Miramar Bay

Miramar Bay #1

by Davis Bunn

In the tender, heartwarming tradition of Nicholas Sparks, this compelling novel of two strangers in a small coastal town marks a romantic tour de force for internationally bestselling author Davis Bunn.

He had not come all this way just to break another woman s heart. When Connor Larkin boards a late night bus in downtown LA, he's not sure where he's going or for what he's looking. Putting his acting career and his fiancee on hold, he's searching for something he can't define, a part of himself he lost on the road to success. Once he dreamed of being a singer in the classic style of Sinatra and Bennett. But his lean good looks soon landed him in movies as the sexy bad guy and in the arms of a famous young heiress. Now, with his wedding day approaching, Connor finds himself stepping into the sleepy seaside town of Miramar Bay where one remarkable woman inspires him to rethink all of his choices.

She needed to know his secrets, and to see if he'd tell her the truth. Sylvie Cassick is nothing like the pretentious starlets back in Hollywood. The daughter of a nomadic painter, she's had to work hard for everything unlike Connor's fiancee. When Connor hears familiar music drifting out of Sylvie's restaurant, he feels as if he's finally come home. Sylvie isn't sure what to think when this impossibly handsome stranger applies for a waiter's job. Yet once he serenades her customers and slowly works his way into her heart she realizes there's more to him than he's letting on. And Connor realizes he's found his destiny.

But as the outside world encroaches, threatening their fragile bond, Connor will have to risk losing everything to gain the life he longs for, and be the man Sylvie deserves. Filled with bittersweet longing, Miramar Bay is an unforgettable journey through doubt and desire to the truth that can be discovered along the road less taken.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Contemporary, Christian, Chick Lit, Christian Romance

324 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2017

About the author

Davis 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).

Reviews

[Dale Harcombe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actor Connor Larkin boards a late night Greyhound bus from Los Angeles and ends up in a little place called Miramar Bay. He had been there once many years before for a weekend. Now he thought it would be a good place to get away from the scandal and uproar that was about to break in the broken wedding plans he had left behind. Connor is looking for something. He just doesn’t know what. What he does find is a friendly police officer called Porter Wright. He also hears music coming out of a restaurant. The music reminds him of the dreams he once had, dreams that never eventuated and became replaced with the acting life. The owner of the restaurant, Sylvie, is unlike anyone Connor has met before. But apart from old music like Sinatra, Dean Martin and others, what could they possibly have in common? Dare he find out?
I picked this book up from the library because I liked the cover and the name. I didn’t even read the blurb on the back and had never heard of the author. It came as a pleasant surprise how much I enjoyed this story of a small town, and the two main characters Connor and Sylvie. Porter and his family, along with others who work in the restaurant, round out the cast of likeable characters. Of course, no story would be complete without a villain. There is one who causes trouble for Sylvie. There is also a woman who comes back into Sylvie’s life after many years.
This is a story of love and also about the kind of friends who stick by a person when trouble comes. If you like stories with strong characters, a beautiful setting, choices and second chances, you should enjoy this one. It kept my interest throughout. A lovely read without any language and sex scenes. I will now be interested to check out some of this author’s other books.

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different than usual for this author...but still well done!

[Phyllis Krall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miramar Bay is a seaside resort on the coast ofCalifornia where many people go to escape the stress of everyday life and search for their dreams. Conner Larkin takes a break from his Hollywood life and finds this charming town to hide out in. He quickly becomes involved in the lives of the residents, keeping the secret of who he really is.
When Conner meets Sylvie, the owner of the Castaways Restaurant, he is captivated by her. She hires him to work in her restaurant and is instantly drawn to him. When Conner's identity is revealed, he struggles to make amends and win Sylvia's heart back as he secretly helps her.
I enjoyed this charming romance and was captivated by the beauty of Miramar Bay. We all yearn for a place where we can get away from the hubbub of our daily lives and escape to an idyllic place where dreams become reality.
I received this book from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.

[Joyce · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am obviously in the minority in my opinion of this book. I have read many books by Davis Bunn and usually enjoy them very much. When I saw this one at the library, I was excited to read it and the book cover description made it sound very appealing. However, it was a great disappointment to me. It's hard for me to even begin to explain what I disliked about it---there were so many things. I was also disappointed that there were no spiritual aspects to the book. I can remember that many or most of Bunn's books used to have a spiritual message to them. This novel was so shallow and contrived in my opinion.

[Lori Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miramar Bay by Davis Bunn is a contemporary romance novel set in the coastal town of Miramar Bay in California. Bunn introduces us to Connor Larkin, a character actor who runs away to Miramar Bay to get away from a life he no longer wants - the fast lifestyle of Hollywood and a fiancee he doesn't wish to marry. Once he gets to Miramar Bay, Connor hides his true identity and takes a waiter's job at a local restaurant called Castaway's owned by Sylvia Cassick, who also came to Miramar Bay years earlier with her father and decided to stay and make a life for herself there. Miramar Bay is a place of second chances and throughout this novel, Bunn reveals a cast of characters who've all been given second chances there - Rick, Marcela, and Estelle, Sylvia's long estranged mother. From their first meeting, Connor and Sylvia embark on a relationship that blossoms, wilts and blossoms anew. Sylvia learns of Connor's deception and then is accused of funneling drugs through her restaurant. And as Sylvia's life begins to spiral out of control, Connor's comes into focus. Can he, Estelle and the other people in Sylvia's life save Sylvia and redeem themselves in Sylvia's eyes in the process?

I don't normally read romances, but there were two things about this book that peaked my interest - one, the title, Miramar Bay. Many years ago, I read a book titled Beachcombing at Miramar by Richard Bode and I have been fascinated by this place ever since. I don't even know if Bode's Miramar is the same as Bunn's Miramar, but it didn't matter. It was the Miramar of my dreams. Second, one of the critics had likened Bunn's work to that of Nicholas Sparks and I am a fan of his work. I figured if Bunn's book was half as good as a Sparks' book, then I would definitely enjoy it. I have not been disappointed at all. I don't like overly mushy romance stories and thankfully, this one is not that kind of romance at all. It is a whispering of romance, a remembrance of how beautiful falling in love can be, a craving for another's soul, the tragedy of broken hearts and the joy of renewed love.

Bunn's writing is casual, sensual, and effortless as he weaves a powerful story of loss, regret, friendships and love. The characters are rich, inviting and so well-developed. You cannot help but fall in love with them. The settings are beautifully written. You can place yourself there, sitting and watching the sunrises or strolling about the lovely town of Miramar Bay and eating at Castaway's. The plot is well thought out. From the moment you begin reading this novel, you know something spectacular will happen. Second chances, renewed interests in old dreams, and community support are all highlighted in this gorgeous story. For anyone, like me, who enjoys romantic stories without all of the mush and sex, then this novel is definitely for you.

Note: I won an Advanced Reader's Edition of this book on Goodreads Giveaways for an honest review.

[Christian Fiction Addiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starring a cast of likeable characters and a dramatic, emotive plot that will hold your attention from beginning to end, "Miramar Bay" will no doubt draw new fans to the talented pen of Davis Bunn. This is a story of second chances and new beginnings, and I enjoyed journeying along with Connor as he takes a good, hard look at his life and has to decide what really matters. Bunn does a masterful job at unfolding Connor's transformation, and you can't help but root him on as he seeks to chart a new course for himself. At first I found myself thinking that he was a bit too perfect with his good looks and his incredible acting talent. But as Connor makes mistakes and shows some humility in taking ownership for his actions, I found him that much more easy to relate to.

Fans who enjoy a good romance are going to surely enjoy watching the scenes between Connor and Sylvie. I particularly appreciated that the romance unfolds in a unique way, not a result of flowers and walks along the beach, but as Connor rising up to do what needs to be done to advocate for Sylvie when she finds herself at the centre of a conspiracy threatening everything she holds dear. I think the one aspect that would have made this story all the richer would have been a greater emphasis on the spiritual. Though the scenes of reconciliation that occur in this story are beautiful to behold, they are lacking the supernatural, spiritual involvement that often brings Bunn's novels to the next level. Nevertheless, I can appreciate that he is writing for a different audience with "Miramar Bay", and this moving story will speak to readers on many levels.

I look forward to seeing what next lies in store for the people of Miramar Bay. I award this book a solid rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

An egalley has been provided courtesy of the publisher and netgalley for the purposes of this unbiased review.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's the Nicholas Sparks comparison that got me when I entered the Goodreads giveaway for this one. And they were right. I haven't read a lot of Nicholas Sparks novels, but each one I read I devoured and loved. And this book is no exception. The characters are real and endearing. You'll want to move to Miramar :-)

[Debra Lucas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book through a Goodreads Giveaway, and the following is my honest opinion of: Miramar Bay by Davis Bunn. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute spent reading this story. Connor Larkin is ready to walk away from his fake-feeling movie star life, and his fiancée, Kali, who is just as false! She doesn't know how to make a move or speak without a movie script in her hand. He gets on his Ducati bike and travels up the California coastline until he gets to the small town of Miramar Bay. A town that feels just his size. Where the only one who's recognized him so far is the police chief, Porter. He goes to work in a restaurant called Castaways, where a lovely woman named Sylvie is part owner. There is an almost instant attraction between Connor and Sylvie. But, Connor isn't quite free from Kali, yet. The crew at Sylvie's restaurant found a few kilo's of cocaine in their fish delivery the morning that Connor first arrived in Miramar Bay. So Sylvie's not really free, either. She's facing huge legal fees, once she finds a lawyer, and possible jail time, too. Then there's Estelle, Sylvie's estranged mother. She meets Connor and gets to know him because they're both staying in the same motel cottages. Will anything come of the infatuation between Connor and Sylvie? Will Sylvie be able to prove she is innocent of the charges against her? How will Estelle fit into Sylvie's future or will she? One of the best things about this novel is how wonderfully all of the characters are written. You will be drawn into their lives so effortlessly and yet, you will really care about what happens to each and every one of them! I'm so glad that I was able to read this book ahead of it's release date of April 2017. Don't miss reading this heartwarming story!

[Fiction Aficionado · Rating 4 out of 5]

As is always the case with Davis Bunn’s novels, I was pulled into this story from the very beginning. I had actually forgotten what the story was about when I started reading, so it was with an air of anticipation that I got on the bus with Connor and waited to discover where this story was heading. That anticipation swelled as I met Sylvie Cassick and Estelle Rainer in turn, and began to uncover their stories and see how all these different threads would tangle together...and unravel...and then weave together again.

Connor Larkin was an interesting character—quietly intense. He’s not quite a Hollywood A-lister, but he has made a career out of dying on the screen—ninety-seven times, and counting. Somewhere along the way, though, he lost himself, and so five days before he’s set to marry heiress Kali Lyndon in a highly-publicised reality wedding, he boards a bus and heads to Miramar Bay, looking for a new beginning.

Estelle Rainer and Sylvie Cassick are no strangers to loss either. Estelle has come to Miramar Bay to see if she can recover her loss, but every time she tries to take that momentous final step, she balks. Sylvie has suddenly found herself in danger of losing what little she has left when she is falsely accused. When Connor arrives in Miramar Bay he gets caught up in both of these unfolding stories, a situation that is quickly complicated by the life he’s running away from.

As engaging as the first half was, the story really picked up momentum in the second half and I found myself reluctant to put it down. Bunn’s talent for emotive writing lent itself well to the contemplative nature of these characters and enhanced the poignancy of their journeys. I did feel as though the characters held themselves at arm’s length from the reader—as though there was an invisible narrator standing between us, sharing the character’s point-of-view on their behalf—but I’m still undecided as to whether that detracted from the reading experience or actually contributed to it.

In any case, this is an engrossing story of new beginnings and second chances.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This has not influenced the content of my review.

[Ed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a romantic novel of an actor who decides to take a vacation at a place where he can get away from Hollywood. It is not a Christian novel, however the language is clean and no cursing or sex, than you might find in many non-Christian novels. It is a good story, even fit for teens to read. There is some excitement in the story to keep it interesting up to the end.

[Luisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review. I found this a well written easy read. It was a nice story, though i personally have issues with people falling in love in a matter of days, but that again is a personal opinion. Yes I will recommend this book as it was a sweet read.

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this book as a giveaway. First I want to say that this story flew by and was a quick read, however I never felt any depth to the characters and felt that the writing built up a b rated soap opera feel. The twists were predictable and the story felt rushed. The plot had a lot of potentional but unfortunitley it just didn't deliver for me.

[Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good getaway. it was slow but it was enjoyable. I'm glad that I read it.
I would give it 4 stars and say give it a try. Its a book you can read in a short afternoon.
I will be reading Bunn again that's for sure.

[Susana Velho]

Um romance bem escrito, mas levezinho. Para se ler sem grandes expectativas.

