A NEW book by a former Eden Valley hotelier is being described by reviewers as "Cumbria's answer to the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel".

Like the best-selling novel and box-office hit film by Deborah Moggach, the latest ebook by romantic comedy author Caroline James concerns the escapades of guests of a certain age, staying at a fictional holiday retreat - but set in Caroline's beloved Lake District, rather than India.

Published online this week, The Best Boomerville Hotel finds its niche in the 'boomer lit' trend, written with the baby boomer generation in mind - those born between 1946 and 1964, among which Caroline counts herself.

"The book is, thankfully, highly enjoyable to the reader, but it isn't light on subject matter," she said, "exploring topics such as loneliness and vulnerability in later life and even climate change, as Cumbria's recent flash floods feature.'

Before Caroline's career took a literary turn, she and her husband "chased north" from London when Appleby's White Hart pub came onto the market, and "bought it on the spot". Having spent many childhood holidays in Cumbria - one of her ancestors was a Penrith sheep farmer who shepherded his flock to Norfolk - it had been her dream to own her own business in the county.

"We moved in a few days before the annual gypsy horse fair and it was a baptism by fire," said Caroline, a consultant and a member of the Romantic Novelists Association. "My best friend became the local butcher, Mr Ewbank, who supplied me with hundreds of steaks, staple food for the gypsies who came to the pub to eat that week.

"I loved living in Appleby, the locals were kind and friendly and the area beautiful. I spent many hours walking with my dog along the banks of the River Eden and my son [Jamie] was christened in the historic church of St Lawrence."

After selling the White Hart, Caroline bought the Temple Sowerby House hotel in the early 90s, and recalled: "That property has stayed in my head; it had a fascinating history that I could relate to. Previous owners had connections in the West Indies, as indeed did my ancestors, through marriage. I adored the area, so close to the Lakes, especially my favourite, Ullswater, and the stunning Great Dun Fell on the doorstep."

Caroline still spends as much time in Cumbria as she can, her favourite ports of call being Appleby's Low Howgill Butchers & Deli, coffee at the Tufton Arms, and walks around Derwentwater.

"Cumbria always features in my books and is a wonderful backdrop for an author to weave a story," she told the Gazette. "As Wordsworth said, it is: ‘The loveliest spot that man hath ever found.’ "

- The Best Boomerville Hotel ebook is published by ChocLit, under their Ruby Fiction imprint.

www.carolinejamesauthor.co.uk