What a funny, warm, emotional, charming and unforgettable romance. This book has a great, realistic story line full of heart with amazing characters. Beautifully written and a heartwarming, feel good adventure about second chances and later in life love. I loved how the story and the relationship between Connie and Zack unfolded and it was a wonderfully satisfying journey. This was a great story!

Debbie Johnson is a fabulous author and I love her books. This is book four in the Starshine Cove series and it focuses on the life of Connie originally who has a fast-paced life in London and after starting a new life in Starshine Cove has to effectively do it all over again after the death of her husband and her children leaving home.

I loved the reality of how a woman of a certain age feels about her image and body and this was handled very sensitively with the affirming message that not everyone sees her through the same lens. Connie bravely attempts to get back into the dating scene which is for the bold and brave and the story unfolds with some ups and downs for her from there on.

Another great addition to this series with hopefully more to come in the future!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book.

Connie runs the local cafe in Starshine Cove, and is adjusting to life as an empty-nester. Her children are building their lives far away from the sleepy little town she happened upon more than 20 years ago by accident...or by kismet? She led a different life as a Michelin-starred chef, and left it all behind when she settled down into a more relaxed, small-town life. Serendipity strikes again when someone from her past reappears, and memories she’s carefully tucked away come flooding back. A widower for 5 years, Connie remains grateful for what she has, her family, her friends, the town, and her beloved café, but can’t ignore the fact that she’s also lonely. It would be nice to have a companion to share life with, but she doesn’t want to betray her late husband’s memory, and she’s just not ready to put herself out there again. As we follow Connie’s life, we start to see things take a turn and that maybe there is a chance for love to win again after such a tragic loss.

Starting Over in Starshine Cove was unexpectedly uplifting and delightful. The story begins looking five years into the past. Connie has just met Simon and her somewhat decadent fast-paced life among the rich and famous seems totally unimportant now. They fall in love, they get married and they make a life together in his hometown of Starshine Cove, a magical, beautiful, idyllic seaside village. The story could have ended right there: love from a wonderful man, more love than she could ever have imagined, then wonderful children, and a life full of friends and business and contentment. Perfect, happy ever after, the end. Except – that happy ever after doesn’t always show up when or where you want it to. Sometimes the reality of life steps in.

I almost stopped reading at this point. I just didn’t feel like watching Connie suffer through the rest of the book, the rest of her life, wondering what-if, replaying all her regrets in her head, enjoying life but never recapturing that feeling of endless love and contentment. But author Debbie Johnson had something entirely different in mind for all those pages. And it was inspirational and sweet and touching and totally satisfying. I am so happy I kept turning just one more page until I was so engrossed you couldn’t have pried the book out of my hands.

Yes, Connie still misses Simon when the present-day portion of the story begins. He was truly the love of her life and that doesn’t come around twice. She has those wonderful, happy children, almost all grown up now, many, many friends and her café where her creative heart can bloom. But that “the love of your life doesn’t happen twice” thing? What if that’s not exactly true? What if the exact same thing doesn’t happen twice, but that wonderful warm feeling you remember starts to glide over you again just the same?

Zack was not really a what-if from Connie’s past life, but more of a hmm-interesting-I-wonder presence in her life. She was attracted to him, but nothing ever happened and after she met Simon there wasn’t much room in her head for thoughts of the old days. There still isn’t, in fact, except that it so happens Connie’s daughter and Zack’s daughter are good friends and about to be roommates and once Connie and Zack meet again little tingles start to happen, things feel somehow familiar and they spend more and more time together. There are unknown secrets that might put on the brakes before anything can grow between them, and there is the fact that they both were actually married to loves of their lives. There’s something happening though and it seems to be proceeding at its own pace, not theirs.

Starting Over in Starshine Cove is a sweet, touching story about two people who met and parted, who have lived satisfying lives, survived unimaginable tragedy and loneliness and have now discovered some sort of kinship between them. These are not romantic youngsters with wide-eyes and innocent hearts, but author Johnson manages to insert a lot of romance, starry eyes, and innocent hearts between Zack and Connie, nevertheless. Watching a mature relationship develop between people who know and appreciate what they once had and are brave enough to step forward towards what they might have again is heartwarming, and he adult desire Johnson puts in there doesn’t hurt either.

