Member Reviews
After losing her job as a greeting card illustrator and her grandfather’s passing, Autumn Laine feels lost and unmoored, both personally and creatively. She takes up the offer to visit from her long time pen pal to spend time in the Lakes District. But will the beauty of Willowdale be enough to inspire her and find herself again?
Jessica Redland is a master of cozy reads that transport you the loveliest towns and villages. The Start of Something Wonderful not only follows suit, but also includes themes of female friendship, the importance of community, and finding yourself again after a loss. I think this is a great summertime read, whether you are at the beach, lake, or pool it is a nice book to bring along.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy to review!
Fairly decent read with a good setting. It was weird how Rosie kept spouting off guidebook facts like a computer. We never did find out who or what the green man was. The romance moved way too fast for me. From meeting to living together to I love you in under a month it seemed
I loved this so much! This is one of the best Books I have had the pleasure to read. I actually felt connected to Autumn and felt everything she did. Great Job! This is a definite 5 star read!!
I just reviewed The Start of Something Wonderful by Jessica Redland. #TheStartofSomethingWonderful #NetGalley
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This is a wonderful book that took me no time at all to read. I love Autumn Laine and she is a women many of us can relate to which makes this book so real and normal. A book about new beginnings, change and giving things a go. This is what we all need sometimes.
The start of a new series this is going to be a great lot of books and stories and I look forward to reading more. I love the Lake District setting and the characters are adorable and the story is definitely cosy and a warm, fuzzy type of read.
I must say I thought Dane was adorable and loved him in this book. But having said that I loved all the characters and would highly recommend this as a book to get stuck into and can't wait to see what happens next.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
I'm a big fan of Jessica Redland books so I was keen to read the start of this new series.
As expected, a really good read. I enjoyed an older protagonist and the setting in the Lake District is lovely.
I can't wait for the next books in the series to be released!
I absolutely loved this story and can't wait to read the next installment. The characters were so easy to warm to and the setting was described perfectly. This was one of those books you wish had pictures. I was able to visualise the village and area despite the fact I've never been to the Lake District. A little bit of perfection in an uncertain world
I have loved this book so much.
I've loved all of Jessica's books and Whitsborough Bay had my heart. When that series ended I knew what would come next would be just as amazing and I wasn't wrong.
Derwent River has been put on my radar and I can't wait to visit. I am so excited to see what comes in book 2.
I love characters who go on a journey and slowly change their lives around, Autumn being an illustrator was wonderful to read about as I could picture her drawings which I knew were stunning.
Another 5⭐️ read from Jessica.
This book is so good! It has wonderful characters, beautiful setting and a great plot. It has just the right amount of drama and emotions to keep you turning the pages. It's a great start to a new series and I look forward to the next book.
I received a complimentary copy from Boldwood Books via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I would firstly just like to say a big thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources who very kindly forwarded me an arc copy of this book, for my Kindle, in return for my honest review.
The Start Of Something Wonderful is written by Jessica Redland and is her first book in a brand new series and is full of love, friendship and a wonderful sense of community too.
I loved getting immersed in this story and loved the sound of the Lake District, it was described beautifully and was perfect for a spot of armchair travelling.
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………
What can I say that hasn't been said about an Jessica Redland book. Beautiful setting in one of our country's best areas, The Lake District, with wonderful characters, woven into a lovely story. Thank you Jessica.
It was exciting news to discover that Jessica Redland was starting a new series, and it would be set in the beautiful Lake Disctrict.
I have long been a fan of her books especially as they were set in the ever changing scenery of North Yorkshire and the attractive Castle Street.
However, this new book details the amazing Derwent Water in the Lake District where just as many memorable characters live and work and the locations are described so well that a holiday in the Lakes is a must.
The main characters, Autumn and Dane have both lost their way and need to rebuild their lives.
Where better than the Lake Disctrict?
A lovely story and start of a new series.
I absolutely love Jessica Redland’s books, so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on her latest, The Start of Something Wonderful. I wasn’t disappointed.
I really loved this book. I loved Autumn, she’s had such a tough time recently, but she has persistence and keeps working on getting her artistic mojo back. I loved the fact that she’s an illustrator, I’ve not read many books with one as a main character, so it makes a refreshing change. I loved reading about the progression of her artwork, as well as the character development. It made a lovely intertwining story.
I really liked Dane too, he seemed honest and kind, to character traits. He treats Autumn with respect and kindness, and is willing to talk about any issues, which is also an excellent thing.
I also loved Alice and Rosie. It’s lovely to see their relationship and how they support it each other, though I think it’s a huge shame that Alice won’t get help for her PTSD. I hope that we’ll get to see more of them in future books, and hopefully see Alice accepting some therapy so she can move forward.
I haven’t mentioned it much yet, but I absolutely loved the romance too. I loved how comfortable they felt with each other, and how they encouraged one another in their creative pursuits. And I absolutely loved the ending.
Overall, this was such a lovely story. Full of a sense of community, friendships, and of course romance. The Start of Something Wonderful is clearly the start of a wonderful series!
TW: On page death of grandfather to cancer
I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own.
The Start of Something Wonderful really was a beautiful read. It's got a gorgeous, country setting in England's Lake District and a bevy of friendly locals.
In a time of upheaval, both personal and professional, Autumn visits her penpal Rosie's Lake District home and finds the sanctuary, support and inspiration she needs. Beatrix Potter, her artistic idol, is a large part of the plot as Autumn visits Potter's haunts while searching for her lost artistic mojo.
The romantic side of the story is sweet and includes two men representing Autumn's past and future. A dashing divorced Frenchman who broke her heart but wants a second chance vies with a generous, outdoor-loving, volunteer-minded Englishman. I liked the way this side of the plot played out and how it demonstrated Autumn's newfound confidence and strength.
I loved the descriptions of the surrounding areas, making you feel that you are there in between the characters. Along with the happy moments in the story, such as her and Rosie’s friendship, the way Autumn and Dane’s relationship progressed, there was some sad/emotional times too, which Jessica covered sensitively.
Jessica captured my heart with her fabulous imagination and her ability to create pictures in my mind of the places she takes us to.
I can't wait to read more about Autumn and her new neighbors.
Autumn Laine (big kudos for the name!) is at a crossroads in her life. Having lost both her beloved grandfather and job in quick succession, she has well and truly lost her mojo. Even a stay with her parents in Paris isn't enough to reignite her creative fire.
So Autumn decides to up sticks and visit her long time penpal friend Rosie in the Lake Distirct. Will inspiration arrive for Rosie in the home of her heroine Beatrix Potter? And can she put her traumatic experience with her first love behind her?
The Start of Something Wonderful has all the elements of classic chick-lit, with potential romance aplenty. But the book also features a strong theme of friendship, between Autumn and Rosie, and all of the wonderful new friends Autumn meets in her new community.
The Start of Something Wonderful really is wonderful to read, it will cheer you up and made you feel good about life again.
A new setting for this Jessica Redland book but written with the same passion as the rest.
The Start Of Something Wonderful is set in The Lake District and tells the story of Autumn who is an illustrator
For greetings cards. The story starts with a dual timeline between the past in France and the present in Uk.
When Autumn loses her precious grandad she decides to return to her parents home in France where she encounters her first and only love Etienne.
After meeting him her heartbreak from the past sends her running back to England where she decides to have a holiday in The Lakes and meet her pen friend Rosie who she’s not met after 24 years of letters.
Autumn instantly fall in love with her new surrounds and hopes to get her mojo back after losing her inspiration to draw.
When a chance accident brings Autumn and Dane together they quickly realise they have lots in common.
This is definitely The Start Of Something Wonderful!
Jessica once again captured my heart with her fabulous imagination and her ability to create pictures in my mind of the places she takes us to.
Thank you enormously Boldwood Books and NetGalley for an ARC of this beautifully written book.
It is always an exciting day when you are about to start a new Jessica Redland novel, doubly so when it's the first in a new series.
And I have to say if this is the first I literally can't wait to see how the series will progress, as it has absolutely gorgeous setting.
Set in the Lake District we meet Autumn, Rosie, Alice and Dane, as our main characters. Well it's mainly Autumn and Dane but Rosie and to a lesser extent Alice play a big part in this story too. It is clear that the author must either love Beatrix Potter, or has researched her a lot, as I have learnt so much about Beatrix Potter reading this and Autumn is similar to her heroine in many ways.
I loved how she first met Dane, and how they agree to help each other with creative inspiration. I'm in awe of how talented they both are, and wish some of Autumn illustrations could have been included, to see if they looked how I was imagining them, as they are so vividly described.
And Rosie has been pen pals with Autumn for 24 years but this is the first time they have ever met. She lives with mother Alice in a picturesque estate and work in a stables.
I have a weird inkling they both may get their own book, in the future, as they definitely have more to tell is I think.
This just had such lovely warm hug of a vibe that enveloped me as I read. This is just a gorgeous story and I couldn't get enough of it. I just loved every second of it, more please!
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.
An absolutely fabulous book by Jessica Redland..
I loved both main characters, Autumn and Dane, as well as the supporting characters.
The story is about Autumn who is an illustrator, she travels to the Lake District to stay with her pen pal, for the last 24 years, Rosie, so that she can have some time to herself, after some incidents occurring in her life.
Arriving in Willowdale, Autumn slowly begins to find herself again.
I loved the descriptions of the surrounding areas, making you feel that you are there in between the characters. Along with the happy moments in the story, such as her and Rosie’s friendship, the way Autumn and Dane’s relationship progressed, there was some sad/emotional times too, which Jessica covered sensitively.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
I highly recommend this book.
I really enjoy Jessica Redlands books. Thanks to Netgalley I get to read an ARC of this book.
I absolutely love the Lakes in the UK and i've been many times, I also used to work there having lived in Lancashire for a few years. So this for me is so relatable. I can picture where Autumn visits.
The descriptions of the scenery and relationships is spot on and I also visited Beatrix Potters writing spots. I love this homage to Beatrix potter and that ......... Doing her drawings etc.
I love Danes character, he seems so lovely and him and Autumn seem to have a lot in common.
I absolutely loved this book, what a beautiful story of heart-warming and heart-breaking love.
I love the title of the book and where it fits in, in the book, it's perfection.
🌄Cozy & warm like an eiderdown comforter🎨🖌🐿
The Start of Something Wonderful really was a joy to read. It's got a beautiful, country setting in England's Lake District and a bevy of friendly locals. And the themes of stalwart friendship and grabbing happiness when you find it make for a warm and winning plot.
Autumn, the main character, has an old love story to resolve and a long-term pen pal friendship to expand by meeting Rosie, her faithful correspondent, in real life. They've been exchanging thoughts and feelings through their letters since a school pen pal project first matched them but never met. In a time of upheaval, both personal and professional, Autumn visits Rosie's Lake District home and finds the sanctuary, support and inspiration she needs. Beatrix Potter, her artistic idol, is a large part of the plot as Autumn visits Potter's haunts while searching for her lost artistic mojo.
The romantic side of the story is sweet and includes two men representing Autumn's past and future. A dashing divorced Frenchman who broke her heart but wants a second chance vies with a generous, outdoor-loving, volunteer-minded Englishman. I liked the way this side of the plot played out and how it demonstrated Autumn's newfound confidence and strength.
There's a bit of danger drama included and some sorrow and grief as loved ones struggle or pass on. But, for the most part, this story is a warm beverage on a cold night, a snuggle under a warm blanket kind of story where comfort and contentment take top billing. The author has definitely got me wanting more of this new series. I can't wait to read more about Autumn and her new neighbors.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
Autumn is an illustrator of woodland creatures. Having just lost her job, her grandfather and her artistic inspiration, she is looking to make a change to her life.
Autumn's lifelong penpal, Rosie, lives in the Lake District and invites her to stay with her in Beatrix Potter country.
Cue handsome man, former lover and artistic dilemmas.
This is a lovely book, a gentle read. I think this is the first in Jessica Redland's new Lake District series, and I can't wait for the next one, where hopefully we continue Rosie's story.