Book Review: Starting Over at Starlight Cottage by Debbie Viggiano

I’m delighted to be welcoming Debbie Viggiano to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her book, Starting Over at Starlight Cottage.

49-year-old Tilly Thomas would never have known any different if she hadn’t unexpectedly turned up at hubby Robin’s office to surprise him with an off-the-cuff evening at the theatre.  Instead, the surprise is on Tilly when she interrupts Robin and his young PA in a compromising position. 

Stumbling from the office, blinded by tears, Tilly thanks God she was never gifted the children she once craved and is spared explaining why Mummy and Daddy will now be living apart.  Instead, Tilly has an adopted daughter – but this little girl has a wet nose and warm heart. 

Mongrel Cindy is privy to all her mummy’s hopes and dreams as Tilly prepares to start over in the village of Starlight Croft.  Thank goodness a dog can’t speak because Cindy knows things her mistress has never shared, including a secret that once broke Tilly’s heart.

As Tilly prepares to embrace an unknown future and make peace with her past, she discovers that sometimes difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations…

*****

Tilly is 49, works for an estate agent and believes she is happy…ish married. When she finds her husband with his assistant, she doesn’t know what to do. Then, she finds Starlight Cottage. However, has someone else got there first? 

I believe this is the first novel I’ve read by this author. I loved the cover and the premise intrigued me a lot especially the fact that she had a dog by her side. Although my companions are feline rather than canine, I still related to Tilly in regard to talking to them and hearing replies back. Hahaha. 

I couldn’t wait to get started. 

This is the first book in a brand new series so there’s no worries about having to catch up with previous novels or anything like that. 

Tilly brings out such a spectrum of emotions. She is strong, vulnerable and when the going gets really tough, she doesn’t let people walk over her. 

I didn’t know what to make of Milo to begin with. He’s a bit of a Mr Darcy figure. I liked  the banter between Milo and Tilly. They spar off each other well. 

The supporting cast is wonderful for the most part with a couple of exceptions. When you read you’ll know who I mean. Cindy and Rambo need to be protected at all costs. 

There are some quite hard going themes in this novel around having children. I’m not going to say much more in fear of spoiling things but there were some heartbreaking moments for sure. 

Starlight Croft sounds like my kind of village – a little like Stars Hollow in the Gilmore Girls. Everyone knows everyone and people look out for each other. The name conjures up a beautiful, stunning scene. I wish I could visit. Oh, and I want the cottage which gave me Iris’s cottage from The Holiday vibes. 

There is not much more I can say without giving the plot away. What I hope is that you’ll add this to your book list. Although it’s not set at Christmas, it has a warmth to it. 

Starting Over at Starlight Cottage is an intoxicating escape into a story of first impressions, dreams, love and not losing hope. There are realistic characters full of character and I can’t wait to catch up with them all in book two. 

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, a rescued pooch from Crete, and a very disgruntled cat. 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. 

Say hello to Debbie on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. 

Starting Over at Starlight Cottage is book one in the Starlight series and was released on 1st December 2024. 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.