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A Cottage by the Sea
Grace has been best friends with Ella and Flick since university. The late-night chats, shared heartaches and good times have created a bond that has stood the test of time. Now in their thirties, Grace is always a bit disappointed about how little time they get to spend together, so when Ella invites them all 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 in pace will help her reconnect with her husband, Harry. Unfortunately for her, Harry isn't as enamoured with Cwtch Cottage as she is. Then Flick arrives; loveable, bubbly Flick, accompanied by the handsome and charming Noah, and suddenly the week ahead looks as though it may be even more confusing for all the residents of Cwtch Cottage.
Paperback
First published January 3, 2013
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About the author
Carole Matthews
75 books1,720 followersCarole Matthews is an international bestselling author of hugely successful romantic comedy novels. Her unique sense of humour has won her legions of fans and critical acclaim all over the world.
A Minor Indiscretion and A Compromising Position both reached the Top 5 in the Sunday Times bestseller chart in the UK. You Drive Me Crazy reached number 8 in the original fiction charts. The novel Welcome To The Real World was shortlisted for RNA romantic novel of the year 2007.
In 2006 Carole co-edited - with writer Sarah Mlynowski - two new editions of the hugely popular Girls' Night In charity series called Girls' Night Out - one for the USA and one for Canada. All proceeds go to War Child.
Carole has presented on television and is a regular radio guest. When she’s not writing novels, television or film scripts she manages to find time to trek in the Himalayas, rollerblade in Central Park, take tea in China and snooze in her garden shed in Milton Keynes which is near London, England.
A Minor Indiscretion and A Compromising Position both reached the Top 5 in the Sunday Times bestseller chart in the UK. You Drive Me Crazy reached number 8 in the original fiction charts. The novel Welcome To The Real World was shortlisted for RNA romantic novel of the year 2007.
In 2006 Carole co-edited - with writer Sarah Mlynowski - two new editions of the hugely popular Girls' Night In charity series called Girls' Night Out - one for the USA and one for Canada. All proceeds go to War Child.
Carole has presented on television and is a regular radio guest. When she’s not writing novels, television or film scripts she manages to find time to trek in the Himalayas, rollerblade in Central Park, take tea in China and snooze in her garden shed in Milton Keynes which is near London, England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 391 reviews
September 3, 2013
Have to say I was quite disappointed with this one. For a novel that takes place over a one week span, this was one long, boring tale. As for the characters, there was nothing special about any of them. I tried to like Grace but in the end I just couldn't. I mean seriously, she catches her best friend shagging her husband and she's okay with it? In fact, she feels guilty because she has deep, loving feelings for Noah (the best friend's boyfriend). Sure she's spent a lot of time with him; is attracted to him; and almost kissed him, but she didn't. Instead she tells Noah that she wants to work on her marriage. Meanwhile her husband belittles her, disrespects her and shows no affection of love towards her. She's so blasé about the whole affair that went on under her nose for months. It just didn't come across as realistic. All she tells her friend is to love her husband the best she can. Also that their relationship will be fine in the end. Seriously? In the end, I'd skip this one as there's no excitement to be found anywhere.
March 27, 2013
I am a HUGE fan of Carole Matthews, I have an entire collection of her books on my shelf, all of which have been read more times than I can remember! If you haven’t heard of Carole Matthews then please go out and buy any of her books and try them, because you won’t be disappointed If, like me, you sit eagerly awaiting her newest release, then let me tell you, you’re all in for a treat with this one!
Grace, Flick and Ella have been best friends ever since they met at university, having shared lots of meaningful chats, supporting each other through heartache and building a friendship that has gone from strength to strengths. When Ella invites Grace and Flick to stay in her cottage in South Wales, they jump at the chance! Grace is looking forward to seeing her old friend, and brings along her husband Harry in the hopes that a change of scenery might help them reconnect. And Flick turns up with the handsome and charming Noah, who none of the others have met before. Everyone is in for a week that will change their lives…
I absolutely loved A Cottage By The Sea! Carole Matthews is extremely talented in the way she effortlessly draws you into the story of Grace, Ella, and Flick. I was so absorbed in their lives and what was happening that it was almost as though I had gone away to the cottage in South Wales myself! Speaking about the cottage, the setting was BEAUTIFUL! The descriptions were so vivid and the detail so rich that I felt like I had been transported away, and I finished the book really wanting to go on holiday to Wales!
The characters are very easy to like and are ever so well-written. I warmed to Grace straight away, and I really felt for her as she so wanted to reconnect with her husband Harry, who was less than enthusiastic about going away! As much as I liked the other characters, another favourite of mine was Noah – be prepared to fall in love with him like I did!
I enjoyed the exploration of the three women and their relationships with the men in their lives. I also liked reading about the progression of their bond and friendship that they have with each other. Even though their friendship is sometimes tested, it was entirely relateable as I’m sure we all have friendships that are rocked by something from time to time, and so this had me gripped as I wanted to know how things would work out.
Carole Matthews managed to take me on a true rollercoaster of emotions throughout the novel. There were some fantastic scenes in the book where I was laughing along and smiling, and other times where the book took on a more serious tone and I had a few tears escaping. As always with Carole Matthews, the romance is beautifully weaved into the story and it all feels so natural and right, whilst giving you something to cheer along for! This book is funny, it is refreshing, the characters are honest and emotional and it shows true friendship and love – what more could you want in a book?
A Cottage By The Sea is absolutely delightful, full of friendship, love and a few tears too! This is definitely one of Carole’s best novels, and it is perfect for relaxing and reading with a cup of tea and some chocolate, or for taking away on holiday!
Grace, Flick and Ella have been best friends ever since they met at university, having shared lots of meaningful chats, supporting each other through heartache and building a friendship that has gone from strength to strengths. When Ella invites Grace and Flick to stay in her cottage in South Wales, they jump at the chance! Grace is looking forward to seeing her old friend, and brings along her husband Harry in the hopes that a change of scenery might help them reconnect. And Flick turns up with the handsome and charming Noah, who none of the others have met before. Everyone is in for a week that will change their lives…
I absolutely loved A Cottage By The Sea! Carole Matthews is extremely talented in the way she effortlessly draws you into the story of Grace, Ella, and Flick. I was so absorbed in their lives and what was happening that it was almost as though I had gone away to the cottage in South Wales myself! Speaking about the cottage, the setting was BEAUTIFUL! The descriptions were so vivid and the detail so rich that I felt like I had been transported away, and I finished the book really wanting to go on holiday to Wales!
The characters are very easy to like and are ever so well-written. I warmed to Grace straight away, and I really felt for her as she so wanted to reconnect with her husband Harry, who was less than enthusiastic about going away! As much as I liked the other characters, another favourite of mine was Noah – be prepared to fall in love with him like I did!
I enjoyed the exploration of the three women and their relationships with the men in their lives. I also liked reading about the progression of their bond and friendship that they have with each other. Even though their friendship is sometimes tested, it was entirely relateable as I’m sure we all have friendships that are rocked by something from time to time, and so this had me gripped as I wanted to know how things would work out.
Carole Matthews managed to take me on a true rollercoaster of emotions throughout the novel. There were some fantastic scenes in the book where I was laughing along and smiling, and other times where the book took on a more serious tone and I had a few tears escaping. As always with Carole Matthews, the romance is beautifully weaved into the story and it all feels so natural and right, whilst giving you something to cheer along for! This book is funny, it is refreshing, the characters are honest and emotional and it shows true friendship and love – what more could you want in a book?
A Cottage By The Sea is absolutely delightful, full of friendship, love and a few tears too! This is definitely one of Carole’s best novels, and it is perfect for relaxing and reading with a cup of tea and some chocolate, or for taking away on holiday!
April 2, 2014
5 Words: Friendship, heartbreak, true-love, isolation, charming.
This was a delightful audiobook as read by Claire Corbett. The narration style of the reader was great - her measured tones fit just right for this story and she showed the emotions and turmoil that the characters were feeling with her voice.
I am definitely a Carole Matthews fan now.
This was a great story of friendship and love and being true to yourself. It had its moments of elation and there were times it almost brought me to tears.
One thing that this story did amazingly well was the isolation. It was used in so many ways and shown in so many ways, but still it was subtle. The cottage was isolated, but each of the characters were isolated too and you couldn't tell by looking just at the surface.
Grace was a fantastic character. She was so believable and I found it easy to relate to her despite the age and circumstance differences.
This was a delightful audiobook as read by Claire Corbett. The narration style of the reader was great - her measured tones fit just right for this story and she showed the emotions and turmoil that the characters were feeling with her voice.
I am definitely a Carole Matthews fan now.
This was a great story of friendship and love and being true to yourself. It had its moments of elation and there were times it almost brought me to tears.
One thing that this story did amazingly well was the isolation. It was used in so many ways and shown in so many ways, but still it was subtle. The cottage was isolated, but each of the characters were isolated too and you couldn't tell by looking just at the surface.
Grace was a fantastic character. She was so believable and I found it easy to relate to her despite the age and circumstance differences.
February 14, 2018
Easy to read but very hard to put down. Really enjoyed reading this book.
April 18, 2013
I don't mean any disrespect by the two stars. obviously she has lots of fans. I've read almost every one of her books. This one was no better or worse than many but I want more from a story these days and I'm sad that Carole Matthews isn't doing it for me anymore. Again - its me rather than her, so don't let this put you off.
If you want a story with lots of ups and downs and lovely detail about a holiday in Wales, a tale of love that cannot be, of love that shouldn't be, then this is enjoyable. But I wanted to know more about Noah than the detail we had. Someone who is evidently so gorgeous, has to have some back story and all we got was what he did for a living.
The heroine Grace - is shown as constantly trying to do the right thing but as a consequence, sometimes looks weak and unable to stand up for what she wants.
