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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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Last Christmas by Clare Swatman #Review

 

Last Christmas by Clare Swatman was published by Boldwood Books on August 27th.


Bea was always early for everything. Even, it turned out, when she was running away from her life.’

As Christmas approaches, Bea Preston has a choice.

Looking up at the departures board in Heathrow airport, her flight to New York boarding soon, she knows that getting on that plane changes everything. Her life in London has grown stale, her relationship with boyfriend Dom has run its course, and New York has always been her dream. But it’s a risk – she’ll miss her parents, her friends, her job.

What if Bea could live both lives? In one she goes back home for Christmas, and in another she heads to the Big Apple. Would her fate remain the same, or can one decision really change everything?

In a grand sliding-doors love story that spans oceans, years and lives, Clare Swatman’s unforgettable tale of fate and friendship is perfect for all fans of Jojo Moyes, Beth Moran and Ruth Jones.


 My Thoughts

This is a great festive read with a sliding doors story format which shows you two possible lives which Bea could lead. As you get into the story, the two alternatives take some working out but it is worth it to see the surprising twists and turns in her possible lives. Whether to go to New York or stay in the UK is her quandary at the start.  Bea has to decide whether following her heart is the best outcome for her.

    As the years pass and her two lives pan out, you see that she has opportunities in both to fulfil her dreams but there are pitfalls along the way.  In fact, at some points Bea exasperates you with the decisions she makes. Set near Christmas over the years, it is not as crammed full of festive references as some Christmas reads. The storylines take precedence.  There are moments of romance but also heartbreak and at the root of both her lives are some firm friendships both sides of the pond.

In short: Can a split- second decision change your destiny?

About the Author

Clare Swatman is the author of seven women’s fiction novels, which have been translated into over 20 languages. She has been a journalist for over twenty years, writing for Bella and Woman & Home amongst many other magazines. She lives in Hertfordshire.

You can follow Clare here:  Facebook

     | Twitter  | Instagram  |  Newsletter Sign Up  |  Bookbub Profile 

Book link: Amazon UK


Thanks to Clare Swatman, 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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