Book Review - Coming Home to Maple Tree Lodge by Alison Sherlock

 The Amazon Purchase link below is an Amazon Affiliate link.

Amazon UK

Title: Coming Home to Maple Tree Lodge

Author: Alison Sherlock

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 20th June 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

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 ...

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.