Rating: 4.5 Stars

When Connie crashed into Starshine Cove, she abandoned her flashy life for a quiet one with no regrets. Fast forward 25 years, and she finds her past and present colliding in a deliciously confusing way.

On this return to Starshine Cove, we finally got Connie's story. She was an expert meddler in the other books, and now it was her turn to find love again. I really enjoyed getting to know more about her backstory and what brought her to Starshine Cove, but I LOVED seeing Zack and her fall for each other.

First of all, can we have a round of applause for a "mature" romance. That's right. Both characters were empty nesters who was in their mid 50s. I will never stop being a fan of romances that show people finding love at ALL ages. Zach and Connie shared a bit of a past which was an interesting facet of their story that I think allowed their romance to proceed at a good clip, but I also believe their shared experience of being widowers gave them so much insight into each other. There was definitely a spark that rose to a flame between their two, and it was fantastic seeing it grow.

As with all the previous installments in this series, the people of Starshine Cove were a highlight. This little community continues to be warm and welcoming and serves as a place of healing to those lucky enough to find their way there. It was great catching up with the previous couples while also seeing new romances bloom.

Overall, this was another feel-good visit to Starshine Cove that left me with a big smile on my face.

Connie Llewelyn is at the heart of the village of Starshine Cove. where she runs the local cafe.

Since her husband died five years ago, she's been looking after the family and everyone else except her. Now, as her kids fly the nest, However it’s now time to co spider her own future. Suddenly Zack a face from her past appears but can she be brave. Thanks to Debbie and her publisher.

I adore Debbie's books. Every single one. And noone does a series quite like her. She makes you fall in love with her characters and the places she sets her stories in. I just want to be part of such communities please!
Debbie also tops and continues to top some of my all time favorites. From the cover to the content I just love her books.
I also love good series like this. When you get to know character from the community whilst also still learning and being involved with the rest of the town.i love how they have their own story but arc and still manages to touch eachother.
Connie is our focus this time. And I felt for her so much. She's had a tough time since choosing to leave her high flying job and make a home in the Starshine. She's such a fighter but has no belief in herself. She seems to do all thing and yet not quite believe that she can,bless her. She's suffered loss and is grappling with her own grief whilst also trying to look after the ones she loves too.

When Zack arrives on the scene he shakes things up. And at first shakes her up. Can she let herself be loved again? Is she ready? Is she brave enough.
I.pove the tender and witty moments between these two. It's warm and relatable. And sensitively done with becoming either complacent or fickle to what Connie has had to go through recently. And a real lesson is to be had here...to live life fully because it can always be a moment away from too late.
I'd definitely like a Job in Connie's cafe and also be unfolded into her friendship group.
Another lovely step into Starshine and another gorgeous book.



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Starting Over in Starshine Cove is a story of love, loss, and second chances in a small but welcoming seaside village.

Connie Llewelyn is the heart and soul of Starshine Cove, running the local café with warmth, kindness, and an endless supply of freshly baked scones. Since losing her husband five years ago, she’s poured her energy into raising her children and supporting her extended family. But now, with her kids leaving home, she’s left wondering—what’s next for her?

When Zack, a face from her past, unexpectedly arrives in town, Connie is faced with a choice: stay safely within the life she’s built or take a chance on something new. Her old self had a completely different take on life. Now she has a family, friends, and a slow life. Would Zack be a good fit for it? Could this be her opportunity to rediscover herself—and maybe even love?

From bestselling author Debbie Johnson, this uplifting novel is a celebration of fresh starts, friendship, and the magic of community. Perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan, Milly Johnson, and Heidi Swain.

This is book four in the Starshine Cove Series and it's good to be back there again in this lovely community.
This book centres around Connie who met her husband and her soulmate in a compromising position upside down in a ditch following a road accident, unfortunately she has lost him many years ago and she has been left to bring up their children on her own in Starshine Cove.
Starshine Cove is a unique place on the Dorset coast, a place where people have a relaxed lifestyle and everyone is friendly towards each other and are willing to help out with any problems. Her children are now teenagers and mostly able to look after themselves.
Her daughters best friend's father is exactly in the same position as Connie, alone and single after losing his partner many years ago and when he arrives in Starshine Cove with his daughter there is immediately an attraction between them and their daughters are also secretly trying to match-make them. But Connie is too busy with her business for a relationship or is she? Plus is the relationship between Connie and Zack going to last?
Starshine Cove is such a lovely place, it's the sort of location that must be on your bucket list to visit. Everyone is really friendly and nothing is too much trouble.
I really loved this book, it's happy and sad, heartwarming and a real hug-in-a-book.
A five-star read from me.

#Stormpublishing
#Netgalley

Starting Over in Starshine Cove is a heartwarming, cozy read that shines a spotlight on second chances and the magic of small-town life. The protagonist, Connie Llewelyn, is a wonderfully relatable and warm character whose life revolves around her family, her cafe, and the community in the magical seaside town of Starshine Cove. The author does an excellent job of capturing the charm of the village, making it feel like a character in itself, as it is woven with the scents of freshly baked scones and the gentle rhythms of everyday life.

Connie’s journey of rediscovery and healing after the loss of her husband is both touching and inspiring. As her children leave home, she faces a turning point and starts to wonder what her life could look like beyond the roles of wife and mother. This introspective moment of self-reflection is portrayed with authenticity and depth, making it easy for readers to empathize with her.

The introduction of Zack, a face from her past, adds a lovely romantic element to the story. Their chemistry and the exploration of rekindling old flames is handled in a way that feels both sweet and mature, giving the story a refreshing twist on love later in life.

One of the things that makes Starting Over in Starshine Cove stand out is how it embraces love for older characters. It’s a reminder that it’s never too late to take risks and pursue happiness, whether it’s in the form of romance, adventure, or self-discovery. The pace is gentle, the writing is uplifting, and the characters are endearing. It’s a perfect book for anyone who’s looking for a heartwarming escape into a world of community, love, and second chances.

Overall, if you’re looking for a cozy, feel-good read with a touch of romance and a lot of heart, this book is an absolute delight. It’s a story that will leave you with a smile, and perhaps a little more hope for what lies ahead in the chapters of life.

Sweet, delightful, beautiful, Starting Over In Starshine Cove is all about new beginnings, old crushes coming back and a desire to open your heart again even though you are still mourning the love of your life.

A must read for all the hopeless romantics out there who are ready to fall in love again and a perfect valentine's day gift!

Thank you Netgalley and Storm Publishing for my perfect valentine's day gift!

I just loved this book! I just loved this story and I just love the characters as well, I would love to live in Starshine Cove.

I would highly recommend reading this book as it’s just amazing and so are the other books in this series.

I would like to thank Storm Publishing and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book early.

As a fan of Debbie Johnson's Starshine Cove series I was delighted to be given a arc from Netgalley, and it didn't disappoint.

Being familiar with the characters who inhabit Starshine Cove I was delighted that this book focused on Connie who is such a big character in the previous book but to get an understanding of her past and insecurities gave her depth rather than the superficial side we have seen in the past. It is also great to catch up with other residents we were introduced to in previous books.

This said the book could be read perfectly well as a standalone as back story is provided where required without bogging down the story with unnecessary details.

Another charming visit to Starshine Cove. Although part of a wonderful series of cosy, life affirming stories set in the almost magical community, this can be read as a standalone (but I do recommend the others!). Connie is trying to look forward, her popularity in Starshine Cove knows no bounds but maybe it’s time she took more interest in helping herself rather than others. Connie’s a great character and after a difficult time she’s deserves another go at happiness, when someone from her wild and abandoned past appears back in her life will Connie face new feelings head on or hide in the comfort of what she knows.

It’s a wonderful community, great characters and stories with heart, drama and romance. A great cosy read, well written by the wonderful Debbie Johnson

A lovely sweet story. Gentle and easy. It reflected where the story was set. I enjoyed this one very much. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

Starting Over in Starshine Cove is a cute, sentimental read. I loved that it is two middle-aged adults with teenagers. Nothing like teenagers to bring fresh, honest perspectives to aging parents! Connie is a friendly, loveable widow who loves her life in Starshine Cove, even if she does have pangs of loneliness. Zach is a friendly face from another lifetime ago, but the sparks have never died when they get together. All around, this is a just a really sweet story about falling in love again, the challenges around new love later in life, and the joy of friends and kids who want to see their loved ones happy. There are some realistic challenges they have to face and consider what is most important as they take next steps. I thought it was handled sweetly and made my heart swell with the joy of new love.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing this ARC.
This was such an endearing story about two widows refinding love. If you’re looking for a light and cozy read, this could be worth a try.
Even though the main characters were both in their fifties, there were delightful moments and cute emotions.
I would like to have more Connie and Jack’s moments though, either in the past during her « old » life, or her present life in Starshine Cove.
My rating : 3,5 stars.

A heartfelt, feel-good romance set in a charming seaside village! This beautifully written story weaves love, loss, and second chances with warmth and humour. I loved how it alternated between Connie’s younger, wilder days and her more mature self, adding depth and poignancy. A perfect cosy read!

I requested this book from NetGalley on a fluke and I am SO glad I did. I will be honest in saying that so many romances can seem a little too repetitive to me and I pass them over in search of something else. As a reader I love books concerning cozy cafes, bookshops, small towns, etc., especially in the winter months when I need a bit of lifting up. The cover of this book looked promising for this reason but it actually ended up far exceeding my expectations and setting itself apart from other cozy romances. I’m not huge on Kindle reading and for me to reach for it every night SAYS something.

The problem is in explaining to you exactly why I loved it.
A few things might be:
-The majority of love stories I see all over socials are about young 20s/30s who don’t have as much life experience. I loved that this was a book about an older MC who had been married and in love before, who was successful and had a community, but was considering love again in her 50s. I like books that discuss less represented groups.
-the deep sense of loss felt by her and the other MMC in question was a shared connection I haven’t seen much in my reading that I also liked. Seeing how she navigated feelings of guilt, loss and loneliness in a very real sense made the book more compelling.
The community. I really got a feel for the friends and people in her town that supported her, and the writing and characters weren’t cheesy (if that makes sense). I got the impression that these were all unique but well meaning people that were fortunate to live in such a supportive small town.
-I only wish I had the hard copy of this but I will buy one soon! I am so fortunate for the ARC and will now be reading other books by Debbie Johnson.
Highly recommend.

Starting Over in Starshine Cove by Debbie Johnson is a heartfelt story about love, loss, and second chances set in a charming seaside village. The novel follows Connie Llewelyn, a former celebrity chef who left behind her high-flying London career for a quieter life in Starshine Cove with her soulmate, Simon. Now in her fifties and widowed, Connie runs a café while navigating grief, self-doubt, and the challenge of rediscovering herself.

When Zack Harris, a charismatic TV producer from her past, arrives, Connie is faced with new possibilities—both in love and in redefining her own identity. As she grapples with the pull of her past and the promise of the future, the novel explores themes of resilience, aging, and the power of community. With its rich character development, emotional depth, and vivid setting, this uplifting tale is perfect for anyone who believes in fresh starts and the magic of second chances.

The first Debbie Johnson book I have read and very much enjoyed will definitely not be the last. The genre feel good romance would be my categorisation for this book that tugs at the heart strings in a big way. Great storyline well executed. Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the chance to ARC this book.

I feel like maybe I got the wrong manuscript. The opening of the book is nothing like the description. It’s very dark, and not something I want to read. DNF.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

Connie Llewelyn is the beating heart of the magical seaside village of Starshine Cove. She runs the local cafe, and is everybody's friend – always on hand with a kind smile, a listening ear and a freshly-baked scone. Since losing her beloved husband five years ago, she's been busy raising her children, supporting her extended family and staying positive. Now, as her kids fly the nest, she finds herself wondering what her own future might look like.

Beautifully written, super cozy feel-good read! I loved how this went back and forth between Connie's younger wilder self and the more mature version of herself. Super sweet read! 5⭐

I received an advanced complimentary digital copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed are my own.

Be prepared for the magic of Starshine Cove to weave its spell once again. An uplifting, beautifully written story in a gorgeous setting that is guaranteed to take you on an emotional journey. The characters as always are brilliantly brought to life and relatable drawing the reader in and keeping the pages turning. Highly recommend for fans of Patricia Ashley, Lucy Coleman and Heidi Swain.