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Miramar Bay #8
Midnight Harbor: Miramar Bay
Hearts, dreams. and creative spirits are stirred in this beautiful novel about fate and second chances, from the international bestselling author of the California-set Miramar Bay novels.
Running from the ghosts of yesterday . . .
There was a time when classical guitarist Ian Hart was on top of the world. Awards. International acclaim. Adoring fans. And the belief that it was forever. Now, under the shadow of a scandal and betrayal that destroyed his career, Ian wonders what the next day will bring. In the midst of a life in turnaround, Ian’s Aunt Amelia—his closest friend and greatest supporter—passes away, leaving him her home in Miramar. It’s just the quietude he needs to reflect and to try and move forward. But what awaits Ian in the tranquil seaside town is more than he ever expected.
Toward a hopeful tomorrow . . .
Kari Langham is a stranger in her own family—misunderstood, dismissed, and underestimated. They strive for wealth, status, and fame while Kari finds personal fulfillment in painting. Wanting nothing more than to escape the soul-crushing sheen of a Hollywood life, Kari does the only thing that makes sense. She flees to Miramar. Renovating an old barn into her home and atelier, Kari finds anonymous sanctuary. But the openhearted town, and the world at large, has something else in mind—for Kari and for another newcomer to Miramar.
Ian and Kari are finding themselves in a haven by the sea, and it’s just the beginning. They’re ready for whatever the future brings, and to embrace with all their hearts what matters most.
Running from the ghosts of yesterday . . .
There was a time when classical guitarist Ian Hart was on top of the world. Awards. International acclaim. Adoring fans. And the belief that it was forever. Now, under the shadow of a scandal and betrayal that destroyed his career, Ian wonders what the next day will bring. In the midst of a life in turnaround, Ian’s Aunt Amelia—his closest friend and greatest supporter—passes away, leaving him her home in Miramar. It’s just the quietude he needs to reflect and to try and move forward. But what awaits Ian in the tranquil seaside town is more than he ever expected.
Toward a hopeful tomorrow . . .
Kari Langham is a stranger in her own family—misunderstood, dismissed, and underestimated. They strive for wealth, status, and fame while Kari finds personal fulfillment in painting. Wanting nothing more than to escape the soul-crushing sheen of a Hollywood life, Kari does the only thing that makes sense. She flees to Miramar. Renovating an old barn into her home and atelier, Kari finds anonymous sanctuary. But the openhearted town, and the world at large, has something else in mind—for Kari and for another newcomer to Miramar.
Ian and Kari are finding themselves in a haven by the sea, and it’s just the beginning. They’re ready for whatever the future brings, and to embrace with all their hearts what matters most.
500 pages, Library Binding
Published December 1, 2024
60 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
Davis Bunn
112 books1,039 followersDavis Bunn is an internationally-acclaimed author who has sold more than eight million books in twenty languages.
Honored with four Christy Awards for excellence in historical and suspense fiction, Davis was inducted into the Christy Hall of Fame in 2014.
His bestsellers include The Great Divide, Winner Take All, The Meeting Place, The Book of Hours, and The Quilt. A sought-after lecturer in the art of writing, Bunn was serves as Writer in Residence at Regent's Park College, Oxford University.
Davis Bunn also writes under the names Thomas Locke (for his epic fantasy and techno-thriller novels) and T. Davis Bunn (for books published prior to 2002).
Honored with four Christy Awards for excellence in historical and suspense fiction, Davis was inducted into the Christy Hall of Fame in 2014.
His bestsellers include The Great Divide, Winner Take All, The Meeting Place, The Book of Hours, and The Quilt. A sought-after lecturer in the art of writing, Bunn was serves as Writer in Residence at Regent's Park College, Oxford University.
Davis Bunn also writes under the names Thomas Locke (for his epic fantasy and techno-thriller novels) and T. Davis Bunn (for books published prior to 2002).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
March 9, 2024
What happens when two stars lose their magic? When they need a safe harbor? Ian's music career has slammed to a halt. He is burned out. His manager absconds with his monies, leaving Ian in a scandal and financial mess. Kari has finally revealed her true identity to the public and her family. However, she needs to escape her toxic family if she hopes to continue her art. Will Miramar be their salvation? Will these two stars find each other and their safe harbor? Davis Bunn has created a riveting work in Midnight Harbor. His characters draw the reader into their lives, their pain, and their dreams. A copy was provided for my review, but all opinions are my own.
May 4, 2024
Author Davis Bunn has a wonderful way of weaving a story. He takes two disparate main characters and begins their stories separately - in this case an artist and a musician who are hitting a wall in their careers - then draws them to the seaside community of Miramar. There, their stories begin to intertwine like dancers in a complicated ballet. The story draws you in and you are invested in the characters immediately, as they join the cast of previous books in the Miramar series.
Ian Hart is a world-famous guitarist who is burning out. Not only that, but his manager has double-timed him, setting him up for concerts without telling him, then taking the advances and absconding with all the money. Ian's name is being blackened and dragged through the dirt; he feels like he is at the end of his rope when his favorite aunt dies and leaves him her modest property in Miramar, where he finds refuge.
Kari Langham is an artist who has hidden from the world, allowing her incredible paintings to speak for themselves while she remains ghostlike and anonymous in the background due to an abusive childhood. She has chosen Miramar as a secret hideaway where she can pursue her art and her family can't find her.
Interestingly, each of these artists has been drawn to the other's work in the past, and when they both end up in Miramar, it's like finding home. But there are still incredible challenges ahead.
Ian Hart is a world-famous guitarist who is burning out. Not only that, but his manager has double-timed him, setting him up for concerts without telling him, then taking the advances and absconding with all the money. Ian's name is being blackened and dragged through the dirt; he feels like he is at the end of his rope when his favorite aunt dies and leaves him her modest property in Miramar, where he finds refuge.
Kari Langham is an artist who has hidden from the world, allowing her incredible paintings to speak for themselves while she remains ghostlike and anonymous in the background due to an abusive childhood. She has chosen Miramar as a secret hideaway where she can pursue her art and her family can't find her.
Interestingly, each of these artists has been drawn to the other's work in the past, and when they both end up in Miramar, it's like finding home. But there are still incredible challenges ahead.
May 29, 2024
Well I am blown away. This is the best book I have read in a long,long time. So many emotions, broken people living solitary lives, but then reconnecting. I took several pauses, because I could not handle the emotions. It was well worth the time to be involved in this experience. I’m not a huge musician, but it sure drew me into the behind the scenes of artists of all types.
If you only read one book this year—- gasping and perish the thought. But this book is astonishing. I loved how the main characters each dealing with personal traumas and tragedies merged into a blend of recovery. I liked how it wasn’t a perfect ending and things still to be resolved. But isn’t that real life?
It has been a long time since I read a book by Davis Bunn. I think the last one just disappointed me —- so I missed this whole series. This is number 8 or 9? I will be rectifying that soon.
I just reviewed Midnight Harbor by Davis Bunn.
#MidnightHarbor #NetGalley 5 star books
I received an ARC from the publisher, Kensington through NetGalley. This did not affect my review which is totally my own.
If you only read one book this year—- gasping and perish the thought. But this book is astonishing. I loved how the main characters each dealing with personal traumas and tragedies merged into a blend of recovery. I liked how it wasn’t a perfect ending and things still to be resolved. But isn’t that real life?
It has been a long time since I read a book by Davis Bunn. I think the last one just disappointed me —- so I missed this whole series. This is number 8 or 9? I will be rectifying that soon.
I just reviewed Midnight Harbor by Davis Bunn.
#MidnightHarbor #NetGalley 5 star books
I received an ARC from the publisher, Kensington through NetGalley. This did not affect my review which is totally my own.
March 9, 2024
What happens when two stars lose their magic? When they need a safe harbor? Ian's music career has slammed to a halt. He is burned out. His manager absconds with his monies, leaving Ian in a scandal and financial mess. Kari has finally revealed her true identity to the public and her family. However, she needs to escape her toxic family if she hopes to continue her art. Will Miramar be their salvation? Will these two stars find each other and their safe harbor? Davis Bunn has created a riveting work in Midnight Harbor. His characters draw the reader into their lives, their pain, and their dreams. A copy was provided for my review, but all opinions are my own.
May 22, 2024
2.5 stars for two wounded, but famous souls, working through heaps of angst. The telling is a bit choppy at points, but there is a happy ending of sorts. Of course the lovely Miramar Bay becomes a solace to such people, and fun to reconnect w/ characters from previous books. Still, much of the detailed musical production info was lost on me.
September 21, 2024
Good story but disappointing
I have enjoyed this author and this series, and this was a good story as well. However, I was disappointed that the characters were helped through their difficulties with only a counselor and their dreams. Early works of this author included faith in God. This book also seems to have gone the way of Hallmark and included characters, while endearing, living in a lifestyle I don't find acceptable.
Overall, I like this author's development of characters, and just enough description that I don't have to do a lot of skimming. I wish there was an epilog or more ending wrapup and less left to my imagination. We spend the entire book watching the relationship happen; it would be nice to actually enjoy the relationship a bit more after the conflicts are all resolved.
I have enjoyed this author and this series, and this was a good story as well. However, I was disappointed that the characters were helped through their difficulties with only a counselor and their dreams. Early works of this author included faith in God. This book also seems to have gone the way of Hallmark and included characters, while endearing, living in a lifestyle I don't find acceptable.
Overall, I like this author's development of characters, and just enough description that I don't have to do a lot of skimming. I wish there was an epilog or more ending wrapup and less left to my imagination. We spend the entire book watching the relationship happen; it would be nice to actually enjoy the relationship a bit more after the conflicts are all resolved.
May 7, 2024
This is the eighth book in the Miramar series. While there are plenty of supporting characters from previous books, this storyline is strong in its own right as a standalone novel.
Kari Langham and Ian Hart are brilliant talents haunted by their pasts. For Kari, the daughter of a successful LA businessman who bristles with rage and an ice queen mother, her survival mechanism was to avoid her family and hide her talent as an artist. Ian, a classical guitarist, is suffering not only from a loss of his passion for music, but also struggling with a catastrophic implosion of his career after the betrayal of his manager. The two cross paths as they retreat to regroup in Miramar, a charming coastal town north of San Luis Obispo, CA.
I enjoyed following Kari and Ian as they faced their fears and began to deepen their relationship as friends with the possibility of romance. The prose drew me effortlessly into the story and kept me engaged through the complex emotional landscape of the protagonists. I would have liked a more solid ending, which felt vague, but perhaps more will be revealed in the next book in the series.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Kari Langham and Ian Hart are brilliant talents haunted by their pasts. For Kari, the daughter of a successful LA businessman who bristles with rage and an ice queen mother, her survival mechanism was to avoid her family and hide her talent as an artist. Ian, a classical guitarist, is suffering not only from a loss of his passion for music, but also struggling with a catastrophic implosion of his career after the betrayal of his manager. The two cross paths as they retreat to regroup in Miramar, a charming coastal town north of San Luis Obispo, CA.
I enjoyed following Kari and Ian as they faced their fears and began to deepen their relationship as friends with the possibility of romance. The prose drew me effortlessly into the story and kept me engaged through the complex emotional landscape of the protagonists. I would have liked a more solid ending, which felt vague, but perhaps more will be revealed in the next book in the series.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
May 18, 2024
Returning to Miramar is like revisiting old friends and making new ones. I want to live there!
April 29, 2024
Midnight Harbor by Davis Bunn has yet again brought me to a soft, happy place. The novel brings us back to Miramar Bay on the coast of California. A small town full of residents who are happiest being just themselves. This is the 8th book in the series.
Ian Hart is a classical guitarist who is headed to hear his Aunt’s will. She left him her possessions in a place she calls Midnight Harbor. Really he is running away from the mess his manager left him in, with all of his possessions and accounts frozen. Ian feels like he has lost himself in the music and needs time away to find himself again.
Interestingly he meets Kari langham at a restaurant taking a picture. Kari is really the famous artist Kariel. She has just finished showing her work to her family and really the world as herself. Until now she has been reclusive to almost all. She has just moved to Miramar to start her life in a new place where she can paint and live with seclusion.
However, that type of seclusion is not possible in Miramar. While people are good about keeping famous people underwraps, the town is full of people who want to embrace her. Kari and Ian are drawn together by their music, art and fears. Together, could they face their future? There is only one way to find out, Miami's music and art festival.
I loved the artistic characteristics of Ian and Kari. I felt like I understood the reluctance of Kari with her family in a visceral way. Both the main characters were emotionally damaged by their families and yet found a way to help the other face the next step. The story kept me entranced and allowed me to become part of it by invitation. Midnight Harbor by Davis Bunn is another wonderful story about Miramar.
Ian Hart is a classical guitarist who is headed to hear his Aunt’s will. She left him her possessions in a place she calls Midnight Harbor. Really he is running away from the mess his manager left him in, with all of his possessions and accounts frozen. Ian feels like he has lost himself in the music and needs time away to find himself again.
Interestingly he meets Kari langham at a restaurant taking a picture. Kari is really the famous artist Kariel. She has just finished showing her work to her family and really the world as herself. Until now she has been reclusive to almost all. She has just moved to Miramar to start her life in a new place where she can paint and live with seclusion.
However, that type of seclusion is not possible in Miramar. While people are good about keeping famous people underwraps, the town is full of people who want to embrace her. Kari and Ian are drawn together by their music, art and fears. Together, could they face their future? There is only one way to find out, Miami's music and art festival.
I loved the artistic characteristics of Ian and Kari. I felt like I understood the reluctance of Kari with her family in a visceral way. Both the main characters were emotionally damaged by their families and yet found a way to help the other face the next step. The story kept me entranced and allowed me to become part of it by invitation. Midnight Harbor by Davis Bunn is another wonderful story about Miramar.
April 15, 2024
Another story set in Miramar California. Although book 8 in the series, one does not have to read the others to understand the story. Characters from previous books drift in and out of the story, depending on how their jobs and/or hobbies intersect with the stories of Ian & Kari. Ian & Kari are both artists dealing with personal issues who end up in Miramar searching for escape and understanding when they cross paths at a bar. He likes her art without knowing who she is while she enjoys and finds inspiration in his music. They explore a friendship with each other while working on overcoming their issues. Enjoyable read that seemed to fly.
I received an ARC copy of the book from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I received an ARC copy of the book from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
September 18, 2024
Not my favorite
I've read several of the Miramar Bay books and this is my least favorite. Not sure why, just never connected with either of the main characters.
I've read several of the Miramar Bay books and this is my least favorite. Not sure why, just never connected with either of the main characters.
January 9, 2024
Another charming novel by Bunn. His characters are both renowned artists who are suffering through emotional crises and connect as both have escaped to Miramar to get away from their turmoil. Ian is a world famous classical guitarist, hiding from a financial and personal meltdown. Kari is a woman who, despite her incredible artistic talent and achievements, still cowers at the thought of her negligent and cruel family.
These 2 lost souls come together when they meet in Miramar. There is an immediate connection and the reader can clearly predict where this story is going. Honestly, I enjoy Bunn’s writing and forgive predictability in return for a charming, sweet love story.
We also behind the scenes at big events such as concerts and international art fairs. So, it’s quite an education.
Thank you Netgalley for another BUNN novel that is entertaining on many levels.
These 2 lost souls come together when they meet in Miramar. There is an immediate connection and the reader can clearly predict where this story is going. Honestly, I enjoy Bunn’s writing and forgive predictability in return for a charming, sweet love story.
We also behind the scenes at big events such as concerts and international art fairs. So, it’s quite an education.
Thank you Netgalley for another BUNN novel that is entertaining on many levels.
April 3, 2024
Ian and Kari- two wounded people- find one another and heal in Miramar, a place for second chances, This is the latest in a series that's dependent only on place (although fans might recognize a character or two) so it's fine as a standalone. Ian's wrestling with his future as a guitarist after betrayal by his manager while Kari , who has broken with her family, is beginning to blossom in her art. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Know that this isn't a steamy one and it's a good read.
December 7, 2024
Whew! There's a lot to say about this book, but it’s too late tonight to do justice in a review. I’ll finish a short one and add more if I need to tomorrow.
First, if you’re a musician and you enjoy really good books about not only your art, but also the stress of performance or feeling a need for some sort of rest or change, this book would be a beloved friend.
If you are an artist, and painting or drawing is a passion, but the business side or limelight isn’t your joy, this book will speak to you.
I’m neither musician, nor artist (unless stick figures counts as art), but this other beautiful issues touched my heart. So very well written dealing with crises of internal struggles, love, and trust. The true, genuine friendship that developed in both the famed musician and the famed artist was a beautiful thing and also spoke to me. No ego, just sweet, honest care and concern. Stunning.
Something surprising was Mr. Bunn's omission of faith-inclusions seen regularly in his other books. This book was strictly secular. Nothing about faith in any character or storyline. Also including integral gay characters. Disappointing? A tad. But I do believe the author's main focus was greatly on art, performance and the "families" that are natural outcomes in those crafts. I could ponder why the author’s main focus chose to include those characters and their lifestyles, but I just want to ignore it for now and ponder the other incredible nuances of the book.
Very music oriented for those who especially like classical music or guitar, or even singing in an ensemble. Also very art oriented including history behind both disciplines.
Mind you, I felt the ending was more of a movie or play ending than a book ending, but I guess it worked.
4.5⭐️
Good book.
First, if you’re a musician and you enjoy really good books about not only your art, but also the stress of performance or feeling a need for some sort of rest or change, this book would be a beloved friend.
If you are an artist, and painting or drawing is a passion, but the business side or limelight isn’t your joy, this book will speak to you.
I’m neither musician, nor artist (unless stick figures counts as art), but this other beautiful issues touched my heart. So very well written dealing with crises of internal struggles, love, and trust. The true, genuine friendship that developed in both the famed musician and the famed artist was a beautiful thing and also spoke to me. No ego, just sweet, honest care and concern. Stunning.
Something surprising was Mr. Bunn's omission of faith-inclusions seen regularly in his other books. This book was strictly secular. Nothing about faith in any character or storyline. Also including integral gay characters. Disappointing? A tad. But I do believe the author's main focus was greatly on art, performance and the "families" that are natural outcomes in those crafts. I could ponder why the author’s main focus chose to include those characters and their lifestyles, but I just want to ignore it for now and ponder the other incredible nuances of the book.
Very music oriented for those who especially like classical music or guitar, or even singing in an ensemble. Also very art oriented including history behind both disciplines.
Mind you, I felt the ending was more of a movie or play ending than a book ending, but I guess it worked.
4.5⭐️
Good book.
July 22, 2024
I have read of few of this author's books and they are all gentle "food for thought" kind of books. I love them, I really do. This one was no exception and made me want to move to Miramar!
Kari is an artist but she comes from a family who don't see her - even worse, they scare her and she is unable to be herself. She is saved by a wonderful lady called Indrid - we should all have an Indrid in our lives!!
Ian is the bad boy of classical music and everything is going well for him - until it isn't.
These two people find themselves in Miramar and the people, and the place, have a profound influence on them and their career paths. Kari and Ian are complex people and their lives are difficult but with the help of friends and each other, they find their way through and I was cheering them on, every step of the way. It isn't a romantic story, per se, but there are touches of romance nevertheless :)
A wonderful book. I wanted to continue reading the story of Kari and Ian. I didn't feel it was quite finished, actually. I wanted to see Megan go into battle for Ian. Anyway....I am hoping that book 9 will tie up some loose ends.
4.5 stars from me, rounded up to 5.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books.
Kari is an artist but she comes from a family who don't see her - even worse, they scare her and she is unable to be herself. She is saved by a wonderful lady called Indrid - we should all have an Indrid in our lives!!
Ian is the bad boy of classical music and everything is going well for him - until it isn't.
These two people find themselves in Miramar and the people, and the place, have a profound influence on them and their career paths. Kari and Ian are complex people and their lives are difficult but with the help of friends and each other, they find their way through and I was cheering them on, every step of the way. It isn't a romantic story, per se, but there are touches of romance nevertheless :)
A wonderful book. I wanted to continue reading the story of Kari and Ian. I didn't feel it was quite finished, actually. I wanted to see Megan go into battle for Ian. Anyway....I am hoping that book 9 will tie up some loose ends.
4.5 stars from me, rounded up to 5.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books.
April 16, 2024
Redemption story
Book 8 in the Miramar Bay series is a beautiful story of personal and public redemption. Ian, a recently disgraced classical musician retreats to Miramar Bay after his former manager embezzled from him and ruined his reputation. Ian just wants to hide away from the public eye, and the quiet town is perfect for that.
Kari, also known in the world as the famous artist, Kariel, wants something similar. She's never been comfortable in the spotlight, prefers that people don't know who she is. Her art remains private until she decides to share it. She also moves to Miramar for the peace and quiet. When the two of them meet, the rest is magic.
I absolutely loved the first 80% or so of this book, it flew quickly, the main characters were rendered so perfectly that I felt I knew them. In my opinion, the last 20% wasn't as smooth or endearing, maybe a bit rushed. But, all in all, a redemption story where both MC's faced their fears and held each other up when they were weak.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
Book 8 in the Miramar Bay series is a beautiful story of personal and public redemption. Ian, a recently disgraced classical musician retreats to Miramar Bay after his former manager embezzled from him and ruined his reputation. Ian just wants to hide away from the public eye, and the quiet town is perfect for that.
Kari, also known in the world as the famous artist, Kariel, wants something similar. She's never been comfortable in the spotlight, prefers that people don't know who she is. Her art remains private until she decides to share it. She also moves to Miramar for the peace and quiet. When the two of them meet, the rest is magic.
I absolutely loved the first 80% or so of this book, it flew quickly, the main characters were rendered so perfectly that I felt I knew them. In my opinion, the last 20% wasn't as smooth or endearing, maybe a bit rushed. But, all in all, a redemption story where both MC's faced their fears and held each other up when they were weak.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
August 11, 2024
This is book 8 in the Miramar Bay series. It can be read as a stand alone, The location is the tie between the 8 books. The characters in this book are friendly and likable. A happy ending as always from Davis Bunn. There was a time when classical guitarist Ian Hart was on top of the world. Awards. International acclaim. Adoring fans. And the belief that it was forever. Now, under the shadow of a scandal and betrayal that destroyed his career, Ian wonders what the next day will bring. In the midst of a life in turnaround, Ian’s Aunt Amelia—his closest friend and greatest supporter—passes away, leaving him her home in Miramar. It’s just the quietude he needs to reflect and to try and move forward. But what awaits Ian in the tranquil seaside town is more than he ever expected.Kari Langham is a stranger in her own family—misunderstood, dismissed, and underestimated. They strive for wealth, status, and fame while Kari finds personal fulfillment in painting. Wanting nothing more than to escape the soul-crushing sheen of a Hollywood life, Kari does the only thing that makes sense. She flees to Miramar. Renovating an old barn into her home and atelier, Kari finds anonymous sanctuary. But the openhearted town, and the world at large, has something else in mind—for Kari and for another newcomer to Miramar.
March 31, 2025
I had the strangest reaction to this book. Both of the protagonists have experienced trauma and arrive in a small town to recover and perhaps begin a new life. As soon as they arrive, characters just spontaneously start reaching out to help them. And while it was genuinely emotional to read how they are helped and encouraged and given increasingly generous opportunities to excel at their respective crafts, as the free housing and free labor and unerring advice continues to roll in, it all began to veer into fantasy and rather unearned. After their budding relationship gets going, we even learn that each had been an active fan of the the other's work, so even their connection feels preordained. Once they arrive in town, there is not a single setback. The greatest challenge either one is faced with is not refusing the marvelous opportunities they are offered. I do understand that for victims of trauma those can be very real and difficult challenges, but I still wanted to see something more.
I enjoyed the book. It was an emotional balm to see everything get steadily better for not just them but the people around them (mostly). But by the end, it just felt very artificial.
I enjoyed the book. It was an emotional balm to see everything get steadily better for not just them but the people around them (mostly). But by the end, it just felt very artificial.
February 24, 2025
Kari Langham is a painter. She has become world famous.
Her family is a group of over privileged, elitist psychos. They cannot have her being famous, even though they are famous in their own right. She has lived in fear of them for a long time.
But she leaves Los Angeles and settles in Miramar, a coastal California town that makes her feel welcome.
When she gets there she meets Ian Hart, who is running away from his music career implosion.
He arrives to hear the reading of the will for his aunt. But his manager has just taken off with everything he had and Ian is left trying to pick up the pieces of his ruined reputation.
Ian gets an immediate job to finish a music score for a movie.
He becomes involved with several other artists and things start to go in a very good direction for him.
He and Kari become friends as well.
Ian and Kari must confront the problems in their past and create a new future for themselves and their art.
The way everything starts to work together is magical and a lesson in life.
Wonderful story!
Her family is a group of over privileged, elitist psychos. They cannot have her being famous, even though they are famous in their own right. She has lived in fear of them for a long time.
But she leaves Los Angeles and settles in Miramar, a coastal California town that makes her feel welcome.
When she gets there she meets Ian Hart, who is running away from his music career implosion.
He arrives to hear the reading of the will for his aunt. But his manager has just taken off with everything he had and Ian is left trying to pick up the pieces of his ruined reputation.
Ian gets an immediate job to finish a music score for a movie.
He becomes involved with several other artists and things start to go in a very good direction for him.
He and Kari become friends as well.
Ian and Kari must confront the problems in their past and create a new future for themselves and their art.
The way everything starts to work together is magical and a lesson in life.
Wonderful story!
May 6, 2024
Very glad to read another story in this series set in Miramar Bay. Although each ‘stands alone’, there is mention of characters from previous volumes.
As a musician, I was interested in one of the main characters & especially in the details given about particular pieces. (I didn’t know Rodrigo was not a guitarist himself – yet he composed one of the most popular pieces in the guitar repertoire.)
It has been most enjoyable to replay the pieces mentioned, listening with ‘fresh ears’ : despite Schubert’s Erlkonig being a great favourite, I had never heard it performed on guitar before.
And I did appreciate the wise words of Indrid...
All in all, there was enough of the familiar & enough that was new to maintain my interest in reading this book. I look forward to future additions to the series.
As a musician, I was interested in one of the main characters & especially in the details given about particular pieces. (I didn’t know Rodrigo was not a guitarist himself – yet he composed one of the most popular pieces in the guitar repertoire.)
It has been most enjoyable to replay the pieces mentioned, listening with ‘fresh ears’ : despite Schubert’s Erlkonig being a great favourite, I had never heard it performed on guitar before.
And I did appreciate the wise words of Indrid...
All in all, there was enough of the familiar & enough that was new to maintain my interest in reading this book. I look forward to future additions to the series.
November 9, 2024
This series has been all 4's and 5's for me, but this one had so much character history, performance history, artistic dialogue that it limited the zeal Davis wants to create for his two leads. Actually, it was easier to understand the cat ( Sienna), than the cast of characters, managers, producers, musicians and art lovers.
I so wanted this to be another easy, fun, light-hearted review, but I've invested so much here that I need to share my lament...for this book, this author and the time I gave to reading it through.
Unlike Ian who's able to bring Connor's best music into focus in one of the storylines, Davis's editor allowed this work to leave without a thorough cutting out of the non essentials, and reconnecting some needful threads.
Blessings forward, Davis. Not all games or books fall in the win column, and losing one in a 9 book run isn't a bad average.
I so wanted this to be another easy, fun, light-hearted review, but I've invested so much here that I need to share my lament...for this book, this author and the time I gave to reading it through.
Unlike Ian who's able to bring Connor's best music into focus in one of the storylines, Davis's editor allowed this work to leave without a thorough cutting out of the non essentials, and reconnecting some needful threads.
Blessings forward, Davis. Not all games or books fall in the win column, and losing one in a 9 book run isn't a bad average.
February 23, 2024
Book eight of the Miramar Bay series is one of my favorites. This is a tutorial on music and art in which I sometimes got lost, not unusual with Davis Bunn’s deep narrative prose.
Two emotional wounded people find understanding and comfort with each other. Ian, a famous classical guitarist, is ripped off by his manager and blamed for the scandal. Kari is marginalized by her volatile family and finds solace in her art, achieving fame as Kariel in which she is only now making her identity known.
Both are at a crossroads and feeling their way forward, making peace with the new reality. The familiar gang in Miramar is back, offering support and affirmation.
September 12, 2024
Ian Hart is a world famous classical guitarist. Kari Langham's art work is loved and admired by people of all ages. They are young and at the top of their chosen careers. But then the manager Ian trusted and called a friend made bookings Ian knew nothing about, and left the country with advance payments for concerts. Kari has been hiding her identity. She was raised in an angry and disfunctional family. She is ready to tell the world who she is and move into a home of her own. They meet in Miramar Bay. A place that welcomes and heals people like them.
This is the first book in the series I've read. I plan to look for more. This was a quick and enjoyable read.
This is the first book in the series I've read. I plan to look for more. This was a quick and enjoyable read.
April 23, 2024
From the highs to the lows, Ian has felt it all. The author will keep you involved with the story with the characters and the plot development. The dealing with family and loss and how to travel through life without knowing what will come next. A great read that has all the right things to keep the reader involved.
I received an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley and leaving a review by my own choice.
I received an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley and leaving a review by my own choice.
May 15, 2024
A musical symphony painted by a single note …
Davis Bunn keeps exceeding himself with each book he writes. Midnight Harbor spotlights two broken individuals seeking sanctuary. Miramar and its inhabitants perform the healing so desperately needed. But the strokes of words that give the story melody … they must be read and absorbed and treasured. Five stars minimum! The year’s must read novel.
Davis Bunn keeps exceeding himself with each book he writes. Midnight Harbor spotlights two broken individuals seeking sanctuary. Miramar and its inhabitants perform the healing so desperately needed. But the strokes of words that give the story melody … they must be read and absorbed and treasured. Five stars minimum! The year’s must read novel.
August 17, 2024
Every book Bunn sets in Miramar Bay is unique and beautiful and this is no exception. So hard to set down and I already want another to follow. Two seriously hurting people are sent to Miramar Bay to heal from emotional destruction. While there they find true friends and what seems like miracles. We should all have a place like this to run to when needed and reading this book makes that seem possible.
October 8, 2024
Spell bound.
What an amazing ride this book has been. Mr. Bunn has the awesome ability to capture human fears, triumph and struggles from one to the other as few authors able to do. Each time I read one of his books I am amazed at how he is so I tuned to human internal struggles to forgive, accept and move on. Can’t wait to pick up another novel especially a Miramar Bay Book.
What an amazing ride this book has been. Mr. Bunn has the awesome ability to capture human fears, triumph and struggles from one to the other as few authors able to do. Each time I read one of his books I am amazed at how he is so I tuned to human internal struggles to forgive, accept and move on. Can’t wait to pick up another novel especially a Miramar Bay Book.
September 1, 2024
Excellent
Compelling characters. I loved the insight into the creative process of artists and musicians. A story of two people who seem to be at their lowest points, but manage to find the grit to power through. I thought the ending was too abrupt, but a winner of a book, nonetheless.
Compelling characters. I loved the insight into the creative process of artists and musicians. A story of two people who seem to be at their lowest points, but manage to find the grit to power through. I thought the ending was too abrupt, but a winner of a book, nonetheless.
September 4, 2024
Midnight Harbor by Davis Bunn is a sweet coastal romance. Two people whose lives have taken unexpected downturns find each other and new lives. Readers of small town romance should enjoy this book. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.
June 11, 2025
Midnight Harbor is a wonderful tale of overcoming loss, of finding peace and moving forward, of finding oneself. The town of Miramar is an almost magical place for people needing to heal, and both Ian and Kari find the peace and healing that each need, while also finding each other and a family of good friends. The emotion is powerful, and this book drew me in completely. I loved it!
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