[Scott County Library System]

In the style of Nicholas Sparks and Mitch Albom, Davis Bunn crafts an easy to read romance that's more than superficial. In Miramar Bay, Connor Larkin has riches, fame, and a high-profile fiancée, but none of it satisfies. Connor runs away to a small town on the California coast and begins working as a waiter, concealing his identity from his new boss -- beautiful and conflicted restaurant owner Sylvie Cassick. Sylvie has built up walls around her heart after her mother abandoned her and her vagabond artist father, but the mysterious new waiter begins breaking them down. This is a feel good story about second chances and finding love again.
Readers will also enjoy the sequel, Firefly Cove, featuring an entirely new set of characters where romance once again plays out against the backdrop of scenic Miramar Bay.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 that I bumped up as it was a pick for book club. It was a wonderful surprise to find printed discussion questions at the end as I am leading this book talk.
I really liked the start of this book and was totally absorbed through Connor’s first trip back to LA.
But then DB’s fictional world just would not stand up to facts as laid down in the story and I started to question many things.
There is lots of mystery here .. and I look forward to a good discussion!

[Laura Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super fun romantic, escapism read. Take it to the beach with you! Good times!

[Christine Barth · Rating 3 out of 5]

a bit predictable but pretty good

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got this book at the Dollar Tree Store. Could not believe how much my husband and I both enjoyed reading it. Going to track down more by this author.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story about second chances. Clean read.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

AUTHOR Bunn, Davis
TITLE: Miramar Bay
DATE READ 01/04/2018
RATING 4/B
GENRE/ PUB DATE/PUBLISHER / # OF Fiction/2017/Kensington/289 pgs
SERIES/STAND-ALONE: #1
FIRST LINES: Connor Larkin stood with the other passengers waiting to enter the Greyhound bus.

CHARACTERS Connor Larkin/actor and musician; Sylvie Cassick/restaurant owner
TIME/PLACE: Present/Central California
COMMENTS: This is designated inspirational fiction, however, I am really not sure if that is fitting . Does it cover themes like redemption and finding your authentic self … yes. However, there are no religious, biblical, etc commentaries. Connor is an actor … starting out, getting a name for himself but not an A-lister…yet. He is not quite sure this is what he is after and leaves LA for a a journey a few hours up the road. He ends up in a small town, Mirarmar Bay, in Central California. He meets Sylvie who is part owner of The Castaways a local restaurant. He grew up in the restaurant business and decides this is what he wants for now…and of course, being near Sylvie is an added attraction. They both have pasts that are coming back to haunt them and interfering with any present progress for the two of them. I enjoyed the setting, and the cozy camaraderie of the characters.

[Janet Sketchley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you need to run away to find yourself. And so we meet Connor Larkin, up-and-coming actor, seeking anonymity on the midnight bus out of Hollywood after his highly-publicized engagement event.

Connor has been to the town of Miramar Bay once before, and he thinks it’s the place he’ll find some clarity. He’s not expecting to find an ally in the local police chief, or to be brought to tears by the music drifting from a local restaurant.

Sophie Cassick, the restaurant owner, can’t let her own troubles keep her from hiring “Connor Smith” when he pleads for a job. Whatever his secrets, he’ll fit in with the rest of her loyal crew of misfits.

Miramar Bay is a heart-warming, feel-good novel, perfect for a summer read. Complex characters and meticulous details make it more than a romance. It’s also a story of friendship, loyalty, estrangement, regrets, and second chances. It’s about remembering to dream again.

Internationally-bestselling author Davis Bunn is most known for his Christian fiction. Miramar Bay is a general-market book, so don’t expect an overt faith thread. As a Christian reader, I see God’s work through the characters and circumstances and in response to one woman’s cry of “I need help,” but the characters themselves don’t fully think that through on-page.

Although lawyers only play a small part in the novel, my favourite lines both describe them:

Everything was very normal about Harold. However, Sylvie often suspected that given the right motivation, the top would spring open to his tight little box, and out would pop the evil clown. [p. 181]

Sol offered a cat’s smile, all teeth and malice. [p. 257]

For more about the author and his books, visit Davis Bunn Books. Writers and aspiring writers are strongly encouraged to check out his blog, Notes from Davis. Curious readers may find it interesting too, to peek behind the scenes at the struggles many writers face.

[Review copy from the public library.]

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via the Goodreads giveaway.

Told in alternating perspectives, Miramar Bay centres around our two main characters: Connor Larkin (aka Connor Smith) and Sylvie Cassick. Connor is an increasingly popular Hollywood actor who has become unsettled with his life; to avoid a publicity stunt marriage, he retreats to the seaside small town. Sylvie, a Miramar Bay local, owns and operates the busy restaurant, Castaway, where Connor eventually lands a job as a waiter.

What I liked best about this book was the atmosphere, and the way the author truly created the small town, resort-town feel of Miramar Bay. I think most people will be able to relate to this, and I can imagine that this book would be great to read while actually on vacation. It's quick and light, and wraps up in a satisfying way.

With that being said, I was less impressed with this book than I'd hoped to be. There was just too much going on, which meant that many storylines were skimmed. For starters, Sylvie and Connor have zero chemistry, and have very little actual interaction. The idea that their relationship was somehow central to the story was less than believable. In addition to this storyline, we're also given the focus on Connor's Hollywood career, Sophie's legal troubles and her relationship with Estelle, which are all equally glossed over.

Overall, this book is light and fun but underdeveloped in many areas. I'd recommend it for someone looking for something quick, but not for anyone looking for a book with depth.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is the typical woman (Sylvie) meets handsome stranger (Connor), he isn't totally honest so she drops him like a hot potato. She thinks about him the rest of the book until of course the end when he swoons her into knowing that she is in love with him. He spends the entire story trying to help her out of a legal battle that this woman finds herself innocently drawn into. She, however, has no idea that he is even thinking about her still let alone going to all this trouble to help her out. She has the potential to be a strong character but the author doesn't develop her very much and I think she remains pretty shallow.

The rest of the town helps her out as well by holding a silent auction with the proceeds going to her legal expenses. She wasn't even going to go to the auction. It is like she drifts through the story. She does sort of reconnect with her absentee mother that shows up after leaving the family years before.

This sounds pretty negative but I did enjoy reading it. It isn't a drippy romance and has a little meat to it....very little though. I guess I just went through it though wishing for a bit more. It is a clean read but not preachy. It is a nice, easy read. Something to take your mind off of things if you are needing an escape.

After seeing some of the other reviews I might add that I did not receive a free copy of this in a give-away. I checked it out from my library.

[Fred · Rating 2 out of 5]

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

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

Thank you to the publishers for a review copy.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this audiobook. The reader was great (Graham Winton), and did a fantastic job of changing for each character. I especially enjoyed his "Gerald" and the Ukrainian researcher.

This is a novel of second chances. Bunn's characters are wonderful - they are flawed, not perfect. Conner Larkin, the actor who has lost sight of his dreams and runs away to a place he wishes he could call home; the lumpy scarred police chief who takes a chance on Connor; the mom Estelle who has abandoned her daughter and husband in the past and now wishes tentatively for another chance at what she has missed; the restaurant staff, each one of whom has a story of past woes. But they all come together to help their friend when she is in trouble. There are poignant moments and laugh-out-loud funny spots. There is the comeuppance for the bad guy and the final, satisfying ending.
In short, this is a wonderful story (clean too!) and I hope to read more of this series.

[Debbe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Won this book on a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you! I totally enjoyed this journey with Connor and Sylvie. Connor the LA, engaged actor, that thought it was a good time to leave and find himself won my heart. At first I thought oh no here we go again, same old song and dance, but this had the twists and turns which kept your interest. I would recommend this book, and I could also see a sequel. Thanks again for the book and happy reading!

[Jackie ellsberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding! Davis Bunn is a new author to me. I had read about him and Miramar Bay in a monthly book magazine that I get from my local library. A total page turner, hard to put down love story. It is clear from the beginning the love Conner and Sylvie have for each other. Even when life gets in the way, they never forget each other. This is the first book in his Miramar Bay series. Great book! Highly recommend. Cannot wait for his next book in this series in 2018!

[Harambe · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is a well-written book, but I did not find the tale nor the characters very interesting. A lot of time in the story is spent on one of the main character's legal issues, which I do not think was particularly entertaining. Overall it felt like a generic and predictable soap opera. It is well-made and probably checks off most things that "should" be present in a soap opera, but you will probably only enjoy it if soap operas are your thing.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this was like stepping into a good Hallmark movie and coming to know and love the characters at a whole new level. I loved the plot, setting, people, and the gentle way in which the story constantly moved forward. So come for a visit in Miramar, where the small-town feel is framed by lots of heart, and the salty air is perfect company for healing tears.