Thank you for allowing me to read and review.

Having read all of Ali McNamara, I have been looking forward to another of her books and this story didn't disappoint.

Who knew a simply house clearance could bring some many different adventures.

This book was a beautiful written book combining the so many emotions along the way.

Thank you again for allowing me to read

This was a fabulous book. I loved the story. The characters all likeable and well rounded. A great atmosphere throughout with a quaint setting. I loved the way it unfolded and was not what I was expecting at all. Looking forward to reading more by Ali McNamara.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

I really enjoyed this story, it was not the usual romcom that I was expecting. Lots of twist and turns meant I just couldn’t put it down, it was a definite page turner for me. No spoilers here, grab yourself a comfy seat and enjoy!

Let me start by saying I really enjoyed this story. It was sweet, funny, witty, magical, mysterious and clever. The characters were all lovely and I was intrigued by the premise.

However… I feel like there were two or three stories that could have been explored here. The first part of the book, where antique shop owner Eve goes to a house clearance at Past Times House, and meets Adam, who inherited the house from his grandfather, felt like it was going to be the main story - indeed Past Times House sounds amazing - but once Eve’s helped Adam clear the house and put everything she’s to sell in storage or on display in her shop, it’s quickly sold and rarely mentioned again.

The next part of the story is the curious case of the discovered photographs, the missing great-grandmother and the fact that Adam and Eve’s relatives knew each other and the Clockmaker’s Court shops (and shopkeepers). There are some cute little puzzles here, a clock without workings, a strange painting filled with symbolism and a series of clues found in books with the numbers 1-12 in the titles…

And then the Ali McNamara magic, *spoilers*



A story of time travelling family and friends.

The problem I had with this book, was that it was either too short or had too many great ideas for one book.

It felt like there were too many elements where the surface was barely scratched. Too much was left unexplained - or explained with only the lightest of touches. Ideas not fully explored. And for a book about time travel, we travel in time ourselves at the end, feeling a little like Ali ran out of steam in explaining where the story might have been in the 20 years or so that had passed.

It is an enjoyable tale and it’s full of charming characters but I wanted so much more story than there actually was.

This was a charming and whimsical read, set in the most delightful little corner of Cambridge. I really liked the premise: an antiques lover and a city guy thrown together by a mysterious inheritance - and I enjoyed the heartwarming sense of community that formed around the main characters. There’s definitely a lovely message here about fate, timing, and how the past and present can unexpectedly intertwine.

That said, the paranormal twist just wasn’t quite my cup of tea. I went into this expecting a more straightforward romance, and while the magical elements were original and well done, they didn’t fully land for me. I also found the writing style a bit on the heavier side, very descriptive and sometimes more verbose than I personally prefer, but I know this will be a huge plus for other readers who love rich, detailed storytelling.

All in all, a sweet and imaginative story with a big heart, perfect for readers who enjoy a touch of the mystical in their fiction.

the story of Adam and Eve, who meet on 29th February one year, and start to uncover mysteries that involve them both. A fun read.

Really enjoyed this book. Full of romance with a twist. Defiantly worth a read. Highly recommend as it was a good time

This book is certainly not your normal romantic book it had a twist in it.

I really enjoyed the book where all the twists and turns happened and thought it was very different and the characters all worked well together. I liked the main characters as they were the ones who connect and are descended from the original people.

I could not put the book down and just wanted to read on. It was interesting where some of the characters came from and whether they wanted to go back to their old life.

I thought the ending was nice. I kind of guessed what was happening in the book so it wasn’t a surprise at the end.

Whimsical, uplifting, and full of magic ✨⏳. Right Place, Right Time blends love, fate, and a hint of time-bending mystery into a gorgeous, feel-good story. Ali McNamara’s writing is as charming as ever, with loveable characters and an irresistible message about timing and destiny. I adored the heart and hope woven throughout. A must-read for fans of uplifting fiction with a magical twist.

Utterly loved this book!

I love a book where there is a pleasant plot twist. I am a hopeless romantic and this book is right up my street.

Highly recommend

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I loved the small town community and how everyone was helping each other - a lovely story to enjoy in an afternoon.

I absolutely devoured this book. This book is definitely my favourite of 2025. I honestly couldn't get enough of it and couldn't put it down, I would say this so far is my favourite by this author.

I absolutely loved the mystery of the timekeepers. I loved the characters and the add in of romance between Eve and Adam. It was just brilliant. 110000% recommend.

When I first started reading this book I thought it was unusual as Ali McNamara titles usually have a sprinkling of magic and stardust and this didn’t but as I read on it started to make sense with its own special “stardust”.

When Eve meets Adam their lives change and a lot of secrets are uncovered that have been waiting a long time to see the light of day.

what an amazing book! i was not expecting such a fabulous story!
it’s got everything friendships, love, family and just a touch of magic that pulls it all together
a great fun easy read to lose yourself in

I’m a big fan of Ali McNamara, but this book felt really different from her usual style. When we first meet Adam and Eve, I was expecting a fun and enjoyable romance—but I was completely surprised when the story took a sci-fi turn, with time travel at its core! The detail and complexity of the plot are undeniably clever, but for me, the time-travelling element made it harder to stay emotionally invested. A bold and imaginative story, just not quite what I was expecting.

What an amazing book. Right up my street! I thought it was going to be a standard RomCom, however when it veered into the Paranormal, it elevated the story to a new level. I couldn’t put it down.

When Adam travels to Cambridge from London to prepare his grandfather’s house for sale, he expects a straightforward task. But his grandfather had one final request—Eve, a relative stranger, must handle the clearance and antique sales. What begins as an odd stipulation spirals into a chain of uncanny coincidences: Adam and Eve, both born on the rare date of February 29th, and a hidden connection between their grandparents. Inspired, Adam decides to transform his grandfather’s beloved book collection into a bookshop—right next door to Eve’s antique store in the quaint Clockmaker’s Court. The other shopkeepers welcome him warmly, but something about the close-knit community hints at secrets lurking beneath the surface…

This is one of those books that makes you stop and say, ‘Wow.’ The plot twists are brilliantly crafted, keeping you on your toes from start to finish. It’s practically begging for a sequel—and honestly, it has all the makings of a fantastic film adaptation. I absolutely adored it.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7668069371

https://maddybooksblog.blogspot.com/2025/06/right-time-right-place-by-ali-mcnamara.html

I picked up this book expecting a light, feel-good romance—mainly because of the title, the cover, and summary. But plot twist: it’s not entirely a romance story! And I have to admit, I was a bit let down at first. I went in hoping for hearts and butterflies, and instead got... something quite different.

Once I got over that initial surprise and the actual plot started to reveal itself, I did get more into it. There’s a magical realism element that’s kind of cute and whimsical—definitely something fans of that genre might enjoy.

The story moves at a pretty slow pace and leans heavily on dialogue, which sometimes made the flow feel a bit sluggish. I spent a lot of the book feeling a bit confused, like I was waiting for something to happen.

But there are some lovely parts too! The characters, Adam and Eve, are sweet, and the setting is great—especially if you love a bit of historical vibes. There’s something comforting about that cozy, slightly magical atmosphere.

All in all, it’s not what I expected, but it’s not a bad read—just very different. If you go in knowing it’s not primarily a romance and you like a dash of magic in your fiction, it could be a charming little escape.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing Plc for the digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

An interesting book - much more layered than I was expecting. Adam and Eve, our main characters, are introduced when she’s asked to clear his grandfather’s house after his death. Both are carrying trauma, and are very prickly towards each other.

Set in Cambridge, around a cluster of buildings known as Clockmaker’s Court, this story pivots around mysteries, loss, social history and eclectic characters.

Yes you have to suspend reality, but I enjoyed this book. Deftly written - though definitely not literary fiction, this book draws you in to uncover the mysterious threads that bind Adam and Eve together.

This is a carefully woven story, full of lovely people, kindness, and many surprises.
It is a charming tale. I enjoyed reading this book immensely.

This isn’t your typical romance read. It’s a lighthearted romance with a swathe of science, a sprinkling of mystery, and plenty of intrigue. It’s a truly refreshing read that captivates from the very beginning. The setting is absolutely divine, with colourful characters that make it a place I’d love to visit. It’s a treat in book form.

Thank you Netgalley.