Ali McNamara’s “Kate and Clara’s Curious Cornish Craft Shop” is a delightful and heartwarming novel that transports readers to the idyllic setting of a Cornish coastal village. With its enchanting storyline, endearing characters, and celebration of creativity, this book is a delightful escape that captures the spirit of friendship and the power of following one’s passions.

The story revolves around Kate and Clara, two best friends who open a craft shop in the picturesque village of St. Felix. As they navigate the challenges of running a business, they discover the magic of their craft and the transformative power of creativity. McNamara’s writing style is immersive and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the charming village and the whimsical crafts that fill the shop. The author’s love for Cornwall shines through, adding an extra layer of enchantment to the narrative.

The characters in “Kate and Clara’s Curious Cornish Craft Shop” are wonderfully relatable and endearing. Kate and Clara’s friendship is the heart of the story, filled with warmth, support, and shared dreams. The supporting cast, including the quirky villagers and the intriguing customers who visit the shop, add depth and charm to the story, creating a sense of community and camaraderie.

McNamara beautifully captures the essence of creativity and the joy it brings. The craft projects and workshops featured in the book are described in vivid detail, inspiring readers to embrace their own artistic endeavors. The book celebrates the power of handmade creations, fostering a sense of inspiration and encouraging readers to tap into their own creative passions.

The pacing of the story is gentle, allowing readers to savor the enchanting atmosphere and the evolving relationships between the characters. While the plot may follow some predictable beats, the author’s skillful storytelling and the genuine warmth infused in the narrative make it an enjoyable and comforting read.

In summary, “Kate and Clara’s Curious Cornish Craft Shop” is a charming and enchanting novel that celebrates friendship, creativity, and the magic of following one’s dreams. Ali McNamara’s evocative writing style, relatable characters, and celebration of the power of handmade crafts make this book a delightful choice for those seeking a heartwarming and uplifting read. If you’re looking for an escape to a quaint coastal village filled with creativity and friendship, “Kate and Clara’s Curious Cornish Craft Shop” is a perfect choice that will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted.

Thanks to netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Another great book from Ali McNamara. Great to be back in St Felix for another story.

When Jack moves to the small village of St Felix to open an art shop he meets Kate who owns the local craft shop. Jack receives an easel and Kate receives a sewing machine from a local house clearance and strange things start to happen.

I dislike jack so much! He is a man pig and gets away with everything! He is rude and confrontational and very toxic. He gets angry at Kate for super small things and Kate almost never stands up for her self.

No chemistry between them and I wish Kate and Julian would have ended up together.

Okay, so this starts off as your typical rom-com. The girl opens her dream shop in a small village, and meets a guy who has opened a shop of his own, they clash, and they're attracted to each other as well. It's all the familiar setting we're used to and as a rom-com reader, I am happy with it.

But then things get a little unusual and mysterious artwork keeps showing up in each shop, nobody knows who left it there. When Jack and Kate put the pictures together, they are transported back into the past to the lives of the former owner of Kate's shop, Clara, her daughter Maggie, and her partner Arty. It was lovely to see the past story unfold with each new picture and through the secret they share, Kate and Jack begin to get closer and slowly unravel the mystery of the past and find a future together. The mystery and the romance were both evenly paced, neither taking over from the other and both at a good rate to keep things interesting.

It was nice to see a leading man with a disability, the way different people react to him and how he handles his life being in a wheelchair, his attitude and outlook on life were honest yet refreshing. Kate was a feisty heroine, not one for giving in when things got tough and she was a good match for Jack.

If you like your romances with a hint of mystical magic in the air, then this is definitely a book you should consider. And also try the first in the series, The Little Flower Shop by the Sea. Both are part of the St Felix series, but can easily be read as stand-alone stories. I've yet to read the middle book of the series which is Daisy's Vintage Cornish Camper Van but I am looking forward to that with great relish.

A cosy read, set in gorgeous Cornwall, with a bit of supernatural thrown in.