Thank you to Bookouture for my copy of this book via Netgalley and for letting me take part in this tour. I have been eagerly awaiting this book since this series began back in April. Isla and Leo are so obviously perfect for each other and I had more than a little crush on Leo.

Leo and Isla have been friends for years but over the last year and a half they have grown closer than ever. They spend every day together and probably have a closer relationship than most actual couples.

I loved that it was set at autumn time. Most books skip straight from summer to Christmas so it was a nice change to have a crisp autumnal setting instead.

Holly has outdone herself with this book. The characters are so real and the issues in this book really pull on the heart strings. Losing Matthew has been hard on not only Isla but also Leo and the rest of the family. As well as many emotional scenes Holly had me crying with laughter. Most of these involved little Elliot who just became funnier and funnier as the book progressed.

I really enjoyed my trips to Sandcastle Bay and I will miss this cast of characters but I also look forward to meeting a new bunch of characters in whatever wonderful place Holly takes us to next.

This was a book which had me shouting and washing the characters would get their act together and stop messing about.

This is the third book in this series but it also does well as a standalone.

Isla and Leo are in a difficult situation which is made even worse by the appearance of someone from the past who is out to make trouble. This part of the story turns a lighthearted read into something far more.

I read this almost in one sitting as I was so invested in the story. Another great read from the author.

A delightfully festive read which is everything I have come to expect from @HollyMAuthor.
I have rated the return to Sandcastle Bay 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 stars

This is a book of second chances which have come about from a tragic event, where love, not just romantic but also the unconditional love of family wins out.
Families are what you make them, they are not always made from blood. Isla and Leo along with all the residents from Sandcastle Bay band around to give Elliot the family he deserves but when a stranger comes to town he could have it all taken away from him.
It takes a selfless act of love to secure this family’s future.
There were times I was curled up in bed sobbing my heart out and others where I was making tea, laughing at how well Elliot takes after most children when they tell the entire village your deepest secrets.

With thanks to #Netgalley and #Bookouture for the chance to review #ComingHomeToMapleCottage

Holly Martin is most definitely becoming one of my favourite authors. I haven’t read a book of hers so far that I haven’t loved and I’ve read quite a few.
Here she does it again with the absolutely lovely story of Isla and Leo in Coming home to maple cottage.
The 3rd instalment of the Jackson brother stories is by far my favourite although you could read it as a stand alone book if you’ve missed the first 2.
Isla Rosewoods life was turned upside down by the tragic accident that claimed the life of her brother Matthew and left her 5 year old nephew Elliot an orphan.
Having given up her London job and lifestyle to become Elliot’s guardian, she is now living in Matthews cottage in sandcastle bay trying to carve a new life for herself and Eliot that’s very different from the one she had planned.
Also on the scene is Matthews best friend and god father to Eliot - Leo Jackson.
Locally known as a bit of a trouble maker and jack the lad , Leo has slept with many woman in his past, none who ment anything to him until he met Isla.
Years ago Isla and Leo had a one stand but she returned to London.after a misunderstanding. That night Isla stole Leo’s heart and has had it ever since.
Even though Leo proposes weekly to Isla she doesn’t take him seriously and thinks he is just doing it out of loyalty to Matthew and Eliot. But deep down she loves him as much as he loves her.
Will they both reveal how they feel and what happens when Eliot’s long lost mother Sadie reappears on the scene ?
I can’t recommend this book highly enough. With its beautiful cover that compliments the beautiful story inside, this book is the perfect autumn read to curl up with.
Plus - If you’re a Holly fan like me try spotting the cheeky reference to her other books in the end chapter !

I'm a big fan of Holly Martin's books and was really looking forward to reading this new one. This is the latest in a series of stories set in the seaside village of Sandcastle Bay. I haven't read the other titles in this series, but this story stands alone completely successfully; reading it has made me want to go back and read the others though. As with the other books I have read from this author, this story was quick to get into and I was soon immersed in the activities in this little village, finishing the entire book in just a couple of sittings.

The central character in this story is Isla. When we meet her in the first chapter, she has given up her life in London and moved to her childhood home of Sandcastle Bay to look after her nephew, Elliot, following the tragic death of her brother, a single dad. Luckily, she is assisted in this task by Leo, at one time considered a bit of a tearaway in the village, but now a devoted godfather who takes his responsibilities very seriously and is adored by Elliot. Between them, Isla and Leo ensure that Elliot has all the attention and fun that a little boy should have when growing up. Although Isla is at first unsure of Leo, she soon discovers a side to him that she never knew existed and finds herself growing fond of him. However, she is not sure how he feels and, indeed, whether she can stay in her lovely little cottage by the sea.

I absolutely loved this book from start to finish. There are some great characters throughout, with all the villagers and members of both Isla's and Leo's families. I was amused by how quickly 'news' travelled around the village, typical of small communities like this. The village itself sounded a really picturesque and friendly place to visit. The bakery/cafe would definitely be on my list of places to see. I can heartily recommend this wonderfully heartwarming story to anyone who enjoys a really good romantic tale.

Another beautiful Holly Martin book about Sandcastle Bay. This time the story centres around Isla and Leo while still catching up with the characters from the previous books. When her brother is killed in an accident Isla leaves her life in Lomdon behind and moves to Sandcastle Bay to look after her nephew Elliott. Leo was Matthew's best friend and is godfather to Elliott and, together with Isla, he wants to make sure Elliott is a happy and loved little boy. There are lots of laugh out loud moments especially when Elliott is keen to tell everyone what is going on at his house. This book is full of laughter, love, and family as well as romance and uncertainty and with names like Hot Chocokate Cottage and Marshmallow Cottage this book is a winner from the first to the last page.

This is the final book in the Sandcastle Bay series and we conclude with Isla's story who we know from the previous two novels. Isla returned to Sandcastle Bay when her brother Matthew was killed and she became guardian of his small son, Elliot.

It wasn't what Isla planned, but now she would not be without the delightful little boy and the even more gorgeous Leo although he was never in her plans either!

Leo happens to be Elliot's godfather and has as much of a vested interest in the boy as anyone and Elliot is growing to love his godfather and the male influence that is obviously needed in his life.

Isla and Leo want to give Elliot the best life but neither are sure whether that best life is with them all together as a family. They enjoy their time together, parties, fireworks and simple family routines like dinner and playing in the garden.

It all seems rosy and idyllic that is until the past comes back and threatens all that they have grown to love.

Can Isla and Leo deal with what has happened and the possibility of the future? Will Elliot have the parents that he deserves after a rough start in life.

This is a great laugh out loud read and conclusion to the series, Elliot and his take on Isla and Leo's relationship, especially when he sees them in bed together was funny. But with all that humour as well, there is plenty of romance and a few tears can be shed along the way as well. A sign of a good book which covers all the emotions and leave you completely satisfied when you have finished the novel.

Thank you Holly for the joy you bring in your writing.

Coming Home to Maple Cottage is a book that can be read as a standalone but it is even better when you read it as part of the series.

I have ambiguous feelings on this one. The writing style of Holly Martin immediately attracted me. Her language literally flows out of the page but the simple and predictable plot line was disheartening. A talented writer like her could have taken something a bit more daring.
'Coming Home to Maple Cottage' is the third novel in the Sandcastle Bay series but can be read as a standalone. I haven't read the other two in the series but was not at all troubled with the lack of background stories concerning other characters. Isla and Leo are quite a pair but more than their romantic activities what we love most is little Elliot. His presence created some of the hilarious scenes but it also brought with it the hardships concerning parenthood. I couldn't but admire the sacrifices Isla has made for her orphaned nephew and I do hope Elliot will one day be able to recognise it.
What disturbed me most was Leo Jackson. His ever present guilt feeling was a bit annoying. I do understand the situation about his father but guilt about Mathew's death? That was really going overboard. But I am not one to pass judgment since no one is perfect. They can be perfect only in novels and movies and the fantasy they provide attract multitudes like me to the world of reading. So in this perfect world, characters like Leo make a bittersweet story.
To conclude, this is not a typical winter read that will make your toes curl with happiness. It will tug at your heartstrings making you weep and laugh. And lastly, you will be a part of the life of Sandcastle Bay where friends are many and privacy is your private dream.

An utterly gorgeous book.
This story has all you want and need in a modern romantic novel, it gets a bit steamy at times too!
A picture-perfect setting, the small English seaside town called Sandcastle Bay.
The story isn’t just about Isla and Leo, but also her friends and family, his family and some of the villagers. Aunt Agatha was making me chuckle again. Some of the things Elliot came out with made me laugh, especially in front of Aunt Agatha or one of her friends. I was definitely cringeing along with Isla. Most of the cast were in ‘The Holiday Cottage by the Sea’ and ‘The Cottage at Sunshine Beach’, which I also adored. This can easily be read as a standalone though.
I thoroughly recommend this book, a perfect light-hearted getaway.
Funny, touching, steamy. It ticks all the boxes for me.
Thanks to Holly Martin for another great book.
Escape to Sandcastle Bay in your imagination, like I did. It was nice to catch up with the area and with the people I feel like I know!
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the review copy in which I give my honest opinion

I simply adored my visit to Sandcastle Bay in all its idyllic glory. The rich descriptive writing style made the reading a joyous and indulgent pastime and with names as sumptuous as Hot Chocolate and Marshmallow Cottage, how could it fail to make you smile.

Isla and Leo have such a great chemistry together and you can't help but champion them on in the hopes of getting that happily ever after ending that every reader craves. But my biggest shout out has to go to Elliott, I fell in love with this little man instantly along with all his innocent disclaimers which gave me the giggles on numerous occasions, the saying 'out of the mouth of babes,' sprung to mind here.

This is a glorious and uplifting read that leaves you feeling as if you've been wrapped up in a big warm hug. I smiled from start to finish reading this book and I can't wait for another trip to Sandcastle Bay.

I truly loved every sweetest page of Coming Home to Maple Cottage by Holly Martin.

This enchanting story is overflowing with friendship, romance, love, family and fun. It will have you making your way through a box of tissues as you read. I laughed, I cried, I was completely in love with Isla, Elliot and of course Leo! 

I don’t know how I haven’t read Holly Martin before but I will be doing all I can to catch up on her full catalogue of books and all future releases too!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this novel prior to publication.

I found this book hilarious as I always do with holly Martin books. I have read a number of them now & they never disappoint. Perfect feel good read thanks so much for the preview

I cannot tell you enough how excited I was to read this book. I absolutely adore Autumn and whilst we have a lot of Christmas/Winter novels, we don't have a lot of novels set in Autumn out there. So when Holly Martin (one of my fave novelists) announced her next one was set in the season, I was delighted and could not wait. The mention of the fireworks, baking cakes etc got me excited and this book certainly sets your mood!

When I started getting into the book, it was like I had never left Sandcastle Bay. I simply adore all of the characters, and I was so eager to find out more about Isla and Leo's relationship. I also loved that Elliot was a part of this story, everything is better with children! I was loving reading about the acorn hunts, the halloween decorating - everything! When I got to about 50% I wished there was more of it! I really enjoyed the fact that we heard about some of the other characters in the series as well - seeing how their relationships were getting on was lovely.

Having said this, you could easily read this story as a standalone. You don't need to have read the others to understand what's going on because it's about completely different people essentially. One thing that made me smile in this book was the names of the cottages. Hot Chocolate Cottage was my favourite but then there was also Maple Cottage and Marshmallow Cottage (Elliot's treehouse), they all sounded lovely and homely!

Overall, another fabulous novel by Holly Martin. My favourite of hers is still Christmas at Mistletoe Cove, but this is a strong contender! Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

Some four years ago during the weekend of her nephew Ethan’s christening, Isla and Leo acted on the electric attraction between them, and at the celebration Isla overheard Leo speaking to another woman and decided that she was (as she had feared) just one in a long list: the night and emotions between them ignored in favor of the ‘reputation’ that her brother’s best friend took over. Now, after Matthew’s death the year before, and Isla’s stepping up to raise and care for Ethan, the little boy is happy, healthy and just as any five year old should be – with his “Uncle Leo” spending time near every day with him, providing a ‘male influence’ that Isla thought so important to the little boy who lost so much. What she can’t reconcile, however, is her love for Leo and the fact that it scares the pants off her - since although he proposes marriage near every week, the thing she needs and wants, his declaration of love for her, never comes. Everyone in town sees just how well-matched the two are, even Leo’s brothers and sister see it , and the not -so-subtle nudges from his Aunt Agatha, it also appears that everyone thinks she’s being coy and foolish where Leo is concerned. They spend nearly every day together, Leo has redecorated a room for Ethan in his home, and made a ‘spare room’ comfortable for Isla for “sleepovers’, Ethan adores him, and Isla misses him when he’s not there. But she worries about the permanence – her last boyfriend never said I love you, and left her after two plus years, unwilling to take on the responsibility for Ethan. She won’t get caught again and end up like her mother – her father leaving the family when they were younger – leaving them to suffer the wrath of their grieving and angry mother as teens.

For his part, Leo has never believed he’s good enough for Isla to love – he’s got a serious ‘save the world’ complex – blaming himself for his father’s death when he was young led to a less-than-savory reputation and teachers and townsfolk expecting the worst from him in every situation. His non-belief in his own worthiness led to a series of one-night-stands – never lying or offering more to the woman than that night, and several overheard conversations of scoffing women downing and disparaging him in ‘save-face’ gestures that only served to reinforce his own opinions. He’d do anything (and has) for Ethan and Isla – and when Ethan’s mother reappears after a four year absence with al efforts to find her and inform her of the hearing in which her rights will be stripped and Isla will finally adopt the little boy were unsuccessful, Leo quickly steps up to protect, shelter and find options and choices for Isla in her determination to do the best for the child.

These two have been electric and so very connected from the first book in the series – despite all the grief and tumult, and even despite Isla’s stubborn determination to hold out for words and not see the multiple ways that Leo shows his devotion and love to them both, repeatedly. From his sandcastle revelation in the last book, to his willingness to step away if his reputation and presence should jeopardize Isla’s chances for adoption, to dancing around collusion with a local solicitor, his godfather, who offers to represent Ethan’s mother without actually pushing or doing much for her except convince her to sign away her rights to the child and leave, the right thing for Ethan in EVERYONE”S view, the movements, gestures and even the inordinate amount of worry that Leo brings with him, and his own failure to see that most of the ‘negatives’ are from a teenager in the throes of grief some fifteen to twenty years ago. Holly Martin has built these characters and this town with such precision and skill, introducing all of the characters that live in this seaside town and showing us their interactions and allow us into their lives. And Isla and Leo are no different – their attraction sparking between them from the beginning, with no small amount of comments from everyone. And, with Isla struggling with her own grief and pushing things aside and down to step up and care for little Ethan, sacrificing a successful career in London all to be there for the little boy, her worries that she’s not enough, and even her reluctance to lean too heavily on Leo, even when he seeks out their company – she’s the sort of person everyone would hope to have as a friend. And Leo, so perfectly patient, accommodating and changing his life and schedule to be available for Ethan and Isla at a moment’s notice – it’s no wonder Ethan sees him as much more than a ‘godfather’ and best friend of his late father- Leo has become the father figure, with all of the love, laughter and honesty one could hope for. It’s just fortunate that he and Isla finally see the light before it’s too late.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-a2w /”> <a> I am, Indeed </a>

LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this book! It's been a while since I've read one of Holly's books and I was gobsmacked to realise that I have missed two books prior to this one. It certainly made not the slightest bit of difference to me so there is nothing wrong with reading this out of order from other books in my opinion. Isla Rosewood is our lead character along with her nephew Elliott and her brothers best friend Leo Jackson. Living in Sandcastle Bay was not something she had planned but now she has had time to get used to it she wouldn't have it any other way.

What she didn't bank on was Leo Jackson, her absolute best friend and support system all rolled into one. He has become somebody who she not only relies on, but as Elliot's Godfather, somebody who Elliot looks up to. When somebody knocks on the door one day everything changes. Isla suddenly realises that everything she has come to love could be taken away in a heartbeat. This book was so engaging with characters I absolutely loved and I am surprised at myself that I have somehow missed two other books set in this area. There were additional characters I liked reading about too but they were all in the background of this story, albeit all playing important parts as the story progresses.

I was truly disappointed to discover that I was near to the end and I almost tried to drag the story out by reading slower but that didn't work. Luckily for me I have another two books of Holly's I haven't yet read so I have those to look forward to. An absolutely magical book that I thoroughly loved.

Family is all you need. Even though they can be annoying at times, they can also give you that one little push in the right direction.

In the previous books we have seen Tori and Melody finding their way to happiness. That left us only with Isla and YESSSS, all eyes are on her this time.

Love should be beautiful, but sometimes life does not make it easy and when the past starts to interfere as well, it'll be a ballroom blitz.

I will give away some details. Hahaha, got you! Of course I will not give away any. You will have to read the book yourself to find out how the story goes. You will not regret getting immersed in this beautiful, fluently written and emotional tale. I could not rate it less than the full 5 stars.

Thank you, Holly Martin, Bookouture and Netgalley

***I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Holly Martin.***

Coming Home to Maple Cottage, by Holly Martin, is the third in the Sandcastle Bay series. Isla is trying to sort out her new life since her brother Matthew’s death. She needs a job and is trying to finalize her nephew Elliot’s adoption. Together, Leo and Isla have become best friends and parents to Elliot. Their feelings are plain to anyone who observes them, but Isla wants to marry for love, not out of obligation. Both Leo and Isla are sure the other doesn’t feel the same way they do. When Elliot’s birth mother shows up making demands, it might finally be the push that our couple needs to admit they’ve fallen for one another.

I read book 2 in this series and this one has a very similar feel to it. It’s hard not to want good things for Isla, who left a life in London behind to become Leo’s mum after her brother’s death. She has such a good heart. She and Leo make a lovely couple. Leo is charming and thoughtful and has upended his life to be a father figure for Elliot. I admit I was annoyed by how little he thought of himself. He was way too focused on guilt over Matthew’s death, mistakes he made in his youth and the crappy things some nasty people in Sandcastle Bay have said about him. I’m not sure Sandcastle Bay is a nice place to live at all in fact, lol. There are certainly a lot of people who want to throw shade!

We get to meet many of the characters we met in book 2 again. Elliot provides lots of humour being a curious little boy who likes to talk, asking every embarrassing question and telling anyone the answer to something if he knows it. Agatha also makes a return, and I was equally irritated by her nosy nature and assumptions in this story, though in this story her friends that report back to her were probably nosier than she was. Isla’s and Leo’s family and friends provide wonderful love and support to the couple.

This was a fast, cute read. I think it could easily be read as a standalone. If you’re looking for a light romance with very little angst, this one might be right up your alley.

Really enjoyable heartwarming story. This is a book to curl up with. An easy read set in beautiful scenery.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

This is such a brilliant festive read.
What ever Holly Martin writes turns to gold and in this case with an extra festive sparkle.

Full review to follow

This is a wonderful book, ideal for curling up with as Autumn arrives.

The seaside village of Sandcastle Bay is host to two of Holly's previous books: The Holiday Cottage By The Sea and The Cottage On Sunshine Beach. All the characters from these books feature in this third installment Coming Home To Maple Cottage but this can easily be read as a standalone novel. After reading the first book, this is the story I was waiting for the most, I think because of Elliot predominantly, but also because Isla and Leo's story seemed such a good one when hinted in the previous books and this did not disappoint. Easily the best in the series so far I feel, it has all the classic elements of a wonderful, uplifting, heartwarming contemporary romance.

Obviously the cover deserves a special mention because it is gorgeous; designed by Emma Rogers it features great colours and scene-setting. I imagine if it is released in paperback like the rest of the series it will look very special.

I loved that it was based around Autumn (acorn hunts and pumpkin carving festivities) rather than Christmas. Elliot's sweet, innocent, hilarious personality stole the whole show; I just wanted to peel him from the pages and give him a huge hug, what a kid.

I felt torn by the sudden upheaval that Isla, Leo and Elliot face; I ended up feeling that all the parties involved were struggling with a lot, and it perfectly encapsulated how there are often no bad people, just difficult choices and mistakes. Every one of the main characters faced problems, vulnerabilities, and a past they were trying to overcome with second chances. It was refreshing to see a specific character not be vilified excessively but portrayed authentically and it was left to the reader to make their own judgements.

This book gave me similar emotions to the first book of Holly Martin's that I ever read (Christmas at Lilac Cottage) and that return to her emotion-stirring, warm, escapist style of writing was perfect for this story. If you're looking for an uplifting, heartfelt, love story then this is the book for you this Autumn!