4.5 upped to 5
I must confess I'm a huge fan of Kate Hewitt's small town romances as they always made me wish I was there, smile, and root for the characters.
This is one was the right read at the right moment: I needed something light, cute, and well written. The book ticked all the boxes and it was a pleasure get to know Lauren and Josuah and travel to Starr's Fall.
It's a perfect autumn place, lovely people and a lot of cosy and fascinating shops. Including a bookshop and future bakery for dog. There's an enemy-to-lover story, there's a secret that could change the life of someone.
Everything flows, it never sounds forced or so far from reality to turn into fantasy. Even if it could be my perfect fantasy town.
If you need some well written and entertaining story go and read this one
As this is the start of a series I can't wait to travel to Starr's Fall again.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and Rachel's Randome Resources for this digital copy, all opinions are mine.

A lovely feel good book. Just right for curling up and savouring on a Sunday afternoon. I loved the developing relationships, the small town ethos and the gradual unravelling of the stoy. As you read you can imagine yourself there.

3.5*

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced copy of this book.

It took me a while to get into the book but I ended up enjoying the story about Laurie trying to seek out her family history and where she came from.

Very autumnal, Gilmore Girls vibe leaving you wanting to visit the small town and experience it all for yourself and meet the wonderful characters, especially Henrietta Starr.

I am looking forward to the next one in the series and hopefully finding out more about the new family that have just moved in and more from Henrietta's story.

This lovely story wraps around you like a blanket, leaving you feeling fall vibes and content. It was a delight from start to finish. I really liked the writing style of this story. I also liked small town Starr's Falls where everyone knows your business, possibly before you do! The entire cast of characters were charming and very likeable. It was so enjoyable watching/reading the slow burn of Laurie and Joshua as they develop feelings for each other and Laurie finding home. It's full of emotion and keeps your interest so you can't wait to see how it ends. A wonderfully sweet read.

This is a lovely story and I think the start of a new series, I absolutely loved the setting Starr’s Fall, it is autumn and the leaves are turning and Laurie Ellis is making a big change in her life, packing up with her small dog Max and moving to firstly open up a new business, Max’s Place a pet store and pet bakery, but she is also there to see if she can find some answers about her biological mother.

Joshua Reilly grew up in Starr’s Fall and is now running the Antiquarian Bookstore that was started by his grandfather then run by his father, a lot has happened to Joshua and he is known for his grumpiness in the town, and meeting his new neighbour with her ideas for a pet bakery, sounds silly to him, but he can’t help noticing her.

Soon thanks to a cat and Max Joshua and Laurie are spending more time together and opening up about their pasts could this be love growing and with help searching for her mother not only from Joshua but the patriarch of the town Henrietta Starr, Laurie is soon making friends and feeling very at home in Starr’s Fall.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable story a beautiful romance that is slow to start but then moves very nicely, I do recommend this one if you are a romance reader looking for a moving story that will have you feeling like you are in this beautiful town. I do look forward to more stories set in Starr’s Fall.

My thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for my copy to read and review.

I recently read a charming seasonal book that perfectly captured the cozy ambiance of fall in a small town. The story, set in Starr's Fall, was not just your typical small-town romance, which I found refreshing. The main character, Laurie, had a touching backstory, and I appreciated the journey the author took her on. Her developing relationship with Joshua was a slow burn, and the book, while sweet and tender, kept things modest with just a few gentle kisses. If you're looking for a delightful romance with a small-town setting, this book comes highly recommended. I had the opportunity to read an advance copy of this novel thanks to NetGalley and the author.

Laurie Ellis is moving to Starr's Fall with her dog, Max. She is looking for a new start - after being adopted and then fostered, she has never known a sense of community or a real home. After inheriting a small amount of money, she decides to invest it in a new business - a pet shop and pet bakery. She has a family connection to Starr's Fall, so decides to relocate their for her fresh start, and investigate her family history at the same time. Making friends on her very first evening, her hopes are high until she meets grumpy Joshua Reilly, the book store owner from the across the street. Styled the 'Grinch' by the rest of the community, he has never heard of a pet bakery and loses no time in telling Laurie that he thinks her plans are ridiculous. Sparks between them start to fly... Another great cosy story by Kate Hewitt, perfect for fans of Sarah Bennett and Bella Osborne, and hopefully the first in a new series. Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for my ARC copy - this has not affected my review.

Coming Home to Starr’s Fall is a touching story of what a small town should be like. Laurie Ellis had been in and out of foster care until she aged out. She had a low level job at a marketing company and a dreary apartment. Then a miracle had happened, the “mother” at the group home she had lived in for her final six years left her some money. Not a lot, but enough to follow her dreams. On her birth certificate is listed Starr’s Fall as her mother’s home and so here she was, preparing to open her pet store and bakery in Starr’s Fall. She had paid the first two months rent so she had that long to make it start paying. The first night did not go well when her little dog, Max took off across the street, chasing a Persian cat that was bigger than he was. By chasing him she met his owner, and the proprietor of the bookstore across the street, Joshua Reilly, who was nothing if not a grump. What a day! First her rented van had broken down and now this. But, she blinked her eyes, smiled, and vowed to move on. So she did. She started cleaning and painting the next day.

Laurie was one to make friends wherever she went. She had a remarkable spirit, one given her by the author. She went to Annie’s for dinner and met people there and then at the fall festival. People seemed excited by her store. Even her grumpy neighbor. It was a simple plot. Almost a slice-of-life. Learning and making friends was working out for her as she worked hard and made another new friend, Miss Henrietta Starr, who was part of the family for which the town was made. They inspired one another. But, as idyllic as this all seems, not everything came up roses. There were disappointments. Things did not always work out, much like real life. So much DID work out that she was happy. This was a fun read by a popular author. Hewitt writes a variety of genres and this is another. It was engaging. The characters were good and the story moved ahead. Enough did change for Laurie that it made it all worth it.

I was invited to read Coming Home to Starr’s Fall by Boldwood Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BoldwoodBooks #KateHewitt #ComingHomeToStarrsFall

- Small town romance
- Grumpy/sunshine
- Found family
- Autumn vibes

I am such a fan of small town romances, especially when they are set during the autumn months. There is something inherently cozy about reading a story and picturing the changing leaves, feeling the crisp air.

Laurie is making a new start - quitting her job, moving to Starr's Fall, opening a small business. She is excited and nervous for the drastic change. She has distant connections to this small New England town and is hopeful her dream of a pet store and bakery brings her a sense of fulfillment that has been missing in her life. She and her dog Max are ready for the next chapter of their lives.

From the first day in town, Laurie meets the quirky Annie, who has a larger than life personality and the grumpy Joshua, who is the bookstore owner across the street. Laurie also has a side project - to find out more about her family. She grew up in foster care and has longed to make a familial connection.

This author transported me to a very happy place with her words. I could clearly picture the town and its residents in my mind and felt very connected with the story.

A gorgeous story, about Laurie and her rescue dog Max making a new beginning in Starr's Fall, a new business, a new home, new friends, new relationships and the possibility of a new family? A Rom Com with lovely characters who all live in and have ties to Starr's Fall, I was devastated when this book came to an end and can't wait to read more about Starr's Fall!

This book put me in the mood for Fall! Laurie is a great character. I really want to move to Starr’s Fall. So cozy. Loved it. Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.

I loved this book! It has such a great fall, Gilmore Girls type feel. Laurie and Joshua are the perfect example of Sunshine and grumpy. It was a quick, feel good read. Highly recommend!

***Blog Tour Review***
Coming Home to Starr’s Fall is the perfect book to snuggle up with as the leaves start to fall and the air turns crisp. The town of Starr’s Fall feels like one of those cozy, small-town settings straight out of your favorite fall-themed movie, complete with a bookstore, friendly neighbors, and just the right amount of charm to make you want to move there. Laurie’s journey of starting over, mixed with the gentle romance between her and Joshua, has all the warmth you want in a feel-good read.

Laurie, dealing with past trauma, is someone you instantly root for. Her decision to set up a pet shop and bakery in this tight-knit community is both heartwarming and a little nerve-wracking. You can practically feel the cool autumn breeze, catch the scent of pumpkin spice, and hear the rustle of leaves as Laurie navigates her way through the charming town, trying to carve out a place for herself in Starr’s Fall. And the grumpy/sunshine dynamic between her and Joshua, the bookstore owner across the street, is sweet and engaging. Their slow-burn romance—full of tender moments and a few sparks—fits perfectly with the cozy vibes of the book. It’s wholesome, and the chemistry between them feels genuine without being over the top.

One of the best parts about *Coming Home to Starr’s Fall* is how it’s not just about romance. The town itself, with its slightly worn-down charm and the cast of quirky side characters, adds depth to the story. It feels like a place where you’d want to sip your coffee and catch up with friends, making it the ideal backdrop for Laurie’s search for community and connection. There’s a gentle mystery that keeps things moving, but nothing too intense—just enough to keep you hooked as you sip your tea.

Since I live in a tropical country, I don’t get to experience autumn, but this book beautifully transported me into that cozy fall atmosphere. The imagery was so vivid, that it almost felt like I was there, watching the leaves turn and feeling the crisp breeze. It was lovely to experience the season through the book, making it a perfect seasonal escape.

If you’re in the mood for something light, sweet, and full of cozy autumn vibes, this book is a must-read. Grab a blanket, light a fall-scented candle, and dive into Starr’s Fall for the perfect seasonal getaway!

I’m thinking Starrs Fall just might be a magical place. I love Laurie. She is one strong lady. I can’t imagine living her younger life. Starrs Fall may be a small town, but it’s filled with big hearted people. I loved both the story and the characters. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.

Coming Home to Starr's Fall by Kate Hewitt

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb


Welcome to the town of Starr’s Fall, where Autumn can feel like it goes on forever, and two people have a chance to fall in love… The leaves are falling, with a crispness to the air, along with the scents of coffee and pumpkin spice, past a half-empty street of shuttered storefronts and a bandstand that has seen better days…

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.

My Opinion

Coming Home to Starr's Fall was such a cosy read - it definitely made me want to grab for a blanket. Kate Hewitt has written a delightful book that whilst light-hearted also manages to touch on some more difficult themes. Starr's Fall already feels like a great community and I do look forward to future visits.

Rating 4/5

Coming Home to Starr's Fall by Kate Hewitt, this was a new author for me, and I did enjoy the book. I believe that this is going to be the first book in a new series. Laurie moves to Starr's Fall because she believes it holds the answers to finding her birth mother. Laurie begins to make friends which she has never had before, and in the process learns what love is. I would suggest this book to others.

I received and ARC from NetGalley and the publisher Boldwood Books, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

Laurie and her beloved little dog Max are moving to Starr's Fall and she is planning on opening a Doggy bakery as well as looking for some answers to her past. I absolutely adore this small town clean romance. It has fall time vibes and a neighbourly little community where everyone knows everyone. The individuals in the town were great to get to know and they all have their own problems. My favourite character was cheeky Max and he had me giggling more than once with his antics. The plot was a hard one to put down as it is such a pleasurable, easy read!

I enjoyed reading Coming Home to Starr's Fall by Kae Hewitt. You will fall in love with all the characters. I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely. Happy Reading!

EXCERPT: Seven miles outside of Starr's Fall, according to her GPS that was thankfully still working despite a less than stellar phone signal, the van gave a last gasp and then an alarming death rattle, before it rolled to a defeated stop. Laurie had had, at least, the foresight to jerk the wheel so the van came to its inglorious end on the shoulder of the road, away from traffic. Still, this was not good. Not good at all.
She sat in the driver's seat and stared up at the bright blue sky, trying to recover her optimism. Also trying to figure out what to do, because she still had no phone signal and she couldn't see anything, anywhere, besides trees and sky and warm, golden sunlight.
Max, sensing that things were not as they should be, clambered into her lap and put his paws up on the window. Laurie stroked his wiry fur and marshalled her thoughts.
Seven miles was too far to walk, bit at least it was a beautiful day, and she was in a beautiful place. She could lock up the van and walk down the road until her phone got a signal or she came to a house and could ask to make a phone call. Then she could find a garage to call, get the van towed, take a taxi into Starr's Fall . . .
Briefly, Laurie closed her eyes. It wasn't impossible, she told herself, but it still felt hard, several laborious steps she really didn't want to have to take at this particular moment in time when she wanted things to be, if not easy, then easier. Easier than they had been for most of her life, not that she was about to throw herself a pity party.
But today was meant to be her new start, the first chapter of the book of her life she was longing to write. Having adventures. Making friends. Maybe, if she was brave enough, even learning about her own history. It was all meant to happen here, in Starr's Fall, except she wasn't even there yet, and this did not feel like the kind of prologue she wanted to have to the book of her life. Far from it.

ABOUT 'COMING HOME TO STARR'S FALL': Welcome to the town of Starr’s Fall, where Autumn can feel like it goes on forever, and two people have a chance to fall in love… The leaves are falling, with a crispness to the air, along with the scents of coffee and pumpkin spice, past a half-empty street of shuttered storefronts and a bandstand that has seen better days…

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.

MY THOUGHTS: I picked up Coming Home to Starr's Fall because I love Hewitt's historical writing, and while I liked this, I didn't love it.

The premise is great, as is the setting, but there's some essence missing from this story that I have found in this author's other books. Sentences are often overly long, meandering and, occasionally, pointless. In fact, there were whole paragraphs like that.

Character development is minimal.

I did enjoy the thread about Laurie trying to trace her mother and the associated thread with Henrietta Starr. These were the most interesting parts of the book for me but were underdeveloped and almost completely overshadowed by the romance thread, which I could have done without.

Overall, this is a quick, easy and perfectly pleasant read with a very predictable romance. I guess I expected more . . .

⭐⭐.5

#ComingHometoStarrsFall #NetGalley

THE AUTHOR: Kate likes to read women's fiction, mystery and thrillers, as well as historical novels. She particularly enjoys reading about well-drawn characters and avoids high-concept plots.

Having lived in both New York City and a tiny village on the windswept northwest coast of England, she now resides in a market town in Wales with her husband, five children, and two Golden Retrievers.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Boldwood Books via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Coming Home to Starr's Fall by Kate Hewitt for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

Coming Home to Starr's Fall is a start to a new series by Kate Hewitt. This author writes many kinds of stories, but her contemporary stories are some of my favorites. A fresh start for Laurie Ellis and her dog as she begins a new venture with a pet store and pet bakery. This story is also a sunshine verse grumpy with store neighbor, Joshua Reilly He needs a new start too in his perspective on life. Then there is a mystery to be solved, a heart to be mended and a fresh outlook on life for the community.

I enjoy the opposites attraction between Joshua and Laurie. The community is much like my own small town, needing some revitalization, making this story believable and true for so many areas. A great introduction to the new series.