The Hampton Beach Café

Starting Over #1

by Sage Parker

An unusual affair. A family with big secrets. A beach café crumbling to the ground.

41 year-old Frances Crawford’s life was great…until suddenly, it wasn’t. When her husband decides to leave her days before her birthday, her best friend suggests it’s time for a big change. So, Frances decides to use her life-savings and buy a falling-apart beach café in her hometown.

But Hampton Beach, the small beachy town where Frances spent many childhood summers, has more than a few surprises in store, including a family secret that reshapes everything.

Amidst the sandy streets, and salty breeze, old friendships are rekindled, new flames are ignited, and second chances offer possibilities Frances could never imagine.

Maybe it won’t be the worst summer of her life after all. Visit the beautiful small village of Hampton Beach, where friendship, hope, love, and coffee are plentiful. This small-town women’s fiction series is perfect for readers who like happy endings and a little bit of mystery.

Begin Book 1 in the Starting Over series!

Genres: Fiction, Romance

96 pages, ebook

Published May 2, 2023

Reviews

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining family listening 🎶🔰

Frances has been divorced and travels to Hampton, New Hampshire where she grew up. She ends up ☝ buying a store. With the help of Lucinda her friend, Clackson, and Alex both friends from school. They hope to open in the next 30 days. Continued in next book. I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of romantic family and friends relationships novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀☺🏡

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to a new series! The author brings strong characters centering on Frances being newly divorced and taking a trip to her hometown with her best friend Lucinda. She has a chance to re-visit friends and start her life over. It's well written, moves quickly and smoothly and she once again delivers a terrific read. I'm looking forward to the next book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Megann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frances's life was turn upside down a year ago after her husband left her and she has been picking up the pieces ever since. One of the pieces that must be picked up is that with the divorce come a termination from the board and all the dealings with her and her husbands business. She has no choice as she signed a pre-nup (horrible pieces of work). Her best friend Lucinda decides that on the one year anniversary they need to get together for a weekend of fun, partying and relaxation. The decide to go to the Hampton Beach where Frances spent much of her teen years and just have fun.
Upon arrival Frances starts running into people from her past. One person in particular is Alex who was her best friend and confidant. She is going by his families old shop when she sees that they are having an auction. She wants to see inside and bring back memories so she signs up and goes in. It is different but she can still see them in the garden plotting their adventures and see the places where they enjoyed spending time together. The auction starts and everyone is trying to get the place for a decent price when Frances makes a decision and goes with it.
Now she has to decide where her life is going to take her so we spend book 1 learning more about her past and how different people effected her life including Prom King.
Sage is such a great writer and I love reading her books and stories as she really does make you a part of the group and you do feel as if you could reach into the group and give your opinions.
I am thinking this is going to be the beach read series of this summer.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Frances when out of the blue she receives divorce papers from Malcolm. She and her friend Lucinda head to the Hamptons where Frances had grown up, for the weekend to celebrate Frances 41st birthday! They start to unwind when the cab brings them to their place where they will be staying for the weekend. The beach is absolutely stunning and they both start to relax. Frances runs into a long time friend that she dated in high school. She walks by his old house where he grew up. The next day Frances was out walking the area and saw that there was an auction and his house was what was up for auction. Frances goes thru the gate and before she knows it she has bid on the house and has won! With lots of help it is cleaned up and renovated into a beach cafe and passes and in a month the doors will be open! What comes next for Frances? I can't wait to find out!

[Baby Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frances is shocked at how her life changed within the blink of an eye. Newly divorced and losing everything she owns to include her stocks in her, and her ex's business was a low blow. Where did her ex-Malcolm disappear too and why is he such a coward and does not face her so that she can get closure?? Lucinda brings to the story a loyal friendship that Frances needs and relies on. Setting on a new adventure to revamp her life, Frances with Lucinda decide to go on a mini vacation that leads them to a whole new journey with endless possibilities. It is going to be interesting to see where Alex, Vincent, Clarkson, and Kennedy fit in as the story unfolds. I hope both Frances and Lucinda find their happily ever after in the end because by the sounds of it, they both deserve to be happy and loved.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kim Mears · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frances finds herself suddenly served with divorce papers and then with no where to live and no job as it is all linked to her now ex-husband. Her friend takes her away for the weekend to celebrate her birthday and to get away from it all for a while.
They end up going back to Hampton Beach, where she grew up and Frances ends up buying the old sweet shop that her best friends parents owned and she spent to much time in as a child.
The story ends with a bit of a cliff hanger and I am interested to find out what happens next. Will we find out what is wrong with her friend and why her husband suddenly decided to divorce her.

I enjoyed reading this story and an looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Hampton Beach Cafe Series which introduces the main characters including Frances, who receives a shocking notice for divorce from her husband by carrier, Lucinda, her best friend who accompanies her to Hampton Beach from California for Frances’ birthday weekend, Alex Lockwood and Clarkson Jones, who are old high school friends, and Vince, a local artist who attracts the attention of Lucinda. Frances spontaneously purchases a building in need of repairs and prepares it for a business with the assistance of Lucinda, Alex, Clarkson, and Vince. I am really looking forward for the next book in this great series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frances suddenly finds herself divorced, without a job and home. She decides to go back to Hampton Beach, her childhood home, with her friend Lucinda. While there, she comes across a dilapidated building that use to sell candy during her childhood. Seeing the building brought back memories of growing up. Unfortunately, the building is being sold and will probably be demolished. On a whim, she decides to buy the building and with help from her friends, decides to refurbish it and open a café and art gallery. Join Frances and her friends as they go through the process of starting over.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to this new series. I really enjoyed the new characters. Frances is newly divorced and finding out that she is left with nothing because of the prenuptial agreement that she signed 23 years ago. She gets nothing but what she went into the marriage with. She and her best friend, Lucinda, head out on a trip to Frances hometown for the weekend. Many great memories and old friends are revisited. Frances makes a surprise purchase that changes her future plans. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Coffeenbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this book begins with a doozy and keeps you in a hold for the entire story. Frances finds out her husband wants to end their marriage through a letter. Delivered to her. By a courier! He even disconnects his cell so that she can't call him. To make matters worse, the pre nup she signed leaves her nothing except the savings she brought with her and her old car.

To cheer her up, her friend takes Frances to her home town.There, Frances reminisces about the small town and has to make some decisions about her future.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rose Grabowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this new series we follow Frances. After 22 years of marriage a bike courier shows up at her home with divorce papers. Thinking it was a mistake she calls her husband's cell phone. The phone number has been cancelled. Her best friend convinces her to take a vacation and get away from her problems. She chooses Hampton Beach where she spent a lot of her childhood. Due to a prenup she signed and never thought would matter she only has the funds she brought into her marriage. While in Hampton Beach she makes an impulsive real estate purchase that changes her life. This is a short book with a cliffhanger ending and I look forward to the second in the series.

[Sue Negrillo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hampton Beach New Hampshire
It’s ok…I don’t like where a story is spread over so many books.
#1 Frances gets divorce papers by a bike delivery. Can’t reach husband. He’s MIA. It’s her 41 birthday so her friend Lucinda takes her on a trip. Frances want to go back where she spent summers. She runs into Alex her friend. She sees the houses he grew up in tells Lucinda stories of the fun there
Next day the house is auctioned off…she ends up buying it. She tells Lucinda they start the clean up with help from Alex and Victoria an artist.
She goes to mother’s house finds her mother’s journals talking about her dad leaving.

[Roslyn Simonin Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

After 22 years Frances husband sent divorce papers via a bicycle courier. And, was enforcing a pre-nup she had signed at 18 years of age.

What was Malcolm up to?

Frances was devastated, she had NOTHING after building a success business with her husband.

Her Birthday was coming up for the week-end and Lucinda(her BFF) was getting her out of town ( back home to Hampton Beach, New Hampshire).

Let's hang on for the ride.

I received this ARC from Sage and am leaving my honest review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carmela Dimattia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great start to this series by Sage Parker. Frances is blindsided when her husband suddenly files for divorce and because of a pre-nup she signed many years ago she is basically left with nothing, alone and doesn’t know where to turn. Heading back to her home town with her best friend Lucinda, she meets some old friends and embarks on a new path in her life when she opens a cafe and gallery. This series sounds very promising and I am looking forward to reading more about Frances future adventure.

I received an arc copy via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[B E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frances life changes completely in the blink of an eye. Her husband is divorcing her and she signed a contract that she didn’t keep her job or anything other than what she had when they married. She is devastated and decides to visit her hometown along with her best friend. While she is there she meets some old and new friends. She lets her emotions take over and buys an old building she used to frequent as a child so it’s not torn down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frances has had her life turned upside down. Her friend suggests a getaway to take her mind off everything. They go to her hometown. While they make their way through town, Frances sees old friends and new faces. Frances doesn't know what is going on with her friend. I absolutely love the writing of Sage Parker. She gives you just enough to make you want to know what is going to happen next with the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to start this book. I love the thought of beach books and starting over. I got into the book right away and finished thinking I cannot wait till the next book. The story is one of someone, Frances, who has lost a husband, has a great friend that suggests she do something different, and has the guts to do so. So Frances is back in her home town and starting a new life. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This first book of a new series is a page turning, many layered delight. I’m hooked and ready for book 2. Trust me there is nothing to not love about this book. The storyline is perfect with a great description of the small beach village and the characters are a wonderful mix. I can't wait to see where this story takes Frances and her friends.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara Labbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 starts with Frances opening an envelope of divorce papers. She’s blindsided by this and to top it off right before her birthday! What a jerk! Her best friend, Lucinda decides to take Frances away on a long weekend and Frances decides on Hampton Beach from her high school days. Familiar surroundings helps with the rest of the surprises of signing those divorce papers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by Sage Parker. I enjoyed it very much. I've found a new author to read. It's a short novel, but sometimes I like short novels. This is a series of six novels, and I'll read all of them. These are sweet and clean novels as advertised. I like that. I like the characters the locations. I like everything about this novel. I recommend this to anyone who likes sweet and clean novels.

[Judy Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book! There were many characters who had interesting relationships that continued to intertwine with one another. Real friendships were established. Great opportunity to see how friends can really help each other. Poor Frances takes a shocking situation and with great effort and many tears, turns her life around.

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic cozy mystery.

Wow - amazing story! I love the characters and storyline. I was in disbelief on the last page as I didn’t want it to end. My mind yelled “No, don’t stop here”. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am providing my honest opinion.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of books written by Sage Parker; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the first book in the Starting Over Series; it is the beginning of a new series. The story continues in the next book and needs to be read in order.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sage Parker just keeps writing great little mini series that you love getting swept up in. The characters are realistic, fun and enjoyable and feel like lifelong friends. The story is captivating and flows smoothly from page to page. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great start to the story! Interesting and entertaining characters that are going to be fun to follow along as this adventure begins. It'll be interesting to see what twists and turns and bumps in the road happen as the story progresses. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Raylene Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you do when your husband sends someone with divorce paper that you had no clue? You go with your friend back to your hometown and buy the can store your childhood friend owned. See how they work out for all.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[casvec · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the series. Frances' world is toss upside down when she is served paper.

When needing to group, Frances head to the small town she grew up only to realize there is there more than she expected.

Great start to the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frances is a smart, sweet and determined woman. This story is taken shape to be a nail bitter with drama, caring and suspense.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great start to a new series. It full of emotions and will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. I can't wait for the next installment.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debi Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starting Over

This is a nice beginning to a new series. Frances is newly divorced and has to start over. With everything that is going on right now this will be a great read. Looking forward to seeing what happens next