Synopsis
The blossom is out in the little Cornish harbour town of St Felix
But Poppy Carmichael's spirits aren't lifted by the pretty West Country spring. Inheriting her grandmother's flower shop has forced her to return to Cornwall, a place that holds too many memories.
Poppy is determined to do her best for the sake of her adored grandmother, but she struggles with the responsibility of the more-shabby-than-chic shop. And with the added complication of Jake, the gruff but gorgeous local flower grower, Poppy is very tempted to run away...
The pretty little town has a few surprises in store for Poppy. With new friends to help her and romance blooming, it's time for Poppy to open her heart to St Felix and to the special magic of a little flower shop by the sea!
Review
I’ve read all of Ali
McNamara’s books and I’ve adored them all, especially her
stand alone books. This one may just be her best yet. Set in St. Felix, a
quaint and picturesque Cornish town. The town is beautifully described with the
atmosphere perfectly set and reminds me of holidays by the seaside with my
family when I was younger.
The
characterisation was absolutely fantastic, and you felt a similar community
feel that I remember from Ali’s
second book ‘Breakfast at Darcy’s’. The majority of the characters are
really helpful and lovely. Everyone goes out of their way to help one another,
it's so charming, you find yourself wishing that you lived there, or in a
similar community. Of course, there is always someone who likes to ruin the fun
and St. Felix is no different with a member of the Women's guild and parish
council. My favourite character was
Amber, despite not hailing from St. Felix, she fitted right in, and was such a
lovely person. Forgiving, understanding, fin and a little quirky. There was a bit
of mystery about her, but you could tell it wasn't anything about her being a
baddie (so to speak) the instant she was introduced, I just trusted her
instantly, she puts you at ease. Stan also sounds like such a character!
Poppy, the lead character, clearly has some problems from the
past. She obviously suffers from a phobia of flowers (Anthophobia) but you are
left wondering exactly why, only having an idea it's to do with her brother,
Will. I liked this, as it showed both a vulnerable side to Poppy as well as a
side that's slightly self absorbed - though she is still likeable as this is
obviously a reaction to her problems, not in the vein, selfish way like Regina
from 'Mean Girls' or the ilk. Seeing her
relationship with Jake was also interesting, each navigating the others issues,
as well as their own.
As I said earlier, this book is easily Ali's best yet. Fun,
magical and with a lot of heart. This is definitely one to read as soon as you
can!
Order on Amazon now!
Published by: Sphere
Gratefully received from the Publisher for review.
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