Cover Image: Kate and Clara's Curious Cornish Craft Shop

Kate and Clara's Curious Cornish Craft Shop

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Member Reviews

This was a sweet story. It’s been a while since I’ve read one of Ali’s books, so the magic of St Felix took me by surprise to begin with. I’m not really into ‘make believe’ but I’ve read these books before and so carried on, I enjoyed the little trips back in time, and see how all the characters came into their own. Nice little read.

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Thank you to Netgalley for a pre publication copy. In return for an honest review! #Kateandclara'scornishcraftshop #netgalley

When Kate is forced to move away from her comfortable routine driven life in London she decides to embark on her ultimate dream to run a craft shop in Cornwall. One day she finds out someone has opened another art shop on the high street and Kate decides to take things into her own hands. Will St Felix cast it's magic upon her? Will she transported back in time to a simpler life?

After previously reading Ali's book "Letters from lighthouse cottage" and loving it I wanted to read Ali's new books.

I have just found out this book is book 3 in a series but having not read any of the others I would like to say this author has written in such a format that it can be read as a standalone too

Their are some emotional subjects included in this book such as death, fraud, polio, veteran and dementia amongst other things. I do not feel this makes the book too heavy or takes away from the romantic feel but it really brings awareness to the discrimination and adversities felt by many. It also goes to show some parts of our society have not changed in 50 odd years.

This book is a page turner I found myself waking in the night to read it and at my every opportunity.

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What a sweet book
It has a lovely mix of things happening- romance and some mystery.
Loved the characters and the settings
A great book

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This book was such a nic easy read and just what i needed.

Loved the characters and the story within the story. Recommend this book if you want something lighter

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Ali McNamara’s “Kate and Clara’s Curious Cornish Craft Shop” is a delightful and heartwarming novel that transports readers to the idyllic setting of a Cornish coastal village. With its enchanting storyline, endearing characters, and celebration of creativity, this book is a delightful escape that captures the spirit of friendship and the power of following one’s passions.

The story revolves around Kate and Clara, two best friends who open a craft shop in the picturesque village of St. Felix. As they navigate the challenges of running a business, they discover the magic of their craft and the transformative power of creativity. McNamara’s writing style is immersive and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the charming village and the whimsical crafts that fill the shop. The author’s love for Cornwall shines through, adding an extra layer of enchantment to the narrative.

The characters in “Kate and Clara’s Curious Cornish Craft Shop” are wonderfully relatable and endearing. Kate and Clara’s friendship is the heart of the story, filled with warmth, support, and shared dreams. The supporting cast, including the quirky villagers and the intriguing customers who visit the shop, add depth and charm to the story, creating a sense of community and camaraderie.

McNamara beautifully captures the essence of creativity and the joy it brings. The craft projects and workshops featured in the book are described in vivid detail, inspiring readers to embrace their own artistic endeavors. The book celebrates the power of handmade creations, fostering a sense of inspiration and encouraging readers to tap into their own creative passions.

The pacing of the story is gentle, allowing readers to savor the enchanting atmosphere and the evolving relationships between the characters. While the plot may follow some predictable beats, the author’s skillful storytelling and the genuine warmth infused in the narrative make it an enjoyable and comforting read.

In summary, “Kate and Clara’s Curious Cornish Craft Shop” is a charming and enchanting novel that celebrates friendship, creativity, and the magic of following one’s dreams. Ali McNamara’s evocative writing style, relatable characters, and celebration of the power of handmade crafts make this book a delightful choice for those seeking a heartwarming and uplifting read. If you’re looking for an escape to a quaint coastal village filled with creativity and friendship, “Kate and Clara’s Curious Cornish Craft Shop” is a perfect choice that will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted.

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First of all a big thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for sending me a copy of this book to read and review.

First of all I loved the disability rep in this. This was an interesting story and a quick and easy read. I enjoyed reading the plot and about the characters.

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Okay, so this starts off as your typical rom-com. The girl opens her dream shop in a small village, and meets a guy who has opened a shop of his own, they clash, and they're attracted to each other as well. It's all the familiar setting we're used to and as a rom-com reader, I am happy with it.

But then things get a little unusual and mysterious artwork keeps showing up in each shop, nobody knows who left it there. When Jack and Kate put the pictures together, they are transported back into the past to the lives of the former owner of Kate's shop, Clara, her daughter Maggie, and her partner Arty. It was lovely to see the past story unfold with each new picture and through the secret they share, Kate and Jack begin to get closer and slowly unravel the mystery of the past and find a future together. The mystery and the romance were both evenly paced, neither taking over from the other and both at a good rate to keep things interesting.

It was nice to see a leading man with a disability, the way different people react to him and how he handles his life being in a wheelchair, his attitude and outlook on life were honest yet refreshing. Kate was a feisty heroine, not one for giving in when things got tough and she was a good match for Jack.

If you like your romances with a hint of mystical magic in the air, then this is definitely a book you should consider. And also try the first in the series, The Little Flower Shop by the Sea. Both are part of the St Felix series, but can easily be read as stand-alone stories. I've yet to read the middle book of the series which is Daisy's Vintage Cornish Camper Van but I am looking forward to that with great relish.

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I have been a fan of Ali McNamara's writing for years so was super excited to read a brand new book from her, and I was not disappointed Kate and Clara's Curious Cornish Craft Shop is simply divine. It's uniquely charming, magical, funny, light-hearted and sprinkled with absolute joy and love. I loved it, absolutely loved it. McNamara never disappoints she has an amazing gift at casting a feel-good mist around the reader holding them close and captivating them as she tells us a charming story of how the power of friendship and love can conquer all.

I loved that one of the leading characters was in a wheelchair, that is a beautiful touch and so very rare to see in a novel. there isn't anything I didn't like about this, the setting is stunning each scene was beautiful and cast a slight shadow over the main story, the characters were wonderfully cratfed, each one brought something special to the story, they were incredibly likable and you can't help but become invested into their stories.

A marvellous plot, perfectly paced and laced with good-hearted humour and warmth, I cannot recommend this enough!

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I absolutely loved this book, it was easy to follow and although I took a few chapters to warm to the characters. I quickly realised they all had their own little insecurities. We follow the main character Kate a single mum with her daughter. She has a craft shop in the lovely seaside village of St Felix. Which sounds like an idyllic place to go! I won't spoil the story but a friend gives Kate a sewing machine that is broken to use as a window display and magically some felt embroidery work appears on it every so often. Another new shop owner Jack buys some things also from the house clearance one being an art easel. Which also seems to magically have artwork appear on it. After a rocky start the two form a friendship and confide in each other about the strange happenings and show one another the parts that have appeared they are like pieces of a puzzle that come to life to show snapshots to the late 50's and a couple who lived in the town. Now at this point you are most likely thinking this is nonsense it's not for me but go with it, because along the way you find the bond between the character grows with love and trust. Jack is ex military and now wheel chair bound which he is still coming to terms with everything. The love Kate shows him without prejudice is a breath of fresh air! But the family from the 50's was so intriguing I couldn't put it down! Please just try this I waited too long to begin it and wish I had read it sooner!

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Kate and Clara's Curious Cornish Craft Shop by Ali McNamara

Set in a small coastal town of St Felix Cornwall. Kate runs an arts & crafts shop and then hears someone namely - Jack is opening a art shop near her shop. She is put out about this and goes round to find out more information then a few sparks fly.


This is a beautifully written book and there are some fabulous characters with a lovely feel of friendship and community.

There is a mystery, humour, a tinge of injustice and there a few sensitive issue that are dealt with beautifully and ultimately you find out some things are not what they seem.

A fast flowing story from the moment you turn the first page to the last.

Very well done Ali a great read all round.

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Kate and Clara’s Curious Cornish Craft Shop
Ali Mc Namara
Publishing Dste 23 July 2020
This is a fun read you enjoy with a good story. This is the first book I read by Ali Mc Namara I was hooked every page a turn over. I would like to read more from this author in the future. The writing style easy to understand and beautiful written. The cover beautiful I would have like to been in every scene in this story. I loved learning about the treasure in this story from the painting to the fabrics. The characters were easy to connect with just a lovely book to read you enjoy I Think everybody should read it x

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This was such a lovely read- with an air of magic weaved throughout the story. Kate and Jack are trying to solve a mystery with clues from items collected from an old house. The shops sound wonderful and I loved the parts where they meet up as the mystical element of the story emerge.
I really would love to visit St Felix.

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Unfortunately I can't seem to find the arc for this story on my kindle, therefore, will not be able to read and give a review for. However, that being said, this book sounds absolutely gorgeous and I'm in love with the front cover!

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I have loved all of Ali McNarama books that I have read, so I was excited to be given the opportunity to review this book. I loved the story and the magic of St Felix. I really enjoyed the snips of other characters from her books. As with other Ali books you get drawn in to the magic, making you wish you could visit those areas. A must read for all Ali McNarama fans. Thank you for the opportunity to review this book.

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I really enjoyed Kate and Claras Curious Cornish Craft Shop by Ali McNamara, so much so that I read it in one sitting. I was hooked from the first page. I loved the storyline of Kate and Jack and how they discovered the magical sewing machine and painting easel that brought them both together. A fab, fab read that left me wanting more.

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Loved this book. Couldn’t put it down. Kate and Jacks journey of discovering all the magical links to the past. One of those stories where you feel like you’re there.
Great read

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I enjoyed this book, I liked the description of the village and the different people, however some bits were very far fetched for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for letting me read this book in exchange for a review, I will put this review on Amazon too.

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I very much enjoyed this book. It has a good story and excellent main characters. I would definately recommend this book.

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Charming tale from Cornwall , enjoyed the story of a historic wrong righted and the development of romance between the two main characters but bits were just a bit too far fetched for me!

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Absolutely beautiful enjoying reading this book it had just the right amount of everything. Made you want to go to Cornwall for a holiday.

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