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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...

Return to Cornwall by Laura Briggs #Review #Publication Day #Giveaway

It is lovely to be on the tour to celebrate Publication Day for Laura Briggs' latest novel, Return to Cornwall. I also have a great giveaway with the chance to win an e-copy of the book. Details on how to enter are at the foot of this post.


The sequel novel to the best-selling UK series A WEDDING IN CORNWALL brings new surprises, romance, humor, and wedding bells, to readers who fell in love with the first stories.

Busy mother of two Julianne Rose has extended her talents beyond the manor house, opening her own event planning agency with the help of no-nonsense best friend Kitty. Balancing the chaos of daily life with their respective careers in their beloved Cornish village means Julianne can rarely snatch a romantic moment with handsome husband Matt. And just when it seems things couldn’t get any more chaotic, a sudden arrival at Cliffs House lands Julianne in the most unusual event of her career.

The reappearance of Percy or ‘the old earl’ after years of adventures abroad has temporarily shocked Lord William and Lady Amanda and set the entire village abuzz with gossip. Grizzled, spry, and delightfully eccentric, he’s returned with a most unusual set of traveling companions: an archaeological team digging in a spot whispered to have ties with the legendary Camelot. But it’s Percy’s ties with a certain charming woman among its team that has everyone taken by surprise, along with the news of their soon-to-be nuptials.

Tasked with planning the big day, Julianne and Kitty spring at this opportunity despite its rushed timeline and their own woes regarding the renovation of their future event space. But as the big day rolls closer for the earl and his bride-to-be – with cakes and wedding flowers competing with pottery shards and an ancient warrior chieftain’s grave for attention -- are there still surprising revelations to come?

Adding to the excitement is the return of former Cliffs House maid Gemma, whose posh new life as a novelist may not be all it seems … and Dinah visits in a flurry of festive baking for a holiday competition on everyone’s favorite baking show. Kitty’s life is in a tizz regarding both family and secrets … and Julianne’s happy marriage is challenged by an unwelcome sexy-and-persistent suitor among the summer visitors.

Filled with old friends, new adventures, and heartwarming Cornish charm, RETURN TO CORNWALL is an all-new, full-length novel—the first one ever to feature the characters from the original series!


 My Thoughts

 

It felt so familiar to return to the characters and settings which featured in Laura Briggs' successful series, Wedding in Cornwall, and I had no difficulty slotting back into the story. A few years have passed and the first bloom of romance seems to have dimmed as far as Julianne and Matt are concerned as everyday life has got in the way. The focus for the story centres around Will's grandfather who has returned from his travels abroad but the most interesting aspect of the story for me, has to be the archaeological dig which is taking place nearby. 

    Wedding and events planning still occupies Julianne who has set up her own business with Kitty. Their friendship adds to the story and there is plenty of humour to be found in Kitty and her attitude towards her unconventional family. Matt is as charismatic as ever- a great mixture of the academic and the practical and it is great to see both Julianne and Matt's parenting and to meet their family. Laura does not seem to have missed a beat in revisiting this area of Cornwall. A major strength of the story has to be the range of characters, all with their own preoccupations and hopes for the future.

In short: A delightful chance to meet up with some old friends and make a few more.

About the Author

mplay.
You can follow Laura here: Facebook   |  Twitter 

Book links Amazon UK 

Thanks

About the Author

mplay.
You can follow Laura here: Facebook   |  Twitter 

Book links Amazon UK 

Thanks to Laura Briggs and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources 
for a copy of the book and a place on the event. 


                                                                Giveaway  ( International)


Giveaway to Win an e-copy of Return to Cornwall by Laura Briggs (Open INT), To enter just follow the link below and good luck!

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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