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Whitsborough Bay #1
Searching for Steven
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?
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?
300 pages, Paperback
First published June 3, 2015
1499 people are currently reading
1921 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Redland
38 books1,116 followersI was born in Teesside but now live in Scarborough on the stunning North Yorkshire Coast. My home inspired the creation of the fictional seaside town of Whitsborough Bay where I set many of my books although the Hedgehog Hollow series takes readers to a gorgeous new countryside setting in the Yorkshire Wolds.
I live with my husband, our teenage daughter and sprocker spaniel, Ella. I'm a self-confessed stationery addict with a ridiculously large collection of notepads who loves chocolate (although it doesn't love me), hedgehogs, 80s music, collectible teddy bears and lighthouses.
Other than a career detour into retail to set up and run my own teddy bear shop (the inspiration for novel Bear With Me), I've always worked in HR, specialising in resourcing, coaching and L&D. Writing always had to take a back seat to the day job until June 2020 when I left the world of HR to become a full-time author. I'm so very grateful to anyone who has bought or borrowed my books in whatever format, helping me fulfil a long-held dream of writing full-time. I still can't believe I get to spend every day chatting to my fictional friends and making stuff up.
I live with my husband, our teenage daughter and sprocker spaniel, Ella. I'm a self-confessed stationery addict with a ridiculously large collection of notepads who loves chocolate (although it doesn't love me), hedgehogs, 80s music, collectible teddy bears and lighthouses.
Other than a career detour into retail to set up and run my own teddy bear shop (the inspiration for novel Bear With Me), I've always worked in HR, specialising in resourcing, coaching and L&D. Writing always had to take a back seat to the day job until June 2020 when I left the world of HR to become a full-time author. I'm so very grateful to anyone who has bought or borrowed my books in whatever format, helping me fulfil a long-held dream of writing full-time. I still can't believe I get to spend every day chatting to my fictional friends and making stuff up.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews
June 9, 2018
Book Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com
Sarah Peterson has dumped her firefighter boyfriend Jason, given up her job in the city and moved back to the place she calls home. The night before she moves out of her apartment she discovers an old tape from an 18th birthday party she attended. The tape is of a clairvoyant reading she had done, but Sarah couldn’t remember the reading due to being so drunk.
The clairvoyant tells Sarah how her life will progress in the next 15 years. Listening to it, twelve years after it was recorded, Sarah discovers everything the clairvoyant told her would happen, has, even to her moving back home and her new adventure. She also tells her that a new man will come into her life, this is the man for her. His name is Steven.
Now Sarah is seeing Steven’s everywhere, starting with the window cleaner for her new florist shop, ‘Flowers’ gifted to her by her Aunty Kay who is off travelling around the world.
But with her eye on local man Nick, and her ex-boyfriend Jason turning up declaring his undying love for her, is Steven really the man for her?
Searching for Steven is an amusing look at one woman who desperately believes in love trying to find her happily-ever-after, she just needs to find the right man first and it seems that Steven is the one, well a clairvoyant has told her he is the one and everything else she told her has come true.
Sarah is a lovely young woman. I enjoyed getting to know her and follow her on her quest for true love. She also has two great best friends Claire and Elise (they can’t stand another). They are polar opposites. Claire is the posh, doesn’t want to settle down, likes to play the field, sceptical type woman who doesn’t believe a word that the clairvoyant has told Sarah. Elise married her true love many years ago, she is a big believer in ‘the one’ and a believer in what the clairvoyant had to say too.
With Steven’s everywhere, including those she meets via internet dating – I suppose it makes it easier to choose when you’re going by name and nothing else – surely there must be one with the right name waiting for her, but none seem right.
This is a great start to the ‘Welcome to Whitsborough Bay’ series. Jessica Redland’s writing is superb and the plot held my interest the whole way through. Does she end up with a Steven? You will have to read it yourself to find out.
Sarah Peterson has dumped her firefighter boyfriend Jason, given up her job in the city and moved back to the place she calls home. The night before she moves out of her apartment she discovers an old tape from an 18th birthday party she attended. The tape is of a clairvoyant reading she had done, but Sarah couldn’t remember the reading due to being so drunk.
The clairvoyant tells Sarah how her life will progress in the next 15 years. Listening to it, twelve years after it was recorded, Sarah discovers everything the clairvoyant told her would happen, has, even to her moving back home and her new adventure. She also tells her that a new man will come into her life, this is the man for her. His name is Steven.
Now Sarah is seeing Steven’s everywhere, starting with the window cleaner for her new florist shop, ‘Flowers’ gifted to her by her Aunty Kay who is off travelling around the world.
But with her eye on local man Nick, and her ex-boyfriend Jason turning up declaring his undying love for her, is Steven really the man for her?
Searching for Steven is an amusing look at one woman who desperately believes in love trying to find her happily-ever-after, she just needs to find the right man first and it seems that Steven is the one, well a clairvoyant has told her he is the one and everything else she told her has come true.
Sarah is a lovely young woman. I enjoyed getting to know her and follow her on her quest for true love. She also has two great best friends Claire and Elise (they can’t stand another). They are polar opposites. Claire is the posh, doesn’t want to settle down, likes to play the field, sceptical type woman who doesn’t believe a word that the clairvoyant has told Sarah. Elise married her true love many years ago, she is a big believer in ‘the one’ and a believer in what the clairvoyant had to say too.
With Steven’s everywhere, including those she meets via internet dating – I suppose it makes it easier to choose when you’re going by name and nothing else – surely there must be one with the right name waiting for her, but none seem right.
This is a great start to the ‘Welcome to Whitsborough Bay’ series. Jessica Redland’s writing is superb and the plot held my interest the whole way through. Does she end up with a Steven? You will have to read it yourself to find out.
June 4, 2018
Favorite Quote:
All that stuff today was just the icing on the cake; it’s all very nice but the cake is the best part and I already have the cake.
My Review:
I have gotten around to all the Whitsborough Bay stories and oddly enough have read the first one last, but it really didn’t matter, they could all stand on their own with independent and strong storylines. I have enjoyed this series with its quirky cast of characters and their amusing encounters and unique considerations. I hope there will be more as I enjoy Ms. Redland’s clever humor and engaging writing style. Her levity balances and tempers the angst and heart-squeezes. I adored the characters of Auntie Kay as well as Nick and Sarah and found Sarah’s attempts to locate her fated Steven to be pleasantly entertaining. The premise was original and interesting while the writing was fun and humorous yet also thoughtfully observant and insightful. And as always, Ms. Redland has provided me with new Brit vocabulary words, this time I have gleaned swot (studious), and pernickety (UK version of persnickety).
All that stuff today was just the icing on the cake; it’s all very nice but the cake is the best part and I already have the cake.
My Review:
I have gotten around to all the Whitsborough Bay stories and oddly enough have read the first one last, but it really didn’t matter, they could all stand on their own with independent and strong storylines. I have enjoyed this series with its quirky cast of characters and their amusing encounters and unique considerations. I hope there will be more as I enjoy Ms. Redland’s clever humor and engaging writing style. Her levity balances and tempers the angst and heart-squeezes. I adored the characters of Auntie Kay as well as Nick and Sarah and found Sarah’s attempts to locate her fated Steven to be pleasantly entertaining. The premise was original and interesting while the writing was fun and humorous yet also thoughtfully observant and insightful. And as always, Ms. Redland has provided me with new Brit vocabulary words, this time I have gleaned swot (studious), and pernickety (UK version of persnickety).
June 9, 2018
5☆ This truly is the perfect anytime read!
When Sarah, decides she's had enough of her fairly long term boyfriend they make an amicable decision to split up.
Sarah needs to get away so she goes to stay with her Aunt Kay.
However unbeknown to her Kay is eager to travel around the world with her friend and gets Sarah to agree to run the florist for her.
Whilst moving her things she comes across a tape of her goals and aims from her youth.
So far she's pretty much achieved not many of her goals.
But one thing stands out to her. She needs to find a Steven as he could hold the key to unlocking her heart.
I adored this charming and funny feel good read. I loved being a part of Sarah's quest to find ' the one '
The Characters are unique, fun and memorable.
The plot is engrossing, the writing style was engaging and entertaining and the romance fizzies along perfectly.
This truly is the perfect anytime read.
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
When Sarah, decides she's had enough of her fairly long term boyfriend they make an amicable decision to split up.
Sarah needs to get away so she goes to stay with her Aunt Kay.
However unbeknown to her Kay is eager to travel around the world with her friend and gets Sarah to agree to run the florist for her.
Whilst moving her things she comes across a tape of her goals and aims from her youth.
So far she's pretty much achieved not many of her goals.
But one thing stands out to her. She needs to find a Steven as he could hold the key to unlocking her heart.
I adored this charming and funny feel good read. I loved being a part of Sarah's quest to find ' the one '
The Characters are unique, fun and memorable.
The plot is engrossing, the writing style was engaging and entertaining and the romance fizzies along perfectly.
This truly is the perfect anytime read.
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
November 22, 2021
Another audible free listen. I was hoping for light and fluffy but this kind of irritated me more than it entertained. I loved the prospect of her taking over her aunt’s business and making it her own but couldn’t quite get why she was so obsessed over marrying someone- anyone- at such a time in her life. And there was no chemistry with anyone she dated, I was in the fence over her love triangle and absolutely nothing approaching heat, smut or humour with anyone so I wasn’t very engaged. There’s more in the series but I’m not into this I’m afraid. Complete story.
September 20, 2022
4.5 stars ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿
This series is so adorable, that it has become my Sunday go-to kindle read. However, I feel like I should take a breather so I can read more witchy/Halloweeny type books (buuuttt as I'm typing I'm downloading the third book, whoops).
Seriously Nick seems like Dr. McDreamy and Mr.Percfect combined, I really hope he appears in the rest of the series.
"The man with the eyes like the ocean. I definitely remembered him. My pulse quickened as I pictured him in his morning suit, looking at me intently".
And Sarah is a sweetheart who just doesn't know how to allow herself to be happy after years of nothingness relationships. Then all of a sudden she has to decide between two men who both seem great (could not relate more). She just needs to focus on how she feels and less on what she thinks will be right for her.
"In this new chapter of your life, there’ll be options presented to you and one key moment when you have to pick between two special men – one who meant a lot in your past and one who means a lot in your present – forcing you to choose between the familiar and the unknown. Make sure you follow your heart, not your head".
My Mom gave me similar advice years ago, thanks, Mom!
The friendship between Clare, Sarah, and Elise is very important in this book as well. I find it important that Sarah's two best friends don't like each other. Also something I have dealt with in my life.
"It hurt that my two closest friends hated each other and I was always stuck in the middle".
Maybe in the next book, we'll dive into one of their lives. Not sure, but I can't wait to find out.
This series is so adorable, that it has become my Sunday go-to kindle read. However, I feel like I should take a breather so I can read more witchy/Halloweeny type books (buuuttt as I'm typing I'm downloading the third book, whoops).
Seriously Nick seems like Dr. McDreamy and Mr.Percfect combined, I really hope he appears in the rest of the series.
"The man with the eyes like the ocean. I definitely remembered him. My pulse quickened as I pictured him in his morning suit, looking at me intently".
And Sarah is a sweetheart who just doesn't know how to allow herself to be happy after years of nothingness relationships. Then all of a sudden she has to decide between two men who both seem great (could not relate more). She just needs to focus on how she feels and less on what she thinks will be right for her.
"In this new chapter of your life, there’ll be options presented to you and one key moment when you have to pick between two special men – one who meant a lot in your past and one who means a lot in your present – forcing you to choose between the familiar and the unknown. Make sure you follow your heart, not your head".
My Mom gave me similar advice years ago, thanks, Mom!
The friendship between Clare, Sarah, and Elise is very important in this book as well. I find it important that Sarah's two best friends don't like each other. Also something I have dealt with in my life.
"It hurt that my two closest friends hated each other and I was always stuck in the middle".
Maybe in the next book, we'll dive into one of their lives. Not sure, but I can't wait to find out.
June 16, 2015
The blurb of this book made it sound really interesting, so I was glad when I received it after requesting it. However, I think the story could have been shortened a WHOLE lot. I mean, it was a touching story, but towards the middle I was pretty much done with it. I skimmed a bunch of pages looking for some meat or something different to happen. But it never did. I also wanted to slap Sarah for staying with Jason after those gym memberships. Right there, I thought what an eejit, but I trudged on. And it was cumbersome. To me, this was more like a YA where teenagers would be having these thoughts, not women close to 30.
I gave the book 3 stars, an extra for the time the author put into it.
Thanks So Vain and Net Galley for this free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
I gave the book 3 stars, an extra for the time the author put into it.
Thanks So Vain and Net Galley for this free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
February 20, 2023
I really enjoyed rereading this book (as an audiobook this time). I had a lot more patience with Sarah this time around. It won’t ever be my favourite Jessica Redland book, but I obviously wasn’t in the mood for a romance last time! The narration was really great, as well as the writing.
Previous review:
I only enjoyed about 40% of this book - from about 20% to about 60%. I found Sarah hard to stomach. I cannot understand why she had been with Jason for over 2 years, and has somehow not mentioned that she hates the fitness he’s really into. He doesn’t notice when she’s really upset. Then she stays with him, miserable, for another year! I then enjoyed the part from when she finally breaks up with him to when Andy reappears in her life. Then throughout the rest of the book, she takes totally unclear things she’s seen or heard, and doesn’t bother to verify them, or check with the man she’s decided is The One if they are true. I was simply left with the feeling that he deserved someone who is willing to check facts before abandoning the love of her life.
However, I did enjoy the section where Sarah was setting up her shop, and searching for Steven (before she realised who she was in love with). The premise of the book is amusing, but the execution is really not to my taste.
I was given a free copy of this book. My opinions are my own.
Previous review:
I only enjoyed about 40% of this book - from about 20% to about 60%. I found Sarah hard to stomach. I cannot understand why she had been with Jason for over 2 years, and has somehow not mentioned that she hates the fitness he’s really into. He doesn’t notice when she’s really upset. Then she stays with him, miserable, for another year! I then enjoyed the part from when she finally breaks up with him to when Andy reappears in her life. Then throughout the rest of the book, she takes totally unclear things she’s seen or heard, and doesn’t bother to verify them, or check with the man she’s decided is The One if they are true. I was simply left with the feeling that he deserved someone who is willing to check facts before abandoning the love of her life.
However, I did enjoy the section where Sarah was setting up her shop, and searching for Steven (before she realised who she was in love with). The premise of the book is amusing, but the execution is really not to my taste.
I was given a free copy of this book. My opinions are my own.
January 1, 2021
Luckily I have read two other books in this series that were very good. Had I started with this first in the series, I would have gone no further. The constant and repetitive words Stephen and "kiss kiss kiss" are very annoying and add nothing to the story. I really can't believe someone would ignore everything in her life to constantly run around looking for a Stephen to marry.
February 22, 2020
A beautiful book from the cover to the prose to the emotions. Jessica Redland's books make me feel all warm and gooey inside.
This book had Sarah's search for The One. An old clairvoyant prediction got her searching for a man called Steven who was to be her soul mate, in spite of being attracted to Nick. Suddenly, there was a spate of Stevens surrounding her, including an old boyfriend whose middle name was Steven. Whom would she choose?
Having read many of this author's books, I knew I would get a book with the feels. This had bucket loads of humor as Sarah kept searching for her Steven. Friendships bloomed with Clare and Elise. I loved how the author etched Sarah, slowly developing her down the pages from a woman who believed in prediction to someone who soon started trusting her heart.
The words by the author were captivating, the plot kept my curiosity ramped up. It was an amusing, lovable two hours where I knew HEA was a given, but the journey to that goal included a lot of soul searching and listening to friends. All that made it a rocking ride.
This book had Sarah's search for The One. An old clairvoyant prediction got her searching for a man called Steven who was to be her soul mate, in spite of being attracted to Nick. Suddenly, there was a spate of Stevens surrounding her, including an old boyfriend whose middle name was Steven. Whom would she choose?
Having read many of this author's books, I knew I would get a book with the feels. This had bucket loads of humor as Sarah kept searching for her Steven. Friendships bloomed with Clare and Elise. I loved how the author etched Sarah, slowly developing her down the pages from a woman who believed in prediction to someone who soon started trusting her heart.
The words by the author were captivating, the plot kept my curiosity ramped up. It was an amusing, lovable two hours where I knew HEA was a given, but the journey to that goal included a lot of soul searching and listening to friends. All that made it a rocking ride.
