What an inspiring, lovely story of lost love, friendship, community and family.
Autumn has lost her sparkle and is concerned about her job as an artist for a greetings card company.
After having her heart broken many years ago by a French friend, she struggles to make friends for fear of having her heart broken again.
After losing her grandad she decides to take some time out and stay with her penfriend from school days who she has never met. Can this charming village become her home and give her back her sparkle?
A great story, I struggled to put it down. Strong and lovable characters throughout, a heartwarming read.

The Start of Something Wonderful could very well describe any book with Jessica Redland’s name on the cover. This gifted writer of uplifting and emotional page-turners is back with a fantastic new novel you are going to love.

Illustrator Autumn Laine has had a tough time lately. Losing her grandfather had been a horrible blow for her – and losing her job was a kick in the teeth she simply didn’t need. Unemployed, burnt out and in desperate need of a change, Autumn needs to relax and unwind and to figure out the next chapter in her journey, so when she is invited by her penpal Rosie to stay in the Lake District, she jumps at the chance. Autumn hopes that the Lakes – which inspired her heroine Beatrix Potter – will help her rediscover her love for her craft, however, she never imagined that she would also find more than she had hoped for in this beautiful part of the world…

From the moment she arrives, Autumn is blown away by the beauty of her surroundings and the warm welcome the locals give her. Romance was the furthest thing on her mind, but when she meets Dane, Autumn immediately finds herself drawn to this stranger who has his own demons and his own reasons for coming to the Lake District.

Autumn has found the new beginning she had been hoping for. But will she take a leap of faith and a chance on herself? Or will the past continue to hold her back?

Jessica Redland strikes gold with her latest novel, The Start of Something Wonderful. Witty, warm-hearted, emotional and enchanting, this gorgeous slice of escapism is ideal for losing yourself into on a gloomy day. Beautifully written, wonderfully told and full of characters you cannot help but love, The Start of Something Wonderful is a hopeful, heartfelt and unputdownable tale about following your dreams, finding love and healing that has winner written all over it.

The Start of Something Wonderful

by Jessica Redland

Sometimes people have to go through some hard times before they are ready to make changes in their lives. At some point they also begin to appreciate what they already have. Such is the case for Dane whose divorce is pending and for Autumn who loses her job as a greeting card illustrator while she is grieving for her grandfather and coming to grips with a past failed romance.

The Start of Something Wonderful is about Dane and Autumn as they literally bump into each other. In the process of their meeting, we learn so much about their pasts and their hopes and dreams. They do not start out looking for romance, but in their efforts to begin again with their lives, they discover a friendship and a kinship that draws them close together.

The setting is one the author is quite familiar with—Derwent Water in the Lake District National Park in north west England near Keswick. The beauty of the area and the feel of community in the small towns nearby are inspiring to Autumn as are her visits to Hill Top Farm and the legacy of her personal heroine, Beatrix Potter. She wants to take her inspiration from Potter and the area without copying her.

Rosie is an important character in that she was Autumn’s penpal from age eleven. Neither had a lot of friends in school and family needs kept each close to home. Thus they became confidants through the rest of their lives. When Autumn goes to meet and visit Rosie for a fortnight in the Lake District where Rosie manages a stable and teaches riding skills, a new stage of life begins for both women.

The main characters are quite likable along with several others who contribute to the plot. There are also a few who are despicable, especially Autumn’s ex-boyfriend. The romance is gentle and slow and suited to the story and the needs of the characters. Several events were quite touching, and I enjoyed the whole book. Redland is a good writer. I have enjoyed everything I have read by her, and I am excited for this new series.

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: Fiction, Romance

Notes: #1 in Escape to the Lakes

Publication: July 17, 2023—Boldwood Books

Memorable Lines:

“You really think certain people are meant to be in your life?” “Of course! I think they appear when you need them and we’re the living proof of that.”

We really were kindred spirits, neither one us willing to travel far from home because we had a loved one to look out for, and neither of us having a friend who we could pour our hearts out to in person. It was no wonder we’d become so close as penpals. There’d been nobody else to turn to.

It was my grandparents’ home and I needed my own space. It was full of memories, but selling it wouldn’t take them away. They were in my heart and my head and would remain with me wherever life took me. I didn’t need to own their house to remember them.

I’ve missed Jessica Redland’s writing so much and I don’t think I quite realised how much until I fell into this book and got immersed into the characters world. Despite this being the first book in a new series I was transported into Willowdale with Autumn and Dane throughout the book. I think this was helped by my love of the lakes but also Jessica’s writing as it’s descriptive and sets the scene bit in a way that melds beautifully with the story.

Autumn is such a lovely character and I feel that you can’t help but feel for her, especially with everything she’s been through which we learn as we progress. I could picture her drawings so clearly and would love to be able to draw as well as that, you get taken into Beatrix Potter’s world with her and I think Hill Top will have to be on my list of places to visit if I get the chance!

Dane felt like a really genuine character as well, a guy who wears kindness on his sleeve and is going to be Autumn’s biggest cheerleader - alongside Rosie and her mum of course! The whole village gave off a sense of friendship despite it clearly also being a tourist location but I think this just made the setting more vivid and believable in my head.

This book just felt like a massive book hug, transporting me straight into my memories of the lakes and leaving me with a massive smile on my face, I can’t wait to start A Breath of Fresh Air very soon!

The Start of Something Wonderful - Jessica Redland

I have enjoyed so many books by Jessica Redland and this one was no different, I feel at this point I just know what I am going to get with the author. I always enjoy her characters but what I like the most is the settings that she uses, and her descriptions of them. It is pure escapism. I enjoyed the pace of this book, I wasn't left hanging around for this to get interesting, it was all the way through. I really enjoyed the pen pal aspect of the book, I found it very nostalgic. Thanks so much Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this e-arc in return for my honest thought and opinions

I loved all of the characters in this book, especially the main character, Autumn, she was so down to earth and lovable and I really warmed to her.
This was such a wonderful, heartwarming, romantic and funny story and I really enjoyed every word of it………

I just could not get into this book. I feel like the writing was not for me but also it moves too quickly for my liking, like I like the romance to build rather than be insta love.

Confronting a pivotal moment in her life post-job loss and personal challenges, Autumn Laine accepts an invitation from her penpal Rosie to explore The Lake District. In the midst of the inspiring scenery and Beatrix Potter's influence, she forms a connection with Dane, a cyclist navigating his own troubles. Their journey unfolds as a tale of healing, inspiration, and the possibility of a deeper connection than mere friendship. 'The Start of Something Wonderful' skillfully depicts Autumn's personal growth, the evolving penpal relationship, and the profound impact of friendship against the backdrop of a splendid setting.

This is a heartwarming story and the beginning of a. series. I loved the setting in the Lake District and the Beatrix Potter references. A good beach read.

What a brilliant book!!

Jessica Redland has done it again. My heart has been stolen and I’ve loved every moment of this one.

I have been transported to the pages of this one and felt able to visit Lake District from the comfort of my own garden.

Autumn is a wonderful character. Redland has made me feel as though I know her. She is fun and makes this a brilliant read.

This is one of those books that really leaves you feeling content. It’s definitely one that will improve your mood and keep you smiling.

I’ve read most (if not all) of Jessica’s books and they get better and better. This is definitely a firm favourite and one I have no hesitation in recommending.

This is a book I devoured in just one sitting and is completely brilliant.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

𝑨𝒅 | 𝑷𝑹 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒕 | 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝑪𝒐𝒑𝒚

A new series by Jessica. About autumn who is stuck in a rut. She is struggling with the loss of her grandad and she has just lost her job as. An illustrator that made her and her grandad close. Then she hears from her pen pal. Who invites her to stay in the Lake district. Autumn needs a break so decides to go. She is instantly swept off her feet by the rolling hills. The warm community and her creative juices begin flowing again. Could love be just around the corner? I think so.

I was very excited to see a new series by Jessica Redland and have loved this the first book. As always a lovely heartwarming story with very likeable characters and plenty going on to keep your interest. Now really looking forward to the next one in the series

A brilliant read and one I really enjoyed. The characters are loveable and varied, the plot is one that is engaging and medium paced. I found myself completely drawn into the story and enjoyed the writing style.

Thanks to netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Autumn is a stuck in a rut and needs a break after losing both her grandad and job as an illustrator close together. Her pen pal Rosie who she has never met in person asks Autumn to go and stay with her in the Lake District, Autumn decides to go and get any from the hustle and bustle of Paris. When she arrives she is swept up by the stunning landscapes and is welcomed into the community and begins to get her creative juices flowing again. She then meets Dale who has returned to the Lake District for his own reasons. Will Autumn let her last continue to hold back or will she be able to let her barriers down and let Dale into her life?

This book felt different from others the author has written previously. It did not feel like the start of a series (even with the title hinting otherwise), but a quick glance at Goodreads before writing this has confirmed that it is the first in a longer series. There are some loose ends in the book, which probably will get tied up later.
We begin with one protagonist who is close to losing the only grandparent she has left and feeling let down in life. Autumn has an interesting job as an illustrator. It is something that morphs along the way, but it is a good starting place to begin with. The second thing that advances the story and is also presented in a believable fashion is the concept of a long-running penpal friendship. Autumn ends up running (physically) away from her heartache to her friend's home. Rosie is set to be the next protagonist in the series, but in this book, she is a very supportive friend with her own baggage.
Autumn grows through the book, working through her issues and listening to the people around her when they encourage her and suggest ideas. It does not make for a lot of highs and lows, but it is the kind of book I like reading.
Dane( the male protagonist) is also at a stage in life where he wants to set out in a new direction, and even with the initial attraction, the pairing up happens slowly. They help each other find new avenues and work through 'things'. I enjoyed the new pacing and overall transition of everything that happens in this. I am not well-versed in Beatrix Potter's life and works, but there might be more for those who are!
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

Jessica can really do no wrong in my eyes and she knocked it out of the park once again. Still grieving the loss of the Hedgehog Hollow series, Jessica has whisked us away to a gorgeous new setting filled with beautiful characters and heartfelt stories intertwined.

Autumn Laine is an illustrator who has lost her creative spark after a series of personal losses. Seeking solace and inspiration, she leaves Paris to stay with her penpal, Rosie, in the picturesque Lake District. The scenic beauty and the artistic history of the region begin to rekindle her creativity, and Autumn gradually finds herself reconnecting with her true self.

As Autumn becomes part of the welcoming community in Willowdale, her walls start to come down. However, meeting Dane, who also carries his own secrets, adds a layer of complexity to her journey.

A heartwarming tale set against the backdrop of a charming village and the legacy of Beatrix Potter. It's a story of hope, renewal, and the possibility of finding love and inspiration when you least expect it.

The first book in a brand new series, set in the Lake District. There was a lot of new characters to get to know, glorious landscapes, beautifully described, and as usual a great story to be told.
Autumns story this time, A set of life changing events means Autumn is very pleased to accept Rosie’s offer to come and stay with her , and her mum Alice in the Lake District. Rosie and Autumn are penpals who have never actually met, though they have been a part of each others lives for many years.
Add in a couple of male lead characters, each with their own issues, interesting secondary characters and you have a realistic novel with a strong storyline, believable characters and some drama and intrigue . Friendship and family are a strong part of this book all mixed up with the usual Jessica magic.
A highly recommended read
Thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and Jessica Redland, for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review

What an absolute joy this book is. I've read and loved every one of Jessica's books and couldn't wait to dive into the pages of this one. Where previous books have been set on the Yorkshire coast this one is centred in the stunningly scenic Lake District. I adored the beautiful descriptions of that area and quickly fell in love with the lovely characters. Autumn is an illustrator who has lost her mojo and has recently lost her beloved granddad. She grew up in France and moved to London but is then invited to visit her pen friend, Rosie,who lives in the Lake District. The two have been corresponding for decades but had never met. I loved the warm friendship between these two ladies. Autumn's ex, Etienne, a French man is also a central character as is the lovely Dane, writer of children's books. There are a lot of references to Beatrix Potter which I found especially interesting and endearing. There are many emotions, secrets, dilemmas and a slow burn romance that kept me riveted to this book. As this is the first in a series

Love Jessica’s books and this one didn’t disappoint
Had me hooked from the first to the last page
And I felt just like I was in the lakes with them
Loved the characters and I hope there is more in this series
Thanks NetGalley