So happy that I did not allow the words "haunted house" to keep me from reading this charming love story. Not a fan of paranormal so was initially hesitant. Definitely not a factor in this tale. This has a beauty and the beast flavor, but we all know beauty is only skin deep. It is what's inside that counts. An enjoyable time was spent in Hope Harbor. I look forward to returning there again one day. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

When Ashley's dream job ended unexpectedly, she decided to make one of her own. Becoming part-owner of a historic house in Hope Harbour, she arranges to set it up for weddings and similar events. What she didn't expect was an attraction to her next-door neighbour and landscaper - or the discovery that her reclusive fellow-owner is hiding talents of her own. Jonathan shut the door on romance when his fiance walked out on him after an encounter with an IED left him badly scarred, but loneliness and Ashley are beginning to make him wonder whether that was a mistake. Ashley came to Hope Harbour to restore a house - can she restore her own faith in love? Will Jonathan learn to open himself to others again?

A charming story of hope, restoration and love - both romantic and friendly. While a few people's attitudes towards Jonathan were horrible, overall it was great to watch him slowly learn that people really could and would accept him as he was. Rose's story also definitely added to the picture of restoration and community, and I loved watching her come out of her shell. As for Ashley, while she had her own hang-ups, she was beautifully drawn as an encourager but not someone who forces their own ideas and attitudes on others, which was inspiring. In fact, the whole book was both enjoyable and inspiring - and very hard to put down! All in all, a great read, and I hope to visit Hope Harbour again soon. Highly recommended.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

HEALING, HOPE, AND HAPPINESS

Irene Hannon’s Hope Harbor Series is one of my favorites for several reasons. The setting is in Hope Harbor which is on the Oregon Coast, a small town where people still take time to invest in one another, and a place that sounds like a delightful place to visit (or even move). In Windswept Way, Hannon showcases her award-winning writing style with another beautifully written story of healing, hope, and happiness.

What I like best about Windswept Way is how Hannon uses the examples of three different types of people that others, for the most part, have chosen to forget about. One is a Senior Citizen that has become a recluse due to some actions of her former husband, one is a young woman who is beaten down and desperately in need of affirmation, and the other is a Veteran whose physical scars are keeping him from the relationships he deserves. The surprise character in the story is an isolated property that was once a showpiece. It has also been forgotten about without a family filled with love to dwell in it. Will Hannon’s three forgotten characters be able to pull together and find a way of healing, hope, and happiness as they work to restore the once grand home.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Revell and NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own and without influence.

Ashley, Rose and Jonathan meet in Hope Harbor. Each of them has been hurt in the past in different ways, and they struggle to move forward in life. But life starts to change for them in Hope Harbor, as their journeys have brought them together. The story continues with what their lives are like now, how sometimes it takes looking at yourself through someone else's eyes, instead of through your head, to turn your life around.
I received an ARC from Revell through NetGalley.

Windswept Way is the 9th book in the Hope Harbor series. It is so much fun to go back and meet up with old friends from the previous books, as well as meet new characters who come to Hope Harbor, Oregon, for healing and to start over. The main characters in this book, Ashley and Jon, are both starting over after devastating broken relationships. In addition, Jon is struggling with scars from an explosion and Ashley’s previous job in Tennessee literally went up in smoke. I love the way Ms Hannon describes her characters, their thoughts and feelings. In addition her landscape descriptions make me feel like I’m right there among the scenes. Although this book is part of a series it can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a romance with NO sex scenes. I received an arc of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

Hope Harbor is a beautiful place on the Oregon coast where those who are hurting and need a new start in life can go to heal. A trip back means visiting old friends, like Charley, a wise and knowledgeable taco maker and artist, two wise clerics who are friends and jokesters as well as golfing buddies, one a priest and the other a Protestant minister, and a host of business owners and professionals. In this story we meet Ashley, an historian who is there for a new start after a broken relationship and a job that went up in flames and Jon, a wounded and scarred war veteran who has given up on love and God. Theirs is a sweet story of healing, faith, and new beginnings.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. All thoughts are mine only.

Have I mentioned how much I adore the Hope Harbor series? :D

_Windswept Way_ might not have been chronologically next in my NetGalley TBR pile ... but it jumped ahead as soon as I saw it again late last week. (Funny how that works.) And I read it literally in one weekend.

Hannon continues to amaze me with her quality writing and ability to keep a series going for Nine. Books. (And the afterword notes there's still [at least? <crosses fingers> one more to come, plus another trilogy set in the area. Squee!) I mean, seriously, how many series can keep going effectively and keep a reader engaged and interested for that many? Thankfully, Hope Harbor is one of them, and this is a great installment.

It did take a wee bit to get engaged with, but once that happened, I was hooked to the end. Loved seeing so many familiar faces (and food ... cue the fish tacos!) and revisiting this wonderful fictional town. I so wish it was real--might just have to go visit Coos Bay and pretend! LOL!

5/5 stars.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This is a beautiful and powerful story. I've read nearly every book in this series and Irene Hannon keeps creating wonderful characters with real life, intense situations, heartache, second chances, just everything! I was so pleased to have been given the opportunity to read the advanced copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This is my unsolicited opinion about it.
Ashley Scott has a vision for Edgecliff, a beautiful property that needs reawakening as does its reclusive owner, Rose. After much prayer she believes this is a mission God is allowing her to undertake.
Jon Gray is a local landscaper. He has helped Rose with a few duties around the property even though they have never met. A terribly scarred military veteran Jon works hard, employs men who need a second chance and stays to himself with a friendly dog by his side. Ashley comes to the area and changes things for he and Rose.
I love that this series is set in a community of Hope Harbor with beloved returning characters including Father Murphy, Reverend Baker and the resident secret keeper- taco making, artist, Charley Lopez. (If he isn't an angel, he needs his own romance story.) Floyd and Gladys also make their appearances. This is a series to love. I hope Irene continues it for years to come.

Sometimes I just need a sweet, easy read (I read thrillers mostly) and Irene Hannon was just what my heart needed.

A great little book. Thank you gforbletting me read it. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and characters b

A delightful read! Hope Harbor is a charming town on the Oregon coast, and it's habited by a wonderful group of people. Ashley loves history so when the opportunity comes for a new business venture, she's intrigued at the opportunity to become part owner of a dazzling historic estate. Ashley and the owner try to turn it into a wedding and special event venue. Jonathan owns a landscaping business so he is hired to revamp the grounds before the venue's open house, and sparks soon start flying between Ashley and Jonathan. both have scars, Ashley is healing from emotional wounds from a broken relationship and Jonathan has deep scars, both literally and figuratively. I wish we could have gotten more scenes between Jonathan and Ashley.

Clean/contemporary - Christian romance, It is part of a series but it can be read as a standalone book. I recommend it.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an eARC of this novel from the publisher (Revell) via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.

Ashley, Rose and Jonathan are three people going though life in survival mode, all of them injured by their pasts and each of them struggling in different ways to forge a new and hopeful future for themselves. When they meet in Hope Harbor, their lives are irrevocably changed and leave a lesson behind for each reader. The characters were lovable as well as relatable. I especially liked the elderly Rose, a recluse who needs encouragement to come out of her shell. The plot is original and thought-provoking, dealing with love and loss as well as with acceptance of one’s injuries and the ability to move past them. The story captured my heart and mind as I was enraptured by the developing romance between two injured souls who hardly dared to hope for a future. All of my favorite characters from previous books in the series made an appearance, and I was especially glad to see Charlie and his taco truck dispensing his wisdom in a timely manner as always. And the seagulls were there, too, playing on the beach near the historic estate that Ashley and Rose are renovating as an event venue. I loved everything about this book, from beginning to end, but nothing more than the tale of being storm tossed but not destroyed. With a well-crafted story and a good pace, this is a book to savor the fruits of its lessons and to share with others, whether it be in a book group or with friends.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley as part of the Revell Reads Blogger Program. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

** “I reminded him that we’re often a harsher judge of ourselves than God is. He knows we’re not perfect. All he expects is that we acknowledge our failings, learn from our mistakes, try to do better, and trust in his mercy and love.” **

Irene Hannon offers her ninth Hope Harbor story with “Windswept Way,” a modern day take on “Beauty and the Beast.”

Historian Ashley Scott travels to Hope Harbor, Oregon, to propose a business deal with the elusive owner of the historic Edgecliff estate, Rose Fitzgerald Warner, to help create a gathering place at her grand home. As the two work together to improve Edgecliff, their friendship also blooms.

With the help of landscaper Jon Gray, dealing with scars from his past, Ashley develops a beautiful space … and possibly a beautiful relationship if both Ashley and Jon can overcome their past trials and see past their scars.

Hannon, as always, creates a delightful town with delightful yet relatable characters, including returning characters like the taco-making Charley who always offers the right wisdom and two lovable seagulls named Floyd and Gladys. She also fills “Windswept Way” with several great themes, like sometimes you have to take a leap of faith; you can find quiet joy amid trials and tribulations; don’t give up on your dreams; unexpected events can lead us in unanticipated directions; and kindness is never wasted.

A major theme is restoration, both from ourselves and from God. “It does sadden me to see anyone distanced from God, but I understand how it can happen. The blows life deals us and the mistakes we make can drive a wedge in what should, in an ideal world, be a relationship of total trust and acceptance on both sides. God lives up to his part of that bargain, but we humans often fall short on both counts.”

Even though this book is part of a series, you could read “Windswept Way,” which is due out April 4, as a standalone, but I would encourage you to go ahead and read the other stories in the series. The 10th installation is due in April 2024.

Five stars out of five.

Revell provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

This is #9 in the Hope Harbor series by Irene Hannon. This iconic town on the Oregon Coast is home to a lot of interesting and artistic people. Ashley goes to invest in a historic mansion inhabited by a reclusive woman with many hidden talents. They band together to make the mansion and its grounds into a venue for weddings and other occasions. Jon, a local landscaper comes onboard to get the grounds ready. He is also a wounded veteran. Add these to the already familiar Taco guy / artist and others we have met in earlier books and it make you want to visit this seaside town if only it were real.

I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my own honest opinion.

Windswept Way by Irene Hannon is a very interesting story of unconditional love, forgiveness and healing. This book is the ninth book in the Hope Harbor Series and can be read as a stand-alone, but I recommend reading them all!
Ashley Scott is a historian and an event planner who settles in Hope Harbor, a beautiful town on the Oregon Coast. Ashley becomes partners with Rose Fitzgerald, an eighty year old recluse who lives at the old historic home, Edgecliff. Ashley plans to make Edgecliff an events venue where she will offer tours, host weddings and other programs. Rose and Ashley have secrets but they share the love of this old home that brings them very close like family.
Jonathon Gray is a wounded war veteran, inside and out. He owns the landscaping business that Ashley and Rose hire to take care of Edgecliff. Jon has suffered many difficult days from his injuries and the fact that people are scared to get close to him because of his physical scars and most people will not even look at him.
Can Ashley see past his scars and the pain he has suffered to see into his heart and see the hero he really is? Ashley’s mothers says no, she thinks Ashley is too good for this man and that she can do better. Read and see how the story unfolds and you will not be sorry.
This is a Christian Contemporary book that you will not want to put down.
Thank you NetGalley and Revell Publishing for allowing me to read and review with my own opinions.

The MCs had great backstories with lots of potential. Unfortunately, too much of the story was dedicated to the FMC's job instead of building a connection with the MMC. It lacked romantic build up and felt forced. A few big "share my life story" moments were not enough to make me think they could fall in love.

Windswept Way is a beautiful take on the Beauty and the Beast trope. Jonathan’s journey to healing and coming to terms with his appearance was so beautiful. I love the way Hannon explored the concept of true beauty without sounding trite or preachy.

The subplot of reclusive Rose added to the main plot in a way I can’t fully explain. But the way Ashley’s friendship and Jonathan’s struggles impact Rose and influence her journey was so well done, all I can do is applaud Hannon.

Hannon also balances the inclusion of characters we know and love from previous books with the main storyline. Sometimes in a series it can be easy to be overwhelmed by all the character cameos, and the main characters get lost in the shuffle. But Hannon definitely doesn’t have this problem. Her subtle worldbuilding makes Hope Harbor feel like a real place I would love to visit.

I also love the faith arc about God’s sovereignty and His love for mankind. It’s organic and timely and really got me thinking about God’s hand in our lives.

Overall, Windswept Way is a sweet story that contemporary romance fans will love.

Welcome back, that is how it feels to be with old friends, and yes, there are some recurring characters, including Charlie and his seagull friends, along with visits to the Lavender Farm, among others. This can be read alone, but you might want to pick up the past books in this series, they are just as good!

This is a story of healing, and there are many types, we have hurt people, some by war, and some by other people. The author gives us such a beautiful place for the setting, Hope Harbor, but we are also at a picturesque home, and it is about to reveal secrets, both in the house and grounds, and now the people we are now spending time with.

This story pulls you in and doesn't let go, all the way to the epilogue! Now I see there are more to come, love the author's notes!

I received this book through Net Galley ad the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

Windswept Way is book 9 in the Hope Harbor series. I have not read any others in this series, and I don't think it is necessary to do so. However, some of the supporting characters are so fun (particularly the wise-cracking duo of the priest and the reverend), I think I will.

This book focuses on following your dreams and looking beyond appearances to see the heart. The characters are very likeable, and I rooted for them to overcome their difficulties to get their happily ever after. There was no miracle cure for the issues, just an openness to possibilities.

I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to all readers. Family friendly.

This is my first time reading a novel by Irene Hannon and it won’t be the last one of her books that I will read. I throughly enjoyed her delightful cast of characters. Both Jon and Rose were somewhat reclusive as they tried to stay in the shadows while in public. Ashley was outgoing and up-lifting. All three had been hurt deeply by the ones they had loved. It took me a few chapters to get into the story but as it unfolded I found myself drawn in and eager to see how it all worked out as the ending came into sight. The book was entertaining, romantic and clean read. The Author has won me over to her writing style

The theme of this book would be that beauty is only skin deep and what’s on the inside, the heart, a persons character, their personality is what’s most important in a relationship. Jon was a war hero , wounded and scared for life. Rose was an older wealthy woman who had married a man who scammed many people in illegal business dealings. She was a recluse who hid herself from the public’s eye. She had also lost a child in her younger years . Rose had a few secrets that few people knew about. She was in the world but not of the world. Ashley was a beautiful woman who was an historian and loved to work on old Victorian style houses and turn them into business ventures. She had a genuine personality and was successful in business but not in her love life. A man had used her for her looks and then broke her heart. Hannon brings these people together in this book with a beautiful story that will keep your attention till the last page.

Readers of contemporary romance, clean read and women’s fiction will love this book. It is part of a series but it can be read as a standalone book. I recommend it! Windswept Way is scheduled to be released on 4/3/23.

I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are my own.

#WindsweptWay#NetGalley