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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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Worn Out Wife Seeks New Life by Carmen Reid #Review

 


Tess Simpson needs a break!

Under appreciated at home, overlooked at work and now her beloved dog Bella has died. Tess has simply had enough!

So in a spur of the moment act, Tess books a holiday of a lifetime for her, her two grown up kids and useless husband Dave. Maybe they can use the break to reconnect with each other?

But when the kids refuse to go, and Dave breaks his leg, Tess’s dream holiday looks seriously in doubt. And then there’s River Romero, the glamourous LA screen writer who is supposed to be house-sitting for Tess whilst she’s away….

Everything about River sounds so much more exciting than Tess’s boring life in Stratford Upon Avon. From her beautiful LA condo and the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Tess wonders whether a bit of River’s LA life might be exactly what she needs? So when River suggests a house swap, Tess jumps at the chance!

With Dave happily ensconced in the summer house at the bottom of the garden, the kids not needing mum anymore, Tess packs her bags and heads off for the adventure of a lifetime.

But real life isn’t like the movies, and when Tess arrives in LA, things aren’t exactly as they seem.

Will Tess find what's she's looking for or is getting away from it all isn’t all perhaps not all it’s cracked up to be?


 My Thoughts

The strength of this book has to be the great characterisation. You are presented with such a variety of people, all with their own backstories and can believe in them all. You can't help but enjoy Tess and Dave's story and it is never a given how it will pan out. The character who surprised me most was River. You are certainly given a peep into some extraordinary lives.

    Tess has been facing an increasingly emptying nest and you are drawn to sympathise with her. You soon discover that there is her view of her family life and the reality. Gradually, she learns to take a risk and enjoy the moment. You have to admire her refusal to give up and her desire to sort out any messy situations! With humour, some well-observed moments and a certain amount of jeopardy, this is a book to keep you company over a long weekend. Recommended.

In short: Facing up to the future can be hard.

About the Author


Carmen Reid is the bestselling author of numerous woman’s fiction titles including the Personal Shopper series starring Annie Valentine. After taking a break from writing she is back, introducing her hallmark feisty women characters to a new generation of readers. Her first title for Boldwood will be published in July 2021. She lives in Glasgow with her husband and children.

 

You can follow Carmen here:  Facebook  |  Twitter  |   Instagram

                                             |   Bookbub

 Book Link:  Amazon UK

Thanks to Carmen Reid, 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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