Cover Image: Sea Glass Cottage

Sea Glass Cottage

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I think it's rare for an author to be equally successful in two genres, but Hannon does it. I love her Hope Harbor series and her suspense series. I'm glad I don't have to pick between them. Hope Harbor is taking on a life of its own. It's becoming like Mitford. I know that when I pick up another book, Charley will be there with his wisdom and his tacos. Floyd and Gladys will make an appearance. The two pastors will be poking fun at each other. It's familiar and comforting and wonderful. I would vacation there in a heartbeat if it were a real place. It's a place where second chances become a reality. It lives up to the hope promised in its name.

I enjoyed reading about Christi and Jack, Beth and Steve. They're all in need of some grace and forgiveness and Charley encourages them to watch for and be open to it. I do hope there'll be a book about Charley somewhere down the line.

This was a great read and I'd highly recommend it. Thank you to Revell for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

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A return to Hope Harbor means a feel-good read in a small town on the Oregon coast with great characters, like Charley, an artist, food truck chef serving tacos and knowledgeable advice, two men of the cloth, Father Murphy and Reverend Baker, who love to banter with each other, and of course, sea gulls, Gladys and Floyd, and other regular characters. As the town name implies, hurting people tend to wind up in the town with their secrets and pains but decide to stay in the welcoming community.
Can a leopard change its spots? Can a person change their ways? Sometimes when one hits bottom, they have nowhere to go but up. But will the person they might have hurt believe they have changed? In this story, Christi travels across the country to ask Jack for a loan. She was a snobby, spoiled rich girl but is down on her luck. Jack is a bestselling author, hurt by Christi eleven years ago.
Steve and Beth Adams lost their son due to a genetic problem. She blames Steve and he has regrets. They are separated. Do they have a chance to reconnect? Two children are hurting. What will happen to give them a happy future? This is a nice addition to the series, and I highly recommend for an uplifting read with forgiveness, healing, and new beginnings.
I received a complimentary copy from Revell Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are mine only.

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This was my first book in the Hope Harbor series, even though it is the 8th in the series. Not having read the others did not leave me feeling lost like some other series' have; the author crafted the story and introduced the residents of Hope Harbor in a way that made you feel like you were a newcomer in the town.

Christi and Jack have a past, a rather difficult past, in fact. But Christi has nowhere else to turn, so she asks Jack for a loan. Given their past, he's reluctant at first, but then finds himself in unexpected circumstances and makes a deal with Christi. I don't do spoilers, and don't like to regurgitate the plot, so I won't. I loved their story and the way they both dealt with their issues. This is an excellent second chance romance with a bit of Christianity as well.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

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The eighth book in the Hope Harbor series was one that I awaited expectantly, knowing that it would be a good story with Biblically based lessons within its pages. I certainly was not disappointed! The story of Christi Reece, a young woman who lost the golden spoon she was born with, and Jack Colby had once been in love. But Christi made the choice to stay within her golden circle and Jack left her and all of the rejection behind. When the story opens, Jack is a police officer and an author who lives in Hope Harbor and Christi has suddenly appeared in town to ask him for a big favor. Of course, he is not inclined to do anything for her, but in a series of God-incidences, the two are thrown together and get acquainted with the new person each has become. This is a second chance at love story, teaching the lessons of forgiveness and hope as well as taking responsibility for bad choices. The town of Hope Harbor embraces Christi with all of her brokenness because she is also talented and enthusiastic about helping out the town. I really enjoyed the storyline, with the romances between two different couples, both dependent on forgiveness and moving on. There were parts of the story that were predictable, but enjoyable regardless because the characters were such real people, complete with flaws, sins and neediness. I enjoyed this trip to Hope Harbor and look forward to more. Each time I visit, I look forward to seeing the seagulls who seem to be predictors of who should be together and to hearing the wisdom from Charley, the taco truck guy who is also a talented artist. Charley has more wisdom than any one human should have, so it is obvious that he has a close walk with God as he dispenses advice and sets up chance encounters to benefit his taco customers. He is a lovable man, like the town’s grandfather who knows all and sees all. The entire book was uplifting and showed what can happen when we let go of our control over our circumstances and let God into our hearts. Good messages in a great book!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley as part of the Revell Reads Blogger Program. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions 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 Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

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Jack Colby, Hope Harbor police officer and best-selling author, has made a life for himself far from the Midwest where he lost his family and felt the devastation of betrayal by the woman he thought he would marry.

Ten years have passed since wealthy socialite Christi Ricci broke his heart, and Jack has let the bitterness and disillusionment go. Or so he thought. But when Christi shows up in Hope Harbor looking worn around the edges and asking for a loan, those feelings burst to the surface again.

And when he finds Christi trespassing at Sea Glass Cottage the next morning, he starts to question everything he thought he knew about her. What turned the shallow girl into a woman desperate for a loan? Does he even want to know the answer?

Christi Ricci has come a long way from the thoughtless, shallow, self-indulgent young woman Jack knew back in Kansas City. Desperate for a loan to help her friend fund her dream, Christi makes an impulsive drive from Dallas to the Oregon Coast, hoping the one person who could give her a loan has forgiven her enough to consider her proposal.

Christi doesn’t expect the tiny coastal town to welcome her with open arms. Along with a charming view, Hope Harbor holds the unexpected: job offers, a place to stay, and ways to get back on her feet and regain her confidence. And maybe, just maybe, she’ll find a way to regain Jack Colby’s trust.

It took her too long to find out the depth of her love for him, but now she wants a second chance.

Why I Loved This Book

Book eight in Hannon’s Hope Harbor series includes familiar characters such as Charley the fish taco chef, the resident gull couple—Gladys and Floyd, as well as protagonists from previous books in the series. Although part of a series, readers can enjoy Sea Glass Cottage as a standalone novel (but the rest of the series will delight you as well).

Hannon has created a community within the pages of her series where second chances and forgiveness seem possible—no matter how great the offense. Christi and Jack discover the power of changed lives to alter the present and the future. Readers will come away inspired to look at resentments they’ve allowed to burrow into their lives.

Fans of Denise Hunter and Jan Karon will enjoy Sea Glass Cottage.

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Sea Glass Cottage by Irene Hannon continues are stories in Hope Harbor. This was book number eight and Irene still has fresh ideas intertwined with solid characters like Taco Charley. We all need a Charley in our lives to remind us to live out our faith.


Beth and Steve’s story was a story of heartbreak and second chances. I don’t want to give away too much of their story but I think you will love it. The story of Steve with the foster child (from another family) was so sweet how he supports his love of art.

The main characters are Jack and Christi. Jack feels betrayed by Christi many years ago and does not welcome her into town. She has come to ask for a loan. He doesn’t want anything to do with her. Jack also has some additional surprises coming his way. Hannon sprinkles in stories of their past to help us understand what happened between them and how Christi has grown up. She was a spoiled rich girl and is now a woman of faith trying to right some of her wrongs.

There were some fun scenes like when Jack finds her in the cottage; both times.

This is an easy read of second changes and grace.

Triggers; there is mention of sex before marriage, someone has lost a child,

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Sea Glass Cottage by Irene Hannon is book 8 in the Hope Harbor series.

I love how "Christian" this book is. It follows characters who are basically flawed and having trouble forgiving others. Because of the circumstances in their lives, several of the main characters have fallen away from God; they had trouble trusting after major problems came their way. Hannon does an absolutely incredible job of showing their struggles of coming to terms with trusting again. Having said all that, you can tell I feel the characterization is superb.

The story includes some romance, which is sure to be a bonus for fans of romantic fiction. But for those who aren't, the book has such a good story line, I'm sure anyone could enjoy reading it.

This is definitely a five star book.

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Christi Reece isn't the same woman that Jack Colby knew eleven years ago. To help a friend, Christi has come to Hope Harbor hoping to borrow some money from Jack. Originally planning to spend just a night in town, Christi finds work and a charming cottage to stay. Jack doesn't trust her, but he unexpectedly needs her help. I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. I thought that it was realistic that Jack was not willing to trust Christi after being betrayed in the past. I love the themes of second chances, forgiveness, and changes of hearts. I love Christi and seeing how she has changed over the years. I also loved that there is a parallel second chance between two secondary characters. This is the second book that I have read in this series, and I plan on reading the rest of the books since they lift my spirit.

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I feel like writing a series of any length can be challenging. Longer ones ... past a trilogy ... can be even harder to keep enjoyable, maintaining readers' vested interest and curiosity. So needless to say, it's darn impressive that Hope Harbor has 8 books and counting--and they're all fantastic. :)

(Not that I'm remotely partial to the Oregon-coast location, either, being a favorite vacation spot. Ahem.) :)

This was one read I actually enjoyed both parallel plots about the same. I usually prefer one or the other, but this one? Both held my attention equally. And of course, I loved the repeat characters from previous books! Whether they've gotten their own stories (Jeannette, Marci, etc.) or not yet (Charley)--or are, frankly, animals (the seagulls!)--I got so darn excited every time they appeared! Like Captain America, "I understood that reference."

While one does not _necessarily_ need to read the Hope Harbor books in order, I do feel the reader benefits accordingly (see above, haha). It certainly adds depth to the experience!

And, as ever, Hannon addresses tough topics with both grace and gentle bluntness. I so enjoyed the story arcs each character went through to get to the ending they did. Very well done; 4/5 stars.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

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Most of Sea Glass Cottage, was spent with Jack trying to figure out if he could trust Christi again. Even when he decided that he could it still takes until practically the end until they start a relationship. The book moved a little too slowly for me.

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I love the Hope Harbor books. This little town is so familiar now, that it is like returning to a previous home. I know so many of the people and even the name of a couple of the sea gulls. This book was a joy to read. At first I felt the reason Christi came to town didn't seem believable. But after I accepted that, I enjoyed seeing the characters grow. And I especially enjoyed Charley and Gladys and Floyd.
It is a great lesson in second chances and redemption.
The ending of the book is great and I recommend this and all the Hope Harbor series books.

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When you read this book, you are returned to the delightful town of Hope Harbor. This is a stand alone novel, but the references to people and places in previous books make you feel like you've returned home. The story line is well thought out and the characters are well developed. This is a book about relationships with a bit of romance thrown in, but the romance is not too gushy. The author's talent for writing keeps you wanting to return to the book to see how the characters work things out.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC for an honest review.

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I have always enjoyed reading Irene Hannon's books and loved to go back to Hope Harbor once again in Sea Glass Cottage. I am giving four and a half stars.

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Back in Hope Harbor! Yes, when I saw another installment in this series, I had to read it!

Irene Hannon writes like she is giving tight warm hugs, and I couldn't wait to page turn this one.

We all have regrets! Yes, things we would love for do overs! This read is about second chances, will they succeed? We get to be there, and hope that things turn out right!

Come and say hello to old friends, and new, and especially Charlie, still want the taco, and Floyd and Gladys and Harpo!

Make sure you read the epilogue!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.

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Christi Reece has come to Hope Harbor, Oregon, to ask for a favor. She is not the person she used to be, but the man she's asking for the favor doesn't know that. Their first encounter is when she trespasses on a house called Sea Glass Cottage, very near the beach. She's cold and there is a fog that she is afraid to drive through, but she finds the cottage. The door to the cottage was open, so she went inside to take shelter. She built a fire and slept on the floor. The following morning Jack Colby is still on patrol when he finds her in the cottage. He is quite disbelieving she's there in Hope Harbor and really wants nothing to do with her since she broke his heart more than a decade ago.

While Christi is figuring out what to do, she gets an offer to stay in the Sea Glass Cottage (free of charge--basically she's being asked to house-sit) and a job offer all in the same day. The only fly in the ointment is the level of distrust Jack has for her.

Irene Hannon has written a somewhat predictable book that is enjoyable and engaging. Hope Harbor is the kind of town everyone wants to live in, with friendly people coming out of the woodwork to help out someone in need. Parts of the book were fun and brought a smile to my face as I read it, and parts of the book reminded me of the redemption we all can have. Leopards may not change their spots, but truly redeemed people do.

It's a good, easy read worth every bit of four stars, where the reader will find redemption, reconciliation, and really good fish tacos.

Revell Publishing and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

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A story of grace and second chances . . .

Irene Hannon returns once more to Hope Harbor with this story of grace and second chances.

The last person Jack Colby expected—or wanted—to see again was Christi Reece, the woman who betrayed him and broke his heart. Yet when she turns up out of the blue, desperate for help, he can’t quite seem to turn her away—especially as it begins to look like he’s going to need her help too.

Can Jack a find a way to let go of the past and learn to trust again? Will Christi find healing and a place to belong in the charming little town of Hope Harbor?

With Sea Glass Cottage, Hannon proves once again why she is on my must-read list!

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

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Eleven years the hurt and betrayal was still there, why was she here on his turf.
Needed a loan, she had an obligation, she was from a wealthy family.
Tables turn when he needs her help, here in Hope Harbor.
When they were younger and in love, could it. be again.
With a plot that shows forgiveness and faith all is possible. Delightful and enjoyed.
Given ARC by Revell and Net Galley for my voluntary review and m honest opinion.

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Irene Hannon’s Sea Glass Cottage (A Hope Harbor Novel) ticked all the boxes for me. The title—I mean who doesn’t love hunting for Sea Glass on the beach. The characters—a foiled romance that hardened one heart and changed the other.

Then there’s the Little-Rascal’s plot, you know, let’s save the town by doing something unique and fun! Secondary characters are also well-developed enough, I hope they’ll have their own stories in future books.

Although this is my first book by Irene Hannon, before her death, my sister raved about Irene’s suspense and thrillers. Alicia, you were right, I do love this author’s books! Looking forward to reading more!

Highly recommended for clean, wholesome romance, with messages of second chances and forgiveness.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #Revell for a reader’s copy for my honest review.
#THESEAGLASSHOUSE

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This is the 8th book in the Hope Harbor Series. Each book in the series introduces a new character/couple who is weighed down by baggage. There is also generally a side plot that echoes the main couple.

This book isn't light and fluffy reading - it has realistic people who have problems that they need to work through as the book progresses. The location, faith element and Charley (not to mention Gladys and Floyd) are what tethers the stories to each other. Characters from previous books make appearance in it too - like seeing old friends.

I got this book in exchange for an honest review. It is one I will buy for the library and one I personally enjoyed. It can be read standalone but I recommend going back and reading the series.

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This was my first visit to Hope Harbor. What a wonderful small town with welcoming individuals. A heart-warming tale. I am eager to read more of this series. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley.

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