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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...

The Cornish Village School - Second Chances by Kitty Wilson ** Blog Tour Review**


Today I am happy to return to Kitty Wilson's The Cornish Village School series with Second Chances. You can read the first in the series, Breaking the Rules here.



Ex-ballerina and single mum Sylvie is in trouble. Juggling her ballet classes in the nearest town, preparing shy Sam for his first day at Penmenna Village school and trying to finally move out from the farm she shares with her cantankerous Uncle Tom means life is anything but easy.

Television Journalist Alex is facing challenges of his own. Seeking a calmer environment for his newly adopted daughter, Ellie, he’s swapped reporting in war zones for the school PTA in quiet Penmenna, where his best friend Chase has persuaded him to start laying some roots.

Fireworks ignite when Sylvie and Alex meet but as Ellie and Sam become instant best friends, will they be able to keep things strictly platonic for the sake of the children?

The second book in the feel-good and rib-tickling Cornish Village School series. Perfect for fans of Tilly Tennant, Holly Martin and Cathy Bramley.



My Thoughts

It felt lovely to return to The Cornish Village School Series and I was soon immersed back into village life. This is a relaxing read and full of the feelgood factor. I found Sylvie to be a well-drawn character and she seemed to be so relatable. I enjoyed getting the story from both Sylvie and Alex's perspectives which filled out the story and helped to explain why they reacted as they did in certain situations.

    One of the most enjoyable parts of the writing is the gentle humour to be found in some of the supporting characters. Marion is good value, as before and I found Sylvie's Uncle Tom with his slightly gruff manner to add a real human touch. The two children, Sam and Ellie, are full of fun and say aloud exactly what they are seeing and hoping for which is quite endearing. Ellie's story takes you far away from the confines of Cornwall. You find yourself rooting for Sylvie and Alex and hoping that they can put down roots in the village and create the family they both seem to be yearning for.

In short: A heart-warming read about friends and friendship.


 
About the Author
Kitty Wilson lived in Cornwall for twenty-five years having been dragged there, against her will, as a stroppy teen. She is now remarkably grateful to her parents for their foresight and wisdom – and that her own children aren’t as hideous. Recently she has moved to Bristol, but only for love and on the understanding that she and her partner will be returning to Cornwall to live very soon. She spends most of her time welded to the keyboard, dreaming of the beach or bombing back down the motorway for a quick visit! She has a penchant for very loud music, equally loud dresses and romantic heroines who speak their mind. 

You can follow Kitty here: Twitter 

Book links: Amazon UK | Kobo UK | Google UK | Apple UK 

Thanks to Kitty Wilson and Ellie Pilcher of Canelo for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.

Follow the rest of the tour!

 

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