Cover Image: Blackberry Beach

Blackberry Beach

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

A wonderful take on romance, loss and new paths. I enjoyed this books easy flow and found myself immersed in the characters. A great, smoothly written page turner that captivated me to keep reading.

Was this review helpful?

This is my first book in the series as well as by this author. I received an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review.

Blackberry Beach is a Hope Harbor series novel that tells the story of Katherine, an actress who looks for solace in the small Oregon town while recovering from a life changing event and trying to decide her future. She meets local coffeehouse owner Zach, and their romance begins over shared experiences and a mutual love of truffles.. As I read of Zach and Kat ambling along Blackberry Beach, I felt the ocean breeze and smelled the salt air of that magical place. Katherine and Zach are both seeking answers to the why of some of the events in their lives and how those answers can enhance and strengthen their own faith. While this is not a particularly fast paced plot, the story develops quite thoroughly, the characters grow as people who are believable and relatable, and the setting is divine!

This book was easily read as a stand alone book but learning it is part of a series intrigues me to seek out additional books to get the "back story". The book is a nice story with a clean sense, no cussing, or over done romance, an easy read. I enjoyed reading the book and the relaxing but engaging pace as the story evolved. Additionally, the parallel stories with an older couple as well as younger couple and the baggage they both have. I enjoyed the respect of learning from an experienced person, asking, seeking help from someone who has a similar story.

Thank you Netgalley, Irene Hannon and the publisher for the opportunity.

Was this review helpful?

This book was sent to me for netgalley for Kindle review. It is a quick read and a somewhat cozy mystery’. It is slow at the beginning but the pace quickens’. The story is character driven with likeable characters. Enjoy this One. Nice.

Was this review helpful?

This book was so incredible. I love the characters in each of these books, and I am so glad we get to revisit them in each new book.
The writing is well done and I feel like I am right in the story. I never really want to leave once I turn that last page because this is such a wonderful little community.
I highly recommend this book to anyone.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

Was this review helpful?

Welcome back to the quaint town of Hope Harbor, Oregon! A special place of second chances. Easy to read as a stand alone, with a few returning character cameos, like Charley with his divine fish tacos and advice. This was an enjoyable read with a focus on two romances--one younger and one older couple--both newly acquainted and unexpected.

Readers who enjoy lighter contemporary romances set in small towns should enjoy this story. Think 'Hallmark' with underlying Christian themes of reconciliation and redemption. The romances are tender and clean, with a love-at-first-sight vibe. Both couples have issues to work out based on preconceived notions and false assumptions. It made me think about how often I assume things about others and hesitate to reach out in friendship as a result. The work project idea from a previous story carries on here with a focus on helping others in foster care. I liked how the community comes together so amicably to help others in need. Also encouraging was the way characters turned back to God for help and guidance in difficult decisions, and in extending forgiveness to reconcile. It added depth to the story without feeling too heavy.

Overall a satisfying story, perfect for a beach read or evenings by the fire. Recommend!

Was this review helpful?

I have read many Irene Hannon books in the past, and while Blackberry Beach is not my favorite of hers, it is a good book. Hannon writes with her usual likable characters and wonderful descriptions. The reader is transported to the small Oregon town of Hope Harbor. Reading the previous books is not necessary, but if you have, you might recognize a few past characters.

The main character is Katherine Parker, an actress most people would classify as a B-lister. She has done small screen films and TV shows. But her agent has found her a big movie deal that could catapult her into full blown stardom. Katherine doesn't understand why she is hesitating at an offer most actresses spend a lifetime waiting for. But she leaves for Hope Harbor to think and get her head on straight. She doesn't expect to be attracted to local barista owner Zach Garrett or the lovely town.

Blackberry Beach is a sweet, slow paced novel similar to the At Home in Mitford series. Everyone is content to live life fully everyday. There are some side plots involving Zach's aunt and a children's home for orphans but I don't want to give everything away. I'd pick this book on a rainy day with a cup of your favorite hot beverage, and visit the inhabitants of Hope Harbor.

Was this review helpful?

Zach has a mystery oman at the coffee shop. The woman's name is kat and is an actress. I liked dialogue and characters. I liked how charley interacted with Zach. I liked small town feel.

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed this book but I wish that the entire book had focused on Zach and Katherine. I thought the side romance took away from the main characters.

Was this review helpful?

This is a quick and sweet read. The main characters are enjoyable as well as the side romance that goes on as well. I've enjoyed all of the books in this series and look forward to more.

Was this review helpful?

Irene Hannon, author of many Christian romance novels, is continuing that trend with her new novel "Blackberry Beach." This novel centers around Katherine Parker, a celebrity who has escaped to the Oregon coast to search for answers about what she should do next with her life. While there, she meets Zach Garrett at his coffee shop, and the sparks fly. There were portions of this book I liked, such as the biblical focus and the topic of caring for foster children. Apparently, this book is part of a series, Hope Harbor, which I have not read. Overall, it was a good book but felt a bit predictable.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Blackberry Beach is a Hope Harbor series novel that tells the story of Katherine, an actress who looks for solace in the small Oregon town while recovering from a life changing event and trying to decide her future. She meets local coffeehouse owner Zach, and their romance begins over shared experiences and a mutual love of truffles.

Blackberry Beach is my first introduction into the Hope Harbor series, and the book did not disappoint. I adored the small town setting and prominence of food throughout the book (coffee, blackberries, truffles....sign me up). Both Katherine and Zach's stories are well told, and I enjoyed reading through the development of their sweet romance. And the underlying messages were very thoughtful; there is something to be said for a book that can tell a good story with a greater purpose in mind without the worry of unexpected or upsetting content. My one criticism is that parts of the book moved a bit slow and it was harder to stay engaged during these parts of the story. Overall a lovely read and a book that I would recommend.

Thanks to Netgalley and Revell for this ARC; this is my honest and voluntary review.

Was this review helpful?

Irene Hannon returns to the lovely seaside town of Hope Harbor, introducing us to a newcomer who is healing from trauma and determined to chart her own future. The local coffee shop owner knows more than he cares to about loss and grief and is determined himself to break through her barriers. A slow-build romance ensues, with the possibility of not only finding a love worth fighting for but finding personal strength and courage as well. Blackberry Beach is a delightful, feel-good, clean romantic novel with a hint of Christian influence. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Revell, for the advanced readers copy. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Katherine Parker is hiding from the paparazzi in Hope Harbor, just south of Coos Bay, Oregon, and taking a break from her acting career. She wants to remain as anonymous as she possibly can while she reconsiders what she truly wants from life.

Zach Garrett is the owner of the local coffee shop who is estranged from his father. He lives in a cabin on the beach that happens to be next door to the cabin Katherine is renting.

When Katherine comes into Zach's coffee shop, he recognizes in her a need for a friend, and he wants to be that friend, especially with the encouragement of his friend, Charley, who runs a fish taco truck. Charley seems to have insight into the wounds people have endured. With Charley's prodding, Zach tries to find ways to befriend Katherine, and after that, he finds he wants more than just her friendship.

One of the funniest things in this book is that the author references another book she wrote. One of the characters is reading an Irene Hannon mystery.

Katherine and Zach are both seeking answers to the why of some of the events in their lives and how those answers can enhance and strengthen their own faith. While this is not a particularly fast paced plot, the story develops quite thoroughly, the characters grow as people who are believable and relatable, and the setting is divine!

Five stars, two thumbs up, and a chocolate blackberry truffle.

Revell Publishing and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Was this review helpful?

This book is so awesome! I love love the Hope Harbor stories!
My favorite character and that will never change is Taco Charley! He's such a wonderful, wise and caring person. Have you ever met someone and felt like you knew them all your life? Well, that's Taco Charley!
Here's one of my favorite quotes from Taco Charley; "He didn't pray for himself Zach. He prayed for tou. Those prayers could be why you're here."
See what I mean? Wise words and ones that we as readers should take to heart ourselves.
In my opinion I feel that Ms. Hannon has outdone herself with this novel. I enjoy returning to Hope Harbor with each new story.
This peaceful setting sort of reminds me of Mackinac Island where the magic of healing, love, and learning, family dynamics happen.
As always I'm sad when a book in this series comes to an end.
Series like this, it leaves me thinking about the characters and how their !lives will continue on and if we'll continue to see our beloved Taco Charley. I sure hope so!!!! He's my favorite character and his tacos make me drool at times. Sometimes I pretend that I can even smell them! I
I highly recommend this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.
5 stars and would love to give this more than 5 stars it was so very good!
I received this through Baker/Revell Publishers. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

A lovely, clean, Christian romance about trusting in God and His timetable, as well as His faith in you to make good choices. The timeline of the book was a little too quick for true feelings and big life decisions, but we suspend reality in books.

I was provided with an ARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I love when I get to go back to the fictional town of Hope Harbor and get reacquainted with the people there. The author makes the people and the town so real I can’t help but want to go there and experience it. Blackberry Beach has not one, but two, romances happening. Unexpected second chances and changed plans make this an exceptionally good story and a must-read series. I received an arc of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

Was this review helpful?

A lovely cosy read, and the first time I've ever read anything by Irene Hannon. It won't be my last. I loved the descriptions of small town life and the Perfect Blend cafe, and the different dynamics going on between the characters. Family rifts, a slow burn romance, finding love in later life, chasing your dreams, and it also includes some Christianity and keeping faith during troublesome times. I'm not religious, but really liked this element in the story.
Definitely a recommended read.
Thanks to netgalley for the free copy in exchange for review.

Was this review helpful?

Even though this is #7 in the Hope Harbor series, this was my first book in this series. It was easy to read as a stand alone. The characters of Hope Harbor are so sweet and loving. A very inspirational story that moves along with the soft waves of the ocean front.
Thank you NetGalley, Irene Hannon and Revell for allowing me to have this ARC in exchange for a review.

Was this review helpful?

This is a great addition to the Hope Harbor series, although reading previous books in the series isn’t necessary. Zach and Katherine are both moving on after difficult pasts. When they meet each other and start to break down walls, they discover the best of what they’ve been missing. Emotional and heartwarming - an excellent read!

Was this review helpful?

This is a book from the Hope harbour series. It was wonderful seeing characters from previous books like Charlie and the seagulls! It also made me want chocolate!

This book contained themes of trust and coming to terms with the past. The characters were likeable and the story was engaging. There were three main stories that took place within the book and I enjoyed seeing the resolution in them.

I got this free in exchange for an honest review. I'm pleased to report I honestly liked it. I do recommend getting a copy and reading it - you won't regret it.

Was this review helpful?