After tragedy upends her world, Jeannette Mason retreats to the tiny Oregon seaside town of Hope Harbor to create a new life. Vowing to avoid emotional attachments, she focuses on running her lavender farm and tea-room–until a new neighbor with a destructive dog and a forlorn little girl invades her turf. But she needn’t worry. Dr. Logan West is too busy coping with an unexpected family, a … radical lifestyle change, and an unruly pup to have any interest in his aloof and disagreeable neighbor.
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?
Bestselling and award-winning author Irene Hannon invites readers back to the charming seaside town of Hope Harbor, where they are sure to find peace, healing, and a second chance at happiness.
more
Beautifully written and deeply emotional, this is arguably the best of the Hope Harbor books, and that’s saying a lot. I highly recommend it.
I was waiting for Driftwood Bay to be published since reading the author’s tease in Pelican Point, book 4 in the Hope Harbor series. It is like meeting up with an old friend and catching up on their lives. We vacation along the Oregon Coast for about a week each summer and the charm of Hope Harbor resonates with me.
Logan is new to Hope Harbor and although Jeanette has been pouring herself into her new business for over a year, she hasn’t really connected with many people and that was her plan when settling in the tiny coastal town. Irene Hannon has the gift of creating characters that she can delve into and bring out their best traits and leaves them happy for the changes. Logan and Jeanette do not seem, at first to have any chance of becoming good neighbors let alone friends. I enjoyed the pace that their pasts emerged as they began to change.
Charlie, a constant in all Hope Harbor books, has the wisdom and insight that leaves many wondering how he can know their thoughts or what they need. Does he have special gifts or are his words of advice simply coincidence? Either way, he is near when least expected and knows when you “might” show up for one of his famous fish tacos.
I recommend this book with 5 stars simply because it is that good. Hope Harbor is a special place in the heart of Irene Hannon’s fans. Just enough magic inspired by faith, love and a wonderful location to change the hearts of those who need it most. I am already looking forward to book 6 in this series.
When broken people need hope after loss or just finding a place to start over what better place then a town named Hope Harbor. I love the fun characters in this small town of Hope Harbor, no matter what or who needs something it seems like they are always willing to come together and help each other out. I love how the Priest and the pastor are always joking around yet always helping those in town no matter who it is. I think in all the books I have read in the Hope Harbor Series Charley is my favorite character he reminds me of the Bible verse that talks about Entertaining angels unaware. The story in this book just broke my heart about how the little girls lost so much. I had a hard time putting this book down while it dealt with a lot of loss it also had points of laughter and fun. I loved that this book was a good clean read and was so powerful. If you are looking for a really good book you can’t go wrong with this series.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a review and have given my honest opinion
I picked this up because of the subplot about Syrian refugees, but it’s so much more. Hope Harbor is a delightful refuge for hurting people to grieve and heal. My favorite character runs a taco truck and, might be an angel, or at least a reminder that wisdom can be found in unusual places. Bring a Kleenex box for the happy tears!
Such a beautiful story. All of the Hope Harbor books are romantic, inspiring, so good for the heart. I’m excited to be starting Starfish Pier now, which is the latest in the series. Irene Hannon is one of my favorite authors.
My Review:
Genre: Romance, a little suspense/mystery.
My Rating: 4 stars.
My Recommendation: 16 up for romance.
My favorite character/s: Logan, I love how he’s so kind and loving even when he’s eh, ignored or rather pushed away. I did feel bad that he almost lost people he cared about!
My Verse for Logan is Luke 6:31
And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. (King James Version.)
My Thoughts: Aw, this story was so sweet! I loved the whole move from the city to a little town and everything. This is my first read by Irene Hannon and I must say I was hooked with the first page. I will be sure to try another book from the author and you should too!
Warnings: None.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review and am truly happy to provide it!
Hope Harbor is an absolutely delightful contemporary romance series from Irene Hannon. Small town Hope Harbor seems to draw those who are hurting and trying to find hope. The main characters follow from book to book and are a wonderfully unique group of people from Charley who runs the Taco Stand and talks to the pigeons at the harbor as well as giving sage advice to his customers; to Father Murphy, the Catholic priest, and Reverend Baker, Protestant minister, who join forces to help the citizens of Hope Harbor
This book focuses on Jeanette Mason who is drawn to Hope Harbor after tragic events and leads as introverted life raising lavender and running her tea room. The second MC is a new to town young doctor, Logan West, who has ended up with custody of his 5 year old niece, Molly, after the death of her father, his brother. Also featured is a Syrian family who has been relocated thanks to Father Murphy and Reverend Baker. The citizens work hard to make them feel a part of Hope Harbor.
Another easy to read, very enjoyable contemporary romance with an interesting plot that leads to a HEA ending for all of the characters.
I’m so happy to have discovered this wonderful author because from the moment I started reading this heartwarming story I couldn’t put it down. The story is heartwarming and the characters will wrap themselves around your heart and will stay with you long after their story ends. I wish I could live in a town as inspirational as Driftwood Bay because of the wonderful people who live there and the overwhelming support they offer each other and the immigrant family the congregation welcomes with open arms. The characters of Logan, Jeanette and Moly will capture your heart as they struggle to overcome overwhelming loss and learn to trust in love again. This is a truly delightful and captivating read. I read an early copy of this book through NetGalley and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.
I loved this book as much as I loved the first 4 in the series!! I love that we continue to get Charley and his fish tacos, Floyd and Gladys make their appearances, and Casper!! This time, we even got to meet Toby. Animals add a lot to the storyline! I especially liked the way she wove Molly, Logan, and Jeanette’s stories together, with that thread running through of how each dealt differently with their losses. And, that no matter what our actions may try to say, sometimes it just isn’t as clear as actually saying the words!!
Great book
Driftwood Bay is about a lonely woman, Jeanette, who has determined to live a solitary life. Her plans are foiled when a single doctor and his young niece interrupt her solitude. At the same time, a refugee family that the church and town have committed to helping is in need of assistance that she can give if she is willing to step out of her comfort zone. Her faith and her conscience continue to drive her to do what she knows is right even if it’s not in accordance with her plans.
This story really focuses on grief and healing and being able to move forward after terrible things happen in life instead of staying in the grief. And it’s about allowing love for other people and from other people to help you heal. I really enjoyed reading Driftwood Bay. The characters are likeable and relatable. And the emotions that the characters are dealing with are emotions that I think a lot of people can connect with. I would definitely recommend this book.
***Thank you to the publisher and author for sending me a copy of this book to review. My review is my own opinion, and I was not obligated to give a positive review.
In Ms. Hannon’s latest Hope Harbor novel, readers will meet Jeannette and Logan. Jeannette has a comfortable life where she can stay in her own little world. She has friends, but she is careful to not get too close to anyone. After building her life in Hope Harbor after an apparent tragedy, she encounters her new neighbor, Logan. Logan is the newest resident in Hope Harbor where he will be taking over the medical practice there. He has an adorable niece who he is raising. His role as parent is new for both Logan and Molly. This book has many life lessons that we can learn from. One of the main issues is how to handle losing someone you love and how to move forward. The secondary characters and their perspectives are great additions to this book. I have loved reading this series so far! Charley is one of my favorites! He always seems to know what to say and is always in the right place at the right time. I highly recommend Ms. Hannon’s books and do not believe you will be disappointed! I love these novels and her romantic suspense novels as well.
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, I have purchased her books before.
This story is one that takes you to a small community where people help others, encourage them and along the way find healing. It’s hard to say which character I liked the most because each one had depth, needs and wanting a place to belong.
The author gives us a story of several people who each need healing from their past while letting go of fears. I could relate to Jeannette because I too like to stay isolated. She has a wonderful tea room where the community comes for special treats and an atmosphere of friendship. It is hard for her to open up and give friendship but I have a feeling her new neighbor will become important in her life.
Logan has his hands full with raising a niece he hardly knows, starting a new job and trying to control an energetic puppy. His niece is hurting from being moved from one place to another. Molly needs stability, friends and love. Most of all she needs to know that she is important. Logan is a very caring person and really goes out of his way to make Molly feel at home. Losing family is hard on the little girl and I cried as I wanted to give her a big hug.
The other characters in the book are from Syria. They have come to Driftwood Bay to start over after a tragedy in their country. The significance of them in the story is powerful as Jeannette will be asked by God to come out of her comfort zone to help this family in a unique way. I loved how the author threaded each character into a story that touched on faith, hope and reaching out to others. The story is well written with a lesson for each of us to be His hands and feet. The community comes together to help a family in need and in the process helps others in the community to let go of fear and trust God.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Librarything Early Reader program giveaway and Revell Publishing . The review is my own opinion
This is the first book I’ve read by author Irene Hannon but it won’t be my last. I seriously found myself having trouble putting this one down. The characters are multi-faceted; nothing shallow about them. The scenic descriptions made me feel as if I were in Hope Harbor. The entire story was compelling.
A tale of hope after tragedy, of fear turning to faith, and helping others becoming a way of healing, Driftwood Bay is not “fluffy” yet has it’s light moments as you laugh at a naughty puppy. You will fall in love with the characters, I promise.
If you enjoy contemporary Christian fiction with light romance then you’ll enjoy this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
I have enjoyed all the Hope Harbor Novels so much with their down-to-earth characters and compelling stories. Hope Harbor would not be the same place without Charlie’s taco stand and his almost prophetic wisdom. Then of course there are those nearly human sea gulls Floyd and Gladys. Hannon’s stories are so vivid that I find myself wanting to ask my daughter who lives on the Oregon coast if she has visited Charlie’s taco stand yet. She would probably think her mom had lost her mind inside one of her books!
As in the previous novels, I found Driftwood Bay hard to put down once I started reading. It was so easy to become caught up in the lives of Jeannette and Logan and all the people who interacted with them. Another story of second chances and learning to trust again, Driftwood Bay was a joy to read. I love a book that not only is romantic and entertaining but also contains a lesson or two in how to grow in faith. As far as I’m concerned, this series can continue indefinitely.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell Reads. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
I have read and enjoyed every book in Irene Hannon’s Hope Harbor series, but Driftwood Bay is hands down my favorite. One I will come back to read again. Because this story is a powerful and emotional one that deals with the difficult subjects of loss and grief.
Through Logan, Jeanette, Molly, and the three members of the Shabos family, Hannon examines different ways people grieve. And though it would be impossible to cover every reaction to loss, Hannon’s approach is very well-rounded.
For me, the two little girls stole the show (and had me in tears a couple of times while reading). But the adults and their stories were enjoyable, and these characters are people I would befriend in the real world. And, of course, there are appearances from the Hope Harbor residents we’ve gotten to know over the series. (Raise your hand with me if you wish you could visit Charlie for some fish tacos and a dose of his wisdom. Or listen in on the good-natured ribbing between the pastor and the priest).
I’ve said this before, but Hope Harbor is an aptly named town as a place for hurting people to heal, for love to be found, and for the weight of grief to fall away. Kudos to Hannon for tackling hard topics while offering readers a glimmer of hope that lives on the other side.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part
This book was even better than I expected. It was emotional as you could have guessed. But it was emotional without being mushy.
Exceptional main characters with great depth. It was also several main character families suffering some of the similar things, even if some of situations were different. Grief was one main theme. Trying to start over in unfamiliar settings is another. Relationship with God is another.
Jeannett, is the Lavender Lady who is all alone and that is how she has decided that’s how she wants it to stay. Including people, getting involved in people’s lives just invites the possibility of more loss and pain. Nope. She doesn’t want to go there again.
Logan West and his niece, Molly are starting from scratch when it comes to knowing each other. Things are NOT going well. Add in that wild beagle dog, Toby and Logan’s stress level just got upped. You’ve got to admire a single guy who upends his whole life for his niece though.
Mariam, and her last surviving son, Thomma, and his daughter Elisa Shabos bring their own kind of loss and pain. Mariam’s faith is strong but few people see her struggle to adjust but she is doing her best to keep her family together and trust God. She is thankful to have opportunity to leave the camps and saw that thought things are difficult, there is opportunities being offered to them. Thomma is sunk deep in depression, he’s bitter and not making much effort. He’s just putting one foot in front of the other and hoping things will get better. Not that he thinks it will. Caught in the midst of his agony is his daughter, who has lost much of what the rest of the family has. Added to her grief, is the grief of her father rejecting her over and over. Elisa is hurting not understanding why her father has changed from the loving, involved father she knew.
What a great community these people landed in. When they say they are there for you, they aren’t afraid to show up. It’s proved more than once in this story. They also welcomed the
Shabos family with open arms and went the extra mile to help.
Charly is a unique character who makes wonderful fish tacos and connects with people in an almost supernatural way. He cares about people and spreads non-judgemental wisdom as he goes.
Two more people made me smile. It was the interaction between Reverend Baker and Father Murphy. Not only were they caring people but they were also funny. They worked together when it came to helping the Shabos family and I liked to see that. But the humorous ribbing between Baker and Murphy was fun to see too.
There is a H.E.A. for all but it’s going to be hard work for all for quite a while.
I’m glad that a Epilogue is added because I always like to see how things move forward for people.
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
I found the fifth book from Irene Hannon’s wonderful Hope Harbor series, Driftwood Bay, to be a pretty good read. I found this installment to be an emotional one. It is story of faith and inspiration, hope and overcoming pain and grief. I loved the character of Jeanette. I felt a connection to her from the start. I enjoyed her interactions with Logan.
I give Driftwood Bay four and a half stars and recommend it to other readers. A beautiful well written story.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
3.5 stars
“Ignoring an obvious need would be wrong.”
Jeannette Mason has been ignoring everything, and everyone around her, since moving to Hope Harbor, Oregon . . . . ..she has convinced herself that there’s safety in loneliness . . . or so she thought. Who could have imagined that a precocious puppy from next door, digging up and absconding with her beloved lavender plants, could create such havoc in Jeannette’s carefully guarded little corner of the world?
Dr. Logan West impulsively purchased a pet beagle for his grieving niece, hoping it might provide her with some much needed companionship; Molly had lost so much in her young life, and now their move to Hope Harbor had not gone as smoothly as he had hoped. Only so far, Toby had managed to destroy everything in sight. When Logan’s elusive neighbor shows up to complain about his trespassing pup, Logan quickly decides that maybe his dog has led them down the right path after all. . . . if Jeannette ever decides to take him at his word.
“Driftwood Bay” is beautifully layered; not only does it feature Jeannette and Logan’s incremental journey towards freedom, but the author uses her secondary characters; a family inserted into the Hope Harbor community after fleeing war-torn Syria, to breathe life back into Jeannette’s shriveled existence. It’s the kind of story that becomes better and better with each turning page.
Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing through Interviews and Reviews. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
This was such an enjoyable book to read! I loved that the story had continuing characters like Floyd and Gladys the seagulls; and Charlie who makes the tacos out of his truck. This can be read as a stand alone novel or read in order of the series.
Dr. Logan moves to Hope Harbor and becomes neighbors with Jeanette. They immediately hit it off but they are both hesitate to have a relationship until they can work through their own personal grief and faith to be able to allow love into their life. I especially liked Dr. Logan’s niece Molly and her child-like faith, love, and acceptance of all people. I also liked reading the side story of the Syrian family who fled to Hope Harbor for refuge.
This is such a great, easy to read, Christian fiction book. I love the peaceful town and all the characters. Can’t wait to read more in this series!
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.