Starfish Moon by Donna Kauffman (review)

Starfish Moon

by 

Donna Kauffman

Blurb:

Nestled on the Maine coast, Blueberry Cove is a peaceful retreat compared to the excitement of exotic cities and foreign lands. But it’s also the best place in the world for one woman to find her heart’s true home…Kerry McCrae’s wanderlust has taken her to parts of the globe most people have only glimpsed in pictures. So why is tending bar at the family pub in Blueberry Cove after her Uncle Fergus’s stroke an easier adjustment than she expected? And why hasn’t she left once Fergus is back on his feet? When tall, tanned Cooper Jaxton walks through the door, she knows the answer in a heartbeat…

Born and raised deep in Australia’s outback, Cooper never planned to leave the wild country he loves. But after almost a year of having Kerry—with her sparkling eyes and outrageous stories—on his cattle station, Cooper was stunned when she left. Suddenly home wasn’t the same without her. Making his way to Blueberry Cove to find her is a risk, but Cooper is counting on the passionate connection between them to convince her that the only place either of them needs to be is together…

Let the honeymoon begin…

Includes a DIY wedding cake recipe!

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My review:

5 out of 5 stars


“Starfish Moon” by Donna Kauffman is part of the ‘The Brides of Blueberry Cove’ series and takes place after many of the McCrae siblings have found their life partners.  Kerry McCrae has come home temporarily for first one wedding, and the next, then to care for her beloved uncle Fergus while he recovers from a stroke, while staying even longer for the marriage of her last unwedded sibling.  Known for her wanderlust, she has neglected to explain what kept her in Australia, atypically, for so many months.  Then Cooper Jax arrives from Down Under, and many questions are answered, but not the one most important to him…and, as it turns out, to her as well.

Who can resist a feisty heroine who can hold her own in a pub or on a boat or working as a jillaroo?  I was delighted to get to know the least settled member of the McCrae family and when her former boss shows up with his yummy Aussie accent and down-to-earth manners, who could resist giving a heartfelt sigh? 

The rich characterization of all of the players, including the secondary ones who are drawn into the orbit of this charismatic family, makes this a wonderfully entertaining series for me, and I was willingly drawn into the orbit of the two main characters whose pet nicknames for each other gave rise to wonderfully romantic scenes.  I was drawn into the conflict between pursuing a comfortable habit and the risk of following one’s heart, and I like that the heroine, though very capable and assertive, has a few flaws, including a regrettable failure to keep in touch with those who are important to her.  The wonderful courtship by a man who has been far too patient and the counterpoint of wedding plans for sister Fiona are highlighted by the whimsical interactions that take place and keep the story from getting too sweet and there were plenty of opportunities to chuckle as well as cheer.  I thought the ending was just a bit over the top and have to wonder who is minding the fires back home, but I still adored the story.  There was no problem reading this as a stand-alone story, but I definitely want to read the others in the series that I have missed.  I am hopeful that a certain service animal trainer will have her own time in the spotlight and draw us back to Blueberry Cove once again.

© Night Owl Reviews 

I received a copy of this title in return for an honest review.

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Other titles in the series:

My review is at this link