Welcome to Whitsborough Bay Boxset: All 4 books in the bestselling series by Jessica Redland, plus bonus content

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I have a gay sibling. I've had gay friends, acquaintances and coworkers throughout my life. Being gay is not a 'choice' or 'lifestyle.' It is part of a person's identity from birth. Sadly, we are only now getting to the point where that truth is accepted, but we have a lot farther to go. And I've seen firsthand what some in the gay community endure or have endured when it comes to their sexuality, their families acceptance of it, their own acceptance of it, and the stigma that still stubbornly clings to homosexuality. The list goes on but I think that's sufficient. An uplifting story of friendship and finding the strength to come to terms with the past. Perfect for fans of Tilly Tennant and Cathy Bramley. Another Jessica Redland, and another story filled with emotions. This had quite a few challenges for the main character Elise who really had to jump through the hoops for her HEA.

This book was so full of emotion. It follows 3 women through greif, love, heart ache, friendship all searching for one common thing, the secret to their happiness. 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.I hated her cheating husband. I hated her caricature mother. I hated her friends. I hated the stereotypical sleaze bag rebound boyfriend (yet another caricature), I hated his brother, I hated Stevie. I didn't like the dialogue. I hated the pacing. I didn't gel with the writing - yet this has a 4.5 rating so I think the issue is me. How have I let this author pass me by?! My first Jessica Redland book but definitely not my last and I'm already looking forward to catching up with the others she has written if this one is anything to go by! I found myself totally swept up in the lives of these women - cheering on their achievements, despairing with them at the down moments in their lives, and just wanting to meet up with them all and sharing a drink or two!

I loved Alison from the very beginning, and hurt for her: Karen with her professional and efficient veneer took a little longer, and Danniella’s secrets made her intriguing but initially more difficult to understand. By the book’s close, I loved them all unconditionally: the powerful friendship that develops between them is so well drawn, with their support for each other as they try to find themselves, and work out what will bring them the happiness they all deserve. Sam thinks he has his future all worked out. A thriving career, lovely home and an amazing fiancée. But when tragedy strikes, he finds himself alone, far from everyone he cares about. Did he do the right thing by running away and trying to rebuild the tatters of his life alone? The Characters are endearing and likeable, the pace just flows along perfectly, the romance aspect is definitely cosy but wasn't the main focus. 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.Born in Teesside in the United Kingdom, Jessica Redland would grow up with a keen interest in the written word. Developing this from an early age, she would continue with nurturing this passion on into her adult life, finding her voice all the while. Over time she would create a brand and approach that was very much her own, allowing her to become the writer she wanted to be.

While Barney loves his life at Bumblebee Barn - a farm that has been in his family for generations - he's struggling to find someone to share it with. The early mornings quad biking through muddy fields and the long hours looking after the crops and animals are proving to be a deterrent to finding love.

If you have never read one of her books, maybe now is a good start. You could always ask Santa to bring you one (or more). However with my attitude (I guess I'm being like Mr Darcy with 'My good opinion once lost, is lost forever’), half the characters wouldn't be there to celebrate a happy ending. So I am going to try to be more like Callie, though I am not too certain of success. So I began reading with hope Elise’s story, she was generous with her time and sage advice. Her breakup with her husband was definitely modern though unexpected for one who was educated and I tune to friends needs etc., her entire journey to find herself was way beyond the pale. She makes bad choices, she’s selfish wit her time, and feelings. She is self centered. Some characters seemed written in to perpetuate the poor choices Elise made.