Jessica Redland

Spring Tides at the Starfish Café by Jessica Redland is a 2022 Boldwood publication.

Time for a few spring and summer' beach read' titles- which I have begun to love almost as much as my holiday reading.

This book is the second in a series- but I think it works fine as a standalone.

Hollie is still working through some trauma issues, but her life is more stable now and she’s working her way through and over her fears. Unfortunately, a persistent man bent on buying the Starfish Café is becoming more insistent- to the point of harassment.

Meanwhile, Tori, a person rescued by Hollie’s team, has become a customer at the Starfish Café and her story alternates with Hollie’s.

Tori grew up unconventionally and is now estranged from her parents and younger sister. Her current long-term relationship has run out of steam, and she’s forced to assess her life. As it happens, she meets someone who, like her, is at a crossroads, and the two decide to become roommates, and end up becoming close friends… but could it become something more?

There is a lot going on in this story- Tori’s unusual childhood, her relationship issues seeming to take center stage over Hollie’s storyline. It was sort of an odd setup- but there were some truths in there all of us can probably relate to in some way. I’m not sure why we, as humans, tend to focus on the negative instead of the positive- but we often do and make ourselves unnecessarily miserable.

The story went on a bit longer than was absolutely necessary and the plot was slightly quirky- but it was a pleasant enough story, with a sweet romance and character growth, forgiveness, and a warm-hearted conclusion.

Overall, a nice introduction to this author for me- and a solid addition to one’s beach reading list this summer.

*Mostly clean- but some content I wasn’t on board with, plus some brief- but not explicit, adult sexual situations.… (altro)

Having discovered Jessica Redland last Christmas and enjoyed her books since, I was keen to jump into this book about Tabby setting up a Cat Cafe, which seems a novel concept. Unfortunately just before opening her partner deserts her and if that isn’t enough she also is suffering from the debilitating condition of fibromyalgia. There also seem to be people around her that want to stop the cafe opening.

I loved this book as much as her previous books and do enjoy the writing style of her books, and the romance style of them. I do feel it’s good that people write about people suffering with medical conditions, and I learned a lot about fibromyalgia in this book which will make me understand it better, but I can see how this might put some people off who read books for escapism. However I have to say I felt this was written very well into the book, and only added to the reading experience and the story for me.

I felt the story was very well written, and in particular the slow burn of the developing relationship in Tabby’s life, and found myself rooting for them. I loved the main characters and was very glad to spend some of the Christmas season with them. I’m not particularly a cat person, but despite that I did love the story and the unique cat part of it, although I’m sure I wouldn’t spend the extra money to go to a cat cafe. Just a word of warning if anyone is a cat lover there is one part of the story that could be upsetting. However, even that I feel was very well written in the story.

Overall if you enjoy these romance style of books I would definitely recommend this book, and gave it five stars. There isn’t one book by Jessica Redland that I haven’t enjoyed very much, and look forward to reading more books by her.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.… (altro)

If you’re in the mood for a predictable, improbable, simple romance that mostly takes place in Beatrix Potter’s historic Lake District, this is the book for you. The title describes the plot, and the “something wonderful” is the romance that develops between Autumn and Dane. Each are in their mid to late thirties and have come from broken relationships. They are both artistic but need encouragement to pursue their talents, and are “perfect” for each other. I was surprised that the author was satisfied to write such an obvious, uncomplicated romance, from their first meeting to the closing chapter. And no one ever uttered the word “rebound.”

What I liked: Autumn’s 24-year pen pal friendship with Rosie. And I liked Rosie. Loved all the Beatrix Potter references. Enjoyed the location of the Lake District and the rural countryside.

What I didn’t like: An author can choose any name for their character, so why chose “Autumn Laine” without ever mentioning how corny it is? Autumn and Dane’s relationship moves way too fast, especially considering the short amount of time they’ve known each other. Rosie’s mom, Alice, has mental health issues which are hinted at, but it’s a plot thread that gets left behind. I strongly disliked Autumn’s first boyfriend Étienne. He was unrealistically one-dimensional.

I am a Beatrix Potter fan, so was familiar with the characters and the stories though that isn’t necessary in order to read this novel. In fact, Peter Rabbit was the first library book I remember reading, when I was two years old. But I think Potter could have written a more interesting, plot-thickened novel than this. And oh no! This is book #1 of a series? What could possibly come next? I can promise you I won’t be reading it.

Thanks to Amazon Prime for the opportunity to read this book.… (altro)

“Christmas at the Cat Café” by Jessica Redland is delightful. The story revolves around a cozy cat café and its owner, Tabby, who is struggling with health issues and trying to keep the business afloat.

I enjoyed the story’s setting; it had a certain charm. The characters were also quite endearing, especially the cats’ adorable antics.

The plot is heartwarming and perfect for the holiday season, with love, friendship, and family themes. The author does a great job of creating a festive atmosphere and incorporating the spirit of Christmas throughout the story.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves cats, cozy holiday reads or wants to escape into a heartwarming story. It’s a sweet, uplifting read that will leave you warm and fuzzy.… (altro)