A year ago, ex-Delta Force operator Steven Roark left the rigors of combat behind to run fishing charters in Hope Harbor, decompress, and talk some sense into his kid brother. Business is good–but making peace with his past is more challenging than he expected.First-grade teacher Holly Miller leads a quiet, low-profile existence–until she’s recruited to advocate for a cause that’s dear to her … dear to her heart. When she solicits Steven’s assistance, sparks fly–especially after they find themselves on opposite sides of an issue that disrupts their placid seaside community.
As these two seemingly incompatible souls search for common ground, might they discover a deeper connection–and find that love can banish darkness and light the way to a future filled with promise?
Bestselling and award-winning author Irene Hannon invites you back to Hope Harbor–where hearts heal . . . and love blooms.
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Starfish Pier by Irene Hannon is book 6 in the Hope Harbor Series. I absolutely love everything about this series– from Charlie’s taco shack to the pelicans that seem ever present. Like the other stories in this series, two people with difficult pasts meet up and find the magic of this special place. Ms Hannon is uniquely gifted in creating a special town you will want to visit again and again. This book is a solid read and I recommend it highly. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.
Another wonderful addition to the Hope Harbor series!! I’d love to meet Charley and have a fish taco! I’d like to see Casper and Floyd and Gladys, too! I loved this story about Holly and Steven, and the obstacles they both have to overcome to get together. Patrick and Cindy with Jonah and Beatrice were a treat to meet, too, and Patrick had his own obstacles to get over. Pete threw monkey wrench in there, but I love the way Hope Harbor brings out the best in people and gets them thinking of others and not themselves. Having Steven, Patrick, and Pete all come back to God, and thus totally changing them and the ones they love, is wonderful, as that is what God will do for us if we just give Him the chance!!
Holly Miller is a first-grade teacher who volunteers at church and is staunchly pro-life. (So she’s both anti-abortion and anti-capital punishment … which makes sense to me). Steven Roark is a ex-Army sniper who now runs a fishing charter business. He moved to Hope Harbor to watch out for his brother, a budding alcoholic.
Yes, Starfish Pier is a romance. But it also has some of the bigger issues that are more often dealt with in women’s fiction. Patrick resents his high-achieving big brother, and there are definite elements of the Prodigal Son about the story in his actions. But Steven isn’t the self-righteous big brother he could be. He’s a man with his own history, a history he’s not entirely comfortable with.
Then there’s Holly. She’s mentally and spiritually strong, but has a history of medical problems she’s trying to overcome. I admired that about her. She wasn’t prepared to let her (real) issues get in the way more than necessary. Instead, she was willing to share herself and her history, and make a difference where it mattered.
Overall, Starfish Pier is an intelligent and timely look at modern issues through a Christian lens that shows but never preaches. Recommended for romance and women’s fiction readers.
Thanks to Revell and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
Absolutely wonderful story about what families do to help each other out even if they don’t want our help. Some give up careers close to home that they might not enjoy but know they need to be there. Others who have no siblings or overprotective parents leave home and move away to start their own lives. When these two individuals meet it is not necessarily a great thing but as time goes on they learn to depend on each others strengths and weaknesses to make a great and fulfilling match.
This was one of the books that I finished in an easy time period while doing other things and choosing to read a chapter each time I got a few minutes.
I do recommend this book to those who love stories about real characters and the trials and tribulations they face. (less)
I think I have read every “Hope Harbor” book in this series and have loved every one!
I love the small town, the 2 town ministers, the seagulls and Charley the fish food truck man. Although every story is different with different main characters, they all take place in Hope Harbor and all mention some of the regular townspeople.
I enjoyed getting to know Steven, Holly, Patrick, Cindy and Pete. The story is lighthearted and easy to read but also deals with some heavy subjects like addiction, war, abortion, and suicide. The characters all have their different struggles like past guilt, medical issues, forgiveness, judgment… but they all use prayer, God’s love and serving others as their way to heal.
Touching characters, great stories…loved reading it from beginning to end! I highly recommend this book and this series. Each book can be read in order or as stand alone novels.
