Cover Image: Windswept Way

Windswept Way

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

A sweet Christian romance by a beloved author. The setting of this book is completely charming. I love a story set at the sea side and Windswept Way sounds like an utterly charming place to visit. Add in the sweet love story and threads of suspense, and it's no wonder that Irene Hannon is a fan favorite.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Windswept Way by Irene Hannon is the ninth book in her Hope Harbor series. This is my first visit to Hope Harbor, and I was immediately charmed by this small seaside community. The contents of this story are profound. Its characters struggle with heavy and very real problems, and yet despite all the emotions that will tumble in your heart as you read, you are left feeling lighter as the author fills you with hope, love, and faith.
The characters in this story are phenomenal. So well crafted and written on the page. Ashley is a breath of fresh, her enthusiasm, determination, and courage to bring new life to an old, forgotten property catching even to those of us less fictional. I loved the heart and eye she had for others in her circle and her willingness to reach out and do something to make their lives better. And I absolutely loved the relationship between her and the recluse, Rose. Rose is shrouded in mystery from the beginning, but I enjoyed learning more about her alongside Ashley as the story unfolded.
And Jon. Sigh. An absolutely swoon-worthy-sweep-you-off-your-feet-make-your-heart-melt kind of hero. His story was especially touching because it is so well written and because my husband is a combat veteran, too. The author brought Jon’s pain, guilt, and shame to life. And while his so-called ugliness came from outward wounds, his and Ashley’s story is such a beautiful picture of how Christ looks at us even while we are ugly sinners.
Overall, I fell in love with this story, with Edgecliff, and with the full cast of characters. I couldn’t get enough! And look forward to visiting Hope Harbor again through Irene’s other novels. And while this book is part of a series, it can definitely be read as a stand-alone.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Three people dealing with scars, either physical or emotional who learn to heal with the help of each other and their faith. Hope Harbor is always a fun place to visit with Charley, the taco man who hands out Godly advice, the pelicans that hang around town., and the Catholic priest and Protestant preacher who are best friends. This is a sweet romantic story of faith and healing.

Was this review helpful?

I am always excited to have an Irene Hannon book in the to be read stack! She is one of my favorite authors and never disappoints me, Her writing is impeccable, and I often find myself reading well past my bedtime. Windswept Way is such a sweet story. It reminds us all to look beyond the surface and see what is inside of a person. I will definitely be recommending this book to friends and look forward to the next installment.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed this latest installment in the Hope Harbor series, which are always a joy! This town has become nearly as dear to me as Mitford! I particularly enjoyed the Beauty and the Beast vibes of this story as I always love stories where people see each other for who they are instead of what they look like. Highly recommend this whole series and especially this book!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley.

Was this review helpful?

As always I enjoy this author's stories.
I couldn't put the book down until it was finished.
I loved the setting and I truly felt connected to the characters.

Was this review helpful?

Irene Hannon has done it again! This is a story of two broken hearts-Ashley and Jonathan.
Love another story in Hope Harbor. Especially love the taco making Charlie and the two seagulls, Floyd and Gladys. Love how they're in every Hope Harbor story!
Great writing that makes you want to visit there yourself.

Was this review helpful?

Windswept Way is the 9th novel in Irene Hannon's Hope Harbor series. Ashley Scott enters into a too-good-to-be-true business partnership with a reclusive widow to secure a manor for her wedding venue business. Her next-door neighbor and landscaper, Jonathan Gray, goes above and beyond to get the manor ready. Drawn together by fate, will Ashley and Jonathan let love find them and let hurt go? Hannon's inclusion of the wounded warrior, Jonathan, reminds us once again that we cannot judge by appearance but look at the heart inside. Can't wait for the next book, maybe Charley can find love!

Was this review helpful?

While this was my first foray into Hope Harbor, I can understand why so many are drawn to this fictional community. The setting is naturally a draw as the Oregon coast is one of my favorite places and I enjoyed the descriptions of local areas and weather. It was so nice to read about people coming together to renovate a historical estate. The characters were the best aspect of the book by far, from Ashley who puts her energy toward improvement and productivity to wounded veteran, Jonathan, who runs a landscaping business and hires ex-cons to provide them with a new opportunity, to the reclusive owner and Ashley’s business partner, an encouraging foreman, a fish taco vendor—all added something to this story. The found family aspect is heart-warming. As a contemporary Christian fiction novel, this had a thoughtful thread of faith and prayer throughout the book and helped illustrate a strong moral code found in many of the characters. While the romance is the main plot line, the other stories contributed to the strength of the book. I have not read any of the other Hope Harbor novels, but now want to. This wonderful story left me sighing happily and feeling encouraged—a definite need in the book world. Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Windswept Way by Irene Hannon is a Hope Harbor Novel. Here, you’ll meet a woman who is helping to transform a seaside estate and the man who she hires to help her do it. I just love the community of Hope Harbor, from the fish tacos and all knowing Charley to the small town details. The setting truly comes alive and is part of what makes this place magical and healing to those who come. Great story overall! I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

Was this review helpful?

Ashley Scott needs a change of scenery so she moves across the country to Hope Harbor to take on the project of turning a historic cliffside mansion into a wedding venue.

A compelling read with captivating characters that caught my attention from the start. I especially enjoyed Rose, who is a spirited, but reclusive, older woman and how she welcomes Ashley into her world as they work together on bringing their vision to life. They enlist the help of Jonathan Gray a war veteran who likes to keep to himself, with scars that are more than skin deep.

A compelling read filled with a captivating cast of characters, as well as familiar faces from the previous books. I have enjoyed these hope harbor books so much and I can't believe this is the ninth installment to the series, though this book can also be read as a standalone. It was so fun seeing the three of them working together and opening their hearts over the course of the story.

Overall, an engaging read with a compelling and heartwarming storyline set in a beautiful coastal town. I couldn't help but cheer for Rose, Ashley and Jonathan all the way through this compelling read. Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Was this review helpful?

Irene Hannon just amazes me. She goes from writing some of the best romantic suspense out there to writing sweet contemporary romance without a whole lot of time between books. Her Hope Harbor series is now on book #9 with Windswept Way, and just keeps getting better.

When the museum where Ashley Scott works suffers a fire, she is one of the first to be let go. Her dream is to make it to museum curator, or something like that, but her mother's dreams for her include a high-powered position in business. When Ashley's father dies leaving her a surprisingly substantial inheritance, she starts looking for a house she can renovate and turn into a wedding venue. Her mother is appalled and feels she is wasting her money, but Ashley is thrilled when she finds exactly the house, across the nation, in Hope Harbor. The owner offers her a sweet deal, and she jumps in with her whole heart. Will her dreams crash and burn, or will she fly?

Jon Gray has been working as the caretaker for his eccentric neighbor's property for a while. The war left him with some scary scarring but Miss Rose doesn't care. She's hiding away from society, too. When Ashley arrives, so do the winds of change. She hires him to work on renovations on Miss Rose's mansion, and on the landscaping. As they work together, he begins to see that Ashley has scars of her own. Hers are on the inside instead of visible like his. Will they be able to join forces to complete the job, or will their scars overshadow their hearts?

This book had several threads running through it that Ms. Hannon tied up pretty neatly in the end. I love that Charley is back with the seagulls. He carries through the whole series, and I always wonder if sometime he will be revealed as an angel. He practically twinkles, and always knows more about the people he's talking to than he really should. Hmmmm. Anyway, I wish Hope Harbor was real because it would be an amazing place to visit.

This book will appeal to anyone who has enjoyed other books in the Hope Harbor series, or anyone who is a fan of contemporary romantic fiction. I've read every book in the series, and I love catching up with characters from past books.

Was this review helpful?

I've read few suspense novels by this author. I haven't read anything in this genre. I enjoyed this well written story and was intrigued by the strong female lead Ashley Scott, who has a passion for preserving old houses so that the public can enjoy them. Both the neighborhood and the property owner’s win.

I loved how the author transported readers to this unique location simultaneously introducing the stories about the ghosts and the enigmatic woman who resides in this castle. Landscaper, Jonathan Gray's fear and hope are that someone like Ashley Scott could be interested in being friends with him. This filled my heart with compassion, and I rejoiced with him.

I loved the colorful cast of characters that include an eighty-year-old recluse cloaked in mystery, a young woman who desires a fresh start, and a soldier who was scarred inside and out during the war. All three of these characters are hiding secrets from their painful past and are hoping to find solace in the alluring Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast. This novel is part of the Hope Harbor series. This was a fun escape with characters I could root for.

I'm looking forward to reading more about the residents of this town and its history, as well as being entertained by another fun adventure.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book! It was all about restoration and grace. It is hard to find and give both of these. It is even hard to give grace to yourself. It is hard to give grace to other people even when it is so freely given to you. I loved all the remodeling in this book, all the music and I love the veteran. They have a soft spot in my heart. Great read!

Was this review helpful?

This is book 9 in the Hope Harbor series and brings updates from many of the previous couples. It is a stand alone story easy to read. The book is Christian but not too heavy with Sunday church and two main characters a priest and a preacher. I really enjoyed the story of Ashley buying into an old mansion to turn it into a wedding a party destination with the current owner, Mary, a recluse. They hire Jon to turn the overrun lawn and gardens into a showplace. He’s happy for the work but is a wounded vet with lots of scars, both physical and mental. A story of love and family.

Was this review helpful?

okay hear me out. i really wanted to like this book. truly, i did. but alas, it did not work for me. i'm so sorry! but i'm so thankful to netgalley for allowing me to read it early!!!

Was this review helpful?

Ashley Scott finds herself in Hope Harbor trying to start over. She meets Jonathan who helps her out with this new adventure. As the two of them work on her property and new ideas they begin to grow closer. Here’s to hoping of new lives and new loves.

Was this review helpful?

Hannon is a master storyteller. I really enjoy reading her books. This one was no exception. It is a moving and heart touching story about a young lady trying to do something with her life, an elderly recluse, also a wounded and scarred male recluse. Putting all of these together you have the makings of a very interesting book. Hannon always weaves God and faith into her books. That is something I really enjoy about her writings, after all this is Christian fiction. Some books never mentioned God or faith at all and yet they’re classified in that category. If you enjoy Christian contemporary novels I definitely recommend this one. I for one can’t wait to return to Hope Harbor!….I received a copy of this book through the publisher. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

It is so good to read a story written from a different perspective, & in this case from both sides of the ‘problem’. There must be many people who live through this sort of thing, & it is helpful to learn more about their position, hopefully gaining some understanding. (As someone who can identify with 1 1/2 of the 3 main characters, this has given me plenty of food for thought as to my own reasons for staying out of sight.)
A relief to find a ‘clean’ read - I appreciate a book that doesn’t take the detail that step too far, & also that has some depth to the story.
It is also good to return to Hope Harbor, & especially the wisdom of Charley – we could all do with a Charley in our lives, & not just because his fish tacos sound so good!
This book works as a stand-alone story, even though it is part of a series : characters from earlier volumes are only peripheral to this one’s plot, so won’t impede things for those new to Hope Harbor.

Was this review helpful?

Perfection! The setting, the romance, the faith, and the characters all melded together perfectly into a beautiful romance that just filled your heart with joy. Love this series so much.

Was this review helpful?