You can’t judge a book by its cover . . . or a girl by the color of her hair! A lesson the oh-so-traditional Noah Ward learns the hard way in his encounters with the ever-surprising and oh-so-not-traditional Bren Ryan.

In Sunrise Reef, you’ll find a story of kindness and hope, of loving your neighbor, and of daring to trust again—along with a few laugh-out-loud scenes to keep you smiling and turning pages through a moment or two of tears.

With its fabulous characters and spot-on dialog, this latest trip to the idyllic little town of Hope Harbor just might be my favorite!

*Thank you to NetGalley and Revell for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

What a wonderful story of kindness and goodness when someone needed a lifting hand. The eleventh book in the Hope Habor Series, Sunrise Reef is a captivating read of everyday life in a community that looks out for others, loving their neighbor as God would have them to do and where romance blooms when given time and opportunity. Bren Ryan pays it forward with a life changing helping hand for Emma. What is surprising is her attraction to cynical Noah Ward who is visiting his father in Hope Harbor. The Lord works in mysterious ways, He does so again in these two lives.

Written by Irene Hannon I immensely enjoy my visits to this small coastal town. You can count on an uplifting story that quietly teaches the reader how to live daily for God. I have followed this series from the beginning but each one stands well on its own. Charley is always one character I look forward to seeing on my visits. I would love to know the backstory of this enigmatic character. I’m always looking forward to more visits to Hope Harbor.

Ah, another return to Hope Harbor. Each year I love visiting and it never gets old! I love seeing familiar faces, especially Charlie, and meeting new ones. Noah and Bren were such good and interesting characters, and I loved the secondary storyline with Emma! I hope we get to see her love story down the line.

I love how this one played out. Opposites attracting, a future that seems at odds. Yet love conquerors all as they get to know one another and priorities begin to shift. Everything they always thought they wanted and could never compromise begins to change. It’s not cookie cutter or easy, yet Hannon writes in such a way that as things come together you can see God’s hand in how life can play out if we trust Him.

I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. I was not asked to leave a positive review. My opinions are my own.

Sunrise Reef, by Irene Hannon is the 11th book in her Hope Harbor series. While these are all great stand alone stories, they bring in characters from the previous books. This story is well written, easy to read and envision. The story is enjoyable to just get lost in for a while. I enjoy how lovable the characters are and how they look out for each other. I enjoy the fun teasing the two pastors have. I also enjoy catching up with the local artist/taco maker. His words are so inspirational.

In this story we meet Bren a local barista and Noah, the son of one of the locals widowers. Noah arrives in town the night Bren accepts his father’s generous offer to stay at his cabin until her apartment is repaired. He has come home to try to talk his father into moving closer to him, instead he gets pulled into the many activities and volunteer projects his father takes part in. I enjoyed the way Bren and Noah’s relationship develops and how they take their time to get to know each other. I also enjoy how determined her house guest is to get a job and home to take over care of her younger brother. This story is a reminder that God does answer prayer in the perfect way and time.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

** “A little kindness goes a long way toward smoothing rough paths and healing hearts.” **

Irene Hannon invites us on another lovely visit to Hope Harbor in “Sunrise Reef,” the series’ 11th installment.

As she turns 30, Bren Ryan decides she wants to make some changes to her life. So when she meets the downtrodden Emma Blair, an 18-year-old with a story that sounds familiar, Bren knows she needs to step out of her comfort zone and help the young woman.

Noah Ward makes a surprise visit home to visit his father, with an unexpected surprise when he pops into Fred’s rental cottage, meeting Bren with shocking results.

But as the two get to know each other, and grow closer, can they figure out if what they each want out of life can co-exist? And can Emma find a new start in life, a beginning that will include her 16-year-old brother?

Hannon once again creates delightful main characters who are relatable and have very real flaws, as well as some plucky new ones. We also get to visit several Hope Harbor favorites, including bickering priests, an adorable seagull couple named Floyd and Gladys, and Charley, the ever wise and philosophical taco guy.

As always, Hannon will put a smile on your face and a flutter in your heart while creating a delightful story that will make you want to move to this charming coastal town in Oregon. She also offers some great themes, like not all generosity comes with a price tag (“Generosity often reaps benefits for the giver as much as the receiver”); judging a book by its cover is foolish; “home is more than a place, it’s being with the people you love”; always trying to see the potential and possibilities in a situation; and being involved in the community nourishes the soul.

You could definitely read “Sunrise Reef,” which is due out April 1, as a standalone, but I would strongly encourage you to go ahead and read the other stories in the series. The 12th book is due out in April 2026.

Five stars out of five.

Revell provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

This is a sweet Christian romance and is #11 in the Hope Harbor Series. I have not (yet) read any of the other books in the series so cannot comment on how it compares or fits in with the other books. The story focuses on the various characters, their interactions, and how how their beliefs affect their actions. The characters seemed like they type of people you would run into in daily life, they had to grapple with real world issues, and had enough depth to be interesting and leave you wanting to find out what happens next. The town plays in the background, almost as another character, and sounds like a wonderful place to visit. As part of a long running series, I imagine that characters from the other novels had appearances and there were a few times I felt as if there was a running joke that I didn't get - but that did not detract from the story line at all. Would recommend to those who like Christian romances, low key stories/romances, and stories that take place in idyllic locations.

Sunrise Reef is book eleven in the Hope Harbor series. While there are some recurring characters, it is not necessary to read the other books in the series to understand and enjoy this one. Bren is a part-time barista with her own calligraphy business with a past she keeps private. Noah is a career driven CPA who comes to town to convince his dad to move back with him.

This is a book about kindness, community, living a full life, following dreams, and what it means to be home. It is sweet and lovely and will make you smile when you’ve finished. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to romance readers and those who want to curl up and be transported someplace where everybody knows your name.

This is Christian fiction so expect the occasional mention of church and God.

Thanks to NetGalley and Revell. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Hope Harbor fans will love this new addition to the series. Loved catching up with the characters from previous books. Charlie and his wisdom sprinkled throughout reflecting on different circumstances adds to every story. Loved the way Bren paid it forward. Highly recommended!

It is always a joy to return to Hope Harbor and another romantic encounter in the place I want to be real so I could visit. Ms. Hannon has created a setting so welcoming and characters who show how a community can show kindness, caring and Christian love.
This time we meet workaholic CPA Noah who is visiting his dad Fred, with the idea of convincing him to move back to St Louis. And then there is Bren, a barista at The Perfect Blend, who we met in a previous book. In this case opposites attract. And boy does this meeting stand out!
As always there are characters who are old favorites like Father Murphy and Reverend Baker who rib eachother good naturedly and Charley and his taco stand where he serves up godly wisdom for free. This time his advice is to look beyond the surface to the heart inside.
Yay! There will be a book 12! And hopefully more as well.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell through Interviews and Reviews via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*

Hope Harbor is truly a place of refuge, healing and restoration. It is a place where being neighborly is more than word service. These community members really care about one another and take care of each other when a need arises. There is a lot of worldly wisdom packed on this small patch of land on the shoreline.

Bren Ryan has found a place where she truly belongs. She marches to the beat of her own drum, and has never forgotten where she came from and how she got where she is today. She is warm, tender and empathetic. She believes in giving back to others. She is definitely not looking for love.

CPA Noah Ward is a serious, number crunching, cynical man who believes he knows what is best for his father, Fred. He is visiting him for the sole purpose of trying to talk his dad into moving back to St. Louis with him. He is definitely not looking for love. His world outlook is jaded.

Never were there two more opposites than Bren and Noah. Yet somehow there is chemistry. Noah has a lot to learn about trust and giving back without receiving anything. I fell in love with this story. When I learned Bren's back story, I teared up a little. So many times we take for granted how blessed we are, but Bren has been where no young woman should have to be. However, instead of being jaded and cynical, she has learned to pay her blessings forward. I admired her tenacity to survive and her love for others.

I always enjoy the battling men of the cloth. When I say battling, I mean good natured ribbing from a pastor and a Father who love to compete on the golf course, and pick on one another. Hope Harbor seems like such a wonderful place with beautiful people. It makes me want to dive into the book and live there just so I can be blessed. There are many lessons to be learned from this story, but the biggest one was to be careful about judging a book by its cover, especially when you do not know what is underneath. The ending was pure perfection.

Thank you to Revell for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I always love visiting Hope Harbor through Irene Hannon's stories.
Noah and Bren began this book with the opposite if a cute meet. Wow, what an introduction!

The story immediately went into a strong opposites attract mode. Their chemistry went off the charts. Thankfully they slowed it down and this realistic romance moved along slowly but surely.

I love so many things about this story. But especially Bren's love of helping others, Emma as a side character. And Noah's father, Fred.

I loved the unique story and the homey feel that this series always brings. I definitely recommend it!
Thank you to Net Galley for allowing me to read this book. The opinions are entirely my own.

The Hope Harbor series is such a heartwarming series set on the coast of Oregon in the town of Hope Harbor where one can find a new start of hope, faith, and maybe romance. In Sunrise Reef, we met two young women who have escaped a bad situation and find their way to Hope Harbor. Bren has been there for several years and pays forward the warm welcome she experienced when she saw the need in Emma. Noah is a workaholic and is visiting his dad, Fred, when he meets Bren, a total opposite. These people all have life changes to ponder. As always, Charley, artist and taco maker, two men of the cloth, and a couple of seagulls reappear. Lovely, emotional, and uplifting story.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review. These are my thoughts.

Irene Hannon has written a novel that departs a bit from the normal romance formula but in the sweetest way.

Bren's house has had a fire in the walls because of a storm, so she has to move out of her house for a couple of months. Fred has a guest cottage that he allows Bren to move into while her house is being repaired. On her first night, she hears someone enter the house, so she douses him with pepper gel. Thus was her inauspicious meeting of Fred's son, Noah.

Noah and Bren get off to a rocky start, but it evolves into a friendship and then to something more.

On the side, Emma comes to town and her car breaks down. She's trying to find a job so that she can gain custody of her brother from their step-father. Bren offers to let Emma stay with her until her car is fixed. Emma goes on an extensive job hunt and finally finds a temporary job that will pad her resume. Noah has an initial objection to Emma because no one knows anything about her. Once she passes the background check, he acquiesces to her living with Bren.

Sunrise Reef is a novel more about how a town comes together to help one another out, than a true romance, although it does figure into the story--just not the main focus until much later in the book. In fact, the Hope Harbor Novels are all written in much the same way. It is a strong Four Star book that is so hard to put down.

Revell Publishing provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

I always love returning to Hope Harbor. This is one of my very favorite fictional towns. I love that we always get to "see" characters from previous books as well, to get an update on their lives.

I absolutely loved Bren and Noah. Their story was so intriguing and captivating. They were easy to root for and felt so real.

I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an inspiring romance.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own*

“This beautiful world is full of opportunities for people who keep their eyes open.”

I thoroughly enjoyed my quick stop in the charming seaside town of Hope Springs along the Oregon Coast. At a time when lines are being drawn and politicians are cutting connectivity, this is a special read that shows us the beauty of community and the magic that happens when we interact with each other…regardless of where we come from or where we’ve been. Hope Harbor works its special magic with Brenna ‘Bren’ Ryan, Noah Ward, and Emma Blair and shows them (1) the path they were meant to follow and (2) that ‘home’ is more than a place, it’s being with people you love.

Need to be renewed, uplifted, or encouraged? Hope Haven is where you’ll want to be. It’s been described as “a place of emotional restoration”.

As the story opens, you’ll be inspired to hum Daniel Powter’s ‘Bad Day’. It doesn’t take long to realize that all three main characters are experiencing “a bad day”; one’s been living in her Sentra, one’s struggling with an elderly parent and one’s desperately needing temporary housing.

“When you’ve walked a mile in someone’s shoes, it can be easier to spot a kindred spirit.”

Because they’ve all walked a mile in someone’s shoes, they know the value in extending a hand up…and it makes all the difference in the world.

I’m sipping on a Cafe de Olla (with steamed milk) and listing ways I can pay it forward and offer chances for a fresh start to others in my community.

Don’t miss this inspirational read. It’s book 11 of a series, but it’s a great standalone.

I was gifted this copy by the publisher through NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

Irene Hannon and Hope Harbor go hand in hand. This story is such a slow burn romance that captures your heart.

Bren Ryan has found her home. After many years of searching, she has landed happily in Hope Harbor. As a part time barista and a professional calligrapher, she has sunk roots in this haven. With past wounds being healed, she is happy where she is.

Until an intruder enters the cottage she is using temporarily. After dousing the intruder with a good amount of pepper spray, she finds out that Noah Ward is the son of her landlord. Wanting to surprise his father but arriving late in the night, Noah enters the cottage unaware that someone is occupying it.

What a great opening scene. At odds already, the story moves on where Bren takes in a homeless stranger which sends Noah over the edge. But as he gets to know Bren, he realizes that she has a heart of gold.

Each character is so well written. You feel like you are a friend looking in on this story. Bren, Noah, Emma, Fred, Charley. Well rounded, hope filled characters that draw you into their lives. Good clean story.

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Sunrise Reef
by Irene Hannon
April 1, 2025 Pub Date
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Bestselling author Irene Hannon invites you back to the charming town of Hope Harbor--where hearts heal . . . and love blooms.
Although I mainly read mysteries or historical novels, a good romance novel adds a bit of spice to my reading life every now and then. And, I never miss one of Irene Hannon's Hope Harbor novels. Sunrise Reef did not disappoint. As usual, a few regular characters appear in the book such as Charley, the taco man/artist, the two reverends, and Zach, the coffee shop owner. This book focuses on Bren, a previously tangential character who works as a barista at Perfect Blends, the local coffee shop.
I highly recommend this very readable book!

Hope Harbor is my dream town! Ever since I picked up Book 1 many years ago, I have been transported to an idyllic place where second chances, healing, and hope abound. This time it is Bren Ryan who is in for change! Bren is a barista and professional calligrapher who is creative, fun-loving, and carries past hurt close to the vest. She has finally landed in Hope Harbor and is carving out a life for herself. When her rental home experiences a fire, she finds herself offered shelter by an aging church member and things become complicated. Noah Ward is a CPA with a strict agenda for his life - no deviations whatsoever! An unannounced trip to visit his father is the next step to buttoning up his plans. But when he encounters the quirky Bren, he's in for a wild ride. Sit back and enjoy as Irene Hannon weaves a tale of self-discovery, healing, and new beginnings.

Another refreshing visit to Hope Harbor! A charming contemporary romance, featuring two people who show that opposites can attract.

I enjoyed revisiting this setting on the Oregon Coast where community comes together to help each other. Bren's character was a good example of someone who has grown through tough circumstances and moved forward with faith and hope. Her desire to help others motivates her to 'pay it forward', and brings hope to another hurting soul. I like how the author moved her out of her comfort zone and influenced Noah's outlook on life. Finding a place to call home and feel loved is a theme here.

Recommend to readers who enjoy clean inspirational romances. Fine to read as a stand alone. 4.5 stars

Irene Hannon has written another charming story set in Hope Harbor. Artsy Bren has found her place in the world and loves her community. Noah is on the fast track to being partner in his accounting firm. When he comes to Hope Harbor to visit his dad, he's drawn to Bren, who couldn't be more different than him. I also enjoyed the secondary story of young adult, Emma, and the courage she had to make a change. If you haven't read the Hope Harbor books, you're in for a treat. Recurring characters fill the pages, and you feel like your going home. Check out Sunrise Reef and be swept away to a community where people go to heal. I received a free copy of the book through NetGalley, Opinions are my own.