Synopsis:~

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?

Necee’s take:~

“She stopped to drink it in. Yes. This was what she’d come to Hope Harbor for.”

Hope Harbor drew me in with its serene beauty and close knit community. I’ve enjoyed visiting this fictional town off the Oregon coast in Hannon’s Hope Harbor series. Blackberry Beach can be read as a standalone, but it is fun seeing friends pop up from prior books. There are some fun characters from people to sea animals. The beach and ocean views are picturesque. While I enjoyed the story, it did run a little slow and I felt the characters could’ve been developed more. However it does go with the theme of the book, which is finding joy in the moment and breaking away from the rat race of life to take in God‘s beauty and grace. I really loved the importance of making relationships a priority.

“‘Plans are wonderful, mi querido—and it is wise to think ahead. But remember that this’”—he tapped the left side of his chest—“‘can sometimes alter plans. And that is not always bad. For those who have been raised well, the heart is the best compass at any crossroads.’”

Blackberry Beach is a story about finding what you love at different ages. When Elizabeth takes a break from her career in Hope Harbor, she learns to embrace what she loves. Zack helps her figure out the direction God is leading her, but will it bring them together or tear them apart? It’s about fresh starts and allowing past hurts to be forgiven and healed. Learning to let go and stepping onto a new path can be scary, but when God leads you He can make the journey exciting and filled with hope. 

I was given an advanced reader copy through NetGalley by the publisher. All opinions are my own and are given honestly.

Irene Hannon is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than fifty 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 (the “Oscar” of romance fiction) and is also a member of that organization’s elite Hall of Fame. In 2016, she  received a Career Achievement award from RT Book Reviews magazine for her entire body of work. She loved to chat with readers on Facebook!  

Relz Reviewz Extras
All Things Hannon @ Relz Reviewz
Visit Irene’s website
Buy at Amazon: Blackberry Beach or Koorong