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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...

Clarissa's Warning by Isobel Blackthorn #Review


Welcome today to my stop on the blog tour to introduce Isobel Blackthorn's Clarissa's Warning. I am delighted to be taking part on the opening day of the tour. Clarissa's Warning is a haunted-house gothic mystery set on Fuerteventura, Canary Islands.

A lottery jackpot changes Claire Bennett’s life.

She buys an ancient stone ruin on the island of her dreams. Her mystic aunt Clarissa warns her of danger, but Claire pays no heed.

Soon after moving to the idyllic island, Claire is confronted by a mystery. As the sinister story of her home slowly uncovers, Claire enters a world of inexplicable events and ordeals. Someone or something doesn't want her there.

But is it really a curse, or is there something else behind the events?


My Thoughts

At the heart of this mystery stands the half ruined house in Fuerteventura which Claire feels compelled to own and to renovate. Isolated and looked on with suspicion by the locals, it has a history of its own which Claire sets about researching. A mixture of superstition and the paranormal seem to swirl through its walls and at several points, Claire wonders if she is doing the right thing.

    The mystery is uncovered at a very leisurely pace as the author describes in detail the island and the history of the area. Bit by bit the house is reclaimed but as it becomes more habitable, you can sense the suspense increasing and wonder at what is behind it all. Claire proves to be a courageous and independent woman who starts her life afresh far away from the life she was brought up with. You also sense her vulnerability and desire to put down roots and make friends. As she begins to get her wish, you relax, only for her Aunt Clarissa to re-appear and how!

In short: An isolated ruin, paranormal mysteries and a touch of romance.
 
About the Author



Isobel Blackthorn is a prolific novelist of brilliant, original fiction across a range of genres, including dark psychological thrillers, gripping mystery novels, captivating travel fiction, and hilarious dark satire. Isobel holds a PhD in Western Esotericism and carries a lifelong passion for the Canary Islands, Spain. A Londoner originally, Isobel currently lives near Melbourne, Australia, with her little white cat.

You can follow Isobel here: Facebook   |  Goodreads   |  Twitter
                                          |  Website

Book link: Amazon UK 

Thanks to Isobel Blackthorn and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources  for a copy of the book and a place on the tour. 

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