Title: Sunshine After The Rain [Escape to the Lakes #4]
Author: Jessica Redland
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: ★★★★☆
Source: Rachel’s Random Resources / Netgalley
Blurb: 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.
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?
Review: While I absolutely adore Jessica, I have to admit to being behind on her “Escape to the Lakes” series, so Sunshine After The Rain is my first venture into it. But what an adventure!
Seven years after she fled, Mel is back in her hometown and, finally, decides to stop running. She has a lot of fences to mend, although she does think that’s easier done than it truly is – she’s so stuck in her past that she sometimes doesn’t realise that time’s moved for others.
That said, the past Mel is stuck in is one I dare anyone to handle. Her 18 yo son died from a drug overdose while at home. She’s convinced that she missed something and let him down. As a mother myself, I do understand that powerful drive to protect… and the guilt that comes when you can’t.
Being a Jessica Redland book, Sunshine After The Rain is full of characters, many of whom have been introduced in earlier books. However, it does truly stand on its own feet; I never felt as if I’d missed something or disconnected in any way. There is a glossary at the start, explaining who everyone is, though I’m not sure it’s necessary (and honestly, I forgot within a few pages!)
What I love about Jessica’s writing is how she makes every character an actual character. No one is a cardboard cut-out. Along with the descriptions – and the Lake District is on my doorstep, so I know it well – the story comes to multicoloured life, pulsing with emotion and heart.
What I didn’t love was the amount of telling. There’s more retrospective details than usual, with large sections that feel info-dumpy. I’d like to have seen these better integrated with the main story, especially that of Mel’s mum and dad getting engaged – the distance here removes the reader from what’s gone on and lessens the impact. This is, of course, my option and your mileage may vary.
Overall, however, I adored Sunshine After The Rain and give it a well-deserved 4 stars.
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