I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. This was an excellent book about friendship and how we can come together and help in each other's lives. Will be loved by those who enjoy contemporary women lit.

A lovely story of three woman meeting and forming a strong friendship helping each other overcome their problems. I have read all of the books by this author and loved them all they are always so warm and leave you with a warm feeling

Believe it or not, this is my first Jessica Redland book. I am not sure what took me so long to read one of her books, but I am glad I finally did. I will now be working my way through her backlist. This is the story of three women, Alison, Daniella, and Karen. Each of them is at a crossroads in their life. They have issues with their jobs, their spouse or their heart and need to make some serious decisions to move forward towards happiness. Some is recent, some is from baggage that they have carried for awhile, but finding each other helps them to heal.

I was pulled into this story from the beginning. At first, I thought this is just going to be another chick-lit story, but the more I got into it, I realized there was so much more. This book is full of issues that women face. There is infidelity, emotional abuse, lying, trust, mental health issues and forgiveness both self and of others. Each woman had a different issue, but what they all needed was someone to confide in, someone to encourage them and accept them. This is a book of friendship. A book showing that even the strongest feelings of worthlessness can be changed with acceptance and forgiveness. The writing was beautiful and had my emotions all over the place. These characters came to life for me and I was so happy to see them overcome their issues to find their own happiness. I loved this book and recommend it to anyone who enjoys a story about women.

The visuals and the writing in this book way exceeded what I was expecting based on the description. I wasn’t sure any place could be as picturesque as it sounded. But I loved this book! It is definitely in my to be read again pile. I am not sure how many books this author has written but I will definitely be looking into that.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by NetGalley.

I really liked Karen, Daniella, and Allyson. The story of their friendship was light and fun, very witty. Highly recommend.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

A lovely story that is very relevant today. Definitely recommended to those who enjoy this type of book and the positivity that comes from it.

I had not read any previous books by Jessica Redland and really enjoyed this one - I will be reading more from this author.

A lovely tale of three very different women which drew me in from the start and kept my interest throughout the book. The author has a warm style of writing which I liked. An emotional story of friendship, relationships, sadness and secrets with plenty of twists and turns along the way.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review

This book is about 3 women who go through love, grief & heartache together.
Alison lost her family when she was twelve she is now in a relationship with and abusive man and he’s calling her about her weight. She feels trapped.
Alison helps a jogger our after a fall . Who turns out to be called Daniella from there a friendship is formed.
Karen runs a P.T business with her partner Ryan . The girls all meet at a bootcamp run by Karen.
This book hooks you from the start. Never read any of Jessica’s books before but definitely will now.
Thanks Jessica
Thanks NetGalley

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!

This is a book about 3 women - Karen, Alison and Daniella - who live very different lives but are brought together as only fate can determine and soon find themselves supporting one another in more ways they can ever imagine.

Alison is feeling trapped in her life with Dave - he was there for her at the beginning when she needed him, but now he's constantly on at her about her weight (I have to admit to wanting her to thump him on more than one occasion!!) and taking her for granted. So she comfort eats to stop feeling so bad - and so the cycle of hate and pity continues. But one day she finds herself helping a jogger who has fallen over, and this new friendship spurs her on to make changes in her life.

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.

And then there's Karen - running a PT business with her other half, Ryan - she seemingly has it all, but there are cracks beginning to show and she's another woman with a tragic past and the support of her new friends Alison and Daniella is a great comfort to her when she seems to attract a stalker and the walls start tumbling down around her.

I loved the support network on show in this story! The way the women were all there for one another - there was no judging, they were just there to cheer one another on and to lean on when needed. I did find myself getting a little infuriated by some of the decisions the women were making , but the more you found out about their pasts then the more it became clear why they were so willing to make certain moves.

None of the women were perfect and it was good to see them in real life situations and dealing with things in ways the reader could relate to and I found myself outraged and delighted in equal measures as certain situations played out! A proper uplifting read!!

What a great book. Karen, Danielle and Alison are three very different people but come together through the problems they all have. They become the best of friends by supporting each other through tough times. It is an inspirational story with characters that have their flaws but their honesty is so lifelike. It was great to follow each of the characters on their journey to find happiness. A lovely enjoyable read. This is my first Jessica Redland book but it won't be my last. Thank uou to net galley for giving me the opportunity to read this book

An engaging and engrossing tale of friendship, renewal and fresh starts, The Secret to Happiness is an addictive and enjoyable page-turner that kept me reading way past my bedtime.

When Danniella came to Whitsborough Bay, she had hoped that the beautiful seaside resort would provide her with a much-needed sanctuary and a refuge from all the anguish and problems which besiege her. Running away from her past and with plenty of skeletons in her closet, Danniella simply wants to be left alone to lick her wounds. The last thing she wants or needs is to make friends, but fate has other ideas in store for her. Dare she let anyone in? Or is she scared that her new friends will uncover all of her shocking secrets?

Alison is the life and soul of the party. She is always laughing and joking and always has a big smile on her face. However, beneath the jolly façade lies a woman in desperate need of a friend. Stuck in a horrible relationship and with no family and friends, Alison battles her body confidence issues by herself. But could help be just around the corner for Alison?

Karen has put her heart and soul into her fitness business, but her dedication to her job has left her with not much time for a social life and certainly no time for a relationship. Karen though still hopes to find the love of her life, but is her heart’s desire the sender of the mysterious texts she has been getting? Or is there something far more sinister going on?

When the three women meet unexpectedly, they strike up a friendship and their love and support for one another will see them through some difficult times. Will they realize that happiness is within reach, but only if they look in the right direction? Or will they continue to let past fears and old mistakes to exert a hold over them?

Like a gossipy chat with your best friend over a bottle of wine, The Secret to Happiness is a feel-good and fantastic read that will make you laugh and cry. Honest, uplifting and written with plenty of heart, The Secret to Happiness features three wonderfully drawn and believable women who are brilliantly realised and whom we can all relate to and cheer for.

Jessica Redland has penned a winner with The Secret to Happiness and I cannot wait for her next book.

I really enjoyed this book it was so full of emotion. It follows 3 women through greif, love, heart ache, friendship all searching for one common thing, their secret to happiness. You can find my review below and The synopsis in the comments

Allison, lost her mother, father brother and sister in a horrible accident when she was 12. Its now 15 years later and her mentality abusive boyfriend Dave forgot the anniversary. He didn't just forget the anniversary he's going away on a guys trip and berating Allison about her weight. Growing up without a family has been hard and Allison knows she's found comfort in food but with the help of some new found friends she's joining a bootcamp and reevaluating her life with Dave.

Karen runs a fitness business with her fiance Ryan and his best friend Steff. Everything seems great her bootcamps are becoming a big hit and she's never been happier when being a personal trainer. Her fiance starts averting strange even Steff agrees. Her fiance's drinking, disappearing and sneaking around reach an all time high around the time Karen starts getting weird texts from a stranger who seems to be stalking her and claims to know what's going on with Ryan.

Daniella new to town holds her secrets close. She suddenly disappears and ceases all contact with her new friends. They become worried and find her in a pile of blood passed out in her bathroom. After get short stay in the hospital Danniella comes clean about her past and what really brought her to Whitsborough.

Will these ladies be able to deal with all that has been thrown at them throughout their lives?

In this latest visit to Whitsborough Bay, we follow the stories of three women who all meet through the Bootcamp and who all have different reasons for being part of it. Their three stories are interwoven and they become firm friends and a support to each other. On the way, there are some surprising developments and you find out about their past and what is happening at the moments in their lives.

This is a warm, inclusive story with some emotional parts which take you unawares. Friendship plays a huge part in it and there is an amount of heartbreak as well. Beneath the surface there are some dark issues which have been well researched but which are character driven. The female characters are all likeable, which is more than can be said for some of the male ones, who really tested my patience. Well observed writing and a warm tone make this my favourite Jessica Redland novel, so far.

Thanks to the author for a copy of the book.

A wonderful read, and from an author who obviously understands friendships and relationships!

Danniella, Alison and Karen are three women with different lives and, to begin with, strangers to each other - but not for long. Danniella is new to Whitsborough Bay, and has some secret in her past that we're not privy to. Alison lives with her long term boyfriend who, frankly, treats her appallingly and it has affected her self-esteem. Karen and her fiancee are putting all their energy into their new fitness business, leaving romance on the back burner for the majority of the time. They all need a good friend, and that's exactly what they find when they meet up at bootcamp.

Each of this women have very differing personalities and problems but, as we all know, a trouble shared is a trouble halved - getting together and striking up a friendship is just the beginning. This is an author who develops characters beautifully; each one is, in their own way, completely unique - as are their difficulties. The story is well structured, always with plenty going on without it being rushed - in fact, it unfolds at a really enjoyable pace. I found myself really invested in each of their lives and cheering them on, hoping they would get the ending I so wanted for all three! A truly lovely novel which was a pleasure to read, and has definitely brought Jessica Redland's work to my attention. I'm very happy to give this a full five stars.

hen I first saw the cover of 'The Secret to Happiness', I thought that the storyline was going to follow the usual trends that are found popular fiction at the moment. But it didn't, not really. Not that there is anything wrong with that, of course, it's just nice to read a book which steers its characters in an unexpected direction.

And unexpected this was. I never expected to read the last chapter through tear filled eyes, nor did I expect to have teare cascading down my face at the very end.

Danniella is broken, yet she refuses to open up to anyone as she is scared not only of their reaction, but hers. She would do anything to get the confidence to make friends and trust someone to be her confidant; if only she could get over the hurdle that was holding her back.

Next up is Alison and, just like Danniella, she struggles with her confidence. It probably doesn't help that her relationship isn't doing much to help her insecurities. How can you tell someone who has been with their partner for many, many years, that they deserve someone who isn't a doorknob? Will they believe you? Probably not!

The last main character who is featured in the book is fitness fanatic, Karen. On the outside, her life is one which could cause copious amounts of envy, yet the picture on the inside tells a completely different story.

As I said at the beginning, I really wasn't expecting what this storyline delivered. A lot of books I have read,  have had characters with secrets about being in love with someone else etcetera, but 'The Secret to Happiness' reveals secrets on a much deeper scale. Each of the characters journeys revealed heartbreaking situations, emotional challenges, and such life changing and poignant discoveries; a couple of which I was able to relate to personally.

If I could have bottled up the feelings that Jessica Redland's beautiful story telling gave me, I would have had the entire world in my hands. I cannot even begin to explain just how this book made me feel. I was genuinely bowled over by the sensitivity of the author as she put several devastating situations under the spotlight - something which can only be done by an incredible talent like Jessica Redland.

Despite the intense emotion I felt whilst reading the book, I also found myself in hysterics at some of the characters antics, especially when all three ladies got together. I would have done anything, and would do anything, to have such genuine and incredible friendships just like the ones described in this book. That said, i was so pleased to see that each of the ladies finally had someone that they could turn to. I mean, it may be a small thing to some, but having another person ask if you're okay or if you want to talk about anything, is an act which can make that person's day. It may even be the starting block in rebuilding somebody's confidence. You just never know.

Nevermind trying to work out what the secret to happiness is; it is literally right in front of you and it goes by the name of 'The Secret to Happiness' by Jessica Redland - the most genuinely beautiful, emotive, and phenomenal books I have ever, EVER read.

The Secret to Happiness by Jessica Redland is a wonderful women's fiction book, and my first by this author. I really enjoyed this book, watching three women's friendship grow and their lives blossom. I will definitely be reading more books by this author. If you enjoy women's fiction books, I highly recommend this book. Just sit back and relax.

I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you.

A wonderful read about friendship, secrets and a little romance. Touches on serious issues and I also loved how realistic and flawed the characters were, no perfect people, just honest characters with real problems. An enjoyable read, not what I was expecting and very pleasantly surprised.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

I’ve always so enjoyed Jessica Redland’s writing, but this one… I must say it was everything I hoped it would be, but also so much more than that. Her other books have had a single character as their focus – lots of themes and side stories, but only one real heroine at their centre. This one’s much more ambitious, with three women at its heart, and a story that’s told from three points of view – that’s a complexity not seen in her earlier books, but she carries it off quite magnificently.

I have an almost irresistible urge to tell you the whole story, and all about those parts when I felt angry or upset or joyously happy – but it’s ok, I’m not going to. I’d like to tell you about some of the male characters too, all really well drawn, who often turned out to be something of a disappointment to the women in their lives (although there were others I wanted to hug) – and again, I won’t. (But I really have to mention Dave, an unredeemable selfish git who made me want to kick him where it hurts on a few occasions…).

But instead I’ll just tell you that the author has created three quite wonderful central female characters, all with issues in their presents, real sadness in their pasts, all uncertain what their futures may hold, all facing a struggle when their personal happy endings look quite impossible.

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.

There are quite a few serious themes and darker edges in this book, all sensitively handled: there’s an intriguing central mystery in Karen’s stalker storyline, well worked through and keeping you guessing ( I was wrong!), and a nicely done bit of hidden history that shapes Danniella’s life and actions. There are tears at times, but there’s also plenty of joy and laughter, the wonderfully created Whitsborough Bay backdrop, and that beautiful warmth that always distinguishes the author’s excellent writing.

This was a very special book indeed… and I absolutely loved it.

Three women, three different lives, but all with troubled pasts, that make their present less than perfect, and the future something they’d rather not think about.

Alison, Danniella, and Karen are drawn together when they meet at a boot camp, and improved fitness isn’t the only benefit they receive. The women become friends. This friendship makes them individually strong enough to face their daily demons, and discover that the elusive concept of happiness has to begin with yourself.

The three female points of view and characters are authentic and easy to empathise. Alison is initially the easiest to root for, but I like them all, and as I shared their emotional journey, I wanted them to find the happiness they sought. The cast of supporting characters are also realistic, and add depth to the story, highlighting important events and issues in the women’s lives.

This is an inclusive story, the characters want you to be part of their lives, and as you are drawn in, you experience many emotions. It’s not an easy read in parts, but in the end, there is hope, friendship, and a future for each of the women, they could never have believed possible.

I received a copy of this book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Oh wow, perhaps the best by Jessica yet… and that saying something as I’ve loved all her books so far. A story that sends me off to bed crying one night and then smiling the next is certainly one I’ll recommend reading.

Every time I’m about to start a new book by this author, I have to ask myself if I’m ready to meet new friends and get invested in their lives. The characters come to life within the pages and make the reader want to know all about them, feel for them and root for them to overcome their trials.

There are also many themes touched on in this book: Betrayal, infidelity, negative body image, eating disorders, grief, loss and family are all touched on. It’s enthralling how the author is able to do them all justice. She dials into just the most poignant elements and brings the issues out in a sensitive and satisfying way.

With three leading ladies, the book is really a three in one and we follow the challenges of Alison, Daniella and Karen. Their stories are woven together as their friendship builds and they find strength within themselves for oneanother.

At first I thought I was going to wish that each of the three ladies got more page space to really develop their characters and stories… but no. Jessica manages to write three incredibly detailed protagonists and takes us through their metamorphoses is a way that is complete. It’s only because I’m greedy I’d say I wished they were three individual books. 🙂

The story utilises alternating points of view, something I’m not usually fond of, but it works really well in this narrative. The switching up of perspectives also lends a touch of suspense. Just as you want to know what happens next with Karen or Alison, you’re pulled into Danniella’s tale of woe.

Speaking of Danniella, if she had her own book, I can guarantee it would be a book that would have you getting through an entire box of tissues. Perhaps, she’s the only one I would have liked some more development with, especially when she has to reconnect with her past and figure out how and if to make it part of her future.

Alison’s tale is really one of self-love and finding your own way to happiness. Karen’s story brings some intrigue and allows us to cross paths with a couple of past Whitsborough Bay characters. Don’t worry, you definitely don’t need to read the other books set in this picturesque northern coast town to fully enjoy The Secret of Happiness.

Overall, I simply loved this book and once again will be eagerly anticipating Jessica’s next book!