I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

I chose this because I remembered reading a previous book by this author that I really enjoyed.

This book made me smile from the beginning. Part of the story was set in December, so it had a festive feel that made it a great choice for a wintertime read, but it could be enjoyed anytime of year. The protagonist, Zara, was a lovely character. I identified with her, and enjoyed the way she bonded with the other characters. I found this very heartwarming to read. If you like cosy feel-good contemporary romance, you might want to give this a try, particularly if you're an animal lover too.

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

Zara is looking for where she fits in. She knows that it isn't with her family who have always overlooked her in favour of her soccer star brother. Right now, it is with her friend Amber and her new love Barney, but she know that it probably isn't sustainable. After all, Amber is both her boss, and her friend, so if anything changes for Amber it will also change for her.



When Zara finds an injured owl, she ends up taking it to a local owl shelter owned by Snowy who is also a disgraced former Olympic gymnast. Snowy is less than friendly. He has chosen to hide away on his farm, even going so far as homeschooling and coaching his son Harrison as a gymnast. Withdrawing from the world was the right decision at the time, Snowy is beginning to realise that maybe it is time that Harrison needs to go out into the wider world.



Zara is very interesting in the owl sanctuary and even offers to include some footage in the wildlife programme that she works on, but he is determined to protect his privacy. But Snowy does begin to let some of his barriers with Zara, very slowly at first. She is drawn to Snowy the man, and to the owl sanctuary, and last but not least to the full gymnasium that Snowy has on his property. Back in the day, Zara had some potential as a gymnast but unfortunately her mother decided that all her efforts needed to be focussed on her brother.



Gradually, Zara begins to think about what her life might look like and whether there is space in it of Snowy, Harrison and his grandfather Pops. And for Snowy, he needs to think about whether he has the capacity to expand his world beyond the invisible walls he has kept around his world for so long.



I really enjoyed a lot of the elements in this book. The information about the owls was very interesting, as was the gymnastics. There was a much deeper through the book as well, around alcoholism and grief and I though that the various different parts were definitely very well balanced.

I had been thinking about reading Jessica Redland for a while now. I chose to read this as a standalone novel but there are a lot of throwbacks to previous books. It didn't stop me from enjoying the book but I did wish that I knew.

Thanks to the publisher, Netgalley and Rachel's Random Resources for the review copy. I am sharing this review with the New Release Challenge hosted at The Chocolate Lady's Book Review Blog and British Isles Friday at Joy's Book Blog.

When I saw that Jessica Redland was releasing a new book I would love it, especially with it involving the characters from Healing Hearts at Bumblebee Barn. This book is heartwarming and a well written story of love, loss, friendship, second chances and redemption and I loved the slow burn romance between Zara & Snowy because it was built on a genuine friendship. I think the author does a wonderful job of dealing with the sensitive subjects throughout this book and it is well balanced with love and laughter. If you love a second chance romance and a book to escape with then this is perfect.

Any Jessica Redland book is a must read for me, one of my “go to” authors. I couldn’t wait to get stuck in to ‘ A New Dawn at Owl’s Lodge’ and it didn’t disappoint.
There is a lot to this story but I felt everything was tackled sensitively and was relevant to what the characters were going through, individually and when becoming romantically involved.
As a fan of the hedgehog series, I knew I would learn some interesting snippets about Owls, I enjoyed that element of the book. I also found out more about gymnastics that I thought I would, Snowy’s passion for this jumped off the page.
As we have already been in this neck of the woods and are aware of Zara, it had the feel of catching up old friends. It was lovely to be back at Bumblebee Farm too and discover how lives have progressed. This being said, you can read this book as a standalone.
Zara is such a likeable character, she struggles to believe she is good enough – her Mum seems to prefer her brother at every opportunity. The positive relationship she has with her Stepdad is nice to read, knowing she had someone she felt she could rely on.
Snowy was a complex character, clearly hiding from the world and suffering. He wants the best for his family, even if that means keeping everything to themselves. Zara and Snowy have an instant spark, and the gentle way they gain each other’s trust, respect and understanding leads to an amazing bond. She helps him move forwards in so many ways whilst also building her own self-esteem and repairing difficult relationships.
This story includes significant and emotional topics relating to death, grief, mental health and alcoholism, but has been written in a respectful and sensitive way. Another heartfelt, emotional story from Jessica Redland but one that does have many moments of joy, humour and of course, romance.
Another highly recommended read; great writing, likeable characters and interesting themes.
Thanks to all for the advance copy to read and review,

