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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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You only live once by Maxine Morrey #Review

 


This is another great read from Maxine Morrey. You Only Live Once was published by Boldwood Books on June 14th. 

 When Lily’s husband dies, she moves to the edge of a tiny village, settling into a solitary life, her only real company her brother and his family. A quiet life becomes her safe space, with no risk of getting hurt.

When her brother offers her spare room to his oldest friend, Jack, Lily’s reluctant – but knowing how much she owes her family, can’t say no.

A lodger takes some getting used to but to her surprise, Lily begins to enjoy Jack’s company. Slowly but surely, Jack encourages Lily to step outside her comfort zone.

But taking risks means facing the consequences, and telling people how she really feels, means Lily might have to face losing them. But as the saying goes - you only live once - and being brave could mean Lily gets a second chance at love…


 My Thoughts

I loved this novel as I found Lily to be such an interesting character. It is very much her story as she slowly began to emerge from the life she has constructed for herself after the sudden death of her husband some years ago. You get to see her vulnerabilities and to see how self-aware she learns to be about her own behaviour. Although grief and loss are part of the story, Lily finds the courage to look forward.

    If anyone is going to tempt Lily out of the cocoon she has built around herself, it is going to be Jack. He also has hidden depths. Lily remembers him a s the player he appeared to be when they were teenagers but as you discover, there is much more to him than that. I enjoyed some of the larger than life characters you get to meet, especially Jack's family. Second chances, starting again, moving forward- these themes give the story a hopeful tone. I can thoroughly recommend it for the characters and the narrative.

In short: Second chances after loss

About the Author


Alana Oxford is a Michigan author of romcoms, sweet romance, and humorous women's fiction. She wants her stories to bring sunshine and smiles to her readers. She enjoys improv comedy, moody music, everything book related, and has an ongoing love affair with the United Kingdom.

 

You can follow Maxine here:  Website  |  Twitter  | Instagram |​ Facebook    |  Pinterest  |  Newsletter Sign Up
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Book links: Amazon UK   | Amazon US


Thanks to Maxine Morrey, Boldwood Books and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the event.

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