Another great book by Jessica,love this series and was happy to receive this book. Sad that it’s last in the series. Mel stays in Newcastle but hates it,she has just broken up with her boyfriend, who was getting too serious. Her family stay in Willowdale in the Lake District. She left 7 years ago but hates her life and would like to go back but she has bad memories. She was married to Flynn but when their son Noah died she couldn’t handle it all and left and got divorced. She never comes back to visit her family but it’s her Mums 80th so she feels she must come to the party. She is close with her sister Georgia and she persuades her it’s time to come home. She gets a job at Willowdale hall and Rosie and Oliver let her stay there while she is helping renovate the house. Flynn still stays in the area and she dreads bumping into him. So many of the characters from the previous books appear,Emma with her alpacas and Rosie’s Mum Alice. You must read it and see how things work out for Mel,does she get her happy ever after,there are lots of twists and turns,I couldn’t put it down.

I love this series and particularly enjoyed this book, i liked Mel as a character and revisiting other characters we’ve grown to love

Sunshine After the Rain is the fourth book in the Escape to the Lakes by Jessica Redland.
I enjoy Jessica Redlands book and was looking forward to getting back into this series.
Being back with Mel and catching up with her life was filled with so much emotion for me as I read. This is also a book that can be read as a stand-alone.
Thank you NetGalley, Jessica Redlands and Boldwood Books for the ARC of Sunshine After the Rain. This is my personal review.

This may be the most emotional one of this series so far. Mel has endured heartache that would have broken most people, and in truth, she is battered and bruised if not actually broken. As the synopsis explains, she left the safe haven of her Lake District home and family seeking a fresh start and a chance to recover in Newcastle. But the intention and willingness never matched her reality, and she had become stuck in a spiral of heartache and endless loss. My heart broke as I read and felt her pain, but the more I read, I felt bereft at what she had experienced and how those experiences had decimated her relationships with those she loved the most. I would defy even the hardest person not to be moved by the pain that lifted from the pages.
I loved Mel and immediately knew she would be a wonderful asset to the Willowdale community if she could simply allow herself to heal. Returning to the heart of her family, she soon realises that she has a lot of bridges to mend before she can relax into the family fold once more. Mel’s family was tightly knit, with plenty of characters who maintained the connections that she had missed—parents, sister and brother-in-law, and the irreplaceable cousins and their children.
Finding a place at Willowdale Hall, she introduces her vision for the hall's future and forges friendships with the wealth of characters who live there and in the village. Catching up with characters from earlier in the series is a pleasure that I enjoy with Jessica’s writing.
It’s impossible not to hope that she can find peace from her heartache, and maybe with her former husband, but there’s a lot of healing needed to repair that bridge.
Jessica Redland has a gift for examining the frailties of human relationships and delving deeper into her characters' backgrounds. Mel’s pain was unimaginable, and possibly the most significant source of heartache for any person.
I can wholeheartedly recommend this beautiful book to you, but make sure you keep tissues handy as you will need them.

Melanie ran away seven years ago after a tragic incident, leaving her family and husband behind. Now she has moved back after a family event reminded her of what she was missing and takes up her dream job at Willowdale Hall.
This is a story of how grief can affect you and its long term effects, but also on hope and reconciliation. Melanie comes across as a tortured soul, but the location and the people around her gradually helps her with healing. As usual the location sounds wonderful, although this is part of a series it is easily read as a standalone, but does make me want to read the others as well. A great read for those who enjoy character driven stories.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my copy of Sunshine After the Rain by Jessica Redland in exchange for an honest review. It publishes May 15, 2025.
Another lovely book in the Escape to the Lakes series from the wonderful Jessica Redland. Heartfelt and heart wrenching, it doesn’t get more compelling than this. I loved getting a glimpse into old characters’ lives, while getting to know a brand new cast.
The character development is top-notch here, and you’ll be holding your breath through certain chapters!
This one is definitely Jessica’s masterpiece.

Straight away I was drawn into the storyline and enjoyed reading about Mel, who is in her early fifties and just finished a relationship, her mum and dad live in Derwent in the Lake District and she has just travelled over for her mum's 80'th birthday celebration party. She soon noticed that her mum was having mobility problems at the party, something she never aware of. Soon she makes the decision to move back to the Lake District, but what about her ex? Is this going to be an awkward situation! But she gets the job of her dreams at Willowdale Hall, somewhere she has wanted to work for a long time, but Mel has a large hole burning deep in her heart from what happened here years ago, made even more poignant because it involved her teenage son Noah. Is she going to be happy working and living here? But when her mum has some possibly bad news she doesn't know what to do for the best. Is she destined to be on her own forever or will she find happiness again? But more importantly will she find the sunshine after the rain in this great five star read.

This is the type of book that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside as you read it. I can really recommend it, Jessica Redland is always an author you can rely on for a compulsive storyline that you can't put down. A totally absorbing and captivating book that covers all emotions, I loved it.

#Boldwoodbooks
#Netgalley
#SunshineAfterTheRain
#JessicaRedland

Another brilliant book by Jessica, I have loved this series. It’s has everything you need to escape and enjoy a story about love, friendship and belonging. I recommend this one!

Sunshine After the Rain
by Jessica Redland

Melanie’s life took a devastating turn seven years ago when her only child, Noah, tragically passed away at the tender age of 18, leaving behind a world filled with unfulfilled dreams and possibilities. As she navigated the aftermath of his loss, she was engulfed in a tumultuous sea of guilt, plagued by the haunting realisation that she hadn't recognised the subtle changes in his behaviour, the signs that something was amiss. Originally from the idyllic village of Willowdale, nestled near the serene Derwent Water in the Lake District National Park, Mel made the courageous decision to relocate to Newcastle just six months after Noah’s death. This move was both a desperate attempt to escape her pain and a hopeful search for a fresh start.

However, the impending return to Willowdale for her mother’s eightieth birthday serves as a powerful catalyst, compelling Mel to confront the emotional walls she has painstakingly constructed since her heartbreak. The familiar sights and sounds of her childhood home stir up long-buried memories and unresolved feelings, forcing her to grapple with the grief she has tried so hard to avoid.

This beautifully crafted story intricately explores the depths of grief and despair, while also illuminating a journey towards healing and hope. Jessica Redland once again masterfully weaves a remarkable tale that resonates deeply, inviting readers to reflect on the complexities of love, loss, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

Wanted more sunshine, less rain🌦

3.5🌟 stars

I am a fan of the author's writing but this one was a bit of a miss for me.

This story focuses on a woman caught up in one bout of grief that lasts for years and then facing another while trying to reconnect with the family she's kept at arm's length. I found her rather glum and, yes, it was good to see her working through things and ending up in a much better place, but I guess I just wasn't in the mood for the negative and sad concentration through the bulk of the story. Her ex-husband I found very forebearing, maybe unrealistically so.

And I am not familiar with the locale and found the almost travelogue details of the walks around the area of the Lake District where the story is set detracted from the action.

Won't stop me looking for the author's books, but the uplifting bit intimated by the title showed up too late to leave an overall feel-good impression for me.

Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

Book review shared on 5/2/25 on Waterstones and Goodreads, and with Barnes & Noble and BAM. To be shared with kobo and Google Play upon publication.

Another fantastic read. I’ve loved laughed and cried reading the next instalment of The Escape to the Lakes Series.
From the very first page I was absorbed into the life of Mel and Flynn.
When life deals them a very bad hand Mel flees from her home and starts a new life in Newcastle.
Years later realising how much she misses her beloved family she takes the plunge to come back.
Can she try to repair her broken heart by coming home. A beautiful emotional moving book which I think is the best yet.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC of this book.

I confess to being a fan of Jessica Redland books. I have not read them all….yet, but I have read all the books so far in this series. And loved them all.
I like the way the author has the focus on one or two main characters but brings in other characters from previous stories.
Yes it would be better to have read the other books in the series first, but a helpful synopsis of characters is given.
Grief affects people in different ways and seven years ago, after a tragedy , Mel turns her back on family and friends and isolates herself in Newcastle. Returning home for her Mothers 80th birthday, she slowly realises that perhaps she made a mistake by running away..
A lively read yet again. Thank you Jessica.

A lovely book in the series, thank goodness for the catch up conversation to remind me what went on in the previous books big help. Lots of triggers for people child death and other death. Included in this book so may not be for everyone. Lots of soul searching leading to an emotional conclusion. Thank you netgalley for the advanced copy

Jessica Redland herself is like sunshine after the rain with all the books she gives us. and i mean that, she gives us these books like they are little presents. every single one of her books is the best. and when she gives us a new one its the new best. there are some authors that writing must be in their DNA. because the talent just feels so natural, their writing flows. but that feels like im not giving enough credit to how much work must going tinto creating these stories.
anyway enough book-fan-girling. this is another super duper read. i love the way her books are so easily read as standalone but with many we get to see old friends woven through.
in this book we head back to the Lakes. Mel left her hometown a long time ago. she had to. shed lost her son and couldnt be around the place of pain and memories anymore. she left her whole life behind. its broke her and life hasnt been easy since. Mel new she would have to return one day and that day comes with the draw from family. being home makes her feel things she tried to close off. make her feel like shes home, like she wants to stay. and so she does. but what happens when being home means FLynn. the love of her life which by the way she also left behind. ouch!
a heart warming book filled with everything you need to snuggle down into. im not sure how a book that doesnt shy away from the hard stuff feels so good for the soul. but it just does. read it. you will soon see why.
and then go and read all her others and you can thank me later.

Mel and Flynn’s journey is moving and authentic, with no shortcuts taken when it comes to exploring grief, healing, and love. The author delves into the inner workings of Mel’s mind with incredible sensitivity, making her pain over the loss of her son profoundly relatable. Her coping mechanism—running—feels raw and genuine, and the story challenges the notion that time alone heals wounds.

Mel’s gradual awakening to the truth that she hasn’t truly moved on is both painful and inspiring. Her courage to confront the past, accept her mistakes, and open up is powerful. And Flynn is the heart of this story’s hope—steadfast, patient, and endlessly compassionate. His quiet devotion is a beautiful example of enduring love.

The secondary storyline, including the renovation project and Alice’s recovery from her own trauma, adds even more emotional depth. The friendship that grows between Mel and Alice is especially touching, showing how healing often comes through connection.

This installment in the series is a standout—emotional, honest, and ultimately uplifting. A must-read for fans of stories that tackle loss and love with grace and realism.

After seven years away, Mel returns to Willowdale carrying grief she’s never fully unpacked. But with a new job, family reconnections, and unexpected moments of joy (hello, alpacas!), the shadows start to lift. As she begins to rediscover herself, she must also confront the one man she left behind—and the future that might still be waiting. Emotional and uplifting, this story is a gentle reminder that even after the storm, the sun can shine again.

After thinking that the third book in this series wasn’t as good as the first two, Sunshine After the Rain was a real return to form for the series in what could be the best book so far.

This book is largely an exploration of grief rather than a straight romance. The book begins with Mel, who has spent the previous seven years running away from the grief she felt after her son died, divorcing her husband and refusing to return home until she finally does and spends the novel coming to terms with her grief, reconciling with her family and making new friends.

This was a beautiful book. You really feel for Mel as she struggles to understand why her son died and you can understand why she ran. It is heartwarming to read her starting to come to terms with everything and starting to live her life again after seven years of just existing. Her family are wonderful. Her sister is supportive and her ex-husband is a lovely man. It’s just a fantastic book with no unexpected twists and no randomly evil characters causing bother.

Sunshine After the Rain is my favourite book in this series so far. The characters are wonderful and the story feels so real. I loved reading Mel’s story and it was heartwarming to read her start to live again. There is, of course, a happy ending and, in this case, it was a well earned one.

The is the latest in Jessica Redland's Lake series, a must read author for me. This works as a standalone, but I definitely recommend reading the previous books as well!

Mel has been hiding in Newcastle from her old life in the Lakes for seven years. When she returns home for a family event, she has to face her feelings, and more importantly, the family she left behind - can she use her time to heal?

This was a very emotional book, with lots of sensitive subject matter. I found it quite a tough read at times, but it is a great book nonetheless, with the most perfect title. I loved revisiting the alpacas and all of the characters from the previous boo, it is always lovely to get updates on their lives.

Melanie has ran from the lakes after her son tragically died, she knew she was running, but why. She goes home and has decided she will change. This was a lovely read about family, trauma and new beginnings. It had a lovely message, everything can get better after the worst things happen. The characters were likable and it was easy to follow even though there are a lot of them. A 4 star read. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.

Sunshine After the Rain

by Jessica Redland

Can there be “sunshine after the rain” or will tragedy and bad choices just keep pushing Mel down with no hope of escape from her past? Mel is a conservation architect. She specializes in the “preservation of historic buildings.” She worked alongside her husband Flynn who handled the construction end of the business until the untimely death of their son. Mel needed answers; she wanted to blame someone. In a totally irrational response to the death, she left her husband and her home. She thought she needed time and space so she cut almost all ties with her family, not considering that all of them were grieving too.

Mel grew up in a village near Derwent Water in the Lake District National Park. Seven years after her split from Flynn, a trip back to Willowdale to celebrate her mom’s eightieth birthday cracks open the tough shell Mel has built around herself. She discovers that the owners of the historic Willowdale Hall, a local landmark, are embarking on a reconstruction. This would be a dream job for Mel. There are a lot of characters who have ties to Willowdale Hall. Many of those characters have been previously introduced in the Escape to the Lakes series, and the author uses their kindness to bring together a supportive structure for Mel as she heals. There is another large piece of sadness in the story that adds to Mel’s struggles.

There is so much grief, despair, and despondency in Sunshine After the Rain that at times it is difficult to read. At the same time, it is uplifting to see familiar characters who have gone through tough times themselves reaching out to help Mel. In addition to the obvious themes of grief and loss, there are also themes of enduring and steadfast love and hope for a better tomorrow. There is a lot of symbolism as Willowdale Hall is being transformed from a place with a lot of past sorrow into a place of restoration. There is also a motif of broken vessels being repaired to a new state of beauty.

I particularly identified with the characters’ love of the library at Willowdale Hall along with another small reading room introduced later in the book. I would love to spend time in either room surrounded by books!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Rating: 5/5

Category: Women’s Fiction, Romance

Notes: #4 in the Escape to the Lakes series. By the time you get to this fourth book, there are a lot of characters and relationships. I recommend you start at the beginning of the series and keep going. You will be happy you read them in sequence. Redland is aware of how many characters are involved at this point, and she includes a “Cast of Recurring Characters” as a reference for readers.

Publication:  May 15, 2025—Boldwood Books

Memorable Lines:

The biting cold wind whipped my hair across my face and took my breath away. The lake was choppy but the sound of the water slapping against the beach was both mesmerizing and comforting. Closing my eyes, I breathed in several deep lungfuls of fresh air, trying to quieten the battle inside my head.

Georgia laughed at me when I told her I could hear old buildings breathe, which was rich from somebody who talked to books. I loved the phrase if walls could talk. I wish! The things these walls must have seen—the good times and bad, the joy and the pain.

Even the things that seem the most broken can be fixed with enough time, love and will.