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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...

Christmas Surprises at Mermaids Point by Sarah Bennett #BookReview #Novella

 


Today I have a gorgeous festive novella which is the third in Sarah Bennett's Mermaids Point series. Boldwood Books published Christmas Surprises at Mermaids Point on 22nd October. 

Christmas is a time for love, laughter, families and friends, and in Mermaids Point, everyone is getting ready for the festive season.

For Nerissa and Tom, this will be their first Christmas as a couple, but making sure they have time for each other, whilst blending their families, will take some careful planning. What festive traditions will they make their own?

Laurie and Jake are flat out running Laurie’s seafront café, packaging up orders of mince pies, sausage rolls and other delectable Christmas goodies, as well as finding time for Jake’s journalism.  But when Jake’s mum offers them an unexpected gift, their plans are turned upside down.

Alex can’t help but be charmed by beautiful and talented Ivy, but he’s still recovering from his ex-wife’s betrayal and has a secret life he’s not ready to share with anyone yet. But as the Christmas spirit starts weaving its magic, Alex may find himself ready for love sooner than he imagines.

For Andrew, nothing is more important than family. As friends and family gather beneath his roof it's a time for reflection about what the future might hold.

As far as Nick is concerned, pop sensation Aurora Storm is the ‘one that got away’. After they shared a brief holiday fling, he has been thinking about her ever since. Is Christmas the perfect time to finally reach out to her, or is love at first sight just in fairy-tales?


 My Thoughts

This story felt like a bridge between the first two in the series and what is to come. The result is that you are left anticipating a couple of developments, foreseeing some romance but also some conflict to come. All the ingredients of the earlier books are there. The setting on Mermaids Point is as appealing as ever, especially with the thought of Christmas on the horizon. You get to check in on some familiar characters and find out what they are getting up to.

    Family and friendships are central to the story again and seem so supportive and comforting. There is some great story telling and you find that the pages fly by. I especially am anticipating what will happen next for Nick, Laurie's brother and for Alex and Ivy who look to be heading for more central roles in the next part of the story. A lovely, warm story which develops characters and whets the appetite as to what is to come.

In short: Family and friendship underpin this heart-warming read.

About the Author


Sarah Bennett is the bestselling author of several romantic fiction trilogies including those set in Butterfly Cove and Lavender Bay. Born and raised in a military family she is happily married to her own Officer and when not reading or writing enjoys sailing the high seas.

 

You can follow Sarah here: Twitter   |  Facebook|  Amazon Author Page  |  Instagram  |   Bookbub  |  Newsletter Sign Up

Book Links: Amazon UK  
 
You can read my reviews of more of the series here:  Summer Kisses at Mermaids Point  |  Autumn Dreams at Mermaids Point

Thanks to Sarah Bennett,  Boldwood Books and Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the Tour.
 
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