Pelican Point (A Hope Harbor Novel Book #4)

By Irene Hannon

A crumbling lighthouse is not part of the inheritance Army doctor Ben Garrison expects to claim when he journeys to Hope Harbor. Fresh out of the service, he wants only to unload the tower of bricks, decompress from years of treating battlefield trauma, and prepare to launch his civilian career.

Hope Harbor Herald editor Marci Weber has other ideas. She may not be a Hope Harbor native, but the small Oregon seaside town has become home--and she's determined to save the Pelican Point landmark.

Sparks fly as the two go head to head over the fate of the lighthouse. But when they start to cooperate, a different kind of fire ignites. And as they work together, might Hope Harbor heal the hearts of these two romance-wary souls?

Bestselling author Irene Hannon invites readers back to their favorite town for a story that will light a beacon of hope within their hearts.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
• Release date: Apr 3, 2018
• ISBN: 9781493412600

Irene Hannon

Two-time RITA Award winner Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of 40+ romance and romantic suspense novels. She has also won a National Readers’ Choice Award, a Carol Award, a HOLT Medallion, a Daphne du Maurier Award and 2 Reviewers’ Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews. Booklist named one of her novels a “Top 10 Inspirational Fiction” title for 2011. Visit www.irenehannon.com.

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1

He’d inherited a lighthouse?

Ben Garrison stared at the dark-haired attorney, inhaled a lungful of the tangy, salt-laced air drifting in through the open window, and wiped a hand down his face.

No way.

Skip wouldn’t do that to him.

It must be jet lag playing tricks on him. After all the flights he’d taken through multiple time zones to reach the Oregon coast, he was definitely in zombie land. And frequent changes in air pressure could mess with a person’s ears, distort words.

At least he hoped that was the explanation.

Otherwise, this say-goodbye-and-take-a-few-weeks-to-decompress trip was going to turn into one gigantic headache.

Gripping his mug of coffee, he gave the view from the window a sweep. Usually the peaceful scene of bobbing boats in Hope Harbor’s protected marina had a calming effect.

Not today.

Bracing, he refocused on the man across from him. Tell me you didn’t say lighthouse.

Sorry. Eric Nash folded his hands on the round conference table and gave him a commiserating grimace. I wish I could.

Ben closed his eyes and stifled a groan.

I take it you weren’t aware of this . . . unique . . . asset in your grandfather’s estate.

No. Ben took a long slug of his coffee, willing the caffeine to kick in.

Nada.

Too bad this brew wasn’t as potent as the stuff they chugged in the forward operating base hospitals where he’d spent his days for the past seven years. He could have used a high-octane boost about now.

It’s the one on Pelican Point. The man motioned toward the north. You might remember it from your visits. Your grandfather said the two of you used to walk up there in the evening.

An image of the fifty-foot-high weather-beaten lighthouse dating back to 1872 flashed through his mind—and despite the ache beginning to pulse in his temples, the corners of his lips rose.

Yeah, he remembered those walks. They’d been a nightly ritual during the summer visits of his youth. Fair skies or foul, they’d trekked from Skip’s small house in town up the winding, rocky path to the lighthouse after dinner. The view was amazing, and the stories Skip had told about shipwrecks and danger and the steady beacon of light that guided frightened sailors home on stormy nights had stirred his youthful imagination.

But his grandfather hadn’t owned the place.

And in the almost two decades since his last summer-break stay at age sixteen, Ben couldn’t recall Skip ever mentioning it. Nor had the subject come up during any of his whirlwind visits through the years.

So what was going on?

I have clear memories of the lighthouse—but how did he end up owning it? Ben held tight to the ceramic mug, letting the warmth seep into his fingers.

After it was deactivated and decommissioned by the Coast Guard three years ago, the government offered it to Hope Harbor. But the cost of restoring and maintaining the property was too high and the town declined. In the end, it was put up for auction.

Ben knew where this was heading. Skip had loved that lighthouse—and all it symbolized. Light in the darkness. Guidance through turbulent waters. Salvation for the floundering. Hope for lost souls.

I’m assuming my grandfather offered the highest bid.

"He offered the only bid. It’s been his baby for the past two years. The price was reasonable—as lighthouses go—and from what I gathered, restoring it was a labor of love. However, it was also a money suck. I’m afraid there isn’t much of an estate left, other than his house and personal possessions."

I didn’t expect a lot, even without the lighthouse expenses. No one who spent his life mining the sea for Dungeness crabs got rich—except the big operators. And if the cost of restoring and maintaining the structure was too high for a town, it was surprising Skip had anything left at all.

Other than the lighthouse.

An albatross that now belonged to him.

The throbbing in his temples intensified, giving the pounding bass beat of a rock band serious competition.

What in tarnation was he supposed to do with the thing?

I’m afraid the lighthouse isn’t in the best shape, either—despite your grandfather’s efforts to restore it. After his knee issues began, he wasn’t able to do much physical labor, and contractors charge a lot for that kind of work. Some people in town lent a hand on occasion, but progress was slow.

Tucking away the bad news that the lighthouse might be crumbling, Ben homed in on the other piece of information the man had shared. What knee issues?

The attorney cocked his head. You didn’t know?

No. In his emails, he always said everything was fine. We didn’t often talk by phone, but whenever we did, he was upbeat.

Maybe he didn’t want you to worry, given the demands of your job.

Yeah. That sounded like Skip. His grandfather knew army surgeons working near the front lines had a high-stress, high-adrenaline, fast-paced lifestyle. They’d discussed it often. And Ned Garrison had never been the type to burden other people with his problems.

But Ben wasn’t other people.

He was family.

And he owed Skip. Big-time. Without those summer visits to look forward to after the acrimonious divorce that had rocked his childhood, who knew how he’d have ended up?

There was nothing he wouldn’t have done for the man who’d been his lifeline.

Ben took another sip of the cooling coffee, buying himself a few moments to rein in his wobbling emotions. Tell me about the knee issues.

Your grandfather wasn’t one to dwell on unpleasant subjects, but I understand he had bad arthritis and opted for a knee replacement not long after he acquired the lighthouse. An infection set in, requiring revision surgery. When that didn’t work, a third surgery was done to insert a metal rod—which left him with a permanent limp and hampered his physical activities. He couldn’t do much on the lighthouse anymore, so four months ago he decided to sell.

Who was his surgeon? Ben’s jaw tightened. If someone had botched this job, they were going to be held accountable.

And why hadn’t Skip taken advantage of his expertise? No, he hadn’t done many battlefield knee replacements—but he was an orthopedic surgeon, for crying out loud. He could have consulted on the case, vetted the specialist his grandfather had chosen.

Eric riffled through the papers in front of him and extracted a sheet. Jonathan Allen in Coos Bay. I don’t see a primary care doctor listed for your grandfather. He must have done what most of the locals do and simply visited the urgent care clinic in town for everyday medical needs. They may have recommended Dr. Allen.

Thanks. Ben jotted down the man’s name. Before he left Oregon, he intended to pay the doctor a visit and review his grandfather’s medical records.

But it wasn’t likely the knee procedure had anything to do with the massive heart attack that had felled him.

Swallowing past the lump in his throat, he shifted gears. If my grandfather put the lighthouse on the open market, I’m assuming the town still doesn’t want to buy it.

Correct. A few residents tried to stir up some interest, but the effort petered out. Even if the structure was in pristine condition, Oregon has an abundance of lighthouses already—many much more impressive than ours—so it’s not as if it would draw tourists who might contribute to the local economy.

Hard to argue with that logic—or fault the town for passing on the purchase.

So a private buyer is the answer.

If you can find one. The attorney didn’t sound any more confident than Ben felt. Your grandfather listed it with an agent, but I don’t believe there have been any inquiries.

Of course not.

That would be too easy.

I’ll go up and look it over after I arrange the memorial service for my grandfather. Is there anyone in town who might be able to do a structural assessment?

My wife’s an architect and runs a local construction firm. Eric rose, crossed to his desk, and extracted a business card from a drawer. She went out before your grandfather bought it to give him her thoughts. She won’t mind running up there again to reevaluate it. He returned to his seat at the table and handed over the card.

Thanks. Ben pocketed it. Is there anything else we need to discuss?

No. Your grandfather’s estate was in order. Transitioning the assets will be simple. You have the keys to his house and car, and the paperwork’s been signed. You’re set. Eric pushed an envelope across the table. This is the key to the lighthouse.

For a fraction of a second, Ben hesitated.

But there was no avoiding the truth.

He owned a lighthouse.

One that apparently no one wanted.

Including him.

Heaving a resigned sigh, he picked up the envelope and rose.

Eric stood, too, and extended his hand. My condolences again on your loss. Your grandfather was a wonderful man—and an asset to this town.

Thanks. He returned the attorney’s firm clasp.

If I can be of any other assistance while you’re here, don’t hesitate to let me know.

I appreciate that. But I don’t plan to stay long. Or he hadn’t, until he’d inherited a lighthouse. Thank you for delaying our meeting a few hours.

No problem. I know how hard it can be to maintain a schedule on travel days. With all the ground you’ve covered, you must be operating on fumes.

I am. Hard to believe he’d been in the Middle East thirty-six sleepless hours ago. I’m going to crash at my grandfather’s house for a while until I feel more human.

Sounds like a plan. The Myrtle Café is open if you want to grab an early dinner first. Or you could swing by Charley’s on the wharf. You might have gone there with your grandfather as a kid.

I did. Often. His mouth watered just thinking about the savory fish tacos the man concocted. A visit to Charley’s was on his Hope Harbor must-do list—but not until he got some z’s. He needed sleep more than food.

The attorney walked him to the door, and Ben exited into a steady drizzle typical of the Oregon coast in mid-April—or any month.

Tucking the paperwork the man had given him under his jacket, he hit the remote and jogged toward his rental car.

Fifteen seconds later, he put the key in the ignition. Tapped the wheel.

Should he drive up to Pelican Point and pay Skip’s folly a quick visit, or save that disagreeable task for later?

No contest.

Later.

He was fading fast—and the lighthouse wasn’t going anywhere.

Unfortunately.

After checking for traffic, he pulled onto Dockside Drive. Maybe, as with the prophets of old, a solution to his dilemma would come to him in a dream.

And if it didn’t?

He was going to be beating the bushes to find a buyer for his unexpected—and unwanted—legacy.

At the sudden peal of her doorbell, Marci Weber’s fingers tightened on the tube of toothpaste, sending a minty-striped squirt arcing toward the mirror over her bathroom sink.

