I’m joining the First Line Friday link-up again, hosted by Carrie at Reading is My Superpower. Today’s book is Windswept Way, by Irene Hannon.
And the first line is…
Maybe buying a haunted house wasn’t her best idea.
Windswept Way, by Irene Hannon (Revell, 2023)
The chance at a partnership with the reclusive owner of a mysterious cliffside mansion brings Ashley Scott to the Oregon coast with the goal of establishing it as a premiere wedding destination.
The historic house is well maintained and stocked with period furniture. Transforming the grounds falls to local landscaper Jonathan Gray and his crew. Physically and emotionally scarred from the near-fatal explosion that ended his military service, Jon has come to the remote village of Hope Harbor to live a simple life and hide from gawkers.
Built by a lumber baron for his bride, the house’s subsequent tragic history led to rumours of haunting. But this isn’t a paranormal book, despite the isolated setting and the fog that creeps in. It’s a story of realistic, likeable people.
Filled with characters readers will embrace, this gentle story of second chances invites us to step out from any protective boundaries we may have allowed circumstances to construct around us. Sometimes secondary appear to have divine insight in what to say, especially Charley the taco truck owner. When God wants to get our attention, we’ll often meet His message at every turn. Fiction usually avoids this but when you’re looking for a heart-warming read with a comforting, almost fairy-tale feel, it’s a good fit.
Windswept Way is my first taste of Irene Hannon’s Hope Harbor series. It’s book 9 and now I’d like to pick up book 1. Linked by place, each novel seems to feature different core characters and a fair dose of feel-good serendipity. Fans of Davis Bunn’s Miramar Bay series will enjoy the Hope Harbor series, and vice versa. The main difference I see is the Hope Harbor books have a strong faith thread where Miramar Bay is clean mainstream.
Irene Hannon is a bestselling, award-winning author of over 60 books, both romance and romantic suspense. For more about the author and her work, visit irenehannon.com.
[Review copy from the public library via Hoopla Digital.]
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Leave a comment with the first line of the book closest to you, and then click on the image below to visit more First Line Friday participants!
I love this series. I need to read this one and book 2 and I will be completely caught up. Great review. Have a wonderful weekend!
I’d like to start from the beginning now. Enjoy your weekend, Cindy!
I can see how buying a haunted house might not be a great idea! But this looks like a good book! happy Reading!
It’s a bit of a tricky opening line, Kym, because the house isn’t really haunted and the heroine never thinks it is. That’s just the reputation it has among the locals. Anyone looking for a ghost story would be disappointed by the first line. Reading the back cover would give them a better picture. Still it’s a fun opener.
Always love to go back to Hope Harbor. Irene is a favorite.
My first line this week is from Blind Trust by Natalie Walters
“How much longer?” Lyla Fox gritted her teeth at the voice echoing through the tiny earpiece.
Ooh, curious to know where Lyla is and who’s speaking to her!
I’m looking forward to reading this one! I’m currently reading Shielding the Baby by Laura Scott. The first line is: “Shots fired.” Have a great week!