Very little happened apart from interesting excursions in the countryside and beach. Not enough dynamic plot twists for me. The actual 'shock' was too obvious. I knew almost straightaway though I remain to be convinced it worked.
But having said all that - it was a very easy read, a comforting read, the sort of beach read that doesn't challenge but passes a pleasant afternoon. I think the fault is with me. I need something grittier. I've grown up!
If you want a story with lots of ups and downs and lovely detail about a holiday in Wales, a tale of love that cannot be, of love that shouldn't be, then this is enjoyable. But I wanted to know more about Noah than the detail we had. Someone who is evidently so gorgeous, has to have some back story and all we got was what he did for a living.
The heroine Grace - is shown as constantly trying to do the right thing but as a consequence, sometimes looks weak and unable to stand up for what she wants.
Very little happened apart from interesting excursions in the countryside and beach. Not enough dynamic plot twists for me. The actual 'shock' was too obvious. I knew almost straightaway though I remain to be convinced it worked.
But having said all that - it was a very easy read, a comforting read, the sort of beach read that doesn't challenge but passes a pleasant afternoon. I think the fault is with me. I need something grittier. I've grown up!
April 19, 2019
Meh. This kept popping up as a recommendation so I gave it a try from the Kindle Lending Library.
It started out OK but I never really connected with the characters and could not buy in to the “happy” ending.
It started out OK but I never really connected with the characters and could not buy in to the “happy” ending.
February 15, 2014
Liked this book very much. It was a lovely story of friendship , romance and life! You could lose time with this book
February 12, 2013
I do not usually read chick-lit or romance, but a few years back I came across The Chocolate Lovers’ Club and its sequel, The Chocolate Lovers’ Diet, and thoroughly enjoyed them. So when Carole Matthews’ publishing team asked for volunteers to read and review her latest novel, A Cottage by the Sea, I jumped at the chance.
If I ever read another chick-lit novel, it will be one by Carole Matthews!
I love her fresh, easy style of writing – it seems to flow so effortlessly from one page to the next, so that it barely feels like one is reading at all, more one is absorbing the story by osmosis or some similar biological process. The story seeps into the reader with ease and in a manner that feels wholly organic and natural.
As with most chick-lit, it’s entirely predictable – there wasn’t a single move I didn’t see coming a mile off, but I found I didn’t care – I wanted things to happen the way they did – it felt right and I enjoyed the ride so much that I didn’t really want it to end. It really made me hanker after a holiday in a little cottage in Pembrokeshire, despite the fact that I know my own hubby would hate being away from technology as much as some of the characters here did – I know I’m more of a Grace or Ella when it comes to being somewhere peaceful and undisturbed. And I really did like the characters – I felt like I’d known Grace, Ella and Flick for years, and like an old friend, sometimes I wanted to slap Flick and tell her to grow up. Similarly I wanted to shake Harry and Art, and I completely fell for the lovely Noah – but then, who wouldn’t?
Reading a light novel like this feels like a holiday for my brain and it was exactly what I needed while I recovered from flu. Highly enjoyable, fun, just a joy to read – Carole Matthews gets my vote any day of the week for holiday reading!
If I ever read another chick-lit novel, it will be one by Carole Matthews!
I love her fresh, easy style of writing – it seems to flow so effortlessly from one page to the next, so that it barely feels like one is reading at all, more one is absorbing the story by osmosis or some similar biological process. The story seeps into the reader with ease and in a manner that feels wholly organic and natural.
As with most chick-lit, it’s entirely predictable – there wasn’t a single move I didn’t see coming a mile off, but I found I didn’t care – I wanted things to happen the way they did – it felt right and I enjoyed the ride so much that I didn’t really want it to end. It really made me hanker after a holiday in a little cottage in Pembrokeshire, despite the fact that I know my own hubby would hate being away from technology as much as some of the characters here did – I know I’m more of a Grace or Ella when it comes to being somewhere peaceful and undisturbed. And I really did like the characters – I felt like I’d known Grace, Ella and Flick for years, and like an old friend, sometimes I wanted to slap Flick and tell her to grow up. Similarly I wanted to shake Harry and Art, and I completely fell for the lovely Noah – but then, who wouldn’t?
Reading a light novel like this feels like a holiday for my brain and it was exactly what I needed while I recovered from flu. Highly enjoyable, fun, just a joy to read – Carole Matthews gets my vote any day of the week for holiday reading!
July 7, 2015
Bit slow but really enjoyed it towards the end
May 6, 2013
I remember the days when I used to take half a suitcase of books on holiday - just in case I ran out - but these days it's so much easier to just load up your Kindle with some favourite authors and know you're ok for a fortnight. I read this book under such difficult circumstances - on holiday in Goa, 104 degrees and 85% humidity, struggling to pick it up between massages, manicures and cocktails - but it really was a quite perfect holiday read.
Essentially this is the story of three couples - the women all friends for many years - getting together for a holiday at a remote Pembrokeshire cottage. First, there's Grace and Harry - he spends more time on Twitter and Facebook with a glass in his hand than he does spending time with his wife, and their marriage is in a poor state of repair. Then there's Ella and Art - she's the homemaker, he's a free spirit, a band manager who spends long periods on the road and is reluctant to be tied down. And finally there's Flick - predatory hunter of married men, who surprises everyone by turning up with Noah, and amazes everyone by declaring her intention to marry him.
Grace is the narrator, a strong character in need of some joy in her life. She is immediately attracted to Noah, but has a strong sense of right and wrong, and the way she should behave.
The week at Cwtch Cottage is filled with drama, complicated relationships and divided loyalties. The Pembrokeshire backdrop is stunning, wonderfully described as the couples walk, go "coasteering" and birdwatch on the islands. This is a wonderful story about female friendship, warm and enriching but severely tested. There are some serious moments, but Carole Matthews' wonderful humour shines through - an emotional rollercoaster, but a thoroughly enjoyable one.
Essentially this is the story of three couples - the women all friends for many years - getting together for a holiday at a remote Pembrokeshire cottage. First, there's Grace and Harry - he spends more time on Twitter and Facebook with a glass in his hand than he does spending time with his wife, and their marriage is in a poor state of repair. Then there's Ella and Art - she's the homemaker, he's a free spirit, a band manager who spends long periods on the road and is reluctant to be tied down. And finally there's Flick - predatory hunter of married men, who surprises everyone by turning up with Noah, and amazes everyone by declaring her intention to marry him.
Grace is the narrator, a strong character in need of some joy in her life. She is immediately attracted to Noah, but has a strong sense of right and wrong, and the way she should behave.
The week at Cwtch Cottage is filled with drama, complicated relationships and divided loyalties. The Pembrokeshire backdrop is stunning, wonderfully described as the couples walk, go "coasteering" and birdwatch on the islands. This is a wonderful story about female friendship, warm and enriching but severely tested. There are some serious moments, but Carole Matthews' wonderful humour shines through - an emotional rollercoaster, but a thoroughly enjoyable one.
November 20, 2013
I am a big Carole Matthews fan and although I enjoyed this book and the storyline, to me it wasn't her best.
Starting with the positives, I thought the characterisation was good and could envisage all of the six friends. I wanted to thump Harry, I fell in love with Noah and I also wanted to thump Art. I thought Ella was adorable, Flick, a friend I would rather not have, and Grace a bit too reasonable, although I liked her. The author brought the Pembrokeshire coast to life for me, an area of the country I have never visited and I could soooo imagine Ella's cottage.
The book fell short for me in several areas. I found some of the dialogue implausible and there were too many repeated or similar words close together and far too many adverbs, to the extent where it was really noticeable and grated. I also thought falling in love with someone in less than a week and being able to tell them 'I love you' highly unlikely. I know people talk of love at first sight, but it just didn't resonate with me. I found the ending nice, but again rushed decisions by Grace re her career and home life, were improbable.
I still enjoyed the book, but after With Love At Christmas by Carole, my first read of the year and my favourite of hers altogether, being so good, and after reading Summer Daydreams this year and loving it, this simply didn't come up to the same high standard for me, as if it hadn't been redrafted as many times as the others.
I'm now off to start my HB copy of Calling Mrs Christmas by Carole - so, no, it hasn't put me off reading her books!
Starting with the positives, I thought the characterisation was good and could envisage all of the six friends. I wanted to thump Harry, I fell in love with Noah and I also wanted to thump Art. I thought Ella was adorable, Flick, a friend I would rather not have, and Grace a bit too reasonable, although I liked her. The author brought the Pembrokeshire coast to life for me, an area of the country I have never visited and I could soooo imagine Ella's cottage.
The book fell short for me in several areas. I found some of the dialogue implausible and there were too many repeated or similar words close together and far too many adverbs, to the extent where it was really noticeable and grated. I also thought falling in love with someone in less than a week and being able to tell them 'I love you' highly unlikely. I know people talk of love at first sight, but it just didn't resonate with me. I found the ending nice, but again rushed decisions by Grace re her career and home life, were improbable.
I still enjoyed the book, but after With Love At Christmas by Carole, my first read of the year and my favourite of hers altogether, being so good, and after reading Summer Daydreams this year and loving it, this simply didn't come up to the same high standard for me, as if it hadn't been redrafted as many times as the others.
I'm now off to start my HB copy of Calling Mrs Christmas by Carole - so, no, it hasn't put me off reading her books!
February 18, 2021
A Cottage by the Sea
Paperback – 28 Mar. 2013
by Carole Matthews
What a gorgeous read this is! I have absolutely LOVED it, from the very first page to the happy, smiley, last.
Grace is an instantly likable character and I really felt her unhappiness within her marriage to Harry. (Although Harry is oddly likeable in his own way.) I shared Grace’s optimism though that a relaxing holiday, with good friends, by the sea, might be all they need to recharge their batteries and find each other again. Considering they live, and work, in London the fresh air at least should do them the world of good. Little did they know….
I love the fact that this book is set in Pembrokeshire. We spent a glorious week there in July 2019. We were planning on going again in 2020, but Covid-19 well and truly put the kybosh on that! (Fingers crossed for summer/autumn 2021.) I loved reading about places we visited such as Barafundle Bay. It made me go back through my photo’s on Facebook. Happy days! It is such a gorgeous place. I am not at all surprised that Grace falls in love with the place or that Ella would love to stay there in her cosy little cottage, indefinitely.
Ella is another lovely character, who deserves far better than the bloke she’s ended up with!
I can’t say Flick was my favourite character, but I enjoyed the friendship the three women have shared since Uni. Friends are often as different as chalk and cheese, but as close as sisters. I imagine Flick might be okay in small doses. Noah (her latest conquest who she has brought along for the week) on the other hand is extremely likeable!!
What should be a relaxing week of quality time all together proves to be far more eventful than any of them could have ever imagined.
Full of fun, sunshine, friendship, romance, heartache and drama! I highly recommend!
https://chataboutbooks.blog/2021/02/1...
Paperback – 28 Mar. 2013
by Carole Matthews
What a gorgeous read this is! I have absolutely LOVED it, from the very first page to the happy, smiley, last.
Grace is an instantly likable character and I really felt her unhappiness within her marriage to Harry. (Although Harry is oddly likeable in his own way.) I shared Grace’s optimism though that a relaxing holiday, with good friends, by the sea, might be all they need to recharge their batteries and find each other again. Considering they live, and work, in London the fresh air at least should do them the world of good. Little did they know….
I love the fact that this book is set in Pembrokeshire. We spent a glorious week there in July 2019. We were planning on going again in 2020, but Covid-19 well and truly put the kybosh on that! (Fingers crossed for summer/autumn 2021.) I loved reading about places we visited such as Barafundle Bay. It made me go back through my photo’s on Facebook. Happy days! It is such a gorgeous place. I am not at all surprised that Grace falls in love with the place or that Ella would love to stay there in her cosy little cottage, indefinitely.
Ella is another lovely character, who deserves far better than the bloke she’s ended up with!
I can’t say Flick was my favourite character, but I enjoyed the friendship the three women have shared since Uni. Friends are often as different as chalk and cheese, but as close as sisters. I imagine Flick might be okay in small doses. Noah (her latest conquest who she has brought along for the week) on the other hand is extremely likeable!!
What should be a relaxing week of quality time all together proves to be far more eventful than any of them could have ever imagined.
Full of fun, sunshine, friendship, romance, heartache and drama! I highly recommend!
https://chataboutbooks.blog/2021/02/1...
May 20, 2022
Ella, Grace and Felicity (Flick) have been best friends since university days. Now over a decade later: Grace is a partner in an accountancy practice and married to Harry, an older actuary; Ella is an artist living with Art, a successful manager of heavy metal bands; and Flick reviews film scripts and is resolutely single and fancy-free with a penchant for married men.
Ella has inherited a holiday cottage in Pembrokeshire from her parents and invites everyone to spend a week there renewing their friendship which has seen them grow apart. Initially Ella and Grace don't think Flick will turn up, she's been even more unreliable than usual lately, but at the last minute she arrives with a new (single) man in tow, Noah. Grace and Harry have been distant with each other for a few months and she hopes that a short break will give them time to reconnect and get their marriage back on track. Ella wants to settle down, preferably in Pembrokeshire but is worried that Art is hanging on to his aged rocker status along with his flat in London for dear life.
So the party of six are divided between Art, Flick, and Harry, the heavy-drinking city-lovers, on the one hand and Ella, Grace, and Noah, the nature-loving countryphiles on the other. One group want to spend their days in the pub, the others want to walk along the coastline and explore nature.
I am a great fan of Carole Matthews but I have to say this book was a bit of a miss for me. First, it couldn't have been any more obvious what was happening if she had erected neon signposts. Second it reminded me strongly of the film Cousins starring Ted Danson and Isabella Rossellini. Generally, I thought Grace was too much of a doormat (and proud of herself for it).
Ella has inherited a holiday cottage in Pembrokeshire from her parents and invites everyone to spend a week there renewing their friendship which has seen them grow apart. Initially Ella and Grace don't think Flick will turn up, she's been even more unreliable than usual lately, but at the last minute she arrives with a new (single) man in tow, Noah. Grace and Harry have been distant with each other for a few months and she hopes that a short break will give them time to reconnect and get their marriage back on track. Ella wants to settle down, preferably in Pembrokeshire but is worried that Art is hanging on to his aged rocker status along with his flat in London for dear life.
So the party of six are divided between Art, Flick, and Harry, the heavy-drinking city-lovers, on the one hand and Ella, Grace, and Noah, the nature-loving countryphiles on the other. One group want to spend their days in the pub, the others want to walk along the coastline and explore nature.
I am a great fan of Carole Matthews but I have to say this book was a bit of a miss for me. First, it couldn't have been any more obvious what was happening if she had erected neon signposts. Second it reminded me strongly of the film Cousins starring Ted Danson and Isabella Rossellini. Generally, I thought Grace was too much of a doormat (and proud of herself for it).
July 25, 2021
I really enjoyed this read! A very relaxed and holiday read - for me a perfect stress - free read
September 9, 2023
I liked the description of the areas where the cottage is located and the relationships between the three friends. Amazing that one summer can change everything.
October 12, 2024
I had kind of guessed the ending from very early on.
The story seemed to drag on,however on the whole not a bad read.
The story seemed to drag on,however on the whole not a bad read.
April 4, 2013
HOORAY for another Carole Matthews winner! I absolutely loved, loved, LOVED this book. Devoured within two days, A Cottage by the Sea is, without a doubt, the perfect romantic chick-lit that will effortlessly take you on a wonderful journey full of love, happiness, friendship, hope, courage, disappointment, turmoil, shock and honesty. What more could you want!
Grace, Ella and Flick have been best friends since they met at university, and although they don’t get to see each other as much as they would hope, they have always been held together by a strong and lasting bond. After sadly losing her mother, Ella has inherited her parents’ cottage in South Wales and ceases the opportunity to bring her three friends, and their partners, together for a relaxing weeks holiday at Cwtch cottage.
But how relaxed will it be for them all? It turns out that life is, in fact, far from perfect for all three of the friends. The story concentrates predominantly on Grace, and her relationship with her completely unlikeable husband, Harry. Having grown further and further apart over the last couple of years, Grace feels invisible to Harry and is finding it harder and harder to tolerate his drinking habits. Could this holiday be a chance to reignite their relationship? Are there even any chances left?
Then Flick arrives with her latest beau in tow, Noah, and from the second Grace sees him, she is shocked to the core at how drawn she is to him. Could this be the ‘love at first sight’ she has never felt before and always envied?
The book beautifully details the week they all spend together. Grace and Noah are both aware of the chemistry between them and without any orchestration on their part, keep getting thrown together in whole array of endearingly sweet moments, as well as dramatic and terrifying events. The more time they spend together, the more Grace realises that she has to choose between fighting for her marriage or risk losing those closest to her for her the sake of her own happiness.
As always with Carole Matthews, this book flows effortlessly from page to page, allowing you to totally escape from the outside world. I immediately fell in love with Cwtch Cottage and the lifestyle that it promised. All the real-life problems will unquestionably touch the hearts of many readers, and each and every character can most likely be identified with in some shape or form. Although full of torn emotions and plenty of heartbreak, the book doesn’t disappoint in its humour either. I found Grace’s inner thoughts both witty and blatantly honest, wrestling with things that most of us often don’t want to admit to, in a humorous way.
A Cottage by the Sea is a devastatingly honest portrayal of an unhappy marriage but at the same time, an enlightening tale of how it is never too late to reinvent yourself and follow your dreams. And even though it’s the Easter holidays and I’ve been pulled and prodded from every direction by my wonderfully rowdy children, there was no way I was putting this book down! Put simply, it was an absolute pleasure to read yet another superb novel from a truly first-class author. GO GET IT!!!
Grace, Ella and Flick have been best friends since they met at university, and although they don’t get to see each other as much as they would hope, they have always been held together by a strong and lasting bond. After sadly losing her mother, Ella has inherited her parents’ cottage in South Wales and ceases the opportunity to bring her three friends, and their partners, together for a relaxing weeks holiday at Cwtch cottage.
But how relaxed will it be for them all? It turns out that life is, in fact, far from perfect for all three of the friends. The story concentrates predominantly on Grace, and her relationship with her completely unlikeable husband, Harry. Having grown further and further apart over the last couple of years, Grace feels invisible to Harry and is finding it harder and harder to tolerate his drinking habits. Could this holiday be a chance to reignite their relationship? Are there even any chances left?
Then Flick arrives with her latest beau in tow, Noah, and from the second Grace sees him, she is shocked to the core at how drawn she is to him. Could this be the ‘love at first sight’ she has never felt before and always envied?
The book beautifully details the week they all spend together. Grace and Noah are both aware of the chemistry between them and without any orchestration on their part, keep getting thrown together in whole array of endearingly sweet moments, as well as dramatic and terrifying events. The more time they spend together, the more Grace realises that she has to choose between fighting for her marriage or risk losing those closest to her for her the sake of her own happiness.
As always with Carole Matthews, this book flows effortlessly from page to page, allowing you to totally escape from the outside world. I immediately fell in love with Cwtch Cottage and the lifestyle that it promised. All the real-life problems will unquestionably touch the hearts of many readers, and each and every character can most likely be identified with in some shape or form. Although full of torn emotions and plenty of heartbreak, the book doesn’t disappoint in its humour either. I found Grace’s inner thoughts both witty and blatantly honest, wrestling with things that most of us often don’t want to admit to, in a humorous way.
A Cottage by the Sea is a devastatingly honest portrayal of an unhappy marriage but at the same time, an enlightening tale of how it is never too late to reinvent yourself and follow your dreams. And even though it’s the Easter holidays and I’ve been pulled and prodded from every direction by my wonderfully rowdy children, there was no way I was putting this book down! Put simply, it was an absolute pleasure to read yet another superb novel from a truly first-class author. GO GET IT!!!
May 22, 2013
A cottage clinging to cliffs in a remote and un-trendy part of Pembrokeshire divides six people into two camps: those who see a week there as a wonderful opportunity for paddling in the sea, blowing off the cobwebs, snoozing on golden sand, painting, maybe learning to surf; and the others who think it’s boring and there’s nothing to do except open another bottle of wine. ‘Do I look like a cottage by the sea man?’ asks Art, which is unfortunate given that his long-term girlfriend, who inherited the place from her parents, loves it and has invited her best friends Flick and Grace to stay.
For girls who dream of such idyllic hideaways from the fuss of city life, Noah on the other hand is the ideal fantasy: an outdoors man, but sensitive, kind, patient, unencumbered by difficult baggage, and seemingly good at everything from cooking (without making a song and dance about it) to ping pong.
None of his finer qualities are lost on Grace, who falls instantly for both cottage and Noah. But she’s married, although she and her husband have been growing apart; ‘I’m hoping this week will help us to sort things out a bit,’ she says optimistically. And Noah’s there as the grand new love of Flick, one of her best friends. So there’s nothing for it but for Grace to make the most of this place and the company of the man who has inappropriately turned her head; enjoy the walks down the beach in the rain, the island trips to see puffins and seals, leaping off rugged cliffs into churning seas, feeling her spirit come alive, conjuring the crazy idea of running a tea room in such a place – then go back to her partnership of an accountancy firm in London and forget all about it.
Unless… will it somehow work itself out before the end of the holiday? Has everyone arrived with a secret?
Perhaps a week in a magical place, at close quarters with your loved ones, no phone or internet and some extreme weather, can change a life for the better. And perhaps being in the right place is how to meet the right person for who you’ve become, to get out of the rut and back in touch with what you actually want to do with your life.
With the simplicity of a good play or film, this delightfully more-ish book will throw you into one camp or the other. Could you see yourself wearing a plastic bin bag and no knickers to dinner, if push came to shove? Expect an entertaining and engrossing read about friendships and relationships, growing up and moving on in life – and expect Pembrokeshire ‘coasteering’ to become all the rage.
For girls who dream of such idyllic hideaways from the fuss of city life, Noah on the other hand is the ideal fantasy: an outdoors man, but sensitive, kind, patient, unencumbered by difficult baggage, and seemingly good at everything from cooking (without making a song and dance about it) to ping pong.
None of his finer qualities are lost on Grace, who falls instantly for both cottage and Noah. But she’s married, although she and her husband have been growing apart; ‘I’m hoping this week will help us to sort things out a bit,’ she says optimistically. And Noah’s there as the grand new love of Flick, one of her best friends. So there’s nothing for it but for Grace to make the most of this place and the company of the man who has inappropriately turned her head; enjoy the walks down the beach in the rain, the island trips to see puffins and seals, leaping off rugged cliffs into churning seas, feeling her spirit come alive, conjuring the crazy idea of running a tea room in such a place – then go back to her partnership of an accountancy firm in London and forget all about it.
Unless… will it somehow work itself out before the end of the holiday? Has everyone arrived with a secret?
Perhaps a week in a magical place, at close quarters with your loved ones, no phone or internet and some extreme weather, can change a life for the better. And perhaps being in the right place is how to meet the right person for who you’ve become, to get out of the rut and back in touch with what you actually want to do with your life.
With the simplicity of a good play or film, this delightfully more-ish book will throw you into one camp or the other. Could you see yourself wearing a plastic bin bag and no knickers to dinner, if push came to shove? Expect an entertaining and engrossing read about friendships and relationships, growing up and moving on in life – and expect Pembrokeshire ‘coasteering’ to become all the rage.
May 29, 2013
I enjoyed this book. This story is about Ella, Grace and Flick, who have known each other for years and are still best friends but have their secrets. They all meet up with their respective partners for a week in South Wales in a cottage that was left to Ella by her parents. As they try to fix their relationships with their partners, try to sort out their own lives and feelings, secrets begin to unravel and test the strength of their friendship.
This is a good, enjoyable, easy read with likeable characters. This is a typical chick lit romance with friendship and relationships in jeopardy. Ms. Matthews writing flowed well and towards the end I couldn't stop reading because I just wanted to know what was going to happen next. I wasn't disappointed.
This is a good, enjoyable, easy read with likeable characters. This is a typical chick lit romance with friendship and relationships in jeopardy. Ms. Matthews writing flowed well and towards the end I couldn't stop reading because I just wanted to know what was going to happen next. I wasn't disappointed.
August 12, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were mostly likeable with the odd exception, though they got their 'comeuppance' in the end. The storyline was a little predictable but you don't really expect anything different from 'chicklit'. However, this didn't spoil the story or the enjoyment of it. The storyline was well developed with various peripheral characters adding to the mix with the central characters and helping to build the storyline and plot.
It was an easy read that caught my attention immediately and kept drawing me in so I didn't want it to end.
All in all a nice easy read that drew me in and left me wanting more.
It was an easy read that caught my attention immediately and kept drawing me in so I didn't want it to end.
All in all a nice easy read that drew me in and left me wanting more.
March 16, 2016
I didn't feel this was one of the author's best books. I couldn't really take to any of the characters and felt the story was too predictable (more so than chick lit can often be). However, this book has definitely not put me off reading other Carole Matthews books.
February 14, 2019
Really enjoyed this combined romantic with adventure and friendship a lovely light read
July 4, 2018
A wonderful journey to the seaside at a remote cottage with limited connectivity to the rest of civilisation, and a nice exploration of how people handle this situation differently in the modern world – some embrace the ability to return to the beauties of nature while others obsess with trying to get connected. The premise was good and characters were likeable, for all of their faults. The entire story arc takes place over the timeframe of just one week, but the narrative was so descriptive especially with the activities that the friends were doing together that it felt like so much longer. Subject matter isn’t something I necessarily condone, and I usually don’t enjoy books like this for that reason but admittedly it is here to stay in the world we live in today and I thought overall there was still good humour and optimism to move on portrayed towards the end of the book. Possibly my only criticism is the pacing – the twists could have come a bit earlier and there would be material left to resolve the resulting conflict instead of effectively just removing characters from the house. This is my first book by Matthews and I will be looking out for more. 4 stars.
August 23, 2018
This novel, set at the Pembrokeshire coast, was such a delight, a wonderful summer read.
This is about a group of thirty-something friends who spend a week in a cottage by the sea (duh!). I really enjoyed meeting Ella, Flick and Grace and their respective partners. I raced through this book surprisingly quickly. It was such a fun and easy read.
It was very predictable and about 100 pages longer than it needed to be, but overall I enjoyed Matthews’ writing. I do wish she had spent a little more time actually describing their surroundings, because the book is set at a stunning bit of British coast. However, I understand this book was not about that; it was about the relationships between all the characters and the author handled that part very well. The romance was a bit instant, but at the same time it was a bit of a slowburn, so I did like it. Although the ending was predictable, it was still satisfying.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and if you like summery chicklit you will like this one.
This is about a group of thirty-something friends who spend a week in a cottage by the sea (duh!). I really enjoyed meeting Ella, Flick and Grace and their respective partners. I raced through this book surprisingly quickly. It was such a fun and easy read.
It was very predictable and about 100 pages longer than it needed to be, but overall I enjoyed Matthews’ writing. I do wish she had spent a little more time actually describing their surroundings, because the book is set at a stunning bit of British coast. However, I understand this book was not about that; it was about the relationships between all the characters and the author handled that part very well. The romance was a bit instant, but at the same time it was a bit of a slowburn, so I did like it. Although the ending was predictable, it was still satisfying.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and if you like summery chicklit you will like this one.
November 28, 2017
A cottage by the sea takes us to Pembrokeshire in Wales. Carole's style is easy to read and I found myself reading this in a day as I became engrossed in the lives of three friends. There are some lovely descriptions of the Welsh countryside and beaches yet it was the relationship between the friends that really sold the book to me. There are hints throughout as to what is really happening yet the ending was still a bit of a shocker even though the right people ended up together. A very enjoyable read that brought back happy memories of family holidays in the region.
May 12, 2023
A Cottage by the Sea is a book with absolutely no intriguing plot that kept me wanting to know what’ll happen. Everything was just so predictable. The only reasons why I kept reading are (a) to be able to discuss this at the book club discussion, (b) it’s very easy to get through, the storytelling is good as opposed to the storyline.
This is just my personal opinion, as in goodreads it has 4.11 stars.
This is just my personal opinion, as in goodreads it has 4.11 stars.
November 18, 2017
Well this book was a total surprise - I enjoyed it far more than the sissy front cover led me to believe I would! It was one of those stories that I just enjoyed losing myself to completely and I loved every minute of it. Predictable but sweet, and definitely an author I'll be looking out for whenever I need a chick lit!
April 29, 2018
The first impression this book created in just few pages was - too much details. And the same lasted till the end. It doesn't have the capacity to hold on to the audience. I couldn't find the end much surprising as one can start deducing it in halfway itself and come to conclusions before he/she reads them in printed form. The end also doesn't seem to follow with practicality.
May 11, 2021
Another great one by Carole Matthews. I'm really enjoying her writing and am looking forward to starting my next one!
August 16, 2023
While reading this book, I was dreaming of spending time at that cottage in beautiful Pembrokeshire! I loved the story but wasn't found of Flick.
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