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illusie's review against another edition
2.0
It took a very long time to get into the book, though I wasn't able to really loose myself in the story. The pacing was too slow for my liking. The second half of the book was better. It was a sweet story.
theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
3.0
Blackberry Beach by Irene Hannon is the 7th A Hope Harbor Novel. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. I did find Blackberry Beach to be a slow starter. I had a difficult time getting into the story. I think it would have been beneficial if the reason for Katherine being in Hope Harbor had been revealed earlier. Once I was about halfway through, I found the tale more appealing and my interest began to be engaged. I enjoyed the descriptions of the beach, the town, and Katherine’s chocolate creations. Hope Harbor is a charming town with friendly residents. I especially liked Charley and the seagulls (Floyd and Gladys). I appreciated the epilogue which nicely wrapped up the storylines. This is a nice, clean Christian romance (no intimate situations or bad language). Three of the themes in Blackberry Beach of second chances, forgiveness, and redemption. It was great that there was a later in life romance (gives me hope). This is a Christian tale that is never preachy. I like how the author incorporated Faith and God into the story. Blackberry Beach is a good book to read while relaxing by the pool.
rmhs14's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Another good book in this series.
sailingbookdragon's review against another edition
4.0
A lovely optimistic romantic read, that still kept me reading and wondering about what will happen next to the characters. Even if you know early on what kind of ending you can expect.
erincataldi's review against another edition
3.0
Admittedly - I've not read the first six books in the Hope Harbor series, but that didn't make this book any less enjoyable or harder to understand. Kat has escaped from LA to the beautiful and sleepy community of Hope Harbor to "hide out" and re-evaluate what she wants out of her life. She's fresh off a tragedy and scandal and she's hoping she can fly under the radar. What she doesn't expect to do is catch the eye of the charming coffee shop owner who just so happens to be her neighbor. From the moment she walks into his shop hiding behind her sunglasses, Zach is smitten. He wants to get to know her better and in the process he will find out that they have more in common then they thought. They both have baggage and they both have done abrupt life changes - but is that what Kat wants? Can he convince her to stay? Predictable, but nice relaxing fluff.
amyk2024's review against another edition
2.0
Ugh so disappointed! I found this book to be slow and boring. Not much happened and there was no connection between the two couples we follow. I have read all of Irene’s books over the years and usually love them but I think she’s getting stale for me. Every book follows the same formula and I’m not enjoying them anymore.
donnareadathon2021's review against another edition
4.0
The story
Zach is the owner of the Perfect Blend coffee shop in Hope Harbour in the Pacific North West. Kat is a new face in town who he recognises from coming into the shop, but she is reluctant to share her story. A tv actress on the cusp of stardom, she’s uncomfortable with the fame that comes along with success. Zach knows all about changing course after giving up with corporate career for a simpler life. Can they make it work?
My thoughts
I read the first few books in this series in 2020, and something about the characters all battling their personal demons in different ways appealed to me. Several characters appear throughout the series. Charlie has a taco food truck and dispenses sage wisdom that hits the mark. There is a friendly pair of gulls, a seal and dolphin that appear regularly.
Zach is the owner of the Perfect Blend coffee shop in Hope Harbour in the Pacific North West. Kat is a new face in town who he recognises from coming into the shop, but she is reluctant to share her story. A tv actress on the cusp of stardom, she’s uncomfortable with the fame that comes along with success. Zach knows all about changing course after giving up with corporate career for a simpler life. Can they make it work?
My thoughts
I read the first few books in this series in 2020, and something about the characters all battling their personal demons in different ways appealed to me. Several characters appear throughout the series. Charlie has a taco food truck and dispenses sage wisdom that hits the mark. There is a friendly pair of gulls, a seal and dolphin that appear regularly.
randikaye's review against another edition
5.0
Blackberry Beach is the 7th book in Irene Hannon's Hope Harbor series. Those of us who have already fallen in love with Hope Harbor are going to love heading back for another visit and seeing some familiar characters. Still, those new to the series will certainly be able to read this on it's own... though I suspect you may want to go back and find out more about this fantastic town!
Be it a sweet romance or a heart racing suspense, I always know that when I pick up an Irene Hannon book that I am in for a treat. Blackberry Beach did not let me down! Irene does a great job of creating this world that as a reader I want to come back to time and time again. Hope Harbor is an easy town to fall in love with--- a safe haven where many go to find peace...and love! This romance between coffee shop owner Zach Garrett and actress Katherine Parker was a great story of second chances that I truly enjoyed... but it wasn't the only romance within the story. It was perhaps the side romance between a few supporting characters that I enjoyed even more--- a reminder that love can happen at any time and that God's timing is always perfect! Some appearances by previously introduced characters like Charley and his seagull friends make this story all the more delightful. I would say that the pace did perhaps seem a little slower than others I've read by the author, but honestly that could have just been timing (or lack of time to sit and truly get into the story) on my part. Either way, it was an enjoyable read and a fantastic addition to this series.
Whether you're returning to Hope Harbor or visiting for the first time, this is a great read that fans of Christian romance are sure to enjoy! I know I certainly did!
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
Be it a sweet romance or a heart racing suspense, I always know that when I pick up an Irene Hannon book that I am in for a treat. Blackberry Beach did not let me down! Irene does a great job of creating this world that as a reader I want to come back to time and time again. Hope Harbor is an easy town to fall in love with--- a safe haven where many go to find peace...and love! This romance between coffee shop owner Zach Garrett and actress Katherine Parker was a great story of second chances that I truly enjoyed... but it wasn't the only romance within the story. It was perhaps the side romance between a few supporting characters that I enjoyed even more--- a reminder that love can happen at any time and that God's timing is always perfect! Some appearances by previously introduced characters like Charley and his seagull friends make this story all the more delightful. I would say that the pace did perhaps seem a little slower than others I've read by the author, but honestly that could have just been timing (or lack of time to sit and truly get into the story) on my part. Either way, it was an enjoyable read and a fantastic addition to this series.
Whether you're returning to Hope Harbor or visiting for the first time, this is a great read that fans of Christian romance are sure to enjoy! I know I certainly did!
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
ianmcnamara's review against another edition
5.0
This was an enjoyable series. I know there is quite a wait for the next one, however i will look forward to it when it arrives.