Blackberry Beach by Irene Hannon

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
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Story Notes

Irene Hannon is venturing into the world of Hope Harbor once again to share with readers the story of Zach and Katherine, two people with similar backgrounds that give them an opportunity to find unexpected love.

While she is clearly an expert at the suspenseful reads, Irene Hannon is quickly proving she has what it takes to write romantic fiction stories too. This latest in her Hope Harbor series is a wonderful read that gave me a look at how hard life is for actors who hold to true morals in the face of an uncaring industry. Kat has come to Hope Harbor to get away from Hollywood and its crushing pace to reevaluate her future in the field of acting. Hiding away in the beach house along Blackberry Beach gives her the alone space she covets and gives her the small town pace she longs for. As she meets people on the island, albeit reluctantly, she finds that these people have no desire to out her to the world nor plague her with autograph requests. She also meets the charming Zach, the owner and shopkeeper of The Perfect Blend, Hope Harbors coffee shop and local hangout. Spending time with him shows Kat that she is more than just a beautiful face, she has value in her other talents too. The pacing of the story was good and I liked the plot line. It wasn't rushed or super slow and that allowed for just the right amount of details to be given to keep the story interesting. The faith elements were woven into the story in a natural and impactful way, giving some very good depth to Kat and her character. The romance was sweet and beautiful, with enough challenge to it to make it realistic and, hopefully, lasting. I loved the addition of the side romance between Zach's aunt and his part-time employee. It was a good reminder that love is not limited to a certain age group but can be found at any time in life. I will certainly be recommending this delightful read to others in the hope that they will enjoy it as well.

I received this temporary complimentary E-book from Revell Publishing via NetGalley in order to provide a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

In Irene Hannon's final book of the Hope Harbor series, we go back to the charming Oregon town of Hope Harbor remeeting old characters who bring life to this sweet, friendly small town. Zach Garret is once again busy running is coffee shop but finds the mysterious woman who always wears her sunglasses intriguing. Katherine, the mysterious and intriguing new face in town, is on the cusp of fame and fortune, but is not sure if that's her true desire.

Once again, Charlie, who seems omniscient about everyone in town, makes his appearance as the taco truck vendor along with his array of animal friends who all play a role in the life of Hope Harbor residents.

Blackberry Beach was a wonderful conclusion to this small town series, and I hated to say goodbye.
Once again, Hannon has created a series full of memorable characters and an unforgettable small town.

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

Blackberry Beach has very good themes about trust, forgiveness and mental health but reading through it, is not something that happens over night. It is a slow read with lots of introspective parts. There were some very nice build-ups for the relationships and how they progressed in the book but there was also a lack of pull for me. By pull, I mean the interest to stay up in the late hours reading until I finished the book. This book, I took my time with, got sidelined by daily projects and came back to in a spare moment. It picked up a bit more toward the end but I found that I was frustrated with the character's slow pace. It contradicted my way of solving issues (just a personal preference) but it worked for the characters. This book does have a religious tone so if that is not your cup of tea, I'd suggest looking for another book. Otherwise, I'd say enjoy the book. Take your time and take in the message its trying to share.

There is just something special about Hope Harbor that makes you want to return time after time. It could be the lovely scenery or maybe it's Charley's tacos and wisdom. It could be the new couple who are meeting and falling in love, along with the challenges they face, and the way they learn to trust God in the hard things. It's all so perfect and I can't wait to return when book 8 comes out in 2022. Hopefully once again we'll see bits of Katherine and Zach and the other couples who have laid the foundation for this idyllic coastal town. Having an "older romance" between Zach's Aunt Stephanie and his barista Frank was wonderful too. It's nice to see books that aren't just about 20-somethings.

Blackberry Beach can definitely be read as a stand alone but it's so much richer if you read the whole series.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Every time I read an Irene Hannon book I never want to leave!

Except maybe her suspense. 😉

The Hope Harbor series is a wonderful series, I’ve only read four of them and in a series with more than five or six books they can get boring but that isn’t so with Hannon’s work.

The hope, the heart, and the sweetness of Blackberry Beach was just so wonderful, I loved reading every page and I found that I want to read the whole series and there was nothing to make me lose interest in a heartwarming story that gave a hard tug on my heartstrings.

Plus, may I just say, I LOVE and want a coffee shop like in this book?!

I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

I have enjoyed all the Hope Harbor books (in fact all Irene Gannon's books) and this one is no exception. While it could easily be read as a standalone, it was great meeting up with old friends like Charley with his well-timed, astute advice. Katherine is as prickly as the local blackberries and uncertain of her future direction, Zach is happy with his new relaxed life. I enjoy how in the midst of a good read you get these nuggets of wisdom that really make you think about what it means to live an authentic Christian life.

#BookReview: BLACKBERRY BEACH (A Hope Harbor Novel) by Irene Hannon 4 stars

I am glad I picked this one up as my first ever book by this author. It’s a sweet romance set in Hope Harbor, Oregon. It’s such an idyllic place. Perfect for vacation or a permanent home. Being there during the blackberry season sounds marvelous. Blackberries grow wild close to our house and we just pick as many as we can. Like Zach, we also made a cobbler. It’s delicious. It was the perfect neighborly gift to Kat.

Zach and Kat’s attraction is there but I am glad that they are sensible enough not to set high expectations. I enjoyed that they have their own POV’s. That made it easier for me to get a deeper understanding of their personalities. They are different but similar in many ways. I love that Kat is sticking to her principes. I also appreciate that other members of Zach’s family have their POV’s. I enjoyed the additional love story that also bloomed in Hope Harbor.

I’d love to visit The Perfect Blend and the lavender fields. Stephanie sounds like a wonderful aunt. I just enjoyed getting to know everyone in Hope Harbor and their worthy cause. This is book seven so I’m sure some characters in this book have appeared in the previous books. Charley is very perceptive but a mystery to me. I love to hear what he has to say. I loved it when Kat realized the “why’s” in her life. It’s relatable.

If you love small town romance by the beach, add coffee and truffles, fun characters and some life changing decisions, this one's for you.

Thank you Revell for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

One of the wonderful things about this story is how the characters find out what is most important in their lives. Some may think fame and fortune will bring us happiness while others think being successful is more important. As the characters maneuver in Hope Harbor we focus on Katherine and Zach.

I liked how Katherine was introduced into the story with a hint of mystery surrounding her. The author gives us a person who wants to get away from all the responsibilities her life has brought her and rethink her future. Katherine was aloof and I think that is perhaps why I liked her so much. I’m not much into sharing anything personal so I was able to relate to her in that respect.

Zach has changed his career and by doing that has caused his relationship with his father to fracture. What I liked most about Zach was how he was determined to find something that made him happy. His coffee shop is the perfect place for him to unwind and mingle with the townspeople and be content as a store owner.

There is much this book offers in the way of lessons. One of the most important ones is finding your place in live that makes you happy. Allowing yourself to trust others is another key lesson in the story. I think Katherine is a perfect example of learning to trust those around her that want the best for her. Zach feels a stirring inside that draws him to make a choice to reconcile with his dad. This story has emotions that touch your heart and help you see how important it is to follow God’s direction. There are a few other things going on in the story but I won’t ruin it for anyone. This is one of those books that you can feel the turmoil of the characters and watch them as they overcome obstacles to find peace, hope and faith.

I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads Program. The review is my own opinion.

Irene Hannon invites us all back to Hope Harbor with her latest offering, "Blackberry Beach." Zach Garrett is still getting over his hurt, while Katherine Parker is the new neighbor who is just trying to figure things out. The two appear to get more of each other than they would prefer when they are recruited to help rehab a foster home. Then, this slow moving romance begins to set in. Is it possible that these two will find precisely what they need at a time when neither is seeking a relationship?

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

Zach Garrett and Katherine Parker came to Hope Harbor for different reasons. Zach left a rat race life in Chicago and found peace and contentment by opening The Perfect Blend, a coffee shop. His life was good, but he knew he was missing something. When Katherine came into his shop he was intrigued. But, Katherine was in town for her own reasons and temporarily. She guarded her privacy fiercely, but Zach didn't give up. Eventually, a relationship developed but could compromises be reached? When Zach's aunt Stephanie arrives in town for a temporary visit, she also found a surprise romantic interest. Could this couple who have very different backgrounds find a future together?

The author brings to readers a beautifully told character driven story about relationships. The well drawn characters are intelligent, insightful, kind and caring. It is easy to want the best for them. They had important decisions to make. Choices, trust and perceptions are examined. Difficult situations are handled with empathy and compassion even though outcomes are unknown.

Blackberry Beach is wonderfully told heartfelt love story. It is well worth reading.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I really enjoyed this book. What is better than a romance with a beach setting!? This book is filled with romance and with a bit of mystery thrown in. I really like the way the author pulled you in and kept you interested in the characters and their stories. I do love a good romance that is clean, and this is it. This is the first book that I have read by this author, and now I am hooked. I look forward to reading her other books. 🙂

In “Blackberry Beach” by Irene Hannon, Katherine Parker’s lifelong dream is within her horizon. On the verge of getting everything she ever dreamed of, happiness still eludes her. Desperately searching for answers, she comes to Hope Harbor, hoping to calm the storm mercilessly raging within her.Katherine’s new neighbour, Zach Garrett has finally settled down, after a heartbreaking, traumatic loss. He does not want to get involved with anyone, let alone Katherine. However, when both of them are recruited to rehab a home for foster children, sparks ignite of their own accord. As their lives intersect, they discover that, with love, all things are possible. In Hope Harbor, hearts heal and love blooms in all its radiant beauty. A heart-moving tale of loss and survival, with a lovely storyline and interesting plot, interspersed with faith, it focuses on how forgiving oneself is as equally important for healing as forgiveness from others. This is a complex, stirring tale by a master of the genre. Character-driven and extremely thought-provoking, I highly recommend it to all people who love a good satisfying read.

I thoroughly enjoy my visits to Hope Harbor through the pages of Irene Hannon’s books. Although the town is fictional, I feel like I get a glimpse of life on the Oregon coast where my daughter lives. Sometimes I even have to stop myself from asking if she has ever visited Charlie’s taco stand. I would actually love for her to have an encounter with Charlie and his down-to-earth wisdom.

Speaking of Charlie, I am convinced he might just be an angel or one of God’s messengers at the very least. It always makes me smile when he and the seagulls, the white seal, and the dolphin all make their appearance in every book of the series. I love seeing how their subtle actions have an undeniable affect on the latest residents of Hope Harbor.

In Blackberry Beach, Katherine Parker plans to spend time alone at Hope Harbor, hoping to recover from an unexpected scandal back in Hollywood. She is on the verge of reaching her dreams of stardom but at what cost? She has already learned that fame demands a higher cost than she might be willing to pay. Zach Garrett is the owner of a popular coffee shop in Hope Harbor and is much more content there than in the fast-paced business world he has departed. Of course it is inevitable that Katherine and Zach will meet and that sparks will fly but it is always fun to observe all the ups and downs of the journey to happy-ever-after.

I always enjoy books by Irene Hannon, both her suspense and romance. I especially find the Hope Harbor series to be a fun and relaxing way to end the day.

Blackberry Beach by Irene Hannon is the 7th A Hope Harbor Novel. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. I did find Blackberry Beach to be a slow starter. I had a difficult time getting into the story. I think it would have been beneficial if the reason for Katherine being in Hope Harbor had been revealed earlier. Once I was about halfway through, I found the tale more appealing and my interest began to be engaged. I enjoyed the descriptions of the beach, the town, and Katherine’s chocolate creations. Hope Harbor is a charming town with friendly residents. I especially liked Charley and the seagulls (Floyd and Gladys). I appreciated the epilogue which nicely wrapped up the storylines. This is a nice, clean Christian romance (no intimate situations or bad language). Three of the themes in Blackberry Beach of second chances, forgiveness, and redemption. It was great that there was a later in life romance (gives me hope). This is a Christian tale that is never preachy. I like how the author incorporated Faith and God into the story. Blackberry Beach is a good book to read while relaxing by the pool.

Katherine aka Kat needed to make some important decisions. There was no better place to go than Hope Harbor. She was hoping for peace and quiet to steer her in the right direction. She never expected that she would meet Zach.
Zach appears to have it all together. But he was at the point in life that he needed more.

Zach and Katherine as well as others in this book question if they are good enough. This thought is something that many at some point in their lives think. Turning to GOD with prayer will give you the answer. You just need to listen.



Luke 12:6-7, ESV Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.

A lovely story. I read a previous Hope Harbor book and was hooked. The characters were real and appealing. Charley, the taco stand owner, is my favorite. He always knows what to say. He has much wisdom.

I received this book for free from Revell Books to give a honest review.

Blackberry Beach takes place in the small coastal town of Hope Harbor, Oregon. Katherine Parker is an actress who has come to town to escape a messy scandal. She meets coffeehouse owner Zach Garrett and romantic sparks fly as they slowly get to know each other. There is the question about what Kat (Katherine) wants long-term - as well as the question of distance - that they have to resolve if they will have a life together.

I wanted to read this novel because the small town coastal setting sounded appealing. This is book #7 in the Hope Harbor series. I have not read the previous books but was able to jump right in and enjoy this novel as a standalone.

The pace of the book started slowly for me. It took me a while to get to know the reserved Kat; Zach was a more immediately sympathetic character. However, as the book went on, I started to really enjoy their story. I also really loved the sweet story of Zach's aunt, Stephanie, who has a courtship of her own with retired postal worker turned barista, Frank. It was nice reading a story about a 60ish couple as well as the younger pair.

Kat loves making chocolate and I loved the chocolatier/foodie aspects of the novel. (I found myself craving blackberry truffles!)

This is a Christian novel and the faith element was handled skillfully, in a way that never overpowered the characters or book's narrative.

I enjoyed Blackberry Beach and will probably look for the earlier books in this series at some point. I recommend this novel for fans of cozy small town romances and heartwarming reads.

Irene Hannon says Hope Harbor is where hearts heal... and love blooms. Blackberry Beach, the seventh Hope Harbor novel, stays true to that motto as Katherine Parker and Zach Garrett tend to the wounds of their hearts, while love blooms in spite of the challenges ahead of them. Katherine, weary of what Hollywood takes as the price of fame, slips into Hope Harbor under the radar to try to find some peace and direction for her future. Zach is happy and settled into his new life in Hope Harbor, but the two most important relationships in his life are missing. Hannon gives us a delightfully beachy romance built around these issues and a handful of other delightful characters, including the surprisingly insightful Charley and a seagull couple who teach the local residents about the joy of partnership.

When reviewing series books, I like to read the entire series. Somehow, I managed to miss this tidbit before beginning this seventh-in-the-series book. It reads well as a stand-alone, but I look forward to reading the first six. Hope Harbor is a lovely town with lovable characters and is sure to have many more enjoyable stories to share.

Thank you to the author and the publisher for allowing me a copy to read and review. All opinions stated here are my own and are completely genuine.

Most things in life are a mixed blessing. The question is whether the good parts outweigh the bad.

This was my first visit to Hope Harbor but it will not be my last. I’m definitely going to start this series from the start before the next release next year. Even though I haven’t read the other books in this series, I did not feel lost and this book can be read as a stand alone.

Ok, so not sure if this is on the editor, author or publisher, but the summary of the book made it sound a lot different to what actually played out.

But cloudy days serve a purpose too. Without them, we'd take sunshine for granted.

Katherine and Zach - I enjoyed how their relationship developed, however, I would have liked to ‘see’ more of the connection. Aunt Stephanie’s love story felt like it had more ‘spunk’. However, I loved how Katherine and Zach was there for each other and pushed each other to confront difficult decisions or situations. I did wanted Katherine to put Simon in his place quite a few times!

For those who have been raised well, the heart is the best compass at any crossroads.

Fans who enjoy contemporary fiction, with a dash of mild romance, will enjoy this one.

This book is a super clean amazing romance! The perfect balance of a super light hearted book! It’s the 7th book in the series and the author does it again and makes the perfect light hearted romance to read!

“She stopped to drink it in. Yes. This was what she’d come to Hope Harbor for.”

Hope Harbor drew me in with it’s serene beauty and close knit community. I’ve enjoyed visiting this fictional town off the Oregon coast in Hannon’s Hope Harbor series. “Blackberry Beach” can be read as a standalone, but it is fun seeing friends pop up from prior books. There are some fun characters from people to sea animals. The beach and ocean views are picturesque. While I enjoyed the story, it did run a little slow and I felt the characters could’ve been developed more. However it does go with the theme of the book, which is finding joy in the moment and breaking away from the rat race of life to take in God‘s beauty and grace. I really loved the importance of making relationships a priority.

“‘Plans are wonderful, mi querido—and it is wise to think ahead. But remember that this’”—he tapped the left side of his chest—“‘can sometimes alter plans. And that is not always bad. For those who have been raised well, the heart is the best compass at any crossroads.’”

“Blackberry Beach” is a story about finding what you love at different ages. When Elizabeth takes a break from her career in Hope Harbor, she learns to embrace what she loves. Zack helps her figure out the direction God is leading her, but will it bring them together or tear them apart? It’s about fresh starts and allowing past hurts to be forgiven and healed. Learning to let go and stepping onto a new path can be scary, but when God leads you He can make the journey exciting and filled with hope.

I was given an advanced reader copy through NetGalley by the publisher. All opinions are my own and are given honestly.