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The Starling Inn
Join Millie on a captivating journey of forgiveness, restoration, and the healing power of uncovering the past in THE STARLING INN. For fans of Emily Henry, this ghost story of grief and loss is layered with new beginnings, found family, the true meaning of home, and a romantic happily ever after.
After inheriting a century-old inn from her beloved uncle, Millie leaves her college campus to return to her roots and grapple with the grief of his passing. Determined to ready the inn for sale and quickly return to her life, Millie reconnects with Ethan, her childhood crush, sparking a poignant second chance at love. Millie’s quest for closure intertwines with their shared, painstaking restoration efforts on the inn. Through meticulous historical research, she untangles long-buried community secrets, each revelation bringing her closer to understanding her own heartache and the ghosts haunting the inn.
But as the inn’s transformation nears completion and freedom beckons, she must navigate the delicate balance between closure and newfound beginnings. Will selling the inn mean letting go of more than just a property?
After inheriting a century-old inn from her beloved uncle, Millie leaves her college campus to return to her roots and grapple with the grief of his passing. Determined to ready the inn for sale and quickly return to her life, Millie reconnects with Ethan, her childhood crush, sparking a poignant second chance at love. Millie’s quest for closure intertwines with their shared, painstaking restoration efforts on the inn. Through meticulous historical research, she untangles long-buried community secrets, each revelation bringing her closer to understanding her own heartache and the ghosts haunting the inn.
But as the inn’s transformation nears completion and freedom beckons, she must navigate the delicate balance between closure and newfound beginnings. Will selling the inn mean letting go of more than just a property?
390 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2024
3 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Claire Therese
1 book14 followersWhen she isn't reading or writing, Claire is chasing her children, teaching, librarian-ing, watching period dramas and spending as much time outside as she can. She has a BA in History and a MLS. She lives in the Midwest with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
August 28, 2024
Millie is sent to get things in order and prepped for sale at her uncles Inn. Millie reconnects with a boy from summers past, Ethan, while working on the Inn.
While reeling from her Uncles passing, a strained relationship with her mother and brother and trying to figure out her own next steps, Millie begins to try and unravel the secrets and haunting a of The Starling Inn (no matter how scared she may be). In unraveling the past, Millie and Ethan began to forge a future.
The restoration of relationships and of the Inn itself are beautifully written, the hauntings and mystery are perfectly paced throughout the book and the romance doesn’t overshadow the grief.
Author Claire Therese wrote absolutely beautiful and intricate details and descriptions that I completely pictured the story playing out. I kept wanting to look for the perfectly placed fairies, gargoyles, and of course starling of the Inn.
The banter between Millie and Ethan was fantastic and I was head over heels with him from page 1! “Love is the only thing worth haunting for.” The Inn and the loves throughout the life span are what gave soul to the Inn. Once the fires of love were reignited the Inn could come alive again.
This is a perfect fall, cozy read. I w joyed savoring it but at the same time couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. This fantastic read includes light paranormal, cute romance, reality of family, struggles of life and living with loss.
Thank you to the author, Claire Therese, for the opportunity to read this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
While reeling from her Uncles passing, a strained relationship with her mother and brother and trying to figure out her own next steps, Millie begins to try and unravel the secrets and haunting a of The Starling Inn (no matter how scared she may be). In unraveling the past, Millie and Ethan began to forge a future.
The restoration of relationships and of the Inn itself are beautifully written, the hauntings and mystery are perfectly paced throughout the book and the romance doesn’t overshadow the grief.
Author Claire Therese wrote absolutely beautiful and intricate details and descriptions that I completely pictured the story playing out. I kept wanting to look for the perfectly placed fairies, gargoyles, and of course starling of the Inn.
The banter between Millie and Ethan was fantastic and I was head over heels with him from page 1! “Love is the only thing worth haunting for.” The Inn and the loves throughout the life span are what gave soul to the Inn. Once the fires of love were reignited the Inn could come alive again.
This is a perfect fall, cozy read. I w joyed savoring it but at the same time couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. This fantastic read includes light paranormal, cute romance, reality of family, struggles of life and living with loss.
Thank you to the author, Claire Therese, for the opportunity to read this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 5, 2024
“I believe ghosts hunt us in ways that bring us joy amidst our mourning…”
Thank you to BookSirens, to the author, Claire Therese, for providing me with this e-copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book is simply perfection. It is a mixture of drama, romance, mystery, paranormal, family—well, everything. And prepare tissues, because you're going to need them.
And now for a little longer review. The writing is easy to follow. Sometimes I got lost in the timeline, but you figure it out soon. There are just enough descriptions—not too much, but not lacking either. They are written so well that they captivate you to keep reading.
The story has a great pace and is a captivating mix of everything. It covers the paranormal (ghosts are real and the inn is haunted, duh), drama, spooky elements, but also love. And by love, I mean love for yourself, family, romantic love, and life. Oh yeah, and uncovering the truth and solving mysteries regarding the inn and family is so good. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a sucker for good romance, but here, the mystery kept me reading the book. Even though I discovered some things much earlier, I was still curious about how it would unfold and the characters' reactions.
The characters are relatable—you can identify with them at least at one point throughout the book. Millie is a young woman with too much on her plate, and Ethan is just the person she needs. Their friendship, companionship, and love are everything, especially when you find out it started a decade ago. I really loved their story and how it developed. Both of them had complicated family histories in one way or another, and together they made the best of their lives.
Thank you to BookSirens, to the author, Claire Therese, for providing me with this e-copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book is simply perfection. It is a mixture of drama, romance, mystery, paranormal, family—well, everything. And prepare tissues, because you're going to need them.
And now for a little longer review. The writing is easy to follow. Sometimes I got lost in the timeline, but you figure it out soon. There are just enough descriptions—not too much, but not lacking either. They are written so well that they captivate you to keep reading.
The story has a great pace and is a captivating mix of everything. It covers the paranormal (ghosts are real and the inn is haunted, duh), drama, spooky elements, but also love. And by love, I mean love for yourself, family, romantic love, and life. Oh yeah, and uncovering the truth and solving mysteries regarding the inn and family is so good. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a sucker for good romance, but here, the mystery kept me reading the book. Even though I discovered some things much earlier, I was still curious about how it would unfold and the characters' reactions.
The characters are relatable—you can identify with them at least at one point throughout the book. Millie is a young woman with too much on her plate, and Ethan is just the person she needs. Their friendship, companionship, and love are everything, especially when you find out it started a decade ago. I really loved their story and how it developed. Both of them had complicated family histories in one way or another, and together they made the best of their lives.
August 27, 2024
I LOVED this book and read it cover to cover in one day!
The Starling Inn is a riveting and emotional tale of grief, ghosts, and second chances. It will resonate with any person that has ever lost a loved one and it will remind you that you cannot wait to live your life. Anything could happen and being scared of the future or the unknown will only hold you back from happiness. I cried when they cried and I laughed when they laughed. It was the perfect blend of slow burn romance and haunting mystery, set in modern Michigan around an historical inn from the late 1800s.
As someone that has experienced the loss of a father figure, I found Millie and Ethan’s turmoil, grief, and healing to be relatable on a spiritual level. This book reminds us to heal and nurture our relationships with the living as much as it teaches us to forgive ourselves for our own perceived shortcomings.
Reading The Starling Inn was such a cathartic experience for me and there were so many meaningful lessons to glean from this story.
The romance that builds between the two main characters is such a sweet experience! Their playful banter was real and it was goofy and I loved everything about them. The chemistry between Millie and Ethan was so natural and written so well!
It’s the perfect Autumn read and I highly recommend if you are looking for a cozy mystery, with gothic horror vibes, sweet romance, and a nod to Edgar Allen Poe.
The Starling Inn is a riveting and emotional tale of grief, ghosts, and second chances. It will resonate with any person that has ever lost a loved one and it will remind you that you cannot wait to live your life. Anything could happen and being scared of the future or the unknown will only hold you back from happiness. I cried when they cried and I laughed when they laughed. It was the perfect blend of slow burn romance and haunting mystery, set in modern Michigan around an historical inn from the late 1800s.
As someone that has experienced the loss of a father figure, I found Millie and Ethan’s turmoil, grief, and healing to be relatable on a spiritual level. This book reminds us to heal and nurture our relationships with the living as much as it teaches us to forgive ourselves for our own perceived shortcomings.
Reading The Starling Inn was such a cathartic experience for me and there were so many meaningful lessons to glean from this story.
The romance that builds between the two main characters is such a sweet experience! Their playful banter was real and it was goofy and I loved everything about them. The chemistry between Millie and Ethan was so natural and written so well!
It’s the perfect Autumn read and I highly recommend if you are looking for a cozy mystery, with gothic horror vibes, sweet romance, and a nod to Edgar Allen Poe.
August 9, 2024
This was such a cute & cozy mystery/romance novel! I loved all of the characters, especially the FMC and MMC. The MMC was SO sweet (MAJOR cinnamon roll). Family and loss were major themes and this book would be great for anyone who is struggling with either of those. I can see how this would be a healing book for a lot of people. I loved the spooky fall vibes (a pumpkin spice latte would go very well with this book, which is perfect since it comes out September 1st).
August 3, 2024
A modern take on a classical tale, complete with Gothic ambiance and all the authentic entanglement of love, laughter, and guilt during a time of loss.
Millie and Ethan's banter and tantalizing sexual build up is so genuine. Their story is proof that a romance can be spicy and captivating without toxicity.
To borrow Millie's metaphor, this book is a chef's table of a read. Many courses, multiple cuisines, each unique and lovingly crafted, while intertwined and flawlessly complementary.
Elegant prose paired with the haunting, lovely, secretive character that is the Starling Inn make this a must-read for fall. A cozy, poignant, cup of hot chocolate story. Congrats to this indie author -- I can't wait to see what comes next.
Millie and Ethan's banter and tantalizing sexual build up is so genuine. Their story is proof that a romance can be spicy and captivating without toxicity.
To borrow Millie's metaphor, this book is a chef's table of a read. Many courses, multiple cuisines, each unique and lovingly crafted, while intertwined and flawlessly complementary.
Elegant prose paired with the haunting, lovely, secretive character that is the Starling Inn make this a must-read for fall. A cozy, poignant, cup of hot chocolate story. Congrats to this indie author -- I can't wait to see what comes next.
July 28, 2024
Review: The Starling Inn by Claire Therese
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Claire Therese’s The Starling Inn is an enchanting read that seamlessly weaves together mystery, romance, and a touch of the supernatural. From the first page, I was drawn into the quaint, atmospheric setting of the titular inn, where each room seems to hold a story of its own.
Plot & Pacing:
The narrative unfolds at a perfect pace, balancing moments of suspense with tender, emotional beats. The mystery at the heart of the story is compelling and kept me guessing until the very end. Therese masterfully builds tension, making each revelation feel both surprising and inevitable.
Romance:
The romantic subplot is beautifully crafted, with genuine chemistry between the characters. Therese captures the excitement and uncertainty of new love, making the reader root for the couple from their first meeting. The romance feels natural and integral to the plot, enhancing the overall emotional impact of the story.
Writing Style:
Therese’s writing is lyrical and evocative, painting vivid pictures of the inn and its surroundings. Her descriptions are so lush and detailed that I felt transported to the world she created. The dialogue is sharp and authentic, perfectly capturing the voices of the characters.
Themes:
At its core, The Starling Inn is a story about healing and finding one’s place in the world. It explores themes of grief, acceptance, and the power of community with sensitivity and grace. The supernatural elements are woven in seamlessly, adding an extra layer of intrigue without overshadowing the human drama.
Conclusion:
The Starling Inn is a captivating and heartwarming novel that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Claire Therese has crafted a story that is both magical and profoundly human, making it a must-read for fans of contemporary romance and mystery alike. Highly recommended!
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Claire Therese’s The Starling Inn is an enchanting read that seamlessly weaves together mystery, romance, and a touch of the supernatural. From the first page, I was drawn into the quaint, atmospheric setting of the titular inn, where each room seems to hold a story of its own.
Plot & Pacing:
The narrative unfolds at a perfect pace, balancing moments of suspense with tender, emotional beats. The mystery at the heart of the story is compelling and kept me guessing until the very end. Therese masterfully builds tension, making each revelation feel both surprising and inevitable.
Romance:
The romantic subplot is beautifully crafted, with genuine chemistry between the characters. Therese captures the excitement and uncertainty of new love, making the reader root for the couple from their first meeting. The romance feels natural and integral to the plot, enhancing the overall emotional impact of the story.
Writing Style:
Therese’s writing is lyrical and evocative, painting vivid pictures of the inn and its surroundings. Her descriptions are so lush and detailed that I felt transported to the world she created. The dialogue is sharp and authentic, perfectly capturing the voices of the characters.
Themes:
At its core, The Starling Inn is a story about healing and finding one’s place in the world. It explores themes of grief, acceptance, and the power of community with sensitivity and grace. The supernatural elements are woven in seamlessly, adding an extra layer of intrigue without overshadowing the human drama.
Conclusion:
The Starling Inn is a captivating and heartwarming novel that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Claire Therese has crafted a story that is both magical and profoundly human, making it a must-read for fans of contemporary romance and mystery alike. Highly recommended!
July 22, 2024
The Starling Inn is your haunting read of romance, life, the unknown, the what ifs, and of course ghost. Claire does not spare any words to describe how the FMC, Millie, feels, and the mental and emotional turmoil she goes through.
Millie has to go back to take care of her late uncle's affairs and organize his memorial. She is reunited with Ethan, a local she hasn't seen since her teenage years, when she used to spend her summers at her uncle's home, The Starling Inn.
Millie's passion is anything and everything that pretains to history and, of course, her romance novels. She puts that to work to her advantage to uncover the secrets and hauntings of the Inn. At first, Millie finds herself overwhelmed with her unknown future, her strain relationship with her mom and brother, and the regrett of not being their for her uncle the way she felt she needed to be.
The realization that she needs to leave behind the what ifs and dive into the wants comes slow for Millie, especially when it comes to the way she feels about Ethan.
This was not my typical read, but it was full of suspense, and at times, I felt I was reading a spooky read, which I do enjoy. Ethan was the perfect MMC, being the cute cinnamon roll hero coming to Millie rescue more than once. I love how their relationship and love for each other grew and how they comforted each other during their mourning for Millie's uncle.
Even though there was no spice, I did give it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for the love story and the spooky vibes it gave.
Millie has to go back to take care of her late uncle's affairs and organize his memorial. She is reunited with Ethan, a local she hasn't seen since her teenage years, when she used to spend her summers at her uncle's home, The Starling Inn.
Millie's passion is anything and everything that pretains to history and, of course, her romance novels. She puts that to work to her advantage to uncover the secrets and hauntings of the Inn. At first, Millie finds herself overwhelmed with her unknown future, her strain relationship with her mom and brother, and the regrett of not being their for her uncle the way she felt she needed to be.
The realization that she needs to leave behind the what ifs and dive into the wants comes slow for Millie, especially when it comes to the way she feels about Ethan.
This was not my typical read, but it was full of suspense, and at times, I felt I was reading a spooky read, which I do enjoy. Ethan was the perfect MMC, being the cute cinnamon roll hero coming to Millie rescue more than once. I love how their relationship and love for each other grew and how they comforted each other during their mourning for Millie's uncle.
Even though there was no spice, I did give it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for the love story and the spooky vibes it gave.
August 10, 2024
I’m a complete sucker for mysteries involving restoration of century homes or buildings, so an old family inn originally built towards the end of the 19th century already has my eye; add a haunting historical mystery tied to a present-day family puzzle and I’m hooked.
The story is well written, although I think I’m not quite the target audience for the budding, tortured romance between the main protagonists so I kind of skimmed those parts. They felt a little too fairy-tale fantasy for me, and I’m sure they’re perfect for readers who enjoy the slow deliberate build of tension. The poetic culmination of that relationship was romantic in a way that I think those romance readers will melt over.
Imagining the restored rooms was easy thanks to the descriptive details incorporated into what the characters are doing, and I wish this inn existed so I could visit. Plus - secret passage, jam-packed spooky attic, long-forgotten memorial garden. I’m probably easy to please when these things are part of a story, but also if they’re poorly written I can’t even finish the book, and I couldn’t put this one down until I’d at least made it to the other side of those moments.
I personally would have enjoyed a little more drawing out of the mysterious past, and I had expected that to be the main focus of the book with the character romance being the backdrop instead of the reverse. It was still written so well that I had difficulty putting it down.
I am delighted to have received a free digital copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only.
The story is well written, although I think I’m not quite the target audience for the budding, tortured romance between the main protagonists so I kind of skimmed those parts. They felt a little too fairy-tale fantasy for me, and I’m sure they’re perfect for readers who enjoy the slow deliberate build of tension. The poetic culmination of that relationship was romantic in a way that I think those romance readers will melt over.
Imagining the restored rooms was easy thanks to the descriptive details incorporated into what the characters are doing, and I wish this inn existed so I could visit. Plus - secret passage, jam-packed spooky attic, long-forgotten memorial garden. I’m probably easy to please when these things are part of a story, but also if they’re poorly written I can’t even finish the book, and I couldn’t put this one down until I’d at least made it to the other side of those moments.
I personally would have enjoyed a little more drawing out of the mysterious past, and I had expected that to be the main focus of the book with the character romance being the backdrop instead of the reverse. It was still written so well that I had difficulty putting it down.
I am delighted to have received a free digital copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only.
August 29, 2024
📚 What a beautiful story from start to finish. The Starling Inn follows Millie, a history student working on her Masters Degree, who's life is changed by the untimely death of her beloved uncle Rowan. While going through the grief of loosing her uncle and the stress of the unknown after graduation, Millie moves into her uncles' house (The old Starling Inn) to plan his memorial and prepare the property for sale. Upon moving in, Millie quickly realizes that she may not be on her own in this house. Strange dreams plague her and objects move on their own.
Enter Ethan, the local handyman who was helping Rowan with repairs before his death and Millie's childhood crush from her Summers with her uncle. Together, they begin to restore the old Inn while uncovering its secrets, healing their grief, and finding eachother along the way.
This story was truly beautiful in the way it was written and how the plot unfolds. The surprises along the way had me shocked when they were revealed. The mental health/grief representation was truthful, raw, and real. At the end, I wished that I could re-read this for the first time again. The Starling Inn by Claire Therese releases on 9/1/24 and is the perfect romance to kick off your fall reads!
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I am so appreciative of Claire for choosing me to be an ARC reader and giving me a chance to review this beautifully crafted story before it's release!
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📢 TW: Death, Grief, Panic Attacks, Haunting, Ghosts, Family Loss, and Drug Use
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📖 This book was an ARC. My review is my own and is no way influenced by the author or publisher.
Enter Ethan, the local handyman who was helping Rowan with repairs before his death and Millie's childhood crush from her Summers with her uncle. Together, they begin to restore the old Inn while uncovering its secrets, healing their grief, and finding eachother along the way.
This story was truly beautiful in the way it was written and how the plot unfolds. The surprises along the way had me shocked when they were revealed. The mental health/grief representation was truthful, raw, and real. At the end, I wished that I could re-read this for the first time again. The Starling Inn by Claire Therese releases on 9/1/24 and is the perfect romance to kick off your fall reads!
•
•
I am so appreciative of Claire for choosing me to be an ARC reader and giving me a chance to review this beautifully crafted story before it's release!
•
📢 TW: Death, Grief, Panic Attacks, Haunting, Ghosts, Family Loss, and Drug Use
•
•
📖 This book was an ARC. My review is my own and is no way influenced by the author or publisher.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2024
Arc Review-The Starling Inn
4 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a beautiful book. The setting is described well, and everytime you think you have the layout of the inn correct, another section gets added and you realize just how grandiose the setting in this book really is. This is a great book to read if you feel like being reminded of how fall and winter months feel, Therese does a wonderful job describing the weather, it feels as if you're living during the seasons, and time of day. I love how this book deals with the paranormal, it's realistic and feels just like something someone could easily answer with when getting asked if they'd ever had a paranormal encounter in their life. The character development between Millie and Ethan felt very natural. It felt like they really had a past growing up together and their relationship built up nicely in the course of the book. You can really feel the anxiety and sorrow Millie has when she first arrives to the inn, and the difference in how she deals with it as the story continues. I like how we get introduced to Ethan by his exterior personality, and learn about his struggles and life along with Millie. The mystery that helps this plot along is very intriguing and heartwarming, even if it's bittersweet. It was interesting to learn about the history of the inn, and how everything ulitmately comes together. I loved the parallel between Starlings, the bird, and The Starlings, the family.
Tropes:
-Cinnamon Roll MMC
-Found Family
-Second Chance Romance
-Haunted House Mystery
-Slow Burn
-Forced Proximity
4 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a beautiful book. The setting is described well, and everytime you think you have the layout of the inn correct, another section gets added and you realize just how grandiose the setting in this book really is. This is a great book to read if you feel like being reminded of how fall and winter months feel, Therese does a wonderful job describing the weather, it feels as if you're living during the seasons, and time of day. I love how this book deals with the paranormal, it's realistic and feels just like something someone could easily answer with when getting asked if they'd ever had a paranormal encounter in their life. The character development between Millie and Ethan felt very natural. It felt like they really had a past growing up together and their relationship built up nicely in the course of the book. You can really feel the anxiety and sorrow Millie has when she first arrives to the inn, and the difference in how she deals with it as the story continues. I like how we get introduced to Ethan by his exterior personality, and learn about his struggles and life along with Millie. The mystery that helps this plot along is very intriguing and heartwarming, even if it's bittersweet. It was interesting to learn about the history of the inn, and how everything ulitmately comes together. I loved the parallel between Starlings, the bird, and The Starlings, the family.
Tropes:
-Cinnamon Roll MMC
-Found Family
-Second Chance Romance
-Haunted House Mystery
-Slow Burn
-Forced Proximity
September 1, 2024
3 ⭐️ closed door romance
There was a lot of angst and build up of Ethan and Millie.
I am not sure what I was expecting out of this book. The way that it began was that it was going to be a really spooky story with a haunting of some sort. That kind of happened but it was more of a romance with the spooky story not the main focus. I felt that it began really spooky and then all of a sudden…PIVOT…just kidding…it’s a romance novel. It just gave me some whip lash.
I did LOVE the ending of the book though. I loved how Ethan proposed to Mille and thought it was such a unique experience that tied together so many different people that were important to Ethan AND important to Ethan and Millie’s journey. I did love that Ben and Sarah are together and they get married and are pregnant at the end. There were a lot of different concepts and storylines in this book with various characters that could have been better woven in…in my opinion.
I wish we could have met Rowan. His love story seemed so timeless and heartbreaking. I loved how Rowan took Ethan in basically as his own. I loved the story of Lou and Carolina and how that built in to the history of The Starling Inn.
I loved that they rebuilt the Inn in honor of Rowan and the time period of when the house was built. It was interesting to see how eerie things were happening and I was hoping we could have had more of that within this romance. I felt like the spooky happened and then it stopped…The romance happened and we solely focused on that with a little spooky tied in once closer to the climax.
Overall a good read!
There was a lot of angst and build up of Ethan and Millie.
I am not sure what I was expecting out of this book. The way that it began was that it was going to be a really spooky story with a haunting of some sort. That kind of happened but it was more of a romance with the spooky story not the main focus. I felt that it began really spooky and then all of a sudden…PIVOT…just kidding…it’s a romance novel. It just gave me some whip lash.
I did LOVE the ending of the book though. I loved how Ethan proposed to Mille and thought it was such a unique experience that tied together so many different people that were important to Ethan AND important to Ethan and Millie’s journey. I did love that Ben and Sarah are together and they get married and are pregnant at the end. There were a lot of different concepts and storylines in this book with various characters that could have been better woven in…in my opinion.
I wish we could have met Rowan. His love story seemed so timeless and heartbreaking. I loved how Rowan took Ethan in basically as his own. I loved the story of Lou and Carolina and how that built in to the history of The Starling Inn.
I loved that they rebuilt the Inn in honor of Rowan and the time period of when the house was built. It was interesting to see how eerie things were happening and I was hoping we could have had more of that within this romance. I felt like the spooky happened and then it stopped…The romance happened and we solely focused on that with a little spooky tied in once closer to the climax.
Overall a good read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2024
Claire Therese’s *The Starling Inn* is a heartwarming journey of healing and rediscovery . Therese weaves a poignant tale of grief, love, and transformation through the lens of a century-old inn inherited by Millie.
The story begins with Millie’s return to her roots following her uncle’s death. Her initial intention to quickly sell the inn and move on is soon complicated by her reconnection with Ethan, a childhood friend and former crush. Their shared history and the process of restoring the inn bring new layers of meaning to Millie’s quest for closure and self-understanding.
Therese skillfully blends themes of loss and new beginnings with the charming backdrop of the inn, creating a narrative rich in emotional depth and historical intrigue. The meticulous restoration of the inn serves as a metaphor for Millie's own journey toward healing. Each historical revelation not only unravels the past but also enhances her connection to her uncle and her childhood love.
Overall, *The Starling Inn* offers a moving blend of romance, mystery, and self-discovery, solidifying Claire Therese as a compelling storyteller. It’s a resonant choice for those seeking a comforting yet thought-provoking read about finding one's place and heart amidst the echoes of the past.
The story begins with Millie’s return to her roots following her uncle’s death. Her initial intention to quickly sell the inn and move on is soon complicated by her reconnection with Ethan, a childhood friend and former crush. Their shared history and the process of restoring the inn bring new layers of meaning to Millie’s quest for closure and self-understanding.
Therese skillfully blends themes of loss and new beginnings with the charming backdrop of the inn, creating a narrative rich in emotional depth and historical intrigue. The meticulous restoration of the inn serves as a metaphor for Millie's own journey toward healing. Each historical revelation not only unravels the past but also enhances her connection to her uncle and her childhood love.
Overall, *The Starling Inn* offers a moving blend of romance, mystery, and self-discovery, solidifying Claire Therese as a compelling storyteller. It’s a resonant choice for those seeking a comforting yet thought-provoking read about finding one's place and heart amidst the echoes of the past.
August 19, 2024
ARC REVIEW ⭐️ RELEASE 9/1
Overall:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🐦⬛ second chance romance
🩶 forced proximity
🐦⬛ found family
🩶 haunted house mystery
🐦⬛ cinnamon roll MMC
✨ thank you claire for giving me the opportunity to read this beautiful story!✨
"You and I both know that I will never recover from this night. If we do this, l am yours completely and you are stuck with me."
ugh, i fell in love with ethan and millie. i absolutely love this book! the characters, the setting, the back story! it’s all so well put together. it’s hard to find words. so let me try..
a haunted house mystery just in time for spooky season, second chance romance done so perfectly, and a journey of healing. i couldn’t put this book down. it kept you hooked the entire time, the supernatural twists were great they had me reading faster bc i just needed to know what was going on! while the spooky parts were intriguing there was also some mystery that has you trying to figure out how it all ties together. everything wrapped up beautifully and all questions get answered.
looking forward to the audiobook so i can experience it all over again. 🩶
Overall:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🐦⬛ second chance romance
🩶 forced proximity
🐦⬛ found family
🩶 haunted house mystery
🐦⬛ cinnamon roll MMC
✨ thank you claire for giving me the opportunity to read this beautiful story!✨
"You and I both know that I will never recover from this night. If we do this, l am yours completely and you are stuck with me."
ugh, i fell in love with ethan and millie. i absolutely love this book! the characters, the setting, the back story! it’s all so well put together. it’s hard to find words. so let me try..
a haunted house mystery just in time for spooky season, second chance romance done so perfectly, and a journey of healing. i couldn’t put this book down. it kept you hooked the entire time, the supernatural twists were great they had me reading faster bc i just needed to know what was going on! while the spooky parts were intriguing there was also some mystery that has you trying to figure out how it all ties together. everything wrapped up beautifully and all questions get answered.
looking forward to the audiobook so i can experience it all over again. 🩶
July 12, 2024
An enchanting novel that seamlessly weaves humor, romance, and profound emotional depth within the eerie and beautiful confines of an old hotel, The Starling Inn is an absolute must-read for anyone who loves a perfect blend of dark, haunting tales and playful, flirty romance.
What truly sets this novel apart is the author’s exquisite, nuanced portrayal of loss. Therese masterfully intertwines Millie’s grief into the narrative, creating a profound connection that deeply resonated with me.
The setting of The Starling Inn is the most standout feature for me. The Inn is a character in its own right, with its spooky ambiance and many mysteries. Therese’s vivid descriptions bring it to life, making it easy to visualize the old, creaky floors and the hauntingly beautiful surroundings.
And, of course, we have the absolutely charming and electric chemistry of Millie and Ethan. If you like playful, flirty dialogue, this is definitely the story for you. The romance is an absolute blast to read from the moment of (re)meet-cute to Happily Ever After.
What truly sets this novel apart is the author’s exquisite, nuanced portrayal of loss. Therese masterfully intertwines Millie’s grief into the narrative, creating a profound connection that deeply resonated with me.
The setting of The Starling Inn is the most standout feature for me. The Inn is a character in its own right, with its spooky ambiance and many mysteries. Therese’s vivid descriptions bring it to life, making it easy to visualize the old, creaky floors and the hauntingly beautiful surroundings.
And, of course, we have the absolutely charming and electric chemistry of Millie and Ethan. If you like playful, flirty dialogue, this is definitely the story for you. The romance is an absolute blast to read from the moment of (re)meet-cute to Happily Ever After.
August 18, 2024
The Starling Inn by Claire Therese
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Partial Blurb:
Join Millie on a captivating journey of forgiveness, restoration, and the healing power of uncovering the past in The Starling Inn. For fans of Emily Henry, this ghost story of grief and loss is layered with new beginnings, found family, the true meaning of home, and a romantic happily ever after.
Review:
I loved this book. I had to tell the author how captivated I was while I was reading it! And I didn’t want to put it down!
Millie and Ethan have the best banter that was all very believable! The names they called each other made me giggle. 🤭
Ethan was a cinnamon roll hero, always there when Millie needed him. I love me a good cinnamon roll hero 😍
I loved how this had romance but it was also a mystery/ paranormal. So many elements to keep you engrossed in the story.
Zero spice but it wasn’t even needed! Such a good book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Partial Blurb:
Join Millie on a captivating journey of forgiveness, restoration, and the healing power of uncovering the past in The Starling Inn. For fans of Emily Henry, this ghost story of grief and loss is layered with new beginnings, found family, the true meaning of home, and a romantic happily ever after.
Review:
I loved this book. I had to tell the author how captivated I was while I was reading it! And I didn’t want to put it down!
Millie and Ethan have the best banter that was all very believable! The names they called each other made me giggle. 🤭
Ethan was a cinnamon roll hero, always there when Millie needed him. I love me a good cinnamon roll hero 😍
I loved how this had romance but it was also a mystery/ paranormal. So many elements to keep you engrossed in the story.
Zero spice but it wasn’t even needed! Such a good book!
August 21, 2024
📖ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
When Millie’s Uncle Rowan dies, she heads off to The Starling Inn to help clean up her Uncle’s things and get the property ready for sale. She reconnects with Ethan, her childhood crush, as they both work towards restoring the inn. During the restoration, Millie also does a deep dive into the history of the inn and the family who built it. As renovation comes towards completion, Millie expresses doubts towards selling the Inn and leaving Ethan.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Its got romance, its got mystery, its got history. It’s got a golden retriever MMC. What more could you want? The plot is easy to understand and is fast paced. Millie and Ethan are so cute together - I loved the banter. I also liked that they had each other to rely on in their time of grief; they understood what the other person was going through. If you’re looking for a cozy fall read, this is it!
Thank you so much for this ARC! The Starling Inn is releasing September 1, 2024!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
When Millie’s Uncle Rowan dies, she heads off to The Starling Inn to help clean up her Uncle’s things and get the property ready for sale. She reconnects with Ethan, her childhood crush, as they both work towards restoring the inn. During the restoration, Millie also does a deep dive into the history of the inn and the family who built it. As renovation comes towards completion, Millie expresses doubts towards selling the Inn and leaving Ethan.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Its got romance, its got mystery, its got history. It’s got a golden retriever MMC. What more could you want? The plot is easy to understand and is fast paced. Millie and Ethan are so cute together - I loved the banter. I also liked that they had each other to rely on in their time of grief; they understood what the other person was going through. If you’re looking for a cozy fall read, this is it!
Thank you so much for this ARC! The Starling Inn is releasing September 1, 2024!
September 7, 2024
This was a very cute and must I say intriguing story. Having to deal with the loss of a loved one and having to put their affairs in order...in this case the main character, Millie, uncles homes, The Starling Inn, can bring up emotions you wouldn't expect. It can also surprise you in more ways then one...meaning things move on their own and well other interesting surprises.
That brings us to Ethan, Millie's childhood friend and crush. Ethan is also dealing with the loss of Millie's uncles as he was helping her uncle around the Inn. Even though Millie was there to sell her uncles place something stops her and with the help of Ethan they start to fix up the place. At the same time Millie and Ethan get closer and find healing in each other.
This was a beautiful story from start to finish. It is a great fall read and it will have you in all your feelings. Claire Therese has outdone herself with this beautiful and enchanting story of secrets, grief, and the road to happiness.
That brings us to Ethan, Millie's childhood friend and crush. Ethan is also dealing with the loss of Millie's uncles as he was helping her uncle around the Inn. Even though Millie was there to sell her uncles place something stops her and with the help of Ethan they start to fix up the place. At the same time Millie and Ethan get closer and find healing in each other.
This was a beautiful story from start to finish. It is a great fall read and it will have you in all your feelings. Claire Therese has outdone herself with this beautiful and enchanting story of secrets, grief, and the road to happiness.
September 3, 2024
[ARC Review] 4.5 ⭐️ / 1 🍋
i honestly had such a hard time trying to get through the first couple of chapters. i almost dnf’d it but kept going and the story picked up. i hardly read fall/spooky themed books but i ended up really loving this book!! it had a little of everything from comedy, romance, suspense, angst and healing. grief is never a easy thing and i felt the character’s griefs through the screen.
i absolutely loved millie & ethan’s bantering and how they both were able to heal and get closure with each others love. the series of secrets that got them there was just 😚👌🏻 i loved the history of the inn and the back story of everyone connected to it 🥺
i wish we could’ve have gotten this book through Ethan’s pov too because it would’ve been so great reading about millie from his pov. ALSO,, i did cry about 60-70% into the book.
i honestly had such a hard time trying to get through the first couple of chapters. i almost dnf’d it but kept going and the story picked up. i hardly read fall/spooky themed books but i ended up really loving this book!! it had a little of everything from comedy, romance, suspense, angst and healing. grief is never a easy thing and i felt the character’s griefs through the screen.
i absolutely loved millie & ethan’s bantering and how they both were able to heal and get closure with each others love. the series of secrets that got them there was just 😚👌🏻 i loved the history of the inn and the back story of everyone connected to it 🥺
i wish we could’ve have gotten this book through Ethan’s pov too because it would’ve been so great reading about millie from his pov. ALSO,, i did cry about 60-70% into the book.
July 30, 2024
Apples, ghosts, mystery, haunted house, graveyard, cat, and romance = perfect fall reading
This is a 4.5 star read for me. I loved the haunted house love story. I think it would be a perfect fall read for those who love fall and spooky season.
Its a love story with a haunted house mystery and I would have given it 5 stars but I found the "I'm leaving but I don't want to leave you, so I dont know what to do next" a little repetitive and annoying at times. But it definitely was a realistic love story for a second chance romance.
Definitely would recommend this book to any romance book lover who also loves apple cider and woodworkers and would want a man who can make both.
This is a 4.5 star read for me. I loved the haunted house love story. I think it would be a perfect fall read for those who love fall and spooky season.
Its a love story with a haunted house mystery and I would have given it 5 stars but I found the "I'm leaving but I don't want to leave you, so I dont know what to do next" a little repetitive and annoying at times. But it definitely was a realistic love story for a second chance romance.
Definitely would recommend this book to any romance book lover who also loves apple cider and woodworkers and would want a man who can make both.
August 30, 2024
Where do I even start? I love Millie and Ethan so much! I was giggling, kicking my feet, laughing hard while reading this. I never wanted it to end because this book made me feel something so amazing. I was tearing up so much, this book was a breath of fresh air for me.
The tropes were amazingg. This book definitely made me fall more in love with those tropes. I love the unique characters and their backgrounds and their struggles. I love how Ethan isn’t a typical love interest you read in romance novels.
Millie and Ethan will forever be in my heart. I loved everything about the Starling Inn.
The tropes were amazingg. This book definitely made me fall more in love with those tropes. I love the unique characters and their backgrounds and their struggles. I love how Ethan isn’t a typical love interest you read in romance novels.
Millie and Ethan will forever be in my heart. I loved everything about the Starling Inn.
September 1, 2024
I had high expectations going into this book and I must say all were met!!!
This is a sweet romance with small town feels and just the right amount of spooky. Millie inherits her uncle Rowan’s old house— which used to be an old inn— and is tasked with selling it. Millie knows no one and calls the number of a contractor that has come highly recommended. Only it’s Ethan, old time friend from a past that seems life times ago.
This book is the perfect fall read and gives me Gilmore Girls vibes mixed with a little bit of ghost tour YouTube videos.
I am so thankful to have received this book as an arc and look forward to future books by author Claire Therese!
This is a sweet romance with small town feels and just the right amount of spooky. Millie inherits her uncle Rowan’s old house— which used to be an old inn— and is tasked with selling it. Millie knows no one and calls the number of a contractor that has come highly recommended. Only it’s Ethan, old time friend from a past that seems life times ago.
This book is the perfect fall read and gives me Gilmore Girls vibes mixed with a little bit of ghost tour YouTube videos.
I am so thankful to have received this book as an arc and look forward to future books by author Claire Therese!
July 26, 2024
“ ‘Do it,’ his voice is thick and husky. ‘I dare you.’ Dear reader, I kissed him” ~ I will not lie I screamed reading this and then re-read it a few more times. OBSESSED with this quote~
THE BANTER. THE TENSION. THE HISTORY. Every single time Millie and Ethan were even in the same room I had tingles and the world stopped. This book gave me life. The element of a spooky inherited inn that may be haunted and cursed hooked me into reading. What is a ghost? What is it that haunts us?
“Tears sumon your ghost to you, and they are impossible to banish - memories follow everywhere. In those moments, the ghost is as real to you as the ground beneath your feet, as the sky above your head”
But it was the journey of Millie and Ethan learning from and about their pasts that kept me almost literally glued. Besides this being one of the best banter and rekindling relationships I will probably ever read, I love the personal history of the inn and the neighbors that unfolds in this book. I love that there were so many layers to this book to be obsessed with. Like Millie using her researching genius to discover truths about the past. Like Ethan learning to share more about himself. Like an interesting looking cat Frank.
I HIGHLY recommend this book to those looking for well written tension between two characters, and looking for a story about discovering the past to learn from it.
THE BANTER. THE TENSION. THE HISTORY. Every single time Millie and Ethan were even in the same room I had tingles and the world stopped. This book gave me life. The element of a spooky inherited inn that may be haunted and cursed hooked me into reading. What is a ghost? What is it that haunts us?
“Tears sumon your ghost to you, and they are impossible to banish - memories follow everywhere. In those moments, the ghost is as real to you as the ground beneath your feet, as the sky above your head”
But it was the journey of Millie and Ethan learning from and about their pasts that kept me almost literally glued. Besides this being one of the best banter and rekindling relationships I will probably ever read, I love the personal history of the inn and the neighbors that unfolds in this book. I love that there were so many layers to this book to be obsessed with. Like Millie using her researching genius to discover truths about the past. Like Ethan learning to share more about himself. Like an interesting looking cat Frank.
I HIGHLY recommend this book to those looking for well written tension between two characters, and looking for a story about discovering the past to learn from it.
July 26, 2024
I’m not sure what I was expecting when I started this book, but what I experienced while reading it was much better than I imagined!
After my own battles with grief, walking with Millie through hers was hard on my heart….but great for my soul. It was as if my own journey was moving with hers. Beautifully descriptive writing….honestly, so good!
I laughed, a lot. Ethan is my kinda man, dear reader…😉
I cried, a bit, too.
History, hauntings and happily ever after…a “perfect sugary confection of a story, comforting and heart lifting and familiar and a guaranteed escape from my current circumstances.” 🩷 I’m positive Millie would love it, too!
After my own battles with grief, walking with Millie through hers was hard on my heart….but great for my soul. It was as if my own journey was moving with hers. Beautifully descriptive writing….honestly, so good!
I laughed, a lot. Ethan is my kinda man, dear reader…😉
I cried, a bit, too.
History, hauntings and happily ever after…a “perfect sugary confection of a story, comforting and heart lifting and familiar and a guaranteed escape from my current circumstances.” 🩷 I’m positive Millie would love it, too!
July 31, 2024
This gem comes out September 1st . Just in time for some spooky, fall vibes !!! You have second chances romance that was done SPECTACULARLY if I must say so myself! The banter between the main characters was hilarious. I giggled so many times ! You have found family and history that starts to unravel secrets from the past . What are these secrets you may wonder…. Make sure and check out this book when it releases to find out ! Not to mention this was probably my most favorite ending of a book by far! “ Swoon “ 🥰 Great job
August 31, 2024
📚🌶
The Starling Inn was a great fall/cozy romance book with some paranormal and ghost themes. Even though this book wasn't really spice, it was still a great read that I would definitely reccomend!!
Millie ends up inheriting her uncles inn after his passing. It all starts with Millie getting the Inn ready to sell, when she enlists Ethan to help. Ethan has some experience in renovations and agrees to help Millie
Claire Therese creates an amazing debut novel that hits in all the feels! This does end in HEA. I can't wait for more creations from Claire!
The Starling Inn was a great fall/cozy romance book with some paranormal and ghost themes. Even though this book wasn't really spice, it was still a great read that I would definitely reccomend!!
Millie ends up inheriting her uncles inn after his passing. It all starts with Millie getting the Inn ready to sell, when she enlists Ethan to help. Ethan has some experience in renovations and agrees to help Millie
Claire Therese creates an amazing debut novel that hits in all the feels! This does end in HEA. I can't wait for more creations from Claire!
September 5, 2024
What a cute, spooky read!! This was the best cozy mystery/romance to start off this season. I absolutely loved Millie and Ethan - both were dealing with so much it was so nice when they finally got together. I felt so bad for Millie throughout most of the story, I would’ve been so scared! In the beginning, during one of the flashbacks, I even had to stop reading because I kept thinking my own house was haunted LOL I seriously would LOVE to see what this house looks like. Maybe I’ll pass on seeing a hair wreath but the rest of it I am all in LOL The ending was amazing, everyone’s story tied up so nicely. I couldn’t recommend more!
September 10, 2024
Full of quirky romance and mystery!
This book was so cute and a great fall/Halloween read! The romance was slow to build but it was worth the wait. There was so much banter, chemistry, and sexual tension between the main characters with some closed door spice. The mystery/spooky plot was very intriguing as well and I loved that the Inn was basically a character itself. This book had a great ending that tied everything together perfectly! The end gave me such Gilmore Girls Dragonfly Inn vibes. 10/10! I hope to see more books from this author in the future.
This book was so cute and a great fall/Halloween read! The romance was slow to build but it was worth the wait. There was so much banter, chemistry, and sexual tension between the main characters with some closed door spice. The mystery/spooky plot was very intriguing as well and I loved that the Inn was basically a character itself. This book had a great ending that tied everything together perfectly! The end gave me such Gilmore Girls Dragonfly Inn vibes. 10/10! I hope to see more books from this author in the future.
August 21, 2024
This book proved to be a true romance once getting through the history of The Starling Inn and it's gothic background.
The love that grew between Millie and Ethan was beautiful. He's a true romantic gentleman to woo her the way he did, especially at the end with all of the beautiful roses. It was learning the background and families to both Millie and Ethan.
I received an early copy, ARC, for my honest, free and voluntary review.
The love that grew between Millie and Ethan was beautiful. He's a true romantic gentleman to woo her the way he did, especially at the end with all of the beautiful roses. It was learning the background and families to both Millie and Ethan.
I received an early copy, ARC, for my honest, free and voluntary review.
July 29, 2024
The spooky, cozy, gothic fall read you’ve been craving. Impeccable writing, well thought out and lovable characters. I was on the edge of my seat, desperately putting the pieces together alongside Millie and rooting for her from the start. And who doesn’t love a lumberjack, cinnamon roll of an mmc? This book has everything, both recommend for your fall TBR!
August 4, 2024
It is a lovely story with a paranormal edge and good old romance. Terrible secrets are unearthed when Millie investigates the Inn that have been buried for a century. Millie hires the help of Ethan to get the Inn ready for sale when her uncle passes away but spooky goings on that make her look into the Inn and her family's past. Slow burn romance that's beautifully written
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