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

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/JessicaRedlandNews

Bookbub profile: @jessicaredlandwriter

Coming Home to Starr's Fall -Kate Hewitt

 

Coming Home to Starr's Fall

Welcome to the town of Starr’s Fall, where Autumn can feel like it goes on forever, and two people have a chance to fall in love…

The leaves are falling, with a crispness to the air, along with the scents of coffee and pumpkin spice, past a half-empty street of shuttered storefronts and a bandstand that has seen better days…

Just like the whole town of Starr’s Fall, thinks Laurie Ellis – as she and her beloved dog Max head to collect the store keys. Maybe she has seen better days, too, but she’s certainly ready for a new start—and to leave her past behind. Still Laurie wonders whether she made a terrible mistake in coming to lovable but shabby Starr’s Fall. Will she even find customers for her pet store and bakery, never mind a community to welcome and accept her?

Not according to Joshua Reilly, the handsome but grumpy manager of the bookstore across the road, who claims he’s never heard of anything so ridiculous as a bakery for dogs.

But Laurie remains stubbornly undeterred. She’s starting over, right here. Not least because she has another secret reason for being here… one she isn’t telling anybody, at least not yet, as it involves her own tragic past.

What she doesn’t yet know is that a clue to the mystery is hidden deep in Joshua’s bookstore. And he doesn’t yet realize that Laurie herself might be the key to mending his own battered heart… for Laurie and Joshua and the whole town, it’s going to be a fall to remember.

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

 

My Review:

A cosy, heart warming story with a fantastic community feel. The start of a brand new series, I was hooked from the start and really enjoyed learning more about Starr’s Fall so I cannot wait to return.

The story focuses on Laurie, who decides to relocate to Starr’s Fall in order to follow a dream of running a pet shop/bakery. We soon learn she has another, big, reason and why Starr’s Fall wasn’t a random choice of location.

I really liked Laurie’s attitude to things, she had had a difficult life and doesn’t have many people in her corner but arriving in this small but welcoming community does her wonders. She is quick to build connections and relationships with the locals, who welcome her with open arms.

The most surprising turn of events is her relationship with grumpy book store owner, Joshua. I thoroughly enjoyed how she helped him change his ways, that instant spark growing into a adorable romance.

Settling into life in Starr’s Fall, Laurie soon makes discoveries that give her the answers she has wanted all her life, but is he prepared for what this will mean?

Brilliant writing and great characters I already adore,  Kate Hewitt has created a wonderful fictional town I’d love to visit, so I will eagerly await the chance to do so but recommend this book wholeheartedly. 

Author Bio:

Kate Hewitt is a million copy bestselling author of historical, contemporary and romantic fiction. An American ex-pat, she lives in a small market town in Wales with her husband and five young(ish) children, along with their two Golden Retrievers.

Social Media Links

Facebook: KateHewittAuthor

Twitter: @author_kate

Instagram: @katehewitt1

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/KateHewittNews

Bookbub profile: @KateHewitt

Finding Love At Sunset Shore - Bella Osborne

 

Finding Love At Sunset Shore

Sometimes, you have to fake it until you make it…

Ros is too busy for a boyfriend; between work and looking after her poorly father, there’s no time left for a relationship. But when she overhears her dad's dying wish is for her to find love, Ros is determined to make it happen – or at least, make it look like it has.

Enter Cameron, a struggling mature student with a mountain of debt but a zest for life.

Ros, driven by love for her ailing dad, reluctantly agrees to the simple business transaction: paying Cameron to play the role of her boyfriend. Ros meticulously plans their fake relationship – but when Cameron decides to go off-script, chaos ensues.

As Ros and Cameron navigate the ups and downs of their faux romance, their differences drive each other crazy. But they may just need each other more than they think…

Purchase Links

Amazon UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Finding-Love-Sunset-Shore-heartwarming-ebook/dp/B0CQKXSWMT/

KoBo - https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/finding-love-at-sunset-shore-1

Apple - https://books.apple.com/gb/book/finding-love-at-sunset-shore/id6479511603

My Review:

Already a fan of Bella Osborne books, I highly anticipated a great summer read full of escapism and romance, with a dash of humour and great characters; and that  is exactly what was delivered.

The characters are what makes the book for me, Ros – awkward, straight laced, Darla – Willing to take risks, sociable, hardworking and Cameron – charming, funny, kind to all. An eclectic bunch that compliment each other well. A special mention to Gazza the dog, what a fab name ha!

Ros’ Dad hasn’t long to live and upon overhearing he wishes she would find a boyfriend, Ros forms a plan that is the start of her ordered life becoming a little more… unplanned. Cameron agrees to be her significant other; he needs the money after all but it soon becomes clear that Cameron is more than Ros took him for. Cameron brings out things in Ros she didn’t know she had.

Darla has been a best friend to Ros, even though most people would have given up and she couldn’t be less like her. She is hiding out, taking on all the jobs she can to pay off her exes debts. When a new pet sitting job turns into more than she bargained for, can she ever get on the right side of the local, grumpy farmer.

Got to love a fake relationship storyline, especially when sparks are flying and it’s clear to see the characters are bringing out the best in one another. At the heart of the story, it’s about doing what is best for those you care about, trying to make others happy no matter what. All the characters learn something about themselves and face up to things from their past.

