Irene Hannon has hit me right smack in the feels once again! I love this series, and I really want a fish taco from Charley’s food truck! I want to meet that wacky couple, Floyd and Gladys! I want to live in this incredible community of Hope Harbor! More please!

I have enjoyed all the Hope Harbor Novels so much with their down-to-earth characters and compelling stories. Hope Harbor would not be the same place without Charlie’s taco stand and his almost prophetic wisdom. Then of course there are those nearly human sea gulls Floyd and Gladys. Hannon’s stories are so vivid that I find myself wanting to ask my daughter who lives on the Oregon coast if she has visited Charlie’s taco stand yet. She would probably think her mom had lost her mind inside one of her books!

As in the previous novels, I found Driftwood Bay hard to put down once I started reading. It was so easy to become caught up in the lives of Jeannette and Logan and all the people who interacted with them. Another story of second chances and learning to trust again, Driftwood Bay was a joy to read. I love a book that not only is romantic and entertaining but also contains a lesson or two in how to grow in faith. As far as I’m concerned, this series can continue indefinitely.

Warmth, wisdom, hope, and fish tacos – that’s what you get from reading Irene Hannon’s latest Hope Harbor novel Driftwood Bay, and it’s a delightful combination that blends wholesome family drama, realistic life transitions and a cute small town with just enough romance to keep things interesting.

I must confess, I haven’t read the previous four installments in this series, and when I agreed to review this novel, I didn’t realize it was a Christian romance. In truth, I’m glad I didn’t notice that element because I’m not that into organized religion and it might have kept me from reading this novel. That would have been a big mistake, because Irene Hannon’s work is accessible to all, and while the characters in this story both mentioned and took strength from their faith, there was nothing preachy about the book. Faith was a character element and handled as such. The church community was also an integral part of the plot, acting the way the best faith communities should: taking in refugees, and otherwise helping people make useful connections to better their lives.

The other elements of the novel were equally well-crafted: lead characters Jeannette Mason (“the lavender lady”) and Logan West begin as neighbors brought together by the latter’s destructo-dog Toby, and watching their relationship evolve from somewhat prickly ‘just neighbors’ to an uncertain friendship, to more was both amusing and endearing. Each of these people had baggage in their backstory, but author Hannon managed to make their metaphorical luggage match in. the best way.

Similarly, Hannon handled the Syrian refugee family, Mariam, Thomma, and Elisa, with great sensitivity, showing their struggles to overcome the loss of their home and family members, their struggles to learn English, and to acclimate to life in a fishing village rather than a mining town.

One thing I particularly appreciated, because I struggle with it in my own writing is the way Hannon depicted the child-characters Elisa and Molly (Logan’s young niece). It can be so easy to make little kids into caricatures rather than characters, but these two little girls are as real and dimensional as any of the adults, and the friendship they form is as special as any of the other relationships in the novel.

One side character I do want to mention is Charley who runs the taco truck (when he’s not off painting). I kept getting the feeling there was meant to be more to him than what we saw, but even if it was just the way I was reading him, I loved him as the person who tells you what you need you hear, when you most need to hear it, even if it’s sometimes a bit cryptic.

Overall, this is a wholesome, heartwarming novel that leaves you believing that communities can still come together and there is still hope in the world.

Goes well with fish tacos and a cold beer.

This is a story of loss, pain, love & recovery. Logan & Jeanette have both tragically lost their families. Where Jeanette was left alone & chose to retreat from life & love, Logan isn’t allowed that luxury. He has one family member left, his niece Molly. He has to draw her out of her shell so that she can thrive & grow. As they are all drawn into the town activities & drama, they each end up helping out a refuge family in their own ways. By seeing the struggles of this father, daughter & grandmother while they attempt to move forward in a new & foreign place, Logan, Jeanette & Molly grow closer & gain their own strengths. Truly a sweet, inspiring story.

I haven't read the other Hope Harbor series books, but this little town is one I would love to catch up with. very sweet and poignant story.

I was waiting for Driftwood Bay to be published since reading the author's tease in Pelican Point, book 4 in the Hope Harbor series. It is like meeting up with an old friend and catching up on their lives. We vacation along the Oregon Coast for about a week each summer and the charm of Hope Harbor resonates with me.

Logan is new to Hope Harbor and although Jeanette has been pouring herself into her new business for over a year, she hasn't really connected with many people and that was her plan when settling in the tiny coastal town. Irene Hannon has the gift of creating characters that she can delve into and bring out their best traits and leaves them happy for the changes. Logan and Jeanette do not seem, at first to have any chance of becoming good neighbors let alone friends. I enjoyed the pace that their pasts emerged as they began to change.

Charlie, a constant in all Hope Harbor books, has the wisdom and insight that leaves many wondering how he can know their thoughts or what they need. Does he have special gifts or are his words of advice simply coincidence? Either way, he is near when least expected and knows when you "might" show up for one of his famous fish tacos.

I recommend this book with 5 stars simply because it is that good. Hope Harbor is a special place in the heart of Irene Hannon's fans. Just enough magic inspired by faith, love and a wonderful location to change the hearts of those who need it most. I am already looking forward to book 6 in this series.

This book was even better than I expected. It was emotional as you could have guessed. But it was emotional without being mushy.
Exceptional main characters with great depth. It was also several main character families suffering some of the similar things, even if some of situations were different. Grief was one main theme. Trying to start over in unfamiliar settings is another. Relationship with God is another.
Jeannett, is the Lavender Lady who is all alone and that is how she has decided that's how she wants it to stay. Including people, getting involved in people's lives just invites the possibility of more loss and pain. Nope. She doesn't want to go there again.
Logan West and his niece, Molly are starting from scratch when it comes to knowing each other. Things are NOT going well. Add in that wild beagle dog, Toby and Logan's stress level just got upped. You've got to admire a single guy who upends his whole life for his niece though.
Mariam, and her last surviving son, Thomma, and his daughter Elisa Shabos bring their own kind of loss and pain. Mariam's faith is strong but few people see her struggle to adjust but she is doing her best to keep her family together and trust God. She is thankful to have opportunity to leave the camps and saw that thought things are difficult, there is opportunities being offered to them. Thomma is sunk deep in depression, he's bitter and not making much effort. He's just putting one foot in front of the other and hoping things will get better. Not that he thinks it will. Caught in the midst of his agony is his daughter, who has lost much of what the rest of the family has. Added to her grief, is the grief of her father rejecting her over and over. Elisa is hurting not understanding why her father has changed from the loving, involved father she knew.
What a great community these people landed in. When they say they are there for you, they aren't afraid to show up. It's proved more than once in this story. They also welcomed the
Shabos family with open arms and went the extra mile to help.
Charly is a unique character who makes wonderful fish tacos and connects with people in an almost supernatural way. He cares about people and spreads non-judgemental wisdom as he goes.
Two more people made me smile. It was the interaction between Reverend Baker and Father Murphy. Not only were they caring people but they were also funny. They worked together when it came to helping the Shabos family and I liked to see that. But the humorous ribbing between Baker and Murphy was fun to see too.
There is a H.E.A. for all but it's going to be hard work for all for quite a while.
I'm glad that a Epilogue is added because I always like to see how things move forward for people.
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

Driftwood Bay by Irene Hannon has the most appealing characters. The story of Jeanette and Logan was woven together beautifully with that of the family from Syria. the most appealing characters
Characters are real, the story line original and the emotional and
Jeanette runs a lavender farm and hosts a weekly Tea. You know she has come to Hope Harbor to escape something bad but you are not exactly sure what until much later in the book. Her story touched me because we know a family that had a similar situation happen.
The story of Logan and Molly was at moments heartbreaking and other times just precious. I could just see her putting her hand in his. The details of having an unruly puppy were written so well you could feel the frustration right along with Logan.

I adored how Hannon used the little girl Molly to share some profound truths.
I always finish Hannon’s books way too soon. You don’t want them to end because you fall in love with the characters. Time flies as you are following them on the journey.
Hannon did an extraordinary job of revealing the trials of a family moving to the states from a war torn country. Another area that I felt Hannon excelled in this book was ‘showing’ Logan’s character versus ‘telling’. She revealed his character several times in small ways that he handled his patients at the hospital.
And extra kudos to the book cover designer for capturing the essence of the story beautifully.

