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Inheritance Bay #1

Love at Turtle Dove Inn

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After a string of bad luck, she needs a new beginning—not a boyfriend.

Riley Jackson thinks she’s finally caught a break when she gets a job offer back
home in Inheritance Bay. But when she arrives, the job has fallen through. And
then nearly getting run over by a handsome bachelor? Hardly surprising at this
point. She can’t refuse his offer for a job though, especially because it comes
with room and board.


Conner Sanders bought the Turtle Dove Inn—a romantic notion to give his
parents a chance to relive their honeymoon. But the inn needs a lot of work,
which is why Riley is the perfect answer. If only he could figure out why , the
small-town residents don’t seem willing to help him. Or why he can’t stop
thinking about kissing his beautiful new hotel manager.

Riley isn’t looking for love and Conner doesn’t think love is in his skillset.
Can two strangers learn to let go of their past mistakes and be healed by
unconditional love?

Start reading today and discover the small-town charm, irresistible
chemistry, and sweet storylines of the Inheritance Bay series.

180 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 20, 2021

509 people are currently reading
597 people want to read

About the author

Susan Warner

77 books106 followers
Susan Warner was born in New Bern, North Carolina. These days she lives in the melting pot of the United States, New York. She writes about sweet small-town romance as a way to remember her roots. She has been blessed with four grown children and a man who cares about her enough to understand when the voices start-up in her head, it’s time for her to go to work.
She originally started telling stories to her kids to benefit from learning about country values even though they weren’t raised there. As time went on, she found others who wanted to hear her stories. Stories that believe in the goodness of people, the sanctity of love, and understand that forgiveness and compassion make us better human beings.
When Susan isn’t writing, she reads voraciously, volunteers to help the homeless and animals when she can, and is eternally trying to get the gauge right in her knitting.

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5 stars
246 (37%)
4 stars
192 (29%)
3 stars
139 (21%)
2 stars
52 (8%)
1 star
19 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Profile Image for BigGirl BigBooks.
513 reviews42 followers
March 16, 2021
When you have nowhere to go but down further, what is a girl to do? Riley doesn't know either. But then by happenstance, an opportunity comes along and we want Riley to go, we root for her because we know she deserves better.
But picking up and going to a new town and running a business isn't easy peasy either. Enter Connor who thinks money can fix everything. But he will have to try a little harder than that if he is to win Riley.
Well done story telling, just the right amount of romance to make me look forward to the next in the series.
Profile Image for Nanzee.
137 reviews19 followers
January 1, 2022
Sweet read, short and simple. I think my favourite character was Merlin. That old dog stole the show and made me smile.
Now the romance between the main characters, Connor and Riley is pretty sweet. They definitely met in an unconventional way and were at odds with each other for a while, however, I do believe that the element of small-town vibes and small-town romance plus uncertain strangers led to a most delightful story.
I think I might actually finish this series. It was a super cute read.
Profile Image for Lizzie.
19 reviews
September 10, 2024
This was a really cute little story and I was going to rate it higher but the end just killed me. Like these people know each other a few weeks and then all of a sudden they get engaged. The ending was way too sudden.
954 reviews14 followers
October 22, 2021
A short, sweet romance that put a smile on my face. Riley returns to Inheritance Bay hoping to finally catch a break. When she arrives with her dog Merlin she finds herself homeless and then in the hospital after being struck by a car driven by Conner Sanders. Thus begins the start of their relationship. Conner and Riley both have their own issues to deal with making their courtship strained. I loved how Riley brought out the best in Conner and Conner's love for his adoptive family. The Inn itself and the small town made the perfect backdrop for an entertaining romance. If your in the mood for a clean love story may I recommend this. On to book 2 !
6 reviews1 follower
August 5, 2021
Choppy story that didn’t flow

The storyline was very choppy. Riley and Conner’s relationship progression jumped all over the place and did not grow. It was a bit frustrating and confusing to read.
Profile Image for Maria Bowden.
39 reviews
July 29, 2023
Good storyline

The storyline of the book was cute and quaint, but the writing leaves a lot to be desired. The POV was difficult to follow at times, and parts of the book were very choppy. The timeline laid out did not seem to be consistent. All in all, it seemed like a rough draft with very little editing.
Profile Image for Hannah Carmon.
22 reviews
August 26, 2023
A quick read but the writing was really flat. The dog had more personality than the two main characters. The ending was rushes and the book just stopped.
Profile Image for Big Time Book Junkie.
793 reviews47 followers
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May 31, 2021
I have been struggling with this review for quite some time. I've finally decided to share the good and the bad. Due to the sweetness of the story and the characters that I enjoyed, I think 3 stars is fair.

Love at Turtle Dove Inn was a sweet story that was a Cinderella story. Conner was trying to give his parents an anniversary of a lifetime so purchased the Inn. Riley was down on her luck and trying to start over when they met by accident, literally.

I really enjoyed Rose and James, who were secondary characters, but added so much to the story. Of course, Merlin, the dog was a hit also. The story has a sweet small town vibe where everyone knows everything about the others, which always makes for a fun read.

I would recommend this book for lovers of small town romances - with some reservations.

There are a large number of errors to include incorrect words - your instead of you're, and other similar errors. This in addition to missing quotation marks in places, missing punctuation at the end of sentences, and a continuity issue. Normally I don't mention such things, but this book contained more than a few. I would strongly recommend the author hire a good editor and proofreader as I doubt this has been done.
Profile Image for Kay Owolabi.
188 reviews
dnf
September 25, 2023
I really wanted to finish this book because the premise was cute and the cover is gorgeous but the writing is just so bad I can’t get through it
Profile Image for DJ.
769 reviews
July 10, 2021
Sweet romance! Entertaining and easy to read!

Love at Turtle Dove Inn is the first novel I have read by this author, Susan Warner. I am sure it won't be the last! I found this book to be an entertaining interlude, one I read on my porch swing with my morning tea, enjoying the respite from humidity and heat we have been having this summer.
Susan Warner has created some wonderful characters in this novel. The people of Inheritance Bay have witty and slightly quirky personalities. I love small town eccentricity! It reminds me of where I grew up. Her main characters, Connor and Riley, easily captured my heart, drawing me deeper into the story, until I refused to put the book down.
Susan Warner paints a vivid word picture of Inheritance Bay. You feel almost like you are there walking the streets with Riley and her dog Merlin. It was easy to escape my everyday life, magically transported on a carpet of words to another time and place. A truly delightful experience.
My only complaint is that the novel ended much too quickly for my taste. One minute Riley and Conner were debating within themselves the reasons the relationship won't work. Then all of a sudden they are declaring their everlasting love for each other and getting engaged! The end! Rather abrupt, I think. But the build up to that point,kept me so enthralled, I didn't want the story to end! Thank the muses, Susan has written a series on Inheritance Bay, all on Kindle Unlimited so more small town romance is only a one-click away!
Profile Image for Fleur.
3,715 reviews29 followers
March 13, 2021
This was the perfect introduction into the series, not only do we get to meet Riley and Merlin and see the attraction they have for each other build, but we also learn about how dire things are in the town and how the town not only hope that getting past generations to come back but also expect Connor to help save them. Riley and Connor are the perfect match with how she is a straight shooter and he has to mull things over, she helps bring him out of his shell as well as provides him with some hard truths, learn to open his heart again and helps try to set him straight on what's really important including family and actually learning more about Inheritance Bay. I get why the townsfolk are a bit judgy about Connor but also thinks it's a bit selfish and rude how they treat him and seeing a few people warm up to him with help from Riley was great to see as really you should never judge a book by the cover!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Daisy Cummins.
115 reviews11 followers
August 26, 2022
LOVE AT TURTLE DOVE INN is compellingly original and executed with irresistible storytelling! Brimming with exciting love tension, unexpected twists and honest feelings, Susan Warners's novel is a must read! It is a soulful and stunningly accomplished work of fiction set in Turtle Bay.
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The Author has a fantastically smooth writing style, and incredible pace, I was so engrossed that I finished it off in one day! It is an absorbing read with well-realized characters and beautiful writing, Riley Jackson grabbed my heart from the beginning and never let go, she's more than just a character in a compelling story, her personality is really well executed and the love for Melin her dog was pure and loved their connection.
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This was a sweet and swoony treat, the story balances humor and heart bringing plenty of laugh, banter and a low angst feel, it gave me butterflies in some moments and I definitely rate this 5/5 and I highly recommend it to every contemporary romance fiction fan. You will not be disappointed from this book.
1,992 reviews16 followers
March 14, 2021
Connor, adopted to loving parents and finance guru, plans a special surprise for his adopted parents and siblings. For that purpose he buys the inn his parents had their honeymoon in, in a small town. As a steal he buys some more properties thus unknowingly nixing a plan to bring life back to the small town.
One day he accidentally hits a young woman, Riley, with his car and starts to take care of her.
She starts to bring him up to speed with the town's worries and expectations.
A nice story, romantic and sweet, with a typical small town vibe to it. Of course there is the occasional bad outside intruding, but all in all an engaging, entertaining story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Breen.
1,554 reviews
November 1, 2021
"I'm in love with this book. I feel is the beginning of a great series and I can't wait for it. First thing I love, Merlin! Sweet Lord, this dog was the definition of adorable and perfection. I was scared something might happened to him being old I couldn't turned pages faster. I'm a dog lover! They're the most important to me. Back to Connor and Riley's story it was equally beautiful. Not gonna lie there were more downs rather than ups but they were important for the story. Their start wasn't a common one that's for sure, it had me on the edge thinking something bad was gonna happened and da*n it had my heart on the edge. The tension was delightful but the connection was beautiful. The ending was perfect and had me laughing too. Have I mention how excited I am for the next story?"
471 reviews4 followers
August 2, 2022
Merlin for the win

He’s a genius and numbers make sense to him, people not so much. She’s ready for a new start in and sold everything to come to this small corner of perfection that’s slowly dying. After a very unconventional first meet, she starts prepping the Inn for his large family celebration. Can he come out of his hyper-focused world long enough for her to see how much he cares and needs her? This is a new to me author and I enjoyed it. After the big buildup about the ex, the easy resolution is kind of anticlimactic, and from her thinking she was leaving that night to I Love You seemed a jump. Merlin her giant dog is both the cause of her present situation and a great judge of character and he often steals the show. Super clean and wholesome.
5,665 reviews63 followers
March 18, 2021
Connor and Riley come together unexpectedly and she ends up helping update the Inn he now owns. The characters are at odds most of the time but also start to care for one another right off. He is analytical and lives by his data and projects. She is easy going with people and knows how to read people. With her help, he starts to understand the town and everyone around him. Loved the situations they had that clicked, like hot chocolate moments. Confessions at the end brought the whole story to a great ending. Well done.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,445 reviews4 followers
April 10, 2021
I really enjoyed this first book in the Inheritance Bay series by Susan Warner. This is a wonderful small-town romance with the appropriate small-town vibe and the trademark romance between a big-time investor and the local resident who needs to make it her mission to show him the secret to small-town life and how best to have his investment work not only for him but also for the good of the town. I look forward to the rest of the books in this series and getting to know more about this community and the residents that inhabit it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Pam Fleming.
1,045 reviews
June 1, 2021
A sweet and fun love story. When wealthy business owner Conner literally runs into Riley with his car as she tries to save Merlin her elderly dog. Riley has come to town for a second chance, hoping to find a home in the town of Inheritance. Connor feels responsible for helping Riley. He comes up with the idea of getting Riley to help restore the TurtleDove Inn to it’s former glory in time to celebrate his parents’ anniversary. His Employees Rose and James are sweet characters who want the best for Conner. Will it be Riley as she shares brutally honest truth with Conner?

Thank you to the author for an ARC. This review is my honest opinion
2,249 reviews15 followers
February 16, 2022
This is a sweet romance. Riley is back in town for a job that is not there. Conner purchased the Turtle Dove Inn for his parents so they can relive their honeymoon, so he is a romantic at heart even though he appears or does not want to love. He runs into Riley and offers her a job to manage the hotel as he tries to fix it up. I think the characters were good together and this is just a heartwarming story. They both need something and they both need love. Can they find it together. Once I started it was hard to put down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sheri P.
1,143 reviews24 followers
May 26, 2021
This story considers what happens when a chance encounter brings two lost souls together.
Riley is trying to find a place to start over while Conner is trying to plan a celebration after being dealt a disappointment. The two disagree on most things from the start, but end up working together and the chemistry between them leads to a sweet romance. Inheritance Bay is a charming community filled with relatable characters.
I would give this book 3.5 stars. There were moments where the story felt disjointed due to either grammatical issues or an abrupt scene change but overall the endearing characters kept me invested.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good clean romance. Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Tarri.
627 reviews6 followers
July 19, 2022
Problem Solved

Enjoyable story about a woman who takes a chance on a new career and life. On the first day in town she finds her internship is non existent, the place she was supposed to stay refused to let her rescue in, and then she gets hit by a car.

Eager to help the town inhabitants she takes their side in an argument with Conner, which he doesn't even know is going on.

Likeable characters, beautiful scenery, a small town atmosphere, and a man who realizes he needs to be open with people to build long term relationships.
Profile Image for MaryEllen.
2,894 reviews29 followers
February 26, 2021
It's a shorter story, so it moves at a quick pace.
Conner hires Riley to help prep the inn for his family's visit.

Conner is a bit preoccupied and doesn't even notice that the town sees him with suspicion, but he does notice that everyone loves Riley. Umm... that “everyone” includes him. Well, he'll deal with that after he takes care of a couple of other things...

She falls hard for Conner, but he obviously doesn't feel the same...
Profile Image for Penny Leidecker.
2,678 reviews26 followers
March 7, 2021
Conner Sanders and Riley Jackson first meet when he hits her with his car, while she’s protecting her dog, Merlin. He offers to put Riley and Merlin up plus give her a job, when the job she’s supposed to get falls through. The townspeople don’t think too highly of Conner, but Riley disagrees. Grab your copy and see what happens in this beautiful story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Helena Mendes.
1,370 reviews16 followers
March 12, 2021
Riley and Conner end up helping each other and falling in love at the town of Inheritance Bay. Their story is the first in this new series and Susan Warner's wonderful writing style is present in this book, the storyline is engaging and it flows seemingly from beginning to end and it was very hard to put it down in order to do every day stuff before finishing it. I liked it a lot and recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
16.6k reviews153 followers
March 13, 2021
She has no chance of finding love as her life has not gone the way she had planned. She had trained as a chef but she was a cook in a cafe while trying to dodge the attentions of her boss. A letter arrives which Amy be the start of a whole new life. She takes the chance. Will it work out? Will she get everything she desires? See if it will

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
35 reviews1 follower
May 22, 2021
This is the sweetest book. Riley is a string woman who’s life has been far from easy. Conner is brilliant, but his common sense and people skills are lacking.Together their strengths and weaknesses bring together a good story. Add a great dog and fabulous supporting characters and you have a story that feels good. Sometimes a simple story with great characters is just what you need. I hope you read this book it’s a good one.
620 reviews4 followers
August 15, 2023
I really love Merlin in this book! Ms. Warner has written interesting characters and I cared about what happened to Connor and Riley. I picked up this book after reading the first chapter on Facebook and was so interested in it I set aside other things to read it. It has a good story. I struggled with the rest of the book some as I didn't stay as connected and it felt a little bit more scattered. I do like how it ended.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.1k reviews8 followers
March 8, 2021
The first book in the Inheritance Bay series a well written story with a very good storyline. Riley Jackson and her dog Merlin go to the town of Inheritance Bay where he and finance guru Connor Sanders do not get off to a great story. I enjoyed seeing this story come together. I want to read the next book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,352 reviews18 followers
March 11, 2021
A beautiful, well written, small town romance that's a wonderful read. The characters are fun, engaging, relatable and easy to get to know. The story is a quick read but so much story in those pages. It holds your attention from the beginning and makes it hard to put it down.

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

Profile Image for Rhonda.
2,941 reviews47 followers
March 14, 2021
Witty and charming romance with a few twists and turns. Plenty of drama to keep you turning the pages. Some lighthearted moments on the way to romance and love. Entertaining characters with interesting dialogue and good interaction. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews

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