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.

This is the fourth book in the Starshine Cove series. Honestly, it was so well written and whole, with funny, sad, nostalgic and very sensual moments as well. I loved going back to the story of one of the main and very important supporting character in this series.

Constance Llewelyn, Connie, is a celebrity chef who won a Michelin star at a very young age. The fame and excess of attention almost threw her overboard but at her lowest moment she met the love of her life, Simon, only to lose him later in life in a sudden and unexpected way. Her children and her resilient way to view life and overcome sad moments helped her raised her 3 children and be the supporting friend and family to the rest of the Starshine Cove habitants. What she never expected was to be reunited with a special man from her past when she was getting ready to maybe open herself again to find a companion.

Zack Harris is a tv producer who a long time a go had a great reality show in mind featuring Connie Llewelyn, this young and very attractive chef. Unfortunately, she disappeared leaving him hanging. Now two decades later, he is reunited with her through their daughters. They both will feel the lost sparkle igniting again between them, but life has other surprises for them to face before there is a HEA.

All the books in this series can be read as standalones. I haven’t read all the books yet, but they are all in my wish list already.

Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.

This is the fourth book in the Starshine Cove series from Debbie Johnson. Stories in this series are set in the strangely magical Dorset seaside village of Starshine Cove, which draws in visitors who then never want to leave, meaning that the population grows with each successive book. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone.

This story centres on Connie, a character who has lived in Starshine Cove for many years and has featured in these books from the start. Connie is an amazing cook who runs the cafe in the village while raising a family and being on hand to help anybody who needs assistance or even just a listening ear. Having been widowed five years ago, she is now finding life a bit empty as her children are leaving the nest to follow their own paths. However, a surprise encounter with a face from her past in the shape of Zack has her recalling how she arrived in the village all those years ago and wondering if it is too late to consider opening her heart to love once again.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and especially learning more about one of the key inhabitants of the village. I feel as though I have got to know the villagers as I have read each book in turn, and Connie has always struck me as someone I would love to sit down and chat with. Learning about Connie’s past was quite painful at times and, typically of Debbie Johnson’s writing, I experienced both laughter and tears as I read. The wonderful power of community came across once again in this book as it has in previous stories about this village. As well as enjoying Connie’s story, I also liked meeting Zack, a strong personality with a surprising secret. I am hoping that there will be further additions to this amazing series; it is wonderful to have somewhere like Starshine Cove to escape to once in a while.

Like other devoted fans of Johnson’s Starshine Cove series, I waited a long time for Connie’s love story, and I couldn’t be happier. She is the heart and soul of the village and after losing her soulmate five years ago, she deserves to find love again. It’s scary to be vulnerable after loss, but life as an empty-nester can be lonely, even with her close friends and family who provide support, comfort, and great company. So, it is so heartwarming to see how happy her friendship with and blossoming feelings for Zack make her.

As a single 60-something, it’s so encouraging to read a romance between two beautiful, reacquainted friends who find each other after 25 years. Also, reading about Starshine Cove and its delightful inhabitants is a wonderful way to spend a few hours, especially catching up with characters from previous books. There’s a bit of angst, but it doesn’t drag the book down. If you’re a fan of Johnson’s or just love a mature, closed door romance, definitely check this one out. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Storm Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Another wonderful visit to Starshine Cove.
I absolutely love Debbie Johnson’s style of writing, it is like a lovely warm hug that makes you feel so much better.
This time we follow the story of Connie, who has featured in other books in the series, being one of the stalwarts of Starshine Cove. We learn Connie’s backstory, what brought her to Starshine Cove and how her life has changed over the years. However, we also follow the budding romance between her and a blast from the past.
A refreshing book to have main characters of a romance being of mature years, it allowed all the ups & downs of both lives to influence the first steps into a new relationship.
Although this book is part of a series it can be read as a stand alone as knowledge of characters and previous plots is not required to enjoy this book as any salient background information is provided throughout.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and do hope there are more visits to Starshine Cove to come.

This is such a cozy romance. The spice level is low which is a nice break from other romance books I have read recently. It is a simple read but the story is not rushed at all. I wish I could now more about Zach and Connie’s love story after the reconnected in London. I love the descriptions to where you know what the characters are feeling and don’t have to play guessing games. Cannot wait to read more from the author!

Friendship, a wee town of great characters, a bit of personal angst and my only regret is that I need to go back and read the other 3 books in the series. This is my fault though and in no way detracted from the enjoyment of reading this book gave me. I've read a few Debbie J books and this is a reminder to read a few more. Beautiful! My thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the reading copy.

This was my first book of the author and I was left pleasantly pleased. Not having read the earlier installments I did not expect it to enjoy it so much.

For starters, I love everything small town. The nature references, the hamlets and the sense of community always leaves me with a small and this book did the same. The story is as simple as it comes but focusing on older characters was refreshing to read. We get to see Connie's journey from meeting her first love to the growth she made till she meets Zack.

It was enjoyable reading a character that was much more relatable and realistic. The references to food, children and how companionship plays a vital role in one's life was wonderfully written. I would definitely recommend this book. A light read which has its realistic moments.

I thank NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this E-Arc and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Another fantastic story set in Starshine Cove, this book is a great addition to the series! It’s an easy-to-read, classic romance that feels both captivating and heartwarming. The characters and setting draw you in, making it a truly enjoyable escape. My only disappointment was that the ending felt too short—I wasn’t ready for it to end!

A delightful time was spent with the characters in England. It is always interesting to see the differences between American and British English. A sweet romance. Entertaining adult children. There are some little ones involved in the story too on a smaller scale. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

This is another perfect read in this series. I want to jump into the book and live in beautiful Starshine Cove. This book is centered around Connie the cafe owner, after her husband died she didn’t think she would find love again, but could it be just around the corner. It’s a heartwarming tale about love in later life, friendships and staying positive. A fabulous 5 star read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.

So much excitement when I realised there was a new book set in Starshine Cove. It was like reuniting with old friends and Debbie Johnson writes in such a way that I feel I am there right in the midst of it with everyone. I feel the sun on my face, the wind in my hair and can almost smell that wonderful smell a combination of sun, sea, sand, grass and of course cake!

This instalment in the series centres around the lovely Connie. Connie has been a supporting part in the other books in the series and we know that she is a single mum with three grown-up children, runs the local cafe and has a huge heart. Tragically her husband was killed a number of years ago in a car accident while taking his sister to the hospital to give birth. Since then Connie has been single and concentrating on her children and her business. Now though all of her children have flown the nest and for the first time she realises that she is lonely.

The book begins with a bit of back story about her life before Starshine Cove and how she met Simon (her husband). Back in the day Connie was a phenomenon - she ran her own restaurant in London and was fast on track to become a Celebrity Chef but then she crashed and burned, before being ‘rescued’ by Simon and putting those days behind her.

Now she likes the simple life and those crazy days feel like a lifetime ago. However, when her daughter Sophie inadvertently brings a figure from Connie’s past, she starts to wonder what her future could hold.

Absolutely fantastic book with definite laugh out loud moments. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced read copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Book Review: Starting Over in Starshine Cove by Debbie Johnson

If you’re looking for the perfect cozy escape, Starting Over in Starshine Cove is just the book you need. This heartwarming romantic comedy by Debbie Johnson is everything I love in a feel-good read: charm, warmth, laughter, and just the right amount of emotion to keep you hooked from start to finish.

Connie Llewelyn, the main character, is the heart of Starshine Cove. She runs the local café, and everyone in the village seems to know and love her. Having lost her husband five years ago, she’s been raising her children and supporting her extended family, always putting others first. But now that her children are grown and moving on with their lives, Connie starts to wonder about her own future and what she wants for herself.

Enter Zack. A face from Connie’s past, Zack’s sudden return to Starshine Cove stirs up emotions and possibilities she wasn’t expecting. Could there be a second chance for love? Or is she simply too afraid to take the risk? What I really loved about this story was how Johnson explores the idea of self-discovery and embracing change. Connie is such a relatable character—she’s strong, caring, and dedicated, but she’s also someone who needs to learn to put herself first and live for her own happiness. Watching her journey unfold was a truly beautiful experience.

The setting of Starshine Cove is also absolutely magical. Johnson paints such a vivid picture of this idyllic seaside village, and the community feels so welcoming and tight-knit. It’s the kind of place where everyone knows everyone, and the support and love from the people around Connie are so touching. It’s easy to imagine yourself sipping coffee at the café, chatting with friends, and watching the waves roll in.

Zack is a wonderful romantic interest as well—he’s caring, thoughtful, and clearly has a soft spot for Connie. Their chemistry is palpable, and the slow-burn romance between them was such a joy to watch develop. I found myself rooting for them the entire time.

What I really appreciated about Starting Over in Starshine Cove is how it doesn’t shy away from the complexities of life. While it’s definitely a light and feel-good read, it also addresses deeper themes like grief, healing, and the courage it takes to move forward after loss. Connie’s growth throughout the book is inspiring, and by the end, I was left with a heart full of hope.

If you’re a fan of second-chance romances, the power of community, and stories that leave you with a smile on your face, then I can’t recommend Starting Over in Starshine Cove enough. It’s the perfect read for when you need a little escape, and I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series!

Rating: 5/5
A heartwarming, uplifting read that made me laugh, cry, and fall in love with Starshine Cove. Absolutely perfect!

When you start to read a book that is set in Starshine Cove, you inwardly feel a big hug surrounding you, as you know that you will so enjoy again the immersion into the wonderful magic of the Cove and its residents.
This time we learn the back story of one of the residents of the cove - Connie - she has been in all the storylines of the previous books. But this does not stop you reading this as a standalone as the author does give you snippets of what has happened in previous storylines. (You will want to read the others!).
It was refreshing for a mature lady to have her story told with thought and passion. Connie had had an exciting twenties and then realised she was on a bit of a roundabout but managed to get off and found solace in Starshine Cove, rebuild her life with family and tragedy. But now her nest is empty she can spend time rebuilding her own life and by chance she thrown back into her history with fun consequences.

A lovely book and series long may it run.

This is a lovely story in a lovely setting. I really enjoyed this story of loss and love and new beginnings. Told with warmth and humour as well as poignancy. I would recommend, many thanks

Connie and Zach have both experienced loss and sorrow. With their children now grown up they both face the prospect of increasing loneliness as they grow older. They dance around each other as they come to terms with their emotions and mutual attraction with some delightfully witty dialogue.

A thoroughly enjoyable, feel good story. The delightful rural setting of Starshine Cove is described in charming detail with a real sense of community. The characters are well developed with a gentle balance of romance and humour.

Oh Starshine Cove how I’ve missed you. I loved visiting again.

I love Connie, we’ve met her many times in previous books but now we get to find out a lot more about her. We meet her before she comes to Starshine and we get a glimpse of her life with her husband Simon and their kids while living life to the fullest at Starshine Cove. And then we are up to present day and Connie is an empty nester.

What are the odds that her first trip to visit her daughter at uni she meets the one other person in her life she’s had feelings for, but it’s also someone from her life pre Starshine. The developing friendship between Connie and Zack was really beautiful. They are each navigating life after loosing a partner and also trying to make sense of their growing feelings for each other.

I really enjoyed reading about a couple finding love again in later life. It was sensitively written and I found the characters relatable and their bravery at taking a chance on love again admirable. I really wish someone from Starshine Cove will take me under their wing.

Debbie Johnson does it again. Her writing is just so familiar. You are literally swept along with the characters of Starshine Cove. I could read her books again and again and again...