Coming Home to Maple Cottage tells the story of Isla, whose brother dies and leaves her custody of his son Elliot. Elliot’s godfather, Leo, is a bad boy with a past, but turns his life around when Isla arrives to build a new life with Elliot.
As a reviewer, I think I lost a bit of the nuance in this story because I hadn’t read the previous two books in the series (and therefore, I think, I had less background on the characters), but I was still charmed by the story and Isla and Leo. Isla's life with Elliot seemed so real, from the shape of their daily lives to the art projects they worked on together.
This book tugged a bit too much at my mom heart-strings. The story line is largely about Isla’s legal battle for full custody of Elliot, and that was at times hard to read about because I felt so much for the characters and didn’t want anything bad to happen to them.

So this is another cracker of a book from Holly Martin. Although this has to be probably one of the most touching story by her that I have read. I may have shed a tear or two with this story as the emotion of Isla  and her quest to protect Elliot got the better of me. 

This was a beautiful story that was warm and touching and beautifully told. I enjoyed the autumnal feeling of this book, with Halloween, pumpkin making and much more featured, 

This was a treasure of a book to read as the stories of all three couples show the true meaning of friendship, family, love and sticking together. 

I am sad that these couples have had their stories told, but I am hoping that Holly will tell of the romance of Agnes and her Italian Stallion Stefezzo - that will be a book that would be hilarious and have us constantly in stitches. As I have to be honest Agnes stole the show with her one liners, and determination to embarrass her nephews. 

Leo and Isla, proved to be a great couple and all I can say is roll on the next Holly Martin book!

What a beautiful, moving, and addictive novel by Holly Martin, yet again. Holly has yet to write a book I don't love. I absolutely adore reading her books. Somehow though, 'Coming Home to Maple Cottage' had an extra spark I didn't even realize her books needed. Because even though I really loved reading the first 2 books in this series (and the series before this one), 'Maple Cottage' digs a bit deeper than the others. Elliot, as well as the issues of grief, loss, parenting and responsibilities his character introduces to this story, add an entire new layer to Holly Martin's writing. And I love it. "Sweet" is no longer enough to cover the feeling of this book. The love and attraction between all Holly's characters is always intense, but here again Leo and Isla surpass all the other romances in Sandcastle Bay and in previous series.
The banter between the characters and the horribly embarrassing situations had me laughing out loud, I - again - had little patience for the meddlesome elderly villagers (but secretly loved them anyway), and fell a little bit more in love with Elliot with each chapter. His sweet and unbiased love and affection made me cry, as well as the wonderful and unconditional bonds of family and friendship.
Magical berry's, sand- and pumpkin sculptures, eclectic jewelry and fireworks, Sandcastle Bay is unique, meddlesome, a bit strange... but most of all a place I would love to live.

Coming Home to Maple Cottage is the third in Holly Martin's Sandcastle series. I hadn't read any of the others but didn't feel like it was a issue - it acts well as a standalone. This isn't my usual choice of book but something about the cover just spoke to me. I was expecting something a bit Christmassy (my mistake) but actually it's set in the autumn, in the run up to Halloween which was quite apt as that was when I found myself reading it so it felt very seasonal! This is the cosiest of cosy romances. There's a little bit of drama but its always easily overcome. At first I found that a bit twee but then realised quickly it's meant to be so I cast off my cynical self and just went with it. And as a result I was left at the end with a happy, warm and yes of course cosy glow. A lovely autumnal read.

I've been reading a lot of cosy winter books lately... It'd be easy to forget it's technically still winter. Luckily, there came Coming Home to Maple Cottage to remind me of just that!

Story
Isla Rosewood is creating a new life for herself and her sweet nephew Elliot in their cosy, yellow-brick family cottage, brimming with special memories. Living in Sandcastle Bay was never part of Isla’s plan but, after her brother Matthew’s tragic accident, her whole world changed as she unexpectedly became a mother to the little boy she adores so much.

Leo Jackson was always known as Matthew’s fun-loving and wild best friend. But now Matthew is gone, it’s time to put his colourful past behind him. His role as Elliot’s godfather is the most important thing to him. And even though Leo and Isla are two very different people, they both want to give Elliot the childhood he deserves.

As the three of them enjoy time together watching fireworks, baking cakes and collecting conkers, Isla begins to see a softer side to charming Leo, with his twinkling eyes and mischievous sense of humour. And, despite herself, she begins to fall for him.

But does Leo feel the same way? Isla knows their situation is complicated but is it too complicated for true love… or will the year end with a happy new beginning for them all?

Opinion
There’s something about a good transition from fall to Christmas that just gets me. With the Christmas-part just at the end, this is basically the perfect read for November.

If you’ve ever heard someone say “everything’s good” and it made you think: “Yeah, something’s going to go wrong now!”? That’s basically this book. After her brother’s died a year earlier, leaving his son in her care because the mother’s out of the picture, Isla’s life got turned upside down. Holly Martin really takes her time to set up the scene of how that effected not only Isla, but also her best friend Leo and her godson Elliot.

Just as Isla is heading for a stroke of luck and she has finally gotten the okay to adopt Elliot? His mother turns back up.
Honestly, I cussed out loud when I read that. Again: the author sets up the characters and their relationships so beautifully, that you get invested in their lives pretty much from the get go. So, you know… When this freaking woman comes by and she doesn’t even care about the things she should care about? Yeah, I wasn’t okay.

One quick final note: this is technically the third part of a series, but I hadn’t read any of the other parts and, honestly? You don’t really need to have read the other ones…

Rating: 3.75/5
From very happy to very sad, featuring characters that have all sort of stuff to work through, and of course, in true holiday romance style: plot twists that seem to pop up out of nowhere? This is your classic, cosy, fluffy fall read. If you’re in the mood for some relaxation? Then this is the book to go to!

-Saar

It took me a while to finish this. I just couldn’t get into Isla. Sure she’s great and all for taking Elliot in and treating him as her own... but she came off to me like she was perfect and had such high standards and yet was uncertain and distrustful about Leo. And at every set back her reaction sometimes. I got bored with her. I like Leo by the way and I almost wanted someone else for him. I guess do like Leo more than I do Isla. Oh well.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for giving me a copy of this book!

When life is too serious, too busy, too hard, Holly Martin's books are the perfect medicine to help you relax.

This was the third book in the Sandcastle Bay series and while The Holiday Cottage By the Sea was my favorite in this trilogy, I still enjoyed Coming Home to Maple Cottage.

Isla and Leo are meant to be together if only Leo can overcome his low self-esteem and guilt over his best friends death. Isla doesn't want to be the objector Leo's pity, she wants to be the object of his affection.

But right now, she has even bigger problems - she hoping to adopt her nephew, and his estranged mother has suddenly shown up. She only wants the money for the house that Luke left, but Isla is terrified that she will want to take Elliott away from her.

Leo will do anything to protect Isla and Elliott, even if it means losing everything he loves.

Another cute cozy story by Holly Martin. I enjoyed the premise and it was a great way to spend a cold rainy day.

An absolutely fantastic book. I loved the plot, characters and setting. I look forward to reading more of this author’s books. I highly recommend to romance readers. I received an arc from Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.

There is something very reassuring about picking up a book by Holly Martin. Anything and everything could be happening in the real world, but you know that when you dive into her stories, that you will be able to escape to a beautiful Island, Town or Village, catch up with old friends and melt in the arms of a dashing farmer, art sculpture or firework technician! Holly brings to life small town charm and the magic of falling in love effortlessly.
It might sound cliche and so easy to say, but Holly honestly writes books that I can’t help but love. They are easy going, so I can jump into them without getting too confused, I know the characters because she introduces them so well and she has a habit of building wonderful communities, that if given the chance I would pack by bags and be off to join them in the blink of an eye. I adore when Holly writes series, because I can guarantee that without a shadow of a doubt there will be at least ten people I want to know more about after reading book one. So, you know that feeling of utter excitement you get when reading a new blurb and that flutter of not being able to wait for the next book? I get that a lot with Holly.
Point proven here, as I knew after reading ‘The Holiday Cottage by the Sea,’ and meeting Tori and Aiden then subsequently Aiden’s brothers Leo and Jamie, in addition to Tori’s friend Melody and her sister Isla, that I was going to want to know everyone’s stories, otherwise my bookworm brain would never be content. It’s just the way Holly welcomes the reader into these idyllic settings and shares the bonds between families and friends, which makes the books so enticing. The girls feel like they could be my best friends and the guys, well the guys are totally swoon worthy and dreamy.
Case in point: Mr Leo Jackson. He has his own company setting up firework displays – cool and slightly dangerous. He adores Isla even though they are just ‘strictly friends.’ He is absolutely adorable with his godson Elliot – cue tough guys with babies, heart eye emoji and he has a very sweet, vulnerable side to top it all off. Oh and the relationship between Leo and his brothers is lovely. They pick on each other but also tell each other things, which was great to see. I enjoyed that bond and connection.
Leo’s relationship with Isla was a bit of a roller-coaster ride and sometimes I just wanted to shake them both and make them realize that they were perfect for each other and that they could work everything out and be this amazing little family, but I know they had to work that out for themselves. My favourite thing was their friendship, I enjoyed that no matter what kinks they had to figure out, that they still stood by each other first and foremost as friends. Of course, there’s always the flirting and utter adorableness of them being so close that I couldn’t help but smile and feel the magic of romance.
‘Coming Home to Maple Cottage,’ is about LOVE. True love in all its forms: between brothers, friends, new couples and that all-encompassing love of being a parent and looking after your children. It’s heartwarming, powerful and a definite must read.

Really loved this book. It's warm and sweet and lovely. It's a well written book about a woman (Isla) who has to take care of her nephew (Elliott) after her brother passes away, with the help of her brothers best friend (Leo)/Elliott's godfather. It's not a straightforward love story - it has its bumps and challenges and a couple of things I didn't see coming. The characters are beautifully written and I didn't want to put the book down to see what happens next. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and I can definitely recommend it for anyone who needs a delightful and easy read.

Isla and Leo shared a night of passion on the eve of her nephew’s christening. Four years later Isla is now Elliott’s guardian and Leo is taking his role of godfather seriously. Follow their romance and failed attempts at dates will they ever get together. This was such a feel good read with a few moments of sniffling and tears but really enjoyed it. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

Isla Rosewood is bringing up her nephew with her best friend Leo. When her brother died in a tragic car accident Isla had to relocate and move to Sandcastle Bay. Leo keeps asking Isla to marry him but she wants him to ask because he loves her and not a sense of duty. She has fallen in love with Leo but doesn’t know if he feels the same. Will they become a family or go there separate ways?

I love Holly’s books. They are feel good romantic stories that touch the heart. A quick read and will keep you wanting more. If you want romance and your heart to melt pick this one up. It is the 3rd book in the series but you can read as a stand alone and not be lost.

"Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review."

Loved this book very much. It had just enough sweet romance and the storyline was great! I highly recommend!

I couldn't agree more utterly gorgeous, Coming Home to Maple Cottage was pure indulgence. Holly martin has the ability to make you lose all track of time and before you know it you've lost the morning and only have 20% left to read so it would be rude not to.

Coming Home to Maple Cottage focuses on Isla, Leo and Elliott. Isla and Leo had a one night stand four years previous, felt a connection but never pursued it - Leo has a reputation for being a bit of a bad boy, a serial womaniser so why would you? They are brought back together when Matthew, Isla's brother, is killed in a car accident and Isla is left with the job of bringing Elliott up, supported by godfather Leo.

This is a story that pulls at your heart strings, Elliott is an absolute dream, I wanted to gather him up and cuddle him - he's confident and happy and his open questions and statements had me guffawing more than once. Leo and Isla have a connection that is clear to everyone around them but to each other - neither is able to make the move. Isla doesn't know whether her feelings are reciprocated and Leo has such a bad reputation he doesn't want to tarnish her with it.

Holly intricately weaves their lives around each other, their family and friends want them to get together but the town is against it. I so was in their corner, cheering them on from the side lines, smiling and laughing out loud. Holly Martin writes some of the best one liners ever and the way she fed them through the mouths of babes made for a hilarious read at times. Add to the mix Leo's aunt Agatha, a character that is so unlike any elderly aunt I've ever met. She's wacky, outspoken and openly discusses and advises Leo and his brothers on bedroom activities that she thinks they should pursue in front of the whole town, she's taken the idea of an agony aunt to a whole new level.

This was one of the most touching books that Holly has written, softening the edges with humour, funny and embarrassing moments to lighten the more serious content. I loved every single page and can't wait for the next instalment.

This is a beautiful and touching love story that will leave you with a big smile on your face!

I was so excited to once again return to Sandcastle Bay... this is the third book in this wonderful series and I’d have to say my favorite so far (I am just hoping there’s more!).... this book could absolutely be read as a standalone, however I’d strongly encourage you to read the entire series.... I think part of what made this book so special is that we have grown to love Leo, Isla, and Elliott in the past two books... there really is nothing better than coming home to characters that you know and adore!

I really love absolutely everything about this series... The setting is enchanting... i’d absolutely love to visit Sandcastle bay.... from the people, to the quaint shops, to the delightful cottages that have the most adorable of names! I mean who would not want to live in a home called Hot Chocolate Cottage or Maple Cottage? Not to mention all the village events,in this book we had an acorn hunt, acorn jewelry making, and a epic pumpkin carving contest.... The best part of all is the bonds that the people have with one another... I love the friendship between Tori, Melodie, and Isla... also love the bond between the brothers Jamie, Aidan, and Leo.... top that off with all the romance, add in crazy Aunt Agatha, and all the adorable children; with Elliot being my absolute fave! I mean seriously what’s not to love? I am SO packing my bags!

This time we get Isla and Leo story, and I’m sure just like everybody else I have been dying for this one! Leo has been proposing to Isla almost daily for the past two books... as godparents to the adorable Elliot the two of them had to step up after the death of Isla‘s brother and Leo’s best friend Mathew.... but is Leo proposing out of obligation or does he actually have feelings for Isla? Love isn’t always easy, in fact most of the time it’s quite complicated... and really these two made it even more complicated, especially Leo! So will they get their HEA? And will Elliot finally have a forever family? Well you will need to read this book to find out!

I really hope this is not the last book in the series, can I suggest a little Novello with aunt Agatha and her new boyfriend? Or grown-up Elliot falling in love??? Please don’t make me leave Sandcastle bay!

Absolutely recommend to anyone who enjoys romance, fabulous characters, autumn activities, and love!

*** many thanks to Bookouture for my copy ***

I loved this book it has already got me in the mood for Christmas even though it wasn't totally Christmas based. Read this while having a tough time in life and it cheered.me up and made me smile. A wonderful feel factor book

Great read, love books by holly Martin and this one wasn’t any difference! Great little read. Girlie and feel good! Makes u wish there was men like this in real life!

I really loved this one since the couple have a sort of ongoing relationship that bordered on a platonic symbiotic relationship. Leo and Isla have always peaked my curiosity since they first appeared in the first two books. To finally have them as the main romantic couple was fantastic. I liked that theirs is an odd but no less romantic story and the journey to their HEA was satisfying.

Great story, great characters, as good as the previous two. I love the strong sense of family. Isla, Leo and Elliot were meant to be. Such a wonderful romance