Prolific author of romantic suspense and contemporary romance novels, Irene Hannon, is back at Relz Reviewz sharing her most beloved childhood book, the Waltons, and how she chooses her characters’ names! I hope you enjoy getting to know a little more about this talented writer and her latest Hope Harbor contemporary romance. Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win a copy of Pelican Point.

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The Writer

Why do you tell stories?

I don’t have a choice. The words inside me have to get out.

Your favourite place to read

In our screen porch in summer and by the fireplace in winter.

Best meal of the day

Whichever one I can share with someone I love.

Most beloved childhood book

The Nancy Drew series

If your life was a TV show, what would it be?

As a child, the Waltons. I grew up in an idyllic family. Now, life is a crazy balancing act—too many commitments, too little time. There are days it sometimes feels more like an escape room adventure than a TV show, with the clock ticking as I try to complete all my tasks in the allotted time.

Whose music inspires you?

Classic Broadway tunes. I was also a fan of the Irish tenor, Frank Patterson, who died far too young.

What ice-cream flavour would you be?

Double chocolate…with a hint of spice!

The most recent novel you read

The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck

What’s your current book recommendation?

See above! A delightful book by a debut author.

Name a book character you can’t forget

One I wrote, actually—Charley, the intriguing taco-making artist in my Hope Harbor series who seems to know an awful lot about all of the town’s residents. He’s also captured the fancy of readers. I’ve received more comments about him than all the other characters I’ve written combined.

Dream travel destination

I’ve been to most of the exotic places on my bucket list. These days, a quiet, off-the-beaten-path location is what appeals to me. If a beach is nearby, all the better.

The Book

A crumbling lighthouse is not part of the inheritance Army doctor Ben Garrison expects to claim when he journeys to Hope Harbor. Fresh out of the service, he wants only to unload the tower of bricks, decompress from years of treating battlefield trauma, and prepare to launch his civilian career.

Hope Harbor Herald editor Marci Weber has other ideas. She may not be a Hope Harbor native, but the small Oregon seaside town has become home–and she’s determined to save the Pelican Point landmark.

Sparks fly as the two go head to head over the fate of the lighthouse. But when they start to cooperate, a different kind of fire ignites. And as they work together, might Hope Harbor heal the hearts of these two romance-wary souls?

What was the working title?

Same as the final title—Pelican Point

Describe your book in 5 adjectives

Heartwarming, uplifting, entertaining, touching, compelling

Which character did you enjoy writing most?

The heroine, Marci. Unlike most of my leading ladies, she tends to fly off the handle, and she sometimes acts and speaks before thinking—which can get her in a lot of trouble.

Which character gave you the most grief?

Happily, none of them fought me in this book!

What emotions do you think your story will generate in readers?

I think readers will be engaged with the story and the people on the pages—and will end the book feeling hopeful and upbeat.

What emotions did you experience while writing this story?

All of the above, plus the emotions all writers feel when crafting a story—frustrated when the words don’t flow or adequately capture what I’m trying to convey, and energized when a scene turns out just as I hoped it would.

How do you choose your characters names?

I don’t. They tell me their names. Seriously. I just listen as names roll through my mind, and when the right one comes along, an inner voice shouts, “That’s it!”

Thanks Irene!

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: Pelican Point or Koorong

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