I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a cute, heartwarming book. I enjoyed it a lot!

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'The Best Is Yet To Come' by Jessica Redland.

This is the third book in Jessica's 'Escape To The Lakes' series but can be read as a standalone.

OMG!!! I absolutely LOVED this gorgeous page turner!! I may not have read any of the other books in this series yet but I cannot wait to go back and read the previous two while I am waiting for the fourth book to come out which is available to preorder today ready for its publication date on the 1st May 2025. I have read several books by this fantastic author and as always this book does not disappoint!!! In this absolutely gorgeous storyline we meet 47 year old Emma who has been with Grayson for over 7 years and is engaged to him. She is primarily a teacher but is about to start a new chapter of her life helping Grayson to run one of Beatrix Potter's farms. Emma gives up her teaching job and her home and is about to move with Grayson when he breaks up with her. Emma's estranged father then turns up to tell her that she has a half brother called Oliver. Oliver and his girlfriend Rosie invite her to Willowdale Hall and she cannot believe her luck. She is determined to start her new alpaca business but Willowdale Hall's groundsman Killian needs to fix the structure first. Can Emma get her business up and running? Will she get the second chance that she more than deserves? Well you will have to grab your copy of this stunning page turner to find that out for yourselves!!! I can promise that you will not regret it!! i mean, let's be fair here, how can you when it is a Jessica Redland book?? Any books that revolve around animals is a HUGE bonus for me!!! I am a MASSIVE animal lover and all my pets have been rescues to then volunteering in rescues, working in rescues and now running my own little cat rescue (Golden Oldies Cat Rescue And Hospice which you can look up on Facebook if you are interested) so this book was a huge must read for me immediately!!! I really did absolutely love this unique, stunning page turner from the first page to the very last and cannot wait to get my hands on more books by this amazing author! Jessica's excellent writing skills and evocative descriptions drops the reader straight into the middle of Emma's life in the stunning Lake District. I was absolutely hooked throughout and could not put this down. I told myself time and time again I would just finish the chapter and then go to bed but something happened each and every time meaning I just had to read just one more, and then another until before I knew it I had completely devoured the book in one sitting. I genuinely felt like I had gone on holiday to Willowdale Hall and The Lake District and was devastated to come to the end of my holiday, returning back to reality and having to 'unpack my suitcase'!! It really is just amazing and I absolutely love it and I really cannot compliment this book enough!!! It is one of those books that are very easy to read and perfect for any reading situations whether you are laying on a beach or curled up in front of a fire. It is an absolutely ideal read for anyone who is looking for a gorgeous and relaxing read that will have you hooked from beginning to end. I absolutely LOVED the realism of this storyline which made it so easy to picture everything that was going on which had been helped by Jessica's fantastic evocative writing skills. I cannot wait to get hooked into more of Jessica's books especially the previous and next books in this series! This is definitely one of those books that will turn a frown upside down and make life seem a lot brighter. It is packed with fun, laughter, animals, romance, friendships, a huge breathe of fresh air and everything you could ask for in a fantastic feel good book.

Well done Jessica on yet another absolutely stunning book that I fell in love with!!!

Although this is the third book in Jessica's 'Escape To The Lakes' series I had absolutely no problems reading it without any of the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader. The characters were all an eclectic mix and each one of them were realistic and strong. I was completely invested in them all. It also makes them more realistic, believable and made me feel even more for them than I normally would. They all worked perfectly together to make this a stunning storyline. Each of the characters and animals are memorable and unique in their own ways and they are a group that I wont be forgetting any time soon!

Pick up this book and get lost in this absolutely gorgeous page turner! Congratulations Jessica on yet another absolutely stunning read that I just could not put down!!! I am looking forward to reading more of your previous and future books. I would absolutely love to see this book turned into a movie!!! This is the exact reason you are on my favourite author list and here's to your next success 🥂

Overall an unputdownable, gorgeous, STUNNING page turning book filled with second chances, family, animals, romance, fun, laughter, friendship and so much more!! A perfectly relaxing and stunning unique read!!!!

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Thank you Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books for my gifted copy and spot on the tour.

After the ending of book two, I couldn’t wait to dive into this one and I certainly wasn't disappointed.

Emma is the main character in this book and when she is blindsided by her fiancé she feels her world has fallen apart. She has had a difficult relationship with her dad but turns to him for support. This then sets off a chain of people being brought into each others lives. With this brings a few revelations with lots of questions and answers.

I loved Emma's character and was rooting for her as she battled to get her new business up and running, overcoming a few challenges. I loved all the information on the alpacas and now need to find somewhere I can meet them.

It was lovely to see her supported by her new found friends and family as well as established ones. Killian came across as a lovely guy and was a great friend and support to her and I hoped one day maybe more

Another wonderful book from Jessica with the usual mix of family, friendship and community spirit. It has so much packed into it and is a really heartwarming read. A definite winner for me, which I would highly recommend.

I'm now looking forward to the next book as I'm sure there are many more characters with their stories to tell. Hopefully the alpacas will feature again.

A fresh start, following their dreams,
Running a farm proves not all it seems.
Alpacas 🦙 dreams, newly revealed family
Another fresh start will be better - hopefully!

Willowdale Hall proves to be the perfect place
But getting things ready could be a race.
Healing from past hurts and moving on once more
There are new possibilities for Emma to explore.

Will the magnificent seven help her heart to heal
Will she learn to trust how her heart feels?
Healing rifts, learning more about the past
Helps give hope for the future at last.

A gorgeous, heart warming read full of love and more,
Just the kind of read I really adore!
For my copy of this brilliant book I say thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review!

Absolutely fantastic, another wonderful contribution from Jessica Redland, I’m not sure she could write a book I don’t like, because she’s not managed it yet and I’ve read all her books ! Beautiful story in gorgeous surroundings, heartwarming characters, comforting community, this is everything you want in a book and the perfect autumn reading

I am immensely enjoying the new Lake District series by Jessica Redland. I really enjoyed her hedgehog series and now this series has alpacas. A series that has animals is a surefire winner. This book is sweet, romantic and enduring but yet has a serious side as well. With so many twists and turns and it's not even a mystery I couldn't stop turning pages because I just knew I had to know what happened next and then after that. With a marriage that went bad and another romance after that that wasn't right it's time for fresh starts. The story has an everchanging landscape and we get questions answered from the previous book in the series. I loved seeing all the change not only for our main character but others as well. The many changes going on in the book leads to many side stories not involving our main character but they are just as interesting and I'm assuming we'll see these explored more in future books. Fun, realistic, romantic but written with a serious side as well, filled with empathy.
An emotional and uplifting page turner that I'm looking forward to reading more of the upcoming series.

I was given a complimentary copy of the book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

#thebestisyettocome
#Boldwoodbooks

This is book three in the Escape to the Lakes series by Jessica Redland. Although it's book three in the series you can definitely read it as a stand-alone. As with all the books that I have read by Jessica Redland I really enjoyed reading it. It's set in the Lake District in the area around Derwent Water, a lovely area of lakeland fells and views a plenty.

Leaving her job at a school as Head of Sciences, Emma is now looking forward to her new job on the farm, but she will miss her best friend Rachel, they had grown up together, been bridesmaids for each other and now Emma's off to her new job and home at Bracken Ridge Farm in the Lake District National Park and at forty seven she feels she is ready for this, her next chapter in life. The farm is one of fifteen farms that the National Trust owned, one of which used to belong to Beatrix Potter, so they are called the Beatrix Potter farms. Now it's the beginning of August and their tenancy is due to start. But things are not all cosy between Emma and Grayson, he seems to object to everything that Emma does, and has made it patently obvious that he wants nothing to do with alpacas, which is something that Emma would desperately love to make a go of.
The relationship between them goes decidedly sour and Emma is devastated and knows she can't stay another minute with him. She moves out and stays with her dad, and discovers many secrets she had no idea about, Emma's dad has some news that she definitely wasn't what she expected to hear. As you read through this book you get to know Emma, her likes and dislikes, her hopes now and what she desperately hoped for years ago with her husband Matthew and then the relationship with Grayson. She certainly needs some support at this stage in her life but will she find it now in the process of building up her new alpaca business and also finding out about her personal life and friendships. Her dad coming back into her life is a good start to family life but has she found a new soulmate?

It's a hugely entertaining read by one of my most popular authors, I enjoyed it so much, it's definitely a five star read from me.

The Best is Yet to Come is Escape to the Lakes Book 3. I read and loved the first two and was excited to read this one and to find out the answer to a question posed at the end of the second book. That is sorted out in the prologue here, so you don’t have long to wait.
Jessica is one of my favourite authors, her books are always “must reads” for me and I always love them. Not one of her books has ever disappointed. My favourite was her Hedgehog Hollow series and I wondered how easily I’d get into a new series, but I was hooked from the first one – and I do recommend you read them in order to see how the characters develop.
So this is the Willowdale series set in the Lake District and the scenery really comes to life. I can pretty much smell the fresh air and look out at the beautiful views through Jessica’s words.
After the prologue (no spoilers here!), we meet Emma. She is 47 and giving up teaching after 25 years. She is having a huge career change from being Head of Sciences to running a farm – Bracken Ridge Farm in the Lake district - with her fiancé Grayson. Not forgetting their lovely Border Collie called Monty.
Emma has a lifelong best friend called Rachael, who is mum to 25-year-old twins. They have such a great friendship, it’s lovely to see, Rachael is the sort of friend who can answer an important question both honestly and tactfully. I did enjoy the scenes between them.
Emma’s also got a great family – her mum and stepdad John, her dad, sisters, partners and kids. I enjoyed any time they got together with all the warmth and love that big families bring. There’s a bit of a distance between Emma and her father, which she has never really understood, but don’t worry, it’s all explained.
Now, let’s get onto Emma’s fiancé. From the start, I didn’t like Grayson and could see he was completely wrong for lovely Emma. He’s not interested in the leaving presents she gets from her teachers and students and seems dismissive and patronising. When she has an idea of opening a business doing alpaca or llama walks, he isn’t at all encouraging. And he gets worse. In fact, he reminded me of my controlling ex-fiance. (I’m hoping Jessica will write a version where Emma decides to adopt a pack of wolves and they eat Grayson for breakfast.)
Emma loves llamas and alpacas and if you didn’t before reading this book, you’re going to! I learned so much from this novel, but in such a lovely way, it never felt like I was being taught, it is just picking up bits of information along the way and it’s fascinating! I loved how the alpacas all had their own little ways and different personalities. (Make sure you check out Jessica Redland’s social media posts about her research and look out for the adorable Dave the alpaca!)
Now, stuff happens and Emma has to make some big decisions and changes to her life. The blurb tells you more than I’m going to, because I recommend you all read this glorious book and find out for yourself. I think Emma is one of my favourite fictional characters, she’s so sweet and I love her passion for the alpacas and her love for her new project. She has so much love to give but seems to have been thwarted so many times, so I was really rooting for her to get her happy ever after.
In summary, this book has everything – wonderful, jump off the page characters; a great storyline with lots of subplots to get your teeth into; a beautiful setting which will make you feel like you’ve been there; lovely friendships and family relationships and cute kids. Oh and did I mention the alpacas?
Another 10/10 triumph from Jessica Redland. Stunning.

As the lucky winner of copies of the two previous books in the series I was extremely excited to read this one. Once again Jessica Redland did not disappoint. A book that includes alpacas (one of my favourite animals), a family mystery to solve and a main character determined to fulfil her dreams is a brilliant combination. I loved this book from the first page to the last and found it difficult to put it down. I look forward to the next in this series! If you’re a fan of Heidi Swain or Jill Steeples then you will definitely love this book. I can’t wait to read more of Jessica’s books and I hope you will pick up a copy of this I can definitely say you won’t regret it!

I love this series set in the Lake District it has everything you could want, great characters, good storyline and beautiful backdrop of the Lake District. Emma is a lovely character and you can't wait for her to get away from the horrible Grayson and it is also lovely to be back and catch up with Oliver and Rosie and the characters from the other books,. It can easily be read as a standalone but definitely recommend reading the others. Lovely heartwarming story.

This is a good follow on in the story left in the previous Lakes book, some familiar characters and some new. I kind of felt like I didn't gel with either Emma or Kilian, I don't know why there was just something lacking for me. I loved the alpaca storyline and to see the progression of events at the hall and Emma's relationship with her Dad.

The twist and cliffhanger ending from the previous book are quickly answered but aren't part of the main storyline line- because there are incredible hooky connections!

I loved reacquainting myself with previous characters and getting to know some new ones.

I felt so sorry for Emma and the way the horrible Grayson treated her. I hated Grayson he's a knob-( to quote Dillon, her brother-in-law)

I loved the alpacas ( the magnificent seven) and that part of the story was so nail-biting! Mu nerves!!

This is the third, in what is 'rumoured' to be a 12-15 book series! So do yourself a favour, catch up on the previous ones before book 4 comes out, trust me you'll love it!

After supporting her fiancé Grayson’s efforts to take on the running of one of Beatrix Potter’s farms, all while dealing with issues of her own, Emma’s given up her teaching career to help him get established – but it soon becomes clear that’s not going to work out, so she decides to use one of the home paddocks to follow a dream and start her own business. He wants nothing to do with her plans to keep a small herd of alpacas, offering walks in the countryside – and it soon becomes clear that he’s had enough of Emma too. Her father – they’ve never had an easy relationship – comes to the rescue, and introduces her to the team at Willowdale Hall – where they’re more than happy to offer the alpacas a home and add the walks to the activities they plan to offer.

Happy ever after then? Oh no, not yet – there’s so much more to the story! Getting ready for the Magnificent Seven’s arrival, there’s a lot of work needed – and Emma becomes hod-carrier for Killian, the initially rather standoffish and grumpy groundsman. To her surprise, they work together well – he might have a few issues and hidden depths, but he’s kind, gentle and thoughtful (unlike Grayson…), and in time might just bring some happiness to Emma’s life too.

Remembering the cliff-hanger in the last book in the series, you’ll be pleased to hear that situation is resolved – the family complications affecting everyone, for some of them unexpectedly, as they feel their way forward. It’s all beautifully worked through, but not without some extra issues and a few tears along the way. I’d urge everyone to read this series from the beginning – you’ll be meeting old friends again, and it would be such a shame not to catch up with their earlier stories – but just this once, I don’t think anyone would struggle too badly if they picked up this book as a standalone.

The author always has the most perfect emotional touch with her relationships – whether family, friendship or romantic. But she also has a very sure hand when dealing with life’s issues – mental health, the impact of endometriosis, or the legacy of hurt within a fractured family along with the challenges of starting afresh. And she’s certainly done plenty of in-depth research into caring for alpacas – there’s also some very nicely handled drama surrounding their arrival, but a lot of joy when they’re finally safely at their newly (and hastily) finished home. I learned a lot about these beautiful animals – and will deliver the preferred strokes and be a far better communicator when I next come across my favourite local herd! And that wonderful setting, so well described – I really must try to get to Keswick as part of my holiday plans next year and enjoy some of those gorgeous views.

The whole story was beautifully told, with a cast of characters I really didn’t want to leave behind. But we’ll be back at Willowdale in future, and that’s something I’ll be very much looking forward to – this was the loveliest addition to an ongoing series I’m thoroughly enjoying, and a book I’d thoroughly recommend.

Another fantastic addition to the ‘Escape to the Lakes’ series.
After two failed relationships, Emma is left without a job, a home, self esteem and confidence. Luckily she is able to build bridges with her father, uncovering secrets along the way, and continue with her dream of owning a herd of alpacas and offering them as walking companions.
My initial thoughts after the first chapter were, beautiful scenery but not sure about the characters. But I should not have worried as my doubts were soon dispelled and I throughly enjoyed this captivating story.
Waiting eagerly for the next instalment.

This was a lovely read about second chances and going after what you want in life. Emma did seem pretty I,mature for her age though, I would have guessed her at early 30s with her mindset. But it was nice to read about someone nearing 50 for a change. Would love a book about Christian and his new lease on life. Looking forward to more in this series.

After the Hedgehog Hollow series came to an end, I didn't think I'd like another series as much. But hey, here we are book three already!

The Lake District is one of the most beautiful places our country has to offer, so I jumped at the chance to revisit my friends at Willowdale Hall.

Emma's story is the main thread of The Best Is Yet to Come and it was such a heartbreaking story that I truly hoped she was going to get the chance to rediscover herself and get the happiness she so deserved.

It's a thoroughly enjoyable inclusion to the series, written with warmth and heart in Redland's inimitable style.

A lovely book continuing the series set in the Lake District, which has been wonderful. Especially the alpacas, which I have a soft spot for. Jessica writes excellent books, long may it continue.

I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

This is part of the Lake District series, and I haven't read any of the others in the series, but I have read a few others by this author and enjoyed them, so I was looking forward to this.

At the start of the book, the protagonist, Emma, decides to give up teaching and move to a farm with her partner, Grayson. I really liked Emma from the beginning, but I wasn't sure that she was being entirely true to herself. At least, that was how I felt to begin with.

It was heartwarming to follow Emma's journey, even if there were a few bumps on the road. I actually found this quite emotional to read in places; I loved some of the deep conversations, and the bonds that formed between Emma and some of the other characters.

The message that I took away from reading this was that sometimes, things in life may not work out the way you planned, but they might work out to be even better. Just like the title says - the best is yet to come.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

I am loving this fabulous series set in the beautiful Lake District. This is book 3 and another cracking read. Our main character. Emma is likeable and relatable but she hasn't had much luck with her 2 previous relationships and isn't in a good place when the story begins. However, with a cast of kind, warm and supportive people in her corner, her healing process begins and with an unlikely but delightful herd of alpacas, she finds joy and a new purpose in life. I knew very little about alpacas before reading this book but am now a firm fan of these gentle, sweet and delightful creatures and would love to be able to enjoy the experience of walking them as described in the book. Jessica Redland writes beautifully with a kindness and heartwarming passion for her subjects. Her previous books have had us readers falling in love with hedgehogs, bees and now alpacas. I don't know how she does it but long may her magic continue. My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The Best is Yet to Come by Jessica Redland

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Emma is having a fresh start.

After a successful teaching career, an exciting new chapter awaits Emma – helping her fiancé Grayson run one of Beatrix Potter's farms. While imagining days spent supporting Grayson with his dream, working the land and helping with the animals, Emma harvests a dream of her own – to set up an alpaca-walking business around the farm.

But working together isn’t as easy as Emma expected. Soon her dreams are in tatters and, broken-hearted, she must start over yet again.

When Oliver, Rosie and the team at Willowdale Hall welcome Emma with open arms, she can't believe her luck. But starting a new business in a new place is a daunting prospect, especially when it comes with unexpected obstacles. With a reserved, prickly groundskeeper as a partner, rapidly changing family dynamics to contend with, and time running out to get her new career off the ground, Emma may have bitten off more than she can chew.

But even though things are not going to plan just yet, the best is yet to come for Emma, if she can just take a leap of faith and follow her heart...

My Opinion

Jessica Redland is an author that I really enjoy reading. I think I may have missed a book in The Lake District series but I was still able to keep up. Emma is one of those characters that I instantly felt like I knew and I couldn't wait for her to get her alpacas.

This was such a delightful read and I cannot believe it took me so long to discover Jessica's books. The Best is Yet to Come is such a heart-warming book and is going to be lovely to read over the changing seasons.

Rating 4/5