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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...

Finding Love at Roseford Blooms by Fay Keenan #Review

 

Today we continue the series by Fay Keenan set in the Somerset village of Roseford. Finding Love at Roseford Blooms was published by Boldwood Books on 16th March. You can read my review of  New Beginnings at Roseford Hall here Winter Kisses at Roseford Cafe here.

 
After a rough year, the last place Lizzie Warner wants to be is Roseford. It may be a picture-postcard country idyll, but for Lizzie it will always hold difficult memories from her past. But when the alternative to staying with her Aunt Bee, owner of Roseford Blooms, is moving back in with her controlling parents – well, the choice is easy.

Simon Treloar was born and raised to be the Lord of the Manor, but now he’s had to hand over his beloved Roseford Hall to a heritage charity, he begins to question his usefulness. Can he find a way to make his mark, or is it better to walk away from generations of history and strike out on his own?

When Lizzie and Simon meet, they recognise kindred spirits in each other. But with both questioning their futures, can one magical summer in Roseford help Lizzie and Simon move on from what is holding them back? Or is there too much history on both sides for them ever truly to be happy together?


 My Thoughts

This is a heartwarming story and another visit to the very appealing Roseford. Lizzie and Simon have a lot in common and similar experiences of their schooldays in particular. Bullying is shown to have a profound effect on how they now regard themselves but you also see that it can be moved on from, if faced up to. It is interesting to see how they both are keen to be seen by others as successful adults but Simon in particular is conscious of not living up to the expectations which some people have of him. 

   Lizzie’s Aunt Bea is a warm and lovely character and such a support to her niece. Lizzie also had to face up to what she wants to do with the rest of her life and in many ways, Roseford offers her a calm refuge and eventually she is able to make plans for a fresh start. The village of Roseford is a lovely setting for a series and I am hoping that we will get to meet some more inhabitants in books to come.

In short: gentle romance and new beginnings 

    


About the Author

 

Fay Keenan is the author of the bestselling Little Willowbury series of novels. She has led writing workshops with Bristol University and has been a visiting speaker in schools. She is a full-time teacher and lives in Somerset.

You can follow Fay here:  Twitter    | Facebook   |  Instagram   |  YouTube  |  Pinterest  |  Bookbub   |  Blog  |  Newsletter sign up

Book link:  Amazon UK

Thanks to Fay Keenan, 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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