What do you think?
Rate this book
The Starfish Café #3
Summer Nights at the Starfish Café
Welcome back to The Starfish Café for a glorious summer, but with a few dark clouds on the horizon...
A new beginning...
As her summer wedding to Jake approaches, Hollie is excited for their new beginning as a family. But when some unexpected news threatens the future she and Jake had hoped for, Hollie will need to find the strength to overcome heartache once more.
A fragile heart...
Single mum, Kerry, loves her job at The Starfish Café, but behind the brave smiles and laughter with customers there is a sadness deep within. So when someone from her past re-appears in her life, Kerry can either hide away or face her demons and try to finally move on from her heartbreak.
A summer to remember…
For Hollie and Kerry it promises to be an emotional rollercoaster of a summer, but the community at The Starfish Café will always be there to help them through - after all, with courage nothing is impossible…
A new beginning...
As her summer wedding to Jake approaches, Hollie is excited for their new beginning as a family. But when some unexpected news threatens the future she and Jake had hoped for, Hollie will need to find the strength to overcome heartache once more.
A fragile heart...
Single mum, Kerry, loves her job at The Starfish Café, but behind the brave smiles and laughter with customers there is a sadness deep within. So when someone from her past re-appears in her life, Kerry can either hide away or face her demons and try to finally move on from her heartbreak.
A summer to remember…
For Hollie and Kerry it promises to be an emotional rollercoaster of a summer, but the community at The Starfish Café will always be there to help them through - after all, with courage nothing is impossible…
408 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 6, 2023
455 people are currently reading
776 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Redland
61 books1,149 followersI 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.
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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
April 8, 2023
EXCERPT: Noticing several guests looking past us and pointing, I turned towards the glass wall. Two classic VW campervans were passing slowly, each with white ribbons across the front and a garland of white flowers above the front bumper. The first was teal and cream and I recognised it as Tori's campervan. She was driving and Hollie and Angie were waving from one of the side windows. The second one was orange and carried the other bridesmaids.
Once the campervans had passed, we went to secure our seats for the ceremony. As Avril and her husband Antony settled into theirs, Avril laughed at something he whispered to her and they exchanged smiles of such adoration that tears unexpectedly sprung to my eyes. I'd never had that with Cameron. I gave myself a little shake. I did not want that man in my head today. This was a day for love and friendship, not lamenting the past.
ABOUT 'SUMMER NIGHTS AT THE STARFISH CAFÉ': A new beginning...
As her summer wedding to Jake approaches, Hollie is excited for their new beginning as a family. But when some unexpected news threatens the future she and Jake had hoped for, Hollie will need to find the strength to overcome heartache once more.
A fragile heart...
Single mum, Kerry, loves her job at The Starfish Café, but behind the brave smiles and laughter with customers there is a sadness deep within. So when someone from her past re-appears in her life, Kerry can either hide away or face her demons and try to finally move on from her heartbreak.
A summer to remember…
For Hollie and Kerry it promises to be an emotional rollercoaster of a summer, but the community at The Starfish Café will always be there to help them through - after all, with courage nothing is impossible…
MY THOUGHTS: What a delightful read!
Although this is #3 in a trilogy and I haven't read the first two, I had no trouble settling into life at the Starfish Café. Hollie who owns the café and Kerry, one of her employees, are the narrators and the main characters.
This is a lovely read that had me tearing up in places and smiling widely in others. By the end of the book, which I read in one sitting, I felt like the characters were my friends. I wanted to be sitting out on the patio of the Starfish Café on summer evenings chatting with them in the twilight.
The characters are magnificent. From Jake's ugly-natured sister and Kerry's ex-husband who suddenly wants to insert himself into the children's lives after having been absent for seven years to the wonderful and wise Angie and warm-hearted Hollie, they are people who will draw you into their stories.
There's love and loss, family estrangements, weddings and reconciliations - a lot like real life and just as unpredictable.
I really enjoyed this, my first book by this author and I will be lining up for more from her.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#SummerNightsatTheStarfishCafé #NetGalley
I: @jessicaredlandauthor @ bookandtonic
T: @JessicaRedland @BoldwoodBooks
#contemporaryfiction #familydrama #friendship #romance #sliceoflife #smalltownfiction #womensfiction
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.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Boldwood Books via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Summer Nights at the Starfish Café by Jessica Redland for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Once the campervans had passed, we went to secure our seats for the ceremony. As Avril and her husband Antony settled into theirs, Avril laughed at something he whispered to her and they exchanged smiles of such adoration that tears unexpectedly sprung to my eyes. I'd never had that with Cameron. I gave myself a little shake. I did not want that man in my head today. This was a day for love and friendship, not lamenting the past.
ABOUT 'SUMMER NIGHTS AT THE STARFISH CAFÉ': A new beginning...
As her summer wedding to Jake approaches, Hollie is excited for their new beginning as a family. But when some unexpected news threatens the future she and Jake had hoped for, Hollie will need to find the strength to overcome heartache once more.
A fragile heart...
Single mum, Kerry, loves her job at The Starfish Café, but behind the brave smiles and laughter with customers there is a sadness deep within. So when someone from her past re-appears in her life, Kerry can either hide away or face her demons and try to finally move on from her heartbreak.
A summer to remember…
For Hollie and Kerry it promises to be an emotional rollercoaster of a summer, but the community at The Starfish Café will always be there to help them through - after all, with courage nothing is impossible…
MY THOUGHTS: What a delightful read!
Although this is #3 in a trilogy and I haven't read the first two, I had no trouble settling into life at the Starfish Café. Hollie who owns the café and Kerry, one of her employees, are the narrators and the main characters.
This is a lovely read that had me tearing up in places and smiling widely in others. By the end of the book, which I read in one sitting, I felt like the characters were my friends. I wanted to be sitting out on the patio of the Starfish Café on summer evenings chatting with them in the twilight.
The characters are magnificent. From Jake's ugly-natured sister and Kerry's ex-husband who suddenly wants to insert himself into the children's lives after having been absent for seven years to the wonderful and wise Angie and warm-hearted Hollie, they are people who will draw you into their stories.
There's love and loss, family estrangements, weddings and reconciliations - a lot like real life and just as unpredictable.
I really enjoyed this, my first book by this author and I will be lining up for more from her.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#SummerNightsatTheStarfishCafé #NetGalley
I: @jessicaredlandauthor @ bookandtonic
T: @JessicaRedland @BoldwoodBooks
#contemporaryfiction #familydrama #friendship #romance #sliceoflife #smalltownfiction #womensfiction
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.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Boldwood Books via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Summer Nights at the Starfish Café by Jessica Redland for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
April 13, 2023
I missed all the wonderful characters in Whitsborough Bay and was glad to get back for another visit. This is the final book in the Starfish Café trilogy and this was a great ending to all the wonderful character arcs and their stories. Hollie who owns the café has been the main character in the stories, but there is always another story alongside hers. This book is Kerry;s story. Kerry works at the Starfish Café, is a wonderful friend and a single mom to four children. Her husband left her when they found out she was pregnant with twins and has had no contact with her or the children since. He hasn't even met his five year old twins, but suddenly wants a relationship. What is she to do? As Hollie and Jake get closer to their wedding, Jake's sister shows up, moving to Whitsborough Bay with her husband and teenage son. It doesn't take long for her to begin disrupting Jake's life.
I really enjoy Jessica Redland's stories with their uplifting and hopeful messages, but also all the trials her characters go through to get there. The characters are like friends and even if this is the only book in the series you pick up (although I recommend them all), you will become invested in these well developed characters. My heart broke a few times as I read this one with children who had been abandoned by their father, a woman who was never told what went wrong in their marriage and a young boy who's mother has mental health issues, but he just wants a normal family life. The community and café all pull together to support anyone who needs it and I want to move there. There is a romance as well, which was lovely, but is only part of the story. This story has love and loss, family estrangements and reconciliation, as well as a wedding, but it also deals with abandonment, mental health, guilt, forgiveness and adventure. Thanks for another wonderful Whitsborough Bay story, Jessica Redland. I recommend this book and the full trilogy.
I really enjoy Jessica Redland's stories with their uplifting and hopeful messages, but also all the trials her characters go through to get there. The characters are like friends and even if this is the only book in the series you pick up (although I recommend them all), you will become invested in these well developed characters. My heart broke a few times as I read this one with children who had been abandoned by their father, a woman who was never told what went wrong in their marriage and a young boy who's mother has mental health issues, but he just wants a normal family life. The community and café all pull together to support anyone who needs it and I want to move there. There is a romance as well, which was lovely, but is only part of the story. This story has love and loss, family estrangements and reconciliation, as well as a wedding, but it also deals with abandonment, mental health, guilt, forgiveness and adventure. Thanks for another wonderful Whitsborough Bay story, Jessica Redland. I recommend this book and the full trilogy.
March 27, 2023
Another winner from Jessica. It was lovely to return to the same characters and see them develop. There were some sad bits as well as happy ones. It was sad to finish this series but I hope she does more writing soon. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
March 13, 2023
I’m sad to say goodbye to this series. These characters have become like old friends and a comfortable place to visit.
Holly and Jake have grown in their relationship and are now married and looking forward to the future. This book focuses on them as well as in Kerry, who works at the Starfish Cafe, and what a complicated past she has. She’s been raising her four kids by herself since she’s husband walked out the day her found out they were having a set of twins and hasn’t looked back or made contact with them until now. Now it’s seven years later and he wants to try and get back in their lives, so she’s trying to navigate that as gently as she can but it’s hard because there’s so much hostility towards him and they way he left. But there’s also romance in the air for her. Can she juggle it all?
This was a nice send off to the series, but there are some triggers including miscarriage so be warned.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
Holly and Jake have grown in their relationship and are now married and looking forward to the future. This book focuses on them as well as in Kerry, who works at the Starfish Cafe, and what a complicated past she has. She’s been raising her four kids by herself since she’s husband walked out the day her found out they were having a set of twins and hasn’t looked back or made contact with them until now. Now it’s seven years later and he wants to try and get back in their lives, so she’s trying to navigate that as gently as she can but it’s hard because there’s so much hostility towards him and they way he left. But there’s also romance in the air for her. Can she juggle it all?
This was a nice send off to the series, but there are some triggers including miscarriage so be warned.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
March 2, 2023
We are back for the last time at The Starfish cafe, I have really enjoyed getting to know and love these characters, Betty is just the sweetest lady.
It is lovely to read just how far Hollie and Jake have come over the three books, very settled married and looking foward to their new chapter.
This time around we have Kerry’s story who works at the Starfish, wow what a story, that takes you from past to present which was really enjoyable, a total wonder woman with four children and trippy Tuesday to contend with.
A book full of emotions, ups and downs, new friendships, learning about the RNLI and resues, this story has it all and I’m sad to say goodbye.
What I enjoy and a great idea is Jessica’s recap at the beginning of who is who, you can go a while between books so is fab to have that reminder. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It is lovely to read just how far Hollie and Jake have come over the three books, very settled married and looking foward to their new chapter.
This time around we have Kerry’s story who works at the Starfish, wow what a story, that takes you from past to present which was really enjoyable, a total wonder woman with four children and trippy Tuesday to contend with.
A book full of emotions, ups and downs, new friendships, learning about the RNLI and resues, this story has it all and I’m sad to say goodbye.
What I enjoy and a great idea is Jessica’s recap at the beginning of who is who, you can go a while between books so is fab to have that reminder. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
March 23, 2023
I absolutely loved this book! It is so cute and so sweet. While this is book three in the series, it didn’t feel like I missed out on anything. I’m so sad that this is the last book in the series because I would love to continue the journey of experiencing the lives of those in this community. This book will make you laugh and it will make you smile. I admired Kerry, a superwoman raising her 4 children on her own. I also fell in love with Artie, a sweet man who is friends with nearly everyone. More than anything, I wanted to be a part of this community; I wanted these people to be my friends! The more and more I read, the more and more I wanted to read, but the more that I didn’t want the book to end. There’s so much love in this book – through relationships, family, and friendships. This book is perfect for anyone!
April 1, 2023
I have loved this series and I will miss Hollie, Jake and their extended families. Kerry is happy working at the Starfish Cafe but with four children she doesn’t have much time for herself and she has brought her family up alone with the help of her mum. Hollie and Jake’s wedding is fast approaching and everyone is excited for them apart from someone from Jake’s past! Was lovely to see some old favourites from Castle Street. I started off happy then sad reading this emotional book which was a compelling read and I found it hard to leave till the end. A beautiful unforgettable series.
March 5, 2023
I’ve been long overdue a book of Jessica’s so decided I’d treat myself to reading this over the weekend and now I’ve got my fix I feel like I need even more!
I absolutely loved being back in Whitsborough Bay with so many familiar characters - especially the little visits to Castle Street 😍 it just makes me think of Lincoln so much and that’s always good.
Hollie and Jake have definitely had their fair share of misfortune but unfortunately it doesn’t seem like this is making a stop just yet… I really did feel for them and little word to mention here, there is talk of baby loss and miscarriage so have your tissues ready, I found myself fighting back tears a few times! Redland deals with it perfectly and you can tell this is a really personal moment, both for her and the characters - I just wanted to reach in and give them all a hug but you feel like you get that back as well.
It isn’t all sad though and there are some really lovely moments where we get to know Kerry and her family a bit more - although how she put up with Cameron so much … ugh he was a piece of work!!! Anyway, onto the shining moments of this book… her kids and pickle steal the show as always and just put a smile on your face, plus I loved the fact that we got to see some of our favourite seals again.
This book has everything you’d want for a cosy weekend read on the sofa, there’s love, friendship, hot chocolates, nature, rescues, tension, emotions and revelations but through it all the wonderful community that Redland has created holds fort to come together and leave you with a massive smile on your face wondering where we’ll end up on our next visit… back to Castle Street with the newest empty shop maybe?!
I absolutely loved being back in Whitsborough Bay with so many familiar characters - especially the little visits to Castle Street 😍 it just makes me think of Lincoln so much and that’s always good.
Hollie and Jake have definitely had their fair share of misfortune but unfortunately it doesn’t seem like this is making a stop just yet… I really did feel for them and little word to mention here, there is talk of baby loss and miscarriage so have your tissues ready, I found myself fighting back tears a few times! Redland deals with it perfectly and you can tell this is a really personal moment, both for her and the characters - I just wanted to reach in and give them all a hug but you feel like you get that back as well.
It isn’t all sad though and there are some really lovely moments where we get to know Kerry and her family a bit more - although how she put up with Cameron so much … ugh he was a piece of work!!! Anyway, onto the shining moments of this book… her kids and pickle steal the show as always and just put a smile on your face, plus I loved the fact that we got to see some of our favourite seals again.
This book has everything you’d want for a cosy weekend read on the sofa, there’s love, friendship, hot chocolates, nature, rescues, tension, emotions and revelations but through it all the wonderful community that Redland has created holds fort to come together and leave you with a massive smile on your face wondering where we’ll end up on our next visit… back to Castle Street with the newest empty shop maybe?!
April 6, 2025
Summer Nights at the Starfish Café #3 the Starfish Café
3✨
3✨
April 14, 2023
The perfect setting at the cliff top Starfish Cafe, doing brisk business as summer approaches – and you really must go down to the beach below, where Jake first found Pickle and they both became part of Hollie’s life, because the seals are proudly showing off their new babies. And it’s business as usual down at the lifeboat station – the regular call-outs (sometimes involving Jake and Hollie) needing to be supported by the tours and regular fundraising events. Have you visited before? You could just make this your first visit – there’s plenty of catching up on the back story – but I honestly think you’d enjoy this book even more than you will if you catch up first on the first two books. And that’s because it really helps to understand what this lovely couple have already been through – this book really is a considerable emotional rollercoaster as far as they’re concerned, beginning with the long-awaited wedding day (which is just glorious…), but then… and that’s as far as I plan to go in telling that story!
But, as always, another character also moves to centre stage – Kerry, who works part-time and term-time at the cafe, single parent to four lovely children who are the centre of her life. And we follow her story – finding out about her past, where things went wrong, and the reasons why she finds herself coping alone. She makes a friend among the crew at the lifeboat station – it might become something more (oh, I really wanted it to!) but first she needs to handle a really difficult situation, protecting her children from damage when her past unexpectedly resurfaces.
I’m very deliberately not telling any more of the story – I’d hate to ruin it for anyone – but there are a number of difficult issues and a lot of emotional content in this book, beautifully and sensitively handled as always, and both the storylines really deeply touched my heart. There’s plenty of well-written drama too, but also a lot of lightness and humour through the relationships between the many wonderfully drawn characters (many of them very familiar if you’ve read the author’s other books – including a few friends from Castle Street, and it was so lovely to see them again). But I really love the way the author takes her characters through some really difficult times, always focusing on the love that surrounds them and their sheer determination to survive. The warmth of this book is palpable – her books always feel like a hug in book form, and this one is certainly no exception, and it’s all just so beautifully done.
I’m really sorry to be leaving Jake and Hollie and all the other characters who’ve become friends and who I’ve really grown to care for behind – but, after this book’s quite perfect ending, I know they’ll be happy living their lives. And who knows, we might well see them again as part of a future story – I do hope so! This really was the loveliest read – and one I’d highly recommend to others.
But, as always, another character also moves to centre stage – Kerry, who works part-time and term-time at the cafe, single parent to four lovely children who are the centre of her life. And we follow her story – finding out about her past, where things went wrong, and the reasons why she finds herself coping alone. She makes a friend among the crew at the lifeboat station – it might become something more (oh, I really wanted it to!) but first she needs to handle a really difficult situation, protecting her children from damage when her past unexpectedly resurfaces.
I’m very deliberately not telling any more of the story – I’d hate to ruin it for anyone – but there are a number of difficult issues and a lot of emotional content in this book, beautifully and sensitively handled as always, and both the storylines really deeply touched my heart. There’s plenty of well-written drama too, but also a lot of lightness and humour through the relationships between the many wonderfully drawn characters (many of them very familiar if you’ve read the author’s other books – including a few friends from Castle Street, and it was so lovely to see them again). But I really love the way the author takes her characters through some really difficult times, always focusing on the love that surrounds them and their sheer determination to survive. The warmth of this book is palpable – her books always feel like a hug in book form, and this one is certainly no exception, and it’s all just so beautifully done.
I’m really sorry to be leaving Jake and Hollie and all the other characters who’ve become friends and who I’ve really grown to care for behind – but, after this book’s quite perfect ending, I know they’ll be happy living their lives. And who knows, we might well see them again as part of a future story – I do hope so! This really was the loveliest read – and one I’d highly recommend to others.
October 22, 2025
loved it! from start to finish, couldnt put it down. Various length chapters which I love as dont like to stop part way through a chapter.
likeable characters, character growth and a beautiful setting.
I didnt know there were others in the series so I shall definitely be finding those too!
read within 2 days on holiday 🩷
likeable characters, character growth and a beautiful setting.
I didnt know there were others in the series so I shall definitely be finding those too!
read within 2 days on holiday 🩷
April 15, 2023
An amazing finale to this beautiful three book series.
I’ve loved reading about the Starfish Cafe, it was a lovely community and I learned so much about the RNLI too.
Some emotional subjects are spoken about in the story (some were very close to my own heart and life experiences) however they were written about in such a caring and thoughtful manner.
I enjoyed having the two stories of Hollie and Kerry told throughout the book, it was great to see these two great characters flourish despite the situations that they found themselves in.
Once again I was transported to the wonderful world of Whitsborough Bay and loved sharing the comings and going’s of this lovely community.
Picking up a Jessica book is always so exciting as I know I’m going to be moved emotionally and entertained in equal measure.
A perfect read for a summer night!
I’ve loved reading about the Starfish Cafe, it was a lovely community and I learned so much about the RNLI too.
Some emotional subjects are spoken about in the story (some were very close to my own heart and life experiences) however they were written about in such a caring and thoughtful manner.
I enjoyed having the two stories of Hollie and Kerry told throughout the book, it was great to see these two great characters flourish despite the situations that they found themselves in.
Once again I was transported to the wonderful world of Whitsborough Bay and loved sharing the comings and going’s of this lovely community.
Picking up a Jessica book is always so exciting as I know I’m going to be moved emotionally and entertained in equal measure.
A perfect read for a summer night!
May 6, 2023
As always... Jessica has done it again.... she never disappoints and always brings the best on her books. This is a wonderful end to a fantastic group of people... I am not ready for it to end, though!! Please, Jessica! Just one more... and one more... and one more!! Just can't get enough, there is so much more that could be written, I don't want to give any spoilers so I will stop there apart from to say, reading this book was as comforting to me as the best lemon drizzle and hot chocolate you can get from the starfish cafe! Thank you, Jessica, for the thoughtful and delicate way you wrote about such a difficult and emotional situation that you, me, and many others have been through. You described it perfectly.
April 25, 2023
Well written, lovely characters.
A wonderful, warm ending to this lovely series. It had it all, good and bad but left me feeling happy at the end.
Jessica Redland writes lovely books that have fast become my ‘feel good’ favourites although it’s always a little sad when you’ve finished it as you’d love it to keep going! The characters and setting are just so well written, it feels like you could go there, wander through the shops and have a chat.
A wonderful, warm ending to this lovely series. It had it all, good and bad but left me feeling happy at the end.
Jessica Redland writes lovely books that have fast become my ‘feel good’ favourites although it’s always a little sad when you’ve finished it as you’d love it to keep going! The characters and setting are just so well written, it feels like you could go there, wander through the shops and have a chat.
April 12, 2023
couldn’t put it down!
Jessica has a knack of taking really difficult family situations and relationships and making them accessible. All this is woven through a warm and realistic story of ordinary people. I enjoyed all the RNLI storylines in this series, an incredible service and good to see it getting proper recognition.
Jessica has a knack of taking really difficult family situations and relationships and making them accessible. All this is woven through a warm and realistic story of ordinary people. I enjoyed all the RNLI storylines in this series, an incredible service and good to see it getting proper recognition.
June 24, 2023
Another fab book in the starfish cafe series. Sad that it’s the last one though. I really enjoy Jessica Redland’s books. I’ve read a few now. They are such lovely reads.
Definitely recommend them if you’ve not read any.
Definitely recommend them if you’ve not read any.
April 10, 2023
Another great book in the series, I really like Holly and Kerry stories and the way they and the community supported each other. Can’t wait to see what is planned for this authors next offering.
May 19, 2023
I expected something different, but was pleasantly surprised with the easy telling of multiple romances mixed in with some family drama and small town friendships.
April 17, 2023
I would firstly just like to say a big thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources who very kindly forwarded me an arc copy of this book, for my kindle, in return for my honest review.
This book is actually book number three from The Starfish Café series and although it could be read as a stand alone, it is much better to read them all in order as it follows the wonderful story of Hollie and Jake and lots of other characters too.
Summer Nights At The Starfish Café truly is an emotional roller coaster, so full of emotions and it really is wonderful.
There is such a feeling of community spirit in this story and everyone comes together to share their help.
I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be reading many more from this author…….
This book is actually book number three from The Starfish Café series and although it could be read as a stand alone, it is much better to read them all in order as it follows the wonderful story of Hollie and Jake and lots of other characters too.
Summer Nights At The Starfish Café truly is an emotional roller coaster, so full of emotions and it really is wonderful.
There is such a feeling of community spirit in this story and everyone comes together to share their help.
I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be reading many more from this author…….
May 1, 2023
I absolutely love a book by the amazing Jessica Redland and what an emotional read this was.
This story pulled at the heart strings from start to finish as Hollie and Jake prepare to get married and we get to spend more time with Kerry and her wonderful children.
Once again a story rich in wonderful characters and strong storylines and I loved it from beginning to end.
This story pulled at the heart strings from start to finish as Hollie and Jake prepare to get married and we get to spend more time with Kerry and her wonderful children.
Once again a story rich in wonderful characters and strong storylines and I loved it from beginning to end.
April 13, 2023
SUMMER NIGHTS AT THE STARFISH CAFE - JESSICA REDLAND.
Having loved the first two books in this series, I couldn’t wait to head back to Whitsborough Bay and catch up with all the goings on in the Starfish Cafe.
I’ve loved following Hollie and Jake’s journey.
Their love and loyalty to each other will warm the coldest of hearts.
I felt their sadness and their joy in this story. Their journey through Summer Nights At The Starfish Cafe is a rollercoaster ride of some ecstatic highs and some heartbreaking lows.
As always, Jessica Redland doesn’t hold back with what she throws at her characters.
Just as they would be in the real world, they are put through their fair share of troubles, but they are always balanced out with happier times.
Running alongside Hollie and Jake’s story, we also follow Kerry who works at the Starfish Cafe. She’s a single mum who is doing her best to keep a lot of plates spinning.
Although I can only dream that my children were ever as well behaved as all four of Kerry’s, she does have her hands full. Then the children’s father reappears and her life gets even more complicated. I liked how Kerry approached the situation with common sense and how she puts her children first, despite her own feelings.
I had everything crossed that Kerry would find the ending that she deserved.
It was also good to catch up with faces from previous books and to learn how these characters were getting along.
The reappearance of Jake’s horrid and seemingly rather troubled sister was an interesting thread. I’m so glad JR included this. I think Jake deserved some answers.
As in the previous two books in the series, the RNLI is at the very heart of this book. Once more, we learn through fiction just how important the work of the RNLI is in the real world and how utterly selfless it’s staff and volunteers are.
It’s fair to say that Jessica Redland writes from the heart and keeps it real.
She creates characters that you fall in love with, characters who you would choose to be friends with and some who are instantly dislikeable.
She creates settings that have a strong sense of community. They draw you in so as you feel that you are a part of its very soul.
Summer Nights At The Starfish Cafe is a fitting end to a gorgeous series.
The story bounces along and I must admit that I read it very quickly. I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next, but equally I wasn’t ready to say goodbye.
The story is touching on so many levels. You can’t help but feel for the characters through their highs and lows.
The book celebrates friendships and particularly the bonds shared by women. I’m a sucker for a book that champions female friendships, and JR does this superbly.
There is of course some heart warming, sweet and squishy romance, that will turn your insides to jelly.
When I finished Summer Nights At The Starfish Cafe, I had that feeling you get when you come home from a really good holiday. I felt like I’d been somewhere glorious and met some fantastic people, but now I felt a little melancholy to be home and that the adventure was over.
I had a lump in my throat to leave the Starfish Cafe and it’s many staff and visitors. However, I’m glad I made the journey through this series of books, because they are a thoroughly good read.
I do hope we are saying, ‘goodbye for now’ rather than ‘goodbye forever’ to the Starfish Cafe.
I suspect Jessica Redland will squeeze the odd mention into future books set in Whitsborough Bay and I hope that we may, one day, get book four from the Starfish Cafe.
Summer Nights At The Starfish Cafe gets five shiny stars from me. A delight of a book to conclude a smashing series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
With thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources, Netgalley and Boldwood Books for a digital arc of this title.
Having loved the first two books in this series, I couldn’t wait to head back to Whitsborough Bay and catch up with all the goings on in the Starfish Cafe.
I’ve loved following Hollie and Jake’s journey.
Their love and loyalty to each other will warm the coldest of hearts.
I felt their sadness and their joy in this story. Their journey through Summer Nights At The Starfish Cafe is a rollercoaster ride of some ecstatic highs and some heartbreaking lows.
As always, Jessica Redland doesn’t hold back with what she throws at her characters.
Just as they would be in the real world, they are put through their fair share of troubles, but they are always balanced out with happier times.
Running alongside Hollie and Jake’s story, we also follow Kerry who works at the Starfish Cafe. She’s a single mum who is doing her best to keep a lot of plates spinning.
Although I can only dream that my children were ever as well behaved as all four of Kerry’s, she does have her hands full. Then the children’s father reappears and her life gets even more complicated. I liked how Kerry approached the situation with common sense and how she puts her children first, despite her own feelings.
I had everything crossed that Kerry would find the ending that she deserved.
It was also good to catch up with faces from previous books and to learn how these characters were getting along.
The reappearance of Jake’s horrid and seemingly rather troubled sister was an interesting thread. I’m so glad JR included this. I think Jake deserved some answers.
As in the previous two books in the series, the RNLI is at the very heart of this book. Once more, we learn through fiction just how important the work of the RNLI is in the real world and how utterly selfless it’s staff and volunteers are.
It’s fair to say that Jessica Redland writes from the heart and keeps it real.
She creates characters that you fall in love with, characters who you would choose to be friends with and some who are instantly dislikeable.
She creates settings that have a strong sense of community. They draw you in so as you feel that you are a part of its very soul.
Summer Nights At The Starfish Cafe is a fitting end to a gorgeous series.
The story bounces along and I must admit that I read it very quickly. I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next, but equally I wasn’t ready to say goodbye.
The story is touching on so many levels. You can’t help but feel for the characters through their highs and lows.
The book celebrates friendships and particularly the bonds shared by women. I’m a sucker for a book that champions female friendships, and JR does this superbly.
There is of course some heart warming, sweet and squishy romance, that will turn your insides to jelly.
When I finished Summer Nights At The Starfish Cafe, I had that feeling you get when you come home from a really good holiday. I felt like I’d been somewhere glorious and met some fantastic people, but now I felt a little melancholy to be home and that the adventure was over.
I had a lump in my throat to leave the Starfish Cafe and it’s many staff and visitors. However, I’m glad I made the journey through this series of books, because they are a thoroughly good read.
I do hope we are saying, ‘goodbye for now’ rather than ‘goodbye forever’ to the Starfish Cafe.
I suspect Jessica Redland will squeeze the odd mention into future books set in Whitsborough Bay and I hope that we may, one day, get book four from the Starfish Cafe.
Summer Nights At The Starfish Cafe gets five shiny stars from me. A delight of a book to conclude a smashing series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
With thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources, Netgalley and Boldwood Books for a digital arc of this title.
April 12, 2023
As regular readers of my blog will know, I’m a big fan of Jessica Redland���s books and I’m always excited to read her new novels. Summer Nights at the Starfish Café is Book 3 in the Starfish Café Series.
In the second book, we followed Hollie and Tori. This third book continues to tell Hollie’s story, but also Kerry’s, who is a thirty-one-year-old single mum of four little ones (Maisie aged eleven, Noah aged eight and Freya and Jayden – the six year old twins) and works at The Starfish Café. The café is on a clifftop not far from Whitsborough Bay, the seaside town in North Yorkshire. They also have a seal colony at Starfish Point, which I love reading about.
The book begins four days before Hollie and Jake’s wedding at the Bay Pavilion. Hollie is 36 and as well as her work in the café, she volunteers for the RNLI and makes crafts for the Driftwood Dell shop and gallery. The wedding is beautifully described and I loved how everything was colour-coordinated and fitted the sea theme. The second wedding seemed even more beautiful, but I won’t go into details here. No spoilers!
We learn about Kerry’s past through flashbacks, how she was married to Cameron (the father of her children) and how they split up. But when she suddenly hears from him after seven years, what will happen? How will it affect the children?
I don’t want to go into the plot too much, as you really need to read it for yourself and find out what happens – and I’d recommend reading the first two books in The Starfish Café series first, to get the whole experience of learning to know and love the characters. But I’ve got to say - Artie – woo hoo! What a gorgeous man, loved his character!
Jessica Redland is brilliant at writing books which feel real. The settings, the characters and the communities of each of her novels are so completely believable, you can expect to feel genuine emotion following the storylines through the books – and there are serious issues covered too. It feels like catching up with friends you care about, you worry about their plights and hope for them to find the happy endings they deserve. With this being the third and final Starfish Café book, we can expect our main characters to find their happy ever afters, but they will have to go through the mill to get there!
The book is around 400 pages long, but I read it in three days, which is quick for me. It becomes a real page-turner and you have to keep reading to find out what happens, which resulted in a couple of later nights than I’d planned! I loved this series and Book 3 concluded it all perfectly. Another gorgeous read from Jessica Redland!
In the second book, we followed Hollie and Tori. This third book continues to tell Hollie’s story, but also Kerry’s, who is a thirty-one-year-old single mum of four little ones (Maisie aged eleven, Noah aged eight and Freya and Jayden – the six year old twins) and works at The Starfish Café. The café is on a clifftop not far from Whitsborough Bay, the seaside town in North Yorkshire. They also have a seal colony at Starfish Point, which I love reading about.
The book begins four days before Hollie and Jake’s wedding at the Bay Pavilion. Hollie is 36 and as well as her work in the café, she volunteers for the RNLI and makes crafts for the Driftwood Dell shop and gallery. The wedding is beautifully described and I loved how everything was colour-coordinated and fitted the sea theme. The second wedding seemed even more beautiful, but I won’t go into details here. No spoilers!
We learn about Kerry’s past through flashbacks, how she was married to Cameron (the father of her children) and how they split up. But when she suddenly hears from him after seven years, what will happen? How will it affect the children?
I don’t want to go into the plot too much, as you really need to read it for yourself and find out what happens – and I’d recommend reading the first two books in The Starfish Café series first, to get the whole experience of learning to know and love the characters. But I’ve got to say - Artie – woo hoo! What a gorgeous man, loved his character!
Jessica Redland is brilliant at writing books which feel real. The settings, the characters and the communities of each of her novels are so completely believable, you can expect to feel genuine emotion following the storylines through the books – and there are serious issues covered too. It feels like catching up with friends you care about, you worry about their plights and hope for them to find the happy endings they deserve. With this being the third and final Starfish Café book, we can expect our main characters to find their happy ever afters, but they will have to go through the mill to get there!
The book is around 400 pages long, but I read it in three days, which is quick for me. It becomes a real page-turner and you have to keep reading to find out what happens, which resulted in a couple of later nights than I’d planned! I loved this series and Book 3 concluded it all perfectly. Another gorgeous read from Jessica Redland!
March 6, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I will NEVER stop shouting about my love for Jessica Redland's work. Every time she brings out a new book, I jump (not literally, I don't want to break a hip) at the chance to read it as I just know it's going to be perfectly gorgeous.
This is book number 3 in the Starfish Café series and I am loving it. You get some series that, whilst set in the same 'universe', focus on different people. And then others, like this one, follow the same characters' stories. And I'm loving that. These characters feel like friends, feel like family, and it's really exciting to see what they've been up to and be a part of their story.
I love that we get, not only a continuation of Hollie's story, but we also get Kerry's story. It gives us more to feast on about some of the characters we've come to love over the series.
Like the others in the series, it's fun and light-hearted and exciting, but it doesn't hide the harsh truths. The deaths and grief, disappointments, relationship struggles, anger, terror. It's real life in all it's raw glory. And unfortunately, some people get more bad news than one person should (and I resonate with that), and whilst that almost sounds like it's been made up for entertainment purposes, this is real life and it's awful and difficult, but it really makes the happy times shine.
I was really hoping this wouldn't be the last in the series but it looks like it is. I completely understand why she's finished it, it's finished off very nicely, but I never wanted to leave it. But I am looking forward to seeing what new series she comes up with now.
I've cried at moments in all the Starfish Café books, but this one even more. For good reasons and sad. For what I would call a happily-ever-after type book, it is full of emotional scenes.
The pace of it is just right, it never feels too slow, and also never rushed. It's easy to read (I read it in just one day) and you'll find yourself absorbed right from the start.
I can't 100% say that you can read it without reading the other two first. I'm sure you could, but you probably won't get everything out of it that you could. By reading the full series, you get sucked in to the stories and you can fully appreciate the ending as if it was happening to your family.
I think it's fair to say my obsession with Jessica Redland and her books is not going to go away any time soon. She's just a stupendous storyteller that she's bound to end up with her own shelf on my bookcase.
I will NEVER stop shouting about my love for Jessica Redland's work. Every time she brings out a new book, I jump (not literally, I don't want to break a hip) at the chance to read it as I just know it's going to be perfectly gorgeous.
This is book number 3 in the Starfish Café series and I am loving it. You get some series that, whilst set in the same 'universe', focus on different people. And then others, like this one, follow the same characters' stories. And I'm loving that. These characters feel like friends, feel like family, and it's really exciting to see what they've been up to and be a part of their story.
I love that we get, not only a continuation of Hollie's story, but we also get Kerry's story. It gives us more to feast on about some of the characters we've come to love over the series.
Like the others in the series, it's fun and light-hearted and exciting, but it doesn't hide the harsh truths. The deaths and grief, disappointments, relationship struggles, anger, terror. It's real life in all it's raw glory. And unfortunately, some people get more bad news than one person should (and I resonate with that), and whilst that almost sounds like it's been made up for entertainment purposes, this is real life and it's awful and difficult, but it really makes the happy times shine.
I was really hoping this wouldn't be the last in the series but it looks like it is. I completely understand why she's finished it, it's finished off very nicely, but I never wanted to leave it. But I am looking forward to seeing what new series she comes up with now.
I've cried at moments in all the Starfish Café books, but this one even more. For good reasons and sad. For what I would call a happily-ever-after type book, it is full of emotional scenes.
The pace of it is just right, it never feels too slow, and also never rushed. It's easy to read (I read it in just one day) and you'll find yourself absorbed right from the start.
I can't 100% say that you can read it without reading the other two first. I'm sure you could, but you probably won't get everything out of it that you could. By reading the full series, you get sucked in to the stories and you can fully appreciate the ending as if it was happening to your family.
I think it's fair to say my obsession with Jessica Redland and her books is not going to go away any time soon. She's just a stupendous storyteller that she's bound to end up with her own shelf on my bookcase.
February 17, 2024
When I started reading Summer Nights at the Starfish Café, I almost did an about face to stop reading this fictional account of a summer in the lives of the residents of the “popular North Yorkshire seaside town of Whitsborough Bay.” Author Redland began with a list with descriptive notes about the main and some minor characters. It seemed like too much to keep up with, but I persisted and I’m so glad I did. Although I referred back to the list several times, I found that Redland reintroduces the characters with more information about them as they initially appear in the book. I had no trouble keeping up after that.
Redland tells the story by focusing on two main characters. Hollie owns the Starfish Café, and Kerry, a single mother of four, works part time for Hollie during the school term. Each one tells her part of the story written from her point of view. Their lives overlap, even in the summer, because they have many of the same friends.
With a delicate hand, Redland draws a picture of the difficult situations both women find themselves in the middle of through no fault of their own. Both are sympathetic characters who work hard at their jobs, in their relationships, and in support of those they love. Even the minor characters and characters that are unlikable are shown to be worthy of the reader’s attention and maybe even empathy. Romance is in the air in Whitsborough Bay for several characters with dates, weddings and pregnancy forming a central focus, but friendship, children, and pets are important also. Many of the characters are crew members of the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution). There is a strong family feeling among them, and many of them are descendants of multiple generations of crew members.
Bitter estrangement between Hollie’s husband Jake and his sister Larissa bubbles over into violence. Kerry’s ex-husband, Cameron, after a six year absence with no explanation, decides he wants to renew his role as a father to his four children. Kerry wants it to happen slowly and in a way that won’t hurt her children. She sets boundaries and makes it clear that Cameron needs to put the kids’ needs above his own.
I enjoyed this novel. It has dramatic twists that keep the reader engaged. Kerry’s children play important roles as does Pickles, Hollie’s dog. I recommend this book for a fun read with depth of character and plot situation.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Redland tells the story by focusing on two main characters. Hollie owns the Starfish Café, and Kerry, a single mother of four, works part time for Hollie during the school term. Each one tells her part of the story written from her point of view. Their lives overlap, even in the summer, because they have many of the same friends.
With a delicate hand, Redland draws a picture of the difficult situations both women find themselves in the middle of through no fault of their own. Both are sympathetic characters who work hard at their jobs, in their relationships, and in support of those they love. Even the minor characters and characters that are unlikable are shown to be worthy of the reader’s attention and maybe even empathy. Romance is in the air in Whitsborough Bay for several characters with dates, weddings and pregnancy forming a central focus, but friendship, children, and pets are important also. Many of the characters are crew members of the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution). There is a strong family feeling among them, and many of them are descendants of multiple generations of crew members.
Bitter estrangement between Hollie’s husband Jake and his sister Larissa bubbles over into violence. Kerry’s ex-husband, Cameron, after a six year absence with no explanation, decides he wants to renew his role as a father to his four children. Kerry wants it to happen slowly and in a way that won’t hurt her children. She sets boundaries and makes it clear that Cameron needs to put the kids’ needs above his own.
I enjoyed this novel. It has dramatic twists that keep the reader engaged. Kerry’s children play important roles as does Pickles, Hollie’s dog. I recommend this book for a fun read with depth of character and plot situation.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
March 21, 2023
Wow, what a way to end the Starfish Cafe trilogy, with a book filled with action, drama, emotions at all ends of the spectrum, blasts from the past, and new love too. The blurb says emotional rollercoaster and that is 10000000% what this book is.
I was on the verge of tears multiple times in the story, not necessarily at the big things, but just little touches written so beautifully, combined with my feelings towards the characters, adding up to emotion just causing me to have a lump in my throat.
At times throughout this story, I wanted to reach between the pages, and just give a great big squish hug to Hollie, Jake, Pickle, Kerry (and her 4 children), Angie and Artie. Actually let's be honest I'd love to have been at the Starfish Cafe myself to be able to not only give the hugs in person, but also to see the artwork in Driftwood Dell, and to devour an ice-cream sundae too. Plus I'd love to see the Seals too.
It was great to see cameos of some of the Castle Street characters, no need to have read those books but for fans of the author, like me that devours every single word Jessica Redland writes as soon as it is available, then seeing familiar faces from elsewhere in her world is always a nice bonus.
I believe you can probably read this as a standalone novel, but the whole trilogy is so fabulous, why deny yourself some great other books. And just while I'm thinking it, can I just say kudos to the cover designer, that is simply stunning and really does give a great feeling for the book inside.
I have to say that if Jessica Redland ever wanted to turn her hand to the dark side, she would be a success at that too, as her villainous characters both in this series and also Hedgehog Hollow are truly disturbing and despicable. She clearly is able to write fabulous people that we want to hate and despise, so so well.
This is another completely amazing bit of storytelling from the author, which I just couldn't put down. I was hooked from the first chapter and didn't want it to end. I'm incredibly excited and curious to see what the author will be writing next. I can't wait, and know I'll be first in line to read it!
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
I was on the verge of tears multiple times in the story, not necessarily at the big things, but just little touches written so beautifully, combined with my feelings towards the characters, adding up to emotion just causing me to have a lump in my throat.
At times throughout this story, I wanted to reach between the pages, and just give a great big squish hug to Hollie, Jake, Pickle, Kerry (and her 4 children), Angie and Artie. Actually let's be honest I'd love to have been at the Starfish Cafe myself to be able to not only give the hugs in person, but also to see the artwork in Driftwood Dell, and to devour an ice-cream sundae too. Plus I'd love to see the Seals too.
It was great to see cameos of some of the Castle Street characters, no need to have read those books but for fans of the author, like me that devours every single word Jessica Redland writes as soon as it is available, then seeing familiar faces from elsewhere in her world is always a nice bonus.
I believe you can probably read this as a standalone novel, but the whole trilogy is so fabulous, why deny yourself some great other books. And just while I'm thinking it, can I just say kudos to the cover designer, that is simply stunning and really does give a great feeling for the book inside.
I have to say that if Jessica Redland ever wanted to turn her hand to the dark side, she would be a success at that too, as her villainous characters both in this series and also Hedgehog Hollow are truly disturbing and despicable. She clearly is able to write fabulous people that we want to hate and despise, so so well.
This is another completely amazing bit of storytelling from the author, which I just couldn't put down. I was hooked from the first chapter and didn't want it to end. I'm incredibly excited and curious to see what the author will be writing next. I can't wait, and know I'll be first in line to read it!
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
April 8, 2023
Summer Nights at the Starfish Café is the third book in the Starfish Cafe series, whilst it is possible you could probably read this as a stand-alone I don’t really recommend it, these focus on our main couple and their relationship so you would have missed on the previous two books and probably be a bit lost.
This is the last book in the series and brings the story to a satisfying conclusion for our characters. I’m always sad to see one of Jessica’s storylines end, but then I’m always excited for the places she will take me to next, so it’s not always sad.
Watching Hollie and Jake get married finally was wonderful, after everything they’ve gone through together, of course there’s some drama and troubles along the way (but no spoilers from me) but they get their happy ever after (that’s definitely not a spoiler with a romance surely 🤣)
I liked the fact we got to know Kerry so much more in this book, how she managed I’ll never know (I have no kids and struggle being responsible for myself let alone four children alone) it’s amazing what single parents manage, they’re the real life superheroes.
Like all Jessica’s stories this is full of romance, drama, a little bit of mystery, a great community, family, hope, new beginnings and will occasionally feature the odd troublemaker with nefarious purposes, but we know they will get their comeuppance in one way or another.
I love Jessica’s books for many reasons, her beautiful writing, the fact I know she’ll wring a million emotions from me, but I’ll be left feeling happier than when I started, but most of all for giving me a piece of escapism that makes me feel better about the world and humanity. I know people like these characters exist in the world and sometimes we need books to remind us, when the media and world makes us feel like they are rarer than we think. They’re not.
Thank you Jessica for giving me (and many, many other readers) a place to escape, mindfulness in a book and a reminder that the world is nicer than the news portrays to us.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is the last book in the series and brings the story to a satisfying conclusion for our characters. I’m always sad to see one of Jessica’s storylines end, but then I’m always excited for the places she will take me to next, so it’s not always sad.
Watching Hollie and Jake get married finally was wonderful, after everything they’ve gone through together, of course there’s some drama and troubles along the way (but no spoilers from me) but they get their happy ever after (that’s definitely not a spoiler with a romance surely 🤣)
I liked the fact we got to know Kerry so much more in this book, how she managed I’ll never know (I have no kids and struggle being responsible for myself let alone four children alone) it’s amazing what single parents manage, they’re the real life superheroes.
Like all Jessica’s stories this is full of romance, drama, a little bit of mystery, a great community, family, hope, new beginnings and will occasionally feature the odd troublemaker with nefarious purposes, but we know they will get their comeuppance in one way or another.
I love Jessica’s books for many reasons, her beautiful writing, the fact I know she’ll wring a million emotions from me, but I’ll be left feeling happier than when I started, but most of all for giving me a piece of escapism that makes me feel better about the world and humanity. I know people like these characters exist in the world and sometimes we need books to remind us, when the media and world makes us feel like they are rarer than we think. They’re not.
Thank you Jessica for giving me (and many, many other readers) a place to escape, mindfulness in a book and a reminder that the world is nicer than the news portrays to us.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 17, 2023
Jessica Redland returns with a magical new novel that is pure enchantment from beginning to end: Summer Nights at The Starfish Café.
Hollie is counting down the days until her summer wedding to the man of her dreams and the love of her life, Jake. The stage is set for an unforgettable wedding, but it looks like all of Hollie’s hopes and dreams for the future might be in jeopardy when unexpected news threatens to put in doubt their plans for a new beginning as a family. Can Hollie find the strength and courage to rise above the many challenges being thrown her way? Will her heart’s desires ever come true? Or should she resign herself to more heartache and disappointment?
Single mum Kerry loves her job working at The Starfish Café. This job has been absolute lifeline for her and she loves laughing and joking with the customers, however, her smiles hide an inner sadness that often threatens to consume her. When a face from her past appears, Kerry realizes that she has two choices: she can either return back to the shadows and hide or she can face her demons head on and finally forge forward with her life.
This summer promises to be quite an eventful one for Hollie and Kerry. But with courage, friendship, love and the help and support of the community at The Starfish Café anything is possible – and their most cherished dreams might just end up coming true after all…
Jessica Redland’s books never fail to hit the spot and she has written another winner with Summer Nights at The Starfish Café. An enjoyable, entertaining and gorgeous romantic read about the power of friendship, fighting for your happy ending and falling in love that made me smile and had me wiping away a tear or two, Summer Nights at The Starfish Café is a heart-warming, uplifting and feel-good tale I absolutely adored.
A lovely read from one of my favourite writers, Summer Nights at The Starfish Café needs to be on everyone’s must-buy list this summer.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Hollie is counting down the days until her summer wedding to the man of her dreams and the love of her life, Jake. The stage is set for an unforgettable wedding, but it looks like all of Hollie’s hopes and dreams for the future might be in jeopardy when unexpected news threatens to put in doubt their plans for a new beginning as a family. Can Hollie find the strength and courage to rise above the many challenges being thrown her way? Will her heart’s desires ever come true? Or should she resign herself to more heartache and disappointment?
Single mum Kerry loves her job working at The Starfish Café. This job has been absolute lifeline for her and she loves laughing and joking with the customers, however, her smiles hide an inner sadness that often threatens to consume her. When a face from her past appears, Kerry realizes that she has two choices: she can either return back to the shadows and hide or she can face her demons head on and finally forge forward with her life.
This summer promises to be quite an eventful one for Hollie and Kerry. But with courage, friendship, love and the help and support of the community at The Starfish Café anything is possible – and their most cherished dreams might just end up coming true after all…
Jessica Redland’s books never fail to hit the spot and she has written another winner with Summer Nights at The Starfish Café. An enjoyable, entertaining and gorgeous romantic read about the power of friendship, fighting for your happy ending and falling in love that made me smile and had me wiping away a tear or two, Summer Nights at The Starfish Café is a heart-warming, uplifting and feel-good tale I absolutely adored.
A lovely read from one of my favourite writers, Summer Nights at The Starfish Café needs to be on everyone’s must-buy list this summer.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 20, 2023
This series is an offshoot of a bigger series, one that I have also read several books of. It is not mandatory, but knowing the extended family (so to speak) definitely makes it feel more involved than just knowing a handful of people. Several people have long, complicated backgrounds, and to date, everyone has found their happily ever after.
In this series, the author has done something different from the other series, which had single couples being the focus of the narrative. In this series, the first book was about Jake and Hollie. In the second, we had them split their time with another couple. This book continues that trend, with the book taking time to explore Jake and Hollie's story while simultaneously talking about Kerry and her history. I would not recommend reading this without knowing of Jake and Hollie's past - at least the first book to begin with.
Jake and Hollie may have started their happily ever after, but Jake's sister rears her head again. In the first book, I felt like her character was a little over the top for me to digest. In this, that feeling was rounded off by addressing her behaviour, and everything that happens makes sense.
Kerry's story also has some back-and-forth when it comes to thinking of her Ex, but that chapter is also concluded by the time the book comes to a close.
There are some serious topics tackled here, and the author's note at the end talks of where the plot stemmed from. It may be triggering to some. It almost was for me, and I may have rushed through parts of it, but mentioning it upfront will be a big spoiler.
I would recommend this book to those who have started the series and the series to those who haven't. It is probably the most consistent reaction I have had to the author's series. In some other cases, I have liked a few a lot more than others. This time I think I enjoyed all of them equally.
I have another new one by the author already queued up on my virtual shelf.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
In this series, the author has done something different from the other series, which had single couples being the focus of the narrative. In this series, the first book was about Jake and Hollie. In the second, we had them split their time with another couple. This book continues that trend, with the book taking time to explore Jake and Hollie's story while simultaneously talking about Kerry and her history. I would not recommend reading this without knowing of Jake and Hollie's past - at least the first book to begin with.
Jake and Hollie may have started their happily ever after, but Jake's sister rears her head again. In the first book, I felt like her character was a little over the top for me to digest. In this, that feeling was rounded off by addressing her behaviour, and everything that happens makes sense.
Kerry's story also has some back-and-forth when it comes to thinking of her Ex, but that chapter is also concluded by the time the book comes to a close.
There are some serious topics tackled here, and the author's note at the end talks of where the plot stemmed from. It may be triggering to some. It almost was for me, and I may have rushed through parts of it, but mentioning it upfront will be a big spoiler.
I would recommend this book to those who have started the series and the series to those who haven't. It is probably the most consistent reaction I have had to the author's series. In some other cases, I have liked a few a lot more than others. This time I think I enjoyed all of them equally.
I have another new one by the author already queued up on my virtual shelf.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
March 31, 2023
🌅Heartwarming series: sorry this marks the end😞
Another good story about a tight community, good friends and realistic romance and family connections, with all of their complications and occasional heartbreak. This last story in the Starfish Cafe series (sad to say goodbye) focuses on two women: Holly, the newly married owner of the Starfish Cafe, and single mother of four Kerry, a waitress at the cafe.
First off, I think it's very thoughtful and helpful that author Jessica Redland includes a summary cast of characters and how they are related before the story starts. I'd read the previous three books in the series but it's always good to have a memory jogger to help get into the new action.
The plot focuses on two very different issues of family life, though it does includes some minor subplots that wind things up for supporting characters like Holly's deceased mother's BFF Angie and interior designer Tori (whose romance featured in a previous book). For Holly it's the complications of trying to start a family and for Kerry it's the stress of helping her kids connect with her long awol ex-husband. Both go through some scares and bad times before making it to the other side. And Kerry actually finds a supportive man to listen and then bring some me time and romance back into her life. Kudos to the author for highlighting the pitfalls along with the high points of love and dealing with family. Including a harrowing side plot for Holly's husband Jake and his sister Larissa, and some rescue adventures along the coast.
Holly's customers and staff and the rescue lifeboat crew constantly meander in and out of the narrative. They give this book a tight community feel: one of the reasons I so enjoy Redland's books.
TW: miscarriage.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
Another good story about a tight community, good friends and realistic romance and family connections, with all of their complications and occasional heartbreak. This last story in the Starfish Cafe series (sad to say goodbye) focuses on two women: Holly, the newly married owner of the Starfish Cafe, and single mother of four Kerry, a waitress at the cafe.
First off, I think it's very thoughtful and helpful that author Jessica Redland includes a summary cast of characters and how they are related before the story starts. I'd read the previous three books in the series but it's always good to have a memory jogger to help get into the new action.
The plot focuses on two very different issues of family life, though it does includes some minor subplots that wind things up for supporting characters like Holly's deceased mother's BFF Angie and interior designer Tori (whose romance featured in a previous book). For Holly it's the complications of trying to start a family and for Kerry it's the stress of helping her kids connect with her long awol ex-husband. Both go through some scares and bad times before making it to the other side. And Kerry actually finds a supportive man to listen and then bring some me time and romance back into her life. Kudos to the author for highlighting the pitfalls along with the high points of love and dealing with family. Including a harrowing side plot for Holly's husband Jake and his sister Larissa, and some rescue adventures along the coast.
Holly's customers and staff and the rescue lifeboat crew constantly meander in and out of the narrative. They give this book a tight community feel: one of the reasons I so enjoy Redland's books.
TW: miscarriage.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
April 2, 2023
As the synopsis suggests, this is an emotional read, but the tears are worth the final ending. Again, we follow Jake and Hollie as they make plans to marry in a style that is perfect for them and their histories. Now both volunteering for the Lifeboat service, it’s essential that they include all parts of their lives as they celebrate their commitment to each other. Sadly, despite their happiness, there’s more sadness to overcome before they can enjoy their future. I have loved getting to know Hollie and Jake, and I will miss them. However, I won’t miss Jake’s awful sister; and I’m sorry to report that she once again appears to sour their story.
We also meet Kerry, a single mum who hides a heartbreaking past with her determination to remain positive for the sake of her children. As we learn more about how she came to be raising her children alone, it’s hard not to feel the volume of sadness that she is faced with. As her past reappears in her life, she is able to find support from one of my favourite characters from this series.
I’ve said it before, but Jessica Redland is a stellar storyteller, her ability to write characters that you can love and also some to hate, is a very special skill. I was even surprised to find myself feeling sorry for a character that I had previously loathed; that is definitely an impressive skill.
The key part of this ability is Jessica’s willingness to put a little of her own life into the fabric of the story. When I read in the acknowledgements that a particular theme was a part of her own lived experience, I shed a few more tears.
This is a fitting farewell to what has been a brief, yet uplifting series, and I am thrilled that I have been able to follow Jake and Hollie’s story. As is Jessica’s style, there are plenty of familiar faces included in this story, and a trip to Castle Street, too.
We also meet Kerry, a single mum who hides a heartbreaking past with her determination to remain positive for the sake of her children. As we learn more about how she came to be raising her children alone, it’s hard not to feel the volume of sadness that she is faced with. As her past reappears in her life, she is able to find support from one of my favourite characters from this series.
I’ve said it before, but Jessica Redland is a stellar storyteller, her ability to write characters that you can love and also some to hate, is a very special skill. I was even surprised to find myself feeling sorry for a character that I had previously loathed; that is definitely an impressive skill.
The key part of this ability is Jessica’s willingness to put a little of her own life into the fabric of the story. When I read in the acknowledgements that a particular theme was a part of her own lived experience, I shed a few more tears.
This is a fitting farewell to what has been a brief, yet uplifting series, and I am thrilled that I have been able to follow Jake and Hollie’s story. As is Jessica’s style, there are plenty of familiar faces included in this story, and a trip to Castle Street, too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews