This story is all about fresh starts and second chances, set in a small-town village of Halfmoon Quay. It follows Anya as she rebuilds her life after heartbreak and betrayal, with the help of her childhood crush, Rick. I loved how Sarah Bennett wove complex family dynamics into the story, making it heartfelt and uplifting. This book is the perfect feel-good escape and I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author!

Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Heartwarming welcome to Halfmoon Quay.
Rick Penrose is the village fix it man always ready to help. When Anya his teenage crush moves back into the village after a devastating loss he’s more than willing to help her.
Anna’s life before her husbands death was a lie so she won’t tolerate anything else but honesty. When Rick is put into a position where he has to keep a secret what will happen when it gets out.
Brilliant place fantastic characters and well written all that’s needed is a quiet corner and a cuppa.

I'm always happy to start a new series. There is a familiar and comforting vibe from this author in her books.

I'm already looking forward to the next book.

A lovely new series. A wonderful beach location, with a community that I wish I could be part of. It was interesting how it was highlighted how difficult it is to stay in small coastal communities, and all the amazing things they were doing to adapt and survive whilst also preserving the idyllic location.

Anya’s story was touching, and her family supporting her was amazing. She had more strength than she thought. Rick was a great character, his heart is so big and he wants the best for everyone. I loved how he’d been waiting his whole life for Anya, no one else could compare. He was cautious and respectful of her feelings and his only goal was to make her happy and love her.

I can’t wait to visit again and get to meet another couple and catch up with everyone.

Just like all her books, Just the Beginning didn’t disappoint.

This is the first book in Sarah Bennett's Halfmoon Quay series, set in the picturesque village of Halfmoon Quay on the Cornish coast. The book follows Anya, as she returns to Halfmoon Quay for a fresh start after her husband's death reveals painful secrets. With the help of Rick Penrose, her childhood friend, she begins to rebuild her life while navigating love, trust, and second chances.

Bennett masterfully crafts well-developed characters, making them feel incredibly real. Their interactions are natural, and even the side characters bring warmth and charm to the story, making Halfmoon Quay a place that truly comes to life.

Another thing I love most is the warm, inviting vibe of the close-knit community. The way the residents of Halfmoon Quay support and uplift each other adds so much depth to the story. Their friendships, small-town charm, and sense of belonging make the setting feel like a place you’d want to visit.

I highly recommend Just the Beginning to anyone who loves heartwarming small-town romances.

Just the Beginning by Sarah Bennett brings to life the idyllic village of Halfmoon Quay, crafting a story that perfectly blends heartfelt romance with personal growth. Rick Penrose embodies the quintessential small-town hero—endearing, dependable, and irresistibly attractive. His genuine willingness to help makes him a character that readers will naturally cheer for. Anya Stokes, dealing with the aftermath of betrayal and loss, adds emotional depth and relatability to the story. Halfmoon Quay itself is depicted so vividly that it feels like a character in its own right. The sense of community and the charming Cornish coastal backdrop create a warm, inviting setting that readers will find enchanting. The romantic dynamic between Rick and Anya is thoughtfully developed, balancing tender moments with authentic emotional struggles. Rick's challenge of learning when to step back and let Anya assert her independence adds a layer of realism to their relationship. The plot twists, including Rick's secrets and Anya's feelings of déjà vu, keep readers engaged and invested. This is an engaging and uplifting read, ideal for fans of romance and stories of personal transformation. Bennett weaves a tale of love, community, and second chances that leaves readers feeling hopeful and satisfied.

This book is absolutely brilliant and how fantastic that it’s the first in a new series. The characters and setting are all great with big family secrets and troubled relationships. I cannot wait to be back into Halfmoon Quay for the next instalment.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC in return for an honest review.

A really beautiful beginning to a new series. Finished enough to read as a standalone but with obvious leads to the next so you are eager for it to continue, compassionate and romantic. Lovely characters and a village you want to visit.

Ah Sarah has done it again with the fabulous first book in her new series of Halfmoon Quay. Any, the heroine of this book, has been to hell and back when her cowardly ex suddenly dies and leaves her in one hell of a mess.

Moving to the Quay, at the rescue of her aunt and uncle she suddenly finds herself and her three year old daughter are suddenly thrown into a world were people keep secrets with the best intension. I liked Anya but at times she really annoyed me especially with her behaviour towards Rick. I read the book in three days and it needs to be part of your must read list for 2025.

I do feel the ending was rushed though. Sorry!

Can't wait to read book two in this great new series

New series of four books from Halfmoon Quay a Cornish seaside village, full of wonderful characters and the usual Sarah Bennett magic!!
Anya has lost everything after the death of her husband showed their life to be a lie, so her extended family scoop her and her daughter Freya up and help her to start a new life at Halfmoon Quay.
Full of enchanting characters, a charming village and family secrets and dynamics!!
Glorious warm hearted easy reading, and gorgeous escapism!!
Loved this latest and can’t wait for the rest of the series!! You can always rely on Sarah for just lovely very human tales!!
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood books for the early read!! Loved it

Omgosh what a brilliant book I just wanted to read it for forever.
I really like all the characters. They work so well together just like a big family should do. So many families don't help each other out but this story shows how much a family that works together to sort things out stays together.
In the beginning I wanted to wrap my arms around Anya and help her just like her family did. But she is a strong person and she's managing on her own with everything life is throwing at her with just some help.
I can't wait for more in this series I love it.

I enjoy Sarah Bennets books and i have just finished reading the three books in the Lavender Bay series. I really feel I can't review this one and not say that it was very like the Lavender Bay books. It was also very short . I love a sequel but these series that many authors are putting out as separate books end up being very repetitive. They would read a lot better in just one book.
So putting that to one side,yes I enjoyed this story,liked the characters. It was well written as usual and kept my attention. I just feel these books are becoming a bit similar to each other.

What a lovely read from one of my favourite authors. I really enjoyed getting to know these characters and can’t wait for the next instalment now!
Highly recommended

this was a pretty good book!! I think it was a cozy read, had some heartwarming feels to it, and kept me entertained the whole time!! I think it was cute and had some good themes. I also liked the writing style

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

This was brilliant . Going to be a fab new series . Set in a beautiful beach village. Loved the list of characters at the beginning of the book. We met some great characters in the story. You felt for Dave and Anya in different ways. You had old and new love, families pulling together . Can’t wait for the next one. Sarah Bennett never disappoints . Loved it .

A book full of very likeable characters set somewhere that is idyllic. It’s a good bit of escapism which, although a bit predictable, doesn’t detract from the enjoyment of the story. It’s a good book if you are looking for a gentle read.

Just the Beginning by Sarah Bennett was the latest in a string of new books I’ve read. It was a good one!