When you’ve loved and lost, how do you find the strength to let love in again?
Jemma thinks she’s found the love of her life. Scott is everything she ever dreamed of and she can’t wait to begin the next stage of their life again. But just as she is heading for her happy ever after, a shock revelation shatters Jemma’s life as she knows it. Left to pick up the pieces, Jemma’s friends and family rally round to help her find the courage to move on.
Sam thinks he has his future all worked out. A thriving career, lovely home and an amazing fiancee. But when tragedy strikes, he finds himself alone, far from everyone he cares about. Did he do the right thing by running away and trying to rebuild the tatters of his life alone?
This is the story of Jemma and Sam. Two lost souls desperately trying to find closure and happiness. When a chance meeting brings them together a friendship is formed, but the guards are up.
Will it finally be their turn for a happy ever after? Or will the secrets from their pasts prevent them from moving on?
This is the second story that I’ve had the pleasure of reading by Jessica Redland, and it was just as gorgeous, or perhaps even more so, than the first. There is something contagiously cosy, welcoming and heartwarming about Redland’s writing. It’s the sort that makes you want to slip into fluffy socks and sip creamy hot chocolate. The sort to entice you into wrapping yourself up in a thick blanket and holding it tight around yourself, feeling comforted in the same way the words comfort the reader. It’s exactly the sort of storytelling I admire and am so very fond of. It washes away the stresses of the day and allows the reader to escape to an entirely different place, a place where the characters feel like friends and the places feel like home.
In All You Need is Love by Jessica Redland, readers are introduced to Jemma and Sam. Although leading very separate lives as the story begins, it isn’t long before these characters intertwine, purely by chance. Although knowing that this chance meeting was bound to happen, it doesn’t take away any of the satisfaction when the meeting takes place. It is a pinnacle moment for both Jemma and Sam, and changes the course of their lives without them knowing so. From there on out, Jemma and Sam’s separate lives begin to come together, more as one than two. It’s a beautiful thing, watching their worlds collide, as well as watching each of them grow more courageous and feel brave enough to share their own histories, heartbreaks and secrets with each other as time goes on. Redland captures that period of change between friendship and lovers so perfectly, it absolutely took hold of my heart and refused to let go. It didn’t take me long at all to become emotionally invested in these characters and the creation of something magical between them.
Although this is a very sweet-natured and uplifting story, Redland writes of Parkinson’s, sudden death, infidelity, lies and regret. Although all of these things certainly hold the ability to make this a heavy novel in terms of emotion, I feel that Redland’s tender take on the topics allows the reader to explore the subjects in a more accepting and welcoming way. After all, fiction may be fiction, but fiction is real, too. I found the scenes involving Jemma’s mother to be distressing and very sad. I found it impossible to imagine how I would feel if I were to be in Jemma’s shoes and the tidal-wave of emotion was almost overwhelming. Redland explores Parkinson’s in a way that is both honest and informative, and allows the reader a glimpse into what living with Parkinson’s may look like for some. The actions in which Jemma takes in regards to her mother really opens up her character to the reader, and it made me have nothing but total respect for the woman. Not only this, but Jemma’s decisions show her bravery and determination to take care of her loved ones when needed.
Sam’s story absolutely broke my heart. Losing his fiancee Nikki, Sam keeps his emotions close to his heart and does the thing he feels is easiest in his situation. Flees his home town and throws himself into his career in London, far away from Whitsborough Bay and his memories of Nikki. And he’s certain that he’s doing a good job of it, until he crosses paths with Jemma. I loved Sam’s character. He was so wholesome and honest, and a man who deserved nothing but love and to be accepted for who he was. I also felt that he was an entirely relatable character for many readers. I, for one, can hold my hand up and say that there has been many a time I’ve chosen to sidetrack myself rather than face something head-on. I feel it takes a lot of courage to do so, and this story perfectly depicts the journey towards feeling brave enough to look something in the face and accept it, rather than turn away.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading All You Need is Love by Jessica Redland. It whisked me away and I loved every moment spent in the gorgeous setting of Whitsborough Bay, beside the sea and the crashing waves, watching a beautiful love story unravel. It was rich with emotion and chemistry, and so very difficult to put down. I was engulfed in Jemma and Sam’s separate lives, then became obsessed once they came together. Redland writes with heart, kindness and in a way that ensures her characters remain with the reader for a long time afterwards. My heart sang when I turned the final page, and I’m not ashamed to admit my vision swam on more than one occasion. A true delight, from top to toe. I already can’t wait to read more from Jessica Redland, who is quickly becoming a much-enjoyed author of mine, and one I feel I could return to, knowing I’ll be left with a smile on my face, and my heart a little lighter.
With thanks to Boldwood Books for the review copy of this book, that of which has no reflection on me providing a fair and honest review.
I was born in Teeside but now live in Scarborough on the stunning North Yorkshire Coast. My home inspired the creation of the fictional seaside town of Whitsborough Bay where I set many of my books although the Hedgehog Hollow series takes readers to a gorgeous new countryside setting in the Yorkshire Wolds.
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. Other than a career detour into retail to set up and run my own teddy bear shop (the inspiration for novel Bear With Me), I’ve always worked in HR, specialising in resourcing, coaching and L&D. Writing always had to take a back seat to the day job until June 2020 when I left the world of HR to become a full-time author. I’m so very grateful to anyone who has bought or borrowed my books in whatever format, helping me fulfil a long-held dream of writing full-time. I still can’t believe I get to spend every day chatting to my fictional friends and making stuff up.
You can pre-order your copy of All You Need is Love by Jessica Redland here.
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