Hope Harbor police chief Lexie Graham has plenty on her plate raising her son alone and dealing with a sudden rash of petty theft and vandalism in her coastal Oregon hometown. As a result, she has zero time for extracurricular activities--including romance. Ex-con Adam Stone isn't looking for love either--but how ironic is it that the first woman to catch his eye is a police chief? Yet wishing for things that can never be is foolish.

Nevertheless, when Lexie enlists Adam's help to keep a young man from falling into a life of crime, sparks begin to fly. And as they work together, it soon becomes apparent that God may have a different--and better--future planned for them than either could imagine.

Lauded by Library Journal as "a master at character development," Irene Hannon welcomes readers back to this charming Oregon seaside village where hearts heal--and love blooms.

This was a great read! A story that involves a police chief and an ex-con is it possible for them to find love together?

I came back to read this title by Irene Hannon and I have to say I still enjoy it as much as I did the first time! No wonder I gave it an uncommon full 5 star. It still gets a 5 star as far as I am concerned.

Ms Hannon is an expert at handling the subtle developments in relationships that makes a romance heartwarming and special.

Love the second chances in both romance and in life in this title! Love the community life that is portrayed too!

Thank you again Netgalley and the publisher for the review copy! I did not write a review the first time but felt I had to this time!

3.5 stars rounded up
Overall I really enjoyed the story; I recall Adam from the previous book and was a bit surprised to find him as the MC because he really had little page time there. He's got loads of baggage but he's working through it, which I liked reading...he's getting his feet on the ground before he meets the fair lady. I liked how the cover has a man and his dog, since dog Clyde plays a big role in the story.

Lexie was the character who really stole my heart, though. As a small-town police chief, she's got to work on town affairs as well as do patrol. That sounded like a tough enough job until I got to the part about her history as a foreign protection detail...which was super intense! Her son is too cute and a real plus to the story.

There were a few drawbacks that kept me from rating it higher. There's a lot of kissing/feeling/smelling (so 16+ on age range) and I could definitely have done without that much.
There are a handful of euphemisms and terms like "Oh, Lord" which at best are used lightly enough to make me wonder if they're swearing or not (aka no prayer in the context). And the whole Charley and his birds thing leaned more weird in this book than in others.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from NetGalley. I ended up listening to the audio version. These are my honest thoughts.

This story had some high points that I rather enjoyed. The fact that an ex-convict was featured was a surprise. The guy had served his time and repented of his crime, and it was interesting to see the struggles he faced when he tried to make a way for himself in the world again, legally this time. Lexi’s little boy was cute! The interaction between the dog and him was fun to read. It was good to read of a decent, wholesome police officer. I need more stories about good law enforcement officers, please!

The negative outweighed the positive for me with this story. That saddened me, because I had really enjoyed the previous book in the series (Sea Rose Lane).

The sensuality in this book was quite heavy and gave me the willies. What irritated me the most about this aspect of the story was when a woman said to her four-year-old son, “… after you recover from your sugar orgy.” Say what? Why are we using that vulgar sexual term, especially when speaking to a preschool-aged child? Though he wasn’t curious at all about what the term meant (which I found completely unrealistic, because four-year-olds are forever curious and asking what things mean), using a term like that with such a young child would naturally invite way too many grown-up questions that would ruin the kid’s innocence before he had a chance to experience the highs and lows of childhood.

There were also a handful of expletives throughout.

Content: sensuality (heavy; includes two sexual terms), expletives, one odd “miraculous” animal moment (the birds again; see my review of Sea Rose Lane for details on that)

I have thoroughly enjoyed every visit I've made to Hope Harbor, and this may have been the best yet! I am a total sucker for a good redemption story and for those who have never been loved finding love and this story hits all those spots and more. I absolutely loved everything about it. I loved the slow reveal of Lexie's history and how she began to find healing in this story. I loved Adam most of all with his humility and complete openness to the transforming work of God in his life. The ways he was used to touch and bless so many in this community I've come to love were told so well, and I was so encouraged by the ways God uses everything in our lives that we are willing to give Him access to. Highly recommend all of the Hope Harbor books and this one in particular.

Revell and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of Sandpiper Cove. I was under no obligation to review this book and my opinion is freely given.

Hope Harbor police chief and single mom Lexie Graham is not looking for love, especially with ex-con Adam Stone. They cross paths after Adam's place is vandalized for the second time, although he refuses to file a police report. Clearly, his injured dog means more to Adam than the property damage, so will Lexie be able to earn his trust with a gesture of good faith? Can the town be the second chance that Adam needs to stay on the right path?

I did not realize that this novel was classified as a Christian romance until after I began reading it. The aspects about religion are not too intrusive and the story flows like a regular romance. The parts of the story that I particularly liked were the way that some of the townspeople offered Adam redemption and the way that the bullying was handled. The romance itself was mainly a negative for me, as it was too quick and more like a fairy tale than real life. Readers who like Christian Romance will probably like Sandpiper Cove, as well as those who have read the previous Hope Harbor novels.

The best in the series (yet)!

I like this book. Even if it has a bit-rosy colored-glasses, the message is spot-on - and the romance is very romantic! And yes, the setting and the atmosphere in the Hope Harbor is idealistic - yet I would love to have this peace cand openness in my place, too (my rationale is protesting loudly, but my heart is quietly longing for it).

I love the unusual love pairing here - because the romance between an ex-con Adam and the police chief Lexie could seriously be frown upon by many (would Lexie be my friend, I would feel the need to have a serious check on Adam, I admit) and that both of them have to overcome the very real fears of commitment because of their past experiences. And guilt and shame is the very powerful duo to overcome! Maybe that´s why I´ve been crossing my fingers for their romance.
After all, the change of heart IS possible. I am not saying that it is very often that an ex-convict becomes a good citizen, but it is possible. Maybe I should reevaluate my opinions/prejudices, too?

I also love the the theme of help aimed to the troubled teens.

And also Father Murphy and Reverend Baker are the two peas in a pod. I love their banter and the friendships between denominations! We truly should recognized the centre of our Christianity - Christ.

Recommended read.

This is the first book that I have read by author Irene Hannon, but it won't be my last. The characters in this story are so rich in content. You want to know more about each character and what stories and histories that they each have. The main character, Lexie was intriguing. I like how her story unfolded slowly and how she intertwined with Adam. I've already started reading the rest of the books in this series. Wonderful storytelling, great characters, and an excellent storyline kept me turning the pages for more.

This is book 3 in Hope harbor series by Irene Hannon. I have not read the first two books, and since I don’t feel as if I have missed anything, I believe this works well as standalone.

Hannon does a wonderful job in this book of bringing a very diverse group of people together. The characters include: Adam, an ex-felon who grew up in an abusive home; Lexie, a female police chief whose husband died; Lexie’s son, Matt age five; Lexie’s mom, the person who cares for Matt while his mom works and encourages Lexi; and Charlie, the taco stand man who gently dispense wisdom to everyone.

The story shows a great deal of growth and learning to trust that he is worthy of so much more than he his battered self-esteem has shown him through the years for Adam since becoming a Christian and turning his life around. Lexie has issues too. She hasn’t wanted to get involved again since her husband died, and feels that even though she is attracted to Adam, she doesn’t feel a police chief should get involved with an ex-prisoner. She also grows and learns to trust her growing feelings and God again as the story unfolds.

I enjoyed this book very much; although at times it did seem to drag a bit.

Love this author and this series. It is a great storyline and you want to live in Hope Harbor. I like how the characters weave in and out of the series. You really want a fish taco from Charlies.
Adam and Lexie's relationship take time to develop but you enjoy the journey.

In Irene Hannon’s Sandpiper Cove, Adam Stone must report an act of vandalism to the police. Because he’s an ex-con, this is the last thing he wants to do but when Hope Harbor’s police chief Lexie Graham (a woman with her own secrets) enters his life, Stone gets more than he bargained for. Will the culprit be caught? And will this unlikely pair find a future they weren’t looking for?

Sandpiper Cove is a story with potential. The setting on the Oregon coast makes a beautiful backdrop, the loveable dog Clyde is an adorable addition, and the theme of redemption running throughout the novel makes the plot intriguing.

However, the characters feel shallow, the dialogue unrealistic and tiresome, and the religious message overdone. Most of all, the romantic angle is over the top and drowns out the rest of the storyline. Therefore, I regret that I cannot recommend Sandpiper Cove.





I was given a free copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review

Police Chief Lexie Graham has enough on her plate. A single mom to 4-year-old, Sam, and only daughter to her widowed mom, she doesn’t need the vandals who keep striking in her town. It’s bad enough that they wrecked the garden club’s planters, now she finds out that they’ve targeted ex-con, Adam Stone. Adam has stayed out of trouble and worked hard at his construction job since his release more than a year ago. Since he has no desire to be on the police radar, Adam cleans up the graffiti and goes about his business. When they come back and seriously injure the only friend he has, his dog, Adam finally lets Lexie investigate. Lexie never expected to feel sympathy for Adam but any man who cares for a dog as much as Adam does can’t be all bad. As she gets to know him, the attraction she feels comes as a surprise, and not necessarily a welcome one. He’s a felon; she’s a cop – how in the world could that ever work?

Adam came to Hope Harbor when he was released because of the pastor – and because he had nowhere else to go. He’s doing his best to keep his nose clean and attends church every time the doors are open. The message of hope he gets inside the church doors keeps him going in a world that has done its best to beat him down. When vandals start targeting him, he figures he deserves it after the mistakes he’s made. When Lexie catches one of them and asks for Adam’s help in mentoring the young man, he can’t believe she knows what she’s asking. As he works with the young man to repair some of the damage he and his accomplice inflicted, Adam’s self-esteem begins to look up. Can an ex-con prove that he has something to offer even when the woman he wants to offer his heart to is the head cop?

Whether Irene Hannon is writing gripping suspense or sweet romance, her books are ALWAYS un-put-down-able! Sandpiper Cove is book 3 in her Hope Harbor series and was a powerful heart-tugger! Adam Stone is the kind of man any woman would be proud to stand beside but all he sees when he looks in the mirror are the mistakes he made. Lexie Graham is a strong woman carrying a load of guilt on her shoulders. Even the “minor” characters are fleshed out. The Catholic priest and Protestant minister are an absolute hoot! Charley, the fish taco guy, dispenses wisdom and encouragement with his tacos.

I’m really hoping Ms. Hannon will bring us more stories from Hope Harbor. This one is one for the keeper shelf!

I have loved the Hope Harbor series since I read the first book (Hope Harbor). With each subsequent book I have fallen more in love with the town, it's residents and the beautiful coast and surroundings. I know it sounds corny but I really wish this was a "real" place - what a wonderful sea side town to live in!

Sandpiper Cove, the third book in this series lives up to and beyond the prior books. The story is delightfully engaging with realistic and flawed characters facing love and experiencing life's challenges head on. I enjoyed this book from start to finish and walked away with a big grin on my face. I definitely recommend this to all. I can't wait to read the fourth books ~ Pelican Point due to be out in April 2018!

I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own. Thank you to Ms. Hannon, Revell Publishing, Library Thing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Sandpiper Cove is the third book in the Hope Harbor series and it does not disappoint. Irene Hannon takes us back to the wonderful little town where Charley is still offering great wisdom and Reverend Baker and Father Murphy continue their lighthearted bantering.
Lexie Graham is the town’s police chief. She has earned her place and has a great reputation for doing what is right. When the ex-con living outside of town experiences vandalism, she gives him the benefit of the doubt, especially after meeting Clyde.
Adam Stone expects to be judged and pretty much figures he has earned it. But Hope Harbor offers a lot of surprises and Lexie Graham is one of the best.
The budding romance and suspense of Brian’s struggle with the school bully makes Sandpiper Cove a page turner.
I am a fan of Irene Hannon already so it is not hard to rave about this book. But there is no embellishing when I say I think it is the best of the Hope Harbor series.

I've thoroughly enjoyed the entire Hope Harbor Series by Irene Hannon. Sandpiper Cove was no different.

Praise for Sandpiper Cove: Lauded by Library Journal as "a master at character development," Irene Hannon welcomes readers back to this charming Oregon seaside village where hearts heal--and love blooms.

The setting was one thing that I've enjoyed with each of the Hope Harbor novels, I get a feel of this small Oregon seaside village. There are times when I can smell the salty ocean air. There is a harbor seal named Casper who turns up in each book, but always at an inopportune time. A character named Charley sells taco's from a taco truck located on the water at a public park that has a serene setting. Charley knows all, he is the voice of reason for many of the characters.

Sandpiper Cove has well-developed characters. Lexie, the heroine, is a cop. Adam, the hero, is an ex-con. Nothing like two opposites attracting! The romance unfolds slowly and on the page. A page-turning read that keeps you in the moment. Grab your copy today!

