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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 Thief on the Winged Horse by Kate Mascarenhas #Review

 

I am delighted to be taking part in the blog tour for Kate Mascarenhas' The Thief on the Winged Horse. 


A dazzling mixture of crime, romance, magic and myth from the author of the bestselling The Psychology of Time Travel.

The Kendrick family have been making world-famous dolls for over 200 years. But their dolls aren't coveted for the craftsmanship alone. Each one has a specific emotion laid on it by its creator. A magic that can make you feel bucolic bliss or consuming paranoia at a single touch. Though founded by sisters, now only men may know the secrets of the workshop.

Persephone Kendrick longs to break tradition and learn her ancestors' craft, and when a handsome stranger arrives claiming doll-making talent and blood ties to the family, she sees a chance to grasp all she desires.

But then, one night, the firm's most valuable doll is stolen. Only someone with knowledge of magic could have taken her. Only a Kendrick could have committed this crime...

My Thoughts

This is an unusual and distinctive read, full of mystery and magic. Set in present day Oxford, you are nevertheless unsure at times, when it is actually set. The Kendrick family seem to be in their own little world, with their own rules, customs and superstitions. The whole concept of the dolls who are imbued with a specific emotion is slightly unsettling. Inanimate objects, they are nevertheless charged with affecting people's behaviour and feelings. You have to decide for yourself whether this is by suggestion or magic.

     There are some unpleasant issues bubbling below the surface of everyday life. Domestic violence, sexism and the subjugation of women's rights are all major parts of the story. The women are kept 'in their place' and it takes a determined character to challenge their role. Persephone and Larkin are certainly complicated characters but you buy into their stories. If you like a touch of magical realism, you will love this. 

In short: an atmospheric read

 

About the Author

 


Kate Mascarenhas is a writer.

Born in 1980, she is of mixed heritage (white Irish father, brown British mother) and has family in Ireland and the Republic of Seychelles.

She studied English at Oxford and Applied Psychology at Derby. Her PhD, in literary studies and psychology, was completed at Worcester.


Since 2017 Kate has been a chartered psychologist. Previously she has been an advertising copywriter, bookbinder, and doll’s house maker. She lives in the English midlands with her partner.

You can follow Kate here: Twitter  |  Website 

 Book review: Amazon UK

Thanks to Kate Mascarenhas and Head of Zeus Books for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.

 

Follow the rest of the tour! 


 

 

 

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