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Sunflower Cliffs #1

New Beginnings by the Sunflower Cliffs

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Set sail for the breathtaking island of Jersey in this gorgeous, romantic series. Perfect for fans of Jessica Redland and Phillipa Ashley.

People say that it’s hard not to fall in love living on the sunny island of Jersey, but for Bea Philips, still reeling from a divorce and the loss of her beloved godmother, she's not sure she can find the time. While her soon-to-be-ex-husband is trying to take away the home she grew up in, surly but attractive builder Luke is doing it up. Her old flame Tom has just turned up as her new manager at the office, and she has no idea what the mysterious Jersey Kiss is that her godmother has bequeathed to her...

Is life going to give Bea a break, so she can keep her dream home, and maybe fall in love?

Previously published as A Jersey Kiss.

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 16, 2013

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Georgina Troy

45 books145 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
Profile Image for Lisa Whittaker.
390 reviews8 followers
July 13, 2025
A new author for me and one that I’m looking forward to reading more from.

Really enjoyed this book. Likeable characters, particularly Bea. I really liked the writing style and thought the ending was tied up nicely.

Looking forward to book 2 in the series.
Profile Image for Lydia Bailey.
560 reviews23 followers
July 25, 2025
An enjoyable read set in the lovely location of Jersey with a likeable set of characters in a close knit friendship group. No big surprises but nicely woven-a perfect beach read.
Profile Image for Mandy.
886 reviews24 followers
June 19, 2016
Claiming to have read this book may be a bit of a stretch, I have read chunks here and there, backwards and forwards so I could follow the plot, so I am deleting the start and finish dates so that it doesn't show on my reading challenge.

The plot of this book is almost identical to a plot I thought up for a book I didn't write. Girl gets left a house by a relative, whilst recovering from a relationship break up. Puts energy into doing up the house - in my version she intends to sell when the work is done, but falls in love with what she creates. This is a bit more chick lit. And that's my issue with the book, how chick lit it is. The girl is chubby, gets things wrong, falls over, and is generally Bridget Jones. Hunks falling for her are hunky, but no-one gets to know each other, though the main hunk blindly thinks she is wonderful regardless, in a very BJ way.

The book could do with a bit of editing. There was a paragraph where Bea and her sister discuss someone buying 4 pairs of shoes from Paige at De Grays that made no sense at all.

The other annoyance was the very inaccurate depiction of divorce. Having spent five tortuous years disengaging from my ex-husband, I found the inaccuracies about her situation really, really annoying.

That said, the writing isn't bad. I wanted to find out what happened enough to keep going back to the book reading chunks, and I know that 30 years ago I would have enjoyed the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kate’s Book Spot.
632 reviews20 followers
October 2, 2013
The blurb really intrigued me so I was looking forward to getting started and I was pleased to be quickly drawn in by it’s fast pace and the exciting chemistry between Bea and Luke the builder – I love it when a book jumps straight into the action!

Bea was a lovely character, she made it her mission to find out what a Jersey Kiss was and along the way she met with plenty of bumps in the road. One of the major bumps involved her house and her ex-husband, this was a difficult battle which threatened everything she held dear. There was also an investigation that she wasn’t allowed to discuss with anyone and on top of all that a rather complicated love life that continuously seemed to confuse her.

Bea’s friends were a fab addition to the storyline, I loved the fun atmosphere they brought whenever they were around and I enjoyed each of their individual stories as much as the main one. This author is great at writing likeable characters, I found it so easy to connect with them all.

There were plenty of misunderstandings throughout which kept me on my toes and keen to keep turning the pages and the ending left me with a big smile on my face – I just couldn’t ask for more! The warm style of writing just added to my enjoyment.

This rocky romance was a pleasure to read, I look forward to reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Shani Struthers.
Author 48 books508 followers
November 4, 2013
A really enjoyable romantic romp on the beautiful island of Jersey. Bea is the main character but her two best friends - Shani (my namesake!) and Paul are great too - in fact, the scenes between all three of them are amongst my favourite. Luke is the love interest - suitably spurned to the end, whilst ex-husband Simon and work Manager, Tom, add further interest. There was good pace throughout and the twists and turns maintained my interest. I felt some of the places on Jersey could have been described in more detail but that's just a personal preference - I love travelling, be it in books or real life! I think there's plenty of scope for a sequel too and, if so, I'm looking forward to booking my return trip to Jersey!
Profile Image for theweebookworm .
423 reviews28 followers
December 31, 2023
This is the first book in a new series by Georgina Troy, again set on the beautiful island of Jersey.

I took to the main character, Bea, right from the beginning. She has been through some really tough times in her life and is now fighting to keep her aunt’s house that she grew up in. This isn't easy with a really unlikeable ex-husband to contend with.

I enjoyed the great range of characters from Luke (with whom Bea has good chemistry), Bea's 2 best friends to the step mother and step sister. I did find them all very relatable.

I feel the author has written another lovely warm hearted, enjoyable book. There is drama, laughter and plenty of little twists to keep you reading. This was one I couldn't put down.

Thank you to Rachels Random Resources for my copy and spot on the tour.
Profile Image for Wendy(Wendyreadsbooks) Robey.
1,485 reviews71 followers
November 15, 2023
I love returning to Jersey with Georgina Troy. Her writing brings the island to life beautifully. Bea is a strong main character who has been through many ups and downs in her life - more recently more downs and it was great to see her pick herself up and make a go of it in the beautiful house left to her by her beloved aunt. The chemistry between Bea and Luke was apparent from the very start and I enjoyed the build up of their relationship as Bea came to terms with the unwanted ‘ baggage ‘ in her life. Warm and entertaining, this is a fabulous hug in a book.
Profile Image for Paula.
Author 3 books7 followers
February 24, 2025
Dull book about neurotic people. I especially disliked Luke who, upon meeting MC, kissed her because she was pretty. Overly forward, anyone? Then he kept another woman around even though she was outrageous and kept telling the MC it didn't mean anything.

Can't say I much liked the MC either. The book opens with her running down the stairs wearing only a towel to open the door to contractors.
Profile Image for Laura.
365 reviews338 followers
August 28, 2013
What a lovely story this was. I really did enjoy it. I was captivated right from the first page, wanting to find out if Bea would find happiness again.

The characters in this were brilliant. Bea is extremely likeable and I desperately wanted things to turn out right for her. Her ex-husband Simon is truly nasty, believing that he is entitled to her late Aunt Annabel's house as they were still together when she died; even though he cheated on Bea! I actually wanted to punch him!

So apart from horrible Simon there is also Shani, Paul and Luke. I particularly loved Paul and his partner Guy. He was incredibly caring and really liked the way he looked out for Shani; Bea's other friend. Luke was a great love interest too; very handsome, kind and strong! I did get a little frustrated with Bea when she wouldn't trust Luke because of the thoughts that Tom (Bea's Manager) was putting into her head! I was always very suspicious of Tom.

Bea's half sister Mel was also a funny character, one minute I hated her and the next I quite liked her. I think her heart was in the right place, but she was influenced by her horrible Mother, Joyce.

What I especially liked in this, was that all of the characters had their own dramas going on, so it was not completely focused on Bea. You really get to know all the characters which some novels miss out on, so they were excellently developed and you really feel involved with them all.

I also really liked the mystery surrounding A Jersey Kiss. What was it that Bea's Aunt had left behind for Bea to discover. It definitely peaked my interest! I wanted it to be the key to end all of Bea's worries!

The fact that this story was set in Jersey also gave it that holiday feel; a holiday destination I must visit. I also did read A Jersey Kiss on holiday; the perfect place to read it!

This story has everything you could possibly want from a novel like this; mystery, romance and drama, you won't want it to end.

I can't wait to read more from Georgina Troy!
Profile Image for Jennifer Joyce.
Author 23 books141 followers
August 27, 2013

Bea was heartbroken when her godmother passed away. Annabel had always stood by Bea, taking on a motherly role when she was a child and supporting her when her marriage broke down. Annabel left her house to Bea in her will, along with the mysterious Jersey Kiss, which nobody seems able to identify.

As well as trying to locate the Jersey Kiss, Bea has to contend with her ex-husband, Simon, who claims he is entitled to half of Annabels house as they were still married when Bea inherited it. Although the house needs a lot of work doing to it, Bea adores it, especially the beautiful garden, which Annabel worked so hard on. The last thing she wants to do is sell the house to fund her ex-husband's greed but she doesn't have the money to cover his share.

And if all that wasn't enough, Bea's life is further complicated when she meets sexy builder, Luke. Bea is attracted to Luke and the feeling seems to be mutual, but Bea isn't so sure she can trust him with her fragile heart.

I've never been to Jersey before, but I'd love to after reading A Jersey Kiss. The setting of the book is gorgeous, with beaches and islands to explore - and then there is the matter of handsome builders too! I really like the character of Bea. She's been hurt in the past by her lousy ex but she is determined to win the final battle with Simon over Annabel's house. She's a strong woman, especially with the support of her close friends, Shani and Paul, who I thought were fabulous and a lot of fun.

There are lots of elements within the book, from battling with exes to new romances and nightmare relatives. And just what is a Jersey Kiss? I thought the book was a fantastic debut and I can't wait to see what Georgina Troy comes up with next.
Profile Image for Debbie.
71 reviews1 follower
October 8, 2013
I absolutely loved this book, Bea was such a likeable character you couldn't help but feel sorry for her caught between a nasty ex-husband demanding money he clearly didn't need, was pure spite as Aunt Annabel caught him cheating on her beloved niece, she clearly didn't want him having any part of the house. Then you can't help but feel can anything else go wrong for her when her domineering step-mother talks her daughter into getting married on the first anniversary of Annabel's death knowing how hard it will be for Bea.

You can almost feel as if you're sitting in the house the way it's described in detail & why Bea is so determined to restore it to it's former glory & back to her childhood memories of the house, here steps in the lovely helpful builder who can see Bea's passion to restore the house & with his own problems going on he still finds time to help Bea.

What also got me really intrigued was the depth of the characters, the nasty ex husband, the old boyfriend who lied to her & the one man who had every reason not to trust anybody, Luke, but his true nature of always seeing the good in somebody shone through in his determination to help Bea get her dream.

It also showed a seedier side to Jersey with the mention of money laundering & I personally found it really interesting to have a love story with a few real life problems thrown in, okay so not every man has a business partner who laundered money & embezzled from them, not everybody has nasty ex husbands but the nice mix of betrayal, trying to learn to trust and fall in love again was really great to read.
Profile Image for Julie.
Author 5 books229 followers
October 11, 2013

Really enjoyed this book with its intriguing title - you have to wait until the very end to find out what it is though! Lovely style of writing keeps the narrative flowing and I was torn between wanting to finish the book quickly to find out what happened and taking my time because I didn't want to finish it. All in all, an excellent read, great characters and a realistic story. Loved it!
Profile Image for Michelle Read.
Author 4 books18 followers
April 13, 2015
I loved this book and read it in a day. Such an easy flow and good story and characters. I was routing for Bea all the way as I felt a connection with her. The descriptions were really good, I live by the sea and felt like running down to the beach after reading this book to get that island feel! Thoroughly recommended and can't wait to read anything Georgina writes in the future.
Profile Image for Donna Irwin.
812 reviews32 followers
October 5, 2014
I loved this book which was recommended by one of my favourite authors, Christina Jones. Good story, great characters and a lovely setting. I did guess early on what the mysterious Jersey Kiss was going to be and I did get frustrated with how naive our heroine was but it didn't spoil the book - far from it, it added to the charm!
Profile Image for Anna.
671 reviews5 followers
June 15, 2014
Started on the plane to Jersey. I don't usually read romance, but bought this as set in Jersey, where I am from. Spotted a typo of St Ouen's manor if anyone reads this. I enjoyed reading a book set in some of my favourite places :)
4,374 reviews28 followers
March 28, 2015
Good

the story that happens in England or Jersey and the people who are friends and relatives.the way that one woman has to save her home.
Profile Image for Kirsty (BookBlogger).
2,044 reviews63 followers
November 15, 2023
New Beginnings by the Sunflower Cliffs by Georgina Troy

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

People say that it’s hard not to fall in love living on the sunny island of Jersey, but for Bea Philips, still reeling from a divorce and the loss of her beloved godmother, she's not sure she can find the time. While her soon-to-be-ex-husband is trying to take away the home she grew up in, surly but attractive builder Luke is doing it up. Her old flame Tom has just turned up as her new manager at the office, and she has no idea what the mysterious Jersey Kiss is that her godmother has bequeathed to her...

Is life going to give Bea a break, so she can keep her dream home, and maybe fall in love?

Previously published as A Jersey Kiss.

My Opinion

I have read a few books by Georgina Troy and each of them have been a delight to read - this is the first book in a new series and is no exception. This was such a relaxing read with some relatable characters and a gentle pace. A beautiful setting leads to a lovely story that drew me in from Bea's first meeting with Luke.

Summer may be over, but this book will whisk you away to the warmer weather. I cannot wait to see what Georgina does next with this series.

Rating 4/5
Profile Image for Colin Bell.
1,065 reviews13 followers
November 11, 2023
Bea is trying to keep her aunt's house that she inherited, unfortunately her soon to be ex-husband is demanding half of the value of the house. Meanwhile she has employed Luke to carry out some necessary work on the house, there is some mutual attraction but there are, of course, issues preventing them from taking these any further. Add in some intrigue, a wedding and some other surprises to complicate matters, all set in Jersey.
I felt sorry for Bea and all her problems, she loved her aunt's house where she had spent most of her childhood following the death of her mother. Losing this to a greedy ex would break her heart, despite the amount of work needed on it. She is supported by her friends, which does help, but she struggles with her other relationships. Jersey does sound like a place that I'd like to visit and is a lovely setting for the book. This is a slower paced book, although this is not a criticism, but one that I did enjoy as I have with other books by this author.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
Profile Image for Inishowen Cailín.
888 reviews54 followers
November 15, 2023
New Beginnings by the Sunflower Cliffs was a heartwarming romantic comedy and a quick, easy read. I had this read within the space of a day.

There was nice chemistry between Luke and Bea, and I enjoyed all of their banter. I would have liked a more measured build-up to their relationship as their romance developed at a breakneck speed, especially as Bea was wary and trying to keep a distance from him for most of the book. Luke also had a live-in ex-girlfriend to complicate matters, and I couldn't wait to see him send her packing.

Other dampeners in Bea's life were her ex-husband hounding her for his share of the inheritance, and Tom, another ex-boyfriend, who wasn't all he seemed to be.

Bea had a close group of friends who had their own relationships and dilemmas, and I loved how the group supported each other. Even Bea's half-sister, who was somewhat spoiled and self-centred, was supportive and encouraging of Bea in her own way.

I anticipated that Bea and Luke's HEA was inevitable, and I enjoyed the journey with them and finding out how all their problems were going to be resolved.

Settle in for a lovely, cosy read this weekend with New Beginning by the Sunflower Cliffs.

Profile Image for Donna.
277 reviews5 followers
October 20, 2023
Bea Porter's impending divorce (and money hungry soon-to-be-ex Simon) following the death of her beloved godmother have left Bea in a financial and emotional fix. Will she lose her beloved childhood home in the divorce settlement? Will she be able to keep and update her aging home? Will she ever fall in love again? Talk has it that it's hard to not fall in love living on the island Jersey, but Bea has serious doubts about it happening to her. In spite of that, she and her college boyfriend Tom have recently reconnected, and her new handyman/contractor Luke is wildly attractive! What's a girl to do? New beginnings are in Bea's future in this adorably fun love story. With each twist and turn throughout the book, it's easy to get so pulled into that you won't want to put it down.

Disclosure: I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books).
2,811 reviews117 followers
May 20, 2024
I do love a Georgina Troy story and this isn’t my first or even second rodeo, I’m an addict now and her books go on my autoread list, they don’t make it to the TBR pile they are just devoured.

Coming Home to the Sunflower Cliffs gives us the wonderful tale of Daisy and Gabriel’s romance, it’s winding road to a HEA, with up and downs, will they get there ? No spoilers from me you’ll have to read it yourself. There’s some great drama, some twists and turns, dilemmas for Daisy and others.

It’s another wonderful story from Georgina, full of great characters, romance , drama, community, humour and wonderful Jetsey scenery that will just make you want to go there yourself, thoroughly enjoyed this and recommend wholeheartedly.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Grass monster.
579 reviews17 followers
November 19, 2023
The Blurb :
People say that it’s hard not to fall in love living on the sunny island of Jersey, but for Bea Philips, still reeling from a divorce and the loss of her beloved godmother, she's not sure she can find the time. While her soon-to-be-ex-husband is trying to take away the home she grew up in, surly but attractive builder Luke is doing it up. Her old flame Tom has just turned up as her new manager at the office, and she has no idea what the mysterious Jersey Kiss is that her godmother has bequeathed to her...
Is life going to give Bea a break, so she can keep her dream home, and maybe fall in love?

My Thoughts :
We meet Bea Philips, struggling after her marriage has ended to Simon, who was cheating on her. Bea has interited her Aunt Annabel’s cottage after her death. Her problem now is that Simon thinks he is intitled to half of it as they were still married when she inherited it. He gives her some time to either sell it or give him half the money. Bea sets about restoring the cottage with the help of handsome local builder Luke.
As more Characters are added to the mix, can they help Bea sort her life out or will she struggle to forfill her Aunt’s wishes and lost half the cottage to Simon!?.
I really loved Bea and Luke, the chemisty was there between them right from the start and I enjoyed the build up of their relationship and seeing them grow.
It was nice learning of their back story so we know why they are the people they are today.
Once again Georgina Troy has delivered a great story and always one with empathy.
Vivid details of the surroundings, the reader can not help but fall in love with the Characters and the island of Jersey.
As always I am looking forward to the next book from Georgina Troy.
Profile Image for Sarah Kingsnorth.
455 reviews14 followers
November 17, 2023
Georgina Troy - New Beginnings By The Sunflower Cliffs.

Join Georgina Troy, as she takes us back to beautiful Jersey for the beginning of a brand new series.

Main character Bea, has been through a lot of highs and lows in her life.
She finds herself going through a divorce with her dislikable ex husband who isn’t walking away quietly.
Bea’s journey to a better place was enjoyable to follow.

#NewBeginningsByTheSunflowerCliffs is a quick but satisfying read. It’s full of love, romance, annoying exes and it positively glows with sunshine.

A fab start to this new series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

With thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources, Netgalley and Boldwood Books for a digotal arc of this title.
2,006 reviews
Read
June 14, 2024
There is a descriptive sex scene in the first 30% of the book. I prefer that to be behind closed doors.


Amazon synopsis:
People say that it’s hard not to fall in love living on the sunny island of Jersey, but for Bea Philips, still reeling from a divorce and the loss of her beloved godmother, she's not sure she can find the time. While her soon-to-be-ex-husband is trying to take away the home she grew up in, surly but attractive builder Luke is doing it up. Her old flame Tom has just turned up as her new manager at the office, and she has no idea what the mysterious Jersey Kiss is that her godmother has bequeathed to her...

Is life going to give Bea a break, so she can keep her dream home, and maybe fall in love?
Profile Image for Angela Owen.
315 reviews6 followers
November 2, 2023
I found this book quite difficult to get into to start with but once I was about 5 chapters in I started to enjoy it a bit more.

It’s all about Bea and whether she can keep her Aunts house and make a new start without her awful ex Simon.

I loved the beautiful setting of the book and some of the characters were great. Overall a nice easy romantic read

Thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and Georgina Troy for an advanced copy in exchange for an unbiased and honest review
Profile Image for Sharon Williams.
591 reviews9 followers
November 10, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. Poor bea is struggling after her marriage has ended and the nearest thing to her mum died her aunt and has left her house to her. Only problem is Simon her ex thinks he is owed half the house as she has inherited it while they were still married.
Whilst getting the house repaired by builder like who she starts to have feelings for can she move her life forward and not lose her beloved house.
Profile Image for Rachel Stansel.
1,423 reviews19 followers
October 19, 2023
Overall an ok read. I enjoyed parts, but the relationship with Luke and Bea came off like the communication of teenagers which I found irritating for grown adults. And the end is sort of a super fast close.

Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest
Profile Image for Melanie.
1,017 reviews2 followers
April 21, 2024
Bea is struggling with the death of her godmother while working through her divorce. At the same time, she is navigating an old flame turned new manager at work and her attraction to Luke, who is helping her fix her house, which she inherited from her godmother. It's about surprises in life and finding love when you least expect it.
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