Member Reviews

Emma is excited about the next chapter in her life with Grayson. She has been supportive of him in every way. When he doesn’t show her the same courtesy and things change it's time for Emma to take charge of herself, her life and pursue her own dreams. Her road includes some heartbreak, recovery and resilience, a new business, friends, a lot of questioning herself, strength and a wonderful happy ending. I’ve enjoyed many titles from this author, but did not read the first of this series. This was great to read as a stand-alone, but I will be buying the first two in the series asap. Truly lovely story.

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The Best is Yet to Come picks up the Lake District series and we meet Rosie and Oliver again at Willowdale Hall. We also meet Emma, who is embarking on a massive life change by giving up her home and teaching career to take up farming with partner Grayson.

What should be an idyllic lifestyle starts off well as Emma falls in love with the idea of running an alpaca walking business. However Grayson is not supportive in the slightest, and things go from bad to worse as Grayson's mood declines with every day.

Emma must find a solution to rehousing herself, and her flock of seven alpacas. When help arrives is the most unexpected form, Emma can start again (again), but will she find her new happy this time around?

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The Third book in the lakes series and more new characters though Rosie and Oliver and Willowdale Hall are strongly featured in this book. and there are mentions of past characters.
Emma is the main character in this book along with Killian . I loved how the alpaca business started and progressed, The magnificent seven !
A beautifully written book which flows beautifully, and draws the reader in . The storyline keeps the reader engaged!
An absolute must read, Highly Recommended
Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and Jessica Redland for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review

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The worst thing about finishing a book by Jessica Redland is the wait for the next one. Her writing is like a hug. There's so much care, thought planning and research that goes into her books. I loved getting to know Emma. She was the sweetest most loving character. I got so angry at how Greyson treated her but Killian more than made up for that. I can't not mention the Magnificent Seven. What I wouldn't give to be for that to be my life. I'm hoping that Aoife gets her own stroy. I'm intrigued about what happened with her. Looking forward to our next adventure together, Miss Redland.

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Another gorgeous read from Jessica! It was such a delight to meet Emma and Killian - they were a match made in heaven and helped each other heal from painful pasts. It was comforting to return to familiar faces and see how they were getting on. Jessica's worlds always feel like one giant hug!

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This is the third book in Jessica Redland’s new series set in the Lake District and introduces us to another new set of characters. Rosie and Oliver from book 2 do still have quite a presence in this as does Willowdale Hall so I would probably recommend reading that one before this, however it can be read as a standalone to.

Emma is a really lovely character and I warmed to her instantly, Grayson on the other hand - oh that man frustrated me so much!!! Things started getting a lot more cheerful once Emma found her way to Willowdale and it felt like everything was on the up. There were some troubles along the way but life is always a journey!

I loved meeting the Magnificent Seven, Jessica describes them in such a way that you really can picture them in your mind and I’d absolutely love to be able to go on a walk out with Emma and the gang. Alpaca’s are such lovely kind animals and they feel like the perfect companion for the next chapter in Emma’s life.

Killian is another important character and a massive help to Emma when she’s setting up her Alpaca home, he feels like such a warm, genuine and kind guy who always puts others first. I can’t wait to see what comes next for him and his girls…

Another great book from Jessica Redland and I can’t wait to see what comes next!

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Thank you netgalley and publishers for an advanced copy of this book for my honest opinion in return. The Best is Yet to Come by Jessica Redland is part of a series but this one can most definitely be read as a standalone. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, its set in a the idyllic Lake District and follows the ups and downs of Emma, a woman in her forties leaving her career in teaching to move with her partner to help him fulfil his dream farming job. Part of her story is wanting to set up an alpaca walking business, I particularly loved the descriptions of the alpacas she meets and I most definitely want to walk with one myself. There is so much to this book, is well written, it keeps you wanting to readjust one more page. An absolute must read.

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"The Best is Yet to Come," is book 3 in the Lakes District series but can easily be read as a standalone. This contemporary romance, set against a stunning countryside backdrop, centers on Emma's journey of resilience and new beginnings. It explores themes of embracing change, chasing dreams, and finding love in unexpected places.

Emma's journey is deeply supported by her family and best friend, which plays a crucial role in her overcoming obstacles. The book also sparked my curiosity about alpacas through Emma’s involvement in the alpaca business, with plenty of intriguing details about alpacas sprinkled throughout. The depiction of Willowdale Hall and its surroundings was so vivid that it felt like I was truly there.

Killian’s role in Emma’s life made me eagerly anticipate their future together and cheer for their happy ending with their little family.

This is my first time to read Jessica Redland's book and it was like receiving a comforting hug while sipping on hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows, all wrapped up in a cozy blanket. 

TW: Infertility, Endometriosis, Domestic Violence

Favorite Quotes:
ᥫ᭡  "We might not have been meant for each other but that lapse in judgment on both our parts gave us you and, no matter how much it hurt to accept that I was always going to be second best, I'd do it all again to have you and I know your dad would too."

ᥫ᭡  "I still believe in love and I still believe that the right one for me is out there somewhere."

ᥫ᭡  "That's why, when we were talking before about what I do for lost kids, I told you I don't change anyone's life - I just present them with other options. I give them the tools - including self-belief - to realize that their life can be different, but they have to make those changes themselves and they're only going to do that if they really want to. Accepting that I can't fix everyone was one of my biggest life lessons."

ᥫ᭡ "..You hit a massive bump in the road and said I'm still going that way, but I'm taking a different route."

ᥫ᭡  "Sometimes people come into our lives at what might seem the wrong moment but is actually the right one."

ᥫ᭡ "Life doesn't work to a timetable. It's messy, unexpected and chaotic but we only get one go.  You might think you have all the time in the world to move on, but does Killian?  What if he meets someone else while you're getting over a man you never even loved in the first place?"

ᥫ᭡ "Always grasp at life, Emma, because you never know how long you've got.  Hold on to people you love, grab opportunities, really live every day."

ᥫ᭡  "Keep dreaming, keep believing, live and love boldly.."

ᥫ᭡  "It takes a lot of courage, people around you who care, and a giant leap of faith where you focus on flying instead of falling.  The past can be a scary place but the future doesn't need to be.."

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the electronic advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Book three in the Lake District series
And another great book
Can be read alone
A well written storyline like all of Jessica’s books
Thanks NetGalley

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Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I absolutely loved reading this book.

We meet Emma, who was living the life she dreamt of, but then everything changed for her. After the turn of events, she has to start again.

She really wants to get her new venture started, which is walking rescued alpacas. She needs a lot of help in order to do this.

When she meets with Oliver and Rosie at Willowdale Hall, they give her somewhere to begin the business. But some people at Willowdale Hall don’t like it.

One of those is Killian who thinks she’s the reason he can’t do something with the space she’s given which is far better than walking alpacas.

But Emma will need his help and her new friends to make her dream a reality.

I loved the setting and characters.

I highly recommend this book.

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This gorgeous book is beautifully balanced, showing two distinct halves of Emma’s story. At first, we follow Emma’s exciting future as she looks ahead to her move into the countryside surrounding Coniston.  Her relationship with Fiancé Grayson seemed a little one-sided, but I assumed that the strain of moving into a new farm was the problem.  I never imagined that she was being used as undervalued labour.  I guess I’m not sufficiently cynical to spot such an awful move.

With such a large part of the story focusing on Emma, I had a chance to forge a virtual friendship with her character and felt instinctively protective of her. Her treatment at the hands of her fiancé and her husband before that was unforgivable. I found myself holding onto the title and believing that the best was yet to come for Emma. Emma certainly deserved a bright future that would lead her to be cherished rather than used. I needn’t have worried; Jessica had already imagined a fantastic future for her and introduced her to a perfect match.

The more time that we spent with the perfectly named Magnificent Seven in the Paca Shack or on Paca Plaza, the more I imagined being able to walk along with them all. This was made even more desirable as it became clear that Killian would become a regular feature among them all. Jessica performed a minor miracle when she imagined Killian into the pages of this book; he’s simply perfect.

There are some corners neatened in this instalment as we discover Oliver’s father and continue to see Rosie supporting her mother’s battle with her mental health issues. The steady building of the lives involved at Willowdale Hall and even more reasons to perceive this as a most worthy addition to some of the previous series.  This is very special indeed.  

Jessica introduces a little of her own story with each of her books. From an aggressive midwife to a battle with endometriosis, there is a gentle lifting of a veil that allows us a glimpse of her personal experiences and some of the unpleasantness that she has encountered along the way. All are handled with Jessica’s hallmark gentle touch, and there’s a warmth between the pages and a generous helping of reality.

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Like being back with old friends. Such a wonderful story with fabulous characters. The author manages to describe the setting so brilliantly where you can picture yourself sat by the lake enjoying the view. I'm already excited for the next instalment.

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This is the 3rd in the Escape to the Lakes series from Jessica Redland and it’s wonderful being back at Willowdale Hall again. Seeing how Oliver and Rosie have settled in following the previous instalment is a great opener to the new story
I loved how brave Emma is and her confidence and determination in being able to move on with her life. The support she gets from her friends and family is not to be underestimated. Jessica always writes such community led stories whether that be found family or reconnected family, it shows how important that connection is with people we love.
Rachel,Killian, Grayson and Oliver and Rosie play such an important role in Emma’s life ( whether helpful or not) and I loved seeing how each of them was able to help her to forge her future life decisions- showing the best is definitely yet to come

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"The Best is Yet to Come" is a charming contemporary romance novel set in the picturesque English countryside. The story follows Emma, a former teacher, as she navigates significant life changes and pursues her dreams.

The novel blends elements of romance, personal growth, and rural life. It touches on themes of adaptability, resilience, and the courage to follow one's heart. The setting, inspired by Beatrix Potter's farm, adds a nostalgic and whimsical touch to the narrative.

The plot promises an emotional journey, starting with Emma's initial excitement about her new life with fiancé Grayson, followed by disappointment and heartbreak. The story then shifts to Emma's fresh start at Willowdale Hall, where she faces new challenges and unexpected partnerships.

The book likely appeals to readers who enjoy stories of second chances, countryside romances, and tales of personal reinvention. The mention of alpaca-walking and farm life suggests a cozy, feel-good atmosphere that many readers find comforting.

Overall, "The Best is Yet to Come" offers a heartwarming tale of resilience and new beginnings, perfect for readers seeking an uplifting escape into the English countryside.

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🌄Moving story about facing setbacks, idyllic setting

Jessica Redland once again entertained and moved me with an excellent story of upsets, obstacles and the importance of how attitude profoundly influences an outcome. Emma, the 40-something female lead, has suffered romantic failure and heartache, and eventually finds herself without a home or a job, but she's got an excellent support system in her best friend Rachael and her family (as long as she lets them in). With their encouragement she picks herself up and moves on, hoping that the past can be left behind and the best really is yet to come. And rescue alpacas are key to her plan for moving on.

The characters are a great group, well-defined, and Redland keeps the players mostly limited to those who serve a direct role in Emma's life. Emma's story is at times eclipsed by poignant insights into her father's secret love affair that produced a younger brother she knew nothing about. I liked the sweetness of the romance and the overall emphasis on the importance of family and friends. Plus, Redland offers some sterling descriptions of the beautiful Lake District countryside and winsome moments with alpacas.

It's a compelling plot and I really liked that the story has a number of subplots with their own realistic highs and lows, like Emma's relationship with her father and estate worker Killian's unexpected road to fatherhood. There's even a bit of urgent drama related to the Magnificent Seven, the rescued alpacas that Emma hopes to home and use to start an alpaca walk business.

This series is getting better as it develops. I will definitely be looking to read more.

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

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Emma and Greyson pack up and moved to the Lake District to run one of Beatrix Potter’s farms. However all doesn’t run smoothly so Emma follows her own dreams of running an alpaca farm. Can she make it work?

I absolutely love this series so to be back in the Lake District with Jessica’s writing was such a treat. I loved being back in Willowdale Hall and with familiar characters too like Rosie.

‘The Best Is Yet To Come’ is a heartwarming story full of friendship, family and bittersweet moments too. I am a massive fan of Jessica’s writing. I will literally read anything she creates. I was sad to finish this book I was loving it so much 🥰💖🦙

I can’t wait to see what Jessica writes next! She is one of my favourite authors 🤗

Thank you to Boldwood Books for an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

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Such a wonderfully familiar book. The scenery was magnificent. Breathtaking and glorious. The characters all seemed so familiar and I really enjoyed settling into it. I’m looking forward to going back and reading the first two books in the series and then looking forward to reading more in the series to as what happens and to keep in touch with the gang. Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

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I adore Jessica’s writing style, she writes the most beautiful settings with fascinating characters and emotional themes.
This is part of a series but it could easily be read as a standalone.
Emma was a character that I instantly took to my heart, she was so excited to start her new life working on a farm (a Beatrix Potter one!) with her fiancé. She had given up so much to support his dream, and to create her own, it was upsetting to see it all fall apart.
However she is given the opportunity to continue her dream when she meets up with Oliver and Rosie, who not only encourages her to keep going but actively help her set it up.
So many emotional moments spring up throughout the story, it was gorgeous to see how things changed for Emma for the better.
Beautiful book with adorable characters set in a stunning landscape, uplifting and inspiring to read.

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Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for honest review.

You always know what you're getting with a Jessica Redland novel, it's like a cosy hug in a book with an array of interesting, funny and warm characters. Another great story!

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Thank you so much to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my copy of The Best is Yet to Come by Jessica Redland in exchange for an honest review. It publishes September 3, 2024.
What a joy to "return" to the lakes with this lovely series. As usual, Jessica Redland writes another wonderful book. I loved getting to learn about alpacas! Beautifully written, heartwarming, hard to put down, just wonderful as I've come to expect!
As always, wonderful stories threaded together and weaved to make a beautiful tapestry of characters and their ever developing relationships. I cannot wait to read the next installments in this series!

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