Welcome to Maple Tree Lodge, and Alison Sherlock’s brand-new Cotswolds series.
A family and hotel in desperate need of help…
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 ...
The Jackson family has lived in Maple Tree Lodge for over a century. However, the hotel was never a success. After his father’s death, architect Ben Jackson discovers the place is on the brink of ruin. He has to do something to keep his family afloat.
Interior designer Lily Watson, Ben’s sister’s friend, is roped in for an urgent renovation. She is happy as this gives her a chance to earn money and prove her worth to her high-achieving parents. However, with Ben and Lily’s ideas for the renovation being the complete opposite, the project won’t be easy! And of course, the fireworks between them could complicate things or simplify them. Can the two help each other in the process?
The story comes in Lily and Ben’s third-person POVs.
My Thoughts:
Since I enjoyed the previous series by the author, I was excited to read this one. It is set in the same region, a fictional setting in the UK countryside, close to London. A few characters from the other series make a guest appearance here. Only one of them has a slightly prominent role… Dodgy Del! Yeah, though here, he seems to be less prone to causing trouble.
This is a low-stakes romance with very little angst or drama. If you are into intense love stories, this may not work for you. But if you want something hopeful, lighthearted, and cozy, you will enjoy the book.
The writing is mostly ‘tell’ with very little ‘show’. Also, there’s an infodump right at the beginning (this seems to be the author’s writing style). Still, the book has a good pace. I could finish 70% in a single sitting.
Though we have some heavy themes like the death of a parent, tensions in the family, a heroine with reinforced walls, financial concerns, etc., they don’t feel overwhelming. The feel-good vibes are strong and ensure there’s a sense of hope from start to finish.
Family and friendships are the core of the plot. I loved all members of the Jackson family as well as the friends of the MCs. Two pairs for the next books have been hinted at, and there’s one person left. We’ll have to wait and see how that goes. So, this is also bound to be a four-book series set in the beautiful Maple Tree Lodge.
The remote setting of the lodge nestled in the woods with a lake close by and hundreds of ancient trees feels like the best place to be! I enjoyed the descriptions of the interiors of the lodge and the nature around it. Since the story happens over four-six months, we can see the seasonal changes as well.
To summarize, Coming Home to Maple Tree Lodge is a cozy and heartwarming story about finding your place in the world and having a supportive family. It works well as a breather between heavier reads.
Thank you, Rachel’s Random Resources and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
I really enjoyed the setting, the Maple Tree Lodge was a gorgeous place, it made me crave a vacation in a place like that. It gave such cosy vibes.
Lily was always career oriented, but after being fired, she jumps at the chance to help her best friend Hannah at her family's hotel. The hotel is now in the hands of Hannah's brother Ben, after the death of their father. Ben is an architect, but after realising that the hotel is in financial trouble and needs some renovations, he's back home. Lily, an interior designer, is excited to decorate such a beautiful place, but Ben's minimalistic vision clashes with hers. But with a daring plan, maybe she'll be able to win him over and maybe they'll find there is something more between them. But will they be able to save the hotel?
I really enjoyed the scenery, with the lake and the woods, it was incredibly beautiful. I loved the lantern festival on the lake too. I wish I could see it and drink some of Frankie's cocktails.
Ben and his family were great, I really liked them. Lily was a little too dependant on her family's expectations, but I can understand that. I'm glad that, at the end, she could see that work isn't everything. I also liked that we got the see Lily and Hannah's other best friends, as well as Ben's. I hope we get their stories too.
The biggest issue I had with this, and the reason for the rating is the writing style. I didn't quite enjoy it. I was constantly being told instead of being shown everything and I, personally, am not a fan of that.
Overall, I still liked the vibes. It reminded me of a Hallmark movie, and I do love those.
