Hope Harbor continues to live up to its name. A Syrian refugee family is trying to make a new start. A recluse moves to town and just wants to live her own life on her own terms. A doctor who recently gained custody of his niece moves to the area to have a slower pace of life. All of these have suffered losses and process grief in very different ways but they are inextricably drawn together.
The way people care for each other in Hope Harbor is very compelling. The relationships and people feel so authentic. I especially liked Logan. He is willing to try anything, including going to tea and buying an unruly dog, to try to connect with his niece.
Charlie, Gladys & Floyd are still around and I’m hoping for a book about Charlie one day. He’s a wise man who always knows just what to say and has uncanny discernment.
This is a delightful, gentle read. It’s great to escape back to Hope Harbor and be refreshed. I would highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Revell for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Hope Harbor Novels:
Book 1: Hope Harbor
Book 2: Sea Rose Lane
Book 3: Sandpiper Cove
Book 4: Pelican Point
Book 5: Driftwood Bay

I found the fifth book from Irene Hannon’s wonderful Hope Harbor series, Driftwood Bay, to be a pretty good read. I found this installment to be an emotional one. It is story of faith and inspiration, hope and overcoming pain and grief. I loved the character of Jeanette. I felt a connection to her from the start. I enjoyed her interactions with Logan.
I give Driftwood Bay four and a half stars and recommend it to other readers. A beautiful well written story.

Driftwood Bay, Hope Harbor book 5 by Irene Hannon is a deeply profound story. The tragedies that many of the characters had faced were genuinely heart breaking. The account of their putting one foot forward each day, coping the best that they could while learning to rely on God was moving and inspiring. Whether I would have made the same decisions as some of the characters especially Jeannette Mason became unimportant as a I read. Instead I understand them and felt a measure of the pain that they were going through, thanks to the superb writing of Ms. Hannon. I applauded the resiliency of the children. Then I found myself reading furiously and anxiously over the consequence that could happen over one major decision made by them.

It is story of two families who are brought together along with another hurting soul. It is a story with romance and recovery over losses too. Even more this is a story of endurance, triumph, love, strength from God and His faithfulness even when we can’t see it or feel it. This book’s kind gentle reassurance that God can be trusted even when we do not understand was an encouragement to me, giving my faith a boost too

The publisher through Net Galley provided an ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.

Another enjoyable story set in the lovely Oregon coastal town of Hope Harbor! A cast of characters from young to old come together to live, learn and love following heavy losses. A refugee family receives help to start over, along with a newly arrived doctor struggling with single parenthood, and a neighbor determined to keep people at arms length.

I loved the mix of people in this touching story and how they represented all walks of life. Everyone was grieving a big loss and dealing with major life upheavals. Sweet little Molly and Elisa finding friendship across language and cultural barriers was icing on the cake, along with a tender romance between the adults worked into the story. I was happy to see the return of Charley, the local prophet, who takes center stage in this one, as he doles out his timely words of wisdom at the fish taco stand. Found myself getting a bit impatient for Jeanette's backstory, and for her to open up. Her part of the story was a good reminder to not hold onto fear or keep our gifts bottled up when we are meant to live in community with each other. As Charley said, " Life is a risk...Don't let fear stop you from being everything God intended you to be."

Recommend for readers who enjoy contemporary Christian romances. This book easily reads as a stand alone. 4.5 stars

This has been an adventuresome month for me. I've come out of my rut bit experimenting with new authors and new voices. Ms. Hannon and Driftwood Bay have been a very pleasant surprise in my journey this month and I hope you will find the same if you pick it up and read it. Clearly this is part of a series but I had no trouble at all jumping into this book without reading the earlier books in the series.

Two lost and lonely people end up as next door neighbors in the town of Driftwood Bay in Oregon. The town and it's friendly people offer healing and support in an unprecedented way. Things are livened up with the addition of two lost and lonely young girls dealing with a world of unbearable loss and a rambunctious puppy. Add into this mix a transplanted Syrian family who is a town project all make wonderful ingredients for a beautiful touching love story.
Charley is a Mexican transplant who has a taco truck who seems to be like this spiritual guide for the town who finds the troublesome spirits and sends them in the right direction. Church and religion seem to play a big role and I totally enjoyed the two priests from the two local churches and their banter as they go about doing what they can to help the people of the town.
For me it all started with the beautiful cover which first hooked me and then fortunately the story totally lived up to it. A classic love story in the best way.

When broken people need hope after loss or just finding a place to start over what better place then a town named Hope Harbor. I love the fun characters in this small town of Hope Harbor, no matter what or who needs something it seems like they are always willing to come together and help each other out. I love how the Priest and the pastor are always joking around yet always helping those in town no matter who it is. I think in all the books I have read in the Hope Harbor Series Charley is my favorite character he reminds me of the Bible verse that talks about Entertaining angels unaware. The story in this book just broke my heart about how the little girls lost so much. I had a hard time putting this book down while it dealt with a lot of loss it also had points of laughter and fun. I loved that this book was a good clean read and was so powerful. If you are looking for a really good book you can't go wrong with this series.

From beginning to end this story tugs at your heart strings, and it doesn’t let go.
The author has set this book back in Hope Harbor, and as with the other books in this series, this town seems to be there for one another, and you have to love Charlie, and his seagull friends.
This story features two hurting little girls, not yet gone to school, but both have lost their mom’s or grand mom, and are grieving. Adjusting to a new place, and one a new country, they share a universal language and new friendship.
I loved that the author gives us and epilogue, it really wraps up the book beyond the ending, and completes the read for me.

I received this book through Net Galley and the Revell Reads Program, and was not required to give a positive review.

DRIFTWOOD BAY is Irene Hannon's fifth book in this popular Hope Harbor series, but it easily stands alone. I couldn't help but fall in love with the characters, all suffering from loss--such huge losses--and struggling to find themselves in their new home, their new normal.



Logan is a dear, and going all out to show his niece love, but she wants none of it. But in reality its far different.



Charlie - the fish taco guy - I am convinced is an angel in disguise. So wise. We all need a Charlie in our lives.



The Syrian refugees is another storyline yet ties into the main one. I cried with parts of this story.



DRIFTWOOD BAY is slow-paced, but it held my interest and I had to keep reading. If you like romance you will love DRIFTWOOD BAY.



I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.

Beautifully written, heartwarming story. This is my first novel by Irene Hannon but I will definitely be checking out the rest.

DRIFTWOOD. BAY...Irene Hannon
Logan was sure he wasn’t thinking when he got a beagle,Toby, seeing the mess, that he had gotten into the trash again. Molly his niece coming into the kitchen, where was Toby she had let him out, without a leash.Being a single
parent, he wasn’t cut out for. As a doctor sewing up cuts he was. he was the new ER Doctor.
Jeanette in her garden found the culvert of who was digging up her lavender plants, Toby.. The rate that dog was going, her Lavender Farm with the lavender for her tea room, would be out of business. What would Toby do when the tea room was busy. Thinking she came to be neighborly and now he knows what those straggly plants Toby brought home. Both of them struggling over tragedy in their lives, wanting the serenity of Hope Harbor and the ocean. Finding the people cheerful and ready to help. Once again we are back in Hope Harrbor , and meeting with a few new people. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion by Net Galley and Revell.

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.

Jeanette Mason finds refuge in Hope Harbor, putting her life back together after great tragedy. She tries to avoid emotion connection, working hard at her tea room and lavender farm. But when the neighbor's rowdy dog and little girl come crashing into her life, she begins to wonder if there is room for love again after all.



The town of Hope Harbor has joined forces and united around a Christian Syrian refugee family, and I love how the churches work together to provide for the family and help them make a new start.



Dr. Logan West is an ER doctor, used to a fast-paced on-call lifestyle. After the death of his brother and mother he takes on the raising of his young niece Molly. He takes a job in Hope Harbor, hoping that he will be able to give Molly a better life in a slower paced small town community. He struggles to connect with Molly, and give her the stability that she needs.



I love the feeling of returning to Hope Harbor and all the wonderful characters, they are a tight knit community and how they welcome a new family into their midst. I loved the new bonds of family and friendship that are forged, some of them surprising and sweet. Jeanette is afraid to open up and let love in, but she feels the Lord gently calling her out of her comfort zone.



Overall a heartwarming, compelling, and satisfying read that wrung out my heartstrings. I love the neighborly community of Hope Harbor, strong faith, and well developed characters, against a picturesque coastal town. Highly recommend!



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."

Hope Harbor is a small town on the Oregon coast where one can go to for a new beginning, become part of a caring community, heal their spirit and find hope. Dr. Logan West and his niece, Molly, are new residents of the town. Logan was living a hectic life as an ER physician in San Francisco until his soldier brother was killed and then their mother died leaving him the sole guardian of Molly. He took the job of physician at the local urgent care center in Hope Harbor for a slower paced life for Molly's sake. She is having a hard time adjusting to life without her Nana. Logan is trying really hard but it is not going well. He even got a rowdy beagle, Toby, hoping to make Molly happy. All it has done is gotten him acquainted with his neighbor, Jeannette, owner of a lavender farm, that Toby has enjoyed destroying. Jeannette is not a stranger to grief either. She is distancing herself from people. If she doesn't care for anyone, she can't get hurt again. Logan would like to get to know her better but she is pushing him away.
The caring townspeople have welcomed a refugee family from Syria into their midst, providing them with an apartment, car, belongings and even a job for Thomma, father of Elisa and son to Mariam. The three are all that is left of their family that was killed in a church bomb in their homeland. The family has been Christians for years and persecuted for their beliefs. Mariam is holding the forlorn family together. Thomma misses his wife so much and every time that he looks at his daughter, he sees his wife. Elisa realizes that her father doesn't want anything to do with her. She and Molly become fast friends when Mariam becomes babysitter of Molly and Elisa while Logan is working.
This is story of broken hearts that need mending and overcoming the fear of loving again. With God's help and guidance, the characters in the story have to trust and have faith in new beginnings, relationships and healing hurts. Charley, the local taco maker who serves out of his food truck, is very wise and also serves up advice. He seems to be able to see into hearts and give sage advice that is just what is needed at that moment. Hope Harbor is a lovely town that is great to revisit from time to time. Driftwood Bay is a lovely addition to the series.
I received a complimentary ARC from Revell through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions stated are mine only.

While I haven’t read all of them, I’ve read enough books from the Hope Harbor series to have a connection with some of the supporting characters in this book. (And I’d really love to see a story that features the Fish Taco guy!!) Each book in the series focuses on two people who are overcoming some sort of past struggle, who find and help each other through to the other side, and eventually end up as a romantic couple. This book features Jeanette and Logan – one stays locked within her own walls, while the other is trying to start a new life with his niece. As a sign of the times, there is also a Syrian immigrant family that plays a prominent role. Because of the main characters’ reluctance to interact, this book starts off a little more slowly than usual. While not my favorite of the series, the author still does a great job of setting the scene and making the reader feel like they are along for the journey…

Irene Hannon is such a talented and versatile writer. I love both her suspense and her contemporary fiction.

Driftwood Bay is a comforting return visit to small town Hope Harbor where the characters are so friendly they could be your neighbor. And that's exactly what tea-room owner Jeannette Mason and Doctor Logan West end up as, next door neighbors. Both have issues stemming from losing people they've loved, but one is more receptive to connecting through friendship, or something more, than the other.

The inclusion of a pair of five year olds, Logan's niece and a traumatized little war refugee, along with a playful and destructive dog provide moments of poignancy, mystery and charm. I love how the town works together for the common good and extends the hand of friendship to the Syrian family in search of a new life.

Driftwood Bay is a classic Irene Hannon feast, enjoyable and satisfying in every way, just like the fish tacos Charlie has tantalized readers with in every Hope Harbor book!
I appreciate Revell Publishers for making a copy of Driftwood Bay available for review.

Driftwood Bay is the latest Hope Harbor novel by author Irene Hannon. Dr. Logan West has relocated to Hope Harbor, Oregon, to take on the task of running the local clinic. He has purchased a nice little house for himself, his niece Molly, and their overactive beagle Toby. The untrained pup is a runner who escapes to the neighbor’s lavender farm and digs up the plants. Jeannette Mason is not amused, and her first contact with the new neighbor is not very pleasant.

Although Logan West has put himself out to be kind and neighborly with Jeannette, she has thwarted his every overture. But when circumstances occur that force Jeannette to examine her heart and rise to the occasion to help her neighbor and the little girl left in his care, she finds herself drawn to do so. As much as Jeannette tries to pull away, something bigger keeps pushing her to do the right thing.

Jeannette has suffered great loss in her few decades. With such heartache, Jeannette had decided to lead a singular existence, protecting her heart yet denying herself life’s experiences. But will the sweet little girl next door, who has also experienced such great losses, show Jeannette how to reclaim her life?

This is a well written multilayered story which investigates great loss, human resilience, and strong relationships. The reader will root for the characters and be rewarded. I did enjoy this book and I do recommend it.

COMFORTING READ!

I always enjoy reading Irene Hannon’s books. Her writing is always believable, moving and full of insights. Driftwood Bay (Hope Harbor #5) is a prime example of all the above! It is the story of individuals struggling with the loss of loved ones and deciding whether or not they are going to choose to allow anyone to ever again cross the doorway to their hearts.

What I like most about Driftwood Bay is that Hannon doesn’t just choose to tell about the hurt of losing someone you love from one point of view. Instead, she chooses several characters of different ages, sexes and even ethnicities to tell her story. It adds to the believability as you read about how each of the characters is attempting to deal (or NOT deal) with their loss. A young woman who has lost her entire family in an accident, a young man who lost his family members at different times & became “Daddy” to his niece & a family of Syrian refugees (Grandma, her son & his daughter) who lost the rest of their family in a bombing. The people of the town are so caring and join together to help two families when different crises arise. Hannon creates a community where we would all enjoy living, where people truly care for one another and do what is necessary to help their neighbors or friends. It’s a wonderful story of opening doors to second chances. I was provided an ARC of this book by Revell Publishing and NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.

This is the fifth book in the Hope Harbor series. It also can be read as a stand alone. This is a feel good romance that deals with loss and starting over. I love seeing returning characters and the setting of Hope Harbor makes you want to live there. There are several different story lines weaving through the book, with each dealing will personal loss and how they handle starting over

Vintage Hannon! Love returning to Hope Harbor, meeting old friends and making new ones.Engaging storyline, memorable characters, and deligthful narrative!

I was expecting another mystery by Irene Hannon with this book. It was a great book about healing after loss and not shutting people out of your life. Good read!!

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing it.