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Miramar Bay #4
Tranquility Falls
From the internationally bestselling author of Moondust Lake comes an emotional and enriching novel of family, forgiveness, self-acceptance, and self-discovery . . .
When the darkness seems too hard to bear, there’s only one thing left to do.
Six years ago, Daniel was a Los Angeles financial analyst who was too handsome for his own good. Too smart for his anchor job on the nightly news. And too enamored with the heady addictions of the high life. That man died in a tragic accident with his fiancée. With grief and guilt battling for control, Daniel moved to the quiet California seaside town of Miramar Bay with his best friend—a rescue Labradoodle who still sees him through rough times. Daniel’s a different man now. Clean, sober, and taking things one day at a time with no commitments to anyone except himself. And just as his solitude begins to chafe, two souls in need of fresh starts unexpectedly enter Daniel’s life . . .
Realize that it’s time to wake up.
Daniel’s self-centered sister has dissolved several longtime relationships. Theirs included. The latest? Her restless teenage daughter, Nicole, whom she’s dropped off in Miramar Bay without a backward glance. For Nicole, who’s never felt at home in the world, it only confirms the disconnect she’s always had with her mother. Now, left with an uncle she barely knows, Nicole is more adrift than ever. Yet to Daniel’s surprise, playing surrogate father is forging a bond that he needs, too. More difficult for Daniel is the possibility of romance with lovely and fragile Stella Dalley. Struggling with a trauma of her own, the single mother is as cautious about love as Daniel is—no matter how healing it could be. But for Daniel, Stella, and Nicole there’s still hope for a tomorrow they can call their own. All they have do is to learn to trust in each other, and in themselves.
A powerful novel of new beginnings, chances taken, and hearts lost and found, Tranquility Falls is a timeless love story to treasure.
When the darkness seems too hard to bear, there’s only one thing left to do.
Six years ago, Daniel was a Los Angeles financial analyst who was too handsome for his own good. Too smart for his anchor job on the nightly news. And too enamored with the heady addictions of the high life. That man died in a tragic accident with his fiancée. With grief and guilt battling for control, Daniel moved to the quiet California seaside town of Miramar Bay with his best friend—a rescue Labradoodle who still sees him through rough times. Daniel’s a different man now. Clean, sober, and taking things one day at a time with no commitments to anyone except himself. And just as his solitude begins to chafe, two souls in need of fresh starts unexpectedly enter Daniel’s life . . .
Realize that it’s time to wake up.
Daniel’s self-centered sister has dissolved several longtime relationships. Theirs included. The latest? Her restless teenage daughter, Nicole, whom she’s dropped off in Miramar Bay without a backward glance. For Nicole, who’s never felt at home in the world, it only confirms the disconnect she’s always had with her mother. Now, left with an uncle she barely knows, Nicole is more adrift than ever. Yet to Daniel’s surprise, playing surrogate father is forging a bond that he needs, too. More difficult for Daniel is the possibility of romance with lovely and fragile Stella Dalley. Struggling with a trauma of her own, the single mother is as cautious about love as Daniel is—no matter how healing it could be. But for Daniel, Stella, and Nicole there’s still hope for a tomorrow they can call their own. All they have do is to learn to trust in each other, and in themselves.
A powerful novel of new beginnings, chances taken, and hearts lost and found, Tranquility Falls is a timeless love story to treasure.
283 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2020
134 people are currently reading
259 people want to read
About the author
Davis Bunn
111 books1,041 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 75 reviews
February 24, 2020
I have mixed feelings about TRANQUILITY FALLS. On one hand it has the excellent writing readers have come to expect from Davis Bunn. By writing, I mean story premise and execution (grammar, structure, etc.). But then there's that pesky other hand. And that's why I'm only giving the book 4 stars, though 3.5 stars might be a better rating.
After years of reading books by Bunn that made me think deeply about the situations his characters found themselves in and the choices -- whether good or bad -- they make, the change to more of a Hallmark movie-style novel, while not inherently bad, just feels strange.
It is not difficult to like Daniel Riffkin, a recovering alcoholic who is four years sober but still living with the grief from his fiancèe's death; his niece Nicole, whose worldview shifts with the realization that her dad is not her biological father; Stella Dalton, a new friend who discovers she's being set up as the fall guy in a crime, and her daughter Amber; and Chloe, the 16-year-old daughter of friends. However, it is difficult to believe some of the decisions he allows the teen and pre-teen girls to make. It's almost like I discovered I was reading a young adult novel where the young always make the decisions how they're going to live, regardless of the consequences.
Minor quibbles aside, TRANQUILITY FALLS is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon reading. Recommended.
I received an eARC from Kensington Books through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
After years of reading books by Bunn that made me think deeply about the situations his characters found themselves in and the choices -- whether good or bad -- they make, the change to more of a Hallmark movie-style novel, while not inherently bad, just feels strange.
It is not difficult to like Daniel Riffkin, a recovering alcoholic who is four years sober but still living with the grief from his fiancèe's death; his niece Nicole, whose worldview shifts with the realization that her dad is not her biological father; Stella Dalton, a new friend who discovers she's being set up as the fall guy in a crime, and her daughter Amber; and Chloe, the 16-year-old daughter of friends. However, it is difficult to believe some of the decisions he allows the teen and pre-teen girls to make. It's almost like I discovered I was reading a young adult novel where the young always make the decisions how they're going to live, regardless of the consequences.
Minor quibbles aside, TRANQUILITY FALLS is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon reading. Recommended.
I received an eARC from Kensington Books through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
April 28, 2021
Davis Bunn is an engaging storyteller. This is a fairly quick read, great for a lazy afternoon. The story drew me in and held my attention throughout.
Daniel is a man who has carefully structured his life to climb out of the pit that addiction and grief have sucked him into. His former life as a high-profile business exec was very stressful and led him to use drugs and alcohol to cope, and his fiancee died in an accident while he was driving under the influence.
Staying sober and clean is a daily struggle, but Daniel is convinced that solitude (with only the companionship of his goldendoodle rescue) is the only way to keep the demons at bay. But then things start happening and he has to re-engage with life. The Goodreads blurb gives a great synopsis. This is a clean read, and characters from the former Miramar Bay series make appearances, although the book can be read as a standalone.
Daniel is a man who has carefully structured his life to climb out of the pit that addiction and grief have sucked him into. His former life as a high-profile business exec was very stressful and led him to use drugs and alcohol to cope, and his fiancee died in an accident while he was driving under the influence.
Staying sober and clean is a daily struggle, but Daniel is convinced that solitude (with only the companionship of his goldendoodle rescue) is the only way to keep the demons at bay. But then things start happening and he has to re-engage with life. The Goodreads blurb gives a great synopsis. This is a clean read, and characters from the former Miramar Bay series make appearances, although the book can be read as a standalone.
September 12, 2020
I really liked the dialogue between the main character Daniel, and his teenage niece . Daniel is 4 years sober and taking care of his niece and falling in love with someone who maybe going to jail and has a young daughter and then there is his sponsor and best friend who is having issues with his teenage daughter!
Lots going on but very well written
Lots going on but very well written
April 15, 2021
review to follow
October 7, 2020
I am a Davis Bunn fan, but while lightly told, this was not the author's most riveting work. And yes, as several others noted, the angst ran high throughout! Parts seemed believable and other parts seemed a bit of a stretch.
October 21, 2022
The cover looks like a sweet Hallmarkish read but it is far from being one. This story has embezzlement, death of a child, family estrangements, and drug addiction.
If you are a family member with a drug addict in the family you NEED to read this book. Pay attention to chapter 53. This chapter alone made it a 5 star read for me.
This is book 4 in a series but can be read as a standalone with no issues. I have not read any other books in the series and was fine.
If you are a family member with a drug addict in the family you NEED to read this book. Pay attention to chapter 53. This chapter alone made it a 5 star read for me.
This is book 4 in a series but can be read as a standalone with no issues. I have not read any other books in the series and was fine.
June 16, 2020
A man settles into a cozy sea town after trying to escape a past that still haunts him. Sounds familiar right? For the most part it is. This is an all too familiar story only with a man as the lead character, which is a refreshing change. The text of this book flowed well and I do enjoy the writer as a whole. My only two criticisms were the way things wrapped up all too quickly with some of the relationships in the story. And of course, the love story was fast and furious which doesn't compute with me at all. The one other flaw was that several of the characters would finish sentences for the main character often throughout. It's little but it was just irritating enough to be felt. I did fly through the book as it was interesting and flowed well.
January 6, 2020
There is lots of teen angst here, but Bunn does a nice job creating likeable characters working on recovery.
July 26, 2020
Blah.
Stilted writing.
One dimensional characters.
Did not finish
Stilted writing.
One dimensional characters.
Did not finish
June 21, 2020
Daniel had taken many falls along the pathway of life, but he had come to Miramar Bay seeking tranquility, peace, healing, and so much more. Forces were at work trying to drag him back into his old life. He was fortunate to have some great friends who cared about his welfare and were looking out for him. How strange that two of these friends who had helped him the most seemed to be unwittingly pulling him in a different direction than the one he planned to go. Would he be able to help others while keeping himself sane and moving in the right direction? I especially liked his niece, Nicole, who was quite sharp for a teenager. She seemed to understand Daniel even better than he understood himself. Although every indication was that her mother was a horrible, self-centered, exceptionally difficult human being, maybe Nicole grew up faster because of her. No need to spend time looking for that answer in the story because it is not addressed. Nicole simply amazed me with the astute observations and responses that she offered to Daniel through the story. Daniel also surprised me more than once when he deferred to her to make her own choices. Davis Bunn has written another gripping story that will hold your attention.
April 7, 2020
Daniel was once a TV personality in Los Angeles until a personal tragedy occurred and threw him into a tailspin. Now he is in Miramar trying to live a quiet life, attend AA meetings and recover from his past. But his past comes to join him in the guise of his niece whose mother (Daniel’s sister) has dramatically dropped her off because she is angry with her. Meanwhile, his best friends’ daughter is rebelling and Daniel is being drawn into the fray. Add to this, a new friend is being accused of mishandling money at City Hall and Daniel gets involved trying to help her prove that she is innocent. All this turmoil forces Daniel to face his own past and deal with some issues that have been on hold.
This is a very interesting story and I had trouble putting it down. I kept looking at the last page over and over to make sure that was really the end because I didn’t want to leave this story behind. Hopefully there will be another book in this series so I can continue the experience.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
This is a very interesting story and I had trouble putting it down. I kept looking at the last page over and over to make sure that was really the end because I didn’t want to leave this story behind. Hopefully there will be another book in this series so I can continue the experience.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
March 16, 2020
I was excited to find out that Davis Bunn has a new book written in the Miramar Bay series. You do not need to read the others in the series first, although having done so will enhance your enjoyment of this book as you recognize characters from previous books.
Bunn once again has come up with a fast-moving plot and characters that quickly engage the reader’s interest and emotions. There are shenanigans in high places to be uncovered, wounded people to be encouraged and moved towards healing, troubled teens to be pointed towards better futures, locations you wish really existed (although I can recognize glimpses of places I’ve visited in California), and just enough romance to be satisfying.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #TranquilityFalls #NetGalley
Bunn once again has come up with a fast-moving plot and characters that quickly engage the reader’s interest and emotions. There are shenanigans in high places to be uncovered, wounded people to be encouraged and moved towards healing, troubled teens to be pointed towards better futures, locations you wish really existed (although I can recognize glimpses of places I’ve visited in California), and just enough romance to be satisfying.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #TranquilityFalls #NetGalley
April 4, 2020
Tranquility Falls by Davis Bunn is the 4th book in the Miramar Bay romance series, and my first book by this author. Daniel's life fell apart six years ago when his fiance died in an accident. Daniel was living in Los Angeles, working an anchor, but that led to his drinking and drugs. Today Daniel lives in Maramar Bay where is he working hard to stay sober. Next thing Daniel knows, his selfish sister drops her teenage daughter off for Daniel to take care of. Stella a single mother with a teenage daughter, are recovering from their tragedy. Can Daniel and Stella find a connection? This is a sweet love story, that I enjoyed. I found this book to be on the slow side, but I am looking forward to reading more from this author. I recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 6, 2023
This might be a 4.5. I think there were a few holes in this one that previous books in this series didn’t have, but perhaps I just didn’t read quite carefully enough.
Whichever the case might be, it’s another excellent story in this Miramar series, this one of Daniel, a recovering addict who once was a news anchor in LA riding the wave of fame until a car crash killed his fiancé.
Stella, a young single mother, is a CPA for the city accused of siphoning off funds, and Daniel, a former forensic accountant before his financial news analyst roll began, is asked to look at the books to see if he can help her.
Other key characters: Nicole, his niece who comes to live with him after an episode with her mother who is grossly narcissistic, and Amber, Stella’s surviving daughter.
Whichever the case might be, it’s another excellent story in this Miramar series, this one of Daniel, a recovering addict who once was a news anchor in LA riding the wave of fame until a car crash killed his fiancé.
Stella, a young single mother, is a CPA for the city accused of siphoning off funds, and Daniel, a former forensic accountant before his financial news analyst roll began, is asked to look at the books to see if he can help her.
Other key characters: Nicole, his niece who comes to live with him after an episode with her mother who is grossly narcissistic, and Amber, Stella’s surviving daughter.
June 7, 2020
A beautiful story of hope, recovery, redemption and personal change. How one man can change from an egotistical alcoholic to a sober, caring man who puts others before himself but doesn't realize the man he has become. A man who welcomes his niece into his home, gives a dream to another and is a loyal, dependable friend. In falling in love with a woman who trusts no men and who thinks men always leave when you need them. A lonely lady with a daughter. Two damaged people who find each other and heal together. Tranquility Falls by Davis Burns causes you to believe in the power of love and forgiveness of self and hope for a future.
May 13, 2021
Daniel ❤️ Stella
Davis Bunn, you have done it again! An amazing story - several amazing stories, actually. Tenuously braided together to the breaking point and then the story broke. Intelligent and brave teenagers trying to find their own story in life. Stella, the mother of a preteen and fearful accountant. Daniel, the wasted alcoholic who is returning to life during the fourth year of recovery. Daniel spoke my story. It has been 44 years, 2 months,1 week and one day since I accepted Jesus as my Savior and Lord. He delivered me from alcoholism and I walked in Recovery for a few years until I reached my Step 8, Wholeness. Thank you Davis Bunn for this great story.
Davis Bunn, you have done it again! An amazing story - several amazing stories, actually. Tenuously braided together to the breaking point and then the story broke. Intelligent and brave teenagers trying to find their own story in life. Stella, the mother of a preteen and fearful accountant. Daniel, the wasted alcoholic who is returning to life during the fourth year of recovery. Daniel spoke my story. It has been 44 years, 2 months,1 week and one day since I accepted Jesus as my Savior and Lord. He delivered me from alcoholism and I walked in Recovery for a few years until I reached my Step 8, Wholeness. Thank you Davis Bunn for this great story.
October 1, 2021
Another enjoyable story that is set on the central coast of California -- mostly in a town called Miramar Bay. This one involved Daniel, a financial guy who had also been a popular TV host. He is now a recovering alcoholic and drug user and is trying to start over in Miramar Bay. His path crosses with Stella, the town's auditor. There are really two parts to the book. One is about financial crime and laying it at the hand of an innocent person. The other is about teenage angst as is shown my Daniel's niece and the daughter of some good friends. It is a nice story with a satisfying conclusion. No sex or profanity.
April 14, 2024
A pleasant read, but not the depth of plot nor the residual thinking David Bunn books normally require.
I expected a deep thought provoking read and was left disappointed. The quality and beauty of writing didn't disappoint, but lack of/ limited understanding of teenaged girls was worrying. Or maybe the teen-agers I've met are just more hormonal, less trusting and less adult.! They certainly are often manipulative and want their own way, before they are prepared for life.
However I found myself reading the book through in two sittings, but somehow feel cheated. Not the usual standard.
I expected a deep thought provoking read and was left disappointed. The quality and beauty of writing didn't disappoint, but lack of/ limited understanding of teenaged girls was worrying. Or maybe the teen-agers I've met are just more hormonal, less trusting and less adult.! They certainly are often manipulative and want their own way, before they are prepared for life.
However I found myself reading the book through in two sittings, but somehow feel cheated. Not the usual standard.
March 8, 2020
2 stars
Tranquility Falls by David Bunn
2 stars
I think this book was meant to be profound and thoughtful instead it was cliche and whiny. This is the 4th in a series but it is easily read as a stand-alone book. I really enjoyed the first 25 percent of the book, but after that, the author just tried entirely too hard to be deep and it just comes off as forced. I just cannot recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. The views given are my own.
Tranquility Falls by David Bunn
2 stars
I think this book was meant to be profound and thoughtful instead it was cliche and whiny. This is the 4th in a series but it is easily read as a stand-alone book. I really enjoyed the first 25 percent of the book, but after that, the author just tried entirely too hard to be deep and it just comes off as forced. I just cannot recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. The views given are my own.
March 20, 2020
Yes this might read like a Hallmark movie but really- is that a bad thing? Daniel is finally healing after the tragic death of his fiancee and his own descent into alcohol when his niece Nicole shows up on his doorstep. She's filled with teenage angst, some of which is because she's just learned her dad is not her bio-dad. Then there's Stella, who becomes Daniel's love interest, and her daughter. There's some bad decisions, some good decisions, and generally a lot of forgiveness. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. It's a gentle book that might buoy you at a difficult time.
May 25, 2020
I've not read the earlier book is this series so I don't know if the main character's story is told there or not. He's a recovering alcoholic, which provides a reason for him to be where he's living and explains his reluctance to get our of his shell. But people keep getting thrown into his life that need his help. And at some point, he must utilize past skills to help the woman he cares about and to step into his future. I liked the characters and the way each interacted with the others. Some clever twists and turns in the plot held my attention. And a fitting ending as well.
August 8, 2020
I enjoyed reading Tranquility Falls. I have read the first three books in the Miramar Bay series, but this could easily read as a stand alone novel. This book dealt with the sensitive issue of addiction, and handled other relational issues with great sensitivity. Daniel Riffkin is mostly believable and, due to his past struggles, is a very compassionate friend to those who are hurting. An easy to read, well written book in typical Davis Bunn style. Forgiveness, compassion, love, kindness, and hope are five words that describe this book.
October 14, 2020
Dnf. Sorry but Daniel didn't come off as kind or caring. He was creepy. Constantly talking about his sister's attractiveness to all men that he always felt; his niece suddenly became a woman before him etc. (His sister drew males to her before she could walk?! Really?)
Super creepy & disgusting.
Lisa the mom is not a wonderful flame, she sounds like a raging abusive narcissistic woman who needs meds and therapy asap.
Please let's stop glorifying a beautiful woman who kicked her daughter out of her home.
Super creepy & disgusting.
Lisa the mom is not a wonderful flame, she sounds like a raging abusive narcissistic woman who needs meds and therapy asap.
Please let's stop glorifying a beautiful woman who kicked her daughter out of her home.
October 23, 2020
This is the story of Daniel Riffkin. After the death of Daniel's fiance, he moves to Miramar and begins attending AA meetings, and enters recovery. His life is very settled and that is just the way he likes it. Then his niece is dropped off with him and a friend asks him to look into some shady financial dealings that are happening in the City of Miramar. How Daniel and his friends investigate the mystery of the missing funds and the bonds between these friends make for a great book. Good characters and only a few errors, not enough to detract from the book. Highly recommend this book.
April 10, 2021
I like Davis Bunn books. I’ve never read one I didn’t enjoy. This was a perfect vacation read—a little mystery, a little romance, a bit of a detective story. It’s the fourth in the Miramar Bay series and I realize I’ve skipped 2 and 3. I’ll go back and read those but this worked as a stand alone. The clearly described characters were well done and had me loving or hating them, just as the author wanted, Im sure.
September 27, 2022
This book was so good, I could hardly put it down! There were several stories to follow, and the reader will root for Daniel, his niece, Nicole, Stella, and her daughter, Amber. Each one of these characters is going through a struggle. The story is full of drama and suspense, hands down the best book of the Miramar Bay series! Read the book to find out if each character is able to get through their problems.
October 24, 2023
Deep, believable, suspenseful, AND romantic
This novel is terrific on many levels. The characters are multi-faceted and painted compellingly. Plot and subplots interweave like contrapuntal music, and each has its own believable timeline of events. The romance develops slowly and subtly, between two characters who are as deeply flawed as myself and the people I love. Highly recommended.
This novel is terrific on many levels. The characters are multi-faceted and painted compellingly. Plot and subplots interweave like contrapuntal music, and each has its own believable timeline of events. The romance develops slowly and subtly, between two characters who are as deeply flawed as myself and the people I love. Highly recommended.
June 8, 2021
Masterful
Love his style. He crafts a story extremely well. Impressed with the way Daniel treats people. He values, listens, supports, assists without taking away their dignity and the individuality. It is all about adding value and respect, never detracting. An outstanding tale of recovery, hope, and new life.
Love his style. He crafts a story extremely well. Impressed with the way Daniel treats people. He values, listens, supports, assists without taking away their dignity and the individuality. It is all about adding value and respect, never detracting. An outstanding tale of recovery, hope, and new life.
November 1, 2022
Fine, and there is some nice comraderie if you can wrap your head around characters w/ such a wealth of heavy issues! Not sure why they would send the aspiring young model to live w/ the maladjusted sister, and a few other incongruities. Also the repeated references to stroking the "dog's pelt" were odd. Still, most of the melodrama cones out right in the end.
August 19, 2025
4.5 stars. This story does grab you after a couple of chapters and will make you want to finish the story. One instance of the author using the incorrect character name in an exchange. I wish there was more beyond what is written. The characters are great and I want to see what happens further into their “lives”.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews