I love a good holiday read, and Snowflakes Over the Starfish Cafe didn’t disappoint.

Hollie and Jake run into each other after Jake finds a lost dog on the beach near the cafe that Hollie owns. Both have experienced tragedy in their lives and are trying to work through their grief and loneliness in order to move on with their lives.

I really enjoyed how thoroughly the author delves into each character’s story. It’s told from both points of view, and you get the feeling of knowing who they are before they meet. The only drawback to this is that it doesn’t move the story along very quickly, and some parts seem to drag.

The feelings of love and loss really shine through and it ends up being an uplifting contemporary romance.

3.5 ⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy to read and review.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. It was lovely to return to Whitsborough Bay with Jessica Redland this weekend, to find out more about the lives of the local residents. This is a book about how two young people have to keep moving forward, after tragic events in their past. It is a wonderful, warm, festive, and uplifting contemporary romance.

It was lovely to return to Whitsborough Bay with Jessica Redland this weekend, to find out more about the lives of the local residents. This is a book about how two young people have to keep moving forward, after tragic events in their past.

Hollie, born on Christmas Eve, always loved the Christmas period. Sadly, in more recent years, Hollie has found Christmastime painful, after deaths and loss, at what should be a time of celebration.

Jake, who has also suffered tragic loss and the appalling behaviour of his older sister, is facing up to his past when he makes a surprise discovery of a lost dog. Mr Pickles.

Mr Pickles brings the two young people together, both of whom are in need of someone who understands how difficult it is to be seen as a person, rather than to be pitied and defined by their losses.

Despite there being much understanding for each other, could something stop them from being together? Jessica Redland has created a very emotional story about two young people who have been through so much but who are caring for others in and out of work.

This story is also a tribute to the excellent work of the RNLI, a fabulous group of volunteers, who rescue people in danger in the sea. I recommend having a box of tissues to be nearby when reading this book.

"With courage nothing is impossible".

Both Hollie and Jake have suffered major tragedies in their lives and are still trying to adjust and live with the painful memories.. An abandoned dog brings these two together, but to make a future they first need to forgive themselves.

Another emotional tale from Jessica. Her characters are so vivid and her storylines so gripping that it is sometimes impossible to put her books down. Immerse yourself in this tale from the North Yorkshire coast.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4176670220

Snowflakes Over The Starfish Cafe by Jessica Redland is a wonderful, warm, festive, and uplifting contemporary romance. I love everything Ms. Redland writes, and this is no exception.
This book was full of everything I love. Christmas, love, dogs, friendship and Whitsburgh Bay.
It’s the story of Hollie and Jake, they have both suffered terrible heartache in their life’s and through Jake finding Mr Pickles the dog they find each other.
They both have things to overcome to move forward but with the help of strong friendships and family ties they try to find happiness together.

Snowflakes Over The Starfish Café is a story of grief, hope, and finding love. Hollie took over the Starfish Cafe after the death of multiple family members; she loves the business but would give anything to have her family back. Jake has had his own share of loss and tragedy, and copes by staying closed off to others. When the two meet over a shared love of scones and a dog with a silly name, they start to see the silver lining in life again.

I had a lot of ideas of what Snowflakes Over The Starfish Café would be like just based on the cover and title, and was completely wrong in a very good way. Wow, is this book well written. Talk about characters with depth! Both Hollie and Jake have suffered tremendous loss that shape the way they act and think. Reading how the two bond over this deep understand made this book so great. I loved the underlying theme of hope that went along with all of the tough subject matter, and it kept the book from getting too dark (though make no mistake, this book is not all lighthearted reading). Snowflakes Over The Starfish Café is a great book with a complex story and a nice holiday setting.

Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC; this is my honest and voluntary review.

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

“An Absolutely Fabulous, Emotional Story”

Jessica’s books never fail to disappoint me, and this one was no different, I couldn’t put it down.
Back in gorgeous Whitsborough Bay and new characters as well as old characters that we get to hear about too.

The story is about Hollie, who has had dealt some bad cards, and now owns Starfish Cafe. There’s also Jake, who, like Hollie has had traumatic years. Not to mention a dog 🐕 Mr Pickles. Both meet and friendship they become friends.

Jessica’s writing draws the reader in from the start and she writes about sensitive issues so beautifully, that you don’t want to put the book down till you’ve finished it, but on the other hand you don’t want it to end.

This was a book, that had a lovely community, characters and sent me on a rollercoaster of emotions.

I’d love to visit a place like the cafe and thoroughly enjoyed this bookI.

I highly recommend this book and if it’s your first, please do read the others by Jessica. You’ll be hooked.

If I could give you more than 5⭐️ Jessica I would.

Snowflakes Over The Starfish Café is a touching story about two people finding love and hope despite their personal struggles in the past.

I admired how this book managed to clearly lay out the characters’ story. Everything was written so clearly. Details were specific and for most parts I felt like I was part of the story. I would like to point out, however, that some parts were a bit dragging—especially the part where Hollie and Jake kept on thinking twice about where they’d want their relationship to go. If it was kept short maybe my anticipation of their relationship could have built stronger rather than weaker. Somehow, I felt like it just kept on circling around.

But don’t get me wrong, because I think that weaker build up left me really surprised when the plot twist came! I almost jumped for joy and I kept giggling while reading the book, I think I looked insane. Lol

Overall, the story still managed to make me feel all sorts of things. And I think that’s one reason to say that this book—Snowflakes Over The Starfish Café—is an enjoyable holiday read!

Thank you Boldwood Books and Net Galley for the advanced copy!

Rating: 3.5/5

This is a lovely, touching story about relationships between family members and friends. Set on the North Yorkshire coast, we meet Hollie Gabrielle, born on Christmas Eve, called Angel by her mum. Hollie is very close to her parents and brother Isaac. Hollie's grandmother started the Starfish Café, then her mum ran it, and now it is Hollie's turn. Hollie's life was wonderful with her family and her boyfriend but then tragedy struck. She is getting by, living for the café, customers, and friends as well as having a hobby working with wood. But she is not fully healed.
Jake has never had much of a happy family life as his mother died when he was born. His father was always sad and his sister hated him. His birthday is a time of sadness. His nanna raised him at a young age and his career as a nurse is fulfilling. He also is training to work as a crew member on the RNLI, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, working to keep the people safe around the coastline, similar to the Coast Guard in the US, as I understand.
Hollie and Jake meet when he finds a lost dog near the café on a rainy night. There is an instant connection between these two lonely and hurting souls but they both have so much baggage and fear. Will they make it work or let fear rule their lives? Things are complicated and they get to know each other gradually but will it be enough? This is a sweet slow building story with multiple layers. The Shih Tzu, Pickles, is a connection that adds an extra beloved character to the story. Both loved him and he is such a comfort to them both. Hollie and Jake are great characters and I really wanted things to work out between them. I enjoyed loved the dialect and setting. Sweet ending.
I received a complimentary ARC from Boldwood Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.

I saw the 800+ pages and thought... Hmmmm. Well let me tell you I could have read 8,000 pages of this!!! Perfect narrative. Wonderful structure... Best part is when you read the author's comments and there's going to be a follow up. YAY!!!!!

From the gorgeously illustrated cover, Snowflakes over the Starfish Cafe, seems to be the ideal light Christmas rom com set in a seaside town. Hooray!

There is a fair bit of Christmas since the heroine, Hollie Gabrielle, was born on Christmas Eve. There is some romance. There is an adorable pup. Mostly though, this is two people dealing with extraordinary grief, guilt, loneliness, and pain. The story is beautifully told with solid writing, great descriptions, and wonderfully supportive supporting characters.

This is not a linear story. Instead it is told from both Hollie and Jake's point of view and bounces along almost chapter by chapter between present day and flashbacks.

I did enjoy the book just please know after the first opening bits, this book not as light and breezy as the cover might convey.

*I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and I am required to disclose that in my review in compliance with federal law.*

I mostly enjoyed this as Jessica Redland’s writing is easy to read. But I have to wonder why the author constantly puts the most vile abusive characters in each of her books. And they seem to be always female too. If the author has experienced these types of people in her life often enough to write about them that is very sad.

In this book Larissa is even worse than Chloe in the hedgehog series. Larissa seems murderous and insane. It would have been possible to achieve the same goal of a hurt and unhappy sibling without all the nastiness. For me as a reader constantly being bombarded with these evil characters in a book that is advertised as a light romance is not a good thing. I’m not sure I can read more by this author because of that.

I love Jessica Redland and I enjoyed this but it wasn't one of favourites. As is usual for the author this had all the key elements for a good contemporary romance - likeable characters, adorable dog, will-they-won't-they romance, community spirit, small business, family and friendship. And, it was written in her usual charming and light-hearted way. But, the difference with this was that with main characters Hollie and Jake both struggling with loss, grief and family tragedies there was a continuous undercurrent of sadness and heartbreak - I guess I just prefer a more upbeat tale.

WOW!
Where to start. This book was full of everything I love. Christmas, love, dogs, friendship and Whitsburgh Bay.
It’s the story of Hollie and Jake, they have both suffered terrible heartache in their life’s and through Jake finding Mr Pickles the dog they find each other.
They both have things to overcome to move forward but with the help of strong friendships and family ties they try to find happiness together.
I don’t remember when I last cried like this while reading a book but this was just so emotional and was quite close to my heart in parts.
This was just the most beautifully written book and Jessica has such an art for writing the most wonderful books..
Thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for an ARC of this fabulous book. Lastly thank you Jessica Redland
For writing this beautiful story with promises of a sequel. Wish I could give more than 5 stars as it’s so worth it.
I’ll definitely Keep Dancing in the Rain!

I loved reading this book! It's beautifully written and full of emotions. This book will make you laugh, cry and feel every emotion in between. The story inside this book is as beautiful as the cover. I hated to see it end.
I received a complimentary copy from Boldwood Books via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

With thanks to #NetGalley and #Boldwood for an ARC of #SnowflakesOverTheStarfishCafe by #JessicaRedland, in return for an honest review.

Before I even got to page one of this book, I was really taken with the lovely title and eye catchingly pretty cover.

This is Hollie and Jake’s story. Hollie owns the Starfish Cafe and Jake is a nurse. They both live in the town of Whitsborough Bay, and have seperately gone through more than their fair share of loss and heartache.
The chance discovery of an abandoned dog near the cafe, brings these two lost souls into each other's lives. There is an immediate spark, but can they both let go of what has gone before, and find the courage to pursue happiness or will the scars and secrets from their pasts leave them unable to move forward.

This book is set in the present day, with flash back chapters woven into the story.

Anyone who has read Jessica’s books will be familiar with the town of Whitsborough Bay. Being back in the town, and with several established characters popping up, the book has a real warmth, but the addition of new characters and places, keeps it feeling fresh.

This is such an emotional story, with many highs and lows. The well-written characters are likeable and will touch your heart.

In this book, Jessica also writes with great knowledge about the RNLI and the life saving work they do.

Overall, this is a gentle story, of love, loss, courage and friendship. It will tug at your heartstrings, and unless you are a robot, there will likely be tears of both sadness and joy.

It is also worth a mention that a percentage of the sales proceeds from this book will be donated to Scarborough’s RNLI to support the incredible work they do there and all across the country.

So from me, this book gets an uplifting, but tear stained five stars.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Publication date 31/8/21

Glorious!! this is an exceptional book and I absolutely love it, it has things I love most in it Christmas and dogs!
Firstly, full disclosure I'm going through a bit of a mental health blip right now, so I may be a bit emotional, but crikey I must have cried through half of the book!
Hollie and Jake have both suffered awful losses, but both have held on to their humanity and despite their pain and loss they remain kind, loving and huge hearted.
The very wise council of older characters in the book is another thing I adored about it, and the Rubik's Cube! very thoughtful inclusions.
No more spoilers, but I love a Christmas book and this one is going onto my list of essential build-up-to-Christmas books, it is beautifully magical, emotional and wonderfully written book full of warmth, please read it!!

Jessica Redland is quickly becoming a favourite author of mine. Another fantastic fast paced read!

It was emotional and heartfelt and just like a Hallmark movie.

I can’t wait to see what’s next!

As a huge fan of Jessica Redland, I couldn’t wait to start this wonderful, festive romance. I have to admit there is an awful lot of tragedy and heartbreak in this story, I was concerned there would be no happiness or romance at all.
I didn’t need to worry though, Snowflakes Over The Starfish Café is a great portrayal of loss, love and overcoming challenges and fears in order to achieve your dreams or mend your heart. A class tale of finding happiness, or love, where you least expect it.
I enjoyed this new setting for a book by Jessica but hope we will return, although for fans of her previous books will not be disappointed as there may just be some familiarity.
Hollie and Jake are great characters, both understanding and connecting through loss and pain. With some mystery as to what Jake gets up to on a Monday, his reason for it is incredible.
Be prepared with some tissues for this emotional ride. Highly recommended!

This may be my favorite Jessica Redland novel (of those I have read so far). The entire story and the romance between Hollie and Jake comes about so naturally. I liked the way the story developed and having the early chapters show what was happening with each character in the years before they met. Both of their backstories broke my heart and it made me that much happier for them as they started to rebuild and move on with their lives. It was also nice that it wasn't because of their personal tragedies that they were so perfect for one another - it helped strengthen their bond, but they fell in love with the people each was now rather than because of what they had gone through. Even though I'm not a big fan of stories in which the characters break up so close to the end so that there can be some big romantic gesture when they get back together, in this story the reason for them breaking up made sense. Even though I knew something would happen to get Jake and Hollie back together I was so glad it happened the way it did - it was the perfect solution and showed how much each was willing to do in order to share their lives. I'm so glad this was expanded from a novella to a full novel! I can't wait to read the sequel and see what the second storyline was (read the acknowledgements to find out what I mean).