Starshine Cove is a very special place, you don’t find it, instead it seems to find you when you need it most! Lucy has hidden away for years since splitting up with her controlling ex-husband. She agrees to attend an old friend’s wedding in Starshine Cove and it’s not long until the place starts to work its magic. I always enjoy Debbie Johnson’s books and this is one of the best, I could not put it down!

Review

Finding Hope in Starshine Cove is a cute, fluffy read that has lovely elements of re-establishing friendships, character growth and development, being brave, a little romance and a bit of a laugh. I enjoyed the slang and had to look up a few things but there was also things like ‘mum’ being spelt with a ‘u’ instead of an ‘o’ that I loved as an Aussie! The way the FMC grows and her inner monologue is quite admirable and the strength she has for Rose is true mumma-bear! This is closed-door and does deal with some serious themes such as non-violent domestic violence. It is a ‘happy for now’ and look forward to seeing what happens next in Starshine Cove!

This was a warm and tender story about lost souls who find themselves again, in a somewhat hidden town.

Although predictable, it still made me smile throughout the book. Lucy, Josh & even Lyssa were all great characters that you could root for. Robert was a big meanie and it was fun to root against him.

I would recommend this book if you want a mature romance that lifts your spirits.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Finding Hope in Starshine Cove was so cute and refreshing to read. This book made me feel good from start to finish and I want to read all of the other books in the series as it’s so magical.

This is another book in the Starshine Cove series and I love a series where you can reconnect with characters but this also works just as well as a stand alone book. Once again, the people of starshine core bring their magic to a couple of strangers who 'happen' to be there at the same time. At times it is humorous and fun but there is also a more serious storyline about coercive control.

A delightful romcom - with some serious undertones.

*Note to self - when pretending to be someone else and flirting with a hot guy best to check he isnt going to be in the wedding party you are in town to attend!

Starshine cove is a magical place full of hope and possibility, but its not going to be easy for Lucy, who has some self work to do, and not just reviving her own personality and living through the embarrassment of seeing Josh again!

Recommend this book and will be reading others by this author as I enjoyed the pacing and characters

What another great visit to Starshine Cove. I always leave with a smile and warm fuzzy feeling.

Lucy was very identifiable as a character. She was protecting herself and Rose her daughter, even after she managed to remove herself from the toxic life she had with her ex husband. A safe, familiar, isolated routine helped her cope and survive. Seeing her slowly blossom after arriving at Starshine Cove was almost magical. She finally knew what it was like to be safe and be surrounded by people. To have people who only had her best interests at heart and didn’t define her by her past. It was beautiful, and seeing her daughter be one of those people was amazing. Rose grew up without knowing the true impact her dad on her mum and how she subsequently saw herself and thought about herself, which is a credit to Lucy as she truly suffered in silence and put on a brave face. Rose really helps her mum over come some issues and her step mother and step siblings, she really is a positive person with a big heart.

The whole ‘fake’ story with Josh was really funny and I knew it would come back and bite her, and it did in such a funny way. However, even that showed her that Josh and the people of Starshine Cove were nothing like her ex as they understood and found it funny. There was no negative repercussions only positive support.

From start to finish I loved this book, it was very thought provoking and it gave me comfort that there’s a friendship group for everyone out there, you just have to keep looking.

i love this series, it is 3rd in a series, but can be read as a stand alone. wonderful characters and a beautiful setting.

This talented writer has written a page turner. Realistic characters with a delightful group of family and friends...the main character is intriguing...always on the move...curl up in a comfy chair, grab a warm blanket, a cup of herbal tea...and spend the afternoon finding hope...this is a fun read...don't miss it. Thanks Netgalley.

After years of self-isolation, Lucy Brown leaves her 'safe' place to catch up with a group of friends from her younger days, one of whom is to be married. With Lucy is her 16 year-old daughter Rose. Lucy has spent years hiding from the world, her old life and her ex-husband and is reluctantly joining the outside world once more which leads her and Rose to the almost hidden Starshine Cove.
When a chance meeting with a handsome stranger at an airport leads to a deeper connection, Lucy finds her trip becomes more than a last-minute holiday.
I haven't read this Author prior to reading this story so I didn't know what to expect. I was delightfully surprised to find a beautiful setting in Dorset, a group of wonderful characters and shared the frightening experience of 'being in the world' with the main character Lucy Brown.
Though I very much enjoyed this story and the characters, there is an aspect to this story that is frightening. I very much admire the strength and courage of our character Lucy.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this story prior to publication. I will definitely be reading more of Debbie Johnson's stories. I believe this book is one of a series and I look forward to finding the other books.

Slip into the pages of 'Finding Hope in Starshine Cove' and buckle up for a ride filled with wit, whimsy, and a whisper of romance. Our leading lady, Lucy Brown, is a master of disguise—at least at an airport bar, where she dazzles a handsome stranger with her alter ego. But the mask slips when Lucy reencounters the same guy, Josh, with her everyday, down-to-earth charm, leading to a tangle of emotions and a red-faced moment or two.

What unfolds is a story of old friendships rekindled, a beautiful seaside wedding, and a twist of drama when Lucy steps in to help her ex's new family. As Lucy unpacks the emotional baggage from her past, Josh emerges as a beacon of understanding, shining a light on the possibility of new beginnings.

Ideal for holiday reading, this book comes with a gentle heads-up: it may be a trigger for anyone who has experienced domestic mental and emotional abuse.

My thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC.
#FindingHopeInStarshineCove #NetGalley

I am immediately loading up my kindle with all books from Debbie Johnson. I love books that have strong characters (and multiple stories set in the same place!)

Is it too much for me to ask my husband if we can move to Starshine Cove to be surrounded by these welcoming, supportive locals?

5* I absolutely love Debbie Johnson's style of writing and was thrilled to returning to Starshine Cove and catch up with the warm friendly community there. The hidden Cove seems to have a magical aura about it, some people seem to stumble upon it in their time of need, whatever that may be, and once there, people don't want to leave. Warmth,wit and wisdom tumble off the pages in this book. This story is mainly upbeat, happy and feelgood, but there is interwoven within the story, aspects of coercive and manipulative behaviour, which I think are written with sensitivity,depth & knowledge of the situation. A beautifuly written heartwarming story. Thank you Netgalley & publishers for allowing me to receive an advanced copy of this book.

Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a review.

I loved returning to Starshine Cove, it's like being back with old friends. Another wonderful instalment and a lovely read.

I was overjoyed to find another installment in the Starshine Cove series and read it as soon as I could.
I can honestly say that the first chapter in the book is the best first chapter that I have ever read! It is refreshing honest, funny and intriguing all at once! It introduces the character of Lucy in the most human way possible and doesn't gloss over flaws like some 2 dimensional characters, but owns up to them unapologetically. Love that!
The book is a smooth easy read and yet oddly emotional as I found myself relating to the history of the characters quite a lot.
I'm glad that some hard hitting and raw feelings are shown and that some, often triggering, scenarios are dealt with in such a careful and tactful way.
Apart from that side of things, we are treated to more fun, friendly and frivolous moments from a cast of characters that we all love. Bringing us back into Starshine Cove with it's rich community and its magic is so heart warming and freeing that it is traumatic to read the last page. I'm quite devastated that this is fiction! If I had to choose a fictional setting to spend my days in, after the Harry Potter universe, then the Starshine Cove community would be a hands down winner!
Thanks to Debbie Johnson for her humour and warmth and writing all sorts of scenarios in a gentle and touching way. And thank you for the hens night chapter...Poldark had to have a mention in there somewhere!
Thanks to Netgalley and the author and publisher for a temporary copy in exchange for an honest review.

I loved returning to Starshine Cove (and wish it was a real place) and the returning characters. This story is very apt for our time with the theme of coercive control and I feel that it was done very well. One thing I will say about Debbie Johnson is that she is very good at describing places and scenery, making you feel as though you are there. I feel good book that is perfect for an escape.

Love this ladies books and this one didn’t disappoint
Third in the Starshine Cove series
You just lose yourself in these books and don’t want them to end
A brilliant series
If you are looking for a new series to read this is the one
Thanks NetGalley

Another fabulous and moving story by Debbie Johnson! Like so many other readers, I was delighted to return to Starshine Cove. It is such a unique and special place with its beautiful star-filled caves and welcoming community that you never want to leave! This time we meet Lucy Brown and her daughter Rose who live in Ireland (because it is a safe haven) but they are on their way to Starshine Cove to attend a wedding of best friend Ella.

From the start, Finding Hope in Starshine Cove, has some clever wit and humour that really sets a colourful mood and lightens the atmosphere. Lucy has quite an imagination and enjoys sitting in the airport conjuring up names and stories of people around her waiting for flights. Here, she takes on another identity and imagines herself to be Amelia— a highflying corporate security expert. She tries to be someone she is not (daring, flirty and fearless) when she is actually quite the opposite– mostly because she has been through a rough time, scarred from a past marriage to a very controlling husband. Hiding the trauma with humour and pretence are her reliable coping mechanisms. But although she has been clear of her ex-husband for a number of years (he married another), her brief encounters with him still rattle her when she drops off their daughter for visits. He continues to demean Lucy with his arrogant comments but their sixteen year old ignores his controlling pep talks. Rose does not care that he dislikes her clothes and attitudes for she has established her own identity and will not be swayed. She is strong and wise. Her half sibs love her immensely and she is a blessing to her father’s wife: who is in desperate need of help for many reasons. Soon we learn why and that this family is dealing with tragic and familiar problems.

Although there is fun and humour (seen at the hen’s night/party) and wonderful romantic interludes, there are some deep and troubling issues at the core of this story of women receiving mental abuse and being physically restrained (locked in a room). The fear that this breeds is staggering and how these victims are so affected by the trauma, it hinders future relationships. But Starshine Cove is where the unusual happens and second chances are possible. Because this inspiring community has a way of turning broken lives around.

It was great to see familiar characters from the previous books again and how they interacted with Lucy. Of course, I cannot forget handsome heart-throb Josh—such a caring, warm and witty man who touches Lucy’s heart in a way like no other. And yes, a relationship is sparked but she struggles with the past and how it has affected her sense of safety and trust. Yet the warmth and healing powers of Starshine Cove begin to soften and coax her to wholeness—or at least put her on the right path.

Lucy’s daughter plays an important role. Rose is very mature for her age and puts forth great arguments to her mother in helping her find happiness—making her see she deserves it, too.

The plot is well paced and the character developments are gentle but visible. The ending is apt and joyous. Those who deserve fresh starts receive them and justice is hinted upon for one person in particular! The two wives of this manipulator find freedom and safety in those who surround them (family and friends). You cannot ask for a better ending than that! It is a beautifully written story: unforgettable and uplifting. I look forward to reading more stories set in Starshine Cove: a magical place that beams with community spirit, kind hearts and tender hope. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for my review copy.

I love love loved this story. Another story set around the backdrop of Starshine Cove, a story of Lucy and Rose, mother and daughter and their relationship and the secrets that Lucy kept from Rose about her dad Robert. The story includes Lyssa Robert’s new wife and children. A wedding in Starshine Cove is the backdrop for what turns into a mercy dash to a lay-by followed by a trip to the Lakes. A showdown with Robert and a love story with Josh, that actually starts in Dublin airport with a fictional Amelia. I binge read this in 24 hours. Can’t wait for the next episode.

This was a lovely story full of hope and charm. It’s a shame that Starshine Cove isn’t a real place haha.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.