BOOK REVIEW: Sunny Days and Sea Breezes by Carole Matthews

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?

Publisher: Sphere

Carole Matthews has written thirty-two books yet she still has something new to offer her readers. I’m sure I say this everytime Carole has a new book out but I think this is her best yet! 

I loved everything about this book from the characters, to the setting, to the delightful cover. Jodie heads to her brother’s house boat on the Isle of Wight, she desperately needs to escape her life in London, including her husband Chris. Feeling as though she can’t face anyone, she is hoping for quiet and solitude and the island seems the perfect choice. Life has other ideas though; Marilyn bursts onto the boat, resplendent in bright leggings and jangly jewellery and then her new neighbour, Ned, strikes up his chainsaw to begin a new wooden sculpture. At first, Jodie wants to hide from these two but gradually she allows them in and surprisingly they become integral to her future. 

I will happily hold my hands up and admit to having a huge crush on Ned, don’t you love it when that happens in a book! He is kind, caring and very easy on the eye. I really enjoyed this romantic aspect of the story; he goes out of his way to look after Jodie and this is before he has any romantic intentions. 

Jodie develops greatly as a character and she is so different by the end of the book. She has suffered a great tragedy but it becomes apparent that she may have been settling in life long before then. She slowly opens herself up to actually enjoying her life, from wearing bright clothes to yoga sessions on the beach. 

Marilyn is a real breath of fresh air in the story; she is the mother figure that Jodie needs, someone to care for her with no hidden agenda. She brings a lot of humour to the story and I loved how she brought Jodie out of her shell.

Sunny Days and Sea Breezes is such a lovely read and I know it will delight many readers. Many thanks to Carole Matthews and Sphere for inviting me to review this book.

BOOK REVIEW: Happiness of Beginners by Carole Matthews

Molly Baker is living her best life. Thirty-eight years old, she lives on the twenty-five-acre Hope Farm in Buckingham shire, 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?

Publisher: Sphere

Pages: 445

Carole has done it again, Happiness for Beginners is fantastic. The cover is stunning and perfect for this time of year, just looking at it cheered me up.
Our protagonist is Molly Baker, she runs Hope Farm, an alternative school for kids plus home to a range of slightly eccentric animals. It is hard work for Molly but highly rewarding. Molly's whole life revolves around the farm so it is no surprise that she doesn't recognise TV superstar Shelby Dacre when he turns up with his son Lucas. Shelby is in a long-running soap opera and very much a heartthrob and household name. He is also at his wits end with son Lucas, since his wife died they have grown more and more distant and Shelby is at a loss as to how to reach his son.
Molly isn't fazed and agrees to take on Lucas at the school. She quickly develops a soft-spot for the troubled teenager and is determined to help him. There is a connection between Molly and Shelby too and she is convinced there is more to him than his glamorous persona.
I really loved this book and I think the idea behind it is fantastic. Hope Farm provides such a good setting. There is so much humour and warmth derived from the animals and other characters involved in Molly's life there. It felt very familiar and homely, I could picture it all so well in my mind.
Carole weaves a fantastically romantic element into the story in the form of Shelby and Molly's growing relationship. I was a little wary of him at first as Molly seemed slightly naive but it was great to see their relationship grow and develop.
Happiness for Beginners is such a lovely read and perfect for the Spring. It is full of hope and opportunity, romance and mischievous alpacas. I can happily recommend Happiness for Beginners and all of Carole Matthew's other books, you will not be disappointed. 

BLOG TOUR: Million Love Songs by Carole Matthews

Carole Matthews published her latest book, Million Love Songs,  just last week and it is fantastic, you can check out my review here. If you've not picked up a copy yet then here's the synopsis:

After splitting up with her cheating husband, Ruby Brown is ready for a change: she’s single for the first tome in years and is 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. Joe on the other hand is kind and attractive, but comes with the sort of baggage Ruby wants to avoid: an annoyingly attractive ex-wife and two teenage children.But although Ruby might think she knows what she wants, she might be surprised to learn just what she needs to be truly happy. Let your heart sing this Spring… with Million Love Songs.

I'm very excited to be part of this lovely blog tour as it is all about beautiful love songs which I am a complete sucker for! Carole has created her own Spotify playlist for the book which you can listen to by clicking here.  Here's some of my favourites, I've narrowed it down as I do have quite an extensive list!

1. Have I Told You Lately by Van Morrison- this was the first song we danced to at our wedding!
2. Make You Feel My Love by Adele or Bob Dylan- The band
played this at our wedding and I loved it, had not heard it before but it's perfect!
3. At Last by Etta James- Beautiful song, gives me goosebumps!
4. XO by Beyonce- I LOVE Beyonce and this is one of those happy love songs!
5. Breaking the Law by Emile Sande- this song means a great deal to me, do you have someone who would break the law for you?
6. The Rose by Bette Midler- I fell in love with Bette Midler after watching Beaches and I love this song- she's hilarious to follow on Twitter too!

Make sure you get your hands on Carole's latest book as you won't be disappointed and let me know if you have any favourite love songs! 

BOOK REVIEW: Million Love Songs by Carole Matthews

After splitting up with her cheating husband, Ruby Brown is ready for a change: she’s single for the first tome in years and is 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. Joe on the other hand is kind and attractive, but comes with the sort of baggage Ruby wants to avoid: an annoyingly attractive ex-wife and two teenage children.
But although Ruby might think she knows what she wants, she might be surprised to learn just what she needs to be truly happy. Let your heart sing this Spring… with Million Love Songs.
Publisher: Sphere

Pages: 400

Paperback March 22^nd

Carole Matthews publishes two books a year and I really don’t know how she does it! Million Love Songs is a warm, entertaining feel-good read with a slightly raunchier feel than Carole’s other books (You just wait and see what happens to Ruby when she visits Paris!).

Ruby Brown is recently divorced and definitely not looking for love; instead she is focusing on enjoying life and having some fun. But as is always the way when you’re not looking- Ruby finds herself with not one but two men pursuing her. Joe is her scuba-diving instructor, he’s handsome and kind but weighed down with so much baggage. Ruby loves spending time with him but the ex-wife and two sulky teenage children are ringing alarm bells. Suitor number two is Mason and he has his own complications in that he is Ruby’s boss; his family own the chain of pubs that Ruby works in. He is fit, rich and too smooth for his own good. So Ruby has a decision to make, two men, each with their own positives  but also complications; can either one make her truly happy?

I love Carole’s books, her main characters are always likeable and Ruby is no different. I loved how she was going out there, determined to have some fun after a messy divorce. She doesn’t always get it right but this just made her more believable and endearing.

Ruby’s best friend, Claire brings an extra element to the book; she is a  huge Gary Barlow fan (hence the title) and she follows her idol around the country hoping for a mere glimpse. Ruby tags along on a few of these trips and whilst making her a true Take That fan, they also make her realise that Ruby does want a relationship. Her friend is chasing someone unobtainable but Ruby has two available men in front of her that may offer her future happiness.

As I said before, this is probably Carole’s raunchiest book but I want to clarify that it is not done in a crude manner. I felt that she fitted the love scenes into the book in an appropriate way, they make the book feel a little more grown up and I think readers will welcome this slight change.

Million Love Songs shows Carole’s huge talent, the writing is excellent as usual, it’s a very entertaining read so go and get your copy! The hardback and e-book are already out and the paperback is published today!

Many thanks to Sphere for sending me a copy of the book to review, I will also be on the blog tour for this on March 31st! 

BLOG TOUR: Christmas Cakes and Mistletoe Nights by Carole Matthews- WIN A SIGNED COPY!!

I am so excited to be on the blog tour today for Carole Matthews' latest book, Christmas Cakes and Mistletoe Kisses. This fantastic festive read is Carole's 30th book which I think we can all agree, is a fabulous achievement. I think Carole is one of the hardest working authors I know; she writes two books a year and is prolific on social media- she always makes time to share her news and interact with her readers and fans. I think that Christmas Cakes and Mistletoe Nights will prove very popular, here's the synopsis and my review: 

Fay and Danny are madly in love and it's all Fay's ever dreamt 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 where it all began, back to where she first met Danny, 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 back on dry land again!- and starts to wonder if she ever should have left. With Christmas around the corner, she is determined that her friends will have a very merry time, but does that mean even more time away from Danny?

Publisher: Sphere

Pages: 389

This is Carole Matthews' 30th book, how fantastic is that! I honestly don't know how she does it but I'm so glad that she does!
Christmas Cakes and Mistletoe Nights is the sequel to Carole's extremely successful book, The Cake Shop in the Garden. It is one of my favourite of Carole's books so I was very excited to read this one and catch up with all the old characters again. I think you could read this as a stand-alone but I would highly recommend reading the first book too as you wouldn't want to miss out.
Fay and Danny are making a life for themselves, things are hard going but they are loving canal life on Danny's boat. Fay gets a phone call from Lija who is worried as their friend Stan is unwell and she could do with a hand looking after him as she also has the cafe to run. Fay is reluctant to leave Danny but Stan is like a second father to her so she knows she has to go back. She slots back into life at the cafe and is so proud to see how well Lija is doing but she clearly needs help. Fay is torn- she misses Danny terribly but then she also feels at home back with her friends. What if she should not have left? Where does that leave her and Danny in the future?
Christmas Cakes and Mistletoe Nights is a real delight. It was so good to be back with the characters I love from the first book. Lija is my particular favourite and her rea

ctions and one-liners had me laughing out loud. Add into this, Lija's new assistant, Rainbow, who is a fantastic creation. Bubbly, bright and happy about EVERYTHING, Rainbow brings a real  breath of fresh air to the story- you will love her!
As with all of Carole's Christmas books, it is not too in your face. Yes, there's Christmas trees and the odd mince pie but it is not too twee or cheesy as some Christmas books can be!
I very much enjoyed Carole's descriptions of the food at the cafe; she gives daily descriptions of the cakes that Lija and Fay bake  and it will make your mouth water.
The romance is still very much alive for Fay and Danny, they are a lovely couple and you feel that they found each other at the right time. It always seems to be outside pressures that cause them trouble  and you are just left hoping that their relationship is strong enough.
Christmas Cakes and Mistletoe Nights is such a lovely read and the cover is stunning. I would highly recommend it plus it would be the perfect Christmas gift for many a book lover!

