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Danniella is running from her past, so when she arrives at the beautiful seaside resort of Whitsborough Bay, the last thing on her mind is making friends. After all, they might find out her secrets… An uplifting story of friendship and finding the strength to come to terms with the past. Perfect for fans of Tilly Tennant and Cathy Bramley. Before I start my review, I have to do a Simon Baker appreciation, because, like me and fellow blogger Rae Reads, it appears Jessica has a “thing” for Simon Baker. Especially as the male lead in this book Jed Ferguson shares an uncanny resemblance for him. Ahem… I adored reading this Gorgeous Book. It's not just a cosy romance, it's an emotional rollercoaster as you delve into Tara's life.
I have already released eight books through Boldwood so far and a further four will be released next year before the new contract starts. So I began reading with hope Elise’s story, she was generous with her time and sage advice. Her breakup with her husband was definitely modern though unexpected for one who was educated and I tune to friends needs etc., her entire journey to find herself was way beyond the pale. She makes bad choices, she’s selfish wit her time, and feelings. She is self centered. Some characters seemed written in to perpetuate the poor choices Elise made.Before I go any further, although this is a sequel, or continuation of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone, as the focus of main character is completely different. As mentioned though there are recurring characters, and I really do hope we will get to know even more of the lovely characters in Whitsborough Bay in the future). When former nemesis, Jed Ferguson, threatens the future of The Chocolate Pot, Tara prepares for a fight. The café is everything to her and she’s not going to let anyone or anything jeopardise that. The Secret To Happiness centres on three very different women with completely different lives—Alison, Karen and Daniella. They are strangers…until their paths cross, and what develops is an incredible bond of friendship and support. I’ll admit that there’s a teeny weeny fragment of sympathy for him, but Joyce seems to think the sun shines out of his arse, whereas I just think he is an arse. But for Tara Porter, owner of thriving cafe, The Chocolate Pot, this is the most difficult time of the year. From the outside, Tara is a successful businesswoman and pillar of the community. Behind closed doors, she is lonely.
Having really enjoyed Searching for Steven, I was very curious to see what Jessica Redland's new book would be like. Imagine my delight when I see that it centres around Elise, who is Sarah's best friend, and as a result we get to see more of Sarah who I really liked in the first book, and more of various characters that I already knew.I’ve written seventeen books so far in two overall settings – the fictional North Yorkshire seaside town of Whitsborough Bay and Hedgehog Hollow which is a hedgehog rescue centre deep in the rolling countryside of the Yorkshire Wolds. I’ll be adding a third setting in the Lake District to my repertoire in 2023. I see each of these settings as being equally as important as the plot and the characters. Christmas at The Chocolate Pot Café is a charming and emotive read, filled with wonderful characters. It started when I met my husband, about nine months after I’d had the idea for my debut novel. I was running a specialist teddy bear shop at the time in Richmond, North Yorkshire, and tentatively trying to write a few chapters between customers although, if I’m honest, I was floundering. I had a great idea and some solid characters but I had no idea how to turn that into an engaging novel. And a massive problem was that the vague ‘northern’ setting wasn’t working for me. There was no sense of the sights, smells, sounds or the community. Elise doesn't just have her heartbreak to contend with, her sister announces she is pregnant (something that Elise wishes she was), and her best friend is getting married, and Elise is to be bridesmaid, along with Sarah's other friend who Elise doesn't really get along with.
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