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!
Published by: Sphere
Gratefully received from the Publisher for review.
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