This is the first book I got to read by RaeAnne Thayne. Being a fan of small town romance fan, I immediately clicked accept for this review and I am glad I did because I absolutely loved it! This is the 6th installment in the series but it can be read as standalone.

Serenity Harbor is a story of Katrina Bailey, a school teacher and Bowie Callahan, computer tech genius. Bowie's six year old brother Milo works as faith and gets these two from different worlds together. Milo has autism and Bo has no idea how to deal with little kids let alone with one with special needs even though he loves him dearly. So when Kat comes into their lives, Bo is desperate and ready to do anything to hire her as a nanny until autism specialist arrives in few weeks. What started strictly as temporary, Bowie isn't sure either he or Milo is ready to part with her just yet.

Katrina Bailey is not like her old self as much as people in the town still believe her to be. After going to South America and meeting Gabi, she feels like she has found the meaning to her life and needs to do everything to adopt her daughter. She is back in town for her sister, Wyona's wedding and wants to go back to adopt Gabi as soon as possible to give her daughter a proper life. But until then she can't help but accept the job to look after Milo. Milo wins her heart soon enough and so does his older brother Bowie. The struggle gets real when its time to leave.

It was a sweet and clean romance. Kat is really good with the kids and she proves that people can change for better. I really enjoyed reading Kat and Bo's story and the cameo's of other characters has me intrigued wanting to read all the previous stories. I recommend it to all who enjoy Jill Shalvis, Robyn Carr, Kristen Higgins and Nora Roberts kind of authors.

Katrina is back to her hometown for a wedding and then will go back to Columbia to start the process of adopting her daughter. Bowie just recently come to care for his younger brother who is on the autism spectrum. Seeing how much of a natural Katrina is with his younger brother Bowie offers a large sum of money for her to watch his for a brief period of time until she has to go back.

I really loved this book it was sweet and I loved seeing how Katrina was with Bowies brother. I loved that she was the type of person who is at least trying learn from her past and trying to no repeat past mistake. I thought it was interesting how she handle those around her and seeing how they treated her. I though it was interesting getting both of the main characters POV as well as their backstories which explained why they did certain things they do currently. I loved how they tried to improved from their own pasts to make themselves better. I appreciate the accurate portrayal of autism that went along in this book, it wasn't based of stereotypes which drive me nuts. I actually have a mild form of autism (Aspergers) and my younger brother has just full blown autism similar to Bowies brother. Overall this book was pretty good, I really enjoyed it.

Two lost souls collide and make a magical connection in this feel-good romance from RaeAnne Thayne! I didn't think I could love Haven Point any more than I already did from past books, but this one tops it all. There's sadness and tears, there's fear mixed with hope, there's a sweet connection of weak with strong. A fabulous story all the way around! 

Tech millionaire Bowie Callahan might have made it to the big time in his career, but he never expected to find himself guardian to a little brother he didn't even know he had at this point in his life! He's recently moved to Haven Point and is trying to get settled, now with this wrench thrown into his plans, he could really use some help!

Schoolteacher Katrina Bailey happens to run into Bo and his little brother and isn't happy at all with how she sees Bowie handling things with his sibling. She doesn't like the man at first sight, but she finds herself agreeing to a temporary job just to ease his little brother's transition! She might not want to be around the guy, but the money will go a long way in helping her to adopt her own little cherub! It surprises her to find that Bo is actually a nice guy once she gets settled in with them and gets to know him a little. Will the attraction they quickly have for each other cause a problem in their working relationship, or will they decide to act on it and see where this thing goes?

Serenity Harbor is the latest addition in the Haven Point series and it was a heartfelt story. The center of the story surrounds an autistic boy who needs care, and the situation it creates for his computer tech half- brother and a compassionate school teacher. Katrina Bailey is back home for her sister Wynona’s wedding and encounters a harried Bowie Callahan dealing with his brother Milo at the supermarket. She settles the young boy and seeing how she did it astounds Bowie that he offers her a job to be Milo’s nanny. Katrina can’t imagine working for the arrogant, insensitive man but changes her mind when she realizes the money could come in handy with her efforts to adopt a small girl in Colombia, South America.

Katrina/Kat is an interesting character because she is definitely a product of her youth. Having a seizure disorder growing up she can now empathize with those with special needs, and as a school teacher she reached out and offered more help if they needed it. Being the youngest of the Bailey family she bucked the system and didn’t follow her other siblings into law enforcement. She wanted to do something different. She was your typical teenage girl and went a little boy crazy and sought after male attention but it never lasted long. After following a young man to South America on a whim, she discovered something about herself and that she wanted to be more than that simpleminded girl. She was going to put herself first for a change. Stuck in South America and teaching English there she met Gabi and wanted to adopt her. Coming home for the wedding didn’t deter her from her goal, but meeting Milo and Bowie definitely put a kink in that plan.

Bowie/Bo could also be one to say he won’t forget his childhood upbringing considering the poor job his mother did for both him and Milo. He dealt with it up until he was 16 years old and somehow hacked himself into attending MIT. There he was able to hone his computer skills and become a key player in Caine Industries as their #1 R&D man. Finding out that he had a young 6 year old stepbrother was definitely an eye opener and he would do everything in his power to give Milo the help he needs as his only family would. Bowie may look like he is all work and no play, but he hasn’t had anyone in his life to show him what he has been missing, until he meets Katrina. Seeing what both his work counterparts, Aiden and Ben, have in their life, has Bowie changing his tune and thinking maybe he would like to have the same thing in his life. How these two go about it was definitely entertaining watching them slowly develop fonder feelings until they could no longer deny them.

It was a special treat to read more than a romance in Serenity Harbor because it showcased autism and international adoption. It was subtle and did not overwhelm the romance between the main characters but showed how it is a major part of their life. Katrina and Bo may have started off on the wrong foot in the grocery store that day, but it deepened into a real friendship, until they both wanted more but didn’t quite know how to take that final step. After a small calamity at the end it all worked out for Bo and Kat, making this a sweet and feel good story in the end. I love this little town of Haven Point and Serenity Harbor is a great addition to a heartwarming series.

I love RaeAnne Thayne's stories and her ability to make picking up a new Haven Point novel just like visiting old friends. I love checking in on old friends but at the same time it never gets overwhelming or makes me feel like I need to remember all the details of something that happened 5 books ago.

This book was no different. I loved catching up with the Haven Point residents and getting to know the youngest Bailey who seemed so different from her older siblings. Katrina took awhile for me to warm up to. While I sympathized with her struggle to figure out how her new priorities fits in with the Katrina that Haven Point has always known, she came off a little one note. Her affinity for children - especially Milo is so sweet and feels genuine. Bowie is also an interesting character. He's brilliant, successful, and has made close friends but his past is horrible and he's spent most of life trying to forget it. When he suddenly finds himself guardian of his six year old half brother he didn't know existed. Milo has autism and is unable to communicate and Bowie is desperately trying to do his best. Katrina comes along at the perfect time.

The story pulled me in from the beginning. Both Katrina and Bowie's relationship with Milo was really special and felt authentic. However, the chemistry between the two took along time to click for me. I just didn't feel this relationship even though I liked them. These are very minor issues and didn't keep me from enjoying the book. Thayne never fails to create a world I enjoy visiting.

I thought I was crazy about Snowfall on Haven Point, but the latest addition to RaeAnne Thayne's Haven Point series has given me a wonderful buzz. Serenity Harbor is the sweetest read of the summer. It's one that absolutely can't be missed.

Kat is in town for her sister Wyn's wedding to Cade. She didn't expect to find herself helping the new town resident care for his young brother. Bowie's life changed when he was informed of Milo's existence. Trying to balance work at Caine Tech with Milo's challenges proves to be a rough job until he convinces Kat to take Milo under her wing. Neither of them thought that working together to help Milo would bring them together in a permanent way.

Even though I've started, or jumped in the middle of, a few small town romance series like this one I've never been able to keep up with any of them. I've always expected that series longer than three books might regurgitate the same plot points or turn into a big snoozefest. Between Snowfall on Haven Point and Serenity Harbor, I'm amazed at how different the two stories are. Yes, there are more cutie pie kids and the love the characters have for animals is evident, but Bowie and Kat kind of beat out Marshall and Andy as the cutest Haven Point couple.

I'm definitely going to make an effort to keep up with the Haven Point series as it continues. I can't imagine who has a story left to tell, but I'm ready for it either way.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*

Serenity Harbor by RaeAnne Thayne is #6 in her Haven Point series. However it can very easily be read as a stand alone. I hadn't read any other one in the series and I slotted into it no trouble. I am sure those who have read previous books though will enjoy what surely are cameos from previous couples who now have their happily ever after.

I really enjoyed this small town contemporary romance. When you place an adorable six year old into the mix you have me hooked every time. Milo is Bowie's brother, one he has only just heard about and is now the guardian. Only trouble is he has no speech and is on the autism spectrum. That's where Katrina comes in, she is present when he has a melt down in the supermarket - she manages to distract and manage it no trouble. And from there a beautiful relationship is about to unfold.

Katrina is a school teacher although not working at present, she is endeavouring to adopt a little four year old from a South American country, who has Down's Syndrome. All her efforts so far have gone done the gurgler and she is desperate to succeed in adopting and bringing her to her hometown, and if she can't she intends to go live in South America for good.

Bowie is a successful and wealthy tech guy and really wants to care for his brother, with Kat's help he is going to be able to come to love and care for him well, however in the journey he also comes to love Katrina, who is a little reluctant in that realm. Both Bowie and Kat have had experiences growing up that have left them a little distrustful and careful.

This was an easy read, I was swept up into a relaxing, fun read. I'd quite happily read on and possibly back in this series!

Serenity Harbor is the sixth book in Thayne’s Haven Point series and this was my first experience with the author. I had no issues jumping in at this point as it looks like each book focuses on different residents of the same town, so while this one was about Katrina and Bowie, characters from the previous books made an appearance. I really like when authors build a series this way and I wish I had the time to go back and read from the beginning! Instead, I’ll just be happy that I found these books now and will continue to follow from here on out.

This book had everything I’m in the mood for when I pick up a romance novel. It was super sweet without being over the top and cheesy, it had a great setting with a picturesque little town and characters that stole my heart. I like Kat and Bo well enough but the star of the show for me was Bo’s little brother, Milo. He’s a six year old little guy with autism who had a rough start to his short life. Anytime I watch a show or read a book with a character on the spectrum, I’m instantly interested. My son has autism so I’m obviously always on the lookout for characters with it as well and I’m always nervous about how they’re portrayed. I shouldn’t have worried as Thayne did a beautiful job and her portrayal was real, honest and highly accurate. She either has personal experience with autism or she did some fabulous research, either way bravo!

Another thing that I really liked was that this was a clean romance, meaning no graphic love scenes. I’m not a prude, but oftentimes I find myself skimming over sex scenes, so the lack of them worked for me here. That doesn’t mean that there was a lack of chemistry between the two leads, there definitely was, it just focused more on them building a relationship based on more than physical intimacy. I love that, it’s a book I would be comfortable recommending to a teenager. I think this would appeal to fans of Nora Roberts or Kristan Higgins as the writing style was similar, or to anyone looking for a feel good read with heart.

A well written and heartwarming story that made me smile and touched my heart. Ms. Thayne knows how to pull the readers into a story, like always, I enjoyed the visit to Haven Point immensely.
The story tells about Katrina Bailey, Bowie Callahan and his young brother Milo. This story had more of a Woman's Lit feeling with romantic touches, as most of the tale focused on Kat's relationship with Milo, and his development as an autistic child.
Bowie is a very charismatic and charming character. I found it easy to like him and relate to him. He is way over his head with the challenging younger brother whom he has just found out about. But he is trying, he really is. Of course, at the same time several problems at his work are demanding his attention, and he is stressed out to the max. Bowie does what he can to make Milo's life as easy and successful as possible. I admired his dedication, his generosity, kindness, and honesty. His obvious attraction towards Kat was passionate and endearing.
Milo just stole my heart. I loved every single scene where he was a part of. I have been very happy to read several stories lately with an autistic child as part of the plot. I believe it is important to bring the attention and information forward.
Kat comes off as a rather prickly person. At the beginning of the story, she was judgmental towards everyone around her. I understand she was doing something wonderful with the adoption, but her thoughts reflected at times like she thought that made her somehow better than the rest. She is stubborn and opinionated, yet she has a kind, caring, protective heart towards those she takes under her wing. The character development with Kat is remarkable through the story. She finds herself, finds a balance between the past and the present and learns to accept the issues with her childhood regarding her mother.
I would have liked to see the relationship developing between Kat and Bowie since now they mostly avoided each other through the couple short weeks Kat was taking care of Milo. The story is clean, there are few ardent kisses between Bowie and Kat, resulting them staying apart each time. The strongest connection in the story is developing between Milo and Kat, and I could not help but wonder if part of the 'feelings' Bowie was having towards Kat were because of her ability to center Milo and understand his needs. The story does have satisfying ending leaving a lot of the progress with the romantic relationship to the imagination of the reader.
A heartfelt and encouraging story of life in the small town, growing up to be the person we are supposed to be regardless of our past. It's about family, life, and learning to love, doing the right thing by inspiring to use our resources to make a difference whenever possible.
With each visit to the Haven Point, I take home a life lesson, something that I am left to ponder. When those lessons are delivered with an adorable, emotional story of living and loving, you can't help but admire the storytelling talent of the author.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

SERENITY HARBOR by RaeAnne Thayne is the sixth book in the Haven Point Series but can easily be read as a standalone novel.

Katrina Bailey has returned home to Haven Point for one month only for her sister's wedding. Having learned the hard way that romance is not all it is cracked up to be, Katrina knows that her hometown and the memories here are no longer what matters to her and that her future lies down a different path. But when she spots a little boy who needs her, he will change everything for Katrina...

Bowie Callahan had settled into his new job and his new life in Haven Point but he gets the shock of his life when he discovers he has a little brother who desperately needs him. Determined that Milo, who has autism, will have a better childhood than he had, Bowie wants to raise him but he knows he needs help.
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When Katrina comes to his rescue in the supermarket, Bowie knows she is the answer to his prayers. But as Bowie and Katrina spend more time together they both realise that they could become so much more than friends if they can both let go of their damaged pasts and embrace a new life together.

SERENITY HARBOR by RaeAnne Thayne is a lovely, charming story that will melt your heart and make you beam from ear to ear. Haven Point is a beautiful and interesting community and I love all the different interactions and gossip that flies through the grapevine, and you really feel like you are a part of this town as the story progresses. The characters are well-developed and likeable and the story never lagged for me.
SERENITY HARBOR by Rae Anne Thayne is a story of family, love, and overcoming the past, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

4.25 Hearts The thing about this author is Thayne knows her romance can speak for itself without needing to push sex into the mix. Not thatsex in stories isn’t good. It can be depending on the story but Thayne writes romance, plain and simple, and this story is no different.

Bowie is a sweet guy but he has so much going on that he doesn’t know how to handle any of it. Kat is trying so hard to turn her life around and they somehow manage to meet and realize they can be good for each other and get what they need. Kat needs money to adopt a little girl. Bo needs someone to help with his little brother with autism. Kat is written so patient and loving, at least when it comes to everyone except herself. Milo is written really well. His autism is explained and portrayed so well.

This is a really sweet contemporary romance. Made to bring the reader in from the start. It can be read as a stand alone but the series is a great read. I can’t imagine anyone not enjoying this book. Great beach or front porch read.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a light hearted romance novel, which brings out the importance of understanding and love. The story follows Katrina, a school teacher who is fighting her own battles to adopt an orphaned girl. In the meantime, she meets Bowie and his younger brother Milo, and the child takes a special liking to her. She takes on a job as his nanny temporarily as she waits for the adoption to fall through. As the story progresses, we get to know more about the principal characters and their lives, who they are, and how they came to be where they are at present.

The plot is simple enough and the characters are pleasing to read about. The story moves quickly and as expected, Katrina and Bowie develop feelings for each other. However, what is different, is how they handle it and react. It's beautiful to read about characters who put their goals and their people first, showing us their strength and state of mind. The best part of the book is how the author handles Milo and how the child grows into a more open and confident individual.

The story may get a little cliche in some places, but it is to be expected and frankly can be enjoyed as it is! A quick and simple read in the romance genre that most people will enjoy especially as a holiday romance read!

I liked how Thayne worked current issues into the story. The child in this story has autism and his brother, Bowie Callahan, wants to give him the very best life. Unfortunately he does not know how to do this and that is where the story starts. Professional help will arrive in two weeks but Bowie needs help now. That is where Katrina Bailey comes in. She could use the money he offers her to fill in the next two weeks. Of course they are attracted to each other but there are problems on Katrina's side. A nice story that highlights some of the problems parents face today..

This is the first book I’ve read by this author—I’m glad I’ve discovered her. Serenity Harbor’s stunning cover caught my attention and I couldn’t resist seeing what the novel was all about. A small town, heartwarming romance with a hero and heroine battling significant obstacles in their quest to find happily ever after is my favorite kind of novel. The combination of a beautiful setting, with a substantive backstory for both the hero and heroine, plus a swoon-worthy romance made for a very satisfying read. I particularly enjoyed Katrina’s ability to care for Bo’s brother Milo, as well as her heart for the daughter she longed to adopt with special needs. Bo was a hero who was easy to root for because he didn’t let the bitterness from his difficult childhood rule his life. Love came into his life unexpectedly and he was brave enough to take a chance. I look forward to reading Jamie and Julia’s story next. Many thanks to Harlequin and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this novel. All opinions stated here are my own.

Serenity Harbor is the newest book in RaeAnne Thayne’s Haven Point series. It’s the story of Bowie and Katrina, two people who aren’t looking for love. Bowie’s life took an unexpected turn when he found out about a little brother he didn’t previously know existed. Now he’s responsible for the little boy who is on the autism spectrum. He has no idea how he can juggle seeing to Milo’s needs as well as work a full-time job. Katrina is the answer to his prayers. As is he her answer. She’s in the middle of complicated adoption proceedings of a little girl in Columbia. When Bowie offers Kat a sizable amount of money to care for Milo until permanent help arrives she can’t refuse him. That money will help her adoption costs so she accepts the offer. What she didn’t see coming was the attraction to Bowie. She’d been concentrating only on bringing Gabi home to Haven Point – not her love life. She’d made so many mistakes in that area before that she’s going to set her sights on making Gabi’s life better and forget about romance.

I so enjoyed this story of people finding out that perspective can change your idea of how life should go. Yes, a few things worked out much easier than they probably would in real life but this is a novel and I just went with it. I love the series, the characters and the setting and recommend it fans of the author and contemporary, small town romance.

I enjoyed another visit to the charming town of Haven Point. Like other stories in the series, it stood well on its own; however characters from other stories make quick appearances and those not familiar with the series may wonder why they walk across the stage.

Bowie didn't know he had a younger brother until his mother died. Suddenly this workaholic from a dysfunctional family was tasked with raising a disabled child. He'd been through several nannies and had another one hired--but she couldn't start for a few weeks, and he needed somone asap.

Katrina has always wanted to be a mom and is looking for money to pay adoption expenses so she can adopt a South American orphan. She meets Bowie and Milo when Milo is having a meltdown in a store. Bowie offers her a job as a temporary nanny at far more money than a job like that usually pays, and since she needs the money, she takes the job. Of course neither Bowie nor Katrina expects things to go further than empoloyer/employee....

Like Thayne's other books, this one doesn't go beyond passionate kissing.

As the mother of an autistic son I enjoyed watching Katrina work with Milo, though Thayne made it a bit too easy in my opinion.

I'd like to thank the publisher for making a review copy available via NetGalley. This was a quick enjoyable read so I'll give it a B.

RATING: 3 out of 5

Serenity Harbor , the 6th book from Haven Point features schoolteacher Katrina Bailey (the youngest Bailey sibling, sister of Wyn and Marshall from book #4 and #5) and computer-tech millionaire Bowie Callahan. In between the two there is also a sweet six-years-old autistic boy, Milo, who is Bowie’s half younger brother.

Milo is pretty much the catalyst for Katrina and Bo’s relationship. Kat’s first encounter with Bo and Milo when Milo is having a meltdown in supermarket with Bo not knowing what to do with the brother he never knew existed before. Since Kat is a primary schoolteacher, she makes connection with Milo. So Bo asks Kat to help becoming Milo’s temporary nanny, until the Milo’s future autism specialist arrives and before Kat leaves back to Colombia.

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Hmmmm… I’ve loved the previous stories from this series but I think I hit a snag this time around. Now, I LOVED Milo … my heart went out for this boy. It annoyed me at first that Bo seemed to focus more on his works rather than his special-needs brother. Bow gets better in dealing with Milo of course but still he could’ve get to that point sooner.

I think my problem is because I didn’t feel the chemistry between Kat and Bo. In fact, I thought Kat had better connection with Milo. ALL of Kat and Milo’s interaction warmed my heart dearly. From the moment she crouched down on Milo’s level to talk to him out of his meltdown, to making him breakfast, to teaching him to verbally communicate. It was beautiful and touching for me.

On top of that, the whole ** SPOILER \ Katrina’s plan to adopt another special-needs girl from Colombia / END SPOILER** felt a little outside of my realm of romance. It’s a little bit too out there. Plus I couldn’t help thinking that using too many special-needs children to make me care for Kat and Bo as a couple to be a little “manipulative”.

So yes, I didn’t love this as romance as a whole. BUT everything with Kat and Milo lifted up the book for me. I’m still interested with the next book of course! It will feature the charming Jamie Caine and the librarian Julia Winston. That sounds promising