“Sea Rose Lane” by Irene Hannon

Down by the Sea Shore

Everything was going well for architect BJ Stevens.  She was successfully restarting her life in the small town of Hope Harbor, until Eric Nash crashes into her world, literally.  Distracted, Eric rear-ended BJ’s truck with his BMW.  Eric is everything that BJ has been running from:  a man who is good looking, successful, and married to his job.  Because of that, BJ hopes to never see him again once the accident is cleared up.  She is disappointed to discover Eric is the son of her current client, and he has just returned home to Hope Harbor.

BJ attempts to keep her distance from Eric.  However, avoiding someone in a small town, and on her work site, is almost impossible.  Despite never being very friendly to him, Eric persists in trying to get to know BJ.  Everyone says Eric is a genuinely good guy.  However, he has also made it clear he is waiting for an opportunity with a new legal firm, and will be instantly gone when he gets it.  BJ does not want to risk her heart with someone who has no intentions of sticking around, but as time goes by, BJ finds herself falling for him.

One of the things I really liked about this story is that all the characters are really well developed.  They have depth, and feel like real people that can be identified with.  Finding out what makes BJ tick is very interesting.  BJ has regrets over things she wishes she had done differently before her grandmother passed away.  Those regrets motivate her to help many people.

I also liked that this book contains a lot more than just a romance story.  For instance, Eleanor is a sweet elderly lady on a fixed income who can no longer do minor house repairs, or drive to get her groceries.  She wants to stay in her home, but needs a way to accomplish those jobs, and others like it.  Eleanor prays she will not have to go to a senior facility, but can still find a way to contribute to life from her own home.

Next, there is Luis who was a doctor in Cuba.  He faced many hardships to come to this country, including the death of his wife, during their escape.  Now in the United States, none of his medical training counts, and he works construction jobs for BJ.  He is a compassionate man, but is beaten down by loneliness from the loss of his wife, and the difficulties of adjusting to living in a new country.  He is having trouble finding meaning in life.

Eric, himself, is having problems.  He always loved to paint, and considered himself somewhat of an artist.  But in the years he has been practicing law, he hasn’t picked up a paint brush, or had the time to do it if he had wanted to.  Since returning home, he has started painting again, and is overwhelmed with how much he loves it, and has missed it.  He is surprised to find himself toying with the idea of finding a way to keep painting.

One of the most interesting characters of them all is Charley, a man of mystery.  He is an artist, but also runs a food stand–when he feels like opening it.  Charley always seems to be in the right place, at the right time, for almost everyone in Hope Harbor.  This is especially true for Eric, BJ, Luis and Eleanor.  Often times, he almost seems like he might be one of God’s angels.

I really enjoyed this 5-star book, and highly recommend it.  It is full of real life problems, and realistic ways that people cope with those issues, as well as, how they include God in their lives.  This book is part of the Hope Harbor Novel series, but I did not read the first one, and was able to follow this story without any problem.  I suggest this book for anyone who enjoys well-written fiction with a story-line that will keep your interest, you will not be disappointed.

The publisher has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of  Sea Rose Lane, through Revell Publishing for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner.  All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Blog:  www.irenehannon.com

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