Book Review - The Secret To Happiness by Jessica Redland - #HolidayReading Madeira

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Amazon UK

Title:  The Secret to Happiness

Author: Jessica Redland

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 3rd September 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Everyone deserves a chance at happiness...

Danniella is running from her past, so when she arrives at the beautiful seaside resort of Whitsborough Bay, the last thing on her mind is making friends. After all, they might find out her secrets…

Alison is fun, caring and doesn't take herself too seriously. But beneath the front, she is a lost soul, stuck in a terrible relationship, with body confidence issues and no family to support her. All she really needs is a friend.

Karen's romance has taken a back seat to her fitness business. But she doesn’t want to give up on love quite yet. If only those mysterious texts would stop coming through …

When the women meet at their local bootcamp, a deep friendship blossoms. And soon they realise that the secret to happiness is where they least expected to find it…

An uplifting story of friendship and finding the strength to come to terms with the past. Perfect for fans of Tilly Tennant and Cathy Bramley.

Easily Jessica Redland's best novel so far.  The amount of heart and depth that has gone into it is astounding.

For those who have read the author before there are some familiar places and people cropping up, but it is 100% a standalone novel featuring 3 brand new leading ladies. 

Karen, Alison and Danniella, what an inspirational group you are. They all start the book without knowing each other,  and all having problems in their lives. 

It is their combined new friendship that gives them the strength to overcome old demons. 

There are plenty of secrets to discover, emotional topics dealt with and so much more besides. 

It is clear a lot of research must have gone into this novel especially for Danniella's story line.  At times I was smiling and at others I had a lump in my throat. 

Beautiful writing and another amazing book from this incredibly talented author. 

Thank you to Boldwood Books on Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Christmas at the Chocolate Pot Cafe by Jessica Redland

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Amazon UK

Title:  Christmas at the Chocolate Pot Cafe

Author: Jessica Redland

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self Published

Publication Date: 11th November 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

A few minutes of courage might change your life…

Emotionally, Tara Porter finds the festive period a challenge. Christmas Day is a reminder of the family she lost, and New Year’s Eve holds bitter memories of the biggest mistake of her life: marrying Garth Tewkesbury. Shunning invitations to celebrate, she seeks refuge in her flat with only her giant house bunny, Hercules, for company.

Professionally, though, it’s the best time of year. Tara’s thriving café, The Chocolate Pot, is always packed. With the café hosting a wedding and engagement party, it’s shaping up to be the café’s best Christmas ever.

When former nemesis, Jed Ferguson, threatens the future of The Chocolate Pot, Tara prepares for a fight. The café is everything to her and she’s not going to let anyone or anything jeopardise that. 

Tara badly misjudged ex-husband Garth and, since then, has refused to let anyone in. After all, if you don’t let them in, they can’t hurt you. But has she misjudged Jed too? Is it possible that he’s not the arrogant, deceitful man from whom she bought the café 14 years earlier? Can she find the courage to find out for sure?

Sitting here open mouthed in complete wonderment at just how totally amazing Christmas at the Chocolate Pot Cafe is.  There is just so much to this story, it had me hooked and intrigued from the first few pages, and even when I wasn't reading it it was in the back of my mind. 

It took me mere hours if that to devour this book and although it has slightly left me craving some chocolate, I'm in awe of the author even more. 

Tara has had just a difficult past, and she has until this year, in this book kept it a secret from everyone in Whitsborough Bay, but Christmas is the catalyst for many things and she is finally ready to start telling her story to best friend Carly. 

I really don't think you would have guessed at most of it if you tried, but slowly you get a picture of just what has made Tara the person she is today, while at the same time you see fabulous character development from her, and as the reader get a full idea as to what Tara is really like. 

Hercules is one of my favourite pets I've read for ages, then again I've not really read about many giant house bunny's let alone one that seems to have almost dog like behaviours.  

This is definitely a standalone book, but if you have ready any of the author's previous books, then you will most likely recognise some characters, and of course the wonderful town of Whitsborough Bay. 

 This is not your typical Christmas story, it s so much better than that. It is real, the characters felt like friends by the end of the book, and I felt as thought I had been through the wringer a bit emotionally.  Throughout the book there are mini reveals, surprises and just so much goodness that if you are anything like me you won't want to put the book down. 

Jessica Redland is already becoming for me a drop everything and read author, I had the book less than 24 hours before I had to start it,  If you haven't taken note of this author yet and tried her you are missing out.  I am starting to firmly believe she is destined for big things.  

Thank you to Jessica Redland for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily, 

Book Review - Callie's Christmas Wish by Jessica Redland

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Amazon UK

Title: Callie's Christmas Wish

Author: Jessica Redland

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Little Bear Books

Publication Date: 25th October 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Christmas is approaching and love is in the air at Bay View Care Home. Supervising carer, Callie Derbyshire, is blissfully happy with new boyfriend, Rhys. The tree’s up, the lights are twinkling, and, with the Christmas Eve wedding of one of the residents, Iris, to look forward to, everything is perfect.

Well, almost. 

Rhys’s ex has him at her beck and call, yet refuses to let Callie meet their baby daughter. Callie’s ex is intent on stirring up trouble. And Callie’s favourite resident, Rhys’s nanna, Ruby, hasn’t been her usual self since Iris announced her engagement.

Convinced that Ruby’s lonely, especially after discovering the truth about her lost love, Callie’s determined to give Ruby’s romantic story the happy ending it deserves. Ruby might be adamant that the past should be left in the past. But, when it comes to true love, surely a little well-meaning meddling and a Christmas wish or two can’t do any harm. After all, it’s never to late to let love in again. Or is it?

A heartwarming Christmas story of finding new love, and the courage to revisit a love that was lost long ago.

Beautifully written this is a book that will warm your heart on a cold winter's day.  It is charming, enchanting, with definitely some romance and just a smidgen of Christmas magic. 

This is a sequel to Raving About  Rhys but i do feel it can be read as a standalone, although the previous book is a fabulous short novella, so well worth a read in order, and it will give you a bit more of a connection to all the characters. 

I continually felt drawn to continue reading this story, I absolutely loved seeing how Callie and Rhys were getting on, and there are so many different threads of stories., It should in theory feel cluttered but instead, it was really simple to follow, and I loved the various complexities to it.  

It was also great to see the latest happenings with Ruby and when she finally divulges her past. It was a gripping tale and its from there you can really get a feel for what Callie's Christmas Wish will be.  

At around 50% there was a moment where I was thinking that would be a perfect ending and a lot of books would have potentially stopped there, but instead what I got was a brilliant second half with loads of threads tied up, plenty of emotion and a book that ultimately gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling. 

I really am starting to think that Jessica Redland is getting better and better with each book and I can't wait to read her second Christmas book for 2018.   This book wasn't over the top in festive feeling but it is perfect to read at any time of year, so don't delay and consider reading this very soon. 

Thank you to Jessica Redland for this copy which i have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Christmas at Carly's Cupcakes by Jessica Redland

Amazon UK

Title: Christmas at Carly's Cupcakes

Author: Jessica Redland

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied review copy

Publisher: Little Bear Books

Publication Date: 4th October 2017

Rating: 5 Stars

Christmas at Carly’s Cupcakes is a cosy heartwarming tale of friendship, family, putting the past behind, and embracing the future.

It’s Christmas in Whitsborough Bay. With fairy lights connecting the shops and cafés on either side of the cobbles, Castle Street seems magical. And in such a magical place, surely Christmas wishes can come true.

Carly Travis, owner of Carly’s Cupcakes, has two Christmas wishes this year. Her first is for her younger sister, Bethany, to focus on the positives in her life, including her Christmas wedding, instead of writing herself off as a failure. Bethany's attempts at cake-decorating aren't going to win any awards, but she’s certainly great with customers. Carly’s second wish is for her best friend, Liam, to come home for Christmas.

When Liam calls to say he’s been granted leave from the army, Carly makes a third Christmas wish. It’s the one she’s made every year since she was a teenager and, if she’s really brave, could this be the year when it finally comes true?

With Liam coming home, the shop having its best year yet, and a wedding to look forward to, it’s shaping up to be the best Christmas ever for Carly. But for Bethany, things are starting to unravel …

I do love a good cupcake and Carly's cupcakes is filled to the brim with cakes, icing, funny moments and a story of two sisters. 

One sister is lucky in love, unlucky in career choices, is a bit clumsy and suffers from self esteem issues. The other has a fabulous cake shop, but is lusting after her best friend who is away with the army.  Two very different sisters in one run up to Christmas including bitchy bridesmaids, some slight icing disasters, self esteem issues and fingers crossed a happy ending for each of them. 

This is another fabulous return to Whitsborough Bay, and I always love seeing what previous main characters are getting up to now. It is a location that is really starting to feel very familiar to me, having read seven books there so far, and I just love it and the people.  Christmas at Carly's Cupcakes though is a completely standalone novella, you don't need any prior knowledge to enjoy it. 

Bethany as a character that frustrated me, Carly's younger sister who is convinced everything she touches will go wrong. I wanted to knock some sense into her, as she had plenty of good points, in amongst the ditzy, clumsiness of her nature. It is clear though how much her fiance loves her. 

Carly just has the magic touch when it comes to cakes, she is imaginative and very creative and I loved the thoughts of all of her Christmas cakes and celebration cakes. I could really picture them and taste, and just wish I had had some cupcakes to hand while reading this story. 

Another thoroughly enjoyable book by Jessica Redland that I loved every second of. 

Thank you to Jessica Redland for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Charlee and the Chocolate Shop by Jessica Redland

Amazon UK

Title: Charlee and the Chocolate Shop

Author: Jessica Redland

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Little Bear Books

Publication Date: 1st October 2017

Rating: 5 Stars

Charlee and the Chocolate Shop is a heart-warming tale of family and friendship.

Master chocolatier, Charlee Chambers, has plenty to be excited about as Christmas approaches. She’s moved in with her boyfriend, Darren, and she’s about to open a chocolate shop, following in her late granddad’s footsteps. If only Darren would show more interest in helping her refurbish Charlee’s Chocolates ready for a December opening.

When water starts pouring through the shop ceiling, and Darren can’t be contacted to help, emergency plumber Matt comes to the rescue. From that moment on, Matt does more to support Charlee in achieving her dreams than Darren ever has, and she finds herself drawn to him. But Matt’s engaged and Charlee loves Darren … doesn’t she? And Darren loves her … or at least, she thinks he does, but he's been behaving a little strangely recently.

Then Charlee discovers that Darren has a secret. But so does Matt. And so, it seems, does the woman who abandoned her at birth ...

Warning! Have chocolate by your side as you read this. I'm regretting finishing this so late at night as I am suddenly craving Christmas chocolates like the one Charlee has in her chocolate shop, and just wishing I could reach between the pages, grab some and eat them. 

For this book really is a tale of two Christmases, and of Charlee, her best friend Jodie, boyfriend Darren, hot plumber Matt, a heart warming story about family, and a lot more besides.  

As a fan of Jessica Redland it was fantastic to be back in Whitsborough Bay and to see quite a few familiar faces from her previous books. If you haven't read them despite missing out, it own't matter for the purposes of this story, they are an added extra bonus for her regular readers. 

Half the book is set a year before the other, and it highlights just how much difference a year can make to your fortunes, hence the two Christmases. It is beautifully written, the descriptions are fantastic and I really do want to visit the chocolate shop and hear even more about being a master chocolatier. 

There are ups and downs, sections filled with emotion and then others that will make you smile, It truly is a gem of a book, and I'm already looking forward to meeting Carly from tee Cupcake shop who has been mentioned a few times during this story. 

Thank you to Jessica Redland for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Bear With Me by Jessica Redland

Amazon UK

Title: Bear With Me

Author: Jessica Redland

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Little Bear Books

Publication Date: 25th April 2017

Rating: 4 Stars

Jemma has the job of her dreams as curator for the children’s section of a museum in London. She spends each day surrounded by the one thing she’s absolutely passionate about: teddy bears. When boyfriend, Scott, shows a genuine interest in her passion instead of laughing at her for “playing with teddies all day”, she knows he’s a keeper.

Returning home to the North Yorkshire seaside town of Whitsborough Bay to celebrate her birthday, Jemma thinks she’s heading for her happy-ever-after when Scott unexpectedly proposes. So, a few days later, why isn’t he retuning her calls or responding to her texts?

Julie has always been a wonderful single mother to Jemma and her little brother, Sean. As owner of specialist teddy bear shop, Bear With Me, and the creative genius behind the successful range of Ju-Sea Bears, she inspires Jemma with her ability to balance a demanding career with home life. So why is the shop now in disarray and why is Sean so upset?

Sam thought he had his future all worked out. With a promising career, a home, and a devoted fiancée, life was looking good. But now he’s all alone in a strange city, far from everyone and everything he cares about, struggling to rebuild the tatters of his life. Did he do the right thing by running away? What does the future hold and is he strong enough to face it?

Sometimes love finds us when we least expect it. But sometimes love leaves us, just as unexpectedly. When you’ve loved and lost, can you bear to let love in again?

Bear With Me, as all will be revealed …

I'm not really sure what I was expecting from Bear With Me, other than a lot of teddy bears. Now there is a bear bias, with beary honey jokes, but there is also a whole lot more to this book than may first meet the eye. 

The book focuses on two main characters and for a fair amount of the story, I couldn't work out how their stories would connect, until I suddenly started to make the basic connections. Both Jemma and Sam have things in common, have both encountered recent heart ache, and in Jemma's case has a whole of of other things going on in her life. 

The story covers grief, horrible disease diagnosis, mental health worries, secrets and lies, new friendships, family and the promise of a brighter future.  Every now and then a revelation would appear in the story that left me reeling. 

Neither Sam nor Jemma have an easy time of it in this book, both have been very unlucky in love for various reasons. Yet there are some light hearted moments too for balance, its just a really good book. 

If you have read any of Jessica Redlands Whitsborough Bay series, then you will recognise a couple of faces that put in an appearance in this book., but its not necessary to have read them, as this works as a standalone. Was lovely to be able to return to the North Yorkshire seaside. 

The story is a bit of a rollercoaster, in a good way. I found myself wishing that Sam and Jemma's lives were slightly less fraught with problems, but there is an ease and tenderness in the dialogue between the pair that I loved to read. 

Overall a really well written story that touches on some difficult subjects in a sensitive way. 

Thank you to Jessica Redland for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Dreaming About Daran by Jessica Redland

Amazon UK

Title: Dreaming About Daran

Author: Jessica Redland

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Little Bear Books

Publication Date: 9th January 2017

Rating: 5 Stars

Where do you go when it's your own past you're running from?

Sometimes, you can run from the past, but you can't hide. Since the age of sixteen, Clare O'Connell has lived her life by four strict rules:
1. Don't talk about Ireland
2. Don't think about Ireland
3. Don't go to Ireland
4. Don't let anyone in

And so far, it's worked well. She's got a great career, some amazing friends, and she's really happy. The future's all that counts, isn't it?

When her boss insists she travels to Ireland to repair a damaged relationship with a key client. Clare finds herself drawn back to the village of Ballykielty where she comes face to face with the one person she'd hoped never, ever to see again.

With the door to her past now wide open, the first three rules have gone out of the window. Can Clare stick to rule number four?

In the last year or so since I had visited Whitsborough Bay, I had clearly put aside in my mind just how much I loved this series, and thus I was even more impressed while I was reading Dreaming About Daran to see just how much story, and backstory and all around depth had been jammed into this book. 


Early on  in the book, I did wonder if I was watching an episode of Neighbours, as I had seen very similar storylines in the soap over the past couple of years, but as I was drawn into what was happening between the pages, I was just absorbed into the story. 

For Dreaming About Daran focuses on Claire, the third of the friendship group introduced in Searching for Steven, and I think Claire has definitely got the best of the three books. She has also had the toughest of childhoods and pasts, which shocked me as the truth of her past slowly came out. 

Claire doesn't let anyone get close to her, not since she was 16 , where she was forced to leave Ireland and has never been back since, until she is forced to for work, which starts triggering all sorts of memories, flashbacks and a reminder that she perhaps really needs to deal with the past.

Forgive me for being cryptic, but so much of the plot is wrapped is started from that work trip to Ireland, and is written so well in the book, I would make a hash of it by trying to explain. 

Not only we learn about Claire's past, but we also catch up with Elise and Sarah, and see just how their stories are progressing. This is the third book in a trilogy and it can easily be read as a standalone. However for fans of the series, this ties up a lot of loose ends, brings the trilogy to a natural close, while still packing in so much in its 330 pages. 

Dreaming About Daran was a pleasure to read, and I'm sure some will need a box of tissues to deal with some parts of the book. Of course this does have a romance in it, although I was fairly sure I knew who Claire would end up with, my thoughts on that changed half a a dozen times as more about the characters are revealed. 

With a story that takes in Leeds, Whitsborough Bay and also Ireland this is a fabulous story, and is a fitting end to what has been a really enjoyable trilogy. I am really eager to see what Jessica Redland will write next, as if its even half as good as Dreaming About Daran then I'm sure it will be fantastic. 

Thank you to Netgalley for this copy of the book which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Getting Over Gary by Jessica Redland

Amazon UK

Title: Getting Over Gary (Whitsborough Bay Book 2)

Author: Jessica Redland

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: So Vain Books

Publication Date: 3rd March 2016

Rating: 4 Stars

It was supposed to be the perfect fairy-tale. Elise married her childhood sweetheart, Gary, straight out of college, and they’ve been happy together for over twelve years. Elise is now desperate to start a family, but Gary doesn’t seem to share her enthusiasm anymore. Arriving home early from a party, she discovers why: Gary’s been keeping a secret from her. A very big secret. 

While her own marriage appears to be falling apart, being a supportive bridesmaid for her best friend, Sarah, isn’t easy. Especially not when Clare, her nemesis from day one, is one of the other bridesmaids. If she’s going to get through it, she needs to put her own feelings aside, find herself again, and get over Gary. Fast. 

Could recently-divorced Daniel be the tonic Elise needs, or is he full of secrets and lies too? Is his hostile, but strangely attractive brother, Michael, the genuine article instead? And why do the good guys like Stevie turn her down? 

But then Elise discovers she has a secret of her own and getting over Gary suddenly becomes the least of her worries…

Having really enjoyed Searching for Steven, I was very curious to see what Jessica Redland's new book would be like. Imagine my delight when I see that it centres around Elise, who is Sarah's best friend, and as a result we get to see more of Sarah who I really liked in the first book, and more of various characters that I already knew. 

Before I go any further, although this is a sequel, or continuation of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone, as the focus of main character is completely different. As mentioned though there are recurring characters, and I really do hope we will get to know even more of the lovely characters in Whitsborough Bay in the future). 

Elise gets the surprise of her life when she arrives home early and catches her husband up to no good. Not only is he up to no good, but he has been living a lie for his whole life. Obviously the marriage is pretty much over at this point, and its up to Elise to get over her soon to be ex husband Gary. 

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. 

And then there are the potential men who could be the ones to help Elise get over Gary for good. They include brothers Michael and Daniel, who couldn't be more different, as well as friend Stevie. Since this is fiction, and of course it wouldn't be anywhere near as interesting a story with just all that going on, there are then some hidden unforeseen complications too, just to really mess with Elise's head. 

I loved the sense of humour in the writing, and the complicated situation Elise manoevered herself into. At one point you need to try and keep up with who knows what and why , about a secret. 

I'm becoming a real fan of Jessica Redland's Whitsborough Bay series, and can't wait for the next installment. If you like a good romantic comedy, that has some sticky situations and a bit of depth to it, then I would recommend you try this book. 

Thanks to Netgalley and So Vain Books for this review copy. This was my honest opinion. 

Happy Publication Day to Jessica Redland. Getting Over Gary is out today!

Book Review - Searching for Steven by Jessica Redland

Amazon UK

Title: Searching for Steven: What If You Already Know Your Future... but Not the Path to Take You There? (Whitsborough Bay Book 1)

Author: Jessica Redland

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: So Vain Books

Publication Date: 3rd June 2015

Rating: 4 Stars

When Sarah Peterson accepts her Auntie Kay’s unexpected offer to take over her florist’s shop, she’s prepared for a change of job, home and lifestyle. What she isn’t prepared for is the discovery of a scarily accurate clairvoyant reading that’s been missing for twelve years. All her predictions have come true, except one: she’s about to meet the man of her dreams. Oh, and his name is Steven. 

Suddenly Stevens are everywhere. Could it be the window cleaner, the rep, the manager of the coffee shop, or any of the men she’s met online? 

On top of that, she finds herself quite attracted to a handsome web designer, but his name isn't even Steven... 

During this unusual search, will Sarah find her destiny? 

I loved the idea behind this book, the idea of a clairvoyant accurately predicting the name of your future soul mate  and the person you are destined to marry. It sounded like a great twist for a chick-lit book, so couldn't resist requesting a review copy via netgalley. This is my honest review. 

When we first meet Sarah, its her 29th birthday and she is half expecting a proposal from her boyfriend, but she is very disappointed by his present. Fast forward to her 30th birthday and we get an idea of what happened in the in-between months. Ultimately she breaks up with him, and runs back to Yorkshire and seeks solace with her Auntie Kay. 

Her Auntie Kay has the opportunity of a lifetime for Sarah She is gifting Sarah, her flower shop, as Kay is about to go travelling around the world, and its Sarah's to do with as she likes. After a bit of deliberation Sarah decides to give it a go, she always was good at florist. 

While packing up her life in London, Sarah and her two best friends Clara and Elise come across an old cassette tape, which turns out to be a reading a clairvoyant did for her, at a friends 18th birthday (Sarah was too drunk to remember the original), and is a forecast of what her life for the next 10-15 years will be like. Sarah is now 30, but can't resist listening to the tape to see what it says. 

There are a lot of scarily true predictions, but the main thing that stands out, is that she will marry a man called Steven. 

So as Sarah embarks on setting up her new business she is also hyper aware of any Stevens she meets. The search takes her through many hilarious encounters, and its hard to see how hard her heart is torn between an old flame, and a new potential flame, although one of them isn't called Steven. 

Searching for Steven is a very entertaining story, full of moments that will make you chuckle. It is a book that will make you laugh and I loved seeing Sarah search for her soulmate. 

Her two best friends are hilarious and complete opposites. Clara thinks clairvoyants are rubbish and is very sceptical, and Elise married her childhood sweetheart and is very into all that "hippy stuff". 

I found Searching for Steven to be an enjoyable story, and I loved Sarah's complete belief in romance and true love. The assorted male interests in the story are from all ranges of the spectrum, especially the ones from the internet dating!

Happy Publication Day Jessica! Searching for Steven is out today!

Book Review - Raving About Rhys by Jessica Redland

Amazon UK

Title:  Raving About Rhys

Author: Jessica Redland

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: So Vain Books

Publication Date: 12th May 2015

Rating: 4 Stars

Bubbly Callie Derbyshire loves her job as a carer, and can’t believe she’s finally landed herself a decent boyfriend – older man Tony – who’s lasted way longer than the usual disastrous three months. Tony’s exactly what she’s always dreamed of… or at least he would be if he ever took her out instead of just taking her to bed. And work would be perfect too if she wasn’t constantly in trouble with her boss, The She-Devil Denise. 

When the new gardener, Mikey, discovers her in a rather compromising position at work, Callie knows that her days at Bay View Care Home could be numbered. Can she trust him not to tell Denise? If she was issued with her marching orders, who’ll look out for her favourite client, Ruby, whose grandson, Rhys, seems to constantly let her down? What does Ruby know about Tony? And what is Denise hiding? 

Surrounded by secrets and lies, is there anyone left who Callie can trust?

It was while I was writing my review for Searching For Steven, that I discovered this novella even existed, and even happier to get a review copy from Netgalley and So Vain Books the next day. This is my honest review. 

Callie, very clearly loves her job at the care home. Although they are not meant to have favourites she clearly has an affinity to a woman called Ruby. There are many conversations between Ruby and Callie, and Ruby offers advice on all sorts of topics, including men. She can't stop raving about her amazing grandson Rhys, although Callie has never seen any evidence that he exists,

Callie's relationship with boyfriend of 10 months, Tony isn't going so well. All he ever wants to do is stay in and have sex, and Callie wants more than that, but can't quite bring herself to end it. 

Meanwhile, there is a new gardener at the care home, Mikey. He first meets Callie, when she is in a rather compromising position, and it takes a while for anything resembling a friendship to form. 

This is a lovely story, with quite a few twists. I loved what a caring character Callie was, she clearly has great empathy for everyone. However she does seem to be picked on by her boss Denise (referred to as The She-Devil). 

Mikey was a lovely man, and I was rather taken with him myself.  

And then there is the elusive Rhys. When we get to meet him, I can understand exactly why Ruby was continually raving about him. He's fabulous. 

This is a sweet romantic story about following your heart, and is an excellent debut novella from Jessica Redland. Having already read Searching For Stephen, I will just say some of these characters will recur in it, and so does the lovely location.  Jessica Redland is definitely an author worth keeping an eye on.

My review of Searching for Stephen will be posted on 3rd June 2015, so if this review has whetted your appetite, then please do come back.