Single mum Kate runs the little craft shop in the harbour town of St Felix, Cornwall. She had always dreamed of owning her own shop and after a horrible time in her past, she decided to up sticks and move and found her little gem.

She is unhappy when she hears that a new shop is about to open that will sell some items that she does. Newcomer disabled army vet Jack, has bought himself a shop to sell art equipment and can’t understand what Kate’s problem is as she only sells low-end art products where his will be high-end.

The pair are united in a mystery brought on by old craft equipment from a house clearance which seems to have a life of their own.

I always look forward to reading Ali McNamara’s books as you know there is going to be something mystical hiding within the pages of an amazing story and Kate and Clara’s Curious Cornish Craft Shop didn’t disappoint. In fact, I was so happy to see the mysterious goings-on start early in the book.

The writing is superb and the plot cleverly put together. The characters, Kate and Jack are both feisty and have plenty of attitudes. Both have pasts they would rather forget and futures they would like to enjoy. They really worked well together.

Once I began the book I didn’t want to stop, so much so that I read it in just two sittings. It is so beautiful, magical, and is set in a glorious harbour town that you can perfectly visualise as well as wish you were there. I also love that we get to go back in time to the 1950s St Felix and hear about Clara’s life with her sick daughter.

I now can’t wait for Ali McNamara’s next book. This one, for me, felt like her best work yet.

Ali McNamara is a writer and author of eleven novels. The latest of which, Kate & Clara’s Curious Cornish Craft Shop will be published in July 2020.

Her debut novel, From Notting Hill with Love…Actually, the first of three ‘Notting Hill’ books, became an instant bestseller.

Ali has had much overseas success with her books – particularly Breakfast at Darcy’s which was a Top Ten bestseller in Italy. Her novels Step Back in Time and Letters from Lighthouse Cottage were nominated for the Romantic Novel of the Year.

Ali lives in Cambridgeshire with her family and her beloved Labrador dogs. When she isn’t writing, she likes to travel, read and people watch, more often than not accompanied by a good cup of coffee! Her dogs, and a love of exercise keep her sane!