Happy Friday! The book I’m featuring today for First Line Friday is the perfect fictional “spring break” getaway! Blackberry Beach, the newest book in Irene Hannon’s Hope Harbor series, returns to the fictional coastal Oregon town.

“The mystery woman was back.”

Blackberry Beach by Irene Hannon

The Basics

Title: Blackberry Beach

Author: Irene Hannon

Series: Hope Harbor (Book 7)

Publication Date: April 6, 2021

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

From the Back Cover: Katherine Parker is on the cusp of having everything she ever wanted–fame, money, and acclaim. So why isn’t she happy? In search of answers, she comes incognito to Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast for some R&R. Maybe in her secluded rental house overlooking the serene Pacific she’ll be able to calm the storm inside.

Coffee shop owner Zach Garrett has found his niche after a traumatic loss–and he has no plans to change the life he’s created. Nor does he want to get involved with his reticent new neighbor, whose past is shrouded in mystery. He’s had enough drama to last a lifetime. But when Katherine and Zach are recruited to help rehab a home for foster children, sparks fly. And as their lives begin to intersect, might they find more common ground than they expected . . . and discover that, with love, all things are possible?

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

My Thoughts

Another delightful story from the charming seaside town of Hope Harbor! While traveling may be difficult right now, you can still escape to the Oregon coast in these pages. In this book we meet Zach, who opened a coffee shop in Hope Harbor to build a slower-paced life, and Kat, an actress struggling with the direction of her career. Although Kat is reluctant to open up at first, Zach is persistent at drawing her into a friendship and into the Hope Harbor community.

In Irene Hannon’s signature style, this is a character-driven, emotionally rich story. It incorporates several themes, including forgiveness, purpose, and second chances. While it can definitely be read as a stand-alone novel, returning readers will enjoy catching up with series regulars, including Charley, Reverend Baker and Father Murphy, and of course the seagull couple Floyd and Gladys!

Now it’s your turn! Please share the first line of the book you’re reading in the comments below. Don’t forget to head to Hoarding Books to see what first lines other bloggers are sharing, or to share your own!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, Revell!