BOOK REVIEW: The Little Flower Shop by the Sea by Ali McNamara

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!

Publisher: Sphere

Pages: 391

This book is just lovely! One of those books that feels like a lovely, warm hug from your best friend.
Poppy Carmichael is back in the beautiful west country village of St. Felix; a place she has not visited for many years as her memories were too upsetting. However, she has no choice but to return when her grandmother leaves her The Daisy Chain, her precious flower shop which has a very special place in the hearts of the St. Felix residents. Poppy has run away from responsibility her whole adult life but she is determined to make her grandmother proud. Whilst she faces up to the past, she becomes very involved in town life  and the people welcome her with open arms. Jake, the local flower grower is particularly friendly but Poppy is unsure if she will ever be able to let enough of her barriers down in order to let anybody in.
Ali McNamara is a fantastic author and I think that The Little Flower Shop by the Sea is my favourite book of hers. I loved the setting, the characters (animal and human) the story-line, dialogue, I could go on and on. As you can tell I would highly recommend this book, it is spot on for this time of year and beautifully written.

Many thanks to the Sphere for sending me a review copy, the book is out now!

Book Review: Breakfast at Darcy's by Ali McNamara

When Darcy McCall loses her beloved Aunt Molly, she doesn't expect any sort of inheritance- let alone a small island! Located off the west coast of Ireland, Tara hasn't been lived on for years, but according to Molly's will, Darcy must stay there for twelve months in order to fully inherit. It's a big shock. And she's even more shocked to hear she needs to persuade a village full of people to settle there too.
Darcy must leave behind her independent city life and swap stylish heels for muddy wellies. Between sorting everything from the plumbing to the pub, she meets confident, charming Conor and sensible, stubborn Dermot but who will make her feel really at home?

I didn't get chance to read Ali McNamara's first book but my sister did and she loved it so I was really looking forward to trying Breakfast at Darcy's. My sister obviously has very good taste in books as Ali McNamara is brilliant and Breakfast at Darcy's is a great read.
I loved the whole idea of the book and I think the author has been very clever. All of the characters have been taken out of their comfort zones when they are put on the island and they all change so much during the book; obviously this makes for very entertaining reading. Darcy McCall is central to it all, she has to make Tara work and get everyone to pull together even though she has only just met most of the characters. Darcy is particularly likable and I enjoyed reading about what she was getting up to. Her relationships with Conor and Dermot add a romantic side to the book and there are quite a few surprises towards the end.
Ali McNamara's writing is extremely witty, life on Tara gives the reader many funny moments and although the book is set on a tiny remote island, the author makes sure that there is plenty going on to interest the reader.
My only gripe with this book has nothing to do with the writing; it's the front cover that I don't understand. Whilst it is lovely looking, I don't think it gives the reader any idea of what this book is about. This might just  be me though and I didn't have any issues with the book itself.
I am going to have to get Ali McNamara's first book now and I enjoyed this one so much, I wonder what she will write next?

Dot Scribbles Rating 4.5/5

Many thanks to the lovely people at Sphere for sending me a copy of Breakfast at Darcy's, it is available now.