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Starting Over at Starlight Cottage: Book 1 in the Starlight Series
Stars Can't Shine Without Darkness...
49-year-old Tilly Thomas would never have known any different if she hadn’t unexpectedly turned up at hubby Robin’s office to surprise him with an off-the-cuff evening at the theatre. Instead, the surprise is on Tilly when she interrupts Robin and his young PA in a compromising situation.
Stumbling from the office, blinded by tears, Tilly thanks God she was never gifted the children she once craved and is spared explaining why Mummy and Daddy will now be living apart. Instead, Tilly has an adopted daughter – but this little girl has a wet nose and warm heart.
Mongrel Cindy is privy to all her mummy’s hopes and dreams as Tilly prepares to start over in the village of Starlight Croft. Thank goodness a dog can’t speak because Cindy knows things her mistress has never shared, including a secret that once broke Tilly’s heart.
As Tilly prepares to embrace an unknown future and make peace with her past, she discovers that sometimes difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations…
49-year-old Tilly Thomas would never have known any different if she hadn’t unexpectedly turned up at hubby Robin’s office to surprise him with an off-the-cuff evening at the theatre. Instead, the surprise is on Tilly when she interrupts Robin and his young PA in a compromising situation.
Stumbling from the office, blinded by tears, Tilly thanks God she was never gifted the children she once craved and is spared explaining why Mummy and Daddy will now be living apart. Instead, Tilly has an adopted daughter – but this little girl has a wet nose and warm heart.
Mongrel Cindy is privy to all her mummy’s hopes and dreams as Tilly prepares to start over in the village of Starlight Croft. Thank goodness a dog can’t speak because Cindy knows things her mistress has never shared, including a secret that once broke Tilly’s heart.
As Tilly prepares to embrace an unknown future and make peace with her past, she discovers that sometimes difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations…
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 6, 2024
Tilly has found the perfect house only to lose it to Mr Obnoxious.
This was an easy to read book. It has a few funny parts Tilly is always talking to her dog who seems to understand every word. If you enjoy enemies to lovers type books, then this book is definitely for you.
This was an easy to read book. It has a few funny parts Tilly is always talking to her dog who seems to understand every word. If you enjoy enemies to lovers type books, then this book is definitely for you.
December 2, 2024
A heartwarming story of bad endings bringing new beginnings. Lots of tears — good ones and bad ones. Full of love, hope and quirky humour.
December 4, 2024
Starting Over at Starlight Cottage by Debbie Viggiano
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Stars Can't Shine Without Darkness...
49-year-old Tilly Thomas would never have known any different if she hadn’t unexpectedly turned up at hubby Robin’s office to surprise him with an off-the-cuff evening at the theatre. Instead, the surprise is on Tilly when she interrupts Robin and his young PA in a compromising situation.
Stumbling from the office, blinded by tears, Tilly thanks God she was never gifted the children she once craved and is spared explaining why Mummy and Daddy will now be living apart. Instead, Tilly has an adopted daughter – but this little girl has a wet nose and warm heart.
Mongrel Cindy is privy to all her mummy’s hopes and dreams as Tilly prepares to start over in the village of Starlight Croft. Thank goodness a dog can’t speak because Cindy knows things her mistress has never shared, including a secret that once broke Tilly’s heart.
As Tilly prepares to embrace an unknown future and make peace with her past, she discovers that sometimes difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations…
My Opinion
Following her divorce Tilly has found her dream home – will she be able to beat the other interested parties in the race to buy the cottage? This was a feel-good read and a great introduction to a new series. I really liked the way that Debbie Viggiano utilised Tilly’s conversations with Cindy to fill the reader in on Tilly’s thoughts. For me, this was a relatively quick book to read as it was so entertaining - it was difficult to put down.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Stars Can't Shine Without Darkness...
49-year-old Tilly Thomas would never have known any different if she hadn’t unexpectedly turned up at hubby Robin’s office to surprise him with an off-the-cuff evening at the theatre. Instead, the surprise is on Tilly when she interrupts Robin and his young PA in a compromising situation.
Stumbling from the office, blinded by tears, Tilly thanks God she was never gifted the children she once craved and is spared explaining why Mummy and Daddy will now be living apart. Instead, Tilly has an adopted daughter – but this little girl has a wet nose and warm heart.
Mongrel Cindy is privy to all her mummy’s hopes and dreams as Tilly prepares to start over in the village of Starlight Croft. Thank goodness a dog can’t speak because Cindy knows things her mistress has never shared, including a secret that once broke Tilly’s heart.
As Tilly prepares to embrace an unknown future and make peace with her past, she discovers that sometimes difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations…
My Opinion
Following her divorce Tilly has found her dream home – will she be able to beat the other interested parties in the race to buy the cottage? This was a feel-good read and a great introduction to a new series. I really liked the way that Debbie Viggiano utilised Tilly’s conversations with Cindy to fill the reader in on Tilly’s thoughts. For me, this was a relatively quick book to read as it was so entertaining - it was difficult to put down.
Rating 4/5
November 27, 2024
Told in the first person from the perspective of Tilly Thomas, about the end of her marriage and new beginnings, Starting Over at Starlight Cottage is the perfect enemies to lovers trope. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and will definitely be looking out for the next one in this series now that I have been introduced to some of the residents of the village of Starlight Croft.
I found that I quickly became invested in Tilly's story and enjoyed trying to guess outcomes ahead of the actual plotline. I nearly got there, but my ending was slightly more complicated, and much less plausible.
The sarky comments and terrible jokes throughout added to my enjoyment of this story and I particularly liked that Tilly's conversations with her dog, Cindy, were sometimes not private and in-her-head conversations. This caused me to smile on several occasions, as well as cringe on her behalf as Tilly tries to hide what she is really feeling.
Of the secondary characters, I really liked the local eccentric or psychic - whichever you prefer - Hetty Cartwright. I would love to learn more about her story and contribution to the village and residents of Starlight Croft.
Starting Over at Starlight Cottage is a lovely, well-written story which had me captivated from start to finish. If you enjoy a contemporary romance, this one will pull on your heartstrings and make you smile at the same time.
I found that I quickly became invested in Tilly's story and enjoyed trying to guess outcomes ahead of the actual plotline. I nearly got there, but my ending was slightly more complicated, and much less plausible.
The sarky comments and terrible jokes throughout added to my enjoyment of this story and I particularly liked that Tilly's conversations with her dog, Cindy, were sometimes not private and in-her-head conversations. This caused me to smile on several occasions, as well as cringe on her behalf as Tilly tries to hide what she is really feeling.
Of the secondary characters, I really liked the local eccentric or psychic - whichever you prefer - Hetty Cartwright. I would love to learn more about her story and contribution to the village and residents of Starlight Croft.
Starting Over at Starlight Cottage is a lovely, well-written story which had me captivated from start to finish. If you enjoy a contemporary romance, this one will pull on your heartstrings and make you smile at the same time.
December 1, 2024
I'm reviewing this as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.
This is the first book in the Starlight series. At the start, the protagonist, Tilly, finds out that her husband Robin has been having an affair, and is leaving her for another woman. I found Tilly instantly likeable; I sympathised with her situation, and enjoyed her sense of humour.
Following Robin’s departure, Tilly needs to re-evaluate her life. As I was reading, I imagined myself in Tilly's shoes, and I pictured the village of Starlight Croft as somewhere that I would like to live too. I loved the bond between Tilly and her dog, Cindy. In fact, Cindy was an awesome character in her own right, and everyone needs a friend like her. There were a few other characters in Starlight Croft that I grew fond of too; these included Hetty, Milo, and Jake.
When I decided to read this book, I hoped for a cosy, feel-good read that would leave me smiling, and this ticked all the right boxes. I found it emotional to read, but in the best way. Sometimes, the best things in life are unexpected, and this book speaks to that.
Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
This is the first book in the Starlight series. At the start, the protagonist, Tilly, finds out that her husband Robin has been having an affair, and is leaving her for another woman. I found Tilly instantly likeable; I sympathised with her situation, and enjoyed her sense of humour.
Following Robin’s departure, Tilly needs to re-evaluate her life. As I was reading, I imagined myself in Tilly's shoes, and I pictured the village of Starlight Croft as somewhere that I would like to live too. I loved the bond between Tilly and her dog, Cindy. In fact, Cindy was an awesome character in her own right, and everyone needs a friend like her. There were a few other characters in Starlight Croft that I grew fond of too; these included Hetty, Milo, and Jake.
When I decided to read this book, I hoped for a cosy, feel-good read that would leave me smiling, and this ticked all the right boxes. I found it emotional to read, but in the best way. Sometimes, the best things in life are unexpected, and this book speaks to that.
Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
December 3, 2024
I received an E-ARC with a request for my honest review.
This beautiful read follows Tilly, who is recently divorced following walking in on her husband in a compromising situation.
Tilly is an estate agent, and when a new property comes on the market, she sets her sights on owning Starlight Cottage. It would be just the new start she is wishing for her and her future.
Not every wish always comes true and soon Tilly finds herself wondering what her future holds.
However, she continues to be drawn to the area and makes some new friends along the way.
What does Tilly’s future hold? Will she ever get her wish of living in the Starlight Cottage?
This read is beautiful, following a woman whose heart has been broken but still showing that it is not the end but only the beginning.
There are some humorous moments too, where Tilly gets herself into some embarrassing situations. This makes the character more relatable though, as we all have them times in our lives.
The area Tilly wishes to move to sounds wonderful, and I noticed this says book 1, so hopefully there are many more for me to read in the future.
Overall, a beautiful read where Tilly suddenly finds she must work out what her future holds.
This beautiful read follows Tilly, who is recently divorced following walking in on her husband in a compromising situation.
Tilly is an estate agent, and when a new property comes on the market, she sets her sights on owning Starlight Cottage. It would be just the new start she is wishing for her and her future.
Not every wish always comes true and soon Tilly finds herself wondering what her future holds.
However, she continues to be drawn to the area and makes some new friends along the way.
What does Tilly’s future hold? Will she ever get her wish of living in the Starlight Cottage?
This read is beautiful, following a woman whose heart has been broken but still showing that it is not the end but only the beginning.
There are some humorous moments too, where Tilly gets herself into some embarrassing situations. This makes the character more relatable though, as we all have them times in our lives.
The area Tilly wishes to move to sounds wonderful, and I noticed this says book 1, so hopefully there are many more for me to read in the future.
Overall, a beautiful read where Tilly suddenly finds she must work out what her future holds.
December 3, 2024
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Rachel's Random Resources by the author as part of a book promo tour with my blog, Frugal Freelancer.
Starting Over at Starlight Cottage is a great story about a middle-aged woman experiencing the upheaval of starting over from scratch after a failed marriage to a pompous narcissistic jerk husband who she caught in a dalliance with a gold digging co-worker.
Tilly has to leave behind her home, her husband, and most of her possessions. But she's set her sights on a lovely cottage, so she's all in on a new life.
But things go off kilter when a grumpy man buys the home instead. What ensues is a rivalry turned friendship turned possibly more as Tilly finds her way in life and establishes a new normal for herself and those she grows close to.
While she's working on her future, Tilly has to confront past traumas that continue to affect her life decades later. Overall, a decent read for anyone interested in a charming story about a later in life second chance at love.
Starting Over at Starlight Cottage is a great story about a middle-aged woman experiencing the upheaval of starting over from scratch after a failed marriage to a pompous narcissistic jerk husband who she caught in a dalliance with a gold digging co-worker.
Tilly has to leave behind her home, her husband, and most of her possessions. But she's set her sights on a lovely cottage, so she's all in on a new life.
But things go off kilter when a grumpy man buys the home instead. What ensues is a rivalry turned friendship turned possibly more as Tilly finds her way in life and establishes a new normal for herself and those she grows close to.
While she's working on her future, Tilly has to confront past traumas that continue to affect her life decades later. Overall, a decent read for anyone interested in a charming story about a later in life second chance at love.
December 4, 2024
Starting Over at Starlight Cottage is a wonderful women's fiction novel. Tilly's marriage is over when she finds her husband and his PA in a compromising position. About the start a new chapter in her life, things don't go as planned and she winds up doing exactly what she didn't want to do - couch surf at a friend's house. Single, homeless, and creeping close to 50, Tilly knows she needs to hit the reset button and reevaluate her life.
I love Tilly and Milo, along with all the secondary characters. They are multi-dimensional and written well. I enjoyed watching each character grow and work through some very difficult personal choices, decisions, and issues from the past that crop up. The author's descriptions of Starlight Croft are vivid and I felt like I was in the story with the characters.
I enjoyed the author's writing style, pacing of the story, and character development. The story is realistic and shows that everyone has imperfections. There is plenty of emotion, passion, and realism. I was completely engaged in the book from the first sentence.
I love Tilly and Milo, along with all the secondary characters. They are multi-dimensional and written well. I enjoyed watching each character grow and work through some very difficult personal choices, decisions, and issues from the past that crop up. The author's descriptions of Starlight Croft are vivid and I felt like I was in the story with the characters.
I enjoyed the author's writing style, pacing of the story, and character development. The story is realistic and shows that everyone has imperfections. There is plenty of emotion, passion, and realism. I was completely engaged in the book from the first sentence.
December 4, 2024
In the first of a new series, we follow Tilly as she adjusts to life post- divorce and tries to come to terms with her new life. Forced to move out of her marital home, she finds that her life is in freefall and has to look around for new horizons. As she prepares to start over, Tilly finds somewhere which seems to be the answer. Friendship is very important in the story and she has a huge amount of support.
I can't say any more about the plot as I don't want to give away any surprises. I did enjoy Tilly's conversations with her adored pet dog, her adopted 'daughter', who is an inquisitive bundle of fur who in some ways, helps Tilly to not feel so alone. The community she finds near Starlight Cottage, especially in the local pub, have potential for future stories and I can say that this is a promising start to the series.
In short: new horizons
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book
I can't say any more about the plot as I don't want to give away any surprises. I did enjoy Tilly's conversations with her adored pet dog, her adopted 'daughter', who is an inquisitive bundle of fur who in some ways, helps Tilly to not feel so alone. The community she finds near Starlight Cottage, especially in the local pub, have potential for future stories and I can say that this is a promising start to the series.
In short: new horizons
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book
July 6, 2026
I love a small town, new beginnings hilarious romance and this was a great one!
49 year old Tilly Thomas has found out her husband has been sleeping with his young PA.
Heart broken, homeless and just a bit lost she adopts a lovely mongrel called Cindy, moves in with her best friend and try’s to pick up the pieces. Enter Milo Soren, the dark and sexy man who has just snapped up her dream house and just keeps popping up everywhere. Let the chaos commence.
This is an easy read which is a hilarious palate cleanser of a story. It is silly at times (although I do resonate with Tilly who has full blown conversations with her dog I do the same) but that just adds to the fun.
Near the end everything gets tied into a bow in a bit of a rush and I felt a bit spoon fed but it’s a minor complaint. Overall, looking forward to reading more from Debbie!
49 year old Tilly Thomas has found out her husband has been sleeping with his young PA.
Heart broken, homeless and just a bit lost she adopts a lovely mongrel called Cindy, moves in with her best friend and try’s to pick up the pieces. Enter Milo Soren, the dark and sexy man who has just snapped up her dream house and just keeps popping up everywhere. Let the chaos commence.
This is an easy read which is a hilarious palate cleanser of a story. It is silly at times (although I do resonate with Tilly who has full blown conversations with her dog I do the same) but that just adds to the fun.
Near the end everything gets tied into a bow in a bit of a rush and I felt a bit spoon fed but it’s a minor complaint. Overall, looking forward to reading more from Debbie!
December 30, 2024
Starting Over at Starlight Cottage is an engaging second-chance romance novel with Tilly as our main character. This is the second of Debbie’s books that I’ve read and I really enjoy how ‘real’ her characters feel, with all their quirky foibles and often, inner monologues, and sometimes saying things outloud which should probably stay thought but not said.
Poor Tilly is in a difficult place, but quickly realises she needs to get on with her life if she’s to be happy again. And she is determined to be happy without her soon to be ex-husband.
Her encounter with Starlight Cottage begins a tale of redemption and romance, which is fun and sweet and the ending will warm every readers heart.
Poor Tilly is in a difficult place, but quickly realises she needs to get on with her life if she’s to be happy again. And she is determined to be happy without her soon to be ex-husband.
Her encounter with Starlight Cottage begins a tale of redemption and romance, which is fun and sweet and the ending will warm every readers heart.
December 2, 2024
What a great book with a wonderful main character in Tilly. I loved the humour and the conversations between her and her dog Cindy. Tilly decides to surprise husband Robin but finds him in a compromising position with his secretary…….. Tilly works at the local estate agent’s and after deciding that her marriage is well and truly over she starts to look for somewhere new to begin the next chapter in her life. Fabulous characters and a story that flows so well this is a book that you can get really into. I read it over one weekend and would definitely recommend!
December 6, 2024
The first in the Starlight series from Viggiano, Starting Over is a heartwarming story of fresh starts and friendship.
They have an amazing little village, which I can't wait to revisit and their community spirit is infectious.
Tilly is a wonderful character and I loved her conversations with Cindy - dogs really are a girls best friend - they listen, don't judge, never answer back and love unconditionally.
It's enjoyable, emotional and easy reading.
They have an amazing little village, which I can't wait to revisit and their community spirit is infectious.
Tilly is a wonderful character and I loved her conversations with Cindy - dogs really are a girls best friend - they listen, don't judge, never answer back and love unconditionally.
It's enjoyable, emotional and easy reading.
January 1, 2025
Absolutely lovely
I really enjoyed reading this book about Tilly, I couldn't put this book down. I am really looking forward to the next book in this series. This is the first book I have read by this author but it certainly won't be the last.
I really enjoyed reading this book about Tilly, I couldn't put this book down. I am really looking forward to the next book in this series. This is the first book I have read by this author but it certainly won't be the last.
September 30, 2025
a cute, fun story that was very cleverly put together!!
I’m getting addicted to Debbie Viggiano’s books!! She has such a delightful way of telling a story and I can’t wait to dive into the next one!! Thank you, Debbie, for giving me hours of such enjoyable reading!!
I’m getting addicted to Debbie Viggiano’s books!! She has such a delightful way of telling a story and I can’t wait to dive into the next one!! Thank you, Debbie, for giving me hours of such enjoyable reading!!
December 5, 2024
Thank you it a good story .
December 6, 2024
Top comedy as per usual, Debbie Viggiano never fails to deliver a funny, light but never shallow story. Irony will save the world.
April 24, 2025
amazing story and got drawn in from start. kind of a bit predictable. but loved it.and read it in two days.
July 20, 2025
Rubbish
This is TOTAL drivel and a waste of time! Don't bother I only finished it because I was stuck workout Wi-Fi!
This is TOTAL drivel and a waste of time! Don't bother I only finished it because I was stuck workout Wi-Fi!
July 25, 2025
brilliant
Oh my goodness, I absolutely adored this book! I can’t recommend it enough! The characters were so captivating, and the story was just plain brilliant.
Oh my goodness, I absolutely adored this book! I can’t recommend it enough! The characters were so captivating, and the story was just plain brilliant.
July 4, 2026
Interesting & funny enjoyed reading this book
January 7, 2025
I’m a huge fan of Debbie Viggiano and love her strong heroines and sensitive heroes, but this book was a bit underwhelming. Tilly’s quirky conversations with her dog Cindy were amusing at first, but they soon felt like a distraction from the more compelling aspects of the story. I found myself quickly flipping through pages just to get back to the human interactions that actually kept me engaged.
Set in a first-person point of view, Tilly navigates the ups and downs of life after divorce, aiming for her fresh start at Starlight Cottage, only to find her plans thwarted by the gruff but surprisingly charming Milo Soren. Their budding relationship is sweet and enjoyable, but I wished for a deeper exploration of their connection. The supporting cast rounded out Tilly’s journey nicely, giving her a sense of closure, yet the ending seemed rushed, leaving me craving more.
Despite the flaws, I found moments that made me smile and even a few that brought on the tears. Kudos to Ms. Viggiano for this cozy read, and thank you for allowing me the chance to dive into it even if it wasn’t a home run for me!
Set in a first-person point of view, Tilly navigates the ups and downs of life after divorce, aiming for her fresh start at Starlight Cottage, only to find her plans thwarted by the gruff but surprisingly charming Milo Soren. Their budding relationship is sweet and enjoyable, but I wished for a deeper exploration of their connection. The supporting cast rounded out Tilly’s journey nicely, giving her a sense of closure, yet the ending seemed rushed, leaving me craving more.
Despite the flaws, I found moments that made me smile and even a few that brought on the tears. Kudos to Ms. Viggiano for this cozy read, and thank you for allowing me the chance to dive into it even if it wasn’t a home run for me!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews