Oh my word, what a roller coaster ride of emotions in this book! Lucy's story had me racing through the pages desperate to find out what happened next! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, bravo!

4 stars out of 5.

This is the first book by Debbie Johnson I have read and I really enjoyed it. This is the 3rd book in the series but I felt it read as a standalone. Starshine Cove sounds like an amazing place that I would love to visit! The author does a great job of transporting us there and I thought the book flowed so well. The characters were all likable and I really enjoyed watching Lucy and Josh's relationship bloom. The ending tied everything up nicely too. Overall, this was a heartwarming book and I would recommend it.

In Finding Hope in Starshine Cover, we meet Lucy and her teenage daughter Rose. Lucy was in an abusive relationship with her ex husband (Rose's father) and still finds herself cowering from the world. They end up going to Starshine Cove for Lucy's long time friend's wedding. On the way, Lucy meets a guy named Josh at the airport. She gives him a fake name and back story for fun thinking she would never see him again. Turns out, Josh is the grooms brother who just arrived at Starshine Cove. After explaining herself to Josh, they decide to be civil to get through the wedding. Josh hates liars so he is pretty disappointed and hurt with her actions. As the days go by it seems Lucy and Josh might have a spark but is Lucy ready for a relationship yet?

Thank you Netgalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

★ 3.5 stars.

"Finding Hope in Starshine Cove" by Debbie Johnson takes readers on a journey to the picturesque village of Starshine Cove, where old friendships are rekindled and new connections are made. Lucy Brown, our protagonist, finds herself confronting her past and navigating the complexities of starting over in a place that holds both beauty and healing.

Johnson's depiction of Starshine Cove is enchanting, painting a vivid picture of a quaint seaside village that feels like a character in its own right. From the charming locals to the breathtaking scenery, the setting serves as the perfect backdrop for Lucy's emotional journey.

At the heart of the story is Lucy's struggle to overcome the scars of her past, particularly her experiences with psychological abuse. Johnson handles this delicate subject matter with sensitivity, highlighting the impact it has had on Lucy and those around her. Lucy's daughter, Rose, emerges as a standout character, offering both wisdom beyond her years and moments of teenage rebellion.

While the romance between Lucy and Josh provides a delightful subplot, the real focus of the story is Lucy's journey toward self-discovery and healing. Although the pacing may feel slow at times, particularly due to the weighty themes addressed, the payoff is worth it as Lucy learns to find hope and happiness in Starshine Cove.

Overall, "Finding Hope in Starshine Cove" is a heartwarming tale that balances light-hearted moments with deeper emotional resonance. With its charming setting, relatable characters, and themes of resilience and renewal, it's sure to captivate readers looking for a feel-good read.

Most stories could use a little magic. Give me 300 pages of introspective literary fiction and I'll show you a story that wouldn't be hurt by a sudden curse or other bit of wand waving.

Debbie Johnson gets that. In Finding Hope in Starshine Cove, third in her Starshine Cove series, Johnson returns to the titular idyllic village in southwest England that seems to open itself to individuals just when they most need a visit. Quite literally. In a bit of Brigadoon-esque charm, Starshine Cove doesn't show up on any maps and appears virtually unreachable unless you have an invitation or purpose. Fortunately, Lucy Brown, after reconnecting with college pals, has a wedding to attend and we're treated to her first exposure to this somewhat offbeat, perhaps literally charming locale.

While this hint of the slightly mystic is left primarily to the town itself, in the first chapter, Lucy weaves some magic of her own. Sitting at the airport, waiting on a plane so she can pick up her teenage daughter, Rose, who's visiting Lucy's ex-husband, she makes up stories while observing fellow passengers. When a handsome stranger, Josh, begins hitting on her, she can't help but conjure up an alter ego in the form of Amelia to flirt right back. Because while Amelia might be confident, Lucy Brown sure isn't.

This is only one scene, but it illustrates a major part of why Finding Hope in Starshine Cove, fantastical elements and all, works—Johnson has tapped into the mess and joy of being human. Lucy, still struggling after an abusive relationship with her ex, can't seem to move comfortably in her own life. Making up tales in her head while people watching is cute, but Johnson immediately follows with a disappointing encounter with Josh. Having lied about her identity, nothing serious could ever happen between them and they go their separate ways. It's an idea Johnson deftly returns to again and again. We, as readers, come to know Lucy as a funny, good person, but she sabotages her own happiness based on a mound of self-doubt.

After reconnecting with her (immensely likable) daughter, Lucy lands in Starshine Cove, a place where everyone seems to care for their neighbor and at least one person is obsessed with a Big Mouth Billy Bass (also immensely likable). In true magic fashion, Josh, who's actually related to the groom, turns up, and it's suddenly a whirlwind of the two awkwardly reconnecting. At least initially. After all, even if she doesn't see it, Lucy is painted as a lovely catch, and it's genuinely sweet as Josh slowly peels back at her guarded layers.

However, it's not all unicorns and rainbows, and Johnson also handles some serious topics, including abuse, with tact while not shying away. While magic or luck might have guided Lucy and Josh back together, Johnson never suggests some spell can suddenly heal old wounds. Rather, the remedy must come from her richly drawn characters themselves. It's perhaps the strongest addition to an otherwise riotously funny, thoughtful book.

Ultimately, Finding Hope in Starshine Cove is a touch of magic and a lot of heart.

Finding Hope in Starshine Cove was such a wholesome read. I really enjoyed that the main character was a bit older and with an older kid - most books in this genre are younger women so it was a refreshing change.

Some tears, some laugh out loud moments and some genuinely tense moments scattered in. Part of a series but works well as a standalone.

Funny, lots of great character and full of joy. 4 stars

I received a free copy of, Finding Hope in Starshine Cove,by Debbie Johnson, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book 3 of 3 in The Starshine Cove series. Lucy Brown is a bit of a recluse, she has to return to the living to got her friends wedding in Starshine Cove, Dorset. The past always seems to catch up with us as it does with Lucy. Lucy is much stronger then she thinks she is, after being controlled for so long, she has come out much stronger on the other side. I was rooting for Lucy, throughout the book. I enjoyed this book.

Starshine Cove sounds like a lovely place to live. Full of friends and people who help each other.
It’s a nice story about Lucy and Josh who actually meet in the airport the first time. It’s another perfect beach read!
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

The perfect summer escape. No better summer feeling than in the pages of a debbie Johnson book. There's enough happiness in this book to warm up even the coldest days

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a cozy, charming, delightful book!

This is such a wonderful, heartwarming and gorgeous read. It is part 3 in the Starshine Cove series, although it can be read as a standalone novel. I suggest that you read the first 2 books though, as it is such a fantastic series.
This book features Lucy and Josh, and Lucy's daughter Rose. They are all new characters who are attending Ella's wedding in Starshine Cove. We also catch up with the characters from the previous books as the whole village preparing for the wedding.
There are some difficult and hard hitting subjects in this book, but they are dealt with sensitively. Despite the difficult themes, the book still manages to have plenty of humour and feel-good moments. I really enjoyed reading this book and hope that there will be more visits to Starshine Cove.
Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for my ARC.

This is the first book I have read by this author and it will definitely not be the last. I initially thought that the story would be predictable but how wrong I was. The author gets to grips with some very uncomfortable issues and deals with them really sympathetically. Great characters and a wonderful ‘feel good’ feeling. Thoroughly recommended.

I enjoyed this story of Lucy Brown who finds love while attending her best friend’s wedding in star shine cove, after overcoming her trauma from an abusive relationship with her ex-husband . Lucy proves to herself and her daughter what strength and courage truly mean .

I really enjoyed being back at Starshine Cove, with lots of regular faces back to say hello. This story focused on Lucy and Josh, Lucy damaged by her previous husband meets Josh at the airport and makes up an exciting persona little does she know that she will meet Josh again. Lovely story of friendship, love and community spirit. Thank you netgalley for the advanced copy

Really enjoyed this book. Perfect blend of romance, beautiful setting and a little drama!
I would say there are some trigger warnings around coercive control in relationships but it is handled with care.
I loved her well the 2 love interest characters communicated and didn't hide behind their worries or feelings.

I've been stuck in a reading slump and this was the book to get me out. I've read books 1 and 2 in the series and loved them, so I couldn't wait to read book 3.

Another adventure in Starshine Cove - this time with Laura and her daughter Rose. 10 years ago, Laura escaped her marriage and ran to hide in the Irish countryside. She's been invited to her friend Ella's wedding in Starshine Cove, where she'll see her friends for the first time in 15 years. Will her 2 week holiday prove she doesn't need to hide anymore, or will she run again when her past comes back to haunt her?

I love the magic of Starshine Cove - everyone is friendly and it seems that there's something exciting every day. This time it's Ella's wedding (her story is in book 1) but we see Cally and Alfie, Connie, George and all the characters from books 1 and 2.

Debbie Johnson doesn't shy away from difficult subjects (e.g the whole excellent Comfort Food Cafe series!) - this one is no different. This time covering a controlling marriage and subsequent anxiety/panic attacks. This story is really well written and engrossing. This feels well-researched and written sensitively, it's just part of the wider story rather than for novelty.

This book doesn't end as definitively as books 1 and 2, there's some ambiguity about Laura's future plans. I really hope there's a book 4 where we see that Laura's got the happy end she deserves.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.

I want to go to Starshine Cove, it is magical!
This is the third book based in the wonderful village of Starshine Cove, I hope there will be many more. Debbie Johnson has a wonderful gift of creating characters that are very believable and you become very invested in their story and what the outcome will be. We are allowed into the lives of Lucy and her daughter Rose when the go to the village for a wedding. Lucy has had a complicated marriage and is now a single mum and she is very wary of people. So coming to this wedding has been a big milestone for her.
The author deals with the issues that Lucy and Lyssa have had deal with very sensitively and you do feel how anxious they are, but among the serious issues we do still have humour which is good.
The backdrop to this story is all the villagers we have met in the previous books, and now their stories are starting to intertwine with the newcomers - this is good as it gives the book depth. But you can read this as a standalone story, (you will want to read the others after!).
Roll on book 4.

I loved this return to Starshine Cove and as always am impatiently waiting for the next instalment. A heartwarming tale not afraid to tackle hard issues, this is a gem of a book.

What a lovely book this was. It's the kind of story that I would read over and over again! I didn't realise at first it was part of a series but I will now look for the other books, that's how much I loved it!
Lucy is a single mum, who is simply.. lost. It was a joy to see her character development throughout the book, the way the demons from her past came to light and how she was able to overcome her insecurities. This book offers a great depiction of female friendship that lasts and morphs through the years, something a lot of adult women can relate to, I am sure.
The story is not all rainbows and butterflies either, important topics like domestic abuse were treated in a very delicate yet powerful way.
I would 10/10 recommend this book and the Starshine Cove series overall!

Love, love and love some more. This book was fantastic, loved the plot line and the characters. I wanted to jump into the setting of this story.

Lucy has stayed in Ireland in a remote location after separating with her husband, her daughter lives with her. She’s invited to an old friends wedding back in Dorset and she’s looking forward to it, but also hesitant. A mix of love, friendship and looking out for each other. 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I’ve loved reading the previous books in this series.

In this book, we meet Lucy, she’s attending her friend Ella’s wedding. What she loves to do when at an airport is make up different stories about the other people there. So when she meets Josh, she makes up a story about herself, portraying herself in a better way to reality.

But when she is in Starshine Cove, the last thing she expected was to see Josh, who is also attending the same wedding. Lucy apologises and slowly they begin to get to know each other.

Lucy is still trying to work through her insecurities after her marriage to Robert ended who was abusive.

Will Starshine Cove work its magic, will her daughter, her old friends and the ones she’s made in the cove help her to begin her life again, more so when her ex-husbands wife gets in touch for help in moving away with her children, knowing it’s going to bring him back into her life?

The story covers some hard topics, but there was lots of funny moments and a sense of hope.

I recommend this book.