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The Inn on the Lake #2
Daydreaming at the Boathouse Cafe
Not yet published
Expected 10 Apr 26Can following your dreams lead to happy ever after?
After leaving an unhappy relationship, Hannah Jackson has no confidence in herself or love. The only thing she secretly dreams of is her own bakery. But when her brother Ben, the owner of their family run hotel Maple Tree Lodge, asks her to open a cafe in the renovated boathouse on Dragonfly Lake, Hannah is consumed with self-doubt.
Due to an injury, Ben’s best friend and champion triathlete Alex Grant finds himself suddenly at a crossroads in his life and accepts Ben’s offer to recuperate at Maple Tree Lodge. Nursing a secret, longtime crush for Hannah, Alex is hoping that he can find a new future for himself and that it might somehow include Hannah.
Can Hannah overcome her lack of confidence and make the boathouse cafe a success? And can Alex find himself a new path and finally admit to Hannah how he really feels?
Over a magical summer by the lake, and with the help of a stray puppy, Hannah and Alex discover if all of their dreams really can come true.
After leaving an unhappy relationship, Hannah Jackson has no confidence in herself or love. The only thing she secretly dreams of is her own bakery. But when her brother Ben, the owner of their family run hotel Maple Tree Lodge, asks her to open a cafe in the renovated boathouse on Dragonfly Lake, Hannah is consumed with self-doubt.
Due to an injury, Ben’s best friend and champion triathlete Alex Grant finds himself suddenly at a crossroads in his life and accepts Ben’s offer to recuperate at Maple Tree Lodge. Nursing a secret, longtime crush for Hannah, Alex is hoping that he can find a new future for himself and that it might somehow include Hannah.
Can Hannah overcome her lack of confidence and make the boathouse cafe a success? And can Alex find himself a new path and finally admit to Hannah how he really feels?
Over a magical summer by the lake, and with the help of a stray puppy, Hannah and Alex discover if all of their dreams really can come true.
- GenresRomance
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 6, 2026
5 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 21, 2026
This book was a solid fine for me. Two characters trying to figure out what their individual dreams actually look like while also falling for each other is always a cute story. I really liked Alex’s experience trying to pull away from a dream that was determined for him, while Hannah worked hard to establish herself in a new role she was thrust into but actually wanted deep down. It was a cute story, but I felt there were wayyy too many side characters to keep track of and the plot pacing was off for me. Overall, fun small town romance!
*I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review*
*I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review*
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC received via NetGalley.
I enjoyed Coming Home to Maple Tree Lodge so I was excited to read Daydreaming at the Boathouse Cafe. The author has done an amazing job of creating the fictional Maple Tree Lodge and Dragonfly Lake. They’re described so beautifully that if they were real, I’d definitely want to book a stay. In the first book, the focus was on renovating the lodge and it was interesting to read about the expansion to include Hannah’s new café and using the lake as a water sports centre.
I really felt for Hannah because she’s such a kind person and obviously has a real talent for baking but she’s struggled with dyslexia and her confidence was shattered by an abusive ex-boyfriend. It was lovely to watch her slowly grow in confidence throughout the book and end up thriving as a business owner.
Alex is at a crossroads too after a freak injury ends his chances of competing in the triathlon at the Commonwealth Games. He’s perfect for Hannah because he’s equally kind. He’s been in love with her since the day they first met when he came to the lodge with her brother, his friend from university but he’s respectful and won’t make a move until he’s certain she feels the same way. Their friendship helps both of them navigate the changes in their lives.
Hannah’s family and their friends provide great supporting characters but the real scene-stealer is Tiny, the Newfoundland that Alex adopts. I had a smile on my face whenever he was in a scene and his disruption of Alex’s first attempt at paddleboarding was hilarious.
I enjoyed Coming Home to Maple Tree Lodge so I was excited to read Daydreaming at the Boathouse Cafe. The author has done an amazing job of creating the fictional Maple Tree Lodge and Dragonfly Lake. They’re described so beautifully that if they were real, I’d definitely want to book a stay. In the first book, the focus was on renovating the lodge and it was interesting to read about the expansion to include Hannah’s new café and using the lake as a water sports centre.
I really felt for Hannah because she’s such a kind person and obviously has a real talent for baking but she’s struggled with dyslexia and her confidence was shattered by an abusive ex-boyfriend. It was lovely to watch her slowly grow in confidence throughout the book and end up thriving as a business owner.
Alex is at a crossroads too after a freak injury ends his chances of competing in the triathlon at the Commonwealth Games. He’s perfect for Hannah because he’s equally kind. He’s been in love with her since the day they first met when he came to the lodge with her brother, his friend from university but he’s respectful and won’t make a move until he’s certain she feels the same way. Their friendship helps both of them navigate the changes in their lives.
Hannah’s family and their friends provide great supporting characters but the real scene-stealer is Tiny, the Newfoundland that Alex adopts. I had a smile on my face whenever he was in a scene and his disruption of Alex’s first attempt at paddleboarding was hilarious.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Hannah returned to her family at The Maple Tree Lodge Hotel after a disastrous relationship wrecked her self-confidence. Alex, a long time friend of the family, is a medal winning athlete who comes a cropper at a charity event held around the lake. When Hannah's brother Ben suggests that she runs the new cafe at the lake making use of her baking skills she is unsure whether she could make a go of it. He also suggests that Alex, who secretly has a crush on Hannah for years, stays at the Lodge to recover from his injury.
Now this is the kind of book that I love, I haven't read the first one in the series (yet) but I was immediately drawn into the story. I could relate to Hannah's self-doubt and Alex, despite his physical prowess, also comes across as the kind, gentle person that I aspire to be. Add the supportive family and friends, together with the dream location and I also mustn't forget the Newfoundland dog Tiny who is star of the book. A lovely book to immerse yourself in and forget your troubles, 4.5*rounded up to 5*.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
Now this is the kind of book that I love, I haven't read the first one in the series (yet) but I was immediately drawn into the story. I could relate to Hannah's self-doubt and Alex, despite his physical prowess, also comes across as the kind, gentle person that I aspire to be. Add the supportive family and friends, together with the dream location and I also mustn't forget the Newfoundland dog Tiny who is star of the book. A lovely book to immerse yourself in and forget your troubles, 4.5*rounded up to 5*.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Hannah Jackson is living with her family at their family hotel who her big brother Ben runs while she works at the village pub as a waitress . When her brother asks her to run the cafe in the renovated boathouse on Dragonfly Lake she is worring that she will not be enough . Everyone who has eaten her cakes only give praises for them . Alex Grant is one of Ben's best friends and while he was competing in the triathlon at the Commonwealth Games got injured . With his leg broken and six weeks free he deside to stay and help with use of the lake and the water sports . Alex has been in love with Hannah from the first time they had met but then she was in a relationship but now that they spent so much time together he is sure that they could be together . Hannah is second guessing everything thanks to her dylexia and her ex who always made her feel unworthy and week . Will Jake make her realize that not all men are the same ?
I received this book from netgalley , the author and the publisher as an ARC . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .
I received this book from netgalley , the author and the publisher as an ARC . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .
March 22, 2026
Brilliant book it the series. The boat house is lush, beautiful, perfect for new beginnings. Hannah has been home since she had a bad relationship with Sean. Her confidence, self belief and pride has been badly damaged. She has even lost the self belief that she can bake. When a sad accident harms her brothers best friend in a triathlon accident she looks after Alex and bakes for him. When the opportunity to run the boat house cafe arrises she has to dig deep to gain the strength and self belief that she can do it.
Alex offers to help her with the books as she is dyslexic. When the cafe get off to a slow start she has a wobble but then when they decide to promote the lake as an event it takes off.
Working along side Alex re sparks the crush she has had on him for years. A drunken kiss has the flames stoked.
This book is great and has all the signs of being a great long standing series.
The characters are great and really worth investing. Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Alex offers to help her with the books as she is dyslexic. When the cafe get off to a slow start she has a wobble but then when they decide to promote the lake as an event it takes off.
Working along side Alex re sparks the crush she has had on him for years. A drunken kiss has the flames stoked.
This book is great and has all the signs of being a great long standing series.
The characters are great and really worth investing. Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a sweet, gentle romance. This is book 2 in the series but can be read as a standalone. Hannah is living with her family at the Maple Tree Lodge at Dragonfly Lake, which is owned by the family and run by her brother, Ben. She lacks confidence and self-esteem following a really bad relationship. Alex is one of Ben's best friends and is at the Lodge for a weekend and to take part in a triathlon. After getting injured during the race, Ben offers for him to stay for the summer while he recovers. Hannah has always dreamed of having her own teashop and when the person Ben hired to open the new Boathouse Cafè pulls out at the last minute, Ben asks Hannah to run it. Slowly but surely Alex helps Hannah regain her confidence, while at the same time Alex heals and also gets involved in the hotel's business. A beautiful story, with lovely characters (including a crazy dog!), all in a lovely setting.
Thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books, and Alison Sherlock for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books, and Alison Sherlock for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The first book I've read by the author and I'm now looking up everything else she has written!
A great easy and enjoyable read; perfect for before bed! I liked the characters, the setting and the storyline was lovely. I found myself longing for a dog like Tiny and his heroics in the lake brought tears to my eyes! The storyline showed how someone's past experiences can have such a negative impact on their future life and how hard it is to forget the past (something I myself suffer from; I only hope one day I can find Hannah's courage). I didn't realise this was book two in the series and it works well as a standalone title (although I'll now go back and read the first book!)
Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys light hearted romance and stories about "everyday life".
Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers and of course the author for allowing me to read and review a preview copy.
A great easy and enjoyable read; perfect for before bed! I liked the characters, the setting and the storyline was lovely. I found myself longing for a dog like Tiny and his heroics in the lake brought tears to my eyes! The storyline showed how someone's past experiences can have such a negative impact on their future life and how hard it is to forget the past (something I myself suffer from; I only hope one day I can find Hannah's courage). I didn't realise this was book two in the series and it works well as a standalone title (although I'll now go back and read the first book!)
Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys light hearted romance and stories about "everyday life".
Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers and of course the author for allowing me to read and review a preview copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, given to me by Boldwood Books via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A sweet romance culminates a long-term friendship and a secret crush in “Daydreaming at the Boathouse Cafe”, by Alison Sherlock, where an insecure heroine and a caring hero finally admit their feelings.
I liked Alex’s journey in the career field and the courage to make such a drastic change due to a small (but life-changing) accident.
Hannah’s lack of confidence, shyness and issues are poignant and I enjoyed watching her succeed with the café project.
It was endearing to watch the hero yearn for the heroine in silence.
The generosity and will to help each other and among family and friends is heartwarming.
I liked how the author handled Alex’s father reactions and progress about his son’s career change, it was well thought out.
The dog, Tiny, is a refreshing, cute, presence in the story.
I felt the story could be shorter.
A sweet romance culminates a long-term friendship and a secret crush in “Daydreaming at the Boathouse Cafe”, by Alison Sherlock, where an insecure heroine and a caring hero finally admit their feelings.
I liked Alex’s journey in the career field and the courage to make such a drastic change due to a small (but life-changing) accident.
Hannah’s lack of confidence, shyness and issues are poignant and I enjoyed watching her succeed with the café project.
It was endearing to watch the hero yearn for the heroine in silence.
The generosity and will to help each other and among family and friends is heartwarming.
I liked how the author handled Alex’s father reactions and progress about his son’s career change, it was well thought out.
The dog, Tiny, is a refreshing, cute, presence in the story.
I felt the story could be shorter.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a fun, wholesome romance! Hannah's family inn has been hit with rough times and it's up to her and her brother Ben to find ways to produce the income necessary to support the three generation making the Maple Tree Lodge profitable. With the help of family and friends, the siblings set about keeping the family home and increasing its revenue sources. Ben's friend Alex is spending the summer with the family and offers his support, in addition to his friendship.
As Hannah and Alex work together their friendship strengthens as they both try to overcome their ghosts of past relationships and family dynamics. The descriptions of the lodge and its Dragonfly Lake are carefully crafted, as is the sweet story line.
If you enjoy lighthearted, wholesome romances, you'll definitely want to read this!
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
As Hannah and Alex work together their friendship strengthens as they both try to overcome their ghosts of past relationships and family dynamics. The descriptions of the lodge and its Dragonfly Lake are carefully crafted, as is the sweet story line.
If you enjoy lighthearted, wholesome romances, you'll definitely want to read this!
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Absolutely lovely. I enjoyed returning to The Maple Tree Lodge for the second book in the series. Daydreaming at the Boathouse Cafe is such an enjoyable and cozy read perfect for when you need to unwind.
Hannah dreams of opening her own bakery, but after leaving an unhappy relationship, Hannah has little confidence in herself or love. When her brother Ben, who owns their family run hotel, The Maple Tree Lodge, asks her to open a cafe in the renovated boathouse on Dragonfly Lake, Hannah is consumed with self-doubt. Ben’s best friend champion triathlete Alex Grant finds himself at a crossroads after suffering an injury and accepts Ben’s offer to recuperate at the Maple Tree Lodge. Alex has had a longtime crush on Hannah and is hoping to find a new future for himself and one that includes Hannah.
The whole setting feels like a warm hug, and Hannah and Alex’s romance was sweet and uplifting. Ben was the best brother to Hannah encouraging her to believe in herself. A fabulous setting, lovely characters, and a place I’d love to visit. I’m so looking forward to the next book in the series.
Thank you Netgalley, Boldwood Books, and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Hannah dreams of opening her own bakery, but after leaving an unhappy relationship, Hannah has little confidence in herself or love. When her brother Ben, who owns their family run hotel, The Maple Tree Lodge, asks her to open a cafe in the renovated boathouse on Dragonfly Lake, Hannah is consumed with self-doubt. Ben’s best friend champion triathlete Alex Grant finds himself at a crossroads after suffering an injury and accepts Ben’s offer to recuperate at the Maple Tree Lodge. Alex has had a longtime crush on Hannah and is hoping to find a new future for himself and one that includes Hannah.
The whole setting feels like a warm hug, and Hannah and Alex’s romance was sweet and uplifting. Ben was the best brother to Hannah encouraging her to believe in herself. A fabulous setting, lovely characters, and a place I’d love to visit. I’m so looking forward to the next book in the series.
Thank you Netgalley, Boldwood Books, and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is an adoreable read. It’s the 2nd book in The Inn on the Lake
series, which I was actually unaware of. However I don’t feel that I had any trouble following the story/its characters, so would happily suggest that it can easily be read as a standalone or in reversed order.
Set in a small lakeside town, this story has everything a romcom needs:
a blossoming romance
loads of love in general
charming characters
a dog
café and cakes
hopes, dreams, self doubt and solutions
This is a super cozy summer read that I’d recommend to anyone who is into romance and a read that feels like a big hug.
This was the first book that I’ve read by this author, but I’m already looking forward to catching up with the 1st book of this series.
Thank you to Boldwood Books, Alison Sherlock and NetGalley for this ARC!
series, which I was actually unaware of. However I don’t feel that I had any trouble following the story/its characters, so would happily suggest that it can easily be read as a standalone or in reversed order.
Set in a small lakeside town, this story has everything a romcom needs:
a blossoming romance
loads of love in general
charming characters
a dog
café and cakes
hopes, dreams, self doubt and solutions
This is a super cozy summer read that I’d recommend to anyone who is into romance and a read that feels like a big hug.
This was the first book that I’ve read by this author, but I’m already looking forward to catching up with the 1st book of this series.
Thank you to Boldwood Books, Alison Sherlock and NetGalley for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was my first Alison Sherlock read. This is a sweet friends to lovers story set in a small lakeside town in the UK. While the story centers on the two main characters and their journey to become more than just friends the surrounding family members enrich the story and really paint a picture of what the town and community is all about. I enjoyed seeing the personal journey of the two main characters and how their growth leads them to a relationship neither one of them thought they could have with each other or anyone else. If you like friends to lovers romance stories I recommend you read this.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A sweet romance. There are past boyfriend issues and family problems. A charming dog adds much fun to the story. A gentle, delightful tale. I haven't read the first one of this series, but know I would also enjoy it. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Gorgeous cozy romance with some superb vibes from start to finish. The stylization is really great and the romantic chemistry is great. 5 stars. thanks to Boldwood and Netgalley for the E-ARC.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews