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Carole Matthews is the Sunday Times bestselling author of twenty-five novels, including the Top Ten bestsellers A Cottage by the Sea and Calling Mrs Christmas. In 2013, Summer Daydreams was shortlisted for the Melissa Nathan award for Fiction about Life and Love. Carole was also shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists' Association Romantic Comedy RoNA in 2012 and inducted into the Reader Hall of Fame by the inaugural Festival of Romance. Her novels dazzle and delight readers all over the world. She is published in more than thirty countries and her books have sold to Hollywood.
Click here to read an exclusive interview with Carole Matthews by Mary Hogarth.
Photograph © Charlie Hopkinson
What a lovely, charming, friendly read this is, an enticing ‘will they, won’t they’ romance is equally matched by the story of animals in need and children requiring an alternative learning environment. Molly Baker runs her beloved farm as a school, when a new student arrives, Molly’s life is turned thoroughly upside down and in to a roundabout spin. I adored the explanation at the beginning of the novel by Carole Matthews that Hope Farm is based on the real Animal Antiks Farm. The first sentence had me chortling and I settled further down into the comfort of my sofa to enjoy the read. Molly tells her own story, I could really hear her voice and her personality shines through. Can I say that the animals very nearly steal the show for me, having had a downright grumpy (read that as flesh tearing vampire) rescue cat myself, their individual quirks made me smile. ‘Happiness for Beginners’ is entertaining, heart-warming and ever so readable, I raced through in one sitting and enjoyed every second.
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.
Ruby Brown is ready for a change. She's single 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. 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. Ruby thinks she knows what she wants, but is it what she needs to be truly happy? It's about to get emotional in Million Love Songs. Praise for Million Love Songs 'Sparkling . . . light-hearted, laugh-packed fun' Sunday Mirror 'One of our favourite authors, Carole Matthews always delivers a delicious read, and Million Love Songs is another delightful read. Full of humour and emotional dilemmas, this latest book is perfect to curl up with on the sofa in this unpredictable weather. Highly Recommended!' Hot Brands Cool Places.
'A gorgeous novel that will delight' Katie Fforde A heart-warming and poignant novel of romance, family and second chances, Paper Hearts and Summer Kisses is Sunday Times bestselling Carole Matthews at her outstanding best. Perfect for fans of Jill Mansell and Milly Johnson. 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. 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. It's all there for the taking. And then, all of 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 real love? Will Christie find her happy ending in ...Paper Hearts and Summer Kisses.
Lucy is worried about her financial situation and it keeps distracting her. Should she accept an offer of help from an untrustworthy source? Nadia may have a real chance at finding love but other areas of her life aren't so rosy. Something needs to change - but what? Autumn can't wait to meet someone she hasn't seen in a very long time. She's full of hope for the future but then things don't exactly go to plan ...Chantal has been through so much and she's finally starting to feel settled. The last thing she needs is the kind of bad news that could change her life all over again. And yet, despite all the ups and downs, the Chocolate Lovers' ladies know they can get through it all as long as they have each other. They're not going to let anything get in the way of their happy-ever-afters in ...The Chocolate Lovers' Wedding.
Nadia may have found a good man to give her heart to but other areas of her life aren't so rosy. Something needs to change - but what? Autumn can't wait to meet her daughter for the first time. She's full of hope for their future relationship but then their reunion doesn't exactly go to plan ...Chantal has been through so much and she's finally starting to feel settled. The last thing she needs is the kind of bad news that could change her life all over again. And yet, despite all the ups and downs, the Chocolate Lovers' ladies know they can get through it all as long as they have each other. They're not going to let anything get in the way of their happy-ever-afters in ...The Chocolate Lovers' Wedding.
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?
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?
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.
Another great romp from this fab author. The party of the title is an office party in a very posh country house hotel with no expense spared, including a free bar all night! Most of our action is concentrated on the chiefs, their problems with alcohol/infidelity, their disenchanted wives and a certain amount of misunderstandings. The author has the most enormous fun sending the whole corporate world up while giving us some delicious characters. I think she is very good indeed. If you have not come across her then you have a mass of back titles to enjoy.
Another great romp from this fab author. The party of the title is an office party in a very posh country house hotel with no expense spared, including a free bar all night! Most of our action is concentrated on the chiefs, their problems with alcohol/infidelity, their disenchanted wives and a certain amount of misunderstandings. The author has the most enormous fun sending the whole corporate world up while giving us some delicious characters. I think she is very good indeed. If you have not come across her then you have a mass of back titles to enjoy.
Tackling battered wives, an arranged marriage and sadly damaged people, this is a sensitive work full of people you really care for. Ayesha and her silent 8-year old daughter escape an abusive arranged marriage and through a stroke of luck end up boarding in a Hampstead mansion owned by a reclusive ex-pop star. What a lovely scenario which develops into a completely charming tale with its ups and downs, drama and tears, laughter and love, a pure delight. Highly recommended.
In the dead of night, Ayesha takes her daughter, Sabina, and slips quietly from her home, leaving behind her abusive husband and a life of pain and heartache. Boarding a coach to London, Ayesha has her sights set on a new life for herself and her little girl. Hayden, a former popstar, 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 retiree with a soft spot for waifs and strays. When Crystal asks Hayden if Ayesha and Sabina can stay with them, he reluctantly agrees. As different as they may be, all these damaged yet loving people quickly form an unlikely bond. So when enemies from the past threaten their peaceful life, they will do whatever it takes to save their home and each other.
Totally charming relationship tale, almost a fairy story of a young couple who have been taking each other for granted for too long so Emma throws Leo out and Isobel appears on the scene and then the magic begins. It’s an absolute delight. Comparison: Catherine Alliott, Isla Dewar, Marianne Keyes.
An astute, warm, light look at divorce, family, relationship and love. A real feel-good read with lots of humour and characters you care about. A lovely book.Comparison: Marian Keyes, Catherine Alliott, Isla Dewar.Similar this month: Shane Watson, Kirsty Crawford.
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 heart-breaking choice that could change her entire life.
One day she had everything - the next it was gone William and Amy love their busy city life, but when Will collapses on his way into work he decides enough is enough and moves his family to the country. Three months later, Amy is standing outside Helmshill Grange, a sullen monstrosity of a house, deep in the Yorkshire moors. Within days, Will has traded in the Audi for a Land Rover, and brought home chickens, goats, sheep, a serial-killer cat and a mad dog. But when tragedy strikes, Amy finds herself living a dream that isn't hers ...
Grace has been best friends with Ella and Flick forever. 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; loveable, bubbly, incorrigible Flick, accompanied by the handsome and charming Noah.
What if you had always dreamed of something more ...? Nell McNamara has a happy life: her boyfriend Olly adores her, their four-year-old daughter Petal is the centre of their world and Nell has a steady job in the local chip shop. When the chippy needs a makeover, Nell jumps at the chance to unleash the creativity fizzing inside her. Inspired by what she can achieve - and encouraged by the best friends a girl can have - Nell is determined to try something new. Waving goodbye to the chip shop, she starts up a new business making her own line of must-have handbags, which are soon flying off the shelves! It seems Nell's dreams are finally coming true, but her success doesn't come without a price. Before too long, Nell has to ask herself if it's really possible to have it all ...
Shortlisted for the RNA Romantic Comedy Novel Award 2012. Carole Matthews has once again served up a wonderful feel-good plot in which long-time singleton Janie Johnson realises the time has come to seek adventure. Africa is her destination and once there finds herself falling head over heels for her tour guide, a masai warrior, but worse, when she returns home she realises she can't live without him. Packed with unforgettable characters, romance and laughter, Wrapped Up In You is your very own perfect Christmas Carole!
Lily and Laurence Lamont-Jones had it all: lavish holidays in exotic locations, a top private school for their two children and a beautiful home in the Buckinghamshire countryside. Then Laurence loses his job, and their house and all their belongings are repossessed. With nowhere else to go, the family move into a flea-ridden council house on a notoriously rough estate and start to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives. But will Lily's dream of returning to a world of luxury ever come true -- or have her priorities changed? For with the help of new friends, a little luck and a lot of determination she's about to learn what really matters.
Can it ever be too late to chase your dreams? The witty, clever and heartbreaking new novel from the bestselling author. When twins Annie and Lauren attend their sister Chelsea's fortieth birthday party at the Dorchester Hotel, they wonder why their lives are so totally different from their gorgeous, glamorous sister. Why is it that Chelsea's handsome husband is twirling her round the dance floor, with an expression of utter devotion on his face, while Annie's husband is away on a fishing trip and Lauren's boyfriend is at home with his wife and kids. Surely, they are doing something wrong here. The question is, is it too late for them to change...?
A really lovely feel-good read about two professional townies, William and Amy, who chuck it all in and decamp to Yorkshire with their children. Enter an assortment of crazy animals and an enormous culture shock. Then William dies and Amy chucks it all in again and returns to London with the kids plus the serial-killer cat and mad dog – but however green the grass maybe, the mowing of it can get tough. This is a pure delight – the world at the present time could do with a load more books like this, she’s a wonderful author. Comparison: Katie Fforde, Fiona Walker, Isla Dewar.
Carole Matthews doing what she does best, warm, romantic, easy reading. This one has a lovely plot line revolving around whether Sally should be with the new, rich, romantic sexy man who has come in to her life or the impoverished painter ex-boyfriend. Despite what you may think this will keep you guessing until the end who she ends up with. Pure escapism at it’s best.
The second in a delicious series where this astute author combines female friendship with clever plots and lots of good advice, dished up with warmth and humour. She is a star.Comparison: Marian Keyes, Isla Dewar, Melissa Bank.
What a lovely scenario, how refreshing not to be made to feel guilty about one of most women’s passions. This ‘Club’ is made up of four ‘addicts’ who all find comfort in chocolate but it is actually each other they most need to be able to air their grievances and pain, and they have plenty. Forgive the pun but this is a delicious book and it’s the beginning of a series!Similar this month: None but try Elizabeth Buchan.Comparison: Marian Keyes, Arabella Weir, Elizabeth Noble.
Shortlisted for the Romantic Novel of the Year Award 2007. This is ‘hiding your talent under a bush’ stuff, or being frightened to grab opportunities. It’s set in the music world and is absolutely charming, a great read to curl up and lose yourself in. Highly recommended.Similar this month: Marian Keyes; Cathy Kelly.Comparison: Catherine Alliott, Isla Dewar, Fiona Walker.
This book is irresistible not just because of its title, if you’re a chocoholic, but because it really is a fantastic read – light-hearted, great entertainment, frothy fun that will ensure you’ll stay up late because you won’t be able to put it or the chocolate down. To find out more about The Chocolate Lovers' Club and other uselful chocolate related information, you can visit a special website by clicking here.
We are a big fan of Carole Matthews. Her books are such fun and always heartwarming. If you haven't tried her already then her latest tale of Fern Kandal, a struggling singer working as a barmaid to make ends meet will have you gripped. When she takes a job as assistant to opera singer Evan David she takes on a whole lot more than she bargained for. A great summer read.
Carole Matthews....A warm and witty author who puts her finger on contemporary relationships and delivers the goods with a light touch, a big heart and in an addictive style. She is good.Comparisons: Jill Mansell , Patricia Scanlan, Fiona Walker.Similar this month: Wendy Holden and Lisa Jewell.
IVF and Nepal don’t immediately spring to mind as the perfect concoction for a Carole Matthews novel, but rest-assured the recipe works really, really well. Descriptions of Nepal are great – you feel you could even be there – and they’re accurate too and the storyline is cleverly told with large dose of wit thrown in and so absorbing that you’ll forget about your own world until well after you’ve finished it.
This is one of Carole’s best feel-good books for all those hopeless romantics out there, or if you’re feeling down, then this is the book to pick you up again. Full of wit and charm, you’ll have bags of laughs and a great deal of fun along the way. Oh yes, and this one is set in LA.
Single mum and all-round superwoman Sally Freeman wants a better life for herself and her son Charlie so she sets about improving things for them. Just as her mission begins, enter Spencer Knight who's offering Sally a ticket to a new life. He's got the looks, the charm - everything she could wish for. But is he really the answer to her prayers or does her hapless ex-boyfriend Johnny still hold the key to her heart?
Tackling battered wives, an arranged marriage and sadly damaged people, this is a sensitive work full of people you really care for. Ayesha and her silent 8-year old daughter escape an abusive arranged marriage and through a stroke of luck end up boarding in a Hampstead mansion owned by a reclusive ex-pop star. What a lovely scenario which develops into a completely charming tale with its ups and downs, drama and tears, laughter and love, a pure delight. Highly recommended.
Totally charming relationship tale, almost a fairy story of a young couple who have been taking each other for granted for too long so Emma throws Leo out and Isobel appears on the scene and then the magic begins. It’s an absolute delight. Comparison: Catherine Alliott, Isla Dewar, Marianne Keyes.
An astute, warm, light look at divorce, family, relationship and love. A real feel-good read with lots of humour and characters you care about. A lovely book.Comparison: Marian Keyes, Catherine Alliott, Isla Dewar.Similar this month: Shane Watson, Kirsty Crawford.
Sadie Nelson has two men to choose from and neither is hassle-free. First there's Gil McGann, a Hollywood producer who's flown Sadie from grey London to sun-soaked LA in order to win her heart. He has more to offer her than Sadie could ever have imagined . . . Then there's gorgeous actor Tavis Jones, whose sense of fun makes Sadie feel immediately at home. But can they ever be more than just good friends? The longer she leaves it, the harder it gets, and Sadie's about to discover that in LA anything can happen . . .
Teri has dated more men than she's had low-calorie, low-fat dinners, and she still hasn't found Mr Right. She's found other men though: Mr Lazy, Mr Greedy, Mr Completely Selfish, Mr Looking-For-Mother-Substitute and Mr Pervert. But no Mr Right. That is until she's literally knocked off her feet by Jamie Duncan as they rush to catch the same train from Euston station: the 18.07 from platform 8. It's not long before love blossoms and commuting takes on a whole new meaning. There's just one problem. Teri may have found Mr Right but he may not be Mr Available . . .
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 heart-breaking choice that could change her entire life.
One day she had everything - the next it was gone William and Amy love their busy city life, but when Will collapses on his way into work he decides enough is enough and moves his family to the country. Three months later, Amy is standing outside Helmshill Grange, a sullen monstrosity of a house, deep in the Yorkshire moors. Within days, Will has traded in the Audi for a Land Rover, and brought home chickens, goats, sheep, a serial-killer cat and a mad dog. But when tragedy strikes, Amy finds herself living a dream that isn't hers ...
Fern has the voice of an angel but as an underpaid barmaid and pub singer, she's going nowhere fast. Then she enters the TV talent show Fame Game and this could be her big break. But then, things are never that simple. Evan David's exquisite tones have enthralled opera buffs throughout the world. Everyone around him panders to his every need but what he really needs now is a break - from everything. Two worlds collide when Fern becomes Evan's assistant and neither is prepared for the dramatic effect they have on each other. Something happens when they're together, and it's more than just music . . .
When Emily's boyfriend posts compromising photos of her on the internet, her life goes into sharp decline. Emily is about to lose everything - including the man she thought she loved. Her best friend, Cara, is determined to mend Emily's broken heart and she believes that a little magic is all that's required. But will Cara cast the right spell to get Emily out of her current position? Or will it go horribly wrong when they both fall in love with the same man?
Josie Flynn is in New York for the wedding of her American cousin Martha. Having just been through a messy divorce, she isn't really in the wedding spirit, especially when she thinks Martha is about to marry the wrong man - and Josie isn't afraid to tell her so. Which is all very noble until Josie meets Matt Jarvis and appears to be about to fall for the wrong man herself. Add to that the return of her ex-husband, an old flame and a dubious boyband and it looks like it's going to be quite the wedding . . .
'She's had men popping in and out of there all day. They're more regular than our cuckoo clock.' When Rose escapes from London and her handsome and charming ex-lover, she has no idea her occupation as an aromatherapist will cause such a scandal in her new country village. All she wants is a bit of peace and quiet, but her new neighbours soon ensure that her life is more chaotic than ever before. But that may be because Rose is falling in love . . .
Can it ever be too late to chase your dreams? The witty, clever and heartbreaking new novel from the bestselling author. When twins Annie and Lauren attend their sister Chelsea's fortieth birthday party at the Dorchester Hotel, they wonder why their lives are so totally different from their gorgeous, glamorous sister. Why is it that Chelsea's handsome husband is twirling her round the dance floor, with an expression of utter devotion on his face, while Annie's husband is away on a fishing trip and Lauren's boyfriend is at home with his wife and kids. Surely, they are doing something wrong here. The question is, is it too late for them to change...?
Kate Lewis is thirty-five and feeling restless. She's fed up of worrying about the ironing and would like her husband Jeffrey to pay more attention to her than his golf clubs. There must be more to life than this! Kate enrols herself on a T'ai Chi course and takes best friend Sonia along for the ride. She's determined to 'find herself' but it's easier said than done, especially when she finds the distracting Ben Mahler first . . .
Ali Kingston is happily married with three children. She isn't the type to have her head turned - but then it isn't every day that a gorgeous younger man falls at her feet. When Ed, Ali's husband, finds out that she's spent time with another man, he's sure there's more to it than just a minor indiscretion - so in a moment of madness he kicks Ali out of the house. Their family and friends do all they can to help Ali and Ed reconcile but nothing seems to work. And then fate intervenes . . .
Publisher's Note: Products purchased from Third Party sellers are not guaranteed by the publisher for quality, authenticity, or access to any online entitlements included with the product.Full-color, step-by-step guide to the new release of the world's most popular productivity suite of applicationsGet up and running with Office 2013 right away--the QuickSteps way. Full-color screenshots on every page with clear instructions make it easy to use the latest release of Microsoft's powerful productivity suite. Follow along and quickly learn how to create Word documents; build Excel spreadsheets; manage Outlook email, contacts, and schedules; design PowerPoint presentations; and much more. This practical, fast-paced guide gets you started in no time! Use these handy guideposts: Shortcuts for accomplishing common tasks Need-to-know facts in concise narrative Helpful reminders or alternate ways of doing things Bonus information related to the topic being covered Errors and pitfalls to avoid The unique, landscape-oriented layout of the QuickSteps series mimics your computer screen, displays graphics and explanations side by side, and lays flat so you can easily refer to the book while working on your computer.