Today I’m reviewing the second book set in Starr’s Fall, having read and reviewed the first one on the blog back in September 2024. Many thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources and Boldwood Books for having me on the tour and sending me a copy of the book to review.
The Book: Spring is in the air in Starr’s Fall, and for two people, love may be just a roll of the dice away…
As the frozen earth gives way to the first spring crocuses, pushing their way into the warmer air, Maggie arrives in Starr’s Fall. She’s looking for a new start, with her lovable but painfully shy teenaged son in tow.
It feels like the odds are against her, but she’s determined to come out winning this time, and to fulfil her dream of opening up a board game café. But not everything’s a game, and when she finds herself attracted to a man who’s known as a different sort of player, she worries she’s setting herself up to lose.
Zach is funny, surprisingly geeky, and, most importantly, bonds with her son. But Zach is also drop-dead gorgeous, has a reputation around town, and is also ten years younger than her.
When he asks her out on a date, Maggie is totally thrown. She can’t deny she’s attracted to him. But is she ready to risk her heart with another roll of the dice?
A totally gorgeous, unmissable, small town romance, perfect for fans of the Gilmore Girls and Virgin River, from million-copy bestselling author, Kate Hewitt.
Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/playingkeepsstarrsfall
The Review: Having read the first book set in Starr’s Fall I was so excited for this one to come out and I’ve not been disappointed. This is another fabulous read, it covers a lot of serious issues that Maggie and her son Ben have been through, but it does it in a sensitive and respectful way. Zach is a character we met briefly in the previous book but didn’t get a lot of his story there, so it was nice to spend more time getting to know him. It was also lovely to see the other residents of Starr’s Fall again, and experience the warmth and community that exists in this town.
I loved watching Maggie and Ben set up their shop and start living a new life. It wasn’t all plain sailing, big changes rarely are, but it was good to see how they negotiated the obstacles that came up as they built a new life for themselves. I also loved Zach’s story. He makes some changes for himself through the course of the book and it showed that you don’t always have to have a complete change of scene (like moving to a new town) to make changes in your life.
The descriptions and the characters are written in a way that made me feel like I was part of the town and it was lovely being back there again. It’s clear there could be more books set here, and I’m really hoping there will be. This is a lovely, heart warming, cosy read that is ideal for this time of year.
The Author:
Kate Hewitt is the author of many novels of both historical and contemporary fiction. Her novels have been called ‘unputdownable’ and ‘the most emotional book I have ever read’ by readers.
An American ex-pat for many years, she now lives in New Jersey with her husband, two of her five children (the others are scattered across the globe!), and their two Golden Retrievers. Join her newsletter to receive updates and giveaways, or be part of her Facebook group Kate’s Reads, to discuss all manner of books. (Links can be found on her website.)
Her latest releases are The Girl Who Risked it All, a WW2 novel based on the true story of the doomed refugee ship the St Louis, The Midnight Hour, the second in her dystopian series Lost Lake, and Playing for Keeps in Starr’s Fall, the second standalone in her new heartwarming series inspired by the Gilmore Girls. There’s something for everyone so do check them all out, and be in touch as Kate loves to hear from readers. You can discuss Kate’s books as well as others on her private Facebook group, Kate’s Reads or read her thoughts on Substack.
Social Media Links –
Facebook: KateHewittAuthor
Twitter: @author_kate
Instagram: @katehewitt1
Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/KateHewittNews
Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kate-hewitt
