Book Review: Saving Starlight Hall by Debbie Viggiano

I’m very excited to be welcoming Debbie Viggiano to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her latest book, Saving Starlight Hall.

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 and Jen reluctantly roped in to assist. Their mission? Raise the cash to save the hall before a charming-but-infuriating property developer named Liam Lancaster possibly turns it into a boutique hotel with mood lighting and tufty towels.

Can they pull it off? Will the hall survive? Might a secret be unwittingly revealed? And can Jen resist throttling an enemy who has the most annoyingly twinkly eyes?

A feel-good romantic comedy where love, lies, and livestock collide.

*****

After losing her husband, Jen is wanting to move on and get away from bad memories. She just isn’t quite sure how. When there is an announcement that the local community hub is to be sold to developers, Jen joins the efforts to save it. Is it possible that she finds more along the way than she bargained for?

First, I want to share my love for this cover. It’s ‘chef’s kiss’.

Having been a big fan of the first novel in the Starlight series, Starting Over At Starlight Cottage, I was eager to start the next book, Saving Starlight Hall. If you’ve not read book one, don’t fear, this can be read as a standalone. I didn’t feel like any key information was missing from this latest instalment. I recommend book one though. It’s ace.

Saving Starlight Hall is told from the point of view of Jen. She’s just lost her husband and is wondering what path her life will take. I did feel for her and the situation she was in. I have no doubt there are people who can sadly relate to her, and it was interesting to see how Jen changed throughout the book having been in a marriage that wasn’t working. I don’t celebrate death – Peter was hard to empathise with though if that makes sense.

Jen is more resilient than she will give herself credit for. I wanted life to work out for her. The supporting cast is also terrific. Liam is a mystery. I can’t say more than that as I don’t want to give too much away. Alice is great and I’d love her to get her own book. Hetty is fantastic and no nonsense. I like how supportive the characters are toward one another.

Despite dealing with themes such as loss, grief and infidelity, there is a warmth and humour to this book. It’s comforting, like a catch up with friends. The plot moves well with plenty of surprises. There’s even a thread of mystery which had me guessing. There is a sense of community and family which I adored. I feel like I am a part of this small village, and, like the first book, it reminds me of the little village they used in The Holiday – cosy and encompassing. It’s a place I’d love to live.

Saving Starlight Hall is a tale about taking back your life and discovering that you are stronger than you’ll ever realise. It reminds us that good things can be found over the horizon. You just need the courage and self-confidence to find them.

This was a great addition to this series. I look forward to book three. There is a book three right? Please. Pretty please?

About Debbie Viggiano –

Prior to turning her attention to writing, Debbie Viggiano was, for more years than she cares to remember, a legal secretary.

She lives with her Italian husband and a rescued pooch from Crete.

Occasionally her adult children return home bringing her much joy… apart from when they want to raid the fridge or eat her secret stash of chocolate. Tweet @DebbieViggiano or follow her on Facebook!

Say hello to Debbie via X, Facebook and Instagram.  

Saving Starlight Hall is book two in the Starlight series. Click to buy on Amazon UK and Amazon US. 

by

Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.