*Thank you to Netgalley and to Boldwood Books for providing me with an ARC.*
This one was very much up my street. Whilst it might not be an award-winner, or be packed with twists, this is the perfect summer read. Just a gorgeous book to read sitting around a pool with a glass of something cold. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Lily has always had something to prove—especially to her parents. Constantly uprooted as a child and never made a priority, she's grown up determined to carve out her own success as an interior designer. But that ambition has come at a cost: she’s pushed away the only people who’ve ever stood by her—her three closest friends. When she unexpectedly loses her job, Lily keeps the truth to herself. So, when her friend Hannah invites her to renovate the family’s countryside lodge, Lily sees more than a generous offer—it’s a chance to prove her worth and finally launch her own interior design business. She just has to pretend she’s still on top of her game. But as Lily arrives at the charming and rustic Maple Tree Lodge, nestled deep in rolling hills and whispering pines, she finds more than just design inspiration. The warm, chaotic, and welcoming family draws her in—especially Ben, the handsome, quietly steady brother who is carrying a big secret of his own.
This delightful tale wraps you in warmth like a favourite blanket and leaves you yearning for Maple Tree Lodge to leap off the page and into reality.
A cozy read reminiscent of a Hallmark movie. The main characters were fun to get to know. Each one is facing their own personal challenges as they try to go forward in life. The setting sounds so beautiful… I want to be there! If you enjoy reading enemies to lovers troupe, you will enjoy reading this book. This is the first book I have read by author Alison Sherlock. I look forward to reading more from her in the future. Thanks to all for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Coming Home to Maple Tree Lodge follows Lily, an interior designer, as she navigates her dreams, relationships with friends and family, and the question of what she truly wants out of life. When her best friend’s family needs help renovating their lodge and family home, Lily jumps at the chance. But she quickly finds herself at odds with Ben, her best friend’s brother and the hotel’s manager, whose vision for the remodel is more modern, and in her opinion, not what the hotel needs. As Ben and Lily work to figure out how to work together to save the lodge, they begin to rethink their priorities and learn more about themselves.
This book had a cozy vibe that reminded me of a Hallmark movie, which is great if that’s you kind of story. While the setting seemed beautiful, the story felt overly predictable, and the writing leaned heavily on telling rather than showing. For me, the lack of buildup made the story feel flat at times; everything was laid out as it happened, without much tension or build up. I appreciate the sentiment behind this book, but it just wasn’t for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC!
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.
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.
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.
The setting for Maple Tree Lodge sounds idyllic but the lodge needs some TLC. Hannah whose family owns the lodge asks her friend Lily to help with the interior designs. Hannah’s brother Ben has his own ideas and he and Lily clash initially. The Jackson family are wonderful characters and they along with some friends come together to help, also nice to see old favourites from a previous series pop up. A great introduction to a new series.
What an absolutely heartwarming book! It took me a few chapters to really get into the story, but I was hooked after that! This was my first Alison Sherlock book and I'll read more for sure! This was a sweet, closed door romance and I loved it! Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for my digital ARC!!
Lily is headed to Maple Tree Lodge. She’s helping her friend’s brother with the interior design work of the lodge This was a nice feel good book. The characters are all so sweet and the lodge sounds beautiful. It has some sweet romance. You won’t be able to put it down!
Thank you to the NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Coming Home To Maple Tree Lodge is a cute, cosy romcom for the Gilmore Girls and Hallmark movie fans, and an easy feel-good read.
The setting for me was the real star of the book - I could picture Maple Tree Lodge and the lake so vividly in my mind and I wish it was real! It really hit the mark for my small town romance dreams.
I really enjoyed the enemies to lovers storyline with Lily and Ben, although at times I found Lily a little hard to relate to. As the story progressed though, I definitely warmed to her as she began to open up more, and I loved seeing their relationship unfold.
I also love that we were introduced to a supporting cast of friends who all had their own distinct personalities - I hope we get to explore their own stories more someday, especially if it means returning to this beautiful setting!
This was my first time reading Alison Sherlock, and I look forward to picking up more of her work in future. I’ll be waiting patiently to see where this series goes and whose story comes next!
i always dream i get to find a place that feels so like home. i loved reading about lily finding her home and her family in maple tree lodge. this was honestly so romantic and i love the overall vibes.
thank you to netgalley and the author for sending me the book in exchange for an honest 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.
📌 I received an e-arc through netgalley, and this is my honest opinion/review of it.
⭐ 4.5
Okey tengo que decir que este libro sin duda me encanto, como fan de los programas de renovaciones me gusto todo el estilo de esta historia.
Lily es una diseñadora que siempre a querido tener su propia firma, pero por cuestiones de vida (lo cual, si leen se entiende mucho) no lo ha logrado, ella aprovecha la oportunidad que su amiga le da de ir a diseñar el hotel de su familia que está en renovaciones y aquí es donde empieza todo, conocemos a Ben ya que es el hermano de su mejor amiga y también es el administrador del hotel, los dos tienen sus secretos y no son males, simplemente mentiras piadosas para hacer feliz a los demás (no les diré ya que literal esa es la historia). El romance fue lindo, lento pero lindo.
Fue una historia simple pero hermosa, cozy, llena de muchos familiares encantadores que simplemente se robaron mi corazón. Lily como protagonista principal me gusto, su evolución, su entendimiento en que una carrera no lo es todo y su acercamiento a sus amigas fue hermoso, como ellas a pesar de todo no la dejaron caer y sobre todo la familia tan bonita que encontró con todos en el hotel.
Es mi primera vez leyendo a esta autora pero me encanto mucho su forma de contar historias así que estaré leyendo algún otro libro de ella pronto.
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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.
Coming Home to Maple Tree Lodge by Alison Sherlock
Alison Sherlock’s brand-new Cotswolds series, featuring *Maple Tree Lodge*, marks my first encounter with her work, and I’m thoroughly captivated. The vibrant characters and the warm, inviting atmosphere of the Maple Tree Lodge family have left me eager for the next instalment in the series. I can’t wait to discover whose story will unfold next. The pacing of the narrative keeps you engaged, striking a perfect balance that allows for meaningful relationship development without feeling hurried. Watching the inn and its inhabitants come together is genuinely rewarding.
Lily Watson is an interior designer who has always been laser-focused on her career, finds herself at a crossroads after being unexpectedly fired from a job she thought would lead to a partnership. This career setback opens the door for her to assist her best friend, Hannah, at her family's picturesque hotel in the Cotswolds. Growing up, Lily never really had a place to call home due to her father's demanding role as a diplomat, which had her moving from one country to another. As a result, the notion of a stable, welcoming home resonates deeply with her.
Ben Jackson, on the other hand, is facing his own challenges. His family has owned Maple Tree Lodge for generations, but following the sudden death of his father, Ben is now tasked with the daunting responsibility of saving the Lodge from financial ruin. Faced with the possibility of selling the family property, he feels the weight of tradition on his shoulders and is determined to find a way to keep the legacy alive.
Lily’s vision for a cozy, country retreat brimming with charm and warmth stands in sharp contrast to Ben’s minimalist aesthetic, intended to modernise the Lodge. As they both navigate their differing visions and personal histories, the tension between them unfolds beautifully, promising an enriching journey ahead.
Thank you to Boldwood Books, Alison Sherlock, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader's Copy.
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!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I want to say thank you to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me the privilege of being able to read this book.
This was a really cute and sweet book. It did take me until about 40% to finally fall into it, but after that it took off for me and I couldn't put it down. This was cute and for the first time in a little bit not cheesyish like a hallmark movie. It is a bit awkwardly over descriptive at times in random places and pulled a little bit away from the story for me. But other than I really enjoyed reading this book. The story does pull you in and feels like it's welcoming you to be a member of the family too and I really loved that. I also really loved the full circle moment that occurs in at all well, it was so well done! Even though I said it's not hallmark cheesy it would still make a really good romantic film, it is that descriptive at it's good moments throughout apart from the couple of random parts that when you're flying through it unable to put it down it feels like you're watching it like a movie. I love books that can pull me in like that, I've missed that feeling. This is warm, and cozy read and may be better suited for a fall/winter read. I wanted to curl up in my blankets and pretend I'm right there just because of the time it occurs under and the way it makes you feel but it's also a good anytime moment book as well.
Thank you so much again for allowing me to read this book I loved it!
Alison Sherlock's new series in here . Lily Watson is an interior designer who is trying to prove to her parents that her career she choose will make her successful . When her best friend Hannah asks her to come to Maple Tree Lodge so she will decorate her family hotel that is Lily's chance to showcase her talent . Ben Jackson an architect was working as a partner in London but with the sudden death of his father he moved back home and the past 6 months he is trying to save the hotel which is their home and it belongs to his family for the past 5 generations . With little to no money they hope that with the reopening of the hotel will be able to save it . Lily's and Ben's ideas about the decor is totally different but Lily is able to make him realize that her vision of cozy hotel is what the guests will want . Working and living with the Jackson family makes Lily for the first time in her life feel like this is home and her feelings for Ben are growing . As the hotel getting successful and she will have to go back to London because a friend of her offered her the chance to work as an interior designer , what will she do ? Will she choose with her mind or her heart ? I loved all the girls and the guys and waiting for their stories . I hope the next is about Hannah and Alex . I received this book from netgalley , the author and the publisher as an ARC . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 cozy, 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?
This is the first book I have read by the author and I look forward to reading more in the future. I hope the story continues in future books so Lily’s friends get their own HEA’s. This was such a cozy read and the setting in the English countryside made me want to immediately book a stay at the Maple Tree Lodge. A sweet heartfelt read that draws you in and invites you to stay awhile. If you love heartwarming stories and new beginnings in a charming setting look no further. Loved it. 🍁
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
When your dreams get shattered after you think your career is all planned out, there is no time to waste in restarting your dreams and destiny the way they were meant to be. What happens when you go to visit a friend and the trip starts off with an accident before you have even begun? They say every cloud has a silver lining and in this particular instance I believe the magic of Maple Tree Lodge is real. Ben’s family have owned Maple Tree Lodge since the start and after the sudden death of Ben’s father it is down to him to try and rescue the Lodge before they have no other option to sell up and watch the area get transformed not for the better. Then Lily (Ben’s sisters best friend) comes to stay after being made redundant by her useless boss she sets up with Ben to completely change the interior design of the place ( as set up by his influence and the vision he has for the lodge) Knowing from her experience that the vision is all wrong she plans one room to her vision so Ben can see how much her vision is more suited to the environment. Then a surprise phone call from Lily’s ex-boss to arrange a visit to discuss the project leads for some confusion and some stark confessions between Lily & Ben’s family as all truths are revealed. Can the project continue or not?
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC, which is set to publish on June 20, 2025.
One of the best parts of this book was the beautifully detailed scenery. As we head into the hot summer months, it’s refreshing to read a story set in the crisp, colorful days of fall. Coming Home to Maple Tree Lodge captures the essence of the season perfectly — from the golden leaves to the cozy charm of a countryside lodge.
The story centers around the Jackson family and their beloved Maple Tree Lodge. After the passing of his father, Ben returns home and is suddenly responsible for saving the family lodge, which has been in the family for generations. Enter Lily — a talented but struggling interior designer who is afraid of making deep commitments due to a fear of rejection. Together, Ben and Lily work to restore the lodge, both physically and emotionally, and the journey is filled with warmth, growth, and second chances.
At its heart, this book is about love, family, and finding your place — whether it's in a new home, a relationship, or within yourself. The rustic charm of the lodge and the vivid seasonal descriptions add a comforting atmosphere to the story, making it a perfect feel-good read.