Harmony Bay Paperback – 8 Jan. 2013

I have always been drawn to stories surrounding sea and coastal shorelines, be it fiction or nonfiction, especially with credible characters portrayed within a waterfront community setting. Therefore, when I find such a book blanketed within a similar environment, I’m at home. Two titles come immediately to mind: Robert Benchley’s “Jaws” (fiction), and Frank Mundus’ “Fifty Years a Hooker” (nonfiction). Although the authors’ stories are quite different, both in terms of form and format, they are, ironically, very much the same. Sheer adventure is key to the two tales. And along comes Tom Gahan’s “Harmony Bay.” Gahan’s treatment and unfolding of adventure is imbued with the love of community while at the same time backdropped by an underlying motif, an undercurrent of little-known historical and fascinating events concerning American history as it pertains to the Revolutionary War. Therefore, if you’re a history buff, you’ll thoroughly enjoy the read on that level, too. I found myself totally absorbed and quite at home in “Harmony Bay,” a delightful utopian community.You will follow Dory McDonough (a recent widow) and her 10-year-old son, James, as they embark upon a new life. The townspeople truly welcome the two newcomers with open arms. It makes you wish there really was such a place like Harmony Bay. Well, I did say that “Harmony Bay” was an idealistic presentment. Did I not? Somewhere along the story line, you will discover that hope springs eternal and that such an ideal community could, indeed, exist. You will bear witness to Dory falling in love as young James enjoys a good and exciting new life while at the same time confronting the challenges of adolescence; namely, responsibilities. Hence, this is a book not only for adults but for youngsters as well. A perfect fit.“Harmony Bay” is an enchanting story. Tom Gahan’s first novel is positively a winner, destined to become an award winner—and certainly deserving of five stars!