I loved my return visit to Hope Harbor, Oregon in the newest book in the series, Windswept Way. I don’t know how Irene Hannon does it, but each book in the series just gets better and better. You will fall in love with these characters as they navigate a way back from isolation. Recommended.
Buying a haunted house was never in Ashley Scott’s plans, but when an intriguing opportunity drops into her lap after a major setback, she finds herself trekking cross-country to Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast to launch a new life.
Wounded warrior Jonathan Gray isn’t sure what to make of the attractive woman on his reclusive older neighbor’s isolated property, but her presence is none of his business–until she enlists his help with an ambitious project. When Jonathan finds his interest in the new arrival becoming more personal than professional, however, his defenses go up. There’s no room in his life–or his heart–for romance.
Yet, as these three hurting people join forces to restore life, laughter, and love to a historic estate that has known too much sadness, they may also find healing, hope, and happiness for themselves.
Bestselling author Irene Hannon invites you back to Hope Harbor, where hearts heal and love blooms.
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.
My Impressions:
Traveling to Hope Harbor is always a treat! The latest installment in the contemporary romance series, Windswept Way, is another outstanding book by Irene Hannon. The setting of the novel is again the Oregon coast with its lovely views of sea stacks, circling seagulls, and the welcoming town. Windswept Way introduces two residents and a newcomer to the reader. Octogenarian Rose has had a lot of knocks in her life. Her family home is more than retreat, it is a safe haven from prying eyes and media attention. Jon has been wounded physically, but also emotionally, as he battled back from sever injuries suffered as a soldier. He too hides from the world. Both are vulnerable in similar ways. Enter Ashley, a vivacious and optimistic woman who befriends both. Her empathy and caring spirit are hard to resist. She’s been wounded in a lesser way than Rose and Jon, but she seeks to understand and help their healing. As always, Hannon inserts favorite characters into the narrative — they add a great deal of color to the book, but also wise words. While there is romance in the air, it develops slowly and naturally. This is a stranger to friend to more story that builds throughout the book. While most readers will not have undergone the physical and emotional trauma that the main characters experienced, they will find connections to the themes of betrayal and resulting vulnerability. All the characters are Christians, with some firm in their faith, while others feel God is a long way off. I liked the how the community of believers supports each other.
Windswept Way is the ninth book in the series! I think it is the best so far. It can easily be read as a standalone, but I recommend starting from the beginning. Nine wonderful novels to read — how great is that?!
Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(Thanks to Revell for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Tags: contemporary romance fiction, Irene Hannon
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