5 Star Review: Coming Home to Maple Cottage by Holly Martin

Thursday 4 October 2018

Coming Home to Maple Cottage by Holly Martin
JG's rating: 5 of 5 stars

There something about these seaside stories from Holly Martin that just call out to me. Each story and each location are just too satisfying for words and add in the delectable mix of characters and I’m a done for!

I have to admit, it was this story, in particular, that’s had me climbing the walls whilst waiting for its release. Not to say that its predecessors were disappointing, that would be a practically impossible, but it was something about Isla and Leo’s story that had me salivating for the release of Coming Home to Maple Cottage.

From the way Isla came to live in Sandcastle Bay to her unexpected bond with Leo, which was unwittingly formed by her brother, Matthew, their story was one of happiness in the face of sadness and desperation. With Matthew’s son, Elliott, in Isla’s guardianship, and with Godfather Leo always close at hand, I suppose it was inevitable that these two caring souls would end up together but I didn’t anticipate the hurdles they would face even after Matthew’s tragic death.

My heartstrings were literally being pulled to extreme lengths everytime Leo opened up about his insecurities. Fortunately, Isla was always close by to reassure Lea but at times, even Isla’s caring demeanor looked like it wouldn’t be enough to save Leo from himself.

As always, it was the children and Agatha that stole the storyline and added some much-needed levity to the book. From Agatha’s match-making antics and her sexual liberalism to the children’s innocent and yet sometimes poorly timed outbursts had me crying with laughter.

Despite the fun, love, and laughter there is also a sadness to this story when an unexpected visitor returns to Sandcastle Bay just in time to cause mayhem and it looks like Isla’s world is about to fall apart and yet, despite his inner insecurities, Leo maintains his strong determination to protect those he loves and he shows he is willing to do just about anything to achieve that in this story.

This is yet another book which has left me sighing at its ending. I always feel empty inside when I see the words “The End” at the conclusion of Holly Martin’s books and I just hope we don’t have to wait too long for our next Holly Martin fix.

This ebook was kindly provided by the author/publisher via Netgalley prior to release in return for an honest and unbiased review.

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