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Secrets and Seashells at Rainbow Bay
The sun is shining on the golden castle on Rainbow Bay - and change is in the air!
Amelia is a single mother, doing her very best to look after her young son, Charlie - but money is tight and times are tough. When she first hears that she is the last descendent of the Chesterford family and that she has inherited a Real-Life Castle by the sea, Amelia can't quite believe her ears. But it's true!
She soon finds that owning a castle isn't quite the ticket to sorting out her money problems that she'd first hoped: she can't sell, because the terms of the ancient bequest state that any Chesterford who inherits the castle, must live there and work towards the upkeep and maintenance of the family home. So ever-practical Amelia decides to uproot her little family and move to this magnificent castle by the sea.
Living in a castle on the beautiful Northumberland coast is fun at first, but organising the day-to-day running is a lot more complicated than Amelia first imagined. Luckily she has help from the small band of eccentric and unconventional staff that are already employed there - and a mysterious unseen hand that often gives her a push in the right direction just when she needs it most.
It's only when she meets Tom, a furniture restorer who comes to the castle to help repair some antique furniture, that Amelia realises she might get the fairy-tale ending that she and Charlie truly deserve...
Join bestselling author Ali McNamara in Rainbow Bay, where an inheritance and some sea air are about to work their magic on Amelia's life...
Amelia is a single mother, doing her very best to look after her young son, Charlie - but money is tight and times are tough. When she first hears that she is the last descendent of the Chesterford family and that she has inherited a Real-Life Castle by the sea, Amelia can't quite believe her ears. But it's true!
She soon finds that owning a castle isn't quite the ticket to sorting out her money problems that she'd first hoped: she can't sell, because the terms of the ancient bequest state that any Chesterford who inherits the castle, must live there and work towards the upkeep and maintenance of the family home. So ever-practical Amelia decides to uproot her little family and move to this magnificent castle by the sea.
Living in a castle on the beautiful Northumberland coast is fun at first, but organising the day-to-day running is a lot more complicated than Amelia first imagined. Luckily she has help from the small band of eccentric and unconventional staff that are already employed there - and a mysterious unseen hand that often gives her a push in the right direction just when she needs it most.
It's only when she meets Tom, a furniture restorer who comes to the castle to help repair some antique furniture, that Amelia realises she might get the fairy-tale ending that she and Charlie truly deserve...
Join bestselling author Ali McNamara in Rainbow Bay, where an inheritance and some sea air are about to work their magic on Amelia's life...
384 pages, Paperback
First published June 27, 2019
172 people are currently reading
1339 people want to read
About the author
Ali McNamara
35 books1,279 followersAli McNamara is a writer and author.
Her debut novel, From Notting Hill with Love...Actually, the first of three 'Notting Hill' books, became an instant bestseller.
Ali has had much overseas success with her books - particularly Breakfast at Darcy's which was a Top Ten bestseller in Italy. Her novels Step Back in Time and Letters from Lighthouse Cottage were nominated for the Romantic Novel of the Year.
Ali lives in Cambridgeshire with her family and beloved dogs. In her spare time she likes to visit antique shops and people watch, more often than not accompanied by a good cup of coffee!
Ali suffers with two chronic illnesses: M.E./CFS and UCTD and is a disability and invisible disability advocate.
To find out more about Ali visit her website: www.alimcnamara.co.uk
or follow her on Twitter: @AliMcNamara, Facebook and Instagram.
Her debut novel, From Notting Hill with Love...Actually, the first of three 'Notting Hill' books, became an instant bestseller.
Ali has had much overseas success with her books - particularly Breakfast at Darcy's which was a Top Ten bestseller in Italy. Her novels Step Back in Time and Letters from Lighthouse Cottage were nominated for the Romantic Novel of the Year.
Ali lives in Cambridgeshire with her family and beloved dogs. In her spare time she likes to visit antique shops and people watch, more often than not accompanied by a good cup of coffee!
Ali suffers with two chronic illnesses: M.E./CFS and UCTD and is a disability and invisible disability advocate.
To find out more about Ali visit her website: www.alimcnamara.co.uk
or follow her on Twitter: @AliMcNamara, Facebook and Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 261 reviews
June 28, 2019
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
Amelia hasn’t had the best of luck for the past few years. Firstly her husband just ups and leaves, writing a note to say he can’t carry on living a lie anymore. He also takes all the money leaving Amelia with their young son Charlie, no money and a mortgage to pay.
Unable to do so she finds herself losing the family home and being housed by the council in a small flat on a rough estate, taking on a part-time job just to put food on the table. Plus she has a growing pile of debts.
So when Alexander Benjamin (Benji) from a law firm contacts her telling her that she is a descendant of the Chesterford family and that the Earl recently passed away and that she is now the owner of Chesterford Castle in Northumberland she really can’t take it in, but with nothing to lose she and Charlie head of to start a new life in Northumberland. The castle already has a few staff members including Dorothy the housekeeper, Arthur (her husband) the groundsman, Tiffany who does the books, and Joey who seems to be the general dog’s body.
The castle is open to visitors but unfortunately, it doesn’t get many and those that do come don’t come back as the place hasn’t got anything to offer. Amelia needs to make this work so sets about making some changes, including hiring the mysterious Tom who has been sent by Benji to help.
However, not everyone may be happy with the changes, this is a medieval castle after all!!
I absolutely adore Ali McNamara’s books, especially ‘Daisy’s Vintage Cornish Camper Van‘ which I reviewed last June, so when I heard that Ali had another book out I couldn’t wait to get started. Once again Ali has surpassed my expectations and has written a book that I have simply fallen in love with.
