I really enjoyed Just the Beginning by Sarah Bennett, and was actually disappointed when I finished it so I really, really hope there will be follow-up book. I want to know what happens with Davy , the hotel , Anya & Rick and the rest of the fabulous cast of characters . Recommended.

Sarah Bennett writes such wonderful stories full of characters that captivate the reader’s interest and always taking place in beautiful settings - I’m always sad when a series comes to an end so I was thrilled to find Just the Beginning, the first of a new series of books set in a coastal town.
Yet another fabulous read, the storyline was so easy to get into and the main characters held my attention from beginning to end. I can’t wait for the next book.

This is such a sweet story of second chances and learning to rely on yourself! This is the first book in a new series by Sarah Bennett, and I can't wait to read more Halfmoon Quay stories! There were a couple of moments that the FMC drove me crazy, but that's meant to happen. As you can tell, she's learning and growing, and it's rewarding to go on the journey with her. And thank God the author had a list/description of every character cause I would have been lost otherwise! Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for my digital ARC!!

Thank you NetGalley for providing an ARC for me to read!

Welcome to Halfmoon Quay, the picture-perfect village clinging to the edge of the Cornish coast ⛵️🧡🌊

Everyone knows Rick Penrose is the person in the village to turn to for help. Friendly and reliable, not to mention drop-dead gorgeous, he’ll do anything for anyone. When his teenage crush Anya moves back to the quay for a fresh start, he has the perfect solution. She needs a job and his great uncle needs help to run his hotel. It’s a win-win.

Following the death of her husband, Anya Stokes discovered everything about her life was a lie. Without her beautiful home and the luxuries she took for granted, Anya and her daughter, Freya, have no choice but to move in with her aunt and uncle in Halfmoon Quay.

As she begins to turn her life around, Anya realises the perfect man might have been right under her nose all the time. But there’s a fine line between helping and taking over and Rick doesn’t always know where it is. Then Anya discovers he’s been keeping things from her and it’s like the past is repeating itself…

This is an enjoyable series. I would definitely be excited to read more from this series!

This is the first instalment of a new series for this author and as per their other books it didn’t disappoint and was an absolute delight to read.

I love the storyline and the characters and the beautiful Cornish community setting. This was a story of hope and love and second chances

Am looking forward to the next instalment of this cosy series to see where it takes the reader next.

I would like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to the author the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me the privilege of being able to read this adorable book!

Apart from a couple missed words in a few sentences, I absolutely adored this book! I was really worried at the beginning with the big long list of characters that would be apart of the book, that it would be really busy and hard to remember who everyone was. I've read a book recently that was exactly like but without a list of who each character was and it was overwhelming and too much for the same sized book. However I was really excited that that didn't happen here! I didn't even need to go back and forth to double check. It was so easy to follow, and each character was so different that it was so easy to remember who was who.

I know there's a story in this story and I loved the story itself, it felt real and raw and I loved it. However I loved the characters more! They completely stole the show for me in the best way possible! I fell in love with each and everyone of them and I really wished I had a family like that! I loved Davy, I know he's not the main character at all but he was real, and such a sweetheart. I also really loved that but towards the end! Issys nan too she wasn't featured much but she is so awesome and I wish I could be like here when I'm older! I really can't wait for more from these characters hopefully!!

I've got a new favourite cozy read author and I can't wait to read more by her! Thank you so very much from the bottom of heart again for letting me read this cozy comfy story, it came at the perfect time!

This story is all about fresh starts and second chances, set in a small-town village of Halfmoon Quay. It follows Anya as she rebuilds her life after heartbreak and betrayal, with the help of her childhood crush, Rick. I loved how Sarah Bennett wove complex family dynamics into the story, making it heartfelt and uplifting. This book is the perfect feel-good escape and I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author!

Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Heartwarming welcome to Halfmoon Quay.
Rick Penrose is the village fix it man always ready to help. When Anya his teenage crush moves back into the village after a devastating loss he’s more than willing to help her.
Anna’s life before her husbands death was a lie so she won’t tolerate anything else but honesty. When Rick is put into a position where he has to keep a secret what will happen when it gets out.
Brilliant place fantastic characters and well written all that’s needed is a quiet corner and a cuppa.

I'm always happy to start a new series. There is a familiar and comforting vibe from this author in her books.

I'm already looking forward to the next book.

A lovely new series. A wonderful beach location, with a community that I wish I could be part of. It was interesting how it was highlighted how difficult it is to stay in small coastal communities, and all the amazing things they were doing to adapt and survive whilst also preserving the idyllic location.

Anya’s story was touching, and her family supporting her was amazing. She had more strength than she thought. Rick was a great character, his heart is so big and he wants the best for everyone. I loved how he’d been waiting his whole life for Anya, no one else could compare. He was cautious and respectful of her feelings and his only goal was to make her happy and love her.

I can’t wait to visit again and get to meet another couple and catch up with everyone.

Just like all her books, Just the Beginning didn’t disappoint.

This is the first book in Sarah Bennett's Halfmoon Quay series, set in the picturesque village of Halfmoon Quay on the Cornish coast. The book follows Anya, as she returns to Halfmoon Quay for a fresh start after her husband's death reveals painful secrets. With the help of Rick Penrose, her childhood friend, she begins to rebuild her life while navigating love, trust, and second chances.

Bennett masterfully crafts well-developed characters, making them feel incredibly real. Their interactions are natural, and even the side characters bring warmth and charm to the story, making Halfmoon Quay a place that truly comes to life.

Another thing I love most is the warm, inviting vibe of the close-knit community. The way the residents of Halfmoon Quay support and uplift each other adds so much depth to the story. Their friendships, small-town charm, and sense of belonging make the setting feel like a place you’d want to visit.

I highly recommend Just the Beginning to anyone who loves heartwarming small-town romances.

Just the Beginning by Sarah Bennett brings to life the idyllic village of Halfmoon Quay, crafting a story that perfectly blends heartfelt romance with personal growth. Rick Penrose embodies the quintessential small-town hero—endearing, dependable, and irresistibly attractive. His genuine willingness to help makes him a character that readers will naturally cheer for. Anya Stokes, dealing with the aftermath of betrayal and loss, adds emotional depth and relatability to the story. Halfmoon Quay itself is depicted so vividly that it feels like a character in its own right. The sense of community and the charming Cornish coastal backdrop create a warm, inviting setting that readers will find enchanting. The romantic dynamic between Rick and Anya is thoughtfully developed, balancing tender moments with authentic emotional struggles. Rick's challenge of learning when to step back and let Anya assert her independence adds a layer of realism to their relationship. The plot twists, including Rick's secrets and Anya's feelings of déjà vu, keep readers engaged and invested. This is an engaging and uplifting read, ideal for fans of romance and stories of personal transformation. Bennett weaves a tale of love, community, and second chances that leaves readers feeling hopeful and satisfied.

This book is absolutely brilliant and how fantastic that it’s the first in a new series. The characters and setting are all great with big family secrets and troubled relationships. I cannot wait to be back into Halfmoon Quay for the next instalment.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC in return for an honest review.

A really beautiful beginning to a new series. Finished enough to read as a standalone but with obvious leads to the next so you are eager for it to continue, compassionate and romantic. Lovely characters and a village you want to visit.

Ah Sarah has done it again with the fabulous first book in her new series of Halfmoon Quay. Any, the heroine of this book, has been to hell and back when her cowardly ex suddenly dies and leaves her in one hell of a mess.

Moving to the Quay, at the rescue of her aunt and uncle she suddenly finds herself and her three year old daughter are suddenly thrown into a world were people keep secrets with the best intension. I liked Anya but at times she really annoyed me especially with her behaviour towards Rick. I read the book in three days and it needs to be part of your must read list for 2025.

I do feel the ending was rushed though. Sorry!

Can't wait to read book two in this great new series

New series of four books from Halfmoon Quay a Cornish seaside village, full of wonderful characters and the usual Sarah Bennett magic!!
Anya has lost everything after the death of her husband showed their life to be a lie, so her extended family scoop her and her daughter Freya up and help her to start a new life at Halfmoon Quay.
Full of enchanting characters, a charming village and family secrets and dynamics!!
Glorious warm hearted easy reading, and gorgeous escapism!!
Loved this latest and can’t wait for the rest of the series!! You can always rely on Sarah for just lovely very human tales!!
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood books for the early read!! Loved it

Omgosh what a brilliant book I just wanted to read it for forever.
I really like all the characters. They work so well together just like a big family should do. So many families don't help each other out but this story shows how much a family that works together to sort things out stays together.
In the beginning I wanted to wrap my arms around Anya and help her just like her family did. But she is a strong person and she's managing on her own with everything life is throwing at her with just some help.
I can't wait for more in this series I love it.

I enjoy Sarah Bennets books and i have just finished reading the three books in the Lavender Bay series. I really feel I can't review this one and not say that it was very like the Lavender Bay books. It was also very short . I love a sequel but these series that many authors are putting out as separate books end up being very repetitive. They would read a lot better in just one book.
So putting that to one side,yes I enjoyed this story,liked the characters. It was well written as usual and kept my attention. I just feel these books are becoming a bit similar to each other.

What a lovely read from one of my favourite authors. I really enjoyed getting to know these characters and can’t wait for the next instalment now!
Highly recommended

this was a pretty good book!! I think it was a cozy read, had some heartwarming feels to it, and kept me entertained the whole time!! I think it was cute and had some good themes. I also liked the writing style

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!