I have long been a fan of Irene Hannon's books, whether it be her suspense novels or a trip to Hope Harbor. Needles to say, I enjoyed reading Blackberry Beach. I can almost hear the Gladys and Floyd, the resident seagull couple and feel the sand in my toes as I walk the beach. Blackberry Beach is a novel about second chances and taking life at a slower, but meaningful pace.

For Katherine the life she was leading was nearly out of control and she wanted to simply enjoy her time alone, escaping notice from any other being. She was beginning to think her incognito stay in a luxurious beach house was a success when she met Zach and his aunt Stephanie. Not used to people she could trust, it was a blessing to find that things in Hope Harbor were truly different.

Zach's new life as a successful coffee shop owner is what he hoped it would be. If only his father would see things his way and understand that even though he left a big salary behind, he had everything he needed. Everything, that is except someone to share that happiness with him in peaceful Hope Harbor.

Charley, the resident sage, fish taco chef and successful painter turns up at the most interesting times, sharing uncanny wisdom that is so in sync with others concerns to make them wonder just a little, how one man can possibly know....yet he does.

I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys good clean stories of the heart. I received this book from the publisher, Revell and netalley. My opinions are my own.

I have read several of Irene Hannon's romantic suspense novels. However, this my first romance by the author. Although, this is in a series of several books, I didn't feel as if I had missed out on anything. I enjoyed it very much. It was a quick read with loveable characters set in a picturesque town. I loved how sweet the romance played out with two couples finding love.
*I was given a copy of the book by the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
4.5 stars

I've read all but one of the Hope Harbor novels, and have immensely enjoyed each. This one is no exception, and indeed is a fitting finale! I'm truly sad to say goodbye to the characters, and am selfishly glad I have to go back and read one more yet--it means the series isn't truly "over for the first time."

Having spent a majority of my years in the Pacific Northwest, and many a vacation on the Oregon Coast, Hope Harbor (while fictional) holds a special place in my heart. I could easily conjure its setting in my mind's eye--especially Charley's taco stand! ("I'm only here for the food." Ahem.)

I was particularly intrigued by Kat's thought process and reflections on her career and where she wanted to go in life. Many of us, at times, look at Hollywood stars and think they "have it all"--but as Blackberry Beach illustrates, and as we see all too often in reality, Hollywood money doesn't buy happiness. Fame doesn't give you everything. And indeed, both may combine to make a body wonder whether those around them like them for who they are, or for what they can do/get/be for others. (And, being an introvert, I snarked every time Simon called or pinged Kat for a decision! Let her be, already! He was like the annoying sibling in the car's back seat. "Mom, he's looking at me. He's poking me. He's on my side." Not that my sibling and I ever did that ... :D <angelic look>)

All in all, an enjoyable and satisfying closing read in a dear fictional coastal town. I'll happily revisit the series again down the line (And, yes, these are best read in order.)

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This was a good romance book by Irene Hannon! I think everyone struggles at times to find their place. I was glad to see that their family could make amends over this. Learning why someone reacts to a situation also does make a difference at times and that doesn't always need to be tucked away as a secret. I love to see Charley, the seagulls and his other friends play a role in each Hope Harbor book! Sweet read!

This is a great non-suspense, non-crime filled novel by a well known author.
This book is an addition to a series, set in Hope Harbor. Read of a dual romance where the stakes seem too high and major change must be made in order for the relationships to work out. I can sympathize with Kat, the mysterious stranger who shows up in town with a difficult decision to make. Overthinking and weighing every pro and con feels very familiar to making a decision.
Tragedy has changed Zach’s life and the remaining family members must make peace with the past and look toward a different future.
While I prefer the suspense this author provides, this was a welcome and well written story with no cliffhangers leaving me to wonder what would happen next.

Every trip to Hope Harbor is magical and uplifting and this book surely proved that. This is the story of Zach Garrett, the owner/operator of The Perfect Blend coffee shop in town. Happy in his new life and his escape from the demands of his previous career, Zach is not looking for any kind of relationship. When Katherine Parker comes to town for a vacation from her career, there is an instant attraction to Zach, but both know it can’t go anywhere since she is there briefly and he isn’t seeking a relationship. The way their attraction progresses really made this story for me. Everything was a natural progression, without any kind of forced “gotta bring this to a close” kind of plot. There were some twists and some challenges that were unexpected. There was also a sub-plot when Zach’s aunt Stephanie, newly retired from her career, comes to visit and meets Zach’s part-time barista Frank. I really enjoyed visiting Hope Harbor again, a place where everything is described so realistically that I can put myself right there with the characters. The characters themselves fairly jumped off the page and talked to me. In fact, I found myself giving advice to Katherine and Stephanie as I read the book and was happy that they took that advice sometimes. The author knows how to tell a story that draws you in, and that is the magical part of Hope Harbor. I may not be at a beach, but I felt like I was, enjoying the views and the moments of quiet and reflection that her characters were enjoying. I highly recommend this clean Christian fiction to anyone who needs some positivity in their lives! Although this is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone, as can any of the Hope Harbor books. But I’m betting that once you have read one, you will want to read all of them just to get that happy feeling that these books give you.
Disclaimer
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley as part of the Revell Reads Blogger Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Irene Hannon pens another delightful Hope Harbor romantic novel with Blackberry Beach. Young and old alike find solace and love as they seek to define their future lives together. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

This is the seventh book in the Hope Harbor series, but the first one I have read. This book read well as a stand alone, and I had no trouble keeping up with what was going on. I really liked the town of Hope Harbor, it is a place I wish was real so I could go visit! Kat and Zach were really great characters, and I loved watching them figure out what they each really wanted out of life. Stephanie and Frank, Charley, and the two dueling clerics were also really great additional characters in this book. This was a sweet story, and it definitely made me want to go back and check out book one in the series. I received an ARC from netgalley, and this is my honest review.

A sweet Christian romance. Family issues, employment troubles and more. Sounds as if Hope Harbor would be a wonderful place to live. This was my first visit. Even the seagulls were adorable. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley.

A sweet, beautiful story with 'Safe Haven' vibes and a gorgeous setting! Hope Harbour is such a real, vivid town, with well developed characters. The romance between the main characters is lovely but I will admit that I felt a bit deceived by the blurb, since the storyline about the foster childrens' home is very slow and seems more like an afterthought, whereas I'd thought it would play a bigger role in bringing the MCs together. A good chunk of the book (especially the first half) is taken up by a side couple so if you're not into side plots then maybe give this one a miss. Otherwise a great, lighthearted read by a talented author!

Welcome to the small town of Hope Harbor. Katherine Parker is hiding away while she tries to figure out what she wants to do with her messed-up life. Should she go back to acting or start something new? Along comes Zack Garrett who owns the only coffee shop in Hope Harbor. Zach has already made a bunch of difficult life choices. Will he be able to help Katherine with her difficult decision?

It was a cute romance that I enjoyed reading. I liked all the characters and the setting as I live a town over from Coos Bay, Oregon. So I related with all the small town things they were doing.

Oh, how I love being back in Hope Harbor, Oregon, it's a comforting ideal place, that feels so welcoming. Charlie is here with his fish taco's, and boy would I love to try them! We also meet back with some other characters from previous books, but this can be read alone, but the others are equally good!

With this book we are gifted with those fish taco's, but also yummy coffee and then to die for chocolate truffles. I loved the way the author brought the previous characters back for a cameo using their products in those truffles!

We are given some sweet romance, one couple are seasoned citizen's trying to decided if they want to embrace "love", will they be unfaithful to a deceased spouse, and then a younger couple, one has left the rat race of a power job, and the other is running from a Hollywood scandal.

Yes, this quickly becomes a page turner, I needed answers! When all is said and done, I wanted to continue on in the lives of these people, and wouldn't mind staying in Hope Harbor!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.

Reading a Hope Harbor book is like coming home. Each books sweeps you away to the idyllic small Oregon town that makes you want to nestle in, grab tacos from Charlie’s truck, and take a seat on the pier with Floyd and Gladys. Blackberry Beach lives up to the very high bar this series has set. I found myself longing to stroll on Blackberry Beach to sit on the weathered log to watch Casper & Trixie playing in the ocean.

Zack Garrett is the town barista and owner of The Perfect Blend. When visiting Kat Parker steps into his coffee shop, sparks fly between them. Her desire for privacy and fear of recognition almost drives her into seclusion. Charlie’s prompting of both Kat and Zack helps the two connect. Together, they realize they must confront their pasts and learn to trust God and others.

Zack and Kat each have very unique stories. Each bring interesting twists to the book. I also enjoyed getting to meet Zack’s dad and an aunt Stephanie as well as his barista employee, Frank. Each bring their own personality and uniqueness to Hope Harbor and the book. Every character in the storylines teach us a lesson if we only listen from the sea gulls to the ministers.

You can never go wrong with a Hope Harbor book but especially Blackberry Beach. Ms. Hannon paints a vivid picture with her words making you feel as if you have stepped into the pages of the story. I cannot wait to return to Hope Harbor next spring!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

Welcome back to Hope Harbor - I love the stories I have read from Irene Hannon, that are set in this little town on the Oregon Coast. each one is a standalone book, but there are some characters and places that come up in each of the stories- a taco-making artist named Charley that seems to know a bit more than people have shared about themselves, the seagulls Floyd and Gladys that visit the taco stand and it’s customers, and Father Murphy and Reverend Baker, who compete on the golf course, and also for parishioners.

This story is similar to others in the Series in that it is a clean romance, hopeful in that the main characters find not only love, but themselves, and each has something from their past or present that stands in the way of their happily ever after. In today’s world and struggles, I find books like this can really help me escape, and give me something to think about (in this one, several of the characters are pondering whether their fast paced, high profile careers are where they really belong).

The characters are likeable, relatable, and I enjoyed this book as a weekend escape!

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

First thing I want to say is that although this book is the 7th in the Hope Harbor series, you do not need to read all of the others first. All of the other books are on my TBR list but I hadn’t read them yet when I read Blackberry Beach. I don’t think I missed anything in the story because I haven’t read the others. I’m sure reading the other books will give a greater understanding of Hope Harbor and some of the peripheral characters, but I still understood and really enjoyed Blackberry Beach.

I have been a fan of Irene Hannon’s books ever since I read her first one almost 10 years ago. Although I do enjoy her romantic suspense series more, this contemporary romance is still high on my recommendations list.

One of the things I enjoyed most about this book was how you aren’t given the whole story all at once. Each time the characters interact, a little more of the story is revealed. I feel that this is a realistic representation of a relationship. You don’t just sit down with someone and hear all the details about their life in one sitting. People aren’t always comfortable sharing everything at once and it does take time to trust someone with your story.

A fun little Easter egg I noticed in this book was that at one point, Aunt Stephanie was reading the latest Irene Hannon suspense. I thought that it was fun that Irene Hannon decided to put herself and her books into the Hope Harbor world. (On a side note, Irene Hannon also hinted at Hope Harbor being in the world of Point of Danger when I read that recently).

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to going back to read the other stories in this series.

Check out Blackberry Beach today on it’s release day, April 6th.

Zach owns the coffee shop will he is working a lady comes in that is a bit skittish Kat as she said her name is is trying to keep a low profile . as they get to know is other the harder it is for her to keep her secrets . this is a very good story keep reading to the end. they are also helping get a house ready to become a home for children who need help. there is also Zach's aunt who has retired and comes to visit and his father. it also has how Kat makes chocolate truffles , with blackberries and also lavender. , this is a story of second chances , some you may not have even known you needed, and forgiveness, and working at doing something you love i received a copy of the book by netgalley but this is an honest review. i have read several books by the author and they are well written

Being back in Hope Harbor feels like going home. I just adore this series. Each book is light, sweet and full of hope. They can be read as a stand alone but it's so nice seeing characters from previous books show up again. I would love to take a trip to this quaint little town and of course, have one of Charlie's famoush fish tacos.

This is a must read for those of you who like a light contemporary Christian romance.

BLACKBERRY BEACH...#7 Hope Harbor........ Irene Hannon
Zach stepped away from his multi millionaire deals of striving for the top as his father and aunt have their whole life . With his dad it was you sit and listen, no discussion as to why he did, a rift of three years. Zach has a barista shop a place of respite for people from their cares and worries .
A mysterious woman Kat, has come to find sanctuary and peace from a life of fame, chaos and demands from others has taken a toll.
Wanting someone to talk to, to listen to what her dreams had been and the predicaments she feels now.
A pastors words of having trust in God, and having faith in the one she loves. With her spare time could it be in the wild blackberries that melt in one’s mouth when in season as a chocolatier
A story that is tender and heartwarming it touches you as Kat is seeking. . Wanting a life of peace and love. Good flowing plot that one will enjoy reading. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion for Net Galley and Revell..

This story was compelling reading especially reminded me of following what God has planned for me. Making career changes is quite daunting and this novel helps see this from many different perspectives. It was encouraging to read.

“Cloudy days serve a purpose too. Without them, we’d take sunshine for granted.” “The heart is the best compass at any crossroads.” This book is full of gems like these, but served in a most palatable way so that truths are learned almost by osmosis. It is such a good feeling to be back in the familiar territory of Hope Harbor, yet the story & most of the characters are quite new. While it works as a ‘stand-alone’ book, first-time readers will surely want to catch up with the rest of the series – where characters on the fringe this time, have their own chance to shine. Hope Harbor is a place we would all love to visit - & maybe live - & who wouldn’t want to try Charley’s fish tacos?! Definitely recommended, as are all Irene Hannon’s books.