Review: "Starfish Pier" by Irene Hannon

Now that Hallmark and Netflix are both into the "turn romance book series into TV shows" game, I'm thinking one of them needs to turn the Hope Harbor series into a show! I know I would love to connect with these characters on a weekly basis 🙂

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A year ago, ex-Delta Force operator Steven Roark left the rigors of combat behind to run fishing charters in Hope Harbor, decompress, and talk some sense into his kid brother. Business is good--but making peace with his past is more challenging than he expected.

First-grade teacher Holly Miller leads a quiet, low-profile existence--until she's recruited to advocate for a cause that's dear to her heart. When she solicits Steven's assistance, sparks fly--especially after they find themselves on opposite sides of an issue that disrupts their placid seaside community.

As these two seemingly incompatible souls search for common ground, might they discover a deeper connection--and find that love can banish darkness and light the way to a future filled with promise?

Bestselling and award-winning author Irene Hannon invites you back to Hope Harbor--where hearts heal . . . and love blooms.

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Oh, how I loved this book! I always enjoy returning to Hope Harbor—it's like cuddling up in a fuzzy blanket—but Starfish Pier is special. I think that's because Hannon has her characters wrestle with incredibly divisive issues regarding the sanctity of life and the morality of war ... and they come out not always agreeing but definitely respecting each other. Their perspectives also give the reader something to think about; I could especially identify with Holly, whose black-and-white opinions were tempered once she got to know someone on the opposing side.

Characters are always a strength in Hope Harbor novels, and that's especially true of Starfish Pier. Holly and Steven are both so relatable, and I loved Holly's crusty neighbor Pete and Steven's brother Patrick (though Patrick took a while to win me over!). Also, my favorite townspeople—Charley, Rev. Baker, and Father Murphy—made plenty of appearances, and several main characters from other Hope Harbor novels showed up in fun cameos. But, do keep in mind that each novel stands alone—there are no series-wide plot lines, so you can jump into the series at any point. And please do ... these books are just lovely! 5 stars.

Buy the book (affiliate link).

Read my reviews of Hannon's Hope Harbor books Hope Harbor (4-1/2 stars), Sea Rose Lane (4 stars), Pelican Point (4-1/2 stars), and Driftwood Bay (4-1/2 stars).

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Irene Hannon, who writes both contemporary romance and romantic suspense, is the author of more than 50 novels. Her books have been honored with three coveted RITA awards from Romance Writers of America (the “Oscar” of romance fiction) and she is a member of that organization's elite Hall of Fame. She has also received a Career Achievement award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. Other awards for individual books include National Readers' Choice, HOLT Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, Retailers Choice, Booksellers' Best, and Reviewers' Choice from RT Book Reviews. She is also a two-time Christy award finalist.

A former corporate communications executive with a Fortune 500 company, Irene now writes full time. To learn more about Irene and her books, visit www.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."