Who could be on her front porch at this hour of the night? No one in Hope Harbor came calling after eight o’clock, let alone ten-fifteen.

Pulse accelerating, she dropped the tube onto the vanity, ignoring the sinuous line of goo draped over her faucet and coiled in her sink.

Rubbing her palms down her sleep shirt, she crept into the hall, sidled up to the window in her dark bedroom, and peered down into the night.

Drat.

The tiny arched roof over her small front porch hid the caller from her sight, despite the dusk-to-dawn lights flanking the front door.

And the notion of going downstairs to get a better view from one of the front windows goosed the speed of the blender in her stomach from stir to puree.

No surprise there, given her history.

The bell pealed again, jolting her into action. She scurried over to the nightstand, snatched her pepper gel out of the drawer, and yanked her cell from the charger. Finger poised to tap in 911, she tiptoed back to the window, heart banging against her ribs.

Breathe, Marci. This is Hope Harbor. Bad stuff rarely happens here. They caught that teenage vandal who was getting his jollies destroying other people’s property, and there haven’t been any serious incidents since. You’re overreacting.

True.

Nevertheless, she kept a tight grip on the phone while she waited for her visitor to vacate the porch and walk away.

But if he or she didn’t leave . . . if her uninvited caller did have malice in mind . . . she had a first-rate alarm system that was already armed for the night, the Hope Harbor police would be here in minutes, and a faceful of pepper gel would stop anyone in their tracks.

She’d be fine.

Still . . . why couldn’t Great-Aunt Edith have chosen to live in the middle of town rather than on the fringes? The Pelican Point cottage might be charming, but the old saying was true.

There was safety in numbers.

If no one answered the door, what was he supposed to do about the stuck cat?

Ben planted his fists on his hips and frowned. There were lights on upstairs. Someone must be home.

On the other hand, it was kind of late. Not by his standards, perhaps, but Hope Harbor tended to shut down by ten o’clock on weeknights, as far as he could recall. He might have caught the owner preparing for bed.

The very thing he should be doing instead of prowling around in the dark.

Except he was too wired and wide awake for sleep, thanks to the four hours he’d spent comatose in Skip’s guest room after meeting with the attorney. Much as he’d needed to rack out, he should have forced himself to wait until a normal bedtime. Now his body clock was more out of whack than ever.

The hike up the rocky path to the lighthouse, with only a peekaboo moon and flashlight to guide him, had dispelled some of his restless energy, but if he’d known a stuck cat was waiting for him on the winding Pelican Point road, he’d have returned to town on the more dangerous cliff path.

Giving up on the occupants of the Cape Cod–style cottage, Ben expelled an annoyed breath and stepped off the porch.

A plaintive meow greeted him as he circled around the house to the adjacent tree, and he aimed his flashlight at the amber-eyed feline.

If the cat didn’t have a bleeding paw, he’d walk away. It might be easier for kitties to climb up trees than descend, but hunger motivated most of them to return to solid ground on their own.

Unless they were hurt or scared.

And the cowering cat above him was both.

Ben eyed the limb-free lower trunk of the hardwood tree. No way could he climb that. Besides, an encroaching human might further freak out the cat.

He could rouse the volunteer fire department—but asking them to rescue a kitty at this hour wouldn’t endear him to the locals.

Stymied, Ben surveyed the yard. A weathered garden shed off to the side might hold some useful implement.

He strode over to the structure and tested the door. Open.

Aiming the flashlight inside, he poked his head in and swept the beam over the contents, taking a fast inventory. Six-foot ladder. Broom. Twine.

Those would work.

And if the occupants of the house didn’t like him borrowing their stuff? Tough. They’d surely heard the cat’s pitiful meows of distress. If they didn’t want to deal with the little critter, they should have called someone for assistance instead of letting a helpless creature suffer.

Mouth tightening, he stripped off his knit hoodie, wrapped it around the bristles of the broom, and secured it with the twine. Ladder hooked over his shoulder, he returned to the tree.

Hang in, kitty. We’ll get you down and fix that hurt paw. He used his most soothing tone as he set the ladder against the tree. The one he reserved for the hurting, frightened civilian children he’d treated, casualties of a vicious war that spared no one, who’d understood only his inflection, not his language.

After testing the ladder, he ascended to the second-highest rung, lifted the broom above his head, and nudged the cat with the fleece-covered bristles. The mouser wobbled, clutching the hoodie to stabilize itself.

Mirroring the rescue technique he’d seen a friend use, Ben eased the broom away from the tree. With its front claws locked into the fleece, the cat’s back claws lost their grip on the tree. As the distance between tree and broom widened, it scrabbled to snag the hoodie with all four claws.

The instant the writhing cat latched onto the broom, Ben slid the handle down through his fingers and gripped the kitty gently by the scruff of its neck. Dropping the broom, he supported the cat in the crook of his arm while descending the ladder one careful rung at a time.

Back on firm ground, he turned—only to be blinded by a piercing beam of light.

What the . . . He released the cat’s scruff and lifted his hand to shade his eyes.

Apparently the cat didn’t like the intense light any better than he did. With a banshee-like screech, it swiped a claw down his forearm, twisted free, leapt to the ground, and vanished into the darkness.

Keep your hands where I can see them while we have a little talk. I’m Officer Jim Gleason with the Hope Harbor Police Department.

The disembodied voice came from the blackness behind the light.

Squinting against the glare, Ben watched a rivulet of blood run down his arm from the claw gouge as the theme song from The Twilight Zone began to play in the recesses of his mind.

How could so much go so wrong so fast?

From the moment the call had come in with the bad news about Skip, he’d known this trip would be difficult—but that word didn’t begin to describe his first eight hours in Hope Harbor.

And if inheriting a lighthouse and being mauled by a cat weren’t bad enough, now he’d attracted the attention of the police.

This visit was beginning to border on surreal.

Even worse, it was going downhill fast.

His story checks out, Marci. We can cite him for trespassing if you want, but . . . Officer Gleason lifted one shoulder.

He didn’t have to finish the sentence for her to know what he was thinking.

But it would be pretty low to punish a man who’s come to town to bury his grandfather and who just got mauled trying to do a kind deed.

From the shadows inside the front door where she’d tucked herself, Marci peeked out at the tall, lean intruder.

He was standing ramrod straight at the edges of the light cast by the lanterns on either side of her front door, a shredded hoodie clutched in his hands. His dark hair was beginning to glisten from the heavy mist descending on Pelican Point, and while his features were dim, his pallor was impossible to miss.

The man’s face was as white—and tense—as her own had been when she’d glanced in the mirror after throwing on jeans and a sweatshirt while waiting for the police to arrive.

He did not look like a troublemaker.

He looked like someone who’d found himself caught in a nightmare.

So what’ll it be, Marci? The law officer flipped up the collar of his jacket as the mist intensified.

She hesitated. If the story the man had told Jim Gleason was true, he was more a cat rescuer than a cat burglar.

You’re certain he’s legit?

I ran his ID, and Eric verified that the two of them met this afternoon. He also has a fresh scratch. I only caught a quick glimpse of the cat before it zipped into the darkness, but I heard it screech. The evidence supports his story.

Yes, it did. Annabelle got stuck in the same tree every few days. She’d rescued the feline herself after several similar incidents until she’d realized Mrs. Schroeder’s pet was perfectly capable of getting down herself, despite her yowls for assistance.

But the stranger in her yard didn’t know that—and how could she punish a good Samaritan?

Okay. Let it go. Sorry to have bothered you.

No bother at all. That’s what we’re here for. He tipped his hat. I’ll let him know he’s off the hook.

The officer started to turn away, but Marci stopped him with a touch on his arm. Did he say why he was up here at this hour?

Yep. He’s fighting a serious case of jet lag and couldn’t sleep, so he went for a walk. He flew in today from the Middle East. Can you imagine how many time zones he must have crossed?

She did the math.

Middle East.

Grandfather’s funeral.

Compassion for an injured animal.

Gaze fixed on the man, who was keeping his distance, Marci leaned closer to Jim and lowered her voice. Is that Ned Garrison’s grandson?

None other.

Her stomach bottomed out.

She’d called the cops on the army surgeon Ned had loved to brag about. The one who’d won medals for heroism and spent years near the front lines patching America’s fighting men and women back together.

Major Ben Garrison deserved far better than the homecoming she’d given him.

I, uh, think I owe him an apology.

Jim gave the man a dubious once-over. You might want to wait on that. I think he’s had about all he can take today—and he’ll be soaked if he stands out here much longer. I’m going to run him back to Ned’s house.

Marci bit her lower lip. Jim was probably right about the timing—but if she didn’t try to make some initial amends she wouldn’t sleep a wink tonight.

I won’t delay him long. She edged past the police officer. Give me one minute.

The shadowy figure at the edge of the light stiffened as she approached, and her step faltered.

Just do it, Marci. Say you’re sorry and get it off your conscience.

Right.

She straightened her shoulders and picked up her pace, stopping a few feet from the man. I want to apologize for the hassle I caused you. I live alone, and I’m not used to callers at this hour. Officer Gleason explained what happened.

You’re not going to file a complaint?

No.

That’s one bright spot in this day, anyway.

Weariness—and a hint of sarcasm—scored his words.

Jim’s assessment had been correct. The man wasn’t in the mood for conversation.

Time to retreat.

Well . . . I’ll let you go before this mist becomes a full-fledged rain. She swiveled away.

In case you’re interested, the cat was hurt.

Stomach flip-flopping, Marci swung back.

Ben Garrison’s arms were crossed tight against his broad chest, and though the murky light made it difficult to read his expression, disapproval oozed from his pores.

What happened to her?

I have no idea. All I know is her paw was bleeding. Didn’t you hear her crying?

"I heard her meowing—but Annabelle gets stuck in that tree on a regular basis. She always manages to get herself down. How was I supposed to know she was injured?"

Would it have hurt to check?

I don’t wander around outside at night.

Or answer the door.

Not for strangers.

You could have called through a window, acknowledged I was there. I would have explained what I was doing and saved us both all this aggravation.

That was true.

In hindsight, her lapse in judgment was obvious.

But why did he have to be snippy about it? She’d apologized, hadn’t she? What more did he want? She couldn’t go back and restage the whole scene, for pity’s sake.

Look . . . I said I was sorry. That’s all I can do at this point.

Does the cat belong to you?

No. My neighbor. And I expect by now she’s receiving plenty of TLC for that hurt paw.

Do you plan to verify that?

What did he think she was, some callous animal hater?

Bristling, she glared at him. I intend to call her as soon as you leave.

Fine.

Sheesh.

This guy had attitude with a capital A.

Turning on her heel, she stomped back to the house, passing the police officer halfway.

He gave her an I-warned-you shrug and continued toward the cruiser parked at the end of her drive.

Fine.

Maybe it would have been wiser to hold her apology for a day or two.

But if she’d learned one thing over the past few years, it was to speak up and do what needed to be done instead of pussyfooting around until it was too late.

Putting off the hard stuff was a recipe for trouble.

However . . . not every situation required an immediate fix. Jumping into the fray too fast could cause problems too.

Tonight was proof of that.

Huffing out a breath, she climbed the two steps to her porch. Had she waited until Ned’s grandson logged some sleep and recovered from jet lag, he might have been more receptive to her apology—and less judgmental.

Too late to fix that now, though.

Behind her, car doors slammed and an engine rumbled to life. By the time she let herself into the house and peeked through the window, red taillights were disappearing down the road.

Thank goodness the unpleasant episode was over—or it would be, as soon as she talked to Mrs. Schroeder and confirmed Annabelle was safe.

Marci reset the dead bolt and secured the sliding lock on the front door, armed the security system again, and retreated upstairs.

What a night.

As for that story about Ned she’d planned to write for the Hope Harbor Herald, filled with quotes from his beloved grandson?

She had a feeling it was toast.

2

The church was packed.

From his front-row seat, Ben gave the standing-room-only crowd at Skip’s memorial service a quick sweep over his shoulder.

What a fabulous tribute to the man who’d been part of Hope Harbor for seventy-eight years. As the minister had said in his sermon, Ned Garrison had embodied the spirit of this town, with his upbeat attitude, giving heart, passion for life, and abiding hope.

Saying goodbye over the past three days as he’d wandered around his grandfather’s tidy bungalow, paging through photo albums and examining the well-worn books in the modest library, had been gut-wrenching.

Yet the hardest task lay ahead.

And it had nothing to do with the eulogy he was about to deliver, even though public speaking wasn’t high on his list of favorite activities.

As if on cue, Reverend Baker called him to the pulpit.

Taking a deep breath, Ben moved forward and stepped behind the microphone.

From up front, he had a much more expansive view of the congregation. Pressure built behind his eyes as he scanned the people who’d given up their Saturday morning to honor the man he’d loved. Most of them

Reviews for Pelican Point (A Hope Harbor Novel Book #4)

[hope3957 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I Really enjoyed this book. This was a fun tale fears and hardships for both marci and Ben . I enjoyed the story where it was Oregon.I will keep watching for Irene Hannon books..

[becky_l-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a neat book. Two couples, two romances. One romance that needs to start for the first time, and one that needs rekindling. A red-haired, frightened hot-head and a calm, military doctor who clash over a local landmark, that Ben actually refers to as “Skip’s Folly.” I liked getting to see inside the lives of Ben and Marci and Greg and Rachel. How they handle conflict ultimately will decide if their relationships will make it or be broken forever.The townspeople are great in their care for their own. My favorite person is Charley. the taco maker. He seems to be very smart and insightful into others’ needs, yet he is eccentric enough to talk to the seagulls. Maybe that is what makes him a non-threatening counselor of sorts.Twists I didn’t anticipate turned the course of the story. But isn’t that true of real life? This was the second romance I have read in this Hope Harbor series of Ms. Hannon’s, but I intend to rectify that. The town and the people are just too wonderful to leave before one must. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinions, which I am leaving voluntarily and for which I am solely responsible.

[jboyzmom · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Ms. Hannon has done it again! She has brought her long time fans (and I’m sure, some new fans!) another hit. Pelican Point brings us back to Hope Harbor, once again, and keeps us hanging on every page turn. I stayed up long into the night trying to finish this one and when I closed the last page…..well, let’s just say I didn’t want it to end.I loved the way Ms. Hannon created Ben and Marci. They were real-to-life and really jumped off the pages. Watching them come together, determining what should be done with Pelican Point, was not just interesting, it was fun. They butt heads on occasion, but then Hannon weaves in the power that God has and the head butting quickly turns to blossoming attraction making me wish that I was there beside them, cheering them on in real life.Ms. Hannon not only gives us a great performance with Ben and Marci in this story, she brings back some lovable characters from the first three novels and really rounds out the story. The messages of hope that she winds into the words of the story really pop to me. I loved every second of this story! For 2018, this has become one of my favorite novels and I can’t wait to read more 5 star worthy reads from her fantabulously, incredibly talented hands. Well done, Ms. Hannon! Well done!*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*

[jenniferrobb · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I've only recently discovered this author. I'm not sure where I heard about this book--I didn't realize until I came here on Goodreads that it was book 4 in the series. I was not lost by jumping into the series at this book, so that is a good thing.The beginning of the book felt very familiar to me. This could mean that I read a preview of the book at some point, or it could mean that there is another book out there that I've read where someone inherits a lighthouse--even though I don't remember a title.Hope Harbor seems like a nice little town. It's got it's small town problems (everyone knowing everyone else's business) but the residents do seem to care for each other for the most part.Loving each other in good and bad times and being committed to the one you love seem to be a common theme that weaves throughout the book.Interesting that both Marci and Ben would have a similar issue in their past dating lives. I thought the relationship between Rachel and Greg showcased some of the challenges that can occur in a marriage and ways to overcome them. Greg's emotions about being an amputee who now cannot get the job he's wanted for years seem realistic. Tough love is sometimes necessary. I'm glad it worked out in this case. I'm glad Marci was able to recognize his talent and redirect it to give him a new purpose. Charley seems like an interesting character and it seems he has a past that is only hinted at so far.The plot idea of the two main characters being attracted to each other but not wanting to get involved with each other is a bit overused in the genre. I wish the author could have made it more fresh rather than going with a tried and true plot point.

[cafinatedreads · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Ms. Hannon has done it again! She has brought her long time fans (and I?m sure, some new fans!) another hit. Pelican Point brings us back to Hope Harbor, once again, and keeps us hanging on every page turn. I stayed up long into the night trying to finish this one and when I closed the last page?..well, let?s just say I didn?t want it to end.I loved the way Ms. Hannon created Ben and Marci. They were real-to-life and really jumped off the pages. Watching them come together, determining what should be done with Pelican Point, was not just interesting, it was fun. They butt heads on occasion, but then Hannon weaves in the power that God has and the head butting quickly turns to blossoming attraction making me wish that I was there beside them, cheering them on in real life.Ms. Hannon not only gives us a great performance with Ben and Marci in this story, she brings back some lovable characters from the first three novels and really rounds out the story. The messages of hope that she winds into the words of the story really pop to me. I loved every second of this story! For 2018, this has become one of my favorite novels and I can?t wait to read more 5 star worthy reads from her fantabulously, incredibly talented hands. Well done, Ms. Hannon! Well done!*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*

[virginia51-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This series just gets better and better for me. I love the main characters and then when you add in Charlie and the seagulls it just makes me fall in love with the story. This one has a bit of intrigue and lots of romance. A great combination. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[jaymewill-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I love Irene Hannon, but I had not read any of her new series, Hope Harbor. This is the fourth book in the series and it is just fine as a stand alone. I didn't feel like I missed out on anything in the previous stories. But I will be going back and reading books 1-3. Pelican Point was a very good story and I enjoyed it very much. I felt the beginning was a bit slow, but it gained my attention quickly. The story centers around Marci Webber and Ben Garrison. Marci has not lived in Hope Harbor for very long, but she considers it her home. She lives a quiet life running the local paper and trying to forget the stalker from her past. Ben Garrison is an ex-army doctor on the cusp of a promising career. He is dismayed to discover that his recently departed grandfather has left him a dilapidated lighthouse. His only course of action is to sell the lighthouse as quick as possible and get on with his life. When Marci makes it her crusade to save the lighthouse from demolition, her and Ben have some disagreements. As a side plot, Marci's assistant Rachel, is having problems with her wounded soldier husband. Greg is wounded in body and spirit and it's tearing their marriage apart. I liked the sweet story of their reconciliation and mending of their hearts. Pelican Point is a good story filled with bad first impressions, romance, heartbreak and mystery. Irene Hannon is a very good writer. I recommend anyone to read Pelican Point!

[khiemstra631 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Irene Hannon continues her Hope Harbor series with this latest entry, Pelican Point. It features two couples as its main characters, Ben Garrison, a newcomer, and Marci Weber, the editor of the local newspaper. Married couple Greg and Rachel Clark also figure heavily in this novel. The town's prominent citizens such as Charley the taco vendor and the two pastors return to reprise their usual roles. The plot involves the uniting of Ben and Marci and the preservation of Greg and Rachel's marriage. If you like Debbie Macomber's books or if you read the earlier Hope Harbor books, then you will definitely enjoy this book. That said, this book works well as a stand-alone and no previous reading in the series is necessary for a reader to enjoy it. Irene Hannon is one of Christian fiction's hottest authors today. Don't miss her!

[phdinhorribleness · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I didn't realize this was part of a series when I requested it, but it works just fine as a standalone novel. I enjoyed it very much. The setting was lovely and the characters were well developed and interesting. I quickly found myself feeling very invested in their stories and really wanting to know what would happen next. The ending did not disappoint.

[cyncie · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Pelican Point by Irene Hannon is her fourth in the Hope Harbor series and my least favorite. It was not up to her usual standard of a very interesting read. I've read 15 of her books and usually rate them at least four stars, but I found this one to be just ho-hum. I liked the male main character, but could not get into the female character at all. I found her to be just annoying. This won't keep me from reading more from this author and I plan to buy the next addition to this series when it comes out in April of 2019. The description of that book sounds much more interesting than this one.

[bettysunflower · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Another wonderful visit to Hope Harbor and a visit with some of its wonderful residents. A great story line, active and exciting with a new love story. A great read. I am looking forward to many more visits to Hope Harbor.

[milibrarian · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Dr. Ben Garrison returns to Hope Harbor where he spent summers as a boy to settle his grandfather's estate. To his dismay he has inherited a lighthouse which is in disrepair. Here he also meets Marci, the editor of the local newspaper. Neither of them are interested in romance, but as they work together to save the lighthouse from a developer who intends to tear it down, love finds it's way into both of their hearts.This is a pleasant, although somewhat predicable read. The sub-plot involves stalking and adds interest to the story. It will be enjoyed by fans of Christian romance.

[gincam · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Author Irene Hannon's charming little coastal community of Hope Harbor, Oregon offers refuge for newcomers and a home-place haven for longtime residents. Historic, quaint, and close-knit, the little town has much to offer for those who learn where to look. "Pelican Point", Book Four in the "Hope Harbor" series finds a former army doctor at odds with the local news editor over the fate of a cherished landmark. When his beloved grandfather passes away, Ben Garrison returns to Hope Harbor for the funeral and to settle the estate. Not expecting to inherit the local lighthouse, Ben is also unprepared for the challenge by spirited and beautiful redhead Marci Weber to save the Pelican Point lighthouse from being sold. While not native to the community, Marci has settled in, made friends, and hopes to have found a safe place to escape her troubled past. Ben's plan is to handle his grandfather's affairs and to head to a big-city medical practice. As time passes, though, his nostalgia for the love shown by his grandfather and the undeniable beauty of the area has a powerful pull, and no little part of that tug is Ben's attraction to Marci. She had intended to avoid involvements, but Ben is unlike anyone she has ever met, and she cannot deny that she is quite drawn to the handsome doctor. Each of them has relationship issues, and they seem to be at cross-purposes over the fate of the lighthouse. However, Hope Harbor is aptly named, and with faith and care they just might find a way to keep Pelican Point shining for a bright and happy future. Book Copy Gratis Revell Books via Library Thing

[sonya.contreras · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Pelican Point took me to small-town atmosphere with caring neighbors. I appreciated the clean read, but the faith went only was far as going-to-church, although they all knew wisdom to share. Hints at God and faith were all that was really religious. (Although all the characters seemed to live a "good" life.) I appreciated the lack of touch prior to marriage. That was refreshing.The character development was skin-deep, repetitively reminding us of the guy's great looks, regardless of the ocean's breeze. (Became annoying after so many times.)Several of the other characters seemed to read thoughts, give insight without knowledge, and act too all knowing to be "true."The plot was simple, without surprises.For a quick break, it would suffice.

[nicnac63 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Pelican Point has an easy to sink into Hope Harbor setting, with two characters that hold compelling pasts. I enjoyed visiting the seaside community, and felt the sparks between Marci and Ben.I was instantly drawn into the story, seeing the world through Ben's eyes, and the memories he relived after hearing he'd inherited the old in Pelican Point lighthouse. The pacing is steady, and the story kept my interest through the satisfying end. Marci is intriguing as well, but I identified mostly with Ben.For a nice, clean read with a great setting and characters you root for--Pelican Point is a good choice.I received a complimentary copy from LibraryThing.

[coverloverbookreview · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Pelican Point has an easy to sink into Hope Harbor setting, with two characters that hold compelling pasts. I enjoyed visiting the seaside community, and felt the sparks between Marci and Ben.I was instantly drawn into the story, seeing the world through Ben's eyes, and the memories he relived after hearing he'd inherited the old in Pelican Point lighthouse. The pacing is steady, and the story kept my interest through the satisfying end. Marci is intriguing as well, but I identified mostly with Ben.For a nice, clean read with a great setting and characters you root for--Pelican Point is a good choice.I received a complimentary copy from LibraryThing.

[hes7 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It’s time for another Hope Harbor romance—Pelican Point does not disappoint! A heartwarming story of hope, second chances, and a lighthouse, it is sure to captivate contemporary readers.Ben Garrison arrives in Hope Harbor to handle his grandfather’s estate, which includes the crumbling Pelican Point lighthouse, before getting on with his post-Army life. However, local newspaper editor Marci Weber has too much spirit and adopted town pride to let the landmark go to just anyone. Of course, sparks fly as the pair determines what to do with the lighthouse—and their growing feelings for each other.Another romantic, entertaining addition to Irene Hannon’s series, I thoroughly enjoyed it.Thanks to Revell Reads, I received a copy of Pelican Point and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[maydacat_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Former army doctor Ben Garrison has inherited a lighthouse at Hope Harbor from his grandfather. Marci Weber, owner and editor of the very small neighborhood newspaper, may be a relative newcomer to Hope Harbor, but she loves the town and its people whole-heartedly. She also wants to save the lighthouse for its inhabitants. The problem? Ben wants to sell it, and begin his civilian practice in a large city. He has a buyer, and even though the town wants the lighthouse, they don’t know how they can afford to match his other offer, or maintain the lighthouse, if they were to buy it. These two seem at cross purposes, but the more they see each and talk, the closer they come to realizing they want the same thing. But each harbors secrets from the past that may jeopardize any future relationship that is developing between these two. Still, there it hope, as the name of the town implies. It’s quite an interesting and well written tale, with memorable characters.

[alekee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved being back in Hope Harbor and with Charlie and his Taco stand, and boy would I love to have some. This town is magic, and what starts out as an albatross ends up pulling lives together in this seaside town.This is such a refreshing and heartwarming book, and you can see God’s hand in their lives, and as you read you are quickly drawn in to care for these people.There is a scary element in the form a mentally ill woman, and we have to wonder how she is going to affect those that we now care about.With lives going in different directions can the cast of characters come together and unite and work towards their common cause, and in the end, will this action help heal some, and bring others together.Yes, I enjoyed this read, and it kept me reading and soon the final page was being turned, and I wanted more, and alas if next year there is another book coming!I received this book through Revel’s Blogger Program, and was not required to give a positive review.

[vintagebeckie · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I am a big fan of Irene Hannon’s novels, both her romantic suspense and her contemporary romance. It was a treat to return to Hope Harbor, Oregon for the fourth time in Pelican Point. The fictional coastal town has become like a vacation retreat for me. Its charming setting and endearing residents provide a respite from busy life. If you are a fan of the Hope Harbor Novel series, you are going to love this one.Two couples are featured in Pelican Point — young newlyweds Rachel and Greg, and relative newcomer Marci Weber and the just-passing-through Ben Garrison. Each story explores different issues, but are tied together through the town’s attempt to save the historic landmark, the Pelican Point Lighthouse. Along with these characters that quickly made their way into my heart, secondary characters from previous books make their appearance. The quirky taco-making, wisdom-dispensing, artist Charlie and the two seagulls that seem to show up in quite a few scenes add whimsy and a bit of mystery to the book. New romance and romance re-kindled are the focus, but there is some suspense to keep the pages turning. The over-arching theme of this novel is new starts. Both couples have to overcome past experiences and find their way to fresh beginnings. Greg and Rachel are struggling with the loss of dreams due to a devastating military incident, and Marci and Ben both have had troubling relationships in the near past. All four rely on God to bring them to a place of healing and trust.If you are new to Hope Harbor, you can certainly read this book as a standalone, but I suggest starting at the beginning. With four books to read, you have some great reading ahead before book 5 makes its appearance in Spring 2019.Recommended.Audience: adults.(Thanks to Revell for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

[lcjohnson1988_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Title: Pelican Point (A Hope Harbor Novel)Author: Irene HannonPages: 358Year: 2018Publisher: RevellMy rating is 5 out of 5 stars.The other titles in series are Hope Harbor: A Novel, followed by Sea Rose Lane, and Sandpiper Cove. The moment I started reading Hope Harbor, my heart was immediately engaged with the unique characters. Each one brings with them a well-crafted background and a heart that longs for love, freedom and faith.The players we meet at the beginning of the series continue throughout the story. Pelican Point isn’t the last of the Hope Harbor novels for which I am so glad! Irene Hannon has crafted plots that have a touch of mystery, suspense, romance, legacy, and so much more. In the Pelican Point book, we meet Ben Garrison who is the grandson of one of the Hope Harbor residents. He had visited his grandfather many times and even went out fishing with him, listening to the tales his grandfather wove while they were out on the water. Now Ben returns in what he plans as only a short stay, but with the returning comes a flood of memories Ben doesn’t count on. Plus, he meets the editor of the town paper named Marci and she is a spitfire of a gal! As the two interact in various scenes, one gets the feeling these two characters won’t get along ever! Is that really the case?The series isn’t sappy or simply romance; there is a tale in each book and characters with which any reader will be able to identify. Plus, these are stories that are fun to read, encouraging and instilling hope into the hearts of readers. So, please read them before the next one is published. You will be so glad you did!

[pdianeb · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

 Once again, Irene Hannon has written another lovely book about the fictional place I want to live someday, Hope Harbor. Pelican Point tells the story of Ben and Marci, how they meet, how they work through difficult circumstances, and learn to trust again. And then there’s the lighthouse…This is a light and easy-to-read romance, and it’s always fun to run into characters from previous books in the series. However, you don’t need to have read them to feel right at home here. You can read them in any order. I look forward to reading Irene Hannon's books and can't wait for the next one.Disclosure: I received a free book from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.

[pamelabarrett · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

When newly retired military doctor Ben Garrison learns that his grandfather has left him a decaying lighthouse at Hope Harbor, Oregon all he wants to do is get rid of this white elephant on Pelican Point. With a new job waiting for him in another state, he quickly starts packing up his grandfather’s house and sets about to sell the lighthouse; but as he does, happy memories of spending summers staying in Hope Harbor with his grandfather surface. There is another person who has found their way to Hope Harbor and she wants to save the lighthouse at Pelican Point. Journalist and local newspaper owner Marci Weber, a feisty red head, is passionate about her adopted town. Unfortunately the night Ben and Marci meet fireworks go off between them, and not in the romantic sense. If Marci wants to repair the lighthouse she needs to repair that initial meeting with Ben and then get the town to see the importance of investing in saving Pelican Point’s landmark.I love the location on Oregon’s coast. This novel about trust and forgiveness is #4 of the series, but it’s the first one I’ve read and can be enjoyed alone. The characters are interesting, and there are more than a few side stories that add to the drama.

[tealadytoo · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

In this charming contemporary romance by Irene Hannon, we meet Ben, a newly retired Army doctor and Marci, a small-town newspaper editor in Hope Harbor. He’s inherited an historic but crumbling lighthouse that he doesn’t know what to do with, and she is on a crusade to preserve the light.Sparks fly, and a romance looks promising, but both have legacies from past relationships that may put serious obstacles in their paths.This book makes an excellent light read for those times when you are in the mood for something cute, sentimental and with a happily-ever-after resolution. There’s not a lot of realism here, with all the quick resolutions to life’s problems, the almost-mystical taco chef dispensing sage wisdom to all and sundry, and the observing Greek chorus in the form of a mated pair of seagulls. But there is charm and good feeling in abundance.I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.