A warm, sparkly and absolutely unputdownable return to the unforgettable Starshine Cove! Cally , a devoted single mum, is stretched thin between caring for her clingy mother and her day job as a hairdresser with an always sympathetic ear. When her life in Liverpool is suddenly upended, she grabs her son Sam and jumps in the car to drive south for the holidays. Searching for a tiny speck of a village she once visited as a child, they nearly give up when a snowstorm hits, only to unexpectedly stumble across Welcome to Starshine Cove. Amidst the welcoming – if slightly mad – locals, Cally finds some unexpected new friendships. But as the year draws to a close, she faces a tough decision, she and Sam can’t stay here forever, and the future looks a lot less jolly back home…
Debbie Johnson is an award-winning author who lives and works in Liverpool, where she divides her time between writing, caring for a small tribe of children and animals, and not doing the housework.
She writes feel-good emotional women’s fiction, and has sold more than 1,000,000 books worldwide. She is published globally in many different languages, and has had two books optioned for film and TV.
Her books include the best-selling Comfort Food Cafe series, The A-Z of Everything, Maybe One Day, The Moment I Met You, Falling for You and the Starshine Cove books.
She is also the author of supernatural crime thriller, Fear No Evil, and urban fantasies Dark Vision and Dark Touch.
Cally is stretched thin between caring for her mother and handling her teenage son. She is so used to being needed and having an overflowing schedule that Cally doesn’t know what to do when she has too much time on her hands.
In the spur of a moment, she decides to take a trip to Starshine Cove, a remote place with no signboard. Cally and Sam arrive at their destination right before Christmas and are pulled into the warmth and beauty of the small town. As Cally meets new people and makes friends, she wonders if this is the change she needs in her life.
The story comes in Cally’s first-person POV.
My Thoughts:
I didn’t read book one, but this works more than well as a standalone. Of course, you’ll have ‘spoilers’ for book one, but don’t we all know how a love story ends? ;)
Cally is a forty-two-year-old single mother to an eighteen-year-old Sam. Her first-person POV, though limiting in perspective, is quite easy and refreshing to read. The writing style is informal and casual, with a good dose of dry humor. This works well and maintains a good balance between lightheartedness and emotional depth.
I absolutely love Lilly (the fairy-obsessed eight-year-old) and Meg (a dinosaur-obsessed four-year-old). They are such a delight to read. Archie is a wonderful character (even if his Viking hair and beard aren’t my thing).
Sam sure acts his age, but he is also a sweet young man who really loves his mother and grandmother. His character is just right (apparently, the author has teens of her own, so no surprise it’s spot on). There’s enough talk of social media and TikTok, which is to be expected.
Starshine Cove is a picturesque location and magical in winter. The locals are just as heartwarming. Since this is a feel-good book, we won’t find villains or nasty people plotting behind the scenes.
With themes like moving on, finding love again, learning to live for one’s self, taking risks, etc., the book has some worthy discussions deftly handled.
There’s a third-act breakup, which is very well done and feels necessary for the characters. No misunderstanding, though. They sit, talk, and decide, even if that may not be what they want.
To summarize, Secrets of Starshine Cove is an absolute comfort read with a cozy setting and some beautiful characters. It’s Christmas-themed, too, so that’s a plus. It is predictable but sweet.
Thank you, NetGalley and Strom Publishing, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #SecretsofStarshineCove
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P.S.: Not a critique per se, but I ended up with two back-to-back books that talk about Bangladesh. The previous one is quite understandable since the Liberation War (1971) was going on. Here, it rather seems odd that a remote small town that doesn’t even have a signboard on the highway and works with donors to support the community is collecting funds to send to Bangladesh. Savior much? Maybe focus closer home and fund the poor nearby. England isn’t exactly a thriving economy, is it?
Cally is a divorced single mother of one teenager. A hairdresser in Liverpool, she basically looked after her mother ever since her father (Cally's father) died when Cally was just a child herself. Now, having looked after her son and her mother for all these years her son is on the brink of going to university and her mother has fallen in love and is moving to Scotland.
Feeling alone, and a bit lonely, after the ceiling at the shop where she works collapses, Cally has a few too many glasses of Baileys and decides to spend Christmas somewhere else, and where better than the seaside village she vaguely remembers from the last family holiday before her father got sick. After following her mother's rather cryptic directions Cally and her son Sam arrive at Starshine Cove and are enthusiastically welcomed by the locals.
I felt that the first book in this series leaned a bit too heavily on the woo-woo factor (the fact that Starshine Cove isn't on any maps and you can only find it by accident, like Brigadoon). This book toned down the woo-woo but I was left feeling a bit like nothing much happened. Cally didn't have a strong enough personality to be the lead character in the novel for me.
I received an ARC from the publisher Storm Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.
What an enjoyable return trip to Starshine Cove for readers. Although I should state instantly that this can easily be read as a standalone, but why miss out on reading the first book in the series which was fabulous.
I really enjoyed getting to know Cally, her 18 year old son Sam, and her mother. It's a story of Cally learning a lot about herself and her childhood, and I loved her trip to Starshine Cove on a whim.
However it was Archie I was enthralled with, along with his daughters Lillie and Meg. His story is one that might bring tears to your eyes, and seeing the changes in him as he gets to know Cally was really heartwarming.
And Starshine Cove itself once again was the star of the book - I especially loved the Snowman building competition. All the quirky characters from the first book are still there, and this is a place that I am loving more and more each visit and just wish it was real.
There is a lot to love in this story, and I had a great time devouring the words on the pages.
Thank you to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Another lovely story set in gorgeous Starshine Cove. This book is set in the run up to Christmas and beyond, and so so enjoyable. It definitely would not be necessary to have read the first book in order to thoroughly enjoy this one!
Secrets of Starshine Cove is a beautiful story with a festive sparkle set during the Christmas season. It centres around Cally, a single mum and hairdresser, who is going through a few life changes and not quite sure of her direction. She has taken care of her seventy- two year old mother for a long time but recently things have changed. Her once sad mother has gotten social savvy, met a new man on the internet and has been literally swept away by him to a new location. Now that she has moved, Cally feels a bit lost, even though her eighteen year old son still lives with her. She needs to find a new purpose, create a new routine. Even though Cally is happy for her mother, she’s also a bit concerned over this world wind romance. The only way she can get her mind off what’s happened is to take a trip during the holiday season. Spend Christmas elsewhere—away from the reminders of her mother’s sudden absence.
Cally packs a bag and takes her son to a place she remembers fondly from her childhood. A special getaway where she spent time with her father before he passed. She is trying to recapture some of the security, familiarity, happiness and love she felt as a child. And to rediscover herself by returning to a point in time when she was carefree in a place where she could touch the stars. Of course, we know from the first novel that Starshine Cove has a magical cave of unique beauty where visitors can have an unusual experience and receive a sense of wonder, calm and healing.
Upon arriving in Starshine Cove, Cally meets all the locals and gets caught up in their stories and relationships. She loves the community spirit and how the residents care about and help each other in times of need. Connie (one of its residents) delivers special gifts (in the true Santa Claus spirit) to those who need cheering up. Cally chips in and offers her hairdressing skills doing trims, shampoos and makeovers. For a few of who cannot get out to her mock up salon, she makes visits to their homes. It isn’t long before Cally is knee deep in people’s stories: learning what makes them happy and sad. But during one of the stops, she stumbles across some secrets that have been held in Starcross Cove about her own family. What she hears is not what she remembers and the revelations shock her. Maybe she has been carrying scars hidden from herself?
Amidst the turmoil and confusion, she spends time with Archie— a widower with two girls. He becomes a close friend, shares her burdens, lightens her heart and even ignites some new passions. She learns a lot about herself, her fears, what she needs and what matters most. And ‘what is life without a little bit of danger.’ She steps out of her comfort zone and begins a new journey toward life, love and healing. (And has that much needed chat with her mum that uncovers the truth about their past.)
One of my favourite parts of Starshine Cove is reading about the gorgeous descriptions. The winter scene is stunning… ‘scatterings of snow on the beach, heaped on driftwood and shining white in the rippled furrows of the sand. The moon hanging fat and yellow, casting its reflection on the waves..’ This takes me back to my former home in Canada where I lived on the coast with the beach as my front yard. I can really appreciate the inspiring coastal winter scenes.
And Archie’s comments about the plants (he says he is a plant nerd): ‘There is something new, every season…the whole place is awash with colour…watching it change and grow…seeing the wildflowers. Foxgloves in summer, snowdrops in winter, the celandine that springs up and covers the ground in the woods like a yellow carpet..’ And then there is the description of the caves and how they transform into magical stars, flares of colour, shimmering dazzling gems embedded in the rock. I loved how Cally fell under their spell and spun under the glittering dome. This gesture caused her to feel ‘drunk on both the motion and the unexpected treasure…like being in Aladdin’s Cave, surrounded by precious secrets.’ This is a beautiful scene because she is ‘liberated from all the burdens of adulthood…’ This experience reminds her of good moments with her father in the cave when she was a child (even though those memories will be challenged later on in the story).
There’s a great cast of characters: some from the former novel and some new. I loved how this story shows that the world needs a variety of persons to make it work. Not all can be doctors, lawyers and scientists but we need plumbers and bakers and hairdressers, too. We can agree with Cally that those persons classed as ordinary, actually ‘make it (the world) extraordinary in so many unexpected ways.’
What a great story, filled with heart, depth and meaningful thought. There are lots of intriguing observations about memories and how the mind sometimes chooses to protest itself by burying the bad moments caused by grief, guilt and fear. The novel also shines with the beauty of community life, the power of truth and the need for second chances. I read this book in a day as it would not let me go until I finished it. I was fully engaged, enthralled and amazed. It made me feel a wide range of emotions and even drew out a few tears. And, of course, we cannot forget its dash of Christmas cheer. I highly recommend Secrets of Starshine Cove. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for my review copy.
The second book in this brilliant new series from Debbie Johnson, Starshine Cove is magical place and this visit is just as wonderful as the first. Great to catch up with previous characters, I really enjoyed getting to know them in the previous story. This time our main character is Cally, single mother of an 18 year old fabulous son, who finds herself looking to relive old, cherished memories. Her Mum has upped and left for Scotland after a whirlwind online romance, the hair salon where she works is out of action for a while and so Cally decides its time for something different. She stumbles upon Starshine Cove and is soon welcomed by the lovely community who happened to be in the party spirit. Throughout this story we see time and time again, these characters coming together in a way that makes me long to be part of it. The locals soon take Cally into their bosom so to speak and treat her like one of their own. Cally and her son soon realise that there is something special and start re-evaluating their lives back home. Cally is smitten with the place, with the locals and with one certain someone. Her memories may not have been wholly accurate and she needs to get her head around some pretty big revelations whilst navigating a romantic situation that is quickly becoming more than she anticipated. I loved Cally, I adored her son Sam who provides much light relief throughout. I enjoyed getting to know Archie and his family more as well. He is a sturdy character, knowing what to expect but enjoying none the less. This book is just a pure comfort read. I loved it from start to finish, and highly recommend it for those who are looking for something heart warming and feel good. I hope to return to Starshine Cove for another book soon.
This was the most perfect, cosy, festive read to lose myself in over the weekend 🥰
This is book two in the Starshine Cove series, but I haven’t read the first book and it didn’t spoil this one at all. I will however go back and read the first one at some point because I would love to read more of Ella’s story.
Cally is a single mum of 18 year old son, Sam, who has so much sass and personality, I loved him!! Cally finds herself at a loose end when the mum that she has spent the best part of her life looking after through her longstanding depression, suddenly announces she’s moving to Scotland to live with her new boyfriend, and the salon that she works at suffers from a plumbing emergency. After too much Baileys and a night of reminiscing of her last memories of her late dad, Cally decides that her and Sam will spend Christmas at Starshine Cove..they’ve just got to find it.
Well Starshine Cove is the most magical place…I could picture it so clearly in my mind. I wish I could visit/live there/be part of the community. From the moment Cally steps foot into The Inn, she is welcomed with open arms by the most lovely cast of characters. And it’s here that she meets single dad Archie, and as they spend more time together, they both grow to feel something that neither of them have felt for a very long time.
This book was cosy, heartwarming, festive…just the most wonderful escapism. I absolutely loved it and I did not want it to end! Lilly and Meg were the absolute cutest, and our furry friends Lottie and Larry too 🐶 I only wish I could have learnt more about Miranda!! I’m hoping that might come through in the next instalments? I would definitely recommend this book!
Debbie Johnson has really cornered the market with her magical romantic comedy stories. This is the second book in the Starshine Cove series and can easily be read as a standalone but do yourself a favour and read Escape to Starshine Cove first. You won't regret it. Here we see Cally and her 16 year old son Sam arrive in the village. Cally is finding life tough and decides to head to Starshine Cove, the place that holds her favourite memories of a holiday before her beloved father died when she was just a child. But things may not have been exactly as Cally remembers. This series is almost like a book of Enid Blyton stories for adults. The idea that you will see a sign that isn't a sign suggests that only those who need to come to the village will be able to find their way there is so sweet. It's like a kind of geographical Nanny McPhee. I really hope Debbie has ideas for a whole lot more tales from here.
I put off reading this book for a while because I realized that it was part of a series of books. And I always like to read a series in order. So I was waiting until I went back and read the first book. But I did take a glimpse at a few reviews that said it could definitely be read as a standalone. So I didn’t want to wait any further, and I read it!
Loved it!
Definitely lived up to my hopes based on the title and the cover. A Very delightful, whimsical, dreamy, romantic story set in an ideal setting. I wanted to jump into this book! Definitely will read the rest of the series based on this one.! Well done!
Thankyou to author Debbie Johnson, Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book ahead of publishing date. Charlene 🌸📚🤗 @lastnownext
This is a delightful read of family, secrets, kindness and starting over. I loved the small coastal village and the people that were so caring . The Mother and son relationship is very sweet . A budding romance adds to the fun. This is a escape read I enjoyed cover to cover with warm relationships and wonderful engaging writing.,
Thank you to the publisher, Net Galley and to the author for the opportunity
Cally has been looking after her mother since she was young, after her father died. Her mother couldn't cope with life in general after that so Cally took over and has been looking after her ever since, along with her son Sam, who is now 18. But now all of a sudden, after persuading her mother to join a silver surfers group to help older people with the internet, she's signed onto a dating site and has found new life and a new partner, who lives in Scotland, and she's moving there to be with him!
This leaves Cally feeling a bit adrift in life, her mother has a new partner, her son is 18 and doing his own thing now, so she feels she's not really needed much anymore, but what can she do with her life now? Then there's a flooding at the hair salon she works at, and the salon is shut until the new year too. So she decides to take a road trip with Sam to find a place she vaguely remembers from her childhood as being the last really happy time she spent with both parents, just before her father died.
Eventually she finds Starshine Cove and both her and Sam start to settle in for a while, meeting the residents and finding their own space in the village and helping out with various events. While there she meets Archie, and his really cute young daughters, and they slowly get closer, and she learns the very sad story behind their lives.
This story started off as quite lighthearted, but has a lot more going on as you get into the lives of the residents, especially with Archie and his family, but also Cally's mother, who avoids talking/texting her daughter for quite a while and there are secrets to eventually reveal there. I did find Cally's mother a bit annoying ghosting her only daughter who'd looked after her for all those years, but I suppose she felt she had her reasons and it was resolved eventually.
Starshine Cove is definitely a little hidden pocket of magic, a little village that helps those who need it most, even if they don't realise it. A really lovely series that I hope continues.
I had such a lovely trip back to Starshine Cove! This magical hidden village delivered another dose of healing. This time, it was two single parents who found comfort and the courage to move forward together.
Cally had been a single mom since her divorce, as well as caretaker for her mother since she was quite young. With her son grown and her mother running off with a new man, Cally was left with little to do. Inspired by some childhood photos, she took off on a mission to find Starshine Cove. While there, she meets Archie who was left to raise his two girls on his own following his wife's death.
In a word, this book was heartwarming. I was so happy that Cally and Archie found each other. Archie poured his heart into raising his children, and he was doing a great job, but he still carried a lot of pain related to his wife's death. Seeing him and his girls warm up to Cally was so lovely. It seemed the Cove selected the right person for this family as they all connected with each other so well.
Being in Starshine Cove was great for Cally, too. She had spent many years catering to everyone else's needs while ignoring her own. Here, she made friends and was able to frolic and be free. It was a treat seeing her have the opportunity to explore her wants while also confronting some issues from her past.
There were a lot of fun and rollicking celebrations which I greatly enjoyed. Holiday dinners, sledding, and hot cocoas were enjoyed by all the quirky and wonderful characters, and Cally and her son fit in perfectly.
Overall, my return trip to Starshine Cove was a hit, and I cannot wait to return again.
There's something magical about Starshine Cove in Cornwall. Characters in the first book in the Starshine Cove series--Ella, Jake, and Connie--are again part of the plot, but in the second novel, the focus is on Cally, who is at loose ends when her mother, for whom she has cared ever since her father died many years ago, has suddenly decided to move to Scotland to be with her new love. At the same time, the salon where Cally works as a hair stylist experiences a fire and shuts down for more than a month.
But it's Christmas time (even though the title doesn't hint at it), so Cally makes an abrupt decision to go on a road trip to the place where she has fond memories of her father--Starshine Cove (but first she has to find it!). And although the Starshine Inn is full, she is welcomed by the town's residents and lodging is found for her and her 18-year-old son. While Cally comes to enjoy the time she spends in the lovely town with her new friends, she has to come to terms with whether her memories are accurate or whether there are things about her parents that she has never suspected, not to mention what she wants going forward in her life.
I was easily engaged with Cally and even more so with her clothes-obsessed son Sam, currently on a gap year between high school and university and still reeling from a breakup with his ex. I also loved Archie, a former attorney nd single parent who is now the town's lead gardener and crafter of the figures of fairies and elves that are scattered all across the town. This is a cozy series, and although it is unfair to call it a palate cleanser after a more serious book because it has plenty of merit on its own, it is definitely something to pick up when you are looking for a heart-warming, uplifting story. I can't wait for the next installment.
My review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy of this book.
In a whirlwind of chaos, love, and the magic of small-town charm, "Secrets of Starshine Cove" called me into a heartwarming holiday story. It makes me consider reading it again later this winter when the fireplace will be crackling fire on a wintry night.
Cally's journey from bustling Liverpool to the enchanting Starshine Cove unveils a world of eccentric characters and unexpected connections. Amidst the snowflakes and community warmth, she discovers solace in the unlikeliest of places.
Cally is navigating her tangled feelings and wrestling with life-changing decisions -- I can relate to that, The story feels so authentic and makes me imagine a real place like Starshine Cove, where friendships bloom and hope shines bright.
Johnson's writing is sprinkled with the magic of the season. It's a delightful escape from my everyday, a reminder that amidst life's upheavals, love and community triumph. "Secrets of Starshine Cove" is an invitation to embrace the spirit of the holidays and cherish the unexpected gifts life delivers us.
"Absolutely heartwarming, a festive escape into love and community."
"A delightful blend of cozy charm and emotional depth."
"A captivating journey through the magic of a small-town holiday."
"An exploration of family, love, and life's unexpected turns."
"An enchanting tale that sparkles with festive cheer and warmth."
"A touching and tender holiday romance that tugs at the heartstrings."
"A heartening story of finding hope and home in unexpected places."
I always love Debbie Johnson reads and this was no exception. This is very easily read as a standalone story instead of part of a series (I know this because I didn't realise it was part of a series until after I was done!!).
Cally is a single mum living in Liverpool who experiences a shock when her own mother, who she's had to look after for most of her life since the death of her father, decides to start wearing leggings and try out internet dating! When she moves to Scotland with a new man, Cally is left wondering what her purpose is now. After the salon that she works at unexpectedly closes, she decides on a whim to take her teenage son, Sam, and go on a trip to find the last place she can really remember her Dad. When a large snowman shows her the way to a small town that she can just barely remember, she starts to learn there's a lot in life that she's missing out on.
I really enjoyed this book and would like to read it again already! The characters were flawless, the story was paced well and although there was some sadness, there were plenty of funny moments too. I just wish this was a real place so that I could visit!
**I received this book in exchange for an honest review through NetGalley.**
Oh it was fantastic to be back in Starshine Cove again. Cally and Sam’s story was really engaging. I could identify with Cally a lot, I’m a mother with and 18 year old and I know exactly how she felt when she felt unneeded and unwanted. It’s hard to be a mother. Callys mum really annoyed me a bit, I was angry and frustrated right along with her when her mother snubbed her calls and ignored her, especially after all Cally had done for her since her dad died. The twist was interesting and once it was all out in the open I could understand why Callys mum acted the way she did, but my heart still went out to Cally.
Archie was interesting too. In many ways he’s in a similar situation as Cally. He’s being everything to his daughters, at the expense of his own happiness at times, but never letting it show. Archie and Cally are great together, they compliment each other, but they also see each other and understand what the other feels.
I loved reading this book and seeing Christmas being celebrated as a community, it looked so much fun. I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen in Starshine Cove next.
The second book in the Starshine Cove series is as warm and uplifting as the first and it’s great to catch up with the previous characters over the Christmas period. The latest book focuses on Cally, a hairdresser from Liverpool who’s a single mum to her eighteen year old son Sam and until extremely recently has been a carer for her mum since her childhood. In a short space of time Cally’s mum moves away and the salon she works in has to be shut for urgent repairs leaving her seeking a happy place which, after flicking through photograph albums from her youth, she decides is Sunshine Cove leading to a spur of the moment holiday there. I think Cally represents a lot of women who have been so busy with life and family that they find themselves at a point which they feel untethered and it was good to see the effect Starshine Cove and it’s residents had on her. As you’d expect from Debbie Johnson this is a positive, feel good read and so far this is shaping up to be a great series.
3.75🌟 This is a sweet little romance that is a very easy read. I found myself quite absorbed in it and didn't want to put it down because I felt a connection to the characters and their plight, as well as loving the setting for the majority of the book.
It made me nostalgic for happy memories from holidays I've been on too, and made me miss being close to the sea and taking walks on the beach. It's a good book for transporting you to another place for a while!
That being said, the book has emotional aspects that make it a deeper read, namely the main character trying to work her life out. It makes the book have another dimension that isn't just the romance element.
I would recommend reading this book to be whisked away and carried along on the story, lose yourself for a while! I hadn't read the first in the series, but was able to follow this one well.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Debbie Johnson's Secrets of Starshine Cove is a delightful and heartwarming Christmas story that focuses on the journey of Cally, a single mother and hairdresser, as she navigates life's unexpected twists. Cally, who has spent years caring for her elderly mother, finds herself adrift when her mother embarks on a whirlwind romance and moves away. Seeking solace and a change of scenery, Cally and her son, Sam, stumble upon Starshine Cove, a charming seaside village. Here, amidst the warm and slightly eccentric locals, Cally embarks on a journey of self-discovery, forming new friendships and finding solace in unexpected places. The novel beautifully captures the essence of community life, the power of truth, and the importance of second chances. With evocative descriptions, a memorable cast of characters, and a storyline that evokes a wide range of emotions, this book is a heartwarming and thoughtful read.
After her mother, who she has been caring for since she was a young child, suddenly marries and moves to Scotland Cally decides to travel to Starshine Cove with her teenage son. She has happy memories of a holiday there with her father, who died shortly afterwards, and is hoping to rekindle those memories. The Comfort Food Cafe series remains one of my favourite series and I had high hopes that this new to me series would match up - and I'm happy to say that it gives me the same feeling as being a virtual hug from a book. It might be unlikely that such a warm, friendly community may exist, but it is exactly the type of place that I, with many others, dream of and would love to move to. I can highly recommend this book to those who like clean romances with secrets gradually being revealed throughout the book. I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
This book is a great holiday romance. It’s is a great feel good book about a loving accepting community. Cally’s dad died after a holiday that her and her mum and dad had at Starshine Cove. This memory she had of her dad is a happy one. She then spent many years looking after her mum who sunk into depression. Cally’s marriage failed and she was left to look after not only her mother but her son. When her mum finds love Cally feels lost as she is no longer needed. Christmas Eve she decides to take her son Sam back to the last place she remembers being happy with her dad. Starshine Cove. Cally and Sam fit in immediately to the little town and Cally soon finds out that the memory she has of being happy here wasn’t how it was. She meets and falls in love with Archie who has two young daughters. Archie is a dedicated dad and when things start to get serious he and Cally have to make a decision on what their future holds.
This was a lovely book and I can't wait to read the next one.
Cally has been living life for other people - caring for her mother, and for her 18 year old son, Sam. When her mother announces that she is moving away, she is put in flux.
Due to a last minute decision, based on Baileys and a happy family memory, and a flood in her workplace, she decides to go on a road trip to the South Coast of England, and drag her grouchy son with her. They set off not really knowing whether the place in her memory exists, or where it is... but they find it as a snow storm starts...
Sam and Cally descend on the local pub, ending up meeting a great deal of the residents of the area. This leads to much adventure, and Cally and Sam going in a very different journey than the one they set out on - building relationships with the locals, rediscovery of treasured memories and relationships, and new dreams and relationships!
I would recommend this book to anyone who needs a cosy read.
I am enjoying this series like I did the Comfort Food Cafe one. This book features a mother with a college age son, who has been caring for her infirm mother for many years after the premature death of her father when she was a child. She is a beautician and makes other people pretty and happy but seldom does things for herself. Her mother meets a man online and is suddenly too busy for her, and her son is busy with his own life. She is suddenly on her own and not very happy. She remembers a childhood Christmas spent in a town by the sea before her father died and decides to try to find it and revisit a happy time in her life. She packs up her car, and her son a few days before Christmas and takes off for a place she doesn't even know the name of, in a snow storm. As luck would have it, she finds Starshine Cove. I won't spoil the plot by revealing what happens, but as always, the various town people come through. I ordered the next book in the series.
Lovely story of Cally’s Christmas trip to Starshine Cove.
When her mum begins a new relationship and moves away from Liverpool and daughter Cally, who has been looking after her for most of her life, Cally makes a last minute decision to hunt out the holiday destination that holds her dearest childhood memories.
When she eventually does find it, she goes on a journey of discovery about her parents’ relationship, her dad’s death and her own need for love and companionship.
Filled with sweet anecdotes about life in the idyllic Starshine and witty asides to beautiful, sad Archie, it’s lovely story to read with a cuppa, while curled up on the sofa.
I hope it’s not too long before I can go back to Starshine Cove… will it be Suzy’s story? Or Ged? I’m looking forward to finding out.
A feel good romantic read set in the winter . Cally, a hairdresser based in Liverpool decides to take off to the Dorset coast in the christmas holidays. Her mother, who has been dependent on her, has moved to Scotland and her teenage son has just had a romantic breakup. Cally has memories of staying in a village with her parents, just before her father died. I liked this book which is a sweet story about Cally rebuilding her life after years of looking after her son and her mother. It is entertaining, though perhaps in places a little too optimistic regarding establishing friendships and the comoplications of family relationships. Sometimes it is just good to read a book where you know everything is going to work out OK (no spoilkers here, but I got that idea quite early on) Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
A heartwarming story that fills you with goodwill and cosy festive feelgood vibes. All the ingredients for a really uplifting book- cosy community feel, second chances, coastal charm and kindness from strangers that become friends. I adored the relationship between Cally and her son Sam, they had a lovely bond and their caring banter was reminiscent of so many mum/teen son conversations. This combined with the sweet innocence of Archie's younger children was adorable to read. Cally's complicated relationship with her Mum was also written really well and their links to Starshine Cove unearths secrets and tells of the memories we hold as children. I hope to read more about this lovely community in future books.
Cally finds herself without someone to look after for the first time, and she is not sure she likes the feeling. Deciding to explore a childhood memory from a holiday in Dorset, she heads south with her teenage son and finds more than she could ever have imagined.
Finding Starshine Cove again is unexpected and life-changing as it reveals its secrets and draws Cally and Sam into its warm and quirky community.
It's a lovely story with a festive setting, warmth, and wonder. Full of humour and poignancy, it's an immersive, feel-good read that lets you escape to a magical place, lovely. I like the setting, the characters and the myriad of emotions in this story.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.