I picked this one on a whim as I was looking for something light hearted to read after quite a heavy book and I ended up loving this. This book focuses on Becca who returns home to Brighton after receiving an injury that derails her dancing career, when she is offered a job as a dance teacher at the run down Starlight pier she finds herself sucked back into her past and her life changes in a heartbeat.

I absolutely loved this book, I really liked that we also followed Becca's cousin Jodi and her struggles too and her whole arc added a new dimension to the story, I loved all the romance elements to the story and they all took their time and wasn't insta love which I appreciated, I also loved how the topics covered were addressed you could clearly see the author had done her research.

The only thing stopping me giving this amazing 5 stars was there were some unrealistic moments such as Becca super gluing herself to the floor, I didn't buy how clumsy she was being a graceful dancer and there was a few time where a woman was described as round or her belly not looking good in her leotard which I didn't like....can we please get past fat shaming in books please.

Apart from that this is a strong contender for my fave book of January

A delightful romance and a real surprise. A lovely time and excellent writing snd characters. I recommend it hughly

Twelve years earlier, Becca had left Brighton to take her chances on the stage as a professional dancer in London. With several ‘in between’ jobs, hours of classes and rehearsal time and fewer offers, tripping over a goat at one of the many ‘in between’ jobs just may have ended her career. Returning home to Ruby’s Guest House, she finds things are a bit ‘cluttered’ and her mother seems tired, and the two long term residents, an elderly man and woman, are ever-present. When you add in her cousin Jodi’s frustration with not being able to find a job that will make use of her degree because of her ‘colorful’ past, and Becca’s homecoming where she planned to lick her wounds and discover her ‘next step’ is more complicated than she expected.

But Jodi has an interview scheduled, and there is a part-time position for a dance teacher. The only hiccup? The woman who will be their boss also happens to be the mother of Tom, the boy who disappeared from Becca’s life without a word twelve years ago, leaving her bereft and confused just before her father’s untimely death. The Starlight Playhouse also contained Tom’s childhood home, a bequest to his mother from her family, the ground floor had been host to several ‘art and community’ endeavors, from dance classes, youth center, discos and plays. But now, Caroline is struggling to keep the place going, a community grant is in danger of being recalled and the Playhouse would then go under. Hiring Jodi, and then Becca will turn out to be some of her best options ever. If only Petrit and Vivienne – chef and ‘manager’ and long-term employees of Caroline weren’t obstructive, downright nasty and full-blown enablers to Caroline’s alcoholism – an issue that ONLY Jodi has the nerve (or the understanding) to confront. Caroline saw, through her own pain that Becca and Jodi were the women for the job, appointing them managers against the wishes of the aforementioned Petrit and Vivienne, against her son’s wishes, and with plenty of shock for Jodi and Becca.

Oh this was so clever and engaging – from the radical (and unique) ideas that Jodi and Becca have to remind and engage townspeople of the Starlight Playhouse, to the personal growth for them both, as well as Becca’s mother finding a new start, the challenges (and occasional / constant) conflict with staff of longer duration but less input are deliberately obstreperous, Jodi’s need to do a good job in the hopes that the experience will help her to find a career after her conviction, and Tom’s blustering his way in to “take over” using his familiarity with two teenaged girls twelve years ago to determine their unsuitability now. It doesn’t help that he and Becca have a connection and a boatload of history, and things are further complicated by his clinging ex and judgmental father, but the Tom who covered for, protected and ‘cleared up’ after his drunk mother has several issues of his own to sort out, and he’s more focused on saying no than really seeing the potential. Fortunately Becca won’t take no, and Jodi, so full of ideas and determination has good ones – and plans for a ‘showcase’ event during the big arts festival in town becomes their goal. Corbett mixed characters, youthful memories, histories and hopes as well as new attractions, conflicts and some truly adorable moments as both Jodi and Becca struggle with their new ‘positions’ as we worked our way to the end. Clear characterizations, common issues and a steely core of determination prove impossible to upend and the story brings happiness and new hope to the Starlight Playhouse.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review, all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-apY/” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

Set in Brighton, this novel is centred around a struggling arts centre and cousins Becca and Jodi's attempts to bring it back to the hub of the community by putting on a show.

A warm cast of characters facing their pasts keep this novel building until my favourite section of the novel - the showcase itself.

Community, romance and family themes reign in this romcom read which doesn't shy away from some serious issues.

Becca has recently returned home after an injury has stalled her dancing career. Unsure about what she’s going to do, she joins her cousin Jodi and begins work as a dance instructor at the local playhouse – a place she was very familiar with as a child.

As she adjusts to life away from dancing and the return of the man who broke her heart, can Becca find happiness somewhere?

Her cousin, Jodi has a criminal record and has had trouble getting a job. She is given a chance but her it isn’t long before her past catches up with her.

Okay, I want to take a moment to appreciate the beauty of this cover. It’s one of my favourites of the year for sure. As is this book.

I adored Becca and Jodi straight away. I loved their friendship/relationship. Can I be a member of their gang? The other characters are great too although I wasn’t too keen on Vivienne.

The setting for this novel is wonderful. There is a great atmosphere within it.
The plot moves well. There’s romance, laughter and a little mystery too. I full on laughed out loud in many places. Tracy writes with a lot of warmth and humour.

I don’t want to say much else as I don’t want to give too much away. I really hope you decide to pick up this book. I very much enjoyed reading it. Tracy, you have a new fan.

This was absolutely wonderful!! I adored the Characters, I smiled, chuckled and gasped along with the flow of the storyline. I had so much fun reading this, and was eager to read for a second time soon after finishing it! This story is the perfect addition to any Romantic story lovers.

What can I say about this amazing read.
A story about friendships, family and romance I enjoyed curling up with Starlight on the Palace Pier while on holiday. The community art house needs saving and there happens to be two cousins both down on their luck that can help However this is not an ordinary character needs support from the community just as the community needs them there is an interesting element to the plot and a lovely romance.
I couldn't help but get lost in this story.

Interesting characters which gave an otherwise fairly predictable ctory line a more interesting twist.

I found Starlight on the Palace Pier to be a heartwarming and uplifting story which I really enjoyed.

A story of family, friendships, new beginnings and romance. I really liked the cast of characters who I instantly warmed to and empathised with. this is an easy read which tackles the difficult issues of alcoholism, debt and bankrupcy, criminal records and how some decisions have life long consequences but it is a story of overcoming obstacles to triumph in the end. Starlight on the Palace Pier made me laugh and cry in places. A satisfying ending too. Highly recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

A great read, this is the story of cousins Becca and Jodi, both just starting new jobs at the Starlight Playhouse. They are trying to move on from their past, but certain peple won't let them.

Really surprised how much I enjoyed this and the little sub-stories within it. It's a good interesting read about forgiveness and not jumping to conclusions and ultimately about love.

This book has a quirky, unique plot. There is some romance, some intrigue, and some "rising from the ashes" second chances. Two girls- cousins- are both a bit down on their luck when they are unexpectedly tasked with the gigantic challenge of running (and restoring and saving) the community art house. Plot twist: the owner's son is one of their high school sweethearts, so drama and romance is certain to occur! It isn't a favorite, but it was a great way to pass a day.

Starlight at the Palace Pier
Tracey Corbett
Harper Collins
3 stars

After suffering a career debilitating injury, Becca Roberts returns to her home and her mother’s boarding house. Becca is reunited with her childhood friend, her cousin Jodi. They are both looking for new starts, so when two jobs become available at the Starlight Playhouse, they both take advantage of the opportunity they are given. The old and rundown building needs some love and Jodi and Becca believe they can fix it back to how it was in its glory days. Then Becca’s first love and first heartbreak, Tom, steps back into her life. She’s not sure she is prepared to deal with her past and confront the feelings she’s clearly held for Tom over the years. But she’s willing to try.

I enjoyed the story because not only was there elements of romance but also a story line of redemption. Some of the British-isms took a bit getting used to but when I was able to decipher them on my own, I began to enjoy the story even more. There were several well drawn out supporting characters which added a depth to the writing and the novel as a whole. I thoroughly delighted in the bits of humor in the story. The one-line jokes, rife with double entendre made the story very funny and were truly unexpected. I highly recommend reading this story and any others written by Ms. Corbett.

Many thanks given to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) to review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Michele

5☆ Uplifting, Cosy Romance, A Page Turner!

Starlight on the Palace Pier is an Uplifting and heart warming, feel good story of New Beginnings, Family, Relationships, Overcoming Obstacles and a sprinkle of romance.

Becca has returned home to Brighton to stay with her Mum and cousin Jodi at her Mums Guest House.... Ruby's Guest House.

Becca is a professional Dancer, but unfortunately after a tragic injury she can no longer perform.
So she is forced to re-think her future.

Her cousin Jodi, has a colourful past.
But when she gets an admin job at the
The Starlight Playhouse an upcoming Art Centre, she also manages to get her cousin Becca a job there as a Dance Teacher.

Becca is over the moon, but with no teaching qualifications she knows she's on trial and will have to wow the eccentric and forgetful owner Caroyln.

But are the girls biting off more than then can chew..... things are not entirely what they seem...... Caroyln is an alcoholic and is on the verge of bankruptcy!
The only person who can save Caroyln is her Son Tom.
But Becca and Tom have history.
He broke her heart!
Can they all put their differences aside and save The Starlight Playhouse???

I adored this gorgeous book.
The pace was engaging and I whizzed through the pages.
The Characters are entertaining, eccentric, loveable and real.
The plot made a compelling and addictive read. It was cosy, heart warming, very uplifting, had humour and a dash of romance.
But it also had serious issues of alcoholism, debt, injury, life changing consequences, criminal records, all of which Tracy handled with sensitivity but enough to still make an impact.

I highly recommend this Charming Book if you love Cosy Romances, Women's Fiction, Uplifting Warm reads with a dash of humour.
Perfect read for a cold winters night!

Thank you to Avon books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

An utterly delightful romantic comedy that kept me riveted to the page, Tracy Corbett’s Starlight on the Palace Pier is an enjoyable and heartwarming read I simply couldn’t stop reading. Wonderfully uplifting, engrossing and an absolute joy from start to finish, switch your phone off, cuddle up under the duvet and indulge in this outstanding tale.

Being a professional dancer is all Becca Roberts has ever dreamed about. She cannot imagine doing anything else or wanting to be anything other than a dancer. She has made sacrifice after sacrifice and dedicated her entire life to her passion. Becca was absolutely determined to achieve her goal to dance for a living – but unfortunately for her, fate had other ideas. An accident derails her dream and leaves her bereft, lost and frightened about what the future might hold for her. Becca does not know anything other than dance, but could this accident force her to reevaluate her life, make new priorities and dig deep inside herself to discover who she really is away from the stage? Needing to figure out what she is going to do next, Becca decides to head back home to Brighton to try and figure out the next chapter in her life. Could Becca find what she is looking for back home? Or will she end up feeling even more sorry for herself?

When Becca discovers that a position has become available at the Starlight Playhouse as a dance teacher, it seems like Lady Luck is finally smiling down upon her! A thrilled Becca cannot wait to roll up her sleeves and get stuck into her new job. While the Starlight Playhouse might be housed in a crumbling old building that has certainly seen better days, Becca will not be deterred. A bit of TLC and a fresh coat of paint and the Starlight Playhouse will be as good as new. It’s been quite some time since Becca had felt so happy, however, it looks like her newfound joy is about to hit a major stumbling block when her first love, Tom, comes waltzing back into the Starlight Playhouse, bringing back with him all those old suppressed and heartbroken feelings which had been long buried!

Tom had been the first man to have broken her heart and now that he is back on the scene, Becca cannot help but feel that the carefree life she had been enjoying in Brighton has just got very complicated. But as Becca and Tom reconnect and find themselves spending more and more time together, could they end up falling in love with one another again? Will it be second time lucky for the two of them? Or are some things better left in the past?

I loved Starlight on the Palace Pier! Tracy Corbett effortlessly touches the heart and tickles the funny bone with this compelling and poignant tale that is wonderfully romantic, immensely readable and simply unputdownable! A first class read that grabs your attention from the very beginning, Starlight on the Palace Pier made me laugh and cry and kept me reading long past my bedtime.

Becca is a fantastic heroine I really warmed to and whom readers would love to have as a best friend, Tom is a terrific hero and the cast of supporting characters that people this fantastic story are sure to have readers chuckling.

An outstanding read by a fast rising star of romantic comedy, Starlight on the Palace Pier is a brilliant book sure to brighten up the cold winter days!

What a gorgeous story this is, I loved getting to know Becca, Jodi and Tom as they try to make The Starlight Playhouse a success. There are plenty of scrapes, drama and romance that make this book so enjoyable to read. There is a lovely uplifting feeling to this book as we see people getting the opportunity of a second chance. I thought that this was wonderful way of showing that people who have made mistakes in the past hopefully still get a chance to start afresh.

The story moves at a lovely pace and Tracy Corbett has created some loveable characters who I hoped would get a happy ever after. I enjoyed following all of the characters as I felt that this gave the story a more rounded feel and the reader really gets to see their personalities shine through!

It was the perfect book to sit back and relax with and this story easily brought a smile to my face, I can't ask for more than that!

The Blurb :
After an injury derails her dream of becoming a professional dancer, Becca Roberts heads home to Brighton in search of a fresh start.
And, when a part-time dance teacher role becomes available at The Starlight Playhouse, it seems like her stars are finally aligning. The crumbling old playhouse might need a bit of tender loving care (and a lick of paint!), but Becca is more than up to the challenge.
That is until Becca’s first love (and first heartbreak), Tom, waltzes into the Starlight Playhouse, and she realises life by the sea might not be as simple as she thought…

My Thoughts :
My first attraction to this story was the cover, it has such a beautiful picture overlooking the pier in the moonlight. Also has a catchy title aswell.
We meet Becca Roberts, who longs to be a dancer but after injuring herself she arrives back to her family home in Brighton to make a fresh start and have a think about where her life is going to take her now.
Becca doesnt see a future without dancing in it and when the opportunity comes up to take a job at the Starlight Palace Pier with her cousin Jodi as a dance teacher she doesnt refuse, although her ex boyfriend’s mum owns it she feels she is pretty safe as Tom no longer lives in Brighton and there is no chance of bumping into him or is there!.
Tom has to return when the Palace Pier is facing financial trouble and doesnt like the fact his mum has put Becca and Jodi in charge as when he last saw them things were far from pleasant.
Has all these years made Tom a better person or has Becca just grown up!?.
Although I am not a dancer myself, I really enjoyed this story and felt it was well captured. It is about second chances, romance, learning from mistakes and covering topics like alcoholism and Jodi’s time in prison. A great supporting cast aswell with a few twists and turns.
Tracy Corbett sets the scene perfectly and puts the reader right in the heart of all the action, this is certainly a story that will have you wanting to read right to the end.

I wasn't sure what to think about the book at first as it took me a little time to get accustomed to the writer's style and how the characters spoke to each other. Once I got past it, I really enjoyed the story. I loved all the real life problems that were discussed and faced head on: alcoholism, justice, mercy, a criminal past. loss of a loved one, grieving a dream, anger at parents and loved ones, the courage to get up and try again. My one drawback was the reason that Tom and Becca originally broke up. It was originally discussed as something seemingly horrendous, but when revealed, I was left going "What? That's all?!" Then again, they were 18 and we all know we do stupid things at 18. :)

Netgalley provided this book free in exchange for an honest review.

A lovely, heartwarming read. Lots of likeable characters and a couple of nasty ones thrown in to add a bit of drama. I really enjoyed this.

Thank to the author, Avon and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest review

This is a second chance romance in more than one way. Becca is trying to remake her life after an injury ruins her dance career. Jodi is also trying to remake her life after a bad time as a juvenile. These two are pulling together to save the Playhouse when Tom, Becca's old love, turns up because his mom owns it. He was a rat to her then but he sees something different now. It's nicely written with lots of cameo characters who will make you smile. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.