Tennyson’s idea that it is better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all is a whole lot of baloney, at least according to Jeannette Mason in Irene Hannon’s latest novel, “Driftwood Bay.”
Jeannette runs a lavender farm and tearoom in the cozy town of Hope Harbor, Oregon. She covets her privacy and solitude, never allowing herself to get close to anyone. You see, if you don’t get close to someone, you can never be hurt when you lose them.
But when the handsome Dr. Logan West and his adorable 5-year-old niece Molly move in next door with their plucky beagle, Jeannette’s dedication to a solitary life begins to dwindle away. And as both Logan and Jeannette get involved in the lives of a three-generation Syrian refugee family — Mariam, Thomma and Elisa Shabo — her willingness to get involved in the lives of others continues to grow.
“Driftwood Bay” is a delightful tale of second chances, and finding refuge and a purpose. It’s a story filled with slowly simmering romance, but contains some suspense and drama as a scary situation befalls some of the characters.
A major theme is overcoming loss, as Jeannette, Logan and the Shabos are all overcoming devastating losses in their lives. As one character says to Jeannette: “Loss is a very real part of the human condition, no question about it. Nothing on this earth lasts forever. Lives are filled with endings — and beginnings. No matter how hard we try to maintain the status quo, the world changes around us … and changes our world in the process.”
Other themes developed in “Driftwood Bay” include: leaning on God during the second chances he gives us (describing the Shabos: “God had spared the three of them and given them the gift of this new life, and they needed to lean on him”); there is a reason for every circumstance; home isn’t a place, but the people present; accepting unexpected blessings; filling a need when you can; being willing to expose one’s self to hurt and heartache; and finding beauty in storms, because they transform and reveal hidden treasures.
Hannon always does a great job of developing characters, filling them with very real fears, flaws and relatable issues. You will fall in love with the adorable Molly and her new friend Elisa, as well as Logan’s rambunctious dog Toby. And of course the town’s sage, Charley, appears with his taco truck and his creature buddies — seagulls Floyd and Gladys and sea lion Casper.
Even though this book is part of Hannon’s “Hope Harbor” series, you could read “Driftwood Bay” as a standalone, but I would encourage you to go ahead and read the other stories in the series. The next book, due in April 2020, takes on the story of fisherman Steven Roark, Thomma’s boss. I can’t wait to see what happens next in Hope Harbor.
Five stars out of five.
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, provided this complimentary copy for my honest, unbiased review.