Spring Tides

Family and fortune mingle in this middling romantic thriller debut. Before wealthy Reginald Anthony Winslow III died, he asked Finn Callahan, his lawyer, to persuade Winslow’s heir, Bev Winslow, to accept her inheritance. However, Bev would rather run her small boat charter business in Salem, Mass., than accept an offer from her estranged grandfather, who disowned her mother, Reggie. Despite her misgivings, she goes to the will reading, meeting her extended family for the first time. As the will is read, it becomes apparent Bev’s only option is to move to Boston, accept her $400 million inheritance, and take over her grandfather’s holdings company; otherwise the inheritance goes to Reggie, whose kind heart makes her an easy target for scammers and disgruntled relatives. Luckily, Bev has Finn by her side to assist her with running a conglomerate, unearthing family secrets, and flirting with romance. Threats, bombings, and break-ins worry Bev as her friends and family become collateral for a piece of her inheritance. As the dangers come to a head, Bev is determined to find the offender and keep her family safe. While Bev’s shift from boat captain to socialite CEO lacks believability and the mystery has a predictable suspect, the pleasant prose, steady pace, and sweet romance will keep readers entertained. Despite its flaws, this pleasant story will satisfy undemanding readers. (Sept.)