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Miramar Bay #6

The Emerald Tide

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In an uplifting story brimming with romance, art, and intrigue, internationally bestselling author Davis Bunn returns to the breathtaking coastal California town of Miramar Bay, as a widowed art history professor hunts for a stolen masterpiece…

Just when he thought he’d buried his past and was moving on…

Four years after his wife’s death, art history teacher Derek Gaines has finally made a kind of peace with himself. He tries his best to stave off memories. His days are ones of familiar routine. Guarded against further pain, he keeps relationships at a safe distance. It’s all part of his necessary transition to surviving alone. If anything is truly responsible for Derek making it back from the brink it’s his edifying work as a consultant for auction houses—and indulging a consuming sideline job: tracking stolen art. But Derek’s latest hunt will lead him toward challenges both professional and personal—that he’s not prepared to
Face.

He discovered the art of falling in love again…

Joining Derek on his quest is Kelly Reid, the new junior vice president of gallery operations at Christies Los Angeles. She is driven, ambitious, fiercely passionate about her work—and a fellow wounded kindred spirit. Bitterly immune to men’s promises, she’s never letting herself be vulnerable again. Yet even as trust and affection remain frightening territory, a tenuous start to her partnership with Derek slowly builds toward something more. And soon, both will be tested beyond anything they could have imagined–in the deepening mystery of a lost painting, and in matters of the heart, which can be the greatest mystery of all.

With love comes risk in The Emerald Tide, a powerful and emotional novel about daring to take a second chance.

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 26, 2022

97 people are currently reading
205 people want to read

About the author

Davis Bunn

109 books1,033 followers
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).

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5 stars
292 (47%)
4 stars
192 (31%)
3 stars
96 (15%)
2 stars
21 (3%)
1 star
8 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
184 reviews6 followers
May 9, 2022
A somewhat disappointing read, this had the potential to be a good story but I don’t feel it is his best. On one level it appeared shallow, with its over-emphasis on characters’ traffic-stopping good looks &/or being super-rich, but on another level the conversations were quite deep : it could probably have ‘passed’ if from another writer, but I have higher expectations of Davis Bunn. There was nothing overtly Christian about it. The book was hard to get into – it took a long time to feel engaged with a character, with the story not always clear & no proper ending – we are not even told what the final ‘treasures’ were. This could have been so much better. 3 1/2 stars
455 reviews14 followers
August 21, 2022
This was a concise, interesting read with a look into the art world. I'm only giving it 3 stars because I just couldn't relate to any of the characters and I feel their development emotionally was minimal. I don't need a lot, but something with a bit more depth. Other than that, it was a good story.
Profile Image for Marti.
3,296 reviews1 follower
August 17, 2022
The Emerald Tide by Davis Bunn is the sixth book in the Miramar Bay series. The stories in this series can be read as stand alone as they all rotate around a place in central California on the coast. This novel’s main character lives in a cottage in Miramar.

Derek Gaines, a widower, has slowly begun to find peace after his wife’s death. He is an art historian and a bit of a treasure hunter. (More urbane than Indiana Jones.) He has been brought in to help with a piece of art. He is drawn into the mystery by a couple of friends.

In this quest, he finds Kelly Reid. A woman who may open up his heart to a new love. She is a top executive for Christies’ Los Angeles. Together, they with help from a surprising source, take on a task to help Gwen pay off her bills while tracking down what her son was looking for. Their main task however is to find the provenance of a piece of art; a piece of art, not finished and not seen before, and perhaps even very expensive.

Together they travel to find the information while making a documentary as cover. The story is one of resilience, patience and breathtaking pieces of art. The book is listed as romance, intrigue and art. A book that has intrigue without the main characters being chased with guns. It has romance without a word of love spoken and it has art. I would suggest to you that it is a cozy romantic thriller about the art world.

I really enjoyed reading this book and must confess I read it in one day. This is the third book I have read in this series and as alway I found myself just enjoying the story telling of the author. I enjoyed the characters, the intrigue and the information about Caravaggio. The Emerald Tide by Davis Bunn is a good read.
704 reviews8 followers
October 16, 2022
A good read but not as good as the previous books. There is a lot of going on for both Derek and Kelly, Derek lost his wife four years ago and Kelly is divorced, can these two people solve an art mystery and let go of their pasts? Read the book to find out.
Profile Image for Donna Pincince .
332 reviews6 followers
June 22, 2022
Started a little slow but enjoyed it. Topics sometimes feel random since the series only connects loosely around the town. Interesting enough to keep reading.
Profile Image for Cora.
116 reviews
May 19, 2022
Davis Bunn is a wonderful writer but I had trouble keeping this all straight. I read the whole series but this one was different than the former books. The story had a good theme but much was implied. I would liked to have seen more explained. Overall a good read.
1,709 reviews
May 10, 2022
This book seemed to depart from the other ones in this series. Other than being where one of the characters lived, Miramar Bay was not a part of the book. Nor were past characters that I recall. It focused on Derek, a widowed art history professor, who was still deeply grieving his deceased wife. Then there was Kelly, a determined divorced woman, who worked for Christie's. They are thrown together in a story revolving about ancient art and other artifacts and how to prove provenance of a suspected masterpiece. The story takes them from LA and the Getty museum to Sicily. It was interesting enough but there was quite a bit of description of beautiful, handsome and well-dressed characters that made them very unreal. Maybe just because I am not an art person but I thought it was a bit confusing at times. No sex or profanity.
1,272 reviews21 followers
January 27, 2022
The Emerald Tide is the sixth book in the Miramar Bay series. I've only read the first book in the series (Miramar Bay) which I loved. However, other than Miramar Bay being our main character's home, little in The Emerald Tide is connected to the first book. In fact, very little of this book even takes place in Miramar Bay. All said, this can be read completely separate from the series.

The author has a gift in describing setting and emotion. You understand how the characters feel and see the world through their eyes. But unlike the first book, I didn't really connect with Derek and Kelly. The settings are glorious and the topic interesting, and I enjoyed the book overall.

This is a clean romance and appropriate for all readers.

Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of the book. My opinion is my own.
Profile Image for Barbara.
821 reviews
June 15, 2022
Not much about Miramar Bay in this one, but it is of a similiar pleasant style. I have read some of author's other books that revolve around treasure hunting and art works. Perhaps he has some expertise in the area, but for the uninformed, it requires a good bit of inference. Also, some details are known to the characters, but hidden from the reader. Including, what was the treasure in the canvas satchel at the end???
Profile Image for Kevin.
802 reviews20 followers
January 20, 2022
THE EMERALD TIDE is the sixth book in Davis Bunn's Miramar Bay series. As with most of the series, Miramar Bay is more of a touch point than a setting.

Dr. Derek Gaines is an art history teacher whose wife died four years ago. Since then, having lost his job while taking care of his wife before her death, he has struggled to hold on to their house. As a result, he often assists a friend from time to time as an art consultant. But he's about to be asked to help establish provenance for what appears to be an unfinished Caravaggio.

Enter Kelly Reid of Christies Los Angeles. As things begin to unfold with the painting, Derek and Kelly find themselves working together. Both have scars from the past yet they find themselves drawn to each other.

This book has elements of nearly any Hallmark movie, but it is also the most reminiscent of some of Davis Bunn's earlier novels. I'm thinking particularly of his Storm Syrell Adventure novels. Bunn navigates readers through the art world without boring them, and, while the level of adventure may not be as great as with the Storm Syrell books, there is a level of suspense and danger as Derek and Kelly travel to Sicily on their quest.

Then there's Derek's (former) best friend Jerome. I feel like Jerome needs a story of his own, since he and Derek just became friends again after a big blow up. (Once again I find myself wondering about what happens next for the supporting characters.)

Highly recommended for an enjoyable afternoon of reading.

I received a DRC from Kensington Books through NetGalley, for which I thank them. All opinions are mine.
Profile Image for Margaret Nelson.
1,615 reviews
January 22, 2022
This is a new addition to Bunn’s Miramar Bay series – although the books in this series are more loosely connected than what I usually expect from a series (so you don’t have to read them in order). A few characters show up in more than one book, but each book is quite different from the others.

The Emerald Tide fits in with one of the “constants” of the series – the male lead deals with some sort of loss – end of a beloved career, health challenges, addictions, and in this book, death of a loved one – and has to figure out how to heal and live life in a new way. I appreciated the insights into coping and healing strategies.

Some of the books have most of the action taking place in Miramar Bay, but The Emerald Tide only starts there, and goes much further abroad than the others, with two of the main characters spending a good part of the story in Europe. Most of the lead characters also have strong ties to Los Angeles, but much prefer to escape to Miramar Bay.

Another constant is romance, but usually with many obstacles to be overcome. In The Emerald Tide, there’s the added tension of two men wanting the same woman.

I enjoyed reading this book, although I know little about art history and antiques and hunting the treasure of stolen art. Bunn makes it all come alive and keeps up the reader’s interest.

I always enjoy Bunn’s descriptions of weather, sunrises, places, people, challenges to be met, reactions to other characters, life in Los Angeles, and the central California coast.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#EmeraldTide #NetGalley
Profile Image for Ashley.
366 reviews
May 23, 2022
This book is phenomenal! It is full of heart, intriguing, gripping, interesting, romantic, thought-provoking, and so much more! Whenever I picked up "Emerald Tide", I was whisked away, and went on such an emotional journey with this story.

This is the sixth book in Davis Bunn's "Miramar Bay" series, and I so look forward to reading the previous books. Mr. Bunn has such a beautiful writing style. As the reader, I could truly feel what the characters were feeling, and found myself pulled in to the story from the very first page.

Derek and Kelly, for different reasons, are both understandably afraid to open their hearts to love again. As the two begin to work together about something they are passionate about, their relationship begins to deepen. I do not want to say too much about the plot due to spoilers, so, I will say, this book will tug at your heart strings. Will they be able to solve the mystery they are hoping to? Will Derek and Kelly listen to what their hearts are telling them? You will just have to read to find out.

I also really enjoyed learning about aspects of art and art history and feel the author did an amazing job at weaving this with romance, mystery, and so much more.

I highly recommend this book. It kept me turning the pages to see what was going to happen, and I look forward to reading what Mr. Bunn’s writes next.

Thank you so much to Kensington Books for the ARC of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Profile Image for Edward Arrington.
1,176 reviews12 followers
May 27, 2022
I enjoyed returning to Miramar even though very little time was spent there. Just thinking about the inviting community is pleasant. The action moved rapidly with various characters stepping into the picture for a short while and then moving on while others took their place. The hero and heroine were Derek and Kelly. Both had experienced their share of hurt in life. Both had lost their spouses: one to death and the other to divorce. They shared similar principles but lived in different worlds. Derek loved the calmness of Miramar while Kelly enjoyed the action in the city. With a full supporting staff, they made a great team as they went on a treasure hunt that was not a treasure hunt. Their actions were in plain view for the world to see while they hid quite well what they were seeking to accomplish. One of my favorite characters was a priest in Sicily who looked much more like a beat-up, banged-up boxer than he did a priest. When first introduced, I expected him to be major trouble for them. In a real sense, his good heart and desire to serve others was hidden in plain view because of his rough exterior. Although there were lots of tense moments and much suspense, the undercurrent was calming. An interesting story with many contrasts.
251 reviews
February 14, 2024
My husband read this book first and seemed to really enjoy its pace and storyline. I guess I expected more and was left wanting. Is the author a mystery/thriller writer or rom-com? Isn't it sad that I can't tell since the book ends with the lead walking away from the woman who professed her love to go talk to his 3 years dead wife at their favorite ocean view spot. As if that wasn't enough, They head to Sicily to track down missing art and are confronted by a mafia leader who vows revenge on them for lying, so they turn to the cathedral priest to ask him for disguises, a plane to take them Rome and transportation to the airport. Really, does this sound plausible? I would say Yes if they had been there before but not first time meeting, If the ending wasn't a big let down, the entire middle 100 pages bogged down with filler dribble that stalled rather than move the story. I guess this is series of Derek and Kelly but not having read the others. I found as a stand alone it was lacking in coherence, substance, follow through and finish.
Profile Image for Anne-Marie Chandler.
317 reviews2 followers
July 11, 2022
This was a good novel about stolen art from Sicily. Allen Freeth was last seen in Sicily where he was searching for art treasure, his mother Gwen Freeth contacted Derek because Allan left a note that he found articles that would pay all Gwen's debts. When he did not respond to her calls and emails for 3 weeks, she was worried that his drowning was not an accident. The hunt for the provenance for a painting thought to be painted by Michelangelo Caravaggio becomes a group adventure filmed as if a documentary was going to be released caused some trouble for the team as an Italian attorney started following the team. The team consists of Dr Derek Gaines a man who searches for stolen art and was a professor at a college in So. CA, Kelly Reid an agent of Christies in LA, a retired movie producer and cameramen. The answers were found at a church in Sicily.
This is the 6th novel in the Miramar series by Davis Bunn. You can still enjoy it on its own.
Profile Image for Terri Wangard.
Author 12 books161 followers
January 25, 2022
I love Davis Bunn’s books. This is a new Miramar Bay book in which little takes place in Miramar. A wealthy woman’s husband died leaving so much debt, Gwen will lose everything. Her son left her a painting he said would restore her fortune, but now he’s dead and not likely accidentally. Art historian Derek Gaines teams with Kelly Reid of Christies to determine the painting’s provenance and maybe find more treasure.

Like all Davis’ books, the characters have a lot of inner angst. Derek’s wife died and he has a hard time moving on. Kelly’s ex continually strayer and her mother wants her to take him back. There’s a lot to learn about art history here, and a lot that went over my head. Still, it’s a book you don’t want to put down.

Profile Image for Sara.
407 reviews
April 17, 2022
Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Books for an eARC.

I read this book, unaware that it was part of a series, with The Emerald Tide being the sixth book in the Miramar Bay series.

This story follows Derek Gains, an art history professor, whose wife has died sometime before the beginning of the book. He meets Kelly Reid and is intrigued when she reaches out to him to establish the provenance of a possible Caravaggio painting.

The other part of the story follows Kelly Reid, who has personal family issues of her own, one where her mother shows great disappointment in her, favouring her sister who has a family of her own, and Kelly's own ex-husband,

You"ll learn a bit about the art business in this slow-burn clean romance.
7,757 reviews50 followers
January 7, 2022
Derek, riding his bike in the dawn hours
Consultant, and tracking stolen art..fills his days
Request from an unknown woman to meet her
She received an unsigned , unfinished painting
Would the value, enable to keep the same life style
On his journey is Kelly, Vice President at the gallery
Interesting plot, to find out the answers of this art
While time together may bring love
Interesting and kept one’s interest.
Given ARC by Kensington and Net Galley
for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
11.4k reviews192 followers
April 6, 2022
Derek Gaines, a professor of art history, has been living half a life since his wife died but he's intrigued when Kelly Reid reaches out to him to help establish the provenance of a possible Caravaggio painting. He's good at tracking stolen painting and this one raises red flags. Kelly's also got some issues, albeit more in terms of trust. You"ll learn a bit about the art business in this slow burn clean romance. The characters are good as is the storytelling. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.
Profile Image for Fran.
194 reviews11 followers
May 11, 2022
This book was a wonderful discovery of the 15th century artist Carvaggio, from Sicily . The story is about a widow who has an unfinished painting. Christie's auction house, the Getty museum, and a movie director/collector all have representatives involved in discovering the authenticity of this painting. There is a trip to Sicily with the history of that nation described. All of it built around good characters and self discovery. I was fully engaged in the story and learned a lot. Each of the Miramar Bay books seems to be a stand alone.
18 reviews
September 16, 2022
Too much unnecessary description of clothing and attire, but lacked connectivity. Poor plot. No preamble to next course of action. For instance no prior discussion between investor Brian, his conditions or intent to help and all of a sudden they are being filmed? Fir a dangerous mission requirement was for armed protection but all they get is meek crew members. All of a sudden the quest abruptly ends In Italy. Still didn’t get Overall author tried to paint pretty of Derek and Kelly but that’s all. No clarity about the art work either.
Profile Image for Deb Haggerty.
355 reviews23 followers
June 9, 2022
Priceless treasure

Davis Bunn has the style of writing that adds you to the story as a silent watcher, that allows you the privilege of enjoying the tale all the while appreciating his choice of just the right words and tight writing. He paints the story and characters much as Caravaggio did—with realism and grace.
You will treasure this treasure hunt. A must read. Five stars.
Profile Image for Naomi Shores.
534 reviews9 followers
June 29, 2022
It was absolutely wonderful. A refreshing story. A story of grief (whether through loss of a loved one, loss of a marriage, loss of a job, etc.) and healing from that grief. The overall story is about a painting and proving provenance on it so it can be auctioned as an original. Throughout the story you meet a wonderful cast of characters that take you on a "treasure hunt" through California, into Italy and France.
Profile Image for Gail Barger.
268 reviews
March 15, 2023
Not sure what to think of this one, 2.5-3 stars for me. There were conversations that seemed to not be finished or fully explained and things that were left hanging to me. This book didn't take place primarily in Miramar like the others in this series and didn't mention any previous characters. It had an interesting subject about provenance for a lost painting but I think I've liked the other books in this series better than this one.
Profile Image for Janet Sketchley.
Author 12 books81 followers
June 4, 2023
A lovely feel-good story with fantastic descriptions of the settings. The art plot could have been written as a high-energy thriller, which would also have been good, but I enjoyed it this way as a safe and intriguing read. The Miramar Bay series is one place I turn for gentle, non-scary tales with happy endings. Sometimes that's what we need.
190 reviews1 follower
July 19, 2024
Absolutely wonderful

Dear Mr. Bunn, thank you so much for this book and especially the topic. I learned so much! I searched for the paintings of Caravaggio and was drawn into each and every masterpiece. The research you must have done. So well written, I felt I was there in Italy with them, seeing it through their eyes. Bravo from page 1 to the very last word!
Profile Image for Denise.
225 reviews1 follower
June 14, 2022
I have mixed feelings on this title by Davis Bunn. There were so many intricate details to the story so I had trouble following at some point. And the cast of characters was lengthy. If you want to invest yourself in the details of the art world, then you'll love this book.
Profile Image for Charline Romine.
823 reviews
January 13, 2023
Derek ❤️ Kelly

This was a most excellent story. Exciting adventure, a quest, a treasure hunt and a gem and glimpse of a new love, a healing. But….when I got to the end of the story, I felt like it was unfinished, like it needed an epilogue. I hope there is a sequel!
11 reviews
February 19, 2023
sloshy romance, little mystery or intrigue

I was expecting more from TJ Davis Bunn. Story line weak. Lots of words, poor movement. Mostly for women who long for romance in their lives.
325 reviews
May 14, 2023
A wonderful story

The characters are honest, likable, conflicted, and treasures, each one. The plot was paced exquisitely with time to savor nature and be intrigued by the mystery. I will miss them all.
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