Skip to main content

Featured

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...

One French Summer by Gillian Harvey #Review

 

Today we are returning to France for another warm, uplifting read by Gillian Harvey. One French Summer was publlished by Boldwood Books on 14th February.

 
Only child out of the house – so far out that she’s gone all the way to Australia! A husband, who has requested a break. Life isn’t quite going as planned for Katy.

She’s suddenly at a loss, but she still has her friends Sam, Vicky and Ivy. The girls have been there for her through thick and they’re not about to stop now. However, they think Katy might need more than boot camp . . . so they kidnap her and head off to France on a last minute retreat.

Can a reset give her a new lease on life or help her win back her husband? Or could there be a new love in her life?

She went for a holiday, but it could become the start of a second chance . . .


 My Thoughts

You get to escape to France along with Katy after her friends decide that a time away is what is needed, after a shock which has left her reeling. Friendship emerges as a major theme in the story, both old friends and new. By chance, it seems that Katy and her friends have happened upon a rather special community and one which gives Katy some space to think about the future. 

    The beautiful French countryside is a lovely setting to the story. There are plenty of funny episodes as Katy's art retreat holiday develops. Some of the characters raise a smile but they are all likeable ( with maybe one exception). Katy, when faced with an empty nest, takes a good look at her future and by the end of the story, we have faith that she is going to make some good decisions. 

In short: an engaging and lighthearted read


About the Author

Gillian Harvey is a freelance journalist and the author of two well-reviewed women’s fiction novels published by Orion. She has lived in Limousin France for the past twelve years, from where she derives the inspiration and settings for her books. Her first title for Boldwood A Year at the French Farmhouse will be published in September 2022.

You can follow Gillian here: Facebook

  |  Twitter   |  Instagram  |  Bookbub

Book link:Amazon UK

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

 
Check out these great bloggers!
 

Comments

Popular Posts