The Inn at Crescent Bay

by Sage Parker

She came to Crescent Bay to rebuild an inn—she never expected to rebuild her life.

After a public scandal shatters her career, journalist Naomi Brennon seeks refuge in the coastal charm of Crescent Bay, where her aunt's weathered seaside inn offers a second chance. Determined to restore the inn—and her sense of purpose—Naomi finds more than peeling paint and ocean views.

She finds Ryan a brooding contractor with a complicated past the town won’t let him outrun.

As the slow-burn spark between them ignites into something deeper, buried secrets surface, and Naomi is drawn into a decades-old mystery threatening Crescent Bay’s beloved Founder's Fair. The closer she gets to the truth, it's more clear than ever—some families will do anything to protect their legacy.

Brimming with small-town warmth, heartfelt family bonds, and a romance as steady and stirring as the tide, Book 3 in the Southwest Florida Series is a tender reminder that sometimes the road to healing begins where you least expect it.

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181 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 30, 2025

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

She came to Crescent Bay to rebuild an inn—she never expected to rebuild her life.

After a public scandal shatters her career, journalist Naomi Brennon seeks refuge in the coastal charm of Crescent Bay, where her aunt's weathered seaside inn offers a second chance. Determined to restore the inn—and her sense of purpose—Naomi finds more than peeling paint and ocean views.

She finds Ryan a brooding contractor with a complicated past the town won’t let him outrun.

As the slow-burn spark between them ignites into something deeper, buried secrets surface, and Naomi is drawn into a decades-old mystery threatening Crescent Bay’s beloved Founder's Fair. The closer she gets to the truth, it's more clear than ever—some families will do anything to protect their legacy.

The moment Naomi Brennon stepped back into Crescent Bay, the whispers started. She'd bought her aunt's beachfront inn hoping to escape her failed marriage and ruined journalism career—a desperate attempt to rebuild her life among childhood memories and ocean waves.

But small towns have a way of finding out everything.

Someone's been talking, spreading the parts of her past she never wanted anyone to know, turning each local shop into a minefield of cold stares and abruptly ended conversations.

The only person seemingly unfazed by the rumors is Ryan Hart, the talented—and distractingly handsome—contractor working on her renovation. He knows a thing or two about being the subject of town gossip, though he keeps his own past carefully guarded. His understanding smile and unwavering belief in her plans for the inn offer Naomi a comfort she hadn't expected to find.

But as Naomi settles into island life, her estranged husband reappears, determined to win her back. And strange occurrences at the inn suggest someone is waiting for her to fail. Now, Naomi must decide who to trust in a town where everyone has something to hide.


This contemporary tame, starting over, second chance romance is a clean and wholesome women's fiction with a beach town with mystery. It is page-turning with exceptional world-building in southwest Florida at the inn at Crescent Bay, where there are magnificent sunrises and sunsets that are vibrantly painted across the sky that are breathtaking, and characters that are resilient, captivating, intelligent, an inn owner, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with the inn at Crescent Bay where Naomi Brennon escapes from a failed marriage and her ruined journalism career, small town where gossip about Naomi is causing a minefield of cold stares and abruptly ended conversations because of some spreading the parts of her past she never wanted anyone to know, drama, suspense that will leave readers on the edge of their seats, danger, deception, heartfelt emotions that will leave readers needing Kleenex to wipe the tears that are threatening to spill down their cheeks, Naomi settles into island life, her estranged husband appears trying to win her back, mysterious occurrences at the inn are evidence that someone is waiting for her to fail, doesn't know who to trust/or if she can trust, action adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with the inn at Crescent Bay and a second chance romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is engulfed with love and loss and unforgettable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Baby Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving where this story is going. The mystery unfolding and all of the plot twists have me immersed in the mystery as if I am a part of the story. Naomi has so much to deal with and I love how determined she is to not let anyone scare or walk all over her. Having her BFF Crystal there uncovering deeply kept secrets by the Prescott family has chills running up and down my spine. On a more personal note, reading about Naomi's aunt Alzheimer's diagnosis reminds me of what I went through when I was taking care of my dad who suffered from dementia. It is so heartbreaking and it took me down a rabbit hole, but I am so glad that Sage has incorporated this into her story to shed some light on the disease that takes a loved ones memories away a little at a time.
I am so immersed in this one!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Naomi has booked her friend Crystal and her team at the inn so they can shoot their film regarding the goings on at the annual fair that is held in the town of Crescent Bay. As time goes by things start to get crazy in the town. The head of the town gives Naomi a visit at the Inn and he is very angry with what Crystal is digging up about him. He is involved in some shady business and it is just a matter of time before it comes out to everyone! Naomi is getting scared as things go on afraid that she may lose the Inn to all of this. Crystal tells Naomi that he is involved in some shady dealings ands soon it will come out. Naomi will stand by Crystal but still fears for herself and the Inn. I loved this book and can't wait for the next one...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[June Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Naomi and Ryan have mended their fragile friendship and are beginning to trust and depend on each other. As they are both sort of outcasts in town, this is good for them both. Naomi is having a soft opening of her newly purchased and refurbished Inn and her first guests are an investigative reporter and the two men who video and record audio for her, Crystal, Ian, and Maxwell. Within a few days of their arrival at the Inn, trouble starts, as the founding family of the town does not like anyone meddling in town business. Threats start happening and I can’t wait to find out what Crystal and her team will find as they continue to interview the local residents and put their story together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barb Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series gets better with each book. Naomi receives a visit from Heath Prescott, and it is not pleasant. He threatens her and her business if she doesn't kick out Crystal and her team. Aunt Matilda finally comes clean with her diagnosis while Ryan and Naomi develop feelings for one another. When Heath Prescott confronts Crystal and Naomi receives a threatening letter, Naomi demands to know what is happening. I received an advanced reader copy of this book from Booksprout and this is my honest review. I can't wait to see what's next.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is nothing better than a mystery book that keeps me guessing and the one The Inn at Crescent Bay book 3 is doing just that.
Naomi has more going on in her life and one of the best parts is her connection with Ryan. Wow I hope things progress between them but with all the secrets swirling around her it is tough for her to concentrate too much on their growing relationship.
The story just keeps getting better!! I can not wait for the next one to come out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carmela Dimattia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryan and Naomi are friends again but their friendship is still a little fragile so they both proceed with caution and after a lengthy talk move forward. Heath Prescott makes his feelings known about the TV crew and their investigation in the Founders Fair and you have to wonder what Heath is hiding. Aunt Matilda comes clean about her illness and it is truly heartbreaking. This was a fabulous addition to the series and my interest is piqued.

I received an arc copy via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Inn at Crescent Bay, Book Three, continues the story of Naomi as she and Ryan decide to remain friends at this time. Naomi has a soft opening of the Inn with the arrival of her investigative friend, Crystal, and her two person crew. The founding family is opposed to the investigation of the mystery surrounding the annual Founder's Fair. Naomi receives a threatening letter. The Southwest Florida will continue in Book Four of the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is just getting better and better as we head into book three. Naomi and Ryan are sorting out their issues and then there is the soft opening of the inn which ruffles a few feathers when the guests who are journalists delve more then a little deeper into the town and it’s goings on. The mystery and suspense continue to build and there’s a heartbreaking moments as we discover aunt Matilda’s diagnosis which we sort of knew. It’s an incredible addition to this series, emotional, suspenseful, thrilling and I love these characters! Looking forward to book four.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

The mystery continues in Crescent Bay seemingly surrounding, the founding family, the Prescotts and the founders fair. Also, Naomi’s aunt has sadly been diagnosed with alzheimers disease, a subject that hits close to home with me since my mom is in the late stages of dementia, very sad and frustrating disease for all involved. Looking forward to the next book to learn more about the hidden secrets of Crescent Bay and to see how Aunt Matilda is doing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Megann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Naomi and Ryan have worked out their differences, Logan is being a pain in the posterior and everyone is dealing with her Aunts Problem and how they will handle the Alzheimer's diagnosis and who will be responsible for taking care of her.
Now we are moving on to book 4 and finding out just what is going on with the annual town event.
We will be finding out just who is responsible for the problems that have occurred and just what is happening in this quiet Florida town.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Naomi finds her plate is more than full with finding her way thru ending her marriage officially, coping with family and illness, a mysterious research project spearheaded by a good friend - and then her heart begins to grow feelings

Midlife reboot drama that feels anything but typical to her, especially as she tries to rediscover her inner confidence.

Hear her roar, and look out for collateral damages.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her life is getting more complicated instead of simpler. Her husband is still fighting the divorce he requested. She's developing feelings she can't act on, her friend wanting to do a documentary has the wrong people upset and her aunts diagnosis isn't good. When will things start to get easier? Who's upset and why? What will she do if things continue to get more dangerous?.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debdutch · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Inn at Crescent Bay: Book 3” by Sage Parker

-Naomi’s world spins with secrets, shady dealings, and a friend’s risky investigation. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

As Crescent Bay’s mysteries unravel, she fights for her inn, her peace, and a fresh start. Family drama, fear, and newfound feelings collide in this twist-filled coastal tale.

A gripping small-town mystery with heart, resilience, and a heroine you’ll root for.

[Berta Greenleaf Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Naomi is in the middle of a mystery. Her friend comes with her crew to investigate the curse of the Founder's Fair. They get too close to the town's secret and now someone is threatening them and Naomi's inn. Ryan and Naomi come to terms with being friends for now. There are a bunch of twists and turns in this book. I highly recommend this book to all women's fiction readers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sue Negrillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Florida.
Naomi and Ryan her “friend” who has been renovating the Inn. The town says he killed his wife, he tells her the story that he fell asleep and she drowned after having a party at their house. They become closer.
The film crew show up to stay at the Inn while interviewing people in town about the festival the town has. They believe that the towns first family is smuggling jewels. Mr Prescott comes to the Inn and threatens Naomi.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This romance read has a great story line about finding your true love when you least expect it. This book really resonated with me in more ways than one and I had tears in my eyes at times. This is a very heartfelt romance read that just shows you when you least expect it good things can happen. Naomi and Ryan prove that in this book by Sage.

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep, dark secrets!

I love this book and series with Naomi as she copes with her new surroundings and mysterious happenings. Clearly there is a series of events that are being covered up, but by who? I love her strength and determination, particularly as she deals with her pesky ex-husband to put him in his place. I am counting on her and her best friend Crystal to get to the bottom of the secrets and reveal who is behind the town curse.

I read this book as part of an advance reader team. I am voluntarily writing this review.

[Roslyn Simonin Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crystal and her crew, Maxwell & Ian< come to investigate the "Founder's Day Curse.
They are really causing a stir-up in town.
Naomi has been threatened by an anonymous letter to get them OUT!!!! Or Else!!!

Unbelievable!!!!! Get us to the next book Sage.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Happy Happy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing continuation in the series. I am really loving the depth of the characters and their relationships. Sage has really taken the time with this series to allow us to get to know the characters on another level where we can really feel like we are apart of the family.
I just want to know what happens next...

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Naomi has invited her friend and her crew to film the goings on for the annual fair in town. Secrets that have been hidden are starting to come to light. Some people are getting upset. It sure makes for an interesting read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ester · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third part of Naomi's story with a cliffhanger ending. A page-turner in which old mistakes are remembered, information is discovered in a curious way, and new secrets are stirred up by the hand of new characters that will be revealed in the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vickie Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was very interesting book I never got to read the first 2 I will have go back read them it seem like good a Series to get into.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of books written by Sage Parker; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the third book in the Southwest Florida Series; the story continues from the previous book and needs to be read in order.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are a lot of secrets in Crescent Bay along with family drama so more things are heating up than just the amazing sunny coastal setting from this amazing book. The characters are really interesting and as is this great story line. Looking forward to the next book.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Naomi is a wonderful, kind and compassionate woman who is trying to get back on track. This story of mystery and compassion.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[B E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Naomi has a soft opening of the inn. Her guests are an investigating reporter and team. They are asking questions around town which the founding families don’t like.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely series,definitely one that keeps my attention.
Sweet characters, some crazy ex and suspense.
Next one please, need to know what’s happening.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rosa Fite · Rating 5 out of 5]

I REALLY ENJOY THIS SET OF BOOK. I AM UNDER LOTS OF STRESS, ETC. AFTER SURGERY AND THIS WAS EXACTLY WHAT I NEEDED. THEY GAVE ME THE INTEREST, WARMTH, READABILITY THAT I DESPARATELY NEEDED. THANKS A LOTS

[Delores 1273hot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crescent Bay Inn opens

I really really love this book,, I would recommend this book All of my reading friends Good series And I loved it because it held my interest The author was so creative this time