It was so lovely to be back in the Lake District in this wonderful sequel. A story that easily transports you to that area and you don’t want to leave. A brilliant page turner which I could not put down. This is a book to sit down, relax and chill out with. You won’t be disappointed.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review. It was an absolute pleasure.

I have to start by stating that Jessica Redland is a cruel, cruel woman - how could she leave the book on such a huge cliffhanger like that?! If it's a character we've already met, my money is on the Biology teacher.

I love Jessica Redland's books and this one is no exception. The characters here are complex human beings who are definitely not perfect which only makes them more realistic. I haven't read book one in the series, but didn't find that to be a problem. There is enough background on that story that I have a sense of what happened and who some of the characters are, but not so much that it would ruin it for me if I decided to go back and read that book. I liked Rosie a lot and, as with her, it took me a little while to see Oliver as being a worthy partner for her. He's cranky and rude and I was completely on her side for being mad when he didn't acknowledge that he knew her. When she finally really yells at him about how much he had hurt her when they were teens I gave a little cheer - it may not have occurred at the best time, but it was so nice to see her finally address the impact his actions had on her. I also liked that she was willing to hear him out about everything that had been going on with him at that time - he didn't use those as excuses and agreed that she had every right to be upset about all of it. I know some people don't think she should have forgiven him and been willing to give him yet another chance, but I see it more as an acknowledgement that they were no longer the people they were back then and we all have to be open to the fact that people can (and do) change. The subplot involving Alice and Xander was really interesting on its own and could have been its own novel. I liked that it was clear the direction their relationship was going in, but that they were taking it slowly. Although I still want to know what his friend was up to back then - what she did was just cruel. Then there is the mystery behind Oliver's parentage (the cliffhanger I mentioned above). You would think with all of this going on the book would have felt weighed down, but somehow Jessica Redland just makes it all work. I am now eagerly awaiting the next book in the series!

A quick and easy read this book manages to transport you inside it. Loss, love, alcoholism, and neglect are some of the heavy hitters the book touches upon, yet it was done gracefully. Second book in the series, but can be read alone. I can’t wait for the next book to come out.

Moving on from the bad memories🌄🐎

I can't say I am fond of novels that end with a cliffhanger, but the open-ended mystery is not key to this story which I definitely enjoyed. The sweet romance between childhood friends set in Beatrix Potter country is preceded by years of isolation and making do for Rosie the heroine to shelter a traumatized woman whose involvement in the world at large abruptly ended. Rosie's difficult childhood and her years of putting her mother first in every action and plan were touching and I was well satisfied with how her life turned around when her employer's ill-advised ride up-ends their routine.

Rosie's adolescent experience with school bullies and ostracism, with Rosie's "friend" Oliver never standing up for her, had me angry. She's a far better person than Oliver deserved in my estimation even after he attempts to explain his hot and cold behavior. But the heart wants what the heart wants.... I think one of the strengths of the story was how easily I could connect with the Rosie character even when I could not agree with her.

Family, including long-concealed mysteries, and friendship are central themes that dominate this well-written story. It can easily be read without the first book in the series, but with that cliffhanger I don't think I will be able to resist searching for the next in the series. Hopefully it won't be too long in coming!

Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

Reading books by Jessica Redland is a wonderful experience. I enjoy her relatable and realistic characters and as I get to know them, I'd love to sit and have a cuppa or a pint with them. I always appreciate how she includes serious issues in a sensitive and realistic manner. This book was no exception. The setting of the Lake District is beautifully described in both The Start of Something Wonderful and A Breath of Fresh Air. I can't wait to see what comes next! Thanks #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks

This is the second book of the series but it can be read alone . Rosie is 36 single and still living with her mam because after she was hit and run by a car 22 years ago she doesn't live the cottage they stay and the Willowdale Hall Riding Stables where now Rosie is the manager . When the father of the owner dies Oliver her old friend and secret love comes back determined to sell the place as soon possible . She is very dissapointed in him because he doesn't give her proposal a chance . After years of keeping things inside her she tells him every thought and he also reveals to her why he acted that way all those years ago . they both deserve to be happy and now is their moment .
I received this book from netgalley and the publicer as an ARC . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .

My first book by Jessica and it did not disappoint. I love books that end on cliff hangers because then I know the story isn’t done! She added in some heavy topics without not being to overwhelming like prsd. Horses and dogs are my favorite animal and I loved how they were depicted in this story.

I really enjoyed this second trip to Willowdale and the focus on Rosie and her mum. Once again the author manages to paint a wonderful picture of the Lake District and makes you feel as if you are there. This is a lighthearted read which also deals with serious issues I can’t believe it ended on a cliffhanger; now I can’t wait for the next installment.

I didn't realize this was part of a series when I read it, but now I need to read the first one! This book was lovely and I love when an author doesn't shy away from the hard stuff. I loved the characters and their stories.

This was a lovely read. Jessica always delivers a great book and this was so good. It ends on a cliffhanger which makes me desperate to find out what happens next. Her books are always charming and very addictive. Can't wait for the next one. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

A Breath Of Fresh Air is the second book in a series and could be read as a standalone. Rosie lives in Lake District and works in Willowdale Hall, where she manages a stable and lives with her mother.

Rosie is a strong and confident woman who knows what she wants and what needs to be done. I love her bond with her mother and her friendship with Autumn.

Oliver is Rosie’s estranged friend; they were best friends when they were kids, but later Oliver started maintaining distance. When they met again, Oliver acted strange and was rude to Rosie, when all she wants is to help him and discuss Willowdale Hall’s future. But later, they started talking, and Oliver revealed his relationship with his father.

The romantic development between Rosie and Oliver was sudden but nice.

This book also focuses on animals like dogs and horses.

It was a quick and light read.

Jessica Redland never disappoints. I really enjoyed this second book in the welcome to the lakes series.

A great read that does not shy away from real life issues and the complexities of lives and loves.

Looking forward to the next book, too.

A thoroughly engaging and enjoyable book which ends on an absolute cliff hanger, so I am desperately waiting for the second book. Thank you netgalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book.

love Jessica Redlands books.
This is the second book based in the Lake District and a return to Willowdale hall,
Rosie and her mum have been running willowdale farm stables for owner Hubert Cranleigh when he is taken ill.
Oliver Huberts son comes to willowdale when he finds out his dad has been taken to hospital to take care of him and the estate.
Rosie and Oliver have been freinds since childhood but Oliver constantly broke Rosie's heart.
Can 20 years apart rekindle there love.
Can't wait for the next book in this series as this one is left at a cliffhanger

Jessica Redland is back to her very best. A Breath of Fresh Air is the highly awaited second book in her Lake District series. This book follows Rosie, a equestrian manager who has a heart of gold.

Spilt between her past and her present, we follow Rosie through an absolute turnpager of a book. Rosie is so loveable - she's fiesty, has a heart of gold and your rooting for her to have her happy after ever. But will that be with Oliver Cranleigh, man who she has both a history of friendship and heartbreak. I don't want to ruin the book but it is full of so many twists and turns. Some that you don't even see coming. Can Rosie get her happy after after she deserved?

I couldn't put this book down I was loving it so much. Yet that cliffhanger at the end was very mean! I can't wait for book three and hoping to get an answer to that question.

Fabulous job Jessica!

Rosie has lived her whole life on the Willowdale Hall estate nestled in the beautiful Lake District. Taking over as manager of the riding stables after her mum had a life changing accident Rosie loves her job and her home. Sometimes though, she can’t help but wonder “what if”? Her dad disappeared before she was born and Rosie, having been burned as a teenager, has never met the right person.
When the irascible Hubert Cranleigh, current owner of Willowdale Hall, is seriously hurt Rosie realises that things are about to change. Hubert’s son Oliver is returning to the hall and given their chequered history Rosie isn’t looking forward to the reunion.
What will Oliver's plans for the hall mean for Rosie and her mum and can they move on from the past towards a brighter future.
This is a hug in a book. It’s warm and moving with great characters who you will want to get to know, set in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Noooo this book can't be left on this cliffhanger. When is book 3 coming out?
Loved getting back to the Lakes and the characters from book 1 but this time with Rosie's story. This is heartwarming, beautiful and tinged with sadness and trauma.

Jessica's books are ones you get lost in, you meet old friends and new ones all at the same time. Desperate to read Book 3 now.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Oliver and Rosie’s story is full of secrets, lies, hurt a great feelings. They were friends when they were young, They were a couple in secret in their teen years. And after a traumatic past for both of them and almost twenty years apart, life bring them together again. Can fate really give them another chance at love and happiness? Great reading

Not a huge fan of this one. Rosie pining for so many years over a boy who treated her so poorly. Her mama pining for years over a boy she hardly knew. Runs in the family I guess. Oliver was very rude to Rosie once again years later, and she just takes it. Sad. I didn’t find anything about this uplifting or romantic. It wasn’t the worst read for me this year but I can’t say it was great.

Warning: the ending is a cliffhanger and I’m not find of those myself. It’s a tacky tactic.

Free courtesy of Netgalley. I absolutely love Jessica Redman books and I am always delighted when there is a new one for me to read.

This one is based on an estate in the Lake District, and Rosie is the manager for the stables belonging to "his Lordship", and lives in a cottage on the estate with her mother, who after a hit and run, cannot leave the estate without having an episode.

Rosie has had a complicated relationship with his lordships son over the years but she hasn't seen him since he left for university at age 17, but fate has intervened and Oliver is now back in her life.

This book is about secrets, friendships and love and I didn't want it to end. In fact Jessica, hopefully you are already writing the next book as you cannot end it on that cliffhanger 😘