This was a feel good book, the characters were very likable, if you like a book with plenty of description so you feel like you are there then pick up this book and enjoy, I don't think this is the last we have seen of there characters, if definitely has a "series" feel about it

Ah, I was just in the mood for a feel-good book and this novel delivered that in spades!

Lily is at a bit of a crossroads. She has just lost her job under less-than-ideal circumstances and when one of her besties, Hannah, offers her a job at her family's hotel, it seems like it was meant to be. Getting to the semi-rural hotel in the Cotswolds is her first challenge, and won't be her last.....

Ben is the manager of the Maple Tree Lodge and he has a vision for how he wants the hotel to be decorated. Unfortunately what he thinks would work well is not what Lily has in mind. Ben is Hannah's brother and it has not escaped Lily's notice that he is very handsome.

This was a really sweet romantic story and all the characters are very likeable. I thought Ben and Hannah's family were the type of people I would really like, too. Lily had a similar background to me, with parents who were gypsies and who moved waaaay too much. It IS hard to make new friends when you move that often, it is very true. So I can see why Ben and Hannah's family unit is so attractive to her, since they have been living in the same place for a long time and they have a lot of local connections, which is something Lily has been longing for all her life.

4.5 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books.

⭐ 4.5

Okey I have to say that I loved this book, as a fan of renovation programs I liked the whole style of this story.

Lily is a designer who has always wanted to have her own firm, but due to life issues (which, if you read it you understand a lot) she has not been able to, she takes the opportunity that her friend gives her to go design her family's hotel that is under renovation and this is where it all starts, we meet Ben as he is the brother of her best friend and he is also the hotel manager, they both have their secrets and they are not evil, just white lies to make others happy (I will not tell you since literally that is the story). The romance was cute, slow but cute.

It was a simple but beautiful, cozy story filled with many lovely family members that simply stole my heart. I liked Lily as the main character, her evolution, her understanding that a career isn't everything and her approach to her friends was beautiful, how they despite everything didn't let her down and most of all the beautiful family she found with everyone at the hotel.

It's my first time reading this author but I loved her storytelling so I will be reading another book by her soon.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Readers will love snuggling up with this cosy, uplifting and wonderfully romantic new novel by Alison Sherlock: Coming Home to Maple Tree Lodge.

Ben Jackson needs to make some difficult decisions – fast. Maple Tree Lodge has been in the family for over a century, but after the death of his father keeping the hotel going has become a daily struggle. With costs rising and money in short supply, Ben knows that he will need a miracle to keep the hotel open – and to keep a roof over his family’s heads. Just when Ben begins to lose hope, his sister suggests that they hire interior designer Lily Watson to help renovate the hotel. Ben agrees, however, it soon becomes clear that it won’t just be the hotel that Lily will rescue, but also his heart…

Cash-strapped Lily is desperate for a job and to prove to her parents that she can succeed as an interior designer. A project like Maple Tree Lodge is just the thing to prove all her doubters wrong and she fully intends to give this commission her all. Only, Lily and Ben cannot seem to agree on anything as they have vastly divergent ideas about what the hotel should look like.

Fireworks quickly ensue between the two of them and when their relationship begins to veer from the professional to the personal, Ben and Lily must decide whether they are ready to take a chance on love – or whether they will let their insecurities get the better of them?

Fans of Jessica Redland and Tilly Tennant will love Alison Sherlock. Full of warmth, humour, emotion and heart, Coming Home to Maple Tree Lodge is perfect romantic escapism and readers will be completely engrossed in Ben and Lily’s love story and in their journey to their happy ever after.

An enjoyable Cotswolds-set contemporary romance that made me smile and shed a tear or two, Coming Home to Maple Tree Lodge by Alison Sherlock is a joy from beginning to end!

Absolutely loved this book. Idyllic location set in the Cotswolds. Well written storyline as Ben and Lily work together to save Bens family hotel. A brilliant cast of characters which come alive to the reader. Yes it’s a romantic story of Ben and Lilys slow burning romance but the book was so much more.
Highly recommend and as it’s the first of a new series, I can’t wait for the second.
Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and Alison Sherlock for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review

Huge thanks to @boldwood books for the #gifted ARC of Alison Sherlock’s brand-new Cotswolds series.

A struggling family-run hotel and a heartfelt renovation project set the stage for this warm, romantic tale – the perfect premise for a Hallmark-style movie. And in many ways, Coming Home to Maple Tree Lodge delivers exactly that: a picturesque countryside backdrop, a lovable ensemble of characters, a touch of unresolved family tension, and of course – a feel-good resolution that you see coming from a mile away.

If you love stories where the charm lies not in the surprises, but in the journey, this book is for you. It offers the literary equivalent of a warm blanket and a pumpkin spice latte – ideal for an autumn evening when you want something easy and comforting. While the plot is predictable, it doesn’t detract from the charm. Sometimes, you want to know that everything will turn out just fine.

Lily and Ben's dynamic, though built on well-trodden romantic ground, is sweet and engaging and the setting of the Cotswolds is as inviting as ever. A solid, enjoyable read if you're in the mood for something gentle, seasonal, and sentimental.

Maple Tree Lodge Hotel has been home to the Jackson family for over a century. Following the sudden loss of his father, architect Ben Jackson discovers the hotel is close to financial ruin and if the hotel is to survive and his family are to keep a roof over their heads, tough decisions need to be made.
With the hotel in urgent need of a renovation, Ben’s sister enlists the talents of cash strapped, best friend and interior designer Lily Watson. Lily jumps at the chance to showcase her talents and to prove to herself and her high achieving parents that she can carve herself a successful career doing what she loves. 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 begins to weave its magic spell, perhaps Lily will discover somewhere to finally call home and find a reason to stay ...

Set in an idyllic setting, the author takes you on an emotional rollercoaster as Lily and Ben try to save his family home and make Maple Tree Lodge viable again. There is notable chemistry between Lily and Ben at their first encounter, and this continues as they fight and negotiate over the hotel's interior design. The story features an engaging cast of characters, ranging from family members to friends and acquaintances. It's an emotional story with plenty of angst in the early stages, but chemistry and the drive to succeed make this an ultimately uplifting tale. I enjoyed the descriptive writing, the heartfelt emotion, and the romance.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Alison Sherlock's 'Coming Home to Maple Tree Lodge' is an uplifting, feel-good novel which transports its readers to the idyllic Cotswolds. The plot follows Ben Jackson, who inherits the money-losing Maple Tree Lodge, and interior designer Lily Watson, who is employed to transform it. Their respective ideas for the hotel are at odds; Ben wanting minimalist modern, Lily envisioning rustic country charm, which creates sparks that are both romantic and creative.

The writer skillfully creates a cozy, autumnal mood, and the old lodge and surroundings become so inviting. Ben and Lily's slow-burn romance is captivating, as they weave through family dynamics, self-doubts, and their undeniable attraction. Except for some possibly too-convenient conflict resolutions, the overall feel is positive and heartwarming, with good doses of themes of home, belonging, and self-discovery. Fans of relaxing romance and scenic locations will happily devour this lovely beginning to a new series.

Coming Home to Maple Tree Lodge was an absolute delight to read. I adored every single chapter of this beautiful book. Set in the idyllic setting of the Cotswolds amid beautiful scenery and wonderful characters this was a treasure of a book. I loved every single thing about it, from the descriptions of the scenery around the Lodge and the outstanding cast of characters. This isn’t just a romance story it’s so much more than that and whilst it’s an easy and relaxing read it’s also one that will put a smile on your face as it did mine. I was delighted to discover that it’s the first book in a new series and I’m already looking forward to book two.

A new series from Alison Sherlock? I wouldn't miss it for the world!

Set in the idylls of the Cotswolds, the story takes place in and around Maple Tree Lodge, the crumbling hotel much loved and owned by the Jackson family.

Being the first book we get insights into the family and their dynamic, and become familiar with the community.

Favourite trope alert! I'm pretty partial to a good 'friends to lovers', so I was totally invested in Ben and Lily, and the whole will they, won't they!

An enjoyable start to a promising new series.

I truly enjoyed this book from the first word to the last. The author did a great job of making me like the characters. The location was so well described that I would love to take a trip there. That is the basis for a fabulous book that will stick with me long after reading it.
This is the first book I have read by Alison Sherlock and I know I will seek future books out by her to add to my TBR.
Thank you NetGalley, Alison Sherlock and Boldwood Books for the copy of Coming Home to Maple Tree Lodge. This is my personal review.

Should you give up everything to follow your dream?
For Lily that's what her life seems.
Until her friend asks for her aid
And new plans are being made.

To Maple Tree Lodge she's going to stay
To bring her interior designer skills in to play.
The Lodge is her friend's family home in need
Of renovations to help it succeed.

Ben is the manager since their father died
But about the lack of funding he has lied.
Ben's idea is minimalistic and modernise
Lily thinks the opposite, she's soon to realise!

Can these two work their way through so it succeeds
And provide the lodge with the appeal it needs.
With family dramas and so much more at stake
Do this couple have the abilities it will take?

A story where secrets prove better shared
With family showing they really cared.
One where new members are welcomed in
Maybe dreams need changing for you to win?

This is such a gorgeous, engaging read
I really hope you'll next need!
For my copy of this book I say a huge thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.

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

This is a sweet story. Easy to read in a day, particularly a gloomy, rainy day. Its easy to enjoy and easy to predict the ending, but very enjoyable along the way.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW


Review for 'Coming Home To Maple Tree Lodge' by Alison Sherlock.

What an absolutely beautiful escapism by the very talented Alison Sherlock. This is only the second book I have read by this brilliant author but she is very quickly becoming a favourite. This is the first book in Alison's' brand new series which is called 'The Inn On The Lake' and I am looking forward to the second book already! It takes you on a journey to Maple Tree Lodge and I was devastated when I had to pack my case to come back home and leave the Cotswolds behind 😭 The title, synopsis and cover suit the storyline perfectly.

This may be the first book in Alison's series but I was delighted to discover that it is located in the Cotswold's just as the previous book I have read by Alison which is called 'Winter Magic On Railway Lane' (which is the fourth and final book in Alison's 'The Railway Line Series' and I would highly recommend it). Better yet the location of Maple Tree Lodge is also close to Railway Lane so I got to meet characters that I fell in love with from the Railway Lane book I read as well as discovering many new characters to enjoy meeting and getting to know too!! Alison transports her readers to the Cotswolds where they will meet Lily Watson who is an interior designer and loses her job even though her boss passed her work of as his own!! When her best friend Hannah's brother Ben, who is an architect, takes over the ownership of Maple Tree Lodge after the sudden death of his Father Lily jumps at the chance to showcase her talents and show off to her high achieving parents while doing something she loves. Lily moves in to the hotel and is determined to transform the rundown Lodge in to a cosy country hotel. However, Ben's vision was more of a minimalistic modern hotel. With the difference of opinions will Ben and Lily be able to come to agreement or is the Maple Tree Lodge doomed to fail? The only way you are going to find out is by grabbing your copy of this cosy romance today and discovering Maple Tree Lodge for yourselves. I promise you will not regret it and will soon be impatiently waiting for the next book in this new series to be published like I am! With Alison's absolutely stunning evocative, vivid and emotive writing skills and descriptions you really can see, feel, hear, taste and smell everything that the characters! Alison does an amazing job of weaving Lily and Ben's storylines together perfectly using multiple protagonist perspectives and I loved seeing how they were both feeling and what they were both doing throughout the book. I absolutely devoured this stunning storyline in one sitting being unable to put it down and I cannot wait to get hooked in to the future books in this series. Congratulations Alison on an absolutely gorgeous, cosy and heart-warming page turner.

Pick up your copy of 'Maple Tree Lodge', clear your schedules and discover Maple Tree Lodge and all the fantastic characters today!

There were so many large and unique personalities in this book and thanks to Alison's amazing writing skills each and every one of them came alive, I was invested in both Lily and Ben immediately and was rooting for them from the very start to the last page. There were so many characters that I loved meeting that I could go on about them forever but it would be much better if you grabbed your copy and met these fantastic, unique, memorable and larger than life characters yourself. They all have their own personalities, strengths, flaws and weaknesses and thanks to Alison's brilliant descriptions it feels like you are standing next to them throughout!! They were all great together and I loved seeing their interactions and watching their characters, personalities and relationships grow and develop through the pages. Alison really has created such amazing characters that I became immediately invested in and was sad to say goodbye to. I absolutely LOVED watching all the separate relationships develop and change between the characters and I cannot wait to go back to the previous 3 books in Alison's ;The Railway Lane Series' while I am waiting for the next book in this series!! This book was filled with a lovely range of characters so a huge WELL done to Alison for bringing them to life!!

Overall an absolutely gorgeous, feel good, page turning novel filled with friendships, love and more that will keep you up late at night. A beautiful start to a promising new series by this brilliant author!


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It's always a joy to read a new Alison Sherlock book, especially once that is the start of a new series. And it was with even greater joy to discover it is set not too far from Cranbridge and her other series settings.

To say I punched the air in joy when the first mention of the author's perennial favourite and totally disastrous character came into view. Easily the author's most memorable character and delighted to see he is still about and potentially even still alive given his very chaotic nature!

Of course as I said this is the first book of a series and I promise it is a standalone, and a great start to a series, even if long term fans will see some familiar faces about.

Maple Tree Lodge sounded amazing, and I would love to stay there myself. With wonderful lakeside views, and surrounded by trees, it is just so tranquil and cosy.

I really enjoyed getting to know Lily and Ben, and also their friends, who I feel may be present a fair bit in the rest of the series! And the rest of Ben's family are brilliant too, and I especially loved Walter!

This was such a relaxing book to sink into, it's gentle, it's warm, it made me smile a lot and was generally an all around enjoyable book.

Bring on the next one!

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

I adored this book. You know sometimes you just need a good romance in a feel good story - well this one ticks all the boxes.
It’s a gorgeous, warm-hearted story from Alison Sherlock- romantic and with a beautiful setting, this is a story to wrap around you in a warm hug.
Lily and Ben had a gorgeous chemistry from the start but life’s history and ambitions made their path to love a tricky one.
I loved seeing Lily’s ideas for the Lodge come to fruition- she definitely understood the history of the place and the need to bring nature in from outside too.
It was lovely seeing old faces from previous stories too, like Ryan and Del and I’m hopeful for more from this area of the country from Alison.

This was the first time reading a book from this author. I enjoyed the story. It is a sweet story. The descriptive picture that the author has made and the lodge sounds so warm and inviting. The family has a few issues that are coming to light while the age difference is family members is coming to light.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Boldwood Publishing and leaving a review by my own choice.

This was such a cozy, feel-good read! The setting at Maple Tree Lodge, tucked in the beautiful Cotswolds, made me want to pack a bag and head off for a lakeside escape—with lantern festivals and Frankie's cocktails, please.

Lily, a career-driven interior designer, finds herself at a crossroads after being unexpectedly fired. She jumps at the chance to help her best friend Hannah at her family's charming but struggling hotel. Enter Ben—Hannah’s brother and an architect—who’s recently returned home after their father’s passing, trying to save the Lodge from financial trouble. Cue: design clashes, slow-burn tension, and a sweet opposites-attract dynamic.

Lily and Ben’s differing visions—her cozy and warm vs. his clean and modern—spark both conflict and connection. I also really liked seeing Lily come into her own and realize there’s more to life than just work. The supporting cast (friends and family) added depth, and I’m excited to hopefully see their stories in future books.

My only real gripe was the writing style—it leaned a bit too much on telling rather than showing, which made it feel less immersive at times. Still, the heart of the story shines through.

If you’re in the mood for a charming small-town romance with family, friendship, and a touch of home renovation drama, this one’s definitely worth picking up.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.