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Saving Starlight Hall by Debbie Viggiano #Review

  The second in the Starlight Series by Debbie Viggiano , Saving Starlight Hall , was published by  ‎ Unicorn Publishing on 3rd November 2025. You can read my review of Starting Over at Starlight Cottage   here .   Nestled deep in the countryside lies Starlight Croft – population small, gossip levels high, and secrets harder to hide than a cow in a phone box. Jen Armstrong thought she had life more or less under control – marriage ticking along, teenagers on the right side of the law – until hubby Peter unexpectedly demises leaving Jen suddenly single, hugging a secret, and trying very hard not to fall apart in front of the entire village. Just when things couldn’t get messier a For Sale sign appears. The community centre – the only place big enough to host Pilates and the local psychic’s séance nights – goes up for sale. Cue The Starlight Society: a mismatched crew of locals with hearts of gold, questionable strategies a...

Don't Stop Believing by Freya Kennedy #review

 

Having read and enjoyed Freya Kennedy's The Hopes and Dreams of Libby Quinn, and In Pursuit of Happiness   I am delighted to feature Don't Stop Believing  which returns to Ivy Lane and some familiar characters. 

 
It’s time to return to Ivy Lane, where hopes and dreams become happy-ever-afters.

Erin Donohue would describe herself as happy. Well, maybe not exactly happy… but not unhappy either.

For the most part she loves her job as Head Chef at The Ivy Inn, working alongside bestfriend, Jo and making a home with boyfriend Aaron. Things are going just fine. Or so she thinks...

After a tough shift, Erin returns home to be greeted by silence. There is no trace of Aaron or his belongings. In that split second her whole life and world are turned upside down. It seems Aaron has exited the building and her life.

After a small pity party, Erin pulls herself together and starts to re-evaluate her life. Her friends seem to be chasing their dreams while she’s been left single and wondering what on earth her next move will be. But then fate throws her a sign.

Can she find the courage to build the life she always dreamed of but believed was out of her reach?

And can her bravery inspire other residents of Ivy Lane to take a chance on finding their own happy ending  


                   My Thoughts

This is such a feelgood read with a cast of characters who form part of such a close knit community. At its centre, Erin finds that she can realise her dreams and ambitions if she has the help of those around her. Ivy Lane is a lovely little community which takes the place of her family in so many ways. 

    You can read the story as a standalone but I would recommend reading others in this series to get to know some of the others back stories. Erin’s story, as the others, has warmth and leaves you with a smile on your face. 

In short: friends, community, starting over

 

About the Author

Freya Kennedy is the brand new alter ego for bestselling thriller author Claire Allan. A former journalist from Derry, Northern Ireland Claire has published eleven novels. Now, as Freya, she is writing warm, funny women’s fiction for Boldwood.

 

You can follow Freya here:  Website  |  Twitter/ClaireAllan
  |  Twitter/AuthorFreya |  Facebook   |  Instagram  |   Bookbub 

 
 
Thanks to Freya Kennedy, Boldwood Books and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour. 

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