A ★★★★ Book Review of Starfish Pier (A Hope Harbor Novel, Book 6) by Irene Hannon | A Christian Contemporary Romance Novel

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell at Baker Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts below are my own. Also, this blog post includes affiliate links which means I will receive a commission based on sales generated via these links.

Irene Hannon delights readers with lovable characters, a blossoming romance and an inspirational, faith-based journey in her newest novel, Starfish Pier.

A refreshingly peaceful, contemporary romance novel in the beautiful setting of fictional Hope Harbor, where readers come to savor the ocean breeze, fall in love with the townspeople and find hope in life’s deepest moments.

Opposites may attract--but can two very different people find lasting love?

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 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 wrestle with their differences, might they discover more common ground than they expect--and a future filled with promise?

Synopsis from Starfish Pier by Irene Hannon

Buy on Amazon

★★★★ | Irene Hannon brings readers back to Hope Harbor with a lovely contemporary romance novel in Starfish Pier. She has lovingly created a town full of ordinary people who’s lives intertwine while weaving together a story of romance, faith and hope.

Starfish Pier is book six in the Hope Harbor series, but easily reads as a standalone novel. As a matter of fact, I haven’t yet read the stories prior to this one in the series, and this is my first romance novel by Hannon. Since I love her suspense novels, I wanted to give this book a try and I’m glad I did. She is a long-time favorite author of mine and her books are always uplifting, inspirational and worthwhile.

Starfish Pier has all the makings of a great novel - romance, faith, enjoyable characters and a beautiful storyline of hope and even forgiveness. I loved the pro-life aspect of it and how Hannon delicately displays multiple views from a Biblical standpoint. I also enjoyed the gorgeous setting Hannon has created in this novel and felt the peacefulness of the setting wash over me with each new chapter. It was refreshing and lovely.

This book reminds me of a tender, touching Hallmark movie with a light romance, a touch of conflict, predictable ending and multiple characters who’s lives are all interconnected. For readers who enjoy this type of story, you’ll love Starfish Pier and this series. I have rated this book as four stars in its particular genre, rather than given it a personal rating. Because I prefer stories with more depth, danger and excitement (which usually means a different genre) this was more of a 2-3 star read personally due to it’s predictability and the mediocre passion I felt for the story or characters. However, I know many friends who enjoy a happy, inspirational novel such as this one and would easily give it a perfect rating. Overall, it is a clean read, likable story and appropriate for 13+.