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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 Mother's Secret by Minna Howard #Review


Today is Publication Day for Minna Howard's A Mother's Secret so I am delighted to be taking part in the blog tour to celebrate its release.

Verity seems to have it all. A beautiful home, two grown-up sons and a husband who has always been her rock. But one day, the doorbell rings. And it changes Verity's life forever.

Saskia has nowhere else to go. Before she died, her mother left her with her father's name and nothing else. The only way for Saskia to take care of herself –and her unborn baby –is to find the father she never knew. And the family that didn't know she existed.

This family secret means the end of everything they've ever known. But could it also be the chance for a new beginning?

 My Thoughts

This is an intriguing read and features some great storytelling. At the base of it all is the web of family relationships which you have to disentangle and which are shaken to the core by Saskia's appearance on the doorstep. Nevertheless, it is a warm, uplifting read, with romance and family secrets woven together.

    The character who made me smile above all turned out to be Nathan's protective mother who would surely drive me up the wall in real life. I found her reactions to be refreshingly credible and she added some edge to the story. 

    It takes you a while to work out whether Saskia is a truthful character or duplicitous. Once you decide, you have to admire her strength of character which spurs you on. I enjoyed seeing Verity's reaction to the changes in her life. At the beginning when you meet her, she is at a crossroads as her children have recently fledged the nest. She has to dig deep. She remains the centre of the family and maintains a positivity which makes you admire her.

In short: Secrets from the past come to the surface.
About the Author


 Minna has had an exciting career in fashion journalism and now writes full time, whilst enjoying time with her grandsons and working as an occasional film and TV extra. 

She lives in London.

You can follow Minna here: Twitter  |  Goodreads 
      |  Facebook

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

Thanks to Minna Howard, and Victoria Joss and Aria Books for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.

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