Windswept Way: A Hope Harbor Novel, (Paperback)

** “I reminded him that we're often a harsher judge of ourselves than God is. He knows we're not perfect. All he expects is that we acknowledge our failings, learn from our mistakes, try to do better, and trust in his mercy and love.” ** Irene Hannon offers her ninth Hope Harbor story with “Windswept Way,” a modern day take on “Beauty and the Beast.” Historian Ashley Scott travels to Hope Harbor, Oregon, to propose a business deal with the elusive owner of the historic Edgecliff estate, Rose Fitzgerald Warner, to help create a gathering place at her grand home. As the two work together to improve Edgecliff, their friendship also blooms. With the help of landscaper Jon Gray, dealing with scars from his past, Ashley develops a beautiful space … and possibly a beautiful relationship if both Ashley and Jon can overcome their past trials and see past their scars. Hannon, as always, creates a delightful town with delightful yet relatable characters, including returning characters like the taco-making Charley who always offers the right wisdom and two lovable seagulls named Floyd and Gladys. She also fills “Windswept Way” with several great themes, like sometimes you have to take a leap of faith; you can find quiet joy amid trials and tribulations; don't give up on your dreams; unexpected events can lead us in unanticipated directions; and kindness is never wasted. A major theme is restoration, both from ourselves and from God. “It does sadden me to see anyone distanced from God, but I understand how it can happen. The blows life deals us and the mistakes we make can drive a wedge in what should, in an ideal world, be a relationship of total trust and acceptance on both sides. God lives up to his part of that bargain, but we humans often fall short on both counts.” Even though this book is part of a series, you could read “Windswept Way,” which is due out April 4, as a standalone, but I would encourage you to go ahead and read the other stories in the series. The 10th installation is due in April 2024. Five stars out of five. Revell provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

Windswept Way by Irene Hannon is an intriguing book. The main characters Ashley, Rose, and Jon each have their own stories. The reader will enjoy seeing how their stories come together. From page one, Ashley seems to have all of the bases covered when it comes to forming a partnership with Rose; however, from the start the reader is left with many questions about how this partnership will play out. Jon and Ashley have to figure out the best way to work together for the good of the partnership. The secondary characters are interesting as well and are guilty of trying to bring everything and everybody together. Set in Oregon, the setting is absolutely breathtaking! It makes you want to visit the plantation Edgecliff and just sit back and relax. This is a well written story and one the reader will have a hard time putting down. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. The opinions in this review are my own.