I’m so pleased we finally got to read Connie’s story. It was as good as I imagined it would be. I just love Starshine Cove. It sounds like the most idyllic place to live with a wonderful community.

I hope this isn’t the last in the series

It is a real feel-good story about second chances. The main protagonists are mature people who have lost their partners, the love of their life. They both feel the sparks immediately when they meet, but first they are reluctant to do anything about it. Fortunately, after some twists in the story there is a happy ending.
I liked the characters, everybody in this close-knit community, and also loved the gorgeous setting. I also like Debbie Johnson's writing style. Her novels never disappoint.
I can recommend this book to everyone who likes a sweet romance.

Connie was on the cusp of becoming a celebrity chef when she suffered from burnout, leading to a car crash near Starshine Cove. She is rescued by Simon, to whom she eventually married and has a family, setting up a successful cafe and having a happy, low-keyed life. Years later, after the sad death of Simon, she suddenly meets a face from her last, Zac who was going to have her in a leading role in a cookery show, and reevaluates her life.
Debbie writes the kind of book that I really love, after first reading the Comfort Food Cafe series I then was happy to start reading the Starshine Cove series, which had much the same vibe. With relatable characters and a community that I'd love to live in it is wonderful to sit down and become enveloped in that cozy feel that this series gives. With characters from the previous books supporting Connie whilst she struggles with her feelings for Zac you can't help being drawn into the story. As you might have guessed I really loved this book and can highly recommend it.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

Twenty-five years ago, Constance met the love of her life after Simon rescued her from her wrecked car. She never thought she would enjoy anything but city life, but now after having their three children, Connie is once again adjusting to her “new” life, life without Simon. She may have once thought that she was destined for great things, but now she knows what the truly great things are. She loves her children, her life in Starshine Cove filled with her friends and Simon’s loving relatives, and her restaurant. In her other life, Connie thought that she was on her way to stardom, as she had interviewed for producer Zach Harris, but that was before Simon. When her teenage daughter introduces to her friend, Marcy, it seems that fate has more in store for her as Marcy is Zach’s daughter. A chance meeting will bring Zach, who is now a widower, back into her life. Is she ready for the complications that loving Zach might bring into her life? I truly enjoyed this wonderful and moving story about life after your first love is gone. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

Book 4 in a series, you don't need to have read the first three. This would be a great book for plane travel, or by the pool/beach.

Celebrity chef (and professional party girl) Connie Llewellyn is just a mess in the big city. She ends up driving out to the country in typical full throttle fashion and finds herself upside down in a ditch, staring at the most handsome man ever. Fast forward and she's left the big city behind, settled down with said handsome man, started a family and the local cafe that everyone in town just loves (along with her!).

Then her husband and sister in law are tragically killed in an auto accident and Connie is busy just surviving with her kids, cafe and small town life. As her kids head off to university, she finds herself with an empty nest and wandering mind. When a blast from the past comes into her life, maybe things will really change? But change is frightening and there is definite comfort in the here and now.

Johnson built extremely likeable characters, and a fun story!

Thanks to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and Debbie Johnson for the eARC.
Pub Date Feb 19 2025 #StartingOverinStarshineCove #NetGalley

It's Connie's story in the Starshine Cove series, which proves to be as heartbreaking, hopeful and humorous as the ones in the previous books. Connie once lived on the edge and was in danger of burning out until she found Starshine Cove. A significant force in the cove, Connie brings laughter and sound advice to all, especially recent arrivals, but this time, she is the one who needs support as she faces an emotional crossroads in her life. Zack is a face from her illustrious past. Connie finds the connection they make unsettling, and watching their gentle romance unfold makes this an enjoyable read. An engaging mix of conflict and hope, friendship, and community spirit define this story. The conclusion is uplifting but also realistic.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

2⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an advanced copy of Starting Over In Starshine Cove.

Twenty five years ago Connie was on her way to being a star. She had made a name for herself in the culinary world and it was taking her places. But she felt a void until she got into an accident and met her future husband. They moved to a little town and had three children and she owned her own cafe. Then her husband unexpectedly passed away. Flash forward to now and she still owns the cafe but her children are grown and starting their own lives. Then one day a man named Zack from her life twenty five years ago shows up and thus may be her second chance.

Everything happened very fast in this book and it was a short read so it was hard to connect properly with the characters. I was not a huge fan.

I enjoy reading this series so much and Starting Over in Starshine Cove is just another good one! After losing her husband Connie kept herself busy with the café and raising her children. Now they've all left to bigger cities to study and work and she feels unsettled and alone until she goes to London to meet her daughter's best friend and her family. Connie's life will have a severe turn and she'll feel happier than she had in years till she doesn't anymore. Life has ways of putting emotions, feelings into scrutiny and only time and sheer willpower will allow them to flourish or sucumb. Starting Over in Starshine Cove is not made only of happy times, as life never is, it's a tale of real life that could happen to real people. Loved it!
I thank Ms. Johnson, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.

This is a good old fashioned, second chance love story, part of a great series with wonderful, really likeable characters and can be read totally as a standalone.
Connie Llewellyn had been a celebrity, Micheline stared chef, droves of followers, TV, the lot but when the chance came to do a reality TV series Connie realised that life in the fast lane had become too much, she drove out of London heading south and ended up in a ditch at Starshine Cove.........her life was to change forever.
Connie married Simon, the gorgeous good Samaritan who rescued her from her wrecked car, had three children and a wonderful life until sadly Simon was killed in a car accident.
Connie was the cornerstone of the small Starshine Cove community, she ran the local cafe and arranged community events, always the life and soul of the party but Connie had "empty nest syndrome", her children had all left home but Simon had never left her heart and although she was encouraged by both her children and her friends, Connie could never consider re entering the dating scene.
Sophie, Connie's youngest daughter was coming home from catering collage and bringing her BFF, Marcy with her, they were to help at the cafe during the summer holiday. Marcy's father, a widower had asked to meet Connie before this happened, Connie was astounded to find that Marcy's father just happened to be a famous TV producer, the same producer who Connie had left in the lurch.
This story follows Connie and Zack as they become friends leading to a deeper attraction but Connie could never betray Simon and she also knew that Zack was keeping something from her, could a romance between them work ? could they both jump over the hurdles that were standing in the way of a HEA.
A great story with well rounded characters and plenty of witty banter.
Thank you Storm Publishing and Net Gallery for this ARC, my review is voluntary.

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

I enjoyed my visit to Starshine Cove and catching up with old friends.

We meet Connie, who used to be an almost-celebrity chef, and we read about how she ended up on the cove. Now, she leads a quiet life where she has her own cafe and spending time with her children, now adults and leading their own lives.

On a trip to London, she meets someone who she knew in her old life which changes things for her. Connie begins to think whether there’s more to life than what she has now.

I highly recommend this book.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

When Connie crashed into Starshine Cove, she abandoned her flashy life for a quiet one with no regrets. Fast forward 25 years, and she finds her past and present colliding in a deliciously confusing way.

On this return to Starshine Cove, we finally got Connie's story. She was an expert meddler in the other books, and now it was her turn to find love again. I really enjoyed getting to know more about her backstory and what brought her to Starshine Cove, but I LOVED seeing Zack and her fall for each other.

First of all, can we have a round of applause for a "mature" romance. That's right. Both characters were empty nesters who was in their mid 50s. I will never stop being a fan of romances that show people finding love at ALL ages. Zach and Connie shared a bit of a past which was an interesting facet of their story that I think allowed their romance to proceed at a good clip, but I also believe their shared experience of being widowers gave them so much insight into each other. There was definitely a spark that rose to a flame between their two, and it was fantastic seeing it grow.

As with all the previous installments in this series, the people of Starshine Cove were a highlight. This little community continues to be warm and welcoming and serves as a place of healing to those lucky enough to find their way there. It was great catching up with the previous couples while also seeing new romances bloom.

Overall, this was another feel-good visit to Starshine Cove that left me with a big smile on my face.

Connie Llewelyn is at the heart of the village of Starshine Cove. where she runs the local cafe.

Since her husband died five years ago, she's been looking after the family and everyone else except her. Now, as her kids fly the nest, However it’s now time to co spider her own future. Suddenly Zack a face from her past appears but can she be brave. Thanks to Debbie and her publisher.

I adore Debbie's books. Every single one. And noone does a series quite like her. She makes you fall in love with her characters and the places she sets her stories in. I just want to be part of such communities please!
Debbie also tops and continues to top some of my all time favorites. From the cover to the content I just love her books.
I also love good series like this. When you get to know character from the community whilst also still learning and being involved with the rest of the town.i love how they have their own story but arc and still manages to touch eachother.
Connie is our focus this time. And I felt for her so much. She's had a tough time since choosing to leave her high flying job and make a home in the Starshine. She's such a fighter but has no belief in herself. She seems to do all thing and yet not quite believe that she can,bless her. She's suffered loss and is grappling with her own grief whilst also trying to look after the ones she loves too.

When Zack arrives on the scene he shakes things up. And at first shakes her up. Can she let herself be loved again? Is she ready? Is she brave enough.
I.pove the tender and witty moments between these two. It's warm and relatable. And sensitively done with becoming either complacent or fickle to what Connie has had to go through recently. And a real lesson is to be had here...to live life fully because it can always be a moment away from too late.
I'd definitely like a Job in Connie's cafe and also be unfolded into her friendship group.
Another lovely step into Starshine and another gorgeous book.



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Starting Over in Starshine Cove is a story of love, loss, and second chances in a small but welcoming seaside village.

Connie Llewelyn is the heart and soul of Starshine Cove, running the local café with warmth, kindness, and an endless supply of freshly baked scones. Since losing her husband five years ago, she’s poured her energy into raising her children and supporting her extended family. But now, with her kids leaving home, she’s left wondering—what’s next for her?

When Zack, a face from her past, unexpectedly arrives in town, Connie is faced with a choice: stay safely within the life she’s built or take a chance on something new. Her old self had a completely different take on life. Now she has a family, friends, and a slow life. Would Zack be a good fit for it? Could this be her opportunity to rediscover herself—and maybe even love?

From bestselling author Debbie Johnson, this uplifting novel is a celebration of fresh starts, friendship, and the magic of community. Perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan, Milly Johnson, and Heidi Swain.

This is book four in the Starshine Cove Series and it's good to be back there again in this lovely community.
This book centres around Connie who met her husband and her soulmate in a compromising position upside down in a ditch following a road accident, unfortunately she has lost him many years ago and she has been left to bring up their children on her own in Starshine Cove.
Starshine Cove is a unique place on the Dorset coast, a place where people have a relaxed lifestyle and everyone is friendly towards each other and are willing to help out with any problems. Her children are now teenagers and mostly able to look after themselves.
Her daughters best friend's father is exactly in the same position as Connie, alone and single after losing his partner many years ago and when he arrives in Starshine Cove with his daughter there is immediately an attraction between them and their daughters are also secretly trying to match-make them. But Connie is too busy with her business for a relationship or is she? Plus is the relationship between Connie and Zack going to last?
Starshine Cove is such a lovely place, it's the sort of location that must be on your bucket list to visit. Everyone is really friendly and nothing is too much trouble.
I really loved this book, it's happy and sad, heartwarming and a real hug-in-a-book.
A five-star read from me.

#Stormpublishing
#Netgalley

Starting Over in Starshine Cove is a heartwarming, cozy read that shines a spotlight on second chances and the magic of small-town life. The protagonist, Connie Llewelyn, is a wonderfully relatable and warm character whose life revolves around her family, her cafe, and the community in the magical seaside town of Starshine Cove. The author does an excellent job of capturing the charm of the village, making it feel like a character in itself, as it is woven with the scents of freshly baked scones and the gentle rhythms of everyday life.

Connie’s journey of rediscovery and healing after the loss of her husband is both touching and inspiring. As her children leave home, she faces a turning point and starts to wonder what her life could look like beyond the roles of wife and mother. This introspective moment of self-reflection is portrayed with authenticity and depth, making it easy for readers to empathize with her.

The introduction of Zack, a face from her past, adds a lovely romantic element to the story. Their chemistry and the exploration of rekindling old flames is handled in a way that feels both sweet and mature, giving the story a refreshing twist on love later in life.

One of the things that makes Starting Over in Starshine Cove stand out is how it embraces love for older characters. It’s a reminder that it’s never too late to take risks and pursue happiness, whether it’s in the form of romance, adventure, or self-discovery. The pace is gentle, the writing is uplifting, and the characters are endearing. It’s a perfect book for anyone who’s looking for a heartwarming escape into a world of community, love, and second chances.

Overall, if you’re looking for a cozy, feel-good read with a touch of romance and a lot of heart, this book is an absolute delight. It’s a story that will leave you with a smile, and perhaps a little more hope for what lies ahead in the chapters of life.

Sweet, delightful, beautiful, Starting Over In Starshine Cove is all about new beginnings, old crushes coming back and a desire to open your heart again even though you are still mourning the love of your life.

A must read for all the hopeless romantics out there who are ready to fall in love again and a perfect valentine's day gift!

Thank you Netgalley and Storm Publishing for my perfect valentine's day gift!

I just loved this book! I just loved this story and I just love the characters as well, I would love to live in Starshine Cove.

I would highly recommend reading this book as it’s just amazing and so are the other books in this series.

I would like to thank Storm Publishing and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book early.

As a fan of Debbie Johnson's Starshine Cove series I was delighted to be given a arc from Netgalley, and it didn't disappoint.

Being familiar with the characters who inhabit Starshine Cove I was delighted that this book focused on Connie who is such a big character in the previous book but to get an understanding of her past and insecurities gave her depth rather than the superficial side we have seen in the past. It is also great to catch up with other residents we were introduced to in previous books.

This said the book could be read perfectly well as a standalone as back story is provided where required without bogging down the story with unnecessary details.

Another charming visit to Starshine Cove. Although part of a wonderful series of cosy, life affirming stories set in the almost magical community, this can be read as a standalone (but I do recommend the others!). Connie is trying to look forward, her popularity in Starshine Cove knows no bounds but maybe it’s time she took more interest in helping herself rather than others. Connie’s a great character and after a difficult time she’s deserves another go at happiness, when someone from her wild and abandoned past appears back in her life will Connie face new feelings head on or hide in the comfort of what she knows.

It’s a wonderful community, great characters and stories with heart, drama and romance. A great cosy read, well written by the wonderful Debbie Johnson