I loved this book! Heartwarming small town story with characters that felt like friends. My first book by this author, I’m excited that there are more to read!

This book definitely lived up the to hype for someone who loves Gilmore Girls! With the small town northeastern fall feel I couldn’t have asked for a better setting. I’m definitely a big fan!

Having the courage to love and be loved is life's greatest adventure. Seeking out a new start, Laurie moves to Starr's Fall to open a pet shop. Her curmudgeonous neighbor is a stark contrast to the town's welcoming residents.

While setting up shop, Laurie is surrounded by the sense of community that she's sought after being raised in the foster care system. While the store is her primary venture, Laurie has a secret that she surprisingly shares with the not-so jerky Joshua during an unexpected meet-cute. Laurie's birth mother was born in Starr's Fall and while she learned her name, the town matriarch shared it was a fake listing. Will Laurie have the strength to find out the truth about her mother or concentrate on the present?

Thank you to #NetGally and the publisher for the early edition of #ComingHometoStarrsFall in exchange for an honest. After reading the early reviews, I eagerly awaited receiving my copy. Sadly, I'm sharing mixed reviews as there's a lot of positive aspects of the story but the promised light-hearted read and Gilmore Girl-esque style wasn't there. As a fan of the series, I missed the smart snappy script and instead the prose felt long winded which didn't keep my attention.

The characters needed more developing but I did enjoy Laurie and Joshua's interactions. To be honest, the novel felt more like a first draft rather than a final version. Hopefully things are tightened up before publication as the story has merit it's just confusingly too long and short. It would welcome a concise plot but developed characters and fleshed-out ending.

"Coming Home to Starr’s Fall" is a heartwarming read that captures the spirit of second chances, love, and the beauty of community. Kate Hewitt’s writing beautifully evokes the atmosphere of autumn, brimming with nostalgia, warmth, and the scent of pumpkin spice. Laurie's journey is one of resilience; her mix of vulnerability and determination made her a relatable protagonist who I found myself rooting for from the very beginning.

The relationship between Laurie and Joshua is a delightful tug of war—his grumpy exterior and her unwavering optimism build a dynamic that feels both genuine and entertaining. As they navigate their initial tensions, their connection deepens, revealing the layers of pain and hope within both characters. The way their journeys intertwine not only reflects their personal growth but also highlights the healing power of love and community.

I especially appreciated how Hewitt skillfully weaves in themes of loss, redemption, and the importance of embracing change. The supporting cast of characters adds depth to the narrative, bringing life to Starr's Fall as a town with a heart, full of quirks and charm.

I highly recommend "Coming Home to Starr’s Fall" for anyone searching for a comforting and uplifting story. This novel beautifully illustrates that even in the shabbiness of life, love can bloom anew, making it a perfect read for cozy autumn evenings. Kate Hewitt has delivered a story that lingers in the heart long after the last page is turned.

A light, cosy Autumnal read that is definitely reminiscent of Gilmore Girls (maybe it's a tad too obvious though). It's a fluffy read to get into the pumpkin season, but the stakes aren't very high and it isn't very original. An OK read.

Thank you Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

Coming Home to Starr's Fall was a fun, short autumn read. Laurie Ellis moves to Starr's Fall and opens a pet store and bakery. Laurie is looking to make friends and maybe solve a big secret to her past. Across the street is the grumpy bookstore owner Joshua Reilly who has lived in Starr's Fall most of his life.

I was very interested in this book off the small-town autumn vibes. I came for a book on a romance and was left wanting more. This book is only 200 pages and there was just a lot introduced to this story that the romance portion took a back burner. There were some cute interactions between both main characters' pets Max and Lea.

A lovely story set in a small town in the corner of Connecticut. While reading this novel, I envisioned the main street, the stores, the church along with a community where people actually care for one another. This is something I wish I had when I was growing up in New York City. I always knew there was a better life over the George Washington Bridge, something I absolutely longed for. The female protagonist, Laurie, moves to Starr's Fall in search of a community just like that. She is on a journey of self-discovery and where better to find that then in "small town" America. From start to finish I loved this book. Opening up a pet shop and pet bakery is not the only challenge she will face. She opens herself to new friendships and romance. I loved this book! My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Coming Home to Starr’s Fall-Kate Hewitt-netgalley-Sept 18th-Connecticut, New Jersey-
I was so excited to see that Kate Hewitt, one of my favorite women’s fiction authors, was going to be writing a cozy Gilmore Girls inspired series set in a small Connecticut town with all the cozy fall feels. SOLD! Laurie Ellis and her dog Max move from New Jersey to Starrs Fall, hoping that they can open up a pet supply store and dog biscuit bakery. The small quaint town is perfectly adorable and you can practically taste autumn on the air, but like many small towns, economic development has taken a hit, and there are many boarded up storefronts. Laurie meets Joshua, who owns a bookstore across the street, and is something of a grump. I loved their sunshine-grump vibe. We soon learn that Laurie grew up in foster care and that one of the reasons she’s chosen to move back is to try to find her birth mother. I loved the adoption side plot in this story, both Laurie’s and also that of another character. I thought it gave the story great depth and while I won’t spoil how things turned out, I thought it presented good sides to the story. There are lots of adorable scenes, especially with a cat who knows her mind, and I also loved the Harvest Festival and the cake walk! So much fun! 5/5 stars.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ARC copy of this book from Boldwood Books and NetGalley for review purposes.

I can’t help thinking about Gilmore Girls when I read this novel. There are so many similarities. The leading character is single (though does not have a child), Joshua in the novel owns a bookstore but is modeled after Luke (who lives in an apartment above the bookstore), the town of Starr’s Fall (the town of Gilmore Girls was set in Stars Hollow) is set in Connecticut like Gilmore Girls, both small towns. The book also has many townsfolk that you meet as the novel goes on.

Upon starting Chapter 5, Laurie, the main character, enters Annie’s home as Annie tells her “don’t mind the mess.” A few pages later, apparently time has gone backward and Annie is arriving in the driveway of her house with Laurie and Max, her dog (another similarity).

Having seen Gilmore Girls way too many times–I just love the show–it’s hard seeing one character’s actions explained so much. It’s clear that Joshua’s mother dying when he was a teenager made it hard for him to love others–and this is explained in detail. This was also similar to Luke’s story–his mother died when he was young.

Joshua has an Aunt Maureen who is in Alaska, so he’s taking care of the cat whose name is Leamhachan and is shortened to Lea. Lea somehow gets into Laurie’s apartment and sits on her bed. When Laurie tries to pick her up, she gets scratched. Thus ensues a long scene where Laurie goes to Joshua’s and they have a conversation and then he goes to Laurie’s apartment. However, Max ends up chasing Lea, who jumps out of the open window and onto a nearby tree. This scene sparks Joshua’s interest in Laurie. Yet he tells himself he is “happier on his own”. The chapter ends with him making a little rude remark and walking out of Laurie’s store.

I regret to say that I did not finish this book. The novel is too similar to Gilmore Girls, at least to me.

First and foremost, I would like to thank Netgalley, the author and the publishing company for allowing me to read and review this novel. Thank you!

The fall weather is right around the corner and if you’re a lover of small town books, “Coming to Starr’s Fall” is the perfect introduction into the changing season.

We meet Laurie who has had nothing but battles her whole life. A struggle to find her own identity after moving to a small town in hopes of getting answers as to why she was placed in the foster care system but her mother.

This novel has a bit of a love story tangled with the feels of season one of “Gilmore Girls” as we meet the town’s residents and build a foundation for a great series.

There wasn’t any spicy scenes but tons of adorable small town charm.

Laurie arrives in Starr's Fall with her dog Max searching for a fresh start, new adventures, a home and a few resolutions to secrets she's been carrying.

Joshua has always been in Starr's Fall (except for the short stint in NYC he wants to forget) and he wishes he wasn't. He doesn't want new adventures, friends or community... until Laurie moves in across the street.

This is a beautiful story of heartbreak, hope, love and what family really means.

I loved that you get to meet so many people from Starr's Fall and learn their stories and quirks. It definitely gave off Gilmore Girls vibes with the New England small-town and quirky characters as well as the grumpy/sunshine love story.

I did feel like the switching between all the story-lines and points of view made the story drag a bit for me personally. I was left feeling a bit disconnected. I think there was just a lot happening.

But, I loved the sweet love story that was built on so much depth and growth and I loved the little town of Starr's Fall. I would definitely love to see who's story is next!

Thank you, NetGalley, the author and Boldwood Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book is absolutely perfect for a chill fall day with a hot beverage and hallmark vibes.

Laurie moves to a small town with her dog to set up a pet store and to find someone. She is looking to be accepted and just belong somewhere.
Joshua wants nothing to do with anyone and the sparks go from there.

The author does a lot of telling over and over again which isn’t my favorite.

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy for exchange of my honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for sending me this ARC. Such a cute yet heartfelt read. If you’re a fan of Gilmore Girls, you would definitely love this. Can’t wait to purchase a physical copy of this book. Definitely will reread it during the fall season.

This was a cute novel with cozy fall small town vibes. The characters were likeable (even the grump!), and the story had some sweet moments. An enjoyable end of summer read to add to your list with your PSL!

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

I received a free copy of, Coming Home to Starr's Fall, by Kate Hewitt, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I have enjoyed other books by Kate Hewitt, she writes books set in UK and the USA. Laurie Ellis is starting over, she has moved t Starr;s Fall, to find her mother. This town sounds so beautiful, I love Autumn, its such a special time of year. I enjoyed reading this book.

A sweet an cozy smalltown setting, som romance and heartwarming people! An Autumn book with feelings!

Readers, do you love a cozy romance? The kind that makes you want to curl up with a warm drink and a blanket, on a chilly Fall day? Then Coming Home to Starr's Fall is the perfect read for you. Just in time for Fall, Kate Hewitt's newest series is now my absolute favourite!

Laurie Ellis has always felt kind of lost. Raised in the foster system she never really felt at home. That is until her foster mom left her an inheritance and told her that her birth mom was from Starr's Fall, CT. Now she's following the clue and heading to Starr's Fall to open a pet store and bakery, and hopefully find a new life and friends. What she finds will lead her on a journey like no other.

As I'm sure you can tell, I was absolutely smitten with this book. It's the best example of "grumpy-sunshine" that I have read. Laurie is all sunshine and Pollyanna positivity, despite her upbringing. Bookstore owner, Joshua Reilly, re-defines the grump... in fact he's almost Grinch-like!! Together they make for a wonderful story and I was so happy they were my first introduction to the picturesque Starr's Fall. If subsequent books are as good as this one, this is going to be one of my very favourite series.

If you read one HEA this Fall, make it Coming Home to Starr's Fall.

Laurie Ellis moves to Starr's Fall, Connecticut, to open a pet shop and search for the family she has never known. Despite her challenging past, Laurie remains optimistic and determined to find a true sense of belonging. The novel captures the cozy, autumnal charm of the small town and follows Laurie as she builds new friendships and explores a possible romance with a local bookstore owner.

Beyond its feel-good romance, the story also delves into deeper themes such as grief, parental loss, and the struggles of growing up in foster care. It is a heartwarming read for fans of clean romances centered around community and connection.

ARC REVIEW

Coming Home To Starr's Fall
By Kate Hewitt

Publishing date : 9/18/24
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 (3.5 out of 5)

I tried to write my own summary numerous times, but I kept spoiling the story. So I will insert the goodreads blurb at the end 🙂

Overall.. I enjoyed it! But the ending threw me for a loop? It was not what I expected? It wasn't a bad ending, but it was definitely not what I thought was going to happen.

If you like small town romance, give this one a go! I'll admit, I requested the Arc because my name is Leanna STARR. And how often is your name apart of a book title? Especially a whole town?! Starr's Falls was the cutest little shabby town with an adorable cast of residents. The unexpected relationships between friends and neighbors was super cute addition.

I enjoyed the book! It was a quick, easy read and a nice palette cleanser!

Thank you @theboldbookclub and @netgalley for the chance to visit Starr's Falls early!

GOODREADS BLURB:
Just like the whole town of Starr’s Fall, thinks Laurie Ellis – as she and her beloved dog Max head to collect the store keys. Maybe she has seen better days, too, but she’s certainly ready for a new start—and to leave her past behind. Still Laurie wonders whether she made a terrible mistake in coming to lovable but shabby Starr’s Fall. Will she even find customers for her pet store and bakery, never mind a community to welcome and accept her?

Not according to Joshua Reilly, the handsome but grumpy manager of the bookstore across the road, who claims he’s never heard of anything so ridiculous as a bakery for dogs.

But Laurie remains stubbornly undeterred. She’s starting over, right here. Not least because she has another secret reason for being here… one she isn’t telling anybody, at least not yet, as it involves her own tragic past.

What she doesn’t yet know is that a clue to the mystery is hidden deep in Joshua’s bookstore. And he doesn’t yet realize that Laurie herself might be the key to mending his own battered heart… for Laurie and Joshua and the whole town, it’s going to be a fall to remember.

The trope feels familiar—lonely woman arrives in a small town, finds meaning and purpose and community and love— but the characters felt unique and the situations were also a bit different. The romance is sweet and I loved the addition of the quirky cat and dog. I do wish that there had been more resolved between Laurie and her biological mother. Also, why didn’t Laurie find out who played Lysander in A Midsummer’s Night Dream? Because he was probably her father! Otherwise this lovely novel is beautifully written and highly enjoyable.