Review: Sail Away with Me (Blue Moon Harbor #3) by Susan Fox

Bookseller Iris Yakimura grew up on Destiny Island and it’s the only place where her painful shyness doesn’t cripple her. An avid romance reader, she believes that one day the right man will come along—one who loves her just the way she is. She never imagines that man will arrive in time for the holidays, like a gift. Or that he’ll be a celebrity musician with a bad boy vibe—and a warm 
heart . . .

Julian Blake spent most of his teens on Destiny Island, before fleeing a mentor turned abuser. Music saved him. He has avoided the island, but now his injured father needs him. Plagued by unsettling memories, Julian’s solace comes from surprising places—and from smart, stunning Iris. When he feels compelled to expose his abuser, will Iris find the courage to stand by his side in the spotlight that will ensue—much less embrace a love that might take her far from home? . . 

Paperback, 368 pages

Expected publication: September 25th 2018 by Zebr

Terri's Thoughts

** I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you!**

This is the third in the Blue Moon Harbor series.  While I had read the first in the series, I had somehow missed the second.  Characters were referenced and present from the second book however it did not impact the ability to follow along in this book.

I may have mentioned in my review of the first story and I will repeat it in this review.  I really appreciate that the setting of this book (and series) is set in Canada and written by a Canadian author.  Many of the references were familiar to me and lets be honest, in this day and age it is important to support as much Canadian content as possible.  I even appreciated the reference to the official languages act although I do not support its inequity on a national level.

This story was a touching one dealing with the ugly subject sexual assault.  This part of the story is what captured me.  In the shadows of such ugliness, beautiful things came to light such as friendship, family and supporting each other no matter what.  It really was touching.

On the flip side, I have to admit that Iris really got on my nerves.  I know plenty of shy people, including myself and I just couldn't identify with her shyness that was so crippling.  While I can assume that it does exist, it didn't feel realistic to me.  While I am shy, I am able to function in society and work without cowering away from the world.  I certainly wouldn't reject happiness because of it.  The fact that it was such a major part of discussion throughout the book prevented me from fully getting behind her.  As a result I have some mixed feelings about the story.  On the bright side, what Iris lacked for me, Julian made up for.

Overall I liked this story, I just didn't love it.

About the Author

Susan is a Pacific Northwester with homes in Victoria and Vancouver, British Columbia. She has degrees in law and psychology, and has had a variety of careers, including perennial student, computer consultant, and legal editor. Fiction writer is by far her favorite, giving her an outlet to demonstrate her belief in the power of love, friendship, and a sense of humor.