The Inn at Crescent Bay

by Sage Parker

A fresh start. A family legacy. And secrets that could destroy everything.

When Naomi Brennon fled Atlanta after losing her career and her marriage, the last thing she expected was to inherit her late aunt's beachfront inn in Crescent Bay, Florida.

But small-town paradise isn't what it seems.

The inn needs more than fresh paint to come alive again—it needs protection from the powerful Prescott family who rule this island like royalty. When Naomi's documentary filmmaker friend arrives to investigate the town's legendary Founder's Fair, she stirs up more than local gossip.

Anonymous threats. Midnight confrontations. And a smuggling operation that runs deeper than the Gulf waters.

As Naomi navigates her growing feelings for local contractor Ryan Hart—a man with his own painful past—she discovers that some secrets are worth killing for.

And when her cousin witnesses something she shouldn't have on a moonlit beach, Naomi realizes she's not just fighting for her business anymore.

She's fighting for her life.

If you love sun-soaked suspense, small-town secrets, and a swoony second-chance at love.... Scroll up now to read Book 4 in the series!

167 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 24, 2025

Reviews

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

The mystery and questions keep getting answered with more coming up. Each book peels back layers that let the reader in on more clues. It leaves you wanting to know more.

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

[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, and 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 clearer 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 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 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.

[Carmela Dimattia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am hooked on this series and it just keeps getting better and better. Crystal seems to have uncovered some interesting facts about Heath Prescott and when Ashley, Naomi’s cousin, comes to visit she stumbles upon something happening at the dock. As she scrambles to get away after being caught Naomi realises that the people chasing Ashley might have followed her back to the inn so she asks Ryan to stay at the inn overnight just for added protection only the next morning who shows up on her doorstep but her ex, Logan. I cannot wait for the next book to see how it all starts coming together and we start learning more about the Founders Fair and exactly what nefarious goings on the Prescott family is up to.

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

[Barb Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Naomi thinks that her cousin Ashley needs to come visit her mom. She doesn't realize how bad Aunt Matilda's Alzheimer's become. Ashley is shocked and upset. Meanwhile, Heidi apologizes to Naomi for how she treated her when she first arrived, but can she be trusted?
Crystal is convinced that Heath is up to no good and when Ashley stumbles across activity at the water, she is chased to the inn. Naomi thinks that they believe it was her and tells Ashley to take her family to the hotel by the airport for safety. I can't wait to see what happens next. I received an advanced reader copy of this book from Booksprout, and this is my honest review.

[Megann · Rating 5 out of 5]

So in the fourth book we are seeing where the investigation of what is going on with Heath may actually be something. But there was a warning letter and it was not from him. Naomi has all her family and Ryan around her but still on the last night of their visit her cousin sees something she was not supposed to. Now someone is after her and possibly Naomi. Ryan has come to stand by Naomi’s side and make sure nothing bad happens to her but what she least expects is when her ex shows up. Book 5 is not out yet and hoping I can get. Copy of book 5 and 6 so I can review and keep you in suspense waiting….

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

[Roslyn Simonin Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Naomi gets a note in her mailbox that Crystal and company need to be gone in 24 hours or else. Naomi is frightened, Crystal, not so much. But, Crystal says they really do need to do a lot more background work on Heath and agrees to leave for a few weeks.
Meanwhile, Aunt Matilda's Alzheimer's is progressing, and Naomi feels Ashley needs to visit her Mother before she gets much worse.
A lot going on in Crescent Bay.

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

[June Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The saga continues as Naomi and Ryan learn to support each other and slowly bring others into their lives. They both have many issues to resolve from their pasts. And, oh, the mysteries that surround their lives in Crescent Bay along with the threats against Naomi and her journalist friends and then even her cousin.

This series just keeps getting better with each book. Sage Parker is a phenomenal storyteller!.

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

[Berta Greenleaf Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much information in this book. Naomi finds out about Heath and what he is up to through Crystal. Meanwhile her cousin comes home with her family to visit an decides to move home to be near her mother. Heidi becomes a closer friend to Naomi. Some mysteries are solved but more are on the horizon. Last but not least, Logan comes for a visit. 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.

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Inn at Crescent Bay, Book 4, finds Naomi receiving a threat in the mail telling her Crystal and her team must leave within 24 hours as they investigate a potential smuggling ring and the Founder's Fair. Crystal and her team agree to leave for a few weeks but will return to complete their investigation. As the danger increases, Naomi and Ryan become closer. The book continues with plot twists and mysteries.

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

[Kathy Dryden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 4 has a lot going on. It deals with some serious family issues that will touch your heart, and a mysterious illegal activity going on. Naomi has the Inn she is working on, and her friend, Ryan, comes to help her when she calls. Scary things are happening, and I can't wait for Book 5. These characters reach out to you, and keep you turning the pages.

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

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once you get your hands on this book, you’re going to find yourself reading it from start to finish with no breaks. I think this cover is beautiful and I love the colors as well as the storyline. In fact, this entire series so far has been AWESOME. Sage is one of those authors that will have your entire attention beginning with page one. Loved how Naomi’s character seemed real in some ways. A truly great book.

[Debdutch · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Inn at Crescent Bay: Book 4” by Sage Parker

-This gripping chapter is the 4th of the series—definitely read it in order. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Naomi’s quiet coastal life turns tense with danger, secrets, and suspense. Family drama blends with mystery as she and Ryan dig into dark truths.

Emotional, fast-paced, and filled with heart.

Cliffhanger…..🧗‍♂️

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was one of those that once I started it I knew I was not going to move until I finished it.
Naomi’s life has not gone the way she thought. I was so sure I would be able to figure out what was going on but then I read the next chapter and wham another twist to the story and a turn that was not one I saw coming!
I am so excited for the next book in the series to come out.

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

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book four and the suspense continues. Naomi’s cousin comes to stay as the situation with her aunt deteriorates and her condition worsens. Crystal and the crew are run out of town but that will not stop their investigation into the Prescotts and the town. There’s some heartbreaking moments in this addition which the author handles so well as well as so,e heartwarming moments and an ending which will either have your jaw drop or have you role your eyes!

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must be read in order. More threats are coming in and the investigation is hinting at secrets that some people might do anything to keep in the dark. Changes within her family is coming faster than she might be ready for. What has she found herself involved with and how far will the impact go when everything finally settles? I can't wait for the next book....

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional, touching story.

An emotional, touching story that is beautifully written as it deals with the reality of issues impacting Naomi's aging aunt. Interwoven with this story is a compelling mystery that Naomi gets caught up in with terrifying consequences. This book and series is a must read!

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

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hold on to your hats, this series is fast paced. This is just a really awesome story full of drama, suspense, romance, family and friends. All are amazing characters. So many twists and turns that keep you wondering and turning pages. Keeps your interest so you can’t wait for the next book too. I'm having such a great time reading this one.

[Happy Happy · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW I was at the start a little disappointed its essentially in the middle of a book and its about building the story and sometimes it can be slow when there is no BIG drama. But this book delivers just like all of Sajes books. Stick with it you wont be disappointed. Except I WANT THE NEXT BOOK NOW!!!!

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting characters and there are so many secrets that need to be revealed. Like the setting and the background of the story. There are a few twists in the story that are unexpected. But the choices that the characters have to make could be very dangerous. Good read.

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

[Cheryl McCrork · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Very Interesting Book 📖

The characters were so fun and had so many twists and turns throughout the book. The story keeps you guessing. It was a hard book 📖 to put down. The story just keeps building up and can't wait for the finish. I really enjoyed this book from start to finish.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book ends in a cliffhanger again. Naomi is in danger and suffers from flashbacks. She is trying to set up and run her inn. Will the danger catch up with her?.

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

[B E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Naomi gets a warning that Crystal and her two aids must leave or else. She tells Naomi she isn’t giving up but will lay low.

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

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book #4 in the Southwest Florida series by Sage Parker.

There is so much going on in this book! Terri’s family drama, hidden secrets, and anonymous threats. I can’t wait for the next book!.

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

[Beverly Kee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great storyline!

This series hits are little close as both of my grandmother's and a aunt suffered like this, as well as a cousin who has early onset after having Covid 19. I loved this book and what a way to end it!

[D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Naomi is getting close to finding out the mystery happening at the inn. I love Crescent Bay and I hope Naomi figures this all out very quickly so that she can move forward. A great story.

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

[Baby Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has caught my attention from book one. Every time I finish one book, I anxiously await the next. It has intrigue, drama with a bit of gossip, a nosy community, deals with life long lessons and family medical diseases that pull at one's heart strings. This is so good!.

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

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Naomi is smart, caring and protective woman who is in a intriguing situation. Each day brings more mystery.

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

[Shanna Pippin · Rating 5 out of 5]

love!

I can’t wait for the next book! Super excited! I don’t want this book to ever end! Thank you Sage Parker!

[Sue Negrillo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m done with this series, to slow.