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Welcome To Whitsborough Bay #1
Making Wishes at Bay View
Never give up on a wish for a happy ever after...
Callie Derbyshire has it all: her dream job as a carer at Bay View, finally she has found the love of her life. Everything is perfect.
Well, almost.
Ex-partners are insistent on stirring up trouble, and Callie’s favourite resident, Ruby, hasn’t been her usual self.
But after discovering the truth about Ruby’s lost love, Callie is determined to give Ruby’s romantic story the happy ending it deserves. After all, it’s never too late to let love in again. Or is it?
A heartwarming and uplifting novel of finding love and friendship in the least expected places from top 10 bestselling author, Jessica Redland.
This book was previously published as two novellas - Raving About Rhys and Callie's Christmas Wish.
Callie Derbyshire has it all: her dream job as a carer at Bay View, finally she has found the love of her life. Everything is perfect.
Well, almost.
Ex-partners are insistent on stirring up trouble, and Callie’s favourite resident, Ruby, hasn’t been her usual self.
But after discovering the truth about Ruby’s lost love, Callie is determined to give Ruby’s romantic story the happy ending it deserves. After all, it’s never too late to let love in again. Or is it?
A heartwarming and uplifting novel of finding love and friendship in the least expected places from top 10 bestselling author, Jessica Redland.
This book was previously published as two novellas - Raving About Rhys and Callie's Christmas Wish.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 14, 2020
773 people are currently reading
906 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Redland
62 books1,155 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 226 reviews
January 12, 2020
Author Jessica Redland is amazing. She not only can make me see emotions in the story, she can make me feel them too. This book was like a giant teddy bear, hugging me warmly on a cold Sunday evening.
Callie worked in a care home where Ruby was her favorite. She had a tough life. Her boyfriend turned out to be a louse and a troublemaker, her boss was a She-Devil, and her best friend was sleeping with the boyfriend. Ugghh.. Bad day all around. Entered Rhys who brought light and love to her life, but he came with his own past too. Callie wanted to help Ruby who had lost the love of her life many decades ago.
Having read many books by this author, I knew I was in for an emotive read. I loved the way she etched her characters so tenderly, with love. (I often felt her characters were based on her. Jessica too is sweet in real life) I loved the dips that this book took and the way the characters found their way out. Romance was seen, but it was friendship and love which took root in this book. They anchored me and made me read it at one go.
Ruby and her friend Iris were interesting, Jessica's writing made them come alive. There were hilarious moments but filled with poignancy too. The only niggle I had was Callie was too good even when the person in front wanted her to stop calling her. I wished she had respected the other person's wishes. But her living heart and caring nature saved many too.
The book was written as two novellas, but having not read them, it was easy for me to get into this. Absolutely a fun read.
Callie worked in a care home where Ruby was her favorite. She had a tough life. Her boyfriend turned out to be a louse and a troublemaker, her boss was a She-Devil, and her best friend was sleeping with the boyfriend. Ugghh.. Bad day all around. Entered Rhys who brought light and love to her life, but he came with his own past too. Callie wanted to help Ruby who had lost the love of her life many decades ago.
Having read many books by this author, I knew I was in for an emotive read. I loved the way she etched her characters so tenderly, with love. (I often felt her characters were based on her. Jessica too is sweet in real life) I loved the dips that this book took and the way the characters found their way out. Romance was seen, but it was friendship and love which took root in this book. They anchored me and made me read it at one go.
Ruby and her friend Iris were interesting, Jessica's writing made them come alive. There were hilarious moments but filled with poignancy too. The only niggle I had was Callie was too good even when the person in front wanted her to stop calling her. I wished she had respected the other person's wishes. But her living heart and caring nature saved many too.
The book was written as two novellas, but having not read them, it was easy for me to get into this. Absolutely a fun read.
December 12, 2021
Baigais cukurs, kas beigās jau apnika. Nav tā, ka slikti, vnk vienā brīdī konkrēti sagarlaikoja, kas manās acīs ir sliktāk par gadījumiem, kad grāmata riktīgi besī. Šo var lasīt (klausīties), ja nav nekā normāla pa rokai (un Audible ir pašvaki ar jēdzīgām romantiskajām grāmatām). Galvenais prieks, ka audio var uzlikt lielāku ātrumiņu. Lai nu kā, tagad man vajag kaut ko kārtīgi asiņainu.
