Tracy Campbell never wanted to leave Hope Harbor, Oregon, or the idyllic three-generation cranberry farm where she grew up. But life–and love–altered her plans. When tragedy strikes and changes her plans yet again, she finds herself back in her hometown with a floundering farm to run and a heartbreaking secret. Romance is not on her agenda. Nor is it on Michael Hunter’s. The visitor from Chicago has daunting secrets of his own. But when Tracy recruits him to help save a struggling charitable organization, the winds of change begin to sweep through Hope Harbor, bringing healing, hope, and love to countless lives — including their own.
(From the author’s website.) Irene Hannon is a bestselling, award-winning author who took the publishing world by storm at the tender age of 10 with a sparkling piece of fiction that received national attention.
Okay…maybe that’s a slight exaggeration. But she was one of the honorees in a complete-the-story contest conducted by a national children’s magazine. And she likes to think of that as her “official” fiction-writing debut!
Since then, she has written more than 45 romance and romantic suspense novels. Her books have been honored with two RITA awards—the “Oscar” of romantic fiction—and she is a six-time finalist. Her books have also won a Daphne du Maurier award, a Carol award, two HOLT Medallions, a National Readers’ Choice Award, a Retailers Choice Award and two Reviewers’ Choice awards from RT Book Reviews magazine. One of her novels was also named by Booklist as a top 10 inspirational fiction books of 2011. In addition, she is a Christy award finalist.
Irene, who holds a B.A. in psychology and an M.A. in journalism, juggled two careers for many years until she gave up her executive corporate communications position with a Fortune 500 company to write full-time. She is happy to say she has no regrets!
In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, gardening and singing. A trained vocalist, she has sung the leading role in numerous musicals, including “South Pacific,” “Brigadoon,” “Oklahoma” “The King and I” and “Anything Goes.” She is also a soloist at her church.
When not otherwise occupied, Irene and her husband enjoy traveling, Saturday mornings at their favorite coffee shop and spending time with family. They make their home in Missouri.
My Impressions:
Irene Hannon is well known for really great romantic suspense fiction. She is one of my favorites in that genre. But she also excels at contemporary romance, and her latest novel, Hope Harbor, is an excellent example! With well-drawn characters, a wonderful small-town setting, and a message of hope and reconciliation, this novel provides more than pure entertainment. Not your run-of-the-mill fluffy romance, Hope Harbor gives the reader a touching reading experience that will last well after the last page is turned. This one comes highly recommended.
Michael Hunter travels to Hope Harbor, Oregon to find himself again after the death of his wife eighteen months before. Regrets have him weighted down. But a collision with a bicyclist, an invitation from the town hermit and a prophetic message from the owner of the local fish taco stand puts him on a path that can only be described as God-led.
There are three main characters in Hope Harbor, all with past choices that have led to deep regret and guilt. All have in some way failed in crucial relationships. Michael, Tracy and Anna feel like real people — neighbors, friends or family. Their struggles with God and others ring true to life. Their development throughout the novel is measured and realistic — just the right pacing for the novel to be believable. The strength of this novel is the way in which the characters’ doubts, questions and wrestling with God are portrayed. The setting is perfect — a small Oregon coastal town with enough citizens to make it interesting and enough closeness to make the reader want to visit — again and again. The only thing that would have made this book better would have been a recipe for cranberry nut cake — I have got to find one!
Hope Harbor is a winner! Not just a romance, it is an exploration of broken relationships and the God who can rebuild and restore.
Highly Recommended.
Audience: adults.
To purchase this book, click HERE.
(Thanks to Revell for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
I just love Irene Hannon. Hope Harbor sounds like a winner. Thanks!
I think it may be my favorite of hers. Thanks so much for stopping by.