Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.

**3.5 stars**

Karen King is a newer author to me and I'm glad I've discovered her. This was a nice, light-hearted read about a woman who decides to make some changes in her life. While it's not the most unique book I've read, it's very breezy and the characters are very likable. This is a good read for a lazy afternoon or day at the beach. I just finished a heavy thriller so this was a nice palette cleanser. If you are looking for a fun, light read with minimal conflict then this would be a good book to check out.

Holly is dissatisfied with her life, she is in a dead end job and in a relationship that is going nowhere. So when her Pops leaves her some money she decides to take a year out and go to Spain, keep away from men and paint........ but will the gorgeous Mattias allow her to keep to the off men part!

A lovely lighthearted read with great characters and who wouldn't fall in love in such a beautiful romantic setting!

The Year of Starting Over

by Karen King

I don’t know any honest person who won’t admit, at least to themselves, that there is something that they wish they had done differently. Since there are no “do-overs” in life, I am grateful for second chances and that is what The Year of Starting Over is all about. Its subtitle is A Feel-Good Novel about Second Chances and Finding Yourself.

In Karen King’s novel, Holly is confronted with both the need and opportunity to hit the reset button on her life when it becomes apparent her relationship with boyfriend Scott will never lead to the type of loving marriage her Nanna and Pops enjoyed. Her job as a care assistant for the elderly is not the path to fulfillment for Holly as an artist. Holly is left money by her Pops giving her a chance to change those circumstances and begin living for herself.

Holly has to sort through relationships as she reinvents herself in this gentle romance. She travels from England to Spain to help her friends, Fiona and Pedro, establish an artists’ retreat. With an adventure in another country, the interesting characters, and a female lead who steps out of her comfort zone, you may well be pleasantly reminded of Under the Tuscan Sun. The plots play out differently, but the feel-good aura is present in both.

I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 4/5

Category: Romance, Women’s Fiction

Publication: February 7, 2019—Bookouture

Memorable Lines:

Although her family had always praised her designs, Scott had dismissed it as her “hobby” and had never taken much interest.

Holly felt frustrated as she listened to them, wishing she knew the language better. She’d improved since she’d started taking lessons with Felipe, but not enough to understand conversations, especially when they spoke so quickly.

Her family had been pretty poor, he knew that from what she’d told him, but they’d been happy. His family were rich by comparison, but there was no closeness between them.

I really enjoyed this book. I found it very charming and lighthearted. I liked all of the characters and thought they were pretty well-developed. I enjoyed following Holly, the main character, on her journey to rediscover herself in Spain. I loved the main male character (Matias) as well. Overall this was a light read and I enjoyed every second of it!

A massive thank you to Karen King and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this book. I can't emphasis how much I enjoyed this book. Focusing on the year that Holly took to review her life and tick off her wish list. Having been let down in love Holly sets off to sunny Spain to start again. This book leaves the reader thinking, after all, wouldn't we all like to reinvent ourselves at least once in our lives. I literally couldn't put in down. Totally digestible

A really enjoyable inspiring book to get lost in. Starting over is something that resonates with many people and so the concept alone pulled me in to want to read this title. It is well worth the read.

This novel was okay. I had a difficult time getting started, it was a bit slow at first. There was a lot of character background in the first couple of chapters and it took a while for the story to gain momentum. The hero's inner journey was trying to find herself in Spain. There was a little love story in the midst of it and she learned to be more true to herself. It was good in some ways though, but I guess I was expecting more comedy romance. It felt more like her demons were learning to like herself and that was all. For drama, I need more. I couldn't tell what the tone was supposed to be for sure.

Perhaps one of the best, if not the best aspect of reading fiction is the sense of escape you get. And who doesn't want to escape to the countryside of beautiful sunny, Spain? Especially when you add in a gorgeous property with an equally (if not more) gorgeous neighbour? I think the thought or fantasy, rather, that many of us might have is to completely start over somewhere new, with all different people, a chance to do everything over again. It's always great to see a character develop through a situation like that.

Holly is stuck and in a bit of a rut - so she decides to take this year as the year of starting over - she has a list of things she's going to do, one of them being living in a different country - what better than Spain? She's even committed to not dating, although her stony neighbour Matias might change that...

Overall, what a lovely book. It's always fantastic to see characters grow and mature, figuring out who they are and exactly what they deserve. Holly was such a likeable character to read about and experience her journey with. A gorgeous setting doesn't hurt either. Matias was perfectly charming and handsome - although if I had one complaint it would simply be that he changed almost instantaneously from being so stern to being a charming host and helper for Holly to complete her dreams. Perhaps the transition just was a bit too quick.. But, that doesn't change the fact that he was absolutely swoon-worthy, with quite a lot of depth actually. A great story from start to finish, would highly recommend to anyone who wants a bit of escape.

Congratulations to Karen King on a lovely summery novel!

Note: I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher and author via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

The Year of Starting Over is a story of just that, starting over. We follow Holly February 12th to February 12th and her journey. I liked the concept of this story of starting over, it was a little difficult to get into this story but ultimately it was a good story.

Perfect chick lit! I loved the premise and the characters were well developed! I recommend this for anyone looking for a light and fun read!

I received this ARC through Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Netgalley.com, to Bookouture, and to Karen King for this opportunity.

Holly's life isn't going in quite the right direction lately. Her boyfriend seems to be more interested in hanging out with the guys than in spending time with her. A future together seems more and more out of reach. She needs to reinvent her life. Armed with a list of adventures and achievements that she hopes to achieve within the next year, Holly sets off for Spain to help her friends get their retreat ready for visitors. The freedom to do as she pleases in the beautiful country is just what she needs. She keeps running into her gorgeous neighbor, Matias, and, although he is quite irresistible, she is determined to keep love off the table while she focuses on her new business and on being her true self.

This was a light, fun read that was just purely delightful. The characters are lovely and I was sad to see them go when the story ended. I will be looking for more books by this author in the future.

Highly recommended!

This was a pleasant romantic read. I always like books set in different countries - a hint of the exotic makes things more interesting, though I'm not sure how exotic Malaga is. The Brit ex-pat community aspect wasn't really explored that much, which I was quite happy about as it's not a subject I'm that interested in. This story was all about Holly finding her true self, and finding love along the way. Sweet, amusing, and involving a list, which I always enjoy, it was an entertaining read and maybe not outstanding but very enjoyable all the same.

Holly has become a shadow of herself as she has tried to live up to her boyfriend's expectations for how she should dress and behave.  With an inheritance from her beloved Pops on it's way to her bank she decides that she has had enough of being taken for granted by Scott and heads off to Spain to stay with her old friends from college, Fiona and Pablo.

Before she even arrives at their house she comes across the moody Matias as he almost hits her little yellow Mini whilst riding his motorbike at high speed.  Her next encounters with the brooding Spaniard are no more promising.

Thankfully as part of her "to do list" Holly has decided that she does not want a relationship with anyone, let alone her grumpy new neighbour.  Gradually the two do become friends.

I enjoyed this book enormously, cheering for Holly when she made the right choices, picturing myself in the Spanish sunshine alongside the characters and also thinking about what I should have on my list of things to achieve this year.  

There are no surprises, it is a romance novel after all, but the story is an enchanting one which draws you in from the outset.  The characters are all likeable, even Matias, and there is a certain amount of relief at the ending.  Holly develops and blossoms along the way as she rediscovers herself and settles into her new life.

I was drawn to this novel because it screamed to my inner wanderlust and definitely satisfied my thirst for escapism.

Stuck in a dead-end job to supplement her work as an artist, Holly is living with her boyfriend Scott. The problem is, Holly wants her happy-ever-after and Scott doesn't appear to share her enthusiasm for making their relationship permanent. Treated like a doormat, she decides to leave him, moves out and plans a trip with money she's inherited from Pops. With determination and an action plan, she heads to Andalusia to help and work with friends she met at college. Only, the change of scenery acts as a catalyst for Holly to finally realise her dreams.

Mathias is moody, prickly and handsome … when a British tourist driving a yellow Mini on the narrow mountainous road nearly resulting in an accident, he's angry at her lack of road sense. So when the dog he's caring for ends up outside the neighbouring finca he's not happy to see the gorgeous woman driver fussing the animal. However, as time progresses he overcomes his reservations and gets to know this British woman and in doing so, heals the rift within his family too.

I read this in one sitting as I couldn't put it down. The narrative flows effortlessly and I enjoyed the contrast between Northern England and Southern Spain. Seeing Holly embrace her new surroundings and consciously thinking about how she can kick-start her career and life is inspiring. She may have been afraid of heights during the drive up to Las Mariposas but it's soon crossed off her travelling to-do list as a fear to conquer.

The frenemy to lovers romance between Holly and Matias is a slow burn. It takes time to build trust but once they become friends, I liked how the author slowly built up the chemistry and sexual tension between them. With a wonderful picture in my mind of the Beautiful Spanish backdrop, all isn't plain sailing for the protagonists as all decisions are not clear cut on their rocky road to falling in love. With a friendly collection of secondary characters to help set the scene, the overall effect is charming.

This is definitely a novel which resonated with me and even a couple of weeks after I finished reading it, it remains fresh in my mind. It's the first time I've read a novel by Ms King and look forward to picking another one soon.

***arc generously received courtesy of the publisher Bookouture***

Holly groaned as she seen it was 2:30 am and her boyfriend Scott had just come home and he was drunk. He had obviously went to the club with his friends and she had specifically asked him to be home early as she had to work in the early shift at Sunshine Lodge nursing home. But Scott had protested it was Friday night and not his fault she had to be at work the next morning. Scott worked as an assistant manager of a game shop and often had to work weekends. But than Holly reminded herself she didn’t like going clubbing . She liked making things to brighten up their apartment or creating mugs, clocks, and phone covers that she sold on Dandibug- an online arts and crafts marketplace. Holly hoped she could eventually turn it into a full time business. Holly hated conflict of any kind. Scott and Holly had been living together almost a year and together almost two years. Scott had yet to propose to her and she wanted to be married and have a family. Holly thought he was going to propose later that evening after he had cooked her a nice dinner and was dressed nicely but after dinner he grabbed his coat and said he was going out with his friends as it was paul’s birthday. Holly was mad as he told her he wouldn’t be gone long. But holly awoke the next morning and Scott had not come home and she had no phone messages. Than when he called he said he was in Amsterdam and would need a ride home once he got to the airport and could she pick him up. Holly had enough told Scott she wouldn’t pick him up they were through and she would be gone by the time he got home. Holly was finally done with Scott. Holly went to her mothers to stay until she got herself straightened out. Holly talked to her best friend Susie who had told her a while ago to leave Scott and they agreed to meet. While having coffee Susie told Holly to make a list of things she wanted to do. Afterwards Holly came up with a list of twelve things. One a month should be possible to do Holly thought. She was inheriting some money form her grandfather and had thought she would use for a bigger place with Scoot or even her wedding but not now. She would get a place of her own again soon.Furst to her list and no men. Holly wanted to find herself and who she really was. She had a friend in Spain- Fiona who’s man was Pablo they had bought a place and wanted to turn ot in ot a artist retreat. They had to do a lot of the work themselves. Holly gave notice at her job and then went to Spain, while going up the mountain and Holly was very afraid of heights she almost got into an accident with a man on a motorcycle-Matias- as he raced around the track Holly wasn’t at all happy about driving on the mountain as it was. Once there Holly offered to help make things to brighten up the rooms that had beautiful but dark furniture that had come with the place. Also anything else she could do. Fiona gave her a small apartment close to the big house and Holly was happy about that. Matias was on his way to see his father. While there his father told him to change and join the family law firm or he would be disinherited Matuas choose not to change. Matias is Holly’s neighbor and not a very nice one at least initially. The place was great fiona and Pablo wanted to open it up for an artists retreat - to paint, sculp, and write. Holly and matias spend more time together as time goes on and he has changed how he treats Holly and how he feels about her and she him. Matias also tries to help Holly achieve the things on her list.
I enjoyed this book. I loved the authors description of things like the furniture, and countryside just everything. I did find this dragged for me at times and was a predictable. But in this instance it was pretty much okay with me. I kept reading as I wanted to see how Holly ended up and what she managed to get done on her list. I really liked the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I recommend it.

I am a huge fan of Karen King's work, so when the opportunity to read her latest book came about I jumped at the chance. This book is everything that I hoped it would be and so much more. Books have that magical ability to pick you up and transport you to far off locations and spending several hours in the sunny climates of Spain was the perfect pick me up for a bleak February day.

Holly is one of those characters who you instantly feel a connection with. Stuck in a relationship where she is taken for granted I was willing her on to take a stand......and boy did she do that. That light bulb moment was simply magical and I whooped for joy when she took back the reigns and started the ball rolling to change her life. One year, one list and one path to lead her back to happiness.

The plot welcomes you in like a big warm hug and I fell in love with the idyllic backdrop of sunny Spain which was the perfect setting for this story. Holly and Matias's chemistry gave me such chills and I loved the frustrated suspense created around the 'will they, won't they' realise their true feelings for each other.

The Year of Starting Over is everything you could possibly want and more from a book. I loved every moment of my time spent with Holly on her adventures and I know you will all love this book as much as me. So download your copy today - you won't be disappointed.

Sometimes when things happen in our lives, we have to decide between fighting....or flighting. Not everyone has the luxury over going to a different country to think things over, so a lot of us only have the option to flee to the toilet to contemplate our lives whilst inhaling the new, seasonal toilet duck smell, as though cinnamon and spice will make us see things much clearer than good ol' pine. Thankfully Holly had the option to think things through in Spain....

Poor Holly has lost sight of herself and what she wants from life. Instead of doing things or wearing things that SHE wants, she has been making choices based on what other people want, in fear that they won't like her for who she really is. It's a sad state of affairs when people feel the need to do that, isn't it?

'The Year of Starting Over' really is a book which makes you think about the bare bones of your own life and everything you wish to achieve in the not too distant future. It wouldn't be a Karen King novel if there wasn't a man involved, so of course the storyline contains multiple eligible bachelors for Holly to think about....even though she has sworn off men due to the actions of snakey Scott.

I loved how tender and uplifting the novel was, and I absolutely fell in love with little Luna. What a character!! It was wonderful how we got to see Holly start the story as a little bud who got weathered along the way, finally flourishing in a way that she should have all along. It was a beautiful sight to see and Karen King has done an exceptional job of bringing Holly's story to life in such a natural and humorous manner, whilst also ensuring that her readers took a step back to think about their own lives.

A cosy, fun filled and poignant novel that will highlight just how 'okay' it is to not be okay in life. Such a wonderful little book.

Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

We meet Holly when she is still with her boyfriend Scott. He never has time for her though and does stupid things. That’s why she breaks up with him and her year of starting over starts.

She comes up with a bucket list and moves to Spain for a while to see her friends and help them with their business. She wants to be herself again, do what she loves and just follow her heart. In the Andalusian hills she meets Matias. They are off a rocky start, but their paths keep on crossing. They start spending more and more time with each other, he helps her with her list, but somehow he is also a distraction. Both of them don’t want to be in a relationship, which complicates things. They had wonderful chemistry from the start and I loved their scenes and moments. Karen King found a beautiful way to build up their relationship, add some drama, lots of feelings and memorable experiences.

I really liked Holly as a character. She is really relatable, inspiring and just lovely and so are her friends. My fave has to be Matias though. Book boyfriend calling…

The setting and atmosphere of this book were amazing. Karen King is a very talented author, who captured it all in a unique, modern and fresh way. I felt like being there with the characters. I was sad when the book ended, I think I need a second part!

Holly's had it. Her life isn't going too well and her love life- well that's just rotten. She packs up her stuff and heads to Spain, where she's going to help her friends create an artists' retreat. What a lovely option this is- and a terrific setting for a romance. Matias, the smoldering and at times sullen, man next-finca, is definitely someone to keep an eye on. You know he's going to be Holly's chance at a good relationship but how they get there is the key. King has created a nice group of characters in the small town and two delightful ones on Holly and Matias. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Good happy rom-com.

I started this book slightly wary, because although I enjoy a good book with all the feels, I have been finding it hard to find the 'right' one where the narration suits my taste. This one almost hit the mark. I say almost because of a few points that I will highlight later in the review. 

This is a story of a woman who thinks she is happy with her life. Holly is mourning the loss of her grandfather but cheering herself up with the thought that her grandparents were together again (her grandmother passed a few years earlier). Having spent a considerable chunk of her time with them growing up she has modelled a lot of her behaviour in hopes of achieving the domestic bliss they seemed to have. This has landed her in multiple unsatisfactory situations. Her home life being one of them. When she snaps, she ends up making a temporary move to spain, on her own and deciding to be off romantic relationships. 

This section of the story is the highlight. As she works her way through a list of dreams, and helps her friends set up their artist retreat, she hones her own talents and works magic on her surroundings. The description of the daily trials were the best part. They were even better than reading about the burgeoning relationship between her and her neighbour. I gave this book three stars initially, but on rethinking I realised that although I did not weep with her, I did enjoy the overall experience and was left with a pleasant mood after. The reason I thought it could have been better was part of the narrative were repetitive(In terms of dialogues, when they tell multiple characters the same thing one after another, but by then we already know the content of that conversation) and I think if that was removed, there could have been more elaboration into the family dynamics of Matias and his family. There are enough hints dropped but introducing Holly into the mix and showing us the results would have been fun.

Overall I recommend this book to those looking for an upbeat book. Holly and her new-found confidence will bring a smile to your face if nothing else.Plus there is a cute dog that makes a lot of guest appearances.