When we write about a setting, most authors will do so visually and that’s absolutely needed. But a setting is truly brought to life when we use the other senses because the combination of senses are what really transports the readers into our world. This was one the most fabulous books read during the Christmas season. I absolutely, totally, completely loved it. The reason was pretty simple The jogger she helps is Daniella - a very guarded woman who is hiding something but she's not opening up to anyone - when she does eventually find the strength to talk about her past your heart just breaks for her. It took me mere hours if that to devour this book and although it has slightly left me craving some chocolate, I'm in awe of the author even more. This was a beautifully told story, filled with quirky and charming characters that completely captured my heart!

Christmas at the Chocolate Pot Café is just an absolutely fabulous read. I have to admit I was expecting another heart warming, romantic read with lots of mentions of mouth watering cakes, of which it is, but then it is also so much more. At one point I was actually sobbing my heart out as I had got so wrapped up in Tara's world. It really had me going through an array of emotions and I absolutely loved it. I loved how realistic and flawed the characters were, no perfect people, just honest characters with real problems.' It ended up being quite an entertaining, fun and enjoyable read. There were quite a few laugh out moments and I even shed a few tears. AND, there were a couple of fist pumps in the air!! Right on, girl! I enjoyed this one much better than Searching for Steven which can only mean, Jessica Redland is getting better. I look forward to her next book. Everyone is getting into the festive spirit on Castle Street - snow is falling, fairy lights are glistening and Christmas shopping is underway.This is the first Jessica Redland I have read (or listened to) and I was not disappointed. I found the characters engaging, and the story surprising. Jessica Redland is already becoming for me a drop everything and read author, I had the book less than 24 hours before I had to start it, If you haven't taken note of this author yet and tried her you are missing out. I am starting to firmly believe she is destined for big things.

My word Jessica does it every time this book was simply outstanding hooked straight away and wanted to keep reading to find out what happens. Full of romance friendship and opening up about the past to move forward. The characters are brillant and you just want to keep reading as so outstanding. Full of Christmas as well as she's never liked this to me or year but wants to change that. Emotionally, Tara Porter finds the festive period a challenge. Christmas Day is a reminder of the family she lost, and New Year’s Eve holds bitter memories of the biggest mistake of her life: marrying Garth Tewkesbury. Shunning invitations to celebrate, she seeks refuge in her flat with only her giant house bunny, Hercules, for company. While many of her books would be labelled as romantic-comedies on the surface, Redland would seek to explore deeper ideas through her work. This has seen her produce several series set in around her home in Yorkshire, along with a collection of memorable characters too. Gaining a lot of recognition for her work, she has plenty more ideas planned in the pipeline, as she continues writing for some time to come. 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.So how do you create a strong setting? This is a huge topic and I’m only going to brush the surface here with three overall tips. 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. Tara is the proud owner of the Chocolate Pot Cafe. She is always on hand to help others and her business is going from strength to strength. Christmas is the most difficult time of year for her and it is fast approaching. This story was the perfect soothing balm for the weary soul when life got overwhelming. Every word written by Jessica had the power to heal me from the inside out. The story bespoke of hope and joy amidst pain and heartbreak and laid the spotlight firmly on strength in friendships. This is not your typical Christmas story, it s so much better than that. It is real, the characters felt like friends by the end of the book, and I felt as thought I had been through the wringer a bit emotionally. Throughout the book there are mini reveals, surprises and just so much goodness that if you are anything like me you won't want to put the book down.

I would love to live somewhere like Whitsborough Bay, there is a feeling of family and togetherness as everyone wants to help everyone, they are friends and supportive and there is just a magical feel to it all. It had always been Tabby's dream to work with cats and an inheritance from her beloved nanna has finally made that a reality. Idyllic Castle Street in Whitsborough Bay couldn’t be a better place for pastry chef Tabby to open a cat café with her boyfriend, Leon. There are a few misunderstandings, will Tara ever be brave enough to let anyone else in? How will she feel? Will she finally let go? When I saw the proposed cover for Making Wishes at Bay View, I fell in love with it immediately and absolutely wanted to use it, but there was a moment’s hesitation because it clearly shows a river and Whitsborough Bay doesn’t have a river. Then I laughed at myself for putting up a barrier that didn’t need to exist. After all, Whitsborough Bay is a figment of my imagination and there was absolutely nothing stopping me from adding in a river if I want a river. So I did. With a huge nod to the gorgeous coastal resort of Whitby up the road, I added in a river below the castle on the South Bay side of Whitsborough Bay, over which I placed a swing bridge. I could never have done that if I had used a real-life setting.

Social Boldwood

Cue the reappearance of Jed, the conniving previous owner of the cafe, and Tara's perfect armour begins to crumble. The Secret To Happiness centres on three very different women with completely different lives—Alison, Karen and Daniella. They are strangers…until their paths cross, and what develops is an incredible bond of friendship and support. Jessica's writing brought a strong imagery which made me forget my real life. It had me crying, laughing, smiling, loving, and being angry. The only niggle I had was the hero was bang perfect for her... Well, that's the joy of fiction - such unbelievable men are easy to write about. Elise had it all, family and friends. Then came reality. She discovered the truth about her husband, then had to deal with her broken dreams, a short lived affair, and a crush, and long stand-standing friendships. A secret was also on the way.