I just loved Snowflakes Over The Starfish Cafe by Jessica Redland. It is one of my favourite books this year making me smile at times, I fell in love with the book and did not want it to end. We should all be trying to live life to the fullest and this book helps you to escape your own life if just for a short time. Another great book by Jessica who has become one of my favourite authors.

What can I say? Jessica Redland does it again. A truly heart-warming but emotional book set Whitsborough again where we meet Hollie and Jake and of course a dog, Mr Pickles. Please keep writing your lovely books Jessica.

I absolutely adore this author. Jess Redland has broken my heart, scooped up every little piece and put it back together.

This book is an absolute gem which has really taken me on an emotional rollercoaster. I have been filled with love and joy reading this.

As always, this has a beautiful location and a whole cast of amazing characters. This book is absolute perfection from beginning to end.

This is a book worthy of all the stars, Jess Redland is a remarkable author who gets better and better with every book.

This is a read worthy of all the stars. A definite must read and one that absolutely must be on the TBR.

I really enjoy Jessica Redland's books and this one was no exception. Snowflakes Over the Starfish Café is set in Whitsborough Bay, a setting that I have come to love. This is the story of Hollie and Jake. Both of these characters have had an amazing amount of tragedy in their lives. It is shared with the reader throughout the story. Hollie and Jake are loners, smiling at work and in public, sad and alone in private. When Jake finds Mr. Pickles on the beach during a rather stormy evening, he stops at Hollie's café to see if she knows who he might belong to. She doesn't, but that chance meeting begins a wonderful friendship all because of Mr. Pickles. Can Hollie and Jake break down the barriers that have been holding them back from finding love and happiness, before Christmas comes around?

I have to say, this is a sadder story than I am used to reading from Jessica Redland, but rest assured, there is an uplifting ending. I really loved the characters in this book from Hollie and Jake right down to the elusive Mrs. Sultana. Everyone has something to share and learn from one another, but it is shared in natural circumstances and through actions. The story is told from two POVs, Hollie and Jake, as well as some flashbacks sharing what happened in their past that influenced their lives. This was also a much more emotional book and had me in tears several times. There are some great themes in this book including: life after tragedy, grief, guilt, heartache, new beginnings, traditions, friendship, family, and romance. I loved the Starfish Café and all it's eclectic customers and wish there was one near me. I recommend this uplifting story, but make sure you have tissues handy.

I received this book for free for an honest review from netgalley #netgalley

I love this author and how she really makes the setting of the book come alive and the characters as well became as dear as friends

Snowflakes Over The Starfish Cafe is my first book I have read by Jessica Redland. It was a beautifully written book, not quite the romance I was expecting. It is quite an emotional book touching on loss, love, family and friendship but also has a lighter side that makes you laugh. It was a lovely and enjoyable read. I enjoyed the characters and storyline. Looking forward to reading more by Jessica Redland in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my ARC in exchange for an honest review

Another great book by Jessica
Can Holly and Jake get through all the ups and downs and be happy together or will something keep them apart
You will be hooked from the first page to the last
Brilliant read
Thanks NetGalley

I like Jessica Redland's books as they're always so easy to read.
Though her stories are usually quite lighthearted, this one was a lot deeper and you have to be aware that it contains a lot of death and grief. I mean A LOT. It is a book packed with sadness and heartbreak so if you're looking for something light this Christmas/winter, maybe give this one a miss.

The relationship between the two main characters is sweet but I did get a little tired of the ex comparisons. Every time something happened, the ex was mentioned and it made the story feel like it was getting caught up and repeating itself. The interactions with the customers in the cafe were very heart warming and despite all the sadness, the ending is positive.

I felt like I didn't connect with this book as much as I have with her previous books but it was still a nice read.

This book was so wonderful. I love winter and the holidays enough, to begin with, and this book was the perfect heartwarming story I needed right now. Hollie and Jake are absolutely perfect and reading their stories was both heartbreaking and mending all at once. The grief and sadness they had both been through were immense and the writer truly made you feel it all. However, once they found each other (thank you Pickle) - their stories and their love for each other were inspirational. They had an instant connection that you could feel through the writing, it was incredible. Highly recommend this book for all lovers of romance novels!

Hollie inherited the Starfish Cafe she puts her all in to making the business a success, something she is more determined to achieve due to the devastating loss of her mother who was the heart and soul of the much loved cafe.

From the outside, it looks as though Hollie has it all figured out….but inside, she wants to find a meaningful relationship, someone who she can share her life with and help heal the whole that has been left in her heart. That is when the reclusive Jake walks into the cafe, as well as her life and changes both their lives forever.

They are two very different people wo ultimately want the same things in life- to love and be loved in return, but with Jake reluctant to open himself up to the possibility of moving forward with his life and Hollie still healing from her own tragic losses, we are left asking whether or not they have what it takes to make one another happy this festive season.

The moment I started reading this gorgeous story by the wonderful Jessica Redland I found myself completely and utterly immersed in the world in which she brought to life on the pages of this book. The characters are intriguing and realistic, with most of them having some rather relatable life experiences too – all of which really allows you to connect with them as the story progresses. With a perfectly structured storyline that has your heart bursting with happiness by the end, this is a book I would urge everyone else to read and fall in love with too.

I have read quite a few books by the author in the past year or so. I have loved one series, disliked another but not due to the author's writing. This basically means that I am always game to pick up another book by her, knowing I will have a good time reading it.
This book was unexpected in a lot of ways. It was heavier than the others I read and in a manner that I appreciated and empathized with. When the narrative begins in the form of parallelly introducing the last few years of our leading pair, I was sceptical about the overall reaction I might have to it. By the time their paths ended up crossing, and I found out that there was more about either of their story that I was unaware of, I was hooked.
The grief and trauma in Hollie's and Jake's lives are gradually revealed to us, but they carry a lot of weight under their happy, personable exterior. This is visible to see during most of the interactions that they have with the outside world.
It is a romantic narrative, more focused on their relationship than on their individual growth arcs. They do grow, but more as a result of the two of them being together. The writing is descriptive and attractive, making it easy to fall in with the emotions being discussed in the book. Both Jake and Hollie juggle more 'jobs' than I would have thought possible, but I felt like I got to learn about a whole different way of life.
I would recommend it to readers of this genre, but I am sure everyone familiar with this author would have already picked this up!
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

I enjoyed this novel a lot it’s a lovely tale of two people with pasts in which brings them together. I have to admit that it’s not gripping I didn’t need to know what happened as it is kind of predictable however it’s a feel good Novel and will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I will recommend this

This was such a heartbreaking yet such a cute story. I really liked how it started from the past and then ventured into the future. And it was amazing to see how the lives of the leads got mingled up.

I am really torn on this book. On the one hand, I adored it- Jake and Hollie's stories are heartbreaking but so thoughtful and well-written. It took a few chapters to get used to the timelines moving around, but you quickly learn to just check the heading on the chapter page! Redland is a talented author, and slowly builds on each of their stories, and uses the shifting timelines well. This is a tad heavier than the fun cover might imply, but it is touching and thoughtful!
My only true qualm is that this doesn't really have anything to do with Christmas- it happens at Christmastime, but it's not really at all relevant to the story. I would consider this to be more of a winter book!
This book will be included on my list of best Christmas chick lit books of 2021, out in mid-October.

When Hollie and Jake are thrown together by an abandoned dog they discover they have both suffered family loss and tragedy in the past that still lingers today. Deciding to share dog sitting duties they soon discover they share more than just their love for Mr Pickles and the inevitable romance begins to develop until Hollie discovers that Jake has been hiding a secret that will turn her life upside down.
A wonderfully written story that was so easy to read and which captivated me from the first few pages and will.certainly provide readers with the curl up in front of the fire book for winter that we all love

Welcome to The Starfish Café - where you will find stunning views, delicious food and lifelong friendships.
Two broken hearts.
Since she inherited The Starfish Café, Hollie has poured her heart into the business, striving to keep her mother's traditions and warm-hearted spirit alive. But behind closed doors Hollie is searching for true happiness as she grieves the tragic loss of her family who were once the beating heart of the café...
An unexpected meeting.
Jake lives by two rules: don’t let anyone get close and don’t talk about what happened. Little does he know that a chance meeting at The Starfish Café, facilitated by a fluffy lost dog, is about to turn his world upside down...
The chance to love again.
Can Hollie and Jake break down the barriers that have been holding them back from finding love and happiness, before Christmas comes around? After all, with courage, nothing is impossible...
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this story in return for an honest review
Jessica Redland is fast becoming a favourite of mine, i have never read anything by her that i havent thoroughly enjoyed and this book is no exception. Whilst slightly different from others which form part of a series it is still worth a look. The story line was lovely and heartwarming which made for a good couple of hours whiling away the time. The fluffy dog was a massive bonus

Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley, too,
For my copy of this book, here's my honest review:

This is a highly emotive, contemporary romance,
Encouraging giving dancing in the rain a chance.
Both main characters have pasts filled with loss and grief,
And stopping it control their future would be a relief.

There are glimpses of events from both their pasts,
Giving background of tragedies the pain of which lasts.
With most family members gone they feel very alone
Though sometimes friends can help to atone.

Life has been cruel, leaving both of them reeling
Maybe a lost dog might help them start healing?
Get ready for Mr Pickle, and other great characters who
Make this a moving story for me to review.

Grief and tragedy play major parts
In how open the main characters are with their hearts.
Can they overcome their fears and give love a chance?
If they can, they'll have such a delightful romance.

However, keeping quiet about what happened before
Could easily backfire once they discover more.
Can they break down their barriers to let each other in
So their love has a chance and they'll both then win?

This book includes much about the RNLI who
Deserve a mention of their own for all that they do.
So please give a shout out to the brave volunteers who
Put their own lives at risk to save many others, too.

If this is a genre that, like me, you enjoy, too,
Read it for yourself I hope you'll do.
Although grief has a role, you'll find that after
There's also a place for joy, love and laughter.

I love a good Jessica Redland book. Snowflakes over the Starfish Cafe did not disappoint. New characters and locations to explore in the world of Whitsborough Bay were a delight to discover.

Thank you to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my invitation to the tour and to Boldwood Books for my copy of the e book via Net Galley.

I love Jessica’s books they hold a special place in my heart as they are based on the North Yorkshire coast where my family are from. Place is so important to Jessica’s novel and this book starts with the introduction to the wooden The Starfish Cafe overlooking the woods at Whitsborough Bay.

In this book we meet Hollie and Jake, the story goes back over the past eight years. Hollie loved Christmas but when she loses those dear to her she doesn’t feel the same way about it. The Starfish Cafe is her world and she decides to keep her promise to her mother.

Jake has had a troubled childhood and his mother died in childbirth and since then his Sister Larissa hated him. They are brought up by their Nanna but Larissa was hateful to Jake and he becomes a nurse and does very well considering the horrible abuse he had succumbed too.

Both of the pair have experienced such tragedy the story is really sad in places but also with an underlying hope of them finding their own ways in life. When Jake finds a dog they are brought together but will they be able to love again. I loved the inclusion of the RNLI which is a charity close to my own heart too.

Another gorgeous book from Jessica and I am happy to say my first Christmas book this year and it did not disappoint. Wonderful characters and nods to Castle Street and its residents made me feel like I was coming home to Whitsborough Bay again and there is snow ! I loved it !

5 Stars *****

This made me want to skip over fall and get to the warmth of the holiday season. I loved this sweet story. It took me through ever emotion in the book. I expected this to be a fluff, easy-read book, but it is so much deeper and impactful than that. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for a copy of this book for an honest review.