Category Archives: Harbor Pointe

New Release and Book Review: The Room at the End by Harmony Kent #harborpointeseries #dystopian #ghosts @harmony_kent

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Hello, and Happy Tuesday! Today is release day for The Room at the End, the last book in the Harbor Pointe Series of novellas. As with all the books in the collection, this riveting tale can be read as a standalone. Take a look at the blurb, followed by my 5-Star Review.

Note: The author included a trigger warning within the blurb. Although I am sensitive to many potential trigger problems (and appreciate when authors include them), I had no issue with the content of this story.

The Harbor Pointe Inn has loomed on California’s cliffs for generations of Hawthornes. For some, it’s been a blessing. For others, a curse. Travel through two centuries of stories to discover the old inn’s secrets.

When guilt-ridden Mia checks in to a suicide hotel, but can’t go through with the final act, vengeful ghosts gather to torment her.

Set in the near future, the post-war world is in turmoil.

In an ironic twist of fate, the government suicide department, The Last Sanctuary, allocates a desperate and destitute Mia to the very hotel and family heirloom which she has so recently lost.

Mia Hawthorne suffers an emotional breakdown, following the death of her wife, and loses everything to a corrupt government.

On her first day at the Lighthouse Inn, beset with painful memories, doubts, and questions, Mia finds herself coming face to face with angry ghosts, who gather to goad and torment her.

Lost and alone, can Mia find enough strength and purpose to avoid her final, frightful fate?

Possible Trigger Warnings:

This novella contains many references to suicide and suicidal thoughts. It also references off-page bereavement and off-page female to female marriage.

Some references to violence are mentioned, but remain vague and mostly off-page.

No profanity is used.

If any of these are likely to trigger you, please use your discretion when purchasing/reading this book.

MY REVIEW:

Wow, where to start on this imaginative novella that crosses boundaries of dystopian, ghost fiction, and character study? In an austere, technology (AI) driven future, Mia checks into the Harbor Pointe Inn—a property she once owned and which her ancestors built. Her stay has been paid by The Last Sanctuary, a government entity that is funding her intent to commit suicide. After the suicide of her wife and her loss of the inn, Mia feels she has nothing left to live for.

Sounds kind of bleak, huh?

Surprise, surprise! What starts out as a mired-in-dread tale quickly changes into something brighter, like shafts of light splintering into a dark room. Ready to kill herself, Mia is halted by the unexpected arrival of a stray collie puppy. Unable to abandon the dog, she finds herself growing attached, but that connection is just one step on her journey to discovery.

Phantoms begin to appear, all of them chained to the inn or its accompanying lighthouse—some malevolent, others opening her eyes to her situation and unrealized truths of the past. I don’t want to say more for fear of spoilers, but I will say this story corkscrewed in ways I never anticipated. Even the secondary characters shimmered from the pages, each fully fleshed out and intricate to the plot.

Finally, the writing itself is pristine. The author dishes up the setting in such a way that I breathed in each vividly expressed and exquisite word. Often I had to stop and reread a passage just to soak in a deft turn of phrase or the lyrical quality of the writing. I love when an author can deliver grim and lyrical at the same time, and Kent outdid herself with this tale. The creativity, the characters, Ollie the collie, and the unexpected but fully satisfying ending all add up to gold stars all around!

Although I’ve closed comments on this post, I hope you’ll join me in celebrating with Harmony on her release day, then hopping over to Amazon to check out The Room at the End for yourself. You can also discover all the books in the Harbor Pointe Series, HERE.

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New Release and Book Review: A Death at the Inn by Joan Hall #harborpointeseries #murdermystery #suspense @joanhallwrites

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Hello, and Happy 2024! I hope you all had a fantastic New Year’s Day! I’m raising a virtual glass to a wonderful 2024 for all of us. 🥂 I’m embracing “the positive” that good things are ahead. In fact, I have news to share later this week. Something I’m very excited about. I hope you’ll stop back on Thursday to check out my post.

In the meantime, I’m happy to announce that today is release day for A Death at The Inn, book seven in the Harbor Pointe Series of novellas. As with all the books in the collection, this Clue-like tale can be read as a standalone. Take a look at the blurb, followed by my 5-Star Review.

The Harbor Pointe Inn has loomed on California’s cliffs for generations of Hawthornes. For some, it’s been a blessing. For others, a curse. Travel through two centuries of stories to discover the old inn’s secrets.

