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
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| Amazon UK |
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.
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!
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!
I'm so glad you chose this to read, I'm really looking forward to reading it. I'm happy to tweet you a pic of my die cutting machine in action if you like!
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