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.

I enjoyed reading Coming Home to Maple Tree Lodge by Alison Sherlock. You will fall in love with all the characters. I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely. Happy Reading!

How lovely. I wish I was at Maple Tree Lodge Hotel. The descriptions were beautiful and I loved the bringing the outdoors indoors.

Lily and Ben were a great couple, I loved how slowly they grew their friendship, even though they both experienced an insta love moment. Seeing Lily touch everyone’s lives and bring them happiness again was lovely and she really did belong there.

It was great to see some old favourites from the previous series and even better to see this great community continue to grow and expand. The light festival sounds like such a great event.

I can’t wait to see whose turn it is next, I’m rooting for Alex and Hannah. .

Coming Home to Maple Tree Lodge by Alison Sherlock

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

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?

My Opinion

Alison Sherlock is a must-read author for me and with books like Coming Home to Maple Tree Lodge it is easy to see why. This is a delightful introduction to a new series with some great characters. A heart-warming tale.

Rating 4/5

Oh this sweet story makes you feel like you’re in fall in the glorious place! I absolutely loved every minute of it! It was just darling and so fun from start to finish

Lily gets the chance of a career to go down to her friend's family's hotel and redesign the rooms to help it get back on its feet. Hannah's been missing Lily, as have her other two best friends, as she's buried herself in trying to build her interior design career. But will she come clean on the issue she's faced with that career?

Ben, Hannah's brother, has taken over the management of the hotel and its rebuilding after their dad passed away suddenly, but his grandad is against all his ideas for modernisation. Then in sweeps Lily with her fancy designs so unlike what Ben thinks the hotel needs. Will they get on the same page (of the sketchbook) while dealing with the spark between them?

Will Lily finally open up in this warm, close family after her unstable childhood with high-flying parents leads her to try to constantly prove herself? Will Hannah trust her wonderful baking enough to provide for strangers and not just the family? There's a nice amount of detail about the renovations and of course a sweet romance, and the number of interesting side characters means you look forward eagerly to what will come next in the series while immersed in this one!

Blog review to come on 22 June 2025: https://librofulltime.wordpress.com/2025/06/22/book-review-alison-sherlock-coming-home-to-maple-tree-lodge/

Really lovely book , very descriptively written, which was excellent as the reader gets a very definite sense of place. Nice characters, some more complex than others , but isn’t that the way of the world , all very likeable though . Easy summer read I would recommend.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

What a brilliant start to a new series.

The Jackson family have lived in Maple Tree Lodge for years, going back generations. The building has had work done to it by each generation and now it’s an hotel.

After his Dad passes away, Ben is the new owner, and when he delves into the paperwork he finds that it’s in a lot of debt and doesn’t have any guests currently staying.

His sister then asks her friend Lily to come and give the hotel a makeover. But Ben has different ideas to how he wants it decorated to Lily.

I loved the characters, each one dealing with their loss in their own way. It was also lovely to meet up with characters from the previous series. The setting was beautiful.

I highly recommend this book.