Title: Sara Starting Over
Author: Dee Ernst
Publisher: 235 Alexander Street
Format: e-book
Publication Date: April 2, 2024
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Set In: Hills of Andrew, Virginia
Life has dealt an unexpected blow to Sarafina Castellano. Her partner, Marco, veered onto a different path, leaving her for a 23-year-old Italian tennis player. Then, the restaurant where she had worked for 15 years was consumed by fire. These setbacks forced her to pack up and return to her New Jersey roots.
Leaving behind her old life, Sara rents a Cape Cod from Bess Robinson in Virginia. Bess owns numerous properties and has a few demands for her renters. Sara was required to maintain the property’s interior, clean it, and get it painted; she was told to work on her appearance, get a job at the library, and adopt a pet. Bess wasn’t bossy; she was helping Sara move on and find comfort in her life. Then Stella, whom she met at the hardware store, informs her that appearances count and are noticed by the locals.
As Sara settles into her new life, she observes the community dynamics. A trip to the beauty shop reveals that many residents don’t like Bess, a multi-property owner. However, there’s a sense of unity among those regarded as “odd birds.” This includes Dante, who is related to Bess. He traveled to India and started liking Yoga and Meditation, which many residents see as outside of the norm. Sara feels differently. Dante painted the interior of the Cape Cod and told her where she could buy furniture. He’s very down-to-earth and helpful.
Sara begins to make friends. Sheila owns a ceramic studio, and Sara admires her creativity. Then there’s the local vet who comes over with two kittens who need a good home. Apparently, Bess arranged it. Maribeth is her longtime best friend and always offers her support. There are a few co-workers she’s close with, and then there’s Jack Lockhart, her neighbor, who is clearly interested in her. Jack and his brother, Harry, inherited the family home. Jack and Sara begin taking long walks on the beach with Jack’s dog and having breakfast together. Sara helps Jack deal with his social anxiety with patience and compassion. They enjoy each other’s company and aren’t rushing into a relationship, painting a picture of hope and new beginnings.
Just when they become a couple, Sara gets a phone call from her niece asking if it’s okay to live with her. Her father threw her out of the house when he found out she quit school. She wants to be an artist, and Sara has always supported her creativity. But can she provide a home and security when she’s just trying to get her life back on track?
“Sara Starting Over” is about recovering from a broken relationship and, as a result, being cautious about letting people get too close. It’s about Sara losing the restaurant and her passion for cooking with it. How she had to prove to her parents that she mattered when her brothers were spoiled and privileged because they were boys. How she wants her niece to be able to have the life she desires. She realizes that with the help of her friends and if she opens her heart to love, she just might start living again.
NetGalley gave me the book in exchange for an honest review
4 3/4 out of 5 chances to love again and be accepted
Denise Fleischer
Gotta Write Network blog
May 27, 2024
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