Finally a romance novel where the characters are in my age range. Now don’t come for me I love the modern romance novels but it’s so refreshing to read one with characters between the age of 35-40.

Chasing Stars is the second book in the Cape May series. Which I’m about to shame my own self. I had no idea this was part of a series. But boy am I glad it is because I got to meet book one’s main characters in the sequel and after finishing I can’t wait to go back and read their story. Linny Mack is a fantastic author. She truly wrote one of the most captivating romance stories I’ve read in a while. Take my advice do not start this if you have important things to do. Because this book will immediately pull you in and won’t let you go until you finish the story.

Like I mentioned I love that both the MMC & FMC are older and with that comes with baggage. However, the baggage they have is extremely relatable. Their story reminds us that it’s ok to be imperfect and it’s ok to ask for help. Miles was the perfect golden retriever hero. And Jenna was our perfect storm cloud. Brining these two together as cheesy as it sounds was like watching a rainbow appear after a storm.

Overall, I thoroughly recommend this book and can’t wait to pick up a trophy copy when it releases later this fall. Thank you to NetGalley & Page & Vine publishing for allowing me to read and review an ARC

miles and Jenna's story is like reliving high school. For a forty something male who hangs with the guys, surfs and can't do romance, I had a difficult time with this. She understandably was going thru a lot from the death of her mom to lost memories. The fact that they finally got it right was a surprise to me.

In Chasing Stars, Linny Mack brings readers a heartfelt and emotional romance set against the nostalgic charm of Cape May.

Jenna returns to her childhood summer home after the death of her mother, with plans to sell the long-abandoned house. Grieving and unsure of her next steps after years spent caring for her mom, Jenna finds herself overwhelmed by memories and a house that's fallen into disrepair.

Enter Miles, a charming, slightly jaded real estate agent and local known for his flirtatious ways. Recently divorced and carrying his own emotional baggage, Miles is instantly intrigued when he meets Jenna. Offering to help with repairs on the property, he becomes more than just a handyman. He becomes a steady presence Jenna didn’t know she needed.

As they spend time fixing up the house, Jenna and Miles slide into a flirtatious friends-to-maybe-something-more dynamic. With forced proximity thanks to the fixer-upper, late-night beach conversations, and a lovable dog named Pete, their connection deepens. Familiar faces from Cape May round out the cast, adding warmth and richness to the story.

Chasing Stars is a tender story of healing old wounds and finding love when you least expect it. Don’t miss Jenna and Miles’ journey as they navigate grief, growth, and the possibility of a beautiful future together.

In Chasing Stars, Linny Mack brings readers a heartfelt and emotional romance set against the nostalgic charm of Cape May.

Jenna returns to her childhood summer home after the death of her mother, with plans to sell the long-abandoned house. Grieving and unsure of her next steps after years spent caring for her mom, Jenna finds herself overwhelmed by memories and a house that's fallen into disrepair.

Enter Miles, a charming, slightly jaded real estate agent and local known for his flirtatious ways. Recently divorced and carrying his own emotional baggage, Miles is instantly intrigued when he meets Jenna. Offering to help with repairs on the property, he becomes more than just a handyman. He becomes a steady presence Jenna didn’t know she needed.

As they spend time fixing up the house, Jenna and Miles slide into a flirtatious friends-to-maybe-something-more dynamic. With forced proximity thanks to the fixer-upper, late-night beach conversations, and a lovable dog named Pete, their connection deepens. Familiar faces from Cape May round out the cast, adding warmth and richness to the story.

Chasing Stars is a tender story of healing old wounds and finding love when you least expect it. Don’t miss Jenna and Miles’ journey as they navigate grief, growth, and the possibility of a beautiful future together.

3.5 stars rounded up.

The second book in a series, good for both people who enjoyed book one as well as people who didn’t read it but like stories around rebuilding your life after you’ve lost everything. There is an underlying, tender message about healing and finding love after loss and grief.

I loved the sleepy beach town setting during off-season months. And the side characters all help bring the book to life. There is a found family aspect, both what Luke has built all his life as well as Jenna and building her relationship with her estranged aunt, Joy, etc. Speaking of Joy, she is my favorite character (well, aside from Pete the dog), she is fun, light hearted, and calls it like it is.

While I liked Jenna and Miles enough, I struggling with their behaviors feeling really immature for their age (e.g., Jenna being hot and cold with Miles after he asks to take things slow, her emotional overreaction when Erin shows up). The back and forth of their relationship also made me think it was closer to lust than love.

The writing style was descriptive, but the foreshadowing was a built heavy handed for my personal preference. I felt like I could predict everything about the story before it happened so by the time it happened, I wasn’t surprised and it felt anticlimactic.

Thank you to Linny Mack, Page & Vine , and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.