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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 Story of our Secrets by Shari Low #Review

 

Today's novel is an emotional read. The Story of our Secrets by Shari Low was published on 2nd November by Boldwood Books.


Colm O’Flynn was loved by his close circle of family and friends, however his death came too soon for everyone to make peace with their past.

Shauna, his second wife, adored him. But one night she broke their marriage vows, and didn’t get time to ask Colm’s forgiveness.

Jess was the first Mrs O’Flynn. Her heart is set on someone new, but will the last one night stand she shared with Colm come back to haunt her?

Colm’s best friend, Dan, is recently divorced. Can he take a second shot at happiness if it means betraying the one person who always had his back?

What no-one knows is that somewhere out there Colm left messages that could set them free to start over again.

Can divine intervention help them find Colm’s last wishes before it’s too late to love again?


 My Thoughts

This read manages to weave together an underlying sadness and emotional moments with genuine humour. The protagonists are all vividly drawn, each with a distinctive personality. Drawn together through Colm, they are like a family which can never sever the ties. Complicated is an understatement as a word to describe their relationships. Running through the story is the voice of Colm from his hospice bed. You feel his desperation to live but anguish at time running out. 

    Family and friendships are totally at the centre of the story. Be prepared to shed some tears. I loved the pacing of the story, punctuated by Colm's inner thoughts. Driven to let his friends know his feelings at last, he has paused the avoidance tactics he usually hides behind. Through his daughter, Beth, you feel some normality and realise that as a family, the group of friends has done a good job at bringing her up. So much of the inner turmoil has been hidden beneath a veneer of carrying on.  For warm, comforting writing with a huge slice of humour and great repartee, check this one out.

In short: A moving, endearing read. 

About the Author


Shari Low is the #1 bestselling author of over 25 novels, including One Day In Summer, My One Month Marriage, and a collection of parenthood memories called Because Mummy Said So. She lives near Glasgow.

You can follow Shari here:  Newsletter

  |  Facebook  |  Website  |  Instagram

  |  Twitter | Bookbub profile

Book link:  Amazon UK

Thanks to Shari Low, 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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