I started this series (of standalone novels?) six years ago when I read Book Two, Firefly Cove. Although I understand the marketing standpoint, I never cared for the promotional comparisons of Davis Bunn's work in this series with the work of Nicholas Sparks. Despite, oh, the love story vein and the Miramar Bay book covers that could be appropriate for Sparks's work, Bunn is his own kind of writer.

Now two books into this contemporary fiction series, I can tell it was written by someone who also writes suspense and speculative fiction. This novel in particular has a significant suspense thread.

As for the love story, this isn't a genre romance novel where the romantic couple would spend many to most of the scenes together, and their relationship would develop on-page with a lot of interaction and dialogue and what have you. Instead, the love story here is more implicit. I felt like the greater part of it lives in the plot almost from the background—in the way that a film camera may not spend much time on direct shots of the sun, but its light is there in many of the film's scenes. If that makes sense.

Now, there were a couple of moments when I got frustrated with Connor and Sylvie. Sometimes, after characters in a novel have spent however many somber scenes wrapped up in their regrets, I wish they would, well, start to get over themselves faster.

But my frustration was little in comparison with the ease of reading and the unfolding beauty of this story. I doubt it'll be another six years before I get to the third book in the series. ( )

I was wondering what to say about this audiobook so my eye wandered down to the comments below. ChayaLovesToRead has said it exactly!!! Thank you. I agree with every point. The most crucial being that the love story isn't even luke warm - I don't think I've read a romance in my current romance novel binge of several dozen books where the supposed love between the lovers is ridiculously unsubstantiated. Without heat, the momentum in a refrigerator manual deserves a HEA more than this.

The really good thing about it is Graham Winton, the narrator. And now I remember I picked the book based on that alone - and it does have a nice pic on the cover! Winton reads Janet Dailey's cowboy novels. So I'm giving it 2.5 stars. ( )

Great story with a happy ending. ( )

This easy-to-read romance is full of seaside town charm, quirky locals looking out for each other, a big-name actor trying to lay low and get back to real life, family reunions, a bad guy out to get the heroine, and of course a love story about second chances.

It's an OK little tale with just enough plot to keep the reader reading. I didn't find the story, characters or atmosphere/setting all that compelling but for readers who like Nicholas Sparks, this is the book for you. The love story between Connor and Sylvie just didn't have much going for it. The characters did not have any chemistry to speak of, and in fact do not interact all that much. And we're supposed to believe that after one meeting, they're suddenly in love? The story picks up momentum in the second half, as the heroine's legal troubles force her friends to kick into high gear to try to save her and her restaurant.

Thank you to the publishers for a review copy. ( )

I fell in love with the cover of Miramar Bay the minute I saw it. All those warm golds and blues are just gorgeous and this book is just as gorgeous as it's cover!

Miramar Bay by Davis Bunn is a wonderfully written, engaging romance steeped in family, friends, Faith and love. The story well written and emotionally moving. The characters realistic and the plot romantic and suspenseful. I enjoyed a relaxing evening reading this lovely book and I look forward to reading more of Mr. Bunn's other works!

I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own. Thank you to Kensington Publishing, Mr. Bunn and Ede'weiss for the opportunity to read and review this book. ( )