Hope Harbor: A Novel

LibraryThing member alekee

Hope Harbor and the name of this town imply much, as we journey with its year round residents and a new visitor. This is a story of hope, and letting go of old hurts, and most of all forgiveness, whether for ones self or towards others.
There is so much going on here, and yet there is peace and

tranquility, walking the beach, and of course, Charley’s, offering fish taco’s to die for. Charley seems to have a great gift, and a heart for God; he is at the right place at the right time.
We have two hurting people who have lost their spouses, and both having so many regrets, they need to forgive themselves, but easy to say and hard to do. We also have a town recluse who has not seen her son for almost twenty years, so long to hold on to hurts, and a long time waiting for forgiveness on both sides.
Come along and watch Charley work his magic with his can’t be beat taco’s, sure made me hungry for some, and how life is about to change in this quiet small town. I for one was ready to pack up and move, bet you will be too.
I received this book through Revell Reads blogger program, and was not required to give a positive review.

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LibraryThing member lamb521

Title: Hope Harbor
Author: Irene Hannon
Pages: 352
Year: 2015
Publisher: Revell
My rating is 5 out of 5 stars.
Irene Hannon’s latest novel, Hope Harbor really captured my heart from the word go! The male lead character is Michael and he has come to Hope Harbor to hopefully gain some peace in his

troubled heart and soul. At his first stop, he runs into problems with his motel reservation and then he knocks a young lady off her bike by accident as he is crossing the street. He faces the young lady named Tracy, apologizing and thinking this is the end of their meeting, but alas it isn’t so!
As I discovered reading the tale of forgiveness, redemption, hope and new beginnings, my heart was captured by both the tough times some of the characters had gone through. One of the characters named Charley runs a little food business right by the beach, selling fish tacos. While they don’t sound pleasant to me because I don’t like fish, this Charley is a real friendly small town guy.
Tracy is part owner of a cranberry farm as well as a CPA. Her past has left scars on her heart that cause her to run anytime someone draws near. As readers continue to delve further into the book, so many interesting interactions take place between the hometown residents. One of the funnier ones is the friendship between a priest and protestant pastor, especially when they go golfing.
Hope is the main theme of the story, but it is also born out of risking rejection when seeking to make amends with a person from one’s past. I think if some of the characters didn’t risk, their hope couldn’t have been restored. One other point I got from the book is that our God is a God of second chances, and the wisdom to know how to proceed when an opportunity presents itself for another chance in a relationship was touching.
I learned something about sea gulls too, but I will leave that for you to discover when you read this work of fiction! I look forward to Irene’s second book in Men of Valor series coming Spring of 2016 as well as book two in the Hope Harbor series due to be released in summer of 2016. I already have a couple of novels on my 2016 watch list! Yeah! Enjoy the story!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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LibraryThing member alekee

Hope Harbor and the name of this town imply much, as we journey with its year round residents and a new visitor. This is a story of hope, and letting go of old hurts, and most of all forgiveness, whether for ones self or towards others.
There is so much going on here, and yet there is peace and

tranquility, walking the beach, and of course, Charley’s, offering fish taco’s to die for. Charley seems to have a great gift, and a heart for God; he is at the right place at the right time.
We have two hurting people who have lost their spouses, and both having so many regrets, they need to forgive themselves, but easy to say and hard to do. We also have a town recluse who has not seen her son for almost twenty years, so long to hold on to hurts, and a long time waiting for forgiveness on both sides.
Come along and watch Charley work his magic with his can’t be beat taco’s, sure made me hungry for some, and how life is about to change in this quiet small town. I for one was ready to pack up and move, bet you will be too.
I received this book through Revell Reads blogger program, and was not required to give a positive review.

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LibraryThing member Robin661

Hope Harbor
Irene Hannon

Book Summary: Tracy Campbell never wanted to leave Hope Harbor, Oregon, or the idyllic three-generation cranberry farm where she grew up. But life--and love--altered her plans. When tragedy strikes and changes her plans yet again, she finds herself back in her hometown with a

floundering farm to run and a heartbreaking secret. Romance is not on her agenda. Nor is it on Michael Hunter's. The visitor from Chicago has daunting secrets of his own. But when Tracy recruits him to help save a struggling charitable organization, the winds of change begin to sweep through Hope Harbor, bringing healing, hope, and love to countless lives--including their own. Fan favorite Irene Hannon brings a whole new cast of characters to life in a charming Oregon seaside village. Emotional and heartwarming, this story invites readers to come home to Hope Harbor, where love and hope bloom--and hearts heal.

Review: I love the flow and writing of Irene Hannon. This book is no different. While the story line was not my typical type, I still find myself captive to the book. I liked the variety of stories going on all at once and the flow from one group of characters to the next. I did find the overall story line between Tracy and Michael to be fine and what their secrets were, for me they were alluded to before they told the each other the story. I really liked the story of Anna. That was my favorite story. The novel was very gripping and the characters were varied and plentiful. It was truly a slice of life that seems caught in time with great interaction between characters. For those who love Irene Hannon or new to her writing this is a great example of her skill in storytelling.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Revell for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone.

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LibraryThing member Robin661

Hope Harbor
Irene Hannon

Book Summary: Tracy Campbell never wanted to leave Hope Harbor, Oregon, or the idyllic three-generation cranberry farm where she grew up. But life--and love--altered her plans. When tragedy strikes and changes her plans yet again, she finds herself back in her hometown with a

floundering farm to run and a heartbreaking secret. Romance is not on her agenda. Nor is it on Michael Hunter's. The visitor from Chicago has daunting secrets of his own. But when Tracy recruits him to help save a struggling charitable organization, the winds of change begin to sweep through Hope Harbor, bringing healing, hope, and love to countless lives--including their own. Fan favorite Irene Hannon brings a whole new cast of characters to life in a charming Oregon seaside village. Emotional and heartwarming, this story invites readers to come home to Hope Harbor, where love and hope bloom--and hearts heal.

Review: I love the flow and writing of Irene Hannon. This book is no different. While the story line was not my typical type, I still find myself captive to the book. I liked the variety of stories going on all at once and the flow from one group of characters to the next. I did find the overall story line between Tracy and Michael to be fine and what their secrets were, for me they were alluded to before they told the each other the story. I really liked the story of Anna. That was my favorite story. The novel was very gripping and the characters were varied and plentiful. It was truly a slice of life that seems caught in time with great interaction between characters. For those who love Irene Hannon or new to her writing this is a great example of her skill in storytelling.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Revell for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone.

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LibraryThing member vintagebeckie

Irene Hannon is well known for really great romantic suspense fiction. She is one of my favorites in that genre. But she also excels at contemporary romance, and her latest novel, Hope Harbor, is an excellent example! With well-drawn characters, a wonderful small-town setting, and a message of hope

and reconciliation, this novel provides more than pure entertainment. Not your run-of-the-mill fluffy romance, Hope Harbor gives the reader a touching reading experience that will last well after the last page is turned. This one comes highly recommended.

Michael Hunter travels to Hope Harbor, Oregon to find himself again after the death of his wife eighteen months before. Regrets have him weighted down. But a collision with a bicyclist, an invitation from the town hermit and a prophetic message from the owner of the local fish taco stand puts him on a path that can only be described as God-led.

There are three main characters in Hope Harbor, all with past choices that have led to deep regret and guilt. All have in some way failed in crucial relationships. Michael, Tracy and Annie feel like real people — neighbors, friends or family. Their struggles with God and others ring true to life. Their development throughout the novel is measured and realistic — just the right pacing for the novel to be believable. The strength of this novel is the way in which the characters’ doubts, questions and wrestling with God are portrayed. The setting is perfect — a small Oregon coastal town with enough citizens to make it interesting and enough closeness to make the reader want to visit — again and again.

Hope Harbor is a winner! Not just a romance, it is an exploration of broken relationships and the God who can rebuild and restore.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to Revell for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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LibraryThing member Virginia51

This has been one of my favorite contemporary romance novels of all time. I usually like a little mystery with my romances but none was needed here. The character(Tracy and Michael) were so good together. This whole story had me laughing and crying. This whole story just came together wonderfully.

I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion.

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LibraryThing member JCGirl

The book takes place in Hope Harbor; Oregon set around the long time residences and the cranberry farm that is part of their life for three generation. A stranger comes to town from Chicago to find peace but instead finds his life becoming intertwined with the city. He doesn't think he will find

peace. By the end of the story, he finds a better and stronger person than when he arrived

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LibraryThing member polarmath

Tracy is working hard at her family's cranberry farm, while still working as an accountant and helping out with the helping hands organization. Michael has taken a leave from his job that also helps people. He travels to the town that his now deceased wife loved. While there a series of events gets

Tracy and Michael working together and soon falling for each other.
I liked seeing how everything came together in this book, from Michael taking time off, to his finding a place to live, to having time to help out in the community. I like how the town helps each other out and comes together to help out. This is a great read and one that gives you hope in others.
I received a copy of this book to read for review from the publisher.

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LibraryThing member AnnaWaffles

2 stars for the Oregon Coast setting, -3 stars for overwrought, unbelievable writing.

LibraryThing member kbranfield

4.5 "healing" stars.

Hope Harbor is an absolutely outstanding Christian romance that touches on numerous relevant topics that will resonate readers. While this terrific novel has an all star cast of likable characters and an engaging storyline, it is how seamlessly and naturally Irene Hannon works

lessons of faith into the plot that makes it a truly delightful and thought-provoking read.

Michael Hunter's heart is heavy with grief and regret when he begins his vacation in the picturesque town of Hope Harbor. Michael is still deeply mourning the loss of his late wife Julie when he decides to take a two month leave of absence from his job at a non-profit to visit the small seaside town. His trip is off to an inauspicious beginning when his hotel unexpectedly closes for repairs and in his distraction, he causes a bicycle accident. But his luck is about to change when Charley, a popular food truck owner, asks Anna Williams to deliver a bag of tacos to the downhearted visitor. Anna, a closed off recluse, reluctantly acquiesces and she is stunned by Michael's uncanny resemblance to her estranged son, John. As the two enjoy their impromptu picnic, Anna surprises Michael (and herself) by offering him a place to stay while he is in town. This unexpected act of kindness marks the beginning of a long overdue healing journey for both Michael and Anna.

Tracy Campbell, the woman from Michael's bicycle wreck, is also shouldering a heavy burden. She, too, is widowed and in addition to her grief over her husband's death, she carries a great deal of guilt. She is also trying to keep the family owned cranberry farm afloat. She and her uncle work many part time jobs to supplement the dwindling income and they do most of the farm work themselves. Although Tracy is already burning the candle at both ends, she is also a volunteer for her church's Helping Hands program.

Eager to make amends with Tracy, Michael begins going to church in hopes of finding the elusive cyclist. Despite her assertion that he is forgiven, Michael is eager to do something to make up for causing the accident. She suggests he volunteer his services for the Helping Hands program but once he discovers she could use extra help on the farm when her uncle falls ill, he fills in there as well. A reluctant friendship forms between them, but it soon becomes apparent they also share a mutual attraction.

The romance between Tracy and Michael is incredibly sweet and slow growing. Both are very leery of marrying again but surprisingly, Michael is open to exploring the possibilities of a relationship with her. Tracy takes some convincing, but she agrees to spend time getting to know one another. Michael moves through the healing process quicker than Tracy and once he renews his acquaintance with God, he regains his lost faith. Tracy has carried her burden of guilt and recrimination for so long that she finds it nearly impossible to confide in Michael. However once she works up the courage to tell him the circumstances of her husband's death, she feels hopeful about a possible future together.

Hope Harbor is a truly captivating novel of love, reconciliation and faith. The characters are quite charming and multi-faceted with realistic problems to resolve. The storyline is fast-paced and believable. The spiritual aspect is well-written and Irene Hannon incorporates lessons of faith into the plot in a thoughtful manner that is easy to relate to. I highly recommend this riveting character driven novel to anyone who enjoys contemporary inspirational fiction.

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LibraryThing member JenniferRobb

I've read many books by this author--including others that come later in this series. I tend to prefer her romantic suspense to her clean romance, but Hope Harbor tends to draw me back.

It was nice to see the earliest book in the series, even though I knew some of the things that would happen later.

I could also predict the plot quite a bit. Still, Hope Harbor is restful (well, it's supposed to be . . . it didn't seem like the title characters in this installment got much rest though--they did find healing.) It's a small town where residents know each other--which is good and bad--it can lead to people knowing your business when you don't want them to--but it can also be a good vehicle for people helping each other out.

Though my biggest complaint is my usual one: the romance develops way too fast for real life and proceeds to engagement with plans for marriage in a compressed amount of time. For real life, I'm not sure it would be enough time for them to really know each other or to know what they need to know about each other--then again, these two characters are older than some and both had deceased spouses so . . .

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LibraryThing member Maydacat

Hope Harbor is indeed a place of hope. For those needing somewhere to heal and regroup, it offers peace. Tracy has returned home to try to save her family’s cranberry farm, but she comes bearing a heavy burden. Michael, too, has had tragedy in his life, but he is a newcomer to Hope Harbor. He is

trying to fulfill a promise, but it is really too late. These two damaged souls actually collide with each other, when he causes her to fall from her bike. And thus begins a long and twisty road to happier times for them both. Secondary characters also figure largely in the story, with interesting storylines of their own. The author does an excellent job of weaving these characters and their stories together into one entertaining and engrossing tale.

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