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Honeymoon Harbor #0.5
Home to Honeymoon Harbor
New York Times
bestselling author JoAnn Ross invites you to discover Honeymoon Harbor with the captivating prequel to her brand-new romance series!
The rivalry between the Mannion and Harper families has divided them for over a century. Which is why, when John Mannion and Sara Harper fall in love, they become the small seaport town’s very own Romeo and Juliet. But in Honeymoon Harbor, nothing—not even an infamous family feud—is a match for love.
The rivalry between the Mannion and Harper families has divided them for over a century. Which is why, when John Mannion and Sara Harper fall in love, they become the small seaport town’s very own Romeo and Juliet. But in Honeymoon Harbor, nothing—not even an infamous family feud—is a match for love.
66 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2018
277 people are currently reading
258 people want to read
About the author
JoAnn Ross
238 books798 followersNew York Times bestselling author JoAnn Ross has written over a hundred novels for a bunch of publishers. Two of her titles have been excerpted in Cosmo and her books have also been published by the Doubleday, Rhapsody, Literary Guild, and Mystery Guild book clubs.
A member of the Romance Writers of America's Honor Roll of best-selling authors, she's won several awards, including Romantic Times's Career Achievement Awards in both category and contemporary single title.
Currently writing a new Honeymoon Harbor series for HQN set on the Washington peninsula, that will launch in April, 2018, JoAnn lives with her husband (her high school sweetheart, who proposed at the sea wall where her Shelter Bay books are set), in the Pacific Northwest.
A member of the Romance Writers of America's Honor Roll of best-selling authors, she's won several awards, including Romantic Times's Career Achievement Awards in both category and contemporary single title.
Currently writing a new Honeymoon Harbor series for HQN set on the Washington peninsula, that will launch in April, 2018, JoAnn lives with her husband (her high school sweetheart, who proposed at the sea wall where her Shelter Bay books are set), in the Pacific Northwest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 24, 2018
My Rating:
4.5
Favorite Quote:
Their secret romance hadn’t allowed for what so many couples probably considered a simple pleasure.
My Review:
I enjoyed this quick and evocative novella that featured a spotlighted story thread I noticed while reading Heron’s Landing. I actually enjoyed this prequel installment quite a bit more than the full novel. A covert romance conducted in total secrecy to avoid parental disapproval is a nearly impossible feat to pull off in a small town, I would know, I wasn't as stealthy as this couple and still resent my uptight and hypocritical parents to this day. I adored this couple and delighted in their sweet and steamy story and took great pleasure in the fact that they were able to prevail with their slyly surreptitious plans, even though I had failed spectacularly with mine. ;)
4.5
Favorite Quote:
Their secret romance hadn’t allowed for what so many couples probably considered a simple pleasure.
My Review:
I enjoyed this quick and evocative novella that featured a spotlighted story thread I noticed while reading Heron’s Landing. I actually enjoyed this prequel installment quite a bit more than the full novel. A covert romance conducted in total secrecy to avoid parental disapproval is a nearly impossible feat to pull off in a small town, I would know, I wasn't as stealthy as this couple and still resent my uptight and hypocritical parents to this day. I adored this couple and delighted in their sweet and steamy story and took great pleasure in the fact that they were able to prevail with their slyly surreptitious plans, even though I had failed spectacularly with mine. ;)
February 11, 2021
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog: http://www.romancingthereaders.com/20...
I love it when a new series starts with a novella. It's a great way to get an introduction into this new world and or get a feel for an author and their writing. I've read Ross before so for me it was just a new introduction.
I love the covert love affair these two are forced to have because of family. I know they are worried that they will be found out and all the crap that will come with it but you can plainly see how sweet they are together.
Since this is a second chance romance it really works okay with the page count. You understand how they could have fallen in love within 66 pages. You don't have to feel it's rushed.
Poor John has to work hard on getting Sara back but it's well worth it in the end. I really enjoyed these two very much and cheered for them. The story is fun and sweet and makes for a great happily-ever-after. Well worth reading.
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I love it when a new series starts with a novella. It's a great way to get an introduction into this new world and or get a feel for an author and their writing. I've read Ross before so for me it was just a new introduction.
I love the covert love affair these two are forced to have because of family. I know they are worried that they will be found out and all the crap that will come with it but you can plainly see how sweet they are together.
Since this is a second chance romance it really works okay with the page count. You understand how they could have fallen in love within 66 pages. You don't have to feel it's rushed.