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
Holly Miller is a first grade teacher who has moved to Hope Harbor for a new start. She is such a special person and I admired her efforts to raise money to protect humans in all stages of life. Becoming involved in a fundraiser introduces her to a former military man who has actually taken lives and, as different as they are, an attraction is felt and the romantic sparks fly! But how can two people with such different ideas even attempt to explore a relationship? What follows is a lovely but very emotional story that shows how a community bands together to show Holly and Steven Roark that their differences can be overcome. These people recognize that Holly and Steven are meant for each other!
Author Irene Hannon has filled Starfish Pier with wonderful quotes that prompted me to reflect on God’s presence in our lives. She shares a powerful faith message about the sanctity of life and the importance of forgiveness and she also reminds us that each of us must decide our destiny. Will we allow our past lives to continue to dominate us or will we choose to use our mistakes to build a foundation for a worthwhile future?
“Trying to understand the mystery of God is like digging a hole on the beach and trying to transfer the sea into it, bucket by bucket. It’s never going to happen. That’s why trust is integral to faith.”
Some of the subjects in this book are controversial but this is an unforgettable story of hope and healing. I loved this sixth Hope Harbor novel and I would love to visit there again. I certainly recommend Starfish Pier to all who enjoy contemporary romance and Christian fiction.
I received a copy of this book from Revell. There was no obligation for a positive review and I am voluntarily sharing my own thoughts.
Starfish Pier is the sixth installment from Irene Hannon’s Hope Harbor series. I have read and enjoyed the other books in this series and this one does not disappoint. It is probably my favorite of the series to date. I enjoyed going back to the beautiful Hope Harbor and catching up with some characters from the previous books. I loved getting to know Charley and Holly and thought they had great chemistry. I loved every bit of this story.
I am giving Starfish Pier five stars.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
The story is an emotional journey with several amazing characters. The setting is serene and breathtaking and I felt relaxed as the story unfolded. Holly is sweet and caring and is on a mission to get funds for a project she believes in. She deals with physical issues but it never stops her from following her dreams.
Steven is a handsome man who has come home to repair his relationship with his brother. I really liked how determined he was to rebuild his relationship with his brother. Getting to know Steven’s brother was an emotional rollercoaster. The author does an excellent job of talking about alcoholism and the effects it has on the entire family. I so wanted Patrick to finally surrender and admit he needed help.
What I really liked about the story was the fragile connection that Steven and Holly first had. They don’t see eye to eye on some issues which makes for a story filled with forgiveness and trusting God to heal wounds. I so much wanted to see them work things out and become a couple. I don’t want to forget to mention Pete. He is Holly’s neighbor and tends to stay to himself. Holly continues to make every effort to befriend him. The secret she learns about him is one that will require tissues. I wanted to adopt Pete as my granddad. His story will have an impact on several characters as he learns to trust people again.
The story is a wonderful journey through several tough subjects that the author handles with eloquent writing. I enjoyed every moment I spent getting to know each character and watching God change them.
I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads. The review is my own opinion.
While I’m a fan of Irene Hannon’s romantic suspense books, I’ve never read her contemporary romance offerings. Wow, I’ve been missing out. Starfish Pier is the sixth book in a series and yet I didn’t feel like I had missed any backstory. I loved learning about the two main characters, seeing them interact with supporting characters and, of course, each other. The romance made sense and the way the smaller stories were woven in was masterful.
So much so, I’ve gone back and ordered the first one. I might be going out of order, but I”m just happy to revisit Hope Harbor.
A sweet read!
I really enjoy Irene Hannon’s romantic suspense novels, but for some reason, I’ve never read her contemporary stories. Well, I can say after reading Starfish Pier, I will definitely be going back and reading the first books in this series.
This story is definitely geared towards being a heavier read because there are some really hard topics, but somehow, Ms. Hannon kept this story from being too heavy and too depressing.
I liked that there were several story lines in this book and how they all connected with one another. I really liked the main characters, Steven and Holly. Holly was such a caring and thoughtful person. Through her small acts of kindness, she shows how you can have a positive impact on a person’s life. I liked how she did not let her physical struggles stop her from accomplishing her goals. And, wow, Steven’s past, at least part of it, was a total shocker and I felt so bad for him, but absolutely loved how he had changed! I also really enjoyed Pete’s story and how his new friends impacted his life in such a meaningful way.
I also loved the faith element of forgiveness that ran throughout the story and the feeling of community and neighbors helping neighbors.
My only issue with this story is that I felt like things all tied up too neatly at the end, but honestly, I’m good with that! I look forward to diving into the rest of this series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I would at the faith element is heavy.
Although this is book #6 in the Hope Harbor series, it can definitely be read as a stand-alone. The captivating story of thoughtful new teacher Holly Miller had me from the first page. Then, enter stage right, hunky Steven Roark, and the story just got more interesting! Holly has a physical limitation while Steven has hidden mental wounds from being a combat veteran. Both of these main characters are the most giving people you could ever hope to meet anywhere! Holly jumps right in and volunteers wherever she is needed, and Steven has come to Hope Harbor to try to help his brother Patrick beat his problem with substance abuse. It was a real pleasure getting to know these characters; they practically came out of the pages of the book and introduced themselves. Such is the talent of Irene Hannon in characterization and creating a believable plot that just kept me reading so that I could find out what was going to happen to my new book friends. My favorite character was Pete, the lonely widower who lives next door to Holly. A surly old curmudgeon who has a lot on his mind, Pete is not able to escape Holly’s positivity and desire to make him feel cared for. I loved, loved, loved this story and was sad to see it end! Irene Hannon is a master of telling a tale of forgiveness and second chances, making me want to live in a neighborhood just like Hope Harbor! Fans of contemporary romance will really enjoy this book and want to read all of the other Hope Harbor books, too.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell as part of their Revell Reads Blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Book Review–Starfish Pier by Irene Hannon
A Hope Harbor Novel
I chose to read and review this book because the setting was based on a coastal town in Oregon that I was familiar with since I live in Oregon.
I didn’t realize that this book was #6 in a series, however, I found that it didn’t really make any difference because this book can surely stand alone as a novel.
This was my first time reading a book by author Irene Hannon, however, it won’t be my last, as now, after reading Starfish Pier, I am intriqued to go back and read the rest of the books in this Hope Harbor series.
This book is full of characters who are experiencing personal challenges, some physically, some mentally and all are emotionally trying to process things in different ways. The author brings each to life very well and causes the reader to become endeared to each as if they were real people. Somehow these people are all brought together in this little town of Hope Harbor and as their lives intersect, we see God working through it all to bring help, hope, and healing to each in varied ways.
There is a sprinkling of mystery, coupled with romance and real life sorrows in this book and I think all combine to make a great story that is captivating and easy to read.
I think this book’s main message for me was that we need to always be kind and reach out to others with a kind word or gesture, even if they seem un-friendly or un-caring, because we never know what someone might be going through and it just might be our one word or act of kindness that may make a difference in their life for good.
I received this book free from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
~ Mother Teresa (Saint Teresa of Calcutta)
Starfish Pier is an engaging story of faith, forgiveness and second chances! I really enjoyed it and recommend it to fans of contemporary romance novels with a strong Christian worldview.
From the uber-intuitive taco chef to the town’s roving reporter, the citizens of Hope Harbor are warm, welcoming and wonderful!
I, of course, now want to read all of the Hope Harbor books. As quickly as possible! Good thing I have a copy of Driftwood Bay on my shelf! Sure, I’ll be reading in backwards order, but I’m already anxious to get back to this lovely seaside escape!
Starfish Pier is available now! Grab your copy at Christian Book or Baker Bookhouse .
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell as part of the Revell Reads Blogger Program. A positive review was not required. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
I was so happy to be back in Hope Harbor, this is the sixth book in the series, and I will let you know that it can be read alone. Past characters did play parts in this read, and some just made a cameo, but it was great to meet up with them.
This story tugs on your emotions, and you want to help, but of course, we are unable, will one of the characters here die, because he has decided, will another loose everything because of his addiction? Then there is a sweet young woman who has recently moved to this area and become a first grade teacher, but she is dealing with life long problems, this touched me as the problem was close and personal, but she has dealt with it remarkably.
Then we are given a man that served his country with Honor, but will these two be able to overcome their heart held differences, and one that is totally filled with guilt?
Journey in the lives of these dear people who inhabit Hope Harbor, you won’t be disappointed, and it made me want to live there!
I received this book through Revell Blogger Program, and was not required to give a positive review.
In the Hope Harbor series, there are six books beginning with Hope Harbor, followed by Sea Rose Lane, Sandpiper Cove, Pelican Point and Driftwood Bay. Each book in the series tells a captivating tale around a set of characters who deal with a variety of challenges. The novels touch the heart of readers and leaves them with a sense of hope as they finish the book. While reading each book in order isn’t necessary because each book is a story unto itself, I found reading each one makes the next one better. When I was done reading the newest addition to the series, Starfish Pier, I was delighted to find out that another installment is due out on Spring of 2020!
The story here revolves around two people who have experienced heart break and challenges in different life experiences that have forged their path in life. First, there is Holly Miller who has a physical ailment that challenges her each and every day. Holly must choose whether to live to her fullest or let her physical disability keep her from all God has for her. When she decides to move a little way from her folks, it is with the hope she will come out of her shell and meet someone special, though there is more to her than I am revealing.
Then we meet Steven Roark whose military background has made him a man on a mission, a champion for what is right and yet there is more to the heart of this man. Steven loves his brother, came to Hope Harbor to help, and to chart a new career path. While he didn’t go looking for love, or hoping to have a less solitaire future, it might just find him in Hope Harbor. But will Steven face his past demons and his deepest regrets?
I have thoroughly enjoyed Irene Hannon’s series from the mysterious taco seller named Charley who seems to have keen intuition into the heart of those who visit his stand to the seagulls who show up in the book and add some comedy! Grab one of the books or read all of them in order while you sit down and take time to get lost in the town of Hope Harbor. You will be glad you did and maybe pass the stories of hope to others.
Heartfelt romance with hope and a little humor
I’ve heard the name Irene Hannon for a while now but had not read any of her books. When I read the synopsis of Starfish Pier, I decided it was time to remedy that situation!
Tackling difficult subjects such as addiction and right-to-life, this lovely story is focused on four characters’ journey to find the right path for their lives. Interlaced with the perfect sprinkling of humor to keep it from dragging, it is romantic and shares important spiritual truths.
Holly had lived a very sheltered life. Health issues caused her parents to be very protective of her and she had only recently broken free of their coddling when she moved to the little town of Hope Harbor to teach. She had a very strong belief in the sanctity of life in all cases. No matter what.
When Holly approached Steven for a donation to the fundraiser for a right-to-life cause, he knew there was no future for them, despite the attraction they both clearly felt. Holly would never approve of his former career and he had a secret in his past that caused him shame that he knew she could never look past.
Patrick, Steven’s younger brother didn’t think he had a drinking problem. And was tired of everyone trying to “fix” him, especially the big brother who was everything he never could be.
Pete, Holly’s new neighbor, had given up on life, convinced no one was left who cared about him and that death would be preferable to the life he was living. I loved the way first Holly, and then Patrick saw the need to inject themselves into his life, despite Pete’s best efforts to push them away.
I really enjoyed how the intertwining of their lives influenced each other’s spiritual journey.
Though the author mentions on her website that the faith element in her stories is not strong, I found Starfish Pier, epitomized everything I expect in Christian fiction. The characters learn life lessons that draw them closer to God and their faith journey plays a significant part in the story.
Though this is the sixth book in the Hope Harbor series, I was pleasantly surprised to find that I couldn’t really tell who the previous books had been about. I have read many books where the author tries too hard to explain the history of a secondary character making it too obvious that there was a story about them already. While I could tell that Charley, the artist/taco maker was in the other stories, simply because he had to be, (and I have a feeling the two seagulls were in them as well), this was only because they are the type of iconic characters that need to be carried through all the books.
Whether you have read other books in Hope Harbor or not, I recommend you read Starfish Pier. And you just might find yourself picking up the other stories to read as well. I anticipate doing that myself!
Read my review of Starfish Pier by Irene Hannon at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
Another good Hope Harbor book. Holly is trying to establish her independence from over protective parents. She has health issues that makes her parents want to hover. She throws herself into the community and those around her. Steven wants to be left alone. He is trying to reconnect to his brother without the conflict that has been there before. Steven is carrying around baggage from his Army days as well as from his previous marriage. Holly and Steven seem to disagree on a lot of things. This is their story on how God can restore.
I was given this book by Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.
“We’re all different. We don’t fit together as cleanly as the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. Sometimes there are gaps. Rough edges. Holes. The finished product when we come together isn’t always perfect. But as we’re reminded in Corinthians, a love that keeps no record of wrongs…that perseveres…never fails.”
Hannon never fails to teach life lessons and God’s truths in her stories. She shows them in characters who are imperfect & broken both emotionally and sometimes spiritually. Steven Roark has had his share of battles. An ex-Delta force operator in the military, he served his country as a sniper snuffing out evil; in his personal life in much deeper ways. Holly Miller too has fought physical battles and recently moved to Hope Harbor for a peaceful new start. Her first grade kids give her new meaning to life and unconditional love she craves. These two are on opposite spectrums when it comes to viewing deeply seated moral issues that have an instant impact on developing any kind of relationship. It takes a community of diverse people to show them that in spite of their beliefs, they can see eye to eye and have a deeper understanding of what has made them who they are.
“If God is willing to give people a second chance, why should we do any less?”
“I’m learning everyone has many layers…and one or two don’t define us.
Hannon also never fails to write a story that is deeply emotional and draws you into the lives of her characters. I loved Holly’s neighbor Pete, a newcomer and recluse who just needs to be shown love….reluctantly at first, but soon her sunny nature breaks down those walls. Then there’s Steven’s brother Patrick who is also battling his own problems that could lead to disaster. All he needs is a second chance and people to give him opportunities to do right. See? It really does take a village to bring about peaceful harmony and small gestures to show compassion & love. Then there’s old favorite characters that I met with her first book that also continue to play a vital role in making Hope Harbor what it is, Charley the sage advice giving taco slinger, Flyod and Glady’s his two seagull companions, and glimpses of others who I’ve gotten to know throughout this series. I think the first quote I gave in my review really does sum up this book; God can make a perfect jigsaw puzzle out of imperfect people and fit them exactly together the way He intends. Nobody is beyond love’s reach and God can use each one of us to show this in everyday life. And lastly, the hard-won romance that developed between Steven & Holly was sublime! I enjoyed watching their walls crumble & attraction turn into a love that will last.
There’s nothing about a Hannon book that I don’t like! She is my go-to Christian fiction writer for both contemporary romance and romantic suspense. If you love stories full of tight-knit small town communities with lots of heart & faith, then I think you’ll enjoy Starfish Pier! Be sure to read every book in this series, I can guarantee you’ll want to once you start!
* A complimentary copy was provided through NetGalley. No favorable review was required & all opinions are my own. *
Hope Harbor is a quiet little Oregon town that I wish we could all visit. With the tight-knit community, Charlie’s wisdom (and fish tacos), and romance in the air, how could we resist a stop now and then?
In Starfish Pier, Irene Hannon weaves multiple points of view in order to give us a picture of the healing of a man and his family, the strength a sense of belonging can lend, and a romance between two people who seem at opposite ends of the spectrum with some major beliefs in their lives.
Steven and Holly are attracted to each other from the first time they meet and that ramps up each time they are together. They also act like adults and have the difficult conversations instead of ignoring them or hiding them from each other. As Holly steps out from her introverted existence, she finds her courage in helping her neighbor.
Another wonderful installment to this series, Starfish Pier delivers everything I expect from Hannon—romance, hope, heart, community, healing, and a little good humor from the town’s priest and pastor.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.