Romance at it’s finest. I enjoyed every moment and think it’s an ideal summer read. 

Author Bio:

 Bella has been jotting down stories as far back as she can remember but decided that 2013 would be the year that she finished a full length novel. Since then she’s written eleven best-selling romantic comedies, two best-selling bookclub reads and won the RNA Romantic Comedy Novel of the Year Award.

Bella's stories are about friendship, love and coping with what life throws at you. She lives in Warwickshire, UK with her husband, daughter and a cat who thinks she’s a dog. When not writing Bella is usually eating custard creams and planning holidays.

For more about Bella, visit her website at www.bellaosborne.com or follow her on social media.

Social Media Links:

Twitter - https://twitter.com/osborne_bella

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

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bellaosborneauthor/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@bellaosborneauthor

Summer Days at Cliff Top Cottage - Eliza J Scott

 

Welcome to your happy place…

As summer comes to the tranquil shores of Micklewick Bay, Maggie Marsay is on cloud nine. She can barely keep up with orders for her handmade teddy bears, turning her crafting hobby into a thriving business. And after trying for a baby for some time, she has joyful news to share with her devoted husband Bear who she lives with in an idyllic clifftop cottage alongside their cheeky labrador.

But an unexpected visitor casts a shadow over Maggie’s sun-drenched bliss. Robyn, a ghost from the past Maggie hasn't seen in twelve long years, arrives on their doorstep. What could have brought Robyn back into Maggie’s life after so long? Is she truly sorry for her past mistakes, or is she up to her old tricks?

Maggie welcomes Robyn into their home, trying her best to forgive and forget. But when Robyn starts to drive a wedge between her and Bear, Maggie’s close-knit group of friends and neighbours rally around. Can they help Maggie weather this storm and find her way back to happily ever after? Or is trouble here to stay?

Escape to Micklewick Bay in an uplifting, feel-good page-turner for fans of Heidi Swain, Jenny Colgan and Phillipa Ashley.

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Summer-Days-Clifftop-Cottage-heartwarming-ebook/dp/B0CW19QPM4

https://www.amazon.com/Summer-Days-Clifftop-Cottage-heartwarming-ebook/dp/B0CW19QPM4

My Review:

I’ve been a big fan of Eliza J Scott for a long time, her books are always centred around great characters and are heartfelt, engaging stories. This is the second book in the Micklewick Bay series, and whilst this can be read as a standalone, I do highly recommend reading the previous book – just as a wonderful read in itself. I love that these books build a community where we revisit characters on occasion and catch up on their lives.

Maggie is the central character in this book, she lives with husband Bear and she runs a successful business from home where she creates handmade teddy bears. Everything is going well; business is booming and she has very special news to share with Bea but suddenly an old, familiar face appears and old feelings start to resurface.

Maggie’s cousin, Robyn, suddenly turns up and despite not being especially welcome, soon settles into Maggie and Bears cottage. Seeming to have a strange hold over Bear, relationships start to break down; Maggie’s happy life is under threat.

Gosh this one was a rollercoaster! Whilst Maggie perhaps isn’t the most endearing character at times, what she goes through is enough to drive anyone to the brink. Her husband Bear seems like the ideal man at the start, but I have to admit how he seemed to take her cousins side on things almost immediately was annoying – his loyalty to Maggie seemed to waver so fast. He should have been stronger and on Maggie’s side no matter what. Its one thing wanting a quiet life, but I was surprised by him throughout.

A good group of girlfriends is everything though and I love how Maggie has friends with their own different quirks but that come together as a strong group to support each other no matter what.

A story full of drama, heartache, and tension as well as warmth, love and kindness.

Highly recommend this heart warming read. Take a visit to Micklewick Bay! 

Author Bio:

Eliza J Scott lives in North Yorkshire with her family and has wanted to be a writer as far back as she can remember. She is inspired by her beautiful surroundings and loves to write heartwarming stories based on romance and friendship with a generous dollop of community spirit and a hint of humour. She has written and self-published ten novels and has been an Amazon UK Kindle bestseller.

When she’s not writing, Eliza can usually be found with her nose in a book or working in her garden doing a spot of plot wrangling (of the writing variety), and battling against the weeds. The weeds, unfortunately, are currently winning but Eliza is undeterred. Roses are amongst her favourite flowers and she doesn’t need much of an excuse to visit a plant centre where a new rose always seems to mysteriously find its way onto her trolley much to her husband’s astonishment.

Eliza also enjoys having a catch-up with friends over tea and cake, as well as bracing walks in the countryside, rounded off by a visit to a teashop – for yet more tea and cake!

Social Media Links:

Amazon author page: Eliza J Scott - UK or  Eliza J Scott - US

Website: Eliza J Scott

Twitter/X: @ElizaJScott1

Facebook: @elizajscottauthor

Instagram: @elizajscott

Bluesky: @elizajscott.bsky.social

Bookbub: @elizajscott

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

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

Newsletter Sign Up: http://bit.ly/DellaGaltonNewsletter

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/HJRolfe

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004465368404

Twitter https://twitter.com/JessicaRedland

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

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/JessicaRedlandNews

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/

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/AlisonSherlockNews

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