Book Review: Sunshine After the Rain by Jessica Redland

I’m very excited to be welcoming Jessica Redland back to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her latest book, Sunshine After the Rain.

Melanie knows she’s been running away…

For the last seven years Mel has been hiding; from life, from her friends and from those who love her the most – her family. But being at home in her beloved Lake District has been far too painful for Mel to contemplate. Because seven years ago, Mel lost everything and she’s never been able to banish the dark clouds that follow her.

But maybe there really is no place like home?

When Mel returns to Willowdale for a family event, she has no intention of staying. But surrounded by her family she begins to realise just how much she’s been missing and also, how much healing she still needs to do.

Starting a dream job at Willowdale Hall, going on walks with Emma and her funny alpacas and reconnecting with those she loves, Mel slowly begins to see chinks of light and a more hopeful and happier future ahead.

And as Mel begins to feel stronger, she also feels brave enough to face the most painful part of leaving home…the one man she has always loved. With his help, can she finally banish the dark clouds forever and see the sunshine after the rain?

*****

Mel knows she has been hiding but can she really return home to Willowdale for good when there are so many bad memories? 

I absolutely adore Jessica Redland’s novels so the chance to be on the blog tour for the latest instalment in the Escape to the Lakes series was something I couldn’t pass up. 

I wanted to give Mel a big hug. She’s been through so much and I could understand why she had chosen to run and hide. I empathised with her a lot even when her behaviour wasn’t always the best but when you consider the circumstances, it’s understandable. 

I wanted her to be ok. 

The supporting characters are wonderful and I was so pleased to see some familiar faces. It’s one of the things I love most about these kind of book series – I got to catch up with people I adore, like old friends. 

The plot moved well; what I’ve come to expect from this author. I fell into this story and didn’t come up for air until the end. There were some heartwarming parts and then times where the events gave me an emotional sucker punch. Yes, I did cry. 

The themes, such as grief and the effect it can have on your life are presented with such grace. It reminds the reader how important it is to talk about things before they become a mountain. 

Sunshine After The Rain is a tearjerking tale that also has a huge serving of love and reminds us about the importance of family and how the answer to healing may lie in the place where your heart broke. 

About Jessica Redland –

Jessica Redland is the million-copy bestselling author of novels, including the Hedgehog Hollow and Escape to the Lakes series. Inspired by her hometown of Scarborough and the Lake District, she writes uplifting women’s fiction of love, friendship and community.

Say hello to Jessica on Facebook, X, Instagram and Bookbub. Click here to sign up to her newsletter. 

Sunshine After The Rain is book four in the Escape To The Lakes series and was released by Boldwood Books on 15th May 2025. Click here to buy on Amazon, Kobo and Waterstones. 

by

Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.