It was so enjoyable to travel back to Hope Harbor for another story about the charming town and its delightful, eclectic inhabitants. Talented author Irene Hannon has once again created an entertaining tale with some new characters and some old friends from previous Hope Harbor books. Vienna Price comes to town to visit her mom, lick her wounds and regroup after losing her job. Veterinarian Matt Quinn is there to help his sister try to resuscitate an old B & B she purchased. With the help of Vienna and a secondary couple, Andrew and Paige, they spruce it up and make new friends along the way. While the plot is fairly predictable, the story is entertaining and easy-to-read. If you’re looking for a sweet, charming summer read, this one’s for you.

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

I loved this story filled with romance and new beginnings. I love Hope Harbor and Charley and the sea gulls. I could not put this book down. I loved Matt, Vienna, Kay and Bev. I would love to find a bookstore like the one Bev runs. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )

This was a fun heartfelt read about things happening for a reason, and often the answers to our needs are right in front of us. Kay often jumps before assessing the risk, and this may be her biggest jump yet. Buying a B&B sight unseen and now a caring family friend has some medical issues and needs Kay's help. Matt is supposed to be on a rest and relaxation vacation, but when he pulls up to the B&B, this place will be far from R&R and he hasn't even ventured inside. Left with trying to get this place up and running, while his sister takes care of Cora he tries to sort out a plan but feels they may just be in too deep on this one. Vienna is back visiting her mother, but her stay doesn't have an end date due to her last job having an unexpected one. Bound to get back to work soon, she plans for a short visit but her mother and the town of Hope Harbor seem to have other plans. Will Matt be able to pull off saving his sister one more time, and Vienna may not have to look far for her next career. I really enjoyed this novel. I loved the various characters, as they all brought depth to the story line and I loved how the author wound them all together for a light hearted message about a community working to help each other. This sounds like my type of place! Thank you to Revell Fiction and the author for the complementary novel. This review is of my own opinion and accord. ( )

I was surprised to learn that this was the 10th book in a series and was worried that I'd be lost when I tried to read it. Luckily, it can be read as a standalone with no confusion. There are a few characters that were mentioned that I am guessing were part of earlier books in the series but they aren't really part of the story line. What did happen when I read book 10 is that I enjoyed it so much, I've just ordered the first 9 books in the series.

The Hope Harbor series takes place on the beautiful Oregon coast and Sandcastle Inn features two major plot lines.
-Vienna has come to town to visit her mother and see her mother's new bookstore. They'd never really been close -Vienna was a 'by the rules' person who never strayed outside the lines while her mother was a free spirit always ready for another adventure. Vienna decides to stay in a hotel instead of her mother's one bedroom apartment but there are no hotels with vacancies so she asks Matt, if she can stay in his b&b while it is being renovated. Matt has come for a two week stay to take care of the b&b while his sister (the new owner) goes to help a family friend. He is appalled at the state of the inn and the work that needs to be done to make it presentable. Turns out that Vienna had worked at a high end boutique hotel and she offers her expertise in exchange for a room. Sparks begin to fly between them even though neither one is looking for a romance.

-Paige and Andrew have lost their home and their contractor business due to the betrayal of one of their trusted workers. They are living in a tent and hoping to find a job. When they find out about the renovation of the Sandcastle Inn, they ask Matt for a chance to do the work. Will he be able to ignore their past issues and give them a chance?

I enjoyed reading about both couples. Paige and Andrew were in love and supportive of each other. Vienna and Matt on the other hand both had a lot of baggage and weren't interested in a 'happily ever after'. But life often has other plans.

This book is defined as a Christian romance but it was so much more. The main characters were all well written - flaws and all - and the hardships in life had affected them in different ways. Basically it's a book about love -- parental love, sibling love and the love between two people that makes them want to spend their lives together.

Can't wait to read the series from the beginning! ( )

It is always a treat to return to Hope Harbor, Oregon in the contemporary romance novels of Irene Hannon. Her series is now 10 books strong! And each successive story just gets better and better. I loved Sandcastle Inn! In this novel several newcomers are introduced to the small seaside town, but the community is so welcoming that they soon feel at home. Does it sound like I feel Hope Harbor is a real place? 😉 Hannon has created a wonderful setting with charming characters that have continued throughout the series. One old time resident and the two seagulls that seem to witness every new budding relationship are very special additions to each book. In Sandcastle Inn, Hannon focuses on several types of relationships — new romance, family dynamics, and a married couple. As always, the narrative’s main focus is on the the attraction and developing romantic relationship of the two main characters, but I really enjoyed how Hannon explored the varying types of relationships between parents and grown children and sibling relationships. The story line of the married couple was my favorite! All of the stories add a depth that make the book more than just a romance, as well as adding to the feeling that Hope Harbor really exists! A solid faith thread runs naturally throughout the narrative — it’s never preachy.

If you like contemporary romance with some small town charm and well-developed characters, then Sandcastle Inn is a must-read. I would recommend starting at the beginning of the series, though. While 10 books may sound daunting, think of all the fun you are going to have spending time in Hope Harbor!

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(Thanks to Celebrate Lit and the publisher for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )