Irene Hannon is one of my go-to, must-read authors. As a fan of both romantic suspense and contemporary romance, I feel like she is one who does both absolutely wonderfully. And the Hope Harbor series is definitely up there on my list of favorites from her. This is the 9th book in that series. While there are characters that make appearances throughout the series and I'd highly recommend them all anyway, I do think this would read just fine as a standalone too. Readers who have read the previous books will definitely be thrilled to see their favorite taco artist and bickering clergymen too! (Or at least, I certainly was!)

Based on the description of this one and the mention of a haunted house, I must admit I was really expecting this one to have a bit of a mystery to it, and I didn't find that to be the case at all. It was a beautiful slow-burn romance, but beyond that, it was a story of second chances for these broken characters. I love how wonderfully Irene Hannon mixes not just that romance, but those messages of faith and healing. This one is definitely one to keep the tissues close by for at times.

Overall, this was another wonderful read from Irene Hannon and a delightful trip back to Hope Harbor. If you enjoy Christian romance, this book and series are a must-read.

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

Windswept Way by author Irene Hannon is book nine in her Hope Harbor series. This 353 page paperback is a Christian contemporary romance novel. It is a clean fiction but does use slang words such as heck and dang.

In this book, Jon and Rose were somewhat reclusive as they tried to stay in the shadows while in public. Ashley was outgoing and up-lifting. All three had been hurt deeply by the ones that they had loved. It took me a few chapters to become interested in the characters and the story. After a bit things really started to click and I was really engrossed in it. The town map was a pleasant addition.

The life and spiritual lessons in this book are timeless. They made me ponder many things. The author has a pleasant style of writing. After a slow start things fell into place and I was able to lose myself in the story. The characters are very believable. They have issues that are relatable. The one thing that bothered me is that pronouns when speaking about God were not always capitalized. For me it’s something that should always be done.

Even though this is book nine, it could be read as a stand alone book. After the story is a peak at another series, acknowledgments, as well as the author’s biography. Readers that enjoy contemporary Christian romance or women’s fiction should find this to their taste. Book clubs will find a lot to discuss if they choose this title as a selection.

I highly recommend this novel. A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher, and this is my honest opinion. It gets a 4 out of 5 star rating from me.

Windswept Way
Hope Harbor #9
By Irene Hannon

Ashley Scott's life took a major hit both personally and professionally, but rather than let it rule her life, she's embraced the opportunity it presented her. Reaching out, she makes an offer on a house that years before captured her imagination. A house she wishes to return joy and happiness to. But first, she has to get Rose Fitzgerald to accept her proposal.

Jonathan Gray has been hiding away in Hope Harbor since he moved there. It has been a refuge of sorts keeping his wounds hidden and avoiding any close connections with people. His landscaping company has been tending Edgecliff, and with Ashley's proposed changes, this could be the contract that takes his company to the next level.

Ashley, Rose, and Jonathan are all hurting. Betrayal has made trust a precious commodity that all three are closely protecting. But their plans for Edgecliff could change everything. All they have to do is risk their hearts.

Windswept Way is a book about second chances and healing. There is also a bit of a mystery surrounding Rose, which will definitely hold your interest. As always, with Hope Harbor, my favorite character is Charley, who is a fount of wisdom, making everyone think or rethink decisions that have shaped their present. As Ashley, Rose, and Jonathan work together to make something new of their lives, one is rooting for them to all succeed. I love books with second chances.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

There is a reason that Hope Harbor is one of my most favorite series of all time-the stories are always amazing! Windswept Way fits right in with the rest of the series. I loved the story line and the Beauty and the Beast vibe of Ashley and Jon. Rose and her mysteries made for a fun subplot and the whole book was a joy to read. Irene's stories never miss!

This is the second book I have read in the Hope Harbor series by Irene Hannon. I love that this series is full of standalone novels that are all set in the same small, charming town of Hope Harbor, Oregon. I absolutely cannot wait to read more of the novels in this series!

While I did not love this book quite as much as I did Windswept Way, it was still a very good, very solid story! The books in this series are classified as Christian Fiction, but please don't let that discourage you from picking them up! They include clean romances with inspirational messages!

I really enjoyed the characters in Windswept Way. They were so well developed and all had interesting back stories. Without giving away too much, I love how Irene Hannon can take a deep, tough subject and write it into a story so well! She did that in this story as well!

Windswept Way is a story where sparks soon fly between Ashley and Johnathan. Ashley is looking to become part owner of a historic home in the hopes of turning it into an event center. Jonathan is a landscaper working on the grounds of the home. Both characters are flawed and are still mending past wounds, but beautiful things start to blossom between the two of them! This is a story you won't regret reading!

Windswept Way is the ninth book in Irene Hannon’s Hope Harbor series. While each book is a standalone, many of the characters that the reader has met in previous stories will appear once more.

In this story we meet historian Ashley Scott as she comes to the Pacific Northwest to join forces with octogenarian Rose Fitzgerald to breathe new life into Rose’s family home, Edgecliff. The home has been beautifully maintained despite its sad history and rumored ghosts. With no living relatives, Rose wants to be sure the family legacy and estate will live on long after she does. By restoring the grounds to their original glory and making the necessary changes to open to the public as a museum of sorts and an event destination, Ashley will direct the change in the near future but maintain the planning and orchestration of the coming events and into the future.

Landscape designer and neighbor Jon Gray, a wounded warrior who carries his scars both inside and out, has been asked to bid on the exterior work while local contractor BJ Stevens Nash will bid on the interior items. Jon knows all too well what it means to begin again carrying the weight of his past and as such has made it a priority to hire ex convicts for his work force. His faith in these men, particularly his foreman Kyle, has led to a thriving company doing excellent work that will meticulously carry out the estate plans.

As the plot progresses, emotionally damaged Ashley and Jon find companionship is the project while both wounded souls emerge better for this experience.

Ms. Hannon has once again constructed a story of hope and healing for the three main characters. With wonderfully drawn characters, a lush setting, and a new beginning, this story will leave the reader richer for having read it. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!

I have enjoyed the Hope Harbor series all along, so it was great to get to revisit the town and familiar characters like Charley and others. The familiar destination makes the story feel so good, even as Hannon delves into the main characters' troubled pasts and the baggage they carry into a potential relationship. I enjoyed April and Jon and they way they got to know each other and bared their souls almost by accident. The aspect of him being scarred added to the story but I knew it would not keep them apart. All in all, it was a pleasant tale and wrapped up right at the end.

Irene Hannon has written another great book. Loved the character and plot dynamics. I highly recommend this book. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.

This is definitely one story you will not want to miss. Most stories are about two physically perfect people. Our author portrays the hurts one may have internally as well as externally and how two people manage to overcome and fall in love. You will also recognize many other characters from past Hope Harbor books by this author. Love everything.

This is another delightful romance from Hannon that deals with a number of issues. Do we judge a person by what's on their skin or what's in their heart? Do dreams have to die when a tragedy causes physical disfigurement? Is it best to hide, whether it is behind a curtain in a house or behind a face covering? Can one break through possible criticism to dream again?

I like how Hannon has parallel threads in the plot. The framework concerns the renovation of an historic house. Woven through it are threads of restoring dreams and of taking a chance on love after rejection. A supportive community helps pave the way.

The main characters are developed well. Ashley and Jon are both recovering from rejection. We hope they can overcome serious obstacles to love. I liked the support characters too. The taco truck fellow who is also an artist and the pastor and priest, good friends who tease each other. There is dear Rose who might just be challenged to end her reclusive life. I liked the two seagulls too.

Hannon's writing style is a pleasure to read. She can have a character make some suggestions about plants that are also insights into relationships. It is a clever technique. While this novel is down the line in the many ones taking place in Hope Harbor, it reads very well on its own.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

In Windswept Way, by Irene Hannon, you will see Ashley Scott and Jonathan Gray trying to find their place in this world. Jon must deal with the wounds he brought home from his time in the Middle East. Ashley is looking to help restore Edgecliff, a historic estate in a remote area of Oregon. Eighty-year-old Rose Fitzgerald is the current mistress of Edgecliff. She hopes that Ashley, with the help of Jon, will bring life back to her beloved home by creating a museum and a special events venue!

Soon after the work begins, Ashley discovers that Rose had been keeping a secret. She plays the piano like a world-class professional. After Ashley encourages Rose to play the piano during her open house, she wonders what other secrets Rose might be hiding. Little does she know that Rose is making plans of her own. Not only does Rose want to help a young woman meet her dreams of learning to play the piano; but also, to assist Ashley and Jon to find their way to a relationship that is more than just acquaintances!

It is interesting to see what grows between Jonathan and Ashley as they work together to bring beauty from ashes. The end of this tale will reveal Rose’s final secret!

Every time I read a Hope Harbor book, I feel like I am meeting up with friends again. I love Charley's cameo appearances and his always spot on wisdom and advice (, and who wouldn't be amused by the antics of the seagulls Floyd and Gladys. I loved the interactions between the characters, and how Ashley was able to see beyond Jon's scars - and how sometimes the most painful scars are on the inside and need healing more than the obvious scars. "Hope Harbor, where hearts heal and love blooms" very much sums up this series. I received a copy of this book from the publisher but this review is my own.

Once again I let myself be swept away to Hope Harbor, Oregon in Irene Hannon’s new book, Windswept Way. I’ve come to love this small-town community filled with caring, engaging, and endearing people. Featuring historian Ashley Scott, who jumps at the chance to turn a historic mansion by the sea into an event center, and Jonathan Gray, a wounded warrior who owns a landscaping business, this tale is full of inspiration and hope. With themes of looking at a person’s heart and what they’re like inside, instead of outward appearances, it inspires and lifts without being preachy. I enjoyed seeing Ashley and Jon’s interactions and how their relationship changed and grew.

“Words are fine, but the language of the heart is more powerful.”

It was fun seeing some of the characters from previous books in the series and hearing their wisdom and insights. Charlie was there with his tacos and his food for thought. Father Murphy and Reverend Baker and their friendly, funny rivalry added levity. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy heart-warming contemporary romance. 4.5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Revell through NetGalley. All opinions are my own

Windswept Way by Irene Hannon- A Place of Hope, Beauty with People You’d Like to Know

Irene Hannon is one of my favorite writers and I was excited to read her newest book Windswept Way, the ninth book in the Hope Harbor series.

Ashley Scott is taking a leap of faith when she reaches out and sends a letter to Rose Fitzgerald, a reclusive 80-year-old woman who owns a mansion in Hope Harbor. Ashley has an unusual proposal for Rose to preserve the history of her home and bring back the love and joy which inspired Edgecliff to be built. The huge undertaking to make renovations and restore the Edgecliff gardens, will take time, hard work, money, and compromise.

Relationships will be forged, not only between Ashley and Rose, but also with the grounds-keeper Jonathan Gray. A man who prefers to stay in the background. The wounds he bears from his military service are more than skin deep. Will Ashley look beyond his outward appearance and see the proven character of this man?

Reading a novel in the Hope Harbor series is like coming home to a friendly place where you want to stay for a while. I really enjoyed the main characters in this book. Ashley, Rose, and Jonathan were all dealing with their own feelings, trials, and history. The characters were likable and I enjoyed watching them grow, change, and challenge themselves.

I enjoyed seeing the return of some of the town’s people in Hope Harbor, especially Charlie, a wise and caring man who reaches out and, befriends all sorts of people. He makes time for everyone he meets. The town’s clergymen were back too. I would like to have seen a little more depth to their relationship and get to know the men behind the jesting.

Faith was a part of the story, but I would have liked to have seen more of it in the character’s lives. I appreciated that the novel was clean and without sexual immorality and profanity. I would have like to have seen Ashley’s mother further developed.

I enjoy reading Irene Hannon’s books and recommend Windswept Way, which is part of the Hope Harbor series. Hope Harbor is a beautiful place I’d want to visit and stay for a while. The people are kind and caring, and make amends when they fall short.

I would like to thank Revell Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Windswept Way by Irene Hannon. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

Windswept Way is a touching romance between two hurting people. Jonathan Gray is scarred both inside and out, while Ashley's wounds are hidden inside. Besides the romance, the plot has Ashley attempting to turn an old home into a venue for weddings and other events.. Jonathan is the landscaper. The addition of Rose, the eighty year old home owner and recluse adds greatly to the main characters' layers. I enjoyed the points of view of all three of these. I found these characters believable and likeable. Rose has some surprises in store for readers. I liked the fact that this older character is not shuffled aside. This is not a fluffy little romance, but rather one that requires the characters to face hard facts about themselves.
Author Irene Hannon's writing style flows well, and the dialogue inside the characters' heads and in conversation feels natural and fitting for these characters. The faith element is woven in seamlessly. I recommend Windswept Way to readers of clean romance and of Christian romance. I would definitely read more from this author.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and am sharing my opinion of this very well-written story.

Windswept Way is excellent. Because the book was quite so fabulous, I had to finish it in two days. The Hope Harbor books by Irene Hannon are all compelling reads and I’m excited for the next to release next year.

This trip features a wounded warrior and a determined historian. Ashley Scott finds herself unable to turn down the chance to buy a lonely and neglected old property on the Oregon coast. She didn’t realize it would come with rumors of a resident ghost, and a battle scarred soldier next door.

Jonathan Gray has shut himself off from the world after an IED changes his model’s face forever. But when Ashley hires his firm to landscape the gardens at her new property, he can’t help but let her get under his skin.

This is a story about two bruised hearts. One that was abandoned after tragedy, and the other that wasn’t valued at all. Both struggle to trust again but Hope Harbor has a way of healing, with the help of two bickering clerics, a pair of friendly seagulls and some kicking fish tacos.

The bigger story showed how hard it can be to let others in. The interactions between Ashley and Jon made me tear up. The way she saw past the scares and straight into his heart, is beautiful. And I loved watching Jon realize she saw the real man.

I couldn’t put this down. For fans of contemporary romance – I highly recommend Windswept Way.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley. I loved it all by myself.

I loved this book. In fact, I love this whole series. I wish I could go to Hope Harbor and visit with the two ministers, meet Charley, watch Gladys and Floyd, visit the beach and more. I enjoy seeing the same characters show up in book after book while having a fresh story each time. Hope Harbor is a wonderful place.

I liked Ashley and Jon. I appreciated that Ashley really took the time to consider her response to Jon before things got too far. I thought they both received great counsel from residents of Hope Harbor. There were a lot of conversations that took place on two levels.

There was a real focus on restoration and rebuilding...both in the physical building and grounds and in the people. It's a great read. I was sad to see it end.

Thank you to Revell for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Windswept Way, by Irene Hannon, is the ninth book in A Hope Harbor Novel series. This is a well written, easy to read story that is fun to read. It’s fun to revisit the area and people, especially Charlie and his birds. His tacos are well known and just reading about them made me hungry. And we can’t forget the local pastors who have such an amazing and fun relationship. In this story we meet new comer Ashely, who is partnering with a local resident to upgrade her home into an events center. We also meet Jonathan, their neighbor and owner of the landscaping business they hire.

This is such an encouraging story to read. The message of second chances and moving forward is strong. With Ashley, she lost her previous job to fire damage and is using her savings to get a new start. For Jonathan, he was badly injured in the war with physical scars he keeps covered up to avoid people staring. For Rose it is getting out with others and letting her secrets be known. This is a fun story to read to just get away. It is inspirational in a way that is realistic. I enjoyed when Jonathan visited the pastor’s garden, the inspiration and help the pastor gave him.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell publishing through NetGalley, this is my honest review.

Another great book in the series! The mystery of the house and the owner keeps the reader guessing for the whole book. I really liked the emphasis on accepting someone for who he or she is and not just on their appearance. Jon faced some very difficult circumstances, but Ashley sees him for who he really is. I highly recommend this book.

Ashley's dreams of owning an historic home is about to come true. All she needs is a partnership with the elderly owner of Edgecliff, and the update for the home and gardens for events is within her budget. Jonathan keeps himself well-covered with his landscaping business. After being wounded by an IED, Jonathan returned home losing his fiancé due to his scarring. Neither Ashley or Jonathan are looking for a relationship. I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. This is a good read. I really like both Ashley and Jonathan. I like how Jonathan was able to change his career plans and build a successful business. I love how Ashley looks beyond skin deep to see the fine man that Jonthan is