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3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
I read the first two books in the Hope Harbor series, so I was excited to receive this ARC of the latest book in the series.
Driftwood Bay is a story with characters who are moving through the pain of loss and grief. Over the course of the book we see them each grappling with the effort to move their lives forward. Some are fleeing war-torn countries, others are fleeing memories, some are trying to build a new life thrust upon them. All of them lean on their faith to overcome and move forward in their own way. It's a feel-good story with depth and wise counsel. Hannon does a great job with her characters as she moves them through the emotions of their situation to a point where they are healed and whole again. I love this series and will go back to read the two I missed.
Thank you to NetGalley and Fleming H. Revell Company for an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Driftwood Bay is a story with characters who are moving through the pain of loss and grief. Over the course of the book we see them each grappling with the effort to move their lives forward. Some are fleeing war-torn countries, others are fleeing memories, some are trying to build a new life thrust upon them. All of them lean on their faith to overcome and move forward in their own way. It's a feel-good story with depth and wise counsel. Hannon does a great job with her characters as she moves them through the emotions of their situation to a point where they are healed and whole again. I love this series and will go back to read the two I missed.
Thank you to NetGalley and Fleming H. Revell Company for an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest and thoughtful review.
In this touching return to Hope Harbor, our hearts are filled with moving insights on love, loss, hope, and redemption. Featuring richly authentic characters struggling with grief and loss, their lives all unexpectedly converge to show them how to, in fact, live again. While this was my first experience reading this series, I never felt that I was missing anything nor was there any reason to feel that I had to read them in order. Just like the people within the story, you are lovingly welcomed wherever you chose to begin.
"This town is filled with unexpected blessings."
Despite all of the unimaginable heartbreak many of the characters have experienced or are suffering with, there was something so incredibly peaceful drifting through the air of this welcoming community. The beachy atmosphere, Jeanette's lavender farm and tea room, Charley's sage presence, and the reflective inner thoughts and prayers of characters all contributed to tamping down the tension that could otherwise begin to emotionally overwhelm the reader.
Three families are each navigating different stages of their lives while also exploring how the changes they are suddenly faced with will affect the relationships around them. Individual backstories are seamlessly interwoven into the narrative and I was immediately drawn into the story and captivated by the characters from the very beginning. The author's writing style expertly crafted such believable emotions into their development that brought them to life, and many times, I found myself smiling, laughing, empathizing, and crying right along with them. While each individual circumstance of loss is unique, the experience of grief is something that we can all relate to, so it was quite inspiring and such a pleasure to read about complete strangers jumping right in to help and encourage others regardless of whatever pain they themselves might be facing as well. By pulling together to ease the burdens of others when it was least expected, each begins to heal and ultimately finds the peace needed for a fresh start.
"It's easy to get discouraged in the midst of life's storms. But God has our back - and when the raft we're clinging to begins to sink, he's always ready to extend a hand. All we have to do is trust him enough to take it and let go."
This graceful story serves as a gentle reminder to seek out goodness and light no matter how much darkness and despair may surround you. The characters prayers and Christian references became an encouraging beacon of hope and added depth to their emotional understanding and needs.
The romance aspects of the story are slow-burning, subtle, and more conversational in tone rather than being in your face, which I greatly appreciated. The interactions between Jeanette and Logan hint at their vulnerabilities, and as they gradually begin to get to know one another, they open themselves up to an uplifting and adoring relationship. I also enjoyed that the story's focus was predominantly on family, new beginnings, and working to move forward as the past is accepted.
I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Hope Harbor and look forward to returning to this special community! Perhaps next time, Charley will be the center of attention, and we can discover why his second chance included fish tacos and two seagulls named Floyd and Gladys.
Thank you to the author, Revell, and Lone Star Book Blog Tours for providing me a free book in exchange for my honest and thoughtful opinion. This review and more special features can be found on That's What She's Reading Blog at thatswhatshesreading.com
I haven't read the first 4 books in this series so coming in new in this kept this book from being 5 stars. However, it was a well-written book for me and although it starts out really slow...like molasses slow, it kind of speeds up at 25 percent. I have always loved Irene Hannon's other books and found this to be a kind of different genre and I enjoyed that. I think that if you like/love this type of genre then give it a try.
I was happy to return to Irene Hannon's Hope Harbor. There is something tranquil about the beach town and the characters are loveable. There's Charley--and do I ever want to try his fish tacos--, characters from books 1-4, and the infamous Floyd and Gladys.
This time we're introduced to a few people who have had tremendous heartache in the past. I loved how Ms. Hannon dealt with the subject with God's truth and compassion.
I also liked the diversity written in the novel and especially the romance. I look forward to another book by Ms. Hannon.
*I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley. My review was not required nor influenced.
This time we're introduced to a few people who have had tremendous heartache in the past. I loved how Ms. Hannon dealt with the subject with God's truth and compassion.
I also liked the diversity written in the novel and especially the romance. I look forward to another book by Ms. Hannon.
*I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley. My review was not required nor influenced.