The Best Thing That Ever Happened

Halfmoon Quay #3

by Sarah Bennett, Hannah Churchill (Narrator)

One flat. One friendship. One chance to change everything...

Kat Bailey’s life is going nowhere. Working at her father’s coffee shop in the picture-perfect Cornish holiday hotspot, Halfmoon Quay, makes her dream of becoming an author feel more fantasy than reality – and playing third wheel to her flatmate’s new relationship isn’t helping. So, when her childhood friend Harry Penrose offers her his spare room, it feels like an opportunity not to be missed.

Harry has his own dreams and if he could just dare to be honest, when he pictures his future, Kat is at the heart of it. But now they’re living under the same roof, Harry knows the risk of declaring his feelings. And when his plans clash with Kat’s family ties, the time has come for her to choose between the life she’s always known — and the future she’s only just begun to imagine.

The Best Thing That Ever Happened transports you to the dreamy Cornish coast in this uplifting and gloriously romantic story of second chances, new beginnings, and the magic of finding home in the most unexpected places.

Every book in the Halfmoon Quay series can be read as a standalone.

Genres: Romance

Audible Audio

First published March 17, 2026

About the author

Sarah Bennett has been reading for as long as she can remember. Raised in a family of bookworms, her love affair with books of all genres has culminated in the ultimate Happy Ever After – getting to write her own stories to share with others.

Born and raised in a military family, she is happily married to her own Officer (who is sometimes even A Gentleman). Home is wherever he lays his hat, and life has taught them both that the best family is the one you create from friends as well as relatives.

When not reading or writing, Sarah is a devotee of afternoon naps and sailing the high seas, but only on vessels large enough to accommodate a casino and a choice of restaurants.

You can connect with her via twitter @Sarahlou_writes or on Facebook www.facebook.com/SarahBennettAuthor

Sarah is the author of the Butterfly Cove, Lavender Bay and Bluebell Castle series for HQ Digital UK.

Reviews

[Maddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Best Thing That Ever Happened is another warm, uplifting delight from Sarah Bennett, and returning to Halfmoon Quay feels like stepping back into a room full of old friends, where every character is so vividly drawn you can’t help but love them. Bennett’s gift for creating a cosy, emotionally rich world shines through, and while this story stands perfectly well on its own, it’s even more rewarding if you’ve journeyed through the earlier books and can savour the little callbacks and deepened relationships that make this series such a joy.

Kat’s life hits a breaking point when living with her parents becomes unbearable and even her best friend’s flat stops feeling like the sanctuary it once was when she find a serious boyfriend and Kat feels like the third wheel, so when Harry Penrose casually offers her his spare room, she jumps at the chance—only for both of them to realise, almost immediately, that there’s a spark neither expected; as Harry throws himself into pursuing his childhood dream and Kat finally begins to imagine a future shaped by her own choices rather than her parents’ expectations, the pull of the family business—and the emotional weight tied to it—threatens to derail not only her plans but the tender, hopeful connection growing between them.

Overall, it’s another charming, engaging read from Sarah Bennett, full of warmth, community spirit, and characters you can’t help but root for. A lovely addition to the Halfmoon Quay series and an absolute pleasure to spend time with. I can’t wait for the next one.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d not read the other books in this series, but this did not matter as through the author’s writing and the list of characters at the beginning of the book I soon felt I knew everybody, and the connections between them, as should be the case with any well-written series.

It took me a while to get into the story but once I did I was totally hooked and didn’t want to stop reading. The two central characters who decided to share a flat as friends grew on me straight away, and you end up caring about both of them deeply. They definitely make a great pair, and as well as the slow developing romance, I really enjoyed their back stories and the events which were happening in their lives. The pacing of the book was excellent, and I thoroughly enjoyed the secondary characters within the book.

I’ve read a few books by this author in another series, and have really enjoyed the style and story telling of her books. I look forward to catching up with the previously written books in this series.

If you want a positive and uplifting book with a good story I really recommend this book, as well as other books by this author.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Best Thing That Ever Happened is the third book in the Halfmoon Quay series and we get Harry's story, the third Penrose brother. Harry Penrose has dyslexia and grew up not able to read as this was an undiagnosed disability. As an adult, he was taken under the wing of a wonderful chef, and loves working in his restaurant. Harry isn't content with that and has dreams of opening his own place, a cooking school, in the empty building on the street. This won't be easy, and he will need some help, but where will he get it. Meanwhile, Kat Bailey, a childhood friend is dealing with her own issues. She has been working at her father’s coffee shop, and wants to move on and do something else. She and her parents have a falling out and she moves out of the family home. Needing a place to say, Harry offers her his spare room, and she accepts. As they share their dreams and lives, they realize that they make a great pair. She can do the administration part of their lives, and he is the creative one, and the best cook. As the chemistry builds between the two of them, Kat deals with her family issues, and her father's dream of opening another coffee shop which clashes with Harry's dream. Are there unsurmountable odds to Harry and Kat following their dreams and finding their way to each other?

Another visit to Halfmoon Quay, and another catching up with old friends. I enjoyed this story very much, as there are some serious issues that don't necessarily get wrapped up in a bow. Kat's life is not a happy one. She has lived with her parents, worked in the family coffee shop, and helped her father heal every time her mother goes off the rails. Her mom has some mental health issues that have wreaked havoc on the family all her life. Once she realizes that she can't save her mother and father, she finally moves on, which is not an easy decision for her. Harry, wanting to move forward and create his own business is a risky move for him. He isn't sure how to go about all the business side of things, and he is fortunate he has his brothers, his mentor and Kat to help him out. This is an uplifting story that has some romance, but that is only part of the story. It deals with family relationships, overcoming learning difficulties, friendship, mental health, and more. I am looking forward to the last book in this series. I listened to this book with Hannah Churchill narrating. She does a lovely job with the voices and tone adding to my enjoyment of the story.

[Ann-Maree · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Best Thing That Ever Happened
by Sarah Bennett

This was not my second read of this series, as I had previously read book 2, which gave me some familiarity with the characters and settings. Halfmoon Quay is portrayed as a wonderfully picturesque Cornish village, brimming with charm, a sense of community, and a diverse cast of relatable characters. Typically, when I encounter a name glossary at the beginning of a book, I feel a bit apprehensive, as it can sometimes disrupt the flow of reading. However, having read another book by this author, I felt confident enough to dive in without letting the glossary deter me.

In this enchanting friends-to-more romance, Kat stands out as a deeply compelling character. She has been burdened by the repercussions of her parents’ troubled marriage for far too long, and their unresolved issues have significantly shaped her identity. Kat's relentless devotion to her family often leads her to surrender her own dreams in an effort to mend the dysfunction that plagues their relationship. Her journey of self-discovery is one that many readers may find relatable, evoking both sympathy and a desire for her to break free from her past.

On the other hand, we have Izzy’s brother, Harry, who has an available room in his flat. The family dynamics at play in Harry’s life serve as a stark contrast to the chaotic atmosphere of Kat’s family. His family is portrayed as warm and supportive, which provides a refreshing counterbalance to Kat’s experiences. The interactions between Harry and his siblings add another layer to the story, showcasing their close-knit relationships. Harry works at a restaurant owned by one of his brothers and is characterised by his ambition and dreams for a brighter future beyond his current job.

Overall, this book offers a delightful and easy reading experience, even for those who may not have read the previous books in the series. However, I did encounter some drawbacks that I’ve previously noticed with this author’s writing style: her tendency toward excessive description and prolonged internal dialogue. For my personal taste, this resulted in moments where I struggled to maintain my focus on the story. Despite these issues, the essence of the story still shone through, leaving me with an appreciation for the themes of love and personal transformation.

[нuѕηαн .✦ ݁˖ [Semi IA due to Uni & work] · Rating 3 out of 5]

I completely forgot I had to review this book with Ramadan and all. (｡•́︿•̀｡)

જ⁀➴ Rating : 3 stars

જ⁀➴ Plot :
Kat has been living with her best friend who recently got into a relationship, which makes her feel like the third wheel, but she doesn’t want to move back with her parents. So when Harry, her childhood friend offers her a spare room, she readily accepted it.

But Harry has had feelings for Kat, and living together now it’s becoming harder to not imagine his future with Kat.

༄.° Tropes
▸ Small town
▸ Childhood friends to lovers
▸ Slow burn
▸ MMC is dyslexic
▸ Toxic parents (FMC's)

જ⁀➴ Thoughts :
First of all, I had such a hard time getting into this book (probably why I put if off for so long). When I requested this book on Netgalley, it looked like a standalone and I didn’t know it was the third book in a series. There was just so many characters, it was really difficult to understand who is who and from which book given that I haven’t read book 1 & 2. The book literally starts with a long list of characters which is enough to scare you.

That aside, the plot was cute and interesting. But sometimes it feels like I was reading about details that didn’t require that much attention. Not to mention the family drama was frustrating. God, I hated Kat’s mother so much I wanted to bash her with a broom. Kat has always put their coffee shop as her priority foregoing her dream of becoming an author. But her family has never appreciated her and always taking her for granted.

What I did appreciate was the talk about the learning disability - our MMC Harry is dyslexic. It gave us an insight into those who are suffering from such.

It was lovely watching Kat and Harry go from friends to lovers. Tho it would have been better if they communicated and trusted each other better, but given Kat background with her toxic family it’s understandable how she doubts herself.

Published date : 17th March 2026

❝ ❞ ✧ ೃ༄ -----------------・❥・——————- ❝ ❞ ✧ ೃ༄

Thank you NetGalley, and Boldwood Books for the Arc.

[⋆˚࿔ Luiza 𝜗𝜚˚⋆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

✎ᝰ. ★★★.5 stars
✎ᝰ. tropes:
𝜗𝜚 childhood friends to lovers
𝜗𝜚 forced proximity
𝜗𝜚 small town
𝜗𝜚 complicated family dynamics

˗ˏˋ ꒰ ✉︎ ꒱ ˎˊ˗

First of all, I would like to thank Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing me with the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review. The Best Thing That Ever Happened comes out on March 17, 2026!

I’m going to start this review by saying that I had one of the hardest times getting through this book that I have had in a while. While the overall premise of the novel seemed interesting and captivating, I found the writing to be somewhat chunky and confusing. The author spends a great deal of time describing what, in my opinion, are unnecessary details in extreme depth, and there is a lack of punctuation in most paragraphs, which are far too long. This made the reading experience tiring and frustrating.

Because of these issues, I found myself unable to stay focused on the story, which made it difficult to connect with the characters and their struggles. Everything felt so dense and overly detailed that I kept skipping phrases and paragraphs because it was simply too much at once. The romance aspect of the book, which was supposed to be the main focus of the story, seemed to take a backseat to other plot points such as family drama, the main character’s own problems and struggles, and the side characters’ traumas. This made it even more difficult for me to root for the relationship.

Overall, even though this book was not for me, I would still recommend it to readers who enjoy detail focused stories, slow burns, and complicated family dynamics. However, I would suggest reading the earlier books in the series first, as I believe doing so would change the overall reading experience. I have not read the previous books, which is probably why I had such a hard time getting through this one.

˗ˏˋ ꒰ ✉︎ ꒱ ˎˊ˗

✎ᝰ. trigger warnings (possible spoilers): cheating (side characters), toxic relationship (side characters), complicated family dynamics, past trauma.

[Ashley Cohoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5 stars)

I always love a cozy, small-town romance, and The Best Thing That Ever Happened absolutely delivered that warm, comforting vibe. This was my first real dive back into Halfmoon Quay, and honestly, it felt like stepping into a place where everyone knows each other, and somehow, you’re welcomed right in too.

At the heart of the story are Kat and Harry, and I really enjoyed both of them. Kat’s storyline especially stood out to me. She’s been carrying the emotional weight of her family for so long, constantly putting her own dreams on hold, and you can feel how stuck she is at the beginning. Watching her slowly start to figure out what she actually wants for herself was really satisfying.

And then there’s Harry- quietly supportive, a little unsure of himself at times, but so easy to root for. I loved that his struggles (especially with confidence and dyslexia) were handled in such a thoughtful, real way. The dynamic between him and Kat had that classic “friends-to-more” feel, but it never felt forced. Their connection builds naturally, which made it all the more enjoyable.

The setting is another big win here. Halfmoon Quay is one of those places that feels almost like a character itself- full of charm, community, and just enough drama to keep things interesting. The side characters added a lot to the story too, and even though this is part of a series, it still works well as a standalone.

If I had one small critique, it would be that it took me a little bit to fully get into the story. The beginning felt a touch slow, but once things picked up, I was completely invested.

Overall, this is such a sweet, uplifting read with just enough emotional depth to keep it from feeling too light. If you’re in the mood for a comforting romance with strong community vibes and characters you genuinely care about, this is definitely worth picking up.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a delight to return to Halfmoon Quay and to join the Penrose family as Harry the youngest son, but one, of the tribe finds love, laughter and a new project to put all his passion for cooking and nurturing others into. Alongside Harry, this is also Kat’s story.

Kat has been struggling with trying to keep her family together since she left her dream of going to University to work alongside her father in the coffee franchise he runs. Despite now living and working with Issy at her cafe, Kat’s father still believes she would and should run a new shop on the shore front. Kat certainly doesn’t want to but feels pressure and guilt from every direction. Meanwhile, Harry seems to have become the perfect protector to Kat, offering her a place to stay away from home and to prevent her third wheeling in a small place with Issy and his brother Liam. Offering a listening ear, lots of yummy food and a very warm welcome. Whilst that sounds like a perfect prospect, there are several complications to the arrangement that make Kat feel uneasy.

Like all the books in this series there is a strong sense of community and belonging that makes me want to step right in and be enfolded in the arms of Ma and Pa to join in with all the joys, woes and parties that occur. Kat’s story covers trauma and how it has followed her mother into adulthood causing strain on the whole family. Harry’s struggles with dyslexia and confidence are covered in a very understanding way and the narrative shows how he has worked hard to find his path and how through the support of others can still shine without letters and numbers putting barriers in his way.

I loved reading Harry and Kat’s stories to discover what the best thing to happen to them might be. Ed, Matt and Chloe have stories still to tell and I look forward to visiting Halfmoon Quay to find out how the youngest Penrose brother and his cousins faire.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kat’s parents own a coffee shop in Halfmoon Quay. Her mother is supposed to be helping her father in the business but she’s always off doing other things. Thus, Kat gets roped into helping her father and she doesn’t even like coffee. Now, her father wants to open another shop and have her run it. Absolutely not! Her parents want her to live at home but there is always so much tension there that she has been living with a couple. But now that they are engaged, she has decided she needs to find another place to live.

Harry is a good chef who works at the Prime Catch restaurant. He and Kat have been friends since grade school. Tonight Kat is heading to his parents’ house for their annual New Year’s Eve party. Harry arrives at the same time Kat does and he knows something is bothering her so they chat and she says she needs to find a place to live. Harry has a two-bedroom apartment over the restaurant and he invites her to come live with him to which she agrees. Secretly, they have both always had a soft spot for one another.

Harry confides in Kat that he wants to open a cookery school for people with all levels of cooking experience. In addition, this will hopefully all some young people to gain cooking experience and help them find a job. The big worry for Harry is that he has dyslexia which makes putting numbers and plans together difficult for him. But Kat is very good at it so they decide to go into this together. Will their closeness bring romance between them? Will Kat be able to break free from her parents trying to guilt her into doing their will?

I thought this was a truly delightful book. It is the first book I have read by this author and as I love stories about small towns and close residents, I’m sure I will be reading more by her. Enjoy!

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Halfmoon Quay has very quickly become one of my favourite series of books so I just couldn't wait to revisit the idyllic Cornish village and the Penrose family, This time we're following Harry Penrose as he seeks to strike out on his own and open his own business. Organisation and numbers have never been Harry's strong suit but as part of the Penrose family he'll never be short of a helping hand and it's not long before everyone rallies around and reminds him that you'll never have to do anything alone in such a close-knit family.

Kat is such a lovely character; I got to her know her quite a lot in the previous book as she's Issy's best friend and it's clear that she's always been held back by her parents and their troubles. She's always put her parents and their coffee shop first, forsaking her own dreams of becoming an author. It's really obvious that they don't appreciate her sacrifices too and I found myself getting annoyed on her behalf! I really enjoyed watching her flourish away from their influence and with some help from Harry. It's very obvious that Harry has always had a special place in his heart for Kat so of course he jumps at the opportunity to offer help; he is a Penrose after all!

Sarah Bennett has created something special with this series; it's full of heart and community and I've loved each of the three books so far. Each time I read a new one it feels as if no time has passed at all and like I'm catching up with old friends. This book was no different as I got to hear all about the characters from previous books whilst having a new Romance to dive into and some new family drama too.

I'm thoroughly looking forward to book four which I believe is due to be published in September (fingers crossed for Christmas with the Penroses).

[Katherine Hayward Pérez · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Best Thing That Ever Happened is my first Sarah Bennett novel. I was glad of the list of characters at the beginning.
At first.
However, I quickly felt overwhelmed by the amount of characters in the book and like it was hard to keep track of who was who.

I also found the pacing of the book very, very, slow.

My interest with the plot came and went. In terms of characters, I liked Kat and Harry and their backstories. I was interested in the fact that Harry was dyslexic. I was touched by the fact Kat tried to help him at school, and pleased at how lasting their friendship was.

I was annoyed at Kat’s parents’ self centered personalities right through the book. I found it unforgivable that they wanted to open up a coffee shop directly opposite The Cosy Coffee Pot, the one that Kat’s best friend Issy ran with Maud.

I was proud of Kat for trying to make her parents see her point of view and respect her. I wasn’t surprised by their permanent lack of interest though. I really find people like that so unlikeable.

It was nice to witness how Harry was always there for Kat and how much he meant to her.

I found it interesting that Harry and Ed were twins. I didn’t like Ed’s banter though.

I didn’t find the village or setting very visual, and that was something else that pulled me out of the story.

I’d be interested in the other books in the series to find some more backstory and find out what else happens, but so far it’s not a series that’s hooked me, where others with similar settings and storylines have a lot more. The writing style was too superficial for me.

2 stars

Thanks to Sarah Bennett and Boldwood Books for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

[Book Escapes Babs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved my third visit to Halfmoon Quay and was pleased to discover that the story revolved around Kat, whom we met in the second book. From the mentions in that book, it was clear that she had a story to tell and that her life was not a bed of roses.

When the book opens, we discover that Kat is finding it difficult to act as a third wheel as her flatmate is now in a committed relationship. She has tried living back at home with her parents, but that proved to be even more challenging, as their relationship is, to say the least, difficult.

I knew I would like Kat, and my instincts were spot on. She feels a familial loyalty to her father’s coffee shop, but her heart lies with her writing. She’s fiercely independent and not in the market for romance outside of the books she wants to write. Moreover, she is loyal to her friends and feels a greater affinity to them than her own flesh and blood.

Harry is the latest of the Penrose boys we get to know. He shares their strong family values, despite feeling like the black sheep as a result of an accident that befell his twin brother years earlier, coupled with his own personal challenges from school. He is kind, thoughtful and insanely talented in the kitchen.

As I have come to expect, The Best Thing That Ever Happened has a strong sense of friendship, family and community. The relationships are absolutely relatable, and I loved seeing Kat finally follow her dreams. The mentions and inclusion of characters from the earlier books provided welcome updates without diluting the focus on Kat and Harry.

Like all of Sarah’s books, The Best Thing That Ever Happened can be read as a standalone story, but the reader would definitely benefit from reading the others in the series, as they are simply gorgeous.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was one I genuinely enjoyed. Although it’s the third in the series, it works perfectly well as a standalone, which is how I read it. There’s a helpful glossary introducing the many characters you’ll encounter, and while it felt overwhelming at first, by the time I reached the second chapter, the important connections clicked into place. After that, following the story was easy.

Both of our main characters are still shaped by events from their past, and although their experiences differ greatly, they share similar struggles: the need for acceptance, the search for a place where they truly belong, and the journey toward becoming the person they are meant to be. Along the way, they confront their personal demons and gradually learn to support one another.

Kat, in particular, made a lasting impression. She has carried the consequences of her parents’ marriage for far too long, and those experiences deeply influenced the person she became. Watching her finally reach the point where she decides that enough is enough felt like an essential and powerful turning point.
At its core, this is a story about caring for yourself and for others. The romance complements the narrative rather than overshadowing it, adding emotional depth without distracting from the characters’ individual paths. Everyone gets their moment to shine, which I really appreciated.
After finishing this book, I’m definitely looking forward to exploring more of the series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anjana · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I started this series, I did not have high hopes for the rest of the books that would eventually follow. It was only because of my prior response to the author’s works that I actually continued with the other books. It’s both risky as well as satisfying to be picking up books by authors that one has read several series from.

