Skip to main content

Featured

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...

Happy Ever After at Puddleduck Farm by Della Galton #Review

 

It is always a pleasure to return to Puddleduck Farm for a new story in the series.  Happy Ever After at Puddleduck Farm by Della Galton was published on June 30th by Boldwood Books

 
When life throws up the unexpected, can Phoebe hold strong?

In the idyllic setting of the New Forest, talented vet Phoebe Dashwood envisions a picturesque life alongside her beloved fiancé. However, the course of true love is fraught with unexpected hurdles.

Career wise, Phoebe encounters a goat who is seemingly experiencing a phantom pregnancy, and a highly-strung talking parrot who pushes her professionalism to the limits.

Things take an unexpected turn for the worse when Phoebe is confronted with a glamorous love rival, and a surprise Valentine's Day ‘date’ to see a financial advisor! Can things get any worse?

When tragedy strikes Phoebe realises that nothing in life should be taken for granted and fears she will lose everything she holds dear.

Whilst her friends find their own happy endings, Phoebe is beset with doubts that she and Sam will ever find theirs. Is love enough to carry them into the future they deserve?


 My Thoughts

As ever, this is another uplifting story from Della Galton. Set in the New Forest, the animals are at the centre of the story and provide many humorous moments, as do their owners who bring them to the Veterinary practice at Puddleduck Farm. Phoebe is absolutely dedicated to her career as a vet and just as important to her is her family.  Her relationship with her grandmother is very close and they have a special connection.  Sam and Phoebe are very much in love but find that they have some challenges to overcome. Sam struggles against the idea that Phoebe's family could help them out financially and much of the story centres around Sam and Phoebe's relationship as they struggle to find somewhere new to live. Phoebe finds she has a jealous streak that she can't seem to shake off and there is a particularly sad event which is dealt with, with sensitivity.

    I love Della Galton's ability to draw such vivid characters. You can picture them clearly and they give warmth to the story. My favourite has to be Phoebe's grandmother, Maggie. She is fiercely independent but has found new love late in life and is recently married. Compromise is always hard but she has a huge streak of common sense and compassion and as we find out, she can read her beloved niece like a book! Staunchly loyal, she is a great role model for Phoebe. This is a great addition to this uplifting series.

In short: heartwarming story with some bittersweet moments

 

About the Author

Della Galton is the bestselling author of several romantic comedies set around the Dorset beaches and the beautiful New Forest. Her stories feature strong female friendship, quirky characters and very often the animals she loves.

When she is not writing she enjoys walking her dogs around the beautiful Dorset countryside.

Find out more about Della Galton, her books, speaking engagements & workshops, on her website, dellagalton.co.uk

 

You can also follow Della here:  Twitter  |  Facebook |  Instagram

You can read my reviews of more of Della's books which are set around Studland Bay here: Sunshine over Bluebell Cliff  |  Moonlight over Studland Bay  |  Shooting Stars over Bluebell Cliff  
 
 
 
Thanks to Della Galton, Boldwood Books and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources  for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.

Look out for the rest of the tour!
 

 


 

 

Comments

Popular Posts