Starfish Pier

January 27, 2020
Hannon (the Code of Honor series) revisits Hope Harbor, Ore., in this affecting inspirational, the sixth in the Hope Harbor series. Charley is still serving his wonderful fish tacos with a side of advice, but the crux of the story centers on new residents. Holly Miller, who suffers from spina bifida, has come to Hope Harbor to exert her independence from her overprotective parents. Steven Roark has relocated to the tiny town to shore up a relationship with his brother, trading his military career for that of a charter boat captain. While sparks fly between Holly and Steven, the two quickly find themselves with opposing views of what the town should do with a 19th-century cannon that recently washed ashore, clashing over how to remember one’s past while acknowledging the horrors of war. Holly also becomes concerned for a neighbor when she discovers he has moved to Oregon to take advantage of its assisted suicide law; and Steven supports his alcoholic brother who doesn’t want to admit he has a problem. With its nicely interwoven faith elements, Hannon’s multifaceted return to Hope Harbor focuses on how forgiving oneself is as important for healing as forgiveness from others. Series fans will be overjoyed by this complex, stirring tale.

June 26, 2020

Two fairly recent newcomers to town, first-grade teacher Holly Miller and former Delta force operator and Steven Roark, currently a fisherman, find themselves in opposition in Hannon's latest "Hope Harbor" novel (after Driftwood Bay). Holly has strong convictions, which makes her attraction to Steven, who is on the opposite side of an issue disrupting their community, even more puzzling to her. Guilt from his past has made moving on difficult for Steven so he tries to keep his distance from Holly, convinced that a relationship between them would never work. Once a mysterious artifact washes up at Starfish Pier, a happy ending for the two of them seems even more distant. The restful location and quirky townsfolk are sure to be soothing to those who enjoy Christian romances set in small towns. The romance here is very slow moving, though, as the characters tend to spend more time alone in their heads, rather than together on the page. Further, the novel's pro-life message can be a bit heavy-handed. VERDICT Readers who have enjoyed previous titles in the series will undoubtedly wish to read this one as well.--Rebecca Moe, Alden Ewell Free Lib., NY

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