Always A Silver Lining

by Jessica Redland

Escape to the Lakes with MULTI-MILLION COPY BESTSELLER Jessica Redland for the perfect story of love, friendship and finding the silver lining in every stage of life.⛵Every book in the Escape to the Lakes Series can be read as a standalone ⛵

'It’s all about reframing things. No regrets. Just silver linings.'

Juliet believes in love stories. As a wedding planner, she’s helped create more than five hundred perfect days for other people, though her own path to happy-ever-after has been far from easy. Her first love always taught Juliet to look for the silver linings in life, and when she unexpectedly meets Christian Wynterson, it feels as though one might finally be shining through.

But not everyone is ready to accept Juliet and Christian’s new beginning. Family tensions, buried secrets and old wounds threaten to overshadow what should be a joyful new chapter.

Juliet has spent years believing in happy endings for everyone else. But can the people she and Christian love see that their relationship isn’t just a silver lining – it could be the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow?

Praise for Jessica

'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

'A heartwarming story set in a beautiful location... Love, friendship and the power of letting go are all covered in this gorgeous, beautifully written story.' Katie Ginger

376 pages, Paperback

Expected publication October 19, 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

[Sheila]

I received a free copy of, Always A Silver Lining, by Jessica Redland, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book six in the Always A Silver Lining book series. Juliet plans other peoples weddings, but does not have her own beau, not yet anyway. This has a heavy topic in this book, but is approached delicately. This was a good read.

[Alayne Emmett]

Another lovely book from Jessica. This one was sad at times but, also happy moments too. It wasn't depressing it just made you think. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Books By Your Bedside]

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

This is book six in the Lakes series, with the previous being:

1. The Start of Something Wonderful
2. A Breath of Fresh Air
3. The Best Is Yet to Come
4. Sunshine After the Rain
5. Tomorrow Starts Today

I love this series so much, and this is a wintery/Christmas one so that instantly gets my vote, being a winter gremlin. Whilst it is a series, they are perfectly enjoyable as a standalone, but I do advise reading them in order to get the most out of it.

There are 47 chapters which means they're quite short, which I prefer to overly long ones, it helps make the story whizz by.

There are a lot of characters, which she has added to a character list but because it covers the previous five books, there's a lot. But I don't think you necessarily need to be hot on them to read it. It was nice to revisit old characters but it's also nice to have fresh new ones to keep it engaging. Everyone is wonderfully written - they're not all nice and some I liked more than others but they're so distinct and work well on the whole and in their own stories.

I have loved this series from book one, and what I'm about to say is not a comment on the other books (because they're all great) but more a comment on how the series has developed. This one gave me everything I wanted and expected, but it's got a more mature depth to it. Like Jessica has got full control over her characters and their emotions. It feels more intricate and delicate and deep, which elevates what could be another generic, but fun, happily-ever-after story.

I have wanted to live in every community Jessica creates but the one she's given us in this one is my favourite. I know it's fictional and too good to be true but I don't care. I need to invent a way of stepping into a book because it just is so magical.

What surprised me was the age of the main characters. It's not a spoiler to say this, but I was reading them as on the younger side of middle aged, but they're not, or at least not all of them are. And I liked that because generally in fiction, particularly romances, we follow younger characters, starting their lives, those in their 20s or 30s, so it was refreshing to see older characters still living their life.

Once again, Jessica has given us some very real topics, some difficult topics (that I won't spoil) but that's what makes it so real. Life can be terrible sometimes and we all go through things like breakups, grief, job worries etc. and so by including things like that, the reader can identify with the characters. But it's never morbid or morose, everything's balanced well with happiness, joy, hope, and love.

I think she's said before how she plans for this series to be quite a long one - which I for one am very happy with. At first I was worried that it might get too samey but somehow she's managed to make each one so individual and yet linked so we avoid the risk of them being boring but they're still part of the same world.

There was the occasional moment that I felt was maybe a smidge too long but only occasionally and it didn't negatively impact my enjoyment of it.

I'd recommend any of her books for a bit of escapism but this series definitely tops my list.

[Mary Findley]

What a beautiful read! One of the things I love about Jessica Redland’s Always a Silver Lining is how refreshingly different this love story is. Unlike so many romance novels that feature younger characters, this novel is centered around two older protagonists, Juliet, 54, and Christian, 69. Instead of a future laid out in front of them, they both come to the relationship with full lives already behind them—lives that have included love, loss, heartbreak, disappointment, regrets and plans that didn't turn out quite the way they expected. True to its title, together they discover that life is full of silver linings and surprises. I love that Redland shows us that love stories don't come with an expiration date. Love happens anytime and at all ages.

