A Breath of Fresh Air

by Jessica Redland

I have really enjoyed Redland’s books; they are clean romances. I had many interruptions as I was reading this one, but I was always eager to pick up where I left off. My one warning is that A Breath of Fresh Air ends with a very large and surprising hook—big enough that I will be revising my reading queue to move on quickly to the third book in the series. At the end, I turned the page to learn who the mysterious “C.” is only to discover that this person’s identity is still hidden. Several of the main characters have been working for a number of months to bring this person’s name to light, but as the book closes it is still a mystery to the reader.

A Breath of Fresh Air is the story of Rosie who manages the stable on a large, but run down, property. She cares for the horses and gives riding lessons to groups and individuals with the help of her mother. Mam is emotionally crippled by a very serious accident and can not make herself leave the estate grounds. Mam has raised Rosie on her own and has never disclosed to Rosie, or anyone, who Rosie’s father is.

There is a lot of heavy baggage that the characters have to carry. Rosie was badly bullied in school, but the most painful break was with her long time friend, Ollie. What in his background would cause him to join with the “Populars” in making fun of her?

There are a lot of themes that the author explores including dysfunctional families composed of tortured people. Bullying is a huge issue as well as secrets that hurt but are supposed to protect. Paternity issues and the treatment of unwed mothers play a major role in this book. The novel includes second chance romances and recovery from PTSD. In the midst of all of these negatives are folks of good character, a supportive friend, and people who dream and work to make their dreams a reality.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Rating: 5/5

Category: Romance, Women’s Fiction

Notes: #2 in the Escape to the Lakes series, but could be read as a stand alone.

Publication:  January 10, 2024—Boldwood Books

Memorable Lines:

Confidence could be such a funny thing. If I was at the stables, I could happily chat to anyone—any age or walk of life, but being surrounded by horses was my comfort zone, my domain, my safe space. This couldn’t be further from that.

“Your capacity to forgive is astonishing, you love your friends and family with a ferocity that’s so touching, and you inspire me every day to want to be a better person.”

Things happened—unexpected, horrendous, life-changing things—but what was important was how we picked ourselves up after them, made our peace and moved on.

I thoroughly enjoyed this 2nd book in the Lake District series. This time the story focused on Rosie, her mum Alice and Oliver. Cranleigh who appears at Willowdale Hall when his father Hubert has a nasty accident and subsequently dies. Oliver is hellbent on selling Willowdale but Rosie has big ideas for the estate, she just needs to convince Oliver.

I thoroughly enjoyed the relationship development between Rosie and Oliver and how the story unfolded and developed in the background. I can not wait to read more in the series.

Warning - this book ends on an epic cliff hanger. The good news it that the next book is already out, so the second you know you are enjoying this book and series enough to suspect you will want to read the next one, buy it so you can move on seamlessly.

I mean the second I finish writing this review I will be starting the next book.. I need answers, and thankfully I had been made aware in advance that there was a cliff hanger ending, and thus I had put off reading this book until I had the next one available too - otherwise I would raging right now!!

And omg what a great book this is, I absolutely loved every single word of it and at times I was a bit choked up with emotion too.

It is what Jessica Redland does best, writes a story with a huge heart, some wonderful animals, brilliant backstories and some incredibly loveable main characters.

Getting to know Rosie and Alice better, having first met them in the previous book was a joy. I had nothing but sympathy for Alice, and I really hoped things would improve for her.

And Rosie, what can I say about Rosie, she has an epic storyline, plus an old flame / enemy comes back into her life and there are parental secrets all over this book.

It's just simply brilliant, I don't want to risk spoiling anything, but I will say the Lake District setting is as gorgeous as ever, and I felt more at home there in this second book. And the horses in the stables, I loved hearing all about them. I do love a focus on animals in stories something that this author does so well.

Then there is Ollie, I was unsure how to feel about him initially but as the story progressed I grew to love him a lot, and really despise his father. But the more I knew about him the I was rooting for him.

This was just an all around brilliant book and I'm totally convinced now after two books that this is a series that will be totally brilliant. Now must run I need to find out what happens next!

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

Loved this book. Great characters, interesting story, and a smashing setting,

Thank you to NetGalley and to the Publisher for allowing me an early look at this book in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely adore this series.... an immersive storyline, in depth characters that warm your heart... a truly delightful read.

I really enjoyed A Breath of Fresh Air by Jessica Redland. I thought the characters were really likeable and they hooked me into the story. Clear, fab descriptions of the Lake District helped to make this book come to life. Lots happening to keep you entertained you will want to keep reading to find out what will happen next.

It was only recently that I read the first book in Jessica’s new series set in the Lake District and I knew it wouldn’t be long before I picked up my kindle again to read book 2.

The time came and I was transported straight back to Willowdale but this time we get to learn a lot more about Rosie, although Autumn and Dane are still there, don’t worry about that! A lot of this is set around the grounds of Willowdale Hall as we get to explore both Rosie and Oliver’s childhood memories.

I already liked Rosie from book 1 but this just cemented her character and I really felt for her as we progressed. Oliver was definitely a work in progress but I was definitely much more of a fan by the time we’d got to the end of the book. Both of them have challenges to face but like with Autumn and Dane, you just know that they can figure them out together.

There were a few twists over the course of the book, the majority of which I didn’t expect but added to the drama and depth of this book. And then the cliffhanger ending… there’s not much I can say about that apart from that I need to read book 3 asap!

Another great escapism read from Redland that will definitely keep me coming back for more!!

This was the second book in its series and it is written well, something that the author always delivers on. I must admit that my review is due to the numerous other books I have read by the same author. Having read so many, I have a certain level of expectation and cannot really comment on how this book would work if it was read in isolation.

One can pick this up without having read the first, but I did enjoy that one more so I recommend reading that before this.

Our lead protagonist has had to take the responsibility of being the earning member of the family for a very long time. It is only when the not-so-pleasant owner of the estate dies, she feels the pressure of change. Things do not look rosy in the future as well. The male protagonist was someone who turned out to be exactly the kind of person one would expect in a plot like this. There is a dual timeline narrative for some parts which helped explain the situations that people found themselves in.

I think my biggest hangup was a possibility of something that is not addressed when we talk about parentage and I will leave it at that so as to not spoil the secrets. Friends and family and dialogues between everyone are interesting and entertaining.

I will continue to recommend anything this author writes, even if this particular book was not as I hoped it would be!

I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

Just as the title suggests, this book is 'A Breath of Fresh Air'. I always love a good Jessica Redland book and again I devoured this book. It is a book to escape into and enjoy. I love the main character Rosie and who she wants to find out what is missing in her life. This book has it all. Friendship, Romance, a gorgeous story and dealing with what life throws at you.

I found the writing as always easy to read and follow, the story had depth and was entertaining and enjoyable. The setting was also beautiful and the writing took me there which I enjoyed. A lovely read and one I had no trouble in finishing this book in a day. 4 1/2 stars from me for this one.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

A brilliant read and one I really enjoyed. The characters are loveable and the setting stunning, I read the first in this series while in the lakes and loved it. When I knew there would be another in the series I knew I had to read it asap! The plot is one that is engaging and I found myself completely drawn into the story and enjoyed the writing style.

Jessica Redland is such a comfort author for me, she writes such warm, well-rounded characters and builds pictures of the most beautiful locations - and this book was no different. It was so easy to fall into the story, and I raced through it.

Rosie and Oliver have both faced significant challenges in their lives, and they are written and explored in such a delicate way that they feel real. The representation of PTSD that features within the story is handled so well, and really shows the challenges it brings not only to those experiencing it but also to the loved ones supporting them.

This is the second in the series, and I will be heading to read the first soon. And after THAT CLIFFHANGER, the third book can't come soon enough.

If you like Heidi Swain or Paige Toon and are looking for a warm, cosy story full of heart, love and friendship, read this!

A Breath of Fresh Air - Jessica Redland

Again this author just does it for me! I enjoy all of her books so much they provide such escapism for me. This book covered PTSD which I found super interesting as it is not something that I have any knowledge of. It was an emotional read, with great depth to the characters. I very much enjoyed visiting the Lake District within this book, I felt like I was there with the descriptions. Thanks so much Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this e-arc in return for my honest thoughts and opinions

This author's books always have a lot of heart, and this is the reason I enjoy reading them.

Rosie is one of those characters that you feel you know - she is kind, nice to everyone and has an interesting job. She lives with her mum, who has some mental health challenges, so her life is not particularly easy, but she navigates the hard days pretty well.

I have to admit that I didn't particularly like Oliver very much......not sure if he was written to be unlikeable or if that was just me?

Anyway, this novel was good reading and I would really like to know what happens next! Please?

4.5 stars from me.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books.

This is an interesting story about perceptions, society and misconstrued opinions. When the owner of the stables is taken ill, Rosie fears for her future and that of her mom, who suffers from PTSD after a traumatic car accident. When the owner's son and Rosie's old friend and flame, Oliver, takes over the stables, secrets are uncovered, and everything changes.

Amazing! After reading the first book in the ‘Escape to the Lakes’ series ‘The Start of Something Wonderful’, I couldn’t wait for this next one and ‘A Breath of Fresh Air’ is nothing short of fantastic once again.
Excellent… I was totally involved in the story, the characters and their lives. Emotional and poignant… beautifully written and so evocative. A truly fantastic read!

Back in the Lake District with Rosie and her mum. Tragedy strikes and what will it mean for Rosie and her mum?
Beautiful descriptions of round the Lake District.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. I really loved this book, the characters, the story.....but I hated the ending. Now I have to wait a whole year to see who C is??? I plan to read more of this author's books.

I really enjoyed this second trip to Willowdale and the focus on Rosie and her mum. Once again the author manages to paint a wonderful picture of the Lake District and makes you feel as if you are there. This is a lighthearted read which also deals with serious issues I can’t believe it ended on a cliffhanger; now I can’t wait for the next installment.

Second in this new series
Loved the first one and this one did not disappoint
Will keep you turning the pages
This lady writes so well you feel you are there
Can’t wait for the third in this series

As always this is just perfect. Such a heart warming read with amazing characters you fall in love with. Beautifully written I love this author.