I’ve written seventeen books so far in two overall settings – the fictional North Yorkshire seaside town of Whitsborough Bay and Hedgehog Hollow which is a hedgehog rescue centre deep in the rolling countryside of the Yorkshire Wolds. I’ll be adding a third setting in the Lake District to my repertoire in 2023. I see each of these settings as being equally as important as the plot and the characters. Having read many books by this author, I knew I was in for an emotive read. I loved the way she etched her characters so tenderly, with love. (I often felt her characters were based on her. Jessica too is sweet in real life) I loved the dips that this book took and the way the characters found their way out. Romance was seen, but it was friendship and love which took root in this book. They anchored me and made me read it at one go. This book was originally published as two novellas, but as I listened to this one, I would never had known they were not one story. They were seamlessly put together and I enjoyed this one as much as the others I have read in the series. This story is about Callie, a young lady who lost her father when she was young. It seems she is still looking for a father figure as she only dated older men. She is falling for Tony, a man several years her senior. The only problem is, he is quite happy with things the way they are. When Callie finds out not only is he cheating on her, but he is married with four children. She dumps him and when he loses his job, he blames Callie. Fortunately, Callie has a white knight in the form of Rhys, the grandson of Callie's favourite resident at Bay View Ruby. Meanwhile, Callie wants to help Ruby find her lost love, and the father of her son, Rhys' father. This story was the perfect soothing balm for the weary soul when life got overwhelming. Every word written by Jessica had the power to heal me from the inside out. The story bespoke of hope and joy amidst pain and heartbreak and laid the spotlight firmly on strength in friendships. Emerging from an unhappy relationship, Tori finds herself with nowhere to stay and nobody to talk to. The long-hidden secrets of her past weigh heavily on her until a chance encounter with Finley, struggling to come to terms with his own secrets, provides an opportunity to open up.

If you’ve read my books, I hope you’ve loved the setting and, if you haven’t yet done so, then a very warm welcome to Whitsborough Bay!Jessica Redland has done it again, written a book of emotions in a superlative manner which had me smiling with a hint of tears glinting in my eyes. The emotions this book evoked showed me why I adore this author. Elise doesn't just have her heartbreak to contend with, her sister announces she is pregnant (something that Elise wishes she was), and her best friend is getting married, and Elise is to be bridesmaid, along with Sarah's other friend who Elise doesn't really get along with.

I’m always mindful of the changing seasons and how they affect the weather, the light, the colours, giving the setting a potentially different feel. This is a book about 3 women - Karen, Alison and Daniella - who live very different lives but are brought together as only fate can determine and soon find themselves supporting one another in more ways they can ever imagine. Welcome to Bumblebee Barn, home to wonderful animals, stunning views and spectacular sunsets - and resident young farmer, Barney. The jogger she helps is Daniella - a very guarded woman who is hiding something but she's not opening up to anyone - when she does eventually find the strength to talk about her past your heart just breaks for her. Oh and I have to mention Hercules..... the most adorable Pet Bunny.... Not just any pet bunny.... a Giant Pet Bunny 😍🐇

It has been a delight to work with Boldwood who have delivered everything they promised and so much more. Easily Jessica Redland's best novel so far. The amount of heart and depth that has gone into it is astounding.' Callie is a fantastic lead character who transforms into a beautiful strong woman with a better understanding of what a healthy relationship is. I can't help but think that these stories are based on some real-life events that Jessica Redland may have heard during her many years working in HR before becoming a writer.

But for Tara Porter, owner of thriving cafe, The Chocolate Pot, this is the most difficult time of the year. From the outside, Tara is a successful businesswoman and pillar of the community. Behind closed doors, she is lonely. When we write about a setting, most authors will do so visually and that’s absolutely needed. But a setting is truly brought to life when we use the other senses because the combination of senses are what really transports the readers into our world. With a lifetime of secrets weighing on her shoulders, she has retreated from all friends, family and romance, and shut her real self away from the world. Afterall, if you don't let them in, they can't hurt you. She's learnt that the hard way. Tara is mending a broken heart. So when she decides it's time for a change, she ups and moves to Whitsborough Bay, where she comes across The Chocolate Pot Café.When I’m writing my Whitsborough Bay books, I might talk about the sweet smells of doughnuts and candy floss mingled with the coconut of sun lotion and I might talk about the hum of the jet boat on the sea over cries of gulls and squeals of children. Instantly, readers are transported to the beach and can hear, smell and even taste the setting. Alison is feeling trapped in her life with Dave - he was there for her at the beginning when she needed him, but now he's constantly on at her about her weight (I have to admit to wanting her to thump him on more than one occasion!!) and taking her for granted. So she comfort eats to stop feeling so bad - and so the cycle of hate and pity continues. But one day she finds herself helping a jogger who has fallen over, and this new friendship spurs her on to make changes in her life. I really enjoyed The Secret To Happiness, the way the three women were drawn to each other and strong friendships were formed. The characters are wonderfully developed as each of their stories unfold. They learn to overcome the sadnesses in their pasts and move on, supporting each other even when they can’t see past their own bleak futures.

As she prepares for the biggest move of her life, Sarah can’t help but wonder if Seaside Blooms could be a new beginning for love too? I would love to live somewhere like Whitsborough Bay, there is a feeling of family and togetherness as everyone wants to help everyone, they are friends and supportive and there is just a magical feel to it all.

You may also like...

Cue the reappearance of Jed, the conniving previous owner of the cafe, and Tara's perfect armour begins to crumble.