Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Can they work on their new beginnings together?”

Lovers of cute, feel-good books with happy endings, this is for you! It’s been a while since I’ve sat and read a book over a couple of evenings but this one was so easy to get through. I’m so happy to be sharing my review of New Beginnings by the lovely Helen C. Kelly!

About the book

David had everything he wanted: a marriage to a wonderful woman, friends who would do anything for him, a wonderful house in London and a great job managing a restaurant for a Michelin star chef. Then one day he receives a text that was not meant for him and his world crumbled, his wife had been having an affair for years with his friend. How did he not know?

Left broken hearted and with the inheritance from his parents David decides to move to Greengrove where his one and only true friend left lives. Opening his own restaurant was risky but this time he was living his life the way he wanted to. It was hard work but with a good team behind him and a wonderful support network he realised that this was everything he ever wanted.

A chance meeting at James’s engagement party changes everything and it shows him that there is more to life than working and that, maybe this time, things could be different. He wants the woman of his dreams but is she ready for him?

The beginning

My word, what a memorable (yet disastrous) start of the book for Jane! The first character we’re introduced to has been betrayed in the worst possible way by her fiancé. She finds him getting very cosy with her ‘friend’ in their bed, and does what most people would do in that situation; tells them she never wants to see either of them again. Despite Jane coming across as confident in that moment, it doesn’t take long for everything to hit home. She’s distraught and humiliated, as you would be, her entire life crumbling before her eyes. I immediately grew attached to Jane and was already saddened by what she’d endured. Surely the only way is up from here! The theme of ‘new beginnings’ is clear straight away which I liked. We see Jane building her life back up after her break up with Peter, her family and friends supporting her and helping her get back on track. It already felt like I knew her as a person and I was very much looking forward to what the future had in store for her!

“Maybe it was unfair to keep comparing him to other people, but it seemed that my mind just kept telling me, I told you he wasn’t for you.”

We switch perspectives from Jane to David which was absolutely seamless. I loved how involved we were in the way these two characters meet. The moment David laid eyes on Jane, he felt something, something he hadn’t felt since his separation from his wife. I appreciated how he reacted to these feelings, and it was really refreshing reading a man’s perspective in this way; he was cautious, and he certainly wouldn’t get involved with someone new if he didn’t feel 100% about it. It felt so lovely watching these two characters slowly get to know one another, especially as Peter was still trying his luck to get back with Jane. His presence frustrated me, and I loved how well the author had created this character; even after only appearing in a few short scenes, we still loathe him! I had a great feeling about Jane and David. They’ve obviously both been through some ‘stuff’ and simply want to enjoy each other’s company. Exploring their relationship further and seeing if they really were compatible was exciting to me, and I hoped they were both ready to let happiness in.

The middle

Jane begins to find objects and gifts placed on her doorstep which really unnerves her. First, there was a flower with no note which was strange enough. But this is followed by a flower with a happy birthday message, and even a bigger gift. The characters all seemed oblivious to who could be leaving these gifts, but it felt obvious that it had to be Peter, the ex that is desperate for Jane to take him back, the person who is desperate to move back in with her. Why didn’t anyone but me seem to suspect him?! Or maybe it wasn’t him and it was someone we don’t expect – that would be a great surprise. I was sure we’d find out soon enough! Jane and David continue to build on their relationship which was really nice, but as soon as their relationship steps up a notch, there’s a family emergency. There seems to be so much getting in the way of these two characters getting close to one another, but I don’t think any fans of this genre would have it any other way! There has to be something to fight for and hardships to overcome in order to make everything feel so worth it.

“That is who you need in your life. Someone who will treat you as if you are important to them. Someone who knows the real you.”

David’s ex-wife reaches out, wanting to reconnect. Why do exes think they can just do this?! I was so happy David told her where to go, but I just hoped she wouldn’t become a pain like Jane’s ex had become. You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone comes to mind where these two are concerned! After how well Jane and David’s relationship was progressing, I hoped nothing would come between them, that they could continue to make each other happy, to light up each other’s lives in a way they’d needed from another person for so many years. The author certainly explores Jane and David’s feelings for one another well, especially the safety they feel in each other’s company, the passion they have for one another and how much fun they have together – something they hadn’t experienced much of with their previous partners. I loved how important family and friends are to the both of them, how they have so much support, especially with the mysterious gifts Jane keeps receiving. I was looking forward to seeing who the culprit was (and hopefully it would be a surprise!)

The end

Okay, I spoke too soon…the reveal of mystery gift-giver was exactly who I expected it to be, but it is what it is! Although, it did fit in with the storyline well and through finally having a face to face conversation with Peter, it makes us see just how confident Jane felt in wanting Peter out of her life for good. Jane had certainly grown as a character since the start; I think seeing a character’s development from beginning to end is one of my favourite elements in a book like this. I love character progression, how a character can go from rock bottom to happier than they’ve ever been! The focus of the book from here to the end was on Jane and David’s thriving relationship and eliminating toxic people in their lives (which I’m always here for!) But a big shock to everyone was David’s ex-wife turning up unexpectedly on his doorstep. After keeping her attempts at contacting him a secret from Jane, how would she react?

“I didn’t mean to tell him I loved him, it just slipped out. But to be honest, I was relieved that I’d said it.”

Issues are ironed out (thank god), exes are put in their place and put behind them, and we get to see Jane and David have the most important day of their lives (even though it was way to soon in my eyes, especially after both getting out of long term relationships and being scarred by their experiences 😬) I did find some of the book to be too fast paced and in a few instances I was desperate for more depth and detail, but as an easy to read book that felt very chilled, it certainly does what it sets out to do which is all I could have asked for! I loved the addition of the epilogue which takes us a year into the future of Jane and David’s relationship, and I always love fast-forwarding to the future for a sneaky look at characters’ lives. All in all, a cute, easy to read story which would be a great introduction to the genre, or something to pick up when you need a light, easy read!

Overall thoughts

New Beginnings is the story of two people finding each other at just the right time. It’s about overcoming challenges that toxic relationships can present and starting again, finding happiness in unlikely places. Jane and David are clearly meant to be, and we explore how they get together and build the confidence they need to move forward and blossom. The book isn’t deep or overly descriptive – it’s actually a very easy read, but sometimes, that’s exactly what you need. With characters so easy to get attached to and a storyline to satisfy the hopeless romantics, you’ll end this book feeling lighter and happier. A sweet, uplifting and joyous romance with so many lovely moments!

You can grab your own copy of New Beginnings over on Amazon, available on Kindle. Make sure you’re following the author on Instagram for updates! Read my author interview with Helen C. Kelly here.

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