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Coming Home to Maple Lodge by Alison Sherlock #Review

  I am delighted to feature the first in Alison Sherlock's new series set in the Corswolds. Coming Home to Maple Tree Lodge was published by Boldwood Books on June 20th. A family and hotel in desperate need of help… Maple Tree Lodge has been the home of the Jackson family for over a century. But the hotel has never been a success and, following the sudden loss of his father, architect Ben Jackson soon discovers the hotel is close to financial ruin. Ben has to make some tough decisions if the hotel is to survive and his family are to keep a roof over their heads. With the hotel in urgent need of a renovation, Ben’s sister calls on the talents of her best friend, interior designer Lily Watson. Cash strapped Lily needs a successful project to prove to herself and her high-achieving parents that she can carve a successful career and Maple Tree Lodge sounds like just the place for Lily to showcase her talents. However, Lily’s vision for a cosy, country Cotswolds hotel is the com...

A Little of Chantelle Rose by Cristina Hodgson ** Blog Tour Review & Giveaway **

    I am back on the Blog Tour for A Little of Chantelle Rose by Cristina Hodgson. Earlier in the tour, I was lucky enough to feature an interview between Cristina and her editor, Sue Barnard which you can read here.

 I also have a Giveaway to share with you. Details of how to enter are at the foot of this post.

First though, here is a reminder about the book:

 

At the age of twenty-four, Chantelle Rose has all a city girl can expect: a tiny bed-sit in South London, a lousy poorly-paid job, a tyrannical boss, and quite a few exes added to an ever-growing list.
Desperate for change, she becomes an extra in a seedy crime film. When that leads to the opportunity of a lifetime – a role to play with a million dollars to win and seemingly nothing to lose – she accepts without thinking twice. After all, what could possibly go wrong? In any event, she´ll earn enough to buy her dream home, set up her own business and never worry about money again.
And what about love? Two men have won her heart: Robbie – sultry, silent, mysterious; and Lionel – Hollywood heart-throb, charm, wealth, adventure.
But who can she trust? Who is bent on scaring her away, and why?
There seems to be more at stake than just her heart. Will a million dollars be worth it?
My Thoughts 

This started out as a fun read, not to be taken seriously. It established itself as a light romance and eventually, a love triangle between Chantelle Rose, Lionel, the movie star and Robbie, the down to earth handyman. Chantelle Rose herself seemed to be a naive young woman, who was impetuous and desperate to escape her humdrum job. I went along with the story line, accepting that realism had been jettisoned and I thought of it as a purely escapist read. 

   Midway through the book, the story seemed to change direction as elements of a mystery to be solved appeared. The story structure seemed to become looser and it did become a little confusing to me but I stuck with it. Written in the first person, it does feel like a stream of consciousness but Chantelle's voice remains consistent. I would have liked to find out more about the Lionel and Robbie but I guess that will form part of any follow-up. The ending leaves a massive cliffhanger for what I presume will be a second book. 

In short: a touch of humour, romance and mystery for those who want to escape into a different world. 


About the Author
 
 
Cristina Hodgson, mother of two, born in Wimbledon, London, currently lives in southern Spain. Cristina had a long career in sport, reaching national and international level and still actively participates in Triathlon races and enjoys outdoor activities. In her spare time she also enjoys reading and writing. She won a sports scholarship to Boston College. After a period in Boston, she returned to the UK and graduated from Loughborough University with a degree in Sports Science.
A LITTLE OF CHANTELLE ROSE is her debut novel and will be released in May 2017. Amazingly, it has nothing to do with running! Also, over the weekend of the 9th-11th June it will be on a free promotion!

To discover more about Cristina and her work, please go to 


Website / Blog: Website  |  Twitter: @HodgsonCristina  | Facebook: Facebook profile

Free short story:  myBook.to/simplyanna 

Giveaway

 

For a chance to win an A Little of Chantelle Rose bookmark or keyring, follow the link below and Good Luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

 Thanks to Cristina Hodgson, Crooked Cat Books and Jenny at Neverland Tours for a copy of the book and a place on the Tour. 

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