Blue Skies Ahead: A BRAND NEW feel-good story of healing hearts and finding happiness from MULTI-MILLION COPY BESTSELLER Jessica Redland

by Jessica Redland

The start of a BRAND NEW series from MULTI-MILLION COPY BESTSELLER Jessica Redland. ‘This is an exciting new start for you all. Blue skies are ahead.’

Leaving behind everything she thought she knew, Grace arrives at Hazelwick Farm with her teenage daughter, Maddie, and her mother, Frances, ready to build a new life together.

Grace has dreamt of fresh air, open skies and days filled with taking care of the animals while building a family business together. But starting over isn’t as simple as she hoped.

Maddie has barely spoken to her since the divorce from her father and Grace doesn’t know how to fix what she doesn’t fully understand. Between strained silences at home, and the demands of getting the farm ready to open for business, Grace begins to wonder if she’s made a mistake. Yet life at Hazelwick Farm has its surprises. Grace keeps crossing paths with handsome tenant, Caleb, whether she means to or not. Could this unexpected connection be the start of something she never saw coming?

Escape to the countryside with a heartwarming, uplifting multigenerational story of family, fresh starts and finding love when you least expect it from multi-million copy bestseller Jessica Redland.

Praise for Jessica

'There is so much to make you smile in Jessica's stories and they are always uplifting reads, which will make you really glad you decided to pick up a copy.' Jo Bartlett

'Jessica Redland writes from the heart, with heart, about heart' Nicola May

'A heartwarming story of true friendship, love and romance set in the gorgeous backdrop of the Lakes. A cosy hug of a read that left me feeling warm inside.’ Julie Caplin

’I enjoyed a wonderful escape to the Lake District in this tale of loss, love and rediscovery.’ Gillian Harvey

373 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication July 27, 2026

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

[ashlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Blue Skies Ahead
ARC Provided By: Netgalley, Boldwood Books
Author: Jessica Redland
Expected Release Date: 07|27|2026
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Main Characters: Grace, Maddie, Francis + Caleb
Book Type: Standalone

This was such a beautiful read. I absolutely loved each of the characters and the author did an amazing job bringing out the emotional depth within the story.

It made me think about my relationship with my own mama as a teenager and how I related to Maddie in most ways in the beginning.

I was also very happy to see that Grace got closure to her past and was able to move on to her new life and relationships.

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Author Jessica Redland for the arc. All thoughts in this review are my own.

[Books By Your Bedside · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

I have read 18 of Jessica's books so far and each one is as delightful as the previous one. I think this is book one of a new series which is always reason for celebration.

A book with 51 chapters means they're all a good, short length, but not too short.

Within teh first couple of pages I disliked some characters. But I think that might have been the intention. Which is a surprise as in her previous books, whilst some characters are nicer than others, there is rarely anyone I dislike that much. Happily the main target of my wrath - Grace's former boss - is a bit character so I didn't have to put up with him for long.

I did like Grace, I thought she was great. She felt very real, very human, and I felt for her, dealing with so much. I also enjoyed this sort of sandwich generation relationships with her daughter and her mum. That felt very relateable.

I found her daughter Maddie a bit grating, particularly at the start. But that's less about her being a bad character (which she isn't) and more to do with the fact that I think all youths are loud and messy and loud and loud, so I already had a bit of an issue with her. But this fractured relationship she had with her mum was so real and I think a lot of readers will relate to.

I didn't really gel with this one overall though which is a surprise. Let me clarify - I still loved it. I love Jessica's writing, her storytelling, the characters, the sentiment behind it all was lovely. But there was just something at the back of my mind that meant I couldn't focus on it. Maybe it was because I personally couldn't relate to the characters or the story, I don't know, it's hard to pinpoint one specific thing. But if I had to dig really deep into it I might put it down to there being a lot going on. I love books with multiple plotlines so that's not a big issue, but we've got divorce, house moves, romance, job losses, breakups, teenage angst, bereavement - there's a lot to keep on top and it felt a bit forced at times and a bit unrealistic, which is fine in say a fantasy novel, but not a contemporary romance I don't think.

I can't deny it is a feel good, happy, uplifting, joyful, loving gem of a book. She is a go-to author for those type of books. Perfect for reading on a sun lounger with a glass of cold white wine. But as a winter gremlin, I must say my heart lies with her Christmas novels.

I hate the fact that I've put a negative comment in a review for a Jessica Redland book because I absolutely love her and all her books have been first-class so I apologise to Jessica for that. She is still one of my absolutely favourite authors.

[Tracey Dyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Free courtesy of Netgalley

I read this book in less than 24 hours, I could not put it down. I love Jessica Redland books but this one is my favourite so far, it was exceptional.

Grace is having a bad day, her daughter Maddie is at war with her, her husband has filed for a Divorce and asked that their house is sold and she has now lost her job. What else can go wrong.

Taking time out to spend some time with her family over 9 hours away in Northumberland, she finally gets to relax a little. On an outing with her mam, they stumble across a few beautiful villages and she starts to wonder if she could move home. After looking at properties in the area, they find that Hazelwick farm is for sale, and after viewing both Grace and her mother decide to buy it and go into business together, running an animal encounter farm and café. Is life about to change for Grace, can she leave her best friend behind and will things ever change with her daughter.

Having a teen myself the same age as Maddy, I could empathise with some of the issues in that relationship, you could literally feel the hurt on both sides, and I admired Grace's restraint in dealing with it on a daily basis. The relationship with her mother was special and you felt the joy of their reunion and being in each other's lives daily.

The farm is definitely one I would love to visit, and without giving spoilers, I want the experiences they offer and I am going to look up if this is a real thing.

There is nothing negative to say about this beautifully written book, I would definitely purchase it and put it at the top of your reading pile. I cannot wait for Jessica to visit these villages again and maybe get a glimpse of what is going on on Hazelwick farm.

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica Redland has done it again! Blue Skies Ahead is a heartwarming, uplifting story about second chances, family, healing, and finding the courage to start over when life doesn't go according to plan.

I absolutely loved spending time at Hazelwick Farm. The Northumberland setting was beautifully described, and I could easily picture the countryside, the horses, the Highland cows, and all the wonderful animals that made the farm feel so special. Honestly, after reading this book, I want to visit and cuddle a cow myself!

Grace was such a relatable and easy character to root for. After facing divorce, job loss, and a strained relationship with her teenage daughter, she embarks on a fresh start alongside her mam, Frances. I especially loved the mother-daughter relationship between Grace and Frances, which was full of warmth, support, and genuine affection. The challenges between Grace and Maddie felt realistic too, bringing plenty of emotion to the story as they both navigated difficult changes.

As always, Jessica Redland creates characters who feel like real people and a community you wish you could be part of. There were moments that made me smile, moments that tugged at my heart, and plenty of hope woven throughout the story. The gentle romance was a lovely addition, but for me, the real heart of the book was the family relationships and personal growth.

Warm, comforting, and full of charm, Blue Skies Ahead feels like a hug in book form. I was completely invested in Grace's journey and didn't want the story to end. A wonderful start to what I hope will be a long-running series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blue Skies Ahead is a wonderfully comforting story about fresh starts, fractured relationships, and the quiet courage it takes to rebuild a life. Jessica Redland brings her signature warmth to Hazelwick Farm, creating a setting that feels like a breath of fresh air — wide skies, new possibilities, and a family trying their best to find their footing again.

Grace is instantly relatable as a woman determined to create something meaningful after a painful divorce, even as she struggles to reconnect with her teenage daughter. The tension between them is tenderly drawn, never melodramatic, and it gives the story real emotional depth. Frances adds a lovely multigenerational layer, grounding the family with humour and heart.

The farm itself becomes a character — chaotic, hopeful, and full of unexpected moments, including Grace’s growing connection with Caleb, the quietly charming tenant who keeps crossing her path. Their interactions are subtle and sweet, adding just the right touch of romance without overshadowing the family journey.

This is a warm, uplifting read about second chances, healing old wounds, and discovering that sometimes the life you build from scratch can be even better than the one you left behind.

A perfect escape for readers who love heartfelt women’s fiction with countryside charm and plenty of hope.

With thanks to Jessica Redland, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Nana · Rating 5 out of 5]

When your life has been turned upside down, you have to start over, find a new place to start, and that is what Grace, her 17-year-old daughter, Maddie, and her mother, Frances does. They went out looking at property for sale, and discovered a farm, that had heavy horses, and it had a café, and they decided to buy it. After buying it, they discovered it was as it appeared to be on paper, but they had to move forward. It is a story that will take you through all they are learning, some mistakes, but they chose to try to correct them. They learned what they are capable of, what they need to improve on, as they struggle, they are focused on fixing and don't realize, some of the changes that has happened and is happening. Things started to change, and the farm grew, they all grew, and we get to see all that they went through to get to where they are now. Sometimes life sends you to a new path so you can see who you are now, when you have got in a rut.
I received an ARC from Boldwood Books through NetGalley.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Grace's husband walks out of their marriage, she reaches a crossroads in her life. When she also loses her job, she decides to head home to her family up north.
It's a difficult time for her, with teenage daughter Maddie a complete nightmare and so changed from the lovely sunny girl she once was, but Grace decides it's time to live her life for her.
When her mum Frances takes her out to explore the local villages, they come across Hazelwick Farm, a working experience farm, and decide to take a leap of faith when they see it up for sale and go into business together, with Grace running the farm, and Frances running the cafe.
Things however are not quite as they seem, and they realise quickly they need to work quickly to turn things around.
Their tenant in the cottage, Caleb, is also a strange character who runs hot and cold, and adds to the mix of obstacles to get over.
Can their new start bring happiness to them all?
A lovely story of new beginnings, hope, love the most adorable set of furry friends.......

[Gaye Teather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another fabulous story from Jessica Redland who never fails to deliver a warm, humane and entertaining read filled with believable characters. I loved the three generational element with teenage Maddie, her mum Grace and her grandma. Graces husband has left her after a long marriage with no explanation and Grace has to move home. She comes upon, and falls in love with, a farm in the countryside and begins to rebuild her life. The area sounds so beautiful and I could really imagine being there and the tranquility the three women needed to move on. I loved all the many animals from small pets to horses, goats and cows. There was also romance, family problems to resolve and an array of lovely characters. This book will delight anyone who loves animals, beautiful settings and a captivating storyline. My thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for a pre release copy which it is my privilege to review.

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jessica is fast becoming my go to author for feel good, cosy stories. Blue Skies ahead is a contemporary family drama about second changes and healing. After Grace’s marriage breaks down and she is fired from her job shoe goes to spend some time with her mother Frances who is also looking for a change. The two come across Hazelwick Farm which has a combination of farm visit and cafe and decide to take it on.

I enjoyed getting to know the characters and seeing them all get a second chance. Grace and her teenage daughter Maddie’s relationship was quite tense at times and was nice to see them reconnect. I loved Grace’s support from her mam and friend Jude. It was nice to see her get some resolution over why her husband left and see her move on. It was interesting to learning about different forms of animal based therapy and I’m definitely keen to had to the farm to cuddle a cow! The first in a new series and ai can’t wait to dive back into this world again.

[Dawn Probert · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favourite authors. I love a new story from Jessica. Neely divorced Grace has moved from Reading to her old stomping ground with her Mum to pool resources and buy a farm. Her teenage daughter Maddie is angry and bitter and their relationship is strained and fractious.
Grace loves the farm and keeps bumping into her tenant Caleb.
A throwaway comment from him leads her to investigate the claims from the old owner of the farm and farm shop and she realises she didn’t do her sue diligence about the farm. Not to be deterred she pulls support from her bestie Jude and they make a plan to make the farm work. With the help of a herd of cuddle cows she works through her problems. This was a heartwarming story and I’m glad there will be more in the series so I can keep upto date and have cameos.
Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica Redland is an absolute auto read for me, in fact it often jumps to the top of my TBR pile.

And this new one certainly did not disappoint! I couldn’t wait to get stuck in and also couldn’t put it down.

The characters are all wonderful and so well written and developed, the relationship between mum and daughter was so real and I really felt for Grace throughout the book. Grace is such a strong character, but it was good to see her vulnerable side too.

The setting was absolutely perfect, the author clearly having done her research on everything to do with the farm and all the animals. She brought everything to life and you really will feel you are there and will want to visit a real life farm when you finish this book.

So if you love Jessica’s books, you will love this one, if you haven’t read her books before, now is definitely the time to start!

[Luisa Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is wonderfully warm and uplifting. The story of Grace, a woman having to start over in her personal life and career whilst negotiating the tribulations of supporting a difficult teen, it was lovely to follow her move to Northumberland and the new farm centre she builds with the women closest to her. I was impressed by Grace’s emotional maturity - she manages to be patient and empathetic without being a walkover. She understands her own needs and is supportive of others. Hurrah for her finding the happiness she deserved, not only in her family, friendships and business, but in her romance with the adorable Caleb. Beta heroes rock!

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore reading books by Jessica Redland. After finishing each one, I find that I'm ready to move to an English Village, sip tea with cake in a cafe and have Sunday lunch in the local. Redlands characters ate people that I want to spend time with and get to know better. Her storyline are always relevant, not shy about addressing complicated issues and always leave me with things to think about. After reading this book, I think I'd love to cuddle a cow! I look forward to getting to know more characters in this series! Thanks #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks

[Rachel Stansel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story about a newly divorced woman starting over in a farm near where she grew up. Dealing with an angry daughter, her new business with her mk. And not understanding why her marriage broke down, this is a good plot. The daughter storyline just irritates as we move on, with so many issues that I found it overkill. But overall I enjoyed this story and always enjoy this author.

Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

[Karen Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeous book by one of my favourite authors, set in my favourite place of Northumberland.
Ive loved Jessica's books and each one holds such a special place in my memories and this book is exactly the same.
The characters are so relatable and Maddie reminded me of myself when I was a teenager. I loved the setting of Blue Skies Ahead and felt like I was part of the story. I cant wait for the next instalment in this series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a review.

This is the first in Jessica Redland's new series and we meet Grace, her mam and her daughter Maddie who find themselves buying what they think is a successful farm attraction.....

Thoroughly enjoyed this and look forward to more.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, Blue Skies Ahead, by Jessica Redland, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Grace, her mother Frances, and her daughter Maddie, have moved to Hazelwick Farm for a new start. Jessica Redland does it again, another great story, by one of my favorite authors. This was such an enjoyable read.

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story from Jessica. This is the start of a new trilogy which I'm looking forward to the next one. Always a pleasure to read this one really is up there with her others. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Barbara Lack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a heartwarming book. Three generations of women. I love Grace. She’s a warm and loving woman. This book is about starting over and opening yourself up to new opportunities. Animals are very important in this book. They help people mentally heal. It’s such a feel good book. It’s a book that good for the soul.

[Emily West · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good standalone book. I loved the Northumberland setting and could picture myself at the farm. It was all a bit kitsch but I didn’t mind that as it was what I was expecting going in to it. All of the characters were relatable with relatable problems. A feel good story.