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.

Sunrise Reef takes the reader to an idyllic sounding town called Hope Harbor. There we meet barista Bren and CPA Noah. This was a classic tale of opposites attract. The meet cute was a funny scenario I'd never read before and it had me chuckling to myself. I did find the push and pull between the two main characters to be a bit long suffering after a while. Both Bren and Noah were afraid to admit their feelings to each other or anyone else, and as their struggle against geography and their feelings raged, I found myself thinking they just needed to grow up a bit and be more adult.

I appreciated the depth behind the character of Bren and I especially lived the side character - Emma. Her story took up a lot of space that likely could have gone toward developing the storyline of Bren and Noah. I hope she gets her own story soon!

Despite this, I did enjoy the arc of the story and it involved some scenarios that I had not read in stories before, so this book felt fresh!

Sunrise Reef brings us back to Hope Harbor with familiar friends. This time, we read about Bren and Noah and how the magic of Hope Harbor influences their lives. One of my favorite characters is Charley who made his appearance again. His philosophical comments always give the residents and visitors food for thought. I recommend a visit to Hope Harbor with this book and the rest of the series.

Irene Hannon's are full of complex characters, good storylines and thoughtful prose. Book 11 in the Hope Harbour series is no different (the books can be read as standalones). Old friends visit in the book and help our two leads sort through the issues holding them back.

Emma's story is a good side plot, that I found myself caught up in. The male character's (Noah) father was also especially well written. I have brought this for our library system and will be recommending it on to others. Hope harbour lives up to its name.

I receive complimentary books for various sources, including Netgalley, Authors, and other such sources. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received compensation.

Although I mainly read cozy 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.
As the book opens, Bren's rental house suffers an electrical fire that leaves her homeless while repairs take place. Enter elderly widower Fred, who happens to have a vacant guest cottage that he immediately offers to Bren for as long as she needs it. Bren's first night there proves quite eventful as workaholic Noah, Fred's son, shows up for an unannounced visit. He lets himself into the guest cottage and finds himself doused in pepper spray by Bren.
Never have two more opposite people ended up finding themselves attracted to each other, which in and of itself is a huge problem in their eyes. The fact that Noah Lives in St. Louis while Bren lives in Hope Harbor, Oregon adds another huge roadblock into a possible romance. Predictably, the rest of the book focuses on surmounting these obstacles while dealing with a few other interesting situations in town. The suspense in these novels is not who will end up getting together and finding true happiness, but, rather, how it will all work out in the end.
This novel will bring numerous smiles to the reader's face. Hope Harbor remains a wonderful place to visit in ones mind, and most readers will wish they could live there, too. Highly recommended!
Note: I received this book as part of LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program. That in no way influenced my review.

Sunrise Reef is the 11th book in the Hope Harbor series. While those who have enjoyed previous books in the series can enjoy seeing some familiar characters make appearances, this can absolutely be enjoyed as a standalone as well.

Hope Harbor is such a perfect name for this series, as every time I pick up one of the books, I know I am going to get a beautiful hope-filled romance... and this one was absolutely no exception. Bren and Noah drew me into their story right away with a meet cute that I couldn't help but enjoy. While they might have gotten off to an uncomfortable start, they had a really sweet chemistry, and I found myself enjoying seeing their relationship grow throughout the story. Seeing him realize there was more to life than work was also fantastic too. I thought Emma was such a fantastic addition to the story too, and really showed why so many- myself included- love this little fiction town- a town that always offers a place to land for those that need it. Whether this is your first visit to Hope Harbor or just most recent, this is definitely a must read for fans of Christian romance.

**ARC received via Netgalley for consideration. All opinions are my own.

Gosh! It was such a treat to be back in Hope Harbor again! Such a beautiful place.
I was happy to see Charley was still there too. He's still my favorite character. Wise and steady but most of all he's everyone's friend. And mine too.
There's many things about a place like Hope Harbor. The name alone should tell all about what's inside. It's also a place of healing and 2nd chances.
I really couldn't put this wonderful book down! It was very good.
Bren and Noah wouldn't let me put it down until they said so lol.
I was sad when I had to leave Hope Harbor again. I feel like it's my home away from home.
5 stars for some excellent writing and making the characters delightful and realistic. I loved in getting to know them
I highly recommend.
My thanks to Interviews and Reviews for a copy of this book via Netgalley and Revell publishing.