Book Review - Daydreaming at the Boathouse Cafe by Alison Sherlock

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Title: Daydreaming at the Boathouse Cafe

Author: Alison Sherlock

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 10th April 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

Every book in the Maple Tree Lodge series can be read as a standalone

Can 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.

If you love this try Alison's Railway Lane and Riverside Lane Series

There is just something so heartwarming about an Alison Sherlock book, and so comforting about her settings.  And I am absolutely loving this new Maple Tree Lodge series. 

It was great to be back in this hotel, and to see the latest enhancements being made to it, to try to attract business coming into the summer months. 

Dodgy Del is up to his old tricks again and with a very early book appearance, it results in Alex having a career ending injury but also ultimately ending up with a new four legged friend, Tiny! 

It also means that Alex is needing to recover amongst friends and surrogate family at the Lodge, and he is Hannah's biggest supporter, and is keen to try to help her make the Boathouse Cafe a success.  Something she is very much lacking in confidence about. 

It was great to catch up with all the characters of the first book, as well as cameos of characters from other series from this author.  

I loved just about everything to do with Hannah and Alex, their easy camaraderie, obvious friendship and they way they are with just about everyone.  And Tiny the dog is utterly amazing. 

This is such an enjoyable story, and I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series. 

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.