This was my first introduction to the Starshine Cove series but I will be catching up. It was well-written with fascinating characters, a beautiful setting and enough romance to keep you warm at night. I received an advance copy of this book from Storm Publishing via NetGalley. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.

Starting Over in Starshine Cove by Debbie Johnson is book 4 in the Starshine Cove series.
I enjoy clean love stories and this is a good one. Connie is the center of this book, and we know her from the other books in the series.
Connie has been alone since losing her husband five years ago. Being with Connie on her journey to find love again filled my heart with joy.
This series is one that will be enjoyed by many.
Thank you NetGalley, Debbie Johnson and Storm Publishing for the copy of Starting Over in Starshine Cove. This is my personal review.

Debbie Johnson is not a new author to me but this series is since Starting Over in Starshine Cove is the first of the four books for me to read. This is a heartwarming story that many of us can relate to in our lives. Accepting change as we grow older is one of course. However, it is more of allowing one to be open to new beginnings, new love and new opportunities. Connie Llewelyn has a good life with family, her cafe, and life in Sunshine Cove. Could there be more for her if she opens herself up to it? That is what is at the heat of this book.

It is a feel-good romantic story with a balance between seriousness and humor. The setting is lovely and the characters wonderful. Starting Over in Starshine Cove is a great springtime romance to chase the winter coldness away.

I’m so pleased we finally got to read Connie’s story. It was as good as I imagined it would be. I just love Starshine Cove. It sounds like the most idyllic place to live with a wonderful community.

I hope this isn’t the last in the series

It is a real feel-good story about second chances. The main protagonists are mature people who have lost their partners, the love of their life. They both feel the sparks immediately when they meet, but first they are reluctant to do anything about it. Fortunately, after some twists in the story there is a happy ending.
I liked the characters, everybody in this close-knit community, and also loved the gorgeous setting. I also like Debbie Johnson's writing style. Her novels never disappoint.
I can recommend this book to everyone who likes a sweet romance.

Connie was on the cusp of becoming a celebrity chef when she suffered from burnout, leading to a car crash near Starshine Cove. She is rescued by Simon, to whom she eventually married and has a family, setting up a successful cafe and having a happy, low-keyed life. Years later, after the sad death of Simon, she suddenly meets a face from her last, Zac who was going to have her in a leading role in a cookery show, and reevaluates her life.
Debbie writes the kind of book that I really love, after first reading the Comfort Food Cafe series I then was happy to start reading the Starshine Cove series, which had much the same vibe. With relatable characters and a community that I'd love to live in it is wonderful to sit down and become enveloped in that cozy feel that this series gives. With characters from the previous books supporting Connie whilst she struggles with her feelings for Zac you can't help being drawn into the story. As you might have guessed I really loved this book and can highly recommend it.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

Twenty-five years ago, Constance met the love of her life after Simon rescued her from her wrecked car. She never thought she would enjoy anything but city life, but now after having their three children, Connie is once again adjusting to her “new” life, life without Simon. She may have once thought that she was destined for great things, but now she knows what the truly great things are. She loves her children, her life in Starshine Cove filled with her friends and Simon’s loving relatives, and her restaurant. In her other life, Connie thought that she was on her way to stardom, as she had interviewed for producer Zach Harris, but that was before Simon. When her teenage daughter introduces to her friend, Marcy, it seems that fate has more in store for her as Marcy is Zach’s daughter. A chance meeting will bring Zach, who is now a widower, back into her life. Is she ready for the complications that loving Zach might bring into her life? I truly enjoyed this wonderful and moving story about life after your first love is gone. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

Book 4 in a series, you don't need to have read the first three. This would be a great book for plane travel, or by the pool/beach.

Celebrity chef (and professional party girl) Connie Llewellyn is just a mess in the big city. She ends up driving out to the country in typical full throttle fashion and finds herself upside down in a ditch, staring at the most handsome man ever. Fast forward and she's left the big city behind, settled down with said handsome man, started a family and the local cafe that everyone in town just loves (along with her!).

Then her husband and sister in law are tragically killed in an auto accident and Connie is busy just surviving with her kids, cafe and small town life. As her kids head off to university, she finds herself with an empty nest and wandering mind. When a blast from the past comes into her life, maybe things will really change? But change is frightening and there is definite comfort in the here and now.

Johnson built extremely likeable characters, and a fun story!

Thanks to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and Debbie Johnson for the eARC.
Pub Date Feb 19 2025 #StartingOverinStarshineCove #NetGalley

It's Connie's story in the Starshine Cove series, which proves to be as heartbreaking, hopeful and humorous as the ones in the previous books. Connie once lived on the edge and was in danger of burning out until she found Starshine Cove. A significant force in the cove, Connie brings laughter and sound advice to all, especially recent arrivals, but this time, she is the one who needs support as she faces an emotional crossroads in her life. Zack is a face from her illustrious past. Connie finds the connection they make unsettling, and watching their gentle romance unfold makes this an enjoyable read. An engaging mix of conflict and hope, friendship, and community spirit define this story. The conclusion is uplifting but also realistic.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

2⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an advanced copy of Starting Over In Starshine Cove.

Twenty five years ago Connie was on her way to being a star. She had made a name for herself in the culinary world and it was taking her places. But she felt a void until she got into an accident and met her future husband. They moved to a little town and had three children and she owned her own cafe. Then her husband unexpectedly passed away. Flash forward to now and she still owns the cafe but her children are grown and starting their own lives. Then one day a man named Zack from her life twenty five years ago shows up and thus may be her second chance.

Everything happened very fast in this book and it was a short read so it was hard to connect properly with the characters. I was not a huge fan.

I enjoy reading this series so much and Starting Over in Starshine Cove is just another good one! After losing her husband Connie kept herself busy with the café and raising her children. Now they've all left to bigger cities to study and work and she feels unsettled and alone until she goes to London to meet her daughter's best friend and her family. Connie's life will have a severe turn and she'll feel happier than she had in years till she doesn't anymore. Life has ways of putting emotions, feelings into scrutiny and only time and sheer willpower will allow them to flourish or sucumb. Starting Over in Starshine Cove is not made only of happy times, as life never is, it's a tale of real life that could happen to real people. Loved it!
I thank Ms. Johnson, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.

This is a good old fashioned, second chance love story, part of a great series with wonderful, really likeable characters and can be read totally as a standalone.
Connie Llewellyn had been a celebrity, Micheline stared chef, droves of followers, TV, the lot but when the chance came to do a reality TV series Connie realised that life in the fast lane had become too much, she drove out of London heading south and ended up in a ditch at Starshine Cove.........her life was to change forever.
Connie married Simon, the gorgeous good Samaritan who rescued her from her wrecked car, had three children and a wonderful life until sadly Simon was killed in a car accident.
Connie was the cornerstone of the small Starshine Cove community, she ran the local cafe and arranged community events, always the life and soul of the party but Connie had "empty nest syndrome", her children had all left home but Simon had never left her heart and although she was encouraged by both her children and her friends, Connie could never consider re entering the dating scene.
Sophie, Connie's youngest daughter was coming home from catering collage and bringing her BFF, Marcy with her, they were to help at the cafe during the summer holiday. Marcy's father, a widower had asked to meet Connie before this happened, Connie was astounded to find that Marcy's father just happened to be a famous TV producer, the same producer who Connie had left in the lurch.
This story follows Connie and Zack as they become friends leading to a deeper attraction but Connie could never betray Simon and she also knew that Zack was keeping something from her, could a romance between them work ? could they both jump over the hurdles that were standing in the way of a HEA.
A great story with well rounded characters and plenty of witty banter.
Thank you Storm Publishing and Net Gallery for this ARC, my review is voluntary.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I enjoyed my visit to Starshine Cove and catching up with old friends.

We meet Connie, who used to be an almost-celebrity chef, and we read about how she ended up on the cove. Now, she leads a quiet life where she has her own cafe and spending time with her children, now adults and leading their own lives.

On a trip to London, she meets someone who she knew in her old life which changes things for her. Connie begins to think whether there’s more to life than what she has now.

I highly recommend this book.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

When Connie crashed into Starshine Cove, she abandoned her flashy life for a quiet one with no regrets. Fast forward 25 years, and she finds her past and present colliding in a deliciously confusing way.

On this return to Starshine Cove, we finally got Connie's story. She was an expert meddler in the other books, and now it was her turn to find love again. I really enjoyed getting to know more about her backstory and what brought her to Starshine Cove, but I LOVED seeing Zack and her fall for each other.

First of all, can we have a round of applause for a "mature" romance. That's right. Both characters were empty nesters who was in their mid 50s. I will never stop being a fan of romances that show people finding love at ALL ages. Zach and Connie shared a bit of a past which was an interesting facet of their story that I think allowed their romance to proceed at a good clip, but I also believe their shared experience of being widowers gave them so much insight into each other. There was definitely a spark that rose to a flame between their two, and it was fantastic seeing it grow.

As with all the previous installments in this series, the people of Starshine Cove were a highlight. This little community continues to be warm and welcoming and serves as a place of healing to those lucky enough to find their way there. It was great catching up with the previous couples while also seeing new romances bloom.

Overall, this was another feel-good visit to Starshine Cove that left me with a big smile on my face.

Connie Llewelyn is at the heart of the village of Starshine Cove. where she runs the local cafe.

Since her husband died five years ago, she's been looking after the family and everyone else except her. Now, as her kids fly the nest, However it’s now time to co spider her own future. Suddenly Zack a face from her past appears but can she be brave. Thanks to Debbie and her publisher.

I adore Debbie's books. Every single one. And noone does a series quite like her. She makes you fall in love with her characters and the places she sets her stories in. I just want to be part of such communities please!
Debbie also tops and continues to top some of my all time favorites. From the cover to the content I just love her books.
I also love good series like this. When you get to know character from the community whilst also still learning and being involved with the rest of the town.i love how they have their own story but arc and still manages to touch eachother.
Connie is our focus this time. And I felt for her so much. She's had a tough time since choosing to leave her high flying job and make a home in the Starshine. She's such a fighter but has no belief in herself. She seems to do all thing and yet not quite believe that she can,bless her. She's suffered loss and is grappling with her own grief whilst also trying to look after the ones she loves too.

When Zack arrives on the scene he shakes things up. And at first shakes her up. Can she let herself be loved again? Is she ready? Is she brave enough.
I.pove the tender and witty moments between these two. It's warm and relatable. And sensitively done with becoming either complacent or fickle to what Connie has had to go through recently. And a real lesson is to be had here...to live life fully because it can always be a moment away from too late.
I'd definitely like a Job in Connie's cafe and also be unfolded into her friendship group.
Another lovely step into Starshine and another gorgeous book.



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Starting Over in Starshine Cove is a story of love, loss, and second chances in a small but welcoming seaside village.

Connie Llewelyn is the heart and soul of Starshine Cove, running the local café with warmth, kindness, and an endless supply of freshly baked scones. Since losing her husband five years ago, she’s poured her energy into raising her children and supporting her extended family. But now, with her kids leaving home, she’s left wondering—what’s next for her?

When Zack, a face from her past, unexpectedly arrives in town, Connie is faced with a choice: stay safely within the life she’s built or take a chance on something new. Her old self had a completely different take on life. Now she has a family, friends, and a slow life. Would Zack be a good fit for it? Could this be her opportunity to rediscover herself—and maybe even love?

From bestselling author Debbie Johnson, this uplifting novel is a celebration of fresh starts, friendship, and the magic of community. Perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan, Milly Johnson, and Heidi Swain.