The Summer of Starting Over
(2026)(A book in the Midlife Meet Cute Beach Reads series)
A novel by Amy Sparling
Catie: At forty-three, I thought I had life figured out, until a surprise divorce left me with a quiet house, a daughter off at college, and no idea who I am without being someone’s wife or mother. On a whim, I’m renting a small beach cottage on Galveston Island for the summer, determined to prove I’m brave enough to try something new.
I do not expect to fall off a paddleboard on my very first morning of trying something new. And I definitely don't expect the grumpy, yet steady man who fishes me out of the water to make my heart race.
Spencer: I’ve spent the last five years focused on two things: running my beachfront watersports shop and raising my teenage son after my wife walked away from both of us. I’ve learned not to expect people to stay. Life is simpler that way.
But Catie, with her nervous laughter, her determination to stand up after every fall, and her strength, makes me want to believe in something permanent again.
The only problem? Summer doesn’t last forever.
The Summer of Starting Over is a sweet, kisses-only later-in-life romance about healing, hope, and finding love when you least expect it, set against the sun-soaked shores of Galveston Island.
'''' Sun, sand, and a second chance at love.
The Midlife Meet Cute Beach Reads Series brings small-town charm and heartwarming fun, with all your favorite tropes—from grumpy/sunshine to he falls first, hidden identity, and enemies-to-lovers. These sweet novellas prove it’s never too late for laughter, love, and a second-chance happily-ever-after.
The Beach Reads collection features eight standalone romcoms:
I do not expect to fall off a paddleboard on my very first morning of trying something new. And I definitely don't expect the grumpy, yet steady man who fishes me out of the water to make my heart race.
Spencer: I’ve spent the last five years focused on two things: running my beachfront watersports shop and raising my teenage son after my wife walked away from both of us. I’ve learned not to expect people to stay. Life is simpler that way.
But Catie, with her nervous laughter, her determination to stand up after every fall, and her strength, makes me want to believe in something permanent again.
The only problem? Summer doesn’t last forever.
The Summer of Starting Over is a sweet, kisses-only later-in-life romance about healing, hope, and finding love when you least expect it, set against the sun-soaked shores of Galveston Island.
'''' Sun, sand, and a second chance at love.
The Midlife Meet Cute Beach Reads Series brings small-town charm and heartwarming fun, with all your favorite tropes—from grumpy/sunshine to he falls first, hidden identity, and enemies-to-lovers. These sweet novellas prove it’s never too late for laughter, love, and a second-chance happily-ever-after.
The Beach Reads collection features eight standalone romcoms:
- Stuck on the Beach With You by Ellie Hartwood
Second Chance Summer by Holly Kerr
Plot Twists and Pastries by Leah Busboom
Fake Dating for the Summer by Francesca Spencer
Melissa Abbott Catches the Bouquet by Grace J. Croy
Locking Up My Love Life by Cindy Ray Hale
The Summer of Starting Over by Amy Sparling
Second Chances on Sunrise Bay by Jess Hansen
So kick off your flip-flops, grab a sunhat, and dive into these sun-soaked, swoon-worthy tales of love at midlife!
Genre: Romance
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