I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a wonderful book. I enjoyed it a lot!

Bren and Noah are instantly attracted to each other when she moves into his father's rental cottage during Noah's impromptu vacation/mission to get his dad to leave Hope Harbor and move to St. Louis. A barista with purple hair and a buttoned-up CPA shouldn't have a connection yet they try to decide if their burgeoning relationship is lasting enough for them to figure out long-distance or one of them leaving behind what they know in their current hometown to try being together. Meanwhile, Bren opens her life and heart to a down-on-her-luck teen Emma with a broken-down car and little funds with a story similar to her own young adult years. Will Emma be able to get guardianship custody of her younger brother from her step-father if she can make a go of things in Hope Harbor? Will Bren and Noah act on their interest in each other? Find out in a gentle love story grounded in real-world heartache with community banding together to help folks through their troubles. Sometimes dubbed "Christian" fiction in some library collections, little is discussed or thought by the characters regarding prayer or making godly decisions, yet most characters go to church, so it is lightly Christian in plots and character arcs.

Sunrise Reef, by Irene Hannon, introduces Bren Ryan on the opening pages of this latest Hope Harbor tale. After Bren notices an odd odor in her rental unit, she unfortunately learns that there is actually a fire starting to burn inside the walls. Now Bren must find other living arrangements for the next month!

Fred, a customer who frequents the local coffee shop where she works, offers Bren housing in the guest cottage on his property. She jumps at this great offer. However, late one evening, the owner’s son, Noah Ward, shows up out of the blue. He decides to just sleep in his father’s guest cottage. As he enters the cottage in the dark of the night, Noah is greeted by pepper spray!

This is a fun tale to follow as Bren and Noah get to know each other much better. Starting with an amazing kiss!

This is a book of second chances. Many times this theme is so hokey, it's unbelievable. But the author doesn't overdue it in the kindness that the characters show one another. The plot moves along nicely and the characters are believable. You never know when you do a random act of kindness the ramifications that it might have - mostly all good. This is another visit to Hope Harbor that you will enjoy and want to return.

Breath of fresh air!

I adore the Hope Harbor books, and this was no exception. They are tender, with sweet romance, Christian themes, and applicable life lessons. I loved the cameos of characters from past books, but this could definitely be read as a standalone. I'd rate this PG for kissing and discussion of some uncomfortable situations in the past.

Sunrise Reef
by Irene Hannon
Publisher: Revell
Series: A Hope Harbor Novel
Rated: 4
Back of the Book: “Sometimes you have to look beneath the surface to find the treasure within. After years of searching, Bren Ryan has found her place in Hope Harbor. Working as a barista suits her to a T, as does the laid-back vibe of her adopted town. Nothing is lacking in her life--except romance. But that's okay. Men are a complication she doesn't need.
Buttoned-up CPA Noah Ward isn't looking for love, either, when he arrives in town on a mission to convince his father to move closer to him. And he certainly doesn't intend to fall for the quirky, free-spirited woman who's taken up residence in his father's guest cottage.
But when Noah finds himself sucked into Bren's quest to help a struggling teen, might the two of them discover there's more to each other than meets the eye?
Come home to Hope Harbor--where hearts heal... and love blooms.”

Impressions: This was an enjoyable read. It explored stereotypes and connecting with people beyond the surface. It also delved into how being the hands and feet of Christ supports and builds our community and ourselves up. Going through challenging situations builds strength of character, and rather than allowing these situations to crush her, Bren allowed them to shape and grow her. Although she had a quirky style, her kind heart and love of the Lord drew people to her, including a spark of connection with a seemingly opposite person. I believe their foundation of faith and values is really what helped their relationship bloom.

Quotes: “‘I offered her a lift back to town, but she said she was fine.’… ‘Funny how often people say that when the opposite is true. Independence is an admirable trait, but it can get tangled up with pride and fear, can’t it?”

Thank you, NetGalley and publisher, for the opportunity to review this book!

If you are also a longtime resident of Hope Harbor, I welcome you home. If you are a visitor, I hope you enjoy your stay. In the decade since Irene Hannon released her first Hope Harbor novel, many people have found home in this place where hearts heal and love blooms. Some are characters in the eleven novels of the series, but many are readers who have fallen in love with the town and its cast of vibrant characters.

Sunrise Reef is the eleventh Hope Harbor novel and focuses on Bren Ryan, one of our favorite baristas at The Perfect Blend. With a past full of heartache, Bren has started to find healing in her new home. Everything seems well settled for her until the day she finds herself in need of a temporary home, accosted in the middle of the night, and opening her arms to a stranger who feels like a kindred spirit. Noah Ward has a laser focused plan for his visit to Hope Harbor, and the sooner he can convince his father to move back to St. Louis, the sooner he can end this faux vacation and get back to work. That laser focus is how Noah has climbed to success in his world and how he will achieve his goal. This naturally means that Bren and Noah inevitably collide in glorious fashion on a regular basis. Hannon takes this seriously and delivers one run-in after another that will have to make or break this opposites-attract couple in a cozy and adorable page turner that keeps all of Hope Harbor on their toes.

Not one to shirk her supporting character duty, Hannon creates a supporting cast like no other. A job partially done by the lovingly crafted characters of the previous novels, the supporting characters are rounded out by some new additions, including Emma Blair. Emma has been riding a wave of bad luck for several years and it seems to have run out when her car dies in Hope Harbor. Fortunately, it never seems to be bad luck for anyone to get stuck in Hope Harbor, and though I enjoyed the way Hannon developed her story, I do hope Emma gets her own book someday. Sunrise Reef is a charming addition to the Hope Harbor series, but I am not going to judge too harshly if you decide to read it as a standalone. It will flow just fine. However, for real richness, indulge in the series and build all that backstory that comes with a decade of knowing and loving the residents of this hopeful little seaside town with big heart.

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

Irene Hannon's Hope Harbor is one of my all time favorite series! They are all just so home-y and the setting is one that I would love to visit. At first glance Noah and Bree look to be an unlikely match, but overtime he loosens up and comes to see what a gem she is. Sunrise Reef is another great installment where we get to see Charley, the taco maker who shares his wisdom, along with the Pastor and Father who enjoy a good game of golf together. It was wonderful to watch how they all come together to help Emma who shows up in need. Every time I read Irene's latest I declare it to be my favorite...until the next one that is!

Many thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 1 April 2025

Sunrise Reef is part of the wonderful Hope Harbor series. You can read it as a stand-alone novel or in the order of the series. I love this series! The characters are so real and wonderful. They have struggles, but they’re just so real and pull you into their lives. The setting. Oh my. The setting seems magical. I’d love to visit.

This novel takes us along on the journey of Bren. It starts with a fire in her rental and her not knowing where she’s going to live while that gets fixed. Another wonderful town resident offers her his guest cottage. When his wife was alive, they’d rent it out.

At first, she doesn’t want to accept, but then she does. She’s a bit of a loner. Not that she does it too intentionally, but more like life has taught her that it’s the way to go.

Oh, and Noah!
When he shows up in the story, I cried. Not tears of joy, mind you, those were definitely tears of laughter. So comical. Glad it wasn’t me, but maybe he’d take comfort in the shared tears.

Charley is and has ever been one of my favorites. He’s in this one with his seagulls too and you’re going to love him. Don’t worry though you can read this on it’s own and not feel lost. But then you’re going to binge read the rest of hte novels as well because you won’t want to miss out on anything.

I loved the addition of the character of Emma. A teenage girl in need of something or someone. And Bren is stepping up to fill that role. You’re going to love this novel. I guarantee it. If not, come back and let’s chat, and I’m sure I know of another book you’ll love. Though I don’t expect that to happen.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

Sunrise Reef by Irene Hannon is book 11 in the Hope Harbor series. It was a good story, though admittedly not my favorite of the series. Bren Ryan, happily settled in Hope Harbor among kind neighbors and beautiful surroundings, focuses on healing her heart and embracing a full life without expecting to find love. I appreciated how Bren’s past made her more compassionate and willing to help those facing hard times — she could truly relate to their struggles.
There’s also a secondary storyline with Emma, who leaves home at 18 and works hard to build a stable life in hopes of gaining custody of her younger brother. I really enjoyed her determination and heart.
It might take a little time to warm up to Noah. At first, he comes across as judgmental, overly protective of his father, and suspicious of almost everyone — especially Bren. I even found myself wondering: would he have fallen for Bren if she hadn't changed her hair color or if she had only been a café worker?
That said, the first meeting between Bren and Noah was hilarious — I could totally picture it playing out. And I completely related to Bren’s attempt at starting a running routine — I’ve been there too!
It’s always a joy to return to Hope Harbor and, of course, to Charlie’s taco truck. While there were elements and characters in Sunrise Reef that I really appreciated, there were also parts I struggled with.
I would recommend Sunrise Reef, if you enjoy Irene’s writing and been reading the series. If this is your first book by Irene know that you might enjoy the storylines of the other books better.
Kissing only

Sunrise Reef by Irene Hannon – An enjoyable visit to Hope Harbor

I enjoy Irene Hannon’s books, and looked forward to reading her newest novel is Sunrise Reef, the 11th book in the Hope Harbor series.

Bren Ryan has made Hope Harbor her home. She loves the beauty of the town, the friendly people, and lovely kind neighbors who are always ready to help one another. Her life is full, but her heart is closed to romance and she has no expectation of finding love. Bren continues to try to mend her hurting heart and be content with what she has. Romance is not on her radar, especially after the unpleasant accidental meeting of Noah Ward. Bren has a heart for those who are going through a rough patch in their lives. That why she reaches out to Emma even though she is passing through town. Noah is not very trusting and is overly protective of his father. He is suspicious of almost everyone he meets, starting with Bren. Will he take the time to enjoy Hope Harbor and get to know some of the townspeople?

It is always enjoyable to return to Hope Harbor and to catch up with old friends in the community. What I liked about Sunrise Reef, I appreciated the kind and caring community where people are willing to help a friend or ever a stranger in need. The people are involved in each other’s lives and seem to think and believe the best about their friends and neighbors. The characters make time for one another. I liked Bren’s open-hearted mindset who was willing to take a risk to help someone she did not know. I appreciated that Emma was motivated and willing to work hard to achieve her goals and help her brother. I liked Fred and his positive, upbeat and trusting mindset.

I struggled with Noah. When his character is first introduced, he is very negative and judgmental about most everyone and everything. His first encounter with Bren was so negative, it was his fault, and he did not apologize. I struggled with Noah going from Mr. Negative to the man who was suddenly finding free-spirited Bren attractive. I did not find that transition in the character believable.

I would have liked to have seen the Christian faith a central part of the story. Kindness and charity played a part in the storyline and how the characters treated one another. But it did not seem hinged and driven by their Christian faith. I would loved to have seen the pastor and priest in the town have a more serious roll. That they would bring biblical wisdom and weightiness in their interactions with their congregations.

While there were elements that I liked and appreciated about Sunrise Reef, there were characters and elements that I struggled with. There seemed to be some worldly views in some of the characters, even those who were Christians.

If you like Irene Hannon’s writing, you may enjoy another visit to the lovely community of Hope Harbor in her newest book Sunrise Reef.

I would like to thank Revell Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Sunrise Reef by Irene Hannon. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

Sunrise Reef is a great testimony to Irene Hannon’s skill. Not many authors can keep readers coming back to the eleventh book in a series, but this one is every bit as great as the very first visit to Hope Harbor.

This time we have barista Bren who has built a quiet but happy life from a shattered past. Unfortunately her birthday starts with her being made temporarily homeless until cafe a patron invites her to use his guest house. The arrangement works out well until the buttoned up son of said patron arrives unexpectedly. What follows is one of the best meet cutes in the history of fiction. Seriously.

CPA Noah has a schedule to keep and chafes at his father’s relaxed attitude to growing older. Only when two major needs arise, does he start to learn the value of community, which is lacking in Noah’s big city life.

As ever with a visit to Hope Harbor, the secondary story is as touching as the main plot and again Hannon did not disappoint with Bren getting to pay forward kindness she’d be shown when down on her luck. Healing and love start to grow from the troubles and lead to several excellent happy endings. I highly recommend the whole series.

I received a copy of Sunrise Reef from the publisher via NetGalley. The views are all my own.

Sunrise Reef is book 11 in Irene Hannon’s Hope Harbor series and this book is another winner! I have absolutely loved reading this series and highly recommend any/all of these clean Christian fiction books.

I have loved getting to know the new characters in each story and of course the repeat characters in Hope Harbor Oregon like seagulls Floyd & Gladys, Charley the taco guy, and the two bickering priests. They add such warmth and friendliness to the town!

I liked getting to know Bren, Noah, Emma as the main characters and we see how kindness, faith, and patience can go a long way with understanding and helping others. Judging others was another good element in this story which I have always found important. The characters were relatable and the story line kept my interest from chapter to chapter. I loved this heartwarming story about faith, family and love. You don’t want to miss out reading this story!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions and views expressed are my own.

Sunrise Reef is the first book I have read written by Irene Hannon and I look forward to reading some more and visiting Hope Harbor again. This is part of a series but can be read as a standalone.

The character development is good. I loved getting to know Bren and seeing how she has overcome her past and works towards helping others. Getting to know Emma and see her struggles trying to get her brother. Noah has a lot of growth as well. Having to figure out if he wants to be married to his work or if can he open up his heart to someone.

The setting was perfect and cute. I loved being in this little town.

The relationship between Noah and Bren was cute and perfect, low-spice, just the way I like it.

Irene Hannon did a great job intertwining faith throughout the novel.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Sunrise Reef is the first novel that I’ve read in the Hope Harbor series, and it’s one that quickly captured my heart and felt like a cozy literary hug.

Despite this being the first book that I’ve read in this series, I didn’t feel lost at all but instead felt the warmth that emanates from Hope Harbor from the start. It’s hard not to love the big-hearted, eccentric Bren Ryan. Though there’s a backstory that takes a bit to uncover, it’s clear that she has a heart of gold. We start the story with her celebrating her 30th birthday with the best of intentions, but life happens, as it often does, and what at first seems like a burden turns out to be the biggest blessing.

This is one of those novels that is a perfect beach read or anytime you want a literary escape without the subject matter being too deep. A picturesque setting, characters with drive and ambition that are relatable, and a sweet happily-ever-after help this story flow seamlessly.

Charley, with all of his glimmering nuggets of wisdom, was some of my favorite scenes, and some of the wisdom spoken to the characters pierced my own heart, prompting me to self-reflect about my own precarious situation. Gotta love gaining wisdom and insight from fiction.

This is the first novel I’ve had the opportunity to read from this series, and I can assure you it will not be my last. Though there have been many novels that predate this title, I never once felt lost or overwhelmed in the narrative. On the contrary, Sunrise Reef enveloped me like a warm hug, and I enjoyed every moment I spent in Hope Harbor.

Noah is visiting Hope Harbor visiting his dad for one reason: to convince him to move back to St Louis to be close to him following the death of Noah's mum. But his plans to borrow an unoccupied guest cottage for the first night rather than disturbing his dad go sideways when it turns out to be occupied after all - somewhat disastrously. And the conditions of that occupancy - low price, unvetted tenant with rainbow hair - prove to Noah that his dad needs the support Noah can only provide in St Louis. Somehow, though, as he gets to know Bren, he starts to see a different side of life: the side that gives without expecting to receive, and without constantly looking for things to go wrong. However, whatever he might think of her, it's clear nothing can really happen between them, since she's unwilling to leave her haven and he's wedded to his job in St Louis - right? Or will they both learn to see the beauty beneath the surface and what really matters in life?

A delightful addition to the series. I always love visiting Hope Harbor (which lives up to its name beautifully), and this was no exception. With interesting, 'real' characters, inspiring lessons for them (and me) to learn as they go though life, a quirky and lovable cast of secondary characters, thought-provoking dialogue, humorous situations and a deeply satisfying ending, what more could one want? I really enjoyed getting to know Noah and Bren, not to mention Emma, and was thrilled to see Bren and Noah finally get their happy ending. In fact, I'm hoping Emma will get her own story in a future book, because I enjoyed getting to know her a bit and I want more! Charley's wisdom is a great addition, too - he'd be an intriguing (and possibly slightly scary at times) person to have around. All in all, a great read, completely standalone though sharing some characters across the series - highly recommended.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

4.5 stars

I fell head over heels for Hope Harbor way back when I read the first book in Irene Hannon’s long-running series ten years ago, and it still remains my very fave fictional town to visit, eleven books later. There’s something so special about this town and its close knit community, not to mention Charley who provides a dose of divinely-appointed wisdom with his fish tacos. In fact, my excitement each time I open a new Hope Harbor book is due in large part to getting to hang out with Charley again on the pages. But it only takes me a paragraph or two to become just as invested in the new story Hannon is telling and the new characters who will undoubtedly find home, hope, and healing – and of course romance – in Hope Harbor, too.

In Sunrise Reef, we learn more about creative & warmhearted Bren’s story and her less-than-ideal family of origin. Which is why the family she’s built for herself in Hope Harbor means so much and why she never wants to leave. It also makes her more empathetic to other people who need a helping hand, like young Emma who finds herself unexpectedly stranded in town by a broken-down car and nowhere to stay. If this isn’t your first visit to Hope Harbor, you’ll likely be thinking to yourself right about now, “Ah here comes a divine appointment,” and you’d be right! I really loved this subplot – not only in how Bren extends her a lifeline and a friendship but also in how Emma becomes part of Hope Harbor just as it becomes part of her.

But Emma isn’t Bren’s only God-orchestrated meeting in Sunrise Reef, though Bren’s first encounter with Noah feels (to him at least) like it originated in a place quite a bit fierier than Heaven. LOL. This meet cute is hilarious and awkward and oh boy I felt sorry for Noah … at least until he started behaving like a stick in the mud and I wanted to shake him a little bit. Don’t worry though, my irritation with him was mostly short-lived (with a couple of exceptions) as Hope Harbor and Bren both start to get under his skin in the best of ways. The chemistry between Noah and Bren is wonderful, but the friendship they build while trying to ignore that chemistry was even sweeter to me. I also adored Noah’s dad and especially his not-so-subtle hints nudging Noah in Bren’s direction.

Bottom Line: Sunrise Reef by Irene Hannon delivers a picturesque story from beginning to end, the rocky obstacles along the way making the final vista all the more meaningful and full of grace. Hope Harbor shines in this eleventh installment as much for the generous heart of its community as for its gorgeous coastal views and quaint charm. And of course, its fish taco stand, or rather the man who runs it. I loved watching Emma – and even Noah – discover how special a town this is, and I had fun getting to spend time with Bev again as well. Bren and Noah each have some lessons to take away from this story – perhaps you do too – and the icing on the cake is their opposites-attract, buttoned-up CPA meets creative free spirit, romance. I am excited that there’s a twelfth Hope Harbor book on the horizon, and I am rooting for at least twelve more!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)

I loved returning to the community of Hope Harbor. We had seen Bren in previous books but knew little about her, in this one we really get to know her. There are also new characters introduced along with old faves. I was able to relate to Noah so much, the way he questioned certain actions made by individuals and approached his career were very relatable. Fred, Noah's dad, made me laugh at his matchmaking attempts. As we get to know Bren we learn about the challenges she has been through in life but she has a huge heart and the way she treated Emma was inspiring. Emma was someone I cared about quickly and was glad that her and Bren crossed paths. The community taught Noah quite a bit and he comes to realize that his career isn't everything. The romance is a slow built, but I loved it and it felt so realistic based on the circumstances. In addition to loving the main characters I also liked Bev, the bookstore owner, who has befriended Bren and is the only one that really knows her story. I could not put this book, I connected so much with the characters and did not want to say goodbye.

Every spring I look forward to a return visit to one of my favorite bookish places — Hope Harbor, Oregon. Irene Hannon’s long running contemporary romance series (11 books!) is so, so good! I love the peaceful setting with its lavender farm, quaint downtown pocket park, the towering sea stacks, lighthouse, and so much more. See, it has truly become a beautiful destination to at least vicariously visit. And the residents are warm, welcoming, sometimes quirky, and always a joy to meet again and again. In the latest book in the series, Sunrise Reef, the theme is the meaning of home. While Hope Harbor appeals to its visitors and residents for a number of reasons, the true test of a real home is the people that inhabit it with you. The main romantic storyline involves a woman with a troubled childhood who has found peace and place and purpose in Oregon. She clings to the idea that she is meant to stay forever. Bren is attracted to Noah and feels like her friendship with him could develop into a lasting relationship if only they lived in her town. I loved how Hannon brings the two together, allowing them to see that home is not a physical location, but people to love and do life with. The secondary storyline involves a young woman who is desperately trying to bring her brother home as well. While Bren and Noah are the focus of the novel, I really loved that storyline.

Small town vibes, lovely characters, strong and insightful themes, and subtle faith messages are part and parcel of the Hope Harbor series. And Irene Hannon does it all so well. Whether you are a frequent visitor or this is your first time in town, you are in for a real treat!

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(Thanks to Revell and NetGalley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Bren has a past that has helped her achieve her current peace and hope in life. And that came about because of her welcoming in Hope Harbor when she ended up here. She is who she is because of the people surrounding her in her chosen home. And even though many don't see it as ambitious enough, she enjoys the jobs she has chosen. It gives her insight when she notices Emma, who stops in Hope Harbor due to a cranky car and dwindling finances. But Bren offers Emma the hopeful welcome she herself received, as do the others in town.

However, Noah, in town visiting his father, doesn't have the charitable background and is wary of both Bren and Emma. But Hope Harbor works its charm on even this sour spirit and life begins to look different, charming, hopeful.

The story in Hope Harbor is full of joy, even when something difficult comes along, solely because the people are determined to live up the town's name. They are welcoming and helpful to all who come. That is what makes not just this particular book but also this entire series such a beautiful and joyful read. It is worth the read, the time, the story. It continues to live on after the final page because it brings a hopefulness to the reader, as well, encouraging the reader to reach out and do something kind, paying it forward.

Definitely recommend.

I received a copy of the book from the author and have offered feedback of my own choice. All opinions are my own.