The Art of Starting Over by Heidi McLaughlin-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 1, 2025

Devorah Campbell’s life falls apart under the pressure of one truth: her husband is having an affair with her best friend. So Devorah packs up her daughter and their shared heartbreak for small-town Oyster Bay, where she grew up. Her relationship with her father is still on the rocks, but Devorah has her brother there—and, unexpectedly, her brother’s best friend.

Hayden McKenna lost his wife a year ago and has struggled with single fatherhood ever since. Moving back home with his son is a last but best resort, a chance to start fresh, surrounded by family and old friends. But when Hayden runs into Devorah, his childhood crush, sparks fly as bright as ever. If only he could make her see them too…

Amid a swirl of hurt and healing, Devorah and Hayden grow closer, rekindling what they had all those years ago to discover that, sometimes, a new start means going back to the beginning.

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REVIEW:THE ART OF STARTING OVER by Heidi McLaughlin is a contemporary, adult, second chance romance focusing on high school sweethearts Devorah Campbell and Hayden McKenna.

Told from omniscient third person perspectives (Devorah and Hayden) using present day and memories from the past, THE ART OF STARTING OVER follows the return to Oyster Bay of Devorah Crowley Campbell. Devorah and Hayden were high school sweethearts but life and responsibilities got in the way. Fast forward to present day, Hayden McKenna, a single father and widower is looking for a new start, and returns to his home town to start anew with his nine year old son but Hayden never expected to come face to face with his former girlfriend, Devorah Campbell, a woman whose return comes with the dual betrayal of her soon to be ex-husband and his very familiar mistress. Devorah is struggling with what happened and why, and moving back to Oyster Bay reveals some of the small town mentality, behavior and lost time with family and friends. Hayden is willing to start a new path going forward but Devorah is about to face another heart breaking loss that may push Hayden out of her life.

The world building focuses on the rekindling romance between our story line couple; the ongoing and very public betrayal by her husband; the reconciliation between Devorah and her father; the small town bullies and long term memories; and the manipulation and gas-lighting aimed directly at Devorah and her daughter Maren.

The relationship between Devorah and Hayden is one of second chances, a high school romance that was destroyed by misunderstanding and a lack of communication, and the small town bully who was determined to take control. Hayden has loved and lost but has never forgotten about the woman who moved on without him. There are no $ex scenes.

We are introduced to Devorah’s daughter Maren; her brother Colt, their father Sheriff Tremaine ‘Crow’ Crowley, and Devorah’s soon to be ex Chad; as well as Hayden’s son Conor, and his parents Lee and Darcy, and several locals in Oyster Bay.

THE ART OF STARTING OVER is a slow building story of grief and loss,  betrayal, second chances, family and love. The character driven premise is dramatic and inviting; the romance is subtle ; the characters are determined, charismatic and inspiring.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy