Sea Rose Lane, a Hope Harbor novel by Irene Hannon (from Revell)
Eric Nash has no intention of staying long in Hope Harbor. He just needs a break to regroup after being downsized from a job he thought would result in partner position at the law firm in Portland.
With nothing but time on his hands, Eric decides to visit his father in Hope Harbor.
However, Eric’s homecoming is a shock on several levels. He literally runs into another vehicle while using his cell phone, his unfortunately timed introduction to the beautiful but chilly BJ Stevens. Upon returning home, he finds out that his childhood home is being renovated into a B&B, something his father hasn’t bothered to tell him. And the contractor for the reno is none other than BJ.
BJ Stevens is also a big city transplant, for reasons she is loathe to share. She has no plans to become involved with another tall, dark and handsome man who will leave her with a broken heart.
But with BJ as contractor of his father’s renovation, Eric runs into her often. Neither of them can deny the magnetism between them, but how will they work it out when their goals are diametrically opposed?
Irene Hannon, author of fifty-plus romantic suspense and contemporary romance novels, writes a tight and captivating story about learning how to deal with the past and learning to trust others and God for the future.
I found the lead characters to be realistic and well-layered, and the secondary characters rich, funny, troubled, fascinating. The harbor setting worked its magic, the plot kept rolling between doubt and hope, and the theme of “my brother’s keeper” spoke loudly and movingly.
If you like clean, romantic fiction, the Hope Harbor novels are for you. Check out Irene Hannon’s other books on her website.