Just the Beginning is a compelling and poignant story of a new beginning for a young woman who has been betrayed.

Just the Beginning by Sarah Bennett

Genre/Categories/Setting: Contemporary Fiction, Women’s Fiction, New Beginnings, Family Life, Cornish Coast

***This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links

My Summary:

Thanks #NetGalley @BoldwoodBooks for a complimentary eARC of #JustTheBeginning upon my request. All opinions are my own.

Anya and her young daughter move back to the Cornish coast for a fresh start after her husband dies. He has left her at risk financially and she needs to rebuild their lives. She moves in with her aunt and uncle, and a young man she knew in high school reaches out to help her secure a job. She is desperate and everything is complicated. Will Anya find security and happiness?

My Thoughts:

New Beginnings

Although the situations that lead to them are tragic, new beginnings are often inspirational tropes in which we cheer for the main character from the first page. Anya’s priorities include her young daughter, which raises the stakes in every decision she makes. Anya needs to learn to trust again and to secure her finances and housing. You will enjoy the well-developed and relatable characters.

A Side of Sweet Romance

A childhood friend who was also her secret admirer steps in to offer assistance. Some of his help backfires when he is too helpful. Can she maintain her newfound independence and trust him with her future? The intimate scenes in this slow-burn romance fade to black.

Themes

Poignant themes include starting over, found family, trust, communication, returning home, family drama, secrets, and supportive community.

Content Consideration: reference to suicide (in the past)

Recommending Just the Beginning:

I recommend Just the Beginning for fans of the author as well as new beginnings tropes, complicated family drama, and childhood friends-to-lovers romance.

My Rating:

More information here

Meet the Author of Just the Beginning, Sarah Bennett

Sarah Bennett writes feelgood romantic fiction set in beautiful locations you will fall in love with. Her previous bestselling series are Butterfly Cove, Lavender Bay, Bluebell Castle, Mermaids Point and Juniper Meadows.

Sarah is hard at work on a new series set in the beautiful seaside town of Halfmoon Quay. The first book, JUST THE BEGINNING, releases on 15 March 2025 in all formats and is available to preorder now.

You can find Sarah on:

Facebook sarahbennettauthor

Instagram sarah_bennettauthor

Bluesky sarahbennettauthor

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QOTD:

Do you love a Cornish coast setting?

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All books I review are purchased or borrowed from the library unless explicitly stated that the book is free (arc).

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