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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...

Christmas Nights at the Star and Lantern by Helen Rolfe #HeritageCoveno6 #Review

 

I am delighted to feature the sixth in Helen Rolfe's Heritage Cove series. Christmas Nights at the Star and Lantern is a feelgood Christmas tale with some familiar characters. It was published by Boldwood Books on September 19th. 

A wonderful story of love, friendship and opening your mind and your heart to new possibilities that will enchant fans of Holly Martin and Heidi Swain.

The Copper Plough is at the heart of village life for the residents of Heritage Cove, and never more so than at Christmas, when the tree glows in the alcove and the smell of mulled wine carries out onto the street. So when new owners for the beloved pub arrive and decide to shake things up, not everyone welcomes the changes with open arms.

Local bakery owner Celeste is ready to keep an open mind. But she’s shocked to discover that one of the new landlords is Quinn, a former Navy sailor with whom she had a short but powerful romance years earlier.

Fate may have brought Quinn and Celeste back together, but life seems determined to keep them apart. Can the villagers learn to embrace the newcomers this Christmas? And will Quinn and Celeste find a way back to each other before snow falls over Heritage Cove?


My Thoughts

Each of the Heritage Cove stories can be read as a standalone, but it does help to have read some of the series if you are to understand the relationships between the characters. This story centres on Celeste and her mixed feelings when she is reunited with someone from her past. Driven by her career, she has made some hard decisions about her future which seem to block her from forming deeper relationships. She has a lot of thinking to do. Quinn has returned to the village but finds that he cannot leave some issues in the past. He needs the support of his family.

     The community of Heritage Cove are at the centre of the story. Concerned that the local pub is about to be taken over by newcomers, they have to tread a fine line between interference and giving advice. I'm not sure how the new publicans kept their patience at times! Barney is an important component in the village and has some health issues to cope with.The community pulls together to celebrate the festive season and it was  those parts that I enjoyed the most. Full of delicious Christmas sights and sounds, it is just the book to get you in the mood for some December celebrations. 

In short: Romance, friendship, family community all tied up with a huge Christmas bow.

 

About the Author

Helen Rolfe is the author of many bestselling contemporary women’s fiction titles, set in different locations from the Cotswolds to New York. She lives in Hertfordshire with her husband and children.

 You can follow Helen here: Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter   |   Instagram

  
 
Thanks to Helen Rolfe, 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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