Portobello Book Blog

Jemma and Sam are two people who had been in very happy relationships but for very different reasons are both now single and devastated. The story unfolds from both their points of view. Jem’s mother owns a teddy bear shop called Bear With Me and she passed the love of the cuddly toys onto Jemma, which led to her career working in London as a museum curator. Sam Jones is a doctor in a London hospital and yes he’s heard all the Indiana Jones jokes. Both are originally from Whitsborough Bay. I do love the setting of Whitsborough Bay and have read most of Jessica’s books set there now. I very much enjoyed spotting characters from the other books as they occasionally appeared in this book.

Circumstances throw Jemma and Sam together and they soon become firm friends, understanding and caring for each other and both so supportive. I loved watching as they began to take tentative steps towards a relationship. I so wanted this to happen as they both deserved a loving relationship. But every time it seemed they were close to taking their friendship to another level, life kept throwing obstacles in their way. It was also lovely to see how important the support of their other friends were to them, as both Jem and Scott had so much to cope with. Friendship is often a theme in Jessica Redland’s books and it is very apparent here just how important good friends are, whether to offer a shoulder to cry on or sometimes to offer hard truths.

I have to say, one thing Jessica Redland does so well is a beautiful ending. In every single one of her books, the ending has been exactly what I hoped for and has left me with a big smile on my face and a happy glow inside. If you love feel-good, uplifting fiction and haven’t discovered Jessica’s lovely writing yet, what are you waiting for? I’ll finish with a line from near the end of the book, a line I think speaks to many of us in today’s present circumstances.

“When things seem bleak, all you need is love; someone to shine some light through the darkness”

My thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for the invitation to take part in the tour and the review copy of the book from Netgalley. All You Need Is Love is published by Boldwood Books and available now. This book was previously published as Bear With Me. Buying Link – All You Need is Love

From the back of the book

Jemma thinks she’s found the love of her life. Scott is everything she ever dreamed of and she can’t wait to begin the next stage of their life together. But just as she is heading for her happy ever after, a shock revelation shatters Jemma’s life as she knows it. Left to pick up the pieces, Jemma’s friends and family rally round to help her find the courage to move on.

Sam thinks he has his future all worked out. A thriving career, lovely home and an amazing fiancée. But when tragedy strikes, he finds himself alone, far from everyone he cares about. Did he do the right thing by running away and trying to rebuild the tatters of his life alone?

This is the story of Jemma and Sam. Two lost souls, desperately trying to find closure and happiness. When a chance meeting brings them together a friendship is formed, but the guards are up.

Will it finally be their turn for a happy ever after? Or will the secrets from their pasts prevent them from moving on?

Escape to Whitsborough Bay for an emotional, uplifting story of love and friendship from top 10 bestseller Jessica Redland.

About the author

Jessica Redland writes uplifting stories of love, friendship, family and community set in Yorkshire where she lives. Her Whitsborough Bay books transport readers to the stunning North Yorkshire Coast and her Hedgehog Hollow series takes them into beautiful countryside of the Yorkshire Wolds.

Social Media Links

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Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jessica-redland