The whole premise of the book had me eagerly reading. Amelia was such a delightful character to read about. She is your normal average woman who has really been through some hard times and somehow managed to find herself with a castle. She doesn’t want any airs and graces, no matter how often the staff and locals try to call her ‘Lady Chesterford’, she can also see how special the castle is and how it is an important part of history and she wants to bring it back to life and make it popular again.
This is a book that will put a smile on your face. It brings with it a warmth of happiness and is as beautiful on the inside as that cover looks. It is a must-read for summer, the perfect book to lounge by the pool or just in your garden and relax with an amazing story you won’t want to put down.
Amelia hasn’t had the best of luck for the past few years. Firstly her husband just ups and leaves, writing a note to say he can’t carry on living a lie anymore. He also takes all the money leaving Amelia with their young son Charlie, no money and a mortgage to pay.
Unable to do so she finds herself losing the family home and being housed by the council in a small flat on a rough estate, taking on a part-time job just to put food on the table. Plus she has a growing pile of debts.
So when Alexander Benjamin (Benji) from a law firm contacts her telling her that she is a descendant of the Chesterford family and that the Earl recently passed away and that she is now the owner of Chesterford Castle in Northumberland she really can’t take it in, but with nothing to lose she and Charlie head of to start a new life in Northumberland. The castle already has a few staff members including Dorothy the housekeeper, Arthur (her husband) the groundsman, Tiffany who does the books, and Joey who seems to be the general dog’s body.
The castle is open to visitors but unfortunately, it doesn’t get many and those that do come don’t come back as the place hasn’t got anything to offer. Amelia needs to make this work so sets about making some changes, including hiring the mysterious Tom who has been sent by Benji to help.
However, not everyone may be happy with the changes, this is a medieval castle after all!!
I absolutely adore Ali McNamara’s books, especially ‘Daisy’s Vintage Cornish Camper Van‘ which I reviewed last June, so when I heard that Ali had another book out I couldn’t wait to get started. Once again Ali has surpassed my expectations and has written a book that I have simply fallen in love with.
The whole premise of the book had me eagerly reading. Amelia was such a delightful character to read about. She is your normal average woman who has really been through some hard times and somehow managed to find herself with a castle. She doesn’t want any airs and graces, no matter how often the staff and locals try to call her ‘Lady Chesterford’, she can also see how special the castle is and how it is an important part of history and she wants to bring it back to life and make it popular again.
This is a book that will put a smile on your face. It brings with it a warmth of happiness and is as beautiful on the inside as that cover looks. It is a must-read for summer, the perfect book to lounge by the pool or just in your garden and relax with an amazing story you won’t want to put down.
January 22, 2020
Three and a half stars
With a part time job and a less than satisfactory housing situation, it’s a struggle for single mother Amelia to care for her son, Charlie. Money is tight and times are tough. Until out of nowhere it seems, she finds she as the last descendant of the Chesterford family she had inherited a castle in Northumberland. Not only a cattle but a castle overlooking the magical named Rainbow Bay. Despite some difficulties Amelia settles into running the day to day business of the castle, while trying to bring it back to being a desired tourist destination. To help her she has a small group of staff, some of who have been at the castle all their lives. But it is not just the staff who help her when she needs it most, but some otherworldly help as well.
This is a light fun read and Amelia is an engaging character. I liked the close relationship she had with her ten year old son Charlie. Also her attitude of not seeing some people as better than others because they have a title or are richer. She is accepting of all and prepared to give people a chance. I was enjoying this, until Charlie staring seeing and talking to ghosts. What is a castle without ghosts, right? Well, I’m not a fan of stories with ghosts but then I decided to put it in the same category as reading a fantasy novel and going along with elves and other creatures. How you respond to the ghostly presence and conversations will determine how you respond to this book. If you can accept the ghostly presence, this is an entertaining if far-fetched read. And of course, as it all fairy tale type stories, there is a romance than blossoms and promises happy ever after.
There are a couple of surprises occur about the castle and its inhabitants. And maybe not so realistic. But then in my opinion it is not meant to be taken seriously. It is quite simply a bit of fun. As long as it is read in that frame of mind it is entertaining. Not the sort of book I’d read all the time but I did enjoy it, despite a few issues with certain aspects of the plot.
With a part time job and a less than satisfactory housing situation, it’s a struggle for single mother Amelia to care for her son, Charlie. Money is tight and times are tough. Until out of nowhere it seems, she finds she as the last descendant of the Chesterford family she had inherited a castle in Northumberland. Not only a cattle but a castle overlooking the magical named Rainbow Bay. Despite some difficulties Amelia settles into running the day to day business of the castle, while trying to bring it back to being a desired tourist destination. To help her she has a small group of staff, some of who have been at the castle all their lives. But it is not just the staff who help her when she needs it most, but some otherworldly help as well.
This is a light fun read and Amelia is an engaging character. I liked the close relationship she had with her ten year old son Charlie. Also her attitude of not seeing some people as better than others because they have a title or are richer. She is accepting of all and prepared to give people a chance. I was enjoying this, until Charlie staring seeing and talking to ghosts. What is a castle without ghosts, right? Well, I’m not a fan of stories with ghosts but then I decided to put it in the same category as reading a fantasy novel and going along with elves and other creatures. How you respond to the ghostly presence and conversations will determine how you respond to this book. If you can accept the ghostly presence, this is an entertaining if far-fetched read. And of course, as it all fairy tale type stories, there is a romance than blossoms and promises happy ever after.
There are a couple of surprises occur about the castle and its inhabitants. And maybe not so realistic. But then in my opinion it is not meant to be taken seriously. It is quite simply a bit of fun. As long as it is read in that frame of mind it is entertaining. Not the sort of book I’d read all the time but I did enjoy it, despite a few issues with certain aspects of the plot.
October 21, 2021
3.5 ⭐⭐⭐💫
Take me back to that castle, please? 🏰...
Its charm and the medieval aura are unbelievable! 😱
***
How unlikely is it that Amelia wakes up one fine day to be told that she is the next in line to inherit this huge estate and turn her miserable life upside down? Let's put it this way, it is an offer she cannot possibly turn down. Living in a castle though? With her son, and a bunch of ghosts? Hmm, that might just be a tad trickier than she thought...
Smoothly flowing prose, with a touch of mystery-solving and gothic, ghostly feel that transformed the castle into the real protagonist for me, and added an element of the whimsical. I actually would have wanted more of that: it is what makes this story memorable, perhaps rather unlike the characters, mostly as predictable as the storyline is over the top.
I might eventually attempt some other Ali McNamara, for the style was inviting though not extraordinary.
Take me back to that castle, please? 🏰...
Its charm and the medieval aura are unbelievable! 😱
***
How unlikely is it that Amelia wakes up one fine day to be told that she is the next in line to inherit this huge estate and turn her miserable life upside down? Let's put it this way, it is an offer she cannot possibly turn down. Living in a castle though? With her son, and a bunch of ghosts? Hmm, that might just be a tad trickier than she thought...
Smoothly flowing prose, with a touch of mystery-solving and gothic, ghostly feel that transformed the castle into the real protagonist for me, and added an element of the whimsical. I actually would have wanted more of that: it is what makes this story memorable, perhaps rather unlike the characters, mostly as predictable as the storyline is over the top.
I might eventually attempt some other Ali McNamara, for the style was inviting though not extraordinary.
June 28, 2019
I couldn't put it down, easy to read in one sitting. The Story is about a single mum called Amelia who has a son named Charlie. They are living in a sky rise flat tower. Until she inherits a castle in Northumberland (well she believes that she's the earl or more likely to be Charlie with how rules were written)
I love Amelia I did from the first page she has excellent morals and is a strong female character. I do like it when she accepts a little help from people who love her not people who look down at her. Even in charge she doesn't want looked up to and I admire her for that.
Tom is brought into her life along with other characters including Dorothy, Arthur, Benji, Graham/Toby (the ex), Tiffany and Joey before you mention the ghosts. The sexist ghost is really what Amelia needed. However Tom is the knight in shining armour.
The castle and ghosts remind me so much of Hogwarts I feel like I'd inherited Hogwarts if I was Amelia to be honest. I loved the part describing the castles terrible trip advisor reviews. Lovely setting but the place did need some change. Enjoyable read easily five stars.
I love Amelia I did from the first page she has excellent morals and is a strong female character. I do like it when she accepts a little help from people who love her not people who look down at her. Even in charge she doesn't want looked up to and I admire her for that.
Tom is brought into her life along with other characters including Dorothy, Arthur, Benji, Graham/Toby (the ex), Tiffany and Joey before you mention the ghosts. The sexist ghost is really what Amelia needed. However Tom is the knight in shining armour.
The castle and ghosts remind me so much of Hogwarts I feel like I'd inherited Hogwarts if I was Amelia to be honest. I loved the part describing the castles terrible trip advisor reviews. Lovely setting but the place did need some change. Enjoyable read easily five stars.
November 17, 2020
Amelia is a single mother to the ten year old Charlie. They live in a council estate and just make do with barely enough money from her part-time job. Then one day she receives a letter that says that she may have inherited a castle in Northumberland.
It turns out that she is the last descendant of the Chesterford line and has in fact inherited that castle. She thinks of selling it to make enough money to live a comfortable life but Alexander Benjamin, a genealogist who was responsible for finding Amelia as the heir to the castle lets her know that she cannot sell the castle and has to live there and take up ownership.
Amelia and Charlie end up accepting the offer and live there but Amelia finds out that the castle isn't making a lot of profit if any and she comes up with a plan to modernize it and also eventually make some profit. There are four castle staff already living at the castle and they help her with everything even though one of them initially didn't like Amelia.
Then Amelia finds out that Charlie can see ghosts but she doesn't believe in them at first but experiences some unexplainable things and starts to believe in them. The ghosts also help her with few things and she also ends up finding out that she isn't the direct descendant as there is another heir to the castle. She has the choice either not to reveal it and continue living there or actually look for that heir. Amelia first choses to look for the heir but when she has exhausted all means of finding out, she lets it be but then finds out anyway who the true heir is.
Amelia's husband had left her and Charlie and she's been through so much so I was obviously rooting for her throughout. She also didn't like to called as Madam or My lady or such as she believes in equality and that is how she is bringing Charlie up as well. I liked her relationship with Charlie. She was a good mother and a good person for the most part. Although she annoyed me sometimes but mostly I liked her.
I loved the castle staff, Arthur, Dorothy, Tiffany and especially Joey. They made for great supporting characters and had a fair amount of time in the book. I also loved Benji. Joey and Benji are my two favorite characters from this book. Tom was okay I guess. He's shown to be so macho, broad shouldered and tall and muscular and I don't really like such perfect, one dimensional male love interests. I prefer them to have at least one flaw but okay.
I really liked the plot even though it was predictable for the most part. I liked the writing too. So why give this only three stars? Well, for starters I think the ghosts storyline was a bit too much. That part of spelling with salt saying, 'The heir is at the castle' by one of the ghosts was way too cryptic and reminded me of Harry Potter and Voldemort honestly.
I liked the mystery part but I think the mystery part could have been done with finding clues on their own by characters instead of involving the supernatural. Secondly, the first part of the book was pretty slow and towards the end it was dragged way too much for no reason. This was my first read from Ali McNamara and it wasn't completely bad. In fact, I enjoyed it for the most part. I will be reading more from the author for sure. I do want to mention that I loved the book cover.
Leaning towards 3.5 stars.
It turns out that she is the last descendant of the Chesterford line and has in fact inherited that castle. She thinks of selling it to make enough money to live a comfortable life but Alexander Benjamin, a genealogist who was responsible for finding Amelia as the heir to the castle lets her know that she cannot sell the castle and has to live there and take up ownership.
Amelia and Charlie end up accepting the offer and live there but Amelia finds out that the castle isn't making a lot of profit if any and she comes up with a plan to modernize it and also eventually make some profit. There are four castle staff already living at the castle and they help her with everything even though one of them initially didn't like Amelia.
Then Amelia finds out that Charlie can see ghosts but she doesn't believe in them at first but experiences some unexplainable things and starts to believe in them. The ghosts also help her with few things and she also ends up finding out that she isn't the direct descendant as there is another heir to the castle. She has the choice either not to reveal it and continue living there or actually look for that heir. Amelia first choses to look for the heir but when she has exhausted all means of finding out, she lets it be but then finds out anyway who the true heir is.
Amelia's husband had left her and Charlie and she's been through so much so I was obviously rooting for her throughout. She also didn't like to called as Madam or My lady or such as she believes in equality and that is how she is bringing Charlie up as well. I liked her relationship with Charlie. She was a good mother and a good person for the most part. Although she annoyed me sometimes but mostly I liked her.
I loved the castle staff, Arthur, Dorothy, Tiffany and especially Joey. They made for great supporting characters and had a fair amount of time in the book. I also loved Benji. Joey and Benji are my two favorite characters from this book. Tom was okay I guess. He's shown to be so macho, broad shouldered and tall and muscular and I don't really like such perfect, one dimensional male love interests. I prefer them to have at least one flaw but okay.
I really liked the plot even though it was predictable for the most part. I liked the writing too. So why give this only three stars? Well, for starters I think the ghosts storyline was a bit too much. That part of spelling with salt saying, 'The heir is at the castle' by one of the ghosts was way too cryptic and reminded me of Harry Potter and Voldemort honestly.
I liked the mystery part but I think the mystery part could have been done with finding clues on their own by characters instead of involving the supernatural. Secondly, the first part of the book was pretty slow and towards the end it was dragged way too much for no reason. This was my first read from Ali McNamara and it wasn't completely bad. In fact, I enjoyed it for the most part. I will be reading more from the author for sure. I do want to mention that I loved the book cover.
Leaning towards 3.5 stars.
July 10, 2019
My word Ali has surpassed herself again with this book absolutely brilliant from the first page full of mystery and struggles and fantasy and romance and starting a new life. The front cover was so attractive and made you want to read it and didn't let me down. Characters are brilliant and the story plot is fantastic.
Amelia is a single mum and struggling so much bless her with bringing up Charlie her son money is so tight and she receives a letter saying she has inherited something she things it's a joke but when then she learns it isn't and in fact she has inherited a real life castle by the sea and she's the last descendant she can't believe it. She moves Charlie and her to the castle and it at a beautiful setting but she soon learns that running it day to day is more complicated than she thought. People who already work there aren't to keen on some of her ideas yet some are but the staff who are on board support her and she enjoys the challenge. When Tom turns up to repair antique furniture she wonders of age will get her fairy tail ending. Can she make a go of the castle and start making money and can she find love but what happens when her ex turns up to.
Fantastic read worth far more than five stars.
Amelia is a single mum and struggling so much bless her with bringing up Charlie her son money is so tight and she receives a letter saying she has inherited something she things it's a joke but when then she learns it isn't and in fact she has inherited a real life castle by the sea and she's the last descendant she can't believe it. She moves Charlie and her to the castle and it at a beautiful setting but she soon learns that running it day to day is more complicated than she thought. People who already work there aren't to keen on some of her ideas yet some are but the staff who are on board support her and she enjoys the challenge. When Tom turns up to repair antique furniture she wonders of age will get her fairy tail ending. Can she make a go of the castle and start making money and can she find love but what happens when her ex turns up to.
Fantastic read worth far more than five stars.
August 17, 2019
As with the other books I’ve read by this author this one was a joy to read. It started off exciting and kept that pace throughout. It was fantastic. Well written and easy to read. It flowed well. Lovely cover on the book too
March 8, 2020
Even to just be able to think of a story like this, let alone write it, Ali McNamara is a genius. I would love to read a follow up to this story. There is so much scope to write more about the characters, and of course that wonderful castle. A brilliant read from the first word to the last!
June 5, 2019
There's always something extra magical about Ali McNamara's novels and this one is no different. The last novel I had read of hers was brilliantly written and captivating and I knew that this one would be the same. Immediately, I was drawn in with it's pretty cover. I love the colourful flowers used, the cute car in the middle, the huge imposing castle in the background - and of course the glistening sea on the right hand side! Everything looks beautiful and makes for a really spellbinding cover.
Onto the story itself, I immediately warmed towards main character Amelia. You could see from the start that she was doing all she could to help make Charlie's life the best it could be on such a low amount of money. When I read the part where Amelia looks in the fridge for dinner and it's mostly empty, it really upset me and I had high hopes that they would get their happily ever after - after all, it was the least they deserved after what they had been through!
When they arrived at Chesterford Castle and there was a few ghostly goings on happening, I couldn't wait to read more about it - I found it so interesting reading about the previous inhabitants of the castle - some of them sounded quite cheeky! As well as main character Amelia and her son Charlie, there are also a bunch of other secondary characters that you get to know and love too. I particularly liked Arthur, he seemed like a lovely man underneath his grumpiness! And I also loved Dorothy's character too. I also really enjoyed reading about Amelia and Tom's relationship and seeing where that was headed - I just wanted it to desperately work out for Amelia because she really had been through quite a few wars and deserved to be happy.
Throughout the book, I just felt like there was this magical, spellbinding energy and I loved it. I love Ali McNamara's style of writing - it's wonderfully captivating and I enjoyed every page, every character. It was a fabulous novel and I can't wait to read more by this author in the future. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.
Onto the story itself, I immediately warmed towards main character Amelia. You could see from the start that she was doing all she could to help make Charlie's life the best it could be on such a low amount of money. When I read the part where Amelia looks in the fridge for dinner and it's mostly empty, it really upset me and I had high hopes that they would get their happily ever after - after all, it was the least they deserved after what they had been through!
When they arrived at Chesterford Castle and there was a few ghostly goings on happening, I couldn't wait to read more about it - I found it so interesting reading about the previous inhabitants of the castle - some of them sounded quite cheeky! As well as main character Amelia and her son Charlie, there are also a bunch of other secondary characters that you get to know and love too. I particularly liked Arthur, he seemed like a lovely man underneath his grumpiness! And I also loved Dorothy's character too. I also really enjoyed reading about Amelia and Tom's relationship and seeing where that was headed - I just wanted it to desperately work out for Amelia because she really had been through quite a few wars and deserved to be happy.
Throughout the book, I just felt like there was this magical, spellbinding energy and I loved it. I love Ali McNamara's style of writing - it's wonderfully captivating and I enjoyed every page, every character. It was a fabulous novel and I can't wait to read more by this author in the future. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.
May 18, 2019
Yet another case of cover love from Ali McNamara, they have a sort of whimsical feel due to the beautiful sketches used and of course the colours!
I am a sucker for all things relating to castles so once I read the synopsis for this story - down on her luck single mum Amelia inherits a castle (Chesterford Castle), as you do! - I knew I wanted to read it. She moves to the Northumberland coast to live-in as a stipulation of the inheritance is that the castle cannot be sold.
Chesterford is lacking visitors and Amelia comes up with some sure-fire ways to get the castle earning some income and as a frequent visitor to historic homes I loved reading about the ideas she had and castle life. Amelia is also doing some digging into the castle history and I definitely enjoyed this aspect, I love finding out more about the history of either the buildings or people who lived there previously so this was an added bonus and made for some extra intrigue with some friendly ghosts also being added to the mix!
Amelia was very likeable, as was her son Charlie, and the few staff that worked at the castle were funny; frequently referring to Amelia as "Her Ladyship" and suchlike and not in a sarcastic manner!
There is a relationship with Tom, a furniture restorer sent to try and assist, hinted at from early on in the story but I actually preferred reading about Amelia's friendship with Benji. Benji was the historian who traced Amelia down as the next in line of the Chesterfield's and he remained a welcome figure throughout the book.
Overall this was a really enjoyable, likeable read with strong characters, a sweet romance and some epic ghosts!
My many thanks to Little Brown Book Group UK via NetGalley for providing me with this advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
I am a sucker for all things relating to castles so once I read the synopsis for this story - down on her luck single mum Amelia inherits a castle (Chesterford Castle), as you do! - I knew I wanted to read it. She moves to the Northumberland coast to live-in as a stipulation of the inheritance is that the castle cannot be sold.
Chesterford is lacking visitors and Amelia comes up with some sure-fire ways to get the castle earning some income and as a frequent visitor to historic homes I loved reading about the ideas she had and castle life. Amelia is also doing some digging into the castle history and I definitely enjoyed this aspect, I love finding out more about the history of either the buildings or people who lived there previously so this was an added bonus and made for some extra intrigue with some friendly ghosts also being added to the mix!
Amelia was very likeable, as was her son Charlie, and the few staff that worked at the castle were funny; frequently referring to Amelia as "Her Ladyship" and suchlike and not in a sarcastic manner!
There is a relationship with Tom, a furniture restorer sent to try and assist, hinted at from early on in the story but I actually preferred reading about Amelia's friendship with Benji. Benji was the historian who traced Amelia down as the next in line of the Chesterfield's and he remained a welcome figure throughout the book.
Overall this was a really enjoyable, likeable read with strong characters, a sweet romance and some epic ghosts!
My many thanks to Little Brown Book Group UK via NetGalley for providing me with this advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
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July 5, 2019Mystical intrigue
Oh what a FANTASTIC book having read all of Ali's books it comes as no surprise that she has surpassed herself once again
Intriguing from the beginning a mystical castle love twists and turns I can highly recommend this OUTSTANDING book.
Oh what a FANTASTIC book having read all of Ali's books it comes as no surprise that she has surpassed herself once again
Intriguing from the beginning a mystical castle love twists and turns I can highly recommend this OUTSTANDING book.
July 2, 2019
Lovely
I am a 60 year old man.I have read and loved everyone of Ali's books...they are from a Wonderful world. .Secrets and Seashells is no different..I thought I had the ending all worked out .. Nope . I was wrong .. A lovely escape ..I will be waiting for the Next story
I am a 60 year old man.I have read and loved everyone of Ali's books...they are from a Wonderful world. .Secrets and Seashells is no different..I thought I had the ending all worked out .. Nope . I was wrong .. A lovely escape ..I will be waiting for the Next story
September 11, 2020
Cassandra Gold - per RFS
.
Ben trovate mie care Fenici, quest’oggi parleremo di un romanzo che mi ha colpito molto per costruzione di trama e ambientazione. Si potrebbe dire che non è semplicemente un romance, ma possiede qualche traccia di fantasy e di un giallo, ben strutturato ed equilibrato. Ma andiamo a fare la conoscenza dei protagonisti.
Amelia e Charlie vivono un’esistenza difficile, al limite della povertà. Lasciata da suo marito, praticamente scomparso nel nulla, si trova costretta a cambiare casa, non potendo sostenere le spese a cui l’aveva abituata la vita matrimoniale. La caduta di status la lascia non solo nell’indigenza, ma anche in completa solitudine. Si trova così costretta a crescere suo figlio cambiando regolarmente casa e lavoro, sino a che i servizi sociali non riusciranno a procurargli un’esistenza dignitosa. Ed è lì, in una casa di borgata, che viene raggiunta dal Sig. Alexander Benjamin, che annuncia loro di essere i beneficiari di una grande eredità: un antico castello medioevale. Infatti essendo lei la parente più prossima del Conte Chesterford, è destinata a diventare la prossima Lady del castello e suo figlio ovviamente il nuovo Conte. Così Amelia si vedrà trasportare in una nuova vita, in cui l’incanto e la scoperta dell’ignoto non le schiuderanno soltanto le porte di una nuova famiglia, ma anche di un nuovo amore. E il piccolo Charlie? Il nuovo signorino farà la conoscenza di alcuni amici molto speciali, che a cavallo tra un mondo e un altro, lo aiuteranno a prendersi cura della sua mamma e della nuova casa.
Una storia veramente avvincente. La trama sembra trattare un romance con qualche tratto di giallo nella fase iniziale del libro; poi però si evolve in maniera del tutto inaspettata, catapultandoci in un mondo fatto di leggende e misteri, tragedie e antiche vicende familiari, aprendo le porte a una realtà parallela nella quale niente si può dare per scontato. Ben inserita la realtà del paese con la vita del maniero, che dal passato al presente, proietta sapientemente il ruolo cardine dei signori del castello nella vita moderna, custodi in passato come adesso del benessere dei loro sudditi. L’antica residenza viene sentita tanto loro, come dai Conti in carica e tutti si ritengono responsabili di mantenere viva la memoria del fasto e delle gesta del nome dei Chesterford.
Insomma un libro avvincente sino all’ultima pagina, che ci stupirà con più di un colpo di scena proprio negli ultimi capitoli.
Vi lascio alla lettura, a presto fenicette.
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Ben trovate mie care Fenici, quest’oggi parleremo di un romanzo che mi ha colpito molto per costruzione di trama e ambientazione. Si potrebbe dire che non è semplicemente un romance, ma possiede qualche traccia di fantasy e di un giallo, ben strutturato ed equilibrato. Ma andiamo a fare la conoscenza dei protagonisti.
Amelia e Charlie vivono un’esistenza difficile, al limite della povertà. Lasciata da suo marito, praticamente scomparso nel nulla, si trova costretta a cambiare casa, non potendo sostenere le spese a cui l’aveva abituata la vita matrimoniale. La caduta di status la lascia non solo nell’indigenza, ma anche in completa solitudine. Si trova così costretta a crescere suo figlio cambiando regolarmente casa e lavoro, sino a che i servizi sociali non riusciranno a procurargli un’esistenza dignitosa. Ed è lì, in una casa di borgata, che viene raggiunta dal Sig. Alexander Benjamin, che annuncia loro di essere i beneficiari di una grande eredità: un antico castello medioevale. Infatti essendo lei la parente più prossima del Conte Chesterford, è destinata a diventare la prossima Lady del castello e suo figlio ovviamente il nuovo Conte. Così Amelia si vedrà trasportare in una nuova vita, in cui l’incanto e la scoperta dell’ignoto non le schiuderanno soltanto le porte di una nuova famiglia, ma anche di un nuovo amore. E il piccolo Charlie? Il nuovo signorino farà la conoscenza di alcuni amici molto speciali, che a cavallo tra un mondo e un altro, lo aiuteranno a prendersi cura della sua mamma e della nuova casa.
Una storia veramente avvincente. La trama sembra trattare un romance con qualche tratto di giallo nella fase iniziale del libro; poi però si evolve in maniera del tutto inaspettata, catapultandoci in un mondo fatto di leggende e misteri, tragedie e antiche vicende familiari, aprendo le porte a una realtà parallela nella quale niente si può dare per scontato. Ben inserita la realtà del paese con la vita del maniero, che dal passato al presente, proietta sapientemente il ruolo cardine dei signori del castello nella vita moderna, custodi in passato come adesso del benessere dei loro sudditi. L’antica residenza viene sentita tanto loro, come dai Conti in carica e tutti si ritengono responsabili di mantenere viva la memoria del fasto e delle gesta del nome dei Chesterford.
Insomma un libro avvincente sino all’ultima pagina, che ci stupirà con più di un colpo di scena proprio negli ultimi capitoli.
Vi lascio alla lettura, a presto fenicette.
August 27, 2019
Oh I do love an Ali McNamara book and this is no exception. I went into this blind, possibly never having read the blurb and was curious to see what sort of unexplainable happenings may occur this time.
Was shocked to discover for my second in the past 3 books I've read, that there was a hint of the otherworldly, of potentially ghosts. Not a huge believer in them but having read both this and Rowan Coleman's latest, I may be mega scared next time someone tries to get me into a haunted house!
Amelia was down on her luck, struggling financially to bring up her son Charlie, when a piece of post start a chain or events that led to her getting an inheritance from a distant relative she had never heard of.
And wow Chesterford Castle is some inheritance, given its huge, was already open to the public, and came with four members of staff who just wanted to call her M'aam or Lady Amelia.
Amelia's knack of drawing people together leads to a growing sense of community and family at the castle as they try to modernise it.
I loved getting to know the other residents of Chesterford Castle, including the ones that it appear that only Charlie may be able to see.
There are all manner of secrets to be uncovered, and all written in such a heartwarming and lovely style that you can't help be hooked on the book.
The pages were flying by, as I took in every last details and by the end I was convinced I had visited the castle myself, such were the descriptions.
A truly enjoyable and another fabulous story from an author that I can't get enough of.
Thank you to Sphere and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Was shocked to discover for my second in the past 3 books I've read, that there was a hint of the otherworldly, of potentially ghosts. Not a huge believer in them but having read both this and Rowan Coleman's latest, I may be mega scared next time someone tries to get me into a haunted house!
Amelia was down on her luck, struggling financially to bring up her son Charlie, when a piece of post start a chain or events that led to her getting an inheritance from a distant relative she had never heard of.
And wow Chesterford Castle is some inheritance, given its huge, was already open to the public, and came with four members of staff who just wanted to call her M'aam or Lady Amelia.
Amelia's knack of drawing people together leads to a growing sense of community and family at the castle as they try to modernise it.
I loved getting to know the other residents of Chesterford Castle, including the ones that it appear that only Charlie may be able to see.
There are all manner of secrets to be uncovered, and all written in such a heartwarming and lovely style that you can't help be hooked on the book.
The pages were flying by, as I took in every last details and by the end I was convinced I had visited the castle myself, such were the descriptions.
A truly enjoyable and another fabulous story from an author that I can't get enough of.
Thank you to Sphere and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
September 10, 2023
Summer isn't summer without reading an Ali McNamara book with a beach on the cover.
Amelia discovers she inherits an actual castle by the beach and her 10 y/o son is going to be an Earl.
Of course, nothing is ever easy. The Castle is not making a profit, a bit rundown and it's haunted by its former residents.
Somewhere over the years, Ali's books added the element of magic and I don't hate it.
Some of the characters needed a bit more fire to them but it was enjoyable nonetheless.
Bonus points for the twist about the ex though!
Amelia discovers she inherits an actual castle by the beach and her 10 y/o son is going to be an Earl.
Of course, nothing is ever easy. The Castle is not making a profit, a bit rundown and it's haunted by its former residents.
Somewhere over the years, Ali's books added the element of magic and I don't hate it.
Some of the characters needed a bit more fire to them but it was enjoyable nonetheless.
Bonus points for the twist about the ex though!
June 27, 2019
Down on her luck, single mum Amelia struggles everyday to bring up her son and keep their heads above water. It wasn't always like that, she was happily married, that is until one day her husband simply left her and everything changed in this moment. One day she is contacted by a genealogist telling her that, through a very distant relative, she is the heir to Chesterford Castle in the Northumberland. sure, at first she thinks it's a joke, because who in those times simply inherit a castle, right? However, it turns out that it's true, so Amelia and Charlie move to the castle. It's lacking visitors and this final touch, and so Amelia comes up with some ideas to get the castle earn some income. But when she fells in love with the place, and it starts to run smoothly, it turns out that perhaps there is another heir to it...?
The cover of this book is simply stunning, I love the colours and it corresponds with the whole story so very, very well!
I warmed to Amelia immediately, though I must say that I liked her even more with every page turned. She was first feeling so down, what is absolutely understandable, and I have a feeling that she simply couldn't/didn't want/was too fed up to show her other, funnier and sharper, side. From the very beginning you saw that she's doing all to make Charlie's life better and my heart went to her, understanding how she felt when she couldn't afford better food, let's not mention longer trousers for her son. Later, I loved the ideas she had to get the castle earn money again, she was really the right person in the right place, determined to make the place a success, and the digging she has made into the castle's history was great, I truly enjoyed this aspect of the story. She wanted the castle to work not only for her own and Charlie's benefit but also for the staff and the community.
The staff working at the castle is another story, Ali McNamara has created a bunch of vivid, colourful characters. There is Arthur, the gruff caretaker but underneath all this grumpiness he was a lovely and loyal man. His wife Dorothy, a housekeeper, loved the castle and was the best cook in the world probably. Joey, who helps Arthur, and Tiffany who works in the office are like a breath of fresh air, adorable and likeable. And Tom and Benji, which brings us to the more romantic side of the story, that I personally liked very much. It was absolutely not predictable - well, at least to one moment when there was the big reveal, or at least big to me as I haven't seen it coming, but until this moment I was really all the time wondering which of the two potential love gods would be better for Amelia. I am actually thankful to the author for resolving this for me.
There's always the magical element in Ali McNamara's novels and either you buy it or not. I do. And actually, I don't only mean the obvious magic, like ghosts in that case, but the magical and spellbinding atmosphere that the author can capture so well.
Overall, "Secrets and Seashells at Rainbow Bay" was a light, entertaining read, brilliantly written - the writing style is flying, it's so welcoming and warm and fabulously chatty - introducing us to well - drawn characters, including some cheeky ghosts! There is also a slight mystery throughout the pages and while it isn't life changing, or taking your breath away, it added this last finishing sparkle touch to the story. Full of gentle humour, feelings and emotions, a charming summer read. Recommended!
Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
May 20, 2019
I love a good Ali McNamara book and this one was a great read.
This book is really lovely. The characters in the book are all absolutely fabulous. The setting of the book is stunning. Who wouldn’t like to wake up one day and realise they had inherited a castle.
It was a funny, feel good good, with part mystery, lots of secrets, plenty of love in all sense of the terms, friendship, family and fun. Loved it.
This book is really lovely. The characters in the book are all absolutely fabulous. The setting of the book is stunning. Who wouldn’t like to wake up one day and realise they had inherited a castle.
It was a funny, feel good good, with part mystery, lots of secrets, plenty of love in all sense of the terms, friendship, family and fun. Loved it.
March 5, 2020
I have had this book on my TBR shelf for over a year and finally got round to reading it. I am so glad I did.
This is a lovely, well written story about inheriting a castle and title and all that goes with it. The characters are good and the castle sounds a fun place to live.
If you are looking for an easy, lovely read I would recommend this book.
This is a lovely, well written story about inheriting a castle and title and all that goes with it. The characters are good and the castle sounds a fun place to live.
If you are looking for an easy, lovely read I would recommend this book.
May 29, 2019
This is an absolutely perfect book! It has drama, romance, intrigue and a castle! I mean, what more could you ask for? I love Ali's books but this is my favourite! I adored it and actuallt woke up in the middle of the night to finish it.
Read
June 12, 2022No rating. Dnf @20%.
I felt no connection to the main character, but was even a bit annoyed by her.
The moments after her future love interest (I think it's Tom) got introduced I decided to quit. The writing style was bland, the characters, too.
I felt no connection to the main character, but was even a bit annoyed by her.
The moments after her future love interest (I think it's Tom) got introduced I decided to quit. The writing style was bland, the characters, too.
December 7, 2019
Suprised the characters didn't develop a twitch all they ever did was wink at eachother
March 14, 2020
Actually my least favorite so far, but still cute escapism.
September 7, 2019
What an unusual book. It begins with with Amelia and her 10 year old son Charlie who are now living in a fourth floor social housing flat in a block where the lift fails constantly and her conditions are far removed from the four bedroomed house that was once their home . Amelia's husband had abandoned them suddenly leaving them homeless when she couldn't make the mortgage payments. Amelia is struggling to make ends meet and the red reminders are piling up. However, a letter arrives one day which is set to alter their lives for all time. Charlie is at an impressionable age and the friends that he has at school are no longer allowed to visit him now they find themselves in reduced circumstances and he begins to mix with those on his new estate. Amelia is certain that Charlie is sensible and has very strong views about equality. She decides to act upon the contents of this life changing letter and they pack their few possessions for a new life. I am not going to reveal any more as the story is complex and they meet a group of people who become life friends and their new accommodation is unusual to say the least. I liked the book enormously, there is a lovely relationship between mother and son and Amelia's will to succeed and her honesty is refreshing. Only one aspect of the book prevented me from awarding five stars occurred at their new home but it didn't stop my enjoying the book.
July 4, 2019
Another 5 star book by Ali McNamara. I loved every minute of this book and can’t recommend it highly enough.
Amelia and her son Charlie haven fallen on hard times and are living hand to mouth in a run down Council estate. Every day brings another heap of bills and demands and Amelia is understandably becoming increasingly worried by it. One day while dumping another load of post with the others she hasn’t sorted, Amelia sees an official looking letter which informs her that she is being sought in conjunction with an inheritance she is due. She is a bit apprehensive and initially thinks it is a scam but after meeting Benji realises that it’s true and she has inherited a castle in Northumberland!!!
From there we meet Arthur, Dorothy, Tiffany, Joey and Tom as Amelia and Charlie work hard to restore the castle to its former glory.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced read copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Amelia and her son Charlie haven fallen on hard times and are living hand to mouth in a run down Council estate. Every day brings another heap of bills and demands and Amelia is understandably becoming increasingly worried by it. One day while dumping another load of post with the others she hasn’t sorted, Amelia sees an official looking letter which informs her that she is being sought in conjunction with an inheritance she is due. She is a bit apprehensive and initially thinks it is a scam but after meeting Benji realises that it’s true and she has inherited a castle in Northumberland!!!
From there we meet Arthur, Dorothy, Tiffany, Joey and Tom as Amelia and Charlie work hard to restore the castle to its former glory.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced read copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
August 30, 2025
Amelia on rahahädas, lahutatud üksikema. Ta elab koos oma kümneaastase poja Charlie'ga kehvades tingimustes, aga kõige lootusematus olukorras ilmub päikesekiir kauge sugulase päranduse näol. Selgub, et Ameliale kuulub loss ning Charliele krahvitiitel. Tiitlist ei taha Amelia küll kuuldagi, aga uus eluase tuleb kasuks.
Nad kolivad sisse ja avastavad, et loss vajab värsket verd ning uuendusi ja maja vaimude heakskiidul asub Amelia kohe tegutsema. Ta tubli ja hakkaja ning vaatamats väikestele takistusele, läheb kõik libedalt.
"Vikerkaarelahe saladused ja merikarbid" on täis uusi algusi ning elamusi "kõigile" lossielanikele. Lõppukokkuvõttes kirjeldaks seda sõnaga "nunnu" ning soovitan kõigile, kes otsivad kerget, armsat lugemist!
Nad kolivad sisse ja avastavad, et loss vajab värsket verd ning uuendusi ja maja vaimude heakskiidul asub Amelia kohe tegutsema. Ta tubli ja hakkaja ning vaatamats väikestele takistusele, läheb kõik libedalt.
"Vikerkaarelahe saladused ja merikarbid" on täis uusi algusi ning elamusi "kõigile" lossielanikele. Lõppukokkuvõttes kirjeldaks seda sõnaga "nunnu" ning soovitan kõigile, kes otsivad kerget, armsat lugemist!
September 23, 2019
Believe it or not but it was the first time I was reading a book from Ali McNamara and I haven't been disappointed! I loved this book so much that I gave it a 5 stars out of 5!!!! This book is the perfect chicklit read, it has all the ingredients to make it a perfect book! It's full of events, it has some romance, it has some mystery to it and even some paranormal with a story of possible ghosts haunting the castle! I just couldn't put this book down! I wanted to know what will happen to Amelia and her son! This book is perfection, it's so entertaining! If you need a book to take away from the everyday stress, I recommend you to pick up this book! you will have a lot of fun reading it!
June 2, 2021
The feel-good read that we all need right now.
August 31, 2021
Delightful story. A castle to inherit and rescue, a mixed group of people plus some ghosts and a mystery to solve. Very entertaining.
May 8, 2022
Adorable read for a Sunday afternoon.
July 3, 2019
Fantastic book, did not want to put it down. Ali is becoming one of my favourite authors, great stories about family, relationships & the odd ghostie thrown in, couldn't ask for more.
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