Book Review - Sunny Days and Sea Breezes by Carole Matthews

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Amazon UK

Title: Sunny Days and Sea Breezes

Author: Carole Matthews

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Sphere

Publication Date: 25th June 2020 

Rating: 5 Stars

Jodie Jackson is all at sea, in every sense.

On a ferry bound for the Isle of Wight, she's leaving her London life, her career, and her husband behind. She'd like a chance to turn back the clocks, but she'll settle for some peace and quiet on her brother Bill's beautifully renovated houseboat, Sunny Days.

But from the moment Jodie steps aboard her new home, it's clear she'll struggle to keep herself to herself. If it isn't Marilyn, who cleans for Bill and is under strict instructions to look after Jodie, then it's Ned, the noisy sculptor on the next-door houseboat. Ned's wood carving is hard on the ears, but it's made up for by the fact that he's rather easy on the eyes.

Bustled out of the boat by Marilyn and encouraged to explore with Ned, Jodie soon delights in her newfound freedom. But out of mind isn't out of sight, and when her old life comes knocking Jodie is forced to face reality. Will she answer the call or choose a life filled with Sunny Days and Sea Breezes?

It is always a wonderful feeling to be able to sit down with a new Carole Matthews book, and it took less then the first chapter to be intrigued and keen to see just why Jodie is on a ferry across the Solent to the Isle of Wight. 

Strangely with the books I read I don't tend to see the Isle of Wight as a location, so this made a pleasant change, and reminded me of a childhood holiday to the island. 

Again it's not often I get to read a book where houseboats are featured, so this too made this story feel quite refreshingly different, and the people Jodie meets despite her quest for peace and quiet are fabulous. 

We have Marilyn who is larger than life, speaks common phrases wrongly, full of colour and one of life's nurturers who has been asked to come in and check on Jodie and clean each day, by Jodie's brother Bill, whose boat it is.   

Then there is next door neighbour Ned, who is a sculptor of wood with a chainsaw - so clearly what someone wanting peace needs.  Yet Ned is one of my favourite characters and you will see why rather quickly! 

Then there is the living statue George who always managed to raise a smile and Ida the owner of the local cafe.  Between them they somehow get under Jodie's skin and become friends and get her to change in various ways. 

I loved the day trip to Alum Bay and the Needles, it reminded me of long forgotten memories of my trip there all those years ago, even down to the coloured sand being put into moulds and trying to get the lines neat! 

There is just such a warm vibe to this book, it really hit all the right notes with me, in these troubled times. It took me away from real life and I loved my time spent between the pages.  

It is Carole Matthews at her best, with a fabulous story, some nice directions it turns into, and just a great feel to the whole story. 

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

Book Review - Happiness For Beginners by Carole Matthews - #HolidayReading Mexico

The Amazon Purchase link below is an Amazon Affiliate link.

Amazon UK

Title: Happiness For Beginners

Author: Carole Matthews

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Sphere

Publication Date: 21st February 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Molly Baker is living her best life.

Thirty-eight years old, she lives on the twenty-five-acre Hope Farm in Buckinghamshire, surrounded by (mostly) four-legged friends and rolling hills. There's Anthony the anti-social sheep, Tina Turner the alpaca with attitude, and the definitely-not-miniature pig, Teacup.

Molly runs the farm as an alternative school for kids who haven't thrived in mainstream education. It's full on, but she wouldn't have it any other way. So when the well-groomed Shelby Dacre turns up at Hope Farm asking to enrol his son Lucas, Molly isn't fazed.

But Lucas is distant and soon Molly realises he might be more of a handful than she anticipated. And then there's the added problem that his dad is distractingly handsome. Molly has her beloved farm to think of - could letting Lucas and Shelby in be a terrible mistake, or the start of something wonderful?

Feel-good, funny and an absolute must-read from the queen of romance Carole Matthews, Molly's story will make your heart sing. New starts and second chances abound in Happiness for Beginners.

Always a happy day when I am able to read a new book by Carole Matthews, and Happiness for Beginners was a joy to read. 

Mollie introduces us to Hope Farm and what they do there, plus all the animals and their back stories over the first few chapters, in such a chatty style you feel like she is talking directly to you. 

And what fabulous place Hope Farm is, with its assortment of animals all with their own distinct personalities. 

And then there is the school aspect of what they do there, as its not a farm in the traditional sense, rather a place where troubled teens who have most likely been excluded from schools, can learn practical skills and become more independent and more from helping to take care of the animals. 

And this really is a delight for all animal lovers, I'm not sure I could pick a favourite, but Fifty the sheep that thinks its anything else, the Shetland pony that is allergic to its own hair and Teacup the pig that is rather larger than its name all have soft spots for me. 

The story focuses on one pupil and his recently widowed father, and Lucas couldn't help but get under my skin. Such a lovely boy, just misunderstood. 

In some respects this feels quite different from Carole Matthews' other books, possibly due to the setting, but equally it has everything you would expect to see from her too, all mixed into one amazing book. 

Thank you to Sphere and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Book Review - Christmas Cakes & Mistletoe Nights by Carole Matthews

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Amazon UK

Title: Christmas Cakes & Mistletoe Nights 

Author: Carole Matthews

Format reviewed: Paperback

Source: Publisher supplied review copy

Publisher: Sphere

Publication Date: 4th October 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Fay and Danny are madly in love and it's all Fay's ever dreamed of. But she left everything - including the delightful cake shop she used to run - to be with Danny on his cosy canal boat The Dreamcatcher. And as she soon finds out, making delicious cakes on the water isn't always smooth sailing!

Then Fay gets a call from her friends, a call that sends her back to her friends and the Cake Shop in the Garden. It will be hard being away from Danny but their relationship is strong enough to survive . . . isn't it?

Fay soon falls happily back in love with her passion for baking - especially now she's on dry land again! - and starts to wonder if she ever should have left. With Christmas around the corner, Fay is determined that her friends will have a very merry time, but does that mean even more time away from Danny? Can Fay really get everything she ever wanted in Christmas Cakes & Mistletoe Nights.

It is always a treat to sit down and read a new Christmas Carole Matthews book, and within pages I knew I was in for another wonderful book from one of my all time favourite authors. 

If you are a fan of Carole Matthews, then you will recognise Fay and Danny instantly from The Cake Shop in the Garden, but if you haven't read it, then don't panic, this can easily be read as a standalone too.  In fact took me a short while to really remember the characters, and was so pleased to be able to spend more time with them all. 

This starts at what looks to be a nice gentle book, picking up after the other left off, with everything seemingly going well and being all hunky dory with Fay and Danny.  But after one phone call everything changes and the course of the book changes and turns into a completely riveting read. 

There is a brand new main character who is like a breath of fresh air, a non stop bundle of energy who never stops talking. She rambles on about all manner of topics, often including what her nan says and her enthusiasm for all things Christmas know no bounds. 

I loved the thought of Rainbow,  going over to Stan who is 93, and making him watch Muppet's Christmas Carol in fluffy socks!  And that is just one example of the the way she brings a huge ray of sunshine into this book. 

Lija is as prickly as ever, seems pleased to see Fay but is the character who probably goes the the wringer the most in this book - as she is hiding something important from when we last saw her, and the weather means the house and cafe is at threat.

There is even the return of Fay's not so lovely sister, and she is the nightmare I recall her to be from the first boko, although I did almost feel sorry for her at times. 

This is definitely a book that will make you hungry for cake, as you hear about all the delicious tasty treats being baked in the cafe. 

Plenty of action in this book and I was almost in tears of happiness towards the ending.  I do hope though that there will be another book featuring these characters in the future as I would love to know how they get on after the last page! 

 A delightful story that has left me smiling and had me devouring the pages every space second I had. 

Thank you to Millie Seaward at Sphere for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Million Love Songs by Carole Matthews

Amazon UK

Title: Million Love Songs

Author: Carole Matthews

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Sphere

Publication Date: 22nd March 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

After splitting up with her cheating ex, Ruby Brown is ready for a change. She's single again for the first time in years and she's going to dive into this brave new world with a smile on her face and a spring in her step. The last thing she's looking for is a serious relationship.

Mason represents everything Ruby wants right now: he's charming, smooth and perfect for some no-strings-attached fun, and yet Ruby can't help feel that something is missing. Joe on the other hand is kind and attentive, but he comes with the sort of baggage Ruby wants to avoid: an annoyingly attractive ex-wife and two teenage children.

And though Ruby thinks she knows what she wants, is it what she needs to be truly happy? It's about to get emotional in Million Love Songs.

I only have one regret from having read this book, I feel like my enjoyment would have been heightened had I had Take That on a loop in the background. I say this as Ruby's best friend, Charlie was my favourite character of the whole book. 

And Charlie is a massive Thatter and even has a life size cardboard cutout of Gary Barlow in her house.  In fact she is devoting her life to Gary Barlow,  I regard myself as a huge Take That fan, or at least I did until I read about Charlie and her antics, and the sheer amount of other events going on around the country for fans, in addition to chasing down potential sightings.  

Obviously Charlie was the character I connected with most, but what of Ruby our main character? Well I enjoy reading all of Ruby's antics and there are some very memorable scenes including some in Paris, a birthday party, and another moment of potential bonding with one of her prospects teenage children. 

Ruby for most of the book seemed to be bouncing back and forth between two men,  Mason who is a known womaniser and Joe who is a diving instructor when he can spare the time.  They are completely different in all aspects of life and Ruby seems to gain different things from each of them. 

I really enjoyed reading Million Love Songs, and despite needing Patience with Ruby's male dilema, I did have to Pray that Charlie may get a man for herself.  Sure there were some highs and lows, especially since Mason seemed to want to Rule the World at private member club ownership, and there were many Promises being made by both the men to Ruby. 

This is a book which I took a real Shine to, and it seemed like The Flood of Take That references would make it so that you could Never Forget just who it was Charlie loved. Being a massive fan of Carole Matthews, it always is the Greatest Day when a new book from her is announced. Just How Deep Is Your Love going to be for this marvellous book?

Thank you to Sphere and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Paper Hearts and Summer Kisses by Carole Matthews - Rachel Reads Randomly Book #56 - #AroundTheUKIn144Books #Buckinghamshire

Amazon UK

Title: Paper Hearts and Summer Kisses

Author: Carole Matthews

Format reviewed: Ebook 

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Sphere

Publication Date: 15th December 2016

Rating: 5 Stars

Christie Chapman is a single working mother who spends her days commuting to her secretarial job in London and looking after her teenage son, Finn. It can be tough just getting through the day but Christie has always found comfort in her love of crafting and any spare time she has is spent in her parents' summerhouse working on her beautiful creations. From intricately designed birthday cards to personalised gifts, Christie's flair for the handmade knows no bounds and it's not long before opportunity comes knocking. All of a sudden Christie sees a different future for her and Finn - one full of hope and possibility, and if the handsome Max Alexander is to be believed, one full of love too. It's all there for the taking.

And then, all of sudden, Christie's world is turned upside down.

Christie knows that something has to give, but what will she choose? Will she give up her dreams and the chance of real love? What price will she pay for doing the right thing? Can Christie find her happy ending in . . . Paper Hearts and Summer Kisses. 

Easily my most favourite Carole Matthews book of all time. I seriously think this may be the best book she has ever written, and given I enjoy almost everything by this author, I  think that says somethings. 

I have been taken on the most fantastic fictional journey, during the course of the book I have laughed, I have smiled, I have been almost in tears, I have had to google just what crafting dies look like, and die cutting machines (still not sure I get it), I have been incredibly impressed with Finn and what he has to deal with and I have been completely absorbed for most of the second half of the book, and I'm just glad I don't have to get up in the morning, as its really late! - I just didn't notice the time nor care, as I was focused on finding out what happened next. 

Quite early into the book I was convinced that I could have predicted every last outcome, as it starts off in the same manner as a lot of similar books that I have read...but then as it continues I am delighted to say that I was completely and utterly wrong. There seems to be a new depth and maturity to the already brilliant story telling abilities of the author, 

Although I am not a crafter, I am in awe of those mega creative people that can conjure up magnificent projects from a few materials. Admittedly my lack of crafting knowledge was a slight problem at times, especially while elements of Christie's big break are coming to fruition, where I could have done with googling for a lot of the crafting equipment to fully try to understand (I may just go watch a craft station instead!)

That being said the ideas and projects that were described in great detail, I could get a pretty good idea of in my imagination, so I wasn't completely in the dark. 

However my favourite story line was Finn. He is a regular teenager, perhaps a bit of a mummy's boy, but has health problems. Frustratingly although it is clear he is ill, the cause is staying hidden, so Christie and Finn suffer plenty of annoyance at the health care system.  I am in awe of Finn and loved the way he developed over the course of the book. 

There is so much more I could say, but I'd rather leave you to enjoy this book for yourself, and partly because I am running out of superlatives to describe Paper Hearts and Summer Kisses. 

Thank you to Netgalley and Sphere for this copy of the book which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Thank you to everyone that voted for Paper Hearts and Summer Kisses, it truly is a remarkable pick, and one that I have thoroughly enjoyed. Also thanks to it being set in Buckinghamshire, it has allowed me to cross another county of our epic challenge which is always a great feeling too! 

Book Review - The Chocolate Lovers' Christmas by Carole Matthews - Rachel Reads Randomly Book #5

Amazon UK

Title:  The Chocolate Lovers' Christmas

Author: Carole Matthews

Format reviewed: Paperback

Source: Purchased

Publisher: Sphere

Publication Date: 22nd October 2015

Rating: 3 Stars

Christmas is just around the corner but the women of The Chocolate Lovers' Club have more to worry about than present shopping . . .

Lucy loves running Chocolate Heaven but she hasn't spent time with her boyfriend, Aiden, in weeks. And then her ex-fiance turns up and things become even more complicated.

Nadia hasn't let herself get close to a man in a long time, yet she can't help feeling drawn to Jacob. Will he be her last chance for a happy ending?

Chantal and her husband, Ted, are besotted with their baby daughter Lana - but she's not sure that's enough to base a marriage on.

Autumn is dealing with a tragedy that has hit too close to home. But when she doesn't get the support she needs from her fiance, will she look elsewhere for comfort?

Can friendship overcome all in . . . The Chocolate Lovers' Christmas.

The Chocolate Lovers' are back in this all new book, after a very long wait. And that I think was part of my problem initially with the story. It picks up I believe not too far after the end of The Chocolate Lovers' Diet, but in real terms, I think its been at least 7 years since I read the first two books of the series, and that is far too long to expect me to remember the details and personalities of four very different characters. 

And unlike another book I read recently which started with a lovely introduction from the author, complete with very handy reminders of the books that were out only a year or two previous, there was nothing in The Chocolate Lover's Christmas to remind you of anything. As a result I was reading this almost as though I was a new reader to the series, but equally with the back of my mind going, "why can't I remember this" and "do I know this piece of information or not" and all those sorts of thoughts. 

As a result it took me almost the whole book to get into it properly. On the plus side the next Chocolate Lovers' book is out early next year, so I should be able enjoy that a lot more with a shorter gap. 

While I'm on the more negative side of this review, I will also say that I found myself getting confused during the book. The chapters are all really short and as each of them is focused around a different one of the girls, your focus is changing between them at very fast intervals. And due to Autumn and Nadia's very close friendship, I found myself struggling to remember which one was which, and who Lewis belonged to. Also I noticed that Chantal, Autumn and Nadia were told in the 3rd person but yet Lucy was told in the first person. I would have preferred all to be in the same person. 

With all that out of the way, I did enjoy the book, and especially Lucy's story. I loved the descriptions of all the various chocolate treats on offer in Chocolate Heaven, the chocolate cafe she runs, and Lucy is a bit of a disaster zone when it comes to the situations she gets herself into. There is a trip to Belgium that is hilarious, as well as a scene involving Lucy swallowing something she shouldn't have, when a romantic gesture goes wrong. 

Nadia and Autumn are clearly best friends and the closest two members of the club. One often babysits for the other and they are both grieving a family member at the start of the book. During this look at their lives, we see them both slowly get back on their feet and elements of their lives do improve. 

Chantal's daughter Lana is gorgeous and it takes a very strong woman, to extend friendship to the mother of Lana's half sister. Both babies have the same father and are very similar in age, and its a look at how an unusual family situation could be dealt with. 

The Chocolate Lovers' Christmas has a lot of drama, relationship ups and downs, a great sense of humour, a couple of brilliant storylines, and was an entertaining book to read. Just remember to have your own stash of chocolate handy as you will get hungry. 

There really is a lot to like in the book and if you remember the originals or are reading it completely fresh you will probably enjoy it a lot more than I did. If like me you are struggling to recall the first two books (that I know I loved), I would suggest re-reading them before this one to refresh your mind of the story. 

Ultimately although I did enjoy the book, I just felt it wasn't as good as previous Christmas releases by Carole Matthews, nor did it draw me in the way her books normally do. 

Thank you to everyone that voted to make The Chocolate Lovers' Christmas my next book. I had been looking forward to it since I had seen it released, so even if you hadn't made me read it the second it arrived (practically), I would have read it over the weekend regardless, as I had been looking forward to it that much. Just a shame I found it a bit of an anti climax to my excitement.  The vote for this week is already up, so please do take part again. 

Book Review - The Cake Shop in the Garden by Carole Matthews

Amazon UK

Title: The Cake Shop in the Garden

Author: Carole Matthews

Format reviewed: Paperback

Source: Competition win from Carole Matthews

Publisher: Sphere

Publication Date: 23rd April 2015

Rating: 5 Stars

Fay Merryweather runs her cake shop from her beautiful garden. She whips up airy sponges and scrumptious scones, while her customers enjoy the lovely blossoms and gorgeous blooms. Looking after the cake shop, the garden and her cantankerous mother means Fay is always busy but she accepts her responsibilities because if she doesn't do all this, who will?

Then Danny Wilde walks into her life and makes Fay question every decision she's ever made.

When a sudden tragedy strikes, Fay's entire world is thrown off balance even further and she doesn't know which way to turn. Can Fay find the strength to make a life-changing decision - even if it means giving up the thing she loves the most? Life, love and family are about to collide in The Cake Shop in the Garden.

I was over the moon on Saturday morning to discover I had won a signed copy of The Cake Shop in the Garden, since I have been a Carole Matthew fan for probably 12 years at least now, and have read almost every book she has written. I was even more delighted to come home on Monday, to see it had arrived already, and since I was between books, I couldn't resist. I had to read this one.

Fay Merryweather, is running a teashop out of her garden, and also her narrowboat at the bottom of the garden on the canal. She gets a reasonable passing trade from people meandering up and down the canals near Milton Keynes, as well as people from the local village. While running this teashop, she also is sole carer to her bedridden mum Margaret, as well as a huge support to her sister in New York. 

Fay has a long term partner of 10 years, in Anthony, who seems more interested in golf and his handbell ringing group, than in Fay, and seems like he must have been old before his time, at least it felt that way. 

Lija is Fay's assistant in the cafe, and perhaps one of Fay's only real friends. I loved Lija's attitude towards everything, and she is a massive help to Fay. 

Danny Wilde, is young and incredibly handsome. He has recently packed in a job in The City, in order to have a more relaxed way of life, travelling around the UK on the canals. He moors his boat on Fay's mooring and helps out preparing the cafe for another summer. 

Fay is the sort of person that put literally everyone first, and as a result she initially seems a bit "woe is me", a  bit uninspiring and spineless. But when suddenly everything around her changes, she has to decide exactly what is most important in her life, and in doing so, I feel becomes a far more well rounded person. 

I loved the idea of a Cake Shop/Cafe being run out of a boat, and a garden, and in bad weather parts of the house. The cakes always sounded so nice, and regular customer Stan is a real ray of light. He is the perfect example of an elderly gentleman.

The bedridden mother, Margaret, and sister Edie are really hard to like. Both of them utterly selfish and take advantage of Fay. In fact although there quite a few characters I didn't like, they were the sort that I still enjoyed reading about regardless. 

The Cake Shop in the Garden is a novel with heart. It is a wonderful story about love, life, family and not to mention cake! As is always the case, it was an absolute pleasure to read, and I would love to see a short story sequel, as I feel I'd love to see how the story develops, after the book ended!

The Cake Shop in the Garden was published in paperback yesterday. 

Release Recap - 23rd April 2015

Just in-case you missed out on seeing all of yesterday's simply amazing new releases, I have listed them all for you in one easy place. I am just amazed at the quality of yesterday's release schedule, and think you will be too, once you pick and choose what you want to read.

Love Shack by Jane Costello
One Small Act of Kindness by Lucy Dillon
Girls on Tour by Nicola Doherty
The Doris Day Vintage Film Club by Fiona Harper
Wild and Free by Wendy Holden
The Cake Shop in the Garden by Carole Matthews
When We Were Friends by Tina Seskis
The Lie by C.L. Taylor


Reviews of most of these have been posted in the last week. If you take up any of my suggestions, please let me know, as I would love to know what you think of these books.