Snowflakes Over The Starfish Café | Jessica Redland | Book Review

Snowflakes Over The Starfish Café is the newest book written by Jessica Redland. I had previously read a few of her “Whitsboro Bay” series and had enjoyed them. When I saw this new book on Netgalley I couldn’t resist requesting it and diving into another seaside romance. Especially since it was set during Christmas time.

Hollie inherited The Starfish Café from her mother and it has become her primary focus and safe haven. The café had been previously run by her mother who filled it with delicious recipes and traditions until her death. A year prior to her death the family had suffered the tragic loss of Hollie’s father and brother in a seaside accident. At the same time it was discovered that her fiancé had been cheating on her. After all of these tragedies, Hollie has become very guarded and does not let alot of people in.

Similarly, Jake has been through his own period of tragedy. His mother died during childbirth and then his father died in a seaside accident when she was nine. His sister hates him and blames him for their deaths. The only good was found in his Nanna but, she passed away recently. After the death of his father, Jake has a hard time letting people in afraid that something will happen to them; especially if there was sea water involved. Everything has felt like it was falling apart and a chance meeting with a shitzu and then a beautiful woman suddenly changes everything.

When Hollie and Jake meet, there is an immediate connection but both are very cautious. They agree to split custody of the shitzu named Pickles who was dropped off when his owner went into a nursing home. As their paths continue to cross, they start revealing small bits and pieces about themselves. I really liked the slow burn of their relationship but was also weary as they were withholding important pieces of their stories that made them who they are. I just had a feeling that this could all blow up in their faces if they weren’t careful. I did however like the way that they were together- not judging each other for their respective parts and possibly looking for a future together.

The seaside views that were described throughout sounded beautiful. I kept picturing them outside the café and the lighthouse where Jake lived. I also appreciated how the sea was just as beautiful as it was dangerous. Both of these characters needed to heal from what the sea did to them and their families. It appeared that they could find strength in each other and their unexpected connection if each or them is willing to let go and move forward.

Snowflakes Over The Starfish Café is set during the holiday season but it is dimmed by the sadness of the tragedies. The seaside still sounded beautifully decorated and I enjoyed reading about it. I’m glad that Jake and Hollie found each other and made the holidays more enjoyable for each other. I just honestly am having conflicting feelings about the secrecy aspect of the relationship from the start. I understood it but it also made for an uneasiness that had me wondering if there was going to be a happily ever after to the story.

Rating: 3 Stars

**I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**