A New Start at the Happily Ever After Bookshop

Castle Cove #1

by Emma Bennet

She’s sworn off romance.
But this summer, love might rewrite her story . . .

Single mum Carrie Worsley doesn’t need another disappointment — she needs a fresh start.

So when she’s offered the chance to run her great-aunt’s romance bookshop in the Cornish seaside town of Castle Cove, she packs up her six-year-old daughter and takes the leap.

Secret beaches. Golden sunsets. And The Happily Ever After Bookshop — a pastel-pink sanctuary filled with stories of second chances.

But it’s only temporary.

Until she meets Michael — the quiet, brooding, local bookbinder with kind eyes and an adorably chaotic dog!

Michael isn’t looking for forever. Carrie doesn’t believe in it anymore. But stolen glances turn into slow-burn tension. Friendly coffees become lingering touches. And suddenly the chemistry isn’t just fictional — it’s undeniable.

Between sea-salted evenings, cinnamon-scented mornings, and long afternoons lost among the shelves, Carrie begins to wonder . . .

What if this time, the love story is hers?

A heartwarming, small-town romance full of second chances, found family, and cosy bookshop vibes.

Genres: Romance

254 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 10, 2026

About the author

Emma grew up and lived in London, before falling in love and moving to Wales to marry her own hero. Emma now lives with her husband, 4 children, and many animals a few miles outside of a small Welsh market town. She can often be found in rivers attempting to control two overexcited chocolate labradors.

Seven charming romances are currently available from the Amazon bestselling authoress:

Number 1 Australian kindle bestseller, 'His Secret Daughter', is the heart-rending story of Iris, a woman falling in love with the father of her child. The only problem is she never told him they had a daughter.

The beautiful landscape around her home gave Emma the inspiration for 'The Green Hills of Home', a tale of love and duty in which country girl Gwen struggles to save her family home and avoid her feelings for her handsome, suave new boss. Is he quite all he seems?

'Snowed in for her Wedding Day' is a novella picking up Gwen's story as her wedding day approaches, but with terrible weather, and an absent groom, will she have the happy ending she so deserves?

'Just Desserts' is a novella about confused chef Leah, who's falling for her handsome French co-worker Jean-Claude, but meant to be marrying to Dan in just a few weeks! Who will she choose?

'Her Perfect Hero' was released in July 2015 as 'I Need a Hero', it's a lovely comic romantic read for anyone who's ever searched for Mr Right (and failed to find him!). Despair of Bronte, a romance writer, incapable of spotting when the perfect man is right next door! Full of horses, country houses and dentists, just beware of the foul-tempered cat Mr Darcy!

'Starstruck', proves that falling in love with a rock star is harder than you'd think! When newly divorced Kate finds school friend, now super famous rock star Joseph Wild, on her doorstep, her whole quiet, ordinary life is thrown into disarray. Is the attraction between them enough to make up for all the hurdles they have to cross if they want to be together?

Latest release, 'Her Sister's Baby' is a beautiful and emotional story about grief, the promises we make and finding love in the most unexpected of places.

Emma likes (in no particular order): cake, books, Cary Grant films, prosecco, chocolate, guinea pigs, knitting, quilting and happily ever afters!

Reviews

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely book which drew me in immediately. Lovely setting and very likeable characters. My thanks to netgalley and the publisher's for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well I think that’s a record even for me, I read a chapter yesterday then finished it today. Such a good book. Totally gentle and so cozy. I’m hoping more books will be written with these characters.
Basically Carrie lives with her young daughter and her not very good dad is absent. It felt like I’d been married to this man previously which was a bit of a shock but it did mean I totally got her effort to help her daughter have a relationship with him. I think I decided once mine had left to get on with my life but I totally understood why Carrie persisted.
Carrie goes to her Aunties bookshop whilst she is away on a cruise and meets a man she had admired as a teen and his daughter. I loved the dynamic of the relationship with the two girls and so recognise that focus on getting your children happy first before being able to consider yourself. The girl’s relationship is at the forefront for some time and I think any single parent would appreciate this fantasy of a blended family.
I’m not sure if someone without kids or someone with in a relationship would understand this drive but for me it was just lovely. Although the rubbish dad is always a sad troupe it’s one because it’s something that does happen. This is by no means a man beating or other parent beating book. Most of the other men are exemplary and the romantic interest’s ex wife is lovely.
I will definitely look for more from this author, I can see she lives in a Welsh Market town and I’m going to see if there are any of her books in my local book shop.
I think this book is perfect for when you are having a hard time and want a gentle book with very little jeopardy. I found it well written and just a joy to read. Warning though you might not be able to put it down. I even had mine on the auto read just so I could get my meal prepared!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing this book for my consideration, this is all my own rambling, honest and personal opinion.

[Herbibliomaniac · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75🌟

This was the sweetest cozy romance I've read in a while.

From second meeting to friendship to love, reading their romance was heartwarming and endearing. Both are single parents with different relationship dynamics with the other parent of their children. Hers felt realistic while his felt like ex-relationship goals.

I really enjoyed the slow burn based on parents doing what they feel is right for their children. The chemistry between them was just right.

The addition of the fun personalities for each child and animal side kicks added a great touch to this story. All of the people who live in Castle Cove are such lovable characters. I too would want to live there.

I highly reccomend this book. I am hit or miss with liking cozy books but will definitely be reading this again and looking up other books by this author!

Thanks to Joffe Books/Choclit, and Emma Bennet for sending me an Arc to review.

[Tawni · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️
This was a cute, quick, closed door romance. I enjoyed the development of the characters and their relationships. The pacing was a little slow in some parts, and I wished there was a little spice/ excitement. It was sweet though.
thank you NetGalley for the ARC

[Suzieeee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awww this was the sweetest love story. I loved how realistic it was for two single parents who deserved all the love. This book had everything that was missing from the Laurie Gilmore books where they had extreme personalities and didn't feel deserving of their good fates, this story was filled with beautiful people you could actually connect with.

It was so cosy and sweet, and realistic. I felt I could really see myself being friends with the characters and empathised with them. I definitely wanted more romantic moments between Carrie and Michael, sometimes it felt like they were lacking chemistry and I wished we were shown rather than told a bit more when it came to their relationship. I do however, see them as a mature love, two people who know a good thing when they see it, and don't need additional drama. I also loved the kids and the animal side kicks! Monty and Tabitha, oh gosh! Loved it very much overall and will definitely re-read and look for more by the same author!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for ARC of this beautiful little book. it was a joy to read.

[cakecoffeeandbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first read by this author and it was very enjoyable. It’s a closed door romance, with a sweet gentle storyline that’s a nice easy, feel good read.

Single mum Carrie and her 6 year old daughter Poppy head out of London for the summer holidays to look after Carrie’s Aunt’s romance book shop by the sea. Carrie has happy memories of summers spent there as a child and bumps into a familiar face in neighbour Michael who lives next door with his 15 year old daughter Layla. The 4 soon become close and you can see them blending together as a family almost seamlessly. The found family and sense of community in the seaside town are lovely and I liked how low angst it was. The romance is very slow burn but feels right for the story.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.

[Wendy Ann Neels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

This is a perfect book for me, I'd love to relocate to a beautiful bookshop by the sea and meet lots of lovely people. A lovely story.

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A New Start at the Happily Ever After Bookshop is one of those books that walks into the room holding a basket of romance tropes like it just cleaned out a charming little Etsy shop. Small seaside town in Cornwall. Pastel pink romance bookshop. Single mum trying to rebuild her life. Broody local man who literally binds books for a living. A chaotic dog. Children who immediately become emotionally invested in their parents’ romantic future like tiny matchmaking interns. It is aggressively cozy from page one and frankly I respect the commitment.

Carrie is our heroine, a single mum who has been through enough romantic disappointment that she has essentially put love in the emotional junk drawer labeled “not worth the hassle.” Which honestly, relatable. When she gets the chance to run her great aunt’s romance bookshop for the summer in Castle Cove, she packs up her six year old daughter Poppy and heads to the coast for a reset.

And listen, Castle Cove sounds suspiciously perfect. Secret beaches. Golden sunsets. Cinnamon scented mornings. A whole romance bookstore where the walls are basically whispering “girl your life could be better.” If a town could emotionally therapize you just by existing, it would be this one.

Then we meet Michael. Michael is the quiet local bookbinder next door, which already sounds like a romance hero job someone invented in a lab. He has kind eyes, a teenage daughter named Layla, and the energy of a man who probably stares thoughtfully out windows while repairing vintage books. I’m sorry but that is extremely romantic behavior. If a man told me he repaired antique love stories for a living I would simply pass away on the spot.

The romance between Carrie and Michael is a true slow burn. And when I say slow burn, I mean this book is the crockpot of romance. We are simmering. We are gently warming. We are emotionally sautéing for a while before anything remotely spicy happens. Most of their relationship development is soft conversations, lingering looks, shared coffees, and the kind of quiet connection that builds between two very tired adults who have been through some stuff.

Honestly, the real power couple for a good chunk of the book is Poppy and Layla. These two children form a friendship so fast it’s like they skipped the small talk and went straight to “we are sisters now.” Their dynamic is adorable and it actually becomes one of the most charming parts of the story. Watching the two families gradually start orbiting each other, dinners, beach walks, chaotic pets, the whole thing has very strong found family energy.

Now here’s the thing. The vibes are immaculate. Truly. The seaside setting is dreamy, the bookshop is every reader’s fantasy workplace, and the town itself feels like it’s collectively rooting for Carrie to get her life together.

But the pacing… she’s a little sleepy. There are moments where we spend a lot of time in the day to day rhythm of Carrie’s life. School routines. Parenting logistics. Internal thoughts about her ex. Normal life stuff. Which is realistic, yes, but occasionally I found myself internally yelling “please flirt harder.” The romance is sweet, but it sometimes feels like it’s politely waiting its turn while the rest of the story finishes tidying up.

And the chemistry between Carrie and Michael is nice. Warm. Comfortable. Mature. They feel like two people who would build a very stable life together, which is lovely, but my messy romance brain occasionally wanted just a little more emotional spark. Give me one dramatic moment near the bookshelves. One accidental hand touch that causes a small existential crisis. Something.

That said, this book absolutely succeeds at what it’s trying to do. It’s soft, cozy, and easy to read in basically one sitting. It feels like stepping into a quiet seaside town where everyone knows your name and someone is always handing you tea and baked goods while gently encouraging you to believe in love again.

Three stars from me. A quick, cute little escape, and honestly I’d still grab the second book if this turns into a series. Castle Cove clearly has an entire population of emotionally available people just waiting for their turn to fall in love and I, personally, would like to see who the town emotionally ambushes next.

And a big thank you to Joffe Books and NetGalley for the ARC, for letting me take a seaside vacation through my Kindle without having to pack a suitcase or deal with airport security. Always appreciated.

[MoMo Book Diary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A New Start at the Happily Ever After Bookshop absolutely captured my heart from the very first page. I picked it up intending to read a few chapters and yet, once again, I ended up devouring the entire book in a single sitting. It is definitely a “housework can wait” read!

From the very beginning I was completely immersed in the story. When the opportunity arises to temporarily run her aunt’s romance bookshop in the Cornish seaside town of Castle Cove, it feels like the perfect chance to reset.

And what a setting it is.

Castle Cove is exactly the kind of place readers dream of escaping to — secret beaches, sea breezes, golden sunsets and the wonderfully cosy Happily Ever After Bookshop itself. The bookshop felt like a character in its own right: warm, welcoming and filled with the quiet promise that stories, and life, can still hold surprises. But while the setting is utterly charming, it’s the characters who truly bring this story to life.

The emotional heart of this story lies in its wonderfully written characters and the gentle, believable way their lives begin to intertwine. Watching someone slowly begin to rebuild their confidence and rediscover joy makes for such a satisfying and uplifting journey.

The romance itself is a beautifully written slow burn. Nothing feels rushed or forced; instead, the connection develops naturally through quiet moments, shared conversations and the kind of small gestures that often mean the most. It’s the sort of relationship that grows gradually and feels all the more meaningful because of it.

Alongside the romance, what truly stood out to me was the sense of community woven throughout the story. The warmth of the small-town setting and the surrounding characters creates such a strong feeling of belonging that Castle Cove quickly begins to feel like somewhere you’d happily escape to yourself.

The theme of found family runs gently through the pages and adds an extra layer of heart to the story. This is one of those books that balances cosy escapism with genuine emotional depth. Beneath the seaside charm and bookshop atmosphere lies a story about healing, second chances and finding the courage to believe in happiness again.

By the time I reached the final chapters, I realised just how emotionally invested I had become. It’s one of those rare reads that makes you smile constantly while quietly tugging at your heartstrings.

A New Start at the Happily Ever After Bookshop is a beautifully heartwarming small-town romance filled with charm, hope and the quiet magic of second chances. With its cosy setting, uplifting atmosphere and tender slow-burn romance, it completely captured my heart.

An utterly delightful read that I didn’t want to end.

[Jade · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm in two minds about how to rate and review this one. The whole rating and review system is so subjective anyway, so please take from it what you will. I'm leaning towards 3.5 stars, and so I'm rounding up to 4 (bumped up thanks to Monty...).

Carrie is a strong, independent single mum to Poppy, her adorable daughter.
A last minute request sees Carrie and Poppy leaving London for the summer to look after her aunt's bookstore in a sleepy coastal town.

Here she meets Michael, a gentle and reserved local, and a single dad to his daughter, Layla.

The budding friendships formed between the four are lovely to witness. And you can kind of see where this is headed, right?

I'd love to give a special shoutout here to Monty, an "embarrassment of a dog" who just might be one of my new favourite characters of all time. Give this little guy his own book!

Running a bookstore in a dreamy little town is probably the dream for many of us book lovers, so I feel it's worth a read for this alone.

There were plenty of genuinely funny moments, and points where I got the warm and fuzzies.

The theme of an absent parent is very personal to me, having grown up in a similar situation, so I could connect with the story easily and understand the pain and confusion. I actually wished the author had leaned into this storyline a little more.

At times I found the pacing to be a little off, with more time devoted to explaining small and irrelevant information at the expense of building out the characters a bit more. I would also have liked to see  more of the burn in this slow-burn romance. It just needed a bit more depth and oomph.

Having said all that, I did enjoy my time spent in Castle Cove, and found myself having an unexpected cry. So points to the author for making that happen!

You should read this book if you love:
- Closed door romance (no spice)
- Small-town romance
- Slow-burn
- Single parents
- Second chances
- Found family

A New Start at the Happily Ever After Bookshop will be released on March 10.

Thank you to Emma Bennet and Joffe Books for the complimentary copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Gabe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A New Start at the Happily Ever After Bookshop is a cute and cozy small town romance that I absolutely loved reading! Carrie is a single mom living in London with her daughter Poppy and working as a teachers assistant. Poppy's father Tony doesn't pay child support and is rarely around. Often, he cancels plans and is an absentee father. School lets out for the summer and Carrie gets a call from her Aunt Mary who lives in Castle Cove, a small seaside town in Cornwall, and needs someone to look after her bookshop for a month while she goes on vacation. Carrie used to work there as a teen and jumps at the chance to show Poppy one of the most treasured places from her youth. Carrie and Poppy arrive believing this will be a temporary summer adventure.

As the summer wears on, Carrie and Poppy make lots of friends and find themselves surrounded by a supportive community, especially their neighbor Michael, his teen daughter Layla, and their dog and cat. The slow burn romance between Carrie and Michael leaves them both questioning all the reasons they believe they can't jump into a relationship.

I loved this book from start to finish, especially the characters. They were all so lovable and I was rooting for them from pretty early on. They all had unique quirks and interesting personalities that kept me interested. Carrie especially experienced lots of growth throughout the book. Overall, this book had almost all the things I love about small town romances- lovable characters, a cute dog, and nosey local residents. The only thing missing was a dramatic and chaotic town meeting. This review would not be complete without saying that the Happily Ever After Bookshop sounds like a dream and I wish I could visit it in real life. If you like the Rome, Kentucky series by Sarah Adams, the Dream Harbor series by Laurie Gilmore, Murder In a Cornish Tea Shop by Fliss Chester, or The Cherry Blossom Boathouse by Laura Bloom, this book is for you!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gentle, sea‑salted warmth runs through A New Start at the Happily Ever After Bookshop, the kind that feels like stepping into a pastel‑pink doorway and finding your shoulders drop without realising. Carrie’s story begins in that familiar place of weariness — a single mum who has learned the hard way not to expect too much — yet the novel treats her with such tenderness that her slow unfurling becomes the heart of the book.

Castle Cove is painted with a soft, summery glow: hidden coves, golden evenings, the hush of a small town that remembers how to breathe. The bookshop itself is a delight — a sanctuary of second chances, cinnamon‑dusted mornings, and the quiet promise that stories can still change us. It’s the sort of setting that feels instantly comforting without tipping into saccharine, and it gives Carrie the space she’s been denied for far too long.

Michael, the brooding bookbinder with kind eyes and a dog who steals every scene, is introduced with a lovely restraint. Their connection grows in those subtle, everyday moments — shared coffees, lingering glances, the gentle ache of two people who don’t quite believe they deserve more. The romance is a true slow burn, tender rather than dramatic, and all the more believable for it. By the time the chemistry sparks into something undeniable, it feels earned.

What really shines is the novel’s sense of found family: the locals who fold Carrie and her daughter into their world, the way community becomes a balm, and the reminder that healing often happens in the quiet spaces between chapters. It’s a story about rebuilding, about letting yourself hope again, and about discovering that happily‑ever‑afters can look different the second time around.

Warm, cozy, and full of heart, this is a perfect escape for readers who love small‑town charm, bookshop magic, and romances that bloom gently but beautifully.

With thanks to Emma Bennett, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Tracey Mayhew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a gorgeous love story that I enjoyed from the first page to the last!

The story introduces us to Carrie who is clearly a people pleaser (especially where her useless ex is concerned) and she's facing six weeks of summer before school starts again. She's clearly ready for a new start but has her daughter to consider - and then her Aunt Mary comes to the rescue with the perfect offer: to run her little bookshop in Castle Cove while she's away on a cruise. When she gets there, she meets Michael and Monty (not forgetting Tabitha of course!)...

Castle Cove is a lovely little seaside village and I found myself wishing I could visit it several times throughout the story. Emma has rally captured the best bits of Cornwall with this place and I can't wait to return in book 2!

Michael and Carrie were a couple who didn't need grand sweeping gestures of love to prove their feelings for one another, it was all said in the little moments they shared, both by themselves and with their children (and pets)! Michael was a lovely hero in this story and a stark contrast to Carrie's ex. There were times when I wanted to shake Carrie for her decisions but then I was cheering her on as she finally came to her senses!

A special mention must go to the way Poppy was written. I often find that six year olds can be unrealistically written in books but not so with Poppy. Emma did a really good job here, making Poppy bright but without being precocious, which is a breath of fresh air.

The ending of the book was everything I wanted and more and I can't wait to return to Castle Cove again and again and again!

I received an advanced copy of this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review.

[Emma Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

🩷 Blurb-
She’s sworn off romance.
But this summer, love might rewrite her story . . .
Single mum Carrie Worsley doesn’t need another disappointment — she needs a fresh start.
So when she’s offered the chance to run her great-aunt’s romance bookshop in the Cornish seaside town of Castle Cove, she packs up her six-year-old daughter and takes the leap.
Secret beaches. Golden sunsets. And The Happily Ever After Bookshop — a pastel-pink sanctuary filled with stories of second chances.
But it’s only temporary.
Until she meets Michael — the quiet, brooding, local bookbinder with kind eyes and an adorably chaotic dog!
Michael isn’t looking for forever. Carrie doesn’t believe in it anymore. But stolen glances turn into slow-burn tension. Friendly coffees become lingering touches. And suddenly the chemistry isn’t just fictional — it’s undeniable.
Between sea-salted evenings, cinnamon-scented mornings, and long afternoons lost among the shelves, Carrie begins to wonder . . .
What if this time, the love story is hers?
A heartwarming, small-town romance full of second chances, found family, and cosy bookshop vibes.
🩵 Review -
This was such a cute read. When a book is based around a bookshop I'm all over it. The story was cute and easy to follow and well written. The pacing was just right and there was a great cast of characters. I loved Carrie and Michael's chemistry and I wanted them to have their happy ending. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Choclit/ Joffe bookss, the author Emma Bennett and Netgalley for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

A New Start at the Happily Ever After Bookshop
By Emma Bennet

Carrie is looking ahead to a quiet summer holiday with her daughter, Poppy. With money tight, they don’t have any big plans—until Carrie receives a call from her Aunt Mary. Auntie Mary is heading off on a cruise and needs someone to watch over her beloved bookshop while she’s away. With little time to think it over, Carrie agrees and takes Poppy to the small seaside town where she spent so many of her childhood summers.

Not long after arriving, Carrie has an unfortunate run-in at the beach that brings her face-to-face with Michael. He seems strangely familiar, and before long she realizes he’s the boy who used to spend time at the bookshop years ago. Now he works next door as a bookbinder.

Despite their attempts to keep their distance, fate—and a few persistent kids and animals—keeps pushing Carrie and Michael together. But Carrie’s stay is only temporary, and Michael isn’t sure his daughter, Layla, is ready for him to start a new relationship.

I gave A New Start at the Happily Ever After Bookshop 3 out of 5 stars. I really enjoyed the cozy seaside setting and the characters, but the story lacked the emotional depth I was hoping for. It was difficult to fully believe in Carrie and Michael’s romance because many of their conversations felt surface-level, which made their connection less convincing. Carrie also didn’t truly make any real friends outside of Michael, seeming too busy, but I wish she spent time building her life at Castle Cove.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review A New Start at the Happily Ever After Bookshop.

[Bookworm Denz · Rating 4 out of 5]

[ARC REVIEW 📖]

A New Start at the Happily Ever After Bookshop
Castle Cove Book 1
Author : Emma Bennet

34-year-old single parent Carrie Worsley works as a teacher's assistant in a grey concrete school building where her 6-year-old daughter Poppy goes to. Her ever supportive bestfriend Davina with her daughter Sophie (Poppy's bestfriend), also goes to the same educational institution.

It was the start of the summer holidays when her Aunt Mary called her & needed her (while she was invited to go on a cruise for a month) to run her little bookshop in the Castle Cove on the South Cornish coast. A nostalgic trip back to Cornwall wouldn't be so bad she thought, since Tony (her good-for-nothing ex-boyfriend & unfortunately Poppy's dad) backed out on bringing Poppy to the zoo, because of an unstable job. And that was how their adventure as mother-and-daughter duo started in their aunt's humble bookshop.

This was a lighthearted, cozy & heartwarming read, especially the romantic build-up between Michael & Carrie. Montymorency the dog (referenced from the Three Men in a Boat), or "Monty" for short is the star of the show! Through that embarrassing experience was how they got to know each other again & reminisce about the past. This was indeed an uplifting novel, proving that some second chances are just worth it. Plus with the happy ending of one big happy family with two lovely daughters, what more can you ask for? 😍

Thank you Netgalley, Joffe Books, & of course the author herself for the opportunity to read! 🥹🫶

4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

P.S.
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[Kim L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A New Start at the Happily Ever After Bookshop is such an uplifting, heartwarming small-town romance—exactly the kind of story I love. This book was completely up my alley, and I enjoyed every minute of it. For me, this is the definition of a true comfort read.

This was my first book by Emma Bennet, and it definitely won’t be my last. I’m officially a fan.

The story follows Carrie, a single mom who brings her daughter, Poppy, back to her mother’s hometown of Castle Cove to help run her aunt’s bookshop while she’s away. It also becomes a chance for Carrie to spend the holiday break with her daughter. Since they can’t afford a big trip on her modest teacher’s assistant salary, this little seaside town becomes the perfect getaway.

Castle Cove is the ideal escape from the busy pace of London life—a charming seaside town filled with quaint little shops and warm, welcoming people. While there, Carrie meets Michael, the quiet, brooding local bookbinder who works right next door to the shop.

The romance is a closed-door, slow-burn story with all the cozy vibes. I loved watching their relationship develop slowly through genuine connection and quiet moments. It felt so natural and heartfelt.

Overall, I absolutely loved this book and would recommend it to anyone looking for a cozy comfort read. Such a beautiful story with such a lovely atmosphere. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books | Choc Lit for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

[Jenntleh · Rating 4 out of 5]

In board games, a shorter and easier game played between heavier, longer ones is called a filler. That’s exactly what this book was for me—a pleasant, lighter read between more intense stories.
The story follows Carrie, a single mom who spends part of the summer running her great-aunt’s romance bookshop in the seaside town of Castle Cove while her aunt is away. She packs up her young daughter and settles into the slow rhythm of coastal life. Through beautifully crafted scenes of beach walks, quiet mornings in the pastel-pink shop, and evenings by the sea, the story gently introduces the people around her.
Among them is Michael, a quiet local bookbinder with kind eyes (and a somewhat chaotic dog). As Carrie gets to know Michael, his daughter, and the wider community, the temporary summer arrangement begins to feel like something more permanent.
At the same time, Carrie is trying to navigate parenting largely on her own, with an ex who has little interest in being involved. Over the course of the summer she begins to reconsider what family, commitment, and support can really look like.
The book moves at a gentle pace, letting the reader meander through the setting and relationships rather than racing toward big drama. It’s the kind of story that feels perfectly suited to reading at the beach—sun, sand, and a cozy bookshop atmosphere included. I imagine reading it oceanside would bump my enjoyment up even more.
Still, I had a lovely day wandering through the pages of this delightful story.

[The Lit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding your way back to a first love while surrounded by books and a very charming cat? Sign me up! A New Start at the Happily Ever After Bookshop was the exact kind of sweet, soul-soothing read I needed this week.

I’m giving this a 4.5 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A New Start at the Happily Ever After Bookshop follows Carrie as she navigates a fresh beginning in a cozy bookstore, only to find that the past has a way of showing up when you least expect it—specifically in the form of a cute guy she once knew.

The Good:
This book was absolutely precious. The concept of Carrie getting a second chance at love with someone from her past was executed so well—it was exactly the kind of "second chance" trope I adore. Michael was, without a doubt, the highlight for me; he was beyond adorable and so incredibly endearing that you can't help but root for him. The bookstore setting felt like a character in itself, providing the perfect whimsical backdrop for their blooming romance.

The Not-So-Good:
The only reason this isn't a full 5 stars is that I wanted even more of the bookstore operations! The atmosphere was so lovely that I found myself wishing for a few more scenes of daily shop life, but that's just because I never wanted to leave the setting.

[Read Me After Midnight · Rating 2 out of 5]

A New Start at the Happily Ever After Bookshop by Emma Bennet is a warm romance story set in a small English town. It features a second-chance romance set against a cosy backdrop of windy beaches and extraordinary boohskop.
The main character, Carrie, is a single mother who’s sworn off love and is fully focused on raising her daughter. During the summer, her aunt invites her to run a community bookshop in one of the English seaside towns. Carrie decides to show her daughter where she grew up and spend a magical summer together. Beautiful sunsets, vast beaches, secret caves, and… a quiet, charming local bookbinder. But will it be enough to tear down the well-set walls around Carrie’s heart?
The blurb of the book gave me the feeling as if the book was perfect for me - it featured a cosy bookshop setting, an adult character, and a charming second-chance romance story. However, after starting the read, I found it quite difficult to dive into it. The pacing was a little too slow, even for a slow burn romance, and the writing style was overly explanatory. Just after a few chapters, I was finally pulled into the story. After that, I quite enjoyed it. The story was cute and cosy. I think fans of small-town settings and slow burn romance stories might enjoy the read.
I’ve received this book for free through the 'Read Now' section on NetGalley.

[Sofi Claros · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Joffe Books and Netgallet for the ARC for thus book!

3.75⭐️ and no 🌶️

First things first because I know there has been a lot of discourse about people giving low ratings because books don't have spice, This is not one of them!! I just put 🌶️ level/rating in all of my reviews because I know I would want to know ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Now, for me, a 3-3.75 rating is not bad, it was an enjoyable book, cute premise and amazing characters! It just felt a little bit too long and verbose to finally arrive where it wanted to go. Some of the conversations between characters had a lot of back and forth that didn't really add to the premise of the book. The conversations felt flat sometimes and at the same time, some things were happening very quickly? For example and MINOR SPOILERS!! Carrie goes back to London and Tony doesn't go to pick up Poppy, Carrie realizes he's a POS and decides to go back to Castle Cove. That's all ok but she just decides in a second even after everyone had told her he was a POS and she was defending him but the second he proves he is everything you were told he was, you just switch gears?? Idk it felt to rushed for me.

Like I said, the book is good, the story is good, it was very enjoyable, it was just maybe the authors way of writing that I didn't click with! And that's ok!

I think this could be an amazing book for someone else, a 5+⭐️!

[Tiffany Lewis · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a cute premise but it was executed poorly.

Carrie is a single mother living in London with her daughter, Poppy. When her aunt needs someone to last minute watch over her bookshop by the sea and Poppy's father leaves the country for the summer, it seems like a perfect working holiday. They soon integrate into life in the small tourist town and Carrie reconnects with a guy she remembers from childhood. Both of them are single parents, doing what they can for their kids, and falling for each other.

The plot of the book is very cute; however, the writing is very choppy. The story is written in third-person, but it's clear that the author struggles with keeping that perspective while also sharing the details she wants.
Ex. "She was laden down with what appeared to be every piece of art she’d produced during the entire school year and had some sort of papier mâché hat balanced on her head. Where would they put it all in their shoebox of a flat? Carrie had no idea but knew Poppy would want to keep everything she’d created."

I almost DNF-ed it a few times because of the writing style. I'm sure it wouldn't bother most people, but it pulled me out of the story every time.

No Spice

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Dominique Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC gifted in exchange for review.

15 stars actually.

As a child, I loved reading Enid Blyton stories, especially those set in the English seaside. This book felt like an adult Enid Blyton book in the best way possible. The setting was so cute and cozy, the plot was incredibly low angst. The characters are sweethearts. I fell in love with Castle Cove and all the residents. A romance bookshop by the seaside with a cafe next door is right out of my coziest daydreams. I loved Carrie and Poppy’s relationship. I also loved the relationship Michael has with Layla. Those four were written in the stars and it was the sweetest slow burn. Watching Michael constantly show up for Poppy made my heart melt. The relationship Layla and Carrie have was so well written, and the relationship between the girls reminded me so much of the relationship between me and my older cousin who is like a big sister to me. In a time when the world is on fire and every thing seems so dire and scary, this was the most perfect peaceful escape. I can’t recommend it enough and this has definitely been added to my rotation of comfort reads.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story has all the ingredients of a perfect cozy romance: a pastel-pink seaside bookshop, a fresh-start storyline, and a slow-burn love interest with a chaotic dog sidekick with a cat best friend. If you're in the mood for something light, fluffy, and easy to sink into, this absolutely delivers on that front. The Cornish setting is charming, and there's a gentle warmth to the story that makes it a pleasant escape. I loved all the Britishisms that made me miss the UK.

That said, the pacing was a noticeable weak point for me. A significant amount of page time is devoted to the day-to-day minutiae of Carrie's life as a mom: school runs, bedtime routines, children's activities. While sweet in small doses, this began to crowd out the romance at the heart of the story. I wanted far more time with Carrie and Michael actually getting to know each other, as their chemistry never quite had the space to build into something truly compelling. Fans of gentle, low-stakes romance will find a lot to enjoy here, but readers hoping for a deeply satisfying slow burn may find themselves wanting more.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!📚

[Nikkireads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a cozy, small town second chance romance.

We follow Carrie, a single mom who’s sworn off love after too many disappointments. When she gets the opportunity to run her great aunt’s romance bookshop in a charming Cornish seaside town, she packs up her daughter and takes the leap for a fresh start. Think secret beaches, golden sunsets, and a pastel pink bookstore dedicated entirely to happily ever afters.

And then there’s Michael…the quiet, brooding local bookbinder with kind eyes and a chaotic dog which obviously adds to the charm.

I finished this in one sitting because it’s a shorter read and very easy to sink into. It’s soft, sweet, and full of second chance energy. The vibes were so cozy.

The only reason this wasn’t rated higher for me is that the pacing felt slow at times. There were moments where my attention drifted, and I wanted a bit more emotional depth to fully connect. Still, if you’re looking for a light, cozy romance with strong seaside bookstore vibes, this would be a perfect weekend read.

Thank you Joffe Books and NetGalley for this ARC!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute contemporary romance novel featuring two single parents in the small town of Castle Cove. Carrie and her 7 year old daughter, Poppy, move for the summer to Castle Cove to help out Carrie’s aunt run her bookshop while she’s on vacation. Michael lives next door with his 15 year old daughter, Layla, their dog Monty, and cat Tabitha.

This really was an adorable story, I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. Carrie and Michael always put their kids first, even above themselves. They go on a lot of adventures, many involving the beach, and they also have an amazing group of friends turned family. I wish that I could go visit castle cove! I’d love to visit the bookstore and meet Carrie, Poppy, Michael, and Layla! I really look forward to seeing this series continue on!

Thank you to the author for providing an eARC copy of the book, this review contains my honest opinions on the book.

[Ashli Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

A New Start at the Happily Ever After Bookshop by Emma Bennet is a cozy, heartwarming small-town romance filled with second chances, found family, and plenty of bookshop charm.

Carrie, a single mom looking for a fresh start, heads to the Cornish seaside town of Castle Cove to run her great-aunt’s romance bookshop for the summer. Between the pastel-pink shop, beautiful coastal setting, and welcoming community, the story has all the comforting small-town vibes that make this genre so fun to read.

The romance between Carrie and Michael is a true slow burn, growing naturally from friendship into something deeper. I especially loved the found-family elements and the way Carrie and her daughter slowly start to feel at home again.

A sweet, feel-good read perfect for fans of cozy romances, bookshop settings, and stories about starting over. 📚🩷

[ChristyB · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was blah. It felt like I was reading a cliff’s note version of a story. It was very matter of fact without any emotions or build up of the story or the characters. There was so much repetition throughout the book. It seemed every chapter talks about getting Carrie’s daughter, Poppy, home to take a bath and go home. She seemed to always take charity from those around her with discounted pastries, Michael making her food, etc. It was mentioned at the end that her mom had wanted to move to Cornwall but was worried to leave Carrie behind. “Carrie felt so bad that her mum hadn’t felt able to talk to her about that.” Of course she did. She was too self absorbed to see others’ needs. “Of course her mum should be free to live wherever she wanted, though Carrie would miss her support terribly.” So self absorbed.

[Marisa Batista · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading an Emma Bennet book, and I can’t wait to discover more of her work.

I loved “A New Start at the Happily Ever After Bookshop” so much that I actually tried to make it last as much as I could - instead of bingeing it.

The whole story felt very relatable. It’s cozy, it’s hopeful, and very well written.

I fell in love with all the characters (except Tony and Ian’s daughters), the setting, the bookstore, Emma’s writing… I honestly wish I could book a plane ticket and pay them a visit.

This is the first book in a series, and I honestly can’t wait for the next one to be released.

Thank you, NetGalley and publisher, for giving me the chance to discover such a heartfelt story.

[amy.davis89 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for the advance read copy of this book.

If you’re looking for a cozy, easy romance with Hallmark-movie vibes then this is for you. I loved the setting and the premise-who wouldn’t want to work in a cozy small town book store by the ocean!? The story and characters were great and I know lots of people would enjoy this book. For me the writing style was just lacking some depth. The pacing felt off. It seemed like there was too much explanation on irrelevant details, but then not enough plot development in other areas. This may seem like I’m being overly critical- but because of this I didn’t feel as connected to the story and characters as I wanted to be.

But overall- if you want a light, cute romance then I think most people would enjoy this one.