Review: Return to Lilacwell

Title: Return to Lilacwell

Author: Sasha Morgan

Publisher: 23rd February 2022 by Canelo

Pages: 300 pages

Genre: romance, contemporary

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

Will Lilacwell work its magic once more?

Times are changing in Lilacwell. Not only have Jasper and Adira settled into The Laurels manor, newly engaged and firmly casting off the shackles of their respective city lives, but Adira’s friend and ex-colleague, Rory, is now also looking to leave London for the quiet beauty of the Forest of Bowland.

Sparks flew when he and Lilacwell’s innkeeper, Cassie, met at the summer party a few months ago, but Cassie has been loved and left before and is reluctant to put all her trust in Rory, who might return to his promising law career for the right offer.

With Jasper and Adira’s wedding just around the corner, love is in the air for Lilacwell, and some big changes are coming to the sleepy village…

My Thoughts

‘… without any hesitation proceeded to book himself a room. Sorted. He was returning to Lilacwell.’

In this second book in the Lilacwell series Sasha once more provides her readers with delightful escapism. Having read the first book I was excited to return to the village of Lilacwell to familiar friends with all the banter and camaraderie. Similar to Adira from book one, on this occasion, it is Rory who has had enough of city living, corporate pressures and makes the bold move to leave. 

It might be read as a standalone, however, the understanding and satisfaction is definitely enhanced from having read Adira and Jasper’s story in book one. They are very much present with Fletcher but this is Rory and Cassie’s story. Once more Sasha has provided a multidimensional story - this is not just a romantic chick lit - far from it. Sasha’s inclusion of topics such as the cost of maintaining an English manor, setting up a new business, the problems of aging and caring for the aged, workplace issues - truly, it is an impressively written book that touches on some highly relevant issues. I love it when a book such as this offers the reader that little bit extra.

Additionally, this time around Sasha shines the spotlight on the topic of sustainability and explains such in her Authors Note at the conclusion. Taking a strong stance on climate issues through Rory’s character of the ‘Eco Warrior’ and his desire to live off grid was most inspiring. This book was an excellent follow up to reunite with the charming characters and quaint village of Lilacwell. 

‘When Adira had tried to explain how she desired time, space and freedom, they’d just looked blankly at her. Yet, for Adira, it had been the best decision of her life and she didn’t regret it.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: Escape to Lilacwell

Title: Escape to Lilacwell

Author: Sasha Morgan

Publisher: 28th July 2022 by Canelo

Pages: 275 pages

Genre: women’s fiction, contemporary, romance 

My Rating: 4.5 cups

Synopsis:

Adira Summers has spontaneously quit her high-flying career as a barrister in London. She needs to escape from the rat race and, encouraged by her bohemian gran, has bought a campervan to do so.

Taking off for a tour around Britain, disaster strikes early on when her van breaks down outside the quaint village of Lilacwell. But things look up after she meets handsome Jasper, who is visiting to check on his ailing uncle and his crumbling estate, The Laurels.

As Adira falls for Lilacwell, she is torn between forgoing her travel plans to stay, or continuing with her adventure. Jasper must also choose between returning to his job in Dubai or moving back for his uncle – and Adira.

My Thoughts

‘I think you were meant to find Lilacwell, don’t you?’

The answer to that question is a resounding yes! This book was perfection - an in between read that really ticked all the boxes. Putting it simply, it tells a story of when you have had enough of your job and the rat race and decide to leave, buy a campervan and embark on an adventure - now that is something we have all felt at some stage in our lives. The sweet aspect of this book is that Adira (main character) doesn’t get that far as she falls in love with the most wonderful village and its occupants. 

‘… she realised what she didn’t want. To be here, stuck in this car park, stuck in this city and stuck in this job.’

I was attracted to this book because the questions Adira was asking herself about her path in life and needing time to reassess her priorities was totally relatable. Add in ‘Sheila’ (the campervan) with the most charming Lancashire village and the tale is just so enchanting. Another aspect I appreciated about Sasha’s book is that it was multidimensional - this is not just a romantic chick lit - far from it. Sasha’s inclusion of topics such as the cost of maintaining an English manor, setting up a new business, working abroad, the problems of aging and caring for the aged, workplace issues - truly, it is an impressively written book that touches on some highly relevant issues. I love it when a book such as this offers the reader that little bit extra. 

‘He’d come to realise just how much his memories had played a part in his life, and not always in a positive way.’

The only issue I had was the changing in voice at times - it would suddenly flip to an alternate speaker and I had to backtrack to check who was actually speaking/thinking. However, this was a minor transgression to what is essentially a fabulous piece of escapism. Full to overflowing with a quaint village, charming characters that effuse such sincerity and friendship in the quest to find happiness. 

‘Destination reached,’ she whispered in his ear, ‘I’ve found what I’ve been searching for.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.