Poor John has to work hard on getting Sara back but it's well worth it in the end. I really enjoyed these two very much and cheered for them. The story is fun and sweet and makes for a great happily-ever-after. Well worth reading.
Follow me on:
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October 19, 2019
I loved this! I read it in a short time before I went to bed last night because I planned to start the first full-length novel (Herons Landing) today. This is the story of Sarah Harper and John Mannion, set in 1985.
This is a small-town second-chance romance set in Honeymoon Harbor, which is a seaport town somewhere in the Pacific Northwest of the US. John and Sarah had a past relationship that ended two years ago and since then they haven't been in touch at all. Now back in Honeymoon Harbor for the first time since they broke up, John plans to let Sarah know exactly how he feels about her, hoping for a very positive outcome.
The story was super-enjoyable to me. I loved John's plan to get Sarah back. There are big nods to Leo Tolstoy and Jane Austen in here - I wasn't expecting that and I love that these characters love to read the classics! At under 100 pages, this is an easy read and makes me excited to be continuing the series today.
This is a small-town second-chance romance set in Honeymoon Harbor, which is a seaport town somewhere in the Pacific Northwest of the US. John and Sarah had a past relationship that ended two years ago and since then they haven't been in touch at all. Now back in Honeymoon Harbor for the first time since they broke up, John plans to let Sarah know exactly how he feels about her, hoping for a very positive outcome.
The story was super-enjoyable to me. I loved John's plan to get Sarah back. There are big nods to Leo Tolstoy and Jane Austen in here - I wasn't expecting that and I love that these characters love to read the classics! At under 100 pages, this is an easy read and makes me excited to be continuing the series today.
April 13, 2018
Many years ago John Manion and Sara Harper fell in love and intended to get married. Unfortunately, their families hated each other dating back to way before John and Sara met. They broke up and went their separate ways.
Now, John wants a second chance but can Sara forgive past mistakes? Living in a small town like Honeymoon Harber doesn’t help.
This is a prequel to JoAnn Ross’ new series, Honeymoon Harbor. I love prequels as it gives the readers a chance to for an introduction to the characters and setting. For a short book, it is filled with romance, drama and characters readers can care about. It’s a quick, charming second chance romance.
I’m looking forward to the first full length book in this series.
Now, John wants a second chance but can Sara forgive past mistakes? Living in a small town like Honeymoon Harber doesn’t help.
This is a prequel to JoAnn Ross’ new series, Honeymoon Harbor. I love prequels as it gives the readers a chance to for an introduction to the characters and setting. For a short book, it is filled with romance, drama and characters readers can care about. It’s a quick, charming second chance romance.
I’m looking forward to the first full length book in this series.
July 9, 2018
Short and sweet introduction to the new series. John and Sarah were high school and college sweethearts - secretly. How they managed to keep their secret in such a small town was nothing less than a miracle. But as close as they were, and in spite of the plans they made, the proposal that Sarah anticipated didn't happen. Instead, John took off for two years in Nepal, leaving Sarah behind and brokenhearted. She continued on with her life, including a stint teaching English lit in Japan.
Then fate stepped in and had both of them arriving back in the US at the same time. To say that they were stunned to see each other would be putting it mildly. Sarah is still angry at John and makes no secret of it. John has accepted the mistakes he made and wants another chance.
Though the story takes place over just a couple days, there is a lot of emotion packed into it. I liked both John and Sarah. Each of them had undergone some significant changes while they were apart. Sarah is a woman who has spent her life putting others before herself. She loves her parents and tries to live up to their expectations. But she has also come to realize that something is missing in her life. Through most of the story we are teased by her ruminations on the dilemma she faces, but aren't let in on what that dilemma is until the very end. John is a good man at heart. He hadn't meant to hurt Sarah, but his insecurities got in the way. I loved his stories about his time in Nepal and the huge impact it had on his life.
I loved the rekindling of their relationship. John is determined to win Sarah back and pursues that goal with single-minded dedication. Sarah is wary, but can't deny that she still has feelings for him. I loved the way that they were mature enough to talk about what had happened in the past and actually listen to what the other had to say. It was sweet to hear John talk about reading Jane Austen because of what the books meant to Sarah, and I enjoyed his thoughtful commentary on them. I especially liked how he related them to Sarah and that it showed how well he knew her. I also enjoyed Sarah's realization that John was a lot more complex than she expected. I loved seeing them open up to each other about their doubts and fears from the past, and trust each other with their plans for the future. I enjoyed their realization that they are still meant to be together. The ending was sweet and romantic, and perfect for the two of them. I'm looking forward to seeing them again later in the series.
