About the Book:

Book: Starfish Pier

Series: Hope Harbor #6

Author: Irene Hannon

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: March 31, 2020

A year ago, ex-Delta Force operator Steven Roark left the rigors of combat behind to run fishing charters in Hope Harbor, decompress, and talk some sense into his kid brother. Business is good–but making peace with his past is more challenging than he expected.

First-grade teacher Holly Miller leads a quiet, low-profile existence–until she’s recruited to advocate for a cause that’s dear to her heart. When she solicits Steven’s assistance, sparks fly–especially after they find themselves on opposite sides of an issue that disrupts their placid seaside community.

As these two seemingly incompatible souls search for common ground, might they discover a deeper connection–and find that love can banish darkness and light the way to a future filled with promise?

Bestselling and award-winning author Irene Hannon invites you back to Hope Harbor–where hearts heal . . . and love blooms.

Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Starfish-Pier-Hope-Harbor-Novel-ebook/dp/B07VQP1BHG

My Thoughts:

I’ve only traveled to “Hope Harbor” on a few occasions, but this quaint town on the coast of Oregon is the kind of place you want to visit time and time again. Mrs. Hannon has created a hometown that feels as real as any on earth. From the taco chef Charley to the seagull “couple” to the bantering clerics, Hope Harbor is a place that will make you feel at home and bring a smile to your face at the same time the characters struggle with deep personal issues and flaws. Mrs. Hannon creates a clean, tactful story while also not shying away from the most difficult decisions people face in life and Starfish Pier, I believe, takes on one of the hardest I’ve ever seen in a Christian romance novel.

Alcoholism, abortion, assisted suicide, and capital punishment all play a major part in the lives of these characters. This story addresses questions that are some of the most controversial and difficult to answer. However, this story also brings into the light the incredible forgiveness offered by an amazing God. If He offers people a second chance, shouldn’t we?

One of my favorite quotes is this: “We’re all like stones tossed in the water, creating a ripple effect with outer limits too far away for us to see. But God sees them.” We never know the ripple effect that our decisions will cause both to the good and to the bad. As the Scripture says, “For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. (Romans 14:7)”  

Because of the heavy elements to this story, I recommend parent discretion for anyone under 18, however it is clean both in language and intimacy. (One married couple does head into the bedroom for behind closed-door activities.)

I recommend this book for those who are looking for something deeper with a difficult path for the romance to traverse.  

About the Author:

Irene Hannon is the best-selling author of more than 35 novels. Her books have been honored with the coveted RITA Award from Romance Writers of America, the HOLT Medallion, the Reviewer’s Choice Award from Romantic Times BOOKreviews magazine and the Daphne du Maurier Award for mystery/suspense. Irene and her husband make their home in Missouri, USA. Irene invites you to visit her at her website, http://www.irenehannon.com

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own. A positive review was not required.