Loved it!! I was happy to see it was a continuation of characters from Healing Hearts at Bumblebee Barn. I loved reading about so many familiar faces and briefly being back at Hedgehog Hollow. Unfortunately, I don't remember Zara at all from the previous book. Loved getting to know Zara and all her family drama. Zara was lucky to have Owen in her life. He was a wonderful stepfather and always had her back. Jenna, Zara's mom, was obsessed with Roman. He always came first and she constantly made excuses for him. Jenna always blamed Zara for whatever happened between the siblings. The family dynamic was horrible. Roman was a terrible brother. Jenna also made it seem like Zara's job wasn't good enough or equal to her football playing brother. Snowy is such a better person now than he was a a few years previous. He saw how alcohol affected his dad, but still went down the same path. Snowy was lucky to have his grandparents. Eddie is a wonderful grandfather/great-grandfather to to Snowy and Harrison. He built the beautiful house and gym for them. Snowy wasn't the best husband or father at first. The horrible tragedy definitely changed him. I knew Snowy and Zara would be the perfect match.

Definitely recommend the book. Love the characters, story and writing style. I enjoyed how the book alternated between Zara and Snowy. Bumblebee Barn and Owl's Lodge sound like beautiful places to live. I love reading about all the owls. I want to be friends with everyone in the book. Can't wait to see what happens next Zara and Amber or anyone else associated with Hedgehog Hollow, Bumblebee Barn or Owl's Lodge. Look forward to reading more books by the author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Boldwood Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

EXCERPT: Harrison cocked his head to one side and studied my face. 'You love him, don't you?'
My mouth dropped open. Where had that come from? Was Snowy a single dad and his son was trying to matchmake for him?
'Your dad?' I said, my voice a little high. 'I've only just met him. We've barely said five -'
'Not my dad!' Harrison cried, his shoulders shaking with laughter. 'I meant the tawny owl. You love him.'
I could hear Samantha's giggles as she got into the vehicle.
'Yes, I love the tawny owl,' I said, relieved to clear up that misunderstanding. 'He took one look at me and captured my heart.' I made a heart shape with my fingers to show him and he smiled and copied me.
'Owls do that. Got to go and help Dad. See ya!'
And he ran off back to The Owlery.

ABOUT ' A NEW DAWN AT OWL'S LODGE': Could one chance meeting change your life forever?

Zara is at a crossroads in life. While she adores her job as a producer's assistant working on hit TV shows, travelling around the country means she doesn't truly feel that she has a home. With a fractured relationship with her family and unrequited love weighing heavily on her heart, she is torn about what her next step in life should be...

Snowy is hiding from the world. He's devoted his life to home schooling his young son and caring for sick owls at his home, Owl's Lodge, deep in the Yorkshire Wolds countryside. While he's passionate about both, it's a lonely existence and he's starting to question his decisions. But how do you step back into a world you've pushed away for years...?

When Zara brings an injured owl to Owl's Lodge, its frosty, reclusive owner is far from welcoming. Despite hostilities, there's a connection that neither could ever have prepared themselves for. As they discover a shared passion, a new friendship blossoms, but both Zara and Snowy are used to shutting people out.

Can they both find the courage to open up and the strength to move on from their pasts? And what could this mean for their future happiness?

MY THOUGHTS: This is the first of Jessica Redland's books that I have dragged my feet over - it took me six days to read. Her books are usually a twenty-four-hour read for me. There were a few too many themes going on here and I got bogged down in the technicalities. I felt that I was being lectured to about alcoholism. I know it is an important and pertinent topic, but not one I want to find in a 'feelgood' read. There were a few too many facts about owls (love them as I do) and gymnastics. The thread about the way Roman and Zara were raised, and their needs prioritised, was a good one, and that with Snowy's backstory would have been enough for me. The remainder of the threads were overkill. It just didn't need to be that complicated.

Having said that the main story of Zara and Snowy's romance is a lovely one. I liked that they became friends first, and that their relationship moved slowly on from there. Harrison is a delightful child and was responsible for more than a few laughs. Eddie, Snowy's grandfather is also a remarkable character - a bit like an owl really - wise and lovable.

There is one theme I absolutely loved in this book, the 'just be the bear theme. It is magnificent. No explanation from me other than we don't do it enough - just read the book.

There are some very moving scenes - one of my favorites was Snowy watching a barn owl in flight - and heart-warming moments. But overall I didn't get that warm fuzzy feelgood feeling I had experienced with this author's other books.

⭐⭐⭐

#ANewDawnatOwlsLodge #NetGalley

THE AUTHOR: I was born in Teesside but now live in Scarborough on the stunning North Yorkshire Coast. I live with my husband, our teenage daughter and sprocker spaniel, Ella. I'm a self-confessed stationery addict with a ridiculously large collection of notepads who loves chocolate (although it doesn't love me), hedgehogs, 80s music, collectible teddy bears and lighthouses.

DISCLSOURE: Thank you to Boldwood Books via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of A New Dawn at Owl's Lodge by Jessica Redland for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

I absolutely loved reading this book, it is the second book in the series and also has connections to Hedgehog Hollow. It can be read as a standalone novel though.
I loved reading about Zara and Snowy, and absolutely adored reading about the Owls.
As you can expect from a Jessica Redland book, there are difficult themes, and a lot of heartbreaking moments but also plenty of heartwarming moments too. It is definitely an emotional rollercoaster of a read. I really loved this gorgeous book though and I am excited to hear that there is another book coming.
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood books for my ARC.

Nathan "Snowy" Oakes was decorated Olympic athlete until injury ended his career. When his high school nemesis, now a rag reporter, captures him at some of his worst times after the accident, Snowy hides himself away on his grandfather's ranch with his son Harrison where he oversees an owl rehabilitation center. When television assistant producer Zara discovers an injured owl while filming, she takes him to Snowy's Owlery. Not many people come to the ranch, and Snowy is less than welcoming, even as he moves to help the injured owl. Zara chooses to ignore his behavior, coming back again days later to check on the injured owl. Slowly, Snowy begins to open up with Zara. As they spend time together and grow to trust each other, Zara starts to help Snowy heal.

I've seen this described as a grumpy/ sunshine romance. Snowy isn't so much grumpy as he is closed off. He carries the burden of guilt and refuses to forgive himself. Zara is able to see through the crusty façade. Quietly, and with great patience, she works her way into his life.

On the surface this is a warm, sweet, romance, but there is so much more to unpack here. Snowy and Zara have each suffered past hurts. .As they each relive their painful memories, their stories are told as if we're watching their memories. These scenes deal with some difficult subjects including alcoholism, death and family issues and could be triggering. I almost stopped reading the book as the early introduction of Zara's issues with her mother and her brother mirrored problems I had with my own family. But I was able to push through. Though some of these chapters were sometimes painful to read, Snowy and Zara's path to each other would definitely not be as impactful if the characters simply related their story, rather than the author actually showing us what each of them experienced.

The author has done an incredible job of expressing the emotions in this story, both the joyful and those of despair. If you're interested in a romance with a bit of a heavier bent, I highly recommend you spend some time getting to know Snowy and Zara

A New Dawn at Owl's Lodge is a heartwarming story of love, loss, friendship, second chances and redemption. There are plenty of lighthearted and romantic moments to offset the themes of grief, and alcoholism that this story touches upon.

Zara and Snowy meet at just the right time in their lives. Zara is at a crossroads in her life. She is ready to move away from her family and start a new life. At Bumblebee Barn and Hedgehog Hollow she feels calm and can breathe away from the city and her unhappy relationships with her brother and mother. Snowy has been grieving the loss of his wife but is at the stage where it is right for him to accept the past and move on however reluctant he may be to take that step. They support each other and grow closer to the delight of Harrison, Snowy's son, who's also taken a shine to Zara.

Both characters had an interesting background in gymnastics with Snowy being a former Olympian. This was something different and exciting. I loved how they both reignited their love of gymnastics and had great fun especially as Harrison showed early interest in it and competition.

I disliked Zara's brother but I loathed her mother and how she had treated Zara all her life. I would have been quite happy for her to close the door on them and not look back. After all Snowy has a lovely family and she fits perfectly in it. However Zara is a nice person and with some help from Snowy there is an opportunity for conflict resolution and second chances.

This was a lovely, sweet romance. I liked the slow burn feel to it as it was sensitive to the needs of Snowy who was entering into his first romantic relationship since the death of his wife. I also liked that Zara got to resolve her unrequited feelings for someone else and realised quickly where cupid's arrow was really pointing.

I loved all the owl references especially the guide at the end of the book. It's something I could reference back to if the children need to do project work on owls.

Jessica Redland is one of my go to authors, so I was eagerly awaiting this book and I certainly wasn't disappointed.

It was lovely to be back at Bumblebee Barn with Barney and Amber but with the focus this time on Zara.

Zara is such a relatable character with her feelings of not being good enough or second best, both feelings I've had myself. She is such a calming person and brings care and compassion to situations. She is amazing with Snowy.

My heart went out to Snowy. Life has not been easy for him after his injury and subsequent bad life choices. This storyline was dealt with very sensitively and I must admit to being a little emotional at his story. I can't forget Harrison and Eddie who added to the story as well.

Both Zara and Snowy were just what each other needed at this time in their life.

Being set in an owl rescue centre I was fascinated with the information I learned about owls and you can tell how much research went into this. The same goes for the gymnastic storyline.

I also enjoyed catching up with some of my favourite characters from the Hedgehog Hollow series too.

Another wonderful read from this amazing author.

Thank you Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this ARC and take part in the blog tour

I love Jessica Redland's novels and loved this one. I also loved it because I love owls and they play a role in this novel.
A cute and heartwarming story featuring fleshed out and likeable for them. I had fun and rooted for the characters
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

It was so good to be back at Bumblebee Barn and reading about some new characters. It was a very touching story and heart warming. It really was difficult to put it down. Another excellent read from Jessica.

If you read Healing Hearts at Bumblebee Barn, you might remember Zara – she was producer Amber’s assistant when they were making Love on the Farm, and as well as becoming the closest of friends they’re now working together on the Countryside Calendar TV series. And I’m sure so many readers will be delighted to find that they’re currently focusing on wildlife rescue centres, and filming at Hedgehog Hollow – but if this should happen to be your first experience of the author’s writing, I must tell you that this book is entirely readable as a standalone and there’s absolutely no need to be familiar with either the characters or locations.

An injured owl is brought in, and the rescuers at the Hollow feel it’d be best taken care of elsewhere – and Zara volunteers to take it over to Owl’s Lodge, where it can get the specialist care it needs. Snowy, who runs the lodge, living with his dad and young son, doesn’t give her a particularly warm welcome – it’s nothing personal, he just has his own very real reasons for preferring to avoid the company of others. But they discover they have unexpected common ground, and slowly grow closer – dealing with their own different issues, damaged by the experiences of their pasts, unwilling to trust others and let them in, but the time they spend together brings increasing joy to them both. Their journeys are emotional, and entirely drew me in to their developing relationship, with both individuals really finding their place in my heart.

The friendships in this book are simply lovely – as is the focus on family, with Zara’s particularly problematic, Snowy doing all he can to protect his son, while his father (perhaps my favourite of the many well-drawn supporting characters) is there with his unwavering love and support. And all the emotional content is, as always, just perfectly handled – a few wrong turns and misunderstandings, tears at times, but with plenty of moments of lightness and that warm embrace the author’s books unfailingly deliver.

Her research for this book is as in-depth as ever, the detail so well used to bring the story to life, particularly the many insights into the world of owls – I learned so much, and was as breathless as Zara watching them being released into the wild, circling the paddock that held so many poignant memories before silently flying away.

This was a book I raced through in a couple of very enjoyable sittings, entirely immersed in the lives of its characters, and thoroughly enjoyed every moment – a really special book, with a relationship I entirely believed in, and a tremendously engaging story so beautifully told. I really loved it – and I’m sure every other reader, new or old, will find it every bit as satisfying and enjoyable. Another triumph for an author who never fails to delight – highly recommended to all.

If you are looking for a book to draw out a whole host of different emotions, this is it!
As I was reading I felt happy, sad, grief, anger, pride, love, relief, sorrow, and hope. What an absolute whirlwind!
I hadn't read any books from this series although I am a Jessica Redland fan. I was pleased to find that I didn't need to have read any prior in order for this to be a solid stand alone read.
I'm always impressed when romance books delve in deeper than just second chances and happily ever afters. This book is written with heart and its characters are more human than character, with flaws, back stories and real raw emotions. It was more real than fluffy, although it did have a beautiful dose of friendship, community and love that you would expect from a book of this genre.
I breezed through it in a day while sick in bed and it cheered me up to no end!

Thanks to Netgalley and the author and publisher for a temporary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Said it once before, but it bares repeating…. I adore Jessica Redlands books (you’ll have to forgive my nostalgia trip there, I’m in a quirky place, which is a good thing) I have Jessica and a number of other authors to thanks for said happiness. Going through a rough patch at the moment and it’s books like A New Dawn at Owl’s Lodge that not only keep me sane, but also remind me of the good in life and people.

I was looking forward to A New Dawn at Owl’s Lodge so much and I am glad to say I was not disappointed in any way at all, it had everything I wanted and have come to love from one of Jessica’s books, great characters, wonderful community, perfect setting and lots of heart, not forgetting the most lovely story!

We met Zara in Healing Hearts at Bumblebee Farm and I am delighted she got her own story, I really connected with her, especially her not feeling good enough , her self doubt it just spoke to me and the fact that her outward appearance to others is bubbly, hides it and loved watching her unfold and blossom.

Snowy, what can I say about snowy except he melted my heart (pun unintended but still true) his grief and nature, trying to accept a chance at new love, along with the way Zara’s family treat her, this book whilst uplifting, hopeful and full of joy does deal with difficult issues such as death and mental health too.

A beautiful story where characters unfurl into the butterflies they truly are ,( or rather I should say owls given the book but owls aren’t hiding their beauty) where we watch them grow and learn to spread their wings, trusting their hearts, and obviously a great story featuring Owls, you won’t not go wrong with this book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A New Dawn at Owl’s Lodge was my first book by Jessica Redland. The writing was good and so was the story, even if it was a little slow at some points and sometimes cheesy dialogue. Overall it was a decent read but not very memorable. I adore the cover though!

I received an advanced copy from netgalley in exchange for a review and opinions are my own.

Another winner from Jessica Redland (and a welcome return to form following the cat cafe book).

We revisit Zara and boss Amber at Bumblebee Barn but this time, our focus is on Zara.

We meet new characters, Snowy, son Harrison and grandad Eddie, who live in a beautiful owl sanctuary set in stunning farmland. Snowy has a story to tell though and we learn about it as Zara meets him and slowly gets to know him.

Full of Redland’s usual wonderful friendships, fractured and difficult family relationships, this is another very enjoyable story.

Set aside a couple of hours and get lost in East Yorkshire with Zara and Snowy.

This talented writer is fast becoming one of those authors who I know will never let me down and reading A New Dawn at Owl’s Lodge has been the perfect escape over the past few days. Not only are we treated to a lovely story about the value of friendship and of taking a second chance at love but we are also given a special insight into the magical world of owls.

When Zara takes an injured owl to the rescue centre at Owl’s Lodge she comes into contact with, Snowy, the man who runs the rescue centre. That Snowy has been hurt in the past is obvious but the delightful way in which the story unfolds shows that there is more to this enigmatic man than first suspected. I raced through the story in a couple of sitting mainly because I had developed not only an emotional connection to the beauty of Owl’s Lodge but also to the characters who call the place home.

Those have read the Bumblebee Farm and Hedgehog Hollow series of books will be pleased to see that some of the familiar characters appear briefly in the story but largely A New Dawn at Owl’s Lodge is about the special relationship between Zara and Snowy, two gorgeous characters, who find their way into your heart and who don’t let go until the last page of this lovely story is finished.

A New Dawn at Owl's Lodge is another lovely book by Jessica Redland. It's not my normal genre but I always enjoy this authors books and this was no exception. It was full of interesting characters and I really enjoyed reading about them.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my ARC.

3.5 stars
Cute, feel good “hallmark type” book.
I enjoyed the main characters Zara and Snowy and Snowy’s grandfather. I learned a lot about owls which was neat, but thought there was too much information. The beginning was slow/I felt the story could’ve been much shorter, but I enjoyed the story overall.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review.