It is a well written novel, with punchy dialogue that rings true, and the descriptive writing brings the scenes to life.
A book that stands out from the crowd. The characters and the setting are written exceptionally well.

I received a free copy of, Just the Beginning, by Sarah Bennett, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Anya Stokes and her daughter Freya are in Halfmoon Quay, after the loss of her husband/father. Halfmoon Quay sounds like an idyllic location. I liked the characters in this book.

This was a fantastic book from the first page to the last. It draws you into the tangled peoples lives in Halfmoon Quay. Anya is mourning the loss of her husband, but also holding it together for her daughter Freya. It’s strange to be without her husband, but things are looking up when she might get a job. I loved the background of this story and I think it will be a fantastic series and looking forward to finding out what happens to the characters. A brilliant 5 star read. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.

After Anya stokes husband she loses everything she owns including there home when she finds out how he came about his money.

She moves back home to Halfmoon quay with her daughter to live with family until she can get back on her feet.

Rick Penrose has had a crush on Anya since school but was devistated when she married and never really moved on since.
But when anya turns back up he wants to fix everything for her and hopefully grow a freindship with her.

It felt lovely to be back in Sarah’s hands and to be introduced to the residents of Halfmoon Quay. Once again, I can confidently say that this is going to be a fabulous series with some terrific characters. Sarah is skilled at imagining some of the best characters and bringing them to life, and that is evident as we take this first visit to Halfmoon Quay and get to know Rick and Anya.
The synopsis tells us that there is history between the two, but not anything that could make their lives difficult. Ok, so Rick had a teenage crush on Anya, but having been a teenager myself, I know those are easily skimmed over as they are often forgotten as we get older.
Rick is the centre of all things at Halfmoon Quay and is helpful to the point of being irritating. Inserting himself into every crisis and flaunting his fixer gene seems to be both his superpower and his kryptonite. I really felt for Rick, as he clearly has nothing but good intentions and a desire to help. Sadly, he meets his match when he interferes in the lives of his great uncle and Anya. The fallout from his actions leads to some serious soul-searching for both Rick and Anya.
Anya is clearly feeling vulnerable, and I was drawn to her strength and determination to remain independent despite not having the skills to handle her position. She is determined to adapt and looks for ways to enhance her employability. Despite making her position clear, she still finds herself falling into an easy friendship with Rick.
This first instalment is at a gentle pace, and the conclusion will follow in the later books, and I’m fine with that. I know that I can rely on Sarah Bennett to steer this series onto the right path and guide us in the right direction for a satisfying conclusion. I’m already excited to return.

Just the Beginning by Sarah Bennett is a heartwarming romance about new beginnings, family bonds, and unexpected love, set against the picturesque Cornish coast.

Anya, looking for a fresh start after a difficult past, moves to the charming seaside village of Mermaids Point. She hopes to rebuild her life and find a sense of belonging in this close-knit community. There, she meets Rick, a local man who is eager to help her settle in. However, while his kindness is undeniable, Anya finds his tendency to take control both frustrating and endearing.

As their relationship deepens, long-buried secrets from Rick’s past come to light, complicating their growing connection. Anya must decide whether she can trust him and open her heart again, while Rick struggles with his own emotional barriers.

Filled with warmth, heartfelt moments, and a beautifully described coastal setting, Just the Beginning is an uplifting story about second chances, finding home in unexpected places, and the healing power of love. Fans of small-town romances and family-driven stories will find this an engaging and feel-good read.

I was so incredibly happy when I was offered the change to review this book, I dropped the book I was reading and dived in.

Anya's life is falling apart, her husband has left her in a financial mess and she has to aceept the help from her cousins in Halfmoon Bay, a place of so many memories of her childhood and a new start for her and her daughter Freya. All her friends are there from her childhood, including Rick.

Rick is one of four brothers and would give his shirt off his back for anyone but when Anya comes back to Halfmoon Bay, old feelings are stirred and maybe this is Ricks second chance with Anya but somehow Rick's desire to help everyone is causing problems, can they find a HEA together.

The characters are really great, I loved Half Moon Bay and now just really hope we get books about the other three brothers along with their cousin Chloe, Halfmoon Bay is somewhere I really cant wait to get back to.

One of the best books I have read this year, I just wish I could read it for the first time again.

A lovely story which flowed along. The setting was perfect and I enjoyed reading about the characters. The story was so easy to read and I look forward to more from this author. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

Anya is starting over after a huge change in her life. She and her young daughter move closer to family support and while she rebuilds, she is reconnected with Rick, who has loved her since they were kids. An overall sweet story of family and moving forward.

Just the Beginning by Sarah Bennett is just the delightful book that I needed right now! I loved it and found it difficult to put down.
Bennett skillfully writes a heartwarming tale centred on family, with the beginnings of a romance, that leaves the reader wishing that they could have a family like the one in the book. While not perfect, the members of the family support each other unquestioningly, making for an excellent and fun read.
The characters are lovable and, at times, exasperating; the setting is appealing, with the area richly described; and the book is perfect escapism.
I am so happy to have been invited to read the ARC of #JusttheBeginning by #BoldwoodBooks and #NetGalley.

Sarah Bennett’s Halfmoon Quay series kicks off with a heartfelt and beautifully crafted story set in a charming Cornish village. The book follows Anya as she returns to Halfmoon Quay, seeking a fresh start after her husband's death uncovers painful secrets. With the support of her childhood friend, Rick Penrose, she begins to rebuild her life while navigating love, trust, and second chances.

Bennett’s storytelling shines through her well-developed, relatable characters and their natural interactions. Even the side characters add warmth and charm, making the village feel alive. The strong sense of community is one of the book’s highlights—Halfmoon Quay is the kind of place you’d love to visit, filled with friendships, small-town charm, and heartfelt connections. This cozy, uplifting read is perfect for anyone who loves stories about fresh starts and found family.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced Copy in exchange for an honest review.

Wahoo another Sarah novel. She is one of my all time faves. Just like all her others this books is sit me down, don't disturb me,delving into a better world brilliant. She has jas such a talent for the genre and stories she knows and does well. I feel so lucky to be able to bare witness to authors with such talent. Authors who magically have phone their niche and share it with us.
I was even more overjoyed realising this is book 1 of a new series.
I can't wait to get to know more characters from the community?
I always always feel sad when her books end..I want to stay locked up in the Bennett world forever!
The two main character were once again amazing. Each with their own journey to go on. Together and apart you are chearing for them.

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This story takes place in a lively sounding place called Halfmoon Quay. Anna and her daughter are headed to stay with her Aunt and Uncle. She’s determined to make a new life there.
This is a quick easy book to read and book one in a new series. If you enjoy stories of starting over and second chance romance grab this one. It’s the perfect beach read

I really enjoyed Just the Beginning by Sarah Bennett, and was actually disappointed when I finished it so I really, really hope there will be follow-up book. I want to know what happens with Davy , the hotel , Anya & Rick and the rest of the fabulous cast of characters . Recommended.

Sarah Bennett writes such wonderful stories full of characters that captivate the reader’s interest and always taking place in beautiful settings - I’m always sad when a series comes to an end so I was thrilled to find Just the Beginning, the first of a new series of books set in a coastal town.
Yet another fabulous read, the storyline was so easy to get into and the main characters held my attention from beginning to end. I can’t wait for the next book.

This is such a sweet story of second chances and learning to rely on yourself! This is the first book in a new series by Sarah Bennett, and I can't wait to read more Halfmoon Quay stories! There were a couple of moments that the FMC drove me crazy, but that's meant to happen. As you can tell, she's learning and growing, and it's rewarding to go on the journey with her. And thank God the author had a list/description of every character cause I would have been lost otherwise! Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for my digital ARC!!

Thank you NetGalley for providing an ARC for me to read!

Welcome to Halfmoon Quay, the picture-perfect village clinging to the edge of the Cornish coast ⛵️🧡🌊

Everyone knows Rick Penrose is the person in the village to turn to for help. Friendly and reliable, not to mention drop-dead gorgeous, he’ll do anything for anyone. When his teenage crush Anya moves back to the quay for a fresh start, he has the perfect solution. She needs a job and his great uncle needs help to run his hotel. It’s a win-win.

Following the death of her husband, Anya Stokes discovered everything about her life was a lie. Without her beautiful home and the luxuries she took for granted, Anya and her daughter, Freya, have no choice but to move in with her aunt and uncle in Halfmoon Quay.

As she begins to turn her life around, Anya realises the perfect man might have been right under her nose all the time. But there’s a fine line between helping and taking over and Rick doesn’t always know where it is. Then Anya discovers he’s been keeping things from her and it’s like the past is repeating itself…

This is an enjoyable series. I would definitely be excited to read more from this series!

This is the first instalment of a new series for this author and as per their other books it didn’t disappoint and was an absolute delight to read.

I love the storyline and the characters and the beautiful Cornish community setting. This was a story of hope and love and second chances

Am looking forward to the next instalment of this cosy series to see where it takes the reader next.

I would like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to the author the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me the privilege of being able to read this adorable book!

Apart from a couple missed words in a few sentences, I absolutely adored this book! I was really worried at the beginning with the big long list of characters that would be apart of the book, that it would be really busy and hard to remember who everyone was. I've read a book recently that was exactly like but without a list of who each character was and it was overwhelming and too much for the same sized book. However I was really excited that that didn't happen here! I didn't even need to go back and forth to double check. It was so easy to follow, and each character was so different that it was so easy to remember who was who.

I know there's a story in this story and I loved the story itself, it felt real and raw and I loved it. However I loved the characters more! They completely stole the show for me in the best way possible! I fell in love with each and everyone of them and I really wished I had a family like that! I loved Davy, I know he's not the main character at all but he was real, and such a sweetheart. I also really loved that but towards the end! Issys nan too she wasn't featured much but she is so awesome and I wish I could be like here when I'm older! I really can't wait for more from these characters hopefully!!

I've got a new favourite cozy read author and I can't wait to read more by her! Thank you so very much from the bottom of heart again for letting me read this cozy comfy story, it came at the perfect time!

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.