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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...
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The Silk Weaver's Wife by Debbie Rix



 I was delighted to get the opportunity to read Debbie Rix's latest book, The Silk Weaver's Wife. I love historical fiction and stories which span the centuries so this was just up my street.

 Here's the publisher, Bookoutre's description:



1704: Anastasia is desperate to escape her controlling and volatile father and plans to marry in secret. But instead of the life she has dreamed of, she finds herself trapped in Venice, the unwilling wife of a silk weaver.

Despite her circumstances, Anastasia is determined to change her fate…

2017: Millie wants more from her relationship and more from her life. So when her boss Max abruptly ends their affair, she takes the opportunity to write a feature in Italy.

Staying in a gorgeous villa, Millie unexpectedly falls in love with the owner, Lorenzo. Together they begin to unravel an incredible story, threaded through generations of silk weavers.

And Millie finds herself compelled to discover the identity of a mysterious woman in a portrait…

My Thoughts

This book sets itself quite a task- to tell the story of two women, both 300 years apart. There is so much content within its pages and the details about the silk weaving industry never jar but are an intrinsic part of the stories and the characters. The narrative spans both centuries and locations, taking in Lake Garda, Venice, Amsterdam, London, and the writing beautifully evokes life there.

    Usually when I read a book which features two plotlines and sets of characters, I find myself drawn more to one than the other, but in this case, I found both equally interesting. I think that the gradually evolving connections between the two helps.  I have to admire how the author has kept a tight hold on the plot. You really feel you are in safe hands.

    Both women start off in unequal relationships. Anastasia's situation is heart breaking as you find her trapped into marriage by her controlling father. Some characters show development and change, none more so than Anastasia who discovers a talent within herself and sets out to nurture and perfect new skills. The victim at first, we see her gradually change and gain independence. The modern day Millie undergoes some changes too, as she steps away from a situation where she has to hide her relationship with her boss and just as Anastasia did, travels away in order to discover new opportunities. 

In short: historical fact meets fiction- full of sparkling detail and rounded characters. 
About the Author

Debbie Rix is a writer, Voice - Over artist, TV presenter and event producer.   Her books include The Girl with Emerald Eyes (originally called Secrets of the Tower), Daughters of the Silk Road and The Silk Weaver's Wife which was published on July 19th 2017.  

You can connect with Debbie here: Website  |  Twitter,  |  Facebook,


 Thanks to Bookoutre and Debbie Rix for a copy of the book.

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