Skip to main content

Member Reviews

This book isn't your usual run of the mill romance- it's so much more!! The more I read the more it continued to surprise me. To begin with I thought it was just an easy room com, then it moved on to being a bit of a grown up Enid Blyton mystery..add to that a bit of time travel, history and romance and you have a good read., if you don't take it too seriously.. A good read which I enjoyed. . My first book from this author.

Was this review helpful?

It's only possible to read Right Time, Right Place by Ali McNamara by the suspension of a huge amount of disbelief. That said, I found the book very readable if completely improbable. I'm not entirely sure though that Ali McNamara knew what kind of a book she was writing with its mish-mash of strands and genres, none of which seemed to sit quite easily with the others. The time travel element didn't worry me although the working out of it made my head spin. If you're looking for a way to spend a sunny spring day like today without being made to think too deeply, then I'd recommend this.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book. I’m afraid this is a DNF for me. I thought I would like this a lot, but I found the writing very hard to get into. In particular the dialogue felt very clunky and unnatural to me. I thought I would love this based on the premise but this just wasn’t for me.

Was this review helpful?

Went into reading this book thinking it was your everyday contemporary romance and was blown away with the magical storyline/time travel storyline. As a lover of fantasy books this was a welcome surprise.

This book had a slow start with the FMC coming across as rude, cold and distant. Although somewhat unlikeable her character develops as the charming mystery unfolds.

If you enjoy a cosy mystery this book is definitely worth a read. Adam & Eve meet at a house clearance and instantly hit it off. They both have character growth through the book and make the loveable by the end.

Everything happens for a reason in this book and fate has brought the friends of Clockmakers Court together to guard the secrets of Number 7.

This was my first book by this author but I thoroughly enjoyed her writing style and the magical storyline and can’t wait to read more of her work.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free review copy in exchange for my honest unedited feedback.

Eve loves antiques and always ensures that each item in Rainy Days Antiques, her shop in Cambridge, has its backstory. When specifically requested to a house clearance, Eve meets Adam, who is firmly focused on the future. He’s only in Cambridge to sort his late grandfather’s affairs. Neither Adam nor Eve know that Adam’s grandfather chose Eve to clear his estate for a reason-a reason that will change both of their lives completely.

I liked the way in which the two main characters met. There was a subtle spark between the two with a hint that their meeting was no accident. Whilst their lives seemed completely different, there was also something familiar about them both.

I loved the dynamic between Adam and Eve and the instant familiarity between their characters. I also loved the side characters and the community feeling they provide throughout the book through Clockmaker's Court.

I was 100% invested in the first 50%/60% of this book, but I wasn’t expecting the story to take the turn that it did. Whilst I’m open to almost all literary ideas, once I learned of the ‘mystery’, I was a little disappointed. The two main characters seemed to accept this huge discovery like it was an everyday occurrence, which I found a little odd. Once I’d gotten over my disappointment, I did think that the concept was handled and written well, it just didn’t quite do it for me.

This is the first Ali McNamara book that I have read and I dispute my disappointment, I would definitely read more of her work.

Was this review helpful?

This story ended up having a very unexpected twist to it, well at least it wasn’t what I was expecting when I started reading about Adam and Eve and the series of startling coincidences that found them running shops side by side. I enjoyed the twist, hearing about Cambridge through the ages, the interesting characters along the way- particularly Barney, and in general it was an entertaining story!

Was this review helpful?

Another rollicking read from Ali McNamara. This was amazing.

I mean as per normal with this author you do need to suspend all disbelief at things that may not be quite as they seem, as once again there is a hint of I'll say magical realism within the pages, unsure if that is the correct term, but definitely extra ordinary.

And it's all to do with Adam, Eva and Eve's shop in Cambridge, set in the fabulous Clockmaker's Court.

From the moment they meet for the first time, it seems as though they have been drawn to each other, but the reasonings for it are to be discovered.

They have far more in common that first meets they eye, and I loved discovering their stories and those of their family members.

I'm reluctant to say anything else, for fear of spoiling this wonderful book for you, but rest assured it will get you thinking, smiling, possibly crying, and will totally hook you in,.

Just another fabulous book from this author.

Thank you to Bloomsbury Publishing and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Was this review helpful?

This was a well written, entertaining and enjoyable story, but I wasn't convinced by the time travelling element.
The setting was beautifully evoked, and the cast of characters was well drawn. The developing relationship between hero and heroine was lovely. Adam and Eve are interesting characters and I was engaged by them from the beginning.

I found the time travelling element not as engaging as the rest of the story. I've read a lot of time travel and time slip stories and they always require a suspension of disbelief, which can only be achieved when the author provides a credible explanation. In this instance I felt the details provided, complicated the story and made it less easy to believe that I would have liked.

I enjoyed it but not as much as other time travelling stories or other books by this author. It's still worth a read for all the other elements.

Was this review helpful?

Eve, an antique shop owner with a deep love for history, crosses paths with Adam, a man focused on the future and in town to settle his late grandfather’s estate. Their worlds seem completely different, yet there's a sense that their meeting is no accident—hinting at something deeper and more meaningful orchestrated by Adam’s grandfather.

I really enjoyed the beginning of this story. The first meeting between Eve and Adam was subtle yet intriguing, with a gentle spark that drew me in. However, I wasn’t expecting the story to take the turn it did. Perhaps I missed the clues in the blurb, but the time travel element didn’t quite work for me and made it a bit harder to stay engaged.

That said, I loved the dynamic between Eve and Adam, and the supporting characters created a warm, community feel that added charm to the story. While this particular book didn’t quite hit the mark for me, I can see why it’s been well received by others. I’ve enjoyed Ali McNamara’s previous novels and will definitely continue to check out her future work.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely love this authors books so knew I’d enjoy this. It was a perfect read. Lovely characters that left me wanting to read more about them and a great storyline. A perfect feel-good read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in return for my honest and unbiased opinion.

Was this review helpful?

What a cute read!

This is my first time reading an Ali McNamara book. I was drawn to it by its 'time travel' theme, add a wee bit of cutie romance and I thought this would be a fun book.

Eve and Adam are leap-year babies that chance upon finding each other. But they soon uncover some mysteries that neither can let go and we end up in a tangle of years, times, characters, and destinies.

Thinking this was going to be a simple wee contemporary romance, the spot of magic/time travel was welcome for me .

There were times where I was way ahead of the characters in working things out, so it felt a bit slow, and sometimes obvious, for me, but I read the whole book very quickly - so that didn't put me off.

I liked the simplicity of this book, everyone was lovely and friendly, everyone looked after each other - it was quite soothing!

Yeah, great wee read!

Was this review helpful?

Eve loves working in her antiques shop in Cambridge and when she meets Adam who needs her expertise for his Grandfathers house clearance everything begins to fall in to place.
This book was excellent and I loved how the story just fitted together so well as the book progressed.
The setting was lovely and the characters were well written and began to feel like friends.
Without giving away any spoilers when I started reading this book I had no idea what was in store and the ending was excellent and everything happened as it was always meant to be.
Thanks to NetGalley, Ali McNamara and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for this ARC.

Eve Sinclair, 36, is a leap year baby. She lives in Cambridge and runs Rainy Day Antiques on Clockmaker Court, an old family business inherited from her grandparents. She loves her job and finding out about the history of objects in her care.

Adam Darcy, 40, is also a leap year baby. He's a roadie who hires Eve on behalf of his grandfather on their joint birthday to do a house clearance of his grandfather's property. He ends up buying the old bookshop next to Eve's shop and they start spending a lot of time together.

But far from this being a straightforward romance, we unravel a mystery to do with Adam's great grandfather Archie, Eve's great grandmother Dotty and a hidden space behind a metal door where the 12th building on the court should be. What have certain books, letters, a painting and a grandfather clock to do with them both, their birthdate and biblical names? Has someone set them up to meet at the right time and place?

This captivating book grabbed me from the first page. I like reading about time travel even though it always hurts my brain thinking about it. I loved all the characters of Clockmaker Court, from Orla and Harriet to Luca, Ben and Barney, who all turned out to have a fascinating history. Most of them have survived trauma and bad accidents which have shaped their lives.

This is a beautiful, uniquely interesting, warmhearted story combining romance with mystery, history and a dash of magic about timing being everything. I love all of Ali McNamara's books and her use of magical realism but this felt really special. I am giving it all the stars because I could seriously see this as a movie which I would love to watch. Just lovely.

Was this review helpful?

Big fan of the magical elements of Ali McNamara books, I have read them all. This one was just as enjoyable, great characters lovely setting in Cambridge couldn't put it down. Ending slightly confusing but maybe that's just me, I needed a bit more information as to what they were doing. I felt it just finished. I would still recommend it whole heartedly

Was this review helpful?

Book Review: Right Place, Right Time by Ali McNamara
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

“Right Place, Right Time” by Ali McNamara is an intriguing blend of romance, mystery, and a dash of nostalgia, perfect for readers seeking both charm and suspense. The story is a refreshing take on fate and timing, with a deep dive into the world of antiques and the secrets they hold.

The novel follows Eve, the owner of a quaint antiques shop in Cambridge, who has a passion for uncovering the stories behind the treasures she sells. Her meticulous research into each item’s history is as much about honoring the past as it is about connecting with people. Enter Adam, a man focused solely on the future, who arrives in town to settle his late grandfather’s affairs. Initially skeptical of Eve's methods, Adam soon finds himself entwined in a mystery far deeper than he anticipated.

What really drew me into this book was the fascinating dynamic between Eve and Adam. Both characters are dealing with their own personal journeys—Eve, who’s in love with the past, and Adam, who is disconnected from it. Their relationship is built on curiosity, and as they navigate their growing connection, the slow burn of their romance is tempered with a sense of suspense and discovery that kept me eagerly turning the pages.

The real intrigue lies in the mystery surrounding Adam’s grandfather, who hired Eve for a house clearance with a clear purpose. As they uncover layers of the past, a captivating web of secrets begins to unravel. The pacing of this mystery is expertly handled, with just the right amount of tension to keep you invested without overwhelming the romance.

The backdrop of the antique shop adds a unique touch to the story. McNamara does a beautiful job of weaving the history and charm of the items with the evolving relationship between Eve and Adam. The antiques feel like silent characters themselves, each item holding a story that pulls the protagonists—and the reader—deeper into a world of memories and hidden motives.

That said, while the story is filled with intrigue, the romance occasionally leans a bit into the predictable territory, and I would have liked a little more complexity in Adam’s character development. The buildup to the reveal of the mystery also felt slightly drawn out, and some readers may see the conclusion coming a little too early.

Final Thoughts:
“Right Place, Right Time” is an engaging, feel-good read that masterfully blends romance with mystery. Ali McNamara’s ability to create an atmosphere filled with intrigue while balancing a blossoming relationship is truly captivating. It’s a perfect summer read for fans of cozy mysteries with a romantic twist, offering a delightful escape into a world of forgotten treasures and unexpected connections. Whether you’re drawn to the charm of antiques or the allure of fate, this novel is an enjoyable and thought-provoking ride.

Was this review helpful?

What I love the most about all Ali’s books is the mystery. Taking us Judy beyond the realms of reality and possibility. Another amazing story that does just that. Incorporating history and even religious elements of Adam and Eve with apples and Eden. I wasn’t quite sure where this story was going to lead and did leave le a bit confused at times. Great story of love, loss, families and friendships

Was this review helpful?

I love Ali’s books and the way they are written with such mystery around them. This one didn’t disappoint. I loved the host of characters in it and the part each played. The roles in which the characters played (past and present) made the fantasy element in the book more believable. The warmth of Adam and Eve added to their chemistry and there was a perfect balance of fantasy and romance shrouded in mystery.

Ali’s writing in this was as always addictive and I was hooked. It’s one not to be missed.
If you are already a fan of Ali you will love this one and if you haven’t read any by her this is a fantastic starting point. Out on
19th June.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

Was this review helpful?

What an amazing book! I really didn’t want it to end. I love everything Ali McNamara writes, but this book is outstanding and possibly my favourite of hers so far. I loved the subject of this book, I’m a bit of a science geek so I really enjoyed the theme., but this would appeal to many people. So beautifully written and some of the emotional subject matters were dealt with in such an empathic way. I would highly recommend this book to a wide range of readers. It is a book that strongly exceeds its genre. A literal hug to your soul in book form.

Was this review helpful?

This is a captivating read featuring remarkable characters such as Eve, Adam and the shopkeepers of the Clockmaker Court. While the story incorporates fantastical elements it remains believable due to the depth of the characters' pasts and, as well as its profoundly human aspects. The chemistry between Eve and Adam is delightful, and the narrative is meticulously crafted with an intriguing mystery woven throughout. Overall, it is a heart-warming enchanting read, perfect for relaxation.

As an avid admirer of Ali McNamara's work and having read all her books I consider this to one of favourites

Was this review helpful?

My thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing and NetGalley for. Copy of “Right Time , Right Place “ for an honest review.

I loved this book and I was hooked to it from the beginning .
Ive been a fan of Ali McNamara since her first book and she never disappoints..I loved the various characters and as someone who has been tracing their family history for years I loved this aspect of the story.
There was just the right blend of fantasy and romance and it was a joy from start to finish.
Only sad I’ve finished it so quickly!

Was this review helpful?