In Deborah Cooke’s second entry in The Carpe Diem Café series, Just Like Starting Over brings us back to the small town of Empire where Sylvia Kincaid must deal with the lingering feelings for Mike, her 15 year old daughter’s father.
Written in first person in alternating points of view between Sylvia and Mike for the most part, we get to see both sides of their story, which I always enjoy. There were a couple of chapters from the points of view of other characters, I think to help set up future books, but they were very limited so didn’t feel too out of place.
I think Sierra, the 15 year old daughter, was my favourite character. She was quirky, energetic, and at times, a better communicator than the adults. They could learn something from her straightforward attitude. I loved how she accepted Mike immediately, and the way they started to bond but without making Sylvia feeling too threatened.
Just Like Starting Over does have a few of my least favourite tropes secret baby, and lack of communication among them. Fortunately the author was able to pull it off, especially the secret baby part, in a believable way.
With misunderstandings, betrayals, found family, forgiveness, and love, Just Like Starting Over was a lovely second chance romance that had me rooting for Sylvia and Mike (and Sierra) from the beginning.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Just Like Starting Over will be available on August 21 2025.
Life, Tea, and Everything 