“For it is the unexpected company in our trek along life’s highways and byways that make the journey less lonely and, if we are truly fortunate, unforgettable.”

The world of Matt Ransom is one of those unforgettable companions. As in the previous books of this captivating and fun series, readers get to travel with familiar characters they have grown to love and root for. Characterization is one of Underwood’s many strong points. There are no cardboard characters here. Each player is unique and developed through realistic description and perfect dialogue.

A wonderful new character is introduced in this installment--Teagan Smith.
“...there was something wonderful about Teagan. I had felt it in the warmth of her smile, and seen it in the wonder of her eyes. Her soul was kind and full of life, and just to be in her presence was a gift from God. Teagan was special, and I was in love with her from the moment we met. I was not in love with her in the same way as I was with my wife, nor did I ache for her. I simply wanted her in my life so I could be her friend, and feel the warmth of her soul from time to time through life’s journey.”

In this 4th novel of the series, Matt, along with his family and friends, is on another mission to thwart a plan that could possibly put mankind in jeopardy. As in his other adventures, there are scenes of tenderness, laughter, and good times beautifully rendered amidst the danger.

Another thing I love about Underwood’s work is how he seamlessly weaves in beautiful descriptions of whatever locale a scene is set.

The Amalfi Coast:
“There was still enough daylight to see by, but the homes and resorts had all turned on their lights. The lights glowed orange, traveling upward into the hills against houses that were white, brown and pink. The greenery between the houses was dark and lush, but lighter than the cliffs behind them, which were charcoal, and soon to be blue-black as night fell. Behind the hills, a beautiful splash of pinkish purple clouds trailed out to sea with the sun’s last embers faintly glowing behind them. The shore coming up to meet the houses at dusk was thick and white for several feet on the sand, then faded out to sea in a slate blue-gray. Hundreds of tiny boats in the water near the cliffs looked like pencil marks. It was the most beautiful vistas to which I had ever been witness.”

THE LOVELY HARBOR is another excellent, fulfilling entry in the Matt Ransom series. Not only is it entertaining and fun, but it also champions the importance of love, friendship, loyalty, and faith. These qualities, along with top-notch story-telling will resonate deeply with anyone who still has a heart open enough to see the good that humans can bring to each other. ( )