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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...

The House in the Clouds by Victoria Connelly #Review

 

Having enjoyed Victoria Connelly's The Book Lovers series, I am delighted to be on the tour to celebrate the first in a new series, The House in the Clouds. 

 
Artist Abigail Carey has always dreamed of a life in the country and, when Winfield Hall comes up at auction, she’s desperate to make the place her home. The only trouble is that businessman, Edward Townsend, has exactly the same idea.

With its position high on the Sussex Downs, Winfield is a stunning house, but it hasn’t been a home for a long time and there’s a lot of work to do to restore it to its former glory. It’s going to take a lot of time and money, so Edward and Abi decide to take a risk and share the house, each living in their own wing.

But can these two strangers agree on a vision that suits them both? And will free-spirited Abi ever get the rather reserved Edward to reveal the secret he’s been hiding for so long?

The House in the Clouds is the first novel in a brand new trilogy from the bestselling author of The Rose Girls and The Book Lovers series.


My Thoughts

I enjoyed the dual perspectives which we are presented with, as the chapters alternate between Abigail and Edward's story. They are both interesting characters. Whilst on the surface, they appear to have such opposite personalities, you discover that there may be similarities in their childhoods which may help them to connect at a deeper level. Childhood neglect seems to be a common thread. This is the first in a trilogy so is largely setting the scene and establishing the characters, There are plenty of hints as to secrets they are both hiding from their past.

    The setting of Winfield Hall is impressive and the healing nature of the countryside seems to be important to both Abigail and Edward. They both seem to be taking refuge in the safe haven the house offers them. Through Abigail's interaction with her family, you see a complicated dynamic between them. You get the feeling there is more to discover about her past, as well as Edward's. This volume promises much for the rest of the series. 

In short: A gentle start to a promising trilogy 

About the Author


Victoria Connelly lives in a 500-year old thatched cottage in rural Suffolk with her artist husband, a springer spaniel and a flock of ex-battery hens. She is the million-selling author of two bestselling series, The Austen Addicts and The Book Lovers, as well as many other novels and novellas. Her first published novel, Flights of Angels, was made into a film in Germany. Victoria loves books, films, walking, historic buildings and animals. If she isn’t at her keyboard writing, she can usually be found in her garden either with a trowel in her hand or a hen on her lap.

Her website is www.victoriaconnelly.com where readers can download a free novella. You can follow her on Twitter @VictoriaDarcy ,on Instagram @VictoriaConnellyAuthor and on Facebook.
 
Book links: Amazon UK  |  Amazon US
 
 
 
 
 
Thanks to Victoria Connelly and Rachell 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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