Recently widowed Sara Ness moves to Cliffside Bay to hide from her painful past and the scandal that cost her far too much. With a baby daughter to raise alone, the peaceful privacy of small town life, and the comfort of the local grief support group, are just what the heiress needs. But when her inheritance is jeopardized by her new marital status, Sara is forced to make a deal with the only … suitable candidate available. And for the next year she’s paying for the pleasure of pretending to be married to the one man in town she simply cannot stand.
In the wake of his wife’s death, architect David Perry accepts a job at Wolf Enterprises and promptly moves his children to be near what’s left of their family. Though work and the kids are more than enough to fill David’s days, his quiet, lonely nights force him to seek the help of the local grief support group. And when the spoiled Sara Ness proposes a partnership that promises to be lucrative for them both, David agrees to her terms and discovers that his fake bride just might hold the key to his future happiness.
The final installment of the wildly popular Cliffside Bay Series weaves a heartwarming enemies-to-lovers meets marriage-of-convenience tale in the style readers have grown to expect from USA Today bestselling author Tess Thompson, with richly developed characters, a setting to marvel at, and the ultimate life lesson about true love’s never-ending ability to bridge the gaps that we frequently allow to divide us.
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What a beautiful way to tie together this incredible 10 book series. Sara and David have been through enough heartache with their prior marriages. In departed, they find healing and love in the midst of facing a crazy challenge. I loved the way all the dogs, wolves and their ladies were paid tribute and wove into the storyline. I hope, for my hearts sake, there will be another 5 or 10 books that come out of the beauty that is Cliffside Bay.
I received a free ARC copy of this book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have absolutely LOVED this series and am so sorry to see it end. There are lots of new characters introduced in this story but they will be part of the authors new series. So we still get to see these characters in her new series.
That said we get to catch up with all the older characters in this series and see what their future holds. I loved that part of the book. This is a essentially an enemies to lovers and fake marriage with kids on both sides romance. And it was awesome.
Sara is a heart broken woman as is David. They both have dead spouses who betrayed them in the worst ways and they are both so angry. Enter Ria, who starts a bereavement group and thats where they start talking.
David and Sara have known each other a while. Sara is Autumn’s wealthy best friend with an infant who built a gorgeous mansion iin town. David, is the twin brother of Lisa whose wife was a drug dealer and who was murdered and left him with two young children. He is an architect and he designed Sara’s house. They both don’t liike each other because they have mistaken ideas about the other.
As they meet in the group they form a very slow friendship from mutual understanding. I loved how we get to see them start to open up to the other. This was a wonderful end to this story and I am so happy that David and Sara found a happily ever after after their painful past.
BOOK REVIEW: Departed: David and Sara (Book 10) Cliffside Bay Series by Tess Thompson
Cliffside Bay~ an extraordinary town bustling with love that hangs in the air, unique friendships and yes, tragedy. But through it all, these lovable characters will capture your heart with their support and love for one another with whatever comes their way… The truest of bonds that stand the test of time…
In this final installment of the Cliffside Bay series, we meet new characters, David and Sara, both intriguing and ones who will have you cheering for and shedding tears for, as they are lead on a journey of discovery~ but only in their willingness to let go of their tragic life-experiences, and by allowing forgiveness, can they move on. But for one, an added level of anxiety comes in the form of an inheritance with a twist… Sara Ness, a widow and young mother, must make a life-altering decision as to whether she will follow this unexpected and peculiar demand that has been thrust upon her, or risk losing it~ an inheritance that could do so much, for so many.
Author, Tess Thompson has given the reader a gift by taking the heartbroken, the lonely, the grief-stricken, and weaving them all into yet another beautiful chapter of sheer magic that can only exist in Cliffside Bay…
The woman of Cliffside Bay and the men who love them, will pull you into a world of utter enjoyment as they wrap your heart with their hope, courage and strength.
I thank the author for my advanced copy of Departed, one I highly recommend and urge the reader to consider the experience of reading the entire series. One I pray will not be leaving us just yet…
5 Stars
#Departed
#TessThompson
Wild Sage Book Blog
From the first teardrop to the last goodbye Cliffside Bay has laid claim to every little piece of my heart. Thompson uses heartbreakingly real scenarios as a reminder of just how strong a heart can be. Departed continues that legacy of hope and courage. Through the ghosts of pain and the loss of hope, two grieving strangers find the strength to step out of the heartache and into the healing power of love. KLEENEX IS A MUST! After all every heart deserve a good cry. It helps refresh the soul.
What a great story, have your tissues on hand, because David & Sara will surely bring all the emotions out! 5 amazing stars for this, don’t miss out!
We’ve met David & Sara in previous stories in the Cliffside Bay series. He’s an architect trying to put his life back together after the chaos his late wife left him and their 2 kids with. Sara was left in basically the same situation with her daughter by her late husband.
Enjoy their story as it unfolds, and enjoy seeing your other Cliffside Bay friends along the way!
Wow! I just finished this book and it was perfect. I’ve read the whole series and Tess Thompson really created characters I love and feel close to. David and Sara are no exception. This book pulled me in from the 1st chapter. I loved getting to know them plus other characters that were touched on through the series through the support group. Not only do I recommend this book and the series…I also don’t want our time in Cliffside Bay to end!!
This is the 10th book in this series and is David and Sara’s turn. Sara moved to this small town to start over with her little girl after her husband in murdered, and David lost his wife tragically and he also move to start a new life with his 2 small children. The more that these two meet up they realise they have so much more in common than they first thought. This is a beautifully written 2nd chance love story, small town romance, which is emotional, heart-wrenching, and has grief, forgiveness, moving on, and love which leads to a sweet tale about taking chances in life. I look forward to reading more from this author and I recommend for all readers.
I’m honestly blown away by this amazing love story!
David and Sara bond over similar tragedies in their pasts, despite their understandable reticence about starting a new relationship. I loved how quickly they were thrown together and how real it still felt because of their connection, the feeling that they were the only ones who could truly understand their unusual circumstances.
I was impressed with the ease with which the author connected these characters and events to those in her other series. It makes it easier to move between series and books when there is such a seamless flow between them all.
I appreciated the honest portrayal of emotions; these characters aren’t always happy and even-tempered. It’s refreshing to see an author allow her characters to vent their anger and frustration when necessary, and yet stay true to their innate goodness and sense of self.
I love how the characters are shown to be passionate and sensuous while still keeping it clean enough for teenagers to read. The scene in front of the mirror was beautifully done, and spoke volumes about the virtues and dignity of the characters.
David and Sara’s HEA was simple yet profound, tackling all the big issues of blending a family while still appreciating all the magic that love brings to our lives. I loved that we got to see a few new romances blossoming with secondary characters who also deserve their HEAs.
If the reopening scene in the bar doesn’t bring on a tear or two, the wrap-up scene in the epilogue certainly will. It was the kind of life-affirming celebration that lets us have one final bonding moment with our favorite characters before reluctantly leaving them on our To-Be-Reread shelves.
This is a beautiful story from start to finish, and I heartily recommend it for all romance readers. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Just finished Ms Thompson’s latest masterpiece. This one gripped me in a way that slightly overwhelmed me, I am still wiping tears! The love story of David and Sara was so beautifully written. How all the characters in previous books of the series were woven into this story was in itself a readers dream. Thank you, Tess Thompson, for your devotion to your craft. Again, I say, this one is my favorite!
Fans of the Cliffside Bay series have been clamoring for this tenth book in the series and it’s finally here! Departed is David and Sara’s story. Through an interesting turn of events the two agree it would benefit both of them to be married. The story is endearing as these two individuals, who aren’t’ even really friends, find out how much they really have in common and they are both surprised at the attraction that develops between them.
As the saying goes-don’t cry because its over, smile because it happened. Upon finishing David and Sara’s story, I was moved to tears with the emotions evoked by ending. Yet my heart is smiling to have once again returned to the beautiful Cliffside Bay. The Cliffside Bay community is a small-town where the community members have built true and lasting friendships. Tess Thompson has a way of writing these characters so the reader feels as though they are simply visiting with friends in each book. Departed is scheduled to be the last book at the series and I loved how Tess pays tribute to each couple at the end of the story. I highly recommend this story and the entire Cliffside Bay series.
This may be my favorite of the Cliffside Bay series! Maybe it’s my long time work with nonprofit agencies, but Sara’s desire to set up a foundation to help others drew me in from the first. To do this, she sets out to secure her inheritance by quickly getting married, proving the marriage is real, and making it last for a year. I couldn’t help but to love the main characters as you see them struggle with real desires and fears. I could feel the pain they both experienced in previous relationships and the tragedies that ended those relationships, and Sara’s fear of being hurt again. And then to see how they handled those fears and were so open with each other to learn from their experiences and grow a new love. This is a story that has moments of grief and sadness, but also such happy, hopeful times. I couldn’t put it down! Thank you to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read an ARC. All opinions and thoughts on the book are my own.
This final book in Cliffside Bay series is like a precious gem in an intricate piece of jewelry. It leaves you in awe. Just beautiful sweet and emotional love story It’s not only second chance love, it’s also David and Sara’s common heartwrenching past experiences, grief, insecurities. I absolutely loved their full of twists journey. Tess Thompson done an incredible job writing this story, especially how families blend, such a unbreakable bond between those people. It had me in tears quite a few times. Happy tears!
Loved being in this beautiful small town where the most amazing people live. It was like visiting family and old friends. Literally! All the awesome characters from previous books made an appearance in this book one way or other.
I highly recommend to read entire series to get a full understanding and whole picture, though you can read it as a standalone and missing those blissful moments from other books.
Grab the tissues and enjoy David and Sara’s story. Departed brought tears to my eyes several times over. One reason for it was David and Sara. They have such an emotional story that will suck you in. Both widowers and single parents. Both holding onto everything that happened to their spouses. I love the banter between David and Sara. They will win your heart even as they enter into a fake relationship. The second reason I had tears was because of all my favorite Cliffside Bay men and women. This is such a fitting tribute to a beloved father figure that will give you heart squeezes. This is such an amazing emotional read that you will not be able to put down. David and Sara are everything and merging their families will put a smile on your face and bring on the misty moments. My heart is so full after reading this one. I know I’m not ready to say goodbye to Cliffside Bay. But I have a feeling we will see them again in other ways. Tess Thompson has brought such a beautiful series to life with Cliffside Bay. This is a must one click and read over and over again.
This is another all about the feel entry in this amazing series. David and Sara’s story will put your heart through a wringer with its skillfully crafted blend of intense emotions, drama, poignancy, tension, turmoil and sweetness. To get optimum enjoyment from this book, I recommend having read the others first. Many cameos from previous characters occur during this book and while I think it would still be 100% enjoyable, I think knowing them all will add that little extra special something. I am electing to post a forthright review.
Departed is the tenth and final book in Tess Thompson’s Cliffside Bay series. It is the story of David and Sara, and it truly is a beautiful story of the coming together of two broken souls. “Each season of life was so much sweeter shared with friends and family.” Those are David’s thoughts as he looks around at all his friends who are his family now. These are his people and his community, and he feels rich because of it. I loved this story and will miss all my Cliffside Bay friends. I have grown to love them all. Please, if you haven’t done so, start at the beginning of this magical series. You won’t regret it. Beautiful characters and wonderful stories that will touch your heart. Thank you to the author for an eArc. All thoughts are my own.
AMAZING!! Departed is the tenth book of the Cliffside Bay series. The book is set in a small town in California where everyone knows everyone. Departed is a love story between Sarah Ness, who is extremely rich, and David Perry, who is a struggling architect. Their marriage starts out as a business arrangement but quickly turns into a very romantic and caring relationship. This book is so touching and heartfelt. Tess Thompson is a very talented writer and I have enjoyed reading all of her books and am NEVER disappointed. I hope she continues with another set of characters for this series. I will definitely miss the Dogs, Wags, Wolves, and Bobcats!
Another wonderful book in the Cliffside Bay series.
Sadly the final book in the series. In the ending the phrases
“ What a long way they had come. From broken to put together”. Sums up everything so perfectly!
This is the story of David and Sara about second chances and moving on with life. Both are tragically and bitterly mourning the deaths of their respective spouses. Forced to go to a support group by their loved ones, they begin to open up to see each other in a new light.
Sara approaches David with the proposition: a one year marriage in name only to satisfy the terms of her
Grandfather’s will. Business decisions are made, and terms are agreed on. Meanwhile they have to concoct a story to convince friends, family and a private detective they are madly in love. Meanwhile each one loses a piece of their heart to the other one’s children
What happens when the year is up? How will they move on separately.
Thank you to the author for an advance copy of this books. These are my opinions only.
This is the last book in a series.Once again the author has delivered a riveting story.Snippets of earlier characters are like returning to a family reunion.Pink Floyd is pure genius.Laughter and tears await as you fall into this story.
Another great book in the Cliffside Bay Series. I tried to read slowly knowing this will be the last book…sniff sniff. What do I say…..it was sweet, heart wrenching at times but ultimately a happy ending. Wonderful book to escape into and hard to come out of after reading. I would highly recommend starting at the beginning of the series if you enjoy knowing the background of all the characters and what brought them all together.
Thank you to Tess and the publisher for providing this ARC for me to read. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Just beautiful. The last in the Cliffside Bay series (for now at least) and it doesn’t disappoint.
All the well-loved characters from the previous nine books make their appearance at sometime or other in this book.
It’s a story about second-chances; blending a family; moving on; forgiving and of course love.
Both David and Sara have been floating around in the background for four books and now its their turn. They’ve both had rotten luck in marriage and with dead (murdered) spouses they find they have a lot in common. Add a spiteful grandfather, a billion dollars, a dog and Moxie and things get turned upside down and get a bit heated at times.
A great read that has you reaching for the tissues a few times. As it’s book ten in a series, I would not recommend reading it as a standalone novel – although the author briefly touches on past characters, you don’t get the full impact of their back stories unless you’ve read their actual stories.
Just one tiny aspect bothered me about the story – where were the grandparents from the dead spouses side? Did they break contact with their grandchildren because of the the murders?
All in all a lovely read, I look forward to the next five planned Cliffside Bay stories with the five young ladies (& Pink Floyd?) – in my mind I can see the Victorian becoming central to it – like a kind of “Melrose Place” vibe but with more sane inhabitants; although Mama Soto and Ria plus their men may have to move……………..