WINDSWEPT WAY - Irene Hannon - One Free Book

Bio:IreneHannon is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than 60 contemporaryromance and romantic suspense novels. In addition to her many other honors, sheis a three-time winner of the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers ofAmerica. She is also a member of RWA's elite Hall of Fame and has received aCareer Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work

In 2015, bestselling and award-winningauthor Irene Hannon penned her first Hope Harbor novel entitled Hope Harbor.This novel paved the way for more novels set along the rocky shores of theOregon coast. Now Hannon lures readers back to the seaside town with her ninthnovel in the Hope Harbor collection. Windswept Way will introduce fansto a new cast of characters while still bringing back a few favorites in thischarming town where hearts heal and love blooms.  

About the Story: Buying a hauntedhouse was never in Ashley Scott’s plans, but when an intriguing opportunitydrops into her lap after a major setback, she finds herself trekkingcross-country to Hope Harbor to launch a new life.

Wounded warrior Jonathan Gray isn’t surewhat to make of the attractive woman on his reclusive older neighbor’s isolatedproperty, but her presence is none of his business—until she enlists his helpwith an ambitious project. When Jonathan finds his interest in the new arrivalbecoming more personal than professional, however, his defenses go up. There’sno room in his life—or his heart—for romance.

Yet,as these three hurting people join forces to restore life, laughter, and loveto a historic estate that has known too much sadness, they may also findhealing, hope, and happiness for themselves.

Welcome to my blog, Irene. Please providereaders with a brief description of your new novel, Windswept Way? Here’s the storyin a nutshell: A woman who’s taken a leap of faith and areclusive man resigned to being alone help an older woman give new life to herfamily’s historic estate…and in the process find their own happy ending.

Windswept Way is the ninth book in the Hope Harbor collection. What was theinspiration behind these novels? I’d always wanted to write a heartwarming, long-running series set in asmall seaside town filled with characters readers would come to love. When Iwrote the first book—called Hope Harbor—Ihad high hopes it could lead to that series. Happily, those hopes werefulfilled.  My little town has becomebeloved not only in the U.S., but around the world.

Why did you choose the Oregon coast as thesetting for the Hope Harbor novels? I’d seen photos of the Oregon coast for many years, and it looked likethe kind of place that could be home to my fictional community. So I took aresearch trip there, traveled the coast from top to bottom taking copiousnotes, and found the perfect setting for my stories.

HopeHarbor is a place where “hearts heal and love blooms.” Can you please providesome insight on how this takes place for your two protagonists, Ashley Scottand Jonathan Gray? Both Ashley and Jonare hurting and alone when this story starts. So is the owner of Edgecliff, thehistoric home that is the centerpiece of this story. But as the three of thembegin to work together on their ambitious project to open the estate to theworld, their hearts begin to open as well. Because love truly can transformlives.

Can youprovide more information on Jonathan Gray’s backstory? Jon was badly injured by an IED in theMiddle East, which cost him the future he had planned. He carries deep physicaland psychological scars. He’s not in any way the stereotypical model-perfecthero of a romance novel. He’s created a successful landscaping business, but herelies on Daisy, his border collie for company.

Until Ashley comes along.

Each Hope Harbor novel focuses onnew characters. Will characters from previous books in the series makeappearances in Windswept Way? Every Hope Harbor book is a brand-newstory, with a whole new cast of main characters. Each story begins and ends ineach book, with no hanging plot threads from book to book. The unifying elementis the town. There are several secondary characters who appear in every book,but a reader can pick up any book in the series and feel right at home. Readerswho’ve been following the series all along will definitely recognize theleading characters from past books who make cameo appearances in this story.

Do you have a favorite character in thisnovel? I love Ashley andJon, but Rose, the reclusive older woman who owns Edgecliff, touched my heartin a special way. Watching her emerge from her self-imposed exile was soinspiring and uplifting.

What lessons do you hope readers gain fromreading Windswept Way?  Never judge a book—or a person—by its cover.

What do you love most about writingcontemporary romance? I love telling stories about people with honor and character andintegrity and faith who are living full, rich, interesting lives and findinghappy endings without sacrificing their principles. I think everyone canbenefit from encouragement to stay the course in a world that often isn’tsupportive of traditional values or faith-based living.

What are you working on next? I’ll have a new suspense series starting in October,which features three foster siblings whose careers put them on the front lineof danger. And the Hope Harbor series will continue in April 2024 with Book#10.

How can readers connect with you? For general information and a complete book list, my website is thebest place: www.irenehannon.com.But my favorite place to interact with readers is Facebook. I’m on Instagram,but I chat with readers every day on Facebook. Please join the conversation!

Thank you, Irene, for sharing Windswept Waywith us.

Readers, here’s a link to the book.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=windswept+way+a+hope+harbor+novel&i=stripbooks&ref=nb_sb_noss

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