A Beginner's Guide to Starting Over

by Gabi Coatsworth

"...tenderly explores grief, self-discovery, and reinvention in middle life...The heartwarming, hopeful tale is also a gentle reminder that it’s possible to fall in love more than once in a lifetime.” Jamie Beck, Wall Street Journal bestselling author

"...Anyone who has had to begin again, to strike out on her own, make a new life and new friends, will relate to this debut novel…" Marilyn Simon Rothstein, author of Crazy to Leave You

“A warm, engaging novel about love, friendship, and starting over, with a protagonist you will root for from the very first page!" Barbara Josselsohn, author of The Lilac House and The Cranberry Inn.

It’s time for widow Molly Stevenson to stand on her own two feet. With blind dates, a needy ghost, and her small-town bookstore in trouble, she’s going to need all her inner strength to prevent another unhappy ending.

Forty-something Molly can’t bear to remove her wedding band. Still grieving the death of her beloved husband, the last thing she needs is her sleazy landlord raising the rent to drive her bookshop out of business. And she doesn’t need a new man, either, no matter what her friends say.

Now, this mild-mannered indie bookstore owner must find the inner strength to turn the page to a brand-new chapter.

So she’s relieved when the ghost of her husband arrives claiming he’s there to help. But is he? Seems he has some issues of his own.

With a little nudge from beyond the grave, the mild-mannered bibliophile hatches a plan to revitalize her boutique and keep the doors open. But with everyone, including her spectral spouse, insisting she start dating again, Molly isn’t sure what’s worse—the dates she meets online or the love of her life trying to find her a new man—who’s not quite as good as him.

How will Molly find the courage to fight for herself?

Genres: Womens Fiction, Romance

329 pages, Paperback

First published April 23, 2023

About the author

I was born in Britain, but have spent most of my life trying to figure out how America works by living there. So, if you find a British flavor in my books, don’t be surprised.
Atmosphere Press published my memoir, Love’s Journey Home, in 2022, and my first novel, A Beginner’s Guide to Starting Over, in 2023. My second novel, A Field Guide to Library Ghosts, is due on October 28, 2025.
Unlike many writers, I can’t write in coffee shops - they’re too distracting, and I only drink coffee as a last resort. I live in Connecticut in a cottage that’s American on the outside, and English inside. If I’m not reading, writing, or traveling, you'll find me in my flower garden holding a cup of her preferred beverage, strong English tea, and wondering whether to do some weeding.
To get advance news and special bonus materials, sign up for my newsletter or follow me on Substack.

Reviews

[Shelley's Book Nook · Rating 1 out of 5]

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I really wanted to like this book but the writing style was kind of pedestrian and was more like a girlfriend telling me a story than reading a novel. I know it sounds weird to say because it is a story but this book missed some finesse. I also wish the book focused more on books and the shop. There is a missed opportunity there. A lot of the book was repetitive and it got boring after awhile. Her friends nag her, she sees her dead husband, miscommunication... rinse and repeat.

Why couldn't Molly's friends just butt out and accept that she didn't want to date or wasn't ready to? They kept pushing her even though she wasn't interested in it and I get that...sometimes it'll come for you when you least expect it...when you're not looking for it. She's hurting and she doesn't want to go through it again, she's always been someone's mother or wife and she finally has herself to herself. I would have told them both off, but I have a big mouth.

Don't be fooled...The Goodreads rating for this book is really high at the time of this review (4.3) and I have to be honest and say I think they're all author and friend reviews because there is no way this book deserves four stars or more.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.

[Dom Reeves · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book did not live up to its initial promise. 😤


I know this book has been given a lot of 4 and 5-star reviews, but I just don’t get it.
When I was first provided with the ARC of this book, I was hooked. The synopsis was so intriguing and exciting, and I truly thought this book would be a winner. However, it didn’t quite deliver, and it felt like they were just scratching the surface of their potential.

Don't get me wrong, it had all the promise and basics of a good story: a cosy bookstore owned by Molly, a widow whose friends have put her into the online dating world. Trouble with an insufferable landlord, the ghost of her husband. Even with the ages of the characters, I thought, ‘So refreshing!’ But then the story got stuck on repeat. Same scenes, same beats, and the excitement I was waiting for just...never came. 

The will-they-won't-they thing? Absolutely classic romance. But this one dragged on for ages. By the time they finally got together (literally the last few pages!), I was like, "Come on already!" 

Overall, “A Beginners Guide to Starting Over” didn't live up to the hype the synopsis created. If you're preset to go with a slower paced storyline, this might be for you. But if you're looking for a plot that'll keep you on the edge of your seat, this one might leave you feeling a little meh.

📚ARC review - I was kindly given this advance review copy by Victory Editing by NetGalley Co-op in exchange for my honest review.📚
Release date 23rd April 2024

[Nursebookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

TITLE: A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO STARTING OVER
AUTHOR: GABI COATSWORTH
PUB DATE: 04.23.23 Now Available

This was the perfect read for me. It’s just so beautifully written and a complete joy to read.

Molly is a recently widowed, and still grieving, forty something indie bookshop owner who is struggling with her loss, and now finds herself trying to move on with the help of her late husband’s ghostly visits.

I found myself laughing and rooting for Molly as she struggles to keep her shop open and also find a second chance in love.

I love the small town vibe and the heart warming cast of characters. Quite the fun and entertaining read that is relatable and entertaining.

[Jacqueline Masumian · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful summer read! Light, airy, and touching as well.

Middle-aged Molly Stevenson, owner of a small-town bookstore, is faced with a couple of problems. First off, her husband, the love of her life, has died, and her friends have decided four years is enough grieving time and that she should find a new mate, or at least start looking. She resists their urgings with all her might, but in the meantime, her landlord has decided to demand a huge rent increase--one she cannot afford--on the bookstore.

How these two plot lines merge is deftly handled, and the reader gets caught up in Molly's fierce determination to manage her life no matter what.

Amusing and endearing, this novel, Gabi Coatsworth's first, is a fun read for summer--or any time for that matter. Her charming characters are simply a pleasure to spend time with.

[Carla Damron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unforgettable and nuanced, Gabi Coatsworth delivers a heart-warming novel about the risks we must take to have a second chance. This is a book begging to be read cozied up in a chair, a fireplace blazing, and a cuppa tea in your hand. Prepare to sit a spell—Molly’s stumbling journey to embrace the future will keep you soaring through the pages and by the end, Molly will feel like a much-loved friend.

[Priya Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book. A sweet story of second chances and coming into one's own self. A book that had me laughing and crying.

[Ethereal Amorist · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beginner's Guide to Starting Over by Gabi Coatsworth
4.5 ⭐

Thank you to Netgalley, Gabi Coatsworth, and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Molly Stevenson is a widow in her late forties, unable to move on from the death of her husband Simon and her mother who died almost at the same time. Three years since their death, Molly is struggling emotionally and financially as she grapples to run her bookstore. Facing challenges, she needs to overcome her insecurities and ask for help, which she loathes to do. When her dead husband materializes as a ghost to help her find a new suitor so that she can move on, she is shocked. Gradually, she learns to ask for and accept help from her loved ones and sets out to make her bookstore business successful, as well as find success in her personal life.

This was an uplifting story about how it is never too late to start your life anew. The concept was unique and inspiring, with self-discovery and personal development as its theme. The inclusion of Molly's dead husband as a ghost added humor to the story, along with a metaphor for self-reflection since the 'ghost' of the past never truly left her.

Though I loved Molly, I did not exactly love her friends who kept insisting on her to move on and find love. Finding a life partner is not the ultimate goal of happiness. If one cannot be happy by themselves, they sure as hell can't be happy with another person without toxic traits marring their relationship. I disliked how her best friends and her ghost husband forced her to move on instead of helping her understand and feel her emotions. They did not let her be expressive of her feelings. In some scenes, I was quite shocked at how they were outright rude to Molly, but Molly was being considerate of their emotions. But shouldn't that have been the opposite? Her loved ones should have been mindful of her emotions while Molly expressed how she felt honestly.

Moving on is important. Letting go is important. But finding a new romantic interest is not the only way to do so. I only disliked that moral from this novel. Otherwise, this is a good book to read as it speaks about dealing with grief and challenges faced in life by everyone.

[Linda Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Molly's life is not a simple one. Her daughters are grown, her husband has died unexpectedly and the bookstore she owns faces a higher rent that may cause her to close. She feels lonely, but with her friends pushing her to start dating again and the ghost of her husband checking in regularly to see how she's doing, it's no wonder that Molly feels overwhelmed. A Beginner's Guide explores what it means for a woman trying to start over and to build a life she can thrive in. What's not to like when there's a bookstore to be saved??

[Samantha Rodriguez · Rating 2 out of 5]

molly stevenson is finding her way and learning to stand on her own all over again. as a new widow and exploring dating while also being a business owner with financial struggles, it feels as though she’s struggling with every part of her life. but molly doesn’t realize she has more support and help in her corner than she realized. as she navigates these new challenges and overcoming new obstacles, she manages to find grounding and stability with the new life she’s creating for herself.

genuine thoughts on the book — not my most favorite read. there are cute moments and it was very heart warming to see the main character take the lead on her life again, but the major plot of the story fell short for me. there weren’t a lot of exciting moments that drew me back in and wanted me to continue reading.

[Elaine · Rating 1 out of 5]

If only the book had been as wonderful as the synopsis; I was confused from page 1 and never found my way out of the confusion so I could enjoy the book.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you @gabicoatsworth and @suzyapprovedbooktours for my gifted copy. My thoughts are my own.

After reading Gabi Coatsworth’s memoir LOVE’S JOURNEY HOME last year, I have been looking forward to reading her debut fiction novel. A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO STARTING OVER has so many things I love in a great story: a strong, yet vulnerable female main character, a cozy bookstore, a cat named Hemingway, a circle of supportive friends, and even a helpful ghost!

Molly has been a widow for almost 3 years when her friend finally gets her to enter the world of online dating. After a disastrous first date, and news of a rent increase on her floundering bookstore, Molly can’t decide what to do next. She gradually learns to make some decisions and stand up for herself. Maybe she will even find love!

The author has a beautiful writing style and a gift for putting words on paper that evokes all the feelings. The story moves at a pace that keeps your interest. I really enjoyed reading Molly’s heartwarming story.

Read this if you enjoy;
*small town vibes
*supportive friends
*likable characters
*mid-life romance
*bookstores and cats

[Jem’s Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows Molly, a middle-aged empty nester who had been a bit lost since she lost her partner 3 years ago. She has taken over a book store and is on a mission to keep it open. She is also reluctantly testing the waters of dating. I really enjoyed this book, I found Molly to be a loveable character and all the side characters were equally charming expedient Luke, Nick and Acacia. It has cosy, small town, second-chance romance vibes. The community of the small town will give you warm and fuzzy feelings. It adresses grief in a way that i found comforting and shows you that those you love never truly leave you. I recommend you read this book to fill your soul with a bit of warmth and love.

[Marie Girulat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy of this e-book.

This novel was heartwarming and endearing, with a focus on second chances. I loved Molly and her growth throughout the novel. Molly, a widow, is still trying to move forward after the death of her husband. Through the encouragement of her friends, and the ghost of her late husband, she begins to find herself. She not only finds herself, she saved her bookstore. I was rooting for Molly to find love and happiness. Overall, the book was a delightful read that left me feeling uplifted.

I would recommend this book if you love romance and second chances.

[Christy Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a delightful read. Molly was such a likeable character and I was rooting for her right out of the gate. I loved her passion for her bookstore and her determination to succeed despite her arrogant landlord. Her friends meant well but her online dating experience made me thankful that I haven't had to experience that! The town of Brentford sounded so charming and I loved the map Gabi shared to show where Molly and her friends lived in relation to the local businesses. I always appreciate loyal pets and loved getting to know Hemingway and Hadley. I really enjoyed the butterfly aspects of the book as well.

[Kimberly Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Coatsworth’s earlier memoir and was excited to see she was releasing her first novel.

This was a fun, fast read centered around a New England smalltown bookstore focused on taking chances and starting over.

With her two daughters off at college, Molly is a recent empty-nester. She has been somewhat adrift since the sudden, unexpected loss of her husband three years earlier. Buying the independent bookshop in which she worked and trying to make it successful has helped her gain control of her life, but when the landlord insists on a steep rent increase, Molly fears her dreams may be short-lived. Meanwhile, her friends are pestering her to begin dating again, and her forays into online dating are another source of stress. Add to the mix the ghost of her dead husband, who says he’s there to “help her” find new love.

This makes for a fun novel, with an enjoyable cast of characters and thoughtful reflections on what it entails to lead a happy, fulfilled life when things don’t turn out as expected. Highly recommend this novel.

[Barbara]

A warm, engaging novel about love, friendship, and starting over. I found Molly--grieving the loss of her husband and struggling to save her bookstore--a spirited and thoughtful protagonist, and I was cheering for from the moment I started the book. Her resilience, honesty, and ability to search deep inside herself made the novel a rich and compelling read. This is a book about second-chance love and so much more, written by an author who knows how to tell a story. Lovely!

[Lisa Winkler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This charming ghost story and romance makes the reader feel that there can be life after loss-
middle-aged dating can be adventurous and exciting.

[Marie Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Coatsworth absolutely nails the emotional journey of a middle-aged woman faced with losing a love and starting over. Her humor and uplifting style make this a delightful read.

[Kiana Stockwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming and full of heart, this book will have you rooting for Molly's second chance at love and the success of her small town bookstore. Grief, loss, community, and new beginnings are the centerpieces of this cozy read.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming, warm-hearted story full of delightful characters you will love getting to know. This is a story about second chances, of how you can have one even when you don't think you want one. With the encouragement from her friends--and her deceased ex-husband--Molly begins her reluctant quest to get back in the dating game. At the same time, she's trying to save her bookstore which is under threat. A great read with a strong female lead.

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gabi Coatsworth, the author of “A Beginner’s Guide to Starting Over,” has written a wonderful novel about fresh beginnings, second chances, and new chapters in life with compassion, wit, and empathy. The author vividly describes her colorful characters as complex and complicated. The timeline for this story is set in the present and goes to the past regarding the characters and events. Gabi Coatsworth discusses the importance of accepting and asking for help and the importance of family, friends, and neighbors. The author also includes some pets with distinctive personalities.

The story’s female protagonist is Molly Stevenson, a widow, friend, mother, and bookstore owner. The author’s friends encourage her to enter the world of dating. The ghost of her husband is giving his advice, and the landlord of the bookstore is increasing the rent, forcing Molly to deal with difficult choices. I love how Gabi Coatsworth adds humor to tell Molly’s story. I am definitely on “Team Molly” as she slowly moves along.

I loved, enjoyed, and highly recommend “A Beginner’s Guide to Starting Over.” Happy Reading!

[Sally Cowling · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book follows Molly, a widow in her 40s as she tries to rebuild her life without her husband Simon.

Molly is a well-liked  bookshop owner in a small town and has a close griup of friends and seems to be generally content. However, when the future of the bookshop becomes uncertain she has to start thinkings of ways to.move forwards. She also realises that she misses the companionship of  a partner and that it is time to start considering dating.

In places Molly does come across as slightly older than her age, so a little hard to relate to as a fellow 40 something, but this may be  partly due to her circumstances.

This is a cosy story about friendship, love, grief and midlife.

[Bookish Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second chances are never easy... Molly definitely doesn't have it easy, but man, was it quite enjoyable to read about her and her second chance at love. That sounds bad, but believe me, you're going to want to be comfy when you pick this book up! Putting it down was tough. I rooted for her and her small town bookstore the whole way through. Such a great read!

[Joan Fernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

It all starts with the title: To lose a beloved spouse is a brand new experience, raw in its newness, naked in its unmoored unsteadiness in its transition to a next life chapter. This could easily be a heavy premise for a novel. Instead, A BEGINNER’S GUIDE takes up the topic with the gentle, hilarious voice of protagonist Molly who fumbles about after her husband’s death. When an evil landlord’s ultimatum threatens her small business bookshop, she is shoved into action. Coming to her aid is a community of close friends and her ghostly husband(!). Is he meant to be real? Is he a figment of her imagination? The answer didn’t matter to me because I loved the reality of it: When over our heads, don’t we wonder what a confidante would say? His or her comical comments? Chin up, Molly presses on, taking in stride her ghost and a potential romance all while hatching up a plot to defeat the landlord. A BEGINNER’S GUIDE to STARTING OVER is a lovely humorous slice of a tender human experience. Highly recommend.

[Rachel Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming feel-good story that will have you rooting all the way for Molly as she faces the tall task of starting a new future while learning to love again after the loss of her husband. A refreshing, insightful read.

[Donna Norman-Carbone · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Beginner’s Guide to Starting Over, Gabi Coatsworth: a review

This is a charming novel about widow Molly Stevenson who is doing her best to stand on her own two feet and keep her bookstore afloat. As an independent woman, Molly doesn’t like asking for help and convinces herself she doesn’t “need” anyone. A comforting ghost, a handful of well-intentioned friends, and a new next door neighbor help Molly to realize that in order to move forward even the strongest people need others.
As CT resident who frequents New Haven, where the book is set, I enjoyed familiar references including Aristotles which I suspect was inspired by a very well-known A. bookstore/cafe
I also appreciated the nod to Hemingway and Hadley as perfect foreshadowing.
People who enjoy women’s fiction about female empowerment and starting over—with a side of humor— will find this novel delightful.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cozy and heartwarming novel. Molly is delightful, as are the rest of the colorful citizens of the fictional Brentford, Connecticut, who rally around her as she comes to terms with the loss of her husband and the financial struggles of her beloved bookstore. (Be warned that this one may cause daydreaming about becoming a bookstore/coffee shop owner in a quaint New England town--if only charming Brentford were real!)

[Lisa Albright · Rating 4 out of 5]

This charming novel about a book shop owner finding love after losing her husband is incredibly heartwarming and hopeful. Molly is a very relatable character and her struggles are all too real. The supernatural element is almost believable and adds a bittersweet flair to their story. I enjoyed meeting the supporting characters in the book, the easy flow of the short chapters, and the ending will leave you with warm fuzzies and a smile.

I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Rebecca Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last night rather than go to sleep, I curled up with my comforter, a glass of wine, and Gabi Coatsworth’s A Beginner’s Guide to Starting Over.

From the very beginning, Molly felt more like a friend sharing her journey with me. A must read for any woman stuck in limbo between the past and an uncertain future.

Friends, family, love and second chances. This novel has it all, and it touched my soul..

[Sonia Antaki · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of love and letting go—and finding love again. A book you’ll want to read!