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Blessings Bay #2
The Unexpected Inn
Sometimes the unexpected leads us to where we belong… An emotionally riveting new series by the USA Today bestselling author of the beloved Poppy Creek novels.
Abigail Preston never expected to own an inn. Then again, she never thought she’d become a foster mom or fall for her late husband’s best friend, either. As soon as the pieces of her complicated life start falling into place, two unexpected visitors arrive, threatening to undo everything. The only guest at the inn she’s happy to see is her best friend, Nadia. Fresh off a public breakup, Nadia Chopra can’t wait to move on. Only this time, she’ll do it right. By enlisting the help of her matchmaker aunt. With so many eligible men, why can’t she stop thinking about Evan Blake—a man who loves to surf and make sweets, but who’s the furthest thing from a perfect match?
Evan Blake is too focused on continuing his mother’s saltwater taffy legacy to date. And after what happened the last time he tried, he doesn’t have much interest, anyway. But a confident, dark-haired beauty who always speaks her mind has his heart racing more than a twenty-foot wave. Can love overcome the odds and lead our new friends to their happily ever afters? Welcome to Blessings Bay, an idyllic seaside town where everyone knows your name and is always willing to lend a hand.
Abigail Preston never expected to own an inn. Then again, she never thought she’d become a foster mom or fall for her late husband’s best friend, either. As soon as the pieces of her complicated life start falling into place, two unexpected visitors arrive, threatening to undo everything. The only guest at the inn she’s happy to see is her best friend, Nadia. Fresh off a public breakup, Nadia Chopra can’t wait to move on. Only this time, she’ll do it right. By enlisting the help of her matchmaker aunt. With so many eligible men, why can’t she stop thinking about Evan Blake—a man who loves to surf and make sweets, but who’s the furthest thing from a perfect match?
Evan Blake is too focused on continuing his mother’s saltwater taffy legacy to date. And after what happened the last time he tried, he doesn’t have much interest, anyway. But a confident, dark-haired beauty who always speaks her mind has his heart racing more than a twenty-foot wave. Can love overcome the odds and lead our new friends to their happily ever afters? Welcome to Blessings Bay, an idyllic seaside town where everyone knows your name and is always willing to lend a hand.
284 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2024
748 people are currently reading
3172 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
May 1, 2024
The Unexpected Inn leaves you never wanting to check out. This is the second book in the Blessings Bay series. Blessings Bay is an idyllic town that everyone would want to visit. The Unexpected Inn is a bed-and-breakfast in the town. This story continues the development of Abby, Logan and Max, as well as introducing some new romances that I am sure we will see develop even more books. This book continues the mystery of what happened to Max‘s dad. It looks to continue into book 3 as evident by the teaser. As in all of Bloome’s series, the books are standalone, I recommend reading them in order to better understand character development.
May 6, 2024
heartwarming
This book is a heartwarming book that will lift your spirits and fill you with joy and hope. I love Blessings Bay and the lovely people who live there. Although this is Nadia and Evan’s story, and I adored watching them come together, I also loved that this was a continuation from of Abby and Logan, too. Do yourself a favor and read all of the lovely books in this series! I’m looking forward to the next one!
This book is a heartwarming book that will lift your spirits and fill you with joy and hope. I love Blessings Bay and the lovely people who live there. Although this is Nadia and Evan’s story, and I adored watching them come together, I also loved that this was a continuation from of Abby and Logan, too. Do yourself a favor and read all of the lovely books in this series! I’m looking forward to the next one!
April 29, 2024
The Poppy Creek series is one of my all time favorites, so I was excited to get to see how beloved author Rachael Bloome was going to tackle a brand new series. The Unexpected Inn is the second title in the small town Blessings Bay series, and continues the story introduced in Blessings on State Street, while also introducing some new characters, and corresponding storylines. I went into this one with high hopes, and I can say without a doubt that they were met. Rachael's immense talent for storytelling shines through once again, and I loved how authentic and realistic all the characters and their journey's came across to the reader.
The story has an added blessing that readers get to follow two different couples alongside their journeys towards happily ever after. Logan and Abby were of course the couple introduced in the first title, and I adored them even more in this one. So many hardships and insecurities have played a part in where they now find themselves, and when unexpected circumstances thrown them into a tail spin, they'll find themselves having to trust even more that there is a way through all the devastation. As Abby is preparing to welcome a well known influencer to her charming inn, she first enlists the help of her best friend Nadia to help her navigate all the ins and outs of the inn's opening. Nadia finds herself off on the wrong foot with Blessings Bay resident Evan Blake, but soon starts to see the potential in the amazing man that appears to be simmering below the surface. As both couples deal with hardships and realities, Blessings Bay truly seems to be a place where miracles can come true.
Whether you also loved Rachael's Poppy Creek series, or if Blessings Bay is your first introduction to her beautiful stories, I can guarantee this is one you're not going to want to miss. The writing is immersive and idyllic, the characters come to feel like old friends that you want nothing more than to see them succeed, and Blessings Bay truly feels like the type of place where anyone would be warmly welcomed into its fold. While so many things were loveable about this heartwarming story, my favorite bits were the reminders that God can take broken and turn it into beautiful, and the mystery tidbits that continue from book one around Max's dad, introduce a new sideline that kept me guessing, and hinted at the next story coming that I already can't wait to read.
If you enjoy clean and heartwarming small town romances that feel authentic and realistic, then The Unexpected Inn is definitely the book for you.
Final Rating: 5/5.
I loved this one every bit as much as I was hoping to, and it's definitely one of my favorite reads of 2024. I can't possibly recommend it enough.
Thanks so much to Rachael Bloome for allowing me to advance read and review this title!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the author as part of her ARC team. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.
The story has an added blessing that readers get to follow two different couples alongside their journeys towards happily ever after. Logan and Abby were of course the couple introduced in the first title, and I adored them even more in this one. So many hardships and insecurities have played a part in where they now find themselves, and when unexpected circumstances thrown them into a tail spin, they'll find themselves having to trust even more that there is a way through all the devastation. As Abby is preparing to welcome a well known influencer to her charming inn, she first enlists the help of her best friend Nadia to help her navigate all the ins and outs of the inn's opening. Nadia finds herself off on the wrong foot with Blessings Bay resident Evan Blake, but soon starts to see the potential in the amazing man that appears to be simmering below the surface. As both couples deal with hardships and realities, Blessings Bay truly seems to be a place where miracles can come true.
Whether you also loved Rachael's Poppy Creek series, or if Blessings Bay is your first introduction to her beautiful stories, I can guarantee this is one you're not going to want to miss. The writing is immersive and idyllic, the characters come to feel like old friends that you want nothing more than to see them succeed, and Blessings Bay truly feels like the type of place where anyone would be warmly welcomed into its fold. While so many things were loveable about this heartwarming story, my favorite bits were the reminders that God can take broken and turn it into beautiful, and the mystery tidbits that continue from book one around Max's dad, introduce a new sideline that kept me guessing, and hinted at the next story coming that I already can't wait to read.
If you enjoy clean and heartwarming small town romances that feel authentic and realistic, then The Unexpected Inn is definitely the book for you.
Final Rating: 5/5.
I loved this one every bit as much as I was hoping to, and it's definitely one of my favorite reads of 2024. I can't possibly recommend it enough.
Thanks so much to Rachael Bloome for allowing me to advance read and review this title!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the author as part of her ARC team. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.
February 25, 2025
The Unexpected Inn is the second book in the Blessings Bay by Rachael Bloome. Abigail Preston never expected to own an inn. But here she is in Blessings Bay and preparing to open an inn and a very important guest is coming that could hinder her goal before it is even off the ground. When her best friend, Nadia Chopra, comes, she is the bright light in the gathering clouds. Nadia is fresh off a very public break up and needs a change of scenery for a time. One day at the local farmer’s market, she meets Evan Blake and can’t stop thinking about him. Evan had been so focused on continuing his mother’s saltwater taffy business as well as taking care of his hospitalized father. He’s not even thinking about dating and love. However, Nadia captivates him with her candid opinions and soft heart. With so many overwhelming odds, can love overcome their doubts and lead to their own happily ever afters?
I have fallen in love with Rachael Bloome’s stories. With her Poppy Creek series ending, I was excited to read her new Blessings Bay series. With stories of hardship, friendship, faith and love, her stories are engaging and inspirational. The Unexpected Inn is another great example of her stories. From the opening chapter to the closing pages, I was on the edge of my seat. I loved all the storylines. With Abigail and the inn, Nadia and Evan, they all blended beautifully and did not distract from each other. Even though this is mainly Nadia and Evan’s story, I loved the continuation of Abigail and Logan’s story from the first book, Blessings on State Street. There were twists and turns I wasn’t expecting and how I wish I could try Evan’s saltwater taffy! I am looking forward to reading future stories in this series. If you enjoy found family, small town community stories with faith and love, I highly recommend The Unexpected Inn.
The Unexpected Inn is available in paperback and eBook
I have fallen in love with Rachael Bloome’s stories. With her Poppy Creek series ending, I was excited to read her new Blessings Bay series. With stories of hardship, friendship, faith and love, her stories are engaging and inspirational. The Unexpected Inn is another great example of her stories. From the opening chapter to the closing pages, I was on the edge of my seat. I loved all the storylines. With Abigail and the inn, Nadia and Evan, they all blended beautifully and did not distract from each other. Even though this is mainly Nadia and Evan’s story, I loved the continuation of Abigail and Logan’s story from the first book, Blessings on State Street. There were twists and turns I wasn’t expecting and how I wish I could try Evan’s saltwater taffy! I am looking forward to reading future stories in this series. If you enjoy found family, small town community stories with faith and love, I highly recommend The Unexpected Inn.
The Unexpected Inn is available in paperback and eBook
May 17, 2024
Since reading the first book in her Poppy Creek Series, I have loved this author. This most recent series, Blessings Bay, does not disappoint. This is the second book in the Blessings Bay Series, and I loved catching up with Logan and Abby along with several new characters that were introduced.
The unexpected Inn leaves you wanting to visit but be warned—you might not want to leave. The characters are intriguing and well-developed. I especially love Max's story, the foster boy that was introduced in the first book. As he gets used to his new home, could everything fall apart and upset his life!
As Abby is preparing to open her Bed & Breakfast, the first guest, who runs a review blog, arrives early. Could this review end Abby's career as an innkeeper? Even though Abby is worried about what kind of review her Inn will receive, she is thrilled that her best friend, Nadia, is visiting. Could Nadia find romance and her own new beginning in Blessings Bay?
The characters in this sweet, wholesome small-town romance navigate life and new beginnings in Blessings Bay while taking the reader on an emotional roller coaster that includes laughter and tears. Grab a cup of coffee (or your preferred beverage), settle into your preferred reading spot, and get ready to spend some time lost in this tale of new romance, second chances, and a foster child who simply wants a loving home.
The unexpected Inn leaves you wanting to visit but be warned—you might not want to leave. The characters are intriguing and well-developed. I especially love Max's story, the foster boy that was introduced in the first book. As he gets used to his new home, could everything fall apart and upset his life!
As Abby is preparing to open her Bed & Breakfast, the first guest, who runs a review blog, arrives early. Could this review end Abby's career as an innkeeper? Even though Abby is worried about what kind of review her Inn will receive, she is thrilled that her best friend, Nadia, is visiting. Could Nadia find romance and her own new beginning in Blessings Bay?
The characters in this sweet, wholesome small-town romance navigate life and new beginnings in Blessings Bay while taking the reader on an emotional roller coaster that includes laughter and tears. Grab a cup of coffee (or your preferred beverage), settle into your preferred reading spot, and get ready to spend some time lost in this tale of new romance, second chances, and a foster child who simply wants a loving home.
July 25, 2024
This is second book in the Blessings Bay Series. It’s a heartwarming continuation about Abigail Preston as she begins to make a new life for herself in the costal town of Blessings Bay. She’s opening up her home as an inn with the help of Logan along with becoming a foster mother to an adorable little guy named Max. But will having a reviewer as her first guest give her new inn the boost it needs to attract tourists? Or will her hopes be sunk before she really gets started? She’s also falling deeper in love with Logan, her late husband’s best friend. Her best friend, Nadia, comes to help Abby out after her very painful breakup. While there, she meets Evan Blake and is immediately smitten. She can’t seem to get him off her mind because they are definitely from two different worlds. So can love win out? This was such a charming and heartwarming story that I had a hard time putting it down. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
May 21, 2024
Romances in Blessings Bay
This charming book continues the story of Abby, Logan and Max (Book 1) as they become a happy family unit amid frantic preparations to open the Blessings on State Street Inn. An extra element of optimism for the close-knit community of this small town is added when Nadia arrives to support Abby, and makes an unexpected, albeit initially hostile, connection with taffy maker, Evan.
Logan’s recent lack of affection, destination critic Serena’s animosity, and an unwelcome discovery by Max’s caseworker add a significant degree of uncertainty to Abby’s future happiness.
The epilogue gives the reader a welcome indication that there will be a third book in this enjoyable series 😊. I received a free review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
This charming book continues the story of Abby, Logan and Max (Book 1) as they become a happy family unit amid frantic preparations to open the Blessings on State Street Inn. An extra element of optimism for the close-knit community of this small town is added when Nadia arrives to support Abby, and makes an unexpected, albeit initially hostile, connection with taffy maker, Evan.
Logan’s recent lack of affection, destination critic Serena’s animosity, and an unwelcome discovery by Max’s caseworker add a significant degree of uncertainty to Abby’s future happiness.
The epilogue gives the reader a welcome indication that there will be a third book in this enjoyable series 😊. I received a free review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
May 1, 2024
As a fan of Rachael Bloome’s Poppy Creek series, I thought it would be hard to find another locale as charming or collection of characters as engaging. But I was mistaken. I love Blessings Bay and its even larger ensemble of intriguing personalities.
In The Unexpected Inn, I was drawn into the relatable lives of not one but four unique main characters, each wrestling with their dreams and with what defines them. Such a delightful mix of laughter, tears, anticipation and just the right amount of the unexpected! Yes, there is romance but so much more. I didn’t want to put the book down. I felt blessed to be an early reader, and eagerly await my next visit to Blessings Bay.
In The Unexpected Inn, I was drawn into the relatable lives of not one but four unique main characters, each wrestling with their dreams and with what defines them. Such a delightful mix of laughter, tears, anticipation and just the right amount of the unexpected! Yes, there is romance but so much more. I didn’t want to put the book down. I felt blessed to be an early reader, and eagerly await my next visit to Blessings Bay.
May 2, 2024
The Unexpected Inn is a clean, heartwarming, opposites attract, small town romance. If you are a fan of Ms. Bloome’s Poppy Creek series, you will also fall in mlove with Blessings Bay. This well written book can be read as a stand alone but is even better as part of the series. The reader gets more time with Abby, Logan and Max, meets Abby close friend Nadia who is facing some life altering personal decisions and learns more about Evan Blake who runs his late mother’s taffy shop. The entire community make me think I would like to move to Blessings Bay!
May 8, 2024
Reading this book felt like sitting down & catching up with a group of long lost friends. Ms. Bloome has an unmatched gift for writing characters that you either feel like you’ve known and loved for years, or wish you did. Her descriptions make it effortless for the reader to plop themselves down in the middle of the story & imagine themselves a part of it all. I could taste the masala chai tea and taffy as I read. I found myself wishing I had encountered Evan while he was giving freebies to the shoppers who visited his booth!
May 8, 2024
Loved it! Blessing's Bay is the place I wish I could live, or at least visit and when I visit I want to stay with Abigail at her lovely Inn. She is a true story of second chances after losing her husband she finds love again, creates a new family, and runs an inn. Then there is Nadia, so much fun! Nadia is fresh off a breakup (and how!) and is fighting the inevitable. One of the best things about Rachael Bloom is that her books are always uplifting, always inspiring, and always clean. My favorite author.
March 18, 2025
I really enjoyed this story. We are getting to know Abby and Logan better, and Max who is currently their foster child. The challenges and fears they are going through learning to become parents to such a wonderful little 8 year old boy. But we are also getting to know Nadia better, who has been Abby's best friend for a very long time and has helped Abby so much after the death of her husband Donnie. Nadia meets Evan who is struggling to grow his mom's Taffy business. They pair up to make the best flavored taffy, winning the bite sized contest.
May 12, 2025
I really liked this book. At first, I thought it was jumping from one character to another. Then, I realized it's like having two romance novels together. The main characters and their interactions with each other was very much like real life. We don't tend to think about all the "characters" in our lives, but in reality, there are many, many characters we deal with each day. This book is a reminder of how our character in life can interact with others. It also gave us a glimpse of what life could be like in India. Great book. I highly recommend it.
May 9, 2024
Friendship and Families
All books by Rachael Bloome leave me with the feeling of sunshine on my face and warm sand between my toes. I can always count on friends that feel like family and the warm hospitality of a small town. When life is turned upside down, count on friends in Blessings Bay to help you make sense of the craziness and turn your world right side up. When a whole town pulls together you know everything will be all right.
All books by Rachael Bloome leave me with the feeling of sunshine on my face and warm sand between my toes. I can always count on friends that feel like family and the warm hospitality of a small town. When life is turned upside down, count on friends in Blessings Bay to help you make sense of the craziness and turn your world right side up. When a whole town pulls together you know everything will be all right.
June 24, 2025
Nadia, a recently divorced influencer, arrives early to visit her best friend’s soon to open inn in idyllic Blessings Bay. Local surfer, Evan Blake, attracts her. He is devoted to keeping his late mother’s saltwater taffy business alive and he doesn’t appreciate the ho-hum review she gave him last year. I enjoyed all the side stories and drama. I especially enjoyed Evan and Nadia’s salty romance.
May 5, 2024
Wonderful!
This book is more than a romance! It skillfully weaves a community's stories together while focusing on a main storyline. The other characters in the book - friends and acquaintances, add dimension to the main characters' lives and set up future stories. I hope this series will include many more books so I can come back over and over to visit Blessings Bay!
This book is more than a romance! It skillfully weaves a community's stories together while focusing on a main storyline. The other characters in the book - friends and acquaintances, add dimension to the main characters' lives and set up future stories. I hope this series will include many more books so I can come back over and over to visit Blessings Bay!
May 7, 2024
An unexpected story of hope & expectations
Abby didn't have any expectations of a budding romance with Logan, till life throw her hope. Nadia had her perfect life and man planned our, never expecting her expectations to be shattered by the candy maker Evan. The inn worked magic again in Blessings Bay.
Abby didn't have any expectations of a budding romance with Logan, till life throw her hope. Nadia had her perfect life and man planned our, never expecting her expectations to be shattered by the candy maker Evan. The inn worked magic again in Blessings Bay.
May 8, 2024
Blessing
This story wraps everyone in blessings. There are a lot of broken people with sadness in their past. The town of Blessing Bay and the events like Kite flying, blessings in a bottle, Timber Ball, and food competition, bring out the magic in the relationships of the town. Escape to Blessings Bay! Rachael Bloome tugs all the heartstrings!
This story wraps everyone in blessings. There are a lot of broken people with sadness in their past. The town of Blessing Bay and the events like Kite flying, blessings in a bottle, Timber Ball, and food competition, bring out the magic in the relationships of the town. Escape to Blessings Bay! Rachael Bloome tugs all the heartstrings!
May 22, 2024
What an absolutely beautiful story! I loved the Poppy Creek series so much, and… dare I say it? I might love this one even more!
If you’re looking for a book that gives you all the feels, but in the best possible way that leaves you with hope, this is it! (Obviously read the first book in series first ;) )
If you’re looking for a book that gives you all the feels, but in the best possible way that leaves you with hope, this is it! (Obviously read the first book in series first ;) )
June 18, 2025
I thought it was choppy. Continuation of previous book matchup that never finished in last book and start of a new one with another couple. I felt some chapters ended on cliffhangers and the next chapter went with another character. I did not care for that. One chapter introduced a new possible love interest-never to be mentioned again. Just too many things going on with no development.
May 6, 2024
I didn't think I would love another place besides Poppy Creek but I really love Blessings Bay and would live to stay at this Inn. Well-written, it is like you are really there. Love the characters. Read fhis, you will enjoy it. Rachel Blooms does it again.
June 14, 2024
I really enjoyed how the chapters were structured by character. It was a fun way to see each perspective. I really enjoyed this one. I kept thinking how much this series would make a cute hallmark movie !! Looking forward to the next book!
February 25, 2025
For me, this book started a little slow, introducing more characters too quickly. At first it was difficult to keep up with who was who and I almost quit reading it. It took several chapters for me to get into the true plots. Once I did, I enjoyed the rest of the book quite a bit.
February 26, 2025
Happiness that lasts
Sweet and clean family style romances can be hard to find, so I really appreciate this one!
Happily ever after often requires courage and patience, but it is worth it.
I enjoyed the characters and setting in Blessings Bay.
Sweet and clean family style romances can be hard to find, so I really appreciate this one!
Happily ever after often requires courage and patience, but it is worth it.
I enjoyed the characters and setting in Blessings Bay.
February 27, 2025
Cute but predictable
The characters are interesting but relationships develop unrealistically. The plot is too predictable. Too many conflicts are tied up in perfect bows at the end.
if
The characters are interesting but relationships develop unrealistically. The plot is too predictable. Too many conflicts are tied up in perfect bows at the end.
if
March 2, 2025
Nice read
The characters are so real like with real proble.s. It's interesting how each has their individual problems. But they all come together to find love. It shows haw people meet their challenges.
The characters are so real like with real proble.s. It's interesting how each has their individual problems. But they all come together to find love. It shows haw people meet their challenges.
March 4, 2025
I’m almost 💯 percent certain that this was my first read by this author and I loved everything about this book!!!! I am a sucker for different POVs and this book delivered! I cannot wait to read more by this author!
October 31, 2025
What lovely stories, all in one book. I became engrossed in these stories right away, which is why I am so engaged in them. You can't help but love every couple because they are so incredibly loving. Completely stunning from start to finish. These stories are brilliantly written by Rachel Bloome. I'm eagerly awaiting the next book in this series, and I highly recommend this series, you will not be disappointed.
May 2, 2024
I loved the continuation of the characters stories and can't wait for the next one!
May 5, 2024
Review to follow
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews