The Beachside Flower Stall
@KarenClarke @Bookouture #Blogtour #review #summerreading
The Blurb:
A heartening and uplifting read about lost love, true friendship, and blossoming romance. Perfect for fans of Cressida McLaughlin, Cathy Bramley, and Debbie Johnson. Carrie Dashwood fled Dorset ten years ago when her best friend Megan stole her love, local heart-throb Tom. Now she’s back to help run her aunt Ruby’s flower stall in idyllic Shipley. Trying to persuade herself that her feelings for Tom are in the past, Carrie plans to avoid him and Megan completely. But it’s not to be, because Ruby’s Blooms are arranging the flowers for Megan and Tom’s wedding. Soon Carrie’s crawling under the stall to hide and accidentally inventing an imaginary boyfriend... But with the stall’s finances in jeopardy and Ruby needing her niece more than ever, Carrie has to keep her emotions in check. With bouquets to arrange, family secrets to uncover, and Tom unavoidably a part of her life again, can Carrie keep her cool, save the stall, and find her very own happy ever after?
My Thoughts:
This is my first time in Shipley, not having read the previous novel in this series. However, i found this was a perfect stand alone so i wouldn't worry, it doesn't spoil your enjoyment in any way.
Firstly, the cover. I know, we shouldn't be judging books by them, but how could i pass this one by? A beautiful design that hints at the secrets within. After reading it and looking again, i think it's just perfect.
This is one of those books where we probably all know the destination we'll end up at, but not sure what the journey will be like getting there. The joy is finding out.
We start off ten years ago. Carrie and her friend Megan are attending the 21st birthday party of Tom Hudson, sole heir to a property magnate and eligible bachelor. Carrie is in love with him and is plucking up the courage to say so, but will things go to plan?
Present day and Carrie is living in Manchester in between jobs as an accountant. Her Aunt Ruby has been taken ill and needs someone to help run Ruby's Blooms. Her flower stall in Shipley overlooking the beautiful Dorset coastline.
Carrie is volunteered by her parents and before she knows it, she finds herself back in her old stomping ground, and all of the bad memories coming with it.
The last thing she saw before she left 10 years ago, was Tom and Megan kissing at his party. She's spoken to neither one since.
Ruby has her own problems, she takes to her bed and slumps into a deep depression and it happens the same time every year. Is there more to it? Can Carrie find out what it is?
Ruby's Blooms is struggling. They need something huge to get them out of trouble. Cue a phone call from someone wanting flowers organised for a wedding at....Hudson Grange. Carries heart drops, can it be? Megan and Tom?
In this novel there are a few stories running side by side and we are introduced to a great cast of characters, focusing around Carrie, Tom and Megan. Then Ruby and her decades old secret.
This really is a feel good, romantic summer read and does exactly what you'd hope it would. It raises more than a smile or two throughout the novel, and some fab comedic moments that had me giggling aloud thanks to the authors way with words!
If this isn't on your summer reading pile then add it immediately, i guarantee it will hit the spot. I am now going to go back and read the first in the Shipley series whilst awaiting the next one.
About the author
After giving up her job as a library assistant, Karen now writes full-time. She’s had over 300 stories published in women’s magazines in the UK and abroad, and has written three paranormal romantic comedies, published by Little, Brown/Corsair. When she’s not writing she reads avidly, walks dogs at her local rescue centre, and is eagerly awaiting the next season of The Walking Dead. She lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband and three grown-up children.
