At first I didn’t realise this was a part of a series, but you don’t need to read the first books to follow this one, I really enjoyed reading, great characters, the perfect cosy autumn read. Will be buying the previous books in the series

I’m a big fan of Holly Martin and this book was just as magical has her other ones, I felt this story dealt with darker issues but done in such a sensitive way. I was really cheering our lovebirds on

After loving every single minute of the previous books in the series, I was so excited to read Coming Home to Maple Cottage, it was full of laughter, tears and happiness and most of all the lovely characters and little Elliot, this is just the perfect read.

This is a first for me by this author... I don't know why I haven't read any before as she is simply amazing with words. My TBR pile is going to be huge... but in a good way!

Isla moves from London to Sandcastle Bay when the death of her brother Matthew forces her duties as Godmother/Guardian to her Nephew Elliott into play due to his mother walking out when he was just a baby.
Isla had never planned to settle in Sandcastle Bay, but now she has it’s not just Elliott who’s keeping her there.

Leo is Matthew's best friend and also Godfather to Elliott... so with Matthew's passing he helps and supports Isla with raising him, proving to be the perfect Godfather and so much more. Despite the reputation he has in the village, he proves that he has become someone that both Isla and Elliot can depend on.

Every page brought a new twist and turn and you wanted to keep reading to see what happened. It's full of heartbreak, romance, laughter and doing what is right for you and your family.

Thank-You Netgalley for my ARC.

Great read.

The story of Leo and Isla, who you feel you already know from the previous books. They are both god-parents to Elliot, who lost his father in an accident. Isla is applying to adopt him and Leo spends a lot of time with them both. They both fell for each other years ago, but a lot has happened since then, so is either of them brave enough to take a chance and talk about how they are feeling?

I also liked how you also catch up with the rest of Leo's brothers from the previous books. Nosy Agatha is still my favourite though!

Such a lovely, magical read! I love how Holly Martin has such away with words! I would definitely recommend this!

Coming Home to Maple Cottage is the third book in the Sandcastle Bay series and this book tells the story of Leo, Isla, and Elliott. Having read the previous two books I was looking forward to this one.

When Isla’s brother Matthew dies, she becomes guardian to her nephew Elliott. With the help of Elliott’s godfather Leo, they form a family unit. Both Isla and Leo have feelings for each other but are afraid to act on them. When an unexpected visitor returns to Sandcastle Bay, Isla and Leo have to stand together to protect what is important in their lives.

With a touch of Holly Martin’s magic, this story is full of warmth, laughter, and love. It was also good to catch up with the characters from the previous books. A perfect end to a delightful series.

Having read 99% of Holly's books it comes as no surprise that Coming home to maple cottage is 5*+
The sandcastle bay series has been absolutely brilliant,following the lives of 3 brothers there friends the highs and the lows tears and laughter fill these books.
Leo and Isla and Elliott's story really is the icing on the cake.
If your looking for just 1 book this Christmas let it be this one because its
"A FULL-THROTTLE TRUMPET-TOOTING EXTRAVAGANZA"
I was delighted to get an early copy from net galley in exchange for a honest review.

Such a nice book, i really enjoyed the story
. After Matthew is tragically killed in a car crash Isla his sister becomes mum to his little boy Elliot.
Leo Jackson is Elliot's godfather who Isla had a one night stand with. He wants to marry her, but she is reluctant as in her opinion he doesn't want to marry for love only to give Elliot and herself security.
It's good to live their lives of up & downs through the book and enjoy their journey to see if they end up together for love or not.
This was a lovely story which i read in 48 hours when i was feeling poorly, it gave me a nice warm feeling with some laughter along the way.
Thank you, NetGalley for the opportunity.

This wasn't a totally bad read but to me Isla and Leo just have no real connection. The story became uncomfortable after awhile and I longed to read more about the other Sandcastle Bay inhabitants rather than Isla and Leo's drama. I just felt the story was a bit forced.

This is a perfect feel good read. I loved the characters and the kids are just ridiculously adorable.

Having read and loved The Holiday Cottage by the Sea #1 and The Cottage on Sunshine Beach #2, I could not wait to read Holly's newest book Coming Home to Maple Cottage #3 as I knew it would be a wonderful read and I wasn't wrong.

I loved being able to return to the Sandcastle Bay, and to meet up with previous characters Tori, Aidan, Melody, Jamie, Emily and Aunt Agath to discover how they were all getting on and what was new with each of them, but also I was excited to finally be able to read Isla & Leo's story in this book. It was also little Elliott's story too as he did have such an important part to play, he really is such an adorable little boy.

I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Isla and Leo in much more depth, although being able to experience their journey was a bit of a rollercoaster of a ride at times, the situations they had to contend with, not to mention having to deal with the past on numerous occasions. But through it all it was clear to see the chemistry and connection they had between them, but was this enough to conquer all and for them to have a happy ever after. Well that's for me to know and you to find out lol.

Oh and as much as I love Leo, there were times that I wanted to bang his head against a brick wall for some of the things he said and thought.

Everything about this book is picture perfect and so magical, it was all so well written, so very heartfelt in places, the characters are all wonderful and the setting/location of the book was faultless, so idyllic and picturesque. Just like last time, I fell in love with the location and wished that I was there experiencing it all.

There was also plenty of giggles to be had throughout reading this book, especially involving Elliott and Aunt Agatha, some of the things that came out of their mouth, just too funny for words.

For those of you that have read the previous two books, you'll understand what I mean when I say 'Oh and rest assured Aunt Agatha is still as nosy and interfering as ever, in her own loving and unique way'. If you haven't read Holly's two previous books as mentioned above, then why not, what are you waiting for.

Last words, if you haven't read any of Holly Martin's books yet, then don't delay any more, as you are missing out. Holly is an amazing author and she has such a way with words that just makes her stories truly magical and come alive.

Isla lives in Sandcastle bay with her nephew, Elliot, who she is legal guardian to after the unexpected death of his dad - her brother ..
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This book epitomises why I love this genre of book. Albeit this is the third book in a series, it is also a standalone book. Following Isla’s story after the death of her brother, you can’t help but admire everything she has given up to raise her nephew, Elliot. His Godfather, Leo, helps and supports Isla with raising him, proving to be the perfect Godfather and so much more. I completely fell in love with Leo. Despite the reputation he has in the village, he proves that he has become someone that both Isla and Elliot can depend on. I don’t want to say too much but from reading the prologue you spend the whole book championing the three of them, Leo frustrated me at times but as a reader, that is a good thing! It is very cleverly written and it leaves you hoping that the love that you feel from this book is out there for everyone.

This is a truly heartwarming read. I have already added the two previous books to my Amazon wish list. Huge praise to Holly Martin for a beautiful story.

Carrying on with the Sandcastle Bay series, Coming Home to Maple Cottage focusses on the story of Isla and Leo. Whilst this book is from a series of books, they all can be read as standalone novels, but it does obviously make sense to read them all (and to be honest, why wouldn’t you want to!!)

Isla returned to Maple Cottage to become the guardian for her nephew, Elliott. Her brother, Matthew had tragically died in a car crash and Elliott’s mother had left them when Elliott was a baby. Isla had never planned to settle in Sandcastle Bay, but now she has it’s not just Elliott who’s keeping her here. Elliott’s godfather Leo, was Matthew’s wild, fun loving friend. Unfortunately Leo’s reputation goes before him and he’s now trying hard to shake the image that some people have of him. Does being Elliott’s godfather and meeting Isla make Leo want to settle down? Isla knows that she’d like to find out….but does Leo feel the same way?

I was looking forward to reading this book so much it leapfrogged its way up my “To Be Read” pile by more than several places! I have loved every book that this author has written, and I have loved this series based in Sandcastle Bay. I think the way the author links each book together, having each book in the series based on a couple of main characters but having all the other characters from the other books as integral parts of the plot also. It’s like you already know them all so well!

We have already met Isla and Leo from the previous books in the series, but this book was their turn to be the stars! Isla is a lovely character – giving up her life and relationship to come and take care of her nephew, Elliott. Pushing her own grief to one side, she focusses on Elliott so lovingly it bought a tear to my eye. Leo on the other hand bought a wicked glint to my eye!! As with all the other main men featured in the series, Leo is devilishly handsome and after hearing his reputation, he was obviously one for the ladies in the years gone past. Since he became godfather, and more so since Isla came back to the Bay, he’s wanted to change and settle down but has so many insecurities to deal with before he can. I think they were both wonderful characters and even though it’s obvious how the story was going to end I absolutely loved their rollercoaster of a relationship!

All the other characters from the previous books are back and as we moved through them I remembered each one of their stories with fondness! Being set towards the end of the year gave this book a different feel to the others where the sun was shining! The descriptions made me feel cold and chilly (but in a good way!) and, for me, the perfect excuse to wrap up in a big blanket while reading it. The setting was also so enticing in the book. Yes I know it’s set at the later end of the year, and there was even a sprinkling of snow, but any place by the sea is magical for me!

This was a fabulous book, but then again….they all are! I would find it really hard to pick my favourite book out of this series as they are all so good, but this one would come pretty close to the top of the list. If you looking for a book that will make your heart beat faster….this is it! If you want a book where you can lose yourself for a couple of days….this is it! If you are looking for a book where you can imagine it is you lying in the handsome Leo’s arms….then this is definitely it!! I honestly don’t know what else to say about this book apart from “read it now”!! Highly recommended without any hesitation!! 5++++++ stars! Thank you Holly!!!!

I've always loved Holly's book but this one has to be the best by fair it was simply brilliant and just couldn't put it down at all as so good. Every page brought a new twist and turn and you wanted to keep reading to see what happened. It's full of heartbreak and romance and laughter and doing what is right for you and your family. Amazingly well written and cannot praise Holly enough and would love to have a follow on to this story. The characters are amazing and the story plot is just the same.
Isla sadly had to move from London to her brothers house as he sadly passed away leaving a young son. She's not ready to be a mum but has to be for Elliot as his real mum walked out when he was a baby. She has amazing support from Leo who was her brothers friend but she can't forget that she slept with him years ago and he's always asking her to marry him but she keeps turning him down as she doesn't think he's ready. She's in the process of adopting Elliot and they can't track down the mother but she's getting more friendly with Leo as the days go by then just as they are about to declare their live a knock at the door changes everything. Sadie the mother of Elliot turns up saying she wants half the house but she's worried that she will also want Elliot. Isla really doesn't know which way to turn as it calls a stop for know for the adoption and she really doesn't want to loose Elliot. Can Leo and Isla pull together to get through this and be a family or will everything change. Poor Elliot has an accident but if changes his thoughts and he's worried about what others think of him as he was a jack the lad as a child but turned around especially with meeting Isla but can he declare his love and they be a family and be happy or not.
Simply brilliant book worth far more than five stars and can't recommend it enough.

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.

Couldn’t put this book down, was great to finally discover what was in store for Isla and Leo! Another emotional, funny, and well written book from Holly Martin!

WOW! That was an emotional rollercoaster ride!!!

I love this series and I hope this isn't the end of it...of course I always say that about Holly Martin's books don't I? If you want a lovely series of #ChickLit books...Sandcastle Bay fits the bill nicely!

My review has been posted to my blog & Goodreads. Review has also been tweeted as usual. Thank you! :c)

This is the book that I have been waiting for, we finally get to see if Isla and Leo will get together, and if she will ever say yes to one of his repeated proposals. We also get to discover whether Isla will finally be able to adopt Elliot officially, who is a wonderful 5 year old boy.

Having read the previous too books in this series I had been eagerly awaiting the answers to all of that and to see what the outcomes would be, and felt right at home, with everything coming back to me really fast as I started to read. If you haven't read the other books set in Sandcastle Bay, then you are missing out, but equally this book will work as a standalone.

Possibly because I knew the characters so well going into this, I found myself welling up with tears towards the end, as I was so happy with the outcome, which only ever happens when I read well written books where I care about the characters.

I was enchanted by this book from the moment I started reading it, and read it in two sittings. I'm massive fan of this author, and she didn't let me down, weaving all of her humour and great romance into one fabulous story that makes for a fitting end to this series.

It was refreshing to see a book set around Autumnal activities, including acorn jewellery, pumpkin carving and fireworks.

Isla, Leo and Elliot may not be a traditional family unit but the amount of love that flows between the three of them, makes them far more solid than most, and the second anything happened that would threaten their threesome, it was interesting to see just how Leo reacted. It is clear that despite his bad boy past, that he really has changed and cares for Isla and Elliot a great deal.

A beautifully told story that I really wish didn't end, I'm already hoping that Holly Martin is hard at work on the next book, as I don't want to wait too long. If you are looking for a wonderfully romantic story, with fabulous chemistry, clear bonds of friendship and love and a fabulous cast of recurring characters, then this is the book / series for you!

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