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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 Woman on the Bridge by Sheila Flaherty #Review

Ireland's  independence struggle is the setting for Sheila Flaherty's first historical novel. Set in Dublin in the 1920's, The Woman on the Bridge has been inspired by the story of  her grandmother. 

 
 Dublin. The 1920s. As war tears Ireland apart, two young people are caught up in events that will bring love, tragedy - and the hardest of choices.

In a country fighting for freedom, it's hard to live a normal life. Winnie O'Leary supports the cause, but she doesn't go looking for trouble. Then rebel Joseph Burke steps into her workplace. Winnie is furious with him about a broken window. She's not interested in romance. But love comes when you least expect it.

Joseph's family shelter fugitives and smuggle weapons. Joseph would never ask Winnie to join the fight; but his mother and sisters demand commitment. Will Winnie choose Joseph, and put her own loved ones in deadly danger? Or wait for a time of peace that may never come?


My Thoughts

Full of period detail, you are transported to the Dublin of the 1920's. I found it to be a fascinating read and one which showed you different viewpoints within the community. The role of women in the society of the time is described through their actions and reactions to the changing times. Winnie and Joseph's story shows you the hardships they went through and the differences in their opinions at times. Of course, they never disagree about the desired endpoint of their quest for independence. It is all about the way they can achieve it which divides.

    As Sheila Flaherty explains at the end, the story was inspired by her own grandmother's story. This is why there is an authenticity about it. Not all the characters are sympathetic or likeable. This is a reflection of life. I was also interested in the different fates of Winnie's sisters. They chose different paths and did not all stay in Ireland, as many at the time did not. Nevertheless, their family ties remained intact even though they had different desires and ambitions. I can highly recommend this read.

In short: the fight for freedom 

 

About the Author

Sheila O'Flanagan is the author of 30 bestselling novels including What Eden Did Next, Three Weddings and a Proposal, The Women Who Ran Away, Her Husband's Mistake, The Hideaway and The Missing Wife. She lives in Dublin with her husband.

You can follow Sheila here: Website  |  Twitter  |   Facebook

Book link: Amazon UK
 
Thanks to Sheila O'Flanagan, Headline Review and Anne Cater of Random Things Tours for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.

Check out the rest of the tour!
 

 

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