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Starting Over in Boothbay #1
Starting Over in Boothbay
She was caught red-handed. There was no way around it. Suzie Fairstone had been caught trying to steal booze from the corner store.
Since her marriage went up in flames, everything in Suzie's life has been a mess. But even this was a new low.
Now she is stuck in Boothbay, at 45-years-old, with nothing to her name except a tiny apartment, a car full of memories, and twenty years' worth of regret.
Oh, and a weekend in jail it seems…
Sheriff Freddy McCutcheon has the power to solidify her descent to rock bottom, but in a moment of empathy, he gives her an unexpected second chance - with the promise of keeping a close eye on her while she’s in town.
So much for her clean fresh start.
Then just as Suzie begins to get back on her feet, something even stranger starts to happen to her - it appears she’s being followed by someone who has secrets about her husband.
Who is this woman? What does she know? And what does she want from Suzie?
Maybe it isn’t a bad thing Sheriff McCutcheon is keeping an eye on her after all, because he might be the only thing that can help save her.
This is Book 1 of 6 in the Second Chance Romantic Mystery Series
Since her marriage went up in flames, everything in Suzie's life has been a mess. But even this was a new low.
Now she is stuck in Boothbay, at 45-years-old, with nothing to her name except a tiny apartment, a car full of memories, and twenty years' worth of regret.
Oh, and a weekend in jail it seems…
Sheriff Freddy McCutcheon has the power to solidify her descent to rock bottom, but in a moment of empathy, he gives her an unexpected second chance - with the promise of keeping a close eye on her while she’s in town.
So much for her clean fresh start.
Then just as Suzie begins to get back on her feet, something even stranger starts to happen to her - it appears she’s being followed by someone who has secrets about her husband.
Who is this woman? What does she know? And what does she want from Suzie?
Maybe it isn’t a bad thing Sheriff McCutcheon is keeping an eye on her after all, because he might be the only thing that can help save her.
This is Book 1 of 6 in the Second Chance Romantic Mystery Series
- GenresFictionCozy Mystery
67 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 30, 2022
366 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 31, 2023
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
Another will written romantic family and friends relationships adventure thriller short story by Sage Parker (A Second Chance Romantic Mystery book 1). Suzie has left her husband who has been cheating on her for many years. She goes to Boothbay where she is hired by Abigail at her diner. She is getting too know the customers especially the sheriff, Freddy. A woman 🚺 shows up threatening Suize. Then Freddy shows up ☝ telling her that her husband was murdered. Continued in book two. I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers looking for something a little different in mystery novels 👍🔰. Enjoy the adventure of reading 👓 or listening 🎶 to Alexa read books 📚. 2023 👒😀💘🏡
Another will written romantic family and friends relationships adventure thriller short story by Sage Parker (A Second Chance Romantic Mystery book 1). Suzie has left her husband who has been cheating on her for many years. She goes to Boothbay where she is hired by Abigail at her diner. She is getting too know the customers especially the sheriff, Freddy. A woman 🚺 shows up threatening Suize. Then Freddy shows up ☝ telling her that her husband was murdered. Continued in book two. I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers looking for something a little different in mystery novels 👍🔰. Enjoy the adventure of reading 👓 or listening 🎶 to Alexa read books 📚. 2023 👒😀💘🏡
August 30, 2022
This is the first book in the Starting Over in Boothbay series. In this installment, Suzie left Boston, as well as her cheating husband, after finding out about his multiple affairs. However, she lands herself in a bit of trouble on the way to her new apartment (and new life) in Maine. Suzie was caught shoplifting a bottle of vodka by an off duty police officer! After feeling humiliated by acting so foolish, she decides she needs to pick up the pieces of her life by proving to herself that she can make it on her own. This story was great! I felt an instant connection to Suzie and I'm really looking forward to finding out what happens in the rest of this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 20, 2022
Actual rating: 3.5*
Sage Parker has quickly become one of my go-to authors, especially when I want something quick to read. And as an older woman with ADHD, I am falling in love with serial reads; when I'm in the mood to read and not listen to an audiobook, or can't listen at the time, I can delve right into one of these and satisfy my craving to read.
While my bookshelves for this series may seem a bit daunting, we only read about her husband being unfaithful through third person narration. There is mention of death and someone being (and how they were) murdered, but that's it.
Parker packs a lot in 67 pages. We meet Suzie when she's at her absolute lowest: she tries to steal a bottle of vodka from a convenience store and is caught by the local sheriff. Quickly we learn that her husband is apparently a sex addict (I hope this woman went to be tested for any STIs/diseases) who has slept with hundreds - Suzie's words! - of "coeds"....young 20-something- year-old women who throw their senses out the window and sleep with a man in his mid to late 40s. Her life (and the cake!) has been a lie and she decided, on a whim, to leave it all behind and move to the small town of Boothbay, Maine to get away from it all.
One thing that I am learning quickly is that Parker likes setting her stories near the ocean/body of water and I am here for it. As she describes the salt-laden air from the Atlantic Ocean, the chilly, stinging wind that whips around our heroine, and how Suzie's anxieties and feelings about all that had been going on in her life seemed to disappear...I can feel it, too. I have had to talk some sense into myself to NOT hop in my Jeep with my kindle, a blanket, a few bottles of tea, and my favorite co-pilot (my dog, Theodore) and head over to the banks of the Susquehanna River and finish reading this series from there. Not a wise idea when it's a few days before Christmas and it's 35F outside in South-Central Pennsylvania.
We meet Freddy, the local Sheriff who gives Suzie a break when he catches her trying to steal that bottle of 80 proof vodka. He's described more as a farmer/lumberjack, rather than an officer of the law. Then there's Abigail, the owner of the cafe that Suzie applies to as she'll need money to help pay her bills at her new rundown apartment that came fully furnished, who empathizes with Suzie's plight as she, too, was once new in town after finding herself alone for the first time since she got married. This is Suzie's first job and I have to say, there were times in the narration that had me somewhat heated as the talk about finding a job seemed to be something to shrivel one's nose at.
Oh, wait. Suzie's husband worked for a brokerage firm and made plenty of money. Of course, it all makes sense. But soon she's over that and settles into life in Boothbay and working to create her own path in life without someone handing it all to her.
Suzie has redeeming qualities, but sometimes I wanted to slap her. Abigail is my favorite as she finds laughter and dark humor in almost everything.
On to the next!
Sage Parker has quickly become one of my go-to authors, especially when I want something quick to read. And as an older woman with ADHD, I am falling in love with serial reads; when I'm in the mood to read and not listen to an audiobook, or can't listen at the time, I can delve right into one of these and satisfy my craving to read.
While my bookshelves for this series may seem a bit daunting, we only read about her husband being unfaithful through third person narration. There is mention of death and someone being (and how they were) murdered, but that's it.
Parker packs a lot in 67 pages. We meet Suzie when she's at her absolute lowest: she tries to steal a bottle of vodka from a convenience store and is caught by the local sheriff. Quickly we learn that her husband is apparently a sex addict (I hope this woman went to be tested for any STIs/diseases) who has slept with hundreds - Suzie's words! - of "coeds"....young 20-something- year-old women who throw their senses out the window and sleep with a man in his mid to late 40s. Her life (and the cake!) has been a lie and she decided, on a whim, to leave it all behind and move to the small town of Boothbay, Maine to get away from it all.
One thing that I am learning quickly is that Parker likes setting her stories near the ocean/body of water and I am here for it. As she describes the salt-laden air from the Atlantic Ocean, the chilly, stinging wind that whips around our heroine, and how Suzie's anxieties and feelings about all that had been going on in her life seemed to disappear...I can feel it, too. I have had to talk some sense into myself to NOT hop in my Jeep with my kindle, a blanket, a few bottles of tea, and my favorite co-pilot (my dog, Theodore) and head over to the banks of the Susquehanna River and finish reading this series from there. Not a wise idea when it's a few days before Christmas and it's 35F outside in South-Central Pennsylvania.
We meet Freddy, the local Sheriff who gives Suzie a break when he catches her trying to steal that bottle of 80 proof vodka. He's described more as a farmer/lumberjack, rather than an officer of the law. Then there's Abigail, the owner of the cafe that Suzie applies to as she'll need money to help pay her bills at her new rundown apartment that came fully furnished, who empathizes with Suzie's plight as she, too, was once new in town after finding herself alone for the first time since she got married. This is Suzie's first job and I have to say, there were times in the narration that had me somewhat heated as the talk about finding a job seemed to be something to shrivel one's nose at.
Oh, wait. Suzie's husband worked for a brokerage firm and made plenty of money. Of course, it all makes sense. But soon she's over that and settles into life in Boothbay and working to create her own path in life without someone handing it all to her.
Suzie has redeeming qualities, but sometimes I wanted to slap her. Abigail is my favorite as she finds laughter and dark humor in almost everything.
On to the next!
Read
September 1, 2022Suzie Fairstore life becomes a crashing mess. In the beginning you think everything started when she got busted for shop lifting a bottle of alcohol, when in fact it started before she got to this town.
A weekend in jail, a long talk with the sheriff, and a long list of regrets. She begins to wonder how she will be able or will she be able to get a fresh start on her life.
With Sheriff Freddy giving her a second chance and a promise/threat (depends on how you look at things), to keep a close eye on her. She now living in a small apartment, slowly things starts to look better in her life and mind. When a female stranger appears and starts to follow her around. Apparently she has a connection to her former husband. She feels a little safe knowing that Sheriff Freddy is around.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A weekend in jail, a long talk with the sheriff, and a long list of regrets. She begins to wonder how she will be able or will she be able to get a fresh start on her life.
With Sheriff Freddy giving her a second chance and a promise/threat (depends on how you look at things), to keep a close eye on her. She now living in a small apartment, slowly things starts to look better in her life and mind. When a female stranger appears and starts to follow her around. Apparently she has a connection to her former husband. She feels a little safe knowing that Sheriff Freddy is around.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 31, 2022
Susie has started a new life in Boothbay, Maine after she finds out that Roger, her husband, has had several affairs throughout their marriage. In Boothbay she finds an apartment and a job at the local cafe owned by Abigail who has a similar story. The first day was rough since Susie has never worked outside the home, but after a week, she has the hang of it and is even starting to remember regular customers orders. Her new life is going great until she realizes a woman is stalking her AND Freddy, the local sheriff tells her that her husband has been murdered and she’s the prime suspect.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 31, 2022
sometimes starting over fails to be as easy one might hope. the baggage and flotsam from what came before seems to linger
Suzue funds herself feeling embarrassed by the repeated betrayals by her husband, and perplexed that it took her so long to realize what was going on. some betrayals are really inconceivable.
starting over has proven to be challenging with some new desperate baggage, and a determined woman pursuing her - one who gives no further information when finally directly encountered.
unexpected additional complications are ahead - perhaps another do over is needed?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Suzue funds herself feeling embarrassed by the repeated betrayals by her husband, and perplexed that it took her so long to realize what was going on. some betrayals are really inconceivable.
starting over has proven to be challenging with some new desperate baggage, and a determined woman pursuing her - one who gives no further information when finally directly encountered.
unexpected additional complications are ahead - perhaps another do over is needed?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 1, 2022
Book One of this suspenseful series introduces us to Susie, who has left Boston and moved to Maine in order to start her life over after she finds her husband is a serial cheater and womanizer. Along the way she meets Freddy, a detective, under strained circumstances but things warm up between them until a surprising event occurs in the cliffhanger. This book has great characters, a stalking stranger, and surprising events. The series looks to be an excellent read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 13, 2022
While I totally enjoyed this book and found it very refreshing to read and that is the only reason I will give this book 5 stars..
If I am honest, I would have to give it 2 stars on the book’s structure. I was disappointed in the book because instead of it being an entire book with a complete plot and conclusion, it is like it is one of those mini serials you would get in a monthly magazine. Unfortunately, as much as I loved this story and would love to read more, I will not be purchasing any others.
If I am honest, I would have to give it 2 stars on the book’s structure. I was disappointed in the book because instead of it being an entire book with a complete plot and conclusion, it is like it is one of those mini serials you would get in a monthly magazine. Unfortunately, as much as I loved this story and would love to read more, I will not be purchasing any others.
August 26, 2022
Good beginning
Susie left Boston and her family after she found out her husband had been cheating on her for years. She came to Boothbay to start over but got caught the first night shoplifting. When Freddy, the police detective, paid for the Vodka she was trying to take, it changed her life.
Abigail owns the local cafe where Susie gets a job. On her first day, Freddy walks into the cafe.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Susie left Boston and her family after she found out her husband had been cheating on her for years. She came to Boothbay to start over but got caught the first night shoplifting. When Freddy, the police detective, paid for the Vodka she was trying to take, it changed her life.
Abigail owns the local cafe where Susie gets a job. On her first day, Freddy walks into the cafe.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 28, 2022
Quick read. Suzi moves to Boothbay after finding out her husband has been cheating on her for years. She does something dumb on her way there and winds up face to face with the law. She pushes herself to get a job and Freddy comes in to the diner on her first day. She is nervous with him being the sheriff and thinks he is going to do something. Ends on a cliffhanger.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 29, 2022
A great new book and series by Sage Parker. The mystery and drama has already commenced and we meet some wonderful new characters in Suzie, Freddy and Abigail and a very mysterious woman who is following Suzie and demanding she return something back to her. What is it? Only time will tell as the mystery begins to take on a life of it’s own.
I received an arc copy via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an arc copy via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
August 29, 2022
This is a great start to a new series. Suzi arrives in Boothbay after leaving her cheating husband. She has a little run in with law. She is wary about Freddy the sheriff coming into the diner on her first day. She has a mysterious woman demanding she return what she took from her. Suzi is confused about what this may be. This story ends with a cliffhanger.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 31, 2022
Sage Parker is back again with adventure, suspense, mystery and romance. I'm already rooting for Suzie and can't wait to see what unfolds for her in each book. There is nothing to not love about this book. The writing style is perfect, great description of the setting as well as the characters. A fantastic start to this amazing new series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 9, 2024
STARTING OVER IN BOOTHBAY
STARTING OVER IN BOOTHBAY IS A NOVEL WRITTEN BY SAGE PARKER. IT IS THE FIRST BOOK OF ITS OWN SERIES. THIS IS A SUSPENSEFUL AND THRILLING NOVEL ON MAKING A HEADSTART IN A NEW COMMUNITY. THE PERSONS ARE UNFRIENDLY ENOUGH TO FIND THE PERSON WHO YOU KNOW WITHOUT THINKING. THIS BOOK EXPLOITS PSYCHOLOGICAL TURNS INTO A REAL EVENT. IT IS A NICE EFFORT TO READ IT.
STARTING OVER IN BOOTHBAY IS A NOVEL WRITTEN BY SAGE PARKER. IT IS THE FIRST BOOK OF ITS OWN SERIES. THIS IS A SUSPENSEFUL AND THRILLING NOVEL ON MAKING A HEADSTART IN A NEW COMMUNITY. THE PERSONS ARE UNFRIENDLY ENOUGH TO FIND THE PERSON WHO YOU KNOW WITHOUT THINKING. THIS BOOK EXPLOITS PSYCHOLOGICAL TURNS INTO A REAL EVENT. IT IS A NICE EFFORT TO READ IT.
August 26, 2022
Great start to a new series! This is a story of starting over and getting a fresh start. But it's turning out to be a bit rougher than she expected. It's an interesting story with a bit of drama and mystery, has descriptive scenes and is an enjoyable read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
August 29, 2022
I've read a lot of books written by Sage Parker; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.
This is the first book in the Second Chance Romantic Mystery Series; it is the beginning another new series. The story continues in the next book and needs to be read in order.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first book in the Second Chance Romantic Mystery Series; it is the beginning another new series. The story continues in the next book and needs to be read in order.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
August 29, 2022
Overall, a pretty interesting book. Suzie and Freddy were interesting characters, and I grew to like them. It would have a four star except I really hated the cliffhanger. I don't like cliffhangers in general, and I don't need them to want to continue the series. But this cliffhanger... yeah, I didn't like it at all. I was gifted a copy.
August 30, 2022
This is going to be a good series, just by reading book one. I am jumping with excitement!!! Sage, you are such a talented mystery writer. What is in store for Susie and what happened to her husband?? What just happened!!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 31, 2022
Susie is very interesting and learning to become a strong woman. It was interesting to follow her as she restarted her life. Bit this lady and then the murder of her ex husband has piqued my interest. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2022
What’s a writer to do when everyone thinks she knows first hand what it’s like to live and work on a ranch after reading her book??? You make a deal with your e-mail pen pal to head to his family ranch for Christmas of course!!
A fun read with a bit of “heat” and a HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A fun read with a bit of “heat” and a HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 7, 2022
A great start to what I'm sure will be another great series from Sage Parker. The story line is well thought out and well written. It grabs your attention and keeps you turning the pages. The characters are strong and well developed making them easy to get to know.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 20, 2022
This is a mystery about two women and who they meet! Abigail &Suzee are good friends and Suzee becomes a waitress at her friends coffee shop. A lot of things happen to her and she has to tell the Sheriff of Boothbay a small town I enjoyed this book & would recommend reading it !
I received this as an Arc but that didn’t influyen e my review!
I received this as an Arc but that didn’t influyen e my review!
August 29, 2022
Suzie's story is full of emotions and will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. I can't wait for the next installment!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 30, 2022
This story is full of suspense and characters that will pull you into their story. A story that is keeping my attention.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
August 31, 2022There are lots of secrets in this story. A few twists and turns and plenty of drama. There may even be a little romance thrown in unexpectedly. Interesting characters to follow along on the story. Good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 24, 2022
Great beginning to a new series. Suzie is starting a new life for herself far away from Boston. Finding a job and learning how to support herself after more then 20 years of marriage.
January 7, 2023
Started out slow but picked up. Good storyline
February 11, 2023
Quick read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2025
Wow what a ending!
I knew I was going to like this book as soon as I started reading it, but that ending was sure a shock!
I knew I was going to like this book as soon as I started reading it, but that ending was sure a shock!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews