Emma Frazer packs up her job in Dublin and flees to Fuengirola in southern Spain, where she finds refuge in a beautiful little hotel right on the beach – Casa Clara. Here she can escape the mounting pressure from her domineering elder sister Trish who is pushing her into a marriage she herself has grave doubts about. Emma quickly falls in love with the hotel – her little room overlooking the … courtyard with its vivid flowers and soothing fountain, the cast of quirky guests, warm staff and flamboyant owner. When the post of receptionist falls vacant she seizes the bull by the horns and, with little Spanish and no experience, cajoles her way into the job. She soon discovers a talent for management and Casa Clara flourishes in her care. When Fate brings the man of her dreams to the door, the future looks perfect. But her scheming sister is still busy tracking her down and eventually Emma must face forces that threaten to destroy the idyllic life she has built for herself.
more
This book took me a while to get into. I don’t know why the characters were fine. The sister truly drove me crazy. The main character was developed but almost overly opinionated except where the sister was concerned.
The story seemed to take a bit too really tell. I’m not sure if all the backstory was needed. Some seemed to be filler. There were some editing struggles as well.
I finished it. I’m not sure I well read others by this author as there are lots of books in the world. I would not discourage others from reading the book, but not really my genre or my type of book.
I really enjoyed Casa Clara – it was different in a good way.
This is a sweet heartwarming book to read on a lazy day.
couldn’t make myself keep going, it was not very engaging.
A great beach read.
couldn’t get into it
This is a story that just rolls along naturally. A story to entertain on a lazy afternoon.
Did not finish.
I started to read this book shortly after my return from Holiday in Spain, In Benalmadna to be exact which is within 30-40 minutes walk from the Cavahal area of Fuengerola. I found the descriptions of the place and people at Casa Clara to be a true reflection. There were no big dramatic story lines but a calm, gentle unfolding story with pockets of amusement, love, laughter and a little sadness. A nice easy read which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Fun read about Clara, who finds herself. She didn’t realize she had let other people influence what she wanted until she disappeared. She tookoff, to disappear, think and reflect, and stayed where she ended up. I have to admit I was loving the story. I always wondered what would happen if we walked away from our life.
Loved this book, it was entertaining, sad and loving all at the same time. I want to go to Italy!
I love the way the book flip flopped between past and present. I was interested from start to finish.
This book shows how a change of venue can result in the development of new skills, new experiences and new self-esteem. Enjoyable beach book.
Really good book.
Story was interesting but not exactly believable. There were times I skipped some of the narrative. It didn’t really add to the story. Other than that it was a easy read
Good story line, interesting characters and easy to read with a happy ending!
God beach read
I’ve fallen in love with two beautiful locations in the travels of Emma while she explores and evolves into an enigmatic character.
It kept my attention wanting to know what would happen next and what great character would show up ne
Takes your