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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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Summer Hates Christmas by Rachel Dove #Review

 

Rachel Dove's latest romcom, Summer Hates Christmas was published by  ‎ Manatee Books on 16 September. 

Summer Hastings hates Christmas. She loves sunshine, the beach and running her travel agency, sending people off to their dream destinations – even if she doesn’t get to see the world for herself. For Summer, Christmas is nothing but a reminder of all the things that have gone horribly wrong in her life, so when handsome Noel Pritchett moves his pop-up Christmas shop in the store next to hers, Summer is livid.

 

Noel loves Christmas…and he also has a sneaking suspicion that he might be falling in love with Summer, if only he could break through the armour she has surrounded herself with. Just why does Summer hate Christmas so much? And can Noel be the one to prove to her that life can be sweet all year round?


 My Thoughts

 I really struggled to like Summer and sympathise with her as she has such a harsh way of speaking and can be so unpredictable. It is only as her story unfolds, that you realise quite what is going on in her life and why she reacts as she does. Then you begin to have empathise and wonder how her future is going to pan out. Noel seems to be able to disregard her harshness and despite everything she says to him, has the patience to get to know her. Family is an important component of the story and there are some surprising twists in Summer's background which I did not see coming.

    I did enjoy Jean's part of the story and her growing friendship with her neighbour. She also has a sympathy for Summer and Summer's mother. There are some genuinely funny parts of the story. I especially liked Noel's reaction to the thieving seagull and to Summer's spray tan sessions. With mental health very much at the centre of the story, this is a book with plenty of light and shade. 

 

In short: enemies to lovers with a festive twist 


About the Author

Rachel Dove lives in leafy West Yorkshire with her family, and rescue animals Tilly the cat and Darcy the dog (named after Mr Darcy, of course!). A former teacher specialising in Autism, ADHD and SpLDs, she is passionate about changing the system and raising awareness/acceptance. She loves a good rom-com, and the beach!

 

You can dollow Rachel here: Facebook  |  Twitter   |  Instagram

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 Purchase Links 

Thanks to Rachel Dove, Boldwood and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.

 

Check out the rest of the tour!


 


 


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