Sunshine After the Rain

Escape to the Lakes #4

by Jessica Redland

Melanie knows she’s been running away... But maybe there really is no place like home

For the last seven years Mel has been hiding; from life, from her friends and from those who love her the most - her family. But being at home in her beloved Lake District has been far too painful for Mel to contemplate. Because seven years ago, Mel lost everything and she’s never been able to banish the dark clouds that follow her.

When Mel returns to Willowdale for a family event, she has no intention of staying. But surrounded by her family she begins to realise just how much she's been missing and also, how much healing she still needs to do.

Starting a dream job at Willowdale Hall, going on walks with Emma and her funny alpacas and reconnecting with those she loves, Mel slowly begins to see chinks of light and a more hopeful and happier future ahead.

And as Mel begins to feel stronger, she also feels brave enough to face the most painful part of leaving home…the one man she has always loved. With his help, can she finally banish the dark clouds forever and see the sunshine after the rain?

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Audiobook, Chick Lit, Contemporary

306 pages, Hardcover

First published May 15, 2025

About the author

I was born in Teesside 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.

Reviews

[Maddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading a Jessica Redland novel is like sinking into a warm bubble bath. You feel enveloped and cozy, and time just disappears. This story made me cry, and made me smile in equal measure, and I was sad when it finished.

Melanie’s world imploded when her beloved son Noah died. He was only 18, with the world ahead of him, and she blamed herself for not noticing the recent anomalies in his life. Angry at herself, and the world, Mel left her beloved Flynn behind, and moved away, divorced and tried to move on with her life. Many years later, the pull of her family became too much and after a family visit Mel decides to move back home – but what will happen when she sees Flynn?

A brilliant sequel to the ‘Escape to the Lakes’ series. I loved every minute of this story, and it was wonderful meeting ‘old friends ‘again such as Emma and her Alpacas. A fabulous story that would work as a stand-alone book or part of the series.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sunshine After the Rain is the absolute perfect title for this one. A book I could really get into. I've found all of the author's books to be heartfelt and heartwarming at the same time. If possible, this one even more so. A book I simply could not put down. Dealing with subjects we can all relate to I felt as though the book was talking to me. The characters are ones I agreed with and could also feel empathy for. Though there are sad parts the book has a lovely and happy ending. Themes of second chances, refound romance and just overall good feelings I can highly recommend this book.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Karen Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply stunning.

I've laughed and cried at many points throughout this book. It is beautifully written and I loved being back in the Lakes. Jessica's books always transport me into the pages and this one was no exception.

I loved catching up with characters from the other books and Mels journey was one that just got me.

I say this with every book by Jessica but she is one of my favourite authors and her books just find a way to slot perfectly into my heart.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sunshine After the Rain #4 Escape to the Lake

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sunshine After the Rain is the story of Mel, a woman who lost her son 7 years earlier and couldn't deal with her grief. She left her home in the Lakes, and her loving husband and soul mate, Flynn, trying to run away from her memories. She has returned home for her mother's birthday celebration and realizes what she has been missing. She doesn't like her new life and with her mother's health declining, decides to stay in the village for awhile. When she is offered a job as the architect at Willowdale Hall, she accepts. Spending time with family, friends, seeing her ex-husband and meeting new people, she has to make some decisions about what will she wants to do next.

One of the things I enjoy about Jessica Redland's books is that they are about relatable characters and events that could happen to anyone. The loss of a child is devastating and a tragedy that everyone deals with differently. Flynn wants to move on, not forget, but continue to live. Mel can't move on until she gets answers and they are not forthcoming. Many marriages break up after the death of a child, and Mel's and Flynn's joined the statistics. Coming back to the Lake District was painful in some ways, but wonderful in others. Growing up in the shadows of Willowdale Hall, and wanting to get her hands on any changes to it, she is thrilled when she is hired to be the restoration/historic architect. I enjoyed seeing her work on the Hall, as well as spend time with friends and families. These stories always leave me with warm, fuzzy, feelings. Although their is sadness and grief, there is also hope. This story is full of great characters, lots of emotion and a wonderful plot. I really enjoyed Sunshine After the Rain, and think the title was perfect for this story. I definitely recommend this book with themes of grief, family, love, forgiveness and going home again.

[Kaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

another wonderful book by Jessica, certainly brought tears to my eyes.
A perfect story.

[Books By Your Bedside · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.

I have read a lot of Jessica's books - 11 I believe - and I love all of them but there's something about this series that puts it above the rest, maybe it's the Lake District setting, which I love.

I love that our protagonist is an older woman - I'm not talking old, she's in her fifties I think - but normally with these kind of happily-ever-after books we focus on young women and couples. So it was refreshing to see a woman in her later years still want to explore new things and still want love.

You don't have to have read the previous books to understand this one, they're perfectly enjoyable as they are. But I have read the others and it's nice to see characters from them in the background. It shows that whilst each book focusses on one person or one couple, there is this huge sense of community. Just because we've finished one story doesn't mean we have to abandon those characters.

Whilst Jessica's books are the epitome of feel-good, she doesn't hide away from the difficult topics: death, grief, loss, divorce, platonic and familial relationship difficulties; it had me in tears at a few moments, some sad but also some out of happiness.

Jessica's books always cheer me up, even when I didn't realise I needed it. They're so uplifting and cosy and heartwarming. Some may say a bit cheesy because it doesn't happen in real life but that's what I love. Real life can be a bit shit if we're honest, and her books help me to escape for a few hours. I always know I'm going to love her books.

I have recommended every book of hers I've read to friends and family and I plan to continue. Her stories light up the room, you can't help but feel warmer for reading them. And once again, I want to move to the Lake District - particularly the fictional locations Jessica has created - and join this community because it just sounds like a perfect life.

I seem to recall reading somewhere that Jessica had plans to make this a long series and I really hope she does because I absolutely love them.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed it but it wasn't my favorite in the series. I loved the story, writing style and most of the characters. I pretty much liked everything and everyone except for Mel. Mel was the center of the whole book. There was something about her that just rubbed me the wrong way. She isolated herself from her loved ones for six and a half years. Mel was fifty-two years old, but at times acted like a teenager. She wanted to bury her head in the sand and ignore problems. Mel always runs away from issues. She ended up causing so many more by not getting help. She desperately wanted to blame someone for Noah's death. There were also so many issues between Mel and her parents. Her mom completely forgets about her during the birthday speech. I loved Flynn. He was the perfect husband and ex-husband. He never got rid of Edgar the Elephant. Flynn never stopped loving Mel. She pushed him away and he built the perfect house. They dealt with loss in complete opposite ways. I loved the recap of the past characters. It gets hard to remember everyone. I loved seeing characters from the previous books. Beautiful story about loss, family, friendship, forgiveness, love and so much more. This was definitely the darkest book in the series.

Definitely recommend the book. It wasn't my favorite but I still enjoyed it. I love the village of Willowdale. There's something about Jessica Redland's books. I always fall in love with the characters (except for Mel) and feel like I'm part of their life. I want to live there and be best friends with Autumn, Emma and Rosie. I want to go to Thursday Quiz night at The Hardy Herdwick and constantly walk those alpacas!!! Hopefully there's more books revolving around the Lake District. Look forward to reading more books by the author. Loved the cover of the book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Boldwood Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Tracey Dyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Free courtesy of Netgalley.

Another visit to the lakes with Jessica Redland. I love reading books with characters I have been introduced to before, it makes you feel like you are part of the community.

This book centers around Mel, who is a middle aged woman, who has run away to Newcastle and has very little contact with her family, after the death of a loved one.

The book covers the process of grief, and how there is never a good time to "get over it", how it can completely consume you and ruin your whole life. The book follows the healing that Mel needs by reconnecting with her family and making bold choices with her work.

Making new friends and learning to live again, shows the healing process that Mel needed to go through. I loved this book as it shows understanding that everyone is different when faced with the hardest part of life, losing someone you love.

There is a lot of light heartedness in the book also and it is a beautiful book to read. You do not have to read the books beforehand to enjoy this book but it does touch on the other books that precede it, so you may want to go back and read those too.

[Book Escapes Babs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be the most emotional one of this series so far. Mel has endured heartache that would have broken most people, and in truth, she is battered and bruised if not actually broken. As the synopsis explains, she left the safe haven of her Lake District home and family seeking a fresh start and a chance to recover in Newcastle. But the intention and willingness never matched her reality, and she had become stuck in a spiral of heartache and endless loss. My heart broke as I read and felt her pain, but the more I read, I felt bereft at what she had experienced and how those experiences had decimated her relationships with those she loved the most. I would defy even the hardest person not to be moved by the pain that lifted from the pages.
I loved Mel and immediately knew she would be a wonderful asset to the Willowdale community if she could simply allow herself to heal. Returning to the heart of her family, she soon realises that she has a lot of bridges to mend before she can relax into the family fold once more. Mel’s family was tightly knit, with plenty of characters who maintained the connections that she had missed—parents, sister and brother-in-law, and the irreplaceable cousins and their children.
Finding a place at Willowdale Hall, she introduces her vision for the hall's future and forges friendships with the wealth of characters who live there and in the village. Catching up with characters from earlier in the series is a pleasure that I enjoy with Jessica’s writing.
It’s impossible not to hope that she can find peace from her heartache, and maybe with her former husband, but there’s a lot of healing needed to repair that bridge.
Jessica Redland has a gift for examining the frailties of human relationships and delving deeper into her characters' backgrounds. Mel’s pain was unimaginable, and possibly the most significant source of heartache for any person.
I can wholeheartedly recommend this beautiful book to you, but make sure you keep tissues handy as you will need them.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book but I wish it came with trigger warnings or if they did, make it more obvious. I had the audiobook which didn't say anything.

I lost my brother a few months ago to an addiction so I was surprised to find out that the main character's son died of an overdose.
And that the main character's son and her mother both suffered cardiac arrest (which was my brother's cause of death).
As much as I enjoyed this book, I did feel like it needed a warning as people are experiencing things like this and might not be okay hearing/reading it. it made me a bit emotional and I do praise Jessica Redland for writing about real things. Please just have a trigger warning. That is why it is 4 stars.

Otherwise, beautifully written, great characters and good messages.

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A huge fat obvious five stars before I've even read the first page! I have adored each and every single book Redland has written, so why would this one be any different?

It's the fourth book in her 'Escape to the Lakes' series and it turned out to be quite the emotional journey we went on with Mel.

We get to reconnect with familiar faces and connect with some new,who I'm sure will be popping up in books to come.

And I got to appreciate the beauty of the Lakes all over again!

It's a heartwarming slice of comfort that pairs perfectly with a cup of cosy.

[Mel Griffiths · Rating 5 out of 5]

possibly Jessica‘s best yet.

I read this book in two Sessions, getting completely wrapped up in the characters. I cried a lot, but I think we’re meant to.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart warming story

A lovely read. It made me sad, made me laugh and made me think about life. It was a good story, well written with depth to the characters and it also deals with deep grief, which a lot of books often skip over sadly as it’s part of life as much as happiness.
I enjoyed it very much like all Jessica Redlands novels.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mel and Flynn suffer a devastating loss. Mel is beyond heartbroken and thinks her only choice is moving away.
This was another really good book by this author.
It’s full of emotion and will have you reaching for tissues. You won’t be able to put it down

[Wendy Ann Neels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ten stars

I'd love to give this book ten stars. From the very first page I knew I was reading a Jessica Redland book. There is something about her writing that you know how much thought and research has gone into the story. I literally could not put this book down. I was captivated by it. Such a fabulous piece of work.

[Ann-Maree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sunshine After the Rain
by Jessica Redland

Melanie’s life took a devastating turn seven years ago when her only child, Noah, tragically passed away at the tender age of 18, leaving behind a world filled with unfulfilled dreams and possibilities. As she navigated the aftermath of his loss, she was engulfed in a tumultuous sea of guilt, plagued by the haunting realisation that she hadn't recognised the subtle changes in his behaviour, the signs that something was amiss. Originally from the idyllic village of Willowdale, nestled near the serene Derwent Water in the Lake District National Park, Mel made the courageous decision to relocate to Newcastle just six months after Noah’s death. This move was both a desperate attempt to escape her pain and a hopeful search for a fresh start.

However, the impending return to Willowdale for her mother’s eightieth birthday serves as a powerful catalyst, compelling Mel to confront the emotional walls she has painstakingly constructed since her heartbreak. The familiar sights and sounds of her childhood home stir up long-buried memories and unresolved feelings, forcing her to grapple with the grief she has tried so hard to avoid.

This beautifully crafted story intricately explores the depths of grief and despair, while also illuminating a journey towards healing and hope. Jessica Redland once again masterfully weaves a remarkable tale that resonates deeply, inviting readers to reflect on the complexities of love, loss, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Copy received from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

After thinking that the third book in this series wasn’t as good as the first two, Sunshine After the Rain was a real return to form for the series in what could be the best book so far.

This book is largely an exploration of grief rather than a straight romance. The book begins with Mel, who has spent the previous seven years running away from the grief she felt after her son died, divorcing her husband and refusing to return home until she finally does and spends the novel coming to terms with her grief, reconciling with her family and making new friends.

This was a beautiful book. You really feel for Mel as she struggles to understand why her son died and you can understand why she ran. It is heartwarming to read her starting to come to terms with everything and starting to live her life again after seven years of just existing. Her family are wonderful. Her sister is supportive and her ex-husband is a lovely man. It’s just a fantastic book with no unexpected twists and no randomly evil characters causing bother.

Sunshine After the Rain is my favourite book in this series so far. The characters are wonderful and the story feels so real. I loved reading Mel’s story and it was heartwarming to read her start to live again. There is, of course, a happy ending and, in this case, it was a well earned one.

[Lisa Robotham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely heartfelt read

A good heartwarming story,

characters bought to life in the writing. Thank you. I will make Jessica Redland an author that I'll follow.

[Susanne Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great to be back in Willowdale again, with the amazing Lake District as its backdrop. This series is amazing, such deeply moving storylines, such depth and realism to the characters. Mel and Flynn have been through so much, and nothing was just glossed over, the author really got stuck in to the inner mind of Mel which made her so much more relatable and real. I could totally empathise with her pain over her son and how running was her only way of surviving. It’s interesting to think that you assume after a certain amount of time you must have processed and accepted what’s happened, but really you haven’t, pain can stay hidden and mashed for many many years, and sometimes it makes it even harder to process it.

I loved how Mel slowly worked through her pain, after finally realising she still hadn’t moved on. She saw what she’d done wrong, she was brave and opened up. And Flynn was just amazing, true love at its best. He never lost hope, such a kind and patient man.

I liked the rest of the story moving forward, the renovation and Alice finally coming out the other side of her past trauma, so touching that she and Mel became such good friends.

A heartbreakingly beautiful read that perfectly compliments this series.

[Pam Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fourth in the Escape to the Lakes series re-acquaints you with life in Willowdale and you get to find out how life is evolving for the characters we have come to known. Mel is introduced into the mix and it is soon clear that she is still trying to live with her grief at a family tragedy which decimated her life.

Family, as ever, is central to the story and as Mel moves back to Willowdale, it is clear that family dynamics are complicated. In addition, there are some concealed secrets which come to the surface and change perceptions. She makes some new friendships and finds herself , professionally, in her dream job. The environment has a healing effect. Beneath the surface of some hurt feelings, you glimpse a growing romance.Visits to Willowdale always give you a glimpse of a beautiful part of the world and offer a warm and uplifting read.

In short: second chances and new starts
Thanks to the publisher

[jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a hard read but also a great read. no one should have to bury their child and this book explores a mothers (and wider families) emotions.
it’s a story of loss but also finding light after darkness

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my fave in the series, I’m familiar with the Lakes do it was ok for me. Took me a while to warm to Mel, some odd traits for the character and I felt the ending was predictable. That said it had me bubbling a few times!

[Dawn Probert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great sequel and also standalone book, very thought provoking and compelling story. I liked catching up with the village folk and seeing how they cope with lifes up and downs. Melanies story was sad and emotional. Running away from her life was ok until she realised that life would simply follow her until she dealt with her emotions. Coming back after 7 years to her old community reignited her emotions and now she has those and 7 more years of life baggage to deal with. The scenery of this book and the characters was brilliant. Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Henriette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love Jessica's writing and have read many of her series. I love reading these series as each book focuses on other characters, but we still get to catch up with people we have met before.

For me, not just the plot, but also the characters really drive the story and how much I love them affects my feelings abouts the books. I liked Mel and as a mother I could definitely feel her pain, but I did not love her as a character for some reason. Despite not loving Mel I still really enjoyed the story and I was definitely moved to tears more than once and also touched by her story.

I will never stop reading Jessica's books!

[Grace Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 4 in the Escape to the Lakes series and I think it’s my favourite book. Mel’s back story was so heartbreaking and she’s not been able to move on since.
A move back home sees Mel coming to terms with her past and her future.
Lovely to catch up with favourites from the previous books especially Emma and The Magnificent Seven.
I felt emotional reading this book and the ending was everything I would wish for Mel.
I look forward to revisiting this wonderful setting.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book brought me joy, just like all the other Jessica Redland books. They always make me feel warm & fuzzy & cozy, this was no different. I feel like I was mad at the lead character at first, but Jessica's writing really helped me to understand what she had been through. I grew to love her & root for her!

[Jane Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love can heal

After the traumatic death of her only son Mel ran away from everyone but especially herself. This book shows her healing journey back.

Beautifully and sensitively written, just as you would expect from Jessica Redland. Be prepared to shed and tears.

[Isabel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, I didn't connect with this one like I've done with the previous 3 books in the series. This one lacked the nature aspect that I loved so much in the others, and it took me a surprisingly long time to get through the story. I'm not the biggest fan of second chance romances either, so that didn't help.

[Lorraine Mullan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've loved this series and all I'll say for this one is, have the tissues ready 🤧 😢 💙