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Casa Clara
Emma Frazer packs up her job in Dublin and flees to Fuengirola in southern Spain, where she finds refuge in a beautiful little hotel right on the beach – Casa Clara. Here she can escape the mounting pressure from her domineering elder sister Trish who is pushing her into a marriage she herself has grave doubts about. Emma quickly falls in love with the hotel – her little room overlooking the courtyard with its vivid flowers and soothing fountain, the cast of quirky guests, warm staff and flamboyant owner. When the post of receptionist falls vacant she seizes the bull by the horns and, with little Spanish and no experience, cajoles her way into the job. She soon discovers a talent for management and Casa Clara flourishes in her care. When Fate brings the man of her dreams to the door, the future looks perfect. But her scheming sister is still busy tracking her down and eventually Emma must face forces that threaten to destroy the idyllic life she has built for herself.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
1039 people are currently reading
510 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
May 20, 2013
I usually like her books but this one was very dry and not written well at all.
July 3, 2019
Wow, I never thought a book can bore me this much! This book is soooo dry. It instantly makes me doze off into wonderland.
The story, the problem, and how the story was told is also odd. It was not well-written at all. I think one of the reasons why it's odd is because the thoughts and events are scattered as well. Also, the characters are so shallow. She ran away because Trish wants Colin for her? Stand your ground and be a rational adult. Stand up to your sister like any person does. Chapters of non-sense.
The story, the problem, and how the story was told is also odd. It was not well-written at all. I think one of the reasons why it's odd is because the thoughts and events are scattered as well. Also, the characters are so shallow. She ran away because Trish wants Colin for her? Stand your ground and be a rational adult. Stand up to your sister like any person does. Chapters of non-sense.
July 1, 2019
Insipid is too light a word
As a woman, this book was so insulting and over the top stupid I really didn't care whether any of the characters fell off the Cliff of Mohr!
How dumb are we as readers supposed to be to get invested in characters like Emma and Trish. How unbelievable!! Tell her off like any sister would have! Get a new job! Kick Colin to the curb! I don't need 40 chapters for such drivel!
As a woman, this book was so insulting and over the top stupid I really didn't care whether any of the characters fell off the Cliff of Mohr!
How dumb are we as readers supposed to be to get invested in characters like Emma and Trish. How unbelievable!! Tell her off like any sister would have! Get a new job! Kick Colin to the curb! I don't need 40 chapters for such drivel!
May 29, 2020
Well this book provided a lovely bit of escapism and it was very easy to pretend I was the one sunbathing on a Spanish beach! Sweet story that left me wanting more.
July 2, 2019
I love books that leave me wanting to know what will happen in the future. While reading this book I kept thinking that there were parts of her older sister that my siblings might assign to me. But I actually identified with Emma, the younger sister. It was a lovely story of overcoming family expectations and finding what makes you happy.
March 15, 2024
This was a pretty easy read that I picked because most of the book is set in Southern Spain which we all know I have a soft spot for. Also featured a female protagonist who started off lost but ended up finding her way & becoming a pretty strong female character.
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June 25, 2019Free on Kindle
July 19, 2011
At first I found this book to be very mater-of-fact, but as you read on you find that the writer spills masses of emotion while only giving the facts. The description of Spain is just right to take you on a journey there without the need to be flamboyant. The story takes the reader right back to Emma’s childhood but never tells too much to bore the reader. The reader is taken on a journey of a big period of time through Emma’s life and keeps you guessing to the end, but is never a cliff hanger. A lovely read for the beach and also to an extent a guide to parts of Spain. Toughly enjoyed the book and would read a lot more of Kate’s work.
July 11, 2012
While the descriptions of Spain were very good I found this book quite formulaic. There was a lot of scope for more exploration and investigation of some characters motivation but this was never developed. It was all too rushed at the end - very much 'and they all lived happily ever after'. Certainly would not make me want to read anything else by this author.
August 6, 2013
I liked this, cheesy and predictable but a good easy read
May 29, 2017
I picked this book up as it's set in Spain in a place that I have recently visited. I probably wouldn't have chosen it otherwise.
It was a bit predictable but was a nice easy-read story.
It was a bit predictable but was a nice easy-read story.
December 6, 2017
It was a cute story and very predictable - great for a fast read on the treadmill
April 18, 2020
It’s just a very dry description of the main character’s experiences. I got 1/4 of the way through and couldn’t make myself finish it
October 26, 2019
This book was tedious. Talk about a story that told more than it showed. I mean it's okay to say what a character is wearing, but not every time for nearly every character. Plus the 'conflicts' were so easy, and were worked out so easily.
Nutshell (spoilers): Emma flees Dublin suddenly and finds herself at a quaint beachside resort in southern Spain, oh, where she actually gets a job the day after she arrives having no experience. And what made her leave Dublin? What was so ghastly that she couldn't bear another minute? A domineering sister and an overbearing suitor. And even after three or four months of being gone, when they find her (somehow), they're the same. What? But meantime, she's whipped the hotel into shape and is going to buy it with her boyfriend who is her former high school teacher.
Very simple, very easy, very blah.
Nutshell (spoilers): Emma flees Dublin suddenly and finds herself at a quaint beachside resort in southern Spain, oh, where she actually gets a job the day after she arrives having no experience. And what made her leave Dublin? What was so ghastly that she couldn't bear another minute? A domineering sister and an overbearing suitor. And even after three or four months of being gone, when they find her (somehow), they're the same. What? But meantime, she's whipped the hotel into shape and is going to buy it with her boyfriend who is her former high school teacher.
Very simple, very easy, very blah.
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July 2, 2019Quite an odd little book. Rather stilted and old fashioned writing style - not particularly descriptive and characters were very shallow and two dimensional. There were a number of events that were scattered through the plot that seemed kind of tacked on as they really didn’t add anything to the storyline - the most obvious being the story of Emma’s father that just went nowhere.
The big “danger” that Emma runs from was pretty tame. I thought she just needed a bit of a backbone and she could have taken control over her life quite easily.
Overall, not a terrible book, but certainly not that great!
The big “danger” that Emma runs from was pretty tame. I thought she just needed a bit of a backbone and she could have taken control over her life quite easily.
Overall, not a terrible book, but certainly not that great!
July 18, 2019
This story is about Emma who has grown up in the shadow of her domineering sister Trish. Analysed over every decision she makes in life, Emma gets to a point in her adulthood that she can take no more from her sister. There is eloquent imagery of living in Spain of which the area I am very familiar with. To which I think the author has carried across well. I would have liked to have seen a bit more calculation from the antagonist, Trish, to justify the actions that Emma takes. All in all this is a pleasant light read that would be great on the beach to add to the mood of this ‘good feel’ book.
October 6, 2020
Sweet Romance
This book took me a while to get into. I don't know why the characters were fine. The sister truly drove me crazy. The main character was developed but almost overly opinionated except where the sister was concerned.
The story seemed to take a bit too really tell. I'm not sure if all the backstory was needed. Some seemed to be filler. There were some editing struggles as well.
I finished it. I'm not sure I well read others by this author as there are lots of books in the world. I would not discourage others from reading the book, but not really my genre or my type of book.
This book took me a while to get into. I don't know why the characters were fine. The sister truly drove me crazy. The main character was developed but almost overly opinionated except where the sister was concerned.
The story seemed to take a bit too really tell. I'm not sure if all the backstory was needed. Some seemed to be filler. There were some editing struggles as well.
I finished it. I'm not sure I well read others by this author as there are lots of books in the world. I would not discourage others from reading the book, but not really my genre or my type of book.
March 16, 2023
Almost like a vacation in Spain
Kate McCabe has written another wonderful book! Her characters are very engaging as they move through this story. The heroine actually chooses to run away from her adequate life in pursuit of a second chance. Many if not most of us have dreamed of such an opportunity (hoping to benefit from the lessons we have learned along the way). It isn't smooth sailing and the predictability of her original life can occasionally tempt her. The Casa Clara has such an important role, it is virtually another character and the descriptions of the lovely coastal town in southern Spain make the story live.
Kate McCabe has written another wonderful book! Her characters are very engaging as they move through this story. The heroine actually chooses to run away from her adequate life in pursuit of a second chance. Many if not most of us have dreamed of such an opportunity (hoping to benefit from the lessons we have learned along the way). It isn't smooth sailing and the predictability of her original life can occasionally tempt her. The Casa Clara has such an important role, it is virtually another character and the descriptions of the lovely coastal town in southern Spain make the story live.
May 31, 2017
I really enjoyed the first half or so of this book. Then it seemed to "jump the shark" about halfway through (when a long ago friend shows up at Casa Clara) and it rushed to an ending. The events leading up to the ending were a little unbelievable and awkward. If the author could have stayed in the same tone and the same path she was originally on, the ending would have been relatively the same but much more enjoyable. (*SPOILER*: i.e. I still see Emma buying Casa Clara, but not in the way it came about. Again, for me, bringing Tim back in is where it all fell apart and got awkward).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2019
Readable
I felt detached from this story for the vast majority of the time I spent reading. The drama did not hold nearly the suspense it was treated as if it had. For much of it, I felt like I could hear the narrator from rom coms speaking over a video montage about a passing of time... only the passage of time here was about 150 pages. Half the story takes place in Dublin, and much of that seems unnecessary to the story. But, it was interesting enough for me to read it through, hoping to find the gem.
I felt detached from this story for the vast majority of the time I spent reading. The drama did not hold nearly the suspense it was treated as if it had. For much of it, I felt like I could hear the narrator from rom coms speaking over a video montage about a passing of time... only the passage of time here was about 150 pages. Half the story takes place in Dublin, and much of that seems unnecessary to the story. But, it was interesting enough for me to read it through, hoping to find the gem.
March 4, 2020
Enjoyable and page turning
I was soon engrossed in this story about Emma, she’s at the hotel fearing being found, then we go back to the start of how she’s there and why. I must admit to being annoyed with her sister Trish and her domineering ways. I kept thinking soon I’ll find out the reason but although Emma could sort out other people’s problems, she couldn’t deal with her own. Which is often the way in real life. Emma found happiness finally . This is the first book I’ve read by this author I’m planning to read others.
I was soon engrossed in this story about Emma, she’s at the hotel fearing being found, then we go back to the start of how she’s there and why. I must admit to being annoyed with her sister Trish and her domineering ways. I kept thinking soon I’ll find out the reason but although Emma could sort out other people’s problems, she couldn’t deal with her own. Which is often the way in real life. Emma found happiness finally . This is the first book I’ve read by this author I’m planning to read others.
June 6, 2019
Sweet, cozy-ish (no real mystery), kinda chick-lit (no graphic sex), pleasant read about mostly pleasant people you like and care about. Nice HEA ending. Somewhat 'shocked' the main character didn't contact a lawyer to protect self sooner after she 'ran away', but that's just me - probably overthinking for this type of book! If you're looking for a pleasant, not very demanding read, this is what you want. Enjoyed it - even if she should have arranged to protect her ass(ets) better earlier!
March 7, 2020
A School Girls Crush
Nice story dealing with competition between sisters, crushes on private school literary teacher, young girls dreaming becomes increasingly interested in reading and authors , Mom dealing with family secrets why no Dad is with the girls, struggling with a pregnancy if a sister not understanding, twist and turns , that ends in astonishing results. A good short story read.
Nice story dealing with competition between sisters, crushes on private school literary teacher, young girls dreaming becomes increasingly interested in reading and authors , Mom dealing with family secrets why no Dad is with the girls, struggling with a pregnancy if a sister not understanding, twist and turns , that ends in astonishing results. A good short story read.
May 9, 2020
I hate to put it this way but it was not a deep book. I thought the main character, Emma, was week. Her sister, Trish, was annoying. I didn't like the way the sisters were portrayed. The characterization of men was unfair. It was a "chic book" and not very deep. I didn't find it entertaining even for a "chic book". Sometimes in a "chic book" the author will spend time describing the setting and the scene. I just didn't feel that in this book
January 24, 2022
Casa Clara is Amazing
There is nothing to dislike about Casa Clara. It brings the reader closely into every event, situation, feelings, whether good or bad, happy or sad! I found myself empathizing with Clara, her youth, as a teen at school, friends, frustration between Emma and her sister and much more! This is a good read and wonderful story of love lost and found and finding ones place in life!
There is nothing to dislike about Casa Clara. It brings the reader closely into every event, situation, feelings, whether good or bad, happy or sad! I found myself empathizing with Clara, her youth, as a teen at school, friends, frustration between Emma and her sister and much more! This is a good read and wonderful story of love lost and found and finding ones place in life!
December 1, 2022
Casa Clara, not a bad read but dragged a little too long. Emma was a contradiction in that while she had the confidence to take on and learn a new job in a new country she could not stand up to her sister or boyfriend. I found her fear of her sister and boyfriend to be out of proportion to her situation which made it hard to be sympathetic. I kept expecting something sinister to happen based on her paranoia of being found in Spain. No major spelling or grammatical errors.
November 13, 2017
Casa Clara by Kate McCabe.
I give this book 5 stars.
This is the first time I've read a book by this author and I'm glad I was given the opportunity to read it. It is such a beautiful book. It is so well written, and I am a new fan of this author. You soon learn you have to struggle through the early part of life in order for your dreams to come true.
I give this book 5 stars.
This is the first time I've read a book by this author and I'm glad I was given the opportunity to read it. It is such a beautiful book. It is so well written, and I am a new fan of this author. You soon learn you have to struggle through the early part of life in order for your dreams to come true.
July 11, 2019
I'm a sucker for books with Irish characters, and it was doubly interesting because half the book is set in my husband's mission area, where I also visited.
I'd give it three stars if the morals aligned more closely with mine - the sex is pretty discreet, but I'd rather pass and I won't recommend it to anyone.
I'd give it three stars if the morals aligned more closely with mine - the sex is pretty discreet, but I'd rather pass and I won't recommend it to anyone.
February 26, 2020
I felt like there were two different authors writing this book. I found the writing around the time spent at Casa Clara was interesting and moved at a good pace. When the book went back into Tessa's life in Dublin the writing seemed to be amateur. The book dragged and almost lost my interest it moved very slowly. Overall the book was average.
February 27, 2020
Excellent Read
What happens when your not in control over your own life? Emma has, since childhood, been overshadowed by her sister. Her unwavering support and submission has caused her to accept the things she never really wanted. Then, her sister's controlling attitude goes too far. Emma finds her passion and her purpose but, will her sister take it away?
What happens when your not in control over your own life? Emma has, since childhood, been overshadowed by her sister. Her unwavering support and submission has caused her to accept the things she never really wanted. Then, her sister's controlling attitude goes too far. Emma finds her passion and her purpose but, will her sister take it away?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews