i love this series, it is 3rd in a series, but can be read as a stand alone. wonderful characters and a beautiful setting.

This talented writer has written a page turner. Realistic characters with a delightful group of family and friends...the main character is intriguing...always on the move...curl up in a comfy chair, grab a warm blanket, a cup of herbal tea...and spend the afternoon finding hope...this is a fun read...don't miss it. Thanks Netgalley.

After years of self-isolation, Lucy Brown leaves her 'safe' place to catch up with a group of friends from her younger days, one of whom is to be married. With Lucy is her 16 year-old daughter Rose. Lucy has spent years hiding from the world, her old life and her ex-husband and is reluctantly joining the outside world once more which leads her and Rose to the almost hidden Starshine Cove.
When a chance meeting with a handsome stranger at an airport leads to a deeper connection, Lucy finds her trip becomes more than a last-minute holiday.
I haven't read this Author prior to reading this story so I didn't know what to expect. I was delightfully surprised to find a beautiful setting in Dorset, a group of wonderful characters and shared the frightening experience of 'being in the world' with the main character Lucy Brown.
Though I very much enjoyed this story and the characters, there is an aspect to this story that is frightening. I very much admire the strength and courage of our character Lucy.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this story prior to publication. I will definitely be reading more of Debbie Johnson's stories. I believe this book is one of a series and I look forward to finding the other books.

Slip into the pages of 'Finding Hope in Starshine Cove' and buckle up for a ride filled with wit, whimsy, and a whisper of romance. Our leading lady, Lucy Brown, is a master of disguise—at least at an airport bar, where she dazzles a handsome stranger with her alter ego. But the mask slips when Lucy reencounters the same guy, Josh, with her everyday, down-to-earth charm, leading to a tangle of emotions and a red-faced moment or two.

What unfolds is a story of old friendships rekindled, a beautiful seaside wedding, and a twist of drama when Lucy steps in to help her ex's new family. As Lucy unpacks the emotional baggage from her past, Josh emerges as a beacon of understanding, shining a light on the possibility of new beginnings.

Ideal for holiday reading, this book comes with a gentle heads-up: it may be a trigger for anyone who has experienced domestic mental and emotional abuse.

My thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC.
#FindingHopeInStarshineCove #NetGalley

I am immediately loading up my kindle with all books from Debbie Johnson. I love books that have strong characters (and multiple stories set in the same place!)

Is it too much for me to ask my husband if we can move to Starshine Cove to be surrounded by these welcoming, supportive locals?

5* I absolutely love Debbie Johnson's style of writing and was thrilled to returning to Starshine Cove and catch up with the warm friendly community there. The hidden Cove seems to have a magical aura about it, some people seem to stumble upon it in their time of need, whatever that may be, and once there, people don't want to leave. Warmth,wit and wisdom tumble off the pages in this book. This story is mainly upbeat, happy and feelgood, but there is interwoven within the story, aspects of coercive and manipulative behaviour, which I think are written with sensitivity,depth & knowledge of the situation. A beautifuly written heartwarming story. Thank you Netgalley & publishers for allowing me to receive an advanced copy of this book.

Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a review.

I loved returning to Starshine Cove, it's like being back with old friends. Another wonderful instalment and a lovely read.

I was overjoyed to find another installment in the Starshine Cove series and read it as soon as I could.
I can honestly say that the first chapter in the book is the best first chapter that I have ever read! It is refreshing honest, funny and intriguing all at once! It introduces the character of Lucy in the most human way possible and doesn't gloss over flaws like some 2 dimensional characters, but owns up to them unapologetically. Love that!
The book is a smooth easy read and yet oddly emotional as I found myself relating to the history of the characters quite a lot.
I'm glad that some hard hitting and raw feelings are shown and that some, often triggering, scenarios are dealt with in such a careful and tactful way.
Apart from that side of things, we are treated to more fun, friendly and frivolous moments from a cast of characters that we all love. Bringing us back into Starshine Cove with it's rich community and its magic is so heart warming and freeing that it is traumatic to read the last page. I'm quite devastated that this is fiction! If I had to choose a fictional setting to spend my days in, after the Harry Potter universe, then the Starshine Cove community would be a hands down winner!
Thanks to Debbie Johnson for her humour and warmth and writing all sorts of scenarios in a gentle and touching way. And thank you for the hens night chapter...Poldark had to have a mention in there somewhere!
Thanks to Netgalley and the author and publisher for a temporary copy in exchange for an honest review.

I loved returning to Starshine Cove (and wish it was a real place) and the returning characters. This story is very apt for our time with the theme of coercive control and I feel that it was done very well. One thing I will say about Debbie Johnson is that she is very good at describing places and scenery, making you feel as though you are there. I feel good book that is perfect for an escape.

Love this ladies books and this one didn’t disappoint
Third in the Starshine Cove series
You just lose yourself in these books and don’t want them to end
A brilliant series
If you are looking for a new series to read this is the one
Thanks NetGalley

Another fabulous and moving story by Debbie Johnson! Like so many other readers, I was delighted to return to Starshine Cove. It is such a unique and special place with its beautiful star-filled caves and welcoming community that you never want to leave! This time we meet Lucy Brown and her daughter Rose who live in Ireland (because it is a safe haven) but they are on their way to Starshine Cove to attend a wedding of best friend Ella.

From the start, Finding Hope in Starshine Cove, has some clever wit and humour that really sets a colourful mood and lightens the atmosphere. Lucy has quite an imagination and enjoys sitting in the airport conjuring up names and stories of people around her waiting for flights. Here, she takes on another identity and imagines herself to be Amelia— a highflying corporate security expert. She tries to be someone she is not (daring, flirty and fearless) when she is actually quite the opposite– mostly because she has been through a rough time, scarred from a past marriage to a very controlling husband. Hiding the trauma with humour and pretence are her reliable coping mechanisms. But although she has been clear of her ex-husband for a number of years (he married another), her brief encounters with him still rattle her when she drops off their daughter for visits. He continues to demean Lucy with his arrogant comments but their sixteen year old ignores his controlling pep talks. Rose does not care that he dislikes her clothes and attitudes for she has established her own identity and will not be swayed. She is strong and wise. Her half sibs love her immensely and she is a blessing to her father’s wife: who is in desperate need of help for many reasons. Soon we learn why and that this family is dealing with tragic and familiar problems.

Although there is fun and humour (seen at the hen’s night/party) and wonderful romantic interludes, there are some deep and troubling issues at the core of this story of women receiving mental abuse and being physically restrained (locked in a room). The fear that this breeds is staggering and how these victims are so affected by the trauma, it hinders future relationships. But Starshine Cove is where the unusual happens and second chances are possible. Because this inspiring community has a way of turning broken lives around.

It was great to see familiar characters from the previous books again and how they interacted with Lucy. Of course, I cannot forget handsome heart-throb Josh—such a caring, warm and witty man who touches Lucy’s heart in a way like no other. And yes, a relationship is sparked but she struggles with the past and how it has affected her sense of safety and trust. Yet the warmth and healing powers of Starshine Cove begin to soften and coax her to wholeness—or at least put her on the right path.

Lucy’s daughter plays an important role. Rose is very mature for her age and puts forth great arguments to her mother in helping her find happiness—making her see she deserves it, too.

The plot is well paced and the character developments are gentle but visible. The ending is apt and joyous. Those who deserve fresh starts receive them and justice is hinted upon for one person in particular! The two wives of this manipulator find freedom and safety in those who surround them (family and friends). You cannot ask for a better ending than that! It is a beautifully written story: unforgettable and uplifting. I look forward to reading more stories set in Starshine Cove: a magical place that beams with community spirit, kind hearts and tender hope. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for my review copy.

I love love loved this story. Another story set around the backdrop of Starshine Cove, a story of Lucy and Rose, mother and daughter and their relationship and the secrets that Lucy kept from Rose about her dad Robert. The story includes Lyssa Robert’s new wife and children. A wedding in Starshine Cove is the backdrop for what turns into a mercy dash to a lay-by followed by a trip to the Lakes. A showdown with Robert and a love story with Josh, that actually starts in Dublin airport with a fictional Amelia. I binge read this in 24 hours. Can’t wait for the next episode.

This was a lovely story full of hope and charm. It’s a shame that Starshine Cove isn’t a real place haha.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is book #3 in the Starshine Cove series. Whilst it is part of a series it can easily be read as a standalone book. We returned to the magical Starshine Cove where we meet Lucy Brown and her teenage daughter, Rose. They have ventured to the Cove to attend the wedding of Lucy's best friend Ella (who we have met from the previous books). Lucy has been running away from her demons for the last 10 years since her separation from her controlling husband. Starshine Cove has been able to work it's magic in the previous books of the series...can it do the same again for Lucy?

I love this series and was really looking forward to going back to Starshine Cove for another instalment. All the characters from the previous books are here, but don't worry if you haven't read those yet as the characters are so likeable and easy to relate to that you'll think you've know them for years! Lucy is a lovely character and it was really fun getting to know her and her daughter Rose. Of course, she brings with her a lot of emotional baggage and whilst she looks like she copes with it rather well, there are times throughout the book where you see how much it has really affected her. We also get to meet Josh, the brother of the Groom, and he is the complete opposite of what her husband is. I love their friendship and it's obvious that everyone needs a friend like Josh!

The storyline was full of fun and laughter, but with some more serious issues thrown in. There are some emotional moments but it is mainly a light-hearted and heart-warming read! I loved going back to Starshine Cove and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting all the characters again. The hen-party for Ella was so funny and it was lovely to see Lucy reunited with all her best friends. This was such a delightful read and I was so sad for it to finish! I'm really hoping we'll have another trip in a future book! Would recommend! Wonderful!!

I really enjoyed being back in Starshine Cove again. This was quite an emotional story this time about Lucy and how she is still emotionally and mentally getting over mental abuse by her ex husband.

I liked Josh and Lucy as a couple. They seemed well suited and quite fun together. And as always it’s lovely to be back in the community of Starshine Cove. I’m still waiting for Connie to get her happy ending so I hope that comes soon!

Lucy goes to Starshine Cove for her friends wedding after a hard time with her ex husband. She meets a stranger at the airport and gives him a fictitious story about herself not knowing that she would meet him at the wedding.
Love the Starshine Cove books

“Finding hope in Starshine Cove” touches one of the darkest topics in a beautiful way.

Lucy, is the victim of a psychological abusive marriage, one she was lucky to escape after a few years. Through her, you will witness how years of emotional abuse can shape, change and limit the options of the victim in life. The importance of allowing therapy and love ones to help you in the process is something that could improve a happy outcome.
When Lucy is invited to the wedding of one of her dear friends from college to this beautiful place called Starshine Cove, she will have a second chance to overcome her past and possibly help others in her life while at the same time finding love.

It is incredible how somebody can emotionally isolate a partner from everyone she loves and even from herself. The role everyone can possibly play before, during and after a person looks for help it’s a challenge for everyone involved.

In this book, the author approaches a difficult topic in a way where you could easily understand the frustrations of the victim along with her family and friends and the challenges while trying to survive. I would’ve loved some links where you could find help if you or someone you know is experiencing a similar situation. It was eye opening in my case.

I just reviewed Finding Hope in Starshine Cove by Debbie Johnson. #FindingHopeinStarshineCove i#NetGalley

Lucy Brown lives a very small life with her teenage daughter Rose. She has a run-down little cottage in Ireland, a job in a call centre, and a small circle of friends. By and large that's the way she likes it after escaping her abusive ex-husband Robert. Sitting in the airport bar one day, waiting for a delayed flight to London to collect Rose from a visit with her father and his new family before they go on to Dorset for a friend's wedding, Lucy is dreaming up stories about the other passengers when a gorgeous man asks if the seat next to her is taken. Maybe because she has just been wondering what the other passengers would dream up about her, Lucy fibs to this stranger, telling him her name is Amelia and making up a glamourous sounding career.

Lucy's friend Ella is marrying Jake, the man she met at Starshine Cove, a charming village which doesn't appear to exist on any maps and has a Brigadoon-like quality. Ella and Jake were the protagonists in the first book in this series Escape to Starshine Cove. They are having a great time until Jake's brother Josh turns up, who turns out to be none other than the handsome man Lucy met at the airport!

Many apologies later, Lucy and Josh have made peace and found that there is still a chemistry between them, they almost kiss at Ella's wedding ceilidh when Rose interrupts them, Robert's second wife has called asking for Lucy's help.

I enjoyed this, it was classical Debbie Johnson. Lucy needs to learn to trust herself and let go of her fears from the past before she can trust herself to love again. Josh is just the perfect man, kind, generous, caring, supportive. If I had any complaint it would be that maybe there wasn't enough tension, if a book containing an abusive ex-husband can be called 'safe' then this is it.

But generally a lovely heart-warming feel-good romance. Definitely Hallmark movie material.

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

Another great read within the gorgeous setting of Starshine Cove. Lucy is on her way to her friend Ella's wedding, bumps into a handsome stranger at the airport only to bump into him again at the wedding.
Some funny moments however the author does such a brilliant job of showcasing toxic relationships and the detrimental effect it has on both adults and children alike. I joyously enjoyed it & looking forward to the next story. Thanks to Net Galley for the advanced copy.

A chance meeting while waiting in the airport, in touch with your alter ego as you flirt knowing you'll never meet again.............or will you? Starshine Cove. A place that appears on no maps and can only be found if you are invited. A place where 'magical' things happen. Everyone is accepted and loved. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.