Another absolute cracker for this author. Its warm, cozy and addresses very serious issues in a delicate, but very real way.
As always the characters from previous books are woven seamlessly into the story. It feels so familiar, it makes the story completely real. You're there in the pages and willing the characters on for success and happiness.
I vant wait for the next book by this author she had become a firm favourite.

A new book from Jessica Redland is always a treasure.
Zara works as a production assistant . She visits Owl's Lodge and doesn't get a very warm reception- but soon finds common ground with Snowy, who keeps himself in the background.
I found the characters wonderful to get to know. their history and the connections they make are interesting and the owls are a great draw.

Another lovely read from Redland, this time turning our attention away from hedgehogs and bees, but this time, to owls! Despite being a stand-alone novel, I loved that we are still part of the community of Hedgehog Hollow and Bumblebee farm, with previous characters making a welcome appearance. It definitely added to the feel-good factor of this story.

Once more, we are presented with characters struggling with life and emotions. I was slightly disappointed that we were given another strained relationship between parents and children, as I do feel that this has featured in almost every single Redland novel. On the other hand, this did not dominate the story as much and it fed into Zara and Snowy’s character – particularly with regards to life-changing decisions and moving forwards.

The narrative switches between Zara and Snowy’s perspectives. I loved learning more about the characters and their past. Rather than providing all the details in a lengthy chapter, it takes time for us to find out about Snowy’s past and what has led him to practically isolating himself and his son. It made me feel as if Redland could not coax the information out of the characters herself and we, like Zara, have to gain Snowy’s trust and confidence before any big revelations. It certainly made the characters feel more vivid and lifelike.

Snowy’s background is sad and quite traumatic. I found it satisfying how his “tonic” is gymnastics and enjoyed this element of the story. You cannot help but sympathise with him, especially considering his relationship with Elliot. Furthermore, I liked seeing the parallels established between the two main characters as it becomes clear that both have had to make sacrifices, some of which have been at the hands of their parents.

As I have come to expect from Redland, there is also a bit of romance added to the story. However, I liked watching Zara’s crush on Joel develops and it made me question whether there would be an obvious conclusion to their connection. Knowing that Joel features in the next book of this mini series is certainly satisfying – I can’t wait to read about his happy ever after!

You can’t go wrong with a Redland read and I loved all the elements to the story: from the gymnastics to the owls, the new and the old characters, this was a great story that was enjoyable all the way throughout.

With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Yet another 5 star feel good romance by Jessica Redland!
It was lovely to revisit characters from the previous book and the hedgehog hollow series

I really enjoyed this one. Just by chance Zara meets Snowy, a rather elusive character. More than happy to hide himself away from the world. However, through a love of gymnastics and owls the pair become friends.
Friendships, family and trust pull this story together and will keep you immersed until the end.
The characters really grow on you as the book goes on as does the passion they display for the important things in their lives.
Definitely one to pick and read.

Brilliant book! A standalone book but the second book in the Bumblebee Barn series so you get to reconnect with old characters as well as the introduction of new characters. Loved Zara and Snowy, both slightly broken but it was lovely how their developing relationship helped them both to heal. Some difficult subjects were sensitively handled. Other stand out characters were Eddie, Snowy’s grandfather and Harrison , Snowy’s son .
A very enjoyable read which I highly recommend
Thanks to Netgalley, Jessica Redland and Netgalley for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review

Another fabulous read by the wonderful Jessica Redland, I loved learning about Owls and Gymnastics, The two main characters Zara and Snowy are shaped well with each carrying their share of fear and drama.
Snowy is a single dad who lives with his granddad and homeschool's his boy, fearing he might be bullied in a mainstream setting. Zara is working on the docu - programme and staying with her friend at Hedgehog Hollow, she doesn't have the best relati0ns with her mother and brother, let alone a love life. The author handles all the different strands with ease and you are gripped into the story early on. Lets not forget the Owl's that have a leading role too and the heavily featured gymnastics. Some crushes don't lead anywhere, others appear from the ashes of passion killers. Can trust and love be rebuilt with new people after devastating trauma? You'll have to read to find out. 5 stars all the way.

Another fantastic read from Jessica Redland. This time we are back with Zara, She is feeling lost but soon can find what she is looking for. Snowy doesn't expect to find love after losing his wife. The book explores the themes of alcoholism and finding yourself after tragedy. Zara finds herself finding love and finding her love again for the gym.

What a fabulous book! Jessica Redland is fast becoming one of my favorite authors and A New Dawn at Owl's Lodge is part of the reason why. The book is uplifting, hopeful, and filled with a genuine sense of kindness. The main characters, Zara and Snowy, are likable and real, the secondary characters follow suit, the writing is insightful and literate, and the plot is well-executed with some twists that keep it interesting and not too predictable.

Then there are the owls! I love learning while I read and I especially love nature and all the creatures with who we share our world. Redland outdid herself with her knowledge of owl rescue and I am grateful for the research and care she put into crafting those parts of the story.

A gold medal winner for me. Well done!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Boldwood Books for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I just love this author. She always writes the most magical books with characters you fall in love with. Just amazing.

Sports romance (gymnastics)
M/F
Dual POV
Single dad

Rating: 2/5 – Not sure why I finished this book
🌶️: 0/5 – there are no intimate scenes

TLDR: On the surface, I should have enjoyed this book, but I was not invested in the characters and a bit bored.

The start of this book was intriguing. I wanted to know where these characters were going to go. There was one dramatic character behavior change that I didn’t find believable, but I was able to let it go and continue enjoying the other aspects of the story. However, as the story continued, I found that I had lost interest in these characters. What should have been a powerful and engaging story was somehow bland and didn’t hold my interest. I had to really fight to finish this book. The characters were interesting on their own, but the storyline just didn’t grab me. I didn’t care to know what happened next. The bird content was on point, however. I really enjoyed the owl portions of the story.

Jessica is an instant read author for me, I've loved all of her books and this didn't disappoint.

Zara and Snowy have been through so much over the past few years and their journeys to present day are so inspiring.

I'd love Bumblebee Barn when I read its book and was so excited to be back in the area with Owl's Lodge.

Jessica has an amazing talent and just captures you at page 1 and brings you along for such beautiful rides.

This story focuses on Zara, who’s a production’s assistant for her best friend Amber. We met Amber in the first Bumblebee Barn book. Snowy is mostly hiding at home but he also rescues owls and rehabilitates them. So what happens when Zara takes a poorly owl to Snowy to help?

Wow, I absolutely loved being back at Bumblebee Barn and briefly back at Hedgehog Hollow too. This book was wonderful. I really loved getting to know Zara and Snowy as the story is told by both of their perspectives.

I really enjoyed learning a lot about the different types of owls in this country. Jessica’s books are always very well researched and that just shines through I always learn something new and I love that.

Jessica takes you on a journey that allows you to totally escape into her beautiful setting and wonderful characters. On the subject of characters I also loved Snowy’s son he was so funny.

At the same time as being light, Jessica touch’s on some tough subjects but she does this with such a great amount of sensitivity. ‘A New Dawn at Owl’s Lodge’ is a story full of loss, grief but also love and friendship. I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone. I can’t wait to see what Jessica writes next 🥰

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I am a huge fan of Jessica and her work and I have been for a few years now. By no means have I read everything that she has written but that is something that I hope to rectify in the not too distant future. I read the synopsis of 'A New Dawn At Owl's Lodge' and it certainly sounded like the sort of story I have come to expect from Jessica - an emotional, feel good and ultimately uplifting story. Well it was certainly all that and so much more. I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'A New Dawn At Owl's Lodge' but more about that in a bit.

As with all of Jessica's books, I was drawn to 'A New Dawn At Owl's Lodge' by the fact that I saw Jessica's name on the cover of a book that I knew I hadn't read yet. As soon as I started reading 'A New Dawn At Owl's Lodge' I soon realised that I wouldn't be doing anything other than reading for the next few hours and that I wouldn't be able to put the book to one side. I was spot on in both cases. My copy of the book wasn't exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I couldn't bear to miss a single second of the story. I loved the two main characters of Zara and Snowy and both ended up feeling more like friends rather than characters in a book. I developed my own theories as to how the story was going to develop so I had to keep reading to see if I was on the right track or if I had wandered off in the opposite direction. The more of the book that I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. I was so wrapped up in the story and in the lives of the different characters that I didn't realise just how quickly the time was passing and just how quickly I was getting through the book. All too quickly I reached the end of 'A New Dawn At Owl's Lodge' and I had to say goodbye to Zara, Snowy and the rest of the characters. I found 'A New Dawn At Owl's Lodge' to be an emotional but ultimately uplifting, heartwarming and feel good story.

'A New Dawn At Owl's Lodge' is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Jessica Redland. Jessica has an easy going writing style that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of Jessica's books feels more like a chat between friends rather than reading a book. 'A New Dawn At Owl's Lodge' is the second book in the 'Bumblebee Barn' collection but reads perfectly well as a standalone. Jessica's love for her characters shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. She makes her characters seem just as real as you and I. As I mentioned earlier Zara and Snowy ended up feeling more like friends than anything else. Reading one of Jessica's books certainly takes the reader on an emotional journey with a fair few ups and downs, highs and lows and so on along the way but the reader is ultimately left with a smile on their face. I love the way in which Jessica makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action. That's how I felt anyway.

In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'A New Dawn At Owl's Lodge' and I wholeheartedly recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Jessica's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

A New Dawn at Owl's Lodge by Jessica Redland is a heartwarming tale that explores the themes of family, friendship, and the courage to embrace change. The story follows Zara, a producer's assistant with a love for her job but a life filled with personal turmoil, including a strained family relationship and unrequited love. Her nomadic lifestyle leaves her feeling unanchored and uncertain about her future.

Enter Snowy, the reclusive owner of Owl's Lodge, who has dedicated his life to homeschooling his son and caring for injured owls in the Yorkshire Wolds countryside. His passion is evident, but so is his loneliness, prompting him to question his life choices.

Their paths cross when Zara brings an injured owl to Snowy's sanctuary. Despite a frosty reception, they discover a shared passion that ignites a connection neither expected. As their friendship blossoms, both Zara and Snowy confront their pasts and consider what it means to let others in.

Redland's writing is evocative and immersive, drawing readers into the picturesque setting of Owl's Lodge and the lives of its inhabitants. The characters are well-developed, with Zara and Snowy's journey to self-discovery and openness being particularly compelling. The narrative is filled with emotional depth, addressing the complexities of human relationships and the healing power of nature and companionship. The author doesn't shy away from the messiness of life, instead showing that it's possible to find beauty and growth in the midst of pain.

The beauty of this book lies not just in the central narrative, but also in the subplots that weave through the main story. The author skillfully introduces a cast of supporting characters, each with their own quirks and stories that enrich the tapestry of the novel. From Zara's best friend, who offers comedic relief and sage advice, to Snowy's son, who brings a sense of innocence and wonder, the secondary characters add layers of complexity and charm to the story.

The novel also touches on the theme of environmental conservation, subtly educating readers about the importance of wildlife protection. The owls, symbolic of wisdom and change, serve as a beautiful metaphor for the transformation the characters undergo. Redland's depiction of the sanctuary's operations is detailed and authentic, reflecting her research and respect for nature.

The book is a testament to Redland's ability to craft a story that is both touching and inspiring, making it a delightful read for those who enjoy contemporary romance with a dash of introspection. It's a reminder that sometimes, a new dawn can bring the promise of a brighter future, if only we have the courage to face it.

Overall this is a charming addition to the Bumblebee Barn Collection, offering readers an uplifting experience that resonates with hope and the beauty of second chances. It's a must-read for anyone seeking a story that's as comforting as it is captivating.

As always an emotional story from Jessica, filled with fascinating characters and heart rending histories to encounter as you read.
It was wonderful being back at Bumblebee Farm and to hear Zara’s story and to meet Snowy and his family, as well as the Owl rescue that they run together.
Snowy leads a recluses life, homeschooling his son and living with his grandfather, keeping out of sight of people, he has thrown himself into the roles of teacher, trainer and rescuer. However you soon realise that it’s Snowy who needs rescuing from his life as you can see how he is missing out from interacting with others. I was completely enthralled to find out his backstory and was surprised with the revelations as they were revealed.
Zara has her own past issues, her sharing them with Snowy certainly helped break down the barriers for both of them, giving them a chance of a new beginning and an opportunity to put their pasts behind them.
Some deep topics are discussed, but in a sensitive way.
Fantastic facts about owls and gymnastics shows how much research Jessica puts into her books.
A delightful trip back to beautiful Yorkshire with some amazing characters and storylines that kept me turning the pages avidly.

I am a huge fan of Jessica Redland. In fact, if I was forced to pick just one favourite author, it would probably be her. I have loved each book of hers I have read, so I always look forward to her new releases coming out. But this one – A New Dawn at Owl’s Lodge – I was especially excited to read, because I helped advise her about the gymnastics part of the book and my cat Socks is mentioned!
The book looks gorgeous. The cover is really bright and pretty and each chapter has a lovely owl drawing on it, which felt like a nice touch.
Zara will be familiar to those of us who read Healing Hearts at Bumblebee Barn, but this time, she takes centre stage in the action. She films Countryside Calendar, being the assistant to the producer Amber (who is the leading female character in the previous book).
Zara has a really horrible mother and brother. I was getting angry at the way they treated her – which is always a good sign that you are invested in the characters! She believes she has feelings for Joel, but he has a girlfriend, so she is trying to quash them.
Meanwhile, we meet Snowy, who is a very complex and intriguing character, who has built up layers of defence over the years to protect himself. Because of this, he homeschools his son Harrison (9) and rarely leaves Owl’s Lodge, where the two of them live with Pops - Snowy’s grandad, who is 92 and a talented artist. They all love owls (Who doesn’t?!) and help rescue and rehabilitate injured ones.
Both Snowy and Pops are former Olympic gymnasts and young Harrison is also very talented in the sport. But Snowy had a hard time after his sporting career finished and he is dealing with a lot of demons. He realises Harrison is going to have to join a proper gym club instead of training at their home gym (though it’s a gorgeous, fully-equipped one), in order to progress in the sport, so Snowy has to come to terms with dealing with the outside world more than he has been.
Then Zara turns up at Owl’s Lodge with an injured tawny owl and our main two characters meet…
I’m not quite sure how to sum up this book without giving away too much of the story. I loved the characters in it (apart from the obvious horrible ones!) and really believed in them. Everything was so easy to picture, it’s all beautifully described and jumps off the page with clarity and authenticity. It was fabulous to see Hedgehog Hollow again (My favourite of Jessica’s book series!) and to revisit characters from those books and the previous Bumblebee Barn one, but I loved the new characters too.
Jessica has this amazing ability to have animals in her books which come to live with their own personalities. Some writers can have a cat or dog which basically sits on a sofa the whole novel, but Jessica is one of the best at bringing animals to life, whether it’s dogs, cats, hedgehogs or owls. I may be biased but I especially loved Socks the cat, but Jessica has a sensitivity where she can recognise the “essence” of each animal and this shines throughout the book.
The story is really interesting and full of different threads, which holds the reader’s interest as you want to keep reading to find out what’s going to happen to all the characters. However, it never gets confusing. I also liked the chapter sizes.
To be honest, there is nothing here to find fault with. I mean, this book has everything – love, romance, friendship, fun, gymnastics, owls, visits back to Hedgehog Hollow, Lincolnshire (where I’m from), even my cat!! What’s not to like?!
For me, this is the perfect book. 10 out of 10.

I loved this book, it’s the first book I have read by this author. It deals with so many themes eg loss, alcoholism, relationships. I will be reading lots more by this author as I could not put it down. The relationship between Zara and Snowy is so lovely and also Harrison and Grandpa are such lovely people. I loved the link to the owls.

A New Dawn at Owl’s Lodge is Jessica Redland’s latest novel and what a beautiful read it is!

We first met Zara in Healing Hearts at Bumblebee Barn as she was an TV producers assistant. She's still in that role but is undecided about her future - her family life is broken and her heart wants what it can't have! Meanwhile, Snowy is living a reclusive life with his son and grandpa - homeschooling Harrison while also helping injured owls.

I was glued to this book from the beginning! It has everything I love: Hedgehog Hollow, animals, family, friends and Lincolnshire! I loved how empathetic Zara is with Snowy and how she positively reacts with Harrison and Grandpa!

Basically, I loved the story and urge you to grab your copy!

I loved this book from the first page to the last. Having read a few of Jessica’s books previously I knew that we were in for a treat with this one. I loved learning all about the different Owls. Owls are one of my favourite birds so to read a book in which they were included was great. Although this is the second in this particular series you don’t need to have read the first one as they both work as standalone titles too. If you like books that include animal rescue, Owls, sports and romance then this is definitely a book for you. If you’re a fan of Heidi Swain or Jill Steeples then you will definitely love this book. I can’t wait to read more of Jessica’s books and I hope you will pick up a copy of this I can definitely say you won’t regret it!
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