2.5 ⭐️ This was quick and sweet but wasn't for me really.
I am curious as to the size/layout of that house though, because three garages?! Is that normal in america in some places, how big was that place :o

Starting over tackles grieve and how it's paralizing. Sam has lost her wife over a year ago but she still feels the loss like it happened yesterday. It doesn't help that her home is still the same as when Kara was last there and she has nightmares making her relive that last night. She knows she needs change but she doesn't know how to get it.

Jennifer Delgado also needs change and knows exactly how to get it. Accepting a new contract far from her home in New Mexico that has been plagued by wildfires she sets out on a new adventure hoping to find some sparks in her life again. The non-lethal kind.

When these two meet up it's casual without any expectations and it's entertaining. Turns out they are new collegues. They continue their path to this new friendship and slowly it grows into more.

I enjoyed how the author took their time for Sam to get over her wife and the patience and kindness Jennifer showed her.

An ARC was provided to me via Netgalley in return of an honest review.

The main characters in this book are Sam & Jennifer. Sam's wife of 34 years passed away tragically due to a car accident. Sam feels like her life is comprised of going work and going home. That is until Jennifer, a contract IT programmer, comes to her work. Sam feels like she needs to protect Jennifer from the other programmers that leave a lot to be desired.
The two women start spending more time from work together. Sam tells Jennifer about her wife passing. By this time, Jennifer is aware that she is developing feelings for Sam, even though Sam is not ready for another relationship. Or is she?
I would recommend.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Sam and Jen went through it. I didn't see the twist coming. Pleasantly surprised by this turn events.

Kudos to Sparks for writing a romance centering on older LGBTQIAP+ characters.

Thank you to Bold Strokes Books and Netgalley for providing an eARC for an honest review.

This book was a pleasant surprise. I had read one other book by Nance Sparks that I didn’t care for (Cowboy) so I was admittedly holding my breath when I started. But I gave it a chance because I’m a sucker for this trope and let me just say I’m glad I did!

Firstly, the author does a great job of character building in this book, giving both Sam and Jennifer distinctive voices and personalities and making them easy to like an emphasize with. I also very much appreciated the building of a friendship and how Jennifer helped Sam heal and move past her wife’s death before the romance picked up. And the steamy scenes? *chefs kiss*

And then just when you think it’s happily ever after for our mc’s bam, there’s a knock on the door. Did not see that coming. Without giving up spoilers I’ll just say that the story strays from the typical romance about two thirds in and is all the better for it.

Do yourself a favor and pick up this book today. I know I’m glad I did!

Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

À love story with older women ….already a win! I really liked Sam and Jennifer and wow there is aLOT of drama! Wasn’t expecting the FBI to come knocking - again something a little different to your usual romance!!!
I loved the friendship between the MC before any love story happened and they seemed like genuinely lovely people. I whizzed through this book feeling all warm and glowy! Will definitely read more from this author

This read focused on what happens after loss. While reading, I thought about how loss can take on many forms, i.e. death or a sense of home. Samantha Phillips, IT administrator going through life weighed down with suddenness after the death of her wife. Jennifer Delgado, IT consultant, tying to decide what to do and where to live after another wildfire devastates the town she lives in. Jennifer agrees to take a contract in Minnesota at Walsh Software Design and there she meets Sam. There is a nice give and take from the start. As Jennifer gets to know Sam and her unfortunate situation, Jennifer wants to help. Sam and Jenn are likable characters, especially Jenn. To have a friend like her in your corner would be a fantastic gift. Enjoyable read with a positive lift.

Starting Over is a slow-burn romance. Sam griefs the death of her wife and Sam is dealing with her own problems. They get close while working together. This is a nice read and as this was my first Sparks's book, I will try to get more of her books.
This ARC was provided by NetGalley and Bold Strokes in exchange for an honest review.

All in all, starting over is a likeable read, the main characters are older, which is always a rare variety these days!
I felt the story was pretty short which is a shame as this book could have had more added to it. It's a very easy read, so if you have a spare Sunday afternoon this book may grab your interest..

3 out of 5.

A reminder kindness is where you least expect it!

Jennifer takes a job in Minnesota after a wildfire meant evacuating her home yet again. Upon arriving she meets Sam, a woman whose life hasn’t been the same since the death of her wife. When issues at work threaten to destroy Sam’s career, it’s up to Jennifer to use her skills to prove Sam hadn’t anything to do with the security issues and scandal they are both exposed to.

I loved every second of this! It dealt with so many important emotional issues and cemented one important thing, when someone truly loves you they’ll stop at nothing to help you through whatever you’re going through. Sam and Jennifer had an instant connection, but Sam was hesitant at first to explore things outside of her comfort zone. Their working environment very much lead to their getting to know one another better, through events most relatable, and that easy friendship soon developed into caring deeply, then more. My heart broke for Sam, especially as Jennifer got her to open up about all she was going through. I admired the way Jennifer handled every situation, taking extra care and time to understand what Sam might need and not applying any pressure.

Early in the story I loved both Sam and Jennifer. Just the way they spend relaxed time with one another and slowly helped Sam start moving forward. When the story took an unexpected turn and the issues threatening Sam’s career were revealed, a little excitement and tension built but never between Sam and Jennifer. They had such a strong bond so quickly that Jennifer put a lot of trust in someone she hadn’t known long but never once waved in that belief Sam wasn’t guilty. It was a great addition to the storyline and had my heart breaking for both of them in those moments because there were no guarantees they’d come out of the situation without complications.

Just loved this so much and can’t recommend it enough.

Sam has just lost her wife in a car accident and is grieving. Sam works for an IT company which 9s having problems. Jennifer Delgado wants a new start after disasters and floods in the Southwest. Jennifer is hired to fix the coding problems but Sam sees her as only an intrusion. The plot is good, revolving around the combination of Sam and Jennifer gives a lot of drama and emotion. I recommend this book for romance readers.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this gripping novel

well this author puts her main characters through the wringer...

sam is a widower,,, after her wife of 34 years dies
jennifer has basically lived like a nomad for years with her job moving from place to place but its not knowing if her homebase has survived the fire that she begins to question her lifestyle, so when a job comes up in a different place maybe it might be time to put down some roots

but first she has to get use to snow because where she comes from snow isnt a thing

and on the first meeting of sam and jennifer things started

a quick read but oh my goodness me couldnt put the book down till i knew the ending

Jennifer Delgado has spent her life and career working out of the southwest but after another devastating fire swept through her community she felt it’s time to move, hopefully where they don’t have to deal with the drought that fires seem to love. Her job entails a lot of travel, mainly fixing a company's IT departments that have gone off track. It’s been years since her divorce but having a relationship isn’t high on her list to make a happy life.
Jennifer is hired to find out what’s going on with their programming and after meeting employees she knows she can’t work out of the office assigned to her. So she decides to ask if she can share Sam Phillips' office with her. Sam just lost her wife of thirty plus years to a car accident and to say she’s lost interest in her life isn’t too far off.
Now here comes Jennifer pushing her to start living. She knows it’s not going to be easy for Sam. Jennifer has never been attracted to women but when she meets Sam her whole outlook on romance has changed.
Ms Sparks gave us a story featuring two leading ladies and a small cast of characters who bring this story along. A very,very nice read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books

Grief is a strobe light that's motion activated. You'll just be going about your day, pass by the light detector and memories will flash before you until you are completely frozen in time, eyes glued shut, and hoping for the right person to come along and lead you away from the chaos.

The elegance put into this book was comforting. Two lonely souls finding each other's hearts and wade, together, through the day to day. It's quite beautiful. I adore that the women weren't 23 years old floundering around and doubting their self-revelations. They are professional women that have had lives and experiences and make their 50's seem like the new 30's. They are lucky enough to find a witness to their second chance at life's grand adventure into love and you know they will not squander it. It's a bit Lifetime movie with some steamy scenes that will make you blush... a quick read that will leave you smiling for sure.

This heartfelt slow burn romance was wonderfully crafted and touching. It portrays Sam's journey of grieve loss and acceptance. The main characters are loveable and amazing. I recommend.


Thank you, Bold Strokes Books, and NetGalley.

couldn't get into it no matter how hard i tried, which speaks for itself since it's a sapphic romance and it's easy fore to always fall in love with those in the blink of an eye no matter how poorly written or constructed.

my gratitude to netgalley, the publisher and the author for an arc copy in exchange for an honest review!

The first two chapters set out clearly why both mains are alone. The descriptions are desolate, one of a life and one of a landscape. Both are achingly lonely. I am compelled to keep reading as the mains move incrementally towards each other. Then just over half way a plot development, unrelated to the romance, totally takes over and I am gripped! The plot twist doesn't move the novel into romantic blend so much as use it to show the solid foundation of the mains relationship - although the plot turn in its self was quite gripping. Pacing perfect throughout. An enjoyable romance with a little bit more.

Starting Over
by Nance Sparks
NetGalley
New Release


This captivating novel is a must-read for anyone seeking a heartfelt, slow-burn romance that beautifully portrays the journey of loss, grief, and acceptance. Through the characters of Sam and Jennifer, the author has crafted a touching story that will make you laugh, cry, and fall in love.

Sam's struggle to move on after the death of her wife is portrayed with poignancy and depth, as she grapples with the fear of forgetting her beloved partner and breaking her marriage vows. Jennifer's entrance into Sam's life brings about a newfound sense of hope and joy, as she helps Sam see that there is still light and love to be found in the world.

The characters of Sam and Jennifer are well-developed, and their love story is heartwarming, with just the right amount of drama to keep readers hooked. The author has done an exceptional job of depicting the emotions of grief and loss, while also highlighting the importance of hope and new beginnings.

Overall, this novel is a touching and engaging read that I highly recommend. Kudos to the author for a job well done, and I can't wait to see what they have in store for us next! Special thanks to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for the ARC. Get your copy on Amazon today!

I’ve read all the novels by Nance Sparks and this one did not disappoint. I appreciated how well she wove a plot that touched on grief/loss of a spouse. The author did a great job developing the romance between Jennifer and Sam. This story included some drama/twists and was a slow burn romance.

Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for this ARC.

3.5 stars. I’ve read most of Sparks’ books and find that I enjoy the writing style. The first 2/3 of this book matched my expectations, but then there was a strange story choice that I couldn’t connect with. The first 2/3 was a slow burn romance, which, all of the sudden switched into a mystery and it was as if I was reading a different book. I would have rated this higher if it was a long novella consisting of only the first 2/3 of the book.

As mentioned, I enjoyed the romance. One of the mains is dealing with grief and the other is new to the area and is in need of a friend. So, yes, there is a friends-to-lovers theme and it is a toaster oven. The characters were believable and (for as far as one can qualify grief) the grieving was well written, emotional but not overly angsty.

The mystery part is where the book lost me. The start was very sudden and because it happened so late in the story there was not enough time for it to develop. The result was a predictable plot that didn’t add much to the story. This last part of the book also had some repetitive elements in it.

All in all, this wasn’t a bad book, I enjoyed the romance, but the last part of the book did dampen my enthusiasm. I will pick up another book by Sparks in the future.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.