I LOVE Irene Hannon's novels...it was a privilege to read her latest masterpiece. Have shared it w/ all of my reading friends.

I absolutely loved Sandpiper Cove! When I read the summary, and discovered Police Chief Lexie Graham and ex-con Adam Stone were the main characters I was intrigued. What an original story line. This type of relationship falls outside social norms, so I couldn't wait to see how author Irene Hannon would handle this unique and tricky connection. She did a fantastic job of presenting both the attraction and the challenges to be dealt with between them, but what an amazing payoff in the end.

There's a wonderful cast of secondary characters in Lexie's son Matt, her mom Annette, co-worker Luis, Charley the taco-maker, and Reverend Baker, to name a few. The story wouldn't have been complete without Clyde the rescue dog, he tied the whole story together. They all added a rich layer of dialogue and understanding as to what it means to live as community in a small charming seaside town. An at-risk teen name Brian and the struggles he faced while trying to navigate high school and find acceptance as the new kid on the block was especially poignant and touching.

It doesn't happen often that all aspects of a story come together so well, but they did in Sandpiper Cove. Loyalty, commitment, friendship, encouragement, faith and love, the things of value that make life memorable, they're all there in this book.
"Any damaged board can be smoothed out and made new with work and patience."

Is Adam Stone a "damaged board"? Starting life over as an ex-convict, in a small town, is not an easy thing to do, but Adam Stone has managed to live a simple life as a responsible citizen, out of the limelight in his solitary cabin by the Oregon coastline. Until one day, the beautiful police chief shows up at his doorstep, tipped off by a local, about the recent vandalism on Stone's property and "a tiny ember of hope for a future that included more than a loyal, lovable dog for a companion began to glow in a long-dark corner of his heart".

Lexie Graham has hardly noticed Adam Stone since he arrived in Hope Harbor, and she would have remembered it if she had. Ruggedly handsome, coupled with a humble spirit, is a hard thing to forget. Acting on a hunch, Chief Graham commandeers Adam's help with one of the troubled youths proven to be a part of the local pranks, and in the process, discovers a part of herself that has lain dormant since the death of her husband. "Was she ready to let go of the past and take a chance on a future that could be fraught with challenges - and change?"

This addition to Irene Hannon's "Hope Harbor" series is all about trusting God to open the door to second chances.

I'm not sure where I can across this, but I just finished reading another book and you know how they have a chapter of another book at the back? Well, I read it and was quite taken in with the little teaser, so I had to find it to finish it.

I instantly liked Adam, and I hope that I would give him the benefit of the doubt in real life that I wanted everyone to give him in this book. I felt for his loneliness and his not thinking anyone should give him a second chance, even if he believed that God had given him one.

This is a Christian novel, and the two clergy men are a hoot. I love their banter back and forth. They make for amusing secondary characters. That reminds me. This is the third book in the Hope Harbor series. I haven't read the previous two, and I didn't know this was the third when I started. You could tell that there were some backstories to secondary characters that I wasn't getting a full story on, but it didn't stop me from enjoying the novel at all. I'm curious now, so I'll probably go look up the first two.

I did think that the end just sort of...ended. The resolution was too complete with a pretty little bow with nothing really to show for it. Everything was kind of built up in the novel, and then .... oh, we are done and everything is happy now. But I was left feeling like it wasn't as polished, or finished as it should have been.

I just love Irene Hannon's Hope Harbor novels!  "Sandpiper Cove" is her latest and one of her best!  Irene does an incredible job of mixing romance and suspense.  Lexi is the Police Chief and Adam is an ex-con, so really they are opposites in so many ways, yet they are teamed up for a common purpose.  Adam never would have expected to be interacting with Lexi like this and Lexi is desperate to keep an at-risk teenager from ending up in a horrible situation and going further down a path of destruction.  Lexi and Adam's interactions portrayed forgiveness, hope and friendship and their relationship were so inspiring offering hoe and second chances. Hope Harbor is such a great place and I love the characters that show up in each story as they add much to the story and it is nice to see them again.  I am looking forward to the next book in this series coming out!

Two characters with different backgrounds and paste, coming together to make a difference in a teen's life! Powerful story of two different people and what draws them together! Can't wait for the next book in the series.