A Forever Home at Honey Bee Croft is the 3rd book in the Bumblebee Barn series. Joel Grainger is a single dad who loves his daughter, Imogene, very much. He doesn't get to see her as often as he would like with his working hours, but they love every moment they spend together. Her mother is difficult with Joel, having remarried and moving on. Poppy Wells has recently lost her mother and is dealing with her father's dementia diagnoses. Living in Whisperwood Farmhouse, has allowed her to heal and close to Bumblebee Barn are perfect, but she would need to move her dad to a new care home. Could she do that? Back at her home, Dove Cottage, she felt her grief at her mom's loss, remembered her failed marriage, even though she and Phil are still friends, and was dealing with Damon, an old neighbour who couldn't take no for an answer. Both Joel and Poppy were looking for a new beginning and maybe a wedding they are both attending might give them a new perspective and friendship to be able to do that.

One thing I always look forward to in Jessica Redland's books are regular people dealing with problems and situations that we can all recognize and know someone who has dealt with the same things. It is wonderful to see how they deal with things and move forward in their life. Both Joel and Poppy are resigned to the fact that they might not find another person to spend their lives with. Family and friends support them, but also want them to keep trying. I really enjoyed the characters in this book. I think one of the relationships I really liked was Poppy and Phil. Although they are divorced, she is still close to his family and they are friends, wanting the best for one another. I wish more divorced couples could be like that. Imogene was a delight. She loved her parents and wanted to spend time with her father. She was also an honest child and spoke her mind, not intending to cause an issue between her parents. I really liked this story although it dealt with some pretty heavy issues. There is grief, dementia, family issues, divorce, stalking, job insecurity and more. Watching Joel and Poppy figure out what is important to them and how they can go about making the changes necessary was interesting and their budding romance was delightful. I closed this book with a smile on my face and definitely recommend it. You can read this as a standalone story and if you enjoy a book with some romance, real characters, and seeing how they deal with real problems, then I recommend you pick up this hopeful and uplifting story.

In the third and final book in the Bumblebee Barn collection, readers meet Joel Grainger, his daughter Imogen, and Poppy Wells at turning points in their personal relationships. With her father’s dementia diagnosis and her mother’s recent death weighing on her, Poppy’s vacation at the Whisperwood Farmhouse in the Yorkshire Wolds, near the Bumblebee Barn and near where she runs into Joel, is exactly what she needs, and this beautiful rural home might be the place where she can heal, find love, and join a new and meaningful community. Despite their instant connection, Joel and Poppy’s lives are chaotic and both are at crossroads, so their future together seems impossible unless they can overcome the various obstacles together. Charming, heartwarming, and full of emotion, this is a great and emotionally satisfying conclusion to the Bumblebee Farm collection that readers will love. Redland’s characters are brilliant, emotional, complex, and charming with their unique backstories and complicated emotional obstacles. Readers will love following these two protagonists over their split perspectives in the novel, and both have their chances to shine separately and together in fantastic ways. Powerful, emotional, and charming, this is a great new modern romance novel set in rural Yorkshire that fans of the genre will love.

Once I started this book I couldn't put it down. I loved the main character Poppy, she was super relatable. I wasn't sure about Joel until I read about hi interacting with his daughter, and you just know he's one of the good ones, special. I loved that the first half of the book we're kind of following the two MC's separately as it meant we really got to know them and the characters in their own lives. Then once they meet at around the half way part it was beautiful, romantic and emotional and the perfect Jessica Redland book. You come away not just having read a lovely romance, but inspired, believing that following your dreams is in reach and motivated to do something about them. Love it!

Thank you to the Author, Publisher and NetGalley UK for a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Jessica Redland is a master at creating worlds full of loveable characters that despite their trials and tribulations get their much-deserved happy endings.

This book features Joel and Poppy.

Joel is a ‘lovely guy’ but all of his dates end with women saying they just want to be friends. His factory job pays the bills but working night shifts means he doesn’t get to spend much time with his daughter Imogen. He is also supporting his brother Chez who struggles with his mental health and dealing with ex-fiancee, Tilly and the challenges of co-parenting.

Poppy feels like her life is on hold. Having lost her mum to MND and with coping with father’s dementia, her own personal life has been put on hold. She’s living in her childhood home but desperately lonely. Her own marriage ended amicably, but between visiting her dad, caring for her beloved bees and working as an account, her dreams have been put in hold.

A break is just what Poppy needs and when she bumps into Joel sparks fly instantly. When they meet again at a wedding, it seems like destiny is bringing them together. Poppy has found someone who could help her realise her dream and Joel has found someone who can bring both friendship and passion into his life.

Joel and Poppy are so loveable I was rooting for them from the first page. The romance and realism blend really well through the book. There are moments of real magic and sadness.

I loved the Hedgehog Hollow series and there are some lovely cameos from old friends. It’s lovely to see the characters live beyond the timeframe of their own stories.

This is a sweet and hearty warming story that I really enjoyed.

Another great read
Absolutely love this ladies books
And this one was no exception
A lovely love story
Wonderful characters
And places you want to visit
Thanks NetGalley

Unfortunately, I had to DNF this book at 40% as I struggled with the pacing of this book. While the premise was charming and the setting felt cozy, I personally prefer more fast-paced reads. That being said, I think readers who enjoy gentle, slow-burning stories with a heartwarming feel may find this book more to their liking. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read it!

Another gorgeous read from Jessica, this time with the delights of Joel and Poppy. I was very excited to finally be reaching Joel's story as we had met him in previous books and knew a little of his background. Joel and Poppy's stories intertwined very fast and their attraction even faster, it didn't take very long for these two to know that they wanted to be in each others lives and I loved how far they were willing to go to make that happen. Poppy was a really sweet character who held a lot of grief and had many nuisances to deal with, but Joel was the breath of fresh air she was in desperate need of and she was determined to create a new life that included him and his daughter. Joel was also such a great character to finally get to follow around, with a lot of nuisances to deal with himself, Poppy was the perfect eye-opener for Joel to see that he could still have a happy ending. Not only did we get to follow the romance between Poppy and Joel, but we also got to reunite with old friends and experience two big and exciting weddings. The perfect ending to a beautiful series, I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next!

Another great read from Jessica. This is the 3rd book in the series but could be read as stand alone. I really enjoyed meeting Joel and Poppy and their stories and how they intertwined with characters from previous books. Its always good to see how previous characters have evolved. There were some sad times such as a relative with dementia, but I think as usual Jessica handled this with care and empathy whilst also letting the reader know just what it can be like. A heartwarming read which is highly recommended.

Jessica redland has done it again. A perfect cosy read. Poppy and Joel are new characters but both have stories to tell i like how the chapters flip between the two characters but the story continues to flow. My absolutely favourite part was old characters returning Sam, Fizz and Barney to name just a few! Thank you again for a fabulous read.

A Forever Home at Honey Bee Croft is the third and final installment in the Yorkshire Wolds series by the incredibly talented Jessica Redland. Coincidentally, this marks Jessica's 25th novel, which feels significant as I am also celebrating 25 years of marriage on 14 February!

In this book, we drove into the life of Barney's best friend, Joel, a single dad who shares custody with his daughter's mother. He feels disheartened due to her limited availability for visits.

Meanwhile, Poppy is struggling with the loss of her mother and her father's dementia diagnosis. Feeling overwhelmed, she is convinced by those that care that she needs to take some time for herself.

During her break, Hotel and Poppy cross paths, and chemistry ignites. Will they find a way to navigate their challenges together? You'll have to read it to discover their journey.

Jessica wraps up this series with a remarkable finale! Her writing style captivates readers from the very first page and keeps you engaged until the last. I eagerly anticipate her next novel in her new series!

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Jessica Redland’s A Forever Home at Honey Bee Croft is a wonderfully romantic read that is hopeful, heartwarming and hard to resist.

Being a single dad is tough – and nobody knows this better than Joel Grainger. Devoted to his little girl Imogen, there is simply nothing he wouldn’t do for his daughter – even if it means putting her first and himself last. With Imogen’s mother getting more and more difficult and his job on the line, Joel cannot help but worry about what the future holds. However, little does he realise that fate has a surprise in store for him that will compel him to step out of the shadows and embrace life with both hands.

Poppy Wells had been devastated when her dad had been diagnosed with dementia. Struggling and in desperate need of a break, when she gets an opportunity to stay in Whisperwood Farmhouse nestled in the Yorkshire Wolds, she jumps at the chance. Some rest and relaxation is exactly what the doctor ordered and although romance is the very last thing on her mind, sparks begin to fly when she meets single dad Joel.

With both Poppy and Joel at a crossroads, will they find the strength and courage to go after their hearts’ desires? Will they be strong enough to overcome the obstacles standing in their way and build a new life together? Or will this unexpected opportunity to be truly happy together end up slipping through their fingers?

Enchanting, emotional and uplifting, A Forever Home at Honey Bee Croft is a magical read from million-selling author Jessica Redland that effortlessly draws readers into a world they will not want to leave. With characters who will linger in the reader’s mind and heart long after the last page is turned, touching romance, searing emotional intensity, delightful humour and a beautifully realised setting, A Forever Home at Honey Bee Croft by Jessica Redland is an enjoyable and entrancing tale that is simply spellbinding.

The third in the bumblebee farm series. Lovely to see familiar faces . This time we meet single dad Joel who has been alone a long time and is soon able to give a piece of his heart.

Poppy is going through a hard time and a chance meeting leads her to Joel .


A heartfelt read following the lives of Poppy and Joel .

Trigger warnings : Dementia , death.

Another great book by Jessica Redland. Reading one of Redland's books is like returning home to friends and family. I love the characters as they are always relatable and the storylines are always realistic. While I'm sad to say goodbye to the friends in the Bumblebee Barn and Hedgehog Hallow series, I look forward to meeting new friends in upcoming books! Thanks #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks

What a great ending to a wonderful series! This book is full of emotions and you can feel every one of them. It's a beautifully written story that deals with real life problems and the author handled them with care. I highly recommend this book and the entire series.
I received a complimentary copy from Boldwood Books via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Such a lovely heart warming story and I loved having old characters back in the story too. I loved poppy and Joel and little imogen and was so pleased that there story worked out after all the trauma that all 3 of them went through.

Thanks to netgalley for the chance to read this book.

A brilliant start to a new series from Jessica, with the addition of previous series’s characters.

A Forever Home at Honey Bee Croft by Jessica Redland

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Single dad, Joel Grainger, is devoted to his little girl, Imogen, doing all he can to be a key part of her life. But with Imogen’s mum being ever more difficult and Joel’s job suddenly in doubt, he’s worried that everything is about to change. Joel has given everything to Imogen, and he doesn’t regret it, but maybe he’s lost himself along the way…

Since her dad’s heart-breaking dementia diagnosis, Poppy Wells has been struggling and desperately needs a break. An opportunity to stay in gorgeous Whisperwood Farmhouse nestled in the Yorkshire Wolds and a stone’s throw away from Bumblebee Barn couldn’t be more perfect. Finally able to breathe, Poppy begins to see a new life ahead, a place where she can heal her broken heart and be part of something special. But can she ever leave her beloved dad to get the happiness she craves?

When Poppy and Joel meet there’s an instant connection. But with both of them at a crossroads, a future together seems impossible. Can they find the strength to overcome their challenges to secure their forever home together?

My Opinion

Jessica Redland takes the reader on an emotional journey with this stunning book. I was in two minds whilst reading this, I wanted to read on to read more about Poppy and Joel but I also didn’t want the book to end. Whilst there are some difficult topics – all of which were handled delicately – this was such a sweet book to read. I was hooked from the very beginning and I really didn’t want to put the book down.

Rating 5/5

Did I like this book? It's a Jessica Redland book so obviously I absolutely loved it and that's without even opening the cover!

I loved returning to Bumblebee Barn, it's one of my favourite bookish places to visit, just like its predecessor Hedgehog Hollow.

Reconnecting with familiar faces is always a win and with them all being so lovely I never want to leave.

A Forever Home at Honey Bee Croft is a beautifully written addition to the Bumblebee Barn series. It touches on some difficult subject matter which is handled in a delicate manner and it's guaranteed to evoke emotions. It wraps you up in a warm hug and touches the heart.

Romantic, hopeful and thoroughly enjoyable.

The third book in a wonderful series by Jessica Redland, this is a poignant, heartwarming story about following your heart, saying goodbye and embracing new beginnings. I adored Joel and Poppy’s story, both are wonderful characters which is a common trait of Jessica’s - creating characters we feel connected to and want the best for!
We’ve previously met Joel in previous stories but now he is front and centre, deservedly so, I’ve been looking forward to know more about him. He’s so used to being seen as second best, a great guy but not THE guy. His daughter is his world and his ex seems to do all she can to limit their time together.
Poppy, what a character – I felt so emotional for her, having had so much to deal with losing her Mum but then having to be strong as her Dads health declined. Life hasn’t gone the way she thought it would and at best, she’s struggling to move forward in any way. It soon becomes clear she needs a break, and ends up discovering the perfect place, the perfect person and the perfect time away to see what she needs to do next.
I love when characters have chemistry that sparks from the page, Joel and Poppy do instantly. Not only was romance inevitable but it seemed each person found their best friend; a person who was completely on their side and willing to do whatever it took to make the other happy. A fast moving relationship but a clearly strong connection.
As always, there are ups and downs, misunderstandings and other people throwing spanners in the works; both have so much going on in their lives do they have the time for each other.
Jessica handles sensitive topics so sensitively, yet again highlighting issues and topics amongst the romantic, cosy element we all love. I highly recommend this one (and every one by the author!)
Always sad when a series comes to an end, but a gorgeous book to end on. I always look forward to the next book from Jessica.

I probably mention every time I review a book by Jessica Redland how much I love her books and her writing, no apologies here about any authors I adore, I will keep shouting to the rooftops until everyone who loves romance gives them a try. I’m just trying to create my own little club where we go to little coffee shops, read and chat books whilst eating cake.

Anyway, back to the book, it’ll be no surprise for for you to read that I absolutely love this story, the characters are so relatable so three dimensional and they’re just the kind of people you want as friends, the community in this book it’s just somewhere I would want to live so much, I wish I could just open the book and move right in.

Joel and Poppy are such fantastic characters, I love how supportive Joel was and how wonderful he was with Imogen. My heart was aching for Poppy so much, another story that help me grabbing the tissues at points, especially for Poppy. This book deals with dementia, loss/grief as well as stalking, all are handled very sensitively and with such care.

I love the fact Jessica reminds us in this and her other stories but it’s never too late to find happiness to find love, you just have to be willing to let it in. It’s something I adore and is always good to be reminded. Sad to see this short series end, but always looking forward to new adventures.

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