Thursday 5 April 2018

Book Review - The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay by Nicola May

Amazon UK
Title: The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay
Author: Nicola May
Format reviewed: Ebook
Source: Author supplied review copy
Publisher: Self Published
Publication Date: 9th April 2018
Rating: 5 Stars

Rosa Larkin is down on her luck in London, so when she inherits a near-derelict corner shop in a quaint Devon village, her first thought is to sell it for cash and sort out her life. But nothing is straightforward about this legacy. While the identity of her benefactor remains a mystery, he - or she - has left one important legal proviso: that the shop cannot be sold, only passed on to somebody who really deserves it. 

Rosa makes up her mind to give it a go: to put everything she has into getting the shop up and running again in the small seaside community of Cockleberry Bay. But can she do it all on her own? And if not, who will help her succeed - and who among the following will work secretly to see her fail?

There is a handsome rugby player, a sexy plumber, a charlatan reporter and a selection of meddling locals. Add in a hit and run incident and the disappearance of a valuable engraved necklace – and what you get is a journey of self-discovery and unpredictable events. 

With surprising and heartfelt results, Rosa, accompanied at all times by her little sausage dog Hot, will slowly unravel the shadowy secrets of the inheritance, and also bring her own, long-hidden heritage into the light.

Hooked me in from the first few pages, and as the book progressed well it was under my skin and I kept thinking about it when I wasn't reading, until I decided to just give in and read most of the second half in one sitting.  I just didn't want to put it down, I was so absorbed by Rosa Larkin's story. 

There is far more to this book than meets the eye, I know what you are thinking, its another shop with inheritance books, some conditions stuck on it, and moving to a new place sort of thing.   Well yes the book does contain that but its the way the story proceeds from there that is what makes it so special. 

I loved Rosa who has had a tough childhood, and never really been that responsible suddenly has a shop, her own home and a new village to become who she was meant to be.  She has her problems, but also is very determined to make this unexpected gift a success. 

She also has Hot the Dog, otherwise known as Mr. Sausage who is utterly adorable and isn't far from the action at all.  He is an adorable dog and certainly understands the W word that all dogs love! 

This is a romantic comedy so you may be wondering why I haven't mentioned men yet, and that is because for a large amount of the book although I knew who my heart was going to set Rosa up with, there were many other prospective males, so I don't want to name any of them, and leave you to fall in love with one yourself, while potentially being disgusted by others. 

I love the group of friends that Rosa starts to make, and there are some real characters that live in Cockleberry Bay, including the owners of The Lobster Pot, Queenie, Titch, and a few others who may not be as pleasant.   

There are laughs to be had, some sadness, and overall I was left utterly bereft that my short time in Cockleberry Bay was over so soon. I loved the book that much, and want to be back there with my new found friends already.  Incredibly well written, this book has completely got under my skin, highly recommended. 

Thank you to Nicola May for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

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