Sunny Days and Sea Breezes

I really enjoyed this book! A great story line that kept me hooked and excellent main characters. I would highly recommend this book.

This followed the usual style of Carole Matthews and if you are a fan of hers, you'll love this book. As a stand alone book if you haven't read any others, it's very enjoyable and it is an independent story.
It is good chick lit reading and paints a lovely picture of the Isle of Wight, where it is set. I've never been, however Carole's style of writing draws you in and paints a lovely picture. You can almost feel you are there!
The book contains the usual romance together with some turbulence, betrayal and comedy and is a good, all round, enjoyable read.

Perfect escapism ( very much needed in the current world situation) and so relaxing to drift off into another world. This has made me immediately want to hire a houseboat and go and isolate by the sea and get back into festivals! Thumbs up from me!

Wow what a beautiful read from one of my long term favourite authors!
Sunny days and sea breezes is perfection in a book a great mix of humour,sensitivity and reality! The new forest and Isle of Wight are very local to me and loved by myself and my family so I found the descriptions of the areas really appealing and could relate to them, making me want to visit again very soon!
Such likeable characters in Jodie, Marilyn , bill and Ned and the houseboats sound absolutely Devine!
Jodie freshly off the ferry from London is carrying a lot of angst and baggage with her and craves solitude and peace and quiet on her brothers houseboat, however the flamboyant gregarious Marilyn and gentle unassuming Ned have other ideas for her ranging from beach yoga, a festival,shopping trips and sandcastle making! Gradually Jodie begins to enjoy life again but had to make some hard decisions on the way! A great read for summer and for those who are unable to work at the moment, it really did provide such good escapism for me away from the pressures of the NHS at the moment, so thank you very much Carole and net galley.

I adored this book! It was Carole Matthews at her best. Without giving anything away, I don't think I'd be exaggerating when I say that I think everybody's going to want to visit the Isle of Wight in the future.
Carole manages to bring warmth to all of her characters and makes you both laugh and cry. The book has an emotive subject at its heart, but Carole manages to write about that with an understanding that makes you feel a great empathy for the main character.
I think, as seems to be the trend these days, that there could be a sequel to this, something I was kind of expecting to happen at the end of the story didn't and I'd love to know if it ever does in the future!
Thanks Net Galley for giving me the chance to read, and review, this wonderful book.

Love Carole Matthews books.This one was a wonderful read characters that come alive.A story that took me to a new place a new group of friends Her books always put a smile on my face.#netgalley#littlebrownuk

I genuinely think that this might be one of Carole Matthew's best books. The character of Jodie is wonderfully written and just the setting of the Isle of Wight makes you want to forget all responsibilities and go! This is a great beach read and will have you escaping the pressures of your own life in just a few pages. Great read!

I was looking forward to this new book by Carole Matthews and it doesn’t disappoint.

Looking for peace and quiet and to recharge her batteries, Jodie Jackson heads for her brother Bill’s houseboat on the Isle of Wight. All she wants is to be left alone, but unfortunately for her she’s not going to get what she is looking for. Chatty Marilyn, Bill’s cleaner, does not let Jodie wallow in her misery; she encourages her to get to know sculptor Ned next door who gradually brings Jodie out of the cocoon she has wrapped around herself. But eventually reality will come knocking and Jodie will have tough decisions to make.

A great book with an excellent cast of characters. A perfect read which I would recommend.

This book is absolutely glorious! It took me about a third of the way through to begin to connect with the characters but once I did, I was absolutely hooked! It was funny, heart-wrenching, creative, inspiring and full of hope, humour and love! It had a beautiful ending and I am definitely hoping there'll be a sequel...

Wow brilliant from start to finish. Read in one sitting.

When life deals you some really unfair and truly difficult situations, what do you do? You escape to the Isle Of Wight of course! Jodie finds herself not happy with her life following some awful events in life, she needs an escape. Can Jodie fix herself and return to her normal self? Escaping for some much needed peace and quiet Jodie finds herself making friends and starting to enjoy life a little more.

Well written and an easy read. Captured from page one.

Well done Carole Matthews!

Looking for a summer novel to devour? Then I would highly recommend this one.

I’ve been a fan of Carole’s for years and really enjoyed her latest offering. Jodie is in her early forties and married but the novel starts with her leaving London for an extended stay on the Isle of Wight. Her story unfolds throughout the book as she meanders through a new way of life.

I always look out for Carole Matthews' books and I particularly enjoyed the very original setting on the Isle of Wight and the way a love story developed against the odds.

I did see the twist coming but it didn't spoil my enjoyment of the book too much since it was a lovely, feel-g00d read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was like a comfy warm blanket hugging me during very difficult days.
The writing style is captivating, the story is moving, the characters as usual crop up from the narration with their eccentric style and fill it with colour and music.
I always find it difficult to express how I feel when reading a book by Carole Matthews. The description of the setting - the beautiful isle of Wight is so vivid and accurate that you can breathe the salty air and feel part of the landscape. The topics in the story are once again incredibly serious and incredibly real, yet she manages yet again to treat them giving hope and positivity even in the darkest parts.
This is one of those books that you want to read slowly so it lasts longer and you'll find it hard to let it go.
Another amazing book that I can heartily recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley, Sphere - Little, Brown Book Group UK and the author for an early copy.
#SunnyDaysandSeaBreezes #NetGalley

What a lovely snuggly book to curl up with in these troubled times.

High flying Jody is working in her brothers successful business in London when tragedy strikes. With her marriage falling apart she takes flight and ends up in the Isle of Wight on her brother's beautiful houseboat. Licking her wounds and feeling totally sorry for herself a "co eee" comes from the front door. Her brother has a hired cleaner called Marilyn, who is loud as she is colourful in her dress. She is a hilarious character with her comments. Ned a gorgeous wood sculpture lives next door.....and so the adventure begins?

This is a really good book with not too many characters to confuse you, but it has everything you need in a gentle book. Love, betrayal, comedy and deceit. I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend it.
Thank you, NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

Another beautifully uplifting read from Carole. She really does have the magic touch! A fab read, some gorgeous characters and lovely writing all packed up into this wonderful novel. Keep doing what you do best Carole!

Is there a book by Carole Matthews that isn’t just utterly perfect in every way?! If there is, I haven’t found it yet.
I loved the story, Jodie is a brilliant character and I absolutely loved following her through the novel. Perfect book to indulge in!

This is an author I absolutely adore and was so excited to get an advanced copy of this book I did a happy dance.
This has been the Perfect escapist read and has really helped me switch off from harsh reality.

I read this book while the country was in lockdown and it is perfect escapism for these difficult times. The Isle of Wight is the perfect setting for this story as it genuinely is like stepping back in time. The characters are likeable and believable and you find yourself wanting things to work out for them. I always love Carole Matthews books and this one lives up to her usual high standards. My only request is that she writes another with Marilyn as the central character, I think it could be hilarious.

This is the first Carole Matthews book I’ve read and I really enjoyed it. Loved the plot and the characters, nice bit of escapism. Looking forward to dipping into the back catalogue.

I love Carole Matthews' books as she also has vibrant storylines and characters you can identify with, so I was thrilled to be given an advance copy of this book by the publishers and Netgalley. Once again I was not disappointed. I absolutely loved this book. The story revolves around Jodie, an interior designer from London, who runs away from her life following a tragedy. Her escape sends her to her brother's houseboat on the Isle of Wight where she starts to put her life back together with the help of a varied cast of lovable characters. Jodie was wonderful and, although her story was utterly tragic, she gradually embraces life with gusto, even when it pushes her out of her comfort zone. Ned was to die for and even had me considering yoga and festivals. However, my absolute favourite character was the vibrant Marilyn - I think all of us need a Marilyn in our lives,. The description that Carole uses is so perfect that every scene springs to life and you can almost visualise every single moment as if it was a film. For me this was the perfect read especially in current times and I would love for another story set in Cockleshell bay.

Carole Matthews books just get better with each new arrival. I’ve just spent the whole day reading Sunny Days and Sea Breezes, unable to put it down. A lovely setting, described so that I have a very clear picture of it in my mind’s eye. The main characters and their friends and family were at times quirky and always delightful delightful, and there were a couple I loved to dislike. The storyline marched along very quickly with the location and characters woven through this love story. Don’t miss reading this one!

This has to be one of my new favourite books so far this year. I absolutely loved everything about it, the whole story was wonderful, beautifully written and so captivating keeping me going all day never bored throughout. I loved all the characters (expect Chris) they were sweet and just great people. The setting on the Isle of Wight was a great choice I think it really set the tone well and compliments the plot very well. Overall I would recommend this book for a quick, fluffy heartwarming read. Definitely 5/5 stars for me.

Just what the doctor ordered the latest Carole Matthews book ... from the first page the reader is taken into the world of Jodie who needing some time to herself arrives at her brothers luxury houseboat in the Isle Of Wight. As usual perfect characters to lose yourself in ... neighbour Ned is a great distraction from the reason Jodie needed to get away.
Loved this book as I always love all this authors books - it gives the much needed escapism in troubled times just perfect

A getaway novel splendidly set in an array of emotional commotions, highlighted beautifully to the most heartfelt beginning to a love story. The end is the beginning for the love and comfort jodie wholeheartedly deserves. Finding resonating occasions, I wish I had dealt with it like Jodie did! Loved every moment and likely to reread for the sole purpose of humour and unconditional love. Bill is kind soul (a perfect big brother model) and Ned is a profoundly handsome hunk with a rare heart of gold. Marilyn is deemed worthy of the honourable hearty Samaritan of Cockleshell Bay. Chris and Della - wouldn’t touch em with a barge pole. Stunning and highly recommended! Wholesome applauds to Carole Matthews!

Gorgeous book. Set on the Isle of Wight, this conjured up the sights and sounds of a small island, and the characters were all believeable and likeable (on the whole!)

Thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest review
Having read a good few of this author's other books I was delighted to read an early copy nice setting on the isle of wight with good characters slightly predictable as to what she had the matter and what was going to happen none the less a good read .

Carole Matthews Genius!!
Jodie is sailing away for a break from her life in London, leaving behind her husband, her work with her brother, her best friend and the gym. Life has been hard for Jodie and she needs a break. Where better than the Isle of Wight, staying on her brother's newly refurbished houseboat!
It's a struggle for her to find a way of life on the Island away from her familiar routines of London life...so she takes little steps...
This is Carole Mathews at her very best, what a brilliant read. Being familiar with the isle of Wight helped too!! Hooked from the first page to the last, am still thinking about Jodie on the island!!
Huge thank you to Netgalley for the early reading opportunity, absolutely loved this book!!

Thanks Netgalley, Publisher and the author. Love everything this author writes and this was no exception, great characters, great location and great storyline Fabulous.

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.

I loved it. One of those books you could not put down and when you were not reading it you were thinking about it. A lovely feel good book. I am reviewing it while we are in lock down. I loved the story line. You feel for Jodie with all the things she has had to deal with. So glad it had a happy ending.. It was nice to experience Jodie's first festival. Another fabulous book by Carole Matthews

Loved this book. Great characters, easy read, uplifting, funny, romantic and charming. A really nice story that is the perfect escapist read.

Brilliant book I could not put it down. I loved the whole content the sad the funny. I loved the character Marilyn and her quirky sayings. I loved the way Jodie changed through out the story and found her real self.

Jodie Jackson has left her husband and her high-flying interior design job in trendy Shoreditch and retreated to her brother's newly renovated houseboat on the Isle of Wight. What she craves is peace and quiet, a time to reflect and heal her metaphorical wounds, instead she gets a loud, colourful cleaner called Marilyn, a nextdoor neighbour who likes to carve with a chainsaw and a guy who pretends to be a statue.

It seems that what Jodie wants isn't what she really needs, soon the stresses and strains of her life in London are replaced by yoga on the beach and the Isle of Wight festival, but just as her life seems to be turning around her old life comes a-calling.

I enjoyed this novel, not least because I think this is the first novel I can recall reading which is set on the Isle of Wight. However, I thought it was also very predictable. But definitely a lovely summer romance read.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Oh my, this book is possibly the best of Caroles., but then I say that every time a new ones comes out! It takes me right back to my childhood holidays to the Isle of Wight, the ferry trip, the Needles, the cliff cable car and the coloured sand little glass bottles. A lovely summer read, perfect for this lovely weather during the lockdown. You will not be disappointed!

Utterly fabulous! A perfect summery feel good book. The characters came to life and I wished I was living on a houseboat myself! I finished this book with a smile on my face and would definitely recommend it

This book is amazing pure and simple. The Isle of Wight has never ever hit my radar as a must visit but after reading this I want to move there and live in a houseboat like Jodie. The characters are amazing and the plot is poignant with just the right measure of the heart warming and heart wrenching. A magical must read.

Amazing storyline, had me captured from first chapter! Absolutely loved it and made me want to go on holiday! Love Carole Matthews books from day 1!

I'm a huge fan of Carole Matthews, I've been reading her books for years now, and I am always excited to hear that she has a new book coming out. I was delighted to receive an early preview copy of this book from Netgalley and the Publisher in return for an honest review.
The main character of this book is Jodie, the book begins with her catching a ferry to the Isle of Wight. I don't remember reading a lot of books with the Isle of Wight as the location, so it is a nice change.
It is obvious that she is running away from something, but we don't find out what it is until later in the book.
There is an eclectic mix of characters, and most of them are likeable, apart from a couple of them. The storyline is reasonably predictable, but it is still a lovely heartwarming read. A much needed escapism on a grey and gloomy day in Lockdown, that definitely brightened up my day.
I really enjoyed reading this gorgeous and uplifting book. I'm now eagerly awaiting news of Carole Matthews next book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my ARC.

Love all of Carole Mathew's books and this is no exception. Jodie is going to the Isle of Wight to get away from everything. Her brother has a houseboat there and she's going to stay there. Marilyn who is a cleaner is brash and loud. Jodie meets Ned from the boat next door and he sculpts using a chainsaw and wood. There's also Ida who runs the cafe and George who is a living statue.

What a fantastic book, a feel good romance story with a bit of humour along the way, set in a great location isle of Wight.
This is the first book I have read by Carole but it won't be the last.

Another wonderful read from a favourite author Carole Matthews. Jodie is escaping across the Solent after problems in her marriage and going to stay at her brothers houseboat to give her time to think and re-evaluate her future. As the book unfolds we are introduced to some brilliant characters and there is a warmth in this book that you can’t help enjoying, it’s easy to read, funny and romantic. The way Jodie changes her mindset and embraces her new life as the book unfolds is heartwarming. This is Carole Matthews at her best, writing about interesting places and characters with a solid storyline and a happy ending. Fabulous from start to finish.

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.

A sincere thank you to the publisher, author and Netgalley for providing me with an ebook copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This is not my usual genre, I’m more into crime/thriller books and even psychological thrillers too so I am extremely pleased and grateful to them for opening up my mind to something totally different.

I enjoyed this very much. 4 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

What can I say...I devoured this in two sittings. I loved everything about this book. The writing is simple yet warm and captivating. The characters are addictive and you can picture each one. The setting is idyllic and you get swept away in the story-literally. The chapters weren't too long which sometimes drags out a storyline but this was perfect. A great summer read which fans of rom-coms and modern fiction will love.

Sunny Days and Sea Breezes by Carole Matthews a five-star read that will whisk you away. I adore this author and always find her writing feels like I am picking up with an old friend and they are telling me the most amazing story, there’s just the most lovely feeling reading all of her stories. This one had me harking back to my childhood which was the last time I was on the Isle of Wight or on a houseboat and it made me smile extra big, bringing back memories long forgotten about people who are not here but will never be forgotten. Jodie was such a believable character, you could really fell for her, I really liked how we didn’t get her whole story right at the beginning but ad it revealed through the story that just made it easier to relate to and more encompassing. This has some amazing secondary characters who will just make you smile so big, even when you may be smiling in frustration at them. If you are looking for a great summer get away then you cant go wrong with this.

When Jodie escapes to the Isle Of Wight to her brother Bill's holiday houseboat, she meets neighbour and chainsaw carver Ned, bristly Ida who secretly loves Ned, fake statue George and vibrant, nosy Marilyn.



Wanting to wallow in depression and grief at first, due to a huge loss she's getting away for afresh refreshing start from to allow herself to heal, she's left her estranged husband behind in London along with best friend Della.



We soon learn about Chris her husband and Megan and Beth, not all was as it seems in her situation and why she escaped London life at first but let me assure you the conclusion to the book doesn't disappoint and I rooted for Jodie to be true to what her heart wants a sunny escape from life in a book!



Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!

Another lovely Carole Matthews book that makes you think of British summer holidays in lovely places. Great characters, the reality of finding out you are in the wrong relationship and being brave enough to realise it, accept it and move on. Well worth adding to the read pile. Thank you for letting me review this book.

What an enjoyable read this was, set on the Isle of Wight, really made me want to visit. After heartbreak and loss, Jodie thinks that life will never contain happiness for her ever again. Baby steps, day by day, a smile, a laugh, life changes eventually.

I have been a fan of Carole Matthews for a while and look forward to each of her books. This one was very appealing as I live in Southampton, so I book set on the Isle of Wight was very close to my heart as I have visited there quite frequently. I was not disappointed with the book, I was able to visualise her crossing of the Solent and the journeys around the island very nicely. It was nice to be set on the quiet part of the island away from the hussle and bussle of the tourist hotspots, the story fell open nicely and the characters were easy to like and you were soon cocooned in the story cheering on Jo and smiling at Marilyn, perfect book to read on the beach this summer - 2M apart!

As always a great book from Carole. Great characters and setting. A book with humour,sensitivity and reality.

This is the story of Jodie who is broken by her loss & the presumed betrayal of her husband. She runs away from her hectic life in London to the Isle of Wight and her brother Bill's beautifully restored houseboat.
The people she meets in Cockleshell Bay take her under their wings & gradually Jodie begins to heal. These people include Marilyn who cleans for Bill. Larger & much brighter than life she mothers Jodie & tries to feed her up. Ida who runs a beach cafe is prickly but warms to Jodie. George barely earns a living as a live statue but dreams of being an author and Ned, who does yoga on the beach and uses a chainsaw to create his sculptures, all become mire important to her than Jodie could have imagined.
But Jodie`s London life hasn't finished with her & she needs to decide where her heart really lies.

I do enjoy a novel by Carole Matthews. And although the last one I read of hers made me cry I decided to give the author another go and hope I chose one with a happier storyline! I'm so soppy, I can't do emotional storylines. The cover is slightly different from Carole's other novels, this one is more simplistic and sophisticated. It's really pretty and I really like the choice of colours.

Straight away I bonded with Jodie, even though she's nearly 15 years older than me you can see that she had been through a lot of heartache, although what kind of heartache isn't obvious at first. She seems kindhearted and even though a bit moany at poor old Marilyn, she seemed like a good person who had just been through a lot. I quite liked Ned at first too, although what Ida said made me take a step back from him he seemed a positive man who is quite passionate about quite a lot of things. Marilyn was by far my favourite. She's so bubbly and lovely even though she had been through some awful times in her life.

As well as the lovely characters, the location of this novel sounded so beautiful and I now long to get a houseboat!! Especially one as pretty and elegant as Bill's. There are parts of this story that did make me well up a bit. I really felt for what Jodie, as well as Marilyn, had gone through and it made me feel really emotional! However, most of the story is happy and lighthearted. I wasn't entirely sure on Ida throughout the story but one character I disliked and thought was very shady was Della. I had an inkling as to what she was up to half way through the book and I hoped that what I thought was happening wasn't actually true. But alas, I was right!

I absolutely adored this book; the characters, the storyline and the setting were all amazing and I was so sad when I finished it. I hope one day we can return and read some more about Jodie and Ned and the rest of the Isle of Wight gang. I would definitely say that this is my favourite book of 2020 so far. It just made me feel all sorts of emotions and I loved every page. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

Jodie Jackson is an emotional wreck when she takes refuge on her brother's newly restored houseboat on the Isle of Wight. Here she eventually finds new friends and gradually comes out of her shell.
Marilyn is the wonderful, blowsy, larger-than-life cleaner who initially irritates Jodie but ends up becoming a good friend.
Although some of the plot is a bit transparent this is still a great holiday read and should encourage more visitors to the Isle of Wight.

Jodie runs away from London to stay at her brother's holiday houseboat after a breakup with her husband. She meets Marilyn, who her brother has employed to look after the boat and to take care of Jodie, and her new next door neighbour Ned, a chainsaw sculptor. Add George, a street statue who can't stay still, and Ida, the owner of a cafe and a long time friend of Ned.
The reasons for Jodie's need to run away are gradually revealed as the story develops along with Jodie's fledgling relationship with Ned.
I do love stories set in small communities, with the charming background of the Isle of Wight this kept me engrossed with its surprising revelations. Recommended for a summer read, or at least to get you into the mood for summer.

What a lovely story this turned out to be. It did take me a little while to get into it but once I did I found it hard to put down. With a few twists in the story that although I did work them out, they still added an edge of excitement to this well-written romance. Set mostly on the Isle of Wight, Carole Matthews conjured up the sights and smells of the island perfectly, if I shut my eyes I could nearly hear the seagulls. Thoroughly enjoyable.

The sign of a well-written character is when you empathise with them and I really did in the story. The characters were all very likeable and I really felt for Jodie and so wanted her to be happy. I just loved Marilyn with her daft sayings and loud clothing choices, she did make me smile. As for Ned...well what can I say, I loved Ned.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable story, the perfect summer read. Even if the weather is bad it will transport you to the seaside.

Another entertaining light read from Carole Matthews. A bit predictable in places and a couple of irritating moments but a good read nonetheless. Most of the characters are delightful especially Marilyn, I'd love to meet her, she's just brilliant. Brilliant descriptions made me yearn for a visit to the coast and a laid back lifestyle, I could imagine both the settings and characters and almost smell and hear things as well. An escapism read for when you most need it.

Fantastic descriptive book from the start making you wonder why the lead character needs time away. It is so easy to read a Carole Matthews book, I have read many. Thank you for allowing me to read this one.

OMG I absolutely loved this story.
Such a lovely uplifting story of sad times and love.
Every word transported me to the Isle of Wight, a place I used to go every year for a 2 week holiday with my family. It has made me realise I have to go back.
I couldn't put this book down and although desperate to get to the end, sad when I actually finished it.
A truly wonderful story

I love all Carole Matthews books, this one was even more fabulous.
Jodie feels the need to escape her life, so borrows her brother, Bill's, newly refurbished boat, Sunny Days, on the Isle of Wight, where she meets Marilyn a well meaning vivacious woman who's been looking after the boat and Jodie.
Then add in a very attractive artist, Ned, her next door neighbour.
It's not long until Jodie puts her hectic life in London behind her and starts enjoying the freedom living by the sea gives her, with Ned helping her along the way.
But what has she left behind? Life catches up with her soon enough, can she make the right choice for her?

Such a escapist experience can not recommend this enough.

What a treat to read a book set in a different place; the Isle of Wight. We are introduced to Jodie Jackson, who is taking time away from her husband which we don't find out until later on the reason why. Ned, the woodcarver, who lives on the houseboat next door. Ida, who runs the beach cafe and Marilyn, the daily help on Jodie's brothers houseboat where she is staying. The characters weave a path through each others lives leading to a happy ending for two of them. Once again, Carole has penned a superb book.

Another fabulous read by Carole Matthews.

Jodie is having a personal crisis and unable to cope with things takes a break on her brother's houseboat on the Isle of Wight. The fully renovated houseboat sounded absolutely wonderful, nothing like I would imagine them to be, and really made me want a trip to stay on one!

Whilst there she meets her cleaner Marilyn (loud/bright/always happy/very funny) who works for her brother, Bill, keeping everything in order, and whilst she tries to get rid of her initially she grows to really love her. She also makes friends with her next door neighbour, Ned, a wood sculptor, and the local cafe owner Ida. Ida and Ned are great friends, but nothing more even though Ida would like it to be. Ned is a lovely character and Jodie and him get closer as time goes on, with various trips to the Isle of Wight's attractions during one of Ned's business trips, and they all go to a festival where Ned showcases his woodworking skills, along with playing in a band.

During this time Jodie slowly starts to heal, emotionally-wise, but eventually has to sort out her private life when her husband turns up on her doorstep and persuades her to come back home. Luckily enough he shows his true colours pretty quickly and even though Jodie has tried to heal her marriage it's obviously not working and instead of trying to make everything work because she feels she has to make that effort, she decides that she's had enough and wants to change her life and be happy.

I have to say I've never really thought about staying on a houseboat before, but I would definitely be interested in the high-end one Jodie was staying on, and again I've never visited the Isle of Wight or gone to a festival. But reading about all this has made me want to do every one of them now! A really great read, funny and very emotional, with a wonderful ending.

My thanks to Netgalley for my copy of Sunny Days and Sea Breezes, another great book from Carole Matthews.

Some might think that this author's books (and there are many) belong in the chick lit genre but to my mind they are more chic lit. Yes, there's always a romance that works out in the end but Ms Matthews' characters are always individual and so true to life that you care deeply for their outcomes. Her research is always spot on so you feel and acknowledge the authenticity of situations the cast find themselves in, and they can be pretty diverse. She is not a careless author either, she pays great attention to detail.

I finished reading this book yesterday and I am still missing the various characters to differing degrees. I particularly loved Marilyn who it would have been so easy to have gone totally overboard in detailing her eccentricity but Ms Matthews always knows the limits of the liberties she takes. I especially loved Marilyn's random use of emojis which always made me snigger.

All in all another success from Carole Matthews.

I love Carole Matthews books and this didn’t disappoint. It is mainly set on a houseboat overlooking a harbour, the sea and a beach. It was great to escape to somewhere so picturesque with a story that was enjoyable.
Thanks to Carole Matthews and Netgalley for the early e book copy.

Once again Carole Matthews proves why she tops the bestseller charts so often.

My favourites of Carole's are those set by the coast, somehow I just feel she captures the atmosphere of a stroll along a beach no matter what the weather. I could almost smell the sea as I soaked up the storyline between the residents of Cockleshell Bay.

Jodie has clearly been through the wars as she sets off across the channel on a cold, blustery ferry. I liked that we had no preconceived ideas of what those traumas might be at the start of the book and were introduced to them gradually, as were the other residents of the Isle of Wight town. It's almost as though Jodie couldn't bring herself to tell us until she was ready which I felt was really clever writing - it would have been so easy to just blurt it all out at the start, but this way I felt far more like one of the cast of characters getting to know Jodie as she rebuilt her confidence. After her initial desire to lock herself away and lick her wounds had begun to wear off, the beauty of the setting soon pulled Jodie out of her slump and she slowly began to get curious about the place she's staying. The descriptions of the area are absolutely gorgeous and had me yearning to travel to the coast - a feeling even more tormenting than usual as we are currently in lockdown.

My favourite character of all -even more than sexy Ned, surprisingly - was the wonderful Marilyn; loud, bright, in your face and take her as you find her I reckon everyone should have a friend like Marilyn. With her mixed metaphors and general quirkiness it wasn't long before Jodie couldn't help but thaw her initial frosty reception towards the cleaner that Jodie's brother Will had employed to keep an eye on the houseboat (and Jodie, unbeknown to him when he took her on).

The story flowed easily as Jodie took Marilyn's advice (can you do anything otherwise?!) and ventured out for a stroll on the beach, meeting locals who would eventually turn out to be just the people she needed around her. Ned's so laid back he's beyond horizontal and his easy manner lulled Jodie into his confidence, building their relationship on the trusting foundation she was desperate for. Local café owner Ida was a different story and the friction between the two took longer to thaw - with the help of living statue gorgeous George.

The story was perhaps a little predictable, but all the positives cancelled this way out. The humour Carole always manages to inject into her storytelling is there once again, and I almost fist pumped the air with pride at the way Jodie dealt with one of the issues which had caused her to run away. The other issue I felt was handled with respect and suitable sympathy, and was equally well written. Huge respect to a writer who can cover all these bases - and all in one book!

Sheer brilliance once again, Carole remains for me the Queen of Womens Fiction.

Jodie Jackson is leaving everything behind, her life in London, her job and her husband to stay on her brother’s houseboat. But if she’s expecting peace and quiet, she’s going to be disappointed. First, there’s the woman who cleans for her brother and then there’s the man on the boat next door. Ned is a woodcarver and while his work is noisy, his looks are definitely pleasing. Will her new neighbors be able to bring Jodie out of her shell, or will she return to her old life? Like a breath of fresh air after a long quarantine, this book made me long for summer and better days

Aah Carole Matthews is just always a breath of fresh air as are her books; comforting, cathartic and yet doesn't shy away from tackling hard issues and emotions.
This book does explore baby loss so if this is a very sensitive subject to you then I feel it's very much worth knowing, I found it handled in a very touching and important way, to raise awareness of the emotional impact this has.
I admired Jodie, she is in a mess, confused and I could feel her raw conflict throughout the story, and yet she's ultimately a positive person that trusts in herself and her capabilities.
Complex and different female friendships are explored in a very clever and interesting way, there's mistrust, jealousy, comparison but also pure kindness, empathy and a genuine representation of how the sisterhood can be the best and worst, but can bring out the best in ourselves.
The backdrop of the Isle of Wight and the beautiful house boat was a complete joy. I haven't visited in a long time but now feel it's somewhere I need to rediscover as an adult.

I have always been a huge fan of Carole Matthew's books, so I couldn't wait to read this...... and it certainly didnt disappoint!.

Jodie finds herself fleeing to the Isle of Wight to escape her difficult life in london. Seeking solitude and time to reflect, she finds herself being swept along by island life and mixing with a whole new group of people who change her life for the better.

Jodie has to make some difficult choices, and learn to live with one of the worst tragedies possible. Along the way she learns what is truly important, and where her heart really belongs.

The story is so beautifully written, you find yourself loving the characters immediately. It is simply perfection and one of those rare books that you wish never had to come to an end.

Thank you so much to Netgalley, Carole Matthew's and Sphere for my ARC of this delightful book.

Another fabulous read from Carole Matthews. Set locally to me on The Isle of Wight, it is full of lovable characters - I especially loved Marilyn - it's an uplifting story full of hope and emotion. I did shed a few tears, but many of them happy as well as sad. Really well-written, the short chapters made it easy to pick up and put down when I only had a few minutes spare. Loved it!!

Sunny Days and Sea Breezes is wonderful escapism in these difficult times and pure Carole Matthews at her best. Set on the Isle of Wight, the author brings the Island to vivid life into your imagination.

An unspecified tragedy brings Jodie to the island and to say her state of mind is delicate, would be to put things mildy. Throughout the novel, we are taken on the journey as she finds the reasons to live and trust again. Helping her is the enigmatic Ned, her next door neighbour and the wonderful Marilyn.

Sorry Carole, Marilyn steals not only every scene she's in, but the novel, at least IMHO. May we ask for her to be given her own book, please? A reason for another visit for more research, perhaps?

All in all, a novel I ate up virtually in one sitting. I cannot recommend this highly enough.

My thanks to Netgalley and Sphere for the pre-release copy.

This is an easy reading, feelgood tale from this prolific author. The main character, Jodie, has suffered some setbacks in her life and takes some timeout on her brothers houseboat on the Isle of Wight. This is the story of her healing with the help of some wonderfully drawn characters, particularly the very colourful Marilyn. The descriptions of the setting could easily entice the reader to visit for a holiday!

My thanks to Netgalley And Sphere for a copy of Sunny Days and Sea Breezes for an honest review.

I’m a longtime reader of Carole Matthews and the library I work at was lucky enough to have her for an author visit a few years ago.She was so nice and approachable it only added to my high opinion of her.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading “ Sunny Days and Sea Breezes”, which I think might be one of her best!
In “ordinary times “ I would have read this on holiday but the story was able to transport me from my garden to days I have spent in the New Forest and reminded me of why I need to revisit the Isle of Wight
I became totally involved in the storyline and the characters, Jody , Ned and Marilyn and I hope we get to hear more from them in the future.
Another 5 star review from me for her

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel- a lovely summer read with a warm cast of characters and depth of storylines. Having been a reader of Carole Matthews for years now, in my opinion this is one of her best.

This is more than a sunny beach read!
Carole has written about some serious issues but in a tender and understanding way. She has also included some fun and laugh out loud light- hearted moments as a counter balance/
Jodie escapes to her brother Bill's houseboat on the beautiful Isle of Wight where she meets some very colourful characters. As she slowly recovers with the help of her new friends, her husband Chris turns up to beg for a second chance.
Festivals, wood carving, and a beautiful setting makes this an enjoyable read.

It’s been a while since I read a Carole Matthews novel. I’ve always loved them so was thrilled to be granted an ARC of her new novel Sunny Days and Sea Breezes.

From the first chapter I knew this was a book for me and also one I would be recommending to my mum. Jodie’s on a ferry heading to the Isle of Wight, leaving behind her husband, London and her career. She’s in turmoil but hoping escaping to her brother Bill’s houseboat, Sunny Days, will give her time to think, be alone and decide what to do. However she hadn’t realised her brother employed Marilyn to look after the boat and her. Everyone needs a Marilyn in their life. She’s warm, kind and had a great habit of mixing up her sayings bringing both warmth and humour and slowly helping Jodie to emerge from her uncertainty. Add in a rather gorgeous neighbour, a living statue and cafe owner and your in for a fantastic read.

Thank you to NetGalley, Sphere and the author for the chance to review.

Having adored Carole Matthews's Happiness for Beginners, I was highly anticipating her latest offering, and once again she sprinkles her magic as she whisks the reader to a beautiful houseboat, Sunny Days, at Cockleshell Bay, in the Isle of Wight. 42 year old Jodie Jackson has fled from her workaholic life in London and her marriage to Chris, which has foundered on the rocks of betrayal, that is but the tip of the iceberg as there is a deeper trauma and tragedy that she cannot bring herself to face. She is refusing any contact from her frantic husband and avoiding getting in touch with best friend, Della, desperately worried about Jodie. Her trauma, fragility and need for peace and quiet has propelled to break the habits of a life, to head out of season, to the luxury houseboat owned by her beloved brother, Bill, to spend necessary time healing and recovering.

However, the locals are not about to let Jodie drown in her despair, the loud, brash, glamorous and colourful Marilyn McConaughey, cleaner and shopper extraordinaire, sets Jodie's teeth on edge at the beginning, but bulldozes her way with love into Jodie's heart. The chainsawing wood sculptor, Ned Haddon, Jodie's next door neighbour, on the Sea Breezes houseboat, is determined to get her acquainted with island life, doing early morning yoga and inspiring her to attend her first music festival ever and camp overnight. Then there is friendly beach statue and writer, George, and beach cafe owner, Ida. Just as Jodie begins to envisage that life can still hold possibilities of joy, love and friendship, her old life returns, threatening to destroy the hard won peace, friendships and love that she has found as she goes back to face the music in London.

It is unsurprising that Carole Matthews has an army of fans that devour her feel good, atmospheric, well written, and warm contemporary fiction. She has an unerring knack for picking the perfect locations which her descriptions and details make come alive, making the reader feel as if they are right there, and the Isle of Wight is just so magical a place. The character of Jodie is one that readers will take to their heart, and the supporting cast is second to none, I adored the caring Marilyn, with her own traumatic loss, who insists on helping Jodie begin to live again whilst getting her to add much needed colour in her clothes, not to mention the wonderful Ned. I urge you to visit the amazing Isle of Wight, acquaint yourself with ts charismatic locals and beaches, and soak in its healing properties, exactly as a broken Jodie does. Many thanks to Little, Brown for an ARC.

Thank you to Netgalley, Sphere and of course Carole Matthews for allowing me to read an ARC of Summer Days and Sea Breezes.
I’ve been reading Carole’s books practically since the beginning so I was thrilled to be given the chance to read this early and it certainly does not disappoint!
The main character is Jodie, who we first meet on a ferry to Cockleshell Bay on the Isle of Wight. She has left her husband and is going to stay on her brother Bill’s houseboat.
On arrival, we meet the wonderful Marilyn, who (whisper it!) I didn’t like to begin with. Marilyn is loud and eccentric, she comes to the houseboat every day to clean, stock up with food and raise Jodie’s spirits. As the book continues, I fell in love with Marilyn and her slightly wonky comments.
I must also mention Ned, who lives on the next houseboat to Jodie and carves wood with a chainsaw. He sounds gorgeous and becomes very important to Jodie.
For me, this was a bit of a slow burner, but further in it absolutely rattled along and I loved it. There are some very emotional sections, some which were personally difficult for me to read, but nonetheless I would totally recommend this book. Yet another cracking read from Carole Matthews.

Just like an ice lolly on a hot day, this book was just what I needed and moorish from the first bite.

It has the recipe of a gorgeous chiclit, girl moves to a new place, girl makes friends, girl meets boy etc. But there is more to the book. I totally felt for Jodie. Carole Matthews doesn't throw the reader in to Jodie's story, she weaves it in slowing. Giving her little bits of information gradually.

Being a recent first time mum, who also had news in my pregnancy that made me feel fear that I had never felt before, I completely felt for Jodie's horrific tragedy. I felt her loss and pain. Her need to grieve and the space needed.

I loved the setting. It made me recall a holiday I took to Jersey... I know it's not the Isle of Wight but I felt the same when reading about the place. It made me smile and feel the memories of the holiday flooding back.

Matthews' vocabulary is scrumptious. With the use of some beautiful adjectives throughout the book. I especially love her use of description of the various elements especially the imagery created about 'Sunshine ' and 'seabreeze'. Her use of specific detail made me melt into the pages and felt like I was being given a virtual tour of the houseboats.
She always manages to make you feel cosy and happy through her writing and the characters she creates. This story has the same delicious ingredients of heart warming book.

Jodie is broken and confused; she is on a ferry to Cockleshell Bay, Isle of Wight. She has left her husband Chris, and her life in London feeling that she needs some time to herself, she decides to stay on her brother Bill’s houseboat.
On her arrival, we meet Marilyn. Marilyn is loud and unconventional, she cleans, stocks the shelves, and boosts Jodie’s spirits.
Ned lives on the next houseboat to Jodie; he carves wood with a chainsaw and becomes important to Jodie.
Just as Jodie starts to rebuild her life with the help of her new friends, her husband Chris turns up to beg for a second chance.
Sunny Days and Sea Breezes is a lovely read I know it will delight many readers.
I want to thank NetGalley, Little, Brown Book Group UK and Carole Matthews for a pre-publication to review.

Lovely escapist read! Head off to the Isle of Wight to enjoy the thoughts of living on a beautiful house boat with a bit of a hunk living next door, there are sunny characters that lift your spirits, our heroine who needs healing and the description of a beautiful part of the Isle of Wight to keep you fully invested in the story until the end.

As always with Carole's books they aren't a tricky read, there are a few tears along the way (if you are that way inclined), lots of fun, and a feel good ending. What more could you possibly want, especially in the times we are in at the moment?

Thoroughly recommend this lovely book.

With thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review