Then fate stepped in and had both of them arriving back in the US at the same time. To say that they were stunned to see each other would be putting it mildly. Sarah is still angry at John and makes no secret of it. John has accepted the mistakes he made and wants another chance.
Though the story takes place over just a couple days, there is a lot of emotion packed into it. I liked both John and Sarah. Each of them had undergone some significant changes while they were apart. Sarah is a woman who has spent her life putting others before herself. She loves her parents and tries to live up to their expectations. But she has also come to realize that something is missing in her life. Through most of the story we are teased by her ruminations on the dilemma she faces, but aren't let in on what that dilemma is until the very end. John is a good man at heart. He hadn't meant to hurt Sarah, but his insecurities got in the way. I loved his stories about his time in Nepal and the huge impact it had on his life.
I loved the rekindling of their relationship. John is determined to win Sarah back and pursues that goal with single-minded dedication. Sarah is wary, but can't deny that she still has feelings for him. I loved the way that they were mature enough to talk about what had happened in the past and actually listen to what the other had to say. It was sweet to hear John talk about reading Jane Austen because of what the books meant to Sarah, and I enjoyed his thoughtful commentary on them. I especially liked how he related them to Sarah and that it showed how well he knew her. I also enjoyed Sarah's realization that John was a lot more complex than she expected. I loved seeing them open up to each other about their doubts and fears from the past, and trust each other with their plans for the future. I enjoyed their realization that they are still meant to be together. The ending was sweet and romantic, and perfect for the two of them. I'm looking forward to seeing them again later in the series.
April 13, 2018
John Manion and Sara Harper come from feuding families but that didn't stop them from falling in love. After breaking up they now have a second chance at love.
This is a sweet feel good romance novella that is perfect for a summer beach read.
This is a sweet feel good romance novella that is perfect for a summer beach read.
August 24, 2018
This is a great background story of the Harper and Mannion family.....I'm looking forward to reading more about the families of Honeymoon Harbor!!!
October 28, 2018
Home to Honeymoon Harbor by JoAnn Ross is an introduction to the town of Honeymoon Harbor and the two of the families that live there (Mannion and Harper). The families seem to not to like each other - but no clear explanation is ever offered. The Harpers seem to have built the town and and Mannions seem to have run the town. Nonetheless, Sarah and John fell in love many years ago. Despite going to college across the country from each other and the pressure from their families, they stayed together until they were not. John meant to propose, but had second thoughts and instead broke up with Sarah. Luckily in books, there are always second chances…
Over a day and night, John and Sarah were able to talk through the past but what about the future… Home to Honeymoon Harbor by JoAnn Ross was a good read.
Over a day and night, John and Sarah were able to talk through the past but what about the future… Home to Honeymoon Harbor by JoAnn Ross was a good read.
June 6, 2018
The start of a new series, in which we meet Sarah Harper and John Mannion. Think of Romeo and Juliet, children of two feuding families known for their founding of Honeymoon Harbor. However, in this modern retake, the proposal Sarah expected never happened and John has regretted that he couldn't quite pull out the ring he'd bought. Instead, he leaves town and spends time in Nepal. Too much time? He hopes not and is determined to win back Sarah via his knowledge of Jane Austen novels, a subject of Sarah's teaching.
How this happens after they meet at the airport and then share a ferry ride back to Honeymoon Harbor on the Olympic peninsula sets the scene for the rest of the series to come.
How this happens after they meet at the airport and then share a ferry ride back to Honeymoon Harbor on the Olympic peninsula sets the scene for the rest of the series to come.
December 6, 2018
I'll give Goodreads recommendation a shout out "thank you!" for introducing me to Joann Ross.
My library had in their new arrival section Joann's Honeymoon Harbor Book#1 which includes this prequel. So I started with the prequel first...and fell right into Sara & John's story & to the vibe of Honeymoon Harbor.
btw-wasn't hard since I am a PNW gal & lived in WA state for a number of yrs. w/ lots of happy memories of ferry rides and the different ports...San Juan Islands, etc...and that all came back while reading the prequel. :)
Anyhoo....I'm hooked and will now continue w/ Herons Landing.
My library had in their new arrival section Joann's Honeymoon Harbor Book#1 which includes this prequel. So I started with the prequel first...and fell right into Sara & John's story & to the vibe of Honeymoon Harbor.
btw-wasn't hard since I am a PNW gal & lived in WA state for a number of yrs. w/ lots of happy memories of ferry rides and the different ports...San Juan Islands, etc...and that all came back while reading the prequel. :)
Anyhoo....I'm hooked and will now continue w/ Herons Landing.
January 13, 2020
A prequel for a series, which explains the 1985 setting. The setting allows for some nostalgia of life before cell phones, let alone social media, and that helps the plot. However, I did not find this second chance romance satisfying. The tension is not so much whether they will get back together, but the revelation of why they broke up - and it was underwhelming. My mood was soured when the hero essentially kidnapped the heroine. The plot may be more acceptable if this is read after the couple have been introduced in another book, but read on its own it was too creepy to enjoy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2018
Not worth it
I hate to say this because I love this authors books but this story just wasn't worth the time or money i spent on it. The story is a simple second chance romance but there was no emotion in it. This reminded me of a story that should be a freebie on an authors website.
I hate to say this because I love this authors books but this story just wasn't worth the time or money i spent on it. The story is a simple second chance romance but there was no emotion in it. This reminded me of a story that should be a freebie on an authors website.
May 16, 2018
This was a cute little novella prequel. I like how it set up the relationship between Brianna's parents and how the Mannion/Harper feud was settled a bit in the mid-1980's. It also explained a bit more about Honeymoon Harbor and how it got started. Very much a "background information" kind of book, but worth the read in my opinion. In hindsight, I wish I read this first too!
February 9, 2019
Loved Home to Honeymoon Harbor. A sweet second chance, small town romance. Sarah and John's story will leave you feeling satisfied and delighted in their HEA. Looking forward to reading Herons Landing A Honeymoon Harbor Novel.
I give Home to Honeymoon Harbor 5 stars for its sweet read.
I would recommend this book to Romance, Second Chance and Small town fans.
I give Home to Honeymoon Harbor 5 stars for its sweet read.
I would recommend this book to Romance, Second Chance and Small town fans.
March 17, 2020
This book was just ok for me. It didn't really have any suspenseful moments or highs and lows (well maybe one). It was a very short novella but I had a very difficult time finishing it. Sorry JoAnn, but it didn't do a whole lot for me. I will give her another chance by reading one of her full length novels out of fairness.
April 7, 2018
Great Start to New Series
This book is a great start to Joann Ross's new series. There's a lot of back story packed into this novella, as well as a delightful second chance love story for Sarah and John.
This book is a great start to Joann Ross's new series. There's a lot of back story packed into this novella, as well as a delightful second chance love story for Sarah and John.
April 4, 2018
I enjoyed this novella and am excited about the new series!
May 27, 2018
John and Sarah are the Romeo and Juliet of Honeymoon Harbour. The family rivalry (and their own insecurities) were not conducive to a relationship 2 years ago. Is it time to try again?
June 20, 2018
I actually read this prequel after reading Heron's Landing. It actually made me look at the story differently, now knowing how Brianna's parents came to be. Cute story.
August 5, 2018
Great short story about Sarah and John and how they came to be. Fun to read before Heron's Landing!
August 18, 2018
Short sweet wonderful love story.
October 8, 2018
This was included in Herons Landing
January 17, 2019
Quick novella
April 21, 2019
It's a beautiful love story of 2 people who have known each other since they were 4 years old. They followed each other all thru school. Her parents wanted her to be a Rhodes scholar. And educated her well, she went to Oxford for her masters and then ended up in Japan teaching for a year(Sarah is her name). John is her boyfriend and has been all thru school, and after graduation he signed up for the Peace Core for 2 years and ended up in Nepal, rebuilding agriculture and they both end up on there way home in the same airplane. And they are back together after some discussions.
April 19, 2019
Enjoyed this prequel novella to the Honeymoon Harbor series. It's a shirt quick and easy read and a great introduction to the Manion and Harper family histories.
May 5, 2019
Never caught my attention. Glad I read book 1 first or I wouldn't try to read the rest of the series.
June 9, 2019
4.5 Stars
June 25, 2019
This is a great short story😊
November 8, 2019
Short but good
Too short is my only complaint. I am hoping to see more of the characters in the rest of the series.
Too short is my only complaint. I am hoping to see more of the characters in the rest of the series.
December 2, 2019
Review to come♥️🖤♥️❤️💜❣️💚💞
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews