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Bumblebee Barn #1
Healing Hearts at Bumblebee Barn
Welcome to Bumblebee Barn, home to wonderful animals, stunning views and spectacular sunsets - and resident young farmer, Barney.
While Barney loves his life at Bumblebee Barn - a farm that has been in his family for generations - he's struggling to find someone to share it with. The early mornings quad biking through muddy fields and the long hours looking after the crops and animals are proving to be a deterrent to finding love.
So when his sister, Fizz - desperate for Barney to find his soulmate - sees an advert for Love on the Farm, a new reality TV show to help farmers find love, he has nothing to lose by applying. After all, he isn't meeting anyone suitable down the traditional route and surely he won't be picked anyway...?
Thrown into the chaos of reality TV, Barney could never have expected that his whole life would be turned upside down, with buried secrets to be uncovered and his heart on the line. With his family and friends rooting for him, could the magic of Bumblebee Barn heal his broken heart and help him find love on the farm?
While Barney loves his life at Bumblebee Barn - a farm that has been in his family for generations - he's struggling to find someone to share it with. The early mornings quad biking through muddy fields and the long hours looking after the crops and animals are proving to be a deterrent to finding love.
So when his sister, Fizz - desperate for Barney to find his soulmate - sees an advert for Love on the Farm, a new reality TV show to help farmers find love, he has nothing to lose by applying. After all, he isn't meeting anyone suitable down the traditional route and surely he won't be picked anyway...?
Thrown into the chaos of reality TV, Barney could never have expected that his whole life would be turned upside down, with buried secrets to be uncovered and his heart on the line. With his family and friends rooting for him, could the magic of Bumblebee Barn heal his broken heart and help him find love on the farm?
409 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 24, 2023
562 people are currently reading
752 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Redland
53 books1,185 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews
March 19, 2023
3.5⭐ rounded up
Featuring ~ dual 1st person POV, small town, farm life, reality tv show, cheating, abortion, loss of a family member, slow burn, no steamage
Barney & Amber
Sweet, sweet Barney ~ if I wasn't married, and a little younger, I'd hop across the pond in a heartbeat and live on the farm with him. He's like the sweetest, most compassionate person ever.
Amber is just as sweet. I was rooting for these two from the get go.
What I enjoyed the most:
~ the family dynamics for both of them. They were really close with their families and had great respect for each other. I even liked grumpy old Grandad.
~ the atmospheric descriptions of the countryside.
~ no main character drama.
~ even though I haven't read them ~ the tie in from Jessica's other series that follows Hedgehog Hollow.
I liked that the story had some sad elements of loss, along with how the farm name Bumblebee Barn came about, that really made the story come together as a whole. We have behind the scenes reality tv show drama that I can totally picture as being what really happens.
Most characters were very lovable, but there's always a few that could use a poke with a pitchfork. I was happy that the author made some from both genders unlikable instead of just going with one or the other.
Overall, this was fine for me. I thought I've read slow burn before but this is the slowest burn of my entire reading life. Maybe it's the authors writing style, but the journey for love took a lot longer than I would have liked. I think it's more on the general/women's/cozy fiction side as opposed to romance. I did find it to be well written though. The cover is cute too. With that said I do feel invested in Barney and Amber and would be delighted to read more about them if this is the beginning of a series.
*Thanks to the author, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
Featuring ~ dual 1st person POV, small town, farm life, reality tv show, cheating, abortion, loss of a family member, slow burn, no steamage
Barney & Amber
Sweet, sweet Barney ~ if I wasn't married, and a little younger, I'd hop across the pond in a heartbeat and live on the farm with him. He's like the sweetest, most compassionate person ever.
Amber is just as sweet. I was rooting for these two from the get go.
What I enjoyed the most:
~ the family dynamics for both of them. They were really close with their families and had great respect for each other. I even liked grumpy old Grandad.
~ the atmospheric descriptions of the countryside.
~ no main character drama.
~ even though I haven't read them ~ the tie in from Jessica's other series that follows Hedgehog Hollow.
I liked that the story had some sad elements of loss, along with how the farm name Bumblebee Barn came about, that really made the story come together as a whole. We have behind the scenes reality tv show drama that I can totally picture as being what really happens.
Most characters were very lovable, but there's always a few that could use a poke with a pitchfork. I was happy that the author made some from both genders unlikable instead of just going with one or the other.
Overall, this was fine for me. I thought I've read slow burn before but this is the slowest burn of my entire reading life. Maybe it's the authors writing style, but the journey for love took a lot longer than I would have liked. I think it's more on the general/women's/cozy fiction side as opposed to romance. I did find it to be well written though. The cover is cute too. With that said I do feel invested in Barney and Amber and would be delighted to read more about them if this is the beginning of a series.
*Thanks to the author, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
May 15, 2023
Another fantastic read from Jessica Redland, I was so excited to see Hedgehog Hollow make a firm appearance in this book too. I had grown so attached to this series, I thought it was quite fitting to see it return in this stand-alone story too.
Predominantly set in the Yorkshire Dales, this book focuses on Barney, who seems an absolute charm of a character but is a lonely singleton. Straight away, Redland establishes how Barney works hard on his farm and loves his job, but is incredibly unlucky in love. His vulnerability was particularly poignant and I think this made Barney more of a relatable character. Redland hints at a “lost love” in his past, but it is only once the story is developed do readers find out about this part of Barney’s history. I really enjoyed reading about his relationship with Elle and I think it made him an even more lovable character, especially understanding that he has never really recovered since.
Our female protagonist, Amber, was equally likeable. Very much family-orientated, her loyalty towards her family is unwavering. Like Barney, Amber also has a bit of a past but this concerns her sister. Whilst I had some inkling about what this would be, I liked how Redland made readers wait quite a while before this plot was revealed. Instead, it allowed the focus to be on Amber’s work as a producer and the challenges she faces trying to film this new reality television show that seems to go from one disaster to the next.
This is what made this book stand out from previous reads: Redland explores the world of television producing and the manipulation that goes on with reality shows. I sympathised with Amber’s frustration as the original premise of the dating show Love on the Farm changes completely from what she primarily agreed to. Hands tied thanks to channel bosses, Amber’s morals are compromised as it seems all that the focus is, is to ensure the most conflicted, influenced material is ready to create “car crash television”. It’s a disaster in the making and when Amber’s director-nemesis also gets involved, you know this will never lead to a happy ending.
I really wanted to see Amber and Barney’s relationship develop but their connection as producer and contestant made this impossible. Furthermore, the fact that Barney is supposed to find love from candidates Amber has helped pick, means that both parties know they need to see this program through first, before even considering their true emotions. As a result, I liked watching how the television show was put together, Barney’s bewilderment at the chaos that has descended onto his gorgeous farm, and the extent the directors were willing to go to to ensure a ratings winner.
The appearance of Hedgehog Hollow was the icing on the cake with this story but I really appreciated how this became a satellite location that didn’t impact the plot direction of Bumblebee Barn. Yes, it was lovely to see memorable faces that are now like family, but I enjoyed how different this story was from the rescue centre. In this way, I think it reflects Redland’s versatility as a writer and even though it is another novel set in the Yorkshire countryside, it was a delightful read from start to finish.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Predominantly set in the Yorkshire Dales, this book focuses on Barney, who seems an absolute charm of a character but is a lonely singleton. Straight away, Redland establishes how Barney works hard on his farm and loves his job, but is incredibly unlucky in love. His vulnerability was particularly poignant and I think this made Barney more of a relatable character. Redland hints at a “lost love” in his past, but it is only once the story is developed do readers find out about this part of Barney’s history. I really enjoyed reading about his relationship with Elle and I think it made him an even more lovable character, especially understanding that he has never really recovered since.
Our female protagonist, Amber, was equally likeable. Very much family-orientated, her loyalty towards her family is unwavering. Like Barney, Amber also has a bit of a past but this concerns her sister. Whilst I had some inkling about what this would be, I liked how Redland made readers wait quite a while before this plot was revealed. Instead, it allowed the focus to be on Amber’s work as a producer and the challenges she faces trying to film this new reality television show that seems to go from one disaster to the next.
This is what made this book stand out from previous reads: Redland explores the world of television producing and the manipulation that goes on with reality shows. I sympathised with Amber’s frustration as the original premise of the dating show Love on the Farm changes completely from what she primarily agreed to. Hands tied thanks to channel bosses, Amber’s morals are compromised as it seems all that the focus is, is to ensure the most conflicted, influenced material is ready to create “car crash television”. It’s a disaster in the making and when Amber’s director-nemesis also gets involved, you know this will never lead to a happy ending.
I really wanted to see Amber and Barney’s relationship develop but their connection as producer and contestant made this impossible. Furthermore, the fact that Barney is supposed to find love from candidates Amber has helped pick, means that both parties know they need to see this program through first, before even considering their true emotions. As a result, I liked watching how the television show was put together, Barney’s bewilderment at the chaos that has descended onto his gorgeous farm, and the extent the directors were willing to go to to ensure a ratings winner.
The appearance of Hedgehog Hollow was the icing on the cake with this story but I really appreciated how this became a satellite location that didn’t impact the plot direction of Bumblebee Barn. Yes, it was lovely to see memorable faces that are now like family, but I enjoyed how different this story was from the rescue centre. In this way, I think it reflects Redland’s versatility as a writer and even though it is another novel set in the Yorkshire countryside, it was a delightful read from start to finish.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 31, 2022
This is my last book read of this year and I finished on a really nice one from Jessica Redland. Always a good book from this author and I throughly enjoyed this one. Looking forward to many more from this author. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
January 19, 2023
What a fantastic tale! I found Healing Hearts to be such a lovely and relaxing read, and I became completely engrossed in the narrative. The plot of the book involves much more than just a farmer discovering love on television show. As family dynamics and former entered the picture, the story became increasingly complicated.
Amber is a TV producer who typically avoids reality TV. She initially rejected when asked to participate in a program that matched farmers, but she eventually consented when it meant she could be nearer to her younger sister, who needed her. Except for meeting Barney, the farmer cast to fall in love, it turns out to be far worse than she had anticipated.
Narrated by Barney and Amber, the two central characters. It was clear that the two characters, who are paired together for a new reality show, have complicated histories. Observing Amber and Barney's relationship develop and the fact that Amber maintained her professionalism throughout allowed Barney to give her the chance for closure, letting her to move forward with him for the future they both desire. It was incredibly sweet.
Although it definitely takes a different turn from the standard reality dating show plotline, the outcome is still rather unexpected. The characters were wonderful and engaging. You are left wanting more because there is just the proper amount of romance. The writing is excellent and the place exudes a wonderful sense of coziness.
This is the author's first book that I've read, and I'll definitely check out the rest of them. Overall, this was a lovely and endearing tale!
The book will be available on January 24, 2023! Please put this book on your list straight away if you like cozy, heartfelt romances :)
I thank the opportunity to review this ARC and would want to thank Boldwood Books and Netgalley for providing it. I voluntarily reviewed this copy, and my opinions are my own.
Amber is a TV producer who typically avoids reality TV. She initially rejected when asked to participate in a program that matched farmers, but she eventually consented when it meant she could be nearer to her younger sister, who needed her. Except for meeting Barney, the farmer cast to fall in love, it turns out to be far worse than she had anticipated.
Narrated by Barney and Amber, the two central characters. It was clear that the two characters, who are paired together for a new reality show, have complicated histories. Observing Amber and Barney's relationship develop and the fact that Amber maintained her professionalism throughout allowed Barney to give her the chance for closure, letting her to move forward with him for the future they both desire. It was incredibly sweet.
Although it definitely takes a different turn from the standard reality dating show plotline, the outcome is still rather unexpected. The characters were wonderful and engaging. You are left wanting more because there is just the proper amount of romance. The writing is excellent and the place exudes a wonderful sense of coziness.
This is the author's first book that I've read, and I'll definitely check out the rest of them. Overall, this was a lovely and endearing tale!
The book will be available on January 24, 2023! Please put this book on your list straight away if you like cozy, heartfelt romances :)
I thank the opportunity to review this ARC and would want to thank Boldwood Books and Netgalley for providing it. I voluntarily reviewed this copy, and my opinions are my own.
April 3, 2025
Healing Hearts at Bumblebee Barn #1 Bumblebee Barn
3.5✨
3.5✨
February 6, 2023
4.5 Stars: Healing Hearts at Bumblebee Barn is the story of Barney, a farmer who loves his life on the farm. It has been in the family for several generations and Barney would love to find a partner, someone who loved him and the farm. His sister, Fizz who we met in the Hedgehog Hollow series, convinces him to throw his hat in the ring and apply to be on a reality television show called "Love on the Farm". He applies and gets accepted as one of the farmers looking for a wife, known to the production team as "Farmer Hottie". It all starts smoothly enough, but when the executive producers don't think it is spicy enough, they hire someone else to direct and suddenly secrets are revealed, people are upset, and Amber, the director, is overruled at every turn. Will Barney find his match?
I always enjoy Jessica Redland's books. They are romance, drama, have issues we can relate to, but in the end are uplifting. I really liked Barney's character. He was such a sweet guy who loved his family, but was lonely. He inherited the farm from his granddad and wanted to make him proud. I loved his connection to the Hedgehog Hollow series being Fizz's brother. He was a little shy, and as some of his secrets came out, he wasn't sure what to do. He has some baggage that he needs to reconcile with before he can move on with his life and luckily there are some people that can help him do that. Amber was also a great character, one who wanted to do what was right. She signed on to the project under some verbal stipulations and was thrown under the bus. She didn't want to abandon Barney, so did what she could to support him. I don't watch a lot of reality TV, but I know the more drama, the bigger the audience, that is why I don't watch. I don't want to give anymore of the story away, but if you are looking for an uplifting story with some great characters, I recommend you pick up Healing Hearts at Bumblebee Barn.
I always enjoy Jessica Redland's books. They are romance, drama, have issues we can relate to, but in the end are uplifting. I really liked Barney's character. He was such a sweet guy who loved his family, but was lonely. He inherited the farm from his granddad and wanted to make him proud. I loved his connection to the Hedgehog Hollow series being Fizz's brother. He was a little shy, and as some of his secrets came out, he wasn't sure what to do. He has some baggage that he needs to reconcile with before he can move on with his life and luckily there are some people that can help him do that. Amber was also a great character, one who wanted to do what was right. She signed on to the project under some verbal stipulations and was thrown under the bus. She didn't want to abandon Barney, so did what she could to support him. I don't watch a lot of reality TV, but I know the more drama, the bigger the audience, that is why I don't watch. I don't want to give anymore of the story away, but if you are looking for an uplifting story with some great characters, I recommend you pick up Healing Hearts at Bumblebee Barn.
January 25, 2023
I am the biggest Jessica Redland fan, there isn’t a book she has written I haven’t adored and this is no exception. I’m not sure how she manages it book after book, but she never fails to make me laugh, cry, get angry in defence of characters I connect to so easily and sit in happiness and joy when certain characters get the love and happiness they deserve. It’s a wonderful skill and art form that Jessica has and she’s one of my go to authors for needing a hug, happiness and a placebo to the world today. I hope she realises what a difference her books make to me and many others.
Healing Hearts at Bumblebee Barn gives us Amber, a TV producer and new character (along with her family too) and Barney, our farmer - a familiar face from the Hedgehog Hollows series along with sister Fizz. If you haven’t read Hedgehog Hollows books don’t worry you can totally read any of Jessica’s books as stand-alone (but I guarantee once you read one you’ll want to read all the others too) Barney is just so loveable, so gorgeous, kind, family and community oriented, I just wanna give him a big hug and kiss, I really do love him. Amber is great as well, family loving, open, kind and caring, I loved watching these two grow together and form that tentative friendship and head for something more.
It’s a fantastic slow burn romance, my favourite watching it develop, you can’t beat the tension of them and it’s so satisfying when they get couples get together in a slow burn too. But more than the romance, what I love about this and all Jessica’s books are they are also about family, commitment and friendship, the important things in life. Every time I read these I’m reminded I need to find me a village like this and go live there and find my own Barney maybe ! Well written, perfectly paced and the most gorgeous sunsets and sunrises, I can thoroughly recommend this to all and everyone with a beating heart.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Healing Hearts at Bumblebee Barn gives us Amber, a TV producer and new character (along with her family too) and Barney, our farmer - a familiar face from the Hedgehog Hollows series along with sister Fizz. If you haven’t read Hedgehog Hollows books don’t worry you can totally read any of Jessica’s books as stand-alone (but I guarantee once you read one you’ll want to read all the others too) Barney is just so loveable, so gorgeous, kind, family and community oriented, I just wanna give him a big hug and kiss, I really do love him. Amber is great as well, family loving, open, kind and caring, I loved watching these two grow together and form that tentative friendship and head for something more.
It’s a fantastic slow burn romance, my favourite watching it develop, you can’t beat the tension of them and it’s so satisfying when they get couples get together in a slow burn too. But more than the romance, what I love about this and all Jessica’s books are they are also about family, commitment and friendship, the important things in life. Every time I read these I’m reminded I need to find me a village like this and go live there and find my own Barney maybe ! Well written, perfectly paced and the most gorgeous sunsets and sunrises, I can thoroughly recommend this to all and everyone with a beating heart.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 24, 2023
Jessica Redland creates settings and characters that you can’t help falling in love with! I believe this is a standalone but it would be great to revisit Bumblebee Barn as I am sure there is another book based in this wonderful setting.
February 5, 2023
What an absolute joy to read.
I have read just one of Jessica’s books previously and loved it so much I jumped at the chance of reading this one for the blog tour.
It is written in alternating chapters from Barney and Amber.
Barney is a young farmer who has been unlucky in love and is now feeling lonely on his farm and is ready to find someone to share his life with. His lovely sister Fizz, who is a great character and works at the hedgehog rescue centre, persuades him to sign up for a reality TV show, Love on the Farm, to see if he can find the love of his life that way. Unsure at first, he decides to give it a go.
He is accepted, nicknamed ‘Farmer Hottie’ by Zara, the producer’s assistant. Amber, the producer, pays him a visit.
Amber has her own love life failings and is currently back with an ex. She was very reluctant to produce this programme as she hates reality shows after what happened to her younger sister, but decides to take the job for personal reasons.
The filming starts, but the production company who came up with the idea decide they want to change the format to make it more watchable. Amber is fuming and her director quits.
The show carries on, and Amber and Barney realise they have feelings for each other. But with all their emotional baggage will they find love at the farm?
An absolutely gorgeous story, expertly written. Characters I bonded with and hoped they would find happiness. The supporting characters were all extremely well written and developed.
Yes I loved this book and I can’t recommend it highly enough if you want an uplifting read, with a bit of a cry!
Thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on the blog tour.
I have read just one of Jessica’s books previously and loved it so much I jumped at the chance of reading this one for the blog tour.
It is written in alternating chapters from Barney and Amber.
Barney is a young farmer who has been unlucky in love and is now feeling lonely on his farm and is ready to find someone to share his life with. His lovely sister Fizz, who is a great character and works at the hedgehog rescue centre, persuades him to sign up for a reality TV show, Love on the Farm, to see if he can find the love of his life that way. Unsure at first, he decides to give it a go.
He is accepted, nicknamed ‘Farmer Hottie’ by Zara, the producer’s assistant. Amber, the producer, pays him a visit.
Amber has her own love life failings and is currently back with an ex. She was very reluctant to produce this programme as she hates reality shows after what happened to her younger sister, but decides to take the job for personal reasons.
The filming starts, but the production company who came up with the idea decide they want to change the format to make it more watchable. Amber is fuming and her director quits.
The show carries on, and Amber and Barney realise they have feelings for each other. But with all their emotional baggage will they find love at the farm?
An absolutely gorgeous story, expertly written. Characters I bonded with and hoped they would find happiness. The supporting characters were all extremely well written and developed.
Yes I loved this book and I can’t recommend it highly enough if you want an uplifting read, with a bit of a cry!
Thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on the blog tour.
January 16, 2023
After reading the complete Hedgehog Hollow series by @jessicaredlandauthor and loving every second of it, I couldn't wait to dive into Healing Hearts at Bumblebee Barn, and it sure did not disappoint!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Welcome to Bumblebee Barn, home to beautiful animals, stunning views and spectacular sunsets - and young resident farmer, Barney. As we meet farmer Barney Kinsella, life on Bumblebee Barn farm is a commitment, and he is looking for a girl to share his life and settle down with, but it's not easy. His sister Fizz signs him up for a reality TV show, Love on the Farm.
I loved the setting of this book and with the little snippets you get of Hedgehog Hollow, it truly is a great 'companion' novel. Jessica Redland writes really well and has a great way of conveying the characters' emotions, making it easy to connect with them. The story was absorbing and kept my attention right from page one.
CW: Abortion
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Welcome to Bumblebee Barn, home to beautiful animals, stunning views and spectacular sunsets - and young resident farmer, Barney. As we meet farmer Barney Kinsella, life on Bumblebee Barn farm is a commitment, and he is looking for a girl to share his life and settle down with, but it's not easy. His sister Fizz signs him up for a reality TV show, Love on the Farm.
I loved the setting of this book and with the little snippets you get of Hedgehog Hollow, it truly is a great 'companion' novel. Jessica Redland writes really well and has a great way of conveying the characters' emotions, making it easy to connect with them. The story was absorbing and kept my attention right from page one.
CW: Abortion
February 23, 2024
Enjoyed this one. Really liked Amber and Barney and liked that Hedgehog Hollow featured in it too and some of the characters from that series of books. A lovely, easy read.
August 1, 2023
4.5 stars out of 5
April 22, 2023
I’ve always loved Jessica Redland’s books but I think I may have found my new favourite… We’re in a brand new setting with Healing Hearts at Bumblebee Barn but it’s got that special familiarity with it being based around Barney (he’s the brother of Fizz who we know from Hedgehog Hollow) and there are a lot of familiar characters.
If you’ve not read the Hedgehog Hollow series what are you thinking?! No, I’m kidding 🙊 they are amazing and I’d definitely recommend but you can start this series without having read them first. It just gives this book that familiar feeling if you have read them as you’ll already be familiar with the characters and their back stories (to a certain extent) and the locations we visit.
I found myself playing matchmaker from the very first chapters with Amber and Barney, I mean they could have just been the most perfect couple right… but as we went on I could also see Zara and Joel hitting it off or Sophie and Milo but maybe I may be predicting the future here?! The setting is absolutely gorgeous and I could just picture the view sitting on the fence over Top Farm watching the sunset (I don’t think I’d be up in time for the sun rise!), riding through the fields on the quad bike or just wandering through the meadows.
In case you were still wondering, I really enjoyed this book and can not wait for the next one to find out more about this brand new set of characters. Redland has done it again and created an absolute cracker that grabs you and makes you never want to leave!
If you’ve not read the Hedgehog Hollow series what are you thinking?! No, I’m kidding 🙊 they are amazing and I’d definitely recommend but you can start this series without having read them first. It just gives this book that familiar feeling if you have read them as you’ll already be familiar with the characters and their back stories (to a certain extent) and the locations we visit.
I found myself playing matchmaker from the very first chapters with Amber and Barney, I mean they could have just been the most perfect couple right… but as we went on I could also see Zara and Joel hitting it off or Sophie and Milo but maybe I may be predicting the future here?! The setting is absolutely gorgeous and I could just picture the view sitting on the fence over Top Farm watching the sunset (I don’t think I’d be up in time for the sun rise!), riding through the fields on the quad bike or just wandering through the meadows.
In case you were still wondering, I really enjoyed this book and can not wait for the next one to find out more about this brand new set of characters. Redland has done it again and created an absolute cracker that grabs you and makes you never want to leave!
February 9, 2023
Another book by Jessica Redland and I fell more in love with the stunning world she creates. It is mesmerizing to imagine and be between characters that are so special, you will root for them like they are your own bunch of people.
Jessica Redland has given us a countryside story with a sweet and lovely farmer Barney who has difficulty finding love. To help Barney and because she can't see him alone, Fizz who is his sister (and yes also the one from Hedgehog Hollow series) signs him up for a reality show Love on the Farm.
Amber is a producer and she hates reality TV but for reasons important to her she agrees to this show. I loved all the characters in this book and want a story for Joel and Zara also.
The setting created by the author is wonderful. She is skilled in writing a story with family dynamics, drama, romance, emotional roller coaster, lovable characters and self growth. She never fails to make me laugh, cry, get angry on behalf of characters, cheer up for them and be happy for how it beautifully comes to an end.
This isn't just your normal romance, Jessica Redland shows friendships, family and other important things in a way that will make a difference to you. I enjoyed reading every bit of it.
I highly recommend this book to everyone.
Jessica Redland has given us a countryside story with a sweet and lovely farmer Barney who has difficulty finding love. To help Barney and because she can't see him alone, Fizz who is his sister (and yes also the one from Hedgehog Hollow series) signs him up for a reality show Love on the Farm.
Amber is a producer and she hates reality TV but for reasons important to her she agrees to this show. I loved all the characters in this book and want a story for Joel and Zara also.
The setting created by the author is wonderful. She is skilled in writing a story with family dynamics, drama, romance, emotional roller coaster, lovable characters and self growth. She never fails to make me laugh, cry, get angry on behalf of characters, cheer up for them and be happy for how it beautifully comes to an end.
This isn't just your normal romance, Jessica Redland shows friendships, family and other important things in a way that will make a difference to you. I enjoyed reading every bit of it.
I highly recommend this book to everyone.
January 12, 2023
Having read most of the Hedgehog Hollow series I have become a big fan of Jessica Redland's books. Will these books change your life? Probably not. Will you feel good when you have read one, and feel like you have made new friends? Almost certainly. The Bumblebee Barn book centres around Barney, who is the brother of Fizz who works at Hedgehog Hollow, so you can see the characters do overlap quite a bit.
Barney owns and lives at Bumblebee Farm, which he took over from his Grandad. The Farm is all he ever wanted, except that he has no one to share it with. He desperately wants a wife and children, but it's not that easy when you live on a farm. When his sister hears about a television program that are looking for farmers to match up on dates she persuades Barney to apply.
Amber is a TV producer who produces a countryside program. When asked to do a program to match up farmers she initially refused, but when it meant she could be closer to her little sister who needed her, she reluctantly agreed.
The plot may not be a total surprise, but there are enough twists and turns that it isn't totally predictable, and it is very enjoyable.
Barney owns and lives at Bumblebee Farm, which he took over from his Grandad. The Farm is all he ever wanted, except that he has no one to share it with. He desperately wants a wife and children, but it's not that easy when you live on a farm. When his sister hears about a television program that are looking for farmers to match up on dates she persuades Barney to apply.
Amber is a TV producer who produces a countryside program. When asked to do a program to match up farmers she initially refused, but when it meant she could be closer to her little sister who needed her, she reluctantly agreed.
The plot may not be a total surprise, but there are enough twists and turns that it isn't totally predictable, and it is very enjoyable.
January 29, 2023
Another wonderful read from Jessica Redland. This is a stand alone novel, however, some characters from the Hedgehog Hollow series pop up and its great to hear whats going on there.
This book is told from Barney and Amber's point of view. Barney has been persuaded by his sister to take part in a reality TV show looking for love and Amber is the producer.
There is so much in this book. Both of them have been hurt and their hearts need healing. Add into this family dynamics, loss, dealing with trauma from the past, and unscrupulous people and you have a fantastic story. There is fun, heartbreak, romance and healing.
This is one I would highly recommend. Thank you Jessica for another fantastic book.
Thank you to @rachelsrandomresources and Boldwood Books for my gifted ARC and spot on the tour.
This book is told from Barney and Amber's point of view. Barney has been persuaded by his sister to take part in a reality TV show looking for love and Amber is the producer.
There is so much in this book. Both of them have been hurt and their hearts need healing. Add into this family dynamics, loss, dealing with trauma from the past, and unscrupulous people and you have a fantastic story. There is fun, heartbreak, romance and healing.
This is one I would highly recommend. Thank you Jessica for another fantastic book.
Thank you to @rachelsrandomresources and Boldwood Books for my gifted ARC and spot on the tour.
May 11, 2023
I found this on my kindle and felt like it was shouting at me to pick it, so I did. One of the main characters is called ‘Barney’ and I have a dog called Barney so I knew that was a deffo start. Then Barney has two dogs, bear and Harley, and in my opinion, you can have a book without some sort of animal thing in it!
My rating shines a lot on how I liked this read and if I had to rate it out of ten, it would be a 9! Why a nine you may ask? Because I hated some of their ex partners and how could I give them the satisfaction of them getting a ten out of ten for being idiots? Loved this read and could recommend this to anyone, including a cockroach. Very well done with loads of twists and turns that make you want to reach your hand through the page or screen and save them from what lies will be uncovered that they can’t see coming! Really enjoyed it and one very nicely written book!
My rating shines a lot on how I liked this read and if I had to rate it out of ten, it would be a 9! Why a nine you may ask? Because I hated some of their ex partners and how could I give them the satisfaction of them getting a ten out of ten for being idiots? Loved this read and could recommend this to anyone, including a cockroach. Very well done with loads of twists and turns that make you want to reach your hand through the page or screen and save them from what lies will be uncovered that they can’t see coming! Really enjoyed it and one very nicely written book!
May 27, 2024
Apologies for the noise. It’s just my heart melting!
Oh goodness!! Something strange is definitely happening to me, my old cynical heart is filled with joy at lovely romancey novels. This one was brilliant.
The premise of the story is great. Barney our sweet lovely kind Yorkshire farmer has been encouraged by his sister fizz to enter a reality dating show. Live on the farm.
Meanwhile equally lovely Amber, a tv producer who loves filming series of country living style programmes and hates reality tv, needs to find herself based in Yorkshire as back up should her younger sister need her …….. you can guess where this goes, it’s a lovely meet cute. There are highs and lows and ups and downs and roundabouts, the ending was so lovely.
The narration was lovely too.
All the stars 🌟
#Jorecommends
Currently included with audible 🎧
Oh goodness!! Something strange is definitely happening to me, my old cynical heart is filled with joy at lovely romancey novels. This one was brilliant.
The premise of the story is great. Barney our sweet lovely kind Yorkshire farmer has been encouraged by his sister fizz to enter a reality dating show. Live on the farm.
Meanwhile equally lovely Amber, a tv producer who loves filming series of country living style programmes and hates reality tv, needs to find herself based in Yorkshire as back up should her younger sister need her …….. you can guess where this goes, it’s a lovely meet cute. There are highs and lows and ups and downs and roundabouts, the ending was so lovely.
The narration was lovely too.
All the stars 🌟
#Jorecommends
Currently included with audible 🎧
January 31, 2023
I am a massive Jessica Redland fan and jumped at the chance to read her new release. A wonderful story where we meet new characters and get to spend some time with some well loved characters from Hedgehog Hollow as well.
Barney takes centre stage for this story and although we've met him through Fizz, this is where we get to know about the history of the farm and see why he now feels he's ready for a shot at love.
This story is brimming with love and friendship and it was one that I thoroughly enjoyed reading from beginning to end.
Barney takes centre stage for this story and although we've met him through Fizz, this is where we get to know about the history of the farm and see why he now feels he's ready for a shot at love.
This story is brimming with love and friendship and it was one that I thoroughly enjoyed reading from beginning to end.
February 4, 2023
I am a massive fan of Jessica Redland and as such, was really looking forward to reading Healing Hearts at Bumblebee Barn. True to expectation, it did not disappoint. It's set in the beauty of the Yorkshire Wolds and features Barney and Amber. This story is teeming with love and friendship and it was one that I thoroughly enjoyed reading from beginning to end. There's hilarious moments and I cannot recommend this novel highly enough.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Boldwood Books via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Boldwood Books via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
January 23, 2023
Such a perfect book for me!
I adore books that feature farming ( I grew up on a farm, so it brings back happy memories!) and I enjoy watching some of the reality tv shows too!
Barney was a character that I instantly bonded with, his gentle personality and family oriented personality was so endearing, I so wanted him to find love!
Amber was fantastic too, her honesty and caring attitude to her family and contestants really shone through.
It was a great pleasure to see how they both found solace with each other, and witnessing their genuine friendship starting to blossom was so incredibly uplifting and joyful to behold.
Jessica never fails to touch my heart with her beautiful stories, and this certainly did that! ❤️Her gorgeous books are my little oasis of Yorkshire loveliness and I look forward to reading many more!
I adore books that feature farming ( I grew up on a farm, so it brings back happy memories!) and I enjoy watching some of the reality tv shows too!
Barney was a character that I instantly bonded with, his gentle personality and family oriented personality was so endearing, I so wanted him to find love!
Amber was fantastic too, her honesty and caring attitude to her family and contestants really shone through.
It was a great pleasure to see how they both found solace with each other, and witnessing their genuine friendship starting to blossom was so incredibly uplifting and joyful to behold.
Jessica never fails to touch my heart with her beautiful stories, and this certainly did that! ❤️Her gorgeous books are my little oasis of Yorkshire loveliness and I look forward to reading many more!
January 30, 2023
Outstanding
This beautiful story of Barney at bumblebee barn is brilliant. Jessica's writing is always fabulous , time and time again she comes up with these brilliant stories. This book is fun ,enjoyable and everything we love . It very cleverly dips into the lives of previous characters so we have that satisfaction too. It's definitely a must read and a ten star if only they went that high. Enjoy everyone
This beautiful story of Barney at bumblebee barn is brilliant. Jessica's writing is always fabulous , time and time again she comes up with these brilliant stories. This book is fun ,enjoyable and everything we love . It very cleverly dips into the lives of previous characters so we have that satisfaction too. It's definitely a must read and a ten star if only they went that high. Enjoy everyone
January 7, 2023
Another gorgeous read from Jessica Redland. I’m a huge fan of her writing and am loving the stories around the hedgehog centre. Healing Hearts at Bumblebee Farm is a slight move away from the hedgehogs but for fans it’s not too far away as Barney the main character, is the brother of Fizz from the centre.
I loved the idea of this one - finding love for Barney on a reality tv programme seems like a fun way to show off the farm and Barney but as per usual it’s not smooth sailing. Amber was a great introduction to the farm setting - calm and professional she seemed in her element on the farm and her relationship with Zara was a joy to read.
I loved the idea of this one - finding love for Barney on a reality tv programme seems like a fun way to show off the farm and Barney but as per usual it’s not smooth sailing. Amber was a great introduction to the farm setting - calm and professional she seemed in her element on the farm and her relationship with Zara was a joy to read.
February 3, 2023
Really enjoyed this despite some of the nastier characters included. It felt like the hedgehog hollow books felt in the beginning, comfortable and easy to read. It was nice learning more about Barney and the rest of Fizz’s family. Here’s hoping the next book is about Joel.
February 28, 2023
Wonderful read
Another heart warming read from Jessica Redland, well written with great characters, it was a lovely, kind story from start to finish. I would like to see where this story goes!
Another heart warming read from Jessica Redland, well written with great characters, it was a lovely, kind story from start to finish. I would like to see where this story goes!
June 12, 2024
Jessica Redland’s books are my absolute favorites for audiobooks, and I can’t leave out narrator Rebecca Norfolk, as she brings them to life. Lighthearted, but real, the stories are like coming home, and the characters and their towns have become like friends.
January 1, 2023
A lovely cozy romance to start my years reading.
I liked Barney and Amber from the start and wanted the best for them.
The book is so much more than a farmer finding love through a TV show. The story was more complex with family dynamics and ex-partners coming into the equation.
This is my first book by this author and the little snippet I got of Hedgehog Hollow makes me want to read those books too.
I liked Barney and Amber from the start and wanted the best for them.
The book is so much more than a farmer finding love through a TV show. The story was more complex with family dynamics and ex-partners coming into the equation.
This is my first book by this author and the little snippet I got of Hedgehog Hollow makes me want to read those books too.
January 26, 2023
This is how much I loved this book. I stayed up till 4.15 a.m. To finish it, it was utterly, utterly brilliant. Can highly recommend.
February 8, 2023
A sweet story of new love. The best part? It’s found on a farm!! Love those stories.
Great characters, multiple storylines and a satisfying ending.
Fans of sweet romance stories should definitely pick this up.
Great characters, multiple storylines and a satisfying ending.
Fans of sweet romance stories should definitely pick this up.
March 15, 2023
Why feel lonely when you can go on a dating show and find the one! Such a beautiful story of finding yourself and love.
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