AUTHOR: Irene Hannon
DATE: 2023
PUBLISHER: Revell
STARS: *****
From the back cover:
Buying a haunted house was never in Ashley Scott's plans, but when an intriguing opportunity drops into her lap after a major setback, she finds herself trekking cross-country to Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast to launch a new life.
Wounded warrior Jonathan Gray isn't sure what to make of the attractive woman on his reclusive older neighbor's isolated property, but her presence is none of his business--until she enlists his help with an ambitious project. When Jonathan finds his interest in the new arrival becoming more personal than professional, however, his defenses go up. There's no room in his life--or his heart--for romance.
Yet, as these three hurting people join forces to restore life, laughter, and love to a historic estate that has known too much sadness, they may also find healing, hope, and happiness for themselves.
Bestselling author Irene Hannon invites you back to Hope Harbor, where hearts heal and love blooms.
My review:
Thank you, Irene Hannon, for inviting me back to Hope Harbor, my favorite fictional place. Renewing acquaintances and meeting new ones is such a joy!
Ashley’s spunk and determination, as well as her compassionate heart, drew me to her in short order. She intrigued Rose Fitzgerald as well, with her ideas and plans to bring Rose’s Victorian mansion Edgecliff into use. But Rose isn’t ready to rejoin society herself; she’d rather continue hiding on her expansive property. Instead of feeling rebuffed, Ashley yearns to gently lead the lovely old lady back into life.
Jonathan is a totally different challenge. He’s done just fine with hiding his disfigurement from the world, letting his employee act as liaison for his construction company when face-to-face was needed. His attraction to the young woman with the beautiful face and ambitious plans becomes yet another pain. He knows no one could love the man he’d become.
Journeying through these characters relationships and watching them deal with past injuries – physical and emotional – to find healing and love touched my heart.
Visiting Hope Harbor feels personal to me, because my sister lives just up Highway 101 in a small town on the Washington coast, where my parents also lived. Entering each story is, for me, like coming home. I love Windswept Way and award it five stars and much gratitude for another amazing, heart-warming story.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher; all opinions are my own.