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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 Mersey Girls by Sheila Riley #ReckonersRowBook2 #Review

 

The second in the Reckoners Row series, this historical novel by Sheila Riley was publioshed by Boldwood Books on 18th August.  

Liverpool 1950

When Evie Kilgaren takes over the running of the back office at Skinner and Son's haulage yard, she has no idea she is walking into a hive of blackmail, secrets and lies.

Her fellow co-worker and childhood nemesis, Susie Blackthorn, is outraged at being demoted and is hell-bent on securing the affections of local heartthrob Danny Harris.

Grace Harris, a singer on the prestigious D’Angelo transatlantic ocean liners, is returning home engaged to be married. But Grace is harbouring her own shocking secrets and something valuable her fiancé very desperately wants back.

As we return to the lives and loves of those who live and work in the Mersey Docklands, not everything is as it seems and love and luck are rarely on the same side.

 

My Thoughts

Set in Liverpool in the aftermath of the Second World War, you see the inhabitants beginning to adjust to life in post war Britain. The story centres around two women. Evie is capable, hardworking and well- meaning and she sets about her new job as office manager with a determination and belief in her own worth, Grace has led a glamorous life on board a luxury cruise liner but has returned to Liverpool with a secret. Their lives are intertwined. There is plenty to enjoy in the story and some surprises in store. 

    There is plenty of period detail in the story as 1950 dawns. Times are hard for most and it is a struggle for some to make ends meet. You also see some family values, with both good and poor parenting on show. I found Danny and Evie's story the more relatable. You feel that hard work is going to bring success for them. In all, this is a satisfying read. 

In short: 1950's Liverpool

 

About the Author

 

Sheila Riley wrote four #1 bestselling novels under the pseudonym Annie Groves and is now writing the Reckoner's Row series under her own name. She has set it around the River Mersey and its docklands near to where she spent her early years.  She still lives in Liverpool.

You can follow Sheila here:  Website

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Book link:  Amazon UK

Thanks to Sheila Riley, Boldwood Books and Rachel of  Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.

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