Book Review: The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay by Nicola May
Book Review: The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay by Nicola May

Book Review: The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay by Nicola May

Rosa Larkin is down on her luck in London, so when she inherits a near-derelict corner shop in a quaint Devon village, her first thought is to sell it for cash and sort out her life. But nothing is straightforward about this legacy. While the identity of her benefactor remains a mystery, he – or she – has left one important legal proviso: that the shop cannot be sold, only passed on to somebody who really deserves it.

Rosa makes up her mind to give it a go: to put everything she has into getting the shop up and running again in the small seaside community of Cockleberry Bay. But can she do it all on her own? And if not, who will help her succeed – and who among the following will work secretly to see her fail?

There is a handsome rugby player, a sexy plumber, a charlatan reporter and a selection of meddling locals. Add in a hit and run incident and the disappearance of a valuable engraved necklace – and what you get is a journey of self-discovery and unpredictable events.

With surprising and heartfelt results, Rosa, accompanied at all times by her little sausage dog Hot, will slowly unravel the shadowy secrets of the inheritance, and also bring her own, long-hidden heritage into the light.

Purchase Links

Author Bio

Nicola May is a rom-com superstar. She is the author of sixteen romantic comedies, all of which have appeared in the Kindle bestseller charts. The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay became the best-selling Kindle book in the UK, across all genres, in January 2019, and was Amazon’s third-bestselling novel in that year. It spawned three sequels, followed by the hit Ferry Lane Market trilogy.

Social Media Links

Website: www.nicolamay.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_nicola/ 

Why Should You Read This?

“The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay” by Nicola May is a delightful and heartwarming novel that takes readers on a journey of self-discovery, unexpected events, and the unraveling of hidden secrets. This charming story follows the down-on-her-luck Rosa Larkin as she inherits a neglected corner shop in the picturesque village of Cockleberry Bay. Little does she know that this inheritance comes with a peculiar stipulation—it cannot be sold but must be passed on to someone who truly deserves it.

Rosa’s initial plan is to sell the shop and resolve her financial troubles, but she decides to take a leap of faith and restore the shop to its former glory. However, she soon realizes that she can’t do it alone. With the support of a cast of endearing characters, including a handsome rugby player, a charismatic plumber, a cunning reporter, and a group of meddling locals, Rosa embarks on an adventure that is both unpredictable and heartwarming.

The author skillfully weaves together various plotlines, including a hit-and-run incident and the mysterious disappearance of a valuable necklace, to keep readers engaged and guessing throughout the story. Each twist and turn adds depth and intrigue, ensuring that the pages keep turning.

One of the standout aspects of this novel is the well-developed characters. Rosa is a relatable and resilient protagonist, determined to make the best of her circumstances. Her loyal companion, Hot the sausage dog, adds a touch of humor and warmth to the narrative. The supporting characters are equally engaging, each with their own quirks and motivations, adding depth and complexity to the story.

Nicola May’s writing style is fluid and engaging, effortlessly capturing the essence of the quaint seaside village and its charming inhabitants. The vivid descriptions of Cockleberry Bay transport readers to a place brimming with community spirit and a sense of belonging. The author’s attention to detail and the seamless blend of humor, romance, and mystery create a captivating reading experience.

While the story moves at a steady pace, some readers may find certain plot developments slightly predictable. However, the endearing characters and the unraveling of secrets more than make up for any minor predictability. “The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay” is a perfect read for those seeking a feel-good novel with a dash of mystery and romance.

Overall, “The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay” is an enchanting tale that explores themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the power of community. Nicola May’s delightful storytelling and memorable characters will leave readers longing for a visit to the idyllic world of Cockleberry Bay. This novel is a delightful escape that will warm your heart and leave you with a smile on your face.