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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 Bookshop by the Loch by Julie Shackman #Review #ScottishEscapesBook6

 

Today we are visiting Scotland again in the Scottish Escapes series, The Bookshop by the Loch by Julie Shackman. It was published by One More Chapter on January 31st. You can read my reviews of others in the series here: A Secret Scottish Escape. |  A Scottish Highland Surprise   |  The Cottage in the Highlands | A Scottish Country Escape

 
Lexie Dunbar is a book lover. And her favourite place in the world is her local bookstore, Book Ends.  So when she hears that it’s going to be sold, Lexie decides she needs to do something to help.

Lexie’s plan to save the ailing shop is fully underway until gorgeous-but-grouchy artist Tobias Black arrives on the scene determined to turn the bookstore into an art gallery. Lexie is horrified; the last thing the quaint town of Bracken Way needs is a pretentious artist, even if he does seem to charm everyone but her.

Tensions continue to rise until Tobias discovers a shocking secret that shows they might have more in common than they realise. As sparks fly, can Lexie and Tobias work together, or will opposing ideas get in the way of them finding their very own happy ever after…

My Thoughts

This has been an enjoyable series and with the addition of an ailing bookshop which needs to be put back on its feet, it doubly appeals. Lexie has returned to her childhood home, licking her wounds after being passed over at work. Family is a big part of this story and she finds herself coping with a difficult situation. which affects all her family. Knowledgeable about books and publishing, Lexie seems the perfect person to revitalise Book Ends. Only the grouchy Tobias seems to stand in the way of her plans. As the sparks fly, you see Lexie show her pragmatism as she picks her battles wisely.

    With the enemies to lovers thread, there is plenty to keep your interest as the story develops. Others in the community add light and colour to the story. Lexie emerges as a caring young woman who is not afraid to admit she may have got a few things wrong. This is an entertaining series and with the beautiful setting, you don't feel that it is misnamed. 

In short: escapist and uplifting


About the Author

Julie Shackman is a former journalist from Scotland, who has always wanted to write feel-good romance. As well as being an author, Julie also writes verses and captions for greetings card companies. Julie admits to having an obsession with stationery and handbags. She is married, has two sons and a Romanian rescue pup, Cooper. The Bookshop by the Loch is Julie's tenth novel.

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

Book links: Amazon UK  |  Amazon US 


Thanks to Julie Shackman, One More Chapter and Rachel of Random Things Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour. 

Check out the rest of the tour!


 

 

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