Warm, funny, a little sexy, romantic. Holly Martin's books always make me want to dive into the pages! She has such a wonderful way with words!

This was a brilliant read. As soon as I started reading this book I just knew I was going to love it. Highly recommended

I really enjoyed the first two books in the Sandcastle Bay serhies, but somehow, Coming Home to Maple Castle was left languishing on my TBR mountain. I am very glad I remedied that situation. Although this is a series, each story can be read as a standalone as they are about different couples with secondary characters in common. Coming Home to Maple Cottage is the story of Isla Rosewood, her nephew Elliot and her deceased brother's BFF and Elliot's godfather, Leo Jackson. The three of them make a wonderful family, except that Isla and Leo are just BFFs and do not live together. The thing is, they both have feeling for each other, but due to things in their past and some baggage they carry, neither thinks they are good enough for the other. Will they open their eyes and hearts to what is in front of them?

I really enjoyed this story. The plot was well developed and I loved the characters. Elliot was adorable and I loved how sweet and innocent he was. He had no problem with his aunt, his dad's best friend and himself becoming a family and spending time together, but other's did not. When someone they thought had left forever reappears, their chance of forming a family could be in danger. As the complicated situation gets even more complicated, there's plenty of angst and turmoil. Throw in some great secondary characters including meddling relatives, and Leo's aunt making you laugh, worry, chuckle and get angry at times. This was an enjoyable romance with some suspense to make it an entertaining read. Of course, the fact that part of the story takes place in the winter at holiday time, it made it a perfect read as the weather is getting colder here and I am enjoying Christmas stories. If you enjoy romance with some angst and suspense, then pick up Coming Home to Maple Cottage.

I've really enjoyed this series so had very much looked forward to Isla and Leo's story.
You just wanted to shake them both to emphasise how the other one felt, both as insecure and stubborn as each other and with Elliot to think of it was bound to be a rollercoaster.
As for Elliot's mum I take my hat off to Isla for not slapping her.
Nice to round up the romances of this little town.
Perfect romance reading

Love this book fab characters your love them your there with them so easy to read great plot hooked i was pulled into the plot i like Holly's style of writing it just pulls you in a lovely warm story a fun read i recommend to you all so good

Snuggle under a blanket with a hot chocolate and get stuck into this glorious feel good romance from Holly Martin! From the cover (beautiful) the story (warming) this is a brilliant book all round from an excellent well established author.

Loved it. Expected to. Have read almost all of Holly's books and from the moment I discovered her, I have devoured them. This was no exception. I'd read the others in the Sandcastle Bay series, so we already knew a little about some of the characters, and as with a series, it was wonderful getting to see the characters again and finding out more about the 'new' main characters. Definitely recommend

As usual all Holly Martin books are great. They really capture you from the very start and draw you in. Lovely to catch up. Her books always put a smile on my face.

I've read all of Holly Martin's books owed and loved them all. This one didn't disappoint. A conclusion to the trilogy in this series and I'm gutted it's ended. I loved reading about sandcastle bay and its residences. I knew Isla and Leo would get together in the end and I'm glad they did and adopted Elliot. I thought Sadie would turn up in this book but I'm glad she didn't ruin it too much. I did think the end of the book was a little rushed in the last couple of chapters but nothing to complain about.
I can't wait for Hollys next books. Thank you for approving my request for a review on this book.

When Isla's brother is killed in a car crash she comes back home to Sandcastle Bay to look after his young son Elliot. Leo was Matthew's best friend and so also wants to help with Elliot but Isla finds it hard to see past his old playboy reputation. As Isla starts to have real feelings by Leo she is confused by how he really feels,..... he keeps suggesting that they get married but that's just for Elliott's sake isn't it?

Another lovely book in this series and it's great to be back with all of the great characters in Sandcastle Bay, I would definitely recommend these books

We see Isla who’s brother has died and left a son which she becomes his new mum and Leo her brothers best friend. They try and help each other to give Elliot all the love he needs. But when Isla starts to fall for Leo, is it what he wants?

A lovely feel good romance, your typical trope. But if it works why change it! I love a good love story and this is no exception, a lovely backdrop of sandcastle bay.

I adored this story, it was everything I want from this kind of book – I love this author’s books and this one had excellent characterisation and interaction from the main characters.

The story flows very well and I loved the plot line. This is the third book in the Sandcastle Bay series but I thought it read fine as a stand alone. Sandcastle Bay is definitely a place I wish I could visit!

5 stars from me – it is a heart-warming story that I thoroughly enjoyed and best of all it made me laugh!

Coming Home To Maple Cottage is a lovely seasonal story full of romance and drama. Isla Rosewood is still getting used to being a parent to her adorable young nephew Elliot after Isla’s brother Matthew was tragically killed in an accident. Elliot’s godfather and Matthew’s best friend, Leo, is heavily involved in raising Elliot alongside Isla. There’s always been a spark between Isla and Leo after a passionate night several years before, but since then they’ve been only good friends. Their feelings for each other can no longer be hidden from each other, but things are complicated by their personalities and past events that have shaped them, as well as the arrival of Elliot’s birth mother.

I enjoyed how the book went into the inner turmoil which was affecting Isla and Leo’s relationship with each other. However, I did feel that it was a little overwritten at times and started to become a bit repetitive.

Elliot is a great, funny character and there’s an interesting cast of secondary characters. There’s plenty of cosy autumn atmosphere with family events in the picturesque seaside town.

There’s amazing romance and chemistry between Isla and Leo. The ending, which is set at Christmas, is deliciously Christmassy and feel-good.

A lovely read.

I received this ARC free from Netgalley. This was such a sweet story. I haven’t read the other books in the series but you don’t have to, to be able to follow the storyline. Perfect quick read around the holidays.

Normally, I love Holly Martin's books, however, this one just didn't work for me. It was a struggle to get through because the whole story, while a cute premise, bored me to tears. I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

You know how sometimes you just need to read a feel good book? Well, this is the perfect one and part of it is set in winter. Great to read at the holidays. I really liked the characters personalities. It was easy to become attached to them. It's so nice to have caring family and friends. The author made me wish I lived there!

So take a break from the holidays and spend a relaxing day at Maple Cottage. I recommend it.

* I was provided an ARC to read from the publisher and NetGalley. It was my decision to read and review this book.

I really enjoy this author's books. She makes her characters come alive and the reader hope they get their happily ever after.
I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys a pair of star crossed lovers, an adorable little boy, and a small town where everyone knows your business. You will route for a happy ending and want to read other books by Holly Martin.

Another gorgeous book that is the last in a series. I'm going to have to find some new series quickly, This one mainly follows Isla and her nephew Elliott and the will they, won't they relationship with Leo.. She took over the care of her nephew when her brother died and is keen to get the official adoption sorted. There are lots of turns in the story with Leo and you are really drawn in.

Holly's book covers are always so gorgeous and tempting. Book candy! The books are also wonderfully written - a real treat between the pages. I am always sorry to get to the end of the books!

Ah bliss - this book was like coming home to catch up with old friends. Catching up with Jamie and Melody, Tori and Aidan, Isla and Leo, Elliot and Marigold, Emily and Stanley and Agatha and Stefano.

It’s late Autumn and the leaves are falling fast from the trees. Leo is still asking Isla to marry him on an almost daily basis as he wants him, Isla and Elliot to be a proper family. It’s not enough for Isla though as she wants a full on declaration of love. When a face from the past returns they threaten to ruin Isla’s plans for the future. Her friends and family might not be able to help this time.

I loved this book and although there were parts I found a little predictable sometimes predictable is good.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance read copy of this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

What a sweet novel. I don't think there's a better way to describe it simply as sweet. A single mum/aunt and a best friend who helps them out. There were just so many 'aw' moments that occurred, from every time that Elliot, Leo and Isla were together as a 'family', to just Elliot in general. And of course, there was a good mix, with some laugh out loud moments, but I'll let you find them on your own.

The romance was believable, and the chemistry+tension was there. You could see it clearly. But what really clinched the romance as 'believable' for me, was just the way that Leo was with Elliot. Truly a father figure, even though at times I did want to slap him, you could genuinely see the love and the paternal affection he had for his best friend's son.

Overall, I really did enjoy this novel, a sweet reminder of the fact that love can be found in any circumstance.

Note: I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.