I really enjoyed this one! As usual with Ellie's books, beautiful descriptions of the Lake District - both scenery and local people. I find it so easy to escape into that world which I know so well. It's a real comfort reading about it!

It was also really lovely to catch up with some of the characters from The Restaurant at the Heart of the Lakes in this one. They feel like real people to me now.

I thought the celebrity wedding/Hollywood aspect was really interesting! There were quite a few twists in this I really didn't see coming which made it an exciting read.

I loved how this book explored all sorts of relationships - celebrity ones, ones on the brink of break up and ones riddled with grief. It made it all feel more realistic.

I did think there was a lot going on in this book with a lot of characters and while that was interesting, I did end up a bit lost at points especially when it jumped between stories. It did feel like it tried to do a little too much maybe.

That being said, it was still a fun enjoyable read!
3.5⭐️

This was a lovely story, the descriptions of the area and people were very well written, it sounds like a calming area and everyone is made welcome, this is the first for me by this author and I will have a look for other books by her.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperNorth for this eCopy to review

When I picked up The Hotel at the Heart of the Lakes, I was immediately enchanted by the premise—a secluded hotel on a small island in the middle of Derwentwater, surrounded by the breath taking beauty of the Lake District. Ellie Wood’s writing transported me to this idyllic yet drama-filled setting, where the lives of the hotel staff and guests intertwine in unexpected and heart warming ways.

The story revolves around Anna, who, along with her husband, has transformed the Lake Island Hotel from a crumbling ruin into a luxurious retreat. The hotel boasts stunning views, a private shore, and a reputation for five-star service. But behind the scenes, life is far from perfect. The small, close-knit team faces challenges ranging from frayed tempers to unspoken secrets, and as the story unfolds, romances bloom, hearts break, and long-hidden truths come to light.

What I loved most about this book was its sense of place. Wood’s descriptions of the Lake District are vivid and evocative, making me feel as though I were right there, breathing in the fresh air and gazing at the serene waters. The characters are well-drawn, each with their own quirks and struggles, and I found myself rooting for them as they navigated their personal and professional lives.

With just the right balance of drama, humour, and heartfelt moments, the charming of the setting and the warmth of the characters makes for a cosy, feel-good story with a touch of romance and plenty of heart,.

A perfect escape into the beauty of the Lake District

The Hotel at the Heart of the Lakes by Ellie Wood is a delightful escape to the stunning Lake District, where secrets, romance and the pressures of running a luxury hotel unfold in the most picturesque setting.

Anna and her husband have transformed the Lake Island Hotel from a near-ruin into a sought-after retreat. With its breathtaking views of Derwentwater and a sister restaurant to the renowned Hesta, it promises five-star relaxation for its guests. But behind the scenes, the team who keep everything running have their struggles, dreams and entanglements. On such a small island, tensions rise, hearts break and nothing stays secret for long.

Ellie Wood captures the charm and beauty of the Lake District perfectly, making the setting as much a character as the people who inhabit it. The book offers a wonderful mix of warmth, drama and romance, with characters you cannot help but invest in. This is the perfect book for a holiday, bringing a touch of luxury, escapism and heart to every page.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

this was a good delve into people and how they change and dont change when circumstances aris. and how differing personalities take on things. its all really well told in this little capsule of the hotel and Lakes setting you get to see a real nugget of human activity. what effects does circumstances have on those involved and even those around from the staff to the residents, especially when secrets are being kept. i love people watching. and this felt a bit like doing that. but in a beautiful setting. i would love to visit here please.
Ellie has a way of telling and writing a really good story. i really enjoyed her writing style and felt it just worked. it wasnt your usual romance or domestic drama. it was just a really good book.

A nice, easy read that is perfect for by the pool. The descriptions of the Lake District were wonderful and I real enjoyed the cast of characters; it definitely gave you an insight into what some peoples lives are like (good and bad). My only complaint is that the ending seemed really quite abrupt and didn’t leave you feeling satisfied.

A lovely light hearted holiday read. Set in the beautiful Lake District . Fame can turn your head. Your felt for the PA . The island sounded lovely. You felt happy reading it. Good ending.

This was a real deep dive into how people change (sometimes for good, sometimes bad) that I thoroughly enjoyed. Between the lovely scenery and food descriptions this is a delight of a book, an ideal holiday read.