Member Reviews
This is the first I have read by this author and I plan to get the series. The laugh out loud moments and some of the phrases were absolutely hilarious.
Meg worked at the Old Bakery until the owner passed away. She's still been allowed to continue to bake there until someone purchases the property. Her friends are quite supportive but her fiance' Sam, not so much. He's all about his training for his cycling.
Meg and Sam have been together for many years after some ups and downs. Meg is feeling all sorts of pressure from all different directions to settle down, get married and have babies (because that's what makes mother's happy). Meg starts to realize that she wants things to slow down so she can see her dream of working in a bakery a reality.
The characters are wonderful, the stories within the main story are also just as detailed so that you get the feel for everyone. I was rooting for some and then I wanted to have a serious talk with a couple of other characters!!
Really enjoyed this story, looking forward to purchasing the rest of the series. Wonderful book and even though the relationship between Meg and Sam was serious, there were many times when I just laughed out loud. Karen Clarke certainly put a smile on my face with this lovely story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for giving me a chance to read such a great story.
This heart warming story tells the tale of bride-to-be Meg Larson who is starting to have doubts about her upcoming marriage to Sam, who seems more interested in cycling and one of the women on his tour than Meg herself. Add to that, a less than welcoming group of potential in-laws and it is not surprising that Meg is starting to get cold feet.
But things are starting to turn around for her: a potential buyer has come forward for the Bakery she wishes to run, and her dream job is now fully in her sights, along with Nathan, her estate agent, who she just can't stop thinking about.
When I picked up this book, I had no idea it was the second in a series, but to be honest, it did not matter, and worked well as a standalone. The story had me giggling right from the first page, and pulled me in with it's relatable characters that left me craving cake and other baked goods the whole way through! It was a light and easy read, with a romance that left me rooting for both Meg and Nathan right to the last page.
4 out of 5 stars.
* This eBook ARC was provided by Bookouture through NetGalley for an honest review.
Meg is one of three lifelong school friends, all now living in or around Seashell Cove. She, Cassie and Tillie have renewed their friendships and provide support, laughs and plenty of good memories. But, with Meg now going to marry Sam, her high school boyfriend, with all of the associated family pressures from wedding plans to grandchildren – she’s finding that her life isn’t all she hoped for. She bakes cakes – gorgeous popular cakes, and was the pastry chef for the Old Bakery – until the owner died and her job there ended. Without a will in place, the bakery is slated for sale – and Meg isn’t happy – she wants to bake her cakes and has dreams that another owner will hire her to manage the business.
Not everyone is thrilled with Meg’s rather loosely defined plans. Her mother is pushing for a grandchild, more now than ever with her neighbor and best friend Kath’s new grandson, a child she dotes on, unlike his mother who, married to a rich older man, is soon looking for her next thing that will bring her accolades and ‘happiness’. Sam, Meg’s fiancé is a selfish and self-absorbed man – working on his training for a bicycle trip from Paris to Geneva – anything that interferes with his own interests – that Meg may want- get a passive-aggressive, are you sure, or is that realistic with the wedding. We won’t even discuss his family- far too involved in the minute details of their life, with only his father being truly welcoming and understanding. But, not all is lost – as the estate agent in charge of the sale of the bakery is one very adorable Nathan, filling in while his brother recovers from an accident – and he’s instantly drawn to both Meg’s passion for baking and the easy camaraderie they have. His passion (and feelings ) for Meg are clearly evident to the soon to be anonymous (but almost not really to anyone but Meg) buyer who, after her appearance on a show dedicated to highlighting ‘Hidden Gems” throughout Britain airs, and Meg both spills her guts and shares her passion for cakes and baking.
This was adorable, and far more a very late coming of age story for Meg: she’s spent her entire life adjusting (or even ignoring) what she wants to make others happy. It was frustrating to watch her dance about issues and her own emotions, afraid to speak up, or worried that her own dreams are not realistic enough, or she isn’t good enough to make them happen. When you add in her own mother’s agoraphobia, Sam’s half-interest in anything that doesn’t put him first, and Meg’s own unfamiliarity with her own emotions and desires, it did take her a bit to get her feet under her. And, far from an easy journey, she’s hit with many different situations, choices and decisions that usually come when you are half her age…. It’s understandable that it takes her time to absorb the changes, and with the help of her best friends, her fiancé’s younger sister and a push from people who ‘know of what they speak” she bites the bullet and reaches for the things she wants most. Lovely character development, some intriguing situations and the constant support from friends gives Meg the start on her new, grown-up life that she so desperately deserves.
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 <a href=”https://wp.me/p3OmRo-9RA/” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>
I really loved this book, I just wanted to keep reading and not wanting it to finish, but at the same time wanting to know what happens. You really get to know the characters. I am looking forward to hopefully the next installment in the Seashell Cove series. Thoroughly recommend this book not only for a holiday/beach/pool read.
Although I found it heavier than what the cover said it was; all the misadventures happening to the characters along the way really took me to heart.. I do think it’s one of the stories that we need to read. Maybe our first love doesn’t need to be our wedding partner just for the sake of everything else rather than our feelings; but that also doesn’t mean we can’t love the next one deeper.
I also appreciate how humoristic this novel can be ! I giggled in my head quite often; for more “adult” humour like I know I have, or even odd sayings i’d never heard of like « You could’ve buttered my butt and called me a cookie (..) »
I also particularly loved the character of Kath and Gwen – such unique women in their own way!
I really liked this story. It was a lovely way to spend a few hours on a rainy afternoon. I could imagine the bakery and all the characters. I thought Meg was a really good character. I really like the books by this author and will be looking out for more.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.
I am a massive fan of this author's books and they are always a delight to read so I was very happy when I saw that this book was being released!! She also has some of the most gorgeous covers around at the moment!
I loved this story, it was heart warming, funny and a genuine feel good read. The characters were great well developed with excellent characterisation. They worked well within the story and gave it an added depth. This can definitely be read as a stand alone but if you do have an opportunity I really wold recommend her other books too!!
Five stars from me - a thoroughly enjoyable read that I really, really enjoyed!!
5☆ A Scrumptious Feel Good Read!
The Bakery at Seashell Cove is a delicious read. I adore baking so for me this book hit my sweet spot and made my tummy rumble.
This is the second book in the series and I had no problem getting stuck into it. I do have the first book just haven't had the chance to read it. But I will definitely be reading it now!
Meg is about to lose her beloved bakery at Seashell Cove and with her fiancé Sam setting off on a cycling trip from Paris to Geneva
She has to face the fight on her own.
Well that is until the gorgeous and sexy Nathan rocks up and gets her pulses racing.
With her relationship on the rocks with her childhood sweetheart, and the potential of losing her beloved Bakery will Nathan be her Knight in Shining armour or Will love conquer all?
The Bakery at Seashell Cove was an absolute joy to read. It was a deliciously light hearted and heart warming read.
The romance fizzies along perfectly, the food is mouth wateringly good,in fact I would love some of the recipies.
The characters are strong and likeable you can't help routing for them to suceed. Especially Meg she deserves a happy ending.
If you are looking for a warm, romantic, feel good read that is engaging, fun and will leave your tummy rumbling, then this book is the one for you!
The perfect piece of escapism!
Thank you to Bookouture for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Just wow! Another truly spectacular book from Karen Clarke. I am loving this series.
Seashell Cove is a place full of colourful characters including Gwen from the cafe, and I thoroughly enjoying getting to know Meg and her family better.
I wasn't as keen on Meg's fiance and his family though.
And the bakery, what a great story involving it, and whether Meg would or wouldn't get her dream come true of running the old bakery. This is a woman that can seriously bake and her cakes were sounding delicious.
I am loving how both of these Seashell Cove books so far are slightly different from what you may expect from the titles! Fantastic writing, great storylines and pretty setting, combining to create another fantastic story. I can't wait for the next book!
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
The Bakery at Seashell Cove was a great read, having never read anything by this author before I wasn't sure what to expect, I'll definitely be looking at more books by this author.
A relaxing read which delivers in all the categories you expect from a beach read. The main character, Meg, has characteristics that we can all relate too. The story goes through her dealing with a choice between the comfort of her long-term boyfriend and a new love interest and the support each show her in following her dream of running a bakery. She is supported by her two close friends that we all wish we had in our lives. Her admirable qualities are shown through the relationship with her mother who suffers severe social anxiety. Humorous, touching relationships add the extra dimension to this otherwise typical storyline.
A lovely lighthearted romance, Meg is a great character and the sorry was sweet, very well written and easy to read.
I have loved each and every one of Karen's books that I have read. 'The Bakery At Seashell Cove' was no exception as I absolutely blinking well loved it but more about that in a bit.
I absolutely LOVED the character of Meg Larson. She is a young woman, who works in the local bakery and she thinks that she is living the dream because not only is she working as a baker but she is engaged to her childhood sweetheart and she lives in the idyllic sounding Seashell Cove. Meg is a lovely young lady but I have the distinct impression that she is suffering from a lack of self confidence. She seems to put herself down on occasion and I did wonder if this was because other people had put her down in the past. I so wanted to jump inside the pages of the book to give Meg a hug and to reassure her that she is perfect just the way she is. Her boyfriend Sam isn't exactly that helpful either. Whether consciously or otherwise, he makes the occasional snide remarks and on occasion, he certainly takes her for granted and treats her like dirt. I so wanted to jump inside the pages of the book to give him a few dozen slaps with a wet fish. He goes away on a big cycle challenge and whilst he is away Meg discovers that a young lady is also on said trip but Sam conveniently forgot to mention that. Unsurprisingly Meg is not too happy about that. Meg is a feisty and determined young lady, who would love nothing better than to reopen the bakery- she is a fantastic baker. There's potentially trouble on the horizon because the owners of the bakery want to sell the building. It's during this period of time that she finds herself having to deal with Nathan, the local real estate agent, on a regular basis. Now he sounds like a real catch. He's good with children, he's kind, he's considerate and he treats Meg well. Out of the two I would much rather that Meg picks Nathan and bin Sam. Which man will Meg choose to be with? Will Meg be able to make a huge success of the bakery? Will Sam get his just desserts? Well for the answers to those questions and more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out because I am not going to tell you.
Oh my days this was certainly a read and a half. I was hooked on this book from the moment I read the synopsis and picked my Kindle up. I picked this book up at a good time for me as I was feeling a bit down in the dumps and in need of cheering up. This book cheered me up and then some. I became addicted to reading this book and I just had to keep getting my fix of one more page, one more chapter and well you get the picture. I picked up this book only intending to only read a couple of chapters but that intention soon went out of the window. I was so into the story and I liked the characters (well most of them anyway) so much that I didn't realise how much I had read until I looked up and realised that I had read 13 chapters. The page numbers flew past in a blur and before I knew it I had finished the book which I had mixed feelings about. I was pleased to finish the book because then I knew how the story ended but I was disappointed in finishing the book because I was enjoying the author's writing style, the story and the characters so much that I just wanted the book to continue. By the time I closed the back cover, I really did feel as though I had been through the emotional wringer with all the feelings of happiness, sadness, hope, despair and well you get the picture. I did find that I was chuckling away to myself all the way through this book.
In conclusion this is one hell of a book and I wholeheartedly recommend it to other readers. I can't wait to read what comes next from Karen Clarke. Here's hoping that we don't have too long to wait. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 5* out of 5*.
Imagine spending a week by the sea with your best friend. Imagine the sunshine, the sand, the seagulls, the local eateries. That’s this book! I really enjoy light hearted and fun books and this book has fun packed in at every opportunity. I really enjoyed it. It speaks of summertime, sunshine, friendship and gateaux!
This is my first book by this author although I have been meaning to read one of her books for a while as the covers are so alluring, don't you think? This one perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the book which is a deliciously sweet, summery read.
I love the character os Meg, she is so warm and friendly but slightly hapless and I was rooting for her to get everything she wanted, which is mainly to run The Old Bakery at Seashell Cove - closed since its elderly owner died - which is now up for sale. This is more than Meg's self-obsessed fiancé, Nathan, wants. He is too wrapped up in his obsession with cycling and being babied by his mother to take much interest in what Meg wants.
Meg is given an amazing opportunity to boost the bakery's profile when she appears on TV. I really enjoyed this segment of the book, it was terribly funny and a great way to set up other aspects of the story.
The book has twists and turns in the way of Meg's complicated family and a little whodunnit which keeps us guessing until the end. This is all done in a gentle, amusing way but it keeps the book rolling along nicely.
Meg's future mother-in-law is a complete horror from who I would have run screaming a lot sooner than Meg did but she provides some great comic moments. There are a lot of fun characters in this book, include a bitchy sister, friendly baker and Meg has a couple of fabulous friends who obviously have their own stories.
The whole thing is an undemanding, easy, fun read, perfect for a hot summer's day on a sun lounger with a glass of something cool within reach. I can't wait to catch up on Karen Clarke's back catalogue.
The Bakery at Seashell Cove by Karen Clarke is the 2nd book in the Seashell Cove series, and a wonderful fun read that takes you back to fun summers at the shore. Meg Larson is a baker, but the bakery she worked at is for sale after the owners death. Meg hopes the new owners will continue to let her bake. This was a very enjoyable book. I enjoyed seeing how the different threads tied together and how the dynamics between the characters played out. Looking forward to reading this author again. I recommended this book/series is you're looking for a sweet romance.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Well this was a mistake to pick up.
I can't count how many times I face-palmed because of the main character. Are you seriously blind, girl. If I were her I would have dumped the fiance within the first few chapters. And the love story is based on a few meetings of the two main love interest with little to no chemistry.
I did not enjoy this book and do not recommend it for anyone.
Another cozy book by Karen Clarke that follows in the Seashell Cove series. A Very enjoyable storyline.
Thank you to Bookouture for letting me be part of this tour. I loved Karen's Beachside series and I was excited to dive back into her books.
This book follows Meg. Meg used to work at the Old Bakery until the owner passed away without a will. His brother isn't interested in it so it's up for sale. Meg has loved baking since she was a little girl and can't imagine being happy doing anything else. I really liked Meg. She was a nice down to earth girl. She's not afraid of a bit of hard work and is passionate about her baking.
From the moment we met Meg's fiance Sam I hated him. He seemed selfish and unsupportive. He didn't care about what Meg actually wanted at all. Whether it be her career or their wedding. He reminded me of my ex boyfriend in all honesty.
Now Nathan the dishy estate agent was definitely more to my liking and not only because he has the same name as my boyfriend. Nathan was very supportive of Meg. He encouraged her passion for baking and didn't tell her to get a real job like Sam.
I also loved Meg's friends Cassie and Tilly. They were such loyal and kind hearted people. They were supportive of Meg's decisions and were really there for her in times of need.
Karen's writing style was excellent. This is the perfect summer time book. It made me feel light and happy. I can't wait to catch up on the other book in the Seashell Cove Series.
Not my cup of tea. Characters seemed a bit week, motivations not defined enough to really care about the bakery or the peoply