A Forever Home at Honey Bee Croft by Jessica Redland #Review #BumbleBeeBarnCollection

 

It is fantastic to be returning to Jessica Redland's Bumble Bee Barn Collection of novels with A Forever Home at Honey Bee Croft which was published on January 22nd by Boldwood Books.

 
New friends, new life, new love…

Single dad, Joel Grainger, is devoted to his little girl, Imogen, doing all he can to be a key part of her life. But with Imogen’s mum being ever more difficult and Joel’s job suddenly in doubt, he’s worried that everything is about to change. Joel has given everything to Imogen, and he doesn’t regret it, but maybe he’s lost himself along the way…

Since her dad’s heart-breaking dementia diagnosis, Poppy Wells has been struggling and desperately needs a break. An opportunity to stay in gorgeous Whisperwood Farmhouse nestled in the Yorkshire Wolds and a stone’s throw away from Bumblebee Farm couldn’t be more perfect. Finally able to breathe, Poppy begins to see a new life ahead, a place where she can heal her broken heart and be part of something special. But can she ever leave her beloved dad to get the happiness she craves?

When Poppy and Joel meet there’s an instant connection. But with both of them at a crossroads, a future together seems impossible. Can they find the strength to overcome their challenges to secure their forever home together?

My Thoughts

This is a welcome return to Yorkshire and it was great to catch up with so many familiar characters. Their lives have moved on but you can still glimpse what has been happening in the meantime. Poppy turns out to be a delightful central character who has some complicated feelings about her childhood. Afraid of the time when she is left alone without family, she has been determined to care for both her parents for as long as she could. Her father is in the later stages of Alzheimer's and she is struggling with the knowledge that he no longer knows who she is. It was so touching when she had to call him Stanley, rather than Dad and visit him as if she was just another visitor to his home.

     Joel is ready for a new relationship but he has issues with his ex-partner over access to his beloved daughter. After his parents have left the country to live in Portugal, he has been forced to step into  their shoes with his difficult younger brother. Both Poppy and Joel are dissatisfied with their jobs and ready for a change, First, they have to make the courageous first step. 

    Family and friendship are centre stage as ever, in this series. The setting is beautiful and provides so many opportunities for Poppy. Both Poppy and Joel need to look for the positives in life and to disregard any negativity they have found in the past. It is all about moving forward with hope.

In short: new beginnings and new love

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.

 

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  Purchase link  

 

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.  

 

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