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Washington Island Romance #1
Finding Love in Friday Harbor, Washington
Will keeping his promise lead to another broken heart—or help them find love again?
Professor Mikaela Rhoades has a plan: she’ll encourage her students’ marine biology research through an exclusive program while helping an old family friend’s whale touring business stay afloat. The challenge is the tour captain is her first love and ex-fiancé. Mikaela longs to help his family in the wake of his father’s death, but she’s keeping secrets. She’ll have to face her past and overcome her concerns about the future to make it through the summer.
Captain Hunter Cahill has taken over the family touring business after his father’s death. Unfortunately, he’s drowning in grief and accumulated debt. He’s hoping the incoming stodgy professor will help resurrect the failing business, but he’s not prepared when that professor turns out to be Mikaela, his former fiancée. To make matters more difficult, he’d promised his father to pursue her if she ever returned to the island single. The more time they spend together, the easier it is to keep that promise, though she still plans to leave at the end of the season. How much will it cost him to spend the summer romancing Mikaela?
Professor Mikaela Rhoades has a plan: she’ll encourage her students’ marine biology research through an exclusive program while helping an old family friend’s whale touring business stay afloat. The challenge is the tour captain is her first love and ex-fiancé. Mikaela longs to help his family in the wake of his father’s death, but she’s keeping secrets. She’ll have to face her past and overcome her concerns about the future to make it through the summer.
Captain Hunter Cahill has taken over the family touring business after his father’s death. Unfortunately, he’s drowning in grief and accumulated debt. He’s hoping the incoming stodgy professor will help resurrect the failing business, but he’s not prepared when that professor turns out to be Mikaela, his former fiancée. To make matters more difficult, he’d promised his father to pursue her if she ever returned to the island single. The more time they spend together, the easier it is to keep that promise, though she still plans to leave at the end of the season. How much will it cost him to spend the summer romancing Mikaela?
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2017
341 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
Annette M. Irby
15 books8 followersAward-winning author Annette M. Irby loves reading, and she has enjoyed writing since her teen years. If she's not writing, she's reading for review, or editing. She is a freelance editor at AMI Editing. Her book, Finding Love on Bainbridge Island, Washington, won the Selah Award, and her book Finding Love on Whidbey Island, Washington, finaled in the Cascade Award contest. Married over thirty years, she and her husband enjoy spending time with their family at the beach. Learn more at her website: www.AnnetteMIrby.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 4, 2017
This was one of the sweetest romances I've read in a LONG time! The characters were so endearing and I was rooting for them from Chapter 1! The setting, a quaint town by the beach, was lovely and I was completely drawn in by the engaging dialogue and dazzling descriptions. Even the side characters were well-rounded and memorable. I'm eagerly awaiting the release of Book 2!
August 30, 2017
It’s been twelve years since Mikaela Rhoades has seen her former fiancé, Hunter Cahill. But now a professor of marine biology in Seattle, she returns to Friday Harbor, Washington, with her students to help save his family’s touring business. But she must also accomplish it without Hunter suspecting she knows how desperate he and his mother have become to financially survive since his father’s death.
Hunter still loves Miki, but she hurt him deeply when she left to pursue higher education and a career. Forced to work with her if he wants to protect his father’s legacy, he initially guards his heart, knowing that when summer is over, Mikaela will leave again.
I can’t rave enough about the setting for this story. As a Washingtonian, I appreciated the author’s ability to describe so beautifully the scenery and wildlife of the Pacific Northwest. Sea lions, seals, ospreys, sea otters porpoise, orcas, octopus, and gray whales are a part of our lives—and they’re a part of Miki’s and Hunter’s too. They have a mutual love and respect for these creatures.
Two people who are loyal to the core, despite heartaches. Two people who have felt letdown by the other—and by God. Two stubborn people who love each other but are afraid to admit it. However, their families see through Hunter’s and Miki’s pain and disappointments. Hunter’s mother believes they need to be together, and she has faith they’ll find a way to solve her business problems. And Miki’s grandmother is a sweet soul, full of spiritual wisdom and understanding. Readers will want to have their own Granny Belle. I certainly do!
Finding Love in Friday Harbor is an endearing romance, but it’s also a story about learning to trust that God sees the final picture. He has a plan on how to put the pieces of the puzzle together—sometimes in ways we can’t even imagine.
Hunter still loves Miki, but she hurt him deeply when she left to pursue higher education and a career. Forced to work with her if he wants to protect his father’s legacy, he initially guards his heart, knowing that when summer is over, Mikaela will leave again.
I can’t rave enough about the setting for this story. As a Washingtonian, I appreciated the author’s ability to describe so beautifully the scenery and wildlife of the Pacific Northwest. Sea lions, seals, ospreys, sea otters porpoise, orcas, octopus, and gray whales are a part of our lives—and they’re a part of Miki’s and Hunter’s too. They have a mutual love and respect for these creatures.
Two people who are loyal to the core, despite heartaches. Two people who have felt letdown by the other—and by God. Two stubborn people who love each other but are afraid to admit it. However, their families see through Hunter’s and Miki’s pain and disappointments. Hunter’s mother believes they need to be together, and she has faith they’ll find a way to solve her business problems. And Miki’s grandmother is a sweet soul, full of spiritual wisdom and understanding. Readers will want to have their own Granny Belle. I certainly do!
Finding Love in Friday Harbor is an endearing romance, but it’s also a story about learning to trust that God sees the final picture. He has a plan on how to put the pieces of the puzzle together—sometimes in ways we can’t even imagine.
February 6, 2018
Until I received this book, I was not familiar with Friday Harbor, Washington, nor with Annette Irby. I love reading about places I have never visited and locating them on a map to see if there are any special attractions there. Although the author used some artistic license, the island and the harbor really exist. The whale-watching tours sounded so appealing that I am trying to figure out when we can make a trip out there. Part of the joy of reading is learning about new places and, in the case of this story, learning about new sea animals with which I am unfamiliar. Now before you get the wrong idea, the story is not a documentary or travelogue but a Christian romance set in a real place and involving some amazing creatures that would be so enjoyable to watch and study. As I see it, the main characters, Mikaela and Hunter, might just be another boring couple if not for the setting and the back story. They have a lot of history and a lot of mistakes that would be difficult for any couple to overcome. Without her past friendship with Hunter and the closeness of their families in days long gone, Mikaela probably would not have returned to Friday Harbor to pilot her new project there before moving on to Hawaii. Truth be told, it seems both she and Hunter were running from God in their own separate worlds. God has given all of us freewill. The question is whether we want to continue exercising that freewill or do we want His best for us. As Mikaela and Hunter learn, we must choose His way if we want His best. We also have to learn to forgive others. Too often we think we have forgiven someone only to learn that we simply are fooling no one but ourselves. I will be looking for more of Annette Irby’s books. I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
September 1, 2017
Professor Mikaela Rhoades puts a plan in place to save her ex-boyfriend’s charter company. But he doesn’t know it’s her doing it. When he finds out, he’s less than enthused. She left him all those 12 years ago. Why is she back now?
Hunter Cahill has never gotten over Miki leaving him to pursue her education. He wasn’t leaving and she wanted to broaden her horizons, all the way to Hawaii. His dad made him promise he’d give her another chance if she came back. Well, now here she was. Could he keep his promise to his dad?
The theme of trusting God runs through this book. Hunter has stopped praying, since his dad’s death and Miki leaving. This quote from the story says it all: “But he couldn’t ‘turn to God’ right now. Wouldn’t-didn’t-couldn’t-trust Him.”
I was so excited to see Annette Irby had another book out. And it’s the beginning of a series. It was interesting to read about a marine biologist putting a program into place to save a charter boat company. This story was fun to read, I loved the characters, and got to see some fascinating sea creatures, like harbor porpoise. Miki and Hunter’s path to trust in each other and in God kept me reading the story. Can’t wait to read more stories in this series.
I received a free copy in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
Hunter Cahill has never gotten over Miki leaving him to pursue her education. He wasn’t leaving and she wanted to broaden her horizons, all the way to Hawaii. His dad made him promise he’d give her another chance if she came back. Well, now here she was. Could he keep his promise to his dad?
The theme of trusting God runs through this book. Hunter has stopped praying, since his dad’s death and Miki leaving. This quote from the story says it all: “But he couldn’t ‘turn to God’ right now. Wouldn’t-didn’t-couldn’t-trust Him.”
I was so excited to see Annette Irby had another book out. And it’s the beginning of a series. It was interesting to read about a marine biologist putting a program into place to save a charter boat company. This story was fun to read, I loved the characters, and got to see some fascinating sea creatures, like harbor porpoise. Miki and Hunter’s path to trust in each other and in God kept me reading the story. Can’t wait to read more stories in this series.
I received a free copy in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
September 1, 2017
Dr. Mikaela Rhoades and Captain Hunter Cahill try to forget the relationship they had as teens since the success of her graduate student program and his charter business is on the line. Their personal feeling can't get in the way, not even if everybody is playing matchmaker. But something in their past is keeping them apart and Miki is carrying a secret she can never share.
I love that Irby has created a romance, not only between Miki and Hunter, but also one between the main characters and God. There's a push-pull or why not-why that kept me wondering if the relationships would ever be reconciled. Hunter's mom and Miki's grandmother provides the ground for the electricity between the main characters and extra spiciness, added by Pierce, Dr. Smythe and the whole Jace-Desiree romance, kept me guessing.
I love Irby's descriptions of being on the water, the sights and sounds of Friday Harbor. I also loved the twists and turns of the relationship between Miki and Hunter and how they were reminded again and again of God's love.
If you're looking for a lovely romance set in the Pacific Northwest, you enjoy, Finding Love in Friday Harbor, Washington.
I love that Irby has created a romance, not only between Miki and Hunter, but also one between the main characters and God. There's a push-pull or why not-why that kept me wondering if the relationships would ever be reconciled. Hunter's mom and Miki's grandmother provides the ground for the electricity between the main characters and extra spiciness, added by Pierce, Dr. Smythe and the whole Jace-Desiree romance, kept me guessing.
I love Irby's descriptions of being on the water, the sights and sounds of Friday Harbor. I also loved the twists and turns of the relationship between Miki and Hunter and how they were reminded again and again of God's love.
If you're looking for a lovely romance set in the Pacific Northwest, you enjoy, Finding Love in Friday Harbor, Washington.
September 2, 2017
This is a sweet romance between two people whose differing ambitions for their futures led to disappointment, a broken relationship, and years of estrangement. Due to the hurts he’s experienced, Hunter starts off a little gruff, a little harsh with Miki. But I sympathized with him and couldn’t help but root for them to realize they belong together. I liked the twist involving a situation Mikaela has kept hidden that has the potential to ruin any chance of reconciliation with Hunter. Ms. Irby drew me in with her setting, showing me the beauty of the area, the laid-back lifestyle of a harbor town, and the adventure of whale watching.
From a spiritual standpoint, Hunter suffers from a cold relationship with the Lord, while Mikaela has a hard time laying her problems and requests at His feet. Both need to learn to trust—God and each other.
If you’re looking for an emotionally satisfying, Hallmark movie type of romantic escape you’ll find it Finding Love in Friday, Washington. 4.5 Stars For a Second-Chance Romance!
I received an advance copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
From a spiritual standpoint, Hunter suffers from a cold relationship with the Lord, while Mikaela has a hard time laying her problems and requests at His feet. Both need to learn to trust—God and each other.
If you’re looking for an emotionally satisfying, Hallmark movie type of romantic escape you’ll find it Finding Love in Friday, Washington. 4.5 Stars For a Second-Chance Romance!
I received an advance copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
February 16, 2019
The cold Salish Sea, on whale sighting tours, is the setting for Finding Love in Friday Harbor, Washington. Annette Irby's first book in the Washington Island romance series, introduces us to the main characters of Mikaela Rhoades and Hunter Cahill. Twelve years ago, Miki and Hunt were engaged, but the strain of Miki leaving for college while Hunter stayed on the Island drove them apart. Can Miki and Hunter grow past their distrust of each other, God, and their hurts from the past to renew their relationship?
At first, I had difficulty understanding what was truly keeping Miki and Hunter apart. Annette Irby makes a very good case for the fact that we cannot connect well to others if we cannot or will not connect to God. Trust in others as well as God plays a big part in relationships, as well. Wheels spin in so many ways in this story as Miki and Hunter consider trusting.
Some characters you just want to hug or squeeze and spend time around:Granny Belle, with her uncanny wisdom, Hunter's sweet mom, and little Jaxon.
Two quotes I especially liked:
"Denial was the ferry from the ache of reality to the island of functionality."
"Your worth isn't connected to anything you can or cannot do, nor does something you've done reduce your value."
I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from the author. This in no way affected my opinions of the book, for which I am solely responsible.
At first, I had difficulty understanding what was truly keeping Miki and Hunter apart. Annette Irby makes a very good case for the fact that we cannot connect well to others if we cannot or will not connect to God. Trust in others as well as God plays a big part in relationships, as well. Wheels spin in so many ways in this story as Miki and Hunter consider trusting.
Some characters you just want to hug or squeeze and spend time around:Granny Belle, with her uncanny wisdom, Hunter's sweet mom, and little Jaxon.
Two quotes I especially liked:
"Denial was the ferry from the ache of reality to the island of functionality."
"Your worth isn't connected to anything you can or cannot do, nor does something you've done reduce your value."
I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from the author. This in no way affected my opinions of the book, for which I am solely responsible.
March 15, 2019
Angsty but good
Even though I'm a devout Christian, I don't generally read Christian romance as too often they feel stilted or preachy or just flat out contrived - but this is actually a well done one. The God-related parts of the story develop fairly realistically. And the happily-ever-after is believable enough. Sure God doesn't always will the outcomes that we're hoping for, but sometimes He does and those make stories we enjoy hearing.
As for the story itself, it leans melodramatic and angsty, which made it feel a little redundant or laggy in places, but it was still very engaging and kept me reading. I enjoyed the ending, including the lead in to the next book - I liked Shea & am looking forward to her story now.
Clean romance level: sweet kisses
Even though I'm a devout Christian, I don't generally read Christian romance as too often they feel stilted or preachy or just flat out contrived - but this is actually a well done one. The God-related parts of the story develop fairly realistically. And the happily-ever-after is believable enough. Sure God doesn't always will the outcomes that we're hoping for, but sometimes He does and those make stories we enjoy hearing.
As for the story itself, it leans melodramatic and angsty, which made it feel a little redundant or laggy in places, but it was still very engaging and kept me reading. I enjoyed the ending, including the lead in to the next book - I liked Shea & am looking forward to her story now.
Clean romance level: sweet kisses
August 23, 2023
Dr. Mikaela Rhodes grew up spending her summers and holidays in Friday Harbor, San Juan Islands. Her best friend and eventual fiance, Captain Hunter Cahill was raised in Friday Harbor where his family ran a boat charter business. When she left to attend college in Seattle, they split. Now 10+ years later, Mikaela is back to run a marine biology program on the Cahill boats. It's an effort to help save the Cahill business after Hunter's father died. The two are continually thrown together and eventually manage to sort through all of the secrets and emotions of the intervening years to get their HEA.
Read while in the San Juan Islands, so fun to "see" where she was talking about. Clean.
Read while in the San Juan Islands, so fun to "see" where she was talking about. Clean.
July 8, 2019
I read this book in the collection "I Choose You." The setting was interesting as Mikaela returns to Friday Harbor to work with her former fiancee in his families whale watching business. Hunter and Mikaela aren't strong or mature Christians in the beginning but they do grow to trust God more and listen to him by the end. I like how Irby deals with the romantic sections. Instead of lots of hugging and kissing, she can make a scene romantic by stretching the action and letting the reader get inside the thoughts of the characters. I enjoyed this book.
August 3, 2017
The opening of Annette Irby’s Finding Love in Friday Harbor drew me right into the story. Her captivating story and excellent description kept me reading more quickly than I had planned! Time and time again, I wondered how the characters were going to get out of a predicament. The characters’ growth was well portrayed and I wasn’t sure how the story would end until I got there. When the next book in the series comes out, I’d certainly consider reading it.
May 3, 2018
Mikaela, a decade has past, now to face the fear, and not freeze up,having the summer here. A funding project, and students paying to come for the summer. A project to help her ex fiancé business, the father has passed, and there are debts. A twist to the plot and is there a chance for a love again. When he had promised his father he would pursue her, if she came back to the island. A good read, of second changes, Healing the hurts of a decade. Readers will enjoy, a good flowing plot.
July 9, 2019
While I love second chance stories I found this story moved slowly and was a bit choppy at times which made it hard to follow. I struggled to connect with the main characters but I can't really describe what it was about them exactly that bothered me. I did enjoy the setting and would love to see the marine life up close the way it was described. I loved Granny, while scheming a matchmaking plan she also had their interests at heart and was full of wisdom
February 12, 2019
This is my first book I've read by this author and it was a heartwarming and delightful read for me. The descriptions, wonderful characters and issues drew me into the storyline. I definitely recommend reading this novel by Author Annette Irby. I will be reading more of her fantastic writing.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. This review is one hundred percent my opinion.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. This review is one hundred percent my opinion.
May 8, 2019
Great Christian romance
This is a book of coming home both spiritually and physically. Coming to terms with loss can be hard. It was fun to learn more about the PNW and the touring industry in the water. Made me remember when we went on a dolphin cruise. Fall in love with the PNW waters as Miki and Hunter fall in love again. True Christian message
This is a book of coming home both spiritually and physically. Coming to terms with loss can be hard. It was fun to learn more about the PNW and the touring industry in the water. Made me remember when we went on a dolphin cruise. Fall in love with the PNW waters as Miki and Hunter fall in love again. True Christian message
May 4, 2018
A Beautiful Romance
This is a beautiful romance about second chances and letting God take control.
I loved the storyline,the setting and the wonderful characters.
This book is a good read for Christian romance lovers.
This is a beautiful romance about second chances and letting God take control.
I loved the storyline,the setting and the wonderful characters.
This book is a good read for Christian romance lovers.
May 16, 2018
Finding Love in Friday Harbor was a great book!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Finding Love in Friday Harbor. It is a book that shows running away from your problems does not solve than. Add romance to the picture and you have a great read!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Finding Love in Friday Harbor. It is a book that shows running away from your problems does not solve than. Add romance to the picture and you have a great read!
March 6, 2019
Fantastic
This was a really good book.It made you feel like it was happening to you. Could not put down. The characters were great. It kept you guessing what was going to happen next.
This was a really good book.It made you feel like it was happening to you. Could not put down. The characters were great. It kept you guessing what was going to happen next.
August 29, 2023
Wonderful novel!
Just finished reading this delightful novel. Annette M. Irby did a great job of weaving the two main characters into very real situations. Very good!! Jeanette Stracner.
Just finished reading this delightful novel. Annette M. Irby did a great job of weaving the two main characters into very real situations. Very good!! Jeanette Stracner.
February 19, 2024
This is a great story. I loved the characters of Hunter and Mikaela, who have to work to get past misunderstandings and hurt feelings. I love watching as they learn to depend on God to lead them instead of plowing ahead on their own. I really enjoyed reading this book.
November 17, 2024
Good story
A story of 2 you people finding their way.
She's a professor with a dream to rescue marine animals some day. Her summer project is to guide selected students through a summer program learning about sea mammals.
The story is set in the San Juan Islands.
A story of 2 you people finding their way.
She's a professor with a dream to rescue marine animals some day. Her summer project is to guide selected students through a summer program learning about sea mammals.
The story is set in the San Juan Islands.
October 3, 2017
Sweet love story. I look forward to reading more stories by this author.
May 14, 2018
Choppy
Couldn't finish. Just when it was getting interesting, it would go back in time. Probably won't read this author again.
Sorry, I hate giving bad reviews
Couldn't finish. Just when it was getting interesting, it would go back in time. Probably won't read this author again.
Sorry, I hate giving bad reviews
June 13, 2018
Cute but not super memorable.
November 15, 2018
It was ok but with several pages blank in my kindle copy just couldn't get into it!
April 24, 2019
A truly lovely sweet romance about a second chance at love
A good story line with vibrant characters
A good story line with vibrant characters
August 28, 2023
Finding Love in Friday Harbor
A really enjoyable story with a great inspirational message. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
A really enjoyable story with a great inspirational message. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
September 8, 2023
great book
I loved this book. It touched my heart I want to read more of series. Looking forward to reading all of them.
I loved this book. It touched my heart I want to read more of series. Looking forward to reading all of them.
April 1, 2024
Super fun read!
This book kept me excited to open it back up each day. It also makes you think about how God cares deeply for us, no matter where our hearts are.
This book kept me excited to open it back up each day. It also makes you think about how God cares deeply for us, no matter where our hearts are.
May 29, 2024
great
I really enjoyed this island romance about Hunter and Mikaela falling in love as they work together on a marine project.
I really enjoyed this island romance about Hunter and Mikaela falling in love as they work together on a marine project.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews