Irene Hannon is once again inviting readers back to Hope Harbor. In Blackberry Beach it's coffee shop owner Zach Garrett and visitor Katherine Parker's turn to guide readers through the now familiar town.
I'll be honest as far as the Hope Harbor series goes this was probably the hardest for me to engage with the main story line. While it definitely fits the feel and themes of the series, I think some of the stories Hannon chose to explore through her characters hit too close to home in this case. While Katherine wrestles with finding the path her life should take, Zach wrestles with family rifts, loss to cancer, and heart surgery of a loved one.
On the positive Hannon made good use of her prior excursions to Hope Harbor to really give the amazing small town feel that this series has brought since page 1. I absolutely loved seeing series regulars back to shine like the clergy, Charley, and my favourite pair of seagulls. They really add to the uniformity of the series and add such wonderful richness to the setting.
I also feel like the secondary storyline of Frank and Stephanie was the highlight of the book, to the point I'm almost sorry they weren't the central storyline. The struggles just felt more true to life, their connection and fears felt more true, and I loved their absolute joy (not to mention they had a wonderfully satisfying conclusion.)
While this is not my favourite outing in the series I think most fans of the series will be happy to have returned to this charming little town.
3.5 out of 5 stars
I received this as part of the RevellReads #HopeHarbor book tour. The opinions are my own.
