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St Felix
Un desiderio segreto per l'estate
N°1 in Italia e in Inghilterra
Frankie ha un gruppo di amici molto affiatato; passano serenamente le loro giornate sulle spiagge della Cornovaglia, senza aspettarsi dalla vita nulla più di quello che hanno già. Una sera, il ritrovamento di un vecchio barile sospinto dalla corrente riporta loro alla mente un’antica leggenda la sirena di St Felix avrebbe esaudito i desideri di chi avesse ritrovato il suo tesoro. Che altro chiedere se non di restare tutti insieme per sempre? Quando gli anni li portano ad avvicinarsi e allontanarsi sull’onda di amori vecchi e nuovi, impegni di lavoro, segreti, matrimoni e ricorrenze, Frankie e gli amici quasi dimenticano quel barile trovato sulla spiaggia e il desiderio che avevano espresso tanto tempo prima. E se un’ultima estate insieme in Cornovaglia riaccendesse un ricordo all’apparenza sepolto per sempre?
E se un’estate potesse cambiare la tua vita?
Dalla penna di Ali McNamara, autrice bestseller, una storia romantica e da sogno.
«Ali McNamara conosce i trucchi del mestiere.»
la Repubblica
«Una lettura semplicemente perfetta.»
Sun
Ali McNamara
Ha scoperto la passione per la scrittura quasi per caso e così ha cominciato a pubblicare romanzi, diventati presto dei bestseller. Vive nella contea di Cambridge con la sua famiglia. La Newton Compton ha già pubblicato molti dei suoi grandi successi, tra cui Colazione da Darcy, ai primi posti di tutte le classifiche italiane, Innamorarsi a Notting Hill, Colazione in riva al mare, L’estate delle coincidenze, Un’estate indimenticabile, Appuntamento in riva al mare, Il piccolo negozio del lieto fine, Un vicino di casa molto speciale, Come un fulmine a ciel sereno, L’incredibile storia della centenaria che salvò il Natale e Un desiderio segreto per l'estate.
Frankie ha un gruppo di amici molto affiatato; passano serenamente le loro giornate sulle spiagge della Cornovaglia, senza aspettarsi dalla vita nulla più di quello che hanno già. Una sera, il ritrovamento di un vecchio barile sospinto dalla corrente riporta loro alla mente un’antica leggenda la sirena di St Felix avrebbe esaudito i desideri di chi avesse ritrovato il suo tesoro. Che altro chiedere se non di restare tutti insieme per sempre? Quando gli anni li portano ad avvicinarsi e allontanarsi sull’onda di amori vecchi e nuovi, impegni di lavoro, segreti, matrimoni e ricorrenze, Frankie e gli amici quasi dimenticano quel barile trovato sulla spiaggia e il desiderio che avevano espresso tanto tempo prima. E se un’ultima estate insieme in Cornovaglia riaccendesse un ricordo all’apparenza sepolto per sempre?
E se un’estate potesse cambiare la tua vita?
Dalla penna di Ali McNamara, autrice bestseller, una storia romantica e da sogno.
«Ali McNamara conosce i trucchi del mestiere.»
la Repubblica
«Una lettura semplicemente perfetta.»
Sun
Ali McNamara
Ha scoperto la passione per la scrittura quasi per caso e così ha cominciato a pubblicare romanzi, diventati presto dei bestseller. Vive nella contea di Cambridge con la sua famiglia. La Newton Compton ha già pubblicato molti dei suoi grandi successi, tra cui Colazione da Darcy, ai primi posti di tutte le classifiche italiane, Innamorarsi a Notting Hill, Colazione in riva al mare, L’estate delle coincidenze, Un’estate indimenticabile, Appuntamento in riva al mare, Il piccolo negozio del lieto fine, Un vicino di casa molto speciale, Come un fulmine a ciel sereno, L’incredibile storia della centenaria che salvò il Natale e Un desiderio segreto per l'estate.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 4, 2024
43 people are currently reading
411 people want to read
About the author
Ali McNamara
35 books1,278 followersAli McNamara is a writer and author.
Her debut novel, From Notting Hill with Love...Actually, the first of three 'Notting Hill' books, became an instant bestseller.
Ali has had much overseas success with her books - particularly Breakfast at Darcy's which was a Top Ten bestseller in Italy. Her novels Step Back in Time and Letters from Lighthouse Cottage were nominated for the Romantic Novel of the Year.
Ali lives in Cambridgeshire with her family and beloved dogs. In her spare time she likes to visit antique shops and people watch, more often than not accompanied by a good cup of coffee!
Ali suffers with two chronic illnesses: M.E./CFS and UCTD and is a disability and invisible disability advocate.
To find out more about Ali visit her website: www.alimcnamara.co.uk
or follow her on Twitter: @AliMcNamara, Facebook and Instagram.
Her debut novel, From Notting Hill with Love...Actually, the first of three 'Notting Hill' books, became an instant bestseller.
Ali has had much overseas success with her books - particularly Breakfast at Darcy's which was a Top Ten bestseller in Italy. Her novels Step Back in Time and Letters from Lighthouse Cottage were nominated for the Romantic Novel of the Year.
Ali lives in Cambridgeshire with her family and beloved dogs. In her spare time she likes to visit antique shops and people watch, more often than not accompanied by a good cup of coffee!
Ali suffers with two chronic illnesses: M.E./CFS and UCTD and is a disability and invisible disability advocate.
To find out more about Ali visit her website: www.alimcnamara.co.uk
or follow her on Twitter: @AliMcNamara, Facebook and Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
July 21, 2024
This could so easily be read in one sitting. There was nothing I did not love about this story. I loved it so much from the characters mentioned from other St Felix novels to the beautiful friendships between the mermaids.
It's about friendship in general however so much more goes on around with the mermaid folklore. Back to the friendships over too much romance. There is just enough romance however the friendships stand out more.
I love the friendships are between men and women how you can just be friends. Don't get me wrong some of them are meant to be in romance sense however others not. How it would be off the page. It felt so real.
Every character pulls at your heartstrings from time to time. Frankie is the lead. An excellent pick independent, loving, supporting everything you want from the leading lady. She does not need the romance but can choose to want it. You think it's Rob who may be the leading man until Mack appears. I loved both of them in different ways. Or Robert Mackenzie (when you read it you will know).
It's so sad the ending for Rob and other characters in this story. It's sad it is beautiful and it is tragic in parts. He will live on in memory.
Set over many years from 1989 jumping up in tens mainly I love how they go from teenagers to in there fifties. The transformation of the characters is beyond words. Rob's is possibly the best from the boy on the beach and guitar to the man who might be famous however is so generous to them all with his earnings and love. While Claire grows on me with age as one of Frankie's best friends for life. I love Frankie all the way through. Just like I did Mack.
I'll have missed so much more I love about this story I could not praise it higher. One of the best.
It's about friendship in general however so much more goes on around with the mermaid folklore. Back to the friendships over too much romance. There is just enough romance however the friendships stand out more.
I love the friendships are between men and women how you can just be friends. Don't get me wrong some of them are meant to be in romance sense however others not. How it would be off the page. It felt so real.
Every character pulls at your heartstrings from time to time. Frankie is the lead. An excellent pick independent, loving, supporting everything you want from the leading lady. She does not need the romance but can choose to want it. You think it's Rob who may be the leading man until Mack appears. I loved both of them in different ways. Or Robert Mackenzie (when you read it you will know).
It's so sad the ending for Rob and other characters in this story. It's sad it is beautiful and it is tragic in parts. He will live on in memory.
Set over many years from 1989 jumping up in tens mainly I love how they go from teenagers to in there fifties. The transformation of the characters is beyond words. Rob's is possibly the best from the boy on the beach and guitar to the man who might be famous however is so generous to them all with his earnings and love. While Claire grows on me with age as one of Frankie's best friends for life. I love Frankie all the way through. Just like I did Mack.
I'll have missed so much more I love about this story I could not praise it higher. One of the best.
June 14, 2024
A lovely Corniche story with great characters and some funny moments in it. Highly recommend this one. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review .
May 28, 2024
This is only the second book I have read by this author as have only recently discovered their writing and am so pleased I did. This is the 5th instalment of the St Felix series but could easily be read as a standalone like I did. I am going to go back and seek out the other books.
This was a beautiful and poignant read about first love, the power of friends, grief and other issues that readers will be able to relate to which were all covered in a very sensitive and heartfelt way. The story spans each decade of the characters lives from their teens to reaching their 50s and is set against the stunning backdrop of St Felix and has made me want to visit Cornwall as it sounds beautiful.
I loved how the author has also weaved in a little bit of magic and mermaid sparkle within the story and loved the history and myths and legends that were interwoven within the story and how the wishes they made as teenagers were a focal point of the story.
I was hooked from the first page and read this in a day late into the night as I couldn’t put it down and it took me on an emotional roller coaster and it left me with goosebumps when finished.
This was a beautiful and poignant read about first love, the power of friends, grief and other issues that readers will be able to relate to which were all covered in a very sensitive and heartfelt way. The story spans each decade of the characters lives from their teens to reaching their 50s and is set against the stunning backdrop of St Felix and has made me want to visit Cornwall as it sounds beautiful.
I loved how the author has also weaved in a little bit of magic and mermaid sparkle within the story and loved the history and myths and legends that were interwoven within the story and how the wishes they made as teenagers were a focal point of the story.
I was hooked from the first page and read this in a day late into the night as I couldn’t put it down and it took me on an emotional roller coaster and it left me with goosebumps when finished.
July 9, 2024
4.5⭐️ rounded up to 5⭐️
For Frankie and her five best friends growing up on the glorious beaches of Cornwall's St Felix, life couldn't get any better. Late one night, the friends discover an old box washed up on the shores and they learn the tale of the St Felix mermaid who grants wishes to those who find her treasure. Even though they know it's just Cornish folkore, the friends decide to make a wish for what they each want out of life - most importantly, they want to always be together . . .
Over the course of the next few decades, as weddings, funerals, birthdays and more bring the friends back together, lost loves, broken promises and buried secrets just as quickly tear them apart. But when they reunite one last time in St Felix, will it be for good? And will their wishes finally be revealed?
This was such a lovely heartwarming (and sometimes heartbreaking) story. Having read a few St Felix stories before it was like meeting old friends when previous characters were mentioned. I thoroughly enjoyed this new novel by Ali McNamara spanning over four decades.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc in return for an honest review.
For Frankie and her five best friends growing up on the glorious beaches of Cornwall's St Felix, life couldn't get any better. Late one night, the friends discover an old box washed up on the shores and they learn the tale of the St Felix mermaid who grants wishes to those who find her treasure. Even though they know it's just Cornish folkore, the friends decide to make a wish for what they each want out of life - most importantly, they want to always be together . . .
Over the course of the next few decades, as weddings, funerals, birthdays and more bring the friends back together, lost loves, broken promises and buried secrets just as quickly tear them apart. But when they reunite one last time in St Felix, will it be for good? And will their wishes finally be revealed?
This was such a lovely heartwarming (and sometimes heartbreaking) story. Having read a few St Felix stories before it was like meeting old friends when previous characters were mentioned. I thoroughly enjoyed this new novel by Ali McNamara spanning over four decades.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc in return for an honest review.
October 6, 2024
I read this book in one sitting and absolutely loved it. Set in St Felix, where a few of her other books are set, we meet six teenage friends preparing to perform at the school dance. We meet up with them again over the years when they get together in St Felix for one reason or another. I loved the six friends who, although all different in their own way, are joined by their friendship which always brings them back together. The setting by the mystical Cornish coast and the wonderful story of love and friendship make this a really enjoyable easy read.
July 13, 2024
It wouldn’t be summer without a book from Ali McNamara. I read most of this book over what looks like it might be the one day of summer we’ll see in Edinburgh! This year, Ali McNamara has taken us back to the familiar setting of St Felix where several of her other books have been set.
A Secret Cornish Wish follows the lives and loves of six school friends over the course of around thirty years though focussing mainly on Frankie’s point of view. One evening Frankie and her friends find a mysterious barrel washed up on the beach at St Felix. Cornwall is known for myths and legends about mermaids and pirates and one of the legends says if you return a mermaid’s treasure to the sea, she will make your wish come true. The friends decide to all make a wish and of course to keep their wishes secret.
I really enjoyed the way that we meet up with the friends at various significant points in their lives and find out how life has been treating them. They catch up at weddings, funerals and significant birthdays. Life has taken them to various parts of the world and their lives are all quite different. The author shows while that life doesn’t always work out the way that we hope it will, often things work out for the best.
Of course, friendship is at the heart of this book and I so enjoyed reading about this group of friends and how important their friendship was to them all. Like many friends, especially friends from schooldays, as they grow older and their life experiences differ, they don’t always meet up very often. In fact, sometimes it’s only these significant events that bring them together and it can be years between their seeing each other. It was so lovely to read that no matter what was happening in their lives, their friendship remained strong and they were always there for each other.
Being of a similar age to the group of friends, the book was a bit of a trip down memory lane with references to music and bands from the 80s and 90s, the beginning of the internet, people keeping in touch through Friends Reunited (remember that before Facebook?) and the evolution of mobile phones!
A Secret Cornish Wish is a lovely, escapist read for summer. With themes of friendship, family, secrets, love and with just a little of Ali McNamara’s trademark sprinkling of magic, it’s a charming story in a beautiful setting.
A Secret Cornish Wish follows the lives and loves of six school friends over the course of around thirty years though focussing mainly on Frankie’s point of view. One evening Frankie and her friends find a mysterious barrel washed up on the beach at St Felix. Cornwall is known for myths and legends about mermaids and pirates and one of the legends says if you return a mermaid’s treasure to the sea, she will make your wish come true. The friends decide to all make a wish and of course to keep their wishes secret.
I really enjoyed the way that we meet up with the friends at various significant points in their lives and find out how life has been treating them. They catch up at weddings, funerals and significant birthdays. Life has taken them to various parts of the world and their lives are all quite different. The author shows while that life doesn’t always work out the way that we hope it will, often things work out for the best.
Of course, friendship is at the heart of this book and I so enjoyed reading about this group of friends and how important their friendship was to them all. Like many friends, especially friends from schooldays, as they grow older and their life experiences differ, they don’t always meet up very often. In fact, sometimes it’s only these significant events that bring them together and it can be years between their seeing each other. It was so lovely to read that no matter what was happening in their lives, their friendship remained strong and they were always there for each other.
Being of a similar age to the group of friends, the book was a bit of a trip down memory lane with references to music and bands from the 80s and 90s, the beginning of the internet, people keeping in touch through Friends Reunited (remember that before Facebook?) and the evolution of mobile phones!
A Secret Cornish Wish is a lovely, escapist read for summer. With themes of friendship, family, secrets, love and with just a little of Ali McNamara’s trademark sprinkling of magic, it’s a charming story in a beautiful setting.
June 9, 2025
Was such a great book I could not put it down. Definitely a great read and highly recommended.
August 21, 2024
Another beautiful novel set in St Felix. This is book 4 but can easily be read as a stand alone. Those who have read the previous St Felix novels, will recognise some characters that make cameo appearances in this story.
Frankie and her five best friends make a wish one night when they are 15. Over the next four decades, the friends meet every 10 years for weddings, birthdays and funerals. Heartwarming tale about friendship.
Frankie and her five best friends make a wish one night when they are 15. Over the next four decades, the friends meet every 10 years for weddings, birthdays and funerals. Heartwarming tale about friendship.
October 25, 2025
I found this last book in the St Felix series really disappointing. I have enjoyed all the previous touches of magic or unexplained good things happening in this quaint town, but for me this was a step too far. None of the outcomes for the characters were what I hoped or expected and it left me wishing I had stopped at the previous book. I felt that most of the people in the story behaved out of character so I was dissatisfied with the final outcome.
July 4, 2024
I really do love this author’s books, they are perfect and purely magical too.
A Secret Cornish Wish is a part of five books that are set in St. Felix and even though the characters appear across all five books they can also very easily be read as stand alones without any problems at all.
I absolutely loved this story and it was a wonderful, escapist read. The writing was beautiful and there was so much emotion, it definitely gave me the feels and i really did love the setting of St. Felix. Through the authors writing I honestly felt as though I was there, immersed in all the Cornish goodness.
The characters were wonderful and real and i really enjoyed getting to know all their stories and how their lives entwine…….
A Secret Cornish Wish is a part of five books that are set in St. Felix and even though the characters appear across all five books they can also very easily be read as stand alones without any problems at all.
I absolutely loved this story and it was a wonderful, escapist read. The writing was beautiful and there was so much emotion, it definitely gave me the feels and i really did love the setting of St. Felix. Through the authors writing I honestly felt as though I was there, immersed in all the Cornish goodness.
The characters were wonderful and real and i really enjoyed getting to know all their stories and how their lives entwine…….
July 7, 2024
Gorgeous, ethereal l, majestic and captivating. This book was so lovely and the ending gave me all the feels. Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
August 20, 2025
Å där var hon tillbaka igen! Älskar denna bok.. Finns lite av allt. Vänskap, kärlek, mystik, sorg. Många tårar rann ner för min kind när jag läste denna, både av glädje och sorg!
September 8, 2025
Excellent magical read!
May 16, 2024
Firstly, my thanks go to Netgalley, the incredible Ali McNamara, and her publishing team for granting me a copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The book is a continuation of a series set in St Felix, Cornwall, and it is the fifth installment. I haven't read any of the previous books, but that didn't detract from the experience at all.
The characters were superbly crafted, rich in detail, and so vividly portrayed that I felt like I was part of the group.
I particularly enjoyed how the book revisited the childhoods of the "Misfit Mermaids" and depicted their reunions once every decade.
It encompassed everything from romance and true friendship to the realities of life and the pangs of heartbreak.
The book is a continuation of a series set in St Felix, Cornwall, and it is the fifth installment. I haven't read any of the previous books, but that didn't detract from the experience at all.
The characters were superbly crafted, rich in detail, and so vividly portrayed that I felt like I was part of the group.
I particularly enjoyed how the book revisited the childhoods of the "Misfit Mermaids" and depicted their reunions once every decade.
It encompassed everything from romance and true friendship to the realities of life and the pangs of heartbreak.
December 8, 2025
Ali McNamara is an auto-buy author for me. I love her books and her whimsical magical realism that she brings to a normal world.
For those new to Ali’s books, she does some standalone books in different settings and also has this standalone but interlinked series based in the fictional, but very like Cornwall, St Felix. In St Felix we meet multiple characters, places, shops and much more that all interweave together naturally. You do not have to read all of the books in order, but I would say it's well worth it if you do as you will recognise some of the characters from previous books as you go, but you can read this one as a standalone and then go back to others, nothing will be ruined story wise.
This book was, I believe, the fifth in St.Felix, where we meet Frankie and her best friends firstly as young teens. It centres initially round their coming of age and local folklore of mermaids and the magic of having wishes granted, where the story travels back and forwards over multiple timelines from the 80’s to the present day where Frankie and her friends are grown and still tackling life.
I loved being back in St Felix and because we got some of the old history of the place, getting to read and meet characters that we haven’t before was lovely. However, i felt so detached from how much i usually love the characters in all of the authors books. I think this was because the timeline jumped back and forward so I wasn't spending enough time with the characters and getting that feeling of ‘knowing’ them and I unfortunately found Frankie was a little negative and annoying.
To finish though, this book deals with the highs and lows of life and some very emotive subjects to do with life, love, death and grieving and it’s packed with poignant moments that had me welling up. It is overall a really enjoyable book with a sprinkle of the authors usual whimsy and i would recommend to those who like a little magical realism with their reading.
For those new to Ali’s books, she does some standalone books in different settings and also has this standalone but interlinked series based in the fictional, but very like Cornwall, St Felix. In St Felix we meet multiple characters, places, shops and much more that all interweave together naturally. You do not have to read all of the books in order, but I would say it's well worth it if you do as you will recognise some of the characters from previous books as you go, but you can read this one as a standalone and then go back to others, nothing will be ruined story wise.
This book was, I believe, the fifth in St.Felix, where we meet Frankie and her best friends firstly as young teens. It centres initially round their coming of age and local folklore of mermaids and the magic of having wishes granted, where the story travels back and forwards over multiple timelines from the 80’s to the present day where Frankie and her friends are grown and still tackling life.
I loved being back in St Felix and because we got some of the old history of the place, getting to read and meet characters that we haven’t before was lovely. However, i felt so detached from how much i usually love the characters in all of the authors books. I think this was because the timeline jumped back and forward so I wasn't spending enough time with the characters and getting that feeling of ‘knowing’ them and I unfortunately found Frankie was a little negative and annoying.
To finish though, this book deals with the highs and lows of life and some very emotive subjects to do with life, love, death and grieving and it’s packed with poignant moments that had me welling up. It is overall a really enjoyable book with a sprinkle of the authors usual whimsy and i would recommend to those who like a little magical realism with their reading.
February 16, 2025
Really easy read for getting back into reading after a few years out. Good story and spoilers
May 27, 2024
We return to the little Cornish village of St Felix. If you've read some of this author's previous book you'll already know about the pretty little seaside village. This story follows a group of friends from their teenage years right through to their 50's, revisiting them every ten years or so as the book moves on. The main character is Frankie, but as teenagers her and her friends form a group known as the Misfit Mermaids. If you know this author's style of writing, you'll know she likes to add a little magic and mystery into her stories, and there's no surprise that mermaid's feature heavily in this book!
This story was absolutely wonderful! I wasn't sure where the book was heading when we started off in Frankie's teenage years, but quickly worked out we were going on a journey through their lives. I was hooked into their stories very quickly and couldn't put the book down once started. There wasn't as much romance as other books (although still a little bit!) but there was plenty of life lessons and choices and lots of strong family and friends relationships. I loved how we got to see how their wishes came true and that the friendships lasted throughout the years.
It was filled with happiness and sadness in equal measures, and will have you reaching for your tissues and then laughing and smiling at the turn of a page. It is wonderfully magical and is the perfect piece of escapism! Lovely characters, a beautiful location and a gorgeous storyline! Would definitely recommend!!
This story was absolutely wonderful! I wasn't sure where the book was heading when we started off in Frankie's teenage years, but quickly worked out we were going on a journey through their lives. I was hooked into their stories very quickly and couldn't put the book down once started. There wasn't as much romance as other books (although still a little bit!) but there was plenty of life lessons and choices and lots of strong family and friends relationships. I loved how we got to see how their wishes came true and that the friendships lasted throughout the years.
It was filled with happiness and sadness in equal measures, and will have you reaching for your tissues and then laughing and smiling at the turn of a page. It is wonderfully magical and is the perfect piece of escapism! Lovely characters, a beautiful location and a gorgeous storyline! Would definitely recommend!!
June 9, 2024
I was given a free copy of this book by Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
I really like Ali McNamara’s books; they’re a kind of escapism into the kind of place I’d want to be, the people I’d want as my neighbours- all mixed with a little bit of magic! When I saw a new book coming out, with the promise of revisiting some old characters, I jumped at the chance to read it!
I loved the idea of this book- a group of friends from school and their friendship from that time through the decades, particularly as I’m around the same age as the characters so can relate to a lot of the cultural references!
I don’t know if it was just the format of the advance copy but it took slightly longer for me to get into the book than normal. It also felt a bit ‘choppy’- I’m not a massive fan of jumping backwards and forwards in time, and there seemed to be some unnecessary jumping (ie going back to ‘two days previously’ when you’ve already been talking about the build up so could have spoken about it then).
There was also a mistake in terms of time- I won’t give any spoilers but while on a train Frankie says an event will happen ‘tomorrow’ yet later (while on the same train journey) says someone else will be at the same event ‘in a few days time’. The ending also felt a bit rushed to me, and lacked a bit of detail.
Not my favourite of Ali McNamara’s books, but once I got into it, it was a nice easy read.
I really like Ali McNamara’s books; they’re a kind of escapism into the kind of place I’d want to be, the people I’d want as my neighbours- all mixed with a little bit of magic! When I saw a new book coming out, with the promise of revisiting some old characters, I jumped at the chance to read it!
I loved the idea of this book- a group of friends from school and their friendship from that time through the decades, particularly as I’m around the same age as the characters so can relate to a lot of the cultural references!
I don’t know if it was just the format of the advance copy but it took slightly longer for me to get into the book than normal. It also felt a bit ‘choppy’- I’m not a massive fan of jumping backwards and forwards in time, and there seemed to be some unnecessary jumping (ie going back to ‘two days previously’ when you’ve already been talking about the build up so could have spoken about it then).
There was also a mistake in terms of time- I won’t give any spoilers but while on a train Frankie says an event will happen ‘tomorrow’ yet later (while on the same train journey) says someone else will be at the same event ‘in a few days time’. The ending also felt a bit rushed to me, and lacked a bit of detail.
Not my favourite of Ali McNamara’s books, but once I got into it, it was a nice easy read.
October 30, 2025
A really cute summer read. Light and sweet, this book is easy to enjoy. Romance was flatter than I’d expected but that was because the story was *really* about the evolution of love between childhood friends.
September 16, 2024
Recensione presente nel blog www.ragazzainrosso.wordpress.com
Estate 1989. Frankie e i suoi amici trascorrono l’estate a St. Felix, sulle coste della Cornovaglia. Una sera il ritrovamento casuale di un barile sospinto dalla corrente riporta loro alla mente un’antica leggenda: la sirena di St. Felix avrebbe esaudito i desideri di chi avesse ritrovato il suo tesoro. All’unisono desiderano di poter essere amici per sempre. Dopo tanti anni alcuni di loro si ritrovano nuovamente a St. Felix, pronti a trascorrere una nuova estate insieme, quasi dimentichi di quel desiderio espresso tanti anni prima.
“Il mare non cambia mai, non davvero. Le stagioni cambiano, il meteo cambia, la luce che colpisce i flutti e li fa apparire di un allettante turchese cambia…. Ma il mare resta, con il movimento ritmico delle onde che si infrangono all’infinito sul bagnasciuga, non cambia. Resta costante.”
Ritrovarsi puntualmente ogni estate in un luogo idilliaco è un piacevole rituale che si ripete di anno in anno. Frankie e i suoi amici hanno quindici anni nel 1989, sono alle prese con l’organizzazione del ballo scolastico e con i primi amori. Sono felici, spensierati, certi che la loro meravigliosa amicizia sarà eterna.
Tuttavia, si sa, man mano che il tempo passa tutto cambia. Nuovi impegni, lavori, esperienze di vita che portano ognuno a prendere la propria strada ed ecco che di quei giorni dell’adolescenza resta solo un dolce ricordo e una leggenda apparentemente senza grande significato.
Seguiamo i protagonisti nelle loro vicissitudini e nel loro periodico ritrovarsi, precisamente nell’estate del 1994, 2004, 2014 e 2024, il tutto scandito dalla magia delle sirene. Cambiano caratterialmente, compiono nuove esperienze, si reinventano.
La meravigliosa St. Felix fa da sfondo alle vicende con i suoi idilliaci paesaggi e la bellezza di una cittadina sul mare dove tutto sembra scorrere lento.
Lo stile della prosa è semplice e fluido. Personalmente ho trovato questo romanzo un po’ sottotono rispetto agli altri dell’autrice. Specie nella prima parte ho avuto la sensazione di trovarmi dinanzi a un susseguirsi di eventi monotono, privo di quel brio che caratterizza le sue opere. Per questo il coinvolgimento è stato abbastanza altalenante.
Non posso che esserne dispiaciuta, finora Ali McNamara non mi aveva mai delusa. Ma, come si suole dire, c’è sempre una prima volta.
Estate 1989. Frankie e i suoi amici trascorrono l’estate a St. Felix, sulle coste della Cornovaglia. Una sera il ritrovamento casuale di un barile sospinto dalla corrente riporta loro alla mente un’antica leggenda: la sirena di St. Felix avrebbe esaudito i desideri di chi avesse ritrovato il suo tesoro. All’unisono desiderano di poter essere amici per sempre. Dopo tanti anni alcuni di loro si ritrovano nuovamente a St. Felix, pronti a trascorrere una nuova estate insieme, quasi dimentichi di quel desiderio espresso tanti anni prima.
“Il mare non cambia mai, non davvero. Le stagioni cambiano, il meteo cambia, la luce che colpisce i flutti e li fa apparire di un allettante turchese cambia…. Ma il mare resta, con il movimento ritmico delle onde che si infrangono all’infinito sul bagnasciuga, non cambia. Resta costante.”
Ritrovarsi puntualmente ogni estate in un luogo idilliaco è un piacevole rituale che si ripete di anno in anno. Frankie e i suoi amici hanno quindici anni nel 1989, sono alle prese con l’organizzazione del ballo scolastico e con i primi amori. Sono felici, spensierati, certi che la loro meravigliosa amicizia sarà eterna.
Tuttavia, si sa, man mano che il tempo passa tutto cambia. Nuovi impegni, lavori, esperienze di vita che portano ognuno a prendere la propria strada ed ecco che di quei giorni dell’adolescenza resta solo un dolce ricordo e una leggenda apparentemente senza grande significato.
Seguiamo i protagonisti nelle loro vicissitudini e nel loro periodico ritrovarsi, precisamente nell’estate del 1994, 2004, 2014 e 2024, il tutto scandito dalla magia delle sirene. Cambiano caratterialmente, compiono nuove esperienze, si reinventano.
La meravigliosa St. Felix fa da sfondo alle vicende con i suoi idilliaci paesaggi e la bellezza di una cittadina sul mare dove tutto sembra scorrere lento.
Lo stile della prosa è semplice e fluido. Personalmente ho trovato questo romanzo un po’ sottotono rispetto agli altri dell’autrice. Specie nella prima parte ho avuto la sensazione di trovarmi dinanzi a un susseguirsi di eventi monotono, privo di quel brio che caratterizza le sue opere. Per questo il coinvolgimento è stato abbastanza altalenante.
Non posso che esserne dispiaciuta, finora Ali McNamara non mi aveva mai delusa. Ma, come si suole dire, c’è sempre una prima volta.
June 23, 2024
As ALWAYS, another beautiful tale from the amazing Ali McNamara. It never ceases to amaze me how much research goes into her books and how much magic is woven throughout the story that may not be spotted until the very end.
Compared to her earlier books, this one has a lot more grit and reality involved in it. Not quite the fairy tale that we loved about the earlier books but still stories to immerse yourself in, to escape in, away from your own reality for a little while.
St Felix is the perfect place for the myths and magic to be. It also helps that the first four books and their characters have made their way into this one although I was a little disappointed that she didn't spell it out for us at the end, the spotting of those characters. I read them such a long time ago that I have forgotten some I'm sure. From Mad Stan to a back story for Rose, each one I did spot made me smile.
The characters in this story were lovely, a group of friends that come back together every 5 or 10 years for an occasion of some sort and are there for each other throughout everything that life throws at them. I am a bit sad that their lives in between each occasion are sad and lonely and wish it were a shorter time frame so that they could get their St Felix happy ever after sooner. The ending made me cry and there was obviously a lot of thought that went into the right ending for them. Even throughout the sad moments, the writing flows so seamlessly that it is beautiful to read.
I love reading Ali McNamara books and I have every one proudly displayed on my book case. Always waiting for a pick me up whenever I am in need of one.
Thanks to Little Brown Books, Netgalley and of course Ali herself for a temporary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Compared to her earlier books, this one has a lot more grit and reality involved in it. Not quite the fairy tale that we loved about the earlier books but still stories to immerse yourself in, to escape in, away from your own reality for a little while.
St Felix is the perfect place for the myths and magic to be. It also helps that the first four books and their characters have made their way into this one although I was a little disappointed that she didn't spell it out for us at the end, the spotting of those characters. I read them such a long time ago that I have forgotten some I'm sure. From Mad Stan to a back story for Rose, each one I did spot made me smile.
The characters in this story were lovely, a group of friends that come back together every 5 or 10 years for an occasion of some sort and are there for each other throughout everything that life throws at them. I am a bit sad that their lives in between each occasion are sad and lonely and wish it were a shorter time frame so that they could get their St Felix happy ever after sooner. The ending made me cry and there was obviously a lot of thought that went into the right ending for them. Even throughout the sad moments, the writing flows so seamlessly that it is beautiful to read.
I love reading Ali McNamara books and I have every one proudly displayed on my book case. Always waiting for a pick me up whenever I am in need of one.
Thanks to Little Brown Books, Netgalley and of course Ali herself for a temporary copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 24, 2024
As always, Ali McNamara delights with another mystical, magical novel that features a few characters from her previous books who I always enjoy catching up with but this book can be read as a standalone. I found this one rather more hard hitting and with more sadness than the author's previous work. There are tragedies and several deaths that are quite sobering but there are also happier situations. Fun, friendship and the beautiful, fictional Cornish resort of St. Felix lift the mood. The story skips around through several timelines and I felt that often several years passed where main characters' lives had moved on but with no explanation as to how major life changing events had come about, e.g. one main character having a child but no storyline as to any relationship, pregnancy or birth. The second half of the book was fascinating, though, with the mystical aspects coming together to close the story very nicely and explaining a number of things that I hadn't noticed. I need to read it again now to spot the clues. All in all this was an enjoyable story that I will long remember. My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC. This review is my own unbiased and voluntary one.
September 19, 2024
Given I just autobuy and know I want to read anything with Ali McNamara's name on it, I hadn't realised until I opened this one that we ere back in the rather magical setting of St. Felix.
And as a long time fan of these St Felix books I knew instantly that there would be some inexplicable occurrences.
What I didn't realise until I read this was that mermaids are 100% real and that I'm a complete believer in them and their wish giving properties.
We join Frankie and her group of misfit mermaids at key points over their lives from being teens, all the way through until they turn 50
All told from Frankie's view point we get to know all the stories of her friendship group, And I loved getting to know all of her friends,
And discovering whether their wishes really will come true or not.
There is excellent character development and the magic of the setting is weaved in perfectly
And I loved references to some of Ali's other characters, always good to see they haven't been forgotten.
An absolute joy to read from start to finish, this may have you crying, it will certainly have you smiling and it might even turn you into a believer.
Thank you Sphere and Netgalley for this book which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
And as a long time fan of these St Felix books I knew instantly that there would be some inexplicable occurrences.
What I didn't realise until I read this was that mermaids are 100% real and that I'm a complete believer in them and their wish giving properties.
We join Frankie and her group of misfit mermaids at key points over their lives from being teens, all the way through until they turn 50
All told from Frankie's view point we get to know all the stories of her friendship group, And I loved getting to know all of her friends,
And discovering whether their wishes really will come true or not.
There is excellent character development and the magic of the setting is weaved in perfectly
And I loved references to some of Ali's other characters, always good to see they haven't been forgotten.
An absolute joy to read from start to finish, this may have you crying, it will certainly have you smiling and it might even turn you into a believer.
Thank you Sphere and Netgalley for this book which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
July 4, 2024
The book starts off in 1989 featuring a group of fifteen year old school children. They are planning their entry for the school concert and talent show, naming themselves the misfit mermaids. Set in the seaside Cornish town of St. Felix
Frankie being the main character telling the story, but including herself there are six in their friendship group consisting of four girls and two boys.
The book moves forward in time with the characters meeting around every five or ten years, and where they are in life at that moment.
I always enjoy reading books from this author, and did enjoy this book also, although I found the writing style a bit different this time as it covered some more sensitive issues. The challenges and triumphs that encompass life, both good and bad.
Little sparkles of enchantment which I like in her books.
There are some sad moments and I did shed a few tears.
This can be read as a standalone book, though characters from previous books may make a cameo appearance.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Publisher for an advanced e-book copy. Opinions about the book are entirely my own.
Frankie being the main character telling the story, but including herself there are six in their friendship group consisting of four girls and two boys.
The book moves forward in time with the characters meeting around every five or ten years, and where they are in life at that moment.
I always enjoy reading books from this author, and did enjoy this book also, although I found the writing style a bit different this time as it covered some more sensitive issues. The challenges and triumphs that encompass life, both good and bad.
Little sparkles of enchantment which I like in her books.
There are some sad moments and I did shed a few tears.
This can be read as a standalone book, though characters from previous books may make a cameo appearance.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Publisher for an advanced e-book copy. Opinions about the book are entirely my own.
August 19, 2024
Per proseguire con le letture leggere…
Ali Mc Namara è una delle mie scrittrici preferite in assoluto.
È appena uscito il suo ultimo romanzo che ho divorato in tre giorni e mi ha fatto tornare a Saint Felix, il paesino che Ali colloca in Cornovaglia ma che non esiste nella realtà. Lei stessa specifica di essersi ispirata alla località di St. Ives che vorrei dannatamente vedere prima o poi.
Nel libro ci sono numerosi riferimenti ai romanzi precedenti, personaggi che ritornano anche solo per brevi istanti, le cui storie si intrecciano a quelle narrate.
Vi toccherà leggere tutta la bibliografia per coglierli tutti, ma ne vale la pena secondo me!
Una compagnia di amici si ritrova nel proprio paese d’infanzia ad intervalli di circa dieci anni a realizzare una promessa che si erano fatti da adolescenti, quella di rimanere amici per sempre.
Ogni volta la vita di ognuno viene condivisa e tutto torna sempre a quella promessa fatta da giovani su di una scogliera, con una creatura del mare come testimone ricorrente.
Abbiamo tutti un angelo custode da qualche parte, o forse è una sirena?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vi è venuta voglia di leggerlo?
@alimcnamara
@summerreading
#booklover #summerreading
Ali Mc Namara è una delle mie scrittrici preferite in assoluto.
È appena uscito il suo ultimo romanzo che ho divorato in tre giorni e mi ha fatto tornare a Saint Felix, il paesino che Ali colloca in Cornovaglia ma che non esiste nella realtà. Lei stessa specifica di essersi ispirata alla località di St. Ives che vorrei dannatamente vedere prima o poi.
Nel libro ci sono numerosi riferimenti ai romanzi precedenti, personaggi che ritornano anche solo per brevi istanti, le cui storie si intrecciano a quelle narrate.
Vi toccherà leggere tutta la bibliografia per coglierli tutti, ma ne vale la pena secondo me!
Una compagnia di amici si ritrova nel proprio paese d’infanzia ad intervalli di circa dieci anni a realizzare una promessa che si erano fatti da adolescenti, quella di rimanere amici per sempre.
Ogni volta la vita di ognuno viene condivisa e tutto torna sempre a quella promessa fatta da giovani su di una scogliera, con una creatura del mare come testimone ricorrente.
Abbiamo tutti un angelo custode da qualche parte, o forse è una sirena?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vi è venuta voglia di leggerlo?
@alimcnamara
@summerreading
#booklover #summerreading
June 29, 2024
Totally loved this latest wonderful escape to the small town of St Felix in Cornwall from Ali McNamara. Although there are many references to the previous books from this series which made me smile with those memories, it’s still a strong stand alone book.
Frankie and her friends are preparing for their end of term musical competition at school, and party with an Under the Sea theme, this is the late 80’s and we follow Frankie and her friends over the years to the present day. There are ups and downs, weddings and funerals, historic references to film and music, it’s all here.
Full of friendships, learning hard life lessons, love and family. It’s hard not to fall in love a little with the characters, and of course St Felix.
A truly magical tale, perfect holiday reading, warm hearted and comforting. Living by the sea is a special thing!!
Hugely enjoyed and highly recommended.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read early.
Frankie and her friends are preparing for their end of term musical competition at school, and party with an Under the Sea theme, this is the late 80’s and we follow Frankie and her friends over the years to the present day. There are ups and downs, weddings and funerals, historic references to film and music, it’s all here.
Full of friendships, learning hard life lessons, love and family. It’s hard not to fall in love a little with the characters, and of course St Felix.
A truly magical tale, perfect holiday reading, warm hearted and comforting. Living by the sea is a special thing!!
Hugely enjoyed and highly recommended.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read early.
July 20, 2024
A Secret Cornish Wish
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I have read many books by this author and I can definitely say this book did not disappoint, it contained all her natural writing skills.
A beautiful story of a group of friends from the age of 15 until the age of around 50, set in the beautiful cornish town of St Felix it follows them all on there journey of life - however one night the group find a barrel washed up on the beach believed to belong to the St Felix mermaid, as it is decided between them all, the barrel should be returned to the sea, however legend says that the mermaid of St Felix will grant wishes, so as all of the friends come together to return it to the see all of them make there wishes.....
Will life be kind to them all, who will fulfill there dreams, were will all of them end up and most of all will there wishes come true??
This book made me laugh, smile and cry... it's a beautifully warm hug of a book.
A lovely magical story of life, friendship and hope.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I have read many books by this author and I can definitely say this book did not disappoint, it contained all her natural writing skills.
A beautiful story of a group of friends from the age of 15 until the age of around 50, set in the beautiful cornish town of St Felix it follows them all on there journey of life - however one night the group find a barrel washed up on the beach believed to belong to the St Felix mermaid, as it is decided between them all, the barrel should be returned to the sea, however legend says that the mermaid of St Felix will grant wishes, so as all of the friends come together to return it to the see all of them make there wishes.....
Will life be kind to them all, who will fulfill there dreams, were will all of them end up and most of all will there wishes come true??
This book made me laugh, smile and cry... it's a beautifully warm hug of a book.
A lovely magical story of life, friendship and hope.
August 16, 2024
Simply wonderful. The story focuses on Frankie and her group of school friends the ‘Misfit Mermaids’ who all reside in St Felix in Cornwall. Cornish mermaid folklore is a constant theme running throughout the book. The story starts in July 1989 and continues to present day. All the time focusing on the events that draw the group back together, like the rolling of the waves when tides turn. In this case events being births, deaths and marriages. What gripped me was the way Ali wrote about the friend’s lives, how they weren’t intrinsically linked but there was a foundation and love which was there whenever one of them needed it. It was lovely how other members gradually joined the group and moved them alone. Themes of the story included grief, depression, politics, self doubt, success, infertility, parenting and anxiety. It left me with tears. “If a mermaids treasure washes up on the shore, Return it to the waves and be happy forever more.”
March 17, 2025
Every time I read a book by Ali McNamara I know I am in for a lovely cosy read. She is one of those writers where I just know I can curl up with the book and usually read it in one sitting. This is the 5th instalment of the St Felix series, this is the second I have read in the series but it can easily be read as a standalone as I have found.
This books takes us back to the beautiful St Felix in Cornwall, in A Secret Cornish Wish we are introduced to Frankie and her five friends. The book follows them over around a 30 year period throughout their lives from being teenagers to ladies in their 50's. This is a book about love, friendship and being there for each other even when our lives navigate a different course. Every time I read one of her books it makes me long to be in Cornwall, I can hear the gulls chirping in my head whilst I read. The perfect book to curl up with.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sphere for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This books takes us back to the beautiful St Felix in Cornwall, in A Secret Cornish Wish we are introduced to Frankie and her five friends. The book follows them over around a 30 year period throughout their lives from being teenagers to ladies in their 50's. This is a book about love, friendship and being there for each other even when our lives navigate a different course. Every time I read one of her books it makes me long to be in Cornwall, I can hear the gulls chirping in my head whilst I read. The perfect book to curl up with.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sphere for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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