I’m glad I kept up with the series because this felt different in its approach to a plot and the overall romance was almost like a subtext while still having a buildup.

I seem to have written this review as a mix of contrasting statements and this book is not exactly that in tone. Kat/ Kitty is an established friend of the central family and she has had a very rough life at home, at least emotionally. She’s given all she’s got while not getting much in return.

Harry has continued feeling like a failure despite overcoming odds to be where he is. He has ideas about his future and ending up with Kat seems so natural that no one’s really questioning the apparent suddenness of the central love story. It’s apparently in the air. I think I know the pair who’s next and look forward to a different tone than the one here. Not that there’s anything wrong with the familial adjustments here.

Although the descriptions of this story say that it can be read as a standalone I would highly recommend reading the previous installments to get a better idea of the ‘world’ in which this exists.

I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience of this and other books by the author.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the small town of Halfmoon Quay, everyone knows everyone. Harry and Katrina (aka “Kat”) have been friends since they were kids in school. Harry, severely dyslexic, barely survived school, but Kat was always there for support. So, when Kat’s toxic relationship with her parents sends her in search of a place to live, Harry is happy to offer her the extra room at his place. Harry has always had a thing for Kat, but living together gives them both the chance to explore their feelings. Unless, that is, Kat’s parents issues don’t get in the way.

The characters really make this story. Because Harry and Kat have known each other so long, their relationship develops easily. Harry understands Kat, propping her up, offering her a safe space and standing as her rock, but also knowing when to give her the space she needs. Kat is Harry's biggest cheerleader, letting him know how much she believes in him and giving him the support and encouragement he needs.

The story flowed smoothly. Even though I wasn't familiar with the background characters from earlier stories in the series, it was easy to recognize their place and their importance in both Harry and Kat's lives. Their presence helped round out the story nicely.

This was a light, uplifting read was all about friendship and family and the pain and the joy that comes with being part of a close knit group. This gave me just the break I needed from some of the heavier stories I've been reading lately.

Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for a copy of this story. The thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Paloma · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Best Thing That Ever Happened is a feel good read with wonderful characters and a dreamy setting that makes you want to fall in love again and again.

Kate Bailey needs a change and fast. She feels stuck working at her father's cafe and sharing a flat with two lovebirds. Harry Penrose, a childhood friend offers her the chance to move out and move on. He has offered her a spare room to stay at while she figures its all out. Because moving back in with her parents is not a choice she wants to make. As the close proximity starts to kick in, Harry realizes that he has feelings for his friend Kate. Will Kate's family drama and awful mother allow the love to bloom or will they only get in the way?

I always look forward to Sarah Bennett's books. The Halfmoon Quay series has been a favorite of mine since I started it. I enjoyed Kate's character, specially how she first starts off constantly doubting herself but slowly builds up her self-esteem with Harry's help. Her whole family was bad but her mother was plain awful. I like how the book references some of the past characters in the series. I was also grateful that Harry's dyslexia was something that was talked about and it is something he has but he always manages to work through it. I always have such a lovely time revisiting Halfmoon Quay.
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.

[Rups!! · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the best book that ever happened to me!!

Third book in the series and I couldn't put it down. After reading first 2 books I was wondering how will author do justice to this story. However I was not disappointed.

So, how much do you love your parents and you can go to how much extend to help them stay together?? A point in life comes where a kid becomes adult and has their own life to deal with, whereas clutching them in family grips will only ruin family dynamics.

Story is about two people, who have different aspirations and liabilities. However, they need to identify and compartmentalise their priorities along with being there for each other.

📚 The character sketch is superb. It was built gradually in the first books but one cannot feel left out while reading this book also.
📚 The vivid characteristics of leads is very well described along with the side characters.
📚 There is a lot of emotional value and mental health related topics that would make reading even more interesting.
📚 Many things happen in the story which will keep you hooked to it.
📚 I loved the journey of characters and how they build their trust in each other.

A must read for somebody who is stuck in family dynamics and want to evolve as a person individually.

[Kaveesha Bandara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Bennett never disappoints me with her writing, and once again she has delivered a cosy, whimsical story as the third instalment in the Halfmoon Quay series.

The story follows Kat Bailey, who feels stuck working in her father’s coffee shop while dreaming of becoming an author. When her childhood friend Harry offers her his spare room, living under the same roof begins to blur the lines between friendship and something more, forcing them both to confront long-hidden feelings.

The characters are beautifully developed and infused with the right emotions to make the story feel realistic and heartfelt. The romance blossoming between the two main characters is heartwarming, filled with tender and swoony moments that make you smile. It’s such an easy, comforting read, and I was completely hooked. The author brings the small-town community to life in such a heartfelt way that you feel like you’re part of it.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves friends-to-lovers romances, small-town settings, and feel-good stories that leave you warm and happy inside.

[Felicity Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great as a standalone but is the third in a gorgeous series set in Halfmoon Quay in Cornwall, so well worth reading the whole set!!
Loved this third story around the characters in this seaside village.
Kat works with her father at his franchise coffee shop, which has become quite uninspiring and wants more from her life. When her flatmate falls in love Kat starts to feel like a gooseberry in her home so knows she will need to move out, but really doesn’t want to go back to living with her parents.
Harry is an accomplished chef at the local restaurant who has started to dream a new adventure for his future.
Easy accessible writing which you can get caught up in and swept along with the exploits and experiences of the characters. Warm and cozy reading with just enough drama and surprises along the way.
Love this latest and can’t wait for the next!!! It’s always pure joy to read a new Sarah Bennett book as I know it will be totally brilliant!!
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the early read for a review.

[Keighley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve realised I’m a very visual reader - I absolutely judge a book by its cover! This one would instantly catch my eye in a shop. Not only is it purple (my favourite colour 💜), but I love how simple the design is. It’s not too busy and gives a lovely hint at the setting.

I haven’t read any of Sarah Bennett’s previous books (this is part of a series), but it works perfectly well as a standalone. The character list at the beginning was so helpful - there are quite a few people to keep track of, and I definitely flicked back a few times!

Halfmoon Quay is such a lovely setting - an idyllic Cornish village filled with charm, community, and great characters. It’s the perfect place to get lost in.

I really loved the two main characters and watching their friendship grow throughout the story - it felt so genuine and heartwarming. Seeing how Kat and Harry’s pasts shaped them, and then watching them learn to overcome their struggles and stand up for themselves, was especially touching.

Overall, this is a cosy, comforting read that’s perfect for dipping in and out of over a few evenings.

[Colin Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this the latest book in the Halfmoon Quay series the story centres around Kat, who is frustrated at working in her father's coffee shop where he wants her to take over a new franchise, and Harry, who after a troubled childhood is a successful chef in a local restaurant. Although part of this series it can be read as a standalone book, although it is great to catch up with characters from the previous books.
Harry has struggled for years due to being dyslexic, which took a long time to be diagnosed. It gives a fascinating insight into how those suffering from this are affected. Kat has a terrible home life which has also badly affected her, making her very unsure about herself. Seeing how these two start developing a relationship is very heartwarming and just the type of book to warm the cockles of your heart in these troubled times.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

[Susanne Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing read. I loved being back with all the characters. Kat was an interesting character, and I found I could relate to her. She is torn with loyalty to her parents and her own life needs. Watching her journey as she slowly comes to the realisation that her parents aren’t loyal to her, and she’s getting nothing back was heart breaking, and I felt so happy when she stood up for herself and put herself first and followed her dream of working with Harry and the cookery school.

Harry was a great character, and his story is equally heartbreaking, having a son who is dyslexic I could understand a lot of Harry’s issues, and understand why he was so frustrated and felt let down by the whole school system. I loved that he found a way to overcome these issues and found his passion.

A great book and can be read as a stand alone, but if read after book one you get so much more happiness out of the updates from the other side characters in this book.

[Tracey Dyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Free courtesy of Netgalley

Wow this was an amazing book, I haven't read any of Sarah Bennett's books before but I certainly will be reading more.

This is the third book in the series but it does not really matter if you haven't read the first two, as it works as a standalone just as well (I will go back and read the first two)

The book follows the characters of Kat and Harry. I loved their love story and how they supported each other in their different issues, without any of the messing around, working on things together.

I could write lots about this book but haven't as I haven't wanted to give any of the book away. I have left this book wanting more, to see more of their lives and how things work out, and I'm sure I will get that when the 4th book comes out. I strongly recommend this book if you love this genre, get yourself to halfmoon Quay

[Ann Lovell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book starts by explaining all the characters. I like this type of introduction to the book stops you getting mixed up in trying to understand the family dynamics early on.

The background is lovely. A small harbour town.
A group of friends make up the extended characters.

The main characters Kat and Harry , are long standing friends who both lack confidence from family issues.

The story moves at a modest pace but builds them both into likeable characters. You can’t help really getting gripped and wanting everything to just click for them ! Kat is such a huge people pleaser it’s leaving doubts for poor Harry and the obstacles in there way don’t help.

I loved both of these two and the extended friendship group. What a fabulous read. Highly recommended it for a feel good read.

[Katie Awdas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't realise that this was part of a series which made it hard initially to get to know all the character names. By the end of the book there were just a couple that I had to keep checking back on (there are a lot of characters! Maybe a refresher at the start of the book or a "who's who" would be helpful?) That said I thoroughly enjoyed the book and found it a light hearted, easy and quick read. I was glad that Kat followed her heart and didn't feel tied to the family who were so badly using her. Harry seemed liked a really nice guy!

I will now look for the previous and forthcoming books in the series and others by Sarah Bennett as I found her writing style great.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers and Sarah for allowing me to read and review a preview copy.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Best Thing That Ever Happened by Sarah Bennett is the third book in the series Halfmoon Quay. I enjoyed the other books in this series and was thrilled to read this one.
Kat has been working at her father’s coffee shop and he wants Kat to open a new one. Harry and Kat are so easy to see as I was reading and to feel the story evolve and grow into their new lives. I want to see them grow and make the life they want to live. This is an easy read even if you have not read the other books in the series, but you will want to read the others in the series so the characters fit together and become the story you hope it will be.
Thank you NetGalley, Sarah Bennett and Boldwood Books for the copy of The Best Thing That Ever Happened. This is my personal review.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 3 in the Halfmoon Quay Series. I have not read the other ones yet, but didn’t have trouble following the story, so think it can easily be read as a standalone or in different order.

„One flat. One friendship. One chance to change everything...“

Such a lovely read. This book has everything you’d want from a romance novel: likeable characters, friendship, love, hope and loads of emotions. (Extra points for raising awareness for learning disabilities!). Would recommend this to anyone who enjoys curling up with a good book and escape their own life for a bit.

This was the first book that I’ve read by this author, but it sure won’t be the last!

Thank you NetGalley, Sarah Bennett and Boldwood Books for this ARC!

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Halfmoom Quay is a place of community and friendship, but not everyone is truly happy. Kat has put her life on hold for her parents, but now she's had enough. It's time to think about her needs and wishes. Harry is happy with his life, but he has dreams for both his career and his romantic future. When Harry makes his friend, Kat, an offer she can't refuse, the possibilities are endless, but so are the conflicts. It's a heartwarming romantic tale full of family drama, self-realisation and unexpected romance. I enjoyed the storytelling, the believable relationship dynamics and the cosy ethos that lets you escape and invest in the characters, knowing it will work out in the end.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Krisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an enjoyable, easy read, though it didn’t completely wow me.

The seaside setting was charming and cozy, and as always, The author does a lovely job creating a warm sense of community. The friendships and layered relationships added depth to the story, and I appreciated the emotional threads woven throughout. The romance itself was sweet and heartfelt.

That said, while the story was pleasant and comforting, it felt somewhat predictable at times. The pacing was steady, but there weren’t many standout moments that lingered with me after finishing.

Thank you NetGalley & Boldwood Books for sending this book for review consideration.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75
Kat has repeatedly given up her dreams to try to help the dysfunction that is her parents. But now she’s trying to take back control of her own life, starting with moving out. She had moved in with her dear friend Izzy, but now that she’s engaged…

Izzy’s brother, Harry, has a room available in his flat. It is awkward, though, now that they’ve both started noticing each other.

There’s a lot more drama with families and self-esteem and dreams. I like the character growth they both gain.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced copy. These opinions are my own.