Friday, April 30, 2021

Book Review - Blackberry Beach (Hope Harbor #7) by Irene Hannon


My Review

Blackberry Beach takes place in the small coastal town of Hope Harbor, Oregon. Katherine Parker is an actress who has come to town to escape a messy scandal. She meets coffeehouse owner Zach Garrett and romantic sparks fly as they slowly get to know each other. There is the question about what Kat (Katherine) wants long-term - as well as the question of distance - that they have to resolve if they will have a life together.

I wanted to read this novel because the small town coastal setting sounded appealing. This is book #7 in the Hope Harbor series. I have not read the previous books but was able to jump right in and enjoy this novel as a standalone.

The pace of the book started slowly for me. It took me a while to get to know the reserved Kat; Zach was a more immediately sympathetic character. However, as the book went on, I started to really enjoy their story. I also really loved the sweet story of Zach's aunt, Stephanie, who has a courtship of her own with retired postal worker turned barista, Frank. It was nice reading a story about a 60ish couple as well as the younger pair.

Kat loves making chocolate and I loved the chocolatier/foodie aspects of the novel. (I found myself craving blackberry truffles!)

This is a Christian novel and the faith element was handled skillfully, in a way that never overpowered the characters or book's narrative. 

I enjoyed Blackberry Beach and will probably look for the earlier books in this series at some point. I recommend this novel for fans of cozy small town romances and heartwarming reads.

Book Synopsis

Her lifelong dream is in sight, but does a new--and better--future await in Hope Harbor?

Katherine Parker is on the cusp of having everything she ever wanted--fame, money, and acclaim. So why isn't she happy? In search of answers, she comes incognito to Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast for some R&R. Maybe in her secluded rental house overlooking the serene Pacific she'll be able to calm the storm inside.

Coffee shop owner Zach Garrett has found his niche after a traumatic loss--and he has no plans to change the life he's created. Nor does he want to get involved with his reticent new neighbor, whose past is shrouded in mystery. But when Katherine and Zach are recruited to help rehab a home for foster children, sparks fly. As their lives begin to intersect, might they find more common ground than they expected . . . and discover that, with love, all things are possible?

Come home to Hope Harbor--
where hearts heal . . . and love blooms


Author Bio

Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than sixty novels, including the long-running Hope Harbor series, as well as Point of Danger and the Code of Honor, Private Justice, and Men of Valor suspense series, among others. Her books have been honored with three coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, and she is a member of that organization's elite Hall of Fame. Her many other awards include National Readers' Choice, Daphne du Maurier, Retailers' Choice, Booksellers' Best, Carol, and Reviewers' Choice from RT Book Reviews magazine, which also honored her with a Career Achievement Award for her entire body of work. In addition, she is a two-time Christy Award finalist. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.


1 comment:

Cindy said...

I like the way you do your book reviews. I always put the synopsis first, then my thoughts. I really enjoyed this book as well. I love Irene Hannon's writing!