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Nicola May
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The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay: An uplifting original and touching romantic comedy: A sunny, funny, story of romance and mystery, guaranteed to warm the cockles of your heart Kindle Edition

by Nicola May (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 39,451 ratings
Editors' pick Hand-selected reads
MILLY JOHNSON SAYS: 'A SUNNY, FUNNY, LOVELY STORY TO WARM THE COCKLES OF YOUR HEART'

Rosa Larkin is down on her luck in London, so when she inherits a near-derelict corner shop in a quaint Devon village, her first thought is to sell it for cash and sort out her life. But nothing is straightforward about this legacy. While the identity of her benefactor remains a mystery, he - or she - has left one important legal proviso: that the shop cannot be sold, only passed on to somebody who really deserves it.

Rosa makes up her mind to give it a go: to put everything she has into getting the shop up and running again in the small seaside community of Cockleberry Bay. But can she do it all on her own? And if not, who will help her succeed - and who among the following will work secretly to see her fail?

There is a handsome rugby player, a sexy plumber, a charlatan reporter and a selection of meddling locals. Add in a hit and run incident and the disappearance of a valuable engraved necklace – and what you get is a journey of self-discovery and unpredictable events.

With surprising and heartfelt results, Rosa, accompanied at all times by her little sausage dog Hot, will slowly unravel the shadowy secrets of the inheritance, and also bring her own, long-hidden heritage into the light.
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  1. Book 1 of 4
    Cockleberry Bay
  2. Print length
    345 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    9 April 2018
  6. File size
    1.3 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 4 books in this series.
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  1. “Follow your heart, but don’t forget to take your brain with you”.
    Highlighted by 303 Kindle readers
  2. ‘Love is friendship set on fire, isn’t that what they say though, mate?’
    Highlighted by 208 Kindle readers
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From the Publisher

READ ALL 4 BOOKS IN THIS MUCH LOVED COCKLEBERRY BAY SERIES

cockleberry bay series

FULL OF LOVE, HOPE AND A LITTLE BIT OF MYSTERY

HOLIDAY BEACH LOVE COCKLEBERRY BAY

Product description

Review

"

‘A sunny, funny, lovely story guaranteed to warm the cockles of your heart’ – Milly Johnson

‘It works as a delightful romantic comedy novel, but also a cosy crime mystery and moving story of personal growth and transformation’ – Booklover Book Reviews

‘This book is so addictive that you will literally lose three hours of your life and you won't care’ – Cara’s Book Boudoir

‘One of my favourite books of this year so far’ – That Thing She Reads

‘This fab book offers you mystery, romance, drama and comedy. It is filled with a great array of realistic characters and at times feels like a little soap opera. Can’t wait for the sequel!’ – Blonde Write More

‘A thoroughly uplifting and inspiring read’ – Jera’s Jamboree

" --.

About the Author

Award winning author Nicola May writes what she calls chick lit with a kick! All of her books have been in the bestselling Kindle charts. The School Gates & Christmas Yves won awards for Best Author Published reads at the Festival of Romance in 2012 and 2014 respectively. Let Love Win was also nominated in 2013.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07B8KML35
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 9 April 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.3 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 345 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 4 ‏ : ‎ Cockleberry Bay
  • Customer reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 39,451 ratings

About the author

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Nicola May

Nicola May

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Nicola May is a rom-com superstar. She is the author of eighteen romantic comedies, all of which have appeared in the Kindle bestseller charts. The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay became the best-selling Kindle book in the UK, across all genres, in January 2019, and was Amazon’s third-bestselling novel in that year. It spawned three sequels, followed by the hit Ferry Lane Market trilogy. She is now published in 15 languages. Her new novel HOW DO I TELL YOU? is out January 2025

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
39,451 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a great holiday read with an intriguing storyline featuring twists and turns, and they particularly enjoy Rosa as the main character. The book features beautiful Cornwall landscape descriptions, and customers describe it as a heartwarming love story that makes them laugh and cry. They appreciate the fast-moving plot that unfolds slowly enough to enjoy, and one customer notes it's an easy read for bedtime.

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1,541 customers mention ‘Readability’1,409 positive132 negative

Customers find the book easy to read, particularly as a bedtime story, and enjoy it as a holiday read.

"...It's such a warm story, with some unexpected twists and turns, some fun and unexpected characters like Titch, and let's not forget Joe......" Read more

"...A light hearted, feel good read that will leave you with a lovely warm feeling." Read more

"...I gave this book five stars because I wanted a light but engaging read and it exceeded my expectations...." Read more

"Loved this book, captures your imagination from the beginning, well written and not full of unnecessary crap to fill out a book like a lot of books..." Read more

550 customers mention ‘Storyline’462 positive88 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline of the book, which features multiple twists and turns, a mystery central to the plot, and a happy ending.

"...It's such a warm story, with some unexpected twists and turns, some fun and unexpected characters like Titch, and let's not forget Joe......" Read more

"...There is a little bit of everything in this story, crime, mystery, romance, friendships. It all makes for a highly enjoyable read...." Read more

"The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay is, essentially, a good story concept; and the opening to the story does capture the reader's attention straight..." Read more

"...A feel-good plot with some grit makes this novel a highly enjoyable read." Read more

318 customers mention ‘Character development’279 positive39 negative

Customers love the characters in the book, particularly the main character Rosa, and find them easy to follow.

"...with some unexpected twists and turns, some fun and unexpected characters like Titch, and let's not forget Joe......" Read more

"...The characters are real - I cringed and laughed, at times. Having Hot the dog, as a central character, was also a winner...." Read more

"...So this has been a lovely funny and entertaining story, wonderful characters and a delightful setting by the beach, oh and a cute little adorable..." Read more

"...and the villains are sufficiently villainous in a soap-opera villain type of way - I wanted to "boo" them!..." Read more

269 customers mention ‘Heartwarming story’266 positive3 negative

Customers find this book heartwarming and light-hearted, describing it as a good romantic read with a profound love story.

"...Great read, lovely and sweet, keeping me reading too late just to find out what happens next!" Read more

"...There is a little bit of everything in this story, crime, mystery, romance, friendships. It all makes for a highly enjoyable read...." Read more

"...I do love Josh, have quite the soft spot for him and love the friendship between him and Rosa...." Read more

"...And Hot Dog the dachshund is such a sweetie!..." Read more

163 customers mention ‘Humor’160 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor, describing it as wonderfully lighthearted with laugh-out-loud one-liners that make them both smile and cry.

"...The characters are real - I cringed and laughed, at times. Having Hot the dog, as a central character, was also a winner...." Read more

"...So this has been a lovely funny and entertaining story, wonderful characters and a delightful setting by the beach, oh and a cute little adorable..." Read more

"...This is a fun book with smiles and a little sadness...." Read more

"...Bay is a wonderfully warm and unexpectedly fun story of love, laughter, disasters, friendship and family...." Read more

136 customers mention ‘Interest’133 positive3 negative

Customers find the book engaging, with several noting they were hooked from beginning to end, and one mentioning it was lovely to lose themselves in for hours.

"...a sum of money to get a business started by an unknown benefactor is beguiling and has so much potential...." Read more

"...So this has been a lovely funny and entertaining story, wonderful characters and a delightful setting by the beach, oh and a cute little adorable..." Read more

"...plot lines provide a level of intrigue to the tale which grasps the readers' attention and maintains their interest until the end...." Read more

"...This book captured that time for me perfectly...." Read more

89 customers mention ‘Description’82 positive7 negative

Customers enjoy the book's descriptions, particularly the Cornwall landscape and quaint seaside setting.

"...It’s hard not to get caught up in a story set in such an idyllic place, although the downside to small villages is how nosy everyone is and news..." Read more

"Loved this book, captures your imagination from the beginning, well written and not full of unnecessary crap to fill out a book like a lot of books..." Read more

"...funny and entertaining story, wonderful characters and a delightful setting by the beach, oh and a cute little adorable dog by the name of Hot...." Read more

"...The author paints a vivid picture of the seaside town and its inhabitants which goes a long way to give the reader a lovely image of all the..." Read more

46 customers mention ‘Pacing’37 positive9 negative

Customers appreciate the book's pacing, noting its fairly fast-moving plot that unfolds slowly enough to enjoy, with one customer mentioning they couldn't turn the pages fast enough.

"Easy to read with funny parts, moving parts, mysterious parts and a satisfying ending...." Read more

"...It is indeed a light reading, I have read it quickly as it flows easily, uses a an everyday language, and has interesting plot...." Read more

"...Comedy in it but nonetheless found the content rivetting with a slowly unfolding but gripping tale...." Read more

"It was a quick, easy read as the chapters are nice and short so it was always temping to read "just one more" before going to bed!..." Read more

MoMo Book Diary highly recommends this FABULOUS must read!
5 out of 5 stars
MoMo Book Diary highly recommends this FABULOUS must read!
This book and author were brought to my attention by an author friend via twitter and as soon as I saw the cover, with a cute little dachshund, I knew I had to read it. (Thanks Sheryl Browne!) It may be the first Nicola May book I have read but I can say it definitely won’t be the last. This book is so much more than the cover suggests. It is chick-lit powered by rocket fuel! In this book, the author has given us a surprisingly fun and twisty romance that keeps you engaged and guessing all the way through. I am not sure if Nicola May is planning any follow up books on these characters but I really do hope so!
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Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Maressa Mortimer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fun and sweet
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 January 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I loved this book, even though it's not my usual genre. I chose it for a Reading Challenge, and I'm glad I did! Rosa is a wonderful character and I loved reading her story of the Corner Shop.
    It's such a warm story, with some unexpected twists and turns, some fun and unexpected characters like Titch, and let's not forget Joe...
    Great read, lovely and sweet, keeping me reading too late just to find out what happens next!
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Sarah H.
    4.0 out of 5 stars A light hearted, feel good read that will leave you with a lovely warm feeling.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 February 2021
    Verified Purchase
    For Rosa, dreams really can come true. To be left a shop in an idyllic village, especially when you are down on your luck. It couldn’t have come at a more perfect time.

    What I enjoyed most about this book is that it isn’t all hearts and flowers. Rosa and the other characters are highly realistic and even though fiction, that there are some not so nice people wherever you go. We also have a very modern day take on relationships. I thought it was all a refreshing change. I like that we meet Rosa, a woman in her mid twenties, who isn’t adverse to having relations with people she has just met. We are in the twentieth century folks!

    There is a little bit of everything in this story, crime, mystery, romance, friendships. It all makes for a highly enjoyable read. Even though I have just recently lost my own dog, I loved the parts to do with Hot, the sausage dog, and whilst I thought I might find it upsetting, I embraced the wonderful relationship between Hot and Rosa. There is just a wonderful bond and the author got it spot on.

    The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay was a wonderful read to escape into. It’s hard not to get caught up in a story set in such an idyllic place, although the downside to small villages is how nosy everyone is and news travels fast! What’s even better is discovering that this is the first book in a series set there and that I don’t have to say goodbye to the characters just yet. A light hearted, feel good read that will leave you with a lovely warm feeling.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • T Edges
    5.0 out of 5 stars An enjoyable read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 February 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I bought this book because I'd just read a slew of thrillers and wanted some light relief plus I used to have a village shop - which is what initially caught my attention. I ended up really enjoying it, even though it wasn't quite what I was expecting. The characters are real - I cringed and laughed, at times. Having Hot the dog, as a central character, was also a winner. I've got a bit fed up of the premise of 'Ooh, lucky me, I've just inherited somewhere lovely in the South West' (but that's probably only jealousy!) In this case though, it turned out to be all part of the puzzle/story. I guessed the main bit, well before the end and, as it was a romantic novel there were other obvious swings and roundabouts, but that didn't deter from my enjoyment. I gave this book five stars because I wanted a light but engaging read and it exceeded my expectations. It is always a good sign if you would like to see a second outing with the main characters.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Carlos
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 June 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Loved this book, captures your imagination from the beginning, well written and not full of unnecessary crap to fill out a book like a lot of books theses days.

    I'm looking forward to reading the other books in this series.

    👏👏👏👏👏
    One person found this helpful
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  • Swallowbird
    3.0 out of 5 stars Potential Unrealised.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 March 2019
    Verified Purchase
    The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay is, essentially, a good story concept; and the opening to the story does capture the reader's attention straight away. The idea of being left a shop and a sum of money to get a business started by an unknown benefactor is beguiling and has so much potential. And throughout the telling of this tale, the writer manages to introduce some genuinely magic touches.

    However, generally its development is slightly disappointing, with a great deal of crude, seemingly unnecessary, and less than artistic sexual content which I found detracted from the story. The writer will, no doubt, argue it all goes to the psyche of the heroine of the book, but it is crude and clumsy and detracts from what should be an enjoyable tale. Somehow the more lyrical parts of the story do no sit comfortably with the sexual content. If the writer were to assert this is to make the story 'edgy', I would say the tale of a shop in 'Cockleberry Bay', with the old love story that clings to the history of the shop is not an edgy subject in the first place and cannot be engineered to be so by throwing in a selection of salacious detail along the way.

    The other disappointment is the complete lack of editing, which results in a total - and annoying - hotchpotch of pages being justified on the left and, then, the right, and page breaks half way down, and whole pages dedicated to one word, and alternative words that the author couldn't decide on at the time both being left in together, and run-ons of dialogue from one character to another appearing on the same line etc etc. As picky as this might sound, proper editing is essential for the reader's enjoyment of the work and, quite frankly, to publish a manuscript in this state is unforgivably sloppy and unprofessional.

    I rated this book 3 stars for the concept and the fact that, overall, it was a reasonably enjoyable tale to read; but proper editorial input would have possibly resulted in a 5-star book.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Nessa
    4.0 out of 5 stars What a delightful story
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 March 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This is book one of a four book series.

    This book has been on my to be read list for quite some time, I’m glad I waited a bit to read it though now I can read the whole series back to back without having to wait for the next book to come out.

    So this has been a lovely funny and entertaining story, wonderful characters and a delightful setting by the beach, oh and a cute little adorable dog by the name of Hot. This book really does have a bit of everything, even that of a little mystery, the conclusion of which I did guess correctly before the big reveal at the very end but despite that it certainly did ruin the story for me in any way. I do love Josh, have quite the soft spot for him and love the friendship between him and Rosa.

    Right without further ado, I am heading straight into book two of the series.
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • helen smith
    5.0 out of 5 stars Peace
    Reviewed in Italy on 30 March 2022
    Verified Purchase
    A beautifully honest story, of the difficulties of being young in the modern world. Sympathetically written giving the reader a feeling of peace and serenity. An excellent book to kick back and relax with.
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  • Berit☀️✨
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely Romantic Comedy
    Reviewed in the United States on 21 April 2018
    Verified Purchase
    4.5 Lovely Stars🌟🌟🌟🌟.5

    ”Love is friendship set on fire...”

    This book was an absolute pleasure to read... One of the absolute best parts of being a book blogger/reviewer is the exposure you get to so many amazing authors you wouldn’t otherwise be exposed to... this book is a perfect example of that.... I’ve never read anything by Nicola may, But I can guarantee I will take every opportunity offered to read more books from her.... I like my romance with a touch of humor, a lot of fabulous characters, and a beautiful setting.... this book had all that and the added bonus of some mystery....

    Rosa has had a tough life, so when she is offered the opportunity to move to Cockleberry Bay and reopen a corner shop... she thinks this might be a perfect opportunity to get her life straight.... The catch... she can’t sell the shop she needs to give it to somebody who is worthy (when it is time) and also she has no idea who has gifted this to her.... Rosa really had a complete transformation throughout this book, it was so lovely to see... she started out with such thick walls around her, you wondered if there was any way she would be happy in a town where everybody knew everything about you.... and she grew into such a charming person with so many wonderful and Corky friends.... she also has the most adorable dog Hot🐾

    There is also romance in this book... but you aren’t quite sure who the love interest is until towards the end.... I had my clear favorite, so I don’t really want to describe them because I probably will give it away.... just know there is not a love triangle, and you really want Rosa to make a certain choice (well at least I did).... as I mentioned above there is also some mystery in this book... who gave the corner shop to Rosa? Who was involved in the hit and run accident? And what happened to that necklace?

    Strongly recommend to fans of Romance with some humor, wonderful quirky characters, and a touch of mystery...

    *** thank you so much to Nicola May and Rachel at Rachel‘s Random Resources for a copy of this wonderful book ***
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Exactly as the blurb says
    Reviewed in Australia on 12 February 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Fun, quick and easy read with great characters, a decent mystery and a charming dog. All tied together with new good friends.
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  • Rose Smith
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in Canada on 31 October 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I love the characters and the story...it was hard to put it down when I got to the halfway point.
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  • Cliente Amazon
    5.0 out of 5 stars Bonita historia
    Reviewed in Spain on 2 January 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Una historia bonita, fácil de leer y que engancha. He disfrutado mucho leyéndola.
    One person found this helpful
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