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A Perfect Summer in Starshine Cove
Not yet published
Expected 10 Jun 26The perfect feel-good summer read from the million-copy bestselling author. Get ready to laugh, cry and fall head over heels in love with Starshine Cove! ❤️
Suzie has always been the wild one. While her siblings settled happily into village life, she roamed the world – chasing adventures, collecting stories and running from that horrible day, sixteen years ago. But when it's finally time to return to the tiny Dorset village of Starshine Cove, Suzie must face everything – and everyone – she left behind.
There's her dad George, still the beloved heart of the village at almost ninety. Her sister-in-law Connie, who runs the irresistible Cove Café, where the scent of sugar and vanilla drifts on the sea breeze and the red velvet cake is to die for. And then there's Guy, a brooding stranger with secrets of his own who arrives in the village on the very same day…
As the summer unfolds and old wounds begin to heal, Suzie discovers that sometimes the bravest adventure isn't running away – it's finally coming home.
From the beloved bestselling author of the Comfort Food Café series comes an unforgettable story of love, loss, and discovering that home is the place that never let you go.
What readers are saying about this
"Deserves more than 5 stars. If I could give this a higher rating than 5, I would. Escapist reading, I couldn't put it down." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I was hooked into this book from the very first page… some of the storylines did have me wiping away the tears… you could at times feel the warmth coming out through the pages and I was left with a starshine glow as I read! Wonderful location, lovable characters and a heart-warming read...what more could I ask for!" Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The perfect cozy escape… everything I love in a feel-good charm, warmth, laughter, and just the right amount of emotion to keep you hooked from start to finish." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Left me with a smile on my face and hope in my heart… the perfect cozy read for anyone looking for a little escapism and a reminder that it's never too late to start over." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The Starshine Cove series has everything I look for in a comfort read book, and the magic of this book is as perfect as it gets." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Suzie has always been the wild one. While her siblings settled happily into village life, she roamed the world – chasing adventures, collecting stories and running from that horrible day, sixteen years ago. But when it's finally time to return to the tiny Dorset village of Starshine Cove, Suzie must face everything – and everyone – she left behind.
There's her dad George, still the beloved heart of the village at almost ninety. Her sister-in-law Connie, who runs the irresistible Cove Café, where the scent of sugar and vanilla drifts on the sea breeze and the red velvet cake is to die for. And then there's Guy, a brooding stranger with secrets of his own who arrives in the village on the very same day…
As the summer unfolds and old wounds begin to heal, Suzie discovers that sometimes the bravest adventure isn't running away – it's finally coming home.
From the beloved bestselling author of the Comfort Food Café series comes an unforgettable story of love, loss, and discovering that home is the place that never let you go.
What readers are saying about this
"Deserves more than 5 stars. If I could give this a higher rating than 5, I would. Escapist reading, I couldn't put it down." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I was hooked into this book from the very first page… some of the storylines did have me wiping away the tears… you could at times feel the warmth coming out through the pages and I was left with a starshine glow as I read! Wonderful location, lovable characters and a heart-warming read...what more could I ask for!" Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The perfect cozy escape… everything I love in a feel-good charm, warmth, laughter, and just the right amount of emotion to keep you hooked from start to finish." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Left me with a smile on my face and hope in my heart… the perfect cozy read for anyone looking for a little escapism and a reminder that it's never too late to start over." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The Starshine Cove series has everything I look for in a comfort read book, and the magic of this book is as perfect as it gets." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- GenresFiction
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 10, 2026
40 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Johnson
35 books972 followersDebbie Johnson is an award-winning author who lives and works in Liverpool, where she divides her time between writing, caring for a small tribe of children and animals, and not doing the housework.
She writes feel-good emotional women’s fiction, and has sold more than 1,000,000 books worldwide. She is published globally in many different languages, and has had two books optioned for film and TV.
Her books include the best-selling Comfort Food Cafe series, The A-Z of Everything, Maybe One Day, The Moment I Met You, Falling for You and the Starshine Cove books.
She is also the author of supernatural crime thriller, Fear No Evil, and urban fantasies Dark Vision and Dark Touch.
source: Amazon
She writes feel-good emotional women’s fiction, and has sold more than 1,000,000 books worldwide. She is published globally in many different languages, and has had two books optioned for film and TV.
Her books include the best-selling Comfort Food Cafe series, The A-Z of Everything, Maybe One Day, The Moment I Met You, Falling for You and the Starshine Cove books.
She is also the author of supernatural crime thriller, Fear No Evil, and urban fantasies Dark Vision and Dark Touch.
source: Amazon
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Suzie never really fit in at home she takes after her mother who wandered Europe in a camper van before finding her true love in Starshine Cove, all she wanted to do was leave while her big brother and little sister loved it there and made a home. The last time Suzie came home was to nurse her mother through her terminal cancer, but after that she couldn't go back, not even for the funerals of her siblings.
But now, at forty-three she's coming home, or at least she thinks she is, presently she's stuck up a tree thinking this used to be easier and procrastinating, because what will her father George say? What about her brother-in-law Aiden? Her sister-in-law Connie? Her nieces and nephews? Will they blame her for staying away so long, for not being there at the time of unimaginable tragedy? In the midst of her procrastination a voice calls up asking if she needs help.
Guy is also procrastinating, he's come to meet someone at Starshine Cove he hasn't seen for many years and he has no idea what reception he will receive. He is very similar to Suzie, first the army then volunteering for NGOs all over the world, he gets itchy feet and doesn't like to stay in one place for long. These two wanderers really want to stay in Starshine Cove this time, but fate might have other ideas and a few surprises up her sleeve.
This is standard Debbie Johnson/Starshine Cove, a small village where everyone pulls together and is in everyone's business, some tragedy and some laughter, lots of cake, a fair amount of booze, and love. If you liked the others, you'll like this one. If you haven't read any before you can start here and if you enjoy small-town romances with quirky characters this is right up your street.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
But now, at forty-three she's coming home, or at least she thinks she is, presently she's stuck up a tree thinking this used to be easier and procrastinating, because what will her father George say? What about her brother-in-law Aiden? Her sister-in-law Connie? Her nieces and nephews? Will they blame her for staying away so long, for not being there at the time of unimaginable tragedy? In the midst of her procrastination a voice calls up asking if she needs help.
Guy is also procrastinating, he's come to meet someone at Starshine Cove he hasn't seen for many years and he has no idea what reception he will receive. He is very similar to Suzie, first the army then volunteering for NGOs all over the world, he gets itchy feet and doesn't like to stay in one place for long. These two wanderers really want to stay in Starshine Cove this time, but fate might have other ideas and a few surprises up her sleeve.
This is standard Debbie Johnson/Starshine Cove, a small village where everyone pulls together and is in everyone's business, some tragedy and some laughter, lots of cake, a fair amount of booze, and love. If you liked the others, you'll like this one. If you haven't read any before you can start here and if you enjoy small-town romances with quirky characters this is right up your street.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I recieved a free ARC of this book from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
A Perfect Summer in Starshine Cove by Debbie Johnson is a reminder that a summer read can be both comforting and emotionally layered. While it has the warmth and charm you would expect from a seaside story, it also explores more challenging themes with care and sensitivity. The author manages to address these deeper issues in a way that feels thoughtful rather than heavy, adding substance without dampening the overall uplifting tone.
Suzie and Guy are particularly well-developed characters. Their relationship follows a familiar boy-meets-girl path, but this is very much an adult version of that story. Their experiences, baggage, and emotional growth make them feel real and relatable, which gives their journey more impact. Many readers will likely see parts of themselves reflected in their struggles and choices.
As the fifth and final book in the Starshine Cove series, it works surprisingly well as a standalone. Even without having read the earlier books, it is easy to settle into the setting and connect with the characters. That said, it leaves a strong impression of the wider world, and it is the kind of book that makes you want to go back and experience the rest of the series.
Overall, this is an engaging and satisfying read that blends romance, depth, and a strong sense of place, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a summer story with a bit more substance.
A Perfect Summer in Starshine Cove by Debbie Johnson is a reminder that a summer read can be both comforting and emotionally layered. While it has the warmth and charm you would expect from a seaside story, it also explores more challenging themes with care and sensitivity. The author manages to address these deeper issues in a way that feels thoughtful rather than heavy, adding substance without dampening the overall uplifting tone.
Suzie and Guy are particularly well-developed characters. Their relationship follows a familiar boy-meets-girl path, but this is very much an adult version of that story. Their experiences, baggage, and emotional growth make them feel real and relatable, which gives their journey more impact. Many readers will likely see parts of themselves reflected in their struggles and choices.
As the fifth and final book in the Starshine Cove series, it works surprisingly well as a standalone. Even without having read the earlier books, it is easy to settle into the setting and connect with the characters. That said, it leaves a strong impression of the wider world, and it is the kind of book that makes you want to go back and experience the rest of the series.
Overall, this is an engaging and satisfying read that blends romance, depth, and a strong sense of place, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a summer story with a bit more substance.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC!
Starshine Cove is that perfect, idyllic coastal village where everyone knows everyone. It’s exactly the type of place that Suzie found suffocating as a teenager, and subsequently ran away from for years. Now, she’s a 43 year old woman returning to the village after years of being away.
Throughout the book we see Suzie grow and develop as a character. She still has doubts and worries about whether she’s doing the right thing, or if she’s letting people down, but she learns to embrace the community that she once ran from. She also embraces Guy, a new arrival to the village who has his own familial issues to resolve. I enjoyed the relationship between them both, I liked how they could support and rely on each other even after only knowing each other a short time. Whether platonic or romantic they really did seem to care about each other.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one and I’m looking forward to going back and reading the other books in this series. I think if you’re looking for a small town story with a community feel then this is perfect!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Starshine Cove
Suzie returns after years of travelling, never quite feeling at home in Starshine Cove. It feels restrictive and she’s never really embraced its charm.
Guy, meanwhile, has lived through the care system, married, divorced and estranged from his daughter . He’s never stayed long enough to truly call a place home. Now he’s visiting to reunite with his daughter Miranda.
How will these two strangers navigate the close-knit community where everyone knows everyone? Can they find their place and perhaps even find each other?
This is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. It’s beautifully written and sensitively explores some truly emotional moments. A wonderful chance at romance is woven into this enchanting community. There’s really nothing not to love! If you haven’t read the other Starshine Cove books, you really must.
I was given a ARC from NETGALLEY.
Suzie returns after years of travelling, never quite feeling at home in Starshine Cove. It feels restrictive and she’s never really embraced its charm.
Guy, meanwhile, has lived through the care system, married, divorced and estranged from his daughter . He’s never stayed long enough to truly call a place home. Now he’s visiting to reunite with his daughter Miranda.
How will these two strangers navigate the close-knit community where everyone knows everyone? Can they find their place and perhaps even find each other?
This is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. It’s beautifully written and sensitively explores some truly emotional moments. A wonderful chance at romance is woven into this enchanting community. There’s really nothing not to love! If you haven’t read the other Starshine Cove books, you really must.
I was given a ARC from NETGALLEY.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Many thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing me with this free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This was a nice ending to a enjoyable series from Debbie Johnson. Suzie's character has lurked in the background during the first four books so it was fun to finally "meet" her and hear her story. I also loved revising Starshine Cove and all the delightful characters who live there. One of the reasons I love Debbie Johnson's stories is that she includes many different generations who each bring their own perspective. Very entertaining.
A smattering of profanity and PG-13 love scenes. To quote Milly Johnson (or maybe to misquote her) there are no "squishy bits". Yay!
This was a nice ending to a enjoyable series from Debbie Johnson. Suzie's character has lurked in the background during the first four books so it was fun to finally "meet" her and hear her story. I also loved revising Starshine Cove and all the delightful characters who live there. One of the reasons I love Debbie Johnson's stories is that she includes many different generations who each bring their own perspective. Very entertaining.
A smattering of profanity and PG-13 love scenes. To quote Milly Johnson (or maybe to misquote her) there are no "squishy bits". Yay!
May 7, 2026
4.5 stars
I absolutely adore Debbie Johnson so when I received the ARC for her latest novel in the Starshine series, I had to read it asap! It was a fantastic read. I loved the FMC and MMC. They both had many issues from their past and they worked through them like adults, as they are in their 40’s. Susie was a deeply ‘flawed’ character but relatable, as I am from a small town and felt the same as she did as a teen. There was one storyline that was a shock and I didn't fully get behind, but after reading, I realize it was an integral part of the story. I recommend this book to anyone that has never felt ‘normal’ but returning home made them feel complete and part of the family again.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
I absolutely adore Debbie Johnson so when I received the ARC for her latest novel in the Starshine series, I had to read it asap! It was a fantastic read. I loved the FMC and MMC. They both had many issues from their past and they worked through them like adults, as they are in their 40’s. Susie was a deeply ‘flawed’ character but relatable, as I am from a small town and felt the same as she did as a teen. There was one storyline that was a shock and I didn't fully get behind, but after reading, I realize it was an integral part of the story. I recommend this book to anyone that has never felt ‘normal’ but returning home made them feel complete and part of the family again.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
May 4, 2026
Another beautiful instalment of this fabulous series although it could be read as a standalone although I highly recommend starting from the beginning to experience full effects of the magic and escapism that a visit to Starshine Cove brings.
This instalment brings us Suzie’s story and as with other books in the series brings with it thought provoking And emotional storylines which are delivered in a sensitive way and brings together an eclectic mix of multigenerational characters into this wonderful community.
I was sad to discover this is the last book in the series but looking forward to seeing what this author writes next.
This instalment brings us Suzie’s story and as with other books in the series brings with it thought provoking And emotional storylines which are delivered in a sensitive way and brings together an eclectic mix of multigenerational characters into this wonderful community.
I was sad to discover this is the last book in the series but looking forward to seeing what this author writes next.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Another lovely story in the utopia that is Starshine Cove. Long absent Suzie returns to the village in time for her dad's 90th birthday. At the same time, guy arrives to look for his daughter. They make a sweet instant connection. Along with the terrific villagers, this is a lovely story about family and accepting people as they are.
Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I just loved Susie and Guy. Susie has comes full circle in her life. She has never really been comfortable in her self. The book is full of little surprises. We watch both Suzie and Guy grow. It’s a very heartwarming book. I loved the writing.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Another gentle instalment in the Starshine Cove series. These books are easy to read with a little bit of drama but nothing over the top. If you are in the mood for a little slice of comfort then this is the book for you.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews