Unexpected tides by Crystal St.Clair

 

Published on February 8, 2022

110 pages

Back cover

A small-town unexpected romance... a match made in heaven or cupids' mistake?

Naomi McKenzie left the big city to start a new life in the town of Cinnamon Bay where her grandmother met the love of her life. Downsizing wasn't what Naomi originally planned for her life, but she needed a break. As a lawyer who practiced many areas of law including divorce cases, the large city offered chaos and betrayal from behind every corner, but a small town offered hope and a change of pace... and love.

Love wasn't on Naomi's agenda when she began her new firm in Cinnamon Bay and it certainly wouldn't be at the top of her list of things she needed to get done. She had everything under control and in order. Naomi had a house to build, a business to establish, and a colorful Bay to explore. But nothing prepared her for the sexy fisherman, Brad Fraser of Cinnamon Bay's fishery, Happy Hookers. Despite her curiosity, love was bad luck for a businesswoman.
Ignoring the temptation of Brad, Naomi focuses on the next best thing-- friendship. The same friendship Her Grandma Nancy had found in the Granny Trio. After little time spent in the town, it didn't take long for Naomi to feel the strength of their sisterhood. The Granny Trio accepts Naomi as the granddaughter they never had and plays cupid to give Naomi a love story of her own. After all, they know everybody in town and Brad Fraser is her perfect match! The Trio means well but their shenanigans prove it difficult for Naomi to reach her goals without the distraction of an unexpected romance. Still, their hot attraction for each other can't be denied, even to Naomi.

From Naomi's experience, life is too complicated for successful romantic relationships. Will she put down the lists and charts to open her heart and take charge of love before she loses him, or will she close the book before her chapter with Brad even begins? If the Granny Trio were younger, they wouldn't let a catch like Brad Fraser go!

My review

I had a chance to read other books and a short story from this author and I enjoyed them all. The only thing is I found the story too short and I think there is enough to say that she could add a few more chapters. In this case, I found out that Mindy could take more place. First, I thought she was an antagonist, but everything gets solve in one conversation with Brad. I could say the same thing about the fire event. I think there is missing something. I cannot tell you more about it, but this plot was my favorite part after the romance between Naomi and Brad.

I liked the fact that Naomi is moving in a smalltown for a new beginning, but even after I close the book, I think we do not know much about her. She is a likable character and readers can find some things in common with her, but we start to get attached and the story is already finish. I could say the same thing about Brad. He seems like a nice man and the perfect bookboyfriend, but we do not know much about his past.

I would like to give a kudos at the Grannies’trio that made me laugh the entire books. They made me realize that I miss my own grandma. They seem like a crazy trio that you will never have a dull moment with them. After the protagonists, they were my favorites characters.

I wish I could see a scene that happens at the Café Amour, they mentioned it a few times and something special happens at the end, but it is not happening at the Café. I could easily imagine a romantic scene happening there. I also noted Café amour is writing Café Armour twice in the novel. I do not know if it is a typo, but I vote for Café Amour because it is more romantic and it fit more with the story.

Excerpts

Naomi needed time to develop promotional ideas and network the hell out of the town to succeed. She didn’t have a CEO telling her what to do anymore. Now, she was the one writing her paychecks and completing all the work. (p.10)

" People come into our lives for a reason, whether it’s long-term or temporary. Either way, I know it’s worth getting to know you, Naomi. " (p.22)

Naomi pictured herself driving such a sophisticated vehicle. She always loved the rockabilly era, and she’s a big fan of Olivia Newton-John in the movie Grease. (p.47)

Thinking about Canada, Naomi was eager to spend time with Brad in the city for lovers. " Quebec, the city of romance. " The words rolled out of Naomi’s month like a tourist commercial. (p.61)