Returning to Hope Harbor with another sweet, contemporary story, Irene Hannon’s Sea Rose Lane explores starting over and second chances. Attorney Eric Nash has been laid off and heads to his hometown to figure out what could be next, while BJ Stevens, previously a big-city architect, is enjoying the quiet life of that town, though still grapples with her lingering past. As their paths cross unexpectedly, the pair embark on a journey of growth, hope, and heartwarming romance. Their story, like Hope Harbor, is one I will happily recommend.

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

This story was adorable. The small-town vibes were amazing. Hope Harbor is definitely a town I would cherish getting to live in, given the chance. (Too bad it’s only fictional!) I loved the renovation work and the distinctive characters. Featuring a Cuban immigrant was a nice touch! That isn’t something I see a lot. In fact, I’m not sure I’ve read anything before that spotlighted this. And I especially loved that he went about it the right way, the legal way, and got his green card. Yes, please!

I thought the depression issue was handled with tact and grace. It wasn’t over-the-top at all, and it felt raw and genuine while not getting bogged down in the depths of the darkness that depression is. There was a fine balancing act on the author’s part, and she handled this like a master.

The community service work was amazing! I’m not sure I would want to participate in a project like this particular one, because it’s not safe for a single lady to be moving in with a stranger, elderly or otherwise, but I like how it was portrayed here. It seemed to be highlighting the best of cases, and I like that. I think shining the spotlight on happy news is exactly what is needed right now.

There were a couple of odd “miraculous” animal moments. A pair of birds seemed to know more than they ought and worked mysteriously to keep a person where they needed to be for a few more minutes. This creeped me out and did not seem realistic at all. There’s no way those birds knew that someone was heading that way at that precise moment or that this particular person they were hemming in was the person that other somebody was needing to talk to. Too contrived! There was one or two other moments like that, and they drove me batty, because they were obviously contrived for the sake of having a “miraculous” thread to the book that, honestly, wasn’t even needed. This book would have been five stars instead of four for me if those odd moments weren’t included.

Trigger warning: suicide attempt, depression

Content: one expletive; idolizing a man: “I’m no Charlie. Don’t expect miracles.”

Another healing of hearts in the heart-warming series.

Eric Nash needs to learn to care. BJ needs to learn to trust. Cuban immigrant Luis needs to realize that there is still life - and hope - for him. As it is for elderly people needing some companion.

This series is all heart. While I miss some rawness and depth, I like the strong message of hope - and while the hope might seem too naive and rosy for our too much hardened hearts, we still crave it.
This book, while wearing a bit rosy-colored glasses, is able to gently tap at the still tender place in our hearts and ask to be invited in.

And am I strange for enjoying the banter between the Father Kevin and Reverend Baker the most? That's some very serious ecumenism in practice!
And what about Charley the taco maker, whom I seriously suspect to be an angel in disguise?
I love these side characters the most, even most than the obligatory young lovers. Sidekicks, fighting!

Sea Rose Lane, a great book, written by a wonderful author. One you will add to want list.

Another winner by Ms. Hannon. Love revisting the characters and town from earlier books.