Karen Clarke has such a lovely writing style. You are quickly drawn into the story, meeting the characters and the setting and immediately feeling at home.

Cassie has left her high flying job as an event planner and come home to lick her wounds. She doesn't tell her family that she was fired- or that it wasn't the dream job she suggested it was.

She meets up with old friends and soon feels the comfortable draw of her hometown. She wants to make a mark on her family café- but are her parents really keen on her plans?! She has a few events planned and the 'cat cafe' has such potential for a disaster zone but sounded so wonderful.

She also gets drawn back into a childhood hobby and lets that be her comfort zone. I just loved the sound of the café and would be so keen to visit and I would be really tempted by the 'event's'.

It has such a lovely family feel- she is drawn back into the heart of the family and along with her brother try to make sure everyone is happy- including nan, who is a fantastic character.

There is a romance in the air and I was really rooting for Danny- the golden boy!

I have loved all the Karen Clarke books that I have read and will be keen to read her next release.

*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

In this story we follow Cassie Maitland, an event manager, who takes a break from her stressful job and goes back home.

There a lot of things have changed. Her parents now have a successful little café, her friends Meg and Tilly have a new and totally different lifestyle and then there is her old flame Danny. All this calls for an interesting storyline and excitement.

Cassie starts coming up with ideas for her parents’ café, some are better than other, but she always gets Danny’s help and she starts to see life from a different perspective.

I really adored Cassie’s family, especially her nan. They are a great mixture of people and they all add so much to the story.

The setting is absolutely beautifully and Karen Clarke did a great job capturing it all.

Certain bits in the storyline seemed a bit unrealistic and not authentic enough. This is a real pity, because I really liked the idea behind it all.

There is a lot of humour in the storyline and I really enjoyed the dialogue between the characters.

All in all, I think it’s a delightful and happy story.

This is the first book I have read from this author. From the cover and synopsis of this story, I thought it would be right up my street. It is described on the cover as a heart-warming laugh out loud romantic comedy, and although I didn't actually laugh out loud, it was an amusing and entertaining story. It didn't grab my attention right from the start, but once I got into it, I found I didn't want to put it down.

The story centres on Cassie Maitland, an events coordinator who has been working in London and New York for some time. She decides to return to her family home in the Devon seaside town of Seashell Cove for a break while she decides where her career should go next. She plans to help out with her parents' cafe, set in a wonderful position, high on the cliffs overlooking the cove. However, things have changed quite a bit in her absence, and it seems that her help may not be required. Still, she plans some events to attract more customers to the cafe, with some amusing consequences. Returning to her childhood home brings her back into contact with old friends, her somewhat wacky grandmother and Danny Fleetwood, a boy she'd had a crush on at school. How will all these factors influence her decision for the future?

This was a delightful tale of family and friendships. The setting for the cafe was very evocative; I could imagine myself sitting with a coffee looking out over the shining sea. The characters were all realistic, with problems and attitudes that will be familiar to any of us. I definitely enjoyed this book and will look out for more by this author.

In "The Cafe at Seashell Cove", after losing her job as an event planer after one too many mistakes, Cassie comes back home to her parents in Seashell Cove. Of course, she's afraid they're going to be disappointed in her losing her job, especially as they are so, so proud of her, boasting about her and her high - flying job in London, so she simply says she's on holidays. However, while at home, she wants to try to start her own event - planning business and her parents' cafe is the perfect trial for her, even though they're very happy with the way it works. So is Cassie going to cause more trouble than it's worth or is she going to find her two feet and start a new career?

The character of Cassie was very annoying. She didn't behave like a woman in her late twenties, she was just too childish. She was the only one who knew what's wrong and what's right, she didn't hear to other people and everything was always about her. If people didn't agree with her, they were described by the author as "bitchy" and were made look bad. I more than once wanted to tell Cassie to just stop trying to make people happy no matter what, to stop and start listening what others try to tell her. She also gave impression of being really very incompetent in what she was doing and I couldn't believe nobody commented how crap she was at it - she really just ran into everything without thinking, feet first, and it just somehow didn't fit the picture of the perfect, professional Cassie she wanted everybody to believe in. I just couldn't warm to her and connect with her, with the fact that she ignored other people's need, focusing only on her herself. Also, I do know that families should keep together, support each other and be proud of each other but I just wanted to cry out loud and bang my head on the nearest wall at another mention of Cassie's parents Being. So. Proud. Of. Her. Yes, I do get where the author was coming from and what she was aiming at here but maybe it could have been better or differently developed.

The "romance" with Adam was so very unrealistic and unbelievable. They were like two strange people and the sudden appearance of Adam was probably one of the most unpredictable things that could ever happen. I know, unpredictable is good but I think not in this case. They didn't know each other, I really don't know why they were together and why they've broken up, there was no chemistry in this relationship.

"The Cafe at the Seashell Cove" has one of the most gorgeous covers ever and probably it's the best part of this book. But altogether, it was a light - hearted read that had its moments and I would recommend giving it a try - you may enjoy it much better than I did, maybe I'm just growing out of such stories? It was entertaining, cute and sweet read but - sadly - not for me.

Returning home to her parents and their business of the cafe they run, Cassie finds herself looking for a new event planning job and possibly being self employed doing so, after losing hers in London meanwhile her brother is also back at their parents after taking a break from touring in his band and dealing with his girlfriend issues.



As Cassie settles back into life back home, she discovers it's actually possibly just what she needed despite the initial shock of all her old school school friends, Tilly and Meg along with Danby Fleetwood all being back home and playing a part in the renovation of her parents cafe. Of which Cassie had planned to renovate for them to set their business on the global map.



As she starts to rediscover life and a new path for herself including a romantic one, her old life is offered back to her but will she choose the new path over the done before one and stay with her family, friends and possible happy future?



A really funny, sweet romantic book by Karen which you won't regret picking up. The characters are great and likable, with hilarious language use throughout the novel, you'll be sure to enjoy this read, especially on the beach in the summer!



Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!

Karen Clarke has become a fast favorite for light, humorous reads with a dash of serious topics thrown in for good measure. For someone who reads a lot of thrillers, it’s imperative to break them up with characters who put a smile on my face and make me laugh out loud. And that is exactly what you’ll find when you pick up one of Clarke’s novels.

Cassie has returned home to Seashell Cove after being sacked from her glamorous, high stress event planning position in London. Yet everyone is under the impression that she’s taking a sabbatical before setting up her own business. The characters are real and flawed, yet have the humor and banter dialogue that make this a highly enjoyable read.

Another author whose entire back catalogue of books I’ve gone and purchased after being so impressed with her latest titles!

Thanks so much to Netgalley, Bookcouture and Karen Clarke for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review - you have a forever fan!

A really fun summer read with lots of twists and turns along the way. The humour in Karen Clarke’s books is always subtle and genuine, it never feels forced.

If you're looking for a light hearted, fun book I recommend giving this book a try. After Cassie loses her job in London, she goes back to her parents in Seashell Cove. Afraid she'll disappoint her family by telling them the truth, she simply says she's visiting for a break before she goes back to London. While there she tries to get more business for her parents cafe, even though they are busy as it is. Cassie is too concerned about proving to herself about what she wants she's not seeing what truly makes her happy. I very much enjoyed this story. It was a book that puts you in a good mood. The story was entertaining, the characters were believable, the love interest was sweet without being overly so, and it definitely makes me want to read more by this author.

*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Words cannot express how much I enjoyed this novel, it was so easy to read, light-hearted and hilarious that I couldn't put it down.

The story follows main character Cassie, on her return home to Seashell Cove (which just sounds like the most delightful place ever - I now want to live there!) after being fired from her job as an events manager. Cassie is upset that she's lost her job and is too frightened and ashamed to tell her parents the truth as all she hears from her parents are how proud they are of her and her high-flying career.

However, as the story goes on Cassie learns some new things about herself and about her loved ones around her and it really is just a lovely novel with a light-hearted feel. I would 110% recommend this book. It's the perfect story to get you excited for summer and after I'd finished it, it left me feeling all warm inside. I liked the character of Cassie, I felt like she was easy to relate to - I mean who doesn't want to make their parents proud? And I really felt for her with what she was going through - although sometimes I don't think she helped herself!

Another character I loved was Cassie's nan, I found her hilarious! Her and Cassie's conversations had me laughing out loud and that's just what I want from a book, I want to enjoy it and this is just what this book did. Danny was another lovely character and I was totally hoping that him and Cassie were going to end up together. Danny just seemed like the most perfect man ever! Surely I'm not alone in thinking this?

Overall, I really really enjoyed this book. I've liked every single one of Karen's novels that she's released recently and I can't wait to read more from this brilliant author. Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

I am somewhat at odds with myself over this review because overall I did like the book, the ending, though predictable, was written well and I loved Danny and Cassie's family.
A big part of my problem throughout the book was Cassie. I really didn't warm to her, though very raw and detailed in the way her character was written, I couldn't stand how petulant, domineering and self-obsessed she was. There were glimmers of hope but throughout she dealt with people without really considering what THEY wanted and pushed through ideas unnecessarily because of her own shit going on which I found really difficult to tolerate. I could see that there were a lot of complex issues surrounding her need to be successful etc but perhaps this part of her, and how she realises it, could have developed better throughout the story rather than the suddenness of it all at the end which by that point it was difficult to connect with her.
I found several of the dramatic unraveling of plans really hectic and stressful and though written well so you got to feel that hysteria going on it wasn't quite the read I was expecting, felt like having a valium and a lie down myself!
Plus points for the chemistry and how you do feel the sizzling heat and tugs on heartstrings between the characters.

This was the perfect cheery book to read while our power was out! Come to think of it, it would be a good read whenever you want a happy "can you go home again" novel. Cassie has returned to her parent's home from London. She finds herself creating events- loved the cat day (what a disaster!). Her old flame Danny is around and while she doesn't treat him very well, he hangs in there. There are light delightful funny lines in this, as well as good characters. This isn't about the cafe so much as it is about Cassie finding herself. You might find some of the plot familiar but it's really well executed. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Thumbs up!

A book should sometimes not be judged by the cover and the vibes that the said cover gives out.I say sometimes because the are a large draw for me however I happen to pick out my books (virtual and hard copy).

This book gives off a very typical laid back effect.with a simple storyline that belies the content's potency.We start with Cassie arriving home after a disastrous couple of months in London. She is so focused on her next move, she fails to take into account that the scenario involves people who are not pawns in her game and they have been making moves on their own in her absence.This aspect, of her fighting for her vision for how things should be irrespective of their ultimate benefit for the people is hard to read passively about.I felt like throttling her to shake some sense into her at her dismay at changes in her parent's and brother's lives.On the other hand, I recognized that instinct and actually have fought the same reactions myself.

She reconnects with the life in her hometown and when opportunity comes knocking again she must make the difficult choice.This tale is all about Cassie but her friends,family and Danny (the jack of all trades and the master of it all as well) all play very important roles and it was a great read!

A heartwarming tale about keeping up pretences in order to not let anyone down. Interesting parallels are drawn between the life your parents wanted you to have and the life you didn't know you wanted. Karen Clarke paints a lovely picture of life by the sea and the fabulous cafe run by Cassie's parents.

An enjoyable read, following in the footsteps of other seaside reads although not in the same setting. Makes me long for warm sunny days instead of cold, winter days ....

Another great read from Karen Clarke

Ironically funny is my best way to describe Café at Seashell Cove. There are misdirected parents who have caused the same for their daughter, complicating her being honest and baring one’s soul. This misdirection causes her parents to maintain a completely false, albeit lovingly, and misguided fronts. Cassie has returned home to Seashell Cove fired from her event coordinator job in London. Because of wanting to appear successful to her parents, she has embellished her work to appear more glamorous than reality. Her parents on their part have made a habit of pronouncing her successes to everyone and anyone that comes into their café. Knowing this and unable to disappoint them, Cassie carries on a ruse of trying to establish her own event coordinator business in Seashell Cove. Event coordination is not her forte-not even close. Her strength has always been in art which she forewent for, as her parents felt, a more lucrative career.
Finding and fighting here true path brings antics, angst and, ultimately, peace.

First novel I've read by the author but will definitely be reading more. Great story

What a refreshing change for a book that feature the word Cafe in the title to not be completely about food and life in the cafe! The book is really about Cassie who has returned to her home town after working in London for years, to try to set up her own events planning business, and intending to run a series of events at her parent's cafe to build up local contacts.

Given she had been working as an event planner in London, a fact her parents continually boast about, should mean that things go according to plan for Cassie but as you may have guessed from the start of that sentence, things aren't quite that simple.

I absolutely loved the variety of ideas that Cassie came up with for the cafe, and the events certainly sounded a lot of fun. Cassie is able to re-connect with old friends and feel closer to her family too, but is she truly happy? Well you will need to read to see exactly what is is Cassie should be doing with her life.

One of my favourite scenes involved a comedy night, the one liners from the comedian were perfectly pitched both for the audience he was performing to, and also for my sense of humour. They were clever but groan worthy at the same time, I loved them.

The writing is fabulous and with ever book I read of Karen Clarke's she is becoming a firm favourite of mine. The setting of Seashell Cove sounded divine and I would have loved to visit for myself. This is a warm hearted, uplifting story of family, romance, and of being true to yourself and I would recommend it to anyone.

Just don't expect lashings of gorgeous cake descriptions, as although there is small bit of food, as I said at the start this is not a typical cafe story, and shouldn't be read with that expectation. The cafe does have a place to play but more of as a hub for where Cassie tries out some of her ideas.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

This is possibly the best book that Karen Clarke has ever written. I have enjoyed it immensley. The characters are so real and the emotions run high.

I have to say that Seashell Cove sounds like an idyllic spot to spend a bit of time! Luckily for me, I got to spend a bit of time there via this book and I enjoyed every moment of it.

Cassie has been through a bit of a rough patch in the "big smoke", London in this instance, and comes home to Seashell Cove to lick her wounds. Her parents are lovely people who work hard, have a great relationship and want the very best for their children. So, what does that actually entail for Cassie and her brother Rob?

This is such a gorgeous book about friendship, family ties, trying to figure out what really brings you joy..... Yes, it is chick lit, but it is a bit of a thinker of a book as well.

I loved it. 4.5 stars from me :)

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

A lovely light read. Brought me back to my beachside childhood holidays. A slow start but stick with it. Thanks Netgalley and Bookouture for allowing me to read this book.