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...

One Summer in Italy by Victoria Springfield #Review #PublicationDay

 

I am delighted to be on the tour to celebrate the publication of One Summer in Italy by Victoria Springfield. It is published today by Boldwood Books on 14th May.


A return to Venice. A friendship rekindled. A time for romance.

Natalie’s landed the opportunity of a lifetime hosting television show 'Luxe Life Swap', but she’s dreading going back to Venice, scene of the school trip that changed her life. The beauty of the floating city and handsome watch restorer Eraldo begin to win her over, however. But then glamorous contestant Cate arrives, the girl who was once plain, ordinary Cathy – the ex-best friend Natalie blames for the night that wrecked her life.

Cate’s swapping The Old Vicarage for two weeks in a Venetian palazzo, hoping she might pluck up the courage to go on the quest she’s been putting off for more than twenty years. Forced to spend time with Natalie, Cate hopes to rebuild their friendship – until Natalie makes a shocking accusation against Cate’s husband. Cate needs to find out the truth but how can she expect Phil to be honest when she’s keeping secrets of her own?


 My Thoughts

 The friendship between Natalie and Cate is central to the story. When Natalie reconnects with Cate, through work, she discovers so much about how they have both developed as adults. The events of their teenage trip to Venice have had a profound effect on Natalie. Cate seems to have reinvented herself and it is through their rekindled friendship that Cate is able to face up to her feelings towards her parents. Phil, her husband, has been her protector all through their marriage but as is revealed through events, he has some deeply buried secrets from his past. 

     Venice is a magnificent backdrop to the story and Natalie sets out to explore it. In doing this, she makes new friendships and there is a gentle romance under the surface. You get the feeling with Natalie that she has missed her true potential and her visit to Venice opens her horizons and gives her the confidence to take a risk.

In short: second chance friendship and new romance

About the Author

Victoria Springfield writes contemporary ‘wish you were here’ evocative women’s fiction set in Italy. Her feel-good books follow unforgettable characters of all ages as they deal with love, loss, friendship and family secrets. Readers can feel the sunshine!

You can follow Victoria here: 

Facebook: @VictoriaSpringfieldAuthor

Twitter: @VictoriaSwrites

Instagram: @victoriaswrites

Newsletter Sign Up 

 Bookbub profile:@VictoriaSWrites

Purchase links 

 

Thanks to Victoria Springfield, 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