Blackberry Beach

March 1, 2021

When Zach Garrett notices an intriguing stranger in his coffee shop, he attempts to strike up a conversation, since he doesn't exactly have an active social life in the tiny town of Hope Harbor, OR. But even the stranger's reclusiveness and refusal to share more than her name, Kat, with him aren't enough to dampen his interest. As for Katherine Parker, she escaped to the peaceful town to avoid the paparazzi stalking her after the death of her costar and to make some decisions about her future in acting. She didn't expect to run into a handsome barista whose kindness and support make her wonder about personal happiness versus fame and fortune, and she's not sure which path God is leading her down. VERDICT Hannon (Starfish Pier) returns to Hope Harbor with an unsurprising romance that reads well as a stand-alone but will satisfy series fans with glimpses of characters from previous books. A couple of retirees' romantic interest in each other livens up the plot, but this book is recommended mainly for libraries that already own the series or where Hannon is popular.--Melanie C. Duncan, Washington Memorial Lib., Macon, GA

Copyright 2021 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2021
Zach made the move from the corporate fast track to coffee-shop owner in the small town of Hope Harbor after his brother died. The move caused what seems like an irreparable rift with his father, but he is much happier. He thinks he has everything he needs until he meets Kat, who is renting the beach home next to his. Kat is a famous actress fresh from L.A., looking for a place to recover after a colleague's death. Her agent keeps calling her, but she can't make herself accept a promising new opportunity. She is content, for now, to make chocolate truffles for the people she meets and befriends in this coastal Oregon town, but it is hard to turn down her dream role. Zach and Kat build their relationship slowly, while his newly retired aunt falls in love quickly during her visit. Food and faith help the characters heal in the latest in the Hope Harbor series, following Driftwood Bay (2019). Hannon's town of second chances continues to inspire sweet love stories like those in Debbie Macomber's Blossom Street books.

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