Coming Home to Maple Lodge by Alison Sherlock #Review
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 complete opposite to what Ben has in mind for a minimalistic, modern makeover and fireworks ensue!
Can they
work together to save Maple Tree Lodge?
Can Lily help Ben and his family find a future together?
And can Ben show Lily that there's more to life than work?
As autumn at Maple Tree Lodge begins to weave its magic spell, perhaps Lily will discover somewhere to finally call home and a reason to stay ...
My Thoughts
This is a very promising first book in a new series which introduces a range of characters and establishes a delightful setting in the Cotswolds. Family is central, Ben is trying to find a future for the family hotel which is in need of a re-vamp. Unfortunately, his ideas are totally opposite to his family. Lily has buried herself in her work and sees the commission to re-imagine the hotel as her chance to establish a new business. Lily is aware that her life is rather lonely and that she has kept everybody at arm's length. Ben's sister is one of her closest friends, but she realises that she has neglected her friendships, using work as an excuse.
I was pleased to see that some of the characters from Railway Lane appeared in the story, with humour from Dodgy Del amongst others. The romance is a slow burn but there are some lovely moments. Lily responds to the warmth of the Jackson family amd realises what she is missing in her rather solitary life. She is envious of the sense of belonging the family have. Home and belonging are important themes and add to the uplifting warmth which is there throughout the story.
In short: Home is where the heart is
About the Author
Alison Sherlock is the author of the bestselling Willow Tree Hall books. Alison enjoyed reading and writing stories from an early age and gave up office life to follow her dream. Her series for Boldwood is set in a fictional Cotswold village.
You can read my review of The Village Shop for Lonely Hearts here and The Village of Lost and Found here and The Village Inn of Secret Dreams here and The Village of Happy Ever Afters here. and Heading Home to Lavemder Cottage here, New Beginnings on Railway Lane here and Sunrise over Strawberry Hill Farm here and Winter Magic on Railway Lane here
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