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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 Honeystone Village Diaries by Kate Forster #Review

 

I am delighted to take part in the celebrations for The Honeystone Village Diaries by Kate Forster. It was published by Orion on July 18th. 

 
A mile outside the Cotswolds, everyone knows everyone in Honeystone, and for many years the villagers have lived quiet, steady lives. But a wind of change is here...

Anthea is the new owner of Spindle Hall. A renowned perfumer who lost her sense of smell, she's not interested in making new friends. Yet somehow that seems impossible in this idyllic village.


Years ago, Peony left Honeystone with a broken heart, and now she has returned with it freshly bruised. Her single father, Robert, is struggling with slow business at the Hare and Thistle pub. Perhaps this time they can help each other?

Izzy has never known what she wants to do in life other than be at Raspberry Hill Farm and care for her little niece, Clover. But when a new doctor shows up in town, she starts to wonder...

A story about the magic of ordinary people, no one does heartwarming stories like Kate Forster. Welcome to Honeystone, you can rest here.


 My Thoughts

This is a heartwarming story which brings together several inhabitants of Honeystone which is some ways, is the central figure. Family ties are strengthened and friendships are renewed. I enjoyed how the generations were mixed together and there was an inclusive flavour to the story. There was humour to be enjoyed, especially thanks to Clover with her observations and questions which put the adults on the spot.

    Not all the characters were likeable and there is a darker undercurrent in Dora's marriage.  Not every pairing end with a happy ending but most have a hope for the future and you feel that the characters have moved on and developed as the plot evolves. This is a story which puts a smile on your face and I would welcome a return to Honeystone sometime in the future to see how everyone is getting along.

In short: lifechanging moments and uplifting characters

About the Author

Kate Forster is the bestselling author of Starting Over at Acorn Cottage, The Perfect Retreat, Finding Love at Mermaid Terrace and many more books that she would want to read herself, so she wrote them. When not writing, Kate loves hanging out with family, friends, and her dogs. A dedicated houseplant lover, Kate also enjoys outdoor gardening and is the founder and moderator of one of largest online women's writing support groups on Facebook.  You can follow  Kate here: Twitter  |  Website  |  Facebook |   Instagram 

 
 Book links  |  

Thanks to Kate Forster, Orion and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.       


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