Love's Fresh Start

by Jeanine Lauren

A heartwarming story of second chances and new beginnings. A broken-hearted widow, a man discouraged by love, and the neglected cat that brings them together.

Alone since her husband died, with only the company of online friends and long-distance phone calls, Sylvia yearns to rediscover life's joys. Convinced exercise will help, she reluctantly ventures out to the local park. There in the shrubbery, she discovers Angel, a skinny feral cat that needs someone to care.

Jack has been blindsided. After a lifetime of working toward a comfortable retirement, he was hit with a double whammy. A heart attack forced him to stop work early and his wife left just as he was getting back on his feet. Now his life is empty and his future uncertain until he meets Sylvia in the park trying to befriend a cat.

Can these two lonely souls find each other?

Or are they destined to be alone?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

82 pages, ebook

Published March 23, 2019

About the author

Jeanine Lauren is a USA Today bestselling author who writes stories about friendship, love and second chances in the second half of life, because let's face it, the second half is the most interesting.

Though Jeanine has been writing most of her life, many (okay, almost all) of her words have been for her day jobs, term papers, volunteer work, or used to make endless 'to do' lists she rarely looks at.

In 2019, Jeanine finally published the first book in her Sunshine Bay series -Love's Fresh Start - followed by three more so far, and is now writing as fast as she can, trying to make up for lost time.

To find out when Jeanine's next books are coming out, head over to her website at jeaninelauren.com and join her mailing list.

Jeanine lives in the lower mainland of British Columbia, Canada not far from the fictional town of Sunshine Bay where most of her characters live.

Reviews

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 1st book I've read written by Jeanine Lauren; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review

[Karen Galloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Really Lovely Book

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book. This is a really good book from Jeanine Lauren. “Love’s Fresh Start” has an enjoyable, interesting, well written storyline and lovely, engaging characters who I liked and enjoyed reading about. I really enjoyed this entertaining, story and I didn’t want to put it down, It’s a must read Romance and a real page turner

[Gabbi Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Later in Life (an audio review)

I love ‘older’ heroes and heroines. Sometimes it seems like love ends at thirty-five and older characters are relegated to being parents. This book has a sixty-year old heroine and a hero of a similar age and it worked.

Sylvia is still grieving the loss of her beloved husband. She’s been fighting severe depression and even leaving the house has been a challenge. On the first day she ventures out she comes across a feral cat and her heart engages in a way she’d thought no longer possible. Jack is a man whose heart has been broken and he’s still trying to piece it back together. His life with his daughter is predictable but he’s not sure he can stop depending on her and the last thing she needs is to be tied down.

The chance meeting between Sylvia and Jack on that fateful morning – and their connection over the cat – is nice. Both are surprised at the connection, however tenuous. Another chance encounter brings them closer and as they get to know each other, Sylvia sees there’s life beyond grief and Jack realizes there’s life beyond his ex-wife’s betrayal.

Second chance love stories are classics for a reason. There’s something special about two people finding each other after having given up all hope. After believing they were set in the way things were meant to be. After deciding things were as good as they were going to get. I cheered when Sylvia and Jack finally found their way to each other. I got my satisfying happy ending.

Susan Fouche is a new narrator to me and I’ll happily seek her out again. She did a great narrating the novella and I enjoyed it very much. Great listen.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worried about the possibility of rain and the chill in the air, Sylvia Tremblay is trying to figure out why she decided to walk to the park today. The death of her husband two years ago has kept her grieving and house-bound for some time now. Her doctor wants her out, even for a walk, to get a little exercise since nothing else is working to bring her out of her depression. Hoping to enjoy the park’s garden, something caught her eye and made her smile… for the first time in a long time. A little black cat was napping in the sun. It startled awake and ran from her, but a voice behind her said that cat would never approach her. It has been out here alone for years. He told her she was owned by an older couple across the street who died in a fire. The cat never left. But it avoided people. Somehow, Sylvia could relate to that, their old life taken and struggling to find a new one. The man continued to tell her a train runs here for children in the summer and he drives it and maintains it. She responded to him, wondering why she kept talking when she wanted to be alone. He told her his name was Jack Robertson, and she thought for a moment she saw pain in his eyes. Was he alone too?

When she left the park to go home, she thought of spending that lonely time in grief chat rooms. So instead she went to a small grocery store to shop for a few things – maybe some cat food? It was difficult to be out like this, but she could do it. She bought a few items, but the cat food aisle overwhelmed her until she thought of how thin the cat was and it needed food. It was a small but important victory when she grabbed four cans, paid, and got on the bus.

Jack had seen the pain in Sylvia’s eyes too. Maybe like him, she was searching for something. His wife had walked out on him two years ago. Now he watched the cat try to catch a robin which flew up to a branch. He wished Sylvia was here so he could share his thoughts with her. But he probably would never see her again. Returning home for dinner, his daughter who had moved in to take care of him, again mentioned she needed to go back to college to finish her degree. Jack was sure she would leave and never come back. He was afraid of being forgotten and alone, the same way his wife had broken his heart when she left. Now he was forcing his daughter to be his nursemaid and give up her own dreams. But he was afraid to be alone. But when he saw her again, it made all the difference. He invited her for the first ride on the train. And the cat had eaten the food she left in a little dish. And the healing for all had begun.

The cat had been the focal point of Jack and Sylvia’s first and subsequent meetings. When Sylvia wanted to lay in bed and do nothing, the thought of the cat needing her or going hungry made her get up and gave her purpose. With Jack’s daughter going back to college, his thoughts of Sylvia kept his hope up as he checked and re-checked the park for her. Perhaps now that they have been getting to know each other, they can get beyond grief and sorrow over the past. Can they consider starting a new life with each other as they continue to heal and fall in love?

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a good sweet romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. The story is an enjoyable second chance romance read.

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

[CK Quill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as I was intrigued by the story. It was a gradual build up in story and I enjoyed the slower pace as it was nice.
I did not like the abrupt ending so that is why the four stars instead of 5. For me it didn’t feel finished and felt like it was missing something. But otherwise a good story.

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

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sylvia's husband passed away, and her depression has her home bound. Jack was looking forward to retirement, but he had a heart attack and his wife left him for her boss. When Sylvia finally ventures out, she tries to befriend a homeless cat in the park. She and Jack meet, and begin a friendship, which begins to turn into maybe something more. This was a very nice story of two lost souls accepting and encouraging each other - I enjoyed this book.

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

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sylvia is suffering from depression after the loss of her husband a few years ago but with encouragement she goes to the park where she rescues a cat and then Jack comes to help her with the cat. Jack was looking forward to his retirement when he suffered a heart attack and soon after his wife left him for her boss and now he is alone and trying to put his life back together. Loved that this story is about an older couple starting life over after their losses.

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

[Janet Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, Tender and Clean Romance
This is such a special story! We have mature people who have suffered the loss of their spouses learning to enjoy life again and finding each other in the process. The story is very life-like, especially in dealing with siblings and adult children. It could be a Hallmark movie. As it is, it left an indelible smile on my face. I received this ARC free from Booksprout and this is my honest review.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in The Sunshine Bay Series and it is Sylvia and Jack's story. Sylvia was in the park walking for the first time after her husband Mark died two years ago as she suffered from panic attacks and anxiety but she felt a sense of pride for doing this. Mark loved driving the train's as it gave him a sense of purpose after having a heart attack and then his wife left him as she had been having an affair with her boss for a while and that had left him hollow and the only shining light in his life was his daughter Cassie but even then he still felt like something was missing. Sylvia and Jack met in the park and struck up a conversation and soon became friends and went out for meals together but will it turn into anything more for them. I really enjoyed this story about a more mature couple and the characters and storyline pulled you in right from the first page. This book has many emotional parts and you could feel there grief as if you are going through it yourself with them. Jeanine Lauren is a brilliant author and writer and I definitely recommend her books as they are definitely worth reading.

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

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The possibilities of new beginnings

This is the first book by author Jeanine Lauren and narrator Susan Fouche I've listened too. I thought Sylvia and Jack were both realistically written, both floundering from their loses, death and divorce respectively. It took me a little while to warm up to the characters because they were both so down at the start which is why seeing them grow and become healthy active people engaged in life at the end made the book appealing. There are a lot of highs and lows in both their lives before the reader gets to the promise of a HEA.
I was fortunate to receive a copy of the audio version of this book.

[Aurélie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sylvia is dealing with depression after her husband’s passing, and Jack is still struggling after his divorce. Both have family members that tend to baby them, which makes being independent a little difficult. When Sylvia and Jack meet, they are attracted to each other and realize that until they have dealt with their pasts, a relationship is impossible.
The writing was a little sluggish. I don’t know if it was to reflect the depressive mood of the characters, but it stagnated the flow of the story. However, the plot in itself was interesting, showing how different people deal with their grief and find new ways to cope with new life circumstances.

[Sue Ellen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got this book mainly because of the cat on the cover. It's a romance, my least favorite genre. The story itself was OK, but then I got to the end only to discover that I won't find out what happens to the cat unless I sign up for the author's email list. No thanks! I shouldn't have to agree to receive unwanted email just to read the final chapter of a book. I would have given the book itself 3 stars for content, but the holding back of the ending made me angry. I paid for the book. If I'd known that from the beginning that it was just a way to trick me into joining a mailing list, I would never have purchased the book.

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnificent. Love is possible at any age. A must read! Finally someone writes about a love story where CEOs with washboard abs do not appear (I like those too, don't get me wrong, a bit of escapism is a healthy thing)! but lets face it, the young generation just think that they invented sex. Well, they haven't. Even at their age, they recognise a good kisser when they see one. This book deals with the lives of Sylvia and Jack, both mature and retired and most certainly have been through life's grinding mill. It is hard to be looking to the future without companionship. Just because there are many widows and divorced older people in the world, it doesn't mean that it is easy to cope with or that life in any way prepares you for it when it happens to you. Loneliness, fear, depression, anxiety are all part of everyday reality for many of the older generation, not to mention financial and health worries. This book deals with our main characters' loneliness in such a delicate and empathetic manner. It shows you Sylvia's depression and anxiety at being in public, feeling exposed. Nothing stays the same, family units break up with death or divorce and it was really interesting to see Cassie, Jacks grown up daughter trying to get her parents back together again. Her guilt over telling Sylvia that she is basically out of the picture because she desperately wants her parents to get back together was very sensitively handled. We all want our world back through our childhood's rose coloured glasses. The dichotomy of possibilities hits home to Cassie eventually as one of life's lessons that events move forward whether it suits our desires to keep things constant or not. Jack and Sylvia's blossoming feelings for each other, getting over their initial insecurities is a very positive note to end the novel. I wholeheartedly recommend this charming and heartwarming book.
Perfectly edited, which didn't surprise me at all from this author.

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

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new Author to me and I know want to read more by her. Once I started reading this book about Sylvia a widow and Jack a divorced man how they meet and everything they go through to stay friends. I do hope this is going to be a series I will just have to wait and see. I recommend this book. If you decide to read it I hope you like it as much as I have. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and liked it so much I had to buy it also.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short touching somewhat inspirational read that would especially appeal to the older reader. Sylvia's husband has died & she has a few other issues to deal with. Meeting Jack, while coaxing a feral cat out of the bushes, she starts to come out of her shell. He's also trying to move on from a cheating wife.
This is their journey to becoming more.

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

[Isis Ray-sisco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet second chance story. I enjoyed the characters. I thought they were perfect for each other. The story was predictable but good. I wish there was more to their story though. I wanted to know more when it came to an end. That is part of the reason I am not a huge fan of novellas. I did think it came together nicely though. I think others who enjoy this kind of romance will enjoy reading the book or listening to it. I would recommend it if you want a quick, easy, light and sweet read.

[Karen L Ledee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sylvia has been widowed some years now when she meets divorced Jack. Neither is a spring chicken, but after years of being married leaves them lonely and secluded looking for a reason to get up and out every day. Sweet second chance for an older couple. Nicely written.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sylvia, alone in her life after her husband's death and Jack, alone after his wife leaves him. Neither is really looking for a second chance at love but can a feral cat bring them together? A story that proves second chances and love can happen at any age.

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

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new beginning.

This was a sweet novella that gives us all hope for the future. The pain of death or divorce can lead someone into depression and loneliness. Can a stray cat lead two lonely people into a second chance at happiness?

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

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new author to me. The plot is about two older people who find themselves alone and wondering what to do with themselves. They meet and form a close bond as they help each other to heal from their heartache. This is a well written sweet story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bonnie Theel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sylvia had lost her husband two years ago. She had pretty much been a recluse since his death. She finally started venturing out and wet to the park hoping she wouldn't run into anybody. While she was trying to coax a cat out of the bushes, she heard a man's voice behind her.

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

[Aud · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Love’s Fresh Start” by Jeanine Lauren
An oh so sweet novella
New to my BookFunnel Library and, Yup, I loved this short story of two mature adults, their meeting, and then what happened next. Read the description to see if it appeals to you. I found this story ever so refreshing, just what I needed. I do hope you enjoy this story as much as I did. Happy Reading ! !

[Teresa M Bawa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet book

A nice short plesant read. I enjoyed reading about about older people finding new paths in life after loosing their spouses in different ways. Launching their way back into society and going back to things they had planned on. doing. And it never hurts to have a cat around and finding new friends.

[Texas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love’s Fresh Start – This is my first read by this author and I enjoyed the story.

There are several sweet characters along with interesting histories for each. Each found a new start after their previous lives ended painfully.

I found this book on Booksprout. 4*

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

What’s not to love about LOVE’S FRESH START? This is an incredibly sweet novella with completely realistic life experiences as well as pratfalls to finding later-in-life romance. Good main characters with believable dialogue and interaction. I really enjoyed this story.

[Cherie Melbourne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and Sweet

An enjoyable read, not too much drama, but just enough to keep it interesting. I liked the characters, except for Jack's ex wife.

[Pam Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story

I really enjoyed this story. It was refreshing to see that love knows no age. A wonderful story about second chances in love.

[Cindi Rosby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Predictable but a sweet love story

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just lovely !

Nice little getaway that came to an end too soon. I enjoyed this and would read more. Nice change if pace reading about an older couple.