Suicide, accident, or murder?

After an argument with her fiancé, up-and-coming actress Leah Myers booked a room at the Harbor Pointe Inn. Near the end of her stay, someone found her body at the bottom of the nearby cliff. The police ruled her death a suicide.

Five years later, four people from Leah’s past visit the inn on the anniversary of her death. Her fiancé, her brother, her psychologist, and her close friend, Adele, who was a guest at Harbor Pointe the night Leah died.

Deputy Brad Sherman, assistant to the lead detective, has always believed something was amiss with the investigation. When he learns Leah’s former acquaintances are staying at the inn, he decides to look at the old case file.

The four guests soon learn each other’s identity and begin to discuss the events leading up to Leah’s demise. But someone doesn’t want them to know the truth. When Adele confesses she is haunted by the possibility she saw something important that fateful night, it puts her in grave danger.

Now it’s a race against time before she becomes the killer’s next victim.

MY REVIEW:

It’s been five years since actress Leah Myers committed suicide by jumping from the rugged cliffs surrounding the Harbor Pointe Inn and lighthouse. Now, those closest to her—her brother, ex-fiancé, best friend, and former psychologist—all gather on the anniversary of her death, intent on honoring her memory, each unaware the others have arrived with the same plans.

Her friend, Adele, had been a guest at the inn on the night of Leah’s death, and along with the others, is struggling to make sense of what happened that tumultuous night. The local sheriff has long been haunted by the case, something he investigated in a junior role when it occurred. As each guest becomes aware of the others—and their insight into Leah’s character and frame of mind that night—questions arise as to whether she really committed suicide or if it was something more sinister.

Right off the bat, I loved the diverse roster of characters, each introduced with scenes that made me feel like I was digging into the game of Clue. Seeing them come together, puzzling pieces of Leah’s past into a bigger picture, kept me flipping pages to find out what really happened the night Leah went walking along the cliffs. The mystery plays out in a satisfying manner, rife with unexpected detours, breadcrumbs, and danger. Hall juggles her characters with skill, their interactions flowing in a believable manner as complete strangers band together to discover the truth. An excellent mystery and an engaging read. Highly recommended!

Although I’ve closed comments on this post, I hope you’ll join me in celebrating with Joan on her release day, then hopping over to Amazon to check out A Death at The Inn for yourself. You can also discover all the books in the Harbor Pointe Series, HERE.

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New Release and Book Review: A Fathomless Affair by Staci Troilo #harborpointeseries #ghosts @stacitroilo

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Hello, and Happy Tuesday! Today is release day for A Fathomless Affair, book six in the Harbor Pointe Series of novellas. As with all the books in the collection, this engrossing tale can be read as a standalone. Take a look at the blurb, followed by my 5-Star Review.

The Harbor Pointe Inn has loomed on California’s cliffs for generations of Hawthornes. For some, it’s been a blessing. For others, a curse. Travel through two centuries of stories to discover the old inn’s secrets.

A narcissistic patriarch. A mystical legend. A fathomless affair.

Most people wouldn’t dread a weekend at the historic Harbor Pointe Inn. Lorelei Audley isn’t most people. The fresh sea air, breathtaking vistas, and gourmet meals can’t buoy her spirits. She’s there to coordinate her father’s latest wedding. The bride is a nightmare, yet somehow, the groom is worse. Lorelei steels herself to suffer through a few days of psychological abuse and abject misery.

She’s unprepared for a paranormal encounter, missing persons case, and police investigation.

Not to mention a budding romance.

A lot can happen in a short time, far more if the supernatural is involved. Lorelei has a small window in which to solve some very big problems—problems as numerous as the sands at the foot of the scenic Harbor Pointe cliffs.

MY REVIEW:

Harbor Pointe Inn becomes the site of a destination wedding in this engaging read. Lorelei Audley, daughter of the groom, is there because she has planned the reception for her father and his clingy, money-grubbing bride—who is young enough to be his daughter. Toss in the fact neither had met (engaging in internet dating) until he popped the question, and Lorelei is far from enamored of the union. Cue the same for this reader.

Despite Lorele’s misgivings, it falls to her to plan the perfect wedding reception for these two highly self-centered (the-world-revolves-around-us) individuals. To say Dad is difficult and self-absorbed is an understatement. I cringed during the bulk of their exchanges. I cringed even more over Prisana, the mercenary bride-to-be.

Fortunately, Lorelei meets Porter Barrett at the inn, an astronomer working on his doctorate. Porter has booked a room in hopes of spying a comet most in his field don’t believe exists. He’s also caught up in the history of a ghost ship and a mysterious woman who wanders the beach. I fell for Porter the moment he appeared on the scene, and became immersed in his nautical tale of an ancient curse. Give me a good ghost ship story and I’m all in, plus I loved the easy rapport of Lorelei and Porter.

Trolio does a fantastic job of tying the distant past to the present, along with a legend that held me spellbound. Family dynamics, the Mandela Effect, mystery, greed, and a smidgen of romance all find their way into this wonderful, well-constructed plot. Characters are well defined, and the folklore element is beautifully woven into the contemporary setting. The ending brought surprises I didn’t expect and left me appreciative of both the paranormal elements and character relationships. A highly enjoyable tale!

Although I’ve closed comments on this post, I hope you’ll join me in celebrating with Staci on her release day, then hopping over to Amazon to check out A Fathomless Affair for yourself. You can also discover all the books in the Harbor Pointe Series, HERE.

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New Release and Book Review: The Edge of Too Late by Jan Sikes #harborpointeseries #romanticsuspense @jansikes3

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Happy Tuesday! Today is release day for The Edge of Too Late, the fifth book in the Harbor Pointe Series of novellas. As with all the books in the collection, this enchanting tale can be read as a standalone. Take a look at the blurb, followed by my 5-Star Review.


The Harbor Pointe Inn has loomed on California’s cliffs for generations of Hawthornes. For some, it’s been a blessing. For others, a curse. Travel through two centuries of stories to discover the old inn’s secrets.

What’s the point of having it all when you have no one to share it with?

Brandon Miller has his dream job, financial security, and he’s madly in love. Only one thing is missing—a commitment.

Angela Cooper’s ex-husband left her with deep scars, souring her on the concept of marriage. She’s not interested in a do-over. Not with Brandon or anyone. Her heart is locked securely away behind a thick wall.

With a ring in his pocket and hope in his heart, Brandon arranges a romantic getaway to the historic Harbor Pointe Inn, where he plans to pop the question.

Before they reach the inn, Angela’s got her camera in hand and ghosts on her mind. But they arrive to find a much more tangible horror.

Accident or foul play?

Someone is up to no good, and Angela is the next target. When suspects can be worldly or otherworldly, danger and secrets lurk everywhere.

Poised at the perilous edge of too late, Angela and Brandon face the fight of their lives.

MY REVIEW:

If you’re a fan of romantic suspense, you’re sure to love The Edge of Too Late. Successful video game developer, Brandon, is convinced Angela is the woman for him, but she struggles from doubts brought on by a turbulent previous marriage. Hoping to sway her about their future, Brandon plans a romantic getaway to the Harbor Pointe Inn, where he intends to pop “the question.”

Once there, they find themselves arriving at the same time an ambulance has been summoned to care for one of the guests. This is just the start of weekend that runs a gamut from highs to lows—heady romantic moments, coupled with hints of tragedy and lurking ghosts from years past.

An amateur photographer who is sensitive to the spirit world, Angela hopes to capture a ghost on film, but it isn’t just the supernatural she needs to be concerned about—evidenced by a creepy drifter who frequents the beach and a staff member who makes her question his motives.

The pacing is spot on, balanced between Brandon and Angela’s relationship, hints of the paranormal, and the ominous presence of a physical threat. Both leads are people you instantly care about, and the supporting characters flesh their roles out nicely. The scenes unspool like a movie, drawing you deeper into the skulking danger while promising a satisfying resolution. I cheered to see everything come full circle with all threads tied up neatly. If you like your HEAs delivered through shadowy paths, one-click this read!

Although I’ve closed comments on this post, I hope you’ll join me in celebrating with Jan on her release day, then hopping over to Amazon to check out The Edge of Too Late for yourself. You can also discover all the books in the Harbor Pointe Series, HERE.

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New Release and Book Review: The Destination by D. L. Finn #harborpointseries #murderymystery #friendshop @dlfinnauthor

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Happy Halloween! If the wind is howling and ghosts and ghouls are roaming about, what better time to stay snug inside with a good book and a cup of cider? Today is release day for The Destination, the third book in the Harbor Pointe Series of novellas. As with all the books in the collection, this spooky tale can be read as a standalone. Take a look at the blurb, followed by my 5-Star Review:

The Harbor Pointe Inn has loomed on California’s cliffs for generations of Hawthornes. For some, it’s been a blessing. For others, a curse. Travel through two centuries of stories to discover the old inn’s secrets.

It’s 1967, and best friends Lacey and Sandy are enjoying a beach vacation, completely unaware of the danger that is lying in wait outside their door. Their room is quaint, with an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean and an old lighthouse, but a killer is stalking their next victim. Powerless, Annie the ghost watches, knowing there’s nothing she can do to help—not even her parents, the innkeepers. Who will survive their stay at the Harbor Pointe Inn, where the edge of evil lurks within the shadows?

MY REVIEW:

I can always count on D.L. Finn to deliver a heartwarming story, even when there are unexpected downturns hidden in the plot. In the case of The Destination, the author gives us an up-close look at the sisterly friendship between Lacey and Sandy. At first glance, the adventurous Lacey, and overly responsible Sandy, seem like a mismatched pair, but their friendship unfolds beautifully as the two embark on a journey that involves a stop at the Harbor Pointe Inn.

Here, other characters also come to the fore, namely innkeepers Mary and Jes from Harbor Pointe book 2. You needn’t have read that story to enjoy this tale of being true to yourself while carving your own path and cherishing love for others in your heart. There is both danger and a paranormal theme in this story that involves ghosts, murder, and family dynamics. The author kept me engrossed in the pages and eagerly flipping pages. The end left me with a warm fuzzy feeling and a belief that good always overcomes evil. Bravo!

Although I’ve closed comments on this post, I hope you’ll join me in celebrating with Denise on her release day, then hopping over to Amazon to check out The Destination for yourself. You can also discover all the books in the Harbor Pointe Series, HERE.

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New Release and Book Review: The Gift by Gwen M. Plano #harborpointeseries #family @gmplano

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Hello, and Happy Tuesday! Today is release day for The Gift, the second book in the Harbor Pointe Series of novellas. As with all the books in the collection, this enchanting tale can be read as a standalone. Take a look at the blurb, followed by my 5-Star Review.

The Harbor Pointe Inn has loomed on California’s cliffs for generations of Hawthornes. For some, it’s been a blessing. For others, a curse. Travel through two centuries of stories to discover the old inn’s secrets.

In an innocent 1958 American suburb, Shelly doesn’t know the power of a kiss. Or how it will change her entire life.

At sixteen years old, she falls in love with a young man. One night—just one night—they go too far. Months later, pregnant and shamed, Shelly’s parents banish her.

Alone and heavily pregnant, circumstances force Shelly to cross the country in an old pickup.

A mistaken turn leaves her lost in a forest amidst a severe snow storm and in labor.

In the dark of night. Shelly must get help for her new-born baby before they both perish. A light in the distance gives her the slimmest glimmer of hope.

After Shelly wraps the infant in her father’s old jacket, she trudges through the snow to a lighthouse keeper’s cottage. Snow half buries the squat stone building.

Will Shelly find shelter, or is it the beginning of the end?

MY REVIEW:

The Gift is a beautiful story about overcoming hardships through the power love. Set in fictional Harbor Pointe, the story takes place over a few days during the Christmas season in 1958.

Pregnant and barely seventeen, Shelly is sent away by her parents to live with an aunt. While driving there, she becomes caught in a snowstorm, and goes into labor on Christmas Eve. Her baby is born in the car, but she’s rescued by Jes, a lighthouse keeper, and his wife, Mary. An older couple, the pair lost their daughter, Annie, a few years after she was born.

If you’re looking for a heartwarming treat, this tale will leave you sniffling happy tears. I loved the scattered allusions to the Biblical Christmas story, but most of all I fell in love with the characters. From Jes and Mary, to Shelly and her boyfriend, Jonathan, to his cousin Howard, and his parents—each left a mark on my heart. I could easily see this tale unfolding into a beautiful Christmas movie. It delivers an uplifting message about the bonds of friendship and family. A gem!

Although I’ve closed comments on this post, I hope you’ll join me in celebrating with Gwen on her release day, then hopping over to Amazon to check out The Gift for yourself. You can also discover all the books in the Harbor Pointe Series, HERE.

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