September 13, 2022
4.5 stars
I love my little getaway to the north Yorkshire coast with my new favorite author Jessica Redland. Every time I start a book by her I can't seem to put it down. I even decided to keep my kindle unlimited subscription just so I can work on the rest of her books, starting with this series.
* "I’d rather have someone in my life who didn’t treat me with respect than have nobody at all?"
Callie is a fantastic lead character who transforms into a beautiful strong woman with a better understanding of what a healthy relationship is. I can't help but think that these stories are based on some real-life events that Jessica Redland may have heard during her many years working in HR before becoming a writer.
* "What she does is care and try to stop people from getting hurt. Even when people treat her like crap and betray her in the worst possible way. Even when they don’t deserve her friendship or compassion. Even when they keep pushing her away, she’s there waving her olive branch and letting them know she’ll always be there for them, no matter what."
Cant wait for the next book in the series!
I love my little getaway to the north Yorkshire coast with my new favorite author Jessica Redland. Every time I start a book by her I can't seem to put it down. I even decided to keep my kindle unlimited subscription just so I can work on the rest of her books, starting with this series.
* "I’d rather have someone in my life who didn’t treat me with respect than have nobody at all?"
Callie is a fantastic lead character who transforms into a beautiful strong woman with a better understanding of what a healthy relationship is. I can't help but think that these stories are based on some real-life events that Jessica Redland may have heard during her many years working in HR before becoming a writer.
* "What she does is care and try to stop people from getting hurt. Even when people treat her like crap and betray her in the worst possible way. Even when they don’t deserve her friendship or compassion. Even when they keep pushing her away, she’s there waving her olive branch and letting them know she’ll always be there for them, no matter what."
Cant wait for the next book in the series!
February 23, 2022
*Will Callie Get Her Wish?*
This is the type of book that is like a guilty pleasure but with substance. The lead character is Callie Derbyshire, she is an optimistic character and she appears to have it all.She has a job she loves at Bay View a place where older retired people live and she puts her heart and soul into it. She has a flat she loves and she has an older boyfriend but their relationship seems to be hit and miss.
She loves the the residents and has a great relationship with them.
This story is about Callie’s yearning to have a partner who may want marriage and settle down. She finds herself dealing with betrayal, a boyfriend who is not as he seems and a resident Ruby who seems to be reminiscing and as Callie digs deeper she cannot help herself trying to matchmake but will her efforts be appreciated?. Secrets get revealed and there maybe a chance at love right under her feet. The trouble is real love never runs smoothly. This is book one of a series which I will endeavour to read.
There are comedy moments and even love amongst the residents.
A lovely dreamy book even if some of it is corny, I loved it
This is the type of book that is like a guilty pleasure but with substance. The lead character is Callie Derbyshire, she is an optimistic character and she appears to have it all.She has a job she loves at Bay View a place where older retired people live and she puts her heart and soul into it. She has a flat she loves and she has an older boyfriend but their relationship seems to be hit and miss.
She loves the the residents and has a great relationship with them.
This story is about Callie’s yearning to have a partner who may want marriage and settle down. She finds herself dealing with betrayal, a boyfriend who is not as he seems and a resident Ruby who seems to be reminiscing and as Callie digs deeper she cannot help herself trying to matchmake but will her efforts be appreciated?. Secrets get revealed and there maybe a chance at love right under her feet. The trouble is real love never runs smoothly. This is book one of a series which I will endeavour to read.
There are comedy moments and even love amongst the residents.
A lovely dreamy book even if some of it is corny, I loved it
January 4, 2020
I do so enjoy Jessica Redland's lovely, uplifting books - indeed her last book, The Secret to Happiness, was one of my absolute favourites of last year.Making Wishes at Bay View was previously published as two novellas – Raving About Rhys and Callie’s Christmas Wish - but I hadn't actually read either of those so this was completely new to me.
Callie was a character I just loved. She worked in Bay View Care Home and what I really liked about her was her obvious care for the patients she looked after. In fact, caring for people was a huge part of Callie's character. Sometimes she seemed to care a bit too much at times and that care wasn't always appreciated. But she was that kind of loyal friend who would always stick by someone and always try to do the right thing.
Ruby was one of the residents of the care home and I just loved her and her friend Iris. Ruby had lived quite a riotous life when she was younger and it was great hearing about her stories. She had a real no-nonsense approach to life even in her later years and just said what she thought which was quite amusing at times. The friendship between her and Iris was touchingly portrayed. She had known sadness in her life too though and with Callie's help she begins to come to terms with her past.
There's a fair bit of romance in this book too and it's not just confined to the younger characters. It was so sweet to see all the developing relationships either new or rekindled. Jessica Redland shows that love can bloom at any stage of life with the right person. However, she also showed what can happen when love goes wrong, when the green-eyed monster rears its head or when someone is badly let down. There is one character in particular who just has no redeeming qualities and seems determined to mess up as many lives as possible whilst blaming everyone else when it all backfires on them!
Making Wishes at Bay View is a lovely read, one which I whizzed through as I was so taken with the characters, particularly Callie. It was lovely to return to fictional Whitsborough Bay again. It may be fictional but it is based on an amalgamation of a few Yorkshire coastal towns and Jessica Redland's affection for these places is clear. Making Wishes at Bay View is a book which is sure to leave you with a warm feeling inside, a proper feel-good piece of writing.
Callie was a character I just loved. She worked in Bay View Care Home and what I really liked about her was her obvious care for the patients she looked after. In fact, caring for people was a huge part of Callie's character. Sometimes she seemed to care a bit too much at times and that care wasn't always appreciated. But she was that kind of loyal friend who would always stick by someone and always try to do the right thing.
Ruby was one of the residents of the care home and I just loved her and her friend Iris. Ruby had lived quite a riotous life when she was younger and it was great hearing about her stories. She had a real no-nonsense approach to life even in her later years and just said what she thought which was quite amusing at times. The friendship between her and Iris was touchingly portrayed. She had known sadness in her life too though and with Callie's help she begins to come to terms with her past.
There's a fair bit of romance in this book too and it's not just confined to the younger characters. It was so sweet to see all the developing relationships either new or rekindled. Jessica Redland shows that love can bloom at any stage of life with the right person. However, she also showed what can happen when love goes wrong, when the green-eyed monster rears its head or when someone is badly let down. There is one character in particular who just has no redeeming qualities and seems determined to mess up as many lives as possible whilst blaming everyone else when it all backfires on them!
Making Wishes at Bay View is a lovely read, one which I whizzed through as I was so taken with the characters, particularly Callie. It was lovely to return to fictional Whitsborough Bay again. It may be fictional but it is based on an amalgamation of a few Yorkshire coastal towns and Jessica Redland's affection for these places is clear. Making Wishes at Bay View is a book which is sure to leave you with a warm feeling inside, a proper feel-good piece of writing.
May 17, 2020
I love books like these, they make you want to jump into the pages & be a Bay View resident yourself! I fell in love with Callies character, a girl after my own heart. She had me laughing, wanting to give her a good shake & a pat on the back in places. A feel good romance & a pleasure to read.
March 30, 2020
Callie has the perfect job, notwithstanding having the boss from hell. A natural carer with a great personality, she loves the residents at Bay View Care Home and is kind, patient and considerate. Ruby is a favourite, a wonderful character who has lived a full, colourful life and has a special place in Callie’s heart. Ruby loves reminiscing with Callie and reliving the past but hasn’t been her usual self lately. Callie enjoys Ruby’s stories and, as she learns more about Ruby’s life, is determined to put the spring back in her step and the smile on her face.
On a personal front, Callie thinks she’s found her Mr Right, an older man who she met through work, until certain things don’t quite add up and she begins to question her year long relationship. She needed someone she could rely on and was willing to take her out.
Ruby is certain her grandson would be perfect for Callie but Callie is unsure if he even exists. He never seems to show up when Ruby is expecting him and Callie hates to think of her being disappointed.
I loved Callie’s relationship with the older ladies and gents at Bay View, the respect she showed them and the fact that the story is about a carer who loves her job and goes out of her way to make sure everyone is looked after, regardless of the hard time her boss gives her. Then Callie discovers the reason for Ruby’s seeming bouts of depression and devises a way to give her story a happy ending.
Making Wishes at Bay View is a lovely story which includes several topics, such as deception, romance and forgiveness. An easy, enjoyable read with enough twists to keep the plot moving along steadily. Callie is a relatable, well developed character, not perfect by any means but someone that can be relied on. Jessica Redland brought the cast of characters to life and made the reader care about them – well most of them anyway. Someone got exactly what they deserved.
I had no idea this was a combination of two novellas until after I’d finished reading, and would never have guessed. They were blended together very well.
On a personal front, Callie thinks she’s found her Mr Right, an older man who she met through work, until certain things don’t quite add up and she begins to question her year long relationship. She needed someone she could rely on and was willing to take her out.
Ruby is certain her grandson would be perfect for Callie but Callie is unsure if he even exists. He never seems to show up when Ruby is expecting him and Callie hates to think of her being disappointed.
I loved Callie’s relationship with the older ladies and gents at Bay View, the respect she showed them and the fact that the story is about a carer who loves her job and goes out of her way to make sure everyone is looked after, regardless of the hard time her boss gives her. Then Callie discovers the reason for Ruby’s seeming bouts of depression and devises a way to give her story a happy ending.
Making Wishes at Bay View is a lovely story which includes several topics, such as deception, romance and forgiveness. An easy, enjoyable read with enough twists to keep the plot moving along steadily. Callie is a relatable, well developed character, not perfect by any means but someone that can be relied on. Jessica Redland brought the cast of characters to life and made the reader care about them – well most of them anyway. Someone got exactly what they deserved.
I had no idea this was a combination of two novellas until after I’d finished reading, and would never have guessed. They were blended together very well.
September 5, 2020
This book was originally published as two novellas, but as I listened to this one, I would never had known they were not one story. They were seamlessly put together and I enjoyed this one as much as the others I have read in the series. This story is about Callie, a young lady who lost her father when she was young. It seems she is still looking for a father figure as she only dated older men. She is falling for Tony, a man several years her senior. The only problem is, he is quite happy with things the way they are. When Callie finds out not only is he cheating on her, but he is married with four children. She dumps him and when he loses his job, he blames Callie. Fortunately, Callie has a white knight in the form of Rhys, the grandson of Callie's favourite resident at Bay View Ruby. Meanwhile, Callie wants to help Ruby find her lost love, and the father of her son, Rhys' father.
This was another wonderful story about second chances, friendship, family and romance. Callie is a pushover, but she finally starts to stand up for herself. She is also a very caring person, which is why she ends up in certain situations. I really liked Rhys as well. He loved his grandmother, even though his father doesn't want him to have anything to do with her. He tries not to rock the boat for his mother's sake, but it is Callie who stands up to his father. The residents at Bay View are a hoot, especially Ruby and Ivy. There is some humour, some heartache and some happily ever afters. The story and characters are well developed and the setting is wonderful. I would love to meet Callie and Rhys and spend time with them. I liked the idea that this was a multi-generational story with the older folks having some romance as well. Another great entry in the Whitsborough Bay series. Lucy Brownhill does a nice job with the narration. She has great expression and her voices are well done. I have listened to other books she has narrated and continue to enjoy her easy to listen to voice.
This was another wonderful story about second chances, friendship, family and romance. Callie is a pushover, but she finally starts to stand up for herself. She is also a very caring person, which is why she ends up in certain situations. I really liked Rhys as well. He loved his grandmother, even though his father doesn't want him to have anything to do with her. He tries not to rock the boat for his mother's sake, but it is Callie who stands up to his father. The residents at Bay View are a hoot, especially Ruby and Ivy. There is some humour, some heartache and some happily ever afters. The story and characters are well developed and the setting is wonderful. I would love to meet Callie and Rhys and spend time with them. I liked the idea that this was a multi-generational story with the older folks having some romance as well. Another great entry in the Whitsborough Bay series. Lucy Brownhill does a nice job with the narration. She has great expression and her voices are well done. I have listened to other books she has narrated and continue to enjoy her easy to listen to voice.
February 25, 2021
This author is just amazing I couldn’t put this book down and didn’t want it to end and want to read the next one now in the series simply amazingly well written and great characters and full of romance friendships heartbreak and a heartwarming read with a brilliant plot to it.
Callie has her dream job as a carer at bay view and she finally has the love of her live as she thinks but she’s soon shown this is all wrong. She doesn’t get on with her boss and struggles but loves the job and she has a boyfriend but when she discovers he’s also seeing her best friend and is married she leaves him and her friend gets the sack and blames Callie so they fall out. She then falls for the wonderful gardener who’s grandma ruby is a resident in the care home. Problem is Tony callies ex is giving her problems and her new partners ex is also giving problems and she wonders if it’s all worth it. Callie gets chatting to ruby and finds out about her past and wants to make her happy again and find her first love will she manage it and will she get her son to see her to. She is up and down with her new boyfriend and can they work through the people trying to split them up or will Callie spoil it herself and will she get her friend as was to see what her boyfriend is really like and to dump him and for them to be friends again or is it all to late.
Callie has her dream job as a carer at bay view and she finally has the love of her live as she thinks but she’s soon shown this is all wrong. She doesn’t get on with her boss and struggles but loves the job and she has a boyfriend but when she discovers he’s also seeing her best friend and is married she leaves him and her friend gets the sack and blames Callie so they fall out. She then falls for the wonderful gardener who’s grandma ruby is a resident in the care home. Problem is Tony callies ex is giving her problems and her new partners ex is also giving problems and she wonders if it’s all worth it. Callie gets chatting to ruby and finds out about her past and wants to make her happy again and find her first love will she manage it and will she get her son to see her to. She is up and down with her new boyfriend and can they work through the people trying to split them up or will Callie spoil it herself and will she get her friend as was to see what her boyfriend is really like and to dump him and for them to be friends again or is it all to late.
November 8, 2022
Whitsborough Bay captured my heart the first time I read a book of Jessica's and it still has a firm hold. I love this town so much, it will always be so special.
This book is gorgeous just like the others I've read by Jessica. Callie has so much love to give and constantly wants to help anyone and everyone.
Callie and Rhys' journey was so beautiful and I desperately wanted them to find their happy ending. A wonderful visit back to a wonderful town.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is gorgeous just like the others I've read by Jessica. Callie has so much love to give and constantly wants to help anyone and everyone.
Callie and Rhys' journey was so beautiful and I desperately wanted them to find their happy ending. A wonderful visit back to a wonderful town.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 3, 2021
Absolutely loved this book! A light, yet engrossing read. Love Callie's personality, and really love her friendships with the residents. Great humor too. Thoroughly enjoyed getting lost in the Bayview world for a while.
January 28, 2022
Another fab book from Jessica Redland. They are such lovely, easy reads. Some may say they are predictable reads but that’s fine with me!
I loved this story the story that it told. What an absolute legend Ruby was and what a story she had to tell.
I loved this story the story that it told. What an absolute legend Ruby was and what a story she had to tell.
June 24, 2023
amazing
I adored this book, I finished it within a few hours.
It had everything but I especially loved the romance & intrigue.
All the characters are so down to earth and normal, which is so refreshing.
I’m definitely reading the next in the series.
I adored this book, I finished it within a few hours.
It had everything but I especially loved the romance & intrigue.
All the characters are so down to earth and normal, which is so refreshing.
I’m definitely reading the next in the series.
June 30, 2022
After the first two sentences I was concerned "I blame it on my dad. If he hadn't died when I was only 6 I don't think I'd have been so obsessed with older men." 😳 what??? Like I know people have issues but this was a huge read flag! Then it went on to read: "Let me be really clear for a moment. I wasn't looking for an older man to be a replacement father or anything weird like that." Ya, cause that would be the weird part 🙄 "It's just that I was drawn to them more than anyone close to my own age. There was a confidence about them. Maturity. Experience. They were attentive. They knew what they wanted. In some cases they knew what was best for me too. And I kind of liked not having to make decisions for myself"
Ok, idk what kind of F'd weirdo she thinks a romantic partner is supposed to be but that to me sounds like a manipulative person trying to control your life. You're a grown person who should be making your own decisions and of course you can get guidance and advice from people. But the implication that you don't make decisions for yourself because your "partner" is making them for you is not ok. Now I'm hoping by older man she's saying like 5-8 years older. If someone is older than that, especially when you're between the ages of 16-25, then that's a concern. Like do what you want ppl but I'm out ✌🏼 DID NOT FINISH. Like literally stopped, looked at a few reviews to see if ppl were as disturbed as me, didn't see much, then typed this all up for you and deleted the book from my phone right away 🤢
Ok, idk what kind of F'd weirdo she thinks a romantic partner is supposed to be but that to me sounds like a manipulative person trying to control your life. You're a grown person who should be making your own decisions and of course you can get guidance and advice from people. But the implication that you don't make decisions for yourself because your "partner" is making them for you is not ok. Now I'm hoping by older man she's saying like 5-8 years older. If someone is older than that, especially when you're between the ages of 16-25, then that's a concern. Like do what you want ppl but I'm out ✌🏼 DID NOT FINISH. Like literally stopped, looked at a few reviews to see if ppl were as disturbed as me, didn't see much, then typed this all up for you and deleted the book from my phone right away 🤢
January 19, 2020
I loved this cute fluffy read! I love a thriller but every once and a while I enjoy a light fluffy read.
I loved Callie the main character, I found her to be very relatable. Most of the other characters I found to be very likeable, except for Tony.
The story follows Callie, a worker at a retirement home. Callie has an unlikeable boss but she's great with the residents in the home. The story revolves around Callie working in the home where she also met her boyfriend Tony. As the story unfolds we discover Tony isn't really who he claimed to be. Where in comes the gardener, Rhys, to save Callie. We then get to watch the relationship between Callie and Rhys unfold along side several of the residents at the home. One residents wedding is also on Christmas eve, but that's not the only magical thing to happen!
If you are looking for a quick, fun, fluffy romance to cuddle up to in this winter storm I highly recommend this read!
I loved Callie the main character, I found her to be very relatable. Most of the other characters I found to be very likeable, except for Tony.
The story follows Callie, a worker at a retirement home. Callie has an unlikeable boss but she's great with the residents in the home. The story revolves around Callie working in the home where she also met her boyfriend Tony. As the story unfolds we discover Tony isn't really who he claimed to be. Where in comes the gardener, Rhys, to save Callie. We then get to watch the relationship between Callie and Rhys unfold along side several of the residents at the home. One residents wedding is also on Christmas eve, but that's not the only magical thing to happen!
If you are looking for a quick, fun, fluffy romance to cuddle up to in this winter storm I highly recommend this read!
March 8, 2020
This is another book this year where my favourite relationship was that of a young woman and an old woman, it’s just done so perfectly, Callie and Ruby are just wonderful and it is the best relationship in the book. That doesn’t mean the others aren’t great, just that the author has true talent to show true friendship, kindness and community. Callie is so lovely, you connect with her, feel for her and just want to hug her. This is a wonderful heartwarming read. Thoroughly recommended if you want a big hug.
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
July 12, 2022
The start to what promises to be another wonderful series. I don’t normally read so much by one author without a break however her books have really hooked me in. A very pleasant way of spending a day off sick from work. The characters in this authors work are very well developed and have real floors. Callie was a wonderful character and the way she cared about everyone was so special.
May 15, 2021
I love Jessica Redland’s writing and visiting Whitsborough Bay with Callie and Rhys was wonderful. My favourites were Ruby and Iris though - such fabulous ladies and their stories so emotional and magical. I can’t wait to read New Beginnings at Seaside Blooms.
April 27, 2022
A feel good book, slow in places but I struggle with deep stories as an audiobook so this is perfect. Lots of characters and you wonder about their relationships right until the epilogue. Will listen to the rest of the series soon!
March 10, 2021
This book is awful, and a complete waste of time. The characters are shallow, and simply unbelievable.
January 15, 2022
This book is a lovely light ready with plenty of twists and turns. The characters are engaging and somewhat relatable. The ending to the book is superb but also let me wanting more!
January 12, 2020
I knew that this was a fab book from very early on.
This is another new author for me and I am already eagerly adding more books to my TBR. This is a book I devoured in hours and found it completely impossible to put down. I cannot say anything negative about this book, it is absolutely fantastic. Redland is able to pull the reader in and make it extremely hard for them not to fall in love with the story. This is a delightful read which I highly recommend to anyone who loves women's fiction. I am definitely a huge fan after reading this book. My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is another new author for me and I am already eagerly adding more books to my TBR. This is a book I devoured in hours and found it completely impossible to put down. I cannot say anything negative about this book, it is absolutely fantastic. Redland is able to pull the reader in and make it extremely hard for them not to fall in love with the story. This is a delightful read which I highly recommend to anyone who loves women's fiction. I am definitely a huge fan after reading this book. My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 10, 2022
Rating 2.75
I really liked the first part of the story. It seemed a bit like 2 books put into 1. The first part I really quite enjoyed and was expecting to rate it higher, but moving onto the second part really deflated it for me. I found the main character Callie becoming quite annoying. I liked Rhys and Ruby the best, great interactions and just all around loveable characters. Cute storylines though.
I really liked the first part of the story. It seemed a bit like 2 books put into 1. The first part I really quite enjoyed and was expecting to rate it higher, but moving onto the second part really deflated it for me. I found the main character Callie becoming quite annoying. I liked Rhys and Ruby the best, great interactions and just all around loveable characters. Cute storylines though.
July 3, 2023
Jessica Redland is a lovely author with delightful and fun characters. I smile a lot and simply feel happy when I read one.
July 12, 2023
Very unlikeable heroine.
September 18, 2024
Really enjoyed reading this book. The characters really seemed to come alive so made you feel as if you were reading about real people.
June 23, 2020
Light nostalgic read
Lovely book about finding love and holding into it. Easy and fun to read and I'm enjoying reading more from this author soon
Lovely book about finding love and holding into it. Easy and fun to read and I'm enjoying reading more from this author soon
July 6, 2022
3.5 stars
June 1, 2020
https://clavie.co/2020/05/13/book-rev...
The main character is obsessed with sugar daddies and overthinks every comment her current sugar daddy makes even when he is not calling her fat (size 16) she keeps going on about her weight. I’m sorry, not sorry actually but if you have a problem with your weight – whatever weight you are – DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! Instead of moping about and complaining. Aside from her body image issues it was interesting to learn about Ruby’s life experiences.
When the brother Nick enters the picture, I really liked his summary for the day to be spent with his sister “A visit to the castle, crabbing in the harbour, crazy golf, jet boat, Ferris wheel, ice-cream, slot machines, sandcastles, doughnuts, an open-top bus ride round The Headland, and fish and chips on the beach.”
I really got into this novel after the whole beginning part. Especially as we see that the main character is caring person, a bit naive but caring towards those she cares for in work as part of her job, and even her bully of a boss. It’s a quality I really admire as she is there for people especially if they aren’t there for her, she cares about the consequences upon others if she had spoken the truth.
I like how she gets her what I call in novels ‘happy ever after’ from discovering peoples truths, and seeing the happiness that she does deserve / gets from when she opens up. And this is all within the first third of the novel.
Then everything seems nice and sweet and we learn more about Ruby however, as the story paces on, the main character starts to complain, compare and annoy me so much between Rhys, Tony and Maria. Yes you feel bad about your friend losing your job however it is not your responsibility to sort her life out. As for the guys well give over and stop repeating yourself page after page.
And as for Rhys, seriously. Cosying our having drinks with your ex when she was supposedly ill. Yes I get you’re trying to be nice and all but that is not on. I don’t know why Callie would accept that behaviour as it’s far too many times and clearly is not just for their only thing in common (the baby).
By the end I enjoyed this novel. However the last fifth of the novel started to drag as there was a lot of happy endings being met and there wasn’t much purpose by the end of it.
3/5 Stars
The main character is obsessed with sugar daddies and overthinks every comment her current sugar daddy makes even when he is not calling her fat (size 16) she keeps going on about her weight. I’m sorry, not sorry actually but if you have a problem with your weight – whatever weight you are – DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! Instead of moping about and complaining. Aside from her body image issues it was interesting to learn about Ruby’s life experiences.
When the brother Nick enters the picture, I really liked his summary for the day to be spent with his sister “A visit to the castle, crabbing in the harbour, crazy golf, jet boat, Ferris wheel, ice-cream, slot machines, sandcastles, doughnuts, an open-top bus ride round The Headland, and fish and chips on the beach.”
I really got into this novel after the whole beginning part. Especially as we see that the main character is caring person, a bit naive but caring towards those she cares for in work as part of her job, and even her bully of a boss. It’s a quality I really admire as she is there for people especially if they aren’t there for her, she cares about the consequences upon others if she had spoken the truth.
I like how she gets her what I call in novels ‘happy ever after’ from discovering peoples truths, and seeing the happiness that she does deserve / gets from when she opens up. And this is all within the first third of the novel.
Then everything seems nice and sweet and we learn more about Ruby however, as the story paces on, the main character starts to complain, compare and annoy me so much between Rhys, Tony and Maria. Yes you feel bad about your friend losing your job however it is not your responsibility to sort her life out. As for the guys well give over and stop repeating yourself page after page.
And as for Rhys, seriously. Cosying our having drinks with your ex when she was supposedly ill. Yes I get you’re trying to be nice and all but that is not on. I don’t know why Callie would accept that behaviour as it’s far too many times and clearly is not just for their only thing in common (the baby).
By the end I enjoyed this novel. However the last fifth of the novel started to drag as there was a lot of happy endings being met and there wasn’t much purpose by the end of it.
3/5 Stars
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