Guest Review: Sunshine After the Rain by Jessica Redland

Melanie knows she’s been running away... But maybe there really is no place like home 🌈

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.

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? 🌧️☀️

Review: This is the fourth book in Jessica Redland’s Escape to the Lakes series, stories in this series being set in the Lake District, primarily in the vicinity of the town of Keswick. Having read the previous books in the series, I was hoping to meet up again with some familiar characters, and indeed there were quite a few. This and the previous books could be read as standalone stories, as any important links to other parts are explained where required. A helpful list of recurring characters is included at the beginning of the book.

This story centres on Mel, a troubled lady who has spent the last seven years living on her own far away from her family and home in the Lake District village of Willowdale. Her decision to leave behind the life she loved followed a tragic event which left her bewildered and unable to cope with the familiar people and places around her. However, when she is persuaded to attend a family gathering in Willowdale, she realises that it may be time for her to move back to her home village. She is glad that she made that decision when she lands a dream job planning the renovation of Willowdale Hall, and living on the premises. There she also has the opportunity to help with the alpacas and horses who live on the estate. As she settles into village life, making new friends and spending time with her family again, Mel finds that the dark clouds in her mind are gradually clearing. The really big obstacle in her life is meeting up with Flynn, the man who was always the love of her life. Can he let her back into his heart and forgive her for leaving him behind without explanation all those years ago?

This was a very emotional but heart-warming story that I can thoroughly recommend. It was full of family and friendship helping to provide hope for the future. Mel is such a lost soul, and, as her backstory gradually unfolds, it is hard not to shed more than a few tears for her. She had been through a dreadful time, causing her to literally run away from her situation. I loved her large family who were willing to offer her support and then the new friends she made who were there for her as well. Quite apart from them, there was the lovely Flynn, who was destined, it seemed, to come back into her life. I am bursting to tell you all that he did for Mel, but no spoilers, it’s all there in the book. As always, I loved the setting for this story. The glory of the Lake District scenery is brought to life in Jessica Redland’s writing. I could easily picture the lake with the mountains rising up behind, and better still with an alpaca lying in the water humming to itself. Even if you have not read any of the other books in this series, give this one a try; I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

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Guest Review: A Secret Escape by Sarah Morgan

A lifelong friendship

Childhood friends Milly and Nicole had always been more like sisters so Milly never understood why Nicole dropped out of contact all those months ago. Milly buried that hurt and moved on with her life

A call for help

Now, suddenly, Nicole is begging for Milly’s help. She needs somewhere private to hide, and the only safe place she can think of is Milly's holiday home business in the Lake District. Milly knows she should tell Nicole no, but she can’t ignore the desperation in her old friend’s voice so, despite her misgivings, she agrees to let Nicole stay.

A summer to reconnect

Over a summer of tentative conversations, the two women begin to reconnect, and there’s a potential new romance for Milly too. But then the biggest bombshell of all lands and their delicate friendship is put to the test once more …

Can the friends come together in this time of need, or will this summer break their bond forever?

Review: As a confirmed fan of Sarah Morgan’s writing, I was excited to read her summer book for 2025. I always look forward to finding out where her story will be set and was delighted to discover that the action this time takes place in the Lake District, one of my favourite areas of England. Sarah’s books are always full of family and friendships, and I could see from the start that this one was going to be no exception. I was hooked from the first few pages.

The story centres on Milly and Nicole. Although they have been best friends since childhood, Milly has not heard from Nicole for 18 months until she is suddenly contacted by her and asked for an enormous favour. Nicole has got herself into trouble and needs somewhere to hide while the fuss calms down. Against her better judgement, Milly agrees to smuggle Nicole into her Lake District resort and keep her concealed there until she decides what to do with her life. Milly’s annoyance and hurt at having been ghosted by her friend gradually subsides as they talk, but Nicole is keeping one big secret from Milly, and that is something that could destroy their friendship forever when it comes out. Even as the friends are rekindling their relationship, romance is bubbling under the surface for both of them.

I highly recommend this book, which I absolutely devoured within no time at all. It has so much to grab the reader’s attention, with stunning central characters as well as a host of others who you want to get to know. The story includes four generations of women in Milly’s family. Then there is the beautiful location. Milly’s holiday resort has fabulous luxury cabins set on the shores of a lake in one of the loveliest parts of the UK. Add in not one but two handsome and sensitive men and who could want for more? I always enjoy Sarah’s books, but this one has to be one of her best; definitely one not to miss this summer.

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Guest Review: Slow Burn Summer by Josie Silver

Sometimes pretending to be someone else helps you figure out who you really are…

Freshly divorced and in need of a job – Kate Elliot’s life needs a rewrite. So when she unearths an old letter from her ex-talent agent, Jojo Francisco – she takes it as a sign from the universe to brush off her old acting skills and become someone else entirely.

