Sunny Days and Sea Breezes

by Carole Matthews

Jodie Jackson is all at sea, in every sense.

On a ferry bound for the Isle of Wight, she's leaving her London life, her career, and her husband behind. She'd like a chance to turn back the clocks, but she'll settle for some peace and quiet on her brother Bill's beautifully renovated houseboat, Sunny DaysBut from the moment Jodie steps aboard her new home, it's clear she'll struggle to keep herself to herself.

Jodie soon delights in her newfound freedom. But out of mind isn't out of sight, and when her old life comes knocking Jodie is forced to face reality. Will she answer the call or choose a life filled with Sunny Days and Sea Breezes?

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit, Fiction, Contemporary, Summer, Love, Contemporary Romance

400 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 25, 2020

About the author

Carole 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.

Reviews

[Paromjit · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 her 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.

[Ceecee · Rating 4 out of 5]

What perfect escapist reading this is! Leave the depressing news behind and cross the Solent to the Isle of Wight for a a few hours!! Jodie Jackson flees London and goes to her brothers newly renovated houseboat in Cockleshell Bay, Isle of Wight. Her relationship with husband Chris has hit bumps in the road and she has much sadness in her heart. Through new friendships on the island Jodie comes back to life in this lovely story.

First of all, the setting is wonderful and the pristine houseboat sounds magical - can I book ‘Sunny Days’ please, as it sounds idyllic!!! The characters on the island are excellent. Marilyn is the cleaner who is as colourful as a macaw parrot and her malapropisms are hilarious. She’s an absolute diamond, funny, kind and very perceptive and is the stand out character in my opinion. Everyone needs a Marilyn in their life! However, I wouldn’t mind living next door to Ned Haddon either! He owns Sea Breezes the next houseboat to Sunny Days and he’s easy on the eye as well as being a nice person. The other island characters that Jodie meets are very good too - there’s George the ‘statue’ and wannabe author and Ida at the cafe. Between them they all bring Jodie back to life and take her into their hearts. This is a charming, heartwarming and lovely story which makes you laugh, cry and want to go to an Isle of Wight festival! Ok, forget that last one, I don’t do wellies. The island makes Jodie feel free, the weight she is carrying begins to drop off and she lets happiness flood in. When she returns to London and Chris, I think the pace drops but I think that’s partly because London makes Jodie feel flat. Although you can see how the book is going to end, it’s predictable, that doesn’t in any way spoil your enjoyment because as a reader, it’s the end you want!!

Overall, a light hearted, breezy, sunny, summery and well written read which I really enjoyed.

With thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Group for the ARC.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sunny Days and Sea Breezes is simply magical, I enjoyed every minute of it.
A couple of delicate topics appear in the story (which Carole wrote exceptionally well and sensitively), and the story warmed my heart and wrapped me in a much welcome hug! I love how books like this make me feel and when real-life becomes particularly stressful, it's books such as this one that you need.
Jodie is on her way to the beautiful island of The Isle of Wight when we first meet her and straight away I couldn't wait to find out more. What has happened in her life? What or who is she fleeing from?!
I liked Jodie and her older brother, Bill, straight away, both are kind and caring characters and I loved how Bill looked out for Jodie.
The writing is very descriptive but not overly so; I remember visiting The Isle of Wight years ago with my family and being too young to appreciate its beauty. After reading this, I would love to visit again as it really appeals to me.
As with Carole's previous books that I have read, and loved, this book is filled with humour.
I adored Marilyn, she's also caring but she really is top-notch caring and she made me let out some real belly laughs! We all need a 'Marilyn' in our lives.
I disliked a couple of characters but overall, the characters are wonderful and were perfect for the storyline.
Carole has provided us with some first class scenes and I am sad now that I have finished the book.
Drama, fun, love and friendship, plus an interesting part that involves wood - I will surely look up on it, as I fancy some for myself!
Will Jodie find some peace in her heart? I was hoping that she would, and she deserved it so much after what she had been through.
I highly recommend this book and am jealous of anyone getting to read it for the first time!

Thank you to the author (for writing it!) Little, Brown Book Group UK
Sphere via NetGalley

[Dale Harcombe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three and a half stars
Jodie Jackson has turned her back on London, her career and her husband and gone to the Isle of Wight. All she wants after recent tumultuous events is a time of peace and quiet other brother Bill’s renovated houseboat. Bill is the only one who knows where she is. Jodie hasn’t even told her best friend Della where she has gone. It from the moment she arrives the peace and quiet she seeks is shattered y the arrival of the flamboyant Marilyn. Who Bill has called in to clean the boat which is already spotless and feed and care for Jodie. Despite her best efforts to remain aloof, Jodie gets drawn into meeting Ned who owns the next door houseboat, Ida who runs the cafe and George who earns money being a living statue while writing a novel. Will Jodie find what she needs on the Isle of Wight ? And what will she do about her husband Chris who she believes has been having an affair, likely with Meg from his work?
This is an entertaining read. The way Marilyn mangles and tangles the English language with her expressions brings lots of smiles. Marilyn is a full on character who does nothing by halves. Entertaining in a book, daunting in real life I suspect. Jodie is likeable, even if I didn’t agree with some of her decisions. However, when you find yourself telling the character more than once to wake up to herself as I did, you realise how involved in what is happening you are.
It’s chick lit that deals with family, marriage, loss, grief and friendship. Ned and George and Bill are all well drawn characters. Some others are maybe not as fleshed out. I think a lot of readers will enjoy this book, so if chick lit is your thing you should enjoy it mostly as I did.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐ =Good

Lent to me by a work colleague.
The cover of this certainly didn't grab me and I was expecting a disappointing read as did not enjoy Lets Meet On Platform 8. How wrong I was. It was set on the Isle of Wight, where I've had many a good holiday. Throw in a houseboat and I was onto a winner. Romance isn't usually my favourite genre but to be honest, this was a really nice tale.
An easy, relaxing read. 😁

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

It had a slow start but got better for me. A little on the slow side for pace but a good story with readable characters.

[Lisa Whittaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Not read a Carole Matthews book for a while and was reminded how much I like her books.

Jodie escapes to her brother’s newly designed house boat on the Isle of Wight after suffering an unthinkable loss and her husband’s suspected infidelity. Bill, her brother, has appointed Marilyn, a local lady to look after his sister. At first Jodie can’t bear Marilyn’s over-zealous personality but it isn’t long before she longs for it. Ned is the handsome occupant of the houseboat next door and teaches Jodie how to have a more relaxed lifestyle compared to her manic London one.

A lovely, enjoyable read with a lovely ending.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Frenchorchidea · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars out of 5 for this book!!!!! What a lovely lovely book! Thank you Carole Matthews to write such good stories! Carole Matthews is one my favorite author for now many many years and it's always such great pleasure to read a book from her! This time when I read "Sunny days and Sea Breezes" I could picture myself on the Isle of White by the sea, the wind in my hair... I felt so relaxed, I felt like I was away on this island myself... It is so well written! Also I loved the story in itself. The book is about a woman who escape her everyday life in crazy London to have a break in a little english island away from her cheating husband and away from the pain she is feeling after she has gone through an experience I won't tell you about her because I don't want to spoil anyone. On the island, Jodie is meeting new people that will change her life and make her smile again. This book is brilliant in every aspect and i can only recommend it!!! 5 stars out of 5!

[Tripfiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance novel set on the ISLE OF WIGHT

YOU TUBE REVIEW: https://youtu.be/-gHu1rBiTFQ



Jodie Jackson has had her heart broken by her husband, Chris, who seems to have been having an affair. She hightails it from London to her brother’s boat – the eponymous Sunny Days of the title – moored off Cowes, on the Isle of Wight. Marilyn, a local character who is larger than life has been charged with looking after her, to cook and clean and generally be an uplifting soul in Jodie’s gloomy world.

Jodie soon finds her feet as she explores the locale. She befriends Ida who runs the local café in Cockleshell Bay and George, who makes his meagre living by being a human statue (he is also a writer). However, of most interest is Ned, who happens to own the houseboat next door, the Sea Breezes of the title. Inevitably he adds hunk factor to the story and is everything that Jodie feels she is not – essentially a free spirit, a musician, a sculptor and a good egg. She feels that her life to date, her striving for whatever it was she and Chris were seeking in London, suddenly seems a little jaded. He introduces her to sandcastle building into the wee small hours, she accompanies him to a music festival where she lets her hair down and he encourages her to have a go at wood sculpting. Simply. What’s not to like about him and his hippyish lifestyle!

And of course he turns her head. But she is married.

She continues to nurse her broken heart and knows that she is drawn to her neighbour. Soon, after copious messages, husband Chris becomes more persistent in his desire to regroup and maybe her blissful time on the island is coming to an end.

If you have read any of Carole Matthews’ books before, you will know that she is the queen of ‘feel-good fiction’, the doyenne of the upbeat romantic narrative, her stories are always full of sunshine. However, that is not to say that she doesn’t tackle darker issues in life because she does!

In her Acknowledgements at the end of the book, the author talks about her stays on the Isle of Wight and how she has somewhat messed with the geography of the island. The houseboats she stayed on for research were actually moored in Bembridge harbour. Cockleshell Bay unfortunately doesn’t actually exist but is a mash-up of Bembridge, Steep Hill Cove and Seaview, with other areas thrown in for good measure. And as she closes she says: “My advice is to go to the Isle of Wight and check it out! Don’t forget your bucket and spade“.

Definitely a novel to read to get you in the mood for a visit to the Isle of Wight, and yes, don’t forget your bucket and spade!

[Simona · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

When we meet Jodie in this book, we don’t know much about her, but she definitely seems ready for some time off on the Isle of Wight. Her brother Bill lets her stay at his houseboat and really has her back, I loved how caring he was.

After time we find out what happened to Jodie and the history with her husband. Jodie is determined to let it all behind her, but that’s easier said than done.

The Isle of Wight is a beautiful setting and I loved getting to know the place together with Jodie. There are a lot of lovely characters in this book, like Ned, George, but especially Marilyn. I absolutely adore her. I dont want to give to much away, you have to read it yourself.

All these characters help Jodie and they take her on different trips and other exciting things. It was fun to watch all that develop. Until a ceratin someone turns up and everything changes.

I didn’t really like the way the story went from that point onwards and the ending seemed a bit rushed. I still enjyoed this book very much.

It touches some difficult topics, but the storyline is always full of fun and engery. Carole Matthews style is fresh, heart-warming, sweet and very gripping!

A great book for summer!

4.5/5

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

Bumped for release.

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing summer read that brightened up my days.

I couldn’t put this book down and the short chapters made it even harder to put down as I found myself getting to the end of the chapter and thinking ‘ooo just one more.’

Initially the character Marilyn irritated me but then she grew on me. She actually reminded me very much of my late mum. Like Marilyn, my mum loved to clean, feed people up and loved leopard print. So I imagined Marilyn as my mum, which made me feel comforted.

The setting of the Isle Of Wight was a perfect escape island, it’s somewhere I would love to visit. I’d love to have a coffee at Ida’s with Jodie and Ned.

I’m really hoping that there will be a sequel to this story as I believe that Jodie and Ned have so much more to give.

[Mikaela (Booklover1974) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every summer I read Carole Matthew's new novel and I enjoy them. This was not an exception but what I didn't like was the obvious way the author tried too hard to plant things throughout the chapters and you could see how this would end on page 10. It felt overworked. Like I said, I enjoyed it but not as much as her earlier books.

[Lisa M · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars, a real summery read that I didnt want to end. Sunny location, sunny characters (Marilyn the best!) and sunny story. Just perfect.

[Kareen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't like it at all....The dialogues were just so simple, with no depth at all. All the characters were just stereotypes, and the plot was so predictable : |

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kareena | kareenbeanreads · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sunny Days and Sea Breezes by Carole Matthews
2/5

Jodie decides to take a break from her fast paced London life, run away from her problems, and live on her brother’s houseboat in the Isle of Wight. She has a supportive brother, and cultivates some wonderful new relationships during her time away. Throughout the novel we don’t know why she has left her London life, but these pieces get filled in little by little until we discover her true reason for leaving.

This was a light, easy read with a few tougher topics covered, including grief, infidelity, friendship, family, and the collapse of a relationship. Overall, I thought it was enjoyable for someone who would like to explore the aforementioned topics. Similarly, Jodie goes on a bit of a self-exploration tour and does some fun new things she never would have done in London. It is a great summer read with a lovely escape to the beautiful scenery of the Isle of Wight (which I want to go visit now!). Personally, I had a huge issue with a pertinent storyline of this novel which I will discuss next.

(SPOILER ALERT)





One personal issue that I had with this story was all of the infidelity. Jodie is still married and decides to take time away from her relationship, which is by all means fine and totally normal; however, where I take issue is her developing a new relationship during her time away. I am very against cheating and I do not think that it should be romanticized in any way, and this novel does exactly that. Yes she believes that her husband had been cheating on her, but that by no means gives her the green light to go and do the same thing. The infidelity aspect of the story bothered me immensely, and made me feel terrible for rooting for the couple. However, if this aspect doesn’t bother you in the way it bothered me then this is a great and fun book.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Little Brown Book Group UK for this e-book.

[Adele · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked his book up for some mindless entertainment and I suppose it fulfils that brief. It is light, and predictable, and does what you would expect from a romcom book.
It has several issues though, from poor editing, to repetitive sentences (possibly also an editing issue), and nowhere near enough plot for its nearly 400 pages.
The main character is likeable enough, if a little dense, but almost everyone in this book is a caricature, and that means it lacks emotional integrity and that, combined with its predictability, meant I didn’t really care what happened.

[Lucy C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I get so excited when I see Carole is bringing out a new book.

As always such a joy to read.

I totally loved Jodie and Ned and of course Marilyn.

I really hope this is not our one and only trip so Cockleshell bay. I will be really upset if there is not a follow up.

[April Andruszko · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pleasent read but very predictable

[Chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this! Marilyn is amazing - my favourite character and an absolute tonic. I was chuckling away at her way with words.

Jodie talks to the reader directly at points, which I think is rare in books. Really helped me to feel invested in the story and part of it.

The setting is great, and I think will encourage many visits to the island. I used to live in the New Forest too so liked that part of the book.

This is just a nice read, even the predictable bits. It does cover some serious topics, but doesn't lay it on too thick so you get bogged down in the emotion. This is a book about moving forwards after all.

[Agi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jodie Jackson escapes her life in London and finds herself on the Isle of Wight, on her brother's newly renovated houseboat. Jodie had to get away from her husband and her life, even if she misses her brother and her job but the wounds are simply too huge. Trying to begin her new life at Cockleshell Bay, she desires peace and quiet but she comes across the colourful and full of life locals who seem desperate not to let Jodie drown in her sadness and help her get out of her shell. But as soon she starts to think there is hope after all, that maybe she can be happy again, her old life returns. What will Jodie choose?

The characters are very well drawn, but I haven't expected it to be different! They are like normal living and breathing people with all their problems and troubles which make them much more believable and relatable. They are not too over - exaggerated and I like this touch of normality to Ms Matthews's characters, but they are also not too meh or one - dimensional, the author simply knows how to write round, interesting characters with an edge to them.
I think that the background characters added tons of depth, loveliness and humour to the story - they were a brilliant, eclectic bunch of people trying to help Jodie to come out of her shell, to forget and work through her trauma and fragility. Welcome Marilyn McConaughey, the colourful and loud cleaner and shopper extraordinaire who, at the beginning, annoyed looking for peace and quiet Jodie incredibly, but who turned out to have so much in her than met the eye at the beginning. Jodie's next door (or shall I say, boat) neighbour Ned Haddon, the chainsaw wood sculptor who learns Jodie yoga at the beach and introduces her to the beautiful life on the Island but also shows her that she can still enjoy her life. Or the life beach statue George or the cafe owner Ida - all authentic and feeling genuine.

The idea of centring the story around a houseboat was brilliant. I've seen many such boats, and I've read about them, yet I still can't get my head around the fact that they really have all that you need for living and that you really can live on them. Maybe I should simply try one for a week or two on holidays. Nevertheless, living on a boat, it sounds interesting and somehow idyllic, don't you think? I'm only not so sure how it works when the storm is here, you can't leave your coffee on the table then, can you?

The pace was rather on the slow side and there were many descriptions, and there were moments that really not much was happening, and I wanted the plot to go forward. I think the author could have speed the things up a bit and as much as I appreciate her giving us Jodie's story in intervals, slowly weaving it into the plot, I needed more pace, more things happening than descriptions that - no matter how beautiful - felt like virtual tour.

The problem is that I've reached this point in my "reading career" where I can say that if I've read one Carole Matthews's book, I've read all of them. It follows the same schema as all other Carole's books - it's OK, she has found her niche and it works brilliantly for her but I simply would love to read something more ambitious - but well, that's my problem, I probably must have outgrown such books. However it is also a solid offering and a very comforting feeling when you know exactly what you're going to get when reaching for Ms Matthews's novel.

It is an absolutely feel - good, cosy and comfortable read. It is well written, in this lovely and inviting Carole Matthews's style. This time she has also chosen the most perfect location for her novel, and all the descriptions of the setting, places and characters come so perfectly to life through her vivid and colourful writing. The Isle of Wight seems like such a brilliant place, and the author makes it come alive. "Sunny Days and Sea Breezes" is a great and easy escapism about letting the past go but not forgetting. There is much more depth in this story than you might have been expecting and Carole Matthews touches upon some painful issues, writing about them in a gentle, understanding way. Altogether it was a nice and level story that fans of Carole Matthews will for sure adore.

Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read and loved all of Carole Matthews’ books, and Sunny Days and Sea Breezes was no exception. Needing some time alone, Jodie escapes to the Isle of Wight and her brother Bill’s houseboat, Sunny Days. Cue the arrival of Marilyn, hired by Bill to clean the houseboat and look out for his sister. Jodie has never met anyone like her before, with her flamboyant clothes and unusual turns of phrase, but Marilyn turns out to be exactly what she needs.
Gradually the other people she meets in Cockleshell Bay – her neighbour Ned, living statue George, and Ida who runs the café – enable her to see that what will help her most is to loosen up, and try new experiences, not hide herself away from the world.
Eventually her past catches up with her, and she has to return to reality. Carole Matthews deals very sensitively with some extremely upsetting subject matter in Sunny Days and Sea Breezes – loss of a child, grief and infidelity – but still delivers an entertaining and uplifting tale full of hope and the importance of friendship.
The first person narrative works well because we have to wait for Jodie to gradually reveal what has happened to cause her so much pain. All the characters are well drawn and believable, but not all are particularly likeable. I thought Della was behaving oddly from the start, but had no idea of the depth of her treachery. No spoilers, but there is a scene at the gym involving her handbag and clothes that is just priceless.
I believe Carole Matthews wrote Sunny Days and Sea Breezes after enjoying a holiday on the Isle of Wight, and this shines through the glorious descriptions of life on the island. I am definitely keen to take a trip and see for myself.
Thanks to the author, Sphere and NetGalley for a review copy.

[abi :) · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was full of cliches and inconsistencies for me, which isn’t to say everyone has to feel the same, it’s just my honest opinion of the book. I found Jodie whiney at the beginning, as the readers had no idea what was wrong until like a third of the way through the book, and even then she was just too annoying and wimpy for me. Ned was too perfect as well, and as an artist, who can make complex wooden sculptures with nothing more than a chainsaw? unless that chainsaw was literal pocket sized i doubt it very much.
I found it really cringe that Jodie and Bill referred to each other as bro or sis constantly, I don’t know anybody that does that anymore, except ironically.
The part of the book where Bill states that Jodie has taken no holiday at all throughout the entirety of her career was really inconsistent considering she had previously narrated about her and Chris’ boring all inclusive holidays to places like the Maldives, for example. And Ida, the dreadlocks and smelling like patchouli for me was just a little bit too stereotypical and didn’t really sit right with me
I get that Marilyn was supposed to be comic relief but i just found her incredibly annoying and disrespectful. I understand she was a vital role in getting Jodie to come out of her shell but he complete lack of respect for boundaries just made me uncomfy.
Some of the writing didn’t seem as though it had been checked over as well, with lines like “the flavour was deep and rich flavour” (that’s not a direct quote, not sure whether it was actually the words deep and rich but didn’t really care about the book enough to find the exact quote). Anyhow, lines like this really ruined my immersion into the book as it just broke my concentration.

[Angelnet · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s always nice to be able to support a local author and when her books are as readable as this one it really isn’t a hardship at all. Carole has such an easy and relaxed writing style that her characters always feel like old friends.

When Jodie Jackson finds herself on a ferry to the Isle of Wight she barely recognises herself. She has a hectic job in London working in interior design and a husband of ten years that she can’t bring herself to even talk to. Her brother Bill suggests that that she goes and spends a little time on his newly renovated house boat and it seems like the perfect solution. Except Jodie wants to hide away and wallow in her misery but Bill’s cleaner Marilyn, a radiant