TITLE:  Blackberry Beach (A Hope Harbor Novel)
AUTHOR:  Irene Hannon
DATE:  2021
PUBLISHER: Revell
STARS: *****

From the back cover:
Katherine Parker is on the cusp of having everything she ever wanted--fame, money, and acclaim. So why isn't she happy? In search of answers, she comes incognito to Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast for some R&R. Maybe in her secluded rental house overlooking the serene Pacific she'll be able to calm the storm inside.

Coffee shop owner Zach Garrett has found his niche after a traumatic loss--and he has no plans to change the life he's created. Nor does he want to get involved with his reticent new neighbor, whose past is shrouded in mystery. He's had enough drama to last a lifetime. But when Katherine and Zach are recruited to help rehab a home for foster children, sparks fly. And as their lives begin to intersect, might they find more common ground than they expected . . . and discover that, with love, all things are possible?

My review:
I have loved every Hope Harbour novel I’ve read, and Blackberry Beach continues the trend. Zach intrigued me from the first time we “met,” and Kat/Katherine makes a fascinating heroine. Hope Harbour seems an unlikely home for each of them, given their backgrounds, but something about the small town draws them in.

While Zach is already established in his small coffee shop business, Kat is just vising—hiding, really. Watching their relationship grow from tentative outreaches and responses warmed my heart.

Getting reacquainted with the sweet and quirky residents of Hope Harbour made my time there thoroughly enjoyable. Charley is a perennial favorite, with his mysterious insights and wisdom, while the two pastors and their comical bickering enticed several chuckles.

Faith plays an important role in this story, as in the previous Hope Harbour books; the message comes through clearly and realistically.
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Blackberry Beach is everything I look for in a novel, and it easily earns five stars. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. 

TITLE:  Crazy About Maisie (Happenstance Chronicles Book 2)
AUTHOR:  Janice L. Dick
DATE:  2021
PUBLISHER: Tansy & Thistle Press
STARS: *****

From the back cover:
Hairdresser Maisie McDonald loves her life in Happenstance, but when private investigator Sam Kowalczyk comes to town, Maisie is spooked. Will Sam’s questions reveal secrets relegated to the past and ruin her present and her future? And who hired him?

When mysterious newcomer to Happenstance, Julia Freemont, purchases an abandoned shop to turn it into a bistro, everyone is excited. But is Julia’s presence valid, or a ruse to get to Maisie?

Maisie will do anything to protect her family, but can she fight the power that money can buy? Revisit the townspeople of Happenstance as they rally round to help her through her struggle between fear and trust.

My Review:
I jumped at the chance to revisit the enchanting town of Happenstance after thoroughly enjoying my previous trip there in The Road to Happenstance. The close-knit community is curious about the two newcomers, unsure of their motives. Each character of Happenstance is charming—some more than others—and I loved renewing our acquaintances. Maisie’s insecurity endeared her to me. Annaliese’s charming accent, Bear’s quirky Yogi Berra-style quips, Johanna’s uncanny preparedness and the gentle quibbling between the Barlow sisters all make Crazy About Maisie a delight. Newcomers Sam and Julia find themselves on an unexpected journey of discovery—no surprise to those who’ve lived there for a while.
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If you enjoy a gentle tale of delightful characters mixed with mystery and some danger, you’ll love Crazy About Maisie. I loved this story and look forward to the next Happenstance adventure. Crazy About Maisie easily earns five stars. Highly recommended!