Sunshine After the Rain - Jessica Redland

 

Sunshine After the Rain

Melanie knows she’s been running away…

For the last seven years Mel has been hiding; from life, from her friends and from those who love her the most - her family. But being at home in her beloved Lake District has been far too painful for Mel to contemplate. Because seven years ago, Mel lost everything and she’s never been able to banish the dark clouds that follow her.

But maybe there really is no place like home?

When Mel returns to Willowdale for a family event, she has no intention of staying. But surrounded by her family she begins to realise just how much she's been missing and also, how much healing she still needs to do.

Starting a dream job at Willowdale Hall, going on walks with Emma and her funny alpacas and reconnecting with those she loves, Mel slowly begins to see chinks of light and a more hopeful and happier future ahead.

And as Mel begins to feel stronger, she also feels brave enough to face the most painful part of leaving home…the one man she has always loved. With his help, can she finally banish the dark clouds forever and see the sunshine after the rain?

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/SunshineAfterRain

My Review:

Jessica Redland’s Sunshine After the Rain is a heartwarming addition to her Escape to the Lakes series. It is a gentle exploration of healing, family, and rediscovery. As always this story has the picturesque and special backdrop of the Lake District, we meet Mel who as she returns to her hometown of Willowdale after a seven-year absence, confronting past sorrows and embracing new beginnings.

Redland’s storytelling always captivates me as a reader, every book has drawn me in, made me love the characters and the community created. The wonderful depiction of Willowdale and its endearing locals make me wish I could be part of that world – get me to that quiz night!  Mel’s journey—from grief to hope—is portrayed with authenticity and sensitivity, making her both believable and inspiring. I was rooting for her from that start, hoping that she would find her way again. As it is the next in a series it was lovely to catch up with past characters and storylines, you could read this as a standalone but it’s lovely to know what’s happened in more detail. Loved the inclusion of  alpaca walks and catching up with how previous romances were blossoming.

Well written and paced carefully to replicate Mel’s slow and steady change, I feel nothing was rushed and that just added emotionally to key moments throughout. Overall, Sunshine After the Rain is a comforting read that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the power of returning home and being around those who know us best. The book is emotional, heart-breaking and warming at the same time.  Fans of Redland’s previous works will appreciate this uplifting tale that reminds us of the sunshine that can follow even the darkest storms.

Author Bio:

Jessica Redland is the million-copy bestselling author of novels, including the Hedgehog Hollow and Escape to the Lakes series. Inspired by her hometown of Scarborough and the Lake District, she writes uplifting women’s fiction of love, friendship and community.

Social Media Links:

Facebook: @jessicaredlandauthor

Twitter: @JessicaRedland

Instagram: @jessicaredlandauthor

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Bookbub profile: @jessicaredlandwriter

Lean On Me - Beth Moran

 

Lean On Me

From No. 1 bestselling author Beth Moran comes a story about family, friendship and community.

As Faith tries on her future mother-in-law’s wedding dress in preparation for her own wedding, her tears are not of joy. The hideous frock is nicknamed ‘The Ghost Web’ by Faith’s best friend Marilyn, who can’t understand why Faith would even consider wearing it. But there’s a lot Marilyn doesn’t know about Faith – not the least of which is that Faith is just the latest of the names she has called herself.

Faith and her brother Sam survived a traumatic childhood which included having to change their names to hide from the past, but surviving has left scars. Faith’s generous fiancé Perry doesn’t just promise to be a partner, he offers freedom and security, and enough kindness to keep Faith squashing down any doubts on what ‘being in love’ really means.

It’s not until she meets an extraordinary group of women at the Grace Chapel choir, that things start to become crystal clear. As choir-leader extraordinaire, the indomitable Hester, holds a mirror up to her ragtag group of singers, all with their own burdens and insecurities, and teaches them to see how magnificent they are, so Faith can dare to dream of a future where she and Sam can stop running and she might even be ready to accept the love that she deserves.

Number 1 bestselling author Beth Moran is back with her trademark ingredients of wisdom and warmth, heartbreak and hearts soaring. Perfect for fans of Jill Mansell, Philippa Ashley and Jenny Colgan.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/leanonmesocial

My Review:

I have enjoyed Beth Moran’s books previously; all have been well written, interesting, and often culminate in a story with deep, meaningful themes alongside moments of light relief. Quite a combination to pull together but Beth Moran does so successfully every time. Also helps they are set locally too. 

Lean on Me was a good read, interesting characters, descriptive settings that really triggered my imagination.

Faith’s history was tough to learn about, so much hurt and pain, coupled with the difficulties and support she needed to provide for her brother. No wonder she sought out stability, someone that could be solid and dependable. I enjoyed her friendship with Marilyn – everyone needs a Marilyn – but also the blossoming friendships formed via the choir; for me that was the best part of the story, more so than any romantic element. Everyone in the choir was in need of something, some support or a way of empowering themselves and together as a unit they discovered was the best way of doing that.

There are some awfully sad times within this story which I don’t think I was prepared for but there are some funny, lighter hearted moments thanks to the choir’s antics that provide some balance.

Including themes of addiction, abuse and violence, this is book that explores types of relationships, family we have and family we choose, it incorporates grief, love and being true to yourself.

An eye opening, heartachingly difficult read that will take you through many emotions. Would recommend! 

Author Bio:

Beth Moran initially worked as a biochemist and then taught antenatal classes before becoming an author. She loves to write contemporary women’s fiction set in and around Sherwood Forest, where she lives with her family.

Social Media Links:

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethcmoran

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Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/beth-moran

Living The Dream at Puddleduck Farm - Della Galton

 

Life would be idyllic if everyone else was on the same page…

Puddleduck Vets Practice is busier than ever.
Phoebe Dashwood is juggling the usual crazy animal antics of her quirky clients, whilst organising the wedding of her bridezilla grandmother and thankfully dating her perfect man.

Phoebe loves every minute of being a New Forest vet, even if she hardly has time to catch her breath. If only she could find some quality time for her and the man of her dreams, life would be perfect.

When an ex’s heartbreak stirs up some emotions from the past, Phoebe realises she must deal with some unfinished business. It would seem a miracle is needed to pull off a happy ending for everyone – but is it within Phoebe's power to work miracles?

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/PuddleduckFarmSocial

My Review:
The third book of this series, the grand finale some my say. I’d recommend reading the previous books before this one as it ties up loose ends and clears up situations from the previous book.

I must admit I wasn’t keen on the romantic developments in the last book, I didn’t really see the connection other than being best friends. It was obvious Sam adored Phoebe, but she wasn’t overly sure, and it took some time. Personally, I thought she was settling for someone she knew loved her rather than actually feeling it herself. I’m not actually fully convinced even after this book, but I do like all the characters  and it’s nice to read stories that have positive endings.

We catch up with everyone throughout the book and see how their story plays out. We even see Rufus going through some emotional ups and downs and discovering support in the most unexpected place, he finally finds what he needs and it definitely comes with a bigger surprise than any of us expected.

I enjoy Dellas storytelling, it is well paced and keeps you entertained from start to finish. I have always enjoyed the inclusion of animals and their antics, and this time was no different.

A lovely way to end the series! 

Author Bio:

Della Galton writes short stories, teaches writing groups and is Agony Aunt for Writers Forum Magazine. She lives in Dorset.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DailyDella/

Twitter https://twitter.com/DellaGalton

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Bookbub profile: Della Galton Books - BookBub

The Year That Changed Us - Helen Rolfe

A warm-hearted and gripping story of community, secrets and the family we choose that will captivate fans of Lucy Diamond, Cathy Bramley and Jessica Redland.

As young women, Lise and Emma had the kind of friendship people dream about. While Lise's own family was distant and disengaged, Emma's was welcoming and warm, and for the first twenty-six years of their life, growing up together in a close-knit community, the duo were inseparable. But when they decide to spend one year living together in Paris, what starts as the adventure of a lifetime becomes a disaster that changes everything. And when Emma returns to Bath the following summer, Lise stays behind in France, their friendship in tatters.

Now, sixteen years later, Lise has come back to their hometown, determined to put things right. But to do so, she'll have to face up to the truth about what happened in Paris. And with Emma refusing to talk to her, can she get close enough to share her secret?

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/YearChangedSocial

My Review:

I am a fan of Helen Rolfe and have read every book, enjoyed every series, characters and setting. I have been looking forward to reading ‘The Year That Changed Us; and was as happy as ever by the fabulous story Helen has shared with us.

We meet Emma and Annalise (Lise), the best of friends, since childhood into their young adult lives. Inseparable, Emma was a safe haven for Annalise’s’ unhappy childhood, they shared all parts of their lives and promised nothing, and nobody would ever come between their special friendship. When their dream adventure goes wrong, promises cannot always be upheld, and their lives are changed forever.

Many years have passed, lives have moved on and Emma’s life is again turned upside down by the arrival of Annalise. Emotions are high, feelings of hurt, anger and betrayal cannot be easily overcome, if at all, but could there be a way for these two women who shared so much?

Well... incredible. I loved it from start to finish.

Interesting and likeable characters, Emma and Annalise are very different; their personalities, upbringing, and families; yet their bond is clearly very special. I found myself on Emma’s side at first, I liked Annalise but found my loyalty sticking with Emma. She has the comfortable childhood, surrounded by her very loving family whereas Annalise had money but parents that didn’t seem to care that much. Emma’s family became Annalise’s – which only serves to make the pain of her actions later hurt even more for Emma. Emma has clearly been through so much, loss, pain and heartache. Annalise’s life wasn’t what she envisioned; her choices had consequences, but she is back wanting to change things if she can. I was rooting for the characters to find some way to reunite. Neither character is perfect, both have flaws and have made mistakes; both have hurt the other in some way. There is no right or wrong in the situation, that’s perhaps what makes this story so engaging, how people can be blind to see their own errors, not face up to what they did wrong because of how much hurt they feel.

Brilliant writing from this wonderful author, I think this book really stands out amongst the others I’ve read by her.

A story about the power of friendship, the bonds that bind people and the chance to discover if they are ever fully broken or could there be some way back.  

A story with conflict, heartache, and drama yet an important message of the importance friendships and forgiveness.

Excellent read, highly recommended. 

Author Bio:

Helen Rolfe is the author of many bestselling contemporary women’s fiction titles, set in different locations from the Cotswolds to New York. Most recently published by Orion, she is bringing sixteen titles to Boldwood – a mixture of new series and well-established backlist. She lives in Hertfordshire with her husband and children.

Social Media Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=helen%20rolfe%20author

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Instagram Helen Rolfe (@helen_j_rolfe) | Instagram profile/

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Bookbub profile: Helen Rolfe Books - BookBub

A Breath of Fresh Air - Jessica Redland

Rosie feels like there's something missing in her life. She loves her job as the manager of Willowdale Hall Riding Stables, caring for the horses and teaching children to ride, and she loves the home she shares with her mother in the beautiful Lake District. But she can't help wondering how her life might look if things had been different. What if her father had been around to help care for her mother? And what if she'd found someone special herself?

When Hubert Cranleigh - the owner of Willowdale Hall - is taken ill, his son Oliver steps into the breach. Brooding and distant, Rosie is furious when he claims not to know who she is. Especially when they have a history.

Rosie's life is about to be turned upside down, but with the New Year comes new opportunities. What Rosie feels is missing from her life might be closer than she thinks, and with more significant consequences than she could ever have imagined...

Take a breath of fresh air and escape to the Lake District with million-copy bestseller Jessica Redland, for an uplifting story of family, friendship and love

Purchase Links - https://mybook.to/freshairsocial

My Review:

I love a Jessica Redland series and so have been really looking forward to A Breath of Fresh Air; the second in the Escape to the Lakes series. Having been blown away by the first book and Autumns story, I was keen to see how Rosies story would work out.

Autumn had escaped to the Lake District to meet her long time penpal, and best friend, Rosie. We had already discovered quite a lot about her and her Mum, but this time the focus being on them means we learn so much more. Although it is the second book in the series you could read this as a standalone, you do catch up with Autumn and what is happening with her (I would highly recommend reading The Start of Something Wonderful though).

Rosie lives with her Mum Alice, is the manager of the local riding stable on the estate where she grew up. She has been happy until recently – worrying about her Mum who is too afraid to leave the grounds of the Estate following an accident years ago, fearing she would remain single forever as well as questioning who her father was. With so much uncertainty and worry in her life she is wary when a familiar face from her past is now very much part of the present.

 I love the characters Jessica creates; they are believable and feel like friends who you want the best for. I emphasised with Rosie, her frustration and worry and understood why she guarded herself against further hurt. Alice was a frustration for me, I really do like her and sympathised with the trauma she had been through I just wished she’d try and get some help for herself. There are characters you are definitely not meant to like, especially as we discover some heart breaking truths.

Another excellent read, honestly I can’t praise Jessica Redland enough for constantly bringing us books with great settings, wonderful storylines and engaging characters.

A Breath of Fresh Air is just that for readers. A book to thoroughly enjoy, full of emotion, hope and heart. Already looking forward to the next book. 

Author Bio:

Jessica Redland writes emotional but uplifting stories of love, friendship, family and community. Her Whitsborough Bay books transport readers to the stunning North Yorkshire Coast where she lives with her husband, daughter and sprocker spaniel. Her Hedgehog Hollow series, set in a hedgehog rescue centre, takes readers into the beautiful rolling countryside of the Yorkshire Wolds.

Social Media Links

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Bookbub profile: Jessica Redland Books - BookBub

 

Sunrise Over Strawberry Hill Farm - Alison Sherlock

 

She drives a tractor. He arrives in a red Ferrari. What could possibly go wrong?

Flora Barton is desperate to save her family home Strawberry Hill Farm. She only needs one thing - a great business idea to keep the farm afloat!

So, when Nico Rossi arrives from Italy with a crazy plan to save the farm, Flora should be overjoyed. The trouble is the Rossi men are infamous playboys and sensible Flora doesn’t trust impetuous Nico at all.

Nico has been trying to escape the famous Rossi surname his whole life. Arriving in sleepy Cranfield after recently losing his beloved grandfather and family vineyard, he has no intention of staying on any longer than necessary. But he soon realises how desperate the situation is and throws caution to the wind to help turn the farm into a Glamping site.

Can Flora realise her dreams to keep the farm safe for the future and can Nico ever stop running from his past?

As they try to save Strawberry Hill Farm, secrets are revealed and just maybe they’ll discover why opposites attract...
Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/strawberryhillsocial

My Review:

Sunrise over Strawberry Hill Farm is the third book in the Railway Lane series. I’ve enjoyed the previous books so have been looking forward to Flora’s story.

Having met Flora in the previous books, I felt like I knew her already. It had been made clear her strong connection to her Grams, the farm they live on and that she has a strong work ethic and is committed to their livelihood.

Flora is wondering what more they can do to ensure they don’t lose the farm when a visitor from Italy comes and definitely shakes things up in more ways than one. Flora isn’t impressed with the new face around the farm and doesn’t trust him at all, she believes he has a certain reputation that makes him completely bad news.

Nico isn’t all that he seems, he has had a life of being cast aside but the world believing his life to be perfect. He wants to prove himself but often doesn’t get the chance.

He wants to help Flora and Grams save their home, but he has work to do to convince Flora he is more than he first appears.

Admittedly I found Flora to be a little… boring, well maybe that’s harsh, but she is so steady and cautious. I wished for her to live a little so when Nico came on the scene, I hoped she would learn to do this. Nico is a gorgeous sounding young man; he is kind and considerate and follows his heart.

I love the idea they work on for the farm, it sounds idyllic and definitely a profitable venture to secure their home. It was also great to catch up with characters from previous books too. I enjoy how Alison Sherlock has created a lovely community feel within her books, the writing is so descriptive you can almost smell the lavender fields, taste the delicious pizzas and hear the sounds of the beautiful countryside.

A great read to kick start the year, well written with interesting characters and feel-good storylines. I look forward to the next in this series. 

Author Bio:

Alison Sherlock is the author of the bestselling Willow Tree Hall books. Alison enjoyed reading and writing stories from an early age and gave up office life to follow her dream. Her series for Boldwood is set in a fictional Cotswold village.

Social Media Links: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alison.sherlock.73

Twitter https://twitter.com/AlisonSherlock

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/alisonsherlockauthor/

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Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alison-sherlock

A Winter Wonderland - Rosie Green

 

A Winter Wonderland

The festive season is fast approaching and the Little Duck Pond Café menu has been given a mouth-watering sprinkling of December magic. Jaz is hoping for the perfect festive season with little daughter Emma. But her feelings for next-door neighbour, Milo, are getting in the way. With his old love back on the scene, is she really prepared to risk her heart and make it the best Christmas ever?

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C97VXWCY

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C97VXWCY

My Review:

Perfect for this festive season! As always, Rosie Green takes us to Sunnybrook and the characters we have grown so fond of throughout this series. A community that continues to grow, thrive and bring us stories to pull on our emotions and carry us through whichever season.

This time we are focused on Jaz again, she’s been finding it hard to move on following her ex (boo) cheating on her. She has romantic interest in her next door neighbour but she has been so hurt it is difficult for her to fully trust again. Milo has the patience of a saint, their children get on so well, he really looks like he’s putting the effort into proving to Jaz he isn’t like her ex at all.

As Christmas approaches the village is as festive as ever, I love the exciting build up. We meet some new characters and both adds some festive sparkle for differing reasons, another chance for this wonderful community to shine and do what it is best at – helping those in need.

But when Jaz spots someone new in Milo’s life, no matter what he says to persuade her that is isn’t what it seems, Jaz struggles to believe him and its her own actions that cause the heartache.

Festive and feel good, the characters of old join with the new and deliver seasonal cheer. I love this series no matter the season but at Christmas it is just fabulous. Cosy up this Christmas and enjoy another wonderful novella from Rosie Green. I’m looking forward to a return to Sunnybrook soon. 

Author Bio – Rosie’s series of novellas is centred around life in a country village cafe. Look out for THE SUNSHINE SISTERS – a heart-warming and thoroughly enchanting trilogy of books in the Little Duck Pond Café series, out early in 2024!

Follow Rosie on Twitter - https://twitter.com/Rosie_Green88

The Library Girls of the East End - Patricia McBride

 

1940, London

When Cordelia accepts the post of head librarian in Silver Town Library, her mother is more than a little disapproving. The East End has high levels of poverty and illiteracy, and her mother says it’s no place for a woman of her status.

But Cordelia is determined to make a difference in these times of strife, and along with her colleagues, Jane and Mavis, she begins to help the local community, making sure everyone knows what the library can offer them.

And maybe even a romance will blossom, giving Cordelia the strength to make it through the chaos and destruction that constantly threatens their livelihood.

Against a background of war, air raids and rationing, it becomes clear the library is more than a building filled with books - it is the beating heart of a community refusing to be torn apart.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/LibraryGirlsSocials

My Review:

A very entertaining read from a new author to me. It’s the start of a series so I’m already looking forward to what is to come.

Cordelia has taken on the job of Head Librarian at an East End library, much to the disdain of her mother, who believes she shouldn’t lower herself and be amongst the poor. She meets her new library assistants, Mavis and Jane and soon set about making their library a thriving hub for the community. Set during the war, we discover how the characters ensure the library is a place where people can escape, take their minds off their problems but they can also find support for their problems too if they wish.

I loved the three characters, each very different but that’s what probably makes their friendship work so well. I only hope this friendship continues going from strength to strength. The more I learned about their backgrounds the more I took each girl to heart. They have had their work cut out for them to ensure the library can continue as it is but through their determination it proved to be an asset to the local area.

A story that was really easy to read yet entertaining, nothing too heavy or heart breaking but characters written with depth and warmth so you care about each. With many books set in war time, it is good to see a different perspective. I am looking forward to seeing what happens next. 

Author Bio:

Patricia McBride is the author of the very popular Lily Baker historical saga series. She is now writing a new WW2 series for Boldwood, based in the East End of London during the Blitz, the first title of which, The Library Girls of the East End, will be published in November 2023.

Social Media Links: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patriciamcbrideauthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tricia.mcbride.writer/

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