Sea Glass Cottage (#08 in Hope Harbor Series)

Although the premise for why Christi shows up is ridiculous, I do love the chance it gives her to face old issues and allow others to learn, grow and forgive. I felt like Hannah was no more than a reason to throw the two together. It could have been done better. The side plots with the Beth, Steve and Noah were genuine and interesting, more so than the main plot for me.

Returning to the small coastal town of Hope Harbor is like going back to a favourite holiday destination - it's comfortable, familiar, relaxing, peaceful and inspirational. I enjoyed catching up with old friends, like Charley, the always-wise taco man down on the wharf, and Father Murphy and Reverend Baker, the town's two men of the cloth who are perpetually bickering and bantering. And, of course, the long term residents Gladys and Floyd (yes, I realise they're sea gulls, but they seem almost human!) It was also nice to meet new characters, Jack, the local policeman, and Christi, a visitor to town who stays longer than she planned, and turns things rather upside-down, especially for Jack. The initial premise of the plot confounded me to begin with - why would Christi ask someone she's had nothing to do with for over a decade for a loan? I had to repeatedly put my wonderment aside and move on with the rest of the plot, which was great to read. Whether you've been to Hope Harbor before, or are looking for a new holiday destination, I highly recommend Sea Glass Cottage and the entire Hope Harbor series.