Sea Rose Lane

Hannon (Thin Ice) returns to Hope Harbor, Ore., with an introduction to two new characters. Eric Nash grew up in Hope Harbor but followed dreams of a fast-track law partnership to Portland. Unexpected downsizing forces Eric to return to his hometown to regroup. BJ Stevens is an architect who has left her own big-city dreams behind. She and her odd-lot crew are hired by Eric's father to turn Eric's childhood home into a bed-and-breakfast. Sparks fly immediately, but Eric's desire to join a large firm and BJ's contentment with the slower pace of Hope Harbor put their romance in a holding pattern. There are moments of prayer and church attendance, but Hannon integrates the faith element into character development rather than into the story line. Fans of Hope Harbor will recognize a few familiar faces, including Charlie, the coastal Oregon town's resident sage, fish taco maker, and artist, but this is a stand-alone story that welcomes first-time visitors as well. This quaint romance explores how aspirations and dreams may change, or still be fulfilled, when life takes a different course than initially expected. (June)