So if this has whet your appetite- you can win a signed copy of Christmas Cakes and Mistletoe Nights, all you need to do is leave a comment on this post before midnight on October 25th and I shall draw a name out of a hat! The competition is open to UK residents only- Good Luck!

BLOG TOUR: Paper Hearts and Summer Kisses by Carole Matthews

I am so excited to be on the blog tour today for Paper Hearts and Summer Kisses, the beautiful new book from Carole Matthews. Here's the synopsis:

Christie Chapman is a single mum who spends her days commuting to her secretarial job in London and looking after her teenage son Finn. It's not an easy life, but Christie finds comfort in her love of crafting and spends her spare time working on her beautiful creations. From intricately designed cards to personalised gifts, Christie's flair for the handmade knows no bounds and it's not long before opportunity comes knocking.
Now Christie can see a future full of hope and possibility for her and Finn and if the handsome Max is to be believed, one full of love too. And then, all of a sudden, her world is turned upside down. Christie knows that something has to give, but can she really give up her dreams and the chance of love?
Will Christie find her happy ending?

Publisher: Sphere

Pages: 421

Paper Hearts and Summer Kisses is the stunning new book from Carole Matthews. The cover is absolutely beautiful, definitely my favourite cover of Carole's and it makes the book even more perfect to give as a gift.
Christie is a single mum to Finn, she commutes into London every day to work as a legal PA. She has very little spare time but when she does, nothing makes her happier than paper crafting. She loves coming up with new ideas and designs and out of the blue she is given the opportunity to use her talents for a possible new career. An American craft company are looking to sell their products in the UK and they feel that Christie would be the perfect ambassador. The offer is very tempting especially when it is being pushed by Max Alexander (in my head he was the Christian Grey of the crafting world but without the whips etc) he is the very attractive CEO of the company and he and Christie have instant chemistry.
Christie knows that this is exactly the opportunity that she needs but then everything changes. Finn is taken ill and Christie's world implodes. All she cares about is her son and making him better. Maybe her dreams will have to be put on hold or maybe she will have to give up on them altogether.
As usual, Carole Matthews writes from the heart and Paper Hears and Summer Kisses is a beautiful story. Christie is clearly very kind  and an excellent mother to Finn. She is also incredibly independent, resilient and ambitious, what's not to like? It is clear that she is having to juggle so much and as the reader you are just hoping that she chooses the right ball to drop.
I know near to nothing about the crafting world so don't be put off the book if you have little experience of it too. It was very interesting to dip into it though and learn about the techniques being used and the community driving it. Christie shows how it is possible to turn a hobby and a passion into a career and a successful business; something I feel is much more achievable in present times than it has ever been.
If, like me, you are a fan of Carole Matthews then you will not be disappointed. If you've not read anything by this fabulous author then Paper Hearts and Summer Kisses would be a great place to start.

Carole Matthews wanted to use this blog tour to create a paper chain of thanks so I was sent an extra copy of the book to give as a gift. I chose my friend Jennie who is a big Carole Matthews fan! She is a really lovely person who works tirelessly at my daughter's school to raise funds so the children can have lovely new equipment and treats. I know that Jennie really loved the book and she has already passed it on to her mum who is also a fan! I know I said before but this book would be a lovely gift for someone so if you can think of a worthy recipient then why not continue the paper chain?

Many thanks to Stephanie for inviting me to be part of the blog tour, check out the other posts for more reviews, interviews and competitions! 

BOOK REVIEW: The Chocolate Lovers' Christmas by Carole Matthews

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 for 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 Chantal isn't 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?

Publisher: Sphere

Pages: 470

I know it's nearly New Year but I think you still have a bit of time to fit one last festive read in and if I were you I would make it The Chocolate Lovers' Christmas by Carole Matthews. Chocolate and Christmas in one book- perfect!
It is the third book in this series but Carole introduces it very well so you could happily read it as a stand alone book.
Lucy is now running Chocolate Heaven (a speciality chocolate cafe) she is in her element but it is also a little harder than she has expected. Chantal is getting her head around being a new mum which is tough enough without your husband having recently welcomed another child with a different woman. Autumn is really struggling with her brother's death but is trying to put a brave face on it even though she is getting very little support from her fiance and Nadia is trying to do her best for her young son but it is tough being a single mum, especially when you can't find a job. The women rely on each other and Chocolate Heaven is a place of solace for all of them. Carole Matthews shows the strength of friendship and how these women go out of their way to support each other.
As always, Carole's writing is superb and it is clear to see how comfortable she is with these long standing characters, their friendship and interactions feel very natural and you are almost made to feel like part of their group as you are reading it. Their individual storylines are entertaining on their own merit but Carole brings them together and ties up all the lose ends all whilst keeping a brilliant pace.
The Chocolate Lovers' Christmas is great for this time of year; fun, festive and entertaining. Carole Matthews triumphs again!

The Cake Shop in the Garden by Carole Matthews, REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY!!!

Carole Matthew's brilliant new book The Cake Shop in the Garden is published tomorrow! I was extremely lucky to receive a review copy of this book very early and I LOVED it! Carole is one of the loveliest people I have ever met and the fact that she writes two fabulous books a year is astounding! I have re-posted my review below and I am also very excited to have a copy of the book to give away, simply leave a comment and I shall announce the winner (drawn randomly) in 7 days time! This give away is only open to UK residents, Good Luck! 

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 then 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.

Publisher: Sphere

Pages: 432

Publication Date: Hardcover and Ebook available now, paperback published 23rd April

The Cake Shop in the Garden, in my opinion, is Carole Matthews' best book! I think it is possibly her longest at 432 pages but I devoured it very quickly.
Fay Merryweather is the central character, she runs The Canal Side Cafe from her childhood home with the help of her Russian assistant Lija. She loves running the cafe but it is also a necessity as she is the sole carer of her mother. There is not actually anything medically wrong with Fay's mum but she took to her bed several years ago and is refusing to budge

. Fay's sister Edie couldn't care less, she lives in New York and hasn't visited for years. She only really contacts Fay if she needs her to move some money to her ever dwindling bank account.So Fay has a lot  to deal with; she does have a long-term partner Anthony but he seems to be more interested in his hand-bell ringing hobby than putting any effort into their relationship.
Fay is just plodding along, she knows that she's not necessarily happy but she feels trapped by it all, especially her responsibilities to her mother. Danny Wilde turns up on his boat one morning at the bottom of Fay's garden and makes her realise that she deserves so much more. He quit his job in the city and is looking for work so he ends up helping Fay tidy the garden ready for the summer. The attraction between them is instant and palpable but Fay has Anthony and the business to run whereas Danny is just embarking on a new adventure. Fay's world is thrown into even more turmoil when tragedy strikes at the heart of her family. Will she be able to hold it all together and does she really want to?
I loved, loved, loved Fay! I could have shaken her at times but she is a brilliant character. You get a real sense of the weight of responsibility she has on her shoulders; she doesn't do anything without thinking about how it will affect everyone else first. Danny is exactly what she needs; someone to give her a jolt so she notices that life is just passing her by.
Lija, Fay's assistant is one of the best characters Carole has ever created. She is feisty, loyal to Fay and very, very funny. She provided me with many laugh out loud moments and was one of my favourite parts of the book.
There was a huge and brilliant twist at the end of the book which I in no way saw coming. I really couldn't believe what I was reading, Carole really pulls it out of the bag with this one!
I think people are going to love The Cake Shop in the Garden, it's a great story, good characters, a few surprises, humour, warmth and plenty of cake, what's not to like?

Don't forget to leave a comment below in order to be in with a chance of winning a copy of this fabulous book! 

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

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 then 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.

Publisher: Sphere

Pages: 432

Publication Date: Hardcover and Ebook available now, paperback published 23rd April

The Cake Shop in the Garden, in my opinion, is Carole Matthews' best book! I think it is possibly her longest at 432 pages but I devoured it very quickly.
Fay Merryweather is the central character, she runs The Canal Side Cafe from her childhood home with the help of her Russian assistant Lija. She loves running the cafe but it is also a necessity as she is the sole carer of her mother. There is not actually anything medically wrong with Fay's mum but she took to her bed several years ago and is refusing to budge

. Fay's sister Edie couldn't care less, she lives in New York and hasn't visited for years. She only really contacts Fay if she needs her to move some money to her ever dwindling bank account.So Fay has a lot  to deal with; she does have a long-term partner Anthony but he seems to be more interested in his hand-bell ringing hobby than putting any effort into their relationship.
Fay is just plodding along, she knows that she's not necessarily happy but she feels trapped by it all, especially her responsibilities to her mother. Danny Wilde turns up on his boat one morning at the bottom of Fay's garden and makes her realise that she deserves so much more. He quit his job in the city and is looking for work so he ends up helping Fay tidy the garden ready for the summer. The attraction between them is instant and palpable but Fay has Anthony and the business to run whereas Danny is just embarking on a new adventure. Fay's world is thrown into even more turmoil when tragedy strikes at the heart of her family. Will she be able to hold it all together and does she really want to?
I loved, loved, loved Fay! I could have shaken her at times but she is a brilliant character. You get a real sense of the weight of responsibility she has on her shoulders; she doesn't do anything without thinking about how it will affect everyone else first. Danny is exactly what she needs; someone to give her a jolt so she notices that life is just passing her by.
Lija, Fay's assistant is one of the best characters Carole has ever created. She is feisty, loyal to Fay and very, very funny. She provided me with many laugh out loud moments and was one of my favourite parts of the book.
There was a huge and brilliant twist at the end of the book which I in no way saw coming. I really couldn't believe what I was reading, Carole really pulls it out of the bag with this one!
I think people are going to love The Cake Shop in the Garden, it's a great story, good characters, a few surprises, humour, warmth and plenty of cake, what's not to like?

Many thanks to the very lovely Carole Matthews for sending me a copy of her fabulous new book! 

BOOK REVIEW: The Christmas Party by Carole Matthews

Louise Young is a devoted single mother whose only priority is providing for her daughter Mia. Louise has a good job in a huge international corporation and she's grateful for it. The only problem is her boss who can't keep his hands to himself, but Louise can handle him. What she really doesn't have time for is romance- until she meets the company's rising star, Josh Wallace.
Louise usually says no to evenings out, but she's decided to let her hair down tonight. It's the office Christmas party, she has a pretty dress to wear and she's looking forward to some champagne and fun. She's completely unaware that others around her are too busy playing dangerous games to enjoy the party- until she's pulled into those games herself...
Romance is in the air and secrets are about to be uncovered. It's going to be a night to remember at The Christmas Party.

Publisher: Sphere

Pages: 413 

If you are on the lookout for a festive read then look no further than The Christmas Party by Carole Matthews. This book was so good, it's full of believable characters, dangerous liaisons, mince pies and plenty of champagne to go round.
The main character is Louise Young, she has just got a job at Fossil Oil as personal assistant to Tyler Benson. She is overjoyed as it means she can begin providing properly for herself and her young daughter Mia. However, her boss' wondering hands are beginning to prove a problem and he is the one person she will definitely be trying to avoid at the Christmas party.
Tylers' wife Kirsten has had enough of his wondering eye and she's dreading the Christmas party this year. Kirsten has been a loyal and supportive wife but her patience is wearing thin. An unexpected guest at the party turns her world upside down, can she carry on being the perfect corporate wife when her first true love has just returned?
At the top of the Fossil Oil tree is Lance Harvey and his beautiful wife Melissa. Lance is getting older and it is becoming harder to fight off the younger and more able competition. Melissa has also been attracted to some of the younger competition; when her latest affair goes wrong she begins to wonder whether she should carry on supporting her erratic husband or strike out on her own?
The majority of the book takes place at the actual Christmas party and this was my favourite part. Carole Matthews got the atmosphere spot on when you put a group of overworked and unhappy people and a free bar together. There were many comical moments during the party and these really kept the pace of the book going. I think that this might be Carole's raciest book yet; the Christmas party provided many opportunities for couples to get to know each other better.
I liked the way that Carole kept the momentum going once the party had finished. We get to see the consequences of everyone's actions and it was good to see some get their just desserts.
The Christmas Party is a fabulous, festive read. It is also Carole's 25th book which alone is a truly marvellous achievement. If you are new to Carole's books then this would be a great place to start and then you will spoilt for choice with all of her other titles.

Many thanks to Sphere for sending me a copy of this book to review, The Christmas Party is out now! 

Fabulous Fridays: Chick Lit

I have been thinking about this post for a while but have been putting it off as I hate, hate, hate the term Chick lit! I think it has far too many derogatory connotations yet it is one of my favourite genres to read. So off I went to get a definition of what Chick Lit is and I found this:

Chick Lit is genre fiction which addresses issues of modern womanhood...

This still isn't great as it still sounds a bit feminist and bra burning to me but I interpret it as books about women! I am a woman and therefore it is likely that I am going to enjoy reading books about other women, I hold my hands up to the fact that I very rarely read books with a male lead character or written by a man. I think this is a subconscious choice, I do have a few male authors who I enjoy but it is mainly books by female authors sitting on my TBR pile.

So sorry for the preamble but here is a list of some of my favourite chick-lit books and inadvertently this list also includes all of my favourite chick-lit authors. These are the writers I go to when I want a great story, likeable characters, a bit of drama and the odd happy ending. These are the authors that I get excited about having a new book out as I just know that I am guaranteed a treat! 

I apologise right now if you don't agree with my definition of Chick Lit but I hope that some of these books might be of interest to you, just click on the title to read my review!

Have a lovely weekend

Dot
xxx 

The Teashop on the Corner by Milly Johnson (Simon & Schuster, 492 pages) Life is full of second chances...if only you keep your heart open for them.
Spring Hill Square is a pretty sanctuary away from the bustle of everyday life. And at its centre is Leni Merryman's Teashop on the Corner, a place where three people will find a friend to lean on.
Carla Pride has just discovered that her late husband Martin was not who she thought he was. But now she must learn to put her marriage behind her and move forward.
Molly Jones' ex-husband Harvey has reappeared in her life after many years, wanting to put right the wrongs of the past before it's too late.
And Will Linton's business has gone bust and his wife has left him to pick up the pieces. Now he needs to gather the strength to start again.
Can all three find the comfort they are looking for in The Teashop on the Corner? And as their hearts are slowly mended by Leni, can they return the favour when she needs in the most?

Thirteen Weddings by Paige Toon (Simon & Schuster, 422 pages) Sometimes you just have to step out of the light to see clearly again...

Bronte never expected to see Alex after their one night together, but she never stopped thinking of him. So when she arrives at work one day to find that Alex is a new colleague, she is secretly thrilled. The only problem is that Alex is now engaged to the girl he was on a break from the night they met.
Determined to move on, Bronte becomes a part-time wedding photographer, alongside her day job. Surrounded by loving couples, tearful bridesmaids, mischievous  pageboys and interfering mother-in-laws, she struggles through wedding after wedding whilst he heart is slowly torn apart.
As Alex's own wedding day draws ever nearer, their chemistry becomes harder to ignore. Bronte must decide whether to fight for the man she loves, or to let him go forever. 

You're The One That I Want by Giovanna Fletcher (Penguin, 400 pages) Maddy, Ben and Robert have been inseparable since they met in the school playground. They've stuck together through thick and thin, feeling safe in the knowledge that they have each other.
So when Ben falls hopelessly in love with Maddy, he decides to keep it quiet for the sake of their friendship. Until Robert swoops in and kisses Maddy- irrevocably fracturing things between them as the kiss turns to love.
But when Robert and Maddy's love turns sour, can Ben continue to say nothing? And can Maddy choose between her two best friends?

Take a Look at Me Now by Miranda Dickinson (Avon, 416 pages) When Nell's on-off boyfriend Aidan calls her into his office, the last thing she expects is to lose her job. Heartbroken and unemployed, she makes a radical decision to blow her redundancy cheque and escape to San Francisco. But is the glamour of the city too good to be true? And can Nell leave her past behind?

A Cottage by the Sea by Carole Matthews (Sphere, 448 pages) Grace had always been best friends with Ella and Flick. The late night chats, shared heartaches and good times have created a bond that has stood the test of time.
When Ella invites them to stay for a week in her cottage in South Wales, Grace jumps at the chance to see her old friends. She also hopes that the change of scenery will help her reconnect with her distant husband.
Then Flick arrives: lovable, bubbly, incorrigible Flick, accompanied by the handsome and charming Noah.
This is going to be one week that will change all of their lives forever...

The Mystery of Mercy Close by Marian Keyes (Penguin, 624 pages) Helen Walsh doesn't believe in fear- it's just a thing invented by man to get all the money and good  jobs- and yet she's sinking . Her work as a private investigator has dried up, her flat has been repossessed and now some old demons have resurfaced.
Not least in the form of her charming but dodgy ex-boyfriend Jay Parker, who shows up with a missing person case/ Money is tight- so tight Helen's had to move back with her elderly parents- and Jay is awash with cash. The missing person is Wayne Diffney, the 'wacky one' from boyband Laddz.
He's vanished from his house in Mercy Close and it's vital that he's found- Laddz have a sell-out comeback gig in five days time.
Things ended messily with Jay. And she's never going back there. Besides she has a new boyfriend now, the very sexy detective Artie Devlin and it's all going well, even though his ex-wife isn't quite 'ex' enough and his teenage son hates her. But the reappearance of Jay is stirring up all kinds of stuff she thought she'd left behind.
Playing by her own rules, Helen is drawn into a dark and glamorous world, where her worst enemy is her own head and where increasingly she feels connected to Wayne, a man she's never even met. 

To The Moon and Back by Jill Mansell (Headline, 416 pages) When Ellie Kendall loses her husband Jamie in an accident she feels her world has come to an end. But life has to go on and eventually she's ready for a new start- at work, that is. She definitely doesn't need a new man, not while she has a certain secret visitor to keep her company...
Entrepreneur Zack McLaren seems to have it all, but the girl he can't stop thinking about won't give him a second glance. Why can't she pay him the kind of attention she lavishes on Elmo, his time share dog?
Having moved  to an exclusive flat in North London, Ellie becomes friendly with neighbour Roo who's harbouring a secret of her own. Between them, can both girls sort out their lives? Guilt is a powerful emotion, but a lot can happen in a year in Primrose Hill...

Book Review: A Place to Call Home by Carole Matthews

All it takes is one life-changing decision...
Ayesha leaves behind a life of pain and heartache and boards a coach to London with her sights set on a new life for herself and her little girl, Sabina.
Hayden, a former pop star, has kept himself hidden away for years. In all that time, he's opened up his home to just two people- Crystal, a professional dancer with a heart of gold and Joy, an ill tempered pensioner with a soft spot for waifs and strays. But he reluctantly agrees to take in Ayesha and Sabina.
As different as they may be, all these damaged people quickly form a loving bond. So when enemies from their past threaten their peaceful life, they will do whatever it takes to save their home, and each other.

Publisher: Sphere

Pages: 464

Carole Matthews latest book is simply excellent. I finished it within two days as I was immediately engrossed in the story and didn't want to put it down.
Ayesha was a particularly interesting character. She is fleeing from domestic abuse with her young daughter Sabina. I really admired Ayesha's inner strength, all she wants to do is protect her daughter and give her a better life; it is very important to her that Sabina has a mother she can look up to.
Carole Matthews is so good at creating characters that you care about and this book is no exception. . Crystal was my favourite character in this book; she very much takes Ayesha under her wing but she also brings a lot of humour to the story.
The relationship between Ayesha and Hayden brings a lovely, romantic element to the book. Hayden, like Ayesha has had his heart broken and in some ways is also running away. Finding each other gives them  both a new lease of life but there are a few obstacles in the way of their happily ever after.
A Place to Call Home is such a good book, it is witty and entertaining but with a very serious edge. Carole Matthews really does know how to tell a good story and I would highly recommend this book.

Book Review: Calling Mrs Christmas by Carole Matthews

Cassie Smith has been out of work for a while but she has an idea. Drawing on her love of Christmas, she begins charging for small things: wrapping presents, writing cards; tree decorating. She's soon in huge demand and Cassie's business, Calling Mrs Christmas is born.
Carter Randall wants to make Christmas special for his children, so he enlists Cassie's help, and his lavish requests start taking up all her time. Thank goodness she can rely on her loving partner, Jim to handle the rest of her clients.
When millionaire Carter asks Cassie to join his family on a trip to Lapland, she knows she shouldn't go... Suddenly Cassie finds herself facing a heartbreaking choice that could change her entire life. 

Carole Matthews is just fabulous at what she does. Calling Mrs Christmas is a great read that will get you in the mood for the festive season, think Indecent Proposal but with mince pies!
Cassie lost her job months ago and her and partner Jim have been struggling to make ends meet. Cassie has a fantastic business idea, she loves Christmas so why not make some money out of it. Calling Mrs Christmas is created, Cassie is offering all types of festive services, card writing, tree decorating, making mince pies etc. It feels like things are looking up for Cassie and Jim but then she bumps into Carter Randall. A multi-millionaire businessman in the middle of a messy divorce; he employs Cassie to make Christmas magical for his two young children. Cassie is initially overjoyed to have landed such a big client but then things get complicated. She joins Carter on a trip to Lapland with the children and it becomes clear that she has feelings for him. Can she return to Jim or does she want to stay with Carter and have a life of sheer luxury with no money worries?
Calling Mrs Christmas is a brilliantly festive read. I loved the trip to Lapland; Carole's research trip very much paid off as all the little details she included really brought the story to life. And what could be more festive than Lapland?
In the main, I did like Cassie but I did find her rather selfish at times. I could see how she fell for Carter and all he could offer but she just seemed so fickle where Jim was concerned.
Carole Matthews always delivers. Calling Mrs Christmas is a warm, entertaining story, perfect to curl up with in the run up to Christmas.

Dot Scribbles Rating: 5/5

Publisher: Sphere

Pages: 480

Many thanks to the lovely Jo at Sphere for sending me a review copy, Calling Mrs Christmas is out now!

Book Review: A Cottage by the Sea by Carole Matthews

Grace had always been best friends with Ella and Flick. The late night chats, shared heartaches and good times have created a bond that has stood the test of time.
When Ella invites them to stay for a week in her cottage in South Wales, Grace jumps at the chance to see her old friends. She also hopes that the change of scenery will help her reconnect with her distant husband.
Then Flick arrives: lovable, bubbly, incorrigible Flick, accompanied by the handsome and charming Noah.
This is going to be one week that will change all of their lives forever...

I always know that I am in for a treat when one of Carole's books is published and A Cottage by the Sea is no exception. Be warned though that this book will have you googling coastal holiday cottages by the last page.
Ella has inherited the cottage from her parents so she drags her reluctant partner, Art and her friends Grace and Flick to spend the week in the British sunshine. Grace brings along her husband Harry who is visibly unhappy as there doesn't appear to be any phone signal in rural Wales. Flick turns up with Noah who is the latest in a long line of men. However, she says that this one is different and she may be right as Grace can't keep her eyes off him. This week is supposed to bring her and Harry closer together but she is beginning to wonder if the distance between them has become too much.
All three women are faced with relationship troubles and emotions run riot as they are all forced together under one roof. I really enjoyed the friendship between the three female characters and the ways in which it is tested during the story. Carole Matthews presents difficult situations with plenty of humour and honesty. All three women have to take stock of what they really want in life and more importantly, find the confidence to make it happen.
A Cottage by the Sea is beautifully detailed in its descriptions. I could fully visualise the seclusion of the cottage and smell the sea air, Carole is wonderful at taking you along for the story.
I am never disappointed by this lovely author and I highly recommend this book.

Dot Scribbles Rating: 5/5

Many thanks to Sphere for sending me a copy of the book to review. A Cottage by the Sea is available on Kindle now and will be available in paperback on March 28th.

Book Review: With Love at Christmas by Carole Matthews PLUS Author Interview

Can the imperfect family really have the perfect Christmas?
Juliet Joyce adores Christmas. She loves the presents, the tree, the turkey, the tinsel...just everything! Already the festive season is upon her, which is just as well as this Christmas things are just starting to get a little out of hand.
Her son Tom is out of work and bringing home a slew of unsuitable partners; pregnant daughter Chloe and her little boy have moved back in; Juliet's father, Frank, is getting over a heartbreak of his own and Rita, her eccentric mother, is behaving more erratically each day. And has the chaos got too much for Juliet's husband Rick?
With the big day fast approaching. Juliet hopes that she can stop everything spiralling out of control, because the only thing she wants is her family all around her and her home to be filled... With Love at Christmas.

I've been looking forward to starting my festive reading and Carole Matthews' latest book was an excellent way to begin. With Love at Christmas is such an enjoyable read. Carole Matthews has captured a quintessentially British Christmas; family, sprouts, shop bought Christmas pudding and advocat.
Juliet Joyce is a legend. Matriarch of the Joyce family, she has so many different things to juggle on a day to day basis. Her ageing mother, her heartbroken father, wayward son, selfish daughter, demading grandchild, preoccupied husband and the perfect family Christmas to plan.
It is such a busy time of year and we put so much pressure on ourselves for it to be amazing, With Love at Christmas highlights the fact that all that matters really is each other. Not presents or Christmas pudding or a beautifully decorated tree but friends and family instead.
Juliet and her husband Rick go out of their way constantly to help others but they seem to have forgotten to look after each other. When Juliet finds some suspicious texts on Rick's phone, she worries that maybe her husband has been at the bottom of the list of priorities for too long.
With Love at Christmas has many funny moments and I found it to be a very entertaining and heart warming read. It is the perfect book to get you in the mood for the impending festive season and as a reminder of the important things in life.

Dot Scribbles Rating: 5/5

I have been lucky enough to be able to ask the lovely Carole Matthews some questions, here's what she had to say:

1. I'm really excited about your new book With Love at Christmas, can you tell us a little bit about it? 

I’m really excited about it too and am already in the Christmas mood! Lovely Kev is refusing to put the tree up yet though and he’s quite alarmed about the amount of glittery products making their way into Matthews’ Towers!

With Love at Christmas is about a chaotic family Christmas featuring the Joyce family - the same family that featured in That Loving Feeling, a book which I wrote about 3 years ago. When I decided to do a Christmas book about a family-based Christmas, it was lovely to pick up with them again. It’s not a sequel. We pick up with the Joyce family 2 years later, just as they approach Christmas.

Juliet Joyce is a mad, keen Christmas fan and has been loving forward to this Christmas since the last one! This year, however, she’s juggling all kinds of problems. Her children have both come home and need her help. On the other hand, her elderly parents are having issues and need her to be with them. Juliet is pulled in a dozen different directions. Then she discovers mystery texts on her husband’s phone and wonders if she’s neglecting him just too much. All Juliet wants is everyone to be happy and her home to be filled With Love at Christmas, but can the imperfect family ever have the perfect Christmas?

It’s a funny, touching story that I hope will make readers laugh out loud and shed a tear.

2. When did you start writing this book and how did you manage to get into the festive spirit?

I wrote it during last summer, so I had to make sure I had lots of mince pies to hand when I started it! The nice thing about writing a Christmas book is that it gets you in the mood for Christmas really early and now I think about it virtually all year round.

 3. At this time of year I like a good cosy read or something with a bit of mystery! Do your reading habits change in the winter?

Well, now I read lots of Christmas books, which I love. But I also love a good ghost story during the winter months. I’m looking for something really scary this year. A book that’s quite a bit darker. I also like an historical novel filled with intrigue.

 4. Obviously, we're not far from Christmas now, what's your favourite thing about the festive season?

I just love being chilled out at home with family and friends. Nothing too exotic. A bottle of fizz,  a big box of chocs and a cheesy, sentimental film and that’s me sorted. I love it when friends drop in unexpectedly and I get cracking on the turkey butties. That’s what Christmas is all about.

 5. Have you started on the next book and if so can you give us any details?

In the new year my next book, A Cottage by the Sea is out. This is about what happens when three old friends go on holiday together and, of course, not everything turns out as they’d planned.

Carole Matthews Competition Winner

I put all of the names into a mixing bowl this morning and asked Dr S to pick a winner of Summer Daydreams by Carole Matthews and the name picked was...

Congratulations Nadia! Can you please email me or DM me on Twitter with your postal address and I can get the book out to you. Thanks to everyone who entered, there will be more give aways soon!!