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The Difference a Day Makes
One day she had everything - the next it was gone William and Amy love their busy city life, but when Will collapses on his way into work he decides enough is enough and moves his family to the country. Three months later, Amy is standing outside Helmshill Grange, a sullen monstrosity of a house, deep in the Yorkshire moors. Within days, Will has traded in the Audi for a Land Rover, and brought home chickens, goats, sheep, a serial-killer cat and a mad dog. But when tragedy strikes, Amy finds herself living a dream that isn't hers . . .
420 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
134 people are currently reading
1757 people want to read
About the author
Carole Matthews
75 books1,716 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 169 reviews
February 17, 2017
How this book has an average rating a over 4 is beyond me. Are we reading the same thing???
I generally try not to be too negative with these, but this book is a real stinker. I am actually impressed at how bad it is. It is hard to know where to start with this sort of review; do I focus on plot, characters, style, length, coherence? In the end I decided not to single any specific aspect out, it's all shit.
Actually, I've changed my mind, I am going to focus on one aspect. The attempts at humour were mind-bogglingly cliched and stale. As someone who has been to their fair share of dreadful stand-up shows in his time, I have endured some awkward attempts at comedy. This takes the biscuit. I'm not going to go into specific examples, as to do so would involve providing context, and I honestly never want to relive any of this book again.
In short, avoid at all costs. If I was in a room with Hitler, Mussolini, and this book, and had a gun with 2 bullets, I would shoot this book twice.
0/5
I generally try not to be too negative with these, but this book is a real stinker. I am actually impressed at how bad it is. It is hard to know where to start with this sort of review; do I focus on plot, characters, style, length, coherence? In the end I decided not to single any specific aspect out, it's all shit.
Actually, I've changed my mind, I am going to focus on one aspect. The attempts at humour were mind-bogglingly cliched and stale. As someone who has been to their fair share of dreadful stand-up shows in his time, I have endured some awkward attempts at comedy. This takes the biscuit. I'm not going to go into specific examples, as to do so would involve providing context, and I honestly never want to relive any of this book again.
In short, avoid at all costs. If I was in a room with Hitler, Mussolini, and this book, and had a gun with 2 bullets, I would shoot this book twice.
0/5
October 2, 2017
The story in itself was pretty cute, but some things really rubbed me the wrong way...
First there is the dog. The dog who destroys everything, and shall still be cute - if anyone EVER treated that dog like you should treat a dog, he wouldn't be even 10% of the hassle he is. And even the vet, who had a dog before has no idea how to handle him.
Also her husband is dead only a few weeks when there is a budding romance blooming. That in itself wouldn't be too bad, but how he thinks if he has the time to wait forever for her to maybe get over the love of her life - that annoyed me to no end. If you don't have the patience to wait a few months, then it most likely not "real love".
Other than those I liked the characters and liked the slow falling in love with the country. So all in all, even with the parts that had me rolling my eyes it was an entertaining read over all and I'll give it 3*.
First there is the dog. The dog who destroys everything, and shall still be cute - if anyone EVER treated that dog like you should treat a dog, he wouldn't be even 10% of the hassle he is. And even the vet, who had a dog before has no idea how to handle him.
Also her husband is dead only a few weeks when there is a budding romance blooming. That in itself wouldn't be too bad, but how he thinks if he has the time to wait forever for her to maybe get over the love of her life - that annoyed me to no end. If you don't have the patience to wait a few months, then it most likely not "real love".
Other than those I liked the characters and liked the slow falling in love with the country. So all in all, even with the parts that had me rolling my eyes it was an entertaining read over all and I'll give it 3*.
July 8, 2019
The blurb to this book made it sound so much better than I actually found it. I wanted to like it but i wanted it to end (it wasn't bad enough to not finish). The Story itself isn't bad (it was a little too obvious) but I find the characters quite annoying. Apart from Will but disaster strikes for him and he's gone too soon. I miss him from the moment he's gone. I didn't root for Guy and Amy at all after Will.
The Story starts in London and Will suffers pains in the chest on the tube (with a family history of heart attacks). He then takes his wife Amy and two children to his dream, not hers a old run down house in Yorkshire. Two different worlds a busy hectic life and a farm with not many facilities for miles. Amy is left to choose which life is best for her and the children
I liked the Children and Hamish (he made me keep reading). When I find a book too long i know it's not a favourite. Overall wasn't my favourite of Carole Matthews books. 2.5 stars.
The Story starts in London and Will suffers pains in the chest on the tube (with a family history of heart attacks). He then takes his wife Amy and two children to his dream, not hers a old run down house in Yorkshire. Two different worlds a busy hectic life and a farm with not many facilities for miles. Amy is left to choose which life is best for her and the children
I liked the Children and Hamish (he made me keep reading). When I find a book too long i know it's not a favourite. Overall wasn't my favourite of Carole Matthews books. 2.5 stars.
January 2, 2021
William and Amy love their busy city life in London but when Will collapses on his way to work he decides enough is enough and moves his family to Yorkshire. Three months later, Amy is living in Helmshill Grange, a sullen monstrosity of a house deep within the Yorkshire Moors. Within days, Will has traded in the Audi for a Land Rover, and brought home chickens, goats, sheep, a serial-killer cat and a mad dog. But when tragedy strikes, Amy finds herself living a dream that isn’t hers..
.
I was pulled in with this book from the start. There were so many lovable characters and I really wanted to know how it was going to pan out. I loved the crazy dog Hamish who caused havoc wherever he went. It was very predictable but I liked that. A cute cosy read. A fabulous book to start off the year. 4 🌟
January 22, 2021
This book is horrendous. She spends 400 pages being manipulated by the men in her life and this is supposed to be a happy ending? And why does no one ever take the dog for obedience training?
February 29, 2020
Carole has done it again. I loved this book, the characters, Hamish the mad Gordon Setter 😊. I couldn't put it down.
May 6, 2019
Honestly, this book is nothing short of a mess.
I loved the first part. It was interesting and I thought it would be a great read. I really did like the writing style. Then all of a sudden, the family packs up and moves to the country before we’re even properly introduced to them, with Amy Ashurst throwing a huge tantrum and Will being selfish and ignoring her, not caring what she wants. Then, as soon as they’ve arrived, we’re introduced to Amy’s love interest... while Will is still there! The book tells more than shows us that there’s an instant connection and they both like each other... again, while Will, the husband, is there.
Then a tragedy occurs.
Now, I would imagine a woman would be very upset if her . But no. Every now and then, she’ll break down crying for no reason, but most of the book she’s just off with her new love interest, who tries to sabotage all her plans in order to make her stay with him. The main love interest of the story is a total and utter dick, and very annoying as well. He tries to get involved in Amy’s business all the time, which adds to her distress, but they still have some kind of chemistry somehow??
Look, I’ve never read any of Carole’s other books, but I would think that someone’s who’s written a lot of romance would know how to properly progress a relationship between two people. Instead of proper character development, we just get told that they’re both in love, but they don’t act on it until the very end of the book. Wow.
I could go on, but this review is already too long. But look, the TL;DR is, if you enjoy stale and cliché romance stories where the relationship progresses insanely quickly and then halts until the end of the book, go for it. Sorry Carole Matthews, but you did not deliver in this story.
I loved the first part. It was interesting and I thought it would be a great read. I really did like the writing style. Then all of a sudden, the family packs up and moves to the country before we’re even properly introduced to them, with Amy Ashurst throwing a huge tantrum and Will being selfish and ignoring her, not caring what she wants. Then, as soon as they’ve arrived, we’re introduced to Amy’s love interest... while Will is still there! The book tells more than shows us that there’s an instant connection and they both like each other... again, while Will, the husband, is there.
Then a tragedy occurs.
Now, I would imagine a woman would be very upset if her . But no. Every now and then, she’ll break down crying for no reason, but most of the book she’s just off with her new love interest, who tries to sabotage all her plans in order to make her stay with him. The main love interest of the story is a total and utter dick, and very annoying as well. He tries to get involved in Amy’s business all the time, which adds to her distress, but they still have some kind of chemistry somehow??
Look, I’ve never read any of Carole’s other books, but I would think that someone’s who’s written a lot of romance would know how to properly progress a relationship between two people. Instead of proper character development, we just get told that they’re both in love, but they don’t act on it until the very end of the book. Wow.
I could go on, but this review is already too long. But look, the TL;DR is, if you enjoy stale and cliché romance stories where the relationship progresses insanely quickly and then halts until the end of the book, go for it. Sorry Carole Matthews, but you did not deliver in this story.
July 22, 2017
Carole Matthews never let's you down with her books this one was no exception. It was excellent from start to go finish and I didn't want it to end at all. Lovely to see how how the story was going to end as William and Amy live in London both have excellent jobs and he collapses at the station and is in hospital for a while and he sees life differently and moves him and his family to a run down house in Yorkshire can then settle with all the animals he keeps bringing home he then dies and Amy decides to move back to London but is it for the best or will she miss a vet to much excellent end well worth reading.
February 25, 2025
Beginning was great and very interesting but as I reached middle of the book, I know how book was going to end. Some story was needed but I felt most of it was unnecessarily long.
And dont get me started about the dog. If dogs do things like that, they are not likeable. Period!! How can a dog do soo many horrible things and they still think he is cute? I cannot even comprehend it.
And dont get me started about the dog. If dogs do things like that, they are not likeable. Period!! How can a dog do soo many horrible things and they still think he is cute? I cannot even comprehend it.
October 28, 2020
Totally loved this book from the first page I was hooked. This is another brilliant story from Carole Matthews that will find impossible to put down.
December 24, 2020
Really excited book. So sad as well. Love this author
September 17, 2025
Easy read, cute
January 6, 2018
Carole Matthews is a new author to me, and I have loved this first book!
It's easy reading, enjoyable storyline, and made me laugh out loud in several places, as well as have a few tears in other places - my favourite type of book!
The last page delighted me, and totally fitted with the rest of the book.
Can't wait to start the next one.
It's easy reading, enjoyable storyline, and made me laugh out loud in several places, as well as have a few tears in other places - my favourite type of book!
The last page delighted me, and totally fitted with the rest of the book.
Can't wait to start the next one.
August 25, 2018
I liked it but just thought that the story was a bit predictable. My book's cover is different that the one shown here but I love the book covers of her books.
May 31, 2011
I have recently read a number of Carole Mathew's books which I have thoroughly enjoyed. The latest one I have found is The Difference a Day Makes.
***PLOT***
We meet hardworking business couple Amy and William. They have a very busy life working in T.V and have the perfect nanny who looks after their children. Life couldn't be any better for this city couple until one day on the way to work together Will collapses on the train. This event makes Will assess his life and decides to up root his family to start a fresh with their lives in the country.
The problem is this is Williams dream and both Amy and the children are finding it hard to adapt. When things feel as if they couldn't get any worse for Amy when she goes to wake Will in the garden she realises her husband has died. Question is now does Amy and the children manage to carry on living Williams dream with the help of the local vet Guy or do they just pack up and go back to their old life?
***Characters***
This is going to be a first for me but I have to say I loved each and every individual character in this book. Unfortunately due to Will passing away early on in the book we didn't get to enjoy his character for long. We find that we just want to reach out to our main character Amy and just let her know that everything will be ok! My favourite character in this book has to be the local vet Guy who does all he can to help Amy after Will sadly passes away. His character is just so loving and caring we all need a Guy in our lives!
***My Opinion***
This storyline has everything thrown into it. A large part was emotional due to the loss of William but there was also a romance element, and some humour when it come to the antics that the dog had been up to! There is just a generally warm feel to this book. I was addicted to this book and actually finished it in under a day. I just couldn't wait to see what happens next. We as the reader just want to see what Amy is doing to help build their lives back after this tragedy and is she going to make the right decision. In no part of this book could you say that it was predictable, even down to the last chapter you could not anticipate what was going to happen which I feel was the reason the reader is kept hooked the whole way through this book. It does help that the chapters in this book are not long either so if you were going to read the book over a few days you are able to just read a chapter here and there as most chapters were only 3-4 pages long.
All Carole Mathews fans would love this book as it is as good as her other books I have read. It has got more of the country theme to this book which I haven't read a Carole Mathews book which has been based in the country. I cannot find any bad points to this book it was enjoyable from beginning to end.
Also on my book blog http://reabookreview.blogspot.com/
***PLOT***
We meet hardworking business couple Amy and William. They have a very busy life working in T.V and have the perfect nanny who looks after their children. Life couldn't be any better for this city couple until one day on the way to work together Will collapses on the train. This event makes Will assess his life and decides to up root his family to start a fresh with their lives in the country.
The problem is this is Williams dream and both Amy and the children are finding it hard to adapt. When things feel as if they couldn't get any worse for Amy when she goes to wake Will in the garden she realises her husband has died. Question is now does Amy and the children manage to carry on living Williams dream with the help of the local vet Guy or do they just pack up and go back to their old life?
***Characters***
This is going to be a first for me but I have to say I loved each and every individual character in this book. Unfortunately due to Will passing away early on in the book we didn't get to enjoy his character for long. We find that we just want to reach out to our main character Amy and just let her know that everything will be ok! My favourite character in this book has to be the local vet Guy who does all he can to help Amy after Will sadly passes away. His character is just so loving and caring we all need a Guy in our lives!
***My Opinion***
This storyline has everything thrown into it. A large part was emotional due to the loss of William but there was also a romance element, and some humour when it come to the antics that the dog had been up to! There is just a generally warm feel to this book. I was addicted to this book and actually finished it in under a day. I just couldn't wait to see what happens next. We as the reader just want to see what Amy is doing to help build their lives back after this tragedy and is she going to make the right decision. In no part of this book could you say that it was predictable, even down to the last chapter you could not anticipate what was going to happen which I feel was the reason the reader is kept hooked the whole way through this book. It does help that the chapters in this book are not long either so if you were going to read the book over a few days you are able to just read a chapter here and there as most chapters were only 3-4 pages long.
All Carole Mathews fans would love this book as it is as good as her other books I have read. It has got more of the country theme to this book which I haven't read a Carole Mathews book which has been based in the country. I cannot find any bad points to this book it was enjoyable from beginning to end.
Also on my book blog http://reabookreview.blogspot.com/
December 11, 2018
The book is centred around Amy, a high flying career woman who, after her husband Will suffers a problem with his heart, regrettably agreed to move to the country with their two children, and set up a new life. It is clear to the reader that this is not Amy’s dream, but rather Will’s; sadly not long after moving Will suffers a fatal heart attack. We follow Amy’s journey as a widow and single mother, trying to raise two children in a place she hates (but secretly loves), whilst watching her fall in love with the local vet, Guy.
I really wanted to enjoy this book but I found it really hard too; the writing itself is good, however for me the plot is full of cliches that I just couldn’t cope with. Matthews seems to follow the plan of telling rather than showing; we don’t watch Amy and Guy fall in love, we’re told they do. I really couldn’t understand this as it just came out of nowhere and appeared wet sudden after the death of Will. The POV swaps between Amy and Guy, and it was clear that Guy found Amy’s difficult to move on from her husband an irritant - don’t even get me started on the act he pulls in tricking her house buyers to pull out - it baffled me as it was clear the author wanted us to like him, but I just found him very unlikeable!
I was also not a fan of the main character Amy, who made rash decisions without thinking of the consequences for those around her. There is also a plethora of animals in this book, the main being the family dog Hamish, who is extremely out of control, but at no point does anyone try and train him
Sadly not a book I would want to read again or keep on my bookshelf.
Two stars from me 🌟🌟
I really wanted to enjoy this book but I found it really hard too; the writing itself is good, however for me the plot is full of cliches that I just couldn’t cope with. Matthews seems to follow the plan of telling rather than showing; we don’t watch Amy and Guy fall in love, we’re told they do. I really couldn’t understand this as it just came out of nowhere and appeared wet sudden after the death of Will. The POV swaps between Amy and Guy, and it was clear that Guy found Amy’s difficult to move on from her husband an irritant - don’t even get me started on the act he pulls in tricking her house buyers to pull out - it baffled me as it was clear the author wanted us to like him, but I just found him very unlikeable!
I was also not a fan of the main character Amy, who made rash decisions without thinking of the consequences for those around her. There is also a plethora of animals in this book, the main being the family dog Hamish, who is extremely out of control, but at no point does anyone try and train him
Sadly not a book I would want to read again or keep on my bookshelf.
Two stars from me 🌟🌟
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2012
This book started a little slowly for me, and I was very, very angry with Amy. It looked for me that she has nothing to say, couldn't stand for herself and just did what Will told her, although she didn't feel good with the whole situation, changing homes and getting a lot of animals. If you don't want million chickens, sheep or goats just say this, because you will be the one who must feed them and take care about them, doesn't matter what happens with your husband:)
I felt very sorry for her as well after Will died, I'm sure it was very hard for her. I am just happy that Matthews didn't go into details about grieving and Amy was relatively strong but for once.
The basolute highlight of this book was Hamish:))) Oh God:)) I am myself owner of a few dogs but when you have one Hamish, you don't need any pet more:)
I liked the way Amy was developing to love the village, the nature, her new house and how she was coping with the situation, with children, neighbours and animals. I was short of shooting Hamish myslef, so I can really understand her:) It was obvious how the book is going to end, but anyway, it wasn't a problem at all and I really enjoyed the reading and the book very, very much. It was my first book by Carole Matthews but not the last one, that's for sure.
I felt very sorry for her as well after Will died, I'm sure it was very hard for her. I am just happy that Matthews didn't go into details about grieving and Amy was relatively strong but for once.
The basolute highlight of this book was Hamish:))) Oh God:)) I am myself owner of a few dogs but when you have one Hamish, you don't need any pet more:)
I liked the way Amy was developing to love the village, the nature, her new house and how she was coping with the situation, with children, neighbours and animals. I was short of shooting Hamish myslef, so I can really understand her:) It was obvious how the book is going to end, but anyway, it wasn't a problem at all and I really enjoyed the reading and the book very, very much. It was my first book by Carole Matthews but not the last one, that's for sure.
February 25, 2013
The first Carole Matthews book I've read in a long time. I read it pretty quickly and was interested to find out what was going to happen, though it was rather predictable. I did find the beginning quite irritating as there were so many 'clues' dropped in to ensure that the reader really understood how wealthy the main characters were - so many stereotypes, so little time. This was a shame as it simply made the characters unlikable so it took a while to warm to them after this. I also felt that the pivotal event in the book would have had a far more devastating impact on Amy and as the book was supposed to take place over the course of about a year, things certainly moved (to my mind unrealistically) fast. As for Hamish - grrr, very annoying! I will DEFINITELY read more of Carole's books as I found it funny in parts and the story was interesting enough. However I didn't feel anything for any of the characters so it felt quite a superficial read.
April 19, 2012
I loved reading this one- although I'd expected it to be a bit of a weepy. Hamish the dog, is a total star character and made me smile throughout.
Amy's husband has a heart scare on the way into work in the city. It makes him re-evaluate his life and they find themselves living in a ramshackle house in the country and lots of animals full of character come to live with them. Unfortunately her husband dies- and she finds herself living his dream and not being sure how she got there.
The local vet provides support and essential care- particularly for Hamish who bumbles through leaving havoc around him.
Amy's husband has a heart scare on the way into work in the city. It makes him re-evaluate his life and they find themselves living in a ramshackle house in the country and lots of animals full of character come to live with them. Unfortunately her husband dies- and she finds herself living his dream and not being sure how she got there.
The local vet provides support and essential care- particularly for Hamish who bumbles through leaving havoc around him.
February 1, 2018
I absolutely love this author, as I always know that when a read one of Carole's books, I know that I'm in for a treat. Pure indulgence on so many levels, it's got everything.
I loved getting to know all of the different characters and there own individual stories which you get to discover as you progress through the book.
If you haven't read a her books before, then I highly recommend that you do.
I loved getting to know all of the different characters and there own individual stories which you get to discover as you progress through the book.
If you haven't read a her books before, then I highly recommend that you do.
August 24, 2019
I loved it! From start to finish. It is true how everything can change in a heartbeat and this story showed that off brilliantly and how life gradually moves on and new beginnings made. I don't know why there are such poor reviews of this book but I think Carole did a marvellous job with it and I have read it several times.
November 10, 2011
Enjoyed this book very much! First time ever I've cried whilst reading a book. Related to this a lot as the couple in question was very much like my own relationship with my husband. It's a good quick read - perfect for those lazy days in summer!
March 12, 2012
Fab!! :)
October 22, 2015
The family was pretty insufferable.. but ultimately I enjoyed the book. Not my favorite Carole Matthews at all.
Read
January 16, 2016Fantastic story - it says to keep the tissues close at hand but I laughed all the way through.
May 20, 2016
Brilliant book-couldn't put it down!
January 29, 2022
This is one of my favourite books of carole Matthews, such an enjoyable, sad but funny read
May 8, 2019
I couldn’t get into this book at first I just wasn’t feeling it but I am so glad I gave it a chance. Will and Amy are your average workaholics. They both work at popular television station in London and both have two children Tom and Jessica. Will ends up having a problem with his heart and decides that he’s had enough of London so he uproots his family to the country. Of course Amy does not want to go to the country, she loves her job and her busy life. Things get worse for her before they get better. Theirs tragedy, bad choices and of course all of the animals she has to deal with. Especially Hamlisch who loves to cause mischief and disaster in his wake. Touching book that’s for sure.
June 14, 2020
Carole Matthews is my go to place when I need comfort reading. When I'm stressed or my concentration is poor. When I can't cope with thriller and murder plots, I can always guarantee that Carole's books will pick be up and deliver me into a wonderful of positive escapism. I'm always so sad when the book ends and dumps me back to reality.
I've read this book twice now.
Im so tempted to upsticks, escape to Yorkshire and start a petting zoo of misfit animals.
I have even named my Dyson hoover Hamish! It is equally uncontrollable.
I've read this book twice now.
Im so tempted to upsticks, escape to Yorkshire and start a petting zoo of misfit animals.
I have even named my Dyson hoover Hamish! It is equally uncontrollable.
August 10, 2020
Great summer holiday read.
Amy and Will are have busy lives in TV? They have 2 children and a Nanny and help to run their lives. Will has a health scare and decides to up sticks and leave London behind for a county pile in Yorkshire.
The family have a tough time adjusting esp as Will brings home a range of animals from blind hens, 3 older sheep and a couple of goats. Alongside a wild dog and a cat that hunts for everything.
Then tragedy strikes and we see the family adjust to a new life.
Amy and Will are have busy lives in TV? They have 2 children and a Nanny and help to run their lives. Will has a health scare and decides to up sticks and leave London behind for a county pile in Yorkshire.
The family have a tough time adjusting esp as Will brings home a range of animals from blind hens, 3 older sheep and a couple of goats. Alongside a wild dog and a cat that hunts for everything.
Then tragedy strikes and we see the family adjust to a new life.
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