June 23, 2020
After three years Sarah is finally disillusioned with her commitment shy and insensitive partner Jason, and decides to call it a day. Leaving London for a weekend trip to her home town of Whitsborough Bay she’s sorry her parents are away fro the weekend, but she can catch up with her Auntie Kay. Kay owns and runs Seaside Blooms and Sarah has happy memories of helping in the flower shop. Little does she realise the shop would soon be hers and her home would be back in Whitsborough Bay.
[quote] ‘I’ve had an unexpected opportunity to travel round the world with my friend Linda and I’ve decided to take it. I want to retire and I want you to become the new owner of Seaside Blooms. Pretty much immediately.’ [unquote]
Sarah had made a life plan when she was quite young, down to when she’d meet her future husband and what her wedding dress would look like. Things hadn’t worked out quite as she’d hoped. During the process of packing her belongings she finds a long forgotten recording of a visit to a clairvoyant. The predictions had all been accurate apart from meeting her Mr Right, who the clairvoyant said would be named Steven. Badgered by one of her best friends she signs up to a dating agency.
I confess I did feel like giving Sarah a good shake once or twice, she was so Steven obsessed. And they kept cropping up everywhere, the good, the bad and downright awful. And suppose she’s already met and is drawn to someone whose name happens not to be Steven…
Despite her fixation with Stevens Sarah is someone with a relatable personality, worried about her weight, unsure if she wants or needs the pressure of running her own business and takes into account the opinions of her two best friends Elise and Clare who, incidentally, are complete opposites and only just tolerate each other for Sarah’s sake. Their animosity causes a few sparks to fly during some amusing scenes.
The characters are very well fleshed out, the writing style engaging and easy to read, and the story flows nicely with a character driven narrative. I enjoyed the descriptions of Sarah revamping the florist shop and setting up her business, also the relationships between the characters and the fact Sarah matured and took control of her life, learning lessons along the way.
[quote] ‘I’ve had an unexpected opportunity to travel round the world with my friend Linda and I’ve decided to take it. I want to retire and I want you to become the new owner of Seaside Blooms. Pretty much immediately.’ [unquote]
Sarah had made a life plan when she was quite young, down to when she’d meet her future husband and what her wedding dress would look like. Things hadn’t worked out quite as she’d hoped. During the process of packing her belongings she finds a long forgotten recording of a visit to a clairvoyant. The predictions had all been accurate apart from meeting her Mr Right, who the clairvoyant said would be named Steven. Badgered by one of her best friends she signs up to a dating agency.
I confess I did feel like giving Sarah a good shake once or twice, she was so Steven obsessed. And they kept cropping up everywhere, the good, the bad and downright awful. And suppose she’s already met and is drawn to someone whose name happens not to be Steven…
Despite her fixation with Stevens Sarah is someone with a relatable personality, worried about her weight, unsure if she wants or needs the pressure of running her own business and takes into account the opinions of her two best friends Elise and Clare who, incidentally, are complete opposites and only just tolerate each other for Sarah’s sake. Their animosity causes a few sparks to fly during some amusing scenes.
The characters are very well fleshed out, the writing style engaging and easy to read, and the story flows nicely with a character driven narrative. I enjoyed the descriptions of Sarah revamping the florist shop and setting up her business, also the relationships between the characters and the fact Sarah matured and took control of her life, learning lessons along the way.
June 3, 2015
This debut from Jessica Redmond is a little slice of chick-lit heaven. It has all the right ingredients; humour, romance, set-backs, misunderstandings and lots of best friend advice. Turning the pages of this novel is like picking up the phone to catch up with your childhood friend, who you haven't seen for a while. It's comfortable, heartwarming and endearing.
Sarah is far from perfect. She worries about her weight (don't we all), settles for the wrong men and depends a lot on her two best friend's opinions. When she relocates to her hometown, leaving her London life behind, she begins the search for Steven, which results in some hilarious encounters. Through it all, she has friends Elise and Clare, who are polar opposites but who have Sarah's best interests at heart. Aunty Kay is a wonderful character and I wish she was part of my life!
The writing is light, warm and flows nicely. Like all Rom-Coms, there is predictability, but the humour and clever character interaction keeps you hooked. The florist shop sounds divine and the local pubs and restaurants, featured in the book, make Sarah's hometown seem idyllic.
I am now officially a fan of Jessica Redland and can compare her with authors like Sophie Kinsella, Jenny Colgan and Claudia Carroll. Here's to another great women's fiction writer on the block...
Sarah is far from perfect. She worries about her weight (don't we all), settles for the wrong men and depends a lot on her two best friend's opinions. When she relocates to her hometown, leaving her London life behind, she begins the search for Steven, which results in some hilarious encounters. Through it all, she has friends Elise and Clare, who are polar opposites but who have Sarah's best interests at heart. Aunty Kay is a wonderful character and I wish she was part of my life!
The writing is light, warm and flows nicely. Like all Rom-Coms, there is predictability, but the humour and clever character interaction keeps you hooked. The florist shop sounds divine and the local pubs and restaurants, featured in the book, make Sarah's hometown seem idyllic.
I am now officially a fan of Jessica Redland and can compare her with authors like Sophie Kinsella, Jenny Colgan and Claudia Carroll. Here's to another great women's fiction writer on the block...
June 11, 2018
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
This was a really fun book and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
It is a fairly light-hearted read and it is not a long book to read but it packs in quite a lot of content. I really enjoyed the characters and their interaction - but at times I did want to give Sarah a big shake!
The writing style was great for the story and spot on for this genre. I loved the ending and it was the perfect one for me, suited the book very well.
Four stars from me - an enjoyable read and definitely recommended to fans of romance/chick lit books - would be right up your street!
This was a really fun book and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
It is a fairly light-hearted read and it is not a long book to read but it packs in quite a lot of content. I really enjoyed the characters and their interaction - but at times I did want to give Sarah a big shake!
The writing style was great for the story and spot on for this genre. I loved the ending and it was the perfect one for me, suited the book very well.
Four stars from me - an enjoyable read and definitely recommended to fans of romance/chick lit books - would be right up your street!
June 15, 2015
Review originally posted on my blog http://www.livinglifewithjoy.com
I was recently introduced to Jessica Redland’s writing in her novella Raving About Rhys and absolutely loved it! Upon finishing, I immediately added her to my list of go-to authors. I hope you find yourself doing the same after reading Searching for Steven!
Searching for Steven was a fun and compelling read. In hopes of never ending up alone, Sarah goes through a series of relationships. She’s on the hunt to find and marry her true love and she’s already a few years behind schedule in her big Life Plan. Her search for a soulmate takes a life-altering turn when she comes across something she thought she lost ages ago. She doesn’t trust herself to make a decision without the use of post it notes and her two best friends Clare and Elise. After the help of her post-its and a few glasses of wine and conversation, Sarah finds herself on the hunt for love and searching for Steven.
Sarah’s search brings up the main theme of the novel; what true love means and how to know when you’ve found it. It introduces the idea that just because two people are compatible on paper, doesn’t mean that they’d make a good couple and be happy in a relationship. You have to have a spark and be attracted to that person, because without the attraction, they’re just another friend or brotherly type of guy in your life. When searching for true love, one must look inside themselves to know if it’s right or if it’s wrong.
You can’t force a relationship to happen just because you’re scared you’ll end up alone. That’s no way to live; you have to allow it to happen naturally. You have to be honest with yourself if you’re in it because you’re afraid of ending up alone, or if you’re in it because you can’t imagine your life without this other person. You need to be in a relationship with someone that makes you the best version of you and loves you for who you are, not who they want you to be. How do you know when someone is The One? When you can’t imagine your life without them and that even if you can’t be with them, then you’d rather not be in a relationship at all.
This book was filled with lessons of life, love and happiness, but also instances of tragedy and moving on after tough times. Another theme that presented itself in this story was the idea that things aren’t always as they seem and sometimes they’re exactly what we didn’t know we were looking for. There were a few major twists and turns that truly surprised me and the ending wasn’t at all what I was expecting, it was so much more. Thank you for penning a truly fabulous and compelling novel Jessica!
Memorable Moments:
I knew honesty was the foundation of a good relationship, but these were only little white lies, weren’t they?
‘I know you won’t want to hear this, but you need to get over this ridiculous obsession with getting married; it’s not the answer to life, the universe and everything you know.’
‘This is you we’re talking about. The girl with the Life Plan. The girl who uses post-it notes to make the key decisions in her life.’
My Rating: 5/5 Stars
I was recently introduced to Jessica Redland’s writing in her novella Raving About Rhys and absolutely loved it! Upon finishing, I immediately added her to my list of go-to authors. I hope you find yourself doing the same after reading Searching for Steven!
Searching for Steven was a fun and compelling read. In hopes of never ending up alone, Sarah goes through a series of relationships. She’s on the hunt to find and marry her true love and she’s already a few years behind schedule in her big Life Plan. Her search for a soulmate takes a life-altering turn when she comes across something she thought she lost ages ago. She doesn’t trust herself to make a decision without the use of post it notes and her two best friends Clare and Elise. After the help of her post-its and a few glasses of wine and conversation, Sarah finds herself on the hunt for love and searching for Steven.
Sarah’s search brings up the main theme of the novel; what true love means and how to know when you’ve found it. It introduces the idea that just because two people are compatible on paper, doesn’t mean that they’d make a good couple and be happy in a relationship. You have to have a spark and be attracted to that person, because without the attraction, they’re just another friend or brotherly type of guy in your life. When searching for true love, one must look inside themselves to know if it’s right or if it’s wrong.
You can’t force a relationship to happen just because you’re scared you’ll end up alone. That’s no way to live; you have to allow it to happen naturally. You have to be honest with yourself if you’re in it because you’re afraid of ending up alone, or if you’re in it because you can’t imagine your life without this other person. You need to be in a relationship with someone that makes you the best version of you and loves you for who you are, not who they want you to be. How do you know when someone is The One? When you can’t imagine your life without them and that even if you can’t be with them, then you’d rather not be in a relationship at all.
This book was filled with lessons of life, love and happiness, but also instances of tragedy and moving on after tough times. Another theme that presented itself in this story was the idea that things aren’t always as they seem and sometimes they’re exactly what we didn’t know we were looking for. There were a few major twists and turns that truly surprised me and the ending wasn’t at all what I was expecting, it was so much more. Thank you for penning a truly fabulous and compelling novel Jessica!
Memorable Moments:
I knew honesty was the foundation of a good relationship, but these were only little white lies, weren’t they?
‘I know you won’t want to hear this, but you need to get over this ridiculous obsession with getting married; it’s not the answer to life, the universe and everything you know.’
‘This is you we’re talking about. The girl with the Life Plan. The girl who uses post-it notes to make the key decisions in her life.’
My Rating: 5/5 Stars
June 11, 2018
We’re back in Whitsborough Bay to join Sarah in her search for love. Being brought up in a loving home with two darling parents, has made Sarah determined to find everlasting love the way they did. She wades through life and boyfriends, not really finding the spark she’s looking for until a fortune teller’s message and an aunt’s gift changes her direction.
The setting for this novel takes us back to Whitsborough Bay. The seaside town is enchantingly described. Forget the Cotswold, Jessica makes the northern English coast sound like the most idyllic place to be. It’s the perfect backdrop for a romance story, yet not too much of the narrative is lost to unnecessary descriptions.
The main character, Sarah, is really well-drawn. We get a look into Sarah’s, past, present and possible future. As Jessica’s stories often span a time period of over a year, the reader also has a chance to witness the main character’s evolution. There were times I would call Sarah, self-centred, whiny or mopey but it’s all part of her growing up and taking control of her life. She’s not perfect but she’s perfectly likeable (most of the time!).
The secondary characters are cute and very useful plot devices. Sarah’s best friends are Elise and Clare. They are polar opposites and irritate each other to no end! Their sparing, for the most part is very entertaining. Good luck to Sarah choosing a maid of honour between those two. That could seriously be the beginning of world war three. They are cleverly used as the angel and the devil sitting on Sarah’s shoulders and push Sarah to consider her circumstances from different perspectives.
The male MC is so dreamy. I just want to snatch him right out of the story. We see mostly his positive sides as this story isn’t so much about their relationship as it is about Sarah’s growing up and taking control of her own destiny.
You don’t need a clairvoyant to reveal that this is another clear winner from Jessica Redland. I look forward to reading more in the Whitsborough Bay series. I voluntarily reviewed this book provided by Rachel’s Random Resources.
The setting for this novel takes us back to Whitsborough Bay. The seaside town is enchantingly described. Forget the Cotswold, Jessica makes the northern English coast sound like the most idyllic place to be. It’s the perfect backdrop for a romance story, yet not too much of the narrative is lost to unnecessary descriptions.
The main character, Sarah, is really well-drawn. We get a look into Sarah’s, past, present and possible future. As Jessica’s stories often span a time period of over a year, the reader also has a chance to witness the main character’s evolution. There were times I would call Sarah, self-centred, whiny or mopey but it’s all part of her growing up and taking control of her life. She’s not perfect but she’s perfectly likeable (most of the time!).
The secondary characters are cute and very useful plot devices. Sarah’s best friends are Elise and Clare. They are polar opposites and irritate each other to no end! Their sparing, for the most part is very entertaining. Good luck to Sarah choosing a maid of honour between those two. That could seriously be the beginning of world war three. They are cleverly used as the angel and the devil sitting on Sarah’s shoulders and push Sarah to consider her circumstances from different perspectives.
The male MC is so dreamy. I just want to snatch him right out of the story. We see mostly his positive sides as this story isn’t so much about their relationship as it is about Sarah’s growing up and taking control of her own destiny.
You don’t need a clairvoyant to reveal that this is another clear winner from Jessica Redland. I look forward to reading more in the Whitsborough Bay series. I voluntarily reviewed this book provided by Rachel’s Random Resources.
June 29, 2021
I bought the first few books in this series in a kindle sale expecting to read a quirky tale about quirky characters in a quirky, quaint town. This book was it....just without the quirky.
While this was well written, I just couldn't get into it and I think it is because this genre of books (Chick-lit) only work if you like/connect with the lead character. There is a reason why Meg Ryan and the Sandra Bullock-esque actresses (am I showing my age with those references?) get casted - because they are adorable and people can't help liking them. Anyway, I didn't like the main character in this. I just found her too fickle for someone who was in their 30s and too tied up on getting married and getting the title.
I also HATE love triangles and this one was a bad one and the twist with . It felt forced and unauthentic and that is a big NO in these types of books.
I have the next book down for a July reading challenge so I will keep reading the series and hope it develops a little more edge, a little more editing down (this was too long) and a little more authenticity - because the writer has a lovely style and if this is her first published novel then I would like to see how she develops in some of her later books.
While this was well written, I just couldn't get into it and I think it is because this genre of books (Chick-lit) only work if you like/connect with the lead character. There is a reason why Meg Ryan and the Sandra Bullock-esque actresses (am I showing my age with those references?) get casted - because they are adorable and people can't help liking them. Anyway, I didn't like the main character in this. I just found her too fickle for someone who was in their 30s and too tied up on getting married and getting the title.
I also HATE love triangles and this one was a bad one and the twist with . It felt forced and unauthentic and that is a big NO in these types of books.
I have the next book down for a July reading challenge so I will keep reading the series and hope it develops a little more edge, a little more editing down (this was too long) and a little more authenticity - because the writer has a lovely style and if this is her first published novel then I would like to see how she develops in some of her later books.
May 18, 2015
Absolutely loved this book. It was light, adequately fluffy and I loved the premise for the story, not least because the exact same scenario happened to a friend of a friend! I loved the main character, Sarah, and how life had thrown her a few curveballs relationship-wise but that she had been offered a great opportunity in the sticks with her aunt's florist shop. The characters were endearing, from the auntie who had decided she was retiring and going travelling to the sexy window-cleaner called Steven who turned up with 3 kids. The two best friends who hated each other Elise and Clare only added to the enjoyment of the book. Lessons to be learned too in the sense of not everything is as it seems. The way Sarah meets the various Stevens in her life is fun and makes you want to keep reading. But meanwhile in the background there is of course another guy not called Steven. Will she decide that the psychic who told her she was going to meet a Steven was correct, or will she give the non-Steven a chance? Definitely worth a read. I immediately went to check out Jessica Redland's back catalogue I enjoyed this so much, and I will be reading Raving About Rhys shortly.
A great new discovery. Love finding new authors. Perfect for all chick lit fans.
A great new discovery. Love finding new authors. Perfect for all chick lit fans.
May 22, 2015
Sarah agrees to take over her aunts florist shop meaning a total change in career, lifestyle and break up with her selfish boyfriend.
She returns home and unpacks several childhood boxes and comes across a tape from a clairvoyant. When she and her friends listen to it many things seem to have come true- but her true love is going to be called Steven.
Despite having met a man in the florist who sets the butterflies flying, she is desperate to start searching for a man called Steven. Her friends help her set up on online profile and she goes on some amusing dates. Is there a Steven out there for her.
I loved the description of the setting up of the florist and the way her business took off for her. Also loved the sound of Smuggles cottage and the small town sounds like a perfect place to live.
Where will her heart lead her- well worth a read to find out!
She returns home and unpacks several childhood boxes and comes across a tape from a clairvoyant. When she and her friends listen to it many things seem to have come true- but her true love is going to be called Steven.
Despite having met a man in the florist who sets the butterflies flying, she is desperate to start searching for a man called Steven. Her friends help her set up on online profile and she goes on some amusing dates. Is there a Steven out there for her.
I loved the description of the setting up of the florist and the way her business took off for her. Also loved the sound of Smuggles cottage and the small town sounds like a perfect place to live.
Where will her heart lead her- well worth a read to find out!
February 21, 2020
3,5 Stars
Granted, some of the things in this chick-lit are very fairy-tale like. Ok, most of them. The godmother who - out of the blue - presents Sarah with her own business and home and no money worries, because guess what: her new business is doing great! The predictions of a clairvoyant, the handsome local guy who is ticking all the right boxes (except for his name) and is even oh so understanding and gives her the space and time she needs, and finally also her dream for so many years suddenly comes true...
But even though it is a sappy story (and the characters all are bit clichéd), it is also very cute & cosy, and I liked reading about Sarah and her search for Steven. I personally don't believe in any of that hocus-pocus, be it fortune telling, tarot card reading, asking a pendulum or playing with an ouija board. But in this case I could blend this out and simply enjoy the ride.
Granted, some of the things in this chick-lit are very fairy-tale like. Ok, most of them. The godmother who - out of the blue - presents Sarah with her own business and home and no money worries, because guess what: her new business is doing great! The predictions of a clairvoyant, the handsome local guy who is ticking all the right boxes (except for his name) and is even oh so understanding and gives her the space and time she needs, and finally also her dream for so many years suddenly comes true...
But even though it is a sappy story (and the characters all are bit clichéd), it is also very cute & cosy, and I liked reading about Sarah and her search for Steven. I personally don't believe in any of that hocus-pocus, be it fortune telling, tarot card reading, asking a pendulum or playing with an ouija board. But in this case I could blend this out and simply enjoy the ride.
May 6, 2015
A delightful novel following the escapades of Sarah as she attempts to complete a clairvoyants prediction and find the man of her dreams, who must be called Steven. But along with the Stevens, she meets Nick, and has to decide if she should follow what's in her head or her heart.
The addition of the clairvoyant reading added a lovely touch to this story, and I found the characters engaging. I liked Sarah, the protagonist, and her dilemma in finding a partner, and her best friends Clare and Elise were great supporting characters. A lovely read from this debut author.
*Thank you to the publishers for providing a review copy through NetGalley.
The addition of the clairvoyant reading added a lovely touch to this story, and I found the characters engaging. I liked Sarah, the protagonist, and her dilemma in finding a partner, and her best friends Clare and Elise were great supporting characters. A lovely read from this debut author.
*Thank you to the publishers for providing a review copy through NetGalley.
March 8, 2020
I wanted to love this, as I loved the first so much and it is nice, light hearted read, the characters were lovely and the story heartwarming, but I found Sarah slightly silly and irritating with her Steven obsession, I know it’s the point of the story but I found it too far fetched and ridiculous how obsessed she was, still nice if you get past it. A nice read but not silly
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
December 24, 2020
Disappointing
I was looking forward to reading some chic lit but this was thoroughly disappointing. The plot was verging on the ridiculous and the characters were ridiculous, shallow and irritating.
I was looking forward to reading some chic lit but this was thoroughly disappointing. The plot was verging on the ridiculous and the characters were ridiculous, shallow and irritating.
July 27, 2020
After reading Coming Home to Seashell Cottage, I wanted to go back and read the beginning of the Whitsborough Bay series. I loved this book as much as the others I have read by Jessica Redland. Sarah Peterson has recently left a bad relationship and is at a crossroads in her life when her aunt makes her an offer, she can't refuse. She gifts her flower shop to Sarah, with enough money to fix it up and make it her own. She is also going to be traveling for the next year, so wants Sarah to live in her cottage while she is away. Too good to turn down, Sarah jumps at the opportunity. While packing up to move home, Sarah and her friends come across a CD of a session with a clairvoyant that Sarah had when she was only 16. So many things had already happened, so when the psychic told her she would find true love with a man named Stephen, Sarah wants to find her man. What happens next will change her course in life.
This is a sweet story about finding love, taking chances, following dreams and realizing what you really want out of life. I enjoyed the characters in this story. Sarah and her two besties are wonderful people, even though the friends don't see eye to eye. With Stephens everywhere, some of the dates are funny, so a bit scary. There is humour, caring, love, and self-reflection, all things that add to Sarah finding her Stephen and the reader enjoying this story. This is a well-written story that had me flipping pages quickly (okay tapping my kindle) to find out who was going to be Sarah's destiny. Having already read book 4 in this series has no effect on my enjoyment, so you can read these books out of order, but I am glad to be going back to the beginning and enjoy these friends from the start.
This is a sweet story about finding love, taking chances, following dreams and realizing what you really want out of life. I enjoyed the characters in this story. Sarah and her two besties are wonderful people, even though the friends don't see eye to eye. With Stephens everywhere, some of the dates are funny, so a bit scary. There is humour, caring, love, and self-reflection, all things that add to Sarah finding her Stephen and the reader enjoying this story. This is a well-written story that had me flipping pages quickly (okay tapping my kindle) to find out who was going to be Sarah's destiny. Having already read book 4 in this series has no effect on my enjoyment, so you can read these books out of order, but I am glad to be going back to the beginning and enjoy these friends from the start.
May 17, 2020
This follows Sarah's journey, the book begins with her finding her uncles body in his flat, so she decides she's moving home to Whitsborough Bay. Planning on working in her Aunties flower shop, she's overwhelmed when her Auntie gives her the shop & funding to furnish it. On unpacking her belongings she finds a recording from her younger years when she paid a visit to a medium & realises that some of these prophesies have been coming true... thus she embarks on her journey to find her Steven (the love of her life) After several failed dates, an unexpected twist, will the book get its happy ending? That's for you to find out! Onto the next book in this fabulous little series, hope you enjoy them as much as I do 💕
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2018
Sarah has a problem with her long term boyfriend Jason. Not only is he insensitive to her needs but he treats her like an unpaid skivvy. When she arrives home one night to find him on the sofa and the flat a total mess, enough is enough. By chance she contacts her Aunt and one thing leads to another and before she knows it she has moved house and changed jobs and is now the proud owner of “Flowers Florist”. After discovering a long lost tape from a psychic when she was eighteen and several things already having been proven, Sarah she will follow the instructions that the love of her life will be a Steven and so the search beings. This is a wonderfully written lighthearted story that envelopes you warmly in its pages. You take to the characters and perhaps remember your own dating/university/beach/city days. I’m not normally into romance but this was something special, really special. So well written it brought a tear to my eye. We all need lifting sometimes and this is just the book to do it. If you are having a bad day pick this up and restore your faith in friendships and human nature. A real sparkling treasure of a read.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1
May 14, 2015
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!
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!
June 23, 2015
I received a copy of Searching for Steven courtesy of Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for a review.
Searching for Steven was a cute story about Sarah, who receives a flower shop from her aunt. While she's packing for the move, she comes across an old tape that she thought was lost. So she listens to it, and it's from when she saw a fortune teller and had her cards read. Basically, the lady told Sarah that one day she would meet and fall in love with a Steven. So Sarah begins her search for this mystery man, and some funny encounters ensue. Unfortunately, the guy she feels a connection with is NOT named Steven, but he's willing to help her in the great search.
I love chick lit, esp when it's set in England. Call me a sucker, but if I ever have to "start over" I'm pretty sure I know where I'm heading. I thought Sarah's quest was pretty comical, and I cringed along with her and her friends a few times. I found myself thinking "Forget Steven! Just go with Nick!" a few times, and laughed out loud over a few of her interactions with different Stevens. A cute, funny romantic comedy, that kept me interested until the end.
Searching for Steven was a cute story about Sarah, who receives a flower shop from her aunt. While she's packing for the move, she comes across an old tape that she thought was lost. So she listens to it, and it's from when she saw a fortune teller and had her cards read. Basically, the lady told Sarah that one day she would meet and fall in love with a Steven. So Sarah begins her search for this mystery man, and some funny encounters ensue. Unfortunately, the guy she feels a connection with is NOT named Steven, but he's willing to help her in the great search.
I love chick lit, esp when it's set in England. Call me a sucker, but if I ever have to "start over" I'm pretty sure I know where I'm heading. I thought Sarah's quest was pretty comical, and I cringed along with her and her friends a few times. I found myself thinking "Forget Steven! Just go with Nick!" a few times, and laughed out loud over a few of her interactions with different Stevens. A cute, funny romantic comedy, that kept me interested until the end.
October 1, 2020
4 stars!!
This is the kind of book you could pick up for some easy reading, and still find yourself not being able to put it down because it is really good.
I really liked the writing style, which fits the genre. I fell in love with the main characters, even though I found myself shaking my head at them sometimes.
This is a perfect book for a day in. I would definitely recommend it to fans of chick-lit.
This is the kind of book you could pick up for some easy reading, and still find yourself not being able to put it down because it is really good.
I really liked the writing style, which fits the genre. I fell in love with the main characters, even though I found myself shaking my head at them sometimes.
This is a perfect book for a day in. I would definitely recommend it to fans of chick-lit.
January 3, 2022
So disappointing, I have read almost all of Jessica Redland’s books and I believe I have given 5 star ratings for all of them but sadly this one was just so tedious, Steven….Steven….Steven, never want to hear that name again. Thankfully her other books are fabulous, this one just didn’t do anything for me sadly.
February 27, 2022
I like the fact that the main character isn’t your typically blonde slim got-it-all type, she’s more of a realistic character than the other books which try to portray they main character as the perfect person. You get to like Sarah as the story develops but off course there are annoying moment, or perhaps just too predictable.
It was a nice one time read
It was a nice one time read
January 3, 2023
2.5 ⭐ - Sarah. Drove. Me. Freaking. INSANE. The whole plot was focused on her trying to find a man named Steven because of some stupid fortune-telling CD she found from her college years, even though it was quickly apparent that Nick was absolutely perfect for her. I was frustrated the entire freaking time. But I still enjoy this author. Mostly.
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