this is the second book in a series but can be read as a standalone. you visit old friends and read about some new ones.

Secrets of Starshine Cove by Debbie Johnson continues the saga of Starshine Cove. Starshine Cove is a magical place where life problems get resolved and romance blooms. I would have rated this higher if not for some of the sensitive (not graphic) content.

A copy was provided for my review, but all opinions are my own.

The second book in the Starshine Cove series is as warm and uplifting as the first and it’s great to catch up with the previous characters over the Christmas period. The latest book focuses on Cally, a hairdresser from Liverpool who’s a single mum to her eighteen year old son Sam and until extremely recently has been a carer for her mum since her childhood. In a short space of time Cally’s mum moves away and the salon she works in has to be shut for urgent repairs leaving her seeking a happy place which, after flicking through photograph albums from her youth, she decides is Sunshine Cove leading to a spur of the moment holiday there. I think Cally represents a lot of women who have been so busy with life and family that they find themselves at a point which they feel untethered and it was good to see the effect Starshine Cove and it’s residents had on her. As you’d expect from Debbie Johnson this is a positive, feel good read and so far this is shaping up to be a great series.

Cally grabs her 18 year old son and leaves Liverpool when her life turns upside down. She goes to a place she was happy in her childhood. Starshine Cove where she has wonderful memories of her dad.

This is a delightful read of family, secrets, kindness and starting over. I loved the small coastal village and the people that were so caring . The Mother and son relationship is very sweet . A budding romance adds to the fun. This is a escape read I enjoyed cover to cover with warm relationships and wonderful engaging writing.,

Thank you to the publisher, Net Galley and to the author for the opportunity

A fabulous new tale in the Starshine Cove series. This could be read alone but fun to catch up with old friends in the form of previously met characters. A lovely, slow burning romance but equally important are the friends and other relationships built up. Heartwarming and worth reading.

A heartwarming story that fills you with goodwill and cosy festive feelgood vibes.
All the ingredients for a really uplifting book- cosy community feel, second chances, coastal charm and kindness from strangers that become friends.
I adored the relationship between Cally and her son Sam, they had a lovely bond and their caring banter was reminiscent of so many mum/teen son conversations. This combined with the sweet innocence of Archie's younger children was adorable to read. Cally's complicated relationship with her Mum was also written really well and their links to Starshine Cove unearths secrets and tells of the memories we hold as children. I hope to read more about this lovely community in future books.

This one took a while for me to appreciate. I really didn't like the first 1/3 of the book, and I contemplated stopping numerous times. I don't know why I didn't, but I'm glad I didn't. Somehow, I started connecting with the writing and the characters. I really disliked Mom and Son from the start, but I grew to (mostly) like them. No real surprises here, just a solid romance. The supporting characters were colorful, but I wish they were more fleshed out.

I'd read more from the author. I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and my review is being given freely.