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Beachside Bay #2
The Beachside Flower Stall
Roses for romance, daisies for hope, daffodils for unrequited love... Drop by The Beachside Flower Stall for friendship, family and a beautiful bouquet.
Carrie Dashwood fled Dorset when her best friend Megan stole her first love, Tom Hudson. Now ten years later, Carrie is back to help run her aunt Ruby’s flower stall in the beautiful seaside town of Shipley.
Ruby’s Blooms is a gorgeous little haven bursting with character, but Carrie is in for a real shock. The stall is also arranging the flowers for Megan and Tom’s wedding.
Determined to keep her emotions in check, Carrie finds herself going to great lengths to avoid the happy couple. Soon she’s crawling under the stall to hide and 'accidentally' inventing an imaginary boyfriend…But how long can she keep it up before she comes face to face with the boy who broke her heart?
Can Carrie keep her cool, save the stall, and find her very own happy ever after?
A heartening uplifting read about lost love and true friendship. Perfect for fans of Cressida McLaughlin, Cathy Bramley, and Debbie Johnson.
Carrie Dashwood fled Dorset when her best friend Megan stole her first love, Tom Hudson. Now ten years later, Carrie is back to help run her aunt Ruby’s flower stall in the beautiful seaside town of Shipley.
Ruby’s Blooms is a gorgeous little haven bursting with character, but Carrie is in for a real shock. The stall is also arranging the flowers for Megan and Tom’s wedding.
Determined to keep her emotions in check, Carrie finds herself going to great lengths to avoid the happy couple. Soon she’s crawling under the stall to hide and 'accidentally' inventing an imaginary boyfriend…But how long can she keep it up before she comes face to face with the boy who broke her heart?
Can Carrie keep her cool, save the stall, and find her very own happy ever after?
A heartening uplifting read about lost love and true friendship. Perfect for fans of Cressida McLaughlin, Cathy Bramley, and Debbie Johnson.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 13, 2017
248 people are currently reading
261 people want to read
About the author
Karen Clarke
46 books292 followersI live in Buckinghamshire with my husband and three grown-up children where I write psychological thrillers for HQDigital/HarperCollins and romantic comedy novels published by Bookouture.
Over the years I've been a secretary/bookkeeper, a wedding photographer, a pub manager, I've worked in a supermarket, a newsagent's and as a librarian - all good for story ideas.
I now write full-time and when I'm not writing, I read a lot, enjoy walking - which is good for plot-wrangling and ideas - photography, watching Netflix, baking and eating cakes. And then more walking to work off the cakes.
Over the years I've been a secretary/bookkeeper, a wedding photographer, a pub manager, I've worked in a supermarket, a newsagent's and as a librarian - all good for story ideas.
I now write full-time and when I'm not writing, I read a lot, enjoy walking - which is good for plot-wrangling and ideas - photography, watching Netflix, baking and eating cakes. And then more walking to work off the cakes.
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April 23, 2017
5☆ New Beginnings
The Beachside Flower Stall is the 2nd book in the series, however I didnt have the pleasure of reading the 1st book.
This didn't hinder my enjoyment of the story in any way.
Carrie loves Tom. They have been on several dates but are yet to make things completely official.
When Carrie is invited to Tom's 21st party she decides that this will be the night she finally tells him how she feels.
Carrie decides to invite Megan along.
BIG MISTAKE!!!!
Megan is beautiful, flirtatious, charismatic and is not afraid to go after what she wants.
Megan spends the whole night with Tom.
So much so Carrie is way out of her depth and has no chance of prizing him away from her.
She is devastated and runs out to meet her Dad.
Who needs enemies when you have a friend like Kate!
Needless to say she never gets to tell Tom how she feels.
Fast forward and Carrie is back home again and in charge of helping her Aunt Ruby run the flower stall when she is taken ill.
Desperately hoping not to see Tom and Megan again, She soon realises they did get together and are still very much together.
They are about to get married!!!!
But guess who has been given the job of making the wedding flowers???..... Carrie's, Aunt Ruby. Well Carrie has the job!
Poor Carrie as if things can't get any worse for her. Losing her job, having to return home & now wedding flowers for the two people who broke her heart!
Ruby for me is a gem. Carrie and Ruby's relationship is so heartwarming. Carrie's support for her Aunt whilst she taken ill is some of the best moments within the story.
I also love Jane her Aunts assistant. She added a breath of fresh air to the story and made me laugh.
I really enjoyed this heartwarming book. There was humour, it made me smile, it took me on a journey with Carrie. I was willing both Carrie and Ruby a happy ending.
I highly recommend this book everyone, especially to Chick Lit fans, fans of happy endings and new beginnings with a dash of humour and beautiful flowers.
I received this book from the Publisher in exchange for a honest and fair review via Netgalley.
The Beachside Flower Stall is the 2nd book in the series, however I didnt have the pleasure of reading the 1st book.
This didn't hinder my enjoyment of the story in any way.
Carrie loves Tom. They have been on several dates but are yet to make things completely official.
When Carrie is invited to Tom's 21st party she decides that this will be the night she finally tells him how she feels.
Carrie decides to invite Megan along.
BIG MISTAKE!!!!
Megan is beautiful, flirtatious, charismatic and is not afraid to go after what she wants.
Megan spends the whole night with Tom.
So much so Carrie is way out of her depth and has no chance of prizing him away from her.
She is devastated and runs out to meet her Dad.
Who needs enemies when you have a friend like Kate!
Needless to say she never gets to tell Tom how she feels.
Fast forward and Carrie is back home again and in charge of helping her Aunt Ruby run the flower stall when she is taken ill.
Desperately hoping not to see Tom and Megan again, She soon realises they did get together and are still very much together.
They are about to get married!!!!
But guess who has been given the job of making the wedding flowers???..... Carrie's, Aunt Ruby. Well Carrie has the job!
Poor Carrie as if things can't get any worse for her. Losing her job, having to return home & now wedding flowers for the two people who broke her heart!
Ruby for me is a gem. Carrie and Ruby's relationship is so heartwarming. Carrie's support for her Aunt whilst she taken ill is some of the best moments within the story.
I also love Jane her Aunts assistant. She added a breath of fresh air to the story and made me laugh.
I really enjoyed this heartwarming book. There was humour, it made me smile, it took me on a journey with Carrie. I was willing both Carrie and Ruby a happy ending.
I highly recommend this book everyone, especially to Chick Lit fans, fans of happy endings and new beginnings with a dash of humour and beautiful flowers.
I received this book from the Publisher in exchange for a honest and fair review via Netgalley.
April 21, 2017
I received the arc from the Publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
True to chick-lit formula in general, this book does not really hold any surprises after you have read the cover blurb, but if you'd like to indulge in an easy, relaxing beach read for the spring/summer days to come, this is definitely one to consider.
Also as with most books of the genre, for me, the real clincher is whether I end up liking the protagonist or not. In this case I had some serious doubts right at the beginning. The main characters came across as pretty one-dimensional with "goody-two-shoes", "mr-oh-so-nice-guy" and "bitch-queen" stamps all over them - no subtlety there.
The heroine, Carrie, was so gullible and painfully pathetic that pushed the borders of credibility and instead of captivating, she was deeply irritating.
Interestingly enough, it was the colourful set of secondary characters who got me more involved as the story progressed; somehow they were much better-drawn and very entertaining. Ruby's story touched me more deeply than Carrie's and I owe the most hilarious moments of the book to the endearing antics of Ruby's assistant Jane .
Somewhere along the middle of the book, Carrie became less annoying, as I felt that finally we were given some much needed development in her character: we learned more about her friendship with Megan as well as her relationship with Tom.
The seaside town of Shipley was a lovely setting and I would have loved to be given even more details about the place and its inhabitants (I haven't read the first book The Beachside Sweet Shop: A Feel Good Romantic Comedy in this series, so I don't know whether the author went into more details there or not).
By the end I was very much in charity with everyone - well apart from Megan, obviously - and I felt we were a bit cheated with the end. I missed a final-final chapter that could have been titled "6 months later". I really would have liked to read more about how Carrie & boyfriend and the rest of the cast were getting on.
In the end I decided I'd like to learn more about "Beachside Bay", so I will check out Book #1 in the series.
True to chick-lit formula in general, this book does not really hold any surprises after you have read the cover blurb, but if you'd like to indulge in an easy, relaxing beach read for the spring/summer days to come, this is definitely one to consider.
Also as with most books of the genre, for me, the real clincher is whether I end up liking the protagonist or not. In this case I had some serious doubts right at the beginning. The main characters came across as pretty one-dimensional with "goody-two-shoes", "mr-oh-so-nice-guy" and "bitch-queen" stamps all over them - no subtlety there.
The heroine, Carrie, was so gullible and painfully pathetic that pushed the borders of credibility and instead of captivating, she was deeply irritating.
Interestingly enough, it was the colourful set of secondary characters who got me more involved as the story progressed; somehow they were much better-drawn and very entertaining. Ruby's story touched me more deeply than Carrie's and I owe the most hilarious moments of the book to the endearing antics of Ruby's assistant Jane .
Somewhere along the middle of the book, Carrie became less annoying, as I felt that finally we were given some much needed development in her character: we learned more about her friendship with Megan as well as her relationship with Tom.
The seaside town of Shipley was a lovely setting and I would have loved to be given even more details about the place and its inhabitants (I haven't read the first book The Beachside Sweet Shop: A Feel Good Romantic Comedy in this series, so I don't know whether the author went into more details there or not).
By the end I was very much in charity with everyone - well apart from Megan, obviously - and I felt we were a bit cheated with the end. I missed a final-final chapter that could have been titled "6 months later". I really would have liked to read more about how Carrie & boyfriend and the rest of the cast were getting on.
In the end I decided I'd like to learn more about "Beachside Bay", so I will check out Book #1 in the series.
April 13, 2017
Having thoroughly enjoyed The Beachside Sweet Shop after being tempted by the front cover, I was really looking forward to The Beachside Flower Stall. I’m pleased to say I loved this book, so despite claiming comedy romances aren’t my thing, this author seems to create the perfect balance, as I loved this book and didn’t want to put it down.
This is one of those feel good stories where you’re pretty sure you know how it’s going to end, but you still thoroughly enjoy the journey and all the extra characters, storylines and little surprises along the way. This book does start off a little sad, with a number of unhappy characters down on their luck, but it’s so wonderful feeling that sadness lift as the story progresses.
I really liked Carrie. I could see myself in her, and not just the crazy frizzy hair (thank goodness for hair straighteners these days). A couple of the things she did made me cringe with embarrassment, probably even more so because I could see myself doing something similar. I also loved that she had conversations with the flower-pups, as I’m often having conversations with cuddly toys and plants, so it did make me giggle. There’s nowt like feeling a little more normal because you relate to a slightly crazy fictional character in a book, ha ha. I loved Hovis the 3-legged terrier too, named Hovis because he looks like a brown loaf. How adorably cute.
I loved “glittery conscious” in place of guilty conscience. It made me laugh heartily. You’ve got to love the way children speak sometimes. I might actually use it myself in future. Oh, and don’t get me started on ‘thigh-brows’. I’m never going to look at myself in the same way again. I’ve never heard of thigh-brows before. So funny.
I had tears in my eyes twice while reading this book, but I’m pleased to say they were happy tears on both occasions, so I highly recommend this book if you want to read an overall happy feel good story that makes you smile.
Although these books are based in the same place and star some of the same characters, they can be read as standalone books too. However, if you’re interested in the sound of both books, I would recommend starting with the first, that way the background stories are in chronological order.
I’m already looking forward to the next book, as it apparently has a Christmassy theme. I love Christmas, so I’ll definitely be back for more. The run up to Christmas just got even more exciting!
This is one of those feel good stories where you’re pretty sure you know how it’s going to end, but you still thoroughly enjoy the journey and all the extra characters, storylines and little surprises along the way. This book does start off a little sad, with a number of unhappy characters down on their luck, but it’s so wonderful feeling that sadness lift as the story progresses.
I really liked Carrie. I could see myself in her, and not just the crazy frizzy hair (thank goodness for hair straighteners these days). A couple of the things she did made me cringe with embarrassment, probably even more so because I could see myself doing something similar. I also loved that she had conversations with the flower-pups, as I’m often having conversations with cuddly toys and plants, so it did make me giggle. There’s nowt like feeling a little more normal because you relate to a slightly crazy fictional character in a book, ha ha. I loved Hovis the 3-legged terrier too, named Hovis because he looks like a brown loaf. How adorably cute.
I loved “glittery conscious” in place of guilty conscience. It made me laugh heartily. You’ve got to love the way children speak sometimes. I might actually use it myself in future. Oh, and don’t get me started on ‘thigh-brows’. I’m never going to look at myself in the same way again. I’ve never heard of thigh-brows before. So funny.
I had tears in my eyes twice while reading this book, but I’m pleased to say they were happy tears on both occasions, so I highly recommend this book if you want to read an overall happy feel good story that makes you smile.
Although these books are based in the same place and star some of the same characters, they can be read as standalone books too. However, if you’re interested in the sound of both books, I would recommend starting with the first, that way the background stories are in chronological order.
I’m already looking forward to the next book, as it apparently has a Christmassy theme. I love Christmas, so I’ll definitely be back for more. The run up to Christmas just got even more exciting!
April 16, 2017
All of my reviews can be found on www.novelgossip.com
This is the second in a series, I read The Beachside Sweet Shop last month and absolutely loved it and I enjoyed this one just as much. Though this is a series as it’s set in the same charming, quaint, beach town, it reads fine on it’s own as the characters are new in this installment. There are appearances from the characters in the first book which is always fun.
Carrie is another wholly relatable character with plenty of awkward moments and situations that make her so endearing. She moves to Shipley to help her aunt Ruby run her flower stall when Ruby is having a difficult time. Carrie just lost her job and at her parents urging she decides to give it a shot even though the only thing she knows about flower arrangements is from watching a single YouTube video. When she finds out Tom, the guy she loved from afar is getting married to her frenemy Megan, she worries she may have made a mistake in moving.
Clarke has such an effortless writing style, it’s very easy to get swept away by one of her books. I felt like I was on another mini vacation while reading, it’s just so fun and joyful. It’s full of the same whimsy and humor that the first book had and the sexual innuendos from Bob, Ruby’s neighbor and Jane her shop assistant made me giggle like a schoolgirl. I had a grin on my face the entire time and I can’t wait to see what Clarke has in store next. I hear it’s Christmassy which makes my inner Buddy the Elf extremely happy!
This is the second in a series, I read The Beachside Sweet Shop last month and absolutely loved it and I enjoyed this one just as much. Though this is a series as it’s set in the same charming, quaint, beach town, it reads fine on it’s own as the characters are new in this installment. There are appearances from the characters in the first book which is always fun.
Carrie is another wholly relatable character with plenty of awkward moments and situations that make her so endearing. She moves to Shipley to help her aunt Ruby run her flower stall when Ruby is having a difficult time. Carrie just lost her job and at her parents urging she decides to give it a shot even though the only thing she knows about flower arrangements is from watching a single YouTube video. When she finds out Tom, the guy she loved from afar is getting married to her frenemy Megan, she worries she may have made a mistake in moving.
Clarke has such an effortless writing style, it’s very easy to get swept away by one of her books. I felt like I was on another mini vacation while reading, it’s just so fun and joyful. It’s full of the same whimsy and humor that the first book had and the sexual innuendos from Bob, Ruby’s neighbor and Jane her shop assistant made me giggle like a schoolgirl. I had a grin on my face the entire time and I can’t wait to see what Clarke has in store next. I hear it’s Christmassy which makes my inner Buddy the Elf extremely happy!
April 4, 2017
Thank you to Netgalley, Bookoutre and Karen Clarke for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance reader copy of this book.
You can find my review on both Goodreads and Amazon. On goodreads.com/karenwhittard and on Amazon under k.e.whittard from publication date.
I love Karen's writing style it's always so warm and inviting like a big mug of hot chocolate. It envelopes you in a big warm hug and leave you smiling from ear to ear excited to see what will come next.
Well The beachside flower stall is no exception. It was so nice to be back in Shipley again a place I would love to go and while away some time on a lovely relaxing holiday.
Although this is book two in the series you really can read the books separately as they are predominantly about different people.
So in this book we meet Carrie who at the start of the book is about to admit her undying love to her closest friends Tom at his twenty first birthday party. But as Carrie arrives at the party with her friend Megan. Things don't go quite according to plan. As soon as Megan sets her sights on Tom that's it. What megan wants megan gets and megan very much wants Tom. Seeing Megan and Tom conudaling Carrie flees the scene she leaves behind her life and moves to the glittering lights of Manchester.
Things are going well until Carrie looses her job. Carries aunt is ill and cannot look after her stall Ruby's blooms. With no income coming in Carrie is shoehorned into going and running to stall in her aunts abscene.
Carrie knows that she will run into Megan and Tom again but had been led to believe they are no longer together. However an urgent call from Megan's mother Carrie soon discovers that Megan and Tom are very much together. In fact they are getting married and expecting their first baby.
But are things quite as clear cut as they seem?
Can unrequited love be set aside in the name of securing a lucrative deal for her aunts business?
What is Rubys secret thang sees her retiring to her bed for weeks on end every year?
Can Carrie learn how to be a florist before she has to survive and run the stall on her own? Or will everything fall down around Carrie?
A seriously fun, happy and heart warming book. A must buy must read for all chick lit and romance readers. If you love this I recommend you also check out The beachside sweet shop and I put a spell on you. Both by Karen and both as equally as magical.
Let me know what you think and as always happy reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance reader copy of this book.
You can find my review on both Goodreads and Amazon. On goodreads.com/karenwhittard and on Amazon under k.e.whittard from publication date.
I love Karen's writing style it's always so warm and inviting like a big mug of hot chocolate. It envelopes you in a big warm hug and leave you smiling from ear to ear excited to see what will come next.
Well The beachside flower stall is no exception. It was so nice to be back in Shipley again a place I would love to go and while away some time on a lovely relaxing holiday.
Although this is book two in the series you really can read the books separately as they are predominantly about different people.
So in this book we meet Carrie who at the start of the book is about to admit her undying love to her closest friends Tom at his twenty first birthday party. But as Carrie arrives at the party with her friend Megan. Things don't go quite according to plan. As soon as Megan sets her sights on Tom that's it. What megan wants megan gets and megan very much wants Tom. Seeing Megan and Tom conudaling Carrie flees the scene she leaves behind her life and moves to the glittering lights of Manchester.
Things are going well until Carrie looses her job. Carries aunt is ill and cannot look after her stall Ruby's blooms. With no income coming in Carrie is shoehorned into going and running to stall in her aunts abscene.
Carrie knows that she will run into Megan and Tom again but had been led to believe they are no longer together. However an urgent call from Megan's mother Carrie soon discovers that Megan and Tom are very much together. In fact they are getting married and expecting their first baby.
But are things quite as clear cut as they seem?
Can unrequited love be set aside in the name of securing a lucrative deal for her aunts business?
What is Rubys secret thang sees her retiring to her bed for weeks on end every year?
Can Carrie learn how to be a florist before she has to survive and run the stall on her own? Or will everything fall down around Carrie?
A seriously fun, happy and heart warming book. A must buy must read for all chick lit and romance readers. If you love this I recommend you also check out The beachside sweet shop and I put a spell on you. Both by Karen and both as equally as magical.
Let me know what you think and as always happy reading.
March 26, 2017
What a lovely, evocative story! I loved The Beachside Sweet Shop and couldn't wait to get my hands on this. Wow! A beautiful story of lost love and coming of age and new beginnings. Written with heart. Loved it! Cannot wait for more by this author.
April 17, 2017
The Beachside Flower Stall is the second novel in the Beachside Bay series. Don’t worry if you haven’t read the first as this is a stand alone with new characters, just set in the same place.
You have to feel for poor Carrie. She has come back to her home town to help her aunt which means facing people that she was running away from. She has also lost her job as an accountant so really has no clue how to run a flower stall. She has to learn quickly though as she is pretty much left to run it on her own!
The author has a way of just bringing her novels and the characters to life. They are such fabulous feel good books that made me want to pack my bags and move into the area with the characters.
Megan I really disliked. She is in serious need of a good slap. She is one of those people who is’t afraid to tread on anyone to get what she wants in life. She really is quite vile and I didn’t know how at times Carrie keeps her cool.
Tom, what can I say. I think I was in love with him as much as Carrie and Megan. I was dying for him to see through Megan and send her packing. I could easily imagine life with him in the cottage at the vets surgery with his three legged dog called Hovis. A girl can dream.
The Beachside Flower Stall is a colourful and light hearted read. This is a series that will have fans falling over themselves to get their hands on a copy. It really is that good. Can not wait to see what new characters we are going to be introduced to in the next book in the series.
My thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own and biased in anyway.
You have to feel for poor Carrie. She has come back to her home town to help her aunt which means facing people that she was running away from. She has also lost her job as an accountant so really has no clue how to run a flower stall. She has to learn quickly though as she is pretty much left to run it on her own!
The author has a way of just bringing her novels and the characters to life. They are such fabulous feel good books that made me want to pack my bags and move into the area with the characters.
Megan I really disliked. She is in serious need of a good slap. She is one of those people who is’t afraid to tread on anyone to get what she wants in life. She really is quite vile and I didn’t know how at times Carrie keeps her cool.
Tom, what can I say. I think I was in love with him as much as Carrie and Megan. I was dying for him to see through Megan and send her packing. I could easily imagine life with him in the cottage at the vets surgery with his three legged dog called Hovis. A girl can dream.
The Beachside Flower Stall is a colourful and light hearted read. This is a series that will have fans falling over themselves to get their hands on a copy. It really is that good. Can not wait to see what new characters we are going to be introduced to in the next book in the series.
My thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own and biased in anyway.
March 26, 2017
I really enjoyed this book.
The characters are so easy to get to know and love. Its lovely to visit Shipley again and read mentions of previous characters from the first book.
Karen Clarke has a relaxed and easy to read approach to her books with fantastic storylines. Ones you just cant put down. What a real treat to read.
The characters are so easy to get to know and love. Its lovely to visit Shipley again and read mentions of previous characters from the first book.
Karen Clarke has a relaxed and easy to read approach to her books with fantastic storylines. Ones you just cant put down. What a real treat to read.
Read
April 19, 2017Having read The Beachside Sweet Shop and loved it, I just had to read this book too. Oh my, oh my, I am writing this review with the biggest grin just thinking about the situations poor forlorn Carrie gets herself into. Yes I know I shouldn't laugh about someone in such a state that they hide under a table, with a child and the love of her life's three legged dog, Hovis, but laugh I did. I am getting in front of myself though as to why she is hiding telling porkies to a little girl she has only just met that would make Pinocchio envious of her.
Rolling back 10 years Carrie and Tom were friends, well Tom was, Carrie had fallen for Tom big style and decided that she would tell him at his birthday bash being thrown by his wealthy parents. For morale support she took along a friend, Megan. Beautiful confident Megan. Double crossing Megan. Now 10 years on Tom and Megan and getting married, with the flowers being provided by The Beachside Flower Stall and Carrie has returned to her home town to help her aunt who is not well and owns the stall hence Carrie is under the table hiding as she sees Tom homing in. Carrie hasn't had closure on the relationship that she didn't have in the first place because there wasn't one, because Tom didn't ever know how she felt, so her one way feelings have simply been in hibernation while she has lived away, but now she is back it is back to square one. She loves Tom but can't tell him.
This book has a real good feel factor about it, which definitely should carry a warning stating, Do Not Read This In Public. It certainly causes a reaction in others when you do! I just couldn't keep my laughing to myself not giggle but laugh. Loved these characters that I wanted to hiss and boo and cheer. What is great about these books is that the end is so predictable but the journey to get there is very unique. All of these characters totally entertained me in their own way. This is a lovely addition to The Beachside series. I want to live there. Just loved it!
Rolling back 10 years Carrie and Tom were friends, well Tom was, Carrie had fallen for Tom big style and decided that she would tell him at his birthday bash being thrown by his wealthy parents. For morale support she took along a friend, Megan. Beautiful confident Megan. Double crossing Megan. Now 10 years on Tom and Megan and getting married, with the flowers being provided by The Beachside Flower Stall and Carrie has returned to her home town to help her aunt who is not well and owns the stall hence Carrie is under the table hiding as she sees Tom homing in. Carrie hasn't had closure on the relationship that she didn't have in the first place because there wasn't one, because Tom didn't ever know how she felt, so her one way feelings have simply been in hibernation while she has lived away, but now she is back it is back to square one. She loves Tom but can't tell him.
This book has a real good feel factor about it, which definitely should carry a warning stating, Do Not Read This In Public. It certainly causes a reaction in others when you do! I just couldn't keep my laughing to myself not giggle but laugh. Loved these characters that I wanted to hiss and boo and cheer. What is great about these books is that the end is so predictable but the journey to get there is very unique. All of these characters totally entertained me in their own way. This is a lovely addition to The Beachside series. I want to live there. Just loved it!
March 25, 2017
What a joyous return to Shipley, the the Beachside Bay series, with a predominately who le new set of characters so although its the second book in a series, its also a standalone. It was a complete pleasure to read this book, and was a great way to spend an afternoon.
Carrie hasn't seen Megan or Tom, since Tom's 21st birthday party, where Carrie was hoping to move her friendship with Tom onto a more romantic level, and instead Megan, her best friend, hits on him and they start a relationship.
Ten years later, Carrie is asked to help out on her aunt's flower stall at the market in Shipley, as her aunt, Ruby, has been laid low for the moment. She soons finds out that not only is Tom in the area still, but he is getting married to Megan after all these years.
Oh and if that wasn't enough, the flower stall, Ruby's Blooms is having to pitch to do the wedding flowers as they can't turn down a job this big for financial reasons.
As much as I really did enjoy the weaving story that is Carrie, Megan and Tom, in the run up to the wedding, and there are some wonderful moments, between them, my favourite storylines all involved Ruby.
When you discover the reason that Ruby is not quite herself, and what Carrie tries to do to help her, well it melted my heart, and as the story is revealed, I found myself wishing for a happy outcome for Ruby even more than I was for Carrie.
I loved Carrie's first days on the market stall, the only prep she had done, was to view a youtube video on flower arranging, so clearly doesn't really know anything about making up bouquets or even the names of most of the flowers on sale, but local busy body Doris Day is on hand to give advice.
Karen Clarke writes in such an easy to read style, that I found the pages were flying past, as I just kept on needing to read, as I was really caught up in the stories and lives of the people in Shipley. There were some flower arrangements that I could really picture, and then there are some either cringeworthy or hilarious conversations.
Ruby's house is above a bakery and the baker may have a vested interest in his upstairs tenant, and the conversations with the double entendres he has with Carrie are very funny. Then there are the things that Ruby's flower stall assistant Jane is wanting to get up to, on her holiday with her husband that greatly amused me, and I think embarrassed Carrie (inspired by a rather famous erotic novel!).
The Beachside Flower Stall is an excellent second book in this series and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thanks so much to Bookouture and Netgalley for this copy of the book which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Carrie hasn't seen Megan or Tom, since Tom's 21st birthday party, where Carrie was hoping to move her friendship with Tom onto a more romantic level, and instead Megan, her best friend, hits on him and they start a relationship.
Ten years later, Carrie is asked to help out on her aunt's flower stall at the market in Shipley, as her aunt, Ruby, has been laid low for the moment. She soons finds out that not only is Tom in the area still, but he is getting married to Megan after all these years.
Oh and if that wasn't enough, the flower stall, Ruby's Blooms is having to pitch to do the wedding flowers as they can't turn down a job this big for financial reasons.
As much as I really did enjoy the weaving story that is Carrie, Megan and Tom, in the run up to the wedding, and there are some wonderful moments, between them, my favourite storylines all involved Ruby.
When you discover the reason that Ruby is not quite herself, and what Carrie tries to do to help her, well it melted my heart, and as the story is revealed, I found myself wishing for a happy outcome for Ruby even more than I was for Carrie.
I loved Carrie's first days on the market stall, the only prep she had done, was to view a youtube video on flower arranging, so clearly doesn't really know anything about making up bouquets or even the names of most of the flowers on sale, but local busy body Doris Day is on hand to give advice.
Karen Clarke writes in such an easy to read style, that I found the pages were flying past, as I just kept on needing to read, as I was really caught up in the stories and lives of the people in Shipley. There were some flower arrangements that I could really picture, and then there are some either cringeworthy or hilarious conversations.
Ruby's house is above a bakery and the baker may have a vested interest in his upstairs tenant, and the conversations with the double entendres he has with Carrie are very funny. Then there are the things that Ruby's flower stall assistant Jane is wanting to get up to, on her holiday with her husband that greatly amused me, and I think embarrassed Carrie (inspired by a rather famous erotic novel!).
The Beachside Flower Stall is an excellent second book in this series and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thanks so much to Bookouture and Netgalley for this copy of the book which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
April 13, 2017
Karen Clarke hasn't kept us waiting too long for the second in her Beachside Bay series with book number two The Beachside Flower Stall following hot on the heels of The Beachside Sweet Shop. This was a nice return to Shipley to meet a whole new cast of characters although one or two make a reappearance from the first book. The story is a really light, easy read that you will fly through in a matter of hours. It's ideal for those who want to spend a lazy summer day lounging and reading in the garden as it's certainly not one of those books that requires every bit of your attention at all times. Instead you can let the story just flow over you or pick it up and let it down at your leisure, the choice is yours.
The book opens with the reader meeting Carrie Dashwood and her best friend Megan as they attend the 21st birthday of Carrie's close friend Tom. Carrie is building up the courage to tell Tom exactly how she feels about him. She can't keep it to herself any more and she needs to tell him that apart from being great friends since Carrie found the injured dog Hovis on the side of the road things have developed that little bit further for her. Now she wants things out in the open and is hoping her feelings may be reciprocated. But Megan soon has herself all over Tom and a combination of tall tales and misunderstandings sees Carrie running from the party and straight out of both Tom and Megan's lives. That is until ten years later when her Aunt Ruby is out of action and someone is needed to run her flower stall Ruby's Blooms in the small town of Shipley. Will a kind deed for a relative turning into something much more for Carrie?
Carrie was a likeable enough character but fairly early on you could see that she lacked major confidence and the events of the past, although ten years ago, still had a major bearing on how she thought and acted in the present. Having recently lost her job, this leaves her with no excuse not to come back to Shipley to take over the running of the flower stall whilst Ruby gets back on her feet. This may really be the kick Carrie needs to get her life in order. But likeable as she was I found her to be a really frustrating character at times. Yes she had her good side in that she was doing a kind deed for her aunt and I did like how the personal side of Ruby's story came to the fore and how Carrie helped with this, but at other points Carrie came across as very clueless and someone who needed a big push in both her personal and professional life.
I guess I wanted her to get her act together a bit more quickly and not beat around the bush over things. I understand taking on a job you have no experience of at all must be fairly daunting but she just seemed that bit too clueless when it came to the organisation and running of the flower stall. On the other hand I suppose some of this did allow for some humour when it came to describing the day to day events at the stall. It took a while for Carrie as a character to grow on me and it's only as she realised just how much trouble the stall was actually in that I felt she came into her own. Jane, a co-worker of Ruby's, was an absolute tonic and a welcome addition to the series. Her detailed stories of the reasons behind her holiday therefore leaving Carrie to fly solo were hilarious and so blunt. She spared nothing and didn't care at all what others thought of her and I love people like that and only wish I could be the same in some small way. It was also great to see Doris Day make a reappearance, she certainly brought a smile to my face.
Given flowers is mentioned in the title there had to be mention of what was sold on the stall and I liked how the meaning of each flower was given when Carrie was making up bouquets. Truthfully though I preferred all the sweets mentioned in the first of the series. The flowers didn't work as well for me but I know they needed to be there given the title of the book. This book wasn't all about flowers though it had two other storylines running concurrently. That of Ruby and why she has abandoned the flower stall and curled up in a ball in her flat refusing to see the light of day, and secondly that of Tom, now a vet, and engaged to Megan of all people. Ruby's storyline was sensitive and well handled. Initially when we didn't know the truth I thought oh come on you can see your business is not doing well don't leave everything to your niece who hasn't the first idea of anything flower related. I thought Ruby was being selfish and self centred but when Carrie uncovers the truth and sets about righting a wrong my opinion totally changed of Ruby and my sympathies grew allowing me to understand how difficult and challenging things were for her.
The second storyline is that of Carrie's. Apart from coming to grips with running the stall and trying to solve her Aunt's problems returning to Shipley has made her confront what she has been running from for so long, the issue of Tom and her unrequited love for him. So it comes as quite a shock when she discovers Tom and Megan are about to be married in a matter of weeks and the stall has the opportunity to do the flowers. I felt awful for Carrie when all you want to do is try and make amends with someone and see if anything can happen and then you discover that one night ten years ago led to so much more and now there is no chance of a positive outcome given marriage is on the cards.
Megan from the brief mention of her in the opening chapter came across as a user and a character that you are meant to dislike intensely and that feeling never really changed when we meet her as she is organising her wedding. She showed no respect, remorse or anything akin to friendship towards Carrie. I get Carrie had never told anyone about her feelings for Tom but there is a line you don't cross and Megan most certainly did. She had such an attitude of one up man-ship and she was always flaunting the fact that she had Tom all to herself. It really couldn't have done anything for Carrie's confidence. Megan was just a horrible character and I can't find one good thing to say about her. Tom on the other hand seemed so lovely but really he needed to feature far more, I wanted more interaction between himself and Carrie. There was too much of Carrie thinking things over, pondering how she should approach things instead of just saying exactly how she felt and getting the truth off her chest.
The Beachside Flower Stall was a good read but I have to say I much preferred The Beachside Sweet Shop. For me it didn't inspire that same feeling I got from book one. This book is not a bad read by any means but I felt one storyline slightly dominated the other and I know it couldn't have been left out but I would have preferred if the romance angle featured even more. I wanted more of Tom as I felt I didn't get to know him at all. The ending seemed fairly rushed and left me wanting just that little bit more. Having said all that I do like the series, this book is worth the read if you have read and enjoyed book one. I will return for the next in the series firstly as it will be a Christmas book which I love, and secondly I want to see will old characters and people we have met now feature again and therefore we get a chance to see what happened next or will it be a totally new bunch of characters with a new shop or stall to focus on?
The book opens with the reader meeting Carrie Dashwood and her best friend Megan as they attend the 21st birthday of Carrie's close friend Tom. Carrie is building up the courage to tell Tom exactly how she feels about him. She can't keep it to herself any more and she needs to tell him that apart from being great friends since Carrie found the injured dog Hovis on the side of the road things have developed that little bit further for her. Now she wants things out in the open and is hoping her feelings may be reciprocated. But Megan soon has herself all over Tom and a combination of tall tales and misunderstandings sees Carrie running from the party and straight out of both Tom and Megan's lives. That is until ten years later when her Aunt Ruby is out of action and someone is needed to run her flower stall Ruby's Blooms in the small town of Shipley. Will a kind deed for a relative turning into something much more for Carrie?
Carrie was a likeable enough character but fairly early on you could see that she lacked major confidence and the events of the past, although ten years ago, still had a major bearing on how she thought and acted in the present. Having recently lost her job, this leaves her with no excuse not to come back to Shipley to take over the running of the flower stall whilst Ruby gets back on her feet. This may really be the kick Carrie needs to get her life in order. But likeable as she was I found her to be a really frustrating character at times. Yes she had her good side in that she was doing a kind deed for her aunt and I did like how the personal side of Ruby's story came to the fore and how Carrie helped with this, but at other points Carrie came across as very clueless and someone who needed a big push in both her personal and professional life.
I guess I wanted her to get her act together a bit more quickly and not beat around the bush over things. I understand taking on a job you have no experience of at all must be fairly daunting but she just seemed that bit too clueless when it came to the organisation and running of the flower stall. On the other hand I suppose some of this did allow for some humour when it came to describing the day to day events at the stall. It took a while for Carrie as a character to grow on me and it's only as she realised just how much trouble the stall was actually in that I felt she came into her own. Jane, a co-worker of Ruby's, was an absolute tonic and a welcome addition to the series. Her detailed stories of the reasons behind her holiday therefore leaving Carrie to fly solo were hilarious and so blunt. She spared nothing and didn't care at all what others thought of her and I love people like that and only wish I could be the same in some small way. It was also great to see Doris Day make a reappearance, she certainly brought a smile to my face.
Given flowers is mentioned in the title there had to be mention of what was sold on the stall and I liked how the meaning of each flower was given when Carrie was making up bouquets. Truthfully though I preferred all the sweets mentioned in the first of the series. The flowers didn't work as well for me but I know they needed to be there given the title of the book. This book wasn't all about flowers though it had two other storylines running concurrently. That of Ruby and why she has abandoned the flower stall and curled up in a ball in her flat refusing to see the light of day, and secondly that of Tom, now a vet, and engaged to Megan of all people. Ruby's storyline was sensitive and well handled. Initially when we didn't know the truth I thought oh come on you can see your business is not doing well don't leave everything to your niece who hasn't the first idea of anything flower related. I thought Ruby was being selfish and self centred but when Carrie uncovers the truth and sets about righting a wrong my opinion totally changed of Ruby and my sympathies grew allowing me to understand how difficult and challenging things were for her.
The second storyline is that of Carrie's. Apart from coming to grips with running the stall and trying to solve her Aunt's problems returning to Shipley has made her confront what she has been running from for so long, the issue of Tom and her unrequited love for him. So it comes as quite a shock when she discovers Tom and Megan are about to be married in a matter of weeks and the stall has the opportunity to do the flowers. I felt awful for Carrie when all you want to do is try and make amends with someone and see if anything can happen and then you discover that one night ten years ago led to so much more and now there is no chance of a positive outcome given marriage is on the cards.
Megan from the brief mention of her in the opening chapter came across as a user and a character that you are meant to dislike intensely and that feeling never really changed when we meet her as she is organising her wedding. She showed no respect, remorse or anything akin to friendship towards Carrie. I get Carrie had never told anyone about her feelings for Tom but there is a line you don't cross and Megan most certainly did. She had such an attitude of one up man-ship and she was always flaunting the fact that she had Tom all to herself. It really couldn't have done anything for Carrie's confidence. Megan was just a horrible character and I can't find one good thing to say about her. Tom on the other hand seemed so lovely but really he needed to feature far more, I wanted more interaction between himself and Carrie. There was too much of Carrie thinking things over, pondering how she should approach things instead of just saying exactly how she felt and getting the truth off her chest.
The Beachside Flower Stall was a good read but I have to say I much preferred The Beachside Sweet Shop. For me it didn't inspire that same feeling I got from book one. This book is not a bad read by any means but I felt one storyline slightly dominated the other and I know it couldn't have been left out but I would have preferred if the romance angle featured even more. I wanted more of Tom as I felt I didn't get to know him at all. The ending seemed fairly rushed and left me wanting just that little bit more. Having said all that I do like the series, this book is worth the read if you have read and enjoyed book one. I will return for the next in the series firstly as it will be a Christmas book which I love, and secondly I want to see will old characters and people we have met now feature again and therefore we get a chance to see what happened next or will it be a totally new bunch of characters with a new shop or stall to focus on?
April 14, 2017
Originally posted on This Chick Reads
First off, isn't the cover stunning? I don't know about you, but I'm a big sucker for a gorgeous cover and this one caught my attention immediately. As I haven't read the first book in the series (The Beachside Sweet Shop) I really had no expectations. Maybe I expected more laughs judging by the blurb, but nevertheless I ended up liking it (most of it).
As I said, I haven't read the first one in the series (but had a quick glance at the reviews and blurb) and Karen brought the readers back to Shipley where Carrie is off to help her out with her flower stall. The beautiful sea place is nothing like Manchester where Carrie's spend the last 10 years of her life. She's an accountant and knows nothing about flowers (except watching a tutorial on youtube) but her parents think it's a good idea for her to go and help help her aunt as firstly, she's in between jobs anyway and secondly, her aunt Ruby would appreciate it. However being back to her home town, the one she escaped a decade ago brings back not only memories but people from her past too. Tom is there, still gorgeous and successful and seems she hasn't gotten over him still.
The reason why Carrie fled her hometown was to heal her broken heart, after her friend, Megan ends up with Tom. There's a lot of unresolved issues and now she's back, seems she has to face the past. But while I enjoyed Tom and Carrie's story, I have to say it's not the only story we follow in the book. Which I liked as it gives the book another interesting layer. The story of Ruby, her 'illness' and past was what really kept my attention.
While I didn't particularly like Ruby, I tried to understand her as much as possible as I'm a mother myself. I also liked that we were gradually being introduced to her past and bit by bit being allowed to see Ruby for who she really is. At the beginning, I really didn't understand her reasons for giving up on her stall and closing in on the people around her. But as I learned more and more about her, her behavior started to make more sense and I could feel her more.
While there are many things I enjoyed about this book, the lightness and the beautiful setting being just few, I also didn't like some parts. Actually, the main problem were the characters. I can assume what the author tried to do and how she wanted to portray Carrie as someone who transforms by the end, however it was slightly annoying how gullible Carrie was at times. As the book opens with an event 10 years ago, at Tom's 21st Birthday party, we get to see the 'awkward' friendship between Carrie and Megan. I was so surprised to read Carrie could swallow such a thing and actually have a friend like Megan. I mean, they were in their twenties, not actually kids. The relationship was anything but friendship and no matter how much I tried to like Carrie, I felt like I've lost all my respect for her right at the beginning of the book.
But there's hope as Carrie does transform however it was too late for me, as I already had my opinion firmly made. While Megan is evil and a real bitch, she's definitely important to the story and is the perfect example of how evil some people can be, using lies and manipulating with people and their trust. I'm thankful I haven't had the experience of having someone as her in my life, but I guess there are people out there who've had a Megan as a friend. So, be careful when you give your trust, guys - there's a nice little message in this book.
However, the triangle was a bit too much for me and their story was less interesting for me than Ruby's. Ruby's story was really what kept me turning the pages and got me even emotional at times. While I'd certainly like the book more if I could've connected to any of the characters more and if the pacing was faster, I still enjoyed it and would definitely continue the series. If you enjoy light, warm reads and flowers even, this is definitely the book for you.
First off, isn't the cover stunning? I don't know about you, but I'm a big sucker for a gorgeous cover and this one caught my attention immediately. As I haven't read the first book in the series (The Beachside Sweet Shop) I really had no expectations. Maybe I expected more laughs judging by the blurb, but nevertheless I ended up liking it (most of it).
As I said, I haven't read the first one in the series (but had a quick glance at the reviews and blurb) and Karen brought the readers back to Shipley where Carrie is off to help her out with her flower stall. The beautiful sea place is nothing like Manchester where Carrie's spend the last 10 years of her life. She's an accountant and knows nothing about flowers (except watching a tutorial on youtube) but her parents think it's a good idea for her to go and help help her aunt as firstly, she's in between jobs anyway and secondly, her aunt Ruby would appreciate it. However being back to her home town, the one she escaped a decade ago brings back not only memories but people from her past too. Tom is there, still gorgeous and successful and seems she hasn't gotten over him still.
The reason why Carrie fled her hometown was to heal her broken heart, after her friend, Megan ends up with Tom. There's a lot of unresolved issues and now she's back, seems she has to face the past. But while I enjoyed Tom and Carrie's story, I have to say it's not the only story we follow in the book. Which I liked as it gives the book another interesting layer. The story of Ruby, her 'illness' and past was what really kept my attention.
While I didn't particularly like Ruby, I tried to understand her as much as possible as I'm a mother myself. I also liked that we were gradually being introduced to her past and bit by bit being allowed to see Ruby for who she really is. At the beginning, I really didn't understand her reasons for giving up on her stall and closing in on the people around her. But as I learned more and more about her, her behavior started to make more sense and I could feel her more.
While there are many things I enjoyed about this book, the lightness and the beautiful setting being just few, I also didn't like some parts. Actually, the main problem were the characters. I can assume what the author tried to do and how she wanted to portray Carrie as someone who transforms by the end, however it was slightly annoying how gullible Carrie was at times. As the book opens with an event 10 years ago, at Tom's 21st Birthday party, we get to see the 'awkward' friendship between Carrie and Megan. I was so surprised to read Carrie could swallow such a thing and actually have a friend like Megan. I mean, they were in their twenties, not actually kids. The relationship was anything but friendship and no matter how much I tried to like Carrie, I felt like I've lost all my respect for her right at the beginning of the book.
But there's hope as Carrie does transform however it was too late for me, as I already had my opinion firmly made. While Megan is evil and a real bitch, she's definitely important to the story and is the perfect example of how evil some people can be, using lies and manipulating with people and their trust. I'm thankful I haven't had the experience of having someone as her in my life, but I guess there are people out there who've had a Megan as a friend. So, be careful when you give your trust, guys - there's a nice little message in this book.
However, the triangle was a bit too much for me and their story was less interesting for me than Ruby's. Ruby's story was really what kept me turning the pages and got me even emotional at times. While I'd certainly like the book more if I could've connected to any of the characters more and if the pacing was faster, I still enjoyed it and would definitely continue the series. If you enjoy light, warm reads and flowers even, this is definitely the book for you.
September 11, 2019
"The Beachside Flower Stall" is the second book in the Beach Bay series and I was looking forward to a summery read.
I really liked the setting in Shipley and the cute little flower stall but I missed the summery atmosphere a bit. I also expected the flower shop to play a more important role in the story.
I kind of enjoyed reading this book and certain parts of the story, especially Rubys past, but I found the main characters pretty annoying. There were so many things about Carrie I didn't understand and I just couldn't get myself to like her. Megan was the typical bitch with lies and intrigues who you aren't able to like at all. Tom remained pretty shallow to me and not easy to judge.
I wasn't a fan of the love story either. I don't like it if the love is based on old feelings and in the present there is nothing which shows the feelings between the protagonists. As a teenager Carrie was in love with Tom but Megan snatched him away in front of her eyes, so this is the only we know about their feelings. I missed the two having some chemistry.
The book was ok to read but felt a bit long at times. Still I am looking forward to the Christmas story of this series.
I really liked the setting in Shipley and the cute little flower stall but I missed the summery atmosphere a bit. I also expected the flower shop to play a more important role in the story.
I kind of enjoyed reading this book and certain parts of the story, especially Rubys past, but I found the main characters pretty annoying. There were so many things about Carrie I didn't understand and I just couldn't get myself to like her. Megan was the typical bitch with lies and intrigues who you aren't able to like at all. Tom remained pretty shallow to me and not easy to judge.
I wasn't a fan of the love story either. I don't like it if the love is based on old feelings and in the present there is nothing which shows the feelings between the protagonists. As a teenager Carrie was in love with Tom but Megan snatched him away in front of her eyes, so this is the only we know about their feelings. I missed the two having some chemistry.
The book was ok to read but felt a bit long at times. Still I am looking forward to the Christmas story of this series.
April 16, 2017
I really enjoyed this book - a gentle tale of Carrie's return to Dorset after a ten year absence. Picking up the pieces whilst her aunt Ruby has fallen apart, Carrie inevitably hears about her former best friend Megan, who stole her love, Tom.
A warm and friendly tale which encourages you to curl up in your favourite armchair and read through in one sitting. Although this is the second book in the Beachside set, it can easily be standalone. I'd say it's a more complex tale than the Beachside Sweet Shop but each has their own merits. It certainly has hidden depths...
A lovely read, 4 * from me
A warm and friendly tale which encourages you to curl up in your favourite armchair and read through in one sitting. Although this is the second book in the Beachside set, it can easily be standalone. I'd say it's a more complex tale than the Beachside Sweet Shop but each has their own merits. It certainly has hidden depths...
A lovely read, 4 * from me
September 18, 2017
This is the second part of the series "Beachside bay" - first part was about a sweetshop on a the seaside village of Shippley and this time around we are still in the same village but with different characters. This time we deal with an aunt that is experiencing depression once a year around the same period, her niece comes to help her manage her flower stall while she stays at home to depressed to be able to work. I really liked reading this second part of the series, it was fun, entertaining, and full of events. You can't get bored while reading this book. I really like Karen Clarke's writing style and I will read more of her books in the future.
May 14, 2018
Having read and loved 'The Beachside Flower Shop I was looking forward to this one . I certainly wasn't disappointed . This is a wonderful book test kept me entertained right up to the last page . It's an easy and predictable read but I absolutely loved it . Wonderful characters and a lovely story.
to-start-soon
April 26, 2017A digitized ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 15, 2017
I confess I haven’t read the first in this series even though it is sitting on my kindle but the opportunity came up to join the blog tour so this one got read instead. I certainly didn’t feel as though I was missing anything although I suspect there are some repeat characters, this is a compact story on it’s own.
You know if a beach is involved it should be good and this one has pretty flowers included! Carrie returns to the seaside town of Shipley when a health crisis strikes her Aunt Ruby.
She left ten years previously after her ‘best’ friend got off with the boy Carrie fancied. It was too painful for her to see Megan and Tom together so she went to Manchester and succeeded in becoming an accountant.
However now she has been made unemployed and Ruby needs help running her flower stall. What can be so difficult? Carrie simply watches a youtube video and away she goes …. cue disaster!
Carrie has no idea about flowers, she doesn’t recognise any of the names let alone have a clue on how to arrange them. Then as if by some twist of fate Megan shows up and wants the flower stall to cater for her wedding, to Tom of all people! Megan is the type of person I would hate on sight, she is a world class bitch with no thought for anyone’s feelings but her own. She is incredibly well written I could almost see her smirk each time she spoke.
The ensuing drama is humourous and some of Carrie’s antics made me smile. The more serious side of the book involves Ruby and the reason behind her illness. If you have dealt with some of the circumstances then it’s understandable where she as coming from and I thought they were some of the best parts of the book. Carrie took a while to grow on me, at first I felt she was rather immature but the support she gives Ruby shows her in a different light. Will Carrie finally find her happy ending?
There are a great mixture of characters involved, something for everyone. This is an ideal book to read in the garden or by the pool. The writing flows nicely, I like the author’s style and the ability to reel the reader in so that you want to keep turning the pages. It was an enjoyable story and I will definitely be keeping an eye open for the promised Christmas book in the series.
Thanks to Karen, Bookouture and Netgalley. I read and reviewed voluntarily.
You know if a beach is involved it should be good and this one has pretty flowers included! Carrie returns to the seaside town of Shipley when a health crisis strikes her Aunt Ruby.
She left ten years previously after her ‘best’ friend got off with the boy Carrie fancied. It was too painful for her to see Megan and Tom together so she went to Manchester and succeeded in becoming an accountant.
However now she has been made unemployed and Ruby needs help running her flower stall. What can be so difficult? Carrie simply watches a youtube video and away she goes …. cue disaster!
Carrie has no idea about flowers, she doesn’t recognise any of the names let alone have a clue on how to arrange them. Then as if by some twist of fate Megan shows up and wants the flower stall to cater for her wedding, to Tom of all people! Megan is the type of person I would hate on sight, she is a world class bitch with no thought for anyone’s feelings but her own. She is incredibly well written I could almost see her smirk each time she spoke.
The ensuing drama is humourous and some of Carrie’s antics made me smile. The more serious side of the book involves Ruby and the reason behind her illness. If you have dealt with some of the circumstances then it’s understandable where she as coming from and I thought they were some of the best parts of the book. Carrie took a while to grow on me, at first I felt she was rather immature but the support she gives Ruby shows her in a different light. Will Carrie finally find her happy ending?
There are a great mixture of characters involved, something for everyone. This is an ideal book to read in the garden or by the pool. The writing flows nicely, I like the author’s style and the ability to reel the reader in so that you want to keep turning the pages. It was an enjoyable story and I will definitely be keeping an eye open for the promised Christmas book in the series.
Thanks to Karen, Bookouture and Netgalley. I read and reviewed voluntarily.
April 25, 2017
This is another absolutely brilliant book by Karen Clarke and a really enjoyable return to Shipley and some beloved characters from the first book. However, even if you haven't read the previous book - you could easily pick up this one and understand whats going on as the story revolves around brand new characters, with past characters just popping in from time to time.
The second book is about Carrie who fled from Shipley after seeing 'best friend' Megan kiss the boy she secretly loved, Tom at his birthday party. Many years later, Carrie is asked to help out at her aunt's flower stall 'Ruby Blooms' and goes back to Shipley to lend her assistance until her aunt is feeling better. However, when she arrives she realises that Tom and Megan are still living in the area and they are actually getting married. To top it all off for poor Carrie, Ruby's Blooms are asked to do the wedding flowers for her lost love's wedding! Queue the drama and heartbreak!
This book was brilliant, I find that Karen writes the stories really well with just the right amount of drama and humour to make me not want to put the book down! The book is easy to read and very enjoyable, the story doesn't feel rushed like some chick lits do and at the end I was wishing the book was longer as I didn't want it to end!
Overall, I loved this book just like I thought I would after loving the first one. So if you haven't read it yet, you need to! So a big thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for this copy of the book which I have reviewed honestly.
The second book is about Carrie who fled from Shipley after seeing 'best friend' Megan kiss the boy she secretly loved, Tom at his birthday party. Many years later, Carrie is asked to help out at her aunt's flower stall 'Ruby Blooms' and goes back to Shipley to lend her assistance until her aunt is feeling better. However, when she arrives she realises that Tom and Megan are still living in the area and they are actually getting married. To top it all off for poor Carrie, Ruby's Blooms are asked to do the wedding flowers for her lost love's wedding! Queue the drama and heartbreak!
This book was brilliant, I find that Karen writes the stories really well with just the right amount of drama and humour to make me not want to put the book down! The book is easy to read and very enjoyable, the story doesn't feel rushed like some chick lits do and at the end I was wishing the book was longer as I didn't want it to end!
Overall, I loved this book just like I thought I would after loving the first one. So if you haven't read it yet, you need to! So a big thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for this copy of the book which I have reviewed honestly.
May 29, 2017
In the first book (The Beachside Sweet Shop) we had met Marnie, a young woman who desired nothing more than to be elsewhere. In this story, we meet Carrie, who left town years ago after her best friend betrayed her with the man she loved. Now, with her aunt Ruby unwell, Carrie is back to run the shop and help with her aunt’s care, and avoid the traitorous ex-best friend and ex-boyfriend as long as possible. But long is never quite what you expect, when she realizes that her aunt has the commission for wedding flowers for the wedding of those two people.
As with the first book, this one alternated between frustrating and engaging, as early on there was a decided lack of development in the characters: we had the uber bitch, the ‘nice guy’ and Carrie – the ‘good girl’ who never made a fuss. While descriptions were lush, and allowed Shipley to shine, it wasn’t until the background information was shared, and we see the relationship between Carrie and her former friend, and the developing romance with the now-ex boyfriend (aka man who broke her heart). Then Carrie starts to feel more flushed out, and it allowed her relationship with her aunt, and the advice and stories shared with Ruby that gave the story more depth.
Like the first, there are no great big surprises or twists – this is a story of redemption and healing, and reconnecting with your roots. It takes a bit to get there, but the journey is enjoyable and perfect for those moments when a light and uncomplicated read are required.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
As with the first book, this one alternated between frustrating and engaging, as early on there was a decided lack of development in the characters: we had the uber bitch, the ‘nice guy’ and Carrie – the ‘good girl’ who never made a fuss. While descriptions were lush, and allowed Shipley to shine, it wasn’t until the background information was shared, and we see the relationship between Carrie and her former friend, and the developing romance with the now-ex boyfriend (aka man who broke her heart). Then Carrie starts to feel more flushed out, and it allowed her relationship with her aunt, and the advice and stories shared with Ruby that gave the story more depth.
Like the first, there are no great big surprises or twists – this is a story of redemption and healing, and reconnecting with your roots. It takes a bit to get there, but the journey is enjoyable and perfect for those moments when a light and uncomplicated read are required.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
April 30, 2017
The Beachside Flower Stall is just what its front cover describes: A feel-good romance to make you laugh out loud. Well, I didn't really laugh out loud, but it did have some cute, humorous moments. I loved Carrie's character; she's the type of person I would like to be friends with in real life. She's down-to-earth, a bit clumsy, and doesn't put on any airs. She's kind and cares about others around her, even the nosy neighbor and the sociopathic former "friend."
I would recommend this book to readers looking for something fun to read by the pool or beach. I doubt I'll remember it in a couple of weeks, but it was fun while I was reading. Don't expect anything life-changing, and you'll enjoy a few laughs and a fun story.
I would recommend this book to readers looking for something fun to read by the pool or beach. I doubt I'll remember it in a couple of weeks, but it was fun while I was reading. Don't expect anything life-changing, and you'll enjoy a few laughs and a fun story.
April 3, 2017
Ten years ago, Carrie Dashwood left her hometown (and never looked back!) after her best friend, Megan, and her first love, Tom, hooked up. When her aunt calls her, needing her help to run her flower stall (Ruby’s Blooms), in the beautiful seaside town of Shipley, Carrie finds herself with quite the surprise as she is recruited to arrange flowers for a wedding, which happen to be the nuptials of Megan and Tom! Can Carrie keep her cool and find her own happily ever after?
Heartfelt and hilarious, The Beachside Flower Stall by Karen Clarke was the exact read I needed to get into a “spring” mood and break out of my, seemingly never-ending, reading slump. This book had me laughing out loud and rooting for the underdog.
Although this is the second novel in the Beachside Bay series, this one will have no issue being read as standalone; however, it is my understanding that some of the characters in this novel were characters in the first, so I will be absolutely going back to get lost in the world of Shipley once again!
The novel opens with Carrie, a little uncoordinated and a lot self-conscious, trying to navigate her way through her aunt’s floundering flower business. Without any previous knowledge of flowers, she is doing her best to keep things afloat when fate knocks on her door. Tom, her first love, finds himself in Shipley, planning his wedding to Carrie’s ex-best friend, Megan. Thus begins Carrie’s battle to fight through the past, save her aunt’s flower stall and find true happiness.
Karen Clarke’s writing is an absolute joy to get lost in; her style is easy and light. This book is truly the perfect book to get lost in for an afternoon. I can't wait to check out more of Clarke's writing and for more in this series!
An easy 5/5 stars for me.
Heartfelt and hilarious, The Beachside Flower Stall by Karen Clarke was the exact read I needed to get into a “spring” mood and break out of my, seemingly never-ending, reading slump. This book had me laughing out loud and rooting for the underdog.
Although this is the second novel in the Beachside Bay series, this one will have no issue being read as standalone; however, it is my understanding that some of the characters in this novel were characters in the first, so I will be absolutely going back to get lost in the world of Shipley once again!
The novel opens with Carrie, a little uncoordinated and a lot self-conscious, trying to navigate her way through her aunt’s floundering flower business. Without any previous knowledge of flowers, she is doing her best to keep things afloat when fate knocks on her door. Tom, her first love, finds himself in Shipley, planning his wedding to Carrie’s ex-best friend, Megan. Thus begins Carrie’s battle to fight through the past, save her aunt’s flower stall and find true happiness.
Karen Clarke’s writing is an absolute joy to get lost in; her style is easy and light. This book is truly the perfect book to get lost in for an afternoon. I can't wait to check out more of Clarke's writing and for more in this series!
An easy 5/5 stars for me.
November 17, 2017
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this review copy.
Second book in the Beachside Bay series. You don’t need to read the books in order, the series is mainly because of the stories being set in Beachside Bay. They can be read as a standalone book.
I loved the first book, so was hoping this one would live up to expectations! It did! We meet Carrie Dashwood. Carrie left the area when her best friend, Megan stole her first love, Tom. She has returned to help out her Aunt Ruby who is unwell and is unable to run her flower stall. Carrie has no idea what she is doing but begins to pick up the ropes. She manages to get an order to provide wedding flowers but they are for her ex-friend Megan, who is marrying her first love, Tom. She tries to convince herself that after so much time has passed it won’t bother her, but of course it does, and when she meets Tom again she realises that perhaps things weren’t all as they seemed and it things didn’t really happen like Megan told her it did.
This was a lovely book. It was great to have some of the characters from the first book making an appearance, particularly the village busybody Doris Day (I said it in my review for the first book, but will say it again – what a great name!) The story was fun and happy, but with a hint of sadness in it as well. You get swept away with the story, the writing, the characters and most definitely the setting. Would I like a beachside flower stall? – yes please!
OK, the plot is predictable, but aren’t they all in books like this! It’s a nice easy read and you get caught up in the story and you can’t think about anything else until it’s finished! Can’t wait for the next one!
Five Stars!
Second book in the Beachside Bay series. You don’t need to read the books in order, the series is mainly because of the stories being set in Beachside Bay. They can be read as a standalone book.
I loved the first book, so was hoping this one would live up to expectations! It did! We meet Carrie Dashwood. Carrie left the area when her best friend, Megan stole her first love, Tom. She has returned to help out her Aunt Ruby who is unwell and is unable to run her flower stall. Carrie has no idea what she is doing but begins to pick up the ropes. She manages to get an order to provide wedding flowers but they are for her ex-friend Megan, who is marrying her first love, Tom. She tries to convince herself that after so much time has passed it won’t bother her, but of course it does, and when she meets Tom again she realises that perhaps things weren’t all as they seemed and it things didn’t really happen like Megan told her it did.
This was a lovely book. It was great to have some of the characters from the first book making an appearance, particularly the village busybody Doris Day (I said it in my review for the first book, but will say it again – what a great name!) The story was fun and happy, but with a hint of sadness in it as well. You get swept away with the story, the writing, the characters and most definitely the setting. Would I like a beachside flower stall? – yes please!
OK, the plot is predictable, but aren’t they all in books like this! It’s a nice easy read and you get caught up in the story and you can’t think about anything else until it’s finished! Can’t wait for the next one!
Five Stars!
January 22, 2018
This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free From Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Thank you to Bookouture for my copy of this book via Netgalley. I really enjoyed the first book in this series so when this book was put on Netgalley I had to get it. While this is the second book in the series you can read it as a standalone.
Carrie was in love with Tom but after Megan muscled her way in and ruined everything Carrie couldn't stay in Shipley so she moved to Manchester the very next day. Ten years have passed and Carrie returns to Shipley to help her aunt on her flower stall.
Carrie never really got over her feelings for Tom so when she finds out he's marrying Megan she's more than a little wounded. When Carrie see's Megan again she is transported back to her teenage self and feels the need to impress her.
Carrie discovers that her Aunt has been keeping a secret for many many years. This part of the story is so heart breakingly sad. I really felt for Ruby and can't imagine being in her situation.
This is such a sweet story. I knew quite early on how it was likely to end but this didn't ruin he enjoyment of the story at all. If you enjoy chicklit then you will have no problems spending the day wrapped up in Karen's world.
Carrie was in love with Tom but after Megan muscled her way in and ruined everything Carrie couldn't stay in Shipley so she moved to Manchester the very next day. Ten years have passed and Carrie returns to Shipley to help her aunt on her flower stall.
Carrie never really got over her feelings for Tom so when she finds out he's marrying Megan she's more than a little wounded. When Carrie see's Megan again she is transported back to her teenage self and feels the need to impress her.
Carrie discovers that her Aunt has been keeping a secret for many many years. This part of the story is so heart breakingly sad. I really felt for Ruby and can't imagine being in her situation.
This is such a sweet story. I knew quite early on how it was likely to end but this didn't ruin he enjoyment of the story at all. If you enjoy chicklit then you will have no problems spending the day wrapped up in Karen's world.
May 21, 2017
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Bookoutre in return for an honest review.
I really enjoyed my last visit to this little beachside town - the sweet shop was great but the flower stall is excellent. Carrie is such an awkward clunky character that you want to wrap her up and make everything okay. I just wanted to take her by the hand, tell her it would all work out and teach her how to arrange flowers so she didn't scare them into wilting.
Carrie Dashwood has returned to Dorset for the first time since she ran away when her heart was broken by her best friend, Tom. Years before just as she was about to reveal that her feelings for him has changed, Tom because involved with a 'supposed' friend of Carrie's, Megan. Carrie is in town to help her aunt, Ruby, who is struggling with her mental health, to run 'Ruby's Bloom's' - a flower stall that meets the towns needs for blossoms. The only real problem, aside from Carrie knowing nothing about flowers, is it appears that 'Ruby's Blooms' is about to be hired to do the flowers for Tom and Megan's wedding.
Apart from returning to this lovely little town, it is great to come back and get a glimpse of characters from the first book from a different angle. Doris Day, the nosy neighbour in Book 1 becomes no less interfering but even more interesting in this story. She is not the only person who gets a look in, Carrie has a date with someone I didn't expect at all to have his own little story to tell.
There are some laugh out loud moments once again as well as a few pull at the heart-string incidents where you just hope all will end well. I honestly believe that this series is getting stronger and I absolutely hope there is more to come. Pull up a chair, draw that cup of tea, grab the cookies and start reading - you won't be disappointed if you like a well told chick lit.
I really enjoyed my last visit to this little beachside town - the sweet shop was great but the flower stall is excellent. Carrie is such an awkward clunky character that you want to wrap her up and make everything okay. I just wanted to take her by the hand, tell her it would all work out and teach her how to arrange flowers so she didn't scare them into wilting.
Carrie Dashwood has returned to Dorset for the first time since she ran away when her heart was broken by her best friend, Tom. Years before just as she was about to reveal that her feelings for him has changed, Tom because involved with a 'supposed' friend of Carrie's, Megan. Carrie is in town to help her aunt, Ruby, who is struggling with her mental health, to run 'Ruby's Bloom's' - a flower stall that meets the towns needs for blossoms. The only real problem, aside from Carrie knowing nothing about flowers, is it appears that 'Ruby's Blooms' is about to be hired to do the flowers for Tom and Megan's wedding.
Apart from returning to this lovely little town, it is great to come back and get a glimpse of characters from the first book from a different angle. Doris Day, the nosy neighbour in Book 1 becomes no less interfering but even more interesting in this story. She is not the only person who gets a look in, Carrie has a date with someone I didn't expect at all to have his own little story to tell.
There are some laugh out loud moments once again as well as a few pull at the heart-string incidents where you just hope all will end well. I honestly believe that this series is getting stronger and I absolutely hope there is more to come. Pull up a chair, draw that cup of tea, grab the cookies and start reading - you won't be disappointed if you like a well told chick lit.
August 6, 2017
The whole package of the title as well as the cover had me requesting this straight away. A cute summer chick lit read, The Beachside Flower Stall is a relaxing and easy read. Carrie Dashwood is in the sleepy town of Shipton in Dorset to look after her aunt Ruby's flower stall. The book is quite funny in parts.
"Glittery conscious" was a great alternative to "guilty conscience,"and the writing style gives an easy, informal attitude to the book. The book resonated with me, as I think it will with anyone who has ever been to the south coast of England during the summer. It reminded me of summer holidays. I liked Carrie, and Ruby too. They were realistic characters. Secrets are revealed and memories and old friends revisited which makes The Beachside Flower Stall a good read. It is a book with a wonderfully summery feel. Life is not all peachy, though, as there are some conflicts and troubles people go through, which are revealed as the story takes shape.
Thanks to Karen Clarke and her publisher for my ARC via NetGalley. A recommended summer read!
Looking forward to reading more by Karen Clarke, including The Beachside Sweet Shop.
"Glittery conscious" was a great alternative to "guilty conscience,"and the writing style gives an easy, informal attitude to the book. The book resonated with me, as I think it will with anyone who has ever been to the south coast of England during the summer. It reminded me of summer holidays. I liked Carrie, and Ruby too. They were realistic characters. Secrets are revealed and memories and old friends revisited which makes The Beachside Flower Stall a good read. It is a book with a wonderfully summery feel. Life is not all peachy, though, as there are some conflicts and troubles people go through, which are revealed as the story takes shape.
Thanks to Karen Clarke and her publisher for my ARC via NetGalley. A recommended summer read!
Looking forward to reading more by Karen Clarke, including The Beachside Sweet Shop.
February 26, 2019
The Beachside Flower Stall is the second book i have read in this series and i was glad to be back for a visit. We start by meeting Carrie & Tom, they have spent all their time together and surely its only a matter of time before they get together, when Carrie is invited to Toms 21st she knows this is it. Well - it was until Megan (her best friend who Carrie invited along) steals Tom. Carrie Leaves and thats that.
When she learns her Aunt Ruby is taken unwell and someone needs to run her flower stall, Carrie finally returns to the little town - and plans to keep her head down and get along, when BAM - turns out not only is Tom in town, he is marrying Megan and yep, you guessed it Carrie has the job of sorting the flowers.
The Beachside Flower Stall was a wonderfully sweet read, with humor, love and plenty of flowers. It was true chick lit and a wonderful easy read that allowed the reader just that time to escape real life and loose themselves in a book for a while.
When she learns her Aunt Ruby is taken unwell and someone needs to run her flower stall, Carrie finally returns to the little town - and plans to keep her head down and get along, when BAM - turns out not only is Tom in town, he is marrying Megan and yep, you guessed it Carrie has the job of sorting the flowers.
The Beachside Flower Stall was a wonderfully sweet read, with humor, love and plenty of flowers. It was true chick lit and a wonderful easy read that allowed the reader just that time to escape real life and loose themselves in a book for a while.
August 25, 2017
This heartwarming, emotional story the runs the gamut of joy, humor, and sadness. Carrie and Ruby are easy to become emotionally invested in their journey...there is a lightheartedness to the pair, making it easy to be drawn into their little world. This a nice series that can be read as a stand alone...the author does a great job of keeping the reader from getting lost in having missed out in reading the first book.
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
May 15, 2017
I loved the first book in this series The Beachside Sweet Shop and so was looking forward to starting The Beachside Flower Stall, I wasn't disappointed.
I enjoyed returning to Shipley and meeting characters from the previous story and meeting new ones too.
This book could easily be read as a stand alone but I also recommend the first book too.
A lovely feel-good read which made me laugh in places. An easy to read story which is charming and has a feel good factor. I loved it!
I enjoyed returning to Shipley and meeting characters from the previous story and meeting new ones too.
This book could easily be read as a stand alone but I also recommend the first book too.
A lovely feel-good read which made me laugh in places. An easy to read story which is charming and has a feel good factor. I loved it!
November 4, 2017
Very enjoyable and well written, this is a lovely easy read with a likeable and slightly hapless main character in Carrie. It also made me laugh in parts, a pleasant surprise (particularly as this book did not inform me in the blurb that that it was 'laugh out loud' or suchlike, which I find a bit annoying!). Charming and entertaining, it would definitely inspire me to read more from this author.
Review of an advance digital copy from the publisher.
Review of an advance digital copy from the publisher.
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