Cover Image: Starfish Pier

Starfish Pier

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Member Reviews

I have loved every single book in the Hope Harbor series, and the newest one doesn't disappoint. Hannon depicts the most realistic, enjoyable characters in this series. Once again, we have Charlie and his taco stand along with his seagulls and seal, the friendly minister and his BFF priest, and all the wonderful small town shops that fill Hope Harbor. But our focus is on some newcomers: Steven Roark, ex-marine and now captain of a fishing boat, along with his brother Patrick, and Holly Miller and her neighbor Pete Wallace, a retired widower. Each of them is hiding something that is affecting them both emotionally and mentally.

Hannon deals with some really tough issues in this book, but she handles them with finesse: abortion, pro-life, alcoholism, end-of-life termination, capital punishment, and opposites being attracted to one another. But with a strong Christian message, she depicts how each of us facing issues such as these can learn that "no sin is too great to be absolved --if contrition is sincere," "that trust is integral to faith," and, finally, that "love isn't always easy...because we're all different. We don't fit together as cleanly as the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle."

Don't miss this excellent series. The books can be read as stand alones, but I especially like the movement from one to the next. Best of all, there are more to come!

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

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Starfish Pier is a nice addition to the series of Hope Harbor, a small town on the Oregon coast where people are friendly and have a great sense of community support. Steven Roark moved to Hope Harbor a year prior to be close to his brother and family. Steven is a former soldier with what he considers a lot of baggage. His brother Patrick is having problems with alcohol that is increasingly getting worse. Steven would love to help but his brother holds some resentment towards Steven. They have to try to work together to deal with their individual and relational issues.
Holly Miller moved to Hope Harbor to get away from overprotective, hovering parents and to teach first grade. She has had some health issues her whole life. She has a new neighbor, Pete, an elderly man who wants to avoid the world. When Holly and Steven meet, there is a definite attraction but can they overcome obstacles to make a relationship work?
This series has some great recurring characters in Charley, a wise man who sells fish tacos and is an artist, a couple of funny clerics who are friends as well as spiritual advisers, and a pair of seagulls, Gladys and Floyd, who seem to turn up everywhere, as well as other locals. Overcoming personal issues and conflict, small town community, romance, and faith are strong characteristics of life in Hope Harbor. I recommend reading this story and the rest of the great series in order if possible.
I received a complimentary ARC from Revell Publishing and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are mine only.

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Hope Harbor is such a healing place! Every book in this series makes me want to visit there! I would love to try Charlie's Tacos, take a walk on the beach, see the tide pools and encounter those crazy birds!! Starfish Pier invites you to reach out to someone and see how you can change their life. Be accepting. Listen. Be a Helping Hand!

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing it.

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I really liked the multiple story lines in this book. Obviously there was one main love story and I enjoyed getting to know Steven and Holly. I was actually really impressed with how open they each were with the other. The serious conversations they had were difficult but necessary and I was impressed.

I really liked Patrick and his wife too. During a very difficult time in their marriage I felt like they handled things in the best way they could.

This Hope Harbor series has continued for awhile and this might be one of my favorites. I liked how much each character overcame to move on in life.

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest review.

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Irene Hannon has delivered another winner with Starfish Pier. A very well written and entertaining inspirational romance. Great plot with believable characters. I highly recommend this book. I received an arc from the publisher and this is my unbiased review.

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I had trouble getting into this book. I am usually a fast reader, but I just could not relate to any of the characters. They seemed to have no real depth and there was more monologues in their minds then conversation between each other. The POV jumped around and I think that hindered me from really getting to know the characters. It felt like I was just getting into one character and then it would switch to another and draw my attention and memory of the others.

Just not the read for me, might be for you,

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3 stars
Starfish Pier by Irene Hannon
I typically love a good Irene Hannon book. This one is just so expected. It has a totally typical plot and outcome. Boy has a bad past. Boy meets girl. Girl has an illness and nobody loves her. Enter a few twists and turns and 300 pages later, boy and girl are engaged.
The characters are well written if a bit trite. It’s a sweet story and an easy afternoon read. A nice Christian themed book that most will enjoy.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. The views given are my own.

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This is the 6th book in the Hope Harbor series. I have read all of the books in this series and love the small town feel and seeing the return of previous characters. This book is all about second chances and dealing with what life throws at you. There are a lot of new characters in this story and all of them have a lot of heavy baggage to deal with on a daily basis. The author ties all the separate story lines up with happy endings

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I love Hope Harbor. It lives up to its name every time. I’m so glad it’s going to continue. Reading these books is effortless. They flow so well and have many endearing characters, some of whom are birds and seals. The two pastors in town are a hoot. I always laugh at their funny banter. I’d dearly love to meet Charley and hear some of his sage wisdom. It’s a wonderful, supportive community.
I really enjoyed getting to know Steven and Holly. They come from two opposite sides philosophically yet find their attraction undeniable. I appreciated their unique views, born from their experiences. There aren’t many characters in books who are living with disabilities so it felt fresh and different and authentic.
This is a book about second chances, forgiveness, and hope. It shows the power little kind deeds can have in a person’s life. It’s a beautiful book. I can’t wait to read the next installment.
Thank you to Revell for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Hope Harbor series:
Book 1: Hope Harbor
Book 2: Sea Rose Lane
Book 3: Sandpiper Cove
Book 4: Pelican Point
Book 5: Driftwood Bay
Book 6: Starfish Pier

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I started this book with high hopes, but it just wasn't for me. The pace was excruciatingly slow and I wasn't connecting with any of the characters. I finally gave up and didn't finish.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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Irene Hannon's Hope Harbor series is one of my favorites. Seems like they get better and better with each new book. This story, featuring Steven and Holly, hits on some weighty issues. Hannon handles them beauty and grace. Besides Steven and Holly, Steven's brother Patrick has demons to conquer and Holly's neighbor is about to make a decision that will change his life. I love the way all their stories are woven together with threads of faith. The gorgeous setting and recurring characters of Hope Harbor enhance Hannon's storytelling and makes me hungry for fish tacos! If you read Starfish Pier and enjoy it, make sure to go back and read the first five volumes of this wonderful series. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Opposites attract and spark fly in Hope Harbor for ex-Delta Force member Steven Rourke and first grade teacher, Holly Miller, as the town comes together to raise money for Helping Hands.



Holly is a teacher, pacifist, and pro-life advocate, she has taken on the task of helping to organize the fundraiser for Helping Hands. She is new to town and is excited to jump right in and get involved with the community. She is very persistent, outgoing and friendly.



Steven came to Hope Harbor for rest, and to rebuild his relationship with his brother. He loves his brother dearly, but is having trouble re-establishing that relationship. He is more reserved and has his doubts about others.



I loved coming back to Hope Harbor, Holly is a beautiful and passionate person, her parents are very loving and supportive. While the 6th in a series, it stand well on its own. I loved how Holly is supportive of Steven and his family.



Overall, an engaging small town story of faith and overcoming differences. I loved the relationships and many wonderful people that they get to know and love. Heartwarming, and inspiring, it was a very satisfying read.



I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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This was first book I have read in this series. I will be going back to read the rest of series.
Holly is gentle and tender hearted teacher. She is sweet, kind and persistent. Steve is ex delta force. He is strong and honorable. Steve and Holly are very different. Steve feels if he tells Holly about his past she will bolt from his life. Once Steve laid eyes on Holly his world shifted. Holly manages to wiggle around all the baggage blocking entry to his heart. Holly comes to realize she loves the man Steve is today. I loved all secondary characters in this story. These characters totally came to life for me. I would recommend this book to any who loves small town romances with a lot of heart.

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3.5 stars.
An enjoyable story set in a beautiful costal town, with likeable characters facing delicate moral and ethical dilemmas.
Holly and Steven both have issues, although the heroine is more at peace with herself than the hero. Steven is a very steady, strong person, yet he’s also a tortured and lonely protagonist and has to come to terms with his past and problematic decisions that could endanger the romantic entanglement.
The romance is very angst-free and honest. My curiosity about Steven grew as the story progressed.
I liked how the author slowly unveiled the characters’ stories and Steven’s “dark secrets”, the secondary characters adding other themes to the plot, and how our hero, who was almost resigned to loneliness, finds hope and fulfillment in Hope Harbor.
Perhaps there are too many challenges and the resolution of some issues is a bit simplistic and Steven’s character is burdened with too much “dark secrets”, but overall I liked “Starfish Pier”, by Irene Hannon (Revell), and hope to revisit this charming seaside town soon.

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Book six in the Hope Harbor series introduces two new characters, Steven and Holly. Both have their own personal issues that may prove to interfere with the start of a relationship. I like the way the author wrote about Steven's military service and his duty to his country. The pro-life issues were seen from two different viewpoints in a compelling way. Alcoholism was addressed as a problem that could be managed by commitment and help from others. I love Charlie's taco stand and his unassuming way of nudging people to think about their situations in a positive way. The pelicans, as always add a local colorful flair. Highly recommended!

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What a wonderful return to Hope Harbor! Holly and Steven come from very different backgrounds, with issues that could easily divide them. Some of the topic could be controversial, but Irene Hannon handles it well and helps the reader, as well as Holly and Steven, see that there is more than meets the eye in most issues and experiences. I enjoyed getting to catch up with Charley, Father Murphy, Pastor Paul, and other residents of Hope Harbor. I recommend this emotional and touching book!

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This book is part of the Hope Harbor series. In this particularly book we meet Steven Roark and Holly Miller. There is an immediate attraction between them, but there are obstacles they must overcome to make a relationship work. The book is about forgiveness and the power of God in our lives. Whenever a book by Irene Hannon is released, I can’t wait to read it. The book also talks about some of the issues of today, including war, abortion, assisted suicide and alcoholism. While there is mention of them, it is not the entire focus of the book. This book is part of a series, and it can be read as a stand-alone book. I would encourage readers to start at the beginning of the series. You won’t be sorry. I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Revell. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Lovely! I enjoyed the previous book in the Hope Harbor series even though I hadn't read any of the other books in the series, and this one? It's so homey.


Normally when reading a book I'll want something different, something that is a little bit suspenseful, historical, or romantic, and this was romantic. But not in the way I expected, Starfish Pier is like Chesapeake Shores, quite a bit, though I like it even more since that faith woven in is so perfectly shown.


While there are points that are sad, painful, and heartbreaking, this novel that deals with many of the mistakes that people face today, it is still a clean, quiet, sweet book that contemporary fiction lovers will enjoy.


At first I wasn't sure if I would like the book since I didn't like some of Holly's views but I liked seeing how she grew in her beliefs, and Steven's past was just so sad. Patrick and Cindy, I loved. Pete and Joshua were adorable. And it was nice to see characters that were in Driftwood Bay … And are the titles darling?


I'm just so in love with this series especially since Irene Hannon is not afraid to show sins and that they can be forgiven.

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STARFISH PIER...Irene Hannon
A birthday without wishes from his brother, a woman came ignore or have someone to chat with for a few minutes. Though she looked like she wanted to flee. Auction for pro life, would he offer a charter fishing deal. Getting her number if he decided to. Holly a teacher and a definite land person, still found him intriguing. Charley with his animals as though they were special friends to him. A story of attraction, different, and finding a common area for love to grow. Taking place in Hope Harbor, a place of memories of her other books we have read.. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest. opinion by Net Galley and Revell.

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'God wouldn't be interested in the likes of him.'

Irene Hannon once more takes her readers back to the quaint, peaceful, and encouraging town of Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast. I've grown to love this place, even if I'm not a beach person. The residents work their way into your heart and you just can't help but love them. My favorite is Charley, the taco man, who I'm convinced in an angel. Just my opinion.

This time in Hope Harbor, we meet Holly Miller and Steven Roark, both of whom have issues that plague them from time to time. Holly's is physical, due to a birth defect, and Steven's is emotional. Along the way, we hear from both the town's pastor and the priest, who are completely endearing. I want to visit the priest's meditation garden! Issues arise that have both Holly and Steven in turmoil and they have to search their hearts to determine if they can overcome these deeply felt emotional qualms if they are to even have a chance at a happily ever after.

Irene Hannon is always good. Just good. She delves into her characters' hearts and gives the readers glimpses of what lies beneath. She also manages to incorporate plot lines of secondary characters into these wonderful Hope Harbor stories. This one's was precious. Another great read from an author I love. Recommended.

*My thanks to Revell Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion stated here is entirely my own.+

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