Picture a British storyteller who brought the charming seaside town of Cockleberry Bay to life—meet Nicola May! This bestselling romantic comedy author from Ascot, Berkshire, has won hearts worldwide with her witty, heartwarming tales of love, friendship, and self-discovery. With every book hitting the Kindle bestseller charts and translations in 15 languages, May’s stories are as irresistible as a sunny day by the sea.
From her breakout hit The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay to her latest release, How Do I Tell You?, May’s novels blend humor, romance, and relatable characters that feel like old friends. Her journey from self-publishing to rom-com superstardom is a testament to her talent and tenacity, making her a beloved voice in contemporary fiction.
The Making of Nicola May
Growing up in Ascot, near the historic Windsor Castle, Nicola May was an avid reader with dreams of becoming an air hostess or actress. Life took a different turn when a dare to run a half-marathon sparked her creative writing journey. Though she didn’t finish the comedic diary she started, it ignited a passion for storytelling. Inspired by authors like Marian Keyes, Milly Johnson, and Carole Matthews, May began crafting romantic comedies in 2011, self-publishing her first novel, Better Together, and never looked back.
Her background in marketing and PR gave her a knack for connecting with readers, and her love for Devon’s coastlines and cream teas infused her stories with vivid settings and charm. May’s early career was a hustle, balancing writing with a day job, but her determination paid off as her books climbed the charts.
Nicola May’s Unforgettable Stories
Nicola May’s novels are like a warm hug—funny, heartfelt, and impossible to put down. Her breakout, The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay (2018), follows Rosa as she inherits a mysterious shop in a quaint seaside town. This bestseller topped the UK Kindle charts in January 2019 and became Amazon’s third-bestselling novel that year, spawning three sequels: Meet Me in Cockleberry Bay, The Gift of Cockleberry Bay, and Christmas in Cockleberry Bay. Readers adore the series’ mix of romance, mystery, and Hot, the lovable dachshund stealing scenes.
The Ferry Lane Market trilogy, starting with Welcome to Ferry Lane Market (2021), explores Kara’s journey of self-discovery in Cornwall’s vibrant market scene. May’s latest, How Do I Tell You? (2025), tackles deeper themes of chronic illness and resilience, showing her evolving style while keeping the humor and heart fans love. Her writing shines with relatable heroines, witty dialogue, and settings that transport readers to cozy British locales.
May’s ability to weave mischief with emotional depth sets her apart. Whether it’s a quirky rom-com like Love Me Tinder or a rural mystery in The Hub, her stories balance escapism with real-life struggles, earning praise from authors like Milly Johnson and Kim Nash for their “joyous escapism” and “soulful sauce.”
Why Nicola May Matters
Nicola May’s impact goes beyond her 18 novels. As a self-published author who reached number one on Amazon twice, she’s a trailblazer for indie writers, advocating for recognition in mainstream charts. Her books, translated into 15 languages, resonate globally, offering readers a dose of hope and laughter. Fans on platforms like Goodreads and Amazon rave about her “addictive” stories, with over 64,000 ratings averaging 4.17 stars, proving her knack for connecting with audiences.
May’s legacy lies in her ability to craft stories that feel personal yet universal, celebrating life’s messy, beautiful moments. From cozy book clubs in Devon to international bestseller lists, her work inspires readers to embrace love, take risks, and find joy in the everyday.
- Key Works: The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay, Welcome to Ferry Lane Market, How Do I Tell You?
- Awards: Two novels won at the Festival of Romance; The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay named The Sun’s eBook of the Week.
- Fun Fact: May lives with her rescue cat, Stan, and loves betting on horses!
Ready to fall in love with Nicola May’s world? Snag The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay and dive into her delightful rom-com magic!