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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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Christmas at the Board Game Cafe by Jennifer Page #Review

 Christmas arrives in Essendale in Jennifer Page's latest novel, Christmas at the Board Game Cafe which was published on 10th October by Aria.

Kate seems to have it all – wonderful friends, a successful career and an idyllic life in the quirky Yorkshire town of Essendale. But under the surface Kate’s lonely, and she longs to feel part of a family – especially during Christmas.

With the holiday season fast approaching, and the town desperate to attract more visitors, Kate conceives a brilliant plan: an enchanting living Advent calendar. Each December evening, a captivating window display will be unveiled across town. With local businesses struggling, including her best friend’s board game café, she's feeling the pressure. 

But Kate’s picture-perfect plans take an unexpected turn when her ex-boyfriend arrives in Yorkshire, insisting on creating the Christmas Eve display. Can Kate trust him to deliver a show-stopping window? And can she finally put the past behind her and embrace the future she’s always dreamed of?


 My Thoughts

If you are looking for a warm and uplifting read for Christmas, then this is the book for you. The community around Essendale is the heart of the story in many ways. Kate is an interesting character whose memories of her childhood have drastically affected how she approaches her friendships and relationships. She puts on a perfect front for the world but behind that facade, she is incredibly lonely. Kate finds herself with a quandary, torn between the safe option or someone who she is less sure of. for reasons which will become clear.

    I loved the premise of the living Advent Calendar which Kate devised to try to breathe new life into Essendale. As each window was unveiled, a different aspect of Christmas was shown, with the final touching one having a profound message. You can absolutely imagine the villages slowly coming to life as the community took notice. Friendship and family are also important with Kate's found family at the centre of her life. 

In short: a gorgeous festive read  

About the Author

Jennifer Page wrote her first novel – a book about ponies – when she was eight. These days she prefers to write romance. When she isn't writing, Jennifer can usually be found playing board games which are the inspiration for her first novel. She has worked as a television producer, a music teacher and has even run a children's opera company. She now lives near Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire with her husband and his large collection of games.

 

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

 Purchase link   | 

Thanks to Jennifer Page, Aria and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.

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