
Buying a supposedly haunted house wasn’t in Ashley Scott’s plans, but when an intriguing opportunity drops into her lap, she’s ready to launch a new life. But she can’t do it alone, and her reclusive new neighbour, Jonathan Gray may be just the person to help — if only there were room in his life for romance.
My Review:
This is the ninth book in the Hope Harbor series and it’s still going strong — and with storytelling like this it’s easy to see why!
If you haven’t read any of the books in this series (gasp! Why every not?!) you could still easily jump into this book without any problems. But — if you are a die-hard fan like me, you will be over-the-moon with bibliophile delight at the multiple cameos of previous heroes and heroines. I kept squealing and waving madly every time someone I knew entered a scene. “Yoohoo, remember me? I was rooting for you in book (insert # here).” That was me, all the way through, like a giddy teeny bopper at her first concert.
Irene Hannon has created the kind of characters that not only come alive, but reside in a reader’s heart years after she first meets them! I have the whole series in audible now (narrator Therese Plummer is the perfect pairing for these stories!) and I’ve listened to all the books multiple times and will continue to revisit Hope Harbor regularly because…
Characters!!!! Not only the current hero and heroine, but all the secondary characters that add to the personality of the town — both human and animal! The seagull lovebirds, the dueling clerics, Charlie!!!!!! Oh, everyone needs a Charlie to gently speak truth into their life. The way the man can say one thing while delivering an astute insight about something else is mind-boggling! I know that won’t make sense unless you’ve met Charlie in one of the stories, but once you do, you’ll understand why he’s the glue that holds this town together.
And then there’s the faith elements — gentle and poignant and touching. Has me thinking about the patient way the Lord pursues us no matter how many times we turn away. How He can turn despair into hope and provide an everlasting comfort if we are willing to open up to Him.
I don’t want to say too much about the plot of this book since the synopsis is pretty sparse. I will say the romance has a bit of a Beauty and the Beast vibe to it and goes beyond toe-curling and swoons into a whole other realm of a love story. I was in tears in places. And goose bumping my way through others. Let’s just say ‘Windswept Way’ lived up to it’s name and swept me away!
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy — winner’s choice.
If you would like a chance to win a copy of Windswept way, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday April 15, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.
Loved your review, Kav, especially waving at those you knew! I can identify, lol. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House kathleen[dot]e[dot]belongia[at]gmail[dot]com
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You know it’s a great author when the characters in her books feel more real than the real people you know. Bwahaha! Good luck, Kathleen!
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Am reading this now & loving it! Charlie is so full of wisdom & kindness & the 2 clerics crack me up! I love Hope Harbor!!
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Eeeepppp — I am thrilled for you and oddly jealous that you’re enjoying it for the first time. lol Yes, Charlie is such an amazing character and clerics are such a hoot! Happy Reading, Diane!
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I’m having to read it sooo slow, though. Suffering from brain fog & sinus headaches (rain & sinuses don’t mix.) But looking at the bright side I get to savor it a little longer! 😁 Thanks!
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The down side of spring, I guess. I wouldn’t know, we still have snow. 🙂 Hope you feel better soon, Diane.
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Thanks, Kav. Can’t believe you’re still getting snow! Ugh
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Sounds like I must get onboard. Thanks for sharing. leliamae54(at)aol(dot) com
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Yes you absolutely must! A whole series to book twin over. Good luck, Lucy!
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A great review! I love this series too and always look forward to the next one.
Sandyavery at comcast dot net
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I’m so glad there are more in our Hope Harbor future! Good luck, Sandy!
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I’ve been seeing this book everywhere on social media. Sounds super good!
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It really, really is!!! Good luck, Anne!
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I was already a Irene Hannon fan, sounds like another winner.
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She’s an incredible writer. Good luck, Penny!
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I have only managed to read one of the Hope Harbor series. Yikes! I have them on my shelf so I need to fix that. I love that this one features a haunted house. Pretty unique. Thanks for the giveaway Kav.
momrain(at)aol(dot)com
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You need to get reading, Loraine. lol Good luck!
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The Hope Harbor series is FABULOUS!
psalm103and138atgmaildotcom
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I totally agree! Good luck, Caryl!
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I’ve just read the 3rd book in the Hope Harbor series, and I see I have quite a ways to go to come to this one. Will definitely add it to my list.
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Isn’t it a fantastic series???? Good luck, Becky!
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Okay, Irene Hannon is my top author for both contemporary & suspense…I mean, she CAN’T write a bad book..AT ALL!
Going back to Hope Harbor is like coming home to me. I SO look forward to seeing Charlie every time!! Along with Gladys & Clyde (?) and the belching seal, they are characters to meet up with again. I look forward to each one of the installments to the Hope Harbor series….and hope they never end.
teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com
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Gladys and Floyd. 🙂 I’m with you — hope they never end. Good luck, Trixi!
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LOL!! I knew I had the seagulls name wrong…but at least I had most of the letters correct 😂😊
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Thank you, Kav, for the wonderful review. This is the kind of review an author always hopes to get–and yours made not only my day, but my week. 🙂
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Thank you for writing such life affirming fiction! Hope Harbor has gotten me through some tough times and all the books are my go to comfort reads. I always find I’m touched by something new each reread.
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“Windswept Way” sounds absolutely FABULOUS and I can’t wait for the opportunity to read it!
If nothing else got me, it was Charlie. After all my Daddy’s name was Charlie and he was indeed a character. So anyone with that name always seems to have a soft spot in my heart. From your review, I feel this Charlie definitely will.
Today was another back procedure and just able to wake up enough to check the computer before going to bed. LOL You made me smile and for that I thank you.
Thank you for the chance to win a copy!
2clowns at arkansas dot net
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Within you a speedy recovery, Kay. Good luck!
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I just started reading this series. Charlie and the seagulls are a riot. Can I tell you how I want to taste the tacos from his truck?
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Ha! Me too and I’m a vegetarian! I’m sure he could make me something tasty without the fish. 🙂 So excited for you just starting out on your Hope Harbor journey. Good luck, attennos!
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I definitely want to get into this series! It’s been on my TBR for the longest. Thanks for the giveaway!
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Oooh — you have lots of stellar reading ahead of you. Good luck, Chanel!
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What a great review, Kav! Sounds like a good one!
mauback55 at gmail dot com
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Thanks, Melanie. Good luck!
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Great review, Kav! I have this one from Net Galley and will be reading it soon. I have this one and book 2 to read and then I am caught up on the series, YAY! I am with you, I LOVE seeing the previous characters in present books, so much fun. No need to enter me since I have a copy to read 🙂
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Yay! Happy Reading, Cindy. Glad to hear you love this series too.
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Ooh, this book looks really good! I’ve never heard of it before.
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Just released last week! Good luck, Lilly!
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I love the thought that the characters in the book feel more real than the people you know!
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
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This whole series is like that. Good luck, rubynreba!
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Where does one enter?
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This giveaway ended on April 15. To enter any of my giveaways you just mention your interest in a comment or email me. Giveaway particulars are listed right after my review — blue print with a red print line indicating the kind of edition available — ebook, paperback or either. I do 5-6 reviews/giveaways weekly. Winners are announced every Saturday afternoon.
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