL of the novels. I’d LOVE to see him get his own story, or at least a “secondary” story line. He has SO much to offer, other than an order of free tacos to each newbie.
There is a slight issue with a minor character (who died by suicide before the events of the story). Some people might find a sentence particularly triggering regarding the individual’s disability. Hannon only uses ONCE it as an event in a character’s life which forces them to make a decision. It has no real connection to the plot past that point. Sadly, it was a reality years ago.
Readers get the story from three (3) POVs – Ashley, Jon, and Rose.
Before I continue, I have to note – the cover is pretty spectacular. The dress the woman is wearing kind of gives off the 1940’s vibes, and I LOVE the rich and bold colors.
That said …
The first line drew me right in …
“Maybe buying a haunted house wasn’t her best idea.”
With that first line, as well as Charley and his famous tacos, it officially marks Ashley’s arrival in Hope Harbor.
Ashley is “partnering” with the owner of the house (Rose) to restore and use it in a more purposeful manner. Of course, Ashley running into a masked man with a chainsaw has her rethinking her plans.
Obviously, Ashley sees a lot of potential in the house – though she does have a budget. Her partner though is willing to work with her.
Before long, Ashley meets the man behind the mask and the chainsaw.
Jon is hiding from his scars that he left Afghanistan with. He’s found a job that he can hide from the world with. What he doesn’t count on – his lovely new neighbor. He does wonder if his scars are going to cost him the job though.
Ashley sees beyond that and the two start a casual friendship with the goal of restoring the house. Neither one is looking for romance and are content to be just friends. Kyle (one of Jon’s employees) and even Jon’s sister (Laura) are trying to get him into a romance.
Despite his best intentions, Jon slowly begins to have feelings for Ashley while she is trying to see that he isn’t like her ex.
Ashley (and even Jon), quite by accident, discover Rose’s piano playing. This leads to an offer for a “professional” engagement, which Rose declines. Though, she does seem to have a few secret talents for a woman of her age, and she wants the venture to succeed despite Ashley’s concerns about the cost.
It doesn’t take long for the masks to come off, walls to crumble, and Charley’s advice (and tacos) to reveal the layers of the past and open new doors – along with certain secrets in this heart-warming, heart-wrenching, second chance romance that teaches us to see past the exterior as well as façades.
With new and familiar characters – Hope Harbor comes alive with each book and draws not only new residents to it, but readers as well.
Hannon kept my attention from the first page to last. The short chapters and fast-pacing made this a quick read. I ended up reading it in three (3) hours. For a novel of this size, that’s quite fast.
There was a slight typo when referring to a law regarding medical privacy. It is commonly known as HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). It was written as HIPPA, which is incorrect. This seems to be the only error in the book.
There are heart-wrenching moments, but very realistic attitudes regarding Jon and his scars. Jon seems to have been living a “COVID” like existence with masks and social distancing. The reference to the pandemic might make some people a bit skittish.
I love how Hannon wove the entire story together and even had me guessing about a 5-year-old by the name of Lucy Lynn that Rose was caring for. I also enjoyed finding out about Rose and the piano, especially with the song “Claire de Lune” – a favorite from not just my Fisher Price record player, but the movie “Twilight”.
Readers of the previous books will definitely want to check this one out. It reminds me of Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove series. Fans of that series might want to check this one out as well.
While Revell is a primarily Christian publisher, and the book features two “men of faith” in it as characters, the faith references are more character centric rather than plot driven.
I am definitely interested in a return trip to Hope Harbor next year with the tenth (10th) novel, Sandcastle Inn.
RATING:
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html; update: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2022/07/what-goes-into-my-reviews-2022-edition.html)
DATES READ: 4/20-4/21 (2023)
Previous 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)
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?”
Series: Hope Harbor (Book #8)
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Revell (April 5, 2025)
Language: English
ISBN 10: 0800736168
ISBN-13: 978-0800736163
Click Photo for Purchase Information ➡️
“Christi Reece is desperate. The one-time golden girl's life has tarnished, and a cascade of setbacks has left her reeling. She needs help, and she's certain Jack Colby is in a position to provide it.
When she shows up in Hope Harbor, however, Jack wants nothing to do with the woman who betrayed him. He's built a new life on the Oregon coast--and there's no room in it for Christi, even after she takes refuge in a charming but mysterious cottage nearby. Yet it soon becomes apparent his opinion of her may need revising . . . especially when he ends up needing her help.
Can these two hurting souls make peace with their past and open their hearts to a new beginning?
Come home to Hope Harbor--where hearts heal . . . and love blooms.”
Next Book in the Series:
Series: Hope Harbor (Book #10)
Paperback: 352 Pages
Publisher: Revell (April 2, 2024)
Language: English
ISBN 10: 0800741927
ISBN-13: 978-0800741921
Click Photo for Purchase Information
“Vienna Price never intended to return for more than a passing visit to Oregon and all the bad memories she'd left behind. But when your career tanks, home is where you go to nurse your wounds and chart a new course. Only temporarily, of course--because as much as she loves her quirky mom, anything more than a short stay would drive them both crazy.
A trip to Oregon isn't in Matt Quinn's plans, either, until a perfectly timed appeal for help arrives from his sister. What better place to decompress after a shattering loss than a quiet, seaside town named Hope Harbor? But R&R isn't on the agenda when he arrives to find his sister's new enterprise on life support.
Vienna, however, may have just the skills needed to resuscitate the foundering B&B--if Matt can convince her to hang around long enough to mend an inn . . . and his heart.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Irene Hannon is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than sixty contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. In addition to her many other honors, she is a three-time winner of the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers of America. She is also a member of RWA's elite Hall of Fame and has received a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. 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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