A Convenient Catastrophe

The Sea Island Series #1

by Tracy Bayle

At the heart of A Convenient Catastrophe is a mother that was laid to rest a long time ago. But her secrets were buried much deeper than she ever was.

At the heart of A Convenient Catastrophe is a mother that was laid to rest a long time ago. But her secrets were buried much deeper than she ever was.

No one in Flannery Cove has seen or heard from Caroline Chadwick in decades, not since that foggy afternoon the train plummeted into the depths of the sea supposedly taking Caroline with it.

No one except her daughter Amy, that is.

There was a lot happening back then that Caroline may have wanted to escape, things far different from the way Amy remembers them. But no one seemed to suspect anything, and eventually Caroline's tragic demise became family fact.

Why now does everyone think there are more questions than answers, more lies than truths?

Amy has the answers already, and the ones she doesn’t have she really doesn’t want.

Then comes that Email, and an agonizing decision that has consequences at every turn, and could jeopardize Amy’s one chance at true love.

A story about love and friendship, home and family, lies and loyalty, and forgiveness and healing.

Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2020

About the author

Tracy Bayle is a native of South Florida and currently resides in Central Florida with her family. She enjoys beach days, cooking, interior design & home rehab, family game nights and consistently escaping into one novel after another, through both reading and writing. She enjoys travel, but the destination only-not the long flights, hours to get through security or car sickness-this presents a problem. Therefore, reading has always been an alternate means of escape.
Tracy writes both fun, light-hearted suspense in her Flannery Cove Novels and deep, dramatic suspense in her Shanning's Bay Novels. Both towns are part of The Sea Island Series.

Follow Tracy Bayle at www.tracybayle.com and https://www.facebook.com/TracyBayleAu...
https://twitter.com/tracy_bayle
https://www.instagram.com/tracybayle/

A note from Tracy: To my family and friends that live in fear of being the villian in one of my novels or worse...wind up vindicated (i.e. lifelong slave to the lovely main character)
It's a valid concern. If I were you, I'd remember my birthday.

Reviews

[Meghan]

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only.

Disclaimer: I DNF'd this book.

I found this book interesting and while being very intrigued by the characters and premise so far, I found a fair amount of consistency issues. I noticed names were spelled differently (one R here, two there) and it really took me out of the groove. Did I read that wrong.. etc, leading me to skip back to check.

I absolutely loved Paulus. I thought he was super charming and a great addition to the story from what I had gotten to.

Overall, I enjoyed the dip into this world and where the story was headed, it just wasn't for me.

[Rebecca Lange · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought it was a great story. It kept me interested from start to finish and I liked the characters. It had an interesting twist in the end and I liked the love story that turned out the way I wanted. It is a good read and definitely worth every star. 😊

[Barbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing mystery. Unique plot idea. Beautifully written. I stopped several times while reading to copy down lines I thought were especially meaningful. So many times, I laughed out loud. Many other times, I felt Amy's sadness and loneliness. Once I got involved in Amy's ". . .chaotic tangle of lies," I had to keep reading. Halfway through, I felt tired, and by the end, I felt exhausted from the highs and lows, complications, flashbacks, and relationships. This novel contains many different stories; it could have been split into more than one. Many of the characters are so well developed they need more room for their own stories. One character that I feel was insignificant was Bradley. I feel like that relationship drags on too long dragging the plot down along with it. There are so many more interesting characters and relationships. I often felt frustrated with Amy for leading Deaton on without revealing the truth to him. His emotional investment, not to mention time and energy are costly. Amy is irresponsible to keep him in the dark when she can tell him the truth.
I like the respect shown to Paulus's character and feel like he was characterized well. One of my favorite twists is the clever character reveal at the end.
In this novel, Amy deals with emotional family drama, faces painful memories, and perseveres despite difficult circumstances. If the author gives the other supporting characters their own stories, I would definitely read them. Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of this title through Voracious Readers Only.

[Ruth Coulson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A catastrophe may be convenient for some, but cause absolute confusion for others. Amy (Amethyst) is the chief character but has so much confusion in her life that all stems from the day of her mother's disappearance. Amy was a child at the time and was brought up by her father who she loves dearly. She also is deeply attached to the memory of her grandmother.

All is not as it seems. Her mother was not killed in the train disaster as thought and that is a secret that Amy has been keeping for years. Her business is not doing very well and it looks as though she will lose her grandmother's house. She also runs another business as a private investigator. The most recent case she has to solve finally leads to all the secrets coming out. Amy is therefore set free and is able to enjoy her own happily ever after.

How easily an adult may tell a child not to tell anyone something. How much pain and unhappiness it may cause. And yet, I believe this is an enjoyable book and I do recommend it.

I received this book through Voracious Readers and I thank them and the author for allowing me to read and review.

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Convenient Catastrophe is a tale of a woman with much to lose and willing to do anything in order to protect a secret that is not her own.

It took me a while to get into the story, and my interest was up and down throughout the book. Once I did get into it, I couldn’t wait to see how it all ended, and I must say, it surprised me. Not every vague title is explained within the pages of the story; however, that was not the case with this book. As truths are unraveled, suddenly a lightbulb goes on, and the title makes sense. There were so many twists and turns that added to the story in a way that kept me reading even when my attention lagged. I wish that I had finished sooner, but glad I finally did. While I struggled, and there were some issues, the story/concept itself was enjoyable.

Voluntarily reviewed after receiving a free copy courtesy of Voracious Readers and the author, Tracy Bayle.

[Sonya Burns · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mixed feelings. The book takes place over a year, and at first it seems a bit blah. Then it really picks up pace. I'm still not sure how I feel about the book. I liked it, but not overwhelmed by it. That said, I'm not easily overwhelmed.
It became obvious to me about a quarter of the way through what was going to happen, so the tension was lost. But then that didn't happen, so jokes on me. I did find myself thinking about the different characters and found myself staying up late to see what they were doing.

[Floraljoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perceptive and insightful:
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I particularly appreciated the author's perceptive look at human nature. It was humourous without being unkind yet there was also a depth to the story.
I thought Amy was rather crazy but I liked her cheerfulness despite the circumstances and the faithfulness she showed towards her friends. I thought the outcome to the plot was plausaible and I would definitely read more by this talented author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time in reading this author. The story called to me to try it out and open the pages. This will have a mystery that comes to surface and one of the names that too will get our attention is Caroline. Her daughter Amy wants the answers that we want her to share with us. We know sometimes as readers that things at the bottom of a water grave sometimes comes to the surface. As a investigator Amy knew the answers and now can be set free. Anyway this one unfolds right on us having us turn those pages and learning about relations.

[Lori Mills · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to reading this as she's an author I've been hearing about. So I was expecting to enjoy myself over the long weekend getting lost in it. Unfortunately I kept getting distracted and just wanted to do something else. There's nothing wrong with this book. Some of the writing is really amusing, witty and funny. It just felt a bit like it was missing something but I dont know what that is.

[Terry Brouchard · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first started I was a little overwhelmed with all the characters and had to think about who was related to who and how everyone knew each other. But in time it became easier and I started to identify iwth characters.

Each had their own story and their own issues, just like people do. I found the book very relatable and easy to read. Maybe just not at the beach, as you really do have to concentrate in the beginning. Once you get going, it's a good ride.

[Pam C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the book, so much that I wish I could go have coffee at the cafe' and meet all the characters. Lots of people to keep track of, but easy once you get into the book. Very interesting and original plot. Felt a lot of emotions reading this one. Glad the truth prevailed. In the end, I would recommend it; appropriate for teens and up.

I received a free ebook via Voracious Readers Only for my honest review.

[Donna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book

I received it through Voracious Readers and I really loved the idea of it.
I was looking forward to reading it but once I started I just couldn’t get into it.
I ended up leaving the book for a couple of weeks before I came back to it, thinking I may not have been in the mood for it but I still struggled to get sucked into the story.

I did end up finishing the story and believe it was well written and the characters well developed, so I’m not really sure why I didn’t like it.

I believe others who like these type of stories would probably enjoy it, it just wasn’t for me.

[Lisa Butts · Rating 5 out of 5]

My two cents: SPOILER ALERT! Loved the characters. I felt like I knew them, and when I was done I wanted to know more-of course, I think the author did that on purpose, a few loose threads. I found myself thinking, "NO! Don't do that!" A lot. And I felt my heart tug when the chaos finally died down and things came together. I'm hoping for more stories!

[Deana Littles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this a new author (debut book?) But seems like someone I'd love to have lunch with. Obviously a student and keen observer of human nature. Reminds me of Liane moriarty and Maeve Binchy. Keep writing. I look forward to more.

[Diane Fronapfel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique story. One minute you're on the edge of your seat and the next you're laughing hysterically. Four stars because chick lit isn't my normal genre, but I liked the suspense of this that went with it.

[Alison Stern · Rating 5 out of 5]

read in two days and stayed up late to do it. (disclaimer: I had to re-read a few things to get my bearings, but it was because I was tired. There's a lot happening in the book, but worth paying attention to.)

[Marc Jacobi · Rating 3 out of 5]

It started strong. Then it dwindles. Then it picks back up. The plot is unlike any I've ever read, great premise. There were some contrived parts though. The ending is not one you would guess. I skimmed throughout and then there were times I was very intent.

[Tonya Tillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book so much! Perfect for vacation/beach reading. There’s humor, suspense, and complex, relatable characters you'll fall in in love with. A book so intriguing, charming and fun you can't keep it to yourself. I suggested it to my book club and they all loved it.

[Tomy Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely not the same old plot, and that ending I never saw coming. Humorous, gripping, poignant.

[Tammy Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comedic timing. Lovable, vivid characters, an intricate plot, an exciting ride and things to ponder after the last page is read.

[Micah · Rating 5 out of 5]

You had me at "I'm thinking of Killing Eleanor."

[Dot Combly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure if this book was chick-lit, romance, suspense, mystery or humor. It was all of them. I liked it, but I can't identify it.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute chick lit book. Got me out of a reading slump.

[Rhoda Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know everyone will disagree with me on this, but I was hoping for a different outcome. I was disappointed. Everyone else in my book club was not.

[Carrie Deavers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the review that said Dateline Mystery Meets Gilmore Girls! I second that.

[Charla Seele · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute easy read, breezy and light. I could see it as a movie!

[Hope Trinker · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent beach read. Probably will recommend to book club. I liked it, but I didn't LOVE it.

[Doug Hegnan · Rating 5 out of 5]

likable, relatable characters, a convincing, intriguing plot, and good writing. Lots of interesting turns of phrases or analogies that were amusing.

[Pattie]

A Convenient Catastrophe was a fun read. It was light hearted and humorous as well as being full of suspense and wonder.

[Shellie Scates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fabulous book. Gilmore Girls meets Dateline Mystery! Phenomenal story with a twist and I couldn’t put it down.