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

I thorough enjoyed this, the first book in a new series by Sarah Bennett.

Anya’s husband has passed away, she’s sad, but he’s left her
in a financial mess, and she realises that their life together was a lie.

Having the home she and her daughter live in, so she has to ask her family to help her.

Leaving the place she loved, she moves to Halfmoon Quay to stay with her Aunt and Uncle. The place has lots of memories for her childhood.

She meets Rick, who when they were young, had a crush on her, those feelings are still there even after all these years. But, he’s aware that right now, what Anya needs is a friend, so he wants to help her however he can.without revealing how he feels.

But that’s not all that Rick is hiding, and when the other secret is revealed, it could be bad news for all his family.

I loved the setting and the characters you want to know more about. I can’t wait to read what happens next in their lives.

I highly recommend this book.

A delightful story based round a close knit family with its trials and tribulations on work , life and love. Cosy up with the Penrose family as they try to support each other with mixed outcomes

Another lovely story from Sarah full of new beginnings, friendship, community and love, i look forward to the next installment of life in the Quay

If I were 30 years younger, I probably would have loved this book, especially the quirky characters in the village. However, I am 57 and no longer have patience for vapid young women or believe that thoughts of romance are so all-consuming when individuals are struggling to get by. The main character of this story is single mom Anya whose first husband was a conman who probably would be in jail now if he hadn't died. Despite having no idea her husband was such a baddie, Anya experiences no sadness over his loss - just anger over the embarrassment he has caused. Not surprising considering how upset she was as a teenager to have to work on Saturdays to help support her own single mother. Oh, and Anya has no job skills; but she is expects to be given a job that will put her back on her feet again. Her love interest, Rick, is too good to be believable. Of course he sets Anya up with a job with his great uncle, helping to run his hotel. Anya, of course, immediately complains of how boring the job is. Ugh! Give me stronger women! And a story that could have wrapped up in half the time! But with even more characters like Rick's great uncle. Loved him!

When Anya Stokes husband dies she is initially devastated. But finding out that everything they shared was a lie, Anya’s feelings quickly turn to anger. When she loses her home she turns to her family for help and, with her daughter Freya, moves to Halfmoon Quay to stay with her Aunt and Uncle.
There she is reunited with childhood friend Rick Penrose. As a teenager Rick had a crush on Anya, and he quickly finds that the years haven’t dulled those feelings. He also knows that all Anya needs right now is a friend, so he determines to help her in any way he can and keep his feelings to himself.
But Rick is keeping more than his feelings about Anya to himself. And when that secret comes out the fallout could be devastating for the whole family.
This is a lovely book, set in a picturesque Cornish village, with characters you instantly warm to and want to get to know. I can’t wait for the next one.

A nice (somewhat slow) feel-good romance.

Anya has just lost her husband Drew in a car accident. She and her daughter Freya are moving to her aunt & uncle’s place at Halfmoon Quay, having had to give up what they had. Insurance does not cover claims based on an assessment of the circumstances. Her cousin Chloe helps her pack & move. In Halfmoon Quay is Rick who has always felt drawn to Anya. Rick’s Uncle Davy is not well, and Rick convinces him to take on Anya as an assistant to help run his hotel. The job gives Anya the confidence that she can be independent, and she is grateful to Rick. They find themselves growing close to each other, but the circumstances make it not so easy.

There are many characters in the book (mostly through the families) though Anya & Rick are the primary ones. Though the story alludes to some questionable dealings done by Drew, the characters are all simple & loveable. It’s honesty and simplicity are to the credit of the story, as are the characters. I felt it was a bit stretched but found it a relaxing & enjoyable read.

My rating 3.75 / 5.

Thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books & the author for a free electronic review copy.

“Just the Beginning” is the first in a new series by Sarah Bennett. I was drawn right in very early on, by the strong sense of community and belonging that the story evokes. “Just the Beginning” is Anya’s story. We meet her in the aftermath of the death of her husband as she tries to move forward, full of grief and regret, from all the lies and debts he left her with. Anya has a loving family to whom she doesn’t want to feel beholden to but has her four year old daughter to think of and needs a fresh start away from her old home. So she moves away to live with her Cousin, Aunt and Uncle. It takes her right back to her childhood holidays where she and her cousins had great times, in the beautiful seaside setting Halfmoon Quay.

I was rooting for Anya to find peace and belonging and ultimately to learn that people can be trusted and that not everyone will take advantage of her or lie to her. Cue Rick, a childhood friend who has always held a huge space in his heart just for Anya. What follows is a cute romance between two lovably, naive characters complete with amusing innuendos, the expected bumps in the road and a grumpy old man to make waves in between times.

As Anya’s story came to a close it was clear it was indeed just the beginning. Not only do I want to know if she gets her happily ever after, each member of the Penrose family and their close friends seem to have their own story to tell. I really want to be there to hear them. I look forward to reading more books in this series.

It is a well written novel, with punchy dialogue that rings true, and the descriptive writing brings the scenes to life.
A book that stands out from the crowd. The characters and the setting are written exceptionally well.

I received a free copy of, Just the Beginning, by Sarah Bennett, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Anya Stokes and her daughter Freya are in Halfmoon Quay, after the loss of her husband/father. Halfmoon Quay sounds like an idyllic location. I liked the characters in this book.

This was a fantastic book from the first page to the last. It draws you into the tangled peoples lives in Halfmoon Quay. Anya is mourning the loss of her husband, but also holding it together for her daughter Freya. It’s strange to be without her husband, but things are looking up when she might get a job. I loved the background of this story and I think it will be a fantastic series and looking forward to finding out what happens to the characters. A brilliant 5 star read. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.

After Anya stokes husband she loses everything she owns including there home when she finds out how he came about his money.

She moves back home to Halfmoon quay with her daughter to live with family until she can get back on her feet.

Rick Penrose has had a crush on Anya since school but was devistated when she married and never really moved on since.
But when anya turns back up he wants to fix everything for her and hopefully grow a freindship with her.

It felt lovely to be back in Sarah’s hands and to be introduced to the residents of Halfmoon Quay. Once again, I can confidently say that this is going to be a fabulous series with some terrific characters. Sarah is skilled at imagining some of the best characters and bringing them to life, and that is evident as we take this first visit to Halfmoon Quay and get to know Rick and Anya.
The synopsis tells us that there is history between the two, but not anything that could make their lives difficult. Ok, so Rick had a teenage crush on Anya, but having been a teenager myself, I know those are easily skimmed over as they are often forgotten as we get older.
Rick is the centre of all things at Halfmoon Quay and is helpful to the point of being irritating. Inserting himself into every crisis and flaunting his fixer gene seems to be both his superpower and his kryptonite. I really felt for Rick, as he clearly has nothing but good intentions and a desire to help. Sadly, he meets his match when he interferes in the lives of his great uncle and Anya. The fallout from his actions leads to some serious soul-searching for both Rick and Anya.
Anya is clearly feeling vulnerable, and I was drawn to her strength and determination to remain independent despite not having the skills to handle her position. She is determined to adapt and looks for ways to enhance her employability. Despite making her position clear, she still finds herself falling into an easy friendship with Rick.
This first instalment is at a gentle pace, and the conclusion will follow in the later books, and I’m fine with that. I know that I can rely on Sarah Bennett to steer this series onto the right path and guide us in the right direction for a satisfying conclusion. I’m already excited to return.

Just the Beginning by Sarah Bennett is a heartwarming romance about new beginnings, family bonds, and unexpected love, set against the picturesque Cornish coast.

Anya, looking for a fresh start after a difficult past, moves to the charming seaside village of Mermaids Point. She hopes to rebuild her life and find a sense of belonging in this close-knit community. There, she meets Rick, a local man who is eager to help her settle in. However, while his kindness is undeniable, Anya finds his tendency to take control both frustrating and endearing.

As their relationship deepens, long-buried secrets from Rick’s past come to light, complicating their growing connection. Anya must decide whether she can trust him and open her heart again, while Rick struggles with his own emotional barriers.

Filled with warmth, heartfelt moments, and a beautifully described coastal setting, Just the Beginning is an uplifting story about second chances, finding home in unexpected places, and the healing power of love. Fans of small-town romances and family-driven stories will find this an engaging and feel-good read.

I was so incredibly happy when I was offered the change to review this book, I dropped the book I was reading and dived in.

Anya's life is falling apart, her husband has left her in a financial mess and she has to aceept the help from her cousins in Halfmoon Bay, a place of so many memories of her childhood and a new start for her and her daughter Freya. All her friends are there from her childhood, including Rick.

Rick is one of four brothers and would give his shirt off his back for anyone but when Anya comes back to Halfmoon Bay, old feelings are stirred and maybe this is Ricks second chance with Anya but somehow Rick's desire to help everyone is causing problems, can they find a HEA together.

The characters are really great, I loved Half Moon Bay and now just really hope we get books about the other three brothers along with their cousin Chloe, Halfmoon Bay is somewhere I really cant wait to get back to.

One of the best books I have read this year, I just wish I could read it for the first time again.

A lovely story which flowed along. The setting was perfect and I enjoyed reading about the characters. The story was so easy to read and I look forward to more from this author. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

Anya is starting over after a huge change in her life. She and her young daughter move closer to family support and while she rebuilds, she is reconnected with Rick, who has loved her since they were kids. An overall sweet story of family and moving forward.

Just the Beginning by Sarah Bennett is just the delightful book that I needed right now! I loved it and found it difficult to put down.
Bennett skillfully writes a heartwarming tale centred on family, with the beginnings of a romance, that leaves the reader wishing that they could have a family like the one in the book. While not perfect, the members of the family support each other unquestioningly, making for an excellent and fun read.
The characters are lovable and, at times, exasperating; the setting is appealing, with the area richly described; and the book is perfect escapism.
I am so happy to have been invited to read the ARC of #JusttheBeginning by #BoldwoodBooks and #NetGalley.

Sarah Bennett’s Halfmoon Quay series kicks off with a heartfelt and beautifully crafted story set in a charming Cornish village. The book follows Anya as she returns to Halfmoon Quay, seeking a fresh start after her husband's death uncovers painful secrets. With the support of her childhood friend, Rick Penrose, she begins to rebuild her life while navigating love, trust, and second chances.

Bennett’s storytelling shines through her well-developed, relatable characters and their natural interactions. Even the side characters add warmth and charm, making the village feel alive. The strong sense of community is one of the book’s highlights—Halfmoon Quay is the kind of place you’d love to visit, filled with friendships, small-town charm, and heartfelt connections. This cozy, uplifting read is perfect for anyone who loves stories about fresh starts and found family.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced Copy in exchange for an honest review.

Wahoo another Sarah novel. She is one of my all time faves. Just like all her others this books is sit me down, don't disturb me,delving into a better world brilliant. She has jas such a talent for the genre and stories she knows and does well. I feel so lucky to be able to bare witness to authors with such talent. Authors who magically have phone their niche and share it with us.
I was even more overjoyed realising this is book 1 of a new series.
I can't wait to get to know more characters from the community?
I always always feel sad when her books end..I want to stay locked up in the Bennett world forever!
The two main character were once again amazing. Each with their own journey to go on. Together and apart you are chearing for them.

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This story takes place in a lively sounding place called Halfmoon Quay. Anna and her daughter are headed to stay with her Aunt and Uncle. She’s determined to make a new life there.
This is a quick easy book to read and book one in a new series. If you enjoy stories of starting over and second chance romance grab this one. It’s the perfect beach read