I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.

I enjoyed this story of Jeanette and Logan. Although the story of the Syrian refugees was nice, I felt that it was a bit discordant in this novel.

This book is perfect reading when you want something somewhat light, inspirational, and characters that will endear themselves to you.

Jeannette is running from tragic memories. No one could blame her but God has other plans for her in this world and I enjoyed reading how he spoke to her and gently nudged her to get involved in the community despite her desires to stay on her farm and keep to herself as much as possible. Logan has been thrown into a situation he never expected to find himself, caretaker to his niece who has lost both her father and her grandmother at a young age. A Syrian refugee family ends up in town where they know no one, much less speak the language. Yet these characters are bound to each other in their faith and hope for a better life and their lives intertwine in such a way that each character comes out stronger in the end from the trials and tribulations they experience.

This story filled my heart. I felt a range of emotions throughout the story and found myself pulled into this small Oregon town wanting to be a part of the community where everyone seemed to care for each other. I found myself chuckling at Charley, the fish taco truck proprietor, and his seagull friends, Floyd and Gladys, but at the same admiring Charley's words of wisdom. I felt for Molly having to adjust to life with her Uncle Logan and coming to terms with the loss of her father and grandmother. I can't imagine how hard it is for young children to lose someone they love. It is hard enough as an adult but you expect it to happen one day. The Syrian family had their struggles and watching them adapt to their new home and deal with their own grief reflects how no one is exempt from experiencing tragedy.

Some of my favorite quotes

"God's timing isn't always ours. Sometimes he opens doors we aren't certain we're ready to walk through. And it's fine to be cautious. Not every door that beckons is divinely inspired. But at some point we do have to make a decision - because most don't stay open forever."

This line resonated with me because it is very true. Either you trust that a higher power is looking out for you or you end up full of indecision and in a chaotic world of your own making.

"I can't change the past, but I have hopes for the future. That's the beauty of tomorrow - it offers you the possibility of a better day."

No one can promise us anything in this world, it is up to us to make our way and make it a success and a better place when we leave.

"But people - and animals - die."

"A very real part of the human condition, no question about it. Nothing on this earth lasts forever. Lives are filled with endings - and beginnings. No matter how hard we try to maintain the status quo, the world changes around us...and changes our world in the process."

You have to go with the ebb and flow of life around you because as much as things change they stay the same.

While some of this story may have been predictable, it was the right book at the right time for this reader. We give this book 5 paws up.

Each book can be read on its own but if you start at the beginning you can follow a few characters when they pop up in future books and know more about their history/back story.

Driftwood Bay by Irene Hannon is the fifth book in the Hope Harbor series. Dr. Logan West moves to Hope Harbor for his fresh start as the town's doctor and is trying to figure out how to be a parent to his young niece. Jeannette Mason meets her new neighbor, Dr. Logan West, when his rambunctious dog destroys her lavender plants. Logan's efforts to make the situation right and become friends causes Jeannette to pull inward and retreat back into her life to spare herself from the hurt and pain associated with relationships. However, their paths continue to cross in their efforts to help a recently immigrated family from Syria. Will Jeannette to confront her fears and allow her heart to love once again?

I always enjoy a good Irene Hannon book and Driftwood Bay was no exception. The plot is well written, characters well developed and I loved the setting. I recommend this book. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley. This is my honest review.

DRIFTWOOD BAY by Irene Gannon is an incredible story of fresh starts and hope. An Uncle turned caregiver to his five year old niece. Trying to build a new life for his niece after great loss, finds a caring seaside community. A Syrian refugee family, beginning life in the same town. Two sad little girls forge a friendship after their world changes forever.

3.5 stars
Let me start by saying that I love this series. Its setting is wonderful and the characters have come to feel like family. Overall, this installment is good and I especially liked the storyline featuring Syrian refugees and their struggles with leaving their own country, learning a new language, and trying to figure out a strange new life.
What didn't really work for me was the character of Molly. It's very tough to write a believable child character and this one just didn't do it for me. I thought her vocabulary and astute observations were way too mature for a five-year-old most of the time, even one who had gone through as much as Molly did. And I wasn't thoroughly convinced of Logan and Jeanette's romance. I appreciated their story, I just didn't buy how it developed for the most part.
That said, this is a sweet story and it is very worth reading, especially if you have read other books in this series and want to catch up with the familiar characters.

Driftwood Bay is a beautifully-balanced and uplifting read. I come into this aptly-named series quite late with this, the fifth book, as my introduction. It’s also the first Irene Hannon book I’ve ever read. I must say I need to read the first four now, especially if they’re as heartwarming as this one. It’s the kind of book that makes you feel good after reading it. It leaves you believing the best in people and strengthening your faith in God and in love.

The way Ms. Hannon blended heavy drama with canine-provided comic relief, steadfast spirituality, inclusive diversity, and wholesome romance worked for me. Her storytelling is evocative and involving. Her words are inspired, eminently quotable. Some of my favorites are:
“Don’t let fear stop you from being everything God intended you to be. Go. Learn. Live. Love.”
“… like a ship that never sails, a heart that’s never used isn’t living up to its potential.”
“… love is better than lonesome.”

Most of these quotes are said to Jeanette who has been guarding her heart by isolating herself in her lavender farm. How her new neighbors Logan, the new town doctor; Molly, his grieving niece; and their rambunctious puppy Toby drew her out is the main story of Driftwood Bay. It was told in a way that is moving and highly relatable.

The other significant story, that of the Syrian refugees Mariam, Thomma, and Elisa was treated with sensitivity and respect. This is where the community of Hope Harbor shines in their coming together to provide a fresh start for a family trying to recover from a devastating tragedy. I could only hope such a community exists in real life for we need them now more than ever.

While all the main characters–both Americans and Syrians–are sympathetic, it is the little girls Molly and Elisa who brought tears to my eyes. They are the catalysts for everything that happened in the book. Their insta-friendship and their unspoken need to be loved by their respective fathers really touched my heart.

Finally, I cannot complete this review without mentioning Charley, the mystical fish taco food truck owner who dispenses wisdom that helps guide the actions of many characters in Driftwood Bay and possibly the series. He’s one of the reasons why I would like to read the other Hope Harbor books.

Irene Hannon closes out her Hope Harbor series with Driftwood Bay. Jeanette Mason has decided to start over in Hope Harbor after she experiences a traumatic loss. What she did not expect is for her plans to be upset by Dr. Logan West and his young niece, Molly, who become her new neighbors. All Jeanette wants is a quiet life with no emotional connections!

When Jeanette, a former teacher, volunteers to help a Syrian family, who have relocated to Hope Harbor, learn English, she continues to emotionally connect with new people in her world!

Hold on to see how God uses these relationships to draw Jeanette out the shell she has made for herself and live the life He has planned for her!

Wow, just WOW!!! I don’t have enough words to describe how much I love and adore this book. It was utterly charming in ALL the ways. There are several characters that I fell in love with which makes it impossible for me to pick a favorite character. I just want to hug all of them!! The story was a beautiful tale of hope after tragedy and learning how to live again...as Molly says in the book, “Love is better than lonesome.” How right she is! But how hard to leave the fear behind..This book does as superb job of showing characters choosing love over loneliness. I adored this book and I will read it again and again..this will easily be on my best 2019 reads!!

I received this book from NetGalley and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

I had fallen in love with Hope Harbor through the previous books in this series and was really excited to return. However I found myself not as drawn into this story as I have been with the previous ones. While I enjoyed getting to know the new characters and reconnecting with previous ones I found the story moved a little slow for my liking. I did not experience the ‘I can’t put this down’ feeling. The descriptions of the landscape captured my heart and would love to visit Oregon coast someday.

Each character is dealing with the loss of loved ones and trying to figure out how to overcome the tragedies in their lives. Each respond in different ways and it takes a frightening incident to make some of them realize what is right in front of them. I loved the message that actions and words need to be combined, you can’t show one without the other.

Out of all the characters Logan’s situation pulled at my heart the most, he has lost his brother and mother and is now responsible for raising his niece. He has changed his whole life for Molly and is trying hard to bond with her yet she seems to always pull away from him each time they begin to connect. Jeannette has chosen to purposefully isolate herself from others for fear of being hurt, but when the new family arrives in town she feels pulled between helping and keeping distance. Miriam is a survivor, she has been through so much and could have responded the same way her son did but instead she chose joy. Thomma is bitter and wants to stay mad at God. Two little girls connect without even speaking the same language and teach the adults around them so much.

My favourite parts were the chats with Charlie and the wisdom that he offered the characters. I think the best advice he gave was: “Don’t let fear stop you from being everything God intended you to be.” This is a piece of wisdom I will take away from this story.

After tragedy upends her world, Jeannette Mason retreats to the tiny Oregon seaside town of Hope Harbor to create a new life. Vowing to avoid emotional attachments, she focuses on running her lavender farm and tea-room--until a new neighbor with a destructive dog and a forlorn little girl invades her turf. But she needn't worry. Dr. Logan West is too busy coping with an unexpected family, a radical lifestyle change, and an unruly pup to have any interest in his aloof and disagreeable neighbor.

Yet when both Jeanette and Logan find themselves pulled into the life of a tattered Christian family fleeing persecution in war-torn Syria, might they discover that love sometimes comes calling when it's least expected?

All Jeannette want to do is run her lavender farm and tea room. The rest of the time she wants to be left alone. She didn't plan on Logan moving in next door and turning her world upside down. Unwilling she gets drawn into the world outside her lavender farm. I enjoyed reading this book and recommend it. It seems to draw you in as you keep reading.

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

In this touching return to Hope Harbor, our hearts are filled with moving insights on love, loss, hope, and redemption. Featuring richly authentic characters struggling with grief and loss, their lives all unexpectedly converge to show them how to, in fact, live again. While this was my first experience reading this series, I never felt that I was missing anything nor was there any reason to feel that I had to read them in order. Just like the people within the story, you are lovingly welcomed wherever you chose to begin.

"This town is filled with unexpected blessings."

Despite all of the unimaginable heartbreak many of the characters have experienced or are suffering with, there was something so incredibly peaceful drifting through the air of this welcoming community. The beachy atmosphere, Jeanette's lavender farm and tea room, Charley's sage presence, and the reflective inner thoughts and prayers of characters all contributed to tamping down the tension that could otherwise begin to emotionally overwhelm the reader.

Three families are each navigating different stages of their lives while also exploring how the changes they are suddenly faced with will affect the relationships around them. Individual backstories are seamlessly interwoven into the narrative and I was immediately drawn into the story and captivated by the characters from the very beginning. The author's writing style expertly crafted such believable emotions into their development that brought them to life, and many times, I found myself smiling, laughing, empathizing, and crying right along with them. While each individual circumstance of loss is unique, the experience of grief is something that we can all relate to, so it was quite inspiring and such a pleasure to read about complete strangers jumping right in to help and encourage others regardless of whatever pain they themselves might be facing as well. By pulling together to ease the burdens of others when it was least expected, each begins to heal and ultimately finds the peace needed for a fresh start.

"It's easy to get discouraged in the midst of life's storms. But God has our back - and when the raft we're clinging to begins to sink, he's always ready to extend a hand. All we have to do is trust him enough to take it and let go."

This graceful story serves as a gentle reminder to seek out goodness and light no matter how much darkness and despair may surround you. The characters prayers and Christian references became an encouraging beacon of hope and added depth to their emotional understanding and needs.

The romance aspects of the story are slow-burning, subtle, and more conversational in tone rather than being in your face, which I greatly appreciated. The interactions between Jeanette and Logan hint at their vulnerabilities, and as they gradually begin to get to know one another, they open themselves up to an uplifting and adoring relationship. I also enjoyed that the story's focus was predominantly on family, new beginnings, and working to move forward as the past is accepted.

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Hope Harbor and look forward to returning to this special community! Perhaps next time, Charley will be the center of attention, and we can discover why his second chance included fish tacos and two seagulls named Floyd and Gladys.