Synopsis:~

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 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?

Necee’s take:~

“It was a small gesture—but as the quote from Mother Teresa on the plaque in her parents’ home said, ‘Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.’”

Oh, how I love Holly and Stephen’s hearts for others. This quote really expresses the heart of community and Hope Harbor.

This is my first trip to Hope Harbor and I’m hooked. Hannon’s description of this little seaside town in Oregon just has me wanting to move there. I loved the small town feel, the Starfish Pier setting, and all the quirky characters that added depth and humor to the story. The romance was a beauty, too with some major heart issues to overcome with Holly and Stephen. I’m looking forward to going back and reading the rest of the series. It felt like a heart hug from God.

“We simply have to respect divergent opinions and recognize the good in the imperfect people we love—which more often than not will outweigh the bad.”

I believe this so true! If we could all just find that common ground of love and respect, then maybe we could live more with forgiveness.

Holly is a strong leading lady who is establishing independence after moving away from home. She doesn’t like seeing people lonely and feels for her reticent neighbor, Pete, who has his own battles. Stephen deals with not feeling he is forgivable or worthy of love. I love how Hannon uses characters in the book to help draw him to forgiveness, healing and ultimately finding true love. He yearns for family and yet, can’t get through his brother’s barriers. As each of them slowly open their hearts, we see healing come from God and community. There are some heavy heart and moral issues dealt with in this book that could be difficult for anyone struggling with pro-life issues. However, I felt Hannon handled it with compassion, sincerity, and grace.

“But as we’re reminded in Corinthians, a love that keeps no record of wrongs . . . that perseveres . . . never fails.”

Being able to see past our hurts and differences to the heart of others and how God sees us and others is key to love and forgiveness. Hannon wrote an incredible story of finding healing and forgiveness and even life in the town of Hope Harbor. I’m looking forward to more from this series, but found this easily read as a stand alone novel. If you love contemporary romance that deals with overcoming hard life issues in the fight for love and community, you’ll love Starfish Pier.

I was provided a copy of this book through NetGalley by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

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!  

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Buy at Amazon: Starfish Pier or Koorong

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