I enjoyed reading this book! I must confess that I did not like Josie at the beginning. She was cold, distant, and tainted with the belief that people couldn't change because she had witnessed it too many times with her mother. As the story progresses and Josie starts to change she becomes more likeable. My favorite character was Walker. I think everyone needs the Southern gentleman charm of Walker in their life. He was the perfect man for Josie. He was open and honest with her but, also kind and respectful of her feelings. I also liked the friendship between Josie's daughter Kendra and Scotty. They were so cute together. I especially liked how Josie and her mother Dee Dee repaired their relationship. It was also refreshing how the community came together to help Josie and her mother save the restaurant. It attributed to the happy ending that tied up the story so nicely. Such a feel-good summer read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Happy Harbor by Rachel Hanna is a book of second chances. The novel focuses on a very bitter woman who is determined to only rely on herself. Diane is working as a leader in a business where she is in charge of unreliable help. She just keeps taking everything on herself. She has a daughter who is in High School and is constantly in trouble. Her beloved grandmother lived in Happy Harbor. Diane keeps meaning to go down there to see her but there never seems to be time. Then it happens…

The next thing Diane knows, she is in Happy Harbor and running her grandmother’s restaurant, living in her grandmother’s house and working with her mother (UGH). Her life has been totally upended and it is brutal for her. Her daughter loves their new home and new school, but Diane is miserable.

I did not like Diane until after about half way through the book. I could tell how hard she was working, but I didn’t like her. She was so judgemental to EVERYONE! I was ready to give up on the book, when she began to change and I was relieved.

Happy Harbor by Rachel Hanna had many positive scenes and a feel of the main character having a new chance in her life. The book will make a lot of readers satisfied at the ending.

I was looking forward to reading this story because mother-daughter coming of age struggles are fun to read even if just to feel like you’re not the only one.

If you read the rest of the happy harbor series, you’ll be happy to get to know these new residents who have been drawn to town after a huge loss in their family. A fun spin on a popular trope.

Another enjoyable read by Rachel Hanna.
I loved the small town setting and story of reconciliation.

Happy harbor is a perfect beach read.

Thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a good book. The two main characters are Josie and Walker. Josie is a mother, restaurant owner, and a homeowner. Walker works on boats and rents the guest house on Josie’s property. Josie’s grandmother dies and leaves her the family’s restaurant and her family’s home. Josie loses her job, her fiancé, and her grandmother dies. Josie goes back home to her hometown. She meets Walker. He becomes her rock. They both have issues but together they work them out and fall in love.

Loved reading this book. Hopefully there are more that this will be a series. Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

⭐️ — 5/5

Have you ever read a book that just sucks you in from the beginning to the point that you feel like you’re in the story? Yeah, that was Happy Harbor for me. Josie could be any of my mom friends, Kendra could be any of my friends as a teenager. I felt like I was experiencing their story alongside them.

Happy Harbor is a cozy romance, following Josie Campbell as her life is turned upside-down and she is forced to confront a past that she’s had tucked away from a long time. Josie has made a point to avoid the small southern town where she grew up, but is forced to return to fulfill the dying wishes of her Nana. Josie and her daughter Kendra make the journey and find themselves facing many unexpected obstacles in their quest to find peace.

Set primarily in a gorgeous beachfront town, Happy Harbor has all the makings of a Hallmark movie. The story has elements of loss and heartbreak, second chances, forgiveness, and family. The characters are well developed — I did find myself so frustrated with Josie at different points but I think that’s a testament to Rachel Hanna’s ability to craft a quality story.

I absolutely loved Happy Harbor, every chapter had my full attention and I did not want to put it down. This was my first Rachel Hanna read, and I have to say I am in love with her writing style and looking forward to reading more of her collection!

Thank you to NetGalley, Blackstone Publishing, and Rachel Hanna for gifting an ARC copy of this book in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Happy Harbor sounds like it should be a happy place - but for Josie Campbell, the memories are not happy at all. Can she return to a place she never felt at home and call it home? Watching Josie, Kendra, and Diane's relationship grow was heartwarming. This beautiful story has so much weaved into it - forgiveness, love, new beginnings, trust, and more!

This was my third Rachel Hannon novel and her writing style is great. I always enjoy her books.
I was excited to have the book and the audiobook so that I could go back and forth. The narrator wa great too.

This is the story of Josie, an adult granddaughter who inherit her grandmother’s house and restaurant just as she loses her job for being hard on the people that work for her and her fiancé. Her daughter isn't thrilled to be moving to happy Harbor, a small southern town where her mom grew up. Once they arrive and get acclimated, the daughter loves it and begins to change her ways and starts to blossom. While Josie is exhausted trying to get acclimated, run the restaurant and deal with her grandmother‘s death. She finds out that her mom Diane has actually been in town for years after becoming sober, is a waitress at the restaurant and also lives above the restaurant. Josie better get used to her showing up in every place that she is.
It’s a story of learning to see some people can change if they really want to and the mother and daughter repairing their terrible relationship due to the hurt the mother caused with her abandon of Josie. But this isn’t a sad book. This is a happy book that shows community supports its own., there are a few love stories and lots of new happy memories being made. It’s an uplifting and happy book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

"Happy Harbor" by Rachel Hanna intricately weaves a tale of redemption, forgiveness, and the power of homecoming in this captivating romance novel. Josie Campbell, our resilient protagonist, undergoes a profound journey of self-discovery as she confronts the ghosts of her past in the quaint Southern town she once longed to escape. The author adeptly crafts Josie's character, portraying her as a complex woman whose layers unravel gradually throughout the narrative. Hanna skillfully delves into Josie's psyche, allowing readers to empathize with her struggles, fears, and ultimately, her triumphs.

The plot unfolds seamlessly, blending elements of heartache, humor, and hope. As Josie navigates the complexities of family dynamics and grapples with her mother's sudden return, readers are drawn into a compelling exploration of forgiveness and second chances. The inclusion of Walker Jackson, the enigmatic love interest, adds depth and intrigue to the story, as his presence serves as both a source of comfort and challenge for Josie. Their budding romance is portrayed with sensitivity and authenticity, capturing the essence of two wounded souls finding solace in each other amidst the turmoil of their pasts.

Hanna's vivid descriptions breathe life into the charming setting of Happy Harbor, evoking a sense of nostalgia and warmth that envelops readers from the very first page. From the quaint restaurant to the historic family home, each location is meticulously depicted, serving as more than just a backdrop but rather as integral components of Josie's journey towards healing and acceptance. Moreover, the author's exploration of themes such as addiction, resilience, and the bonds of family adds depth and poignancy to the narrative, resonating with readers on a deeply emotional level.

Overall, "Happy Harbor" is a compelling and heartwarming romance novel that will undoubtedly appeal to fans of the genre. With its well-drawn characters, engaging plot, and evocative prose, Rachel Hanna delivers a captivating tale of love, forgiveness, and the enduring power of home. Whether you're seeking an escape into a charming Southern town or a poignant exploration of the human heart, this book promises to leave a lasting impression.

What a beautifully written story about healing your heart and mind, and Happy Harbor is the place to be to do it! I loved this! 5 stars!
Josie distanced herself from Happy Harbor as soon as she could, and hasn't been back since. When her nana passes away, she has to go back and face her demons, but can she do this? Only for her nana will she do this. When she and her daughter Kendra arrive, and meet with nana's lawyer, she finds out that her nana left her not only her historic home, also her restaurant, on the condition she stays there for six months. She also finds out her mother Diane, is in town, working at the restaurant. She hasn't seen her mom, the town drunk as she was known back in the day, in forever. Talk about confronting your demons!
Read along and enjoy as Josie learns a new way of life, and that it is ok to let your guard down and love again. I loved it!

What a wonderful story with family drama, forgiveness, second chances, humor, hope and love. The storyline was delightfully complex and heartwarming. I loved the endearing, quirky characters and was able to really relate to Josie. She'is the way she is because she had to adapt to function. Substance abuse in a family is no joke. This book is just everything I love in a book. You won't be able to put it down, I couldn't! This was an amazing story I won't soon forget.

Despite Josie’s hardships, her Nana knew best…Happy Harbor was just what she needed! Josie is filled with hurt but unknowingly crying out for healing while a loving community embraces Josie and her family and she discovers a chance at romance.

Some unexpected and delightful turns in the story. As the author wrote, “Maybe tomorrow would bring new possibilities and blessings. Wasn’t that all anyone could hope for, anyway? (Chapter 12)”

A very special thanks to Rachel Hanna, Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC opportunity.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5/5)

Thanks again to Partner @bibliolifestyle  @blackstonepublishing for my #gifted copy

“Sometimes our memories of bad times take up so much space that we don’t allow for better memories to replace them.”

I read this book in under 24 hours. So yeah I’d say I liked it. It was cozier than the books I typically gravitate towards but something just pulled me to this one.

I connected with so many of the characters in this book. To be honest, Josie reminded me a lot of myself and reminded me there are things, just like with Josie, that I really need to work on. Don’t we all? The opening chapters are basically Josie’s world being turned upside down in every possible aspect of her life. Just the worst day.

Josie’s connection with her grandmother really pulled at my heartstrings because that is exactly how I felt about my mommom. Just like Josie’s grandmother, mine also really valued family and connections with those around her. When Josie got “the call” i was at my doctor’s office and almost cried my eyes out.

The mime & clown school part of the will was so diabolical, and hilarious.

There were several instances of instalove in this one which is one of my least favorite tropes BUT in this book it didn’t even bother me because the book was just so perfect for me to read in this particular moment of my life.

This was an all around solid read and I just loved it so much. It is going to be added to my forever shelf. ❤️

Oh I can picture this has a Hallmark movie. Has all the elements needed. Small town, workaholic Josie with a chip or two on her shoulder, mother who was in and out of her life as a child. Loving grandmother that steps up for Josie, since her alcoholic daughter Diane has no business raising a child. Now years later her grandmother has passed and Josie needs to return to Happy Harbor, with her troublesome teenage daughter in tow. Not one believing one can change, she is surprised with her grandmother will. And shocked that her mother is back in town and that she will need to work with her.
A well written story of love, family, forgiveness and second chances. It’s been awhile since I read a book in one day, but I just couldn’t put it down. Thank you #NetGallery for this ARC. All opinions are mine and mine alone. #HappyHarbor

I enjoyed reading Happy Harbor by Rachel Hanna. You will fall in love with all the characters. I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely. Happy Reading!

Josie has a long way to go.

Happy Harbor by Rachel Hanna is a story about a woman coming to terms with who she is and wants to be. It’s about learning people can change, and it’s about forgiveness. Josie has had one bad thing happen after another before the final blow of losing her grandmother. She returns to Happy Harbor, where her childhood memories haunt her and have resulted in the woman she is now, closed off and quite bitter. Even her teenage daughter is starting to get into trouble at school and Josie is worried.

At first, I felt for her, but as the story progressed and she kept herself so closed off, it was hard to like her. The people around her were so opposite to her (including her daughter), that she seemed like a proverbial fly in the ointment of the town. She frustrated me through much of the story, especially when she spoke without thinking. That hit a little close to home for me ;). Her old boss was a viper and I’m surprised she gave her any time whatsoever. Slowly but surely, she understands the importance of trust and that it’s ok to lean on other people. I was relieved when she finally recognized herself and took that important first step to change. I loved that she woke up to the importance of family and community. Josie has a long way to go but started the healing process. Walker must be the most patient and empathetic man on the planet. I fell in love with him for his determination and support alone. I enjoyed Kendra (her daughter) and her growth in their new home. It was my first Rachel Hanna book and a well-written woman’s fiction.

The characters is what made this book for me. I adore a small town book and this one didnt disappoint. Im looking forward to reading more from this author.

I don't know about any of you but I want to go live in this sweet little town called Happy Harbor! Josie grew up here with her on again off again relationship with her mother. Josie's grandmother Adeline raised her and her mother would be allowed to visit her only when she was sober. Josie's relationship with her mother is nothing short of nonexistent. Her relationship with her grandmother, on the other hand, was one of her closeted. That is besides the one with her daughter Kendra. Although that one is a give and take on a daily bases as well. That would be because Kendra is 16 going on 30! She hates school and is constantly getting in to trouble.

Atlanta.Georgia is where Josie and Kendra are living at the moment. Josie receives a phone call from a lawyer named Joe Strand who has bad news for her. He tells her that her nana has passed away and she needs to come back to Happy Harbor for the reading of the will. Josie tries to get out of going back as she has absolutely no desire to step foot back there ever again. Except that she had to go back for the services. So, she made arrangements to go see him at the same time. After all she just got fired from her job and her daughter just got suspended for the remainder of the year.

This book, I have to say is one of the best books I have read in a while. Rachel Hanna has always been one of my favorite authors, this one has stolen my heart. I loved it that much. It was fun and serious but so touching. Family issues are so touchy and complicating and this book is no different. Hanna brings these characters to life. I hope that many folks get to read this amazing book!

Happy reading!!!

I have read many titles by this author and this newest book by Hanna really embodies all the great work that this author brings to the the table. I was brought through all of the emotions with this one. I loved the characterization and the story as well! You won’t want to miss out on this one!