A Perfect Summer in Starshine Cove

Starshine Cove #5

by Debbie Johnson

The 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, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genres: Contemporary, Fiction

248 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 10, 2026

About the author

Debbie 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

Reviews

[Cindy Spear · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Perfect Summer in Starshine Cove by Debbie Johnson is a splendid contemporary romance I totally enjoyed. The latest instalment of this heart-warming series adds another worthy branch to this magnificent community - family tree. In fact a number of this village’s members explore their DNA to see what roots they have and there are some unexpected surprises. Aside from these intriguing connections I think this novel is very special as it has an extra layer of emotional depth. It deals with some very tough topics and life challenges such as miscarriage, foster care and spouse betrayal which are all handled respectfully and appropriately. On the flip side, it also offers second chances, new beginnings, healing and restoration of relationships. I was completely invested in Suzie and Guy’s lives and getting to know them. It was fun to catch up with other members of the community, too, that I got to know in previous novels. Wise Connie, particularly, was great to see again!

Although there are some serious moments in this novel that misted my eyes and raised great compassion in me, there are plenty of fun scenes that had me laughing and charmed by the clever wit. The ping pong banter between the two main characters is refreshing. Their common world viewpoints and interests pave the way for a bond that continues to strengthen the longer they know each other. And against their wills, they move from friends to romantic partners as their relationship grows gradually and without effort. They share secrets, hopes, dreams and disappointments with each other. And offer support during challenges when needed. Their love develops gently based on a strong foundation of trust and shared vulnerability. Their comfort and ease with each other is obvious, making it easy to believe they are meant to be together. Their accidental meeting near a tree is quite symbolic and in line with the DNA reports that happen later.

Suzie’s growth is dramatic and so is Guy’s as they affect each other quite deeply. Although Suzie never fit in with the usual crowd /village life growing up, returning after years of adventurous travel and work abroad, means Starshine Cove just might work its magic on her now. But it’s the new visitor Guy who adds the dash of seasoning she has always craved. And it takes a little time to work out her feelings for him and the village; plus the healing she needs to move forward with her life. Starshine Cove community offers a loving and supportive environment. Although she had a great need to travel the world and accomplished that, her health scare at age forty-three propels her homeward. As she returns to her roots, she realises a lot has happened since she abandoned Starshine Cove. Although keen to revisit, she is very nervous and not sure what the response from her father and others will be— considering she was unable to come back after a tragic accident in the family. Will she be treated like an outcast or will the prodigal daughter of Starshine Cove be welcomed with open arms? Her father is an aged man but he has lots of life and plenty of kindness to share. Like my own mother in her ninetieth year!

Speaking of parents, Suzie was very close to her mother and it was a sad day when she passed. For her mother understood her need for freedom completely. And although Suzie has had some amazing experiences and worked many jobs, her teaching position was the one she cherished the most. In this way, she aligns with her father, George, who was also a teacher, and a major beacon in the community. It was heartbreaking to know her mother is gone, but her connection with her father is strengthening and I found their reunion was beautifully delivered.

Guy’s backstory is very moving. His rough childhood is sad but he turned out well. Quite the dashing man who is extremely likeable, kind and witty. Coming to Starshine Cove to see an important person he missed out on in his life, leads to so much more. Although he will face some setbacks, he will for the first time experience family and community spirit. And he will find a treasure he wasn’t seeking.

One of my favourite things about this story is the cave of stunning lights displayed at night as this shows the magic of nature at its best. Also, to see two people come together who considered themselves misfits in society, and in many ways stumbled around in the dark until they met each other. Then they begin to shine unhindered—and they become the pieces of their own puzzle. They fit together perfectly. Contentment begins, a need for roots take hold, after all their running. Finally they see how wonderful and special they truly are. Their meeting was fate. And they helped each other have courage to enter or re-enter Starshine Cove by putting ‘one foot in front of the other.’ Taking one step at a time toward healing. Good advice for us all! Sometimes we have to go home—and that takes real bravery. But oh the journey and visit are worth it! A Perfect Summer in Starshine Cove remind us of this. I most sincerely loved this touching tale and look forward to the next one! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the review copy.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suzie returns home after years of traveling the world, only to find that being back stirs up more complicated feelings than she expected. At the same time, Guy arrives in town carrying his own unresolved past. As their paths intertwine, the question becomes whether they can help each other heal or if old habits will pull them back into escape mode.

What an engaging story. It moves effortlessly from humorous moments to more thought‑provoking ones, offering a full range of emotions. Also, the early backstory adds depth and gives us a clearer understanding of who Suzie is and why her journey matters.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Susanne Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! I loved Suzie and Guy. How they met was funny and a felt their connection right from the start, they simply completed each other.

Some very heart wrenching moments that had me crying. When Suzie reveals about why she couldn’t make the funeral of her siblings really got to me. I really felt for George, and what an amazing guy, at 90 still bopping around. Starshine is such an amazing place, I wish I could go there and meet all these great, supportive people.

I loved the gentle flirting Suzie starts with Guy and I clicked when Guy turned it around and flirted right back at her. I really for him when he tried to come to terms with his past and making a new relationship with his daughter and even more when he gets his DNA results. I loved how he supported and gently loved Suzie right from the start and takes her life changing news in his stride. The ending had me in tears and I really didn’t want it to end. Exceptional writing and an exceptional series.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suzy is back at Starshine Cove and she feels that her life wandering around the world has reached an end. Everyone will try to give her space and show understanding for her long absence from the island. She'll have to adapt to her new circumstances and although not looking for romance she meets Guy upon arrival and feelings are stirred in her. Will she stay? Will family and friends accept her idiosyncrasies and help? Will she settle down? A Perfect Summer in Starshine Cove is a story about family, friendship, how important is to have support when all one wants is to disappear. Engaging and entertaining!
I thank the author, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

We open this one in Starshine - with a glimpse of teenage Suzie, and her Mom, Molly. They are incredibly close, and have an open and understanding relationship with one another (as much as a teenager can, anyway). Then we see them again, years later, as Suzie returns home to take care of her mother in her final days.

Flash forward another fourteen years, and we’re caught up to the present. Suzie (now 43) returns home from her world travels for the first time since her mother’s passing. She is riddled with guilt and self-doubt, having been gone so long with little to no communication with the rest of her family for most of that time.

Suzie stops at an old favorite spot on her way into the village, and has a run in with a quiet, well-traveled stranger - and of course his name is Guy. The two decide to become allies, and rely upon each other to navigate the difficulties and emotions they are getting ready to face in Starshine. We slowly have the missing gaps filled in on both of their lives, breadcrumb-ing our way to the end. There are a few shocks built in (some predictable, some not) that had me gasping out loud. Both Suzie and Guy are almost unrealistically communicative and self aware of their thoughts and personalities, and I love their dynamic. If you want to see how two “flight risks” navigate some pretty anxiety inducing situations, pick this one up!

I would have very much liked some family trees for the people of Starshine, because it was a little hard for me to keep everyone straight in the beginning. I haven’t read the prior books in this series, so that might be a contributing factor to my struggle.

Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for an e-arc of this book!

[Kerry Bentley · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I'm just saying - you don't always have to escape alone. You can escape with me!
Our eyes meet, and my heart does a little shimmy. Oh, l think, drinking him all in - if only we'd met at a different time, in a different place.
'Thank you, I say, kissing him on the cheek before I open the door of the van.
'That's possibly the most dysfunctional and yet also romantic thing anybody has ever said to me'"

I loved the chance to read this ARC from Debbie Johnson, the 5th in the Starshine Cove series but it can absolutely be read as a standalone. It was right up my street and hit all the right spots, romantic, funny, life affirming and full of found family and coming home.
Perfect if you love ...

❤️ Small town romance
🧡He falls first
💙Friends to lovers
🩷Coming home
💜Slow burn

📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖

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.

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to @netgalley, Debbie Johnson, and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A Perfect Summer in Starshine Cove was everything I want from a cozy small-town romance — heartfelt, emotional, funny, and completely impossible to put down. Debbie Johnson has created such a magical community in Starshine Cove that it honestly feels like coming home.

I absolutely adored Suzie and Guy. Their first meeting had me smiling immediately, and the chemistry between them felt so natural from the start. I loved the gentle flirting between them, especially when Guy started teasing and flirting right back. Their relationship develops with such warmth and maturity, and it was beautiful watching two people carrying so much emotional baggage slowly find comfort, trust, and healing together.

This book balances humor and heartbreak perfectly. There were moments that genuinely made me laugh out loud, but also several scenes that completely broke my heart. Suzie revealing why she couldn’t return for her siblings’ funeral was especially emotional, and I really felt for both her and Guy as they confronted the pain from their pasts. Guy’s storyline with his daughter and the DNA results added so much depth, and I loved how steady and supportive he was throughout the entire story.

George absolutely stole my heart. At ninety years old, he’s still such a vibrant, lovable presence, and the warmth of the entire Starshine Cove community made this book feel like a comforting hug. The found family atmosphere, the celebrations, the seaside setting, and all the lovable side characters made me wish Starshine Cove was a real place I could visit.

What I loved most was how hopeful and healing this story felt. It’s a story about second chances, coming home, learning to let people love you, and realizing you don’t always have to face life alone. The romance is tender and believable, the emotional moments hit perfectly, and by the final pages I was in tears because I truly didn’t want it to end.

An uplifting, comforting, beautifully written read full of heart, humor, healing, and community. Easily one of my favorite comfort reads this year. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Margie Bunting · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unlike her siblings, Suzy was a restless child in the charming town of Starshine Cove in Dorset. Her mother was the only one who understood her wanderlust and her need for new adventures. After nursing her mother through her last days, Suzy abruptly left home to travel the world and took a series of jobs, including a job she especially loved teaching children in India. She didn't even return home for a family funeral, although she hasn't told anyone why.

Sixteen years later, at age 43, Suzy wants to return to her home for a special reason, but she can't help worrying about the reactions of her family, especially her almost-90-year-old father, George. On the way, she meets another troubled traveler who is returning to Starshine Cove after a long absence from his daughter, who now has a toddler son. Suzy and Guy are alike in many ways, but with personal issues of their own. They are drawn to each other, but neither initially wants to turn their friendship into something more, based on their previous experiences.

A Perfect Summer in Starshine Cove has a different feel from the others in the series, but it still qualifies for me as a comfort read. We encounter characters who have starred in the previous four books, but the focus is on these two people who are trying to figure out what the future holds for them, and where, and what they really want to do with the rest of their lives. My favorite scenes are those surrounding George's 90th birthday celebration, which is full of love, communion, and wonderful food, beautifully described in great detail by the author. The relationship between Suzy and Guy is lovely and largely free of the usual miscommunication tropes that always frustrate me. I understand this may be the last in the Starshine Cove series, but the author has previous series I am exploring, a delightful new one, and satisfying standalones. I will keep reading Debbie Johnson's book as long as she keeps writing them.

My review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy of this book.

[Julianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 5 in the Starshine Cove Series !!

A Perfect Summer in Starshine Cove answers the quintessential question: can you always come home?
Suzie, a nomadic world traveller, returns to her too small hometown to face her family. She's been off the grid, almost unreachable for years- especially after her brief stint back home, ushering her sweet momma into heaven. Life has been too emotionally hard to settle, sitting long enough to face her own internal struggles. Now she's at a crossroads: keep her adventurous, unsettled lifestyle while in the midst of a huge life change and uncertainty, or return to her safe community and have the hard conversations she's put off for decades with the people she's left behind. Will they accept her as she is or has she outrun her welcome?

On her first day back home, Suzie meets Guy, who is also nervously moving to Sunshine Cove- he has his own mistakes to own. They band together, accepting each other as they are, and form a sweet support system as they grow.

This book is an emotional rollercoaster of both expected consequences from late blooming and surprising reveals where readers thought there was certainty. Blessedly, it ends happily, and we feel like life isn't too hard to face after all- an encouragement to keep going and loving those around us to the best of our ability. After all, life isn't always what it looks like and you never know what they could be experiencing. If you liked Perfect Summer, you should return to the previous 4 and spend more time in this idyllic village!

Troupes: Return home, small town, cozy settling, unplanned pregnancy, friends to lovers
Spice: 1/5 🌶️
Gore: 0/5 🩸
Language: 1/5 👀
Triggers: death of a loved one, unplanned pregnancy, miscarriage

Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC!

[Carolina CHC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some books just wrap around you like a blanket, and this is one of them. It's the kind of cozy story that sneaks up on you — quietly filling you with warmth until you realize you're completely invested and slightly devastated when it's over.

What broke me open in this one is Suzie. She is so painfully vulnerable, so lacking in self-confidence, that your heart aches for her on almost every page. Yet that's exactly what makes her arc so satisfying to watch. She left her family's small English town years ago — partly to find herself, partly to escape the suffocating lack of privacy and the weight of everyone else's expectations. She ran toward the world and never looked back, even when those she left behind faced tragedy. Now she's back, still carrying the guilt and some secrets, still convinced she's misunderstood, still not sure she belongs anywhere.

Then there's Guy — a man with lots of secrets of his own, who has spent his entire life alone, quietly convinced he doesn't deserve the kind of warm, nurturing family he's never had. His arrival in Starshine Cove, right at the moment Suzie is wrestling with whether to stay or run again, is the kind of slow-burn collision that makes romcoms so delicious.

But the real star of this book might be Starshine Cove itself. This little gem of an English town is alive with characters who prove, beautifully and repeatedly, that family has nothing to do with DNA — it's built from the people who choose to show up for each other. This book doesn't just flirt with that idea; it commits to it fully, and the result is genuinely moving.

If you love character-driven, feel-good romance with real emotional depth and a town full of people you'll want to visit again and again, this series is everything.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A warm hug of a book that reminded me that happiness doesn't have to follow anyone else's blueprint.

Debbie Johnson has done it again. A Perfect Summer in Starshine Cove is everything I have come to love about her writing: funny, heartfelt, full of quirky characters, and wrapped around a community that feels like somewhere you'd happily move to tomorrow.

What I loved most about this story was its refreshing take on romance. The two main characters never seemed to fit society's expectations of what people are supposed to want from life. They weren't chasing the same dreams as everyone else, and at times felt wonderfully out of step with the world around them. Yet that is exactly what made their connection so special. They didn't need to change who they were. Instead, they found someone who understood them completely and provided exactly what the other person needed.

As always, Debbie Johnson balances humour and emotion beautifully. There were plenty of moments that made me smile, but underneath the wit is a story about belonging, acceptance, and finding family in unexpected places. The found family elements were particularly lovely, creating that cosy, heartwarming feeling that makes her books such a joy to read.

My only disappointment is that this appears to be the final book in the Starshine Cove series. If it truly is the end, I am going to miss this wonderful community enormously. Yet the way the story was left makes me hopeful there might still be more to come. I certainly have my fingers crossed.

A beautiful, uplifting, and deeply satisfying read that celebrates the idea that there is no single right way to live, love, or find happiness.
My thanks go to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC of this book.

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving Debbie Johnson's "Starshine Cove "series and this one is no exception, they are pure, unadulterated romance set in the beautiful Dorset countryside, there is no fighting, no cheating and no bad language, just a lovely romance.
It is not the most elegant way that 43 year old Suzie had met a man, she was stuck up the tree that she had climbed, the tree, which as a child, was her sanctuary, her own Magic Faraway Tree, but now Suzie was a woman returning home and not knowing what her reception would be.
Suzie had been very close to her mother and after her death Starshine Cove became claustrophobic, she knew that she had to escape, her mother had told her that she would know when the time was right to return, was now that time ? her father was approaching ninety and, although still fit and dapper, she had wasted so many years, she needed to be there for him now...........but did he need her ?
The man standing under the tree ready to catch her should she fall was toe curlingly handsome Guy Keegan, Suzie was to learn that Guy, like her, had worked all over the world, both had nomadic tendencies but Guy was coming to Starshine Cove to try to build a relationship with the daughter that he had seen very little of and her baby son...........would she welcome him after all the years of neglect ?
Suzie and Guy had so much in common and they bonded quickly, their witty flirting, gentle teasing and smile inducing banter is brilliant, it is a match made in heaven.........or is it ? both of them have "run" as their default and Suzie has a secret.
This is a beautifully told emotional story with wonderful characters, I just hope that there are more to come.
Thank you Storm Publishing and Net Gallery for this ARC, my review is totally voluntary.

[Anjana · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read the last book of this series, I did not realise I was missing a person who has her own story ARC to add to this place. I read the first book (Escape to Starshine Cove ) a long time ago and religiously read the rest as and when it came out. I may not remember everyone’s individual quirks and histories but I retain enough to appreciate everyone’s presence in every other book.

I felt like this installment was a little unique as compared to others like this. Our leading lady has not had a hard upbringing or suffered situations worse than any one else in the town. Most of her stories are ones several others lived through as well.

Suzie was always restless. She didn’t have the comfort level with the village atmosphere like her father and siblings did. Given that those people are/ were the heart of the village it is both understandable and curious that Suzie found the situation unbearable. She left home and has since travelled far and wide and lived several lives away from her closest family and well wishers. Now she’s back and she’s in two mins about every step she takes and every emotion she feels. It should be annoying given the number of times she changes her mind but the way the author has written her, it’s easy to empathize with her.

The author has ( probably) wrapped up yet another great series of interesting and lovable people being strong in the face of adversity and finding their happily ever afters. I would definitely recommend this to fans of the genre and I already have multiple other books by the author queued up.

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.

[Gales Tales70 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just found me a new author and now need to read everything Debbie’s written 💕

The 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.

A lovely summer read with plenty of humourous moments. Loved the slow burn romance with Suzie and Guy.

I was hooked into this book from the very first page… some of the storylines really pulled the heartstrings… you could feel the warmth coming out through the pages like a comfort hug. The perfect cosy escape…everything you could want from a feel good read. Great characters, wonderful location

I now need to read the first four books just so I can read Book 5 again!!!

Thank you Debbie and Netgalley for the fab opportunity

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Perfect Summer in Starshine Cove is exactly the kind of warm, sun‑drenched escape that feels like exhaling — tender, funny, and threaded with that gentle emotional pull this series does so well. Suzie has always been the wild one, the sibling who ran as far and fast as she could, collecting stories and outrunning the shadows of a day she’s never quite recovered from. So when she finally returns to Starshine Cove after sixteen years, the homecoming is as bittersweet as it is overdue.

The village is irresistible: her dad George, still the beating heart of the community at nearly ninety; Connie’s Cove Café drifting with the scent of sugar and sea air; and the familiar Dorset coastline that feels like memory made tangible. And then there’s Guy — brooding, closed‑off, carrying secrets of his own — arriving in the village on the very same day as Suzie, as if fate has decided to stir the pot.

What unfolds is a lovely blend of healing and humour, old wounds softening under summer light, and Suzie slowly realising that the bravest adventure isn’t another far‑flung escape but finally turning toward the people she left behind. The emotional beats land gently but firmly, and the romance has that slow, steady warmth that feels earned.

Heartfelt, uplifting, and full of coastal charm, A Perfect Summer in Starshine Cove is a story about coming home, letting yourself be known, and discovering that the place you’ve been running from might just be the one that saves you.

With thanks to Debbie Johnson, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Nomadic Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised when I saw this new addition to the Starshine Cove series, especially since I assumed Book Four ended the series. Although I enjoyed revisiting this quirky, welcoming village, Suzie’s story wasn’t as compelling as those in the previous books. The friends to lovers romance with Guy is a very slow burn, and there is no spice if that’s your thing. They are in their forties, and have each spent their entire adulthood wandering the world solo. Not surprisingly, they consider themselves “flight risks.” Suzie has come home after about a decade and is nervous about her family’s welcome, and Guy, who has never had a family or a stable home, is visiting Starshine Cove for the first time, hoping for a chance to right a wrong. They serendipitously meet while she’s stuck up a tree, and their friendship blossoms.

The best part of the book is the reunion with Suzie’s family and the rest of the villagers. It’s like being wrapped in a warm hug. There are some trigger warnings for miscarriage, cancer, and accidental death, and there’s a big feeling of grief for much of the story. However, there are still plenty of the funny, heartwarming moments which readers of the series will appreciate. Although it could be read as a standalone, I highly encourage you to read the first four books in the series. Recommended.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Storm Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

[Susan Hamann · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the title, this book might make you think it's a light and airy summer romance. It's actually a story about coming home, discovering your family's love again, and finding your place in your small town. It's also about finding love and seeing a real future for the first time ever.

Suzie felt smothered in her small town. Everyone knew everyone's business. It wasn't for her. As soon as she could leave, she did. She returned to nurse her mother with cancer. Ever since her mother died, Susie has been a world wanderer. But after 14 years traveling, now middle aged Suzie has decided to go home. She frets about how her family will treat her. After her mother's death, the family had experienced more trauma that Suzie didn't really acknowledge. So what will she be facing?

On her first day back in town, she happens to meet Guy. He's another world traveler who is coming to the same small town to reunite with his daughter after many years - and to meet his grandson for the first time. His separation isn't entirely his fault, but he has concerns over how he will be received, as well.

Suzie and Guy commiserate and develop a friendship. Through their friendship, they, and the readers, learn so much more about what's happened to them in the years that they've been traveling.

This is a complex story about learning about yourself, growing enough to accept what has happened in the past, and yet look forward to a happy future. I enjoyed it.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an early version of the e-book.

[Kim Massey · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[MJ Symmonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Family is what you make it, not what you’re born with."

If you want to feel like you're getting a giant warm hug from your best friend then you need to immerse yourself in the magical world of Starshine Cove.

I have loved this whole series but I fell so hard and deeply for Suzie and Guy.

Sometimes you find yourself in the place you last expect. Sometimes you find your match in the last place you expect and the urge to run is still simmering beneath the surface but now something bigger than you is making you reassess everything. Reassess what you thought you felt about the place that has always been home. The place you ran from the first chance you got.

Suzie and Guy have both lived life on their own terms, never settling down and never looking for forever. Yet together they discover that sometimes the things you've been avoiding are exactly what you've been searching for all along.

Their story is full of heart, laughter, friendship, healing, and the beautiful reminder that family isn't always the one you're born into—it's the one you choose and the people who choose you right back.

A Perfect Summer in Starshine Cove is everything I want in a romance: charming, emotional, swoony, and utterly comforting. I didn't want to leave these characters or this wonderful little community.

Another absolutely perfect visit to Starshine Cove, and I already can't wait to return.

[alisonfantasyland ✨⚔️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Even though this is the fifth and final book in the Starshine Cove series, I had no trouble reading it as a standalone. I have not read the previous books, but the world felt easy to settle into and, if anything, it made me curious to go back and read the earlier books.

A Perfect Summer in Starshine Cove was such a heartwarming read. It has a charming setting and lovable characters, but it also has more emotional depth than I expected.

I appreciated that the book balances lighter moments with more meaningful themes. It touches on some deeper topics, especially grief, without making the story feel overly heavy, which gave it a bit more substance while still keeping a warm feeling throughout.

I really enjoyed Suzie and Guy as main characters. Their flaws felt realistic, and I even found myself frustrated with Suzie at times. Their relationship felt mature and believable because they both came into the story carrying their own experiences and emotional baggage. Their connection develops in a way that feels genuine, and I found myself invested in their journey together.

Overall, if you're looking for a read that balances romance, emotional depth, and realistic struggles, this is one worth picking up.

[Lauren S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

family can be created. it can be put together haphazardly from those we love but will never be physically related to. what does “family” mean to you?
debbie johnson’s latest book in the starshine cove series, a perfect summer in starshine cove, explores the need to run - travel, see more, get outside of a comfort zone - and the need to return home. after a decent childhood with her two siblings and their parents, suzie has spent more than two decades of her life running - moving from place to place and not leaning into her big feelings. as he father’s 90th birthday approaches, she thinks it’s time to head home and give starshine cove a chance. when she arrives, she meets guy, a man who has also always been a runner. can these two busybodies settle in and allow starshine cove and it’s cast of characters to embrace them with open arms or will the normalcy and consistency force them to want to escape as soon as possible?
a cozy story of family, leaning on members of your community, and forgiveness. life is messy everywhere, even in starshine cove, but suzie’s willingness to open up and be vulnerable allows her to finally see that predictably and loyalty are not always worth running from.

thank you to storm publishing for providing this book for review consideration via netgalley. all opinions are my own.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️’s

I was instantly drawn to the synopsis and cover of this book when I saw it. And whilst I anticipated a light and fluffy summer romance, I was pleasantly surprised to discover it delved so much deeper.

I adored the unfolding stories of Suzie and Guy, both being no strangers to heartache and how they grounded each other finally finding their individual peace together. Overcoming their fears and being able to lay down some roots in Starshine Cove, to make a life together.

It sensitively tackled so many difficult subjects and I experienced a full range of emotions throughout I found myself laughing out loud, holding back the tears with lump in my throat and of course a growing affection for the quirky characters and the strong sense of community they share in Starshine Cove.

The story was well written and easy to read, and I soon found myself absorbed in village life and eager to know more about each character.

As an adopted person, I found the DNA message in the book deeply resonant. I wholeheartedly agree that family extends far beyond DNA
I was delighted to see Guy recognise this. His ability to help Suzie find the happiness she never knew she craved was truly heartwarming.

Thanks to Storm Publishing & NetGalley for the ARC

[Lixiezil · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Lindsey Pope · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suzie has spent years travelling the world, avoiding the painful memories she left behind in Starshine Cove sixteen years ago. But when she returns to the tiny Dorset village, she must face her past and the people she walked away from.

Back home are her much-loved dad George, nearly ninety and still the heart of the village, her sister-in-law Connie with her cosy Cove Café, and Guy, a mysterious newcomer who arrives the same day as Suzie.

As summer passes and old hurts begin to heal, Suzie learns that the hardest journey of all might be coming home.

I thoroughly enjoyed my fifth visit to Starshine Cove having read the previous four. It was like coming back to visit old friends and I fell back into loving the characters straight away.
I really enjoyed the fact that Suzie and Guy were both wandering spirits so you never knew if or when they might make a break for the hills.

However, although the ending was perfect for the story I did feel like an epilogue was needed because it felt a bit abrupt. Maybe I’ll just have to watch this space for book six!

With thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the arc in exchange for an honest review

[Steffanie Yopp · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recently read Perfect Summer in Starshine Cove and found it to be a cute, easy read that was perfect for a relaxing afternoon. The characters were likable, and I enjoyed following their love story as it developed throughout the book. While I appreciated the charm of the small-town setting and the romance, I didn’t find the characters particularly relatable to my own experiences, which made it a little harder to fully connect with them.

One challenge I encountered was jumping into the series without having read the previous Starshine Cove books. There were several moments when I felt like I was missing important background information and character history. Although the story can stand on its own, I think readers who have followed the series from the beginning will get more out of the relationships and references woven throughout the book.

Overall, I enjoyed the story and found it to be a pleasant, feel-good read. Despite feeling somewhat disconnected from the characters and missing some of the series context, I still had a good time with the book. I would give Perfect Summer in Starshine Cove a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars.

[LouAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5

The Perfect Summer in Starshine Cove by Debbie Johnson was the perfect cozy vacation read. This is the third book I’ve read in the Starshine Cove series, and it definitely made me want to go back and read the first two so I can feel “complete” with the whole story.

The novel follows Suzie, the family’s longtime free spirit, as she returns home to Starshine Cove after years of traveling the world and avoiding a painful past. Alongside familiar faces, a charming village, and a mysterious newcomer named Guy, she finds herself reconnecting with the people and place she left behind.

A few plot points felt a bit convenient and tied up neatly, but that’s part of what makes this such an enjoyable, easy read. Debbie Johnson’s descriptions of Starshine Cove and its residents are lovely—detailed enough to bring everything to life without slowing the story down. The village sounds so warm and welcoming that I wish it were a real place I could visit!

If you’re looking for a feel-good, heartwarming escape this summer, this is a lovely choice and an easy recommendation for fans of cozy, uplifting fiction.

[Kelly Young · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Perfect Summer in Starshine Cove by Debbie Johnson is a well-written, witty tale about second chances and family, both natural and chosen.
I have not read any of the other books in this series, and although it stands alone quite well, not having done so may have effected my experience. Not being familiar with any of the characters, I found that, to me, they didn't quite resonate. I found Suzie to be a spoiled, entitled person who was coddled as a child and around whom everyone else walks on eggshells when she finally decides to grace them with her presence. The secondary characters seemed one dimensional to me, existing only to confirm Suzie's impression of herself as the centre of the universe.
I have thoroughly enjoyed other books by Johnson, and have found her to be a stellar author, but this time, despite the entertaining banter between Suzie and Guy, and with other characters, the book fell flat for me.
I do appreciate receiving an ARC of #APerfectSummerinStarshineCove through #NetGalley, and encourage others to check it out, as I realize that many others have loved it.

[Jennifer Morse · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book six stars, I would! "A Perfect Summer in Starshine Cove" was an absolute surprise and delight. I was fortunate to receive an ARC copy from NetGalley for my honest review. This was my first book by Debbie Johnson, but it certainly won't be my last. I read it in one sitting, and by the time I finished, I still wanted more.

The layers of stories and characters were beautifully crafted. This book really illustrates that, no matter how complex or complicated families can be, love is unconditional and DNA does not always define family. The hardships and turmoil that Suzie experienced were both heartbreaking and refreshing.

Guy's character is deep and complicated, which is exactly what draws you in. Please add this book to your TBR list; you will not be disappointed. I could totally picture this story as a movie. A big thank you to NetGalley, Debbie Johnson, and Storm Publishing for this heartwarming book! I could picture this book as a movie. Thanks again to NetGalley, Debbie Johnson, and Storm Publishing for this heartwarming book.

[Nicola Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those ‘fills your soul’ books. My soul feels suitably filled!

If I could erase my memory and read this again for the first time I would. It was a beautiful read, I was invested to the max and just loved the banter and gentle ease of the main characters and how they steadily just fit together.

I’ve always loved the community feel of these series (the same with The Comfort Food Cafe books which are honestly one of my favourites in the world) and this one hit the same marks for me.

Ive read these somewhat out of order, as I’ve read the first, must have disappeared down a hole for a bit and then read this one. So I am over the moon to know I have the ones in between to get stuck into because I know I’m in for a treat.

It’s a must read and you’re guaranteed a hearty dose of happy feel good at the end.

Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.

[Colin Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suzie had always felt hemmed in growing up in Starshine Cove, eventually leaving and travelling for many years. Now she has returned unsure of her welcome there.
Reading Debbie Johnson's books has always felt like being wrapped in a warm hug for me, and this one is no different. Suzie had her reasons for leaving, the downside of living in a small community is everyone knows your business, counterbalanced by the support that can be given. Now there is Guy, another one who is travelling and has his own reasons for visiting Starshine Cove, they both have a lot in common. Add in the characters from the previous books in the series and there is that mixture of love , support but some issues to be resolved and you end up with a book fully worthy of a 5* review for me.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.