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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 Anniversary by Hilary Boyd ** Blog Tour Review**


I am loving being on the blog tour for Hilary Boyd's The Anniversary. It is an emotional and moving read, if ever I found one! It is published by Michael Joseph on September 20th.


Is the one you tried to forget the one you can't live without?

Stella once thought that if she never saw Jack again, it would be too soon.

But life has other plans for her and her stubborn, handsome ex-husband.

Looking after their daughter in a time of need, Stella finds herself unwillingly reunited with the man she shared the best years of her life with - followed by the worst.

Where tragedy once tore them apart, now Stella and Jack are being drawn back together. But each of them has a new partner and a new life.

Should they fight temptation?

Should the past remain the past?

Or are some loves simply meant to be?

My Thoughts

This is a nuanced and moving novel which took me by surprise. I found Stella and Jack's story to be totally involving and it really is a page turner. Without giving away any of the plot, part of the story was a bit of a trigger for me and I found myself identifying with their grown-up daughter, Eve. The narrative goes back and forth in time over thirty years and eventually, the past gives a real insight into the family dynamics. The complicated web of relationships is fascinating and it is a great exploration of what actually matters and what endures. 

    It is refreshing to find a novel which examines the lives of the more mature amongst us and which looks at how relationships between grandparents and grandchildren can offer a second chance. Grief can affect everyone within a family in sometimes unexpected ways, gnawing away at relationships and this novel really takes this subject apart. Furthermore, I enjoyed Hilary's style of writing. There are poignant moments but overall, the underlying feeling is one of hope. 

In short: A real class act.  

  
About the Author



Hilary Boyd was a nurse, marriage counsellor and ran a small cancer charity before becoming an author. She has written eight books, including Thursdays in the Park, her debut novel which sold over half a million copies and was an international bestseller. The film rights have been acquired by Charles Dance, who will be directing and starring. 

You can follow Hilary here: 
Twitter   Website 

Book link: Amazon UK

Thanks to Hilary Boyd, and Jenny Platt of Michael Joseph for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.

                                                            Follow the rest of the tour!  
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