Meanwhile, Charlie Francisco is back from LA, leaving his dumpster fire of a life behind. He may be well over his head in filling the shoes of his late eccentric father but he is determined to prove he can, and he might just have the job for Kate: to pose as the author for a novel that the real writer wants nothing to do with. It’s not quite the glamorous gig she was hoping for, but he’s looking for a nobody and she needs cash fast.

When Kate and Charlie meet they’re all friction and sparks, but they have one thing in common – they’re determined to play their parts. But as the summer heat ups and the lies get bigger and bigger, can they stick to their lines or will they go off-script?

Review: I have previously read and thoroughly enjoyed some of Josie Silver’s books and was looking forward to reading this one after being intrigued by its synopsis. This proved to be one of those stories which had me pulled in after just a few pages and kept me captivated right to the end.

The story concerns Kate Elliott, who, as she approaches her fortieth birthday, finds herself in need of a job. She has recently parted from her husband and is living alone and practically penniless in a studio apartment, her daughter having left for university. Having been an actor earlier in her life, she writes to her old agent in case he can get her any work. Her letter is answered by her agent’s son, Charlie Francisco, who has unwillingly taken over his late father’s business. Charlie is in an unusual position and thinks that Kate may be just the person he is looking for. He is in possession of an amazing book written by a well-known crime writer who doesn’t want his identity as the author of this romance revealed. Could Kate be willing to act as author of this book for the purposes of cover photos, interviews, book signings etc.? Even she wouldn’t be aware of the author’s identity. After consideration and with a few misgivings, Kate agrees and begins the process of becoming the book’s author. Everything becomes more and more complicated as the book is released to great acclaim, Kate is expected to play her part more widely and at the same time Kate and Charlie become closer. As the lies build up, is there a disaster waiting to happen?

I loved this book from start to finish, with its drama, real-life situations and big doses of humour. Its storyline and characters stayed with me long after I had finished reading. The idea that somebody could play the part of an author, with the accompanying complications intrigued me. I couldn’t decide whether Kate was very brave or very foolish to agree. All the way through the story, the tension was built up very skilfully. I was on the edge of my seat waiting for the whole scheme to explode and wondering what the ramifications would be. The relationship developing between Kate and Charlie was certainly a slow burn romance. There was so much else going on in the story that it almost happened without being noticed. I was certainly drawn into this book and would recommend it to other readers; I hope they enjoy it as much as I did.

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Books I Read in Q2 of 2025

 Here's everything I read in the second quarter of 2025... finally getting to some of those books on my TBR!

Guest Review: Date With Destiny by Julia Chapman

From death to danger and malice to mystery, Samson and Delilah have weathered many storms. Finally, things should be going smoothly. Except life’s never that simple in Bruncliffe, is it?

As the couple are beset with worries about their upcoming wedding, a charismatic celebrity comes knocking on the Dales Detective Agency’s door, seeking their services. Samson is initially reluctant to help, for many reasons. But things quickly escalate following a shocking murder at Fellside Court and, as a friend comes under suspicion, Samson and Delilah must set aside their personal problems to catch a killer.

In a case that will bring so many of Bruncliffe’s secrets out into the open, this final investigation for the Dales Detectives may be the one that breaks them for ever . . .

Review: This is the tenth, and final, book in the Dales Detective Series from this author. I have followed this series from the start and have loved watching a sometimes stormy relationship developing between detective Samson O’Brien and IT specialist and Dales Dating Agency proprietor Delilah Metcalfe. The stories in this series are set in the Yorkshire Dales, an area of the UK with stunning scenery. Each of the books in the series can be read as a standalone story, even though there are many recurring characters, most of whom I would love to meet, having learnt so much about them.

In this story, the little town of Bruncliffe is buzzing with the arrival of fashion designer and TV personality Tyke, once a local lad. In addition, his uncle Vinny, also well known on TV, has recently taken up residence in Fellside Court, the local retirement complex. When it seems that Tyke’s life is being threatened, he calls upon the Dales Detective Agency, and Samson in particular, to watch over him. However, the community is suddenly shocked by a murder at Fellside Court, and Samson and Delilah must turn their attention to helping police solve the crime. Secrets are coming out of the woodwork, casting suspicion on some locals. All of this with Samson and Delilah’s wedding day drawing ever closer, and it seems as though Delilah may be finding it all too stressful.

I really enjoyed this last tale in the series. I am certainly going to miss reading about Bruncliffe and its inhabitants. Julia Chapman writes so well about these local people that you feel you know each character, or someone very like them. This was a very exciting story in itself, keeping the reader guessing all the way through to the very end. As usual, one of my favourite characters was Tolpuddle, Delilah’s faithful Weimaraner who played a big part in the story from start to finish. I am also a fan of Ida, who has blossomed as the series has progressed to become a big part of the investigative team while still making the most heavenly sounding bacon sandwiches. Once again I can recommend this book and this entire series; they form so much more than just another series of cosy crime fiction books.

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Guest Review: The Lighthouse Daughters of Puffin Island by Christie Barlow

A blast from her past…

Having narrowly avoided losing everything to her romance scammer ex, artist Delilah Waters is done with men and focused entirely on her quest to buy Puffin Island’s magical lighthouse. It’s a crucial piece of her own family’s history and the perfect space to turn into her home. But then Max Harrington walks through her door.

…puts her future in question.

Her feelings for her former art teacher might have been forbidden at the time, but now he’s back, and single, and there’s no denying that the attraction is mutual! But when something seems too good to be true, it normally is, and Dilly soon makes a shocking discovery that changes everything for her and Max. Now she’ll have to call upon the same fortitude as her beloved lighthouse if she’s to weather the storm headed her way…

Review: This is the second book in the Puffin Island series from this author. The small island is joined to the mainland by a causeway which can be crossed only at certain states of the tide. As well as being home to a large colony of puffins, the island has a close community of human inhabitants and is popular with tourists. At one time, ships passing near the island were protected from treacherous waters by its lighthouse and the keepers who maintained its warning beam. This book can be read as a standalone for those who haven’t read the first in the series.

This story features local artist and gallery owner Delilah (Dilly) Waters, whose late mother was actually born in the Puffin Island lighthouse. When it is announced that the building is to be put up for auction, Dilly is desperate to win the lighthouse and make it her home. Having recently had a narrow escape from a man who tried to con her out of her inheritance, Dilly has sworn off romance, but when a face from her past walks into the gallery, that may change. Max Harrington was Dilly’s art teacher at college. She had feelings for him then, which of course she had to ignore, but she realises that she is still attracted to him now. What’s more, it turns out that her feelings are reciprocated. However, Dilly makes a shock discovery that may prove an obstacle to any relationship developing with Max. It also turns out that there is a long-held secret waiting to be discovered.

This was an enjoyable book that I am happy to recommend. It was good to return to Puffin Island and meet up once more with some of the inhabitants who featured in the last book in the series. Dilly and Max were both likeable characters who seemed made for each other, but needed plenty of strength to overcome the hurdles being thrown in their direction. I loved Dilly’s idea of making the lighthouse into her home. I managed to guess the secret that was revealed later in the book, but that didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the story. Once again, I was fascinated by Puffin Island; it sounds a really lovely place to visit and I look forward to learning more about it in the next book in this series.

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Book Review: It's Getting Hot in Here by Jane Costello

Lisa Darling - high-flying TV-exec and twice-divorced mother-of-two - has enough on her plate without having to deal with the handsome New Yorker parachuted in to her best friend's job at work.

She's already navigating life with a grotty teenage son, organising a PTA cheese & wine event, supporting her oldest friend through breast cancer treatment and, since she hit 47, facing a new perimenopause symptom every day. It's no wonder she never has time for Pilates or that DIY panelling she keeps seeing on Instagram (though she'd be the first to admit she'd rather share a bottle of wine with her friends any day).

So when Lisa starts feeling overheated every time she clashes with Zach Russo, she convinces herself it will pass. Maybe her HRT just needs adjusting. Until, that is, she finds herself in a sexy - and seriously ill-advised - clinch with him. And then another...

All of which leads to one question: these long-forgotten feelings couldn't be caused by something else entirely... could they?

Review: Jane Costello is back and is making me laugh the way I have known and loved for so many years now. I love that authors I read in my 20s and 30 when they were writing about women like me in their 20s and 30s are now updating the narrative and writing about women like me in their 40s and 50s! I am here for all of it!

I loved getting to know Lisa and her to do list. Even though I don’t have the kids and the ex-husband that she has to deal with, I still absolutely related to her and her never ending to do list, her stressful job and the fact that she is the only one to volunteer for the PTFA events, the note taking and the clearing out of the hamster she didn’t actually ever want! She is a feisty individual and is just trying to live her life and do right by her friends, she family and most-importantly her two sons!

Then along comes Zach, covering in the media world for her best friend and he reality throws a spanner into her works. This is where all of the best romance tropes are hit, this author was really going for the bingo card of situations she could put Zach and Lisa into. This made me laugh but also made me incredibly frustrated (in a good way) at times too because I just wanted everything to work out for Lisa. 

Although there are a lot of laughs in this book, there are also other parts that I am sure a lot of readers will relate to that are all parts of life when you’re in your 40s, lille having a friend who is dealing with cancer, having a lot of people let you down on a daily basis and having a son who is doing everything he can to assert his own identity by rebelling against you! I also loved the parts where she had last minute things for school come through and didn’t know how maths works in school today-very relatable!

If you are already a fan of Jane Costello, you will not be disappointed in this book and if this is the first time you have picked up a novel of hers, you are in for a treat! I loved every minute of this, I can really recommend the audio and I can’t wait for the next book that is out soon!

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