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...

Playing for Keeps in Starr's Fall by Kate Hewitt #Review #StarrsFallBook2

 

I am delighted to feature the second in Kate Hewitt's Starr Fall series. Playing for Keeps in Starr's Fall was published by Boldwood Books on March 21st.

 

Spring is in the air in Starr’s Fall, and for two people, love may be just a roll of the dice away...

As the frozen earth gives way to the first spring crocuses, pushing their way into the warmer air, Maggie arrives in Starr’s Fall. She’s looking for a new start, with her lovable but painfully shy teenaged son in tow.

It feels like the odds are against her, but she’s determined to come out winning this time, and to fulfil her dream of opening up a board game café. But not everything’s a game, and when she finds herself attracted to a man who’s known as a different sort of player, she worries she’s setting herself up to lose.

Zach is funny, surprisingly geeky, and, most importantly, bonds with her son. But Zachis also drop-dead gorgeous, has a reputation around town, and is also ten years younger than her.

When he asks her out on a date, Maggie is totally thrown. She can’t deny she’s attracted to him. But is she ready to risk her heart with another roll of the dice?

A totally gorgeous, unmissable, small town romance, perfect for fans of the Gilmore Girls andVirgin River, from million-copy bestselling author, Kate Hewitt.


 My Thoughts

 This was a delightful read with some interesting characters and a small town setting which welcomes you in. Maggie is putting the needs of her teenage son, Ben, first and foremost and has moved from her fashionable and modern mansion to open a board games shop in Starr's Fall. Both Maggie and Ben are dealing with trauma from the past few years and Maggie is coming to terms with the death of her husband a year ago. Ben is a withdrawn young boy with awkward social skills and  in many ways, both Mother and son just want to hide away from people they don't know. You witness Maggie take her courage in her hands and force herself to mix and to seek out new opportunities in Starr's Fall.

    When Maggie meets Zach, she finds herself attracted to him but wary of getting to know him. You discover that there may be misconceptions  about him amongst the town's folk and that there is more to him than her first impression. I found this to be an enjoyable read with  few surprising moments. The small town feel underlined the community and there are some interesting characters waiting in the wings for future stories, I am sure.

In short: new starts and new romances

About the Author

Kate Hewitt is the author of many novels of both historical and contemporary fiction. Her novels have been called 'unputdownable' and 'the most emotional book I have ever read' by readers.

       An American ex-patfor many years, she now lives in New Jersey with her husband, two of her five children (the others are scattered across the globe!), and their two Golden Retrievers. Join her newsletter to receive updates and giveaways, or be part of her Facebook groups Kate's Reads, to discuss all manner of books. (Links can be found on her website.  

Her latest releases are The Girl Who Risked it All, a WW2 novel based on the true story of the doomed refugee ship the St Louis, The Midnight Hour, the second in her dystopianseries Lost Lake, and Playing for Keeps in Starr's Fall, the second standalone in her new heartwarming series inspired by the Gilmore Girls. There's something for everyone so do check them all out, and be in touch as Kate loves to hear from readers. You can discuss Kate's books as well as others on her private Facebook group, Kate's Reads or read her thoughts on Substack.

You can follow Kate here: Twitter   |  Website  |  Instagram  |  Newsletter Sign UpBookbub
 
 Purchase Links    
 

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

 

Check out the rest of the tour!


 


 

Comments

Popular Posts