Book Review: Tomorrow Starts Today by Jessica Redland

I’m so excited to be welcoming Jessica Redland back to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her latest book, Tomorrow Starts Today.

It’s never too late to find yourself… 💫

When she unexpectedly loses her husband, Yvonne Kellerman’s world turns quiet and grey. Five years on, her days are filled with the gentle chatter of her loyal parrot, Trevor, and the comfort of her crafting table—but she can’t shake the feeling that life is slipping her by and Yvonne feels lost and lonelier than ever.

When she joins the local crafting club at Willowdale Village Hall, Yvonne expects nothing more than a few afternoons of sewing. Instead, amongst the other local crafters, she discovers friendship, laughter and a renewed appreciation for her gorgeous Lake District home. It’s a reminder that she isn’t alone and, with each new stitch, her confidence returns, and so does her belief that it’s never too late for fresh starts and new beginnings.

When a familiar face from her past reappears, Yvonne finds herself standing at a crossroads: will she protect her heart, or embrace the chance to love—and truly live—again?

*****

It’s been five years since Yvonne lost her husband, Cliff. Since then, she’s been going through the motions with only her patchwork quilting and her Parrot for company. When she spots a Cake & Crafts club advertised in the local newsletter, she takes a chance and decides to go. WIll this one decision change Yvonne’s life or will she lose her nerve?

I have made no secret of the fact that I love Jessica Redland’s novels and was not disappointed with her latest release, Tomorrow Starts Today.

My first impression of Yvonne is that she needs a big hug. Despite it being being five years since she lost her husband, she is still greiving and this subject is approached with care and the author shows that the process isn’t linear.

The other characters are as relatable as Yvonne – Paulette, Milly, Laughln, Saffy, Will, and Veroncia all have their own issues and complexities and I adored the way everyone was there for each other through thick and thin. Even Marianne, Yvonne’s sister isn’t a 2D character. She has her own complex reasons for not wanting Yvonne in her life. The author has a fascinating ability t0 bring people on the page to life. I can’t help but get attached and empathise.

This book had everything I’ve come to expect from Jessica Redland’s stories. There was warmth, humour, friendship and a feeling that family isn’t just made up by blood. Sometimes, it’s the family you chose that are there for you. Yvonne is so alone at the beginning but it isn’t long before the plot has her discovering things about herself and how capable she is. I don’t want to say much more as I don’t want to spoil it.

I devoured this novel and read it in pretty much one sitting. There’s an overwhelming sense of discovery and a feeling of falling in love with yourself and life. There are heartbreaking and heartwarming moments with a huge thread of destiny thrown it. Tomorrow Starts Today reminds us that it’s never too late. All you have to have is faith.

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 via Facebook, X, Instagram and Bookbub. Click here to sign up to her newsletter. 

Tomorrow Starts Today is book five in the Escape To The Lakes series and was released by Boldwood Books on 8th January 2026. Click to buy on Amazon UK, Kobo, Amazon US, Waterstones and Barnes & Noble. 

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.