Starfish Pier by Irene Hannon {A Book Review}

** I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own. 

A year ago, ex-Delta Force operator Steven Roark left the rigors of combat behind to run fishing charters in Hope Harbor, decompress, and talk some sense into his kid brother. Business is good--but making peace with his past is more challenging than he expected.

First-grade teacher Holly Miller leads a quiet, low-profile existence--until she's recruited to advocate for a cause that's dear to her heart. When she solicits Steven's assistance, sparks fly--especially after they find themselves on opposite sides of an issue that disrupts their placid seaside community.

As these two seemingly incompatible souls search for common ground, might they discover a deeper connection--and find that love can banish darkness and light the way to a future filled with promise?

Bestselling and award-winning author Irene Hannon invites you back to Hope Harbor--where hearts heal . . . and love blooms.

Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than fifty novels, including Hope Harbor, Sea Rose Lane, Sandpiper Cove, Pelican Point, and Driftwood Bay, as well as the Code of Honor, Private Justice, and Men of Valor suspense series. Her books have been honored with three coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, and she is a member of that organization's elite Hall of Fame. Her many other awards include National Readers' Choice, Daphne du Maurier, Retailers' Choice, Booksellers' Best, Carols, and Reviewers' Choice from RT Book Reviews magazine, which also honored her with a Career Achievement award for her entire body of work. In addition, she is a two-time Christy Award finalist. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.

Irene Hannon is one of my top 3 favorite authors so anytime she has a new book come out, I cannot wait to get my hands on it. Whether it is suspense or romance, I always enjoy her fantastic stories. Starfish Pier was no exception.

Starfish Pier is book number six in her Hope Harbor series. While I would certainly recommend reading them all, this can be read as a standalone too. I have personally read several, but not all six myself yet. Those familiar with the series will enjoy seeing a few familiar faces, and those new to the series are sure to want to come back for more.

This book introduces us to two newcomers to Hope Harbor- Steven and Holly. As in many good romance stories, they are instantly drawn to one another. Still, some pretty fundamental differences make them an unlikely couple right from the start. In their story, we see if they can overcome their pasts and their differences to see where their relationship might lead. As someone who married their own complete opposite, I always love a good opposites attract romance... though the differences of these two particular characters do seem quite a large one to overcome. Still, as such it provided a beautiful reminder of God's grace and forgiveness... and how we should extend that same grace and forgiveness to others as well.

Without giving too much away, I will say that this book seemed to have a very pro-life stance--- in every possible way. While I don't think that this is uncommon in Christian fiction, I would say this is a larger focus in the story than perhaps some might prefer. Personally, I enjoyed it, but I could see where others may not. It also took on the subject of alcoholism in Steven's brother Patrick as well, which I thought was done very well for such a difficult and oh-so-important subject. I really hope to see more of his story in future Hope Harbor novels as well.

Overall, this was as fantastic a romance as I have come to expect from Irene Hannon. Existing and new fans alike are sure enjoy this beautiful story! I cannot wait to see what happens in Hope Harbor next.