Last summer, Irene Hannon introduced readers to Hope Harbor, a small coastal Oregon town. In Sea Rose Lane, she returns to that setting for another delightful installment of small-town life.
Two people starting over . . . in a town known for second chances
After a devastating layoff, attorney Eric Nash heads back to Hope Harbor--only to discover that his childhood home is being transformed into a bed and breakfast. Instead of plotting his next career move in peace, he's constantly distracted by noise, chaos--and BJ Stevens, the attractive but prickly blonde architect who's invaded the house with her motley crew. As for BJ, her client's son might be handsome, but after a disastrous romance, dating isn't high on her agenda. Yet when they join forces for to help Hope Harbor seniors, might they also find healing, hope, and a new beginning themselves?
Come home to Hope Harbor--where hearts heal . . . and love blooms.
When I reviewed Hope Harbor last summer, I said that it reminded me of Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove series. That Cedar Cove vibe is alive and well in Sea Rose Lane, and that's a great thing!
Sea Rose Lane focuses on contractor BJ and attorney Eric. Though their first meeting does not endear them to one another, their paths keep crossing, and they soon begin falling for each other. Their romance was sweet, and I also enjoyed their individual personal journeys. However, the characters I most cared for in Sea Rose Lane were involved in the secondary plot: Cuban refugee Luis and octogenarian Eleanor. Their stories intertwined in a way that I did not immediately anticipate, yet it made perfect sense. There was a realism to both of their stories that I found quite touching.
Other minor characters brought a liveliness to the town. Reverend Baker and Father Kevin provided some comic relief, and I hope to see more of them in future novels. I also loved, loved, loved Charley, the town taco truck owner and resident artist. He has appeared in both Hope Harbor and Sea Rose Lane, and there seems to be a bit of mysticism to him. I wouldn't be at all surprised to learn that he's an angel ... but I guess I'll just have to keep reading the Hope Harbor series to find out!
While a few times the romantic dialogue registered a little high on the "cheese-o-meter," overall, Sea Rose Lane was a delightful read. I love visiting Hope Harbor, and I can't wait to return again next summer for Sandpiper Cove. 4 stars.
Note: Though Sea Rose Lane is the second book in Hannon's Hope Harbor series, it can be enjoyed without first having read Hope Harbor. The two novels share several supporting characters, but the main characters' stories are contained within each novel.
Buy the book.
Read my review of Hope Harbor (4-1/2 stars).
Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than forty-five romantic suspense and contemporary romance/women's fiction novels, including the Heroes of Quantico, Guardians of Justice, and Private Justice series, along with That Certain Summer and One Perfect Spring. Her books have garnered dozens of honors, including two coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America. She is also a two-time Christy Award finalist. IreneHannon.com
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell through the Revell Reads program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
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