Today we have the treat of a new standalone novel by Jessica Redland. Healing Hearts at Bumblebee Barn was published by Boldwood Books on January 24th.
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 a Farm, a new reality TV show to help
farmers find love, he has nothing to lose by applying. Afterall, 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?
My Thoughts
This standalone novel is a delight to any fans of Jessica Redland as you get to check in with some familiar characters and a few gorgeous rescued hedgehogs. Bumblebee Barn turns out to be just as lovely and you can totally visualise the animals and the fields. Barney is a sensitive and family minded young man but his lonely life on the farm highlights how isolating farm life can be. I enjoyed meeting Amber and her family and the subplot of her sister tied in well with the themes of the story. Family and loyalty is very important but her treatment in the past by ambitious staff has had far reaching effects on her whole family.
This is a story which spans the generations and Barney feels a real link to previous generations. It is interesting to see how Fizz, his sister, who is featured in previous stories at Hedgehog Hollow, is getting on and to see how events in her childhood have affected her whole family, especially her grandfather. Family, caring, working hard and being truthful about what you want in life all are important in the story. I am hoping for a return to Bumblebee Barn- we shall see!
In short: great characters, friends and family
About the Author
Jessica Redland writes emotional but uplifting stories of
love, friendship, family and community. Her Whitsborough Bay books transport
readers to the stunning North Yorkshire Coast where she lives with her husband,
daughter and sprocker spaniel. Her Hedgehog Hollow series, set in a hedgehog
rescue centre, takes readers into the beautiful rolling countryside of the
Yorkshire Wolds.
Thanks to Jessica Redland, Boldwood Books and Rachel of
Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.
Don't forget to take a look at these great bloggers!
Thank you so much for joining the blog tour for Healing Hearts at Bumblebee Barn. I'm delighted you loved Barney and Amber's story. And, good news, we're hoping to bring out a sequel next year. Reader response has been so positive and everyone seems to want more so their wish is my command! x
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