What New Beginnings Are Made Of

Star Gazer Inn of Corpus Christi Bay #1

by Debra Clopton

New beginnings take courage…
She’s a fifty-five-year-old widow feeling like she’s lost herself.
On a whim of her aching heart, Alice McIntyre buys the Star Gazer Inn and is looking for a fresh start…something to put a spark back into her life.

But first she has to tell her four sons, who have problems of their own but have smothered her with their protective instincts. She’s lived on the huge South Texas ranch just outside of Corpus Christi since their father carried her over the threshold. She’s raised them on the massive McIntyre Ranch—one of the largest, wealthiest in Texas. It’s been her home and theirs. Will they understand that it’s time for her to leave? Time for her to move on?

Jackson McIntyre is shocked by his mother’s announcement. Guilt-ridden in the aftermath of his father’s accident, Jackson is determined to do whatever it takes to help his mother find her way to move forward. But this new idea of hers has him reeling.

Nina lives next door to the inn and is living a quiet life, keeping a low profile. She has her reasons. Will the opening of the inn and her new neighbors, especially the oldest son of the new innkeeper, tempt her to step back into the light and out of the shadows of her past?

Lisa, Alice’s best friend and recent divorcee, has been traveling the world since the breakup that left her shaken and feeling just as lost as Alice. A brilliant cook with a flair for entertaining, she loves Alice’s idea and joins her to open the inn. But Lisa has her own secrets.

Can these two friends, and their new neighbor Nina, find fresh starts as they ready the Star Gazer Inn for its new beginning?

Will Nina find the courage to take one more chance on love with her new friend’s son?

Three women find friendship and courage on the shores of Corpus Christi Bay. Come visit the Star Gazer Inn, with a side trip to the McIntyre Ranch, as Alice finds her way between two worlds.

This new series follows Alice, her sons, and her friends—and new loves—on the South Texas coast with its sparkling topaz water.

You’ll want to dip your toes in and stay awhile.

Heartfelt women's fiction: faith, family, love.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Ebooks, Christian Fiction, Amazon, Christian Romance

301 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 27, 2020

About the author

International Bestselling Author and Kindle All Star who has sold over 3 million books worldwide and been translated into 3 languages.
Debra Clopton writes wholesome contemporary women's fiction, romance, and contemporary western romances set in Texas and on the beaches of Florida. Her awards include: The Book Sellers Best, Romantic Times Magazine's Book of the Year the Readers Choice Award, and many more. She's also a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Finalist, and a triple finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award.

A sixth generation Texan, Debra lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband Chuck. She loves to travel and spend time with her family. She has written for Harlequin and Harper Collins Christian and now with DCP Publishing. She is thrilled to write for DCP Publishing and see her books being sold worldwide. On any day she usually has books on the Top 100 list and ranks on 80 to a 100 retailer Bestseller list in the USA and around the world.
She loves helping people smile with her fun, fast paced stories.

Visit Debra's website at http://www.debraclopton.com
Check out her Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/debra.clopton.5
Follow her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/debraclopton
Contact her at Debraclopton@yamil.com
Sign up for Debra's newsletter and contests at http://debraclopton.com/contest

COMING AUG 27 AND winter 2020 heartwarming women's fiction

1 WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF
2 WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF
3 WHAT HOPES ARE MADE OF


SUNSET BAY ROMANCE 2019
1 LONGING FOR FOREVER
2 LONGING FOR A HERO
3 LONGING FOR LOVE
4 LONGING FOR EVER AFTER
5 LONGING FOR YOU
6 LONGING FOR US

Ransom Creek 2018
1 HER COWBOY HERO
2 THE COWBOY'S BRIDE FOR HIRE
3 Cooper: CHARMED BY THE COWBOY
4 Shane: THE COWBOY'S JUNK-STORE PRINCES
5 Vance: HER SECOND CHANCE COWBOY
6 Drake: THE COWBOY AND MAISY LOVE
7 Brice: NOT QUITE LOOKING FOR A FAMILY

WINDSWEPT BAY SERIES 2017 & 2018
1 FROM THIS MOMENT ON (FREE)
2 SOMEWHERE WITH YOU
3 WITH THIS KISS short story
4 FOREVER AND FOR ALWAYS
5 HOLDING OUT FOR LOVE
6 WITH THIS RING (FREE)
7 WITH THIS PROMISE
8 WITH THIS PLEDGE
9 WITH THIS WISH
10 WITH THIS FOREVER
11 WITH THIS VOW

2017
She has released 13 books in Enhanced Editions with extra audio clips and photos inside of her Texas Matchmakers series set in her world of Mule Hollow. These Christian Romances will soothe your heart and tickle your soul.
(Previous titles listed)
1 Dream With Me Cowboy (The Trouble with Lacy Brown)
2 Be My Love Cowboy (And Baby Makes Five)
3 This Hearts Yours Cowboy (No Place Like Home)
4 Hold Me Cowboy (Dream a Little Dream)
5 Be Mine Cowboy (Meeting Her Match)
6 Marry Me Cowboy (Operation: Married by Christmas)
7 Cherish Me Cowboy (Next Door Daddy)
8 Surprise Me Cowboy (Her Baby Dreams)
9 Serenade Me Cowboy (The Cowboy Takes a Bride)
10 Return To Me Cowboy (Texas Ranger Dad)
11 Love Me Cowboy (A Mule Hollow Match)
12 Ride With Me Cowboy (His Cowgirl Bride)
13 Dance With Me Cowboy (A Mother for Mule Hollow)
The Turner Creek Ranch (Men of Mule Hollow) 1 1 TREASURE ME COWBOY (Lone Star Cinderella)
2 RESCUE ME COWBOY (Her Forever Cowboy)
3 COMPLETE ME COWBOY (Cowboy For Keeps)
4 SWEET TALK ME (Yultide Cowboy)

What readers are saying:
Debra always delivers...
Couldn't put it down!
Debra gives readers what they want.
I've read every book Debra Clopton has written and as usual I couldn't put this one down!


Follow her on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/#!/debraclopton

Reviews

[Linda Langford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely contemporary story. Sweet, light romance. Likable characters. Gentlemen, and Ladies. No bad language that I remember. Beach setting. I loved the plot, and watching the characters grow. There was a touch of mystery, also. I highly recommend this novel.

[Sherri Witkowski · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought this would be an interesting read since I'm originally from Texas and thought the Corpus Christi setting would be entertaining. Was I wrong! Not only is the story DOA, I couldn't have cared less about the characters and their really boring lives and interactions. There is nothing going on! So rich Alice buys an Inn. Nina has a mysterious past. That's about all that is of interest. The dialogue between characters is stilted. How many times did I read, "she giggled," "she blushed," "she looked at him through her eyelashes." Seriously? This is an insult to most intelligent women these days. Plus, the fact that the main character's son is 35, handsome and very wealthy and never had a serious girlfriend and hasn't been married at least once, stretches credibility. Common. This is Texas where the slogan is "Texans can get hitched and unhitched faster than a team of mules." Less than half-way through, I started skipping long, boring conversations between characters and eventually just clicked through to the end so I could write this review. What a waste of time. I will look for other books with better and more intriguing stories and characters. I won't be reading anymore of Debra Clopton's work.

[Chelsea Skinner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful, refreshing read from Debra Clopton! We have two interwoven storylines.

Widowed Alice McIntyre decides to purchase the Stargazer Inn, the very same place she and her late husband first met. She sets out to renovate it, giving her something to focus on instead of the grief consuming her from losing her husband. When she moves into the inn to start the work, she meets the girl next door, Nina. Alice loves Nina's paintings and the two women form a strong friendship.

Needing a chef for the inn, Alice calls up her friend Lisa, asking if she would consider being the chef at the inn. As good friends do, Lisa jumped on the chance to do something she is passionate about.

When Alice meets Seth, the fifty-nine year old contractor who is helping her renovate, Alice wonders if maybe the way to heal is to start moving forward.

Jackson McIntyre is tired of running his father's business constantly. Taking a break from paperwork, he goes to visit his mom at the inn, running into the beautiful Nina. Sparks fly and we all can see for miles that the fireworks are just starting.

I really enjoyed reading about all of these characters, and Clopton wrote the chapters so well it doesn't feel jarring when we move from one group of people to the other. I like the different thoughts and views we get from the storylines, and they even converge in a place or two.

I highly recommend this for those who like Christian Cowboy Romances

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What New Beginnings are Made Of by Debra Clopton
Star Gazer Inn of Corpus Christi Bay Series Book One
Jackson McIntyre is the oldest of four boys...now men. After a year and a half, he's still struggling with his dad's tragic death. Blaming himself for not being able to save him. And now...Mom bought an inn that she wants to fix up and open. She'll be moving out of the house as well. Too many changes for a man with the burden of being the head of the family.

Nina Hanson has been hiding from the world for three years now. She lives quietly in a lovely little cottage on the bay. Finally, Nina feels comfortable enough to take the step of getting a companion, a dog. And, she's going to have a new neighbor too. Nina had no idea how much her life was going to change.

Alice McIntyre found peace in the memories on the beach. Being near the inn that she first met her beloved William, and that very inn is now for sale. Hello, new life.

I just loved this story. Incredible characters that were easy to fall in love with. I'm looking forward to the rest of this series. There's more than one story going on. Not only Jackson and Nina but also Alice's life and her friend Lisa's. The reader also gets a little glimpse into the other brothers' lives, too.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great start to a new series! This book introduces a cast of characters who all need some kind of new beginning.

Whether it was grief over losing the love of her life, like Alice had, or betrayal from an unfaithful spouse, such as Lisa experienced, my heart hurt for they pain they were walking through. And I rejoiced for them as they began to feel the uplifting effects of pouring themselves into the Star Gazer Inn.

Nina, Jackson, and Seth were also great characters who brought their own hurts, fears, and hopes to the novel. I really enjoyed watching the gentle beginnings of friendship and love that built within these pages and am so looking forward to reading more books in this series as they release.

(4.5 stars)

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Judy Lowrey · Rating 1 out of 5]

Are all this author’s books written this poorly?

This is the first book by this author I’ve read. The story lines were predictable, yet it seemed the author was still concerned that the reader would forget them, so she rambled on and on. I found myself having to reread sentences or passages to really understand what I’d read — grammar was off; thoughts were tangled. I actually laughed out loud many times because what I’d read made no sense! Why was Nina’s story not more fully developed? What evidence had been found to indicate Joe’s intentions? How was he able to find Nina so quickly? Why was he driven to find her in the first place? He’d already cleaned out her banking accounts. If only the book’s beginning had been carried on to the end — I would want to read more!

[Sherry · Rating 2 out of 5]

I must have had higher expectations for this book because all these high reviews are very confusing to me! The author repeated herself all through the story to the point of annoyance. I continually just wanted to fast forward because of that. The story was very predictable and in my opinion very boring. There could have been so many interesting plots and twists that never were considered, why? This was just a plain. sugary, predictable story and I really wish I hadn't of bothered. And, I have no intention of reading any other books from this author. The author sells a lot of "cowboy romance" books. She goes for quantity instead of quality apparently.

[Janice Dick · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a lovely little romance, made particularly interesting because it involved two romances in different seasons of life. Lots of instances of family caring for one another, as well as finding trust to reveal secrets from the past that prevented peace. Good characters and beautiful settings.

The reason I only gave this read three stars is that it desperately needed one more edit. For an author who is critically acclaimed, I was surprised her book came out with so many little mistakes.

[Patricia Dorwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Predictable

Ho-hum. Every character in this book is clear as a pane of glass. Widow, handsome contractor, hiding artist, handsome fabulously wealthy rancher, villain caught easily. One dumped friend, three more sons also wealthy beyond imaging blah, blah, blah! Doubt very seriously whether I will open another book from this author. Absolutely no depth.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet romance story about second chances. Clean read.

[DonnaJo Pallini · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet quick read. Very predictable. Good if you want something light and easy.

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

What New Beginnings Are Made Of is the first story in the Star Gazer Inn of Corpus Christi Bay series, and it is an emotional tale on so many levels also spanning several Romance genres, so don’t think of this one as just “Women’s Fiction” – it’s so much more.

It’s been 18 months or so since Alice’s beloved husband passed away. Although she has her four adult sons to give her comfort, they also are grieving. The ranch that she and William built is thriving, successful, and now in the hands of her eldest son. While she loves the ranch it’s also a source of pain as there are memories around every corner of happier times. She’s made a decision, one that her sons may or may not truly understand – but it is what is right for her at this time in her life. A new beginning, entirely on her own. She has a future to chart and it begins at the inn where she and her husband met and fell in love… Star Gazer Inn.

As Alice begins the process of renovating, decorating, tending to the inn before its opening she’ll meet a younger woman who lives in a cottage nearby. Nina keeps to herself for the most part, and she has good reasons for that. Yet friendship is building between the women of two different generations for what is age but a number.

Soon another friend, Lisa, has decided to stop running from pain by traveling the world and come to the inn as the main chef and to be with her friend on this new adventure.

Three women, different generations, yet each has so much to offer in friendship to the others – and each still has a very full life ahead of them, as they all are about to discover.

I was captivated by What New Beginnings Are Made Of from the opening page until the final word… only to now begin the wait for the second title in this series. To say that I loved these women, their stories, and the men who will perhaps be a part of their futures is an understatement.

I adored Jackson, Alice’s son. He’s going through some guilt over his father’s death, but he couldn’t have saved him. He’s settling into his new role at the ranch and worrying about his mom so far away, yet in reality, she’s close. He didn’t expect the attraction to his mother’s new neighbor, Nina. And they are about to enter into an adventure in rebuilding a life that took unexpected turns, and taking a risk on a happy future for them both… one day.

I also loved Seth and the future possibilities he holds for Alice. This is one impressive handyman, and I’m enjoying what is developing between Alice and Seth.

In all, I was blown away by this story that touches on so many issues, one that offers hope for the future, takes a risk on emotions that might hurt, and gives a second chance for love to develop in time. If you love a really good, emotional, funny, exasperating, family story then you’ll want to pick up What New Beginnings Are Made Of.

I own a Kindle edition of What New Beginnings Are Made Of.

[Doug · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy Read for the Heart

A good therapy story and an easy read book for anyone dealing with loss and change. It was good for my heart and soul.

[Gladys Heaton · Rating 1 out of 5]

Left you hanging

Story and characters are good but resolutions are only hinted at. Lots of sub-plots that she will hope to use in future books. Others may read them but I won’t. I want solid endings not just ride along on characters’ emotional journeys.

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the fresh beginning of a new series and anything by Debra Clopton is a must for me but this is a little different book for her and I, for one, am totally hooked and can't wait for the next two books! This is about so many different things but at the heart, starting over after loss and finding your way. It's about friendships that see you through, whether they are old or new. It's also about love - husbands, sons, friends, and new love on the horizon. Every page fascinated me and I couldn't get enough! It mostly centered around Alice, a fairly new widow in her late 50's, still trying to come to grips with losing the love of her life but feeling smothered living on the large ranch they shared with their 4 adult sons. She longs to break free and buy the coastal inn that is in need of repair and begin a new life there so she does! It's not far from the ranch so she still sees her sons but it's a world away from her old life. As she repairs the inn, she meets Nina, a young neighbor with whom she bonds and then also an old friend, Lisa, comes to help her as she signs on to be her chef. The dynamics of the women is fantastic and Alice's sons are so fun! Her oldest, Jackson, takes a shine to Nina and love blossoms. Then, there is the construction worker, Seth who might be falling for Alice! I found this book to be so enthralling and loved the feelings it invoked! Can't wait to see how the ladies and the sons and Seth continue on! Fantastic story!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It takes an extremely talented author to make a book with two widows and a divorcee (because of her husband's infidelity) leave you feeling uplifted and happy after reading it. Debra Clopton does that excellently in What New Beginnings Are Made Of. Now, this book evokes a lot of different emotions, which only happens when the reader becomes invested in the characters. I loved the friendship between Lisa and Alice and also with Nina even though she was much younger. I enjoyed the close relationships that existed between the McIntyre brothers.
The romances were so sweet! Both Seth and Jackson were so kind and patient with Alice and Nina respectively. Both couples end up in a happy for now status. I hope we get to read more about them in future books. I definitely plan on reading more of this series and other works by Debra Clopton. I recommend this book to clean/wholesome romance readers and to those who love cowboy romances.
I received a complimentary copy. I chose to write a review and share my opinion of this well-written book.

[Elaine Applebury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahh! Debra Clopton how I’ve missed you! “What New Beginnings are Made of,” is the first book in A Star Gazer Inn of Corpus Christi Bay Novel series.

Alice McIntyre is a recent widow in her fifties, needing a change. She and her beloved William had over 35 years and four sons together on their ranch. Everywhere she looks are memories, but she is needing to move forward. Alice finds the Star Gazer Inn, where she and William first met, is for sale. It needs a little TLC and she is excited to be the one to buy and provide it. Oldest son, Jackson, has some moving forward to do as well. He feels responsible for his mother, and guilty over his father’s death. Nina, the artist and new neighbor to Alice, becomes a good friend, but what is she hiding?

Clopton introduces several characters and new scenarios for future storylines. This
is a heartwarming story with believable characters. Can’t wait for the second installment!

[Joan Arning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alice McIntyre is a fifty-five year old widow with four cowboy sons and plenty of money! You'll laugh at her sons' shock when Alice buys a closed down inn on the coast without their knowledge! Alice has fun decorating the inn nothing like the ranch which also amazes her sons! Alice decides her new neighbor would be perfect for her oldest son, Jackson, and does a little matchmaking! Oh, but what about the handsome widower contractor she hires to help update the inn!! What New Beginnings Are Made Of is a delightful read that I recommend to others who enjoy contemporary romance. I received a complimentary e-book from the author. This is my honest opinion.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beach setting winner!

I adored this book! It was emotional and intriguing, and all set on the backdrop of a coastal town. Alice, the widow still grieving the loss of her husband William, looking for something to bring the spark back into her life. Nina, Alice’s new neighbor that has been hiding out from her past. Last but not least, Lisa whose ex-husband cheated on her, but still torments her. This book is so well written that you feel you are a part of their lives, and you see the strength in each woman’s personality. I loved it!

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is one of those feel good stories. Decent story and characters but it has its faults.

Grammar and pace. There were a lot of you are’s and “had’s that didn’t need to be there. The secrets took forever to unfold and most were cleared up in the last pages. It was stated matter of factly and so unsatisfying. We found him and caught him. That’s it. There were some loosed ends I’m sure she’ll address in future books but sadly, my interest stops here. From her plots to her execution, I can’t get over how awkward this was written which is a shame because if had so much potential.

[Debra Leigh Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very fast read. It's deliberately created as an easy, pleasant read. Pretty, wealthy Texans weathering some life difficulties - like widowhood or infidelity or marital abuse- but all while driving Mercedes sedans and Jaguars, buying huge beach properties on a whim or taking off to tour the world for a few years. So while I found it pleasant, I'd put it in the "wouldn't THAT be nice" category of fiction...which is perfectly fine...no one wants to make a permanent diet of Dickensian misery. But for most people in the world this is not only a romance genre, it is wealth-fantasy.

[Cecilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely

I enjoyed this unique storyline and its geographical location was one I haven't seen in a book before.
Some parts of the dialog are kind of redundant for my taste, but overall it was nice to have multiple storylines that tied together, and I appreciated the wholesome yet realistic scenarios of falling in love.
The ending left the next book/s well set up for a continued journey in the lives of the characters, but with a nice amount of variety on each portrayal.
Kept me intrigued.

[Alayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This could have been a good story, as the characters were interesting and it was a pleasant plot. However, the author constantly repeated herself. I only need to read things once, but every emotion was explained a dozen times which made it very tedious. I was tending to skip once I got more than halfway through because I'd read it already! The book could have been half its length if all the repetition was removed.

[Mary Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful story.

It was well written with interesting characters and beautiful locations. There were more storylines slightly suggested but the main character was a lady in her fifties who had lost her husband in tragic accident who was looking for a touch not in her life. So she bought small Inn and where her search begins. This was a good intro to the journey through this series. I am looking forward to what comes next.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving, being loved, being hurt, but being resilient

I enjoyed this book cover to cover and I wanted it to go on and on. It showed what a good love can be and also a bad love can be...How to know the difference, building friendships, changing goals or making new ones. Cooking, enjoying company, friends, making new friends, just living and looking forward to new adventures!

[Peggy Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, excellent book. Well thought out and great build up of the story line. Loved getting to know the characters. Good clean romance which I love. Looking forward to reading the next installment of the McIntyre family. Like the setting of the book, the beach, but also the ranch life.

[babrara wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new beginning at Star Grazer Island

Deborah has done a wonderful job of writing about 3 different ladies coming together to open an inn up and finding happiness. A well loved book to the end. Can't wait to see what happens in the next book.

[Jeanne Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love your books! Thanks I would recommend to all my friends! I code this rating because you are so deserving!

I really love your books and they always leave me wanting more! I would recommend to all my family and friends!

[Jessica Sanderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good storyline

I enjoyed learning about these characters. I was distracted a bit by some editing needs here and there and the characters tend to explain way too much in conversation but I'm looking forward to the next book.