Jessica Redland has said that her books are about real people living real lives, and that is exactly how this story felt to me. There are plenty of warm, cozy, and heartwarming moments with friends, but there is also genuine sadness and emotional depth. Juliet and Christian aren't characters waiting for romance to make their lives complete. Instead, they feel like real people whose lives have taken unexpected turns, which makes their story particularly relatable.

I also loved Redland’s use of setting and description. England’s Lake District, where this novel is set, feels vivid, alive and lived-in rather than simply providing a pretty backdrop. I could picture the landscape, the community, and the places the characters inhabit, and that sense of place added so much to the coziness of the novel.

Although this is the sixth book in the Escape to the Lakes series, it works beautifully as a standalone. I especially appreciate the recurring-character guide at the beginning, which offers just enough so the reader knows who everyone is and how they are connected without having to read the previous books.

This was such a warm, emotional, immersive, cozy and hopeful read. It is a lovely reminder that some of life's best chapters may be the ones we never plan for.

[Tracey Dyson]

Free courtesy of Netgalley

Always happy to have a Jessica Redlands book on the go, I don't think I have ever read a bad book from this talented author. this is the 6th book from the Escape from the lakes series and it is yet again great storytelling.

The book can be read as a standalone as you really don't need to know all the characters, (who pop up again), backstory as it is not relevant to the story of this book, however if you have read any of the previous books you will run into some old friends.

I loved the story of Juliet, who is a wedding planner for a hotel in the Lake District and also runs her own event organisation business. Twice she has organised her own wedding but she has never been married as fate was against her. When she meets Christian in a carpark whilst mountain biking they have a connection she cannot put out of her mind, but she doesn't know how she will ever get to see him again. Fate has other ideas though and taking two people who are suffering from an intense grief and give them a second (or third chance) at love.

This book also deals with a number of serious issues, the biggest being consent between a man and a woman, and if one person says no at any point and you continue this is rape. This story shows that some men have muddy waters around the concept of consent and don't believe they are rapists. I applaud Jessica for taking this subject and inserting it into this book, because as uplifting as it is, a lot of women will read it and it makes it clear to them.

I loved every character in this book and I loved the sentiments throughout, especially the silver linings and heart pockets. I would suggest everyone purchase a copy of this book when it is released, if you like this genre you will not be disappointed in this book. If you have never read any of Jessica Redlands books, what are you waiting for she is a master at telling stories and creating communities you want to be a part of. Looking forward to her next book now 👏

[Katie Awdas]

If I could give 10 stars I would! My only complaint is that I've finished the book and now have to sit and wait for Jessica to write more!

This is a brilliant series and I love how it draws on the previous books and characters but each book has a new central main character. I didn't initially twig who Juliet was going to get with and how it was going to tie up but when it was Christian I was over the moon! I found myself wanting to go and take part in the organised woodland trail and to go to the Lake District and enjoy the village life and friendship that always thrives here! Whilst everything moved very quickly for the main characters I think they were right after each suffering heartbreak to seize the moment, life really is too short. Being a cat lover the inclusion of Juliet's cats made me laugh as I always said to my husband when we got together he would have to be approved by the cats!! All in all I couldn't put it down and given the chance would have sat and read it in one sitting! I'd highly recommend all of Jessica's books for some escapism and happiness, both of which we all need in life.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and of course the author for writing such an amazing book and letting me read a preview copy.

[Nana]

Juliet's first love taught her about finding the silver lining in any situation and that has stayed with her. Her first love died months before they were supposed to get married. She loved him and that love has never wavered, so it was hard to find someone else that could accept she loved someone else, who had died. She built her career, and enjoyed the life she has but she doesn't want to go through life alone. She meets Christian while out riding her mountain bike. There is an instant connection between them, and their journey, is unique to them but what will family and friends think. Many believe there is always a silver lining and when difficult things happen, can they continue to find the silver linings? Sometimes it is hard to find it but their journey is flowing like life wants it to so I kept on reading and was reminded that there is silver linings and to look for them, sometimes life gets messy and we decide how to go through it, and you won't know how it will turn out until you go through whatever all the way, don't turn back, don't quit, just ride it out to see how it will end out.
I received an ARC from Boldwood Books through NetGalley and I really enjoyed this story and the journey they all went through.

[Pamela Viti]

Thank you Boldwood and NetGalley for this arc, to see I was pre approved for this made me so happy, I am a huge fan of Jessica’s and am honoured to have received a copy of it prior to publication on 19th October.

This is book six in the ‘Lakes’ series. I do recommend starting at book one and enjoying the series as a whole. The characters keep popping up and as each book is centred around a character, it helps knowing their backstories.

Book 6 introduces Juliet, a wedding planner in her 50s. She has planned over 500 weddings yet never actually made it to the alter herself. As with Jessica’s books, you know there’s a backstory, we soon discover why Juliet never married.

Juliet bumps into Christian while cycling one morning (Christian is a recurring character). With a big-ish age gap, not everyone is welcoming to this new relationship. With secrets hidden and family dramas, can Juliet find her silver lining?

Another super book by Jessica, it touches on sensitive topics and Jessica does a wonderful job dealing with it.

Jessica has a huge catalogue of books, best read in series order and my personal favourite is the Hedgehog Hollow series, if you haven’t yet discovered Jessica’s books, you are in for a treat

Loved it

[Rachel Gilbey]

I'm absolutely loving the Escape to the Lakes series, and this is another totally brilliant addition to it.

I literally couldn't read it fast enough, and loved Juliet's philosophy of looking for the silver lining in everything.

I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Christian a lot better too, with his rather complicated family tree, that will be more familiar if you have read the previous books, but this does stand alone.

Juliet has never had her own wedding despite being engaged twice, with her first love still defining her life all these years later, and it's clear she still loves him. But she also realise it might be time to move on, and her meeting Christian starts to awaken things within her.

I really enjoyed her Wine Wednesdays with her friends, some of which fans of the series will already know. And she is hiding a massive secret from everyone that had me feeling really emotional when it was revealed.

Once again Jessica Redland has written a book filled with love, romance, emotion and it all balances out into a really feel good and uplifting tale. Another triumph for this author.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Kirsten]

Always a Silver Lining is the sixth books in Jessica’s delightful Escape to the Lakes series. It features interconnected characters and stories set in the Lake District and you can definitely read as a stand alone. Once again Jessica sets up a cosy feel within the small village, the winter/ Christmas vibe, alpaca walks and village markets made me want to fly over immediately to visit.

The story of Juliet, a wedding planner who has planned two wedding of her own that haven’t gone ahead. She was such a relatable character and I loved her friendship group with their wine Wednesday, supportive family, dogs Raffles and Ritz and being part of all the fun events and weddings she planned. Her meet cute with Christian was fun and you could feel the sparks flying off the pages. It was nice to see an older couple getting together and navigating family reactions. I was taken by surprise my Juliet’s big secret and I enjoyed the way Jessica sensitively handled the issues surrounding it (it’s too hard to mention without spiking the story!). A more serious installment to the series but a still great addition to the series. For fans of cosy small town romances, age gaps and meet cute tropes.

[Claire Mc Partlin]

This is the 6th book in this series. I haven't read any of the others but I didn't feel as if I was missing anything, so this is easily read as a standalone book.

Juliet is the main character (wedding planner / events organiser) in her 50s and although she organises weddings she's never made it down the aisle herself, having nearly got there twice, once with a death and once with breaking up the day before the wedding.

She meets Christian by accident while on a bike ride, and fate has a hand when they meet again. They slowly get to know one another and acknowledge they've both been through hard times, for various reasons, but this helps them understand each other better and they form an instant connection, even though there is a fair age difference between them.

There is also a family issue that Juliet has been hiding from everyone over the years, but this comes out over the course of the book and is really well handled by everyone involved. There are of course a few hiccups along the way, but everything works out in the end. Very enjoyable read.

[Luisa Jones]

This was the first book I’d read in the series and I must admit I found myself a little bewildered at times by the number of secondary characters- possibly a disadvantage of jumping in at this point.
There was lots to like about the book. Some difficult issues were handled very sensitively. There’s a love story and complicated family dynamics - I always get the feeling Jessica Redland brings huge wisdom to her writing, and this book is no exception.
There’s a lot of back story at the start and I found it a bit slow going in places, but I liked Juliet and Robin very much and believed in the strength of their connection. The wintery Lake District setting is gorgeous, too. 3.5 stars for me - some lovely scenes, but I found myself skimming over some parts and forgetting who was who in others.

[Anne]

This is the sixth book in the series, and even though I haven’t read any of the previous books, I had no problem jumping right into this one. It definitely works well as a standalone.

This is a very emotional story that takes you through plenty of ups and downs, especially when it comes to relationships. I’m not usually a huge fan of books that jump back and forth in time, but I understood why the author chose to tell the story that way and how it helped everything unfold.

I will say this is a very long book and at times it felt a little too long for me. That being said, I really enjoyed the characters and the setting, and I became invested in their story. Overall, it’s an emotional read that leaves you with a little hope that no matter the age you can still find true love

[Avril Mcauley]

Jessica takes us back to The Lakes series for book six.

As always I was totally hooked within a few pages, telling the story of Juliet an events planner who specialises in weddings.
Juliet knows what heartbreak looks like after having two failed planned wedding days. Left completely broken when her first fiancé is taken from her with a terrible illness then being jilted the day before her second.

Fate leads to Juliet and Christian having a chance meeting. An instant attraction leads to changing the paths for both of them.

Being back in the lakes also brings back lots of previous characters and animals. In a setting I’ve grown to love Jessica also shares her love of Take That which I also share. This book oozes love for the lakes, emotion and heartbreak but the is Always A silver Lining

[Glenda White]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of Always a Silver Lining by Jessica Redland.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25. This is the 6th book in the Escape to the Lakes series. It is my first one to read. While it can be read as a standalone book, I got so confused with who many of the characters were. She does have a description of each character from her previous books that make an appearance in the book, which helps, as even at the end I was going back to it for reference.

The story is about Juliet, a wedding planner that has never had her own wedding but had two of her own planned and didn’t ever happen. There is some very sad ordeals in her past. But this book was a great read and shows that even love can happen for someone later in life, even after you don’t think it is possible.

[Katie Peal]

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC.

Another five stars for Jessica Redland! Always a Silver Lining was another gorgeous, heartwarming read, full of family, secrets, fresh starts and the reminder that even when life doesn't go to plan, there can still be something wonderful waiting around the corner.

Jessica's books genuinely feel like a hug, and I loved escaping to the beautiful Lake District once again. Juliet's story had me invested from the start, and I finished with that lovely warm, happy feeling that makes these books so special.

Another winner. Now, where's the next instalment?

[Lisa]

As we return to the Lakes, it's great to catch up with familiar faces (although this can be read as a stand alone).
After two heartbreaking relationships, 50 something Juliet is happy planning other people's weddings and happy ever afters. That is until she meets Christian, a former teacher, who sweeps her off her feet.
With a 16 year age gap, will everyone be as keen on their bidding romance, including Christian's children and Juliet's family?
Juliet is always determined to find the silver lining in all situations, but with her dark secret also about to catch up with her, can she find happiness and her silver lining.
A fabulous read, sprinkled with fab characters and festive cheer.

[Karen Andrew]

Jessica's books just keep getting better with every one I read and to find that there are further three in this series just makes me so happy.

I loved this book so much, I just didnt want it to end (I feel like this about most of Jessica's books to be fair).

I loved Juliet's journey and found her very inspirational. Christian was just such a gent and I couldn't stop smiling at this couple.

Another easy 5⭐️ read from Jessica.

[Emily West]

Another easy to read book from this author. I have really enjoyed the previous books int his series and this does read like a bit of a standalone so not to worry if you haven’t read them. I enjoyed seeing how the recurring characters were getting on but the main characters were pretty much new. It was nice to read about real relationships but I found that the speed of the relationship was hard to keep up with. A nice book to escape to the Lake District with.

[Ann Lovell]

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.


This book is part of a series but can definitely be read standalone.

The main characters are both really likeable and you’ll easily become invested in them with some sad back ground that isn’t always predictable.

It’s lovely to hear updates on previous characters from other books and there’s plenty of romance within these beautiful settings.

Overall a lovely read and full of positivity.

[Nicole Laverdure]

Always a Silver Lining, written by Jessica Redland, is the sixth book in the Escape to the Lakes series. I haven't read the other five books, but this one can certainly be read as a standalone. It was a little hard to keep track of all the characters, though. The story is well written and full of romance.

I really enjoyed this heartwarming story about Juliet and Christian.

Thank you to Boldwood and NetGalley for sending me an ARC.

[Susan]

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

This is the 6th in the Lakes series of books but could easily be read as a standalone. I've enjoyed all of the series so far and this one is no exception. Lovely to catch up with old friends and make some new ones in the process.

[Barbara Lack]

A very poignant story. Juliet still suffers grief from her fiancé’s death 20 years ago. She’s just met Christian and he’s just perfect for her. There’s a lot of angst and emotional upheaval. It’s an inspiring story

[Natalia_Reads]

What a lovely story this is. Not only is this a romance, but a love story about friends, newfound family, and reconciling the past... I loved every second of this, from start to finish.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this cosy ARC

[Dawn Griffith Hansard]

I love Jessica Redland books! This was an uplifting story of silver linings, second chances and finding true love. As always, it's great fun returning to the place and characters in a good series. Thanks #Boldwoodbooks #NetGalley