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Starlight Hill #1
All of Me
What would you do for a second chance with your first love?
Welcome to wine country and the small town of Starlight Hill, California, where the wine flows freely and so does the gossip.
The town has never quite forgiven Ivey Lancaster for leaving their favorite son, Dr. Jeff Garner, when she met a man on an online dating site. But while the people of the township took sides, the truth of her absence is something Ivey doesn’t want anyone to know.
When a sudden change of plans forces Ivey to work with her hunky ex, she must keep it professional or risk her heart all over again.
Welcome to wine country and the small town of Starlight Hill, California, where the wine flows freely and so does the gossip.
The town has never quite forgiven Ivey Lancaster for leaving their favorite son, Dr. Jeff Garner, when she met a man on an online dating site. But while the people of the township took sides, the truth of her absence is something Ivey doesn’t want anyone to know.
When a sudden change of plans forces Ivey to work with her hunky ex, she must keep it professional or risk her heart all over again.
151 pages, ebook
First published November 4, 2014
1241 people are currently reading
1575 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
August 17, 2021
I am slowly but surely trying to make my way through the hundreds of free books I have collected over the last two years and this novella sounded cute. It wasn't.
All of Me is trite and predictable. Every single line feels regurgitated from some other, better book.
I hated Jeff. All of the towns people (with the exception of Ivey's boss and best friend) were bonkers.
I gave it a second star because the editing was great and the writing was-technically-sound.
All of Me is trite and predictable. Every single line feels regurgitated from some other, better book.
I hated Jeff. All of the towns people (with the exception of Ivey's boss and best friend) were bonkers.
I gave it a second star because the editing was great and the writing was-technically-sound.
October 12, 2015
If the only thing you're looking for in a book is no sex scenes, this might be the book for you.
If quality and good characters matter then you should keep shopping.
I've read about half this book waiting for the main character to grow a spine but it hasn't happened yet so I don't believe it will.
The plot for this story sounded interesting but the storyline just doesn't follow through. There has been no character development. Ivey was a door mat when I started reading and half way through the book she still is.
The story is extremely slow and therefore boring. I feel like this is something that could have been written for a high school comp class.
If quality and good characters matter then you should keep shopping.
I've read about half this book waiting for the main character to grow a spine but it hasn't happened yet so I don't believe it will.
The plot for this story sounded interesting but the storyline just doesn't follow through. There has been no character development. Ivey was a door mat when I started reading and half way through the book she still is.
The story is extremely slow and therefore boring. I feel like this is something that could have been written for a high school comp class.
September 3, 2022
Great fast paced romance, narrated by Maxine Mitchell.
July 9, 2024
This book toke me so long because I was ent really feeling the characters so this was a disappointment do not recommend ⭐️⭐️
July 18, 2024
It was an okay read, but predictable and didn’t stand out. I found myself skipping pages towards the end just trying to get through it.
September 25, 2020
So I'm listening to this story on Audible and I have to say......I'm done!
After listening to a chapter and having to replay it because I just couldn't pay attention to it. I did this to several chapters unfortunately. I got to chapter 9, and now I'm done.
It just didn't get/keep my attention 😒. It's a story of a girl and a guy that just can't get over their breakup years ago. He said he needed space and she found out she was pregnant.
Now years later they run into each other and the attraction is still there.
That was basically the 9 chapters so far.
It moved way too slowwwww for me!
After listening to a chapter and having to replay it because I just couldn't pay attention to it. I did this to several chapters unfortunately. I got to chapter 9, and now I'm done.
It just didn't get/keep my attention 😒. It's a story of a girl and a guy that just can't get over their breakup years ago. He said he needed space and she found out she was pregnant.
Now years later they run into each other and the attraction is still there.
That was basically the 9 chapters so far.
It moved way too slowwwww for me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2021
2.5 Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman Stars
All of Me is the first standalone in the Starlight Hill series by Heatherly Bell.
This is an adorable read. That's it. Small town romance, wrapped in a myriad of misunderstandings, with a healthy gloss of teenage angst thrown in for simple good measure.
I think the part I'm most disappointed about is how lassiez-faire the author was in detailing the miscarriage. Perhaps this is naivete or ignorance to a mother's feelings in this matter, having lost a child. However, I feel, as a reader simply judging a work of literature, that to not offer up a significant consideration to such a vital component in the main couplings initial split is a disservice to the characters themselves. It allowed the conclusion of this love story to feel so utterly tossed together and glossed over.
Which leaves me with this: It's a cute story, that had so much more potential.
All of Me is the first standalone in the Starlight Hill series by Heatherly Bell.
This is an adorable read. That's it. Small town romance, wrapped in a myriad of misunderstandings, with a healthy gloss of teenage angst thrown in for simple good measure.
I think the part I'm most disappointed about is how lassiez-faire the author was in detailing the miscarriage. Perhaps this is naivete or ignorance to a mother's feelings in this matter, having lost a child. However, I feel, as a reader simply judging a work of literature, that to not offer up a significant consideration to such a vital component in the main couplings initial split is a disservice to the characters themselves. It allowed the conclusion of this love story to feel so utterly tossed together and glossed over.
Which leaves me with this: It's a cute story, that had so much more potential.
November 11, 2021
I wanted to take both Ivey and Jeff, hug them tight, and promise that nothing would ever hurt them again. I realize how terribly unrealistic that promise is, but it’s still what I was feeling for most of this book. Normally, a secret baby is a theme that’s difficult for me to believe in. Yet this story gave me the right elements for me to be swept in their drama and to believe. I loved the crazy, quirky townsfolk and now I want to dive into the rest of the series.
November 24, 2021
This was a pretty good second chance romance. These two drove me batty though with all the secrets they were keeping. They were young so I get it but I just wanted them to just TALK to each other.
I also liked the hospital drama with the doctors vs midwives, it added and interesting layer to the story.
And the pink and blue ribbons? I think I saw that on the Gilmore Girls too. LOL, it was pretty funny.
I also liked the hospital drama with the doctors vs midwives, it added and interesting layer to the story.
And the pink and blue ribbons? I think I saw that on the Gilmore Girls too. LOL, it was pretty funny.
September 23, 2023
Meh
Honestly, boring, predictable, just a quick read. Typical plot, typical story. And I wouldn't exactly call it a romantic comedy, I don't remember laughing once. However, the authors writing is good, flowed very nicely and her description of Starlight Hill was giving me Napa Valley vibes.
Honestly, boring, predictable, just a quick read. Typical plot, typical story. And I wouldn't exactly call it a romantic comedy, I don't remember laughing once. However, the authors writing is good, flowed very nicely and her description of Starlight Hill was giving me Napa Valley vibes.
June 27, 2018
3,5 stars
August 24, 2018
Predictable, quick, light-hearted read- the perfect weekend kickoff
May 19, 2022
I listened to this book on Audible with my earplugs in and I found my son sitting across the room staring at me like I was crazy or something. When I asked him What. He said you just started laughing and I was wondering if you were okay.
Ivy and Jeff used to date but he wanted a break because he was studying to become a Doctor.
Now Ivy is back in town to stay. She's looking for a job and need's Jeff's help. I really enjoyed this story.
Ivy and Jeff used to date but he wanted a break because he was studying to become a Doctor.
Now Ivy is back in town to stay. She's looking for a job and need's Jeff's help. I really enjoyed this story.
February 22, 2022
Very good.
October 25, 2015
Cute start to a series
4.5 stars.......Ivey and Jeff are high school sweethearts who have had it rough. This is a god read that was a bit hard to get into.....but once the story hit its stride I loved it! Good start to a series.
4.5 stars.......Ivey and Jeff are high school sweethearts who have had it rough. This is a god read that was a bit hard to get into.....but once the story hit its stride I loved it! Good start to a series.
October 8, 2020
2.5 Stars
The book was predictable and bored me. I don’t understand the pink or blue ribbons - why is the entire town too involved and why are they all allowed an opinion in a relationship that’s not anyone business?
I have the bundle so I’ll continue to the next story and hope it’s better
The book was predictable and bored me. I don’t understand the pink or blue ribbons - why is the entire town too involved and why are they all allowed an opinion in a relationship that’s not anyone business?
I have the bundle so I’ll continue to the next story and hope it’s better
August 11, 2024
Truly and Eh book. I was trying to read House of Breath and Sky by SJM, but wow that book is difficult, so I took a chance and read a cheesy book on my ma's kindle. Pretty cringy, but had potential. I liked the meddlesome townsfolk. 2.5 stars rounding up.
March 25, 2024
Excellent.
I loved this book. It was predictable but so what it's how those predictable situations are put together that makes it a good read or not and I liked the way this story was told.
I loved this book. It was predictable but so what it's how those predictable situations are put together that makes it a good read or not and I liked the way this story was told.
December 15, 2020
Great characters and a satisfying ending. Glad I found this one and look forward to reading the next one in the series. Happy reading and listening!
April 26, 2022
I Love the characters.
The story line is not unique but I must say that I love both the main characters. This is a light and fast read.
The story line is not unique but I must say that I love both the main characters. This is a light and fast read.
May 31, 2022
First of all, there's got to be a backstory somewhere about Ivey's crazy Aunt Lucy. I think she must have had some kind of influence on Ivey after her mother passed away. Anyway, back to the "real reason" for this review.....Ivey and Dr. Jeff Garner have a history dating back to Ivey's high school years. They were in "young love" when Jeff decided he needed to "step back" and concentrate on his medical schooling and career. Ivey thinks she's being dumped, but doesn't want to hold Jeff back with his dreams of being a doctor, so decides to leave Starlight Hill and make a go of it in Los Angeles, after letting everyone know that she is moving on because she has hooked up with someone she's met on an Internet dating site. But only a few people know what "the real reason" is for her leaving Starlight Hill. Life brings her back to her hometown, which she always wanted to return to. Not only that her possibility of a new position take her back home, but it gets her partnering with her old flame Jeff, who is now a resident at the local hospital. These two still have the hots for each other but try to stay on a "friends only" relationship, which the reader knows is not going to be possible. Can these two be honest with each other and go back to letting one another know why they parted in the first place? Maybe if they can be honest, they might have their HEA. An enjoyable story - not too much steam, but at least there's a little bit to make it interesting for this reader.
July 27, 2025
This small town, clean, second chance romance is about Ivey, a nurse and midwife who returns to her hometown to care for her aunt who has fractured a limb. She is looking for a job as a midwife in a hospital and somehow becomes involved in a committee to justify why a new division should be put into place in the hospital for the services of a midwife. But who is the collaborator on this committee? Her ex boyfriend and ER resident, Jeff. They were together since she was sixteen but when he started medical school, he battled to cope and asked for a break between them not realising that Ivey would misunderstand and she moves away to LA. What he also doesn't know is that she was pregnant at the time.
She's now back but their feelings for one another have resurfaced. I initially liked Jeff's character but I thought he handled both the previous breakup and their current situation badly - he seems to over react and then needs time to himself to process any changes (he does not appear to be adaptable) but in the meantime, he leaves Ivey uncertain and hanging while he decides what he wants to do. Ivey was likeable but she was a bit of a doormat.
I thought the whole blue and pink ribbon thing was ridiculous and the townspeople should not take sides or interfere in a relationship as there are always two sides.
This story was predictable, the writing was competent without mistakes and it was a fair read. The story ended a bit abruptly and definitely needed an epilogue. I rate this book 3.75*.
She's now back but their feelings for one another have resurfaced. I initially liked Jeff's character but I thought he handled both the previous breakup and their current situation badly - he seems to over react and then needs time to himself to process any changes (he does not appear to be adaptable) but in the meantime, he leaves Ivey uncertain and hanging while he decides what he wants to do. Ivey was likeable but she was a bit of a doormat.
I thought the whole blue and pink ribbon thing was ridiculous and the townspeople should not take sides or interfere in a relationship as there are always two sides.
This story was predictable, the writing was competent without mistakes and it was a fair read. The story ended a bit abruptly and definitely needed an epilogue. I rate this book 3.75*.
February 1, 2021
This is a shorter read (novella?) so parts move a bit too quickly and jump over some details and plot build up, but that was ok with me. Sometimes when you know where a book is headed it’s nice to get on with things and not keep dragging it out.
Ivey and Jeff were high school sweethearts and even made long distance work through college, but Jeff needed a break with the pressure of med school and Ivey left town without telling Jeff about a big secret. Now 5 years later she’s back in Starlight Hill and pushed into Jeff’s presence as they have to work together in figuring out plans for a new women’s center at the hospital where Jeff now works. Can they be friends now? Maybe more? What about Ivey’s secret?
I liked the story line of this book. And the friends, family, and small town backdrop add some fun dimensions.
Yes, it’s predictable and kind of cheesy. But it’s also cute, with some parts that I found to be touching and even with a bit of depth. I don’t think it’s trying to go too deep on some very tough subjects. It glosses over a lot. But I can accept the book for what it is without needing it to try to be too deep. It still brought me to tears.
I actually read this as I needed a break in the middle of a long book that is trying to give too many details and go too deep. I definitely enjoyed this book more than that one in the first 160 pages.
It’s not outstanding, but 4⭐️ as an enjoyable novella.
Ivey and Jeff were high school sweethearts and even made long distance work through college, but Jeff needed a break with the pressure of med school and Ivey left town without telling Jeff about a big secret. Now 5 years later she’s back in Starlight Hill and pushed into Jeff’s presence as they have to work together in figuring out plans for a new women’s center at the hospital where Jeff now works. Can they be friends now? Maybe more? What about Ivey’s secret?
I liked the story line of this book. And the friends, family, and small town backdrop add some fun dimensions.
Yes, it’s predictable and kind of cheesy. But it’s also cute, with some parts that I found to be touching and even with a bit of depth. I don’t think it’s trying to go too deep on some very tough subjects. It glosses over a lot. But I can accept the book for what it is without needing it to try to be too deep. It still brought me to tears.
I actually read this as I needed a break in the middle of a long book that is trying to give too many details and go too deep. I definitely enjoyed this book more than that one in the first 160 pages.
It’s not outstanding, but 4⭐️ as an enjoyable novella.
September 21, 2021
All reviews posted at Tales of Love, Life, and Murder
This is the short and not-so-sweet story of Ivey and Jeff. They were high school sweethearts and she abruptly walked out of his life when he was in medical school and asked for a break. I liked this very much right up until I learned that Jeff didn’t know Ivey was pregnant. She left town so he wouldn’t feel obligated to marry her because she knew he wanted to focus on school and wait to settle down. Ivey didn’t know that Jeff regretted asking for a break and came to apologize in person and ask her to marry him, but she was already gone.
This story wasn’t terrible, but I couldn’t like Ivey after learning that she lied and ran away, keeping Jeff in the dark about his child. He’s a grown man and it’s not okay for anyone to presume they know better than another adult. Her actions are inexcusable, so I don’t see why he’d give her another chance. The worst part was, she regrets missing his proposal but didn’t seem to sincerely regret the terrible things she’d done, only that they delayed her happiness. I did finish it, but have no interest in the rest of the series.
April 13, 2023
This book wasn't a great read and I really wouldn't recommend it to anyone. The overall vibe is that everything is surface level and we don't really get to know the characters of the reasons for their actions. Their teen/early adult romance and subsequent breakup is a major catalyst for this story a few years later, and yet we get very little detail for it. I wanted more info how that shaped each of their lives after - the female lead for going through the trauma of an accidental pregnancy and miscarriage alone, and the male lead for being ghosted with no reason - and how they end up the people we see in this book.
Their relationship as adults also feels very meh. They don't communicate about their history at all and just sort of end up back together part way through the book. When the male lead finds out about the hidden pregnancy/miscarriage, he yells at her and leaves but they just get back together the next day (again) without discussing anything.
I really disliked the focus on how midwives aren't considered medical staff and how doctors hate them with a passion. I don't know how midwifery works in America but it's shocking to see it presented like a life coach pushing all-natural no-medicine births for all women, rather than a respected medical professional. Regardless of that, it felt like a poor reason for the two leads to cross paths again.
The small town vibes aren't great either. I don't understand why grown adults were so invested in a teen romance that when the couple broke up, residents across the town displayed a blue or pink ribbon in their car/shop/home to prove who's side they were on. The female lead's aunt was also a terrible side character that detracted from the story rather than adding to it. She could have been written out entirely and the book would have been the same - just without her weird inteferance and odd backstory. Quirky small town residents can be a great addition in world building but they really fell flat here.
Their relationship as adults also feels very meh. They don't communicate about their history at all and just sort of end up back together part way through the book. When the male lead finds out about the hidden pregnancy/miscarriage, he yells at her and leaves but they just get back together the next day (again) without discussing anything.
I really disliked the focus on how midwives aren't considered medical staff and how doctors hate them with a passion. I don't know how midwifery works in America but it's shocking to see it presented like a life coach pushing all-natural no-medicine births for all women, rather than a respected medical professional. Regardless of that, it felt like a poor reason for the two leads to cross paths again.
The small town vibes aren't great either. I don't understand why grown adults were so invested in a teen romance that when the couple broke up, residents across the town displayed a blue or pink ribbon in their car/shop/home to prove who's side they were on. The female lead's aunt was also a terrible side character that detracted from the story rather than adding to it. She could have been written out entirely and the book would have been the same - just without her weird inteferance and odd backstory. Quirky small town residents can be a great addition in world building but they really fell flat here.
July 14, 2017
First of all, I love the cover. It took me a while to get into this story as it sounded much alike many others I have on my Kindle, but then the whole small town feeling pulled me in with the blue and pink ribbons. I thought it was such a clever idea and it made me want to find out what happened to their baby. Is it wrong to say that I think the story would have been so much better if indeed there was a baby? When Jeff discovers why she left, and his reaction to it, angered me, and honestly, if I was Ivey with a V I would have told him to shove his head where the sun does not shine, even if I loved him as much as Ivey loves Jeff. In the end, the reason she went back to Starlight Hill felt unbelievable - to look after her Aunt, who jets off on holiday soon after she arrives - seems a little peculiar. Her purpose to convince the hospital to have a Midwifery program has so much emphasis in the beginning, but then in the end it is never explained if she ever achieved her goal of having a hospital environment feel like home. I gave it 3 stars because I did like it and it kept me entertained.
April 24, 2018
Y'know those books that have you yelling at the characters to act their age? Well this is one of them. Twenty-five year olds acting like teenagers. The female character has a lot of growing up to do despite having had a difficult life. This isn't realistic. Children who end up having to be the parent tend to grow up faster not get stuck and never mature.
I listened to the audiobook, so my opinion of both lead characters was colored by the narrator. The female lead was voiced as simpering. The male lead was voiced as sardonic to the point of being annoying and almost unlikable. They are both supposed to be medical professionals. I certainly wouldn't want them taking care of me.
I should have stopped listening when I realized that the characters were annoying me beyond the enjoyment of listening to a book, but I dislike not finishing a book. Sometimes it takes me a while, but I do prefer to finish and hope that something in the ending will redeem the book. This one wrapped up too fast for redemption.
I listened to the audiobook, so my opinion of both lead characters was colored by the narrator. The female lead was voiced as simpering. The male lead was voiced as sardonic to the point of being annoying and almost unlikable. They are both supposed to be medical professionals. I certainly wouldn't want them taking care of me.
I should have stopped listening when I realized that the characters were annoying me beyond the enjoyment of listening to a book, but I dislike not finishing a book. Sometimes it takes me a while, but I do prefer to finish and hope that something in the ending will redeem the book. This one wrapped up too fast for redemption.
November 26, 2024
I honestly found Jeff annoying and it kind of ruined the book. There were many instances where I hoped he was written differently - be it him not clearing the air when the whole ribbon stuff happened, him going to confront her when she is clearly dealing with a patient and telling her that whatever issue they have to resolve is important... like I understand that it was hard for him to process all the new stuff and the truth but she is literally dealing with a patient right now who needs her and you tell her that that is not important and try confronting her for answers then? Like seriously? And the funny thing is he is also a doctor so he should at least understand the urgency.
I wish they spoke more about their relationship - be it with each other or in general with their family given it looks like at least she had a harder time. But if this were there we could have emotionally connected to the characters more. And the ending was so abrupt and quick like there wasn't time for them to discuss and process stuff so for us readers it felt weird and spontaneous.
I wish they spoke more about their relationship - be it with each other or in general with their family given it looks like at least she had a harder time. But if this were there we could have emotionally connected to the characters more. And the ending was so abrupt and quick like there wasn't time for them to discuss and process stuff so for us readers it felt weird and spontaneous.
July 12, 2022
This is a sweet read of a couple in love breaking up because of not communicating. Each had their reasons but each of them brought about a lot of pain for themselves. And the thing is, it’s easy to understand why they both kept quiet and didn’t ‘confess’ what happened to them.
If you want to sit back and relax, this is a good afternoon read or can be a good bedtime story.
The book is listed as a RomCom but I didn’t see it that way. Yes, I giggled a couple times but it just didn’t seem like a romantic comedy. That doesn’t mean I didn’t like it. I did. But what was meant to be funny didn’t come across that way. Actually, those small town residents were more petty than funny. Pink and Blue Ribbons to show which side you’re on? Leaving a woman stranded on the roadside because you are a blue ribbon supporter, and she was a pink? Don’t think so.
If you want to sit back and relax, this is a good afternoon read or can be a good bedtime story.
The book is listed as a RomCom but I didn’t see it that way. Yes, I giggled a couple times but it just didn’t seem like a romantic comedy. That doesn’t mean I didn’t like it. I did. But what was meant to be funny didn’t come across that way. Actually, those small town residents were more petty than funny. Pink and Blue Ribbons to show which side you’re on? Leaving a woman stranded on the roadside because you are a blue ribbon supporter, and she was a pink? Don’t think so.
February 26, 2023
All of Me
I highly recommend this second chance romance between Jeff and Ivey. They were high school sweethearts who broke up when Ivey found out she was pregnant. Ivey never told Jeff and left town after he said he needed a break. He was in medical school and was overwhelmed with his workload and Ivey thought Jeff would quit medical school if he found out her news. Five years later she is back in town applying for a job at the new medical center her Aunt had built with lottery money she won. When Ivey found out she would get the job, she found out that Jeff was doing his residency in the ER where she was going to work. I liked the characters and the matchmaking efforts of Ivey's Aunt to get Jeff and Ivey back together. Did her plan work and what happened to the child? You will have to read the book to find out.
I highly recommend this second chance romance between Jeff and Ivey. They were high school sweethearts who broke up when Ivey found out she was pregnant. Ivey never told Jeff and left town after he said he needed a break. He was in medical school and was overwhelmed with his workload and Ivey thought Jeff would quit medical school if he found out her news. Five years later she is back in town applying for a job at the new medical center her Aunt had built with lottery money she won. When Ivey found out she would get the job, she found out that Jeff was doing his residency in the ER where she was going to work. I liked the characters and the matchmaking efforts of Ivey's Aunt to get Jeff and Ivey back together. Did her plan work and what happened to the child? You will have to read the book to find out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews