Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily.
I have not read the first book in this series but the list of characters at the beginning and information provided throughout the book ensures readers are aware of what has happened previously. It seems that Hollie and Jake have lived in the area all their lives so I was surprised that Jake said he's never seen a baby seal, and that Hollie did not know Charlee, an owner of another business nearby. I found it difficult to believe the ages of the main characters as their thoughts and behaviours seemed more realistic for younger people; Hollie is still actively grieving for her parents and brother even though their deaths were 6-7 years ago, and Tori is still not speaking to her parents even though her main issue seems to be their prioritising their love for each other. Tori in particular seems to be jealous, unforgiving and selfish, she even makes up her mind to leave Leyton but continues to stay in his house for several more days before finally leaving.
The story is well-told with some realistic events but I didn't empathise with the characters, the book wasn't for me although I know it will appeal to many readers as a light romantic novel.

Spring Tides at the Starfish Cafe
by: Jessica Redland
Boldwood Books
Blog Tour: Rachel's Random Resources

This delightful book is second in the Starfish Cafe Series, but Redland makes sure you can read it as a standalone. If you fall in love with the series as I have, you'll want to spend lots of time here in the seaside town.

As Spring approaches in Whitsborough Bay, so does a little mystery and intrigue. The friendship and community spirit are established traditions in this series. Just as love can deepen and grow, it can also bloom differently than expected.

Hollie, Jake, Tori and Finley captured my heart as I enjoyed this beautiful story. Redland writes with such a sense of place in this series that the community and the Starfish Cafe feel like characters as well. Let's also include the seals and Pickles the adoreable dog in the ensemble cast!

I can't wait for the next book in this series. I don't want to miss a single moment of the happenings at the Starfish Cafe. I'm grateful for books like this with heart, compassion, and soul. Redland always enlightens and uplifts me with her lovely writing.

Thank you to Boldwood Books, Net Galley for the advance reader's copy and opportunity to provide my unbiased review.
Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me on the Blog Tour for this book.

What a fun and charming read! This book picks from where Snowflakes Over the Starfish Café left off. Hollie and Jake’s relationship is blooming (they just moved in with each other), and business at the café is booming. Hollie really couldn’t be happier. But there are storm clouds on the horizon, and they come in the form of slimy Mr. Smythe. Hollie knows that the unpleasant man has ulterior motives for his interest in wanting to buy the café. She just can’t figure out what they are, and that man is determined to stir up trouble for her. We are also introduced to a new main character. Tori is coming out of a bad relationship and realizing that it may be time for her to forgive past hurts.

Spring Tides at The Starfish Cafe is told from Hollie and Tori’s POV. Tori and Hollie are great main characters. They are both strong, compassionate and driven. Tori’s chapters also include flashbacks from her childhood, which I loved reading. Tori’s family dynamic was fascinating; her parents are romance writers. Their need for keeping in character for their books meant that Tori didn’t live a normal childhood. There is plenty of misunderstandings and resentment between Tori and her parents. I loved how Jessica addressed and resolved many of the issues that existed between Tori and her family. I felt like this family dynamic was unique enough to be interesting but, at the same time, realistic enough to be believable.

What surprised me most about this book was the mysterious treasure hunt that Jessica included in this book. I loved reading the parts where Hollie and Jake talk about this missing treasure. It really was a fun element to add to this book.

The romance in this book wasn’t front and centre, and I was ok with that. I love how the focus was on other significant things happening in Hollie and Tori’s lives. The romance in this book was an excellent secondary element to the story. Both love stories are sweet and heartwarming, and those cute moments always happen at just the right time.

Spring Tides at The Starfish Café is a fun and delightful read that will not disappoint you..

Carrying on from the lovely Book 1, Hollie, Jack and Mr Pickles are back to make all our hearts happy again with their beautiful new relationship build on friendship and love. Book 1 was so heartfelt and while of course we knew that these two beautiful souls would find their way to each other, every step of the way to that end was a pleasure to read about.

Book 2 also introduces a new character, Tori, who I absolutely love! Her past relationships were so common that many of us can relate to her but her childhood upbringing was anything but. I adored learning all about this new character and of course, was rooting for her to find her new happiness and fit in with our beloved Starfish Cafe crew somehow.

Book 2 is another solid 5 stars for me as Redland writes with such emotion that it is so easy to connect with this wonderful cast of characters.

But in case you are thinking this is all a bit too la-la romantic or pie in the sky sweet for you, Redland made sure to put in a not-so-nice character so we all have someone to loathe together!

An excellent read and I'm already looking forward to Book 3!

Thank you to @rachelsrandomresources for having me on this tour. All opinions expressed are my own.

This second outing to The Starfish Café has all the ingredients from the previous novel, heart-warming characters trying to move on from their troubled past with plenty of old-fashioned sweet romance and charm of life in a seaside town. It was nice to see that we were continuing with Hollie and Jake’s story, settled into their relationship and moving forward with their lives. They are such a sweet couple.

The addition of Tori’s story provided a fresh perspective to life in Whitsborough Bay. She is such a different character to Hollie, yet I loved the friendship that these two formed. Whilst Tori’s background is unique, I think the whole way that we look at things as children as opposed to adults is highly relatable. Her relationship story line, of a budding friendship to lovers’ story kept me turning the pages.

Whitsborough Bay was by no means a sleepy seaside resort, in-fact I thought that it had as much drama as a soap opera at times. I liked how the drama was related to the history of the town. Overall, another enjoyable outing with plenty of surprises in store. With thanks to Boldwood Books, Netgalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.

I was smitten by the first Starfish Café novel so I couldn’t wait to return. Spring Tides was everything I had been waiting for and more.
I love how Starfish Bay is located in Whitsborough and there are some links to characters from previous books in that series, but it also works as its own linked series too. It’s such a beautiful location to spend a few hours and it’s the sort of community and area I would move to in a heartbeat. I love coastal life (I live by the coast) but everything about Whitsborough and Starfish Bay is so picturesque and quaint. I wish it was real.
The cafe in itself sells cakes that sound divine and is located in an idyllic spot to take a break and relax. I love the feel of friendship and community within the café and it’s easy to see why people are drawn to it beyond just an eatery. People make friends and develop relationships there as well as have a safe place to go and let off steam.
Hollie and Jake’s relationships (Snowflakes Over Starfish Café) is still thriving and slowly they are both beginning to heal from, and overcome their traumatic experiences together. I loved seeing them settled and happy.
This time we are introduced to Tori, out of a relationship and unable to go home and Finlay. Both are such sweet characters and I enjoyed seeing them become part of Starfish Bay as well as gaining confidence in themselves.
I have loved this series so far and cannot wait for the next instalment. I love Jessica’s writing and how she pulls you into her community. I highly recommend this series; you won’t be disappointed.

Thank you #Netgalley and #Boldwoodbooks for allowing me to read this ARC.
I just love Jessica Redland books and am thrilled to be on this blog tour.
My goodness, this book didn't disappoint, I love that there is an Emphasis on the RNLI who do incredible work saving lives. The depth of emotional discovery and healing throughout the book and characters is amazing. Jessica is very good at getting down to some hard hitting topics.
A friend of mine Grace, has flagged this as Jessica's best book yet, and I am inclined to agree.
I fully recommend this book and all the highs and emotional journeys it has to offer and the best news is we will be treated to one more visit to The Starfish Cafe.

I loved Spring Tides at The Starfish Café. Learning more about Hollie and Jake as well as meeting Tori and Finley. I love the Yorkshire coast and Jessica has painted such a lovely portrait that I can picture visiting the fictional town of Whitsborough Bay as her scenes and characters are so true to life. Highly recommended

I absolutely loved my trip to the Starfish Cafe and the opportunity to visit Hollie & Jake again. I am a massive fan of Jessica Redland and will always reach for one of her books when I fancy a light hearted story that tugs at the heart strings.

In this story we spent more time with Jake & Hollie and got to see how their relationship was progressing. We also got to spend time with Vic and learn more about her previous heartbreak as she strikes up an unlikely friendship with Bart after meeting him on the lifeboat.

A story rich in heartbreak and betrayal whilst demonstrating courage and fear amongst the loss, This story covered every conceivable emotion as Hollie has to make tough decisions when pushed into a corner and decide what is the future of Starfish Cafe and what does she want for her future.

I already can't wait for the next one as I love the location of these books and Hollie & Jake make amazing lead characters.

This book is like a catch up with old friends. from the first page you’re enveloped in the warmth and the sense of community, the story flows so well you almost feel like you’re actually there, living that life.

I really enjoyed seeing Hollie and Jakes story progress. I love how they perfectly display what a partnership should be but my favourite parts were Tori’s chapters and how they became interwoven with Hollies. Finley is so kind and considerate and such a good man. I enjoyed their dynamic and Tori’s character progression.

This is one of those books that’s perfect for those chilly spring nights to settle down with a blanket and hot chocolate and just get lost in it

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

I was delighted to be invited to read the second book in this series as I loved the first book. We reunite with Hollie owner of Starfish café, the 3rd generation of her family to do so.

Her partner Jake has recently become a member of the RNLI crew which terrifies Hollie as she lost her father and brother to the sea. They are still in the early stages of their relationship and Hollie begins training with the RNLI to try to overcome her fears.

Set in the fictional seaside town of Whitsborough Bay, the characters that Jessica writes are always so real and relatable, however some are vile and vacuous. Tori has been with Leyton for eight years but their relationship has started to break down, mainly due to his unpleasant behaviour, not to mention his awful parents ! She meets Hollie in dramatic circumstances and she confines in her about Leyton . Part of the book is recalling Tori’s unconventional upbringing by her eccentric, Victorian novelist parents, and her past relationships. I really wanted Tori to find happiness.

Another fantastic read from one of my favourite writers and fictional setting, filled with drama, humility, friendship and love.

Perfect bank holiday reading !

5 stars *****

Jessica really has done it again! Her books never disappoint and that is the reason she is one of my favorite authors.

To be honest it wasn't even a surprise that I loved being back at Starfish Cafe. Jessica has such a gift for writing stories that touch me and that have me completely invested in the loves of the characters and loving every minute of being there with them.

The Yorkshire setting is gorgeous and the seals add a little something special.

In addition to the heartwarming and uplifting story lines of Hollie & Jake there's Tori's story. There is also some drama and suspense with a rescue, a break in and a mystery making this more than just a sweet story.

This is book 2 of the Starfish cafe series carrying on with Hollie , Jake and pickle the dogs story . However this is a standalone book, Jessica giving enough of the back story so the reader is knowledgeable about where the story begins .
Book 2 covers Hollie and Jakes developing relationship as well as introducing some new characters Tori , Finley and the slimy Sebastian Smythe!
The story flows well and is engaging to the reader with plenty of twists and turns to the storyline to keep the reader engaged. The characters are well written and believable to the reader. This book is well researched, a fantastic read which I would highly recommend. I couldn’t put it down and didn’t want to finish it
Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and Jessica Redland for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review

Following on from where we left Hollie and Jake (and their gorgeous dog pickle), in this instalment we find the future of The Starfish Cafe is under threat and Holly must stay strong to protect her thriving business.

We also meet a new character Tori who is trying to do grow from her past experiences.

When Holly and Tori meet at The Starfish Cafe new friendships are formed and new memories are made.

Jessica Redland is one of my very favourite authors. Her books are so full of compassion and hope. I very much recommend her books.

The story of Hollie and Jake continue in this 2nd book where Hollie encountered threat from a slimy villain who wanted to buy her cafe and simply refuse to accept No from Hollie. Tori have her own story and her friendship with Finley is helping each other through their troubles.


This is 2nd trilogy where the characters from its 1st book develop further and new character in being introduced. It is a warm story of friendship and love in a community and whilst the first book is about trauma, this 2nd story are much gentler and upbeat to read. Love all the characters: Hollie, Jake, Tori and Finley. They are loving, kind, hardworking and at time stubborn too. Overall, it is a good read for me.

Wonderful to be back at the Starfish cafe again, to be reacquainted with Hollie & Jake and catch up with the ups & downs of their lives & relationship. New characters Tori and Finley are great additions and, as we continue to follow Hollie & Jake, we learn about these two who are both trying to navigate their way out of toxic relationships and into friendship.
Jessica Redland has quickly become one of my very favourite authors, she weaves together interesting storylines filled with fully-formed and believable characters set in such wonderful sounding settings. The plot line kept my interest throughout, from start to finish & this is the first book I’ve read in a while that has left me wishing the story could go on more and feeling bereft it had ended. I’m really looking forward to the next book in the Starfish cafe series, but while I wait I’ll head back to Hedgehog Hollow.
Perfection delivered once again by this wonderful author. A feel-good book filled with romance, friendship and new beginnings.

Another wonderful book by the multi talented Ms Redland. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Reviewed via Rachel's Random Resources and posted on dedicated sites as required.

The book is the second in the Starfish Café Series, but works perfectly well as a standalone novel.
It is written from two people’s viewpoints – Hollie and Tori.
Hollie owns the Starfish Café on the North Yorkshire coast. The Café is beautifully situated on a cliff top above a beach (Starfish Point) which is home to two hundred seals. Besides the café, there’s also Hollie’s Wood crafting business to raise money for three charities.
Hollie lives with her boyfriend Jake - who works at the hospital and as a volunteer for the RNLI crew – and their dog, a brown shih tzu called Pickle.
Tori is an architect and interior designer. She lives with her husband Leyton (who really isn’t very nice) and isn’t very happy with their relationship at all. When she ends up meeting Hollie, the two become friends and Hollie helps her decide what to do.
I love the community feel of this novel. I love these books where you feel like you know everyone personally and Jessica Redland is one of the best writers at being able to do this, so you feel you can just walk into the novel and talk to the characters as friends.
The book has many themes, including childhood, family, romance but one of the major ones is friendship. There are also different kinds of relationships (good and bad) and characters of all ages, which I also love. (Being 52, I have little interest in reading a book where everyone is in their twenties!)
There’s a lot going on, but it’s easy to follow too – the perfect mix. You find out about Hollie and Tori and their backgrounds and the ups and downs of their current situations. There’s even a rumour of buried treasure from the past. Oh and beautiful seals.
I loved it and can’t wait to read more about Hollie and Tori in the next book.
9 out of 10

Hollie Gabrielle "Angel" Brooks met Jake "Mouse" MacLeod by chance at The Starfish Café in delightful Whitsborough Bay, the eating place she inherited from her mum, Heather. Hollie, Jake and their Shih tzu dog, Pickles are living together, very happy and are looking forward to good times ahead when something happens to threaten The Starfish Café and Hollie's livelihood. Hollie and Jake both work for the rescue services, the RNLI. They help a group of young adults who get into difficulties whilst paddleboarding, one of whom is Tori. Becoming friendly with Hollie and Jake, Spring Tides at The Starfish Café tells Tori's story.

This is my ninth novel by Jessica Redland and it was so good to be back in Whitsborough Bay, in the North Yorkshire seaside town with some new characters and a few of the stalwarts. I loved spending time with warm-hearted Hollie who has had a sad past. The setting is charming and Jessica Redland's descriptions of the locale are perfect.

Spring Tides at The Starfish Café is a gentle story and is complete in itself, so you don't need to have read any of the others set in the bay to enjoy it. The tale's overall tones are hope and sadness with dashes of laughter. Along with the pleasing characters, there are splashes of romance, some scrummy sounding treats (who doesn't love a cheese scone?) and touching moments. All in all, this is a lovely, heartwarming, as well as an emotional novel with a rich community and friendship vibe that I have no hesitation in recommending. I look forward to reading more from Jessica Redland very soon.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Boldwood Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

In this second book of this three book series we return to the Starfish Café as Hollie continues to make a success of her wonderful café which sits above the beautiful bay of Starfish Point on the North Yorkshire coast. Hollie's life seems to have settled, her love life with Jake is going well and her wonderful dog, Pickle continues to be a ray of sunshine. However, there are some darker times ahead ...

Running alongside Hollie's story is that of Tori, a troubled young woman, who is facing her own particular worries but when her path crosses with that of Hollie at the Starfish Café, these two strong women find that they can help each other out of their current situations.

There is so much to enjoy in this lovely series as it not only brings the characters to life in such a vibrant and believable way but it also brings into focus the lovely Yorkshire coast and those, particularly in the RNLI, who keep the coast line safe. I enjoy this author's style of writing so much, every book has a lovely warm feel to it and even though sometimes the story takes a darker turn, and in this one there's a real dastardly villain, yet there is always something brighter on the horizon.

Spring Tides at the Starfish Café has all the ingredients I wanted for a deliciously relaxing read. A glorious coastal setting, vibrant characters who live, laugh and love in a wonderfully creative story which entertains right from the start. And even though this is the second book in the series it is perfectly possible to read it as a standalone but why miss out on a glorious set of stories, so do start at the beginning and escape to Starfish Point with Hollie, Jake and Pickle.