Pelican Point

Irene Hannon Revell (APRIL) Softcover $15.99 (368pp) 978-0-8007-2880-9

Romance blooms in the shadow of a historic lighthouse in Irene Hannon’s latest novel, Pelican Point.

The lighthouse in Hope Harbor, Oregon, falls into the hands of ex–army doctor Ben Garrison as part of an inheritance from his grandfather. Though he has fond memories of visiting the lighthouse as a child, Ben has no interest in maintaining the property. But when he meets Marci Weber, the vivacious editor of the Hope Harbor Herald, he encounters resistance to his plan to sell the lighthouse to an anonymous buyer who will tear the landmark down. Soon, their relationship grows beyond business, and they are forced to navigate their traumatic past experiences, unite a town, and preserve a piece of history.

Hope Harbor is populated by a colorful cast of characters, including Charley, a talented painter and taco cook; Greg, an entrepreneurial wounded soldier; and Rachel, an aspiring journalist. Outside of the developing relationship between Marci and Ben, the novel focuses mainly on the rocky marriage of Rachel and Greg. Their quick, happy nuptials were marred when Greg lost his leg to an IED in the Middle East, and his ensuing depression is a continuous thread.

Hope is, as the town’s name suggests, the thematic anchor of the novel. In this small, peaceful town on Oregon’s coast, residents and newcomers alike find respite and healing for their world-weary souls. The beacon on Pelican Point pushes back the darkness that dogs the footsteps of Ben, Marci, Greg, and Rachel. A sprinkling of Christianity points to the ultimate source of this light, but the religious flavoring is never grating or preachy. Love, not conversion, is the driving force here.

Weathered lighthouse stones preside over the gentle mingling of the sacred with the secular. With its redemptive and romantic elements, Pelican Point is a fine addition to its genre.