Oh, Barney! Now I know he might be just a little young for me, but I have to say that I fell in love with him from the very beginning of this lovely book, and that feeling only grew as I got to know him better. He really wants to find a life partner, but it would take a rather special woman to put up with the daily routine on a farm – the early starts, the long days, the hard work, the isolation – and he repeatedly makes the wrong choices for all sorts of reasons and ends up lonely again (well, apart from those two lovely Border collies). Perhaps taking part in a new reality tv show – Love on the Farm – might not be the best way of finding his soulmate, but he certainly feels it’s worth a try.

The show’s producer is Amber – also none too great at romantic relationships, her last one having ended particularly badly, and her current one difficult to sustain given the travel involved in both their lives. Reality shows aren’t really her thing – she usually works on a rather more gentle countryside series – but taking on this job means that she can be in Yorkshire to offer support to her sister, who’s recently been having a particularly difficult time. And the production company have promised that the show will be family friendly, with none of that awful stuff that you often see in such shows – but, after a few distinctly unforeseen developments, the reality turns out to be distinctly less comfortable for everyone involved.

Barney and Amber bond straight away – they both have complicated pasts, good friends, and really understand the importance of family. And as things on the tv show take a few unexpected turns in the name of ratings, they begin to grow closer, sharing secrets, and watching out for each other. Their initial friendship looks like it has the potential to become something rather more – but they both need to be professional, to allow the show to be made, and to then see where that leaves them. And it’s all so perfectly handled – theirs was a slowly developing relationship I really believed in, despite its many obstacles.

Telling the story from both their perspectives really was the perfect choice – the insights into both their characters are exceptional, and I entirely took them both to my heart through every twist and turn of the story. Some of the book’s “moments” are just so wonderful – a few sunrises and sunsets that made me quite teary, with the most perfectly judged emotional content. I have no idea how she does it so reliably and consistently, but there’s such tremendous warmth to the author’s writing – main characters you feel really invested in, whose lives you feel privileged to share, and who you really grow to care about. And the supporting characters in this book are excellent too – the tv crew (the ones you like, and then there are the others…), the show’s female contestants (quirky, entertaining, very funny at times – but no less real!), and the wider cast of friends and family that add depth (and real poignancy at times) to the story.

If you’re one of the many readers feeling withdrawal symptoms at the end of the Hedgehog Hollow series, you’ll be delighted by some of the cameo appearances in this book – and the familiarity of a few of the settings. But it’s very cleverly done, and just a bit of a treat for those of us who’ve enjoyed our earlier visits – this book is 100% a standalone read, and there’s absolutely no need to have read any of the author’s other books (although I can’t promise you won’t want to!). It’s really crying out to be the start of a new series though – there are several subsidiary characters in this book whose stories I’d love to read (no pressure, Jessica!). Yes, most definitely another triumph for an author whose books I unfailingly love, and whose writing just gets better and better – very highly recommended.

Absolutely loved this book, devoured it in a couple of days, counting down the minutes at work so I could pick it back up again.

I loved the main characters, both storylines were super believable and so likeable, and the setting was … wow, I can picture the farm and I’m ready to buy some wellies and move in. It made me long for summer and getting outside, this would be a brilliant summer read.

Thank you for the author, publisher and NetGalley UK for a free ebook in exchange for an honest review, will definitely be buying the paperback to add to my shelves.

This is only the third book I have read by this author, and it definitely won't be the last (which is good as I have several on my tbr).
This story is told from the two main characters, Amber ( a TV producer) and Barney (a farmer) who meet when Barney applies to be on a reality dating show for farmers - finding live on a farm. What I really like about this author is that although you know the two main characters are going to be together at the end. It's the journey the author takes you on which is heartwarming, has likeable characters and settings which are so well described you can easily visualise them.
Although this type of book is not my number one genre, I really enjoyed this and I'm definitely going to be reading the books I already have.

I am the biggest Jessica Redland fan, there isn’t a book she has written I haven’t adored and this is no exception. I’m not sure how she manages it book after book, but she never fails to make me laugh, cry, get angry in defence of characters I connect to so easily and sit in happiness and joy when certain characters get the love and happiness they deserve. It’s a wonderful skill and art form that Jessica has and she’s one of my go to authors for needing a hug, happiness and a placebo to the world today. I hope she realises what a difference her books make to me and many others.

Healing Hearts at Bumblebee Barn gives us Amber, a TV producer and new character (along with her family too) and Barney, our farmer - a familiar face from the Hedgehog Hollows series along with sister Fizz. If you haven’t read Hedgehog Hollows books don’t worry you can totally read any of Jessica’s books as stand-alone (but I guarantee once you read one you’ll want to read all the others too) Barney is just so loveable, so gorgeous, kind, family and community oriented, I just wanna give him a big hug and kiss, I really do love him. Amber is great as well, family loving, open, kind and caring, I loved watching these two grow together and form that tentative friendship and head for something more.

It’s a fantastic slow burn romance, my favourite watching it develop, you can’t beat the tension of them and it’s so satisfying when they get couples get together in a slow burn too. But more than the romance, what I love about this and all Jessica’s books are they are also about family, commitment and friendship, the important things in life. Every time I read these I’m reminded I need to find me a village like this and go live there and find my own Barney maybe ! Well written, perfectly paced and the most gorgeous sunsets and sunrises, I can thoroughly recommend this to all and everyone with a beating heart.

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


**blog tour review**

It was a delight to spend some time with Barney and the adventures that ensued. I found it to be a really enjoyable read. This is a lovely stand alone novel but also tips a wink at the hedgehog hollow series.

I don't know how she does it but I'm so glad that Jessica Redland continues to write the most amazing stories time after time. I adored every aspect of this book. Amber and Barney are so very likeable. She, the producer of a tv reality show that aims to match farmers to their ideal romantic partner and he, a handsome but lonely farmer with a broken heart from a previous relationship. There are many ups and downs as the filming progresses with a few nasty people intent on taking the show away from its original intentions but Barney is a kind, patient man who you can't help but love. I liked that each chapter was narrated by either him or Amber from their own perspective. It was also nice to see a few familiar characters from Hedgehog Hollow pop up but for those who haven't read that series it doesn't matter as this is a standalone book. I honestly couldn't put this book down once I started. Both Barney and Amber had secrets from their past that were revealed slowly and this added to the intrigue as I desperately wanted things to work out well for the main characters. I can't praise this book, and the author's writing enough. Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Such a perfect book for me!
I adore books that feature farming ( I grew up on a farm, so it brings back happy memories!) and I enjoy watching some of the reality tv shows too!
Barney was a character that I instantly bonded with, his gentle personality and family oriented personality was so endearing, I so wanted him to find love!
Amber was fantastic too, her honesty and caring attitude to her family and contestants really shone through.
It was a great pleasure to see how they both found solace with each other, and witnessing their genuine friendship starting to blossom was so incredibly uplifting and joyful to behold.
Jessica never fails to touch my heart with her beautiful stories, and this certainly did that! ❤️Her gorgeous books are my little oasis of Yorkshire loveliness and I look forward to reading many more!

This new book by Jessica Redland is a standalone novel but it does feature a couple of characters from Hedgehog Hollow- it features Fizz and her Brother Barney who is looking for love.The book also features Amber, a new character and her family.
This book is a slow burning romance and has some very likeable characters. They have suffered from trauma in the past which they are trying to come to terms with.
I really enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend it . I definitel looking forward to reading Jessica's next book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood books for my ARC.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Healing Hearts at Bumblee Barn. The premise is novel - a reality TV show is seeking to match Yorkshire farmers with their perfect date. Amber is the producer of the show and Barney is the featured farmer. But there is so much more to their story than a frothy boy meets girl romance. As with Jessica Redland's other books (many of which feature the same cast of family and friends), the characters are facing their own challenges and have secrets to be unveiled.

This is what gives the book real depth; the character back stories develop slowly over time and you become really invested in finding out what has happened. At times you even wonder if what's happened in the past is going to shape future events.

At its heart, Healing Hearts at Bumblee Barn is about friendship and family, and supporting each other through the tough times. Whilst you might not always be in control of your own destiny, with the right 'village' around you, you'll get through whatever life throws at you.

Jessica writes lovely books and this one is no exception. Full of warmth mixed in with everyday life, you feel part of the story. Looking forward to more from this author who is now one of my top three authors.

I hadn't ever really noticed the character of Barney in the Hedgehog Hollow series, so this spin-off is a true standalone book. This glimpse in modern-day farming, the isolation and dedication was good, the reality TV show was very much like the one Sara Cox presented, but the twist in format made for some good drama. Lots of new characters and a few sprinklings of those we knew already, a good story and pace. Another great read by Jessica Redland

I have read all of Jessica Redland’s books, and particularly enjoyed her Hedgehog Hollow series; I know I was not the only reader to feel the loss when the series ended. It was nice, therefore, to discover that the rescue centre and some of its staff were to play a part in this new book, which is a standalone story set in the same area of the Yorkshire Wolds. The book has a really attractive cover showing Bumblebee Barn and the two central characters on a lovely summer’s day. I quickly devoured this new work and would rank it one of my favourites from this author.



This is the story of Barney and Amber, how they met and what happened next. Barney is a farmer at Bumblebee Barn, a farm that has been in the family for many generations and which was passed onto him by his grandfather. Amber is a television producer, working on a variety of programmes, including a successful series on countryside life. Barney has been unsuccessful in finding a girlfriend who is willing to fit into his lifestyle and is persuaded to take part in a reality TV series aimed at finding partners for farmers like him. Much against her principles, Amber is going to be the producer on the show, which has been sold to her as having a family-friendly format. Things do not go as planned, and Barney finds himself becoming attracted to Amber, and she to him. She is far too professional to allow this mutual attraction to interfere with her job, but what will happen when filming is over?



I absolutely loved this romantic love story and can definitely recommend it. Who could fail to be attracted to handsome but lonely farmer Barney who is working so hard to keep the family farm going? He was so patient and understanding throughout this story, no matter what was thrown at him. Amber was also a lovely character, doing her best under difficult circumstances. I liked the way in which the story was told, with each chapter being narrated by one or other of the pair, putting across their own point of view. Of course, I loved to be returning to Hedgehog Hollow and meeting up with Fizz and Samantha again, not to forget a few spiny creatures. This is a wonderful new tale from Jessica Redland; I’m only sorry it’s a standalone as I would love to know what the future holds for this lovely couple.

Barney, a lonely farmer is looking for love. The girlfriends he finds don’t stick around for life on the farm. Bumblebee Barn Farm was handed down to him from his grandad. After so many failed attempts at love, his sister convinces him to sign up for a reality tv show featuring farmers who want to find love.

Amber comes from a family of actors and is a tv producer. She is producing the show that Barney is on so she can be close to her younger sister who got an acting job 4 hours away from home. The directors and production company owners want to spice up the show and end up changing the show to be something Amber is not comfortable with, but she stays to be close to her sister. Amber and Barney ended up forming a connection but her past fiancé whom she vows never to work with again ends up coming to direct the show and causes more drama. After some time spent apart, Barney dealing with the loss of his grandpa and Amber figuring out what she wants in life, the 2 make their way back together and have a happy ever after.


Pros- There wasn’t any drama or betrayal by either of the 2 main characters

Cons- Extremely slow burn

Trope- Small town romance, 2nd chance romance

TW- loss, cheating, sickness

Spice level – 0

ARC provided by NetGalley and Boldwood Books in exchange for honest review.

This is a sweet, slow burn romance. The characters were so lovely!

Barney is a farmer who is ready to settle down, but has not had much luck in his relationships. Amber is a successful television producer whose agent is trying to convince her to do a reality show featuring love matches for farmers across the UK. When her younger sister lands a role in a television show that is filmed in York, Amber agrees to the producer role to spend time closer to her sister.

Amber has a love of farm life, so she is very excited to view the locations. After speaking with Barney at length, Amber really wants to find him a love match. However, when the show executives decide to change up the format of the show to be less reality and more manipulation, Amber has misgivings...

Jessica Redland is one of my very favourite authors in this genre. I absolutely loved her Whitsborough Bay and Hedgehog Hollow series and was so excited to hear that she was writing Bumblebee Barn. Set a short distance from Hedgehog Hollow this book has some familiar characters so readers of the series can catch up with what has been happening with old friends. However, Bumblebee Barn is a distinct book, it can easily be read as a standalone as although Hedgehog Hollow features in the book it does not dominate and knowledge of previous storylines is not necessary for enjoying this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. As always, Jessica Redland gives her readers an enthralling story which entwines the lives of two main characters, both of whom are interesting and feel fully-formed & believable, in a story that evolves throughout the book. The storyline has a mixture of feel-good and funny moments alongside touching and emotional aspect and held my attention from start to end.
An absolute gem of a book, I loved it and really hope that this is the start of a wonderful new series.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this lovely book

this one was so easy to read and just flowed lovely that i kept on reading till the early hours of the morning and finished it....

barney is lonely and his sister fizz signs him up to a new tv series about farmers looking for love in a new reality show

and that should have been enough to put me off but it was based at bumblebee farm right next to the hedgehog hollow where there was an hospital for all injured hogs and any other animals with a few characters from that book and i was hooked...

the characters are easy to follow with some returning from previous books but on the whole a really good read for a sunday afternoon relaxation

‘Farmer hottie”is ready to find love; tired of the traditional dating route, he decides to go on a dating show. While trying to find love he learns about friendship, family, life and letting go. A great story to whisk you away and make you feel like you are visiting the beautiful countryside.

Jessica Redland you smashed it again.
I absolutely loved Jessica’s latest book. Healing Hands at Bumblebee Barn was a lovely warm story of love and friendship and family loyalty.
Amber is a television producer and is approached for a new challenge working on a new reality show “ love on the Farm”
Amber takes the job to work near her sister who has been having a hard time. Barney is a lonely farmer whose sister Fizz thinks this is the show he needs to find love.
A few unexpected changes to the show changes everything for everyone.
I was delighted to meet some of Jessica’s old friends through the book which made it even more special.
Another 5 star read.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an early copy of this beautiful book.

This is a good book. I enjoyed the flow of the story, it had well rounded robust characters, a good dose of fun and romance and is a all round general good read.

Jessica has done it again. Wonderful story with lovely characters and settings. It was lovely to see a bit of Hedgehog Hollow creep in, gives the lovers of that series hope that the series survives and several of the characters came out in this new book. Well done Jessica, can't wait for your next book. Well worth 5 stars and far more

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this ARC