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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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Home Again for Christmas by Emily Stone #Review #PublicationDay

 


Happy Publication Day to Emily Stone. Her latest festive read, Home Again for Christmas is published today by Headline.


The best journey leads you home...

Lexie is always on the move, but there is one constant in her life - her 'wish jar'; the childhood tradition from home that she couldn't leave behind.

When Lexie's estranged dad dies, she is shocked to learn that she has inherited half of his travel company in Bath. Her dad's will stipulates that she must work with Theo, her handsome but bad tempered business partner, for a year.

Once the year is over, Lexie intends to leave. But a work trip to sizzling Spain reveals a chemistry between Lexie and Theo that is impossible to deny.

Will Lexie find a reason to stay in one place? Will she discover the secret her father kept from her, and finally learn the meaning of home?

*Home Again for Christmas is published under the title A Winter Wish in the US*


 

 My Thoughts

 There is a lot to enjoy in this festive story. Lexie has spent much of her adult life on the move, travelling through the world and taking short term jobs to finance her travels. She seems quite self-sufficient when you first meet her, but as the story develops, you start to understand her vulnerabilities and the reasons behind her desire to keep going. Her father has been a huge influence on her, through his absence, mostly, but his death rakes up so many unresolved feelings. It also puts her in an awkward position and a strange working relationship with Theo.

    There are several strands in the story. One of the most interesting is the relationship between Lexie and her half-sister, Many of Lexie's assumptions have to be questioned.  In the background are some maternal figures who keep their eye on the situation without telling Lexie what she should be doing. They seem to nudge her gently towards some good choices. With a touch of humour, some sadder moments and a touch of romance, this makes for a warm, heart-warming read, just right for the festive season.

In short: there's no place like home...

About the Author

Emily Stone lives and works in Chepstow. She is the author of debut novel Always, in December and One Last Gift, her second successful novel. Always, in December was partly inspired by the death of her mother, when Emily was seven, and wanting to write something that reflected the fact that you carry this grief into adulthood, long after you supposedly move on from the event itself.

You can follow Emily here: Instagram  |  X (Twitter)

Book link: Amazon UK 

Thanks to Emily Stone, Headline and Anne Cater of Random Things Tours for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.


 


 

 

 

 

 

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