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The Little Shop in Cornwall
Come and spend the summer in a charming village by the sea. Breathe in the crisp, salty air, slip off your shoes and feel the golden sand beneath your feet…
Claudia has never regretted leaving her corporate city life behind and escaping to this piece of coastal paradise. With her cheeky cat Pudding by her side, she has built a community of loyal friends who feel more like family. Her shop at the end of the beach road is full of things that bring joy to locals and visitors alike. Life has finally settled into a perfect, comfortable rhythm.
That is until widower Jason moves to town with his teenage daughter Millie, looking for a new start for both of them. Millie is instantly drawn to the delights of Claudia’s shop and her free-spirited way of life. However, practical architect Jason is less than thrilled about his daughter’s new interests. He doesn’t shy away from telling Claudia exactly what he thinks and sparks fly every time they meet.
But Jason and Millie aren’t the only newcomers this summer and life in the harbour, especially Claudia’s, is about to change in more ways than one. As circumstances throw Claudia into Jason’s path in increasingly unexpected ways, she begins to glimpse what lies beneath his fiery temper and sharp tongue. Claudia was sure her life was complete, but could something have been missing after all?
The only book you need in your beach bag this summer. Fans of Sarah Morgan, Cathy Bramley and Phillipa Ashley will be charmed by this seaside romance filled with warmth, humour and heart.
Claudia has never regretted leaving her corporate city life behind and escaping to this piece of coastal paradise. With her cheeky cat Pudding by her side, she has built a community of loyal friends who feel more like family. Her shop at the end of the beach road is full of things that bring joy to locals and visitors alike. Life has finally settled into a perfect, comfortable rhythm.
That is until widower Jason moves to town with his teenage daughter Millie, looking for a new start for both of them. Millie is instantly drawn to the delights of Claudia’s shop and her free-spirited way of life. However, practical architect Jason is less than thrilled about his daughter’s new interests. He doesn’t shy away from telling Claudia exactly what he thinks and sparks fly every time they meet.
But Jason and Millie aren’t the only newcomers this summer and life in the harbour, especially Claudia’s, is about to change in more ways than one. As circumstances throw Claudia into Jason’s path in increasingly unexpected ways, she begins to glimpse what lies beneath his fiery temper and sharp tongue. Claudia was sure her life was complete, but could something have been missing after all?
The only book you need in your beach bag this summer. Fans of Sarah Morgan, Cathy Bramley and Phillipa Ashley will be charmed by this seaside romance filled with warmth, humour and heart.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 15, 2020
391 people are currently reading
555 people want to read
About the author
Helen Pollard
11 books191 followersAs a child, Helen had a vivid imagination fuelled by her love of reading, so she started to create her own stories in a notebook.
Now a bestselling author of contemporary romance, she believes that good characterisation is the key to a successful book and loves infusing her writing with humour and heart.
Helen is a member of The Society of Authors.
You can find her online at:
viewauthor.at/HelenPollardAmazon
Now a bestselling author of contemporary romance, she believes that good characterisation is the key to a successful book and loves infusing her writing with humour and heart.
Helen is a member of The Society of Authors.
You can find her online at:
viewauthor.at/HelenPollardAmazon
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
June 9, 2020
Claudia Bennett realises her marriage to Lee is over and three years later she is the proud owner of a shop called Healing Wave in Porthsteren, Cornwall. Here she can be the person she wants to be, free of Lee's controlling influence. Porthsteren is a typical Cornish coastal village - beach, harbour, picturesque houses and individual shops. Jason Craig and his teenage daughter Millie also move to Porthsteren to make a fresh start after the death of Jason’s wife Gemma. Jason is sceptical of Claudia's shop but Millie loves it. The equilibrium of the village is unsettled by the opening of a new shop which seems to be in direct competition with Claudias.
First of all, I love the setting. Oh to be in magical Cornwall right now! It’s a place I’ve loved since I was a little girl and so a Cornish setting always resonates especially when it’s as well described as this. I could sense the calming, soothing waves and the beach and the wild beauty. The story is well written, the storyline flows and it has interesting characters too. I have to mention the cat Pudding as he’s probably the biggest (literally!) character of them all! The story captures the village setting so well and I love the fascinating magical elements it contains. The growing friendship between Millie and Claudia is heartwarming though Jason’s initial disdain can be felt from Yorkshire! I really admire Claudia's philosophy, her desire to be in tune with herself and her positivity even when the chips are down. There are several themes running through the book such as the value of friendship, grief and loss, the difficulties within relationships all with magical overtones. The turbulence of Jason and Claudia’s friendship is depicted well and feels real. I like the way the novel ends.
Overall, it’s an easy, breezy, escapist summer read that is enjoyable with the added bonus of a wonderful setting, interesting characters and a good reflection of a small community.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC.
First of all, I love the setting. Oh to be in magical Cornwall right now! It’s a place I’ve loved since I was a little girl and so a Cornish setting always resonates especially when it’s as well described as this. I could sense the calming, soothing waves and the beach and the wild beauty. The story is well written, the storyline flows and it has interesting characters too. I have to mention the cat Pudding as he’s probably the biggest (literally!) character of them all! The story captures the village setting so well and I love the fascinating magical elements it contains. The growing friendship between Millie and Claudia is heartwarming though Jason’s initial disdain can be felt from Yorkshire! I really admire Claudia's philosophy, her desire to be in tune with herself and her positivity even when the chips are down. There are several themes running through the book such as the value of friendship, grief and loss, the difficulties within relationships all with magical overtones. The turbulence of Jason and Claudia’s friendship is depicted well and feels real. I like the way the novel ends.
Overall, it’s an easy, breezy, escapist summer read that is enjoyable with the added bonus of a wonderful setting, interesting characters and a good reflection of a small community.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC.
June 10, 2020
I loved this book, it was so fun and uplifting! I adored the loveable characters and their wonderful personalities.
The story was fun, easy to follow and a great reading experience!
The story was fun, easy to follow and a great reading experience!
June 18, 2020
The seaside, crystals, and sand. This was a captivating beach read with some depth. Claudia has just escaped her bad marriage and move to this small lovely village in Cornwall. Jason is mourning the loss of his wife when he and his teenage daughter Millie head to the same small village. Claudia is in the process of opening a beach front new age store. Jason does not believe in all this New Age stuff, but his daughter Millie is intrigued. What follows is a sometimes frustrating tale of push and pull. Will they? Won’t they?
I would not necessarily classify this as enemies to lovers, but maybe annoyerss (not sure this is a word?) to lovers? I certainly was annoyed by Jason, I understood he was going through some things but wow he definitely had an angry side. I liked Claudia, but I didn’t always find her relatable. Millie was hands-down my favorite character, I thought she just was the ray of light in the story. As much as I didn’t necessarily care for Jason and Claudia as characters I thought they worked well as a couple and I was rooting for them the entire book. I really love the setting of this sweet seaside village. I also loved the little bit of witchiness in the story. All in all an entertaining story that swept me away to the beach.
This book in emojis 🏖 🐱 ✨ ☀️ 💎
*** Big thank you to Bookouture for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
I would not necessarily classify this as enemies to lovers, but maybe annoyerss (not sure this is a word?) to lovers? I certainly was annoyed by Jason, I understood he was going through some things but wow he definitely had an angry side. I liked Claudia, but I didn’t always find her relatable. Millie was hands-down my favorite character, I thought she just was the ray of light in the story. As much as I didn’t necessarily care for Jason and Claudia as characters I thought they worked well as a couple and I was rooting for them the entire book. I really love the setting of this sweet seaside village. I also loved the little bit of witchiness in the story. All in all an entertaining story that swept me away to the beach.
This book in emojis 🏖 🐱 ✨ ☀️ 💎
*** Big thank you to Bookouture for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
September 27, 2020
Review coming soon.
May 25, 2020
A delightfully funny romance!
Claudia moved from London to Cornwall after a traumatic divorce and opened a store that sells crystals, soaps, candles, and the like. She is a little eccentric. She believes in the power of the moon, drinks goat milk, and is best friends with a witch.
Jason is an architect that moved to Cornwall with his teenage daughter after the passing of his wife. He has no time for what he thinks is silly superstition, and is less than thrilled to find out that his daughter Milly is constantly hanging around with Claudia.
The banter between Jason and Claudia is bewitching.
I loved that despite having very contrasting opinions about most subjects, both characters were very mature and relatable. They are this kind of person you cannot but like, even when you have to disagree with them.
There is a strong sense of family and community throughout the narrative. Jason's relationship with his daughter is realistic and his love for her palpable.
All this wrapped up in dreamy descriptions of Cornwall's beautiful coast and beaches.
A fun, light, feel-good summer read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*This review will be posted on https://lureviewsbooks.com on 06/16/2020 as part of the book's blog tour*
Claudia moved from London to Cornwall after a traumatic divorce and opened a store that sells crystals, soaps, candles, and the like. She is a little eccentric. She believes in the power of the moon, drinks goat milk, and is best friends with a witch.
Jason is an architect that moved to Cornwall with his teenage daughter after the passing of his wife. He has no time for what he thinks is silly superstition, and is less than thrilled to find out that his daughter Milly is constantly hanging around with Claudia.
The banter between Jason and Claudia is bewitching.
I loved that despite having very contrasting opinions about most subjects, both characters were very mature and relatable. They are this kind of person you cannot but like, even when you have to disagree with them.
There is a strong sense of family and community throughout the narrative. Jason's relationship with his daughter is realistic and his love for her palpable.
All this wrapped up in dreamy descriptions of Cornwall's beautiful coast and beaches.
A fun, light, feel-good summer read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*This review will be posted on https://lureviewsbooks.com on 06/16/2020 as part of the book's blog tour*
May 27, 2020
I am A moodreader.So I was so ready for a summer read. And this book was just what I needed.It has small town romance.It has second chances.It is about taking chances .it is about starting over. it had it all. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review
June 18, 2020
A well-drawn, picturesque setting is always something I enthuse about, and Helen Pollard does it in style with the coastal Cornish village of Porthsteren, which is wonderfully given life. I’d love to take a stroll along the beach, gaze at the sparkling sea, browse the books in The Porthsteren Page Turner, or relax on the sunny terrace with a cappuccino and a large slab of carrot cake.
This is a touching and compelling tale and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough while reading it. In The Little Shop in Cornwall both of the main characters, Claudia and Jason, were lovely people. Their endeavours made me smile and sigh and they kept me entertained throughout. A romantic story about falling in love, great friendship, letting go of the past, coping with trauma, taking chances and moving on that had me enchanted.
The Little Shop in Cornwall is uplifting, witty, and moving and I highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
This is a touching and compelling tale and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough while reading it. In The Little Shop in Cornwall both of the main characters, Claudia and Jason, were lovely people. Their endeavours made me smile and sigh and they kept me entertained throughout. A romantic story about falling in love, great friendship, letting go of the past, coping with trauma, taking chances and moving on that had me enchanted.
The Little Shop in Cornwall is uplifting, witty, and moving and I highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
October 9, 2022
3.5 out of 5 stars
June 14, 2020
Absolutely fun book about two hurt people learning to love again. My first foray into author Helen Pollard's writing was gentle and entertaining. Delightful characters and small town atmosphere pulled me into the story.
Claudia had been hurt years ago. She reinvented herself and opened up a shop with crystals and soaps. Entered a single father Jason with daughter Millie who wanted to try the New Age stuff. Clashes and arguments led to acceptance and love.
A happily ever after love story was this, but the road leading to the natural destiny was long and filled with arguments. One step forward and two back was the way Jason danced in the entire book. The dialogues caught my attention, they were emotive and brought out the flavor of the story. It was fun to see Claudia trying to open up Jason's mind to accept things he did not see.
The lovers had their ups and downs, some toward the end felt repetitive. A new business competitor and effects of ineffectual gossip added a new twist to the story.
Overall, an entertaining read on a lazy Sunday evening.
Claudia had been hurt years ago. She reinvented herself and opened up a shop with crystals and soaps. Entered a single father Jason with daughter Millie who wanted to try the New Age stuff. Clashes and arguments led to acceptance and love.
A happily ever after love story was this, but the road leading to the natural destiny was long and filled with arguments. One step forward and two back was the way Jason danced in the entire book. The dialogues caught my attention, they were emotive and brought out the flavor of the story. It was fun to see Claudia trying to open up Jason's mind to accept things he did not see.
The lovers had their ups and downs, some toward the end felt repetitive. A new business competitor and effects of ineffectual gossip added a new twist to the story.
Overall, an entertaining read on a lazy Sunday evening.
June 7, 2020
Where better to be than by the sea. Where you can breathe in the clean air, listen to the waves crash and retreat against the shore as your worries drift away and you start to heal.
What better place to visit that Healing Waves, Claudia’s little shop at the end of the beach road. Claudia escaped here from her frantic city life and re-balanced herself and made friends with the locals, her neighbours and the tourists that come to her shop. With her cat Pudding, Claudia has found the life she wants.
Jason and teenage daughter Millie, have moved to be nearer Millie’s grandparents. Life has been tough for them in recent months and Jason is hoping a change of scenery will be what they both need. What he wasn’t expecting was Millie’s fascination with Claudia’s shop and her interest in things that Jason has no understanding of.
Jason is scared of the unknown which is why he has taken an immediate dislike to what he thinks Claudia stands for. When he learns of a new shop opening in the seaside town and that Claudia’s friends are perhaps slightly usual he starts to question the rights and wrongs of his move and the influence over impressionable teenagers.
But it seems that someone else in the town is none too take with Claudia and her shop, as natural disasters and man made ones seem to hit Claudia perhaps there is some sort of curse hanging around.
Help comes for Claudia where she least expects it and it seems that opposites can attract and that getting under the skin of someone and making them question is perhaps what she has been missing in life.
A bright sunny book which has so much spark in it, the interaction between some of the characters jumps right off the page and you find yourself fully immersed in the story and the setting. I was writing my own worries and problems on the sand and watched the sea take them away.
Escape to Cornwall this summer and heal all your troubles and meet some new friends. I hope we get to return here again soon.
What better place to visit that Healing Waves, Claudia’s little shop at the end of the beach road. Claudia escaped here from her frantic city life and re-balanced herself and made friends with the locals, her neighbours and the tourists that come to her shop. With her cat Pudding, Claudia has found the life she wants.
Jason and teenage daughter Millie, have moved to be nearer Millie’s grandparents. Life has been tough for them in recent months and Jason is hoping a change of scenery will be what they both need. What he wasn’t expecting was Millie’s fascination with Claudia’s shop and her interest in things that Jason has no understanding of.
Jason is scared of the unknown which is why he has taken an immediate dislike to what he thinks Claudia stands for. When he learns of a new shop opening in the seaside town and that Claudia’s friends are perhaps slightly usual he starts to question the rights and wrongs of his move and the influence over impressionable teenagers.
But it seems that someone else in the town is none too take with Claudia and her shop, as natural disasters and man made ones seem to hit Claudia perhaps there is some sort of curse hanging around.
Help comes for Claudia where she least expects it and it seems that opposites can attract and that getting under the skin of someone and making them question is perhaps what she has been missing in life.
A bright sunny book which has so much spark in it, the interaction between some of the characters jumps right off the page and you find yourself fully immersed in the story and the setting. I was writing my own worries and problems on the sand and watched the sea take them away.
Escape to Cornwall this summer and heal all your troubles and meet some new friends. I hope we get to return here again soon.
January 1, 2022
I freely admit that I'm sceptical about a lot of New Age type things, but when the practices are described thr way Claudia does to Jason, who really doesn't have an open mind when it comes to this sort of thing, I really started to be more interested too.
For Claudia does face a lot of cynicism in her shop Healing Waves and it doesn't help that a shop devoted to witchcraft and wicca and that sort of thing has opened and seemingly at war with Claudia.
I loved the way Claudia and Millie befriend each other, even if it does mean she ends up at logger heads with Jason far more frequently than intended.
And it's certainly true the opposites attract in this case, and I enjoyed seeing how the potential for romance would unfold.
I would though have loved to visit both the shops as they do sound rather cool, as does Claudia's soap making.
This was an enjoyable story , that has perhaps in conjunction with another book I've read this year opened my mind further to the power of crystals.
Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
For Claudia does face a lot of cynicism in her shop Healing Waves and it doesn't help that a shop devoted to witchcraft and wicca and that sort of thing has opened and seemingly at war with Claudia.
I loved the way Claudia and Millie befriend each other, even if it does mean she ends up at logger heads with Jason far more frequently than intended.
And it's certainly true the opposites attract in this case, and I enjoyed seeing how the potential for romance would unfold.
I would though have loved to visit both the shops as they do sound rather cool, as does Claudia's soap making.
This was an enjoyable story , that has perhaps in conjunction with another book I've read this year opened my mind further to the power of crystals.
Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
October 7, 2021
Two shops, one with books on spells, witch figurines and pictures and the other new age, with handmaid soaps, yoga and meditation books, could there possibly be bad blood between them. The Little Shop in Cornwall seemed a perfect read for October, even if it is set during the Holiday
season months of April through September.
After her divorce Claudia has put all of her eggs in the basket of her shop called The Healing Wave in Cornwall. She believes in listening to her gut, living with intention and treating others with kindness and respect.
The town is lovely, but extremely gossipy and this causes all kinds of problems, but I found it delightful and a good light and romantic read, before I plunge back into more serious fare.
season months of April through September.
After her divorce Claudia has put all of her eggs in the basket of her shop called The Healing Wave in Cornwall. She believes in listening to her gut, living with intention and treating others with kindness and respect.
The town is lovely, but extremely gossipy and this causes all kinds of problems, but I found it delightful and a good light and romantic read, before I plunge back into more serious fare.
June 26, 2020
3.5 stars ⭐
I actually really enjoyed this book! It was a very nice summer read. It has the backdrop of the beach which I am a sucker for. The sand and the waves just sucks you in. I think this story was unique in the way that it deals with "witchcraft" and wiccan stuff. It deals with the lost of a parent, the grief of a broken family, and losing yourself in someone else. I think it did a great job of handling those harder topics. Something that I enjoyed about this was the COMMUNICATION! Books where the characters just do not communicate and make smaller problems into bigger problems drive me nuts! Having these mature, older adults actually talk through their issue was a refreshing read. This book was a solid read!
I actually really enjoyed this book! It was a very nice summer read. It has the backdrop of the beach which I am a sucker for. The sand and the waves just sucks you in. I think this story was unique in the way that it deals with "witchcraft" and wiccan stuff. It deals with the lost of a parent, the grief of a broken family, and losing yourself in someone else. I think it did a great job of handling those harder topics. Something that I enjoyed about this was the COMMUNICATION! Books where the characters just do not communicate and make smaller problems into bigger problems drive me nuts! Having these mature, older adults actually talk through their issue was a refreshing read. This book was a solid read!
February 20, 2024
Sød fortælling, men jeg blev lidt træt af forviklingerne frem og tilbage lidt for mange gange, og der var et par ting, spm jeg ikke følte blev fulgt til dørs.
June 24, 2020
As the cover said “a heartwarming and feel good beach read”. The story was fantastic, a slow developing love story (in a good way) with a bit of drama thrown in the midst. The ending made me tear up. This book was a nonstop Page Turner for me!
May 25, 2020
This was a cute haters-to-lovers story set in a cozy little village in Cornwall.
Claudia and Jason couldn't be more different from each other: she is the bohemian owner of a new age shop, and he is a very practical and down-to-Earth architect. But both have in common that they have come to the village looking for a new start of their lifes. And when Millie, Jason's fourteenth-year-old daughter, comes to Claudia's shop and starts a friendship with her, Jason and Claudia start seeing more of each other.
I loved both the main characters and how their relationship develops. I also loved most of the secondary characters (Millie, Sarah, Evelyn, Tanya... even Puddings!), and I've really enjoyed imagining myself in this beautiful little cottage. I will definitely check for more books from this author.
** Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion **
Claudia and Jason couldn't be more different from each other: she is the bohemian owner of a new age shop, and he is a very practical and down-to-Earth architect. But both have in common that they have come to the village looking for a new start of their lifes. And when Millie, Jason's fourteenth-year-old daughter, comes to Claudia's shop and starts a friendship with her, Jason and Claudia start seeing more of each other.
I loved both the main characters and how their relationship develops. I also loved most of the secondary characters (Millie, Sarah, Evelyn, Tanya... even Puddings!), and I've really enjoyed imagining myself in this beautiful little cottage. I will definitely check for more books from this author.
** Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion **
May 16, 2020
Calling all "Hate to Love" trope lovers! Pollard's "The Little Shop in Cornwall" perfectly fits the bill for you.
Claudia is a thirty-something that decides to leave her husband and London lifestyle to start her life over in a little coastal village in Cornwall. She opens a "New Age" boutique and soon becomes one of the locals. Her life is seemingly perfect--until recently widowed Jason and his teenage daughter Millie move into town. Millie is instantly drawn to Claudia's lifestyle and shop, while Jason vehemently despises it. If you know anything about the "hate to love" trope, I'm sure you can guess the direction this will take, but Pollard also weaves mystery into the plot which I rather enjoyed.
While I could not relate to Claudia nor Jason, which is normally the hallmark of a 5 star read for me, I still felt invested in their journey toward each other. I would recommend this romance novel to anyone who wants a light, low on the steaminess factor, fun read.
Claudia is a thirty-something that decides to leave her husband and London lifestyle to start her life over in a little coastal village in Cornwall. She opens a "New Age" boutique and soon becomes one of the locals. Her life is seemingly perfect--until recently widowed Jason and his teenage daughter Millie move into town. Millie is instantly drawn to Claudia's lifestyle and shop, while Jason vehemently despises it. If you know anything about the "hate to love" trope, I'm sure you can guess the direction this will take, but Pollard also weaves mystery into the plot which I rather enjoyed.
While I could not relate to Claudia nor Jason, which is normally the hallmark of a 5 star read for me, I still felt invested in their journey toward each other. I would recommend this romance novel to anyone who wants a light, low on the steaminess factor, fun read.
November 6, 2020
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 and for letting me take part in this tour. I haven't been to Cornwall for a long time but I remember it being beautiful so I was very excited about returning.
This book has 3 main characters Claudia, Jason and Millie. Claudia and Jason clearly have some sort of attraction but they are so opposite it seems like it can never work. This is a classic hate to love story. Jason speaks before he thinks which gets him into trouble on more than one occasion. I loved Claudia's way of life. She is living life on her terms and no one else's. I respect her for standing up for her beliefs even when others disagree so strongly. I couldn't relate to either Claudia or Jason as my life situations are very different to theirs. I did, however, relate to Millie quite a bit. I understood her anger and pain.
I loved the location and it definitely had me longing for a week in the south-west of the country. Walking along the beaches bear foot with an ice cream. I can almost imagine it! This was a good summer romance story that shows you things aren't always what they seem at first. It's a nice easy read that is perfect for lazy summer afternoons.
This book has 3 main characters Claudia, Jason and Millie. Claudia and Jason clearly have some sort of attraction but they are so opposite it seems like it can never work. This is a classic hate to love story. Jason speaks before he thinks which gets him into trouble on more than one occasion. I loved Claudia's way of life. She is living life on her terms and no one else's. I respect her for standing up for her beliefs even when others disagree so strongly. I couldn't relate to either Claudia or Jason as my life situations are very different to theirs. I did, however, relate to Millie quite a bit. I understood her anger and pain.
I loved the location and it definitely had me longing for a week in the south-west of the country. Walking along the beaches bear foot with an ice cream. I can almost imagine it! This was a good summer romance story that shows you things aren't always what they seem at first. It's a nice easy read that is perfect for lazy summer afternoons.
May 17, 2020
Really enjoyed this book. Such an easy read and the plot twists in ways you really don’t expect. It definitely kept me on my toes and also brings up some really interesting topics and real world solutions. Would definitely recommend
May 21, 2020
Thank You to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC !!
After her divorce and leaving her corporate city life behind, Claudia escapes to a coastal paradise and settles into her new life in Cornwall. She opens a new age gift shop called "Healing Waves" and builds community of loyal friends who feel more like family.
Recently widowed Jason moves to town with his teenage daughter Millie, looking for a new start for both of them. Millie is instantly drawn to the delights of Claudia’s shop but Jason is less than thrilled about his daughter’s new interests. He doesn’t shy away from telling Claudia exactly what he thinks and sparks fly every time they meet.
But what Jason does expect is Millie opening up to Claudia as well as finding himself getting attracted to Claudia. Of course it doesn't help further when Claudia's best friend is actually a witch!! But when a new mystery shop opens along the seafront that is the same style as Claudia’s and causes a few problems for her, Jason is always around to help.
It was an enjoyable and fun filled read and the twists at the end were an additional delight!! Highly recommended!!
After her divorce and leaving her corporate city life behind, Claudia escapes to a coastal paradise and settles into her new life in Cornwall. She opens a new age gift shop called "Healing Waves" and builds community of loyal friends who feel more like family.
Recently widowed Jason moves to town with his teenage daughter Millie, looking for a new start for both of them. Millie is instantly drawn to the delights of Claudia’s shop but Jason is less than thrilled about his daughter’s new interests. He doesn’t shy away from telling Claudia exactly what he thinks and sparks fly every time they meet.
But what Jason does expect is Millie opening up to Claudia as well as finding himself getting attracted to Claudia. Of course it doesn't help further when Claudia's best friend is actually a witch!! But when a new mystery shop opens along the seafront that is the same style as Claudia’s and causes a few problems for her, Jason is always around to help.
It was an enjoyable and fun filled read and the twists at the end were an additional delight!! Highly recommended!!
June 5, 2020
"The Little Shop in Cornwall" was a great read. It was light, romantic and uplifting. I loved the main character, Claudia, and her store, Healing Waves. I admired the fact that she was able to get herself out of a bad situation and do something with her life that she truly enjoyed. She made me wish that I did yoga and studied the spiritual properties of crystals! She was a great friend and confidant to Millie, who was in the process of grieving her mother's death and moving to a new place. The romance was very cute, even if Jason couldn't get out of his own way. The setting was beautiful and the characters were colorful. I would highly recommend this book.
#netgalley #thelittleshopincornwall
#netgalley #thelittleshopincornwall
June 8, 2020
This is the story of Claudia, a recently divorced shop owner in Porthsteren, and Jason, a recently widowed dad of Millie. Claudia and Jason tiptoed around each other for pages and pages but eventually – you guessed it! – got together in the end.
The storyline is pretty flat. Claudia’s shop features crystals, soaps, symbols and the like, which are plentifully – to the point of excessively – explained throughout the book. Repeatedly, the couple finds a reason to argue and get back together. Did I mention, repeatedly. A little ho-hum drama is thrown in when Hester’s Cauldron, a witchcraft shop, is tossed into the story.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review The Little Shop in Cornwall.
The storyline is pretty flat. Claudia’s shop features crystals, soaps, symbols and the like, which are plentifully – to the point of excessively – explained throughout the book. Repeatedly, the couple finds a reason to argue and get back together. Did I mention, repeatedly. A little ho-hum drama is thrown in when Hester’s Cauldron, a witchcraft shop, is tossed into the story.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review The Little Shop in Cornwall.
June 14, 2020
It’s a heartwarming and funny rom-com but it also a a travel into people overcoming grief and getting to know and love each other.
Claudia, Molly and Jason are complex and well thought character and you cannot help rooting for them. The people of the village are fleshed out and likeable. I loved Tanya, an interesting and well written characters.
The plot is well crafted and flows, it kept me hooked till the end and I loved the twists and turns.
I wish I could live in a small town like the one described in the book, it’s lovely and the descriptions made me feel the sound and the smell of the sea.
It’s a book I strongly recommend.
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
Claudia, Molly and Jason are complex and well thought character and you cannot help rooting for them. The people of the village are fleshed out and likeable. I loved Tanya, an interesting and well written characters.
The plot is well crafted and flows, it kept me hooked till the end and I loved the twists and turns.
I wish I could live in a small town like the one described in the book, it’s lovely and the descriptions made me feel the sound and the smell of the sea.
It’s a book I strongly recommend.
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
June 19, 2020
I have read, reviewed and loved several of Helen's books to date. I read the synopsis for 'The Little Shop In Cornwall' and I just knew that I had to read it. I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'The Little Shop In Cornwall' but more about that in a bit.
I absolutely loved the character of Claudia and I took to her from the start. By the time I got to the end of the first quarter of the book, I felt as though Claudia had fast become my friend and I felt all protective of her. At the start of the story, Claudia is married to a man, who to be frank does not deserve her. I was silently cheering her on when she left him and went to create a new life for herself. I could see the attraction of getting away from it all and moving to Cornwall to run the kind of business that Claudia runs. Claudia is the sort of young lass that you could easily sit down and talk to over a cup of coffee. Claudia is fun, kind, compassionate, sensitive, strong, confident and occasionally she can be very stubborn.
Once again, it didn't take me long at all to get into this story. In fact by the time I got to the end of the first few pages, I knew that I would be unable to put his book down. My Kindle wasn't exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I couldn't bear to miss a single second of the story. I enjoyed everything about this book from the characters to the storylines to the location of the majority of the story. I think because I felt that Claudia was a friend, I felt compelled (I mean that in the nicest possible way) to keep reading to see how her story panned out, to see whether or not she go the happy ever after ending that she so deserved and to see whether or not I would want to jump inside the pages of the book to sort out whoever upset her. I know, I know this is a work of fiction but I find that if I enjoy a story to the extent I loved 'The Little Shop In Cornwall' then I tend to 'live' the story as if it were real.
'The Little Shop In Cornwall' is a delightful read, which I found kept my interest throughout the story. Helen Pollard has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of Helen's books feels more like a chat between friends rather than an actual book. Helen grabs your attention from the start and she draws you into the story from early on. She made the characters seem to realistic that it was almost as if they had leapt off the page and they were just as real as you and I. I felt as though I was part of the story and that's thanks to Helen's very vivid and realistic storytelling.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'The Little Shop In Cornwall' and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will most definitely be reading more of Helen's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
I absolutely loved the character of Claudia and I took to her from the start. By the time I got to the end of the first quarter of the book, I felt as though Claudia had fast become my friend and I felt all protective of her. At the start of the story, Claudia is married to a man, who to be frank does not deserve her. I was silently cheering her on when she left him and went to create a new life for herself. I could see the attraction of getting away from it all and moving to Cornwall to run the kind of business that Claudia runs. Claudia is the sort of young lass that you could easily sit down and talk to over a cup of coffee. Claudia is fun, kind, compassionate, sensitive, strong, confident and occasionally she can be very stubborn.
Once again, it didn't take me long at all to get into this story. In fact by the time I got to the end of the first few pages, I knew that I would be unable to put his book down. My Kindle wasn't exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I couldn't bear to miss a single second of the story. I enjoyed everything about this book from the characters to the storylines to the location of the majority of the story. I think because I felt that Claudia was a friend, I felt compelled (I mean that in the nicest possible way) to keep reading to see how her story panned out, to see whether or not she go the happy ever after ending that she so deserved and to see whether or not I would want to jump inside the pages of the book to sort out whoever upset her. I know, I know this is a work of fiction but I find that if I enjoy a story to the extent I loved 'The Little Shop In Cornwall' then I tend to 'live' the story as if it were real.
'The Little Shop In Cornwall' is a delightful read, which I found kept my interest throughout the story. Helen Pollard has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of Helen's books feels more like a chat between friends rather than an actual book. Helen grabs your attention from the start and she draws you into the story from early on. She made the characters seem to realistic that it was almost as if they had leapt off the page and they were just as real as you and I. I felt as though I was part of the story and that's thanks to Helen's very vivid and realistic storytelling.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'The Little Shop In Cornwall' and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will most definitely be reading more of Helen's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
June 16, 2020
A well-drawn setting is always something I love, and the author does it just perfectly with Porthsteren, a Cornish coastal village beautifully brought to life. I’d love to walk on the beach, write my concerns on the sand to be washed away by the tide – or to browse the books in The Porthsteren Page Turner, chat with the friendly ladies behind the counter, then sit for a while on the mismatched furniture on the terrace with a cappuccino and a cake, enjoying the sunshine.
Then I might just pop next door and take a look at Claudia’s new age shop, Healing Waves, maybe buy some of her home-made soap, perhaps a crystal – and if I’m staying a little longer, I may go along to one of the workshops she runs, try some meditation. I’ll avoid the village shop though – too much gossip and rumour in there for my liking. And I’m as intrigued as everyone else by the new shop that’s about to open…
Porthsteren was Claudia’s escape from a toxic marriage, her opportunity for a new start – surrounded by good friends, living above the shop with characterful cat Pudding, becoming part of the community, finding out what makes her happy. Jason and daughter Millie are starting again too, after a particularly difficult time in their lives: Claudia’s drawn to the troubled teenager, and Millie’s enchanted by everything about Claudia’s shop and lifestyle. Jason isn’t quite as keen – he’s definitely not a fan of “all that woo-woo crap”, or the woman who’s selling it.
The story is very much “enemies to friends” in the way it unfolds – but my goodness, they do make it hard for each other as he raises his walls, repeatedly shouting and apologising, and it looks doubtful for a while that they’ll ever get beyond the scrapping and bickering stage. And then the new shop opens, and Claudia’s life becomes very difficult indeed – a tight community is the perfect place to be until it begins to turn against you.
There was a lot I liked about this book, and not only the well-drawn location. I particularly liked the female friendships, the warmth and support – and the relationship between Claudia and young Millie was really well done too. I did struggle with Jason a little – his volatility made him difficult to warm to, however “damaged” he might be or how challenging his parenting was proving, and it was difficult at times to see why Claudia kept coming back for more. But we do see his viewpoint too, and his softer side slowly emerges – and if anyone’s going to uncover it, it’s Claudia. When her life begins to go awry, the whole situation is extremely well handled – helplessness around what’s happening, the threat to her future, a mystery about the source, a few moments of real drama.
I very much liked the book’s themes too – its elements of grief and loss, that letting go of negative feelings, the healing power of relationships. And the author’s writing is as good as it ever was – well drawn fully-rounded characters, a naturalness to the dialogue, a deft emotional touch along with lovely descriptions of the Cornish setting. The new age – and more – elements of the story were fascinating too: I’ll admit I learned a little!
I enjoyed this one, a nicely light and feel-good summer read with a bit of a difference: it was a lovely escape, a story I was happy to immerse myself in, with a satisfying conclusion and a few surprises along the way.
Then I might just pop next door and take a look at Claudia’s new age shop, Healing Waves, maybe buy some of her home-made soap, perhaps a crystal – and if I’m staying a little longer, I may go along to one of the workshops she runs, try some meditation. I’ll avoid the village shop though – too much gossip and rumour in there for my liking. And I’m as intrigued as everyone else by the new shop that’s about to open…
Porthsteren was Claudia’s escape from a toxic marriage, her opportunity for a new start – surrounded by good friends, living above the shop with characterful cat Pudding, becoming part of the community, finding out what makes her happy. Jason and daughter Millie are starting again too, after a particularly difficult time in their lives: Claudia’s drawn to the troubled teenager, and Millie’s enchanted by everything about Claudia’s shop and lifestyle. Jason isn’t quite as keen – he’s definitely not a fan of “all that woo-woo crap”, or the woman who’s selling it.
The story is very much “enemies to friends” in the way it unfolds – but my goodness, they do make it hard for each other as he raises his walls, repeatedly shouting and apologising, and it looks doubtful for a while that they’ll ever get beyond the scrapping and bickering stage. And then the new shop opens, and Claudia’s life becomes very difficult indeed – a tight community is the perfect place to be until it begins to turn against you.
There was a lot I liked about this book, and not only the well-drawn location. I particularly liked the female friendships, the warmth and support – and the relationship between Claudia and young Millie was really well done too. I did struggle with Jason a little – his volatility made him difficult to warm to, however “damaged” he might be or how challenging his parenting was proving, and it was difficult at times to see why Claudia kept coming back for more. But we do see his viewpoint too, and his softer side slowly emerges – and if anyone’s going to uncover it, it’s Claudia. When her life begins to go awry, the whole situation is extremely well handled – helplessness around what’s happening, the threat to her future, a mystery about the source, a few moments of real drama.
I very much liked the book’s themes too – its elements of grief and loss, that letting go of negative feelings, the healing power of relationships. And the author’s writing is as good as it ever was – well drawn fully-rounded characters, a naturalness to the dialogue, a deft emotional touch along with lovely descriptions of the Cornish setting. The new age – and more – elements of the story were fascinating too: I’ll admit I learned a little!
I enjoyed this one, a nicely light and feel-good summer read with a bit of a difference: it was a lovely escape, a story I was happy to immerse myself in, with a satisfying conclusion and a few surprises along the way.
July 2, 2020
Little Shop in Cornwall was my first book by the prolific author Helen Pollard and I enjoyed the community she created.
Our main character Claudia is a likable person instantly. You quickly learn that she has left behind an uncaring husband and a flourishing career to start over in the charming seaside community of Cornwall. Here she has created a community of friends and started her own new age/holistic type store. Doing well and enjoying the stable and happy life she has created for herself, she is caught off guard when a new Witch store opens in town much to her dismay. Selling a lot of the same items but not with the same care and thought as she does, she starts to lose customers, and to make matters worse, gossip creates a feud between her and the new business. Vandalism, threats, etc turn her peaceful world upside down.
All while this is going on, Claudia meets and welcomes the new townspeople, Jason and his daughter Millie. We learn that they are also looking for a fresh start after the death of their wife/mother from cancer. Millie (a moody and troubled teenager) takes an instant like to Claudia and is drawn to her charming store. Jason shows instant disdain for her store and is obvious about his disapproval. Claudia and Jason butt heads throughout the novel and yet grow closer.
Complicated relationships, feuds, and genuine interactions between interesting characters made this a good read. I enjoyed the town and the townsfolk and would love to read more books set in the same seaside town. Jason was a bit frustrating but I'm glad he turned it around in the end. You could always see he had a good heart but he was a little too hot and cold for my taste.
Our main character Claudia is a likable person instantly. You quickly learn that she has left behind an uncaring husband and a flourishing career to start over in the charming seaside community of Cornwall. Here she has created a community of friends and started her own new age/holistic type store. Doing well and enjoying the stable and happy life she has created for herself, she is caught off guard when a new Witch store opens in town much to her dismay. Selling a lot of the same items but not with the same care and thought as she does, she starts to lose customers, and to make matters worse, gossip creates a feud between her and the new business. Vandalism, threats, etc turn her peaceful world upside down.
All while this is going on, Claudia meets and welcomes the new townspeople, Jason and his daughter Millie. We learn that they are also looking for a fresh start after the death of their wife/mother from cancer. Millie (a moody and troubled teenager) takes an instant like to Claudia and is drawn to her charming store. Jason shows instant disdain for her store and is obvious about his disapproval. Claudia and Jason butt heads throughout the novel and yet grow closer.
Complicated relationships, feuds, and genuine interactions between interesting characters made this a good read. I enjoyed the town and the townsfolk and would love to read more books set in the same seaside town. Jason was a bit frustrating but I'm glad he turned it around in the end. You could always see he had a good heart but he was a little too hot and cold for my taste.
October 19, 2020
You only have to hear the title to know that The Little Shop in Cornwall would be the perfect beach read, but this year most of us will have been reading it as an escape from lockdown at home. I have been reading Helen Pollard’s realistic romances for 5 years now, so I was looking forward to this novel. Although I empathise with Claudia’s move from corporate working life and a loveless marriage, I am not sure I would be able to make such a dramatic change in lifestyle. She appears to be a strong woman who has made a success of her interests in crystals and meditation with her shop and she now has like-minded friends.
Jason would be the last person to add to her circle, but his teenage daughter, Millie, desperately needs a mentor as she settles into her new home after the death of her mother. Jason tries his best to be a good father but makes all the usual mistakes and blames Claudia for making things worse. Despite their clashes there is an obvious chemistry between the couple. When her business is attacked, Claudia reveals her vulnerability and Jason steps in to help. But sometimes his “White Knight” act goes too far, and they are at daggers drawn again.
There is a mystery to be solved and interesting characters to meet, including a delightful cat called Pudding. rounding out this intriguing romance perfectly. I can recommend this novel for curling up with on a dark Autumn evening, dreaming of future seaside holidays.
Jason would be the last person to add to her circle, but his teenage daughter, Millie, desperately needs a mentor as she settles into her new home after the death of her mother. Jason tries his best to be a good father but makes all the usual mistakes and blames Claudia for making things worse. Despite their clashes there is an obvious chemistry between the couple. When her business is attacked, Claudia reveals her vulnerability and Jason steps in to help. But sometimes his “White Knight” act goes too far, and they are at daggers drawn again.
There is a mystery to be solved and interesting characters to meet, including a delightful cat called Pudding. rounding out this intriguing romance perfectly. I can recommend this novel for curling up with on a dark Autumn evening, dreaming of future seaside holidays.
July 30, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
This was a nice read set by the sea, although the beach is mentioned only occasionally, but in terms I appreciate. A quiet place to retreat when life gets overwhelming.
I liked the characters and their back stories and felt it meshed well. Although, I would not be a huge fan of Jason irl. I felt there were so many problems within the three month span that it felt I wasn’t escaping my reality and enjoying someone else’s.
The new age aspects were very different for my taste and is part of the reason I’m rating it as such, although the author does keep it tasteful and explains what I don’t understand. Just not part of my interests when reading.
Overall good read but I wouldn’t read it again.
This was a nice read set by the sea, although the beach is mentioned only occasionally, but in terms I appreciate. A quiet place to retreat when life gets overwhelming.
I liked the characters and their back stories and felt it meshed well. Although, I would not be a huge fan of Jason irl. I felt there were so many problems within the three month span that it felt I wasn’t escaping my reality and enjoying someone else’s.
The new age aspects were very different for my taste and is part of the reason I’m rating it as such, although the author does keep it tasteful and explains what I don’t understand. Just not part of my interests when reading.
Overall good read but I wouldn’t read it again.
June 14, 2020
This is another fantastic read from this talented author. She brings this seaside Cornish community to life in the pages of the book and I'd really love to visit it and Claudia's shop! In fact, this is a bewitching, fun read with great characters in a delightful setting and an added mystery, too.
After discovering her husband is a manipulative liar, Claudia divorced him and moved from her corporate job to run a little shop at the end of the beach in Porthsteren where she sells crystals, oracle cards, soaps and other such materials. When a sullen teenager, Millie, comes in with her disbelieving father, Jason, the two females connect but with Jason the sparks fly. He is definitely not reticent about expressing his disbelief in everything Claudia sells but Millie is fascinated by it all. However, a new shop is opening soon, Millie needs help coping with the untimely death of her Mum, Jason has his own problems, too, and what with unexpected storms, rotten rumours and malicious damage life is going to be anything but calm for Claudia and her friends!
This is a story of challenging beliefs, being open to new ideas, learning to control your temper, working together and finding love. It is a laugh out loud fun read which is delightful to escape into whatever the weather and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. This is another great read from this talented author and I have no hesitation in highly recommending it and everything else I've read by her! I look forward to reading more from her in future and really hope there will be more involving these characters in future stories - I'm sure Tanya would make for an intriguing leading lady in such a story!
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.
After discovering her husband is a manipulative liar, Claudia divorced him and moved from her corporate job to run a little shop at the end of the beach in Porthsteren where she sells crystals, oracle cards, soaps and other such materials. When a sullen teenager, Millie, comes in with her disbelieving father, Jason, the two females connect but with Jason the sparks fly. He is definitely not reticent about expressing his disbelief in everything Claudia sells but Millie is fascinated by it all. However, a new shop is opening soon, Millie needs help coping with the untimely death of her Mum, Jason has his own problems, too, and what with unexpected storms, rotten rumours and malicious damage life is going to be anything but calm for Claudia and her friends!
This is a story of challenging beliefs, being open to new ideas, learning to control your temper, working together and finding love. It is a laugh out loud fun read which is delightful to escape into whatever the weather and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. This is another great read from this talented author and I have no hesitation in highly recommending it and everything else I've read by her! I look forward to reading more from her in future and really hope there will be more involving these characters in future stories - I'm sure Tanya would make for an intriguing leading lady in such a story!
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.
June 19, 2020
There were so many little stories within one story here. Claudia’s journey from heartbreak to where she is right now. Jason and Millie’s attempts to settle into a new place and try to move on from loss and hurt. So many themes were covered too – grief and loss, healing and learning to trust again, parenting, community life, the joys and the difficulties of running a small business, New Age spirituality, old fashioned witchcraft (!) …but they all fitted in so well into this lovely story. The overriding story is of course one of learning to love and trust again and I enjoyed how that flowed so naturally.
I loved Claudia’s character – loving, forgiving, ready to make a difference in the community – she’s a strong woman who came back from heartache and reinvented herself. It’s no wonder that Millie and then more reluctantly, Jason are drawn to her.
The descriptions of the south coast of Cornwall are enchanting. I must confess that I was enthralled by shop next to Claudia’s Healing Waves, The Porthsteren Page Turner, since I’ve always dreamed of owning a bookshop and cafe!
If it was possible to fall in love with a place just by reading about it, then I want to be transported to Porthsteren!
Enjoyed this read and will be looking for more books from Helen Pollard!
https://corinnerodrigues.com/2020/06/...
I loved Claudia’s character – loving, forgiving, ready to make a difference in the community – she’s a strong woman who came back from heartache and reinvented herself. It’s no wonder that Millie and then more reluctantly, Jason are drawn to her.
The descriptions of the south coast of Cornwall are enchanting. I must confess that I was enthralled by shop next to Claudia’s Healing Waves, The Porthsteren Page Turner, since I’ve always dreamed of owning a bookshop and cafe!
If it was possible to fall in love with a place just by reading about it, then I want to be transported to Porthsteren!
Enjoyed this read and will be looking for more books from Helen Pollard!
https://corinnerodrigues.com/2020/06/...
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