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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...

Second Chance at First Love by Zoe Allison #Review

 

Today we have a heart-warming romance by Zoe Allison, Second Chance at First Love. It was published on April 6th by Totally Bound Publishing. 

 
Eva Mathers is a successful woman, except for when it comes to matters of the heart. When she returns home to Yorkshire as a pending divorcee, she realises her childhood friend and first love Damon Evans is also newly single. It’s a pity he’s never noticed her romantically and had no idea that she was in love with him at school. But at least they can support each other as friends again.

Damon is attempting to adjust to life sharing the kids with his ex. His reconnection with Eva is strong, but she was always too good for him and made her indifference clear after they drifted apart during their younger years. In any case, she still seems to be hung up on her charismatic ex-husband. Eva is hiding things from Damon, secrets from her past. He wants to be there for her, so why can’t she let him in?

Eva is dealing with trauma, but she won’t confide in her loved ones. Can Damon help her break down her walls before it’s too late and they miss their second chance at first love?


 

My Thoughts

 This is one of those books where you are rooting for the two central characters from the beginning. They are both credible, likeable people, with plenty of life experience. You get to find out quite a lot about Eva's past. Eva and Damon have known each other dince schooldays and it is striking how their recollections of those days vary. Eva never regarded herself as one of the 'cool' gang and it seems, Damon thought she was too good for him! A real case of getting your wires crossed.

    As the story plays out, I enjoyed some of the secondary chaacters, especially Eva and Damon's mothers. There is a real touch of humour in their reactions. Coming home to your roots and family ties are impportant threads in the book, as is second chances which are there for the taking, if you dare. This is a warm, entertaining read which carries you along. Its strong female character has her vulnerable side but is never needy or desperate- quite the opposite.

 

In short: It's never too late...

About the Author

 


Zoe lives in Scotland with her husband and two children. A medic by day, she started writing in her spare time as a means to counter burn out and found that this was a balm for the soul.

 

She is a fan of the romantic genre and its ‘happy ever after’ ethos. A sharp contrast to what she can, at times, see in her day job. Zoe is keen for the female lead in romantic fiction to disabuse stereotypes and walk on an equal footing with her male counterparts. She prefers male leads who do not display signs of toxic masculinity and believes that positive masculinity is much more attractive to women and healthier for men.

You can follow Zoe here: Twitter   |  Facebook   |  Instagram  

                                           Tik Tok @dr.zoe_writes 

Book links: Amazon UK  |  Amazon US 

Thanks to Zoe Allison, Totally Bound Publishing and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources  for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.  

Check out the rest of the tour!



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