Monday, March 18, 2024

Sandcastle Inn

 

Irene Hannon's Latest Book

Hope Harbor, a magical place where dreams and love live.

Vienna Price worked at a high end boutique hotel, until her position was eliminated. She decides to visit her mother in Hope Harbor to regroup before looking for another job.

Grieving widower Matt Quinn comes to Hope Harbor to help his sister who has bought a run down B&B while she travels out of town to help a friend recover from surgery. It doesn't take long when Matt realizes that Kay has bitten off more than she could chew. Matt isn't going to get the R&R that he needs to recover and heal from his losses. He soon acquires the help of Vienna to restructure the Sandcastle Inn and get it back operational. 

This story is built on the Hope Harbor series but is stand alone. Charley and his Taco stand are still in the midst of advising his customers. Paige and Andrew Thompson add a wonderful element in the rebuilding of the Inn. The lives of the four characters connect to learn valuable lessons about hope in the midst of tragedy.  As romance blossoms between Matt and Vienna, they learn to take leaps out of their comfort zones. 

This is a delightful clean read. Irene Hannon always writes a good story. Her stories are heartwarming, well crafted and charming. 

I  received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thursday, March 14, 2024

Boca Grande

Boca Grande used to be a beautiful seaside destination. A haven for the rich and famous. The DuPonts, Rockefellers, Audrey Hepburn and others had homes on this island retreat. But over the years it has changed. So much so that I hardly recognized it.  Where we used to take our bikes over the whole island, it is now nothing by condos and houses jammed together.

The original lighthouse. The Port Boca Grande Lighthouse was built in 1890. Restored in 1985.
The Gasparilla Island Light was installed and lit in 1932. 

The Boca Grande Pass is considered one the the world's best tarpon fishing spots. I can testify to that as I once caught a 125 lb tarpon. It was a feat that I won't easily forget. And the water is pristine blue.


Banyan Street, the only thing I recognized from years ago. Still as lovely and mystical as ever.

We tried to find the lot where the house was that my husbands Doctor friend owned. He would allow us to come and stay, with the use of his Mako boat. We think this was where it used to stand. Now demolished and newly built. 
The canal where the boat was moored. We would take the boat out and fish or run over to Useppa Island. 
Sad to say the magic of the island has disappeared. With so much construction it is no different than any other vacation destination in Florida. But it does hold sweet memories for hubby and myself. 

                                            Skywatch Friday   

                                            My Corner of the World


Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Happy St. Patrick's day

 I think everybody is a little bit Irish on St Patrick's day. It is a day when you eat Corned beef and celebrate all things Irish.

I love my Jadite dishes. I don't have many but I love the cool green color.


The salt and pepper and cake stand are not Jadite, but they match so perfectly. 




The silver service is from the 1940's. I received them as an inheritance. 



Thursday, March 7, 2024

My Corner of the World

 

                                            Skywatch Friday   

                                            My Corner of the World


( My genius IT son fixed the problem with Google comments. YAY!)

Thursday, February 29, 2024

Crossing the bay

 




                                            Skywatch Friday   

                                            My Corner of the World

(note - I am having difficulty commenting on blogs at this time. My apologies until I can figure out what has changed.)

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Two dozen Roses

My hubby gifted me with two dozen beautiful Red Roses for Valentine's day. I could not let the day pass without pairing them with his grandmothers china.








Wednesday, February 21, 2024

A Mother's Gift

 

When two of my favorite authors collaborate, it's always a good thing. Scheduled to be released in April.

Two sweet stories together in one book. A good read, especially as a gift for Mother's day. Lee Tobin McClain's "A Mother for His Child", single dad Blake Evans six year old daughter wants her babysitter Zoey to be her new Mommy. Difficult for Zoey, a waitress, to let go of her foster care past, to feel worthy of a professor. 

As a little girl plays matchmaker in The Mommy List by Kathryn Springer, is next door neighbor Megan ready to take the leap with Gage? 

I received a complimentary an e-copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own