Coming Home to Maple Tree Lodge by Alison Sherlock

ABOUT THE BOOK

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 REVIEW

Welcome to the lovely Maple Tree Lodge! It is a charming setting and delightful tale told from dual points of view by two protagonists Lily and Ben. If you love slow-burn romance with a dash of found family, you’re going to want to grab this one!

Meet Lily, an interior designer who’s hit a rough patch. After losing her job, she finds herself misrepresenting her services, all while wrestling with deep-seated trust issues that stem from a less-than-stellar relationship with her parents. There’s a scene that really tugged at my heartstrings, where she reflects on how much she needed this job, this lodge, and this family—perhaps even more than they needed her. But let’s be honest, who could resist that dollhouse of hers? It served as her inspiration, a dreamy little escape that led her to the world of design. And the gift Ben and Walter made her had me tearing up.

Add in Ben, the architect who’s burning the candle at both ends to save his family home and business. He’s caught in a tug-of-war with his grandfather Walter, who seems hellbent on holding onto the past. Ben is carrying the weight of not just the lodge but the entire family’s happiness on his shoulders, and he’s feeling the pressure. Enter Lily, who becomes the unexpected catalyst for change. Watching their dynamic unfold, I couldn’t help but root for Ben as he fought for Lily’s trust and, ultimately, her heart.

My heart swelled as I watched Lily grow and change. It was beautiful to see her learn to trust the Jackson family and, more importantly, to let Ben into her life. Their story is enchanting, and you can feel the love radiating from them. I love their subtle and soul-searching looks as they fall so beautifully.

The backdrop of this story, the Maple Tree Lodge, is incredibly special. It’s all about family and relaxation. And as Ben’s family navigates their grief over losing their father, Lily’s fresh ideas encourage them to come together as a family project, bringing emotional warmth to a once strained environment. You’ll find yourself cheering for Lily, Ben, and the Jacksons as they face challenges and celebrate their successes.

So, if you’re on the hunt for a beautiful and cozy story that blends romance with themes of family and personal growth, I can’t recommend this book highly enough.

Thank you to Ms. Sherlock for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

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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.