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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...

Lottie's Little Secret by Debbie Viggiano #Review

 

Today we are returning to Cornwall for a delightful romcom by Debbie Viggiano. Lottie's Little Secret was published by Unicorn Publishing on November 1st. 

 
If crime writer Lottie Lucas hadn’t landed a three-book-deal, she’d never have met Ryan.  Older, suave, confident, refined Ryan.  Or Relic Ryan as bestie Jen calls him.

However, there’s something Lottie hasn’t told Jen.  Ryan has an ex-wife – well, Lottie thinks Heather is an ex-wife, and Ryan wouldn’t lie, would he?  It’s galling that Heather is still on the scene, and Lottie knows Jen wouldn’t approve.

But Lottie is hugging a bigger secret.  This one is something else and, like a nasty spot, it’s threatening to come to a head and cause a mess entirely of Lottie’s own making.

If Jen found out she’d bash Lottie over the head with one of her size sevens, and if Ryan caught wind – well, that would be an entirely different scenario.

So, when an opportunity arises to escape to Cornwall, Lottie grabs it like a drowning person clutching a lifebuoy. A change of location seems like the perfect solution to both issues. But Lottie is about to discover that secrets have a habit of catching up with you – and this one is tracking her like a supersonic missile…


 My Thoughts

This is a light hearted and entertaining read but one with some darker themes below the surface. There is a lot of humour to be found in the ponderings which you hear going on in Lottie’s head and in the characters she meets. Her secret pastime is hilarious but the reason for it is less lighthearted. Debt and being taken advantage of are in the background and you do wish that she would tell Ryan exactly what she thinks of him, at times. Jen is larger than life and certainly has his measure. 

    You find out, as the story develops, how Lottie has come to be in the position she is in. She seems to be hoping for stability and acceptance but has so far only succeeded in attracting men who are anything but reliable. You feel that the story is in two halves- before and after Lottie visits Cornwall. I preferred the second part, as you felt that life was opening up for her, with boundless possibilities. 

In short: a romcom with heart

About the Author

Prior to turning her attention to writing, Debbie Viggiano was, for more years than she cares to remember, a legal secretary. She lives with her Italian husband, a rescued pooch from Crete, and a very disgruntled cat. Occasionally her adult children return home bringing her much joy... apart from when they want to raid the fridge or eat her secret stash of chocolate. Tweet @DebbieViggiano or follow her on Facebook!

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

Book links: Amazon UK  |  Amazon US

 

Thanks to Debbie Viggiano, Unicorn Publishing and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.

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