Member Reviews
Irene Hannon captures my heart with every trip to Hope Harbor. I love seeing the regular characters (I see you Floyd and Gladys), and I always have tissues handy.
Christi Reece rolls into Hope Harbor with one mission in mind – acquire a loan and exit as quickly as she came. But the man she’s come to ask for the loan, Jack Colby, wants nothing to do with her and the charming town of Hope Harbor has more to offer than just its picturesque views. As Christi works to convince Jack that she is not the same girl who broke his heart many years ago, Jack faces another unexpected bombshell. Amidst the chaos of their complicated lives, Jack and Christi begin to open their hearts back up and learn that their past does not define their future.
This book had a really strong start. I was instantly hooked by the mysterious circumstances of Christi’s arrival in Hope Harbor and her past relationship with Jack. I enjoyed the setting of Hope Harbor and the Hallmark-style small town feel that it had. The author did a nice job of creating secondary characters to make the town feel authentic. I also enjoyed that many of the characters were flawed and had real struggles they were working through. I was a bit less engaged toward the end of the book and felt that it wrapped up kind of quickly. But overall, it was a nice novel on forgiveness, faith, and second chances.
Sea Glass Cottage is the eighth in Irene Hannon’s Hope Harbor series. It looks as if there are more to come, which is good news for fans of Hope Harbor! You can read a review of the first book of the series, Hope Harbor, here.
It’s great to revisit Hope Harbor and meet up with familiar characters from previous books. I especially enjoyed one of my favourites, Charlie and his taco food truck is always there. I always feel hungry when I read about his special giveaways and wish I lived in the same village.
Although it is the 8th book in the series, I missed several in-between books and had no problem picking up the story. They are standalone if necessary.
At the back of the paperback cover, we read the words, “Come home to Hope Harbor — where hearts heal…and love blooms.” This is such a lovely sum-up of this heart-warming story. Police officer Jack Colby, and Christi Reece have an unfortunate history, and both have hearts in need of healing. Despite the broken relationship, when faced with a messed-up life, Christi seeks Jack out.
Readers who enjoy books that teach a Christian lesson along with a strong romantic thread will love this book. The story contains a good clean read with a clear thread of faith intertwined with an entertaining story.
I received a complimentary copy of Sea Glass Cottage from Revell Publishers. They did not require a positive review. Awarding five stars and the words of this review are my own.
Sea Glass Cottage is a story about forgiveness, healing, and turning to the Lord. There was not just one couple who needed a second chance, but two. It was a very intricate story line with two couples hoping for a reconciliation. Every time I thought I may have things figured out, Hannon would throw a curve ball. Which is what life is like in reality, full of curve balls. Hannon does a great job at bringing the reader to Hope Harbor and making them feel like they are a part of the town. I loved the small town atmosphere and the supporting characters. Hannon made them every bit as memorable as the main characters. Especially Charley, I feel like there is a story there, and maybe I am missing it because this is the first book I have read by this author. Hopefully there is a book about Charley, because he really left an impression of this reader. Fans of Christian fiction and clean romance will enjoy Hope Harbor. I received a copy of this book for free; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I never tire of visiting Hope Harbor through the pages of Irene Hannon’s wonderful series. It’s hard to believe that Sea Glass Cottage is book number eight. It makes me happy to know that there will be even more books upcoming in this series. I would be delighted if the series never ended.
Charlie and his taco stand are the one thing I always anticipate when opening one of the Hope Harbor series. His insight and wisdom are always so on point that one might wonder if he is actually an angel whose seagull friends also add their own special touch.
Sea Glass Cottage is yet another winner in which two hurting and estranged people are given another chance at love. As always there are hurdles they must overcome and a few surprises along their tangled path but faith and forgiveness always wins.
If you have not read any of the books in this series, Sea Glass Cottage is a good place to begin. Join Christi and Jack as they renew their acquaintance and discover the plans God had for their lives. I suspect you will want to read the rest of the series too.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
I loved this story. The messages of forgiveness and healing were so beautiful, as were the testimonies of God's timing. Fiction is how we process the world in a safe way. This book has a lot to process and a picturesque setting in which to do that.
Christi was beautifully flawed and yet hopeful. She is a determined woman with strength beyond what she knows she has. Jack is hesitant to start over (understandably) with Christi. He doesn't trust that she has changed. The story highlights the way this changes.
I love the character of Charley, there is more to him than meets the eye. He is definitely the best. I need to read the rest of the series to learn more about the people in this town.
The faith lessons in this book were from the perspectives of multiple characters coming from multiple backgrounds. It was beautiful and I can't wait to go back to Hope Harbor.
I received an early copy through the publisher and netgalley and this is my honest review.
"What we want isn't always part of God's bigger plan, though. We see the bottom of the tapestry, with all its loose threads, while he sees a beautiful, intricate pattern on the top. That's where trust comes in."
Sea Glass Cottage is the 8th book in Irene Hannon's Hope Harbor series. I absolutely love Hannon's romantic suspense but hadn't read any of her contemporary fiction before discovering this series. Sea Glass Cottage was definitely my favourite so far in this series, but I have to admit I haven't finished all the previous books yet. I do feel like most books in the Hope Harbor series can easily be read as a standalone, although you will see some characters come back throughout the series.
Christi Reed is desperate, and there's only one person left she can turn to, but Jack Colby is less than thrilled when his former girlfriend shows up in his peaceful town. He's worked hard to build a life of his own in the last eleven years, and the woman who broke his heart isn't a part of it. But when Christi winds up finding work and staying in a local cottage while waiting for his answer, Jack just might have a change of heart--especially after a surprise letter brings shocking news to his door.
I really enjoyed Christi and Jack's story, as well as the secondary story of Beth and Steve. This novel was full of faith, forgiveness, and reconciliation with God and each other. The characters faced heartbreaking and difficult challenges, but the plot stayed realistic and easy to read. As always, Charley had plenty of wisdom to share, and I'm still trying to figure out exactly who he is. I did struggle to get into the first few chapters, but then the story hooked me and I stayed up way too late to finish it!
If you enjoy faith-filled contemporary romance, you will likely enjoy Sea Glass Cottage. It gets a solid 4/5 stars from me.
*I received a complimentary copy of Sea Glass Cottage through the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.
It's always nice to go back to Hope Harbor. This is a great book if you are looking for a sweet and light beach read.. It is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone. There are some reoccurring characters that will show up.
Sea Glass Cottage is a story of second chances. Christi needs help from Jack but since she broke his heart years before he doesn't want anything to do with her. Eventually they are thrust together and Jack must learn to trust Christi again and she must prove that she is a different person than she once was.
The characters are enjoyable and the love story between the main characters is sweet. The setting, as always, is lovely and it's great to see some of the characters from the past books in this series.
Sea Glass Cottage is the eighth very satisfying trip to Hope Harbor. This time we have police officer turned author, Jack, reunited with former party queen Christi. But Christi ripped out his heart, then stopped on it, and Jack is left reeling at her arrival.
For Christi, Jack is her last chance to repair some damage she did to her best friend. But Jack wants nothing to do with Christi, until his world is upended by shocking news, and suddenly, he needs her help.
As the two work together with the highest of stakes, can she prove she’s changed? Can Jack forgive and trust her enough to give his heart again?
While Jack and Christi solve their issues, we get a deeper look at Charley, everyone’s favorite taco chef. And, thankfully, seagulls Floyd and Gladys make several appearances (a trip to Hope Harbor isn’t the same without them).
Once again, this book went far too quickly and now I have to wait for the ninth installment in this lovely series.
Hope Harbor where hearts heal…Irene Hannon is a gifted and talented author…this book was sent to me by Netgalley for review…it is a quick read with likable characters…the title evokes the image of an enjoyable afternoon…sitting by the ocean immersed in this book…or cozied up to a fire with hot tea and a delicious scone…you won’t be sorry you chose this book…reads like a true story…I really enjoyed reading this novel.
Sea Glass Cottage by Irene Hannon is a novel of second chances at love. It is one in Ms. Hannon’s Hope Harbor series.
Christi Reese has come to Hope Harbor to make contact with Jack Colby, an ex-lover. Jack has moved on from Christi since he was made a butt of a joke one summer. He was ready to ask her to marry him but found out that she’d been using him as a summer diversion. She was from a rich family and Jack was only the yard-man. Her actions discouraged him from ever having contact with her again. However, Christi has lost her wealth and has grown up. She desperately needs money for a friend, but Jack is having none of it. He’s built a new life…one without her. Only when circumstances change and he needs help does he look beyond the past to see Christi as she is today. Can they forget the past and look towards a bright future together?
I enjoyed reading this novel. I usually am not a fan of second-chance stories, but this was very readable and I enjoyed the story.
Sea Glass Cottage by Irene Hannon returns to the whimsical setting of Hope Harbor on the coast of Oregon for a charming second-chance love story. I absolutely enjoyed this sweet and engaging story of love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. The setting of this book is simply unique and picturesque. The characters are easy to relate to and humanly flawed. This book contains many surprising twists and turns along the way, allowing the reader to truly see the depth of the characters in this book. I also appreciated how Ms. Hannon wove a sweet story of reconciliation and forgiveness alongside the various difficulties experienced in life. Overall, this is an excellent work, full of sweet romance, life lessons, faith, and deep characters, plot twists, and enchanting locations. Even though I have not yet read the rest of this excellent series by Irene Hannon, I could easily pick up this book and understand the context. I would highly recommend this book. I sincerely hope that you have the opportunity to read Sea Glass Cottage and enjoy it as much as I have.
Christi Reece is far from the same girl that almost a dozen years ago betrayed and broke the heart of a sweet young man, Jack Colby. Christi has given her life over to Christ and has endured some very difficult circumstances in life. However, when Christi has nowhere else to turn to for help, will Jack even listen to her? Even when her hopes aren't answered immediately, Christi is quickly drawn into the enchanting seaside town of Hope Harbor and starts to make roots. But can she find refuge in this lovely town without causing more heartache with Jack? Can he forgive her for her past betrayal? Can she forgive herself?
Jack Colby thought that he had put his bitter past behind him until Christi Reece unexpectedly appears in his refuge, his new hometown of Hope Harbor. Even though Christi seems to have changed for the better, Jack is extremely distrustful of her and refuses to take her at her word. When Jack's life turns upside down and leaves him needing help, he turns to Christi to help him. Can these two learn to not only work together but to also forgive one another and move on from the bitterness and anger harbored in their hearts? Can they start over in a town full of hope and beauty? Read Sea Glass Cottage to find out for yourself! Happy reading!
Disclaimer: Revell graciously provided me with a copy of this book through Net Galley. All opinions are my own and part of an unbiased review.
I love Irene Hannon's suspense novels - all well written with likeable characters and a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat. This novel is different, a second chance love story, but the same standards apply. Wonderfully written, with forgiveness and romance entwined that would make even the hardest heart melt. I really savored this book and will definitely read it again.
Do people really change? I think if God is truly in their life they can. But that is really hard to trust and believe. I can see how it would be hard for the people in this story to believe that people had changed for the better. Noah's story really tugged at my heart in addition to everything that was going on in this story. I love this trip back to Hope Harbor. Charley and the taco truck is always so insightful.....is he an angel? And that sea gull pair and the sea lion.....they always have an interesting part to play. Irene Hannon is such a great author. She writes amazing books like this series and amazing mysteries too!
Irene Hannon once again takes us back to the special town of Hope Harbor with its all knowing resident artist, taco maker and intuitive gulls, Floyd and Gladys. Sea Glass Cottage is a beautiful story of forgiveness, second chances, learning to love and trust again.
While we catch up with some of our favorite characters from previous books, this story primarily focuses on couples, Christy and Jack and Steve and Beth. Both couples are facing tremendous hurt in their pasts that they view was inflicted by the other. They must choose whether to cling to the past they know or embrace a hope filled future.
Hannon paints a vivid picture with her words making you feel as if you are apart of the story. I can picture myself visiting Hope Harbor, taking a stroll on the wharf, and enjoying an order of Charley’s fish tacos. This is series is one of my absolute favorite and reading the books always feels like coming home.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
This was a sweet story about forgiveness and reconciliation - not only of old or broken relationships, but also reconciliation with God for more than one character. But it was also a story about learning to trust again.
I enjoyed all the characters we’ve met in this visit to Hope Harbor. From the serious Jack, in-need-of-a break, Christi to the two different seagulls. I liked how Christi’s care and love for others just spilled through on the pages.
“But even when people give up on God, his love never wavers. He just opens his arms and waits to welcome his children back, with all their faults. Reconciliations in the human realm can be difficult, but with God there’s no risk of failure or rejection.”
Another heartwarming story in a small town on the coast of Oregon we all have come to love!
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*
Beautifully written - and this series of books is like inviting an old friend round for tea and a catch up. An absolute delight to read and I can’t wait for the next one
I love the Hope Harbor series and this has been one of my favorite stories in the series. Christi and Jack reconnect in this story and this is a beautiful romance. There are ups and downs and they each end up helping the other. I always love Charley Lopez and the pair of seagulls. I did not want to put this book down. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
Irene Hannon knows how to let her characters tell their own stories. She builds an emotional plot with interweaving experiences and reactions of her main characters and a secondary couple in the coastal town of Hope Harbor.
I love the characters in this story. They feel real. Jack is a tough guy with a tender heart beneath the scars. He is blown away at his betraying former girlfriend's appearance and her absolute gall to hang around. She asks him for a loan, it's insane!
Christi is strong after coming to learn who she is and what she truly wants in life after deep loss. Sea Glass Cottage and its surroundings soothes her. Hope isn't only the name of the area, it's a promise in the air.
Returning regulars Charley the wise and talented fish taco maker plus two whimsical sea gulls add their touch to the ambience too. (If Charley isn't an angel, I want a dynamic love story for him.)
I received the advanced reader's copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. I want to thank them for this wonderful story. This is my own unsolicited opinion of it. I can't wait for the next trip to Hope Harbor.
Eight years of loving this small Oregon coastal town and its wonderful inhabitants. Eight years of looking forward to yet another visit. And here we are-back in Hope Harbor for another great story from Hannon. She sure knows how to do this small-town life well. I was so glad to read in the afterword that there will be at least three more books in this series. The perfect book to wrap yourself around on a dark night! This book needs to be on your radar! I love it so much!