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Angel's Bay #1
Suddenly One Summer
In the California coastal town of Angel's Bay, an old legend says that sometimes, when they're needed, angels from an old shipwreck appear, and good triumphs over evil.
Jenna Davies flees to the close-knit community of Angel's Bay with a seven-year-old child, a dangerous secret, and a heart full of pain. She wants nothing more than to live a quiet life, but when she sees a teenager plunge off the pier, she doesn't hesitate to dive in after her. But saving the desperate girl's life thrusts Jenna into a spotlight she can ill afford. Suddenly everyone in town wants to know her story --- a story that could cost her life.
Reid Tanner was a tough reporter until a shattering incident changed everything. Now all of his instincts are on alert. Who is Jenna, and what is she hiding? He wants answers, but his quest for the truth could put them all in danger. They say love is a miracle --- but can it keep Jenna safe in his arms
Jenna Davies flees to the close-knit community of Angel's Bay with a seven-year-old child, a dangerous secret, and a heart full of pain. She wants nothing more than to live a quiet life, but when she sees a teenager plunge off the pier, she doesn't hesitate to dive in after her. But saving the desperate girl's life thrusts Jenna into a spotlight she can ill afford. Suddenly everyone in town wants to know her story --- a story that could cost her life.
Reid Tanner was a tough reporter until a shattering incident changed everything. Now all of his instincts are on alert. Who is Jenna, and what is she hiding? He wants answers, but his quest for the truth could put them all in danger. They say love is a miracle --- but can it keep Jenna safe in his arms
359 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 30, 2009
573 people are currently reading
1159 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Freethy
153 books2,695 followersBarbara's love of writing developed out of a love of reading. Growing up in an all-boy neighborhood, she spent quite a bit of time reading through her mother's large library, many of which were romantic novels. After graduating from the University of California at Santa Barbara, she went into Public Relations, but soon discovered that writing was her true passion.
Barbara was traditionally published for many years, then formed her own publishing company FOG CITY PUBLISHING in 2011 and has since sold over 10 million books! She has published 75 novels ranging from mystery thrillers to romantic suspense and contemporary romance.
Her book SUMMER SECRETS was a #1 New York Times bestseller! And twenty-five other novels have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists. She is currently writing two ongoing series, a contemporary romance series set in Whisper Lake and a romantic suspense series: Off The Grid: FBI Series. She is also known for her bestselling Callaway Family Series, which offers up fourteen books and two novellas.
When Barbara isn't writing or publishing, which isn't very often these days, she is playing tennis, hanging out with friends and family in beautiful Lake Tahoe or reading books!
For a complete list of her books, visit her website!
Barbara was traditionally published for many years, then formed her own publishing company FOG CITY PUBLISHING in 2011 and has since sold over 10 million books! She has published 75 novels ranging from mystery thrillers to romantic suspense and contemporary romance.
Her book SUMMER SECRETS was a #1 New York Times bestseller! And twenty-five other novels have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists. She is currently writing two ongoing series, a contemporary romance series set in Whisper Lake and a romantic suspense series: Off The Grid: FBI Series. She is also known for her bestselling Callaway Family Series, which offers up fourteen books and two novellas.
When Barbara isn't writing or publishing, which isn't very often these days, she is playing tennis, hanging out with friends and family in beautiful Lake Tahoe or reading books!
For a complete list of her books, visit her website!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
August 3, 2012
This is my first Barbara Freethy book, but it was not the last. I really enjoyed the small ocean-town setting and the characters. I enjoyed it so much, that I bought and read all the rest of the books in this series and have moved on to her other works.
These are romance books, so each book will have a new hero/heroine that the focus of the story is on. However, the secondary characters are given plenty of story space and large character arcs which are carried from book to book. This adds so much depth to the stories and really allows the reader to clearly place themselves in this town and among these people.
The style reminds me of books such as Nora Roberts annual trilogies, Debbie Macomber and Robyn Carr, so if you like that gentle fiction style, then you'll love Barbara Freethy.
These are romance books, so each book will have a new hero/heroine that the focus of the story is on. However, the secondary characters are given plenty of story space and large character arcs which are carried from book to book. This adds so much depth to the stories and really allows the reader to clearly place themselves in this town and among these people.
The style reminds me of books such as Nora Roberts annual trilogies, Debbie Macomber and Robyn Carr, so if you like that gentle fiction style, then you'll love Barbara Freethy.
December 13, 2014
Hikayeyi ve yazarı sevdim..Keşke Epsilon seriye devam edebilseydi diye düşünüyorum ama biliyorum ki imkansız bir şey istiyorum :)Zira 2012 den beri bu yazarla ilgili bir hareket olmadığını düşünürsek ..Yine yaptın yapacağını demek geliyor içimden epsilon yayınevi için...
February 22, 2013
I loved the start to the Angel's Bay series by Barbara Freethy. In a small California coastal town, Angel's Bay, the belief in angels that protect the town's inhabitants run deep. It is said that when a ship wrecked off the coast in the 1800's that angel's blessed those that survived and welcomed to heaven those that didn't. Now, one hundred and fifty years later, the townsfolk take pride in their beautiful paradise and continue the traditions of their ancestors.
Summary:
Jenna Davies and her daughter Lexie are on the run. Jenna just wants to stay hidden, not draw attention, and provide a safe happy life for Lexie. That dream shatters when she witnesses a young woman jumping from the pier of Angel's Bay late at night. Jenna doesn't want to be involved, but there is no one else, so she jumps in after her. Everyone is stunned and in awe of her bravery, but Jenna doesn't want the attention. She cant afford it. Luckily, after giving her accounts of the incident to Chief Joe Silviera, she dodges further police questions (she doesn't trust anyone in uniform), but unfortunately catches the attention of a tenacious reporter. Reid Tanner is in town investigating the angel stories after two young men posted a video of angels making markings on the side of a cliff. Reid is a serious reporter, having the ability to hone in on facts and tell the truth about real news. For a year, though, he has simply drifted through his life, drinking away the memories of the tragic death of one of his best friends. He asked for her help on a case, and she was killed for it. Riddled with guilt, Reid gives up on the news he loves, not trusting his own instincts anymore. When he catches sight of the beautiful but wet Jenna after making a heroic save, he senses a story and is even more intrigued when Jenna freaks out about him taking her picture. Knowing he shouldn't get involved, he cant seem to shake the thought that Jenna is hiding something, and he cant quite forget the chemistry that arose between them. He needs to step back. Reid doesn't do love, but deep down walking away from a story or anyone as stimulating as Jenna is not who he is. Meanwhile, the woman Jenna saved is Annie Dupont. Dr. charlotte Adams treats her at the hospital as it turns out she is not only just eighteen, but also pregnant. Charlotte feels a connection with Annie, as she was in a similar situation in her teens. She vows to help Annie any way she can. Charlotte was born and raised in Angel's Bay, but moved away during and after college and has only recently returned hone after the death of her father in order to help her mother. Its not an easy task as Charlotte and her mother don't get along, and she also doesn't want to think of the mistakes of her past, but has no choice being in town again. She also feels an attraction to the police Chief, Joe, who is very married. The bad part is, she thinks he feels it too. Joe doesn't want to have to work with Charlotte, but she is Annie's doctor so he doesn't have a choice. He has to remind himself that he is married and really loves his wife, but at the same time he cant help but think about Charlotte and look for her when he's out and about town. Joe doesn't think Charlotte should be so involved, but when they find out Annie's father is suffering from PTSD and maybe some form of psychosis, Charlotte decides to give Annie a place to live and help prepare her for her child. All the while, Jenna is worried that Reid wont let go of what he thinks is a true story and will lead what she's running from right to her. She's terrified, and right. Reid cant let it go. He hounds Jenna, trying to get her to crack. Not until he encounters Lexie at a weak moment does he get a hint of what is truly happening with Jenna. With that, Jenna has no choice but to trust him and open up. He says she can trust him, and if she leaves him to dig on his own, it could put them in danger. As it turns out, Jenna is not Lexie's mother. Jenna isn't sure what exactly happened, although, Lexie seems to have witnessed it. All Jenna knows is her sister needed her help and now she's dead, but Jenna promised to keep Lexie safe. Reid starts digging and comes up with some very surprising information that will help Jenna's case. Now he just needs to talk her into trusting Joe and getting protection, and keep himself from falling in too deep with her. Jenna knows this is the worst time to fall for a guy, but with Reid she cant help it, and she doesn't really want to. Jenna has also been researching why her and Lexie were sent to Angel's Bay in the first place, and the historical connection she shares with the past is astonishing. She wants to let her friend Kara Lynch in on her connection but cant risk it until her nightmare is finished. Besides, Kara and her husband Colin are expecting and after trying for so many years with no results, doesn't want to cause any waves for the nervous mom-to-be by either letting her in on her tie to the shipwreck before she has more facts, or inadvertently putting her in danger. Charlotte and Joe are still advising each other on Annie, who feels alone but for her baby, but Joe's wife Rachel makes a surprise visit (she has been dragging her heels ending their life in L.A.), and grows suspicious of Joe and his relationship with the good doctor. Joe is happy to see Rachel and thankful that although they have both grown into two different people, that they still want to try to make their marriage work. In the meantime, a bad feeling is being shared by several people in town. Could Jenna's past be catching up to her, will Kara and Colin lose the baby they want so very much, and why does Charlotte's high school boyfriend upset her so much? With the town full of tourists for its annual festival and founders celebrations, its difficult for everyone to tell that evil has come to town and the angels will work overtime to keep their people safe.
At first, this was a little hard for me to get into, but I soon became intrigued with the many story lines presented. The main story is obviously the romance between Reid and Jenna, but their is also the suspense of what could have brought her to town and who she is running from. We also have the emotions of guilt, remorse, and inadequacy to fight through with both Reid and Jenna. Annie's story is hinted at, but we are also made aware that there is more to tell. Charlotte and Joe share a connection, but with Joe's rocky marriage, how do we know their story has a different ending. We also know that Charlotte has secrets. Secrets she doesn't want to relive and definitely doesn't want known, but at the same time causes a rift between her and her family. Kara and Colin have loved each other since they were kids, but when tragedy strikes, will their love and faith pull them through or is their destiny unknown? So many things to focus on, yet everything really ties in together. I love the backstory and world that Freethy creates and plans to continue until we get to the conclusion in book five. The characters were great, giving us pause and encouraging us to read the next installment. I also appreciated the hint at the paranormal. The angels weren't overdone, but mysterious and inspiring. I will definitely be reading on to find out more of the sweet town of Angel's Bay. <3
Summary:
Jenna Davies and her daughter Lexie are on the run. Jenna just wants to stay hidden, not draw attention, and provide a safe happy life for Lexie. That dream shatters when she witnesses a young woman jumping from the pier of Angel's Bay late at night. Jenna doesn't want to be involved, but there is no one else, so she jumps in after her. Everyone is stunned and in awe of her bravery, but Jenna doesn't want the attention. She cant afford it. Luckily, after giving her accounts of the incident to Chief Joe Silviera, she dodges further police questions (she doesn't trust anyone in uniform), but unfortunately catches the attention of a tenacious reporter. Reid Tanner is in town investigating the angel stories after two young men posted a video of angels making markings on the side of a cliff. Reid is a serious reporter, having the ability to hone in on facts and tell the truth about real news. For a year, though, he has simply drifted through his life, drinking away the memories of the tragic death of one of his best friends. He asked for her help on a case, and she was killed for it. Riddled with guilt, Reid gives up on the news he loves, not trusting his own instincts anymore. When he catches sight of the beautiful but wet Jenna after making a heroic save, he senses a story and is even more intrigued when Jenna freaks out about him taking her picture. Knowing he shouldn't get involved, he cant seem to shake the thought that Jenna is hiding something, and he cant quite forget the chemistry that arose between them. He needs to step back. Reid doesn't do love, but deep down walking away from a story or anyone as stimulating as Jenna is not who he is. Meanwhile, the woman Jenna saved is Annie Dupont. Dr. charlotte Adams treats her at the hospital as it turns out she is not only just eighteen, but also pregnant. Charlotte feels a connection with Annie, as she was in a similar situation in her teens. She vows to help Annie any way she can. Charlotte was born and raised in Angel's Bay, but moved away during and after college and has only recently returned hone after the death of her father in order to help her mother. Its not an easy task as Charlotte and her mother don't get along, and she also doesn't want to think of the mistakes of her past, but has no choice being in town again. She also feels an attraction to the police Chief, Joe, who is very married. The bad part is, she thinks he feels it too. Joe doesn't want to have to work with Charlotte, but she is Annie's doctor so he doesn't have a choice. He has to remind himself that he is married and really loves his wife, but at the same time he cant help but think about Charlotte and look for her when he's out and about town. Joe doesn't think Charlotte should be so involved, but when they find out Annie's father is suffering from PTSD and maybe some form of psychosis, Charlotte decides to give Annie a place to live and help prepare her for her child. All the while, Jenna is worried that Reid wont let go of what he thinks is a true story and will lead what she's running from right to her. She's terrified, and right. Reid cant let it go. He hounds Jenna, trying to get her to crack. Not until he encounters Lexie at a weak moment does he get a hint of what is truly happening with Jenna. With that, Jenna has no choice but to trust him and open up. He says she can trust him, and if she leaves him to dig on his own, it could put them in danger. As it turns out, Jenna is not Lexie's mother. Jenna isn't sure what exactly happened, although, Lexie seems to have witnessed it. All Jenna knows is her sister needed her help and now she's dead, but Jenna promised to keep Lexie safe. Reid starts digging and comes up with some very surprising information that will help Jenna's case. Now he just needs to talk her into trusting Joe and getting protection, and keep himself from falling in too deep with her. Jenna knows this is the worst time to fall for a guy, but with Reid she cant help it, and she doesn't really want to. Jenna has also been researching why her and Lexie were sent to Angel's Bay in the first place, and the historical connection she shares with the past is astonishing. She wants to let her friend Kara Lynch in on her connection but cant risk it until her nightmare is finished. Besides, Kara and her husband Colin are expecting and after trying for so many years with no results, doesn't want to cause any waves for the nervous mom-to-be by either letting her in on her tie to the shipwreck before she has more facts, or inadvertently putting her in danger. Charlotte and Joe are still advising each other on Annie, who feels alone but for her baby, but Joe's wife Rachel makes a surprise visit (she has been dragging her heels ending their life in L.A.), and grows suspicious of Joe and his relationship with the good doctor. Joe is happy to see Rachel and thankful that although they have both grown into two different people, that they still want to try to make their marriage work. In the meantime, a bad feeling is being shared by several people in town. Could Jenna's past be catching up to her, will Kara and Colin lose the baby they want so very much, and why does Charlotte's high school boyfriend upset her so much? With the town full of tourists for its annual festival and founders celebrations, its difficult for everyone to tell that evil has come to town and the angels will work overtime to keep their people safe.
At first, this was a little hard for me to get into, but I soon became intrigued with the many story lines presented. The main story is obviously the romance between Reid and Jenna, but their is also the suspense of what could have brought her to town and who she is running from. We also have the emotions of guilt, remorse, and inadequacy to fight through with both Reid and Jenna. Annie's story is hinted at, but we are also made aware that there is more to tell. Charlotte and Joe share a connection, but with Joe's rocky marriage, how do we know their story has a different ending. We also know that Charlotte has secrets. Secrets she doesn't want to relive and definitely doesn't want known, but at the same time causes a rift between her and her family. Kara and Colin have loved each other since they were kids, but when tragedy strikes, will their love and faith pull them through or is their destiny unknown? So many things to focus on, yet everything really ties in together. I love the backstory and world that Freethy creates and plans to continue until we get to the conclusion in book five. The characters were great, giving us pause and encouraging us to read the next installment. I also appreciated the hint at the paranormal. The angels weren't overdone, but mysterious and inspiring. I will definitely be reading on to find out more of the sweet town of Angel's Bay. <3
July 16, 2019
Hikayeyi çok sevdim. Aşırı sıcaktı, sonunda gözyaşlarımı tutamadım. Keyifle okudum. Belki eksikleri vardı ama ben 5 vermek istiyorum.
September 8, 2021
Minu arvamuse leiab blogist https://triinuraamatud.wordpress.com/...
May 9, 2022
I really liked this first book, there was a bit of romance and a lot of mystery. I will be continuing with this series
July 14, 2022
Two-haiku review:
Her sister murdered
She takes niece, hides in coast town
Girl's father killer
Romantic suspense
With touch of paranormal
Angels do exist
Her sister murdered
She takes niece, hides in coast town
Girl's father killer
Romantic suspense
With touch of paranormal
Angels do exist
December 13, 2014
Çok güzel bir romandı.. Sırlar ve mistik olaylarla dolu... Devamını merak ediyorum umarım çıkar çünkü hikaye havada kaldı.. Colin'e ne olacak mesela... Sonra Charlotte kimi seçecek... Annie'nin bebeğinin babası belli olacak mı?
Bence çok güzel bir seri umarım devam eder epsilon ama hiç umudum yok nedense :/ Çıkmazsa da serinin orjinalini bulup okurum sanırım :)
Bence çok güzel bir seri umarım devam eder epsilon ama hiç umudum yok nedense :/ Çıkmazsa da serinin orjinalini bulup okurum sanırım :)
August 12, 2019
I accidentally read the fourth in the series and loved it. There was so much going on - the sheriff/Doctor/minister love triangle, the mystery of who fathered Annie’s baby, a seer, unsolved murders, and more. The author did a great job weaving backstory into the narrative.
This story focused on a woman who was hiding with the daughter of her murdered sister - and her illogical romance with a washed up alcoholic reporter that was pushy, intrusive, and didn’t accept her “no”. Along the way we meet the characters that finally get their story arcs resolved in book four. Had I started with this one I probably wouldn’t have continued with the series.
This story focused on a woman who was hiding with the daughter of her murdered sister - and her illogical romance with a washed up alcoholic reporter that was pushy, intrusive, and didn’t accept her “no”. Along the way we meet the characters that finally get their story arcs resolved in book four. Had I started with this one I probably wouldn’t have continued with the series.
July 6, 2024
Bought the book in store
It's a great SPN mystery romantic suspense. The SPN and the mysteries are there all through the book; the suspense, just a chapter or two, and then the romance affects several people, some with their own HEA, some with an HFN. Had the series for several years and it's about time I read it. I thoroughly enjoyed it from front to back, with just a peak at the last few pages (to make sure it ends well of course). It's best to read in order since there are unfinished businesses. I loved the legend, the helpers/ghosts/angels, and the pieces of a somewhat puzzle; I hope we get some more of those.
It's a great SPN mystery romantic suspense. The SPN and the mysteries are there all through the book; the suspense, just a chapter or two, and then the romance affects several people, some with their own HEA, some with an HFN. Had the series for several years and it's about time I read it. I thoroughly enjoyed it from front to back, with just a peak at the last few pages (to make sure it ends well of course). It's best to read in order since there are unfinished businesses. I loved the legend, the helpers/ghosts/angels, and the pieces of a somewhat puzzle; I hope we get some more of those.
December 3, 2020
This is a romantic suspense story about a small California coastal town and the angels that protect he town. Many years before there was a ship wreck and what few people survived came shore at what they now call Angel’s Bay. Jenna Davis had been sent to this town with a seven year old child but it took her awhile to find the connection between her and the town. In her quest she met Reid Tanner who had been sent here to write about the angels but got caught up with the true story. Enjoyed this book
October 22, 2024
enjoyed!
I enjoyed this book a lot and loved the characters too. It kept me rooted to the story and of course wanting the happy ending. My only complaint is in the quickness in which the storyline just wrapped up and concluded All this buildup and in two pages it was done. Of course, the story does leave in a bit of a cliffhanger and I assume book 2 will continue the story and I will definitely read it. Worth the read
I enjoyed this book a lot and loved the characters too. It kept me rooted to the story and of course wanting the happy ending. My only complaint is in the quickness in which the storyline just wrapped up and concluded All this buildup and in two pages it was done. Of course, the story does leave in a bit of a cliffhanger and I assume book 2 will continue the story and I will definitely read it. Worth the read
January 23, 2021
I usually love Freethy’s books. I bought the whole series hoping that this would get me out of my reading rut, but it didn’t. A typical love story with a little bit of mystery that is easily figured out before the end of the story. I am interested in some of the other characters like Dr. Charlotte and Annie I hope their stories are covered in this series.
February 28, 2023
This was my first book of Barbara Freethy’s and it did not disappoint! Lots of excellent characters, suspense, and romance. The end wrapped up a little too quickly for my taste, but it certainly left me wanting to start the next book in the series right away! I wasn’t ready for it to end! I’m looking forward to finding out what’s in store for the other characters in Angel’s Bay.
May 7, 2024
Angel's Bay
Different but well written. I didn't know it wasn't a stand a lone book. Now I have to read all 5 books to find out what happened, what I don't like each book has different characters that tie into the original characters. Not a fan of that. If you don't mind reading a series of books that flow into each other than this is a good book and a good place to start.
Different but well written. I didn't know it wasn't a stand a lone book. Now I have to read all 5 books to find out what happened, what I don't like each book has different characters that tie into the original characters. Not a fan of that. If you don't mind reading a series of books that flow into each other than this is a good book and a good place to start.
August 24, 2021
Great book
Another great story in a new to me series. I've read all the Calloway books and I loved them so to go back and understand how the legend of Angel's bay started was perfect
Another great story in a new to me series. I've read all the Calloway books and I loved them so to go back and understand how the legend of Angel's bay started was perfect
October 29, 2021
Great start!
I was captured by this book from the very beginning! It kept my attention from the very beginning. The ending is not finished, so I have to go to the next book!!! I am hoping the whole series is like this book!
I was captured by this book from the very beginning! It kept my attention from the very beginning. The ending is not finished, so I have to go to the next book!!! I am hoping the whole series is like this book!
June 12, 2022
Jenna Davies comes to Angel Bay, rescues a girl who fell in the water. She is trying to stay under the radar with her daughter. Reid Taylor is in town to report on the angels seen. People get together in the town to work on quilting. I liked the quilting. Quick, easy read.
July 16, 2017
Not one of her best. Too many people introduced to set up all the coming books. And Jenna's story was resolved too quickly. But I'm interested on Charlotte's story. So I'll keep reading.
August 19, 2017
A good, easy Summer read with romance and mystery. Book #1 of a series. Looking forward to book #2
February 10, 2022
Fast paced entertaining read! Great characters with an interesting premise, looking forward to the next in the series!
August 21, 2022
It took awhile to get into the story but then I wanted to just get to the next chapter to see what is happening next. I am looking forward to book 2 of the series.
September 15, 2022
Lots of characters, angel story unbelievable, tied together but not finished in several ways, especially the ending.
October 22, 2022
wonderful book
This book took me by surprise
It was a tale of good and bad
But the story of angels and love was told so well , I couldn’t help but cheer for both
This book took me by surprise
It was a tale of good and bad
But the story of angels and love was told so well , I couldn’t help but cheer for both
February 19, 2023
Very good read
I enjoyed the storytelling. The mystery line along with the angels was wonderful. I want to more know about the other members of Angel Bay.
I enjoyed the storytelling. The mystery line along with the angels was wonderful. I want to more know about the other members of Angel Bay.
June 21, 2023
3-3.5
September 3, 2023
Took a few chapters to get into but cried at the end.
February 27, 2024
A book of betrayal, hope love and 😇 angel's. A sweet reaD very believable. I do believe so it was full of hope and love
June 1, 2024
Wonderful story of life
Great story about never forget your dreams. Jenna is a very strong woman with the courage to follow her dreams.
Great story about never forget your dreams. Jenna is a very strong woman with the courage to follow her dreams.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews