Member Reviews

Thanks to netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Another brilliant read from Jessica. The second book in this series does not disappoint.

Rosie and Oliver meet again after Rosie’s boss Hubert takes ill but he acts as though he doesn’t know who she is. Oliver has ideas on what to do with Willowdale Hall Riding Stables but Rosie doesn’t agree with the plans. Can they put the past behind them and work together to achieve the best outcome for everyone involved?

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Rosie finds support and friendship in her former penfriend Autumn and her close relationship with her mother, living on the Willowdale estate after a traumatic event. When Hubert Cranleigh's son Oliver returns, old wounds resurface from their childhood friendship. As secrets unravel and uncertainties about the future loom, the story seamlessly weaves between past and present, exploring themes of friendship, family, and emotional growth. The vivid setting of the Lakes adds depth to the narrative, while the characters, including the warm support of Autumn and the tentative reconciliation with Oliver, are beautifully developed. With her signature warmth and storytelling prowess, the author delivers a captivating read that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.

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A warm hug in a book that is what this story feels like. It reminds us to treat ourselves with kindness and also that you never know what someone else has been through or is going through so don't judge.

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In the second of this series, you get to know Rosie a lot better and to understand how she has ended up living with her mother and working in the stables. There are several secrets from the past which are unravelled. Rosie's relationship with her mother has always been very close and you can't help wondering whether Rosie has been enabling her mother to lead the reclusive life she has. As Rosie begins to look outwards and make more friends, you can see her confidence beginning to grow . She has been questioning her life recently but certain events force her to reevaluate many of her decisions.

Oliver returns into Rosie life and at first, you are not sure what to make of him. He too has a complex history and has to face up to his past. The local community is there in the background, providing friendship and hope to Rosie. The stunning Lake District provides a stunning setting . This story has lived up to the promise of the first in the series and I am hoping to see how it develops in the future.

In short: family, friendship and love tied up in an uplifting tale.

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I really enjoyed revisiting Rosie and Autumn in their gorgeous Lake District setting. Having read and loved the start of something new last year, I was keen to see how the characters were getting on. Whilst the previous book focused on Autumn, this one focuses on Rosie. Rosie is an incredibly selfless character, dedicated to supporting her mum who has PTSD. In this book, her safe, secure world is threatened, and Rosie has to fight to save her home and job, whilst also re-examining her purpose in life. The setting is gorgeous, and the characters are really well written. It's nice to be able to revisit Autumn and see how she is progressing, and it's interesting to learn more about Rosie and her past and dig deeper into her mum's life. The storyline was well paced and kept me interested, with a good balance of tension, peril, heartbreak, friendship, and fun. It certainly kept me guessing, and i thought about the story when I wasn't reading. Another winner from Jessica Redland, and as usual, I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

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As the title suggests, this really is a breath of fresh air!
With stunning scenery so vividly explained and characters that grow as you read the story, you will want to loose yourself in this one for as long as you can.

I really enjoyed this story and following the characters ups and downs to the final page, where I must admit a little disappointment at there being a cliffhanger!!!! I was hoping to hear more of their story in a future book, having read the last sentence I definitely need to read a follow up.

Such a well written story, looking forward to reading more from this author.

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Rosie feels like there's something missing in her life. She loves her job at Willowdale Hall Riding Stables and the home she shares with her mother in the Lake District. But she can't help wondering how her life might look if things had been different. When Hubert Cranleigh, the owner of Willowdale Hall, falls ill, his son Oliver steps in. Brooding and distant, Rosie is furious when he claims not to know who she is. But as the New Year brings new opportunities, Rosie's life is about to be turned upside down.

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I really enjoyed this book and hadn't read the other book in the series.

Rosie's story does not go the way you expect it to. She is unaware at the start of the book where it will go, and the twists and turns, especially at the end are full of intrigue and emotion.

I love how the title of the book comes from the quote from one of the characters, as that is what Rosie is. She brings life and joy to every situation she is a part of, from the pub quiz team to the stables, with a tough underlayer from her past that she needs to deal with.

The family history that comes to the forefront is intriguing and the crossover between Rosie and Oliver is not what is expected and made me want to keep reading and not put this down.

The ending about the Green Man and Rosie's mum - wow!

I can't wait for the sequel... the epilogue definitely keeps you hanging....

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Yet another 5 star read from Jessica Redland. I just love her books!

This was another feeling good, light-hearted read that I flew through in just a few days.

Highly recommend any of her books!

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After reading the first book in the series and being completely enchanted by it, I was thrilled to be able to read Rosie's story.
As always Jessica Redland gets it spot on, enough drama but with that feelgood element thrown in. The setting is absolutely stunning and I loved her relationship with her mum and how it developed.
Another fabulous read, I camt wait for the next!

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Just Wow! I loved it. This is Rosie’s story and I think I loved her story even more than Autumn and Dane’s story.
From page one Jessica draws you in to life in The Lakes. With her descriptions of the beautiful surrounds she makes me want to be there skimming stones with Rosie and Oliver.
Left us with a massive cliffhanger and wanting more Jessica has to be one of my favourite Authors.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for sharing an ARC with me.
Definitely a five star from me.

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Rosie runs a riding stables alongside her mother, who is unable to leave the estate due to a traumatic incident years ago. She meets an old friend , who doesn't seem to recall her. There is plenty of angst, trauma, romance and friendship. Another lovely series from Jessica Redland.

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Have always loved the previous series by this author so I knew this would be just as good! Set in the beautiful Lake District exploring relationships and love!

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A Breath of Fresh Air is the sequel to The Start of Something Wonderful, a
book that I really loved. It’ll probably come as no surprise to anyone to learn
that I’m loving this one too.

This book has a lovely main character in Rosie, along with beautiful Lake
District scenery, the mystery of Rosie’s paternity, a whole cast of animal
characters – dogs and horses mainly – and a brooding doctor. What’s not to like?

It’s everything you’d expect from a Jessica Redland novel. Easy to read
because the writing just flows, but not predictable.

5/5

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, Rache's Random Resources and Jessica herself for the ARC.

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Jessica Redland is at her uplifting and charming best with her stunning new novel, A Breath of Fresh Air.

Rosie knows that she has no reason to complain about her life. She lives in the beautiful Lake District and loves her job as manager at Willowdale Hall Riding Stables. Teaching children to ride and to experience the wonder of horses gives her so much satisfaction and she adores the home she shares with her mother. Yet, she cannot help but feel as if there is something missing from her life and often indulges in what-ifs as she wonders what her life would have been like if her father had stuck around and not left her to do the caring for her mother single-handedly. Might life have turned out differently for Rosie if she had choices instead of responsibilities? Would she have met someone special to share her life with? Or is she merely wasting time wondering what might have been?

When Hubert Cranleigh – the owner of Willowdale Hall – is taken ill, his son Oliver steps into the breach and he immediately puts Rosie’s back up. Oliver has no recollection of ever having met Rosie – even though the two of them have met before and have a history. Brooding and aloof, Oliver isn’t the easiest person to work with, however, Rosie is about to realise that he has hidden depths and that she might have more in common with him than she previously thought…

The New Year brings new opportunities for Rosie as it looks like her happy ending might be closer than she had initially thought, but only if she is willing to take a leap of faith and a chance on love.

Witty, feel-good and emotional, A Breath of Fresh Air is a magical tale of hope, renewal and new beginnings from the fabulous Jessica Redland that will touch your heart, make you laugh out loud and even have you shedding a tear or two. Jessica Redland has a gift for making her settings come to life and I was so invested and immersed in Rosie and Oliver’s story that I felt as if I was in the Lakes alongside her characters.

Jessica Redland is always on top form and with A Breath of Fresh Air she has written another superb romantic read that has got winner written all over it.

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I was completely immersed in this book from the opening page. Jessica makes the reader feel that they are part of the storyline. The story is based on Rosie who runs the riding stables at Willowdale. It covers just about every emotion that you can imagine. Rosie has so many unanswered questions from her past and within this book they resurface. It was an easy and very enjoyable book to read and I definitely feel that I can’t wait for the next book. Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this highly recommended book.

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This is the second book in the Escape to the Lakes series and it is Rosie and her mother Alice’s story. It can be read standalone but there are characters from the first book mentioned.

Rosie is the Manager of the Riding School at Willowdale Hall and cares for her mum. When Hubert has an accident and his estranged son, Oliver, comes back, this stirs up all sorts of memories and feelings for Rosie as they were once best friends.

There is a great range of characters, most I loved, one I really didn't like and one who took a while to redeem himself.

My review cannot do this book justice as I can't put into words how much I enjoyed it. There are so many topics covered, some quite difficult, which I felt were handled well and with sensitivity. I think I went through every emotion possible whilst reading it.

I did guess a part of the plot but another I certainly did not see coming! After the cliffhanger at the end, I assume there will be a 3rd book and I'm eagerly looking forward to it.

Thank you to the author, Netgalley and Rachel's Random Resources for my gifted copy and spot on the tour. I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

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Thank you so much to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my copy of A Breath of Fresh Air by Jessica Redland in exchange for an honest review. It published January 10, 2024.
As always, Jessica Redland delivers a wonderful book that I just could not put down! I stayed up late to read this, I woke up early to read this, (which is pretty monumental, as my toddler still wakes me in the night most times), I basically read any chance I got with this book. That's just how her books are, utterly devourable!
This was the second in a season, and I think that although you could get away without reading the first one, you shouldn't! You get a lot of background that totally enriches this story.
I loved the character development in this story, the mysteries presented, and the mysteries solved. I can't stress enough how sweet this book is!

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As a person who returns to the Lake District every chance I get, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Engaging with characters who were likeable and well-written

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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A Breath of Fresh Air was exactly that, a breezy story with characters readers will love and a plot that turns the pages. The setting is well portrayed and readers will enjoy their time in the Lake District as they root for love and happiness for the book’s characters. 

Note: This book is part of a series so readers may want to catch up with any of the titles that they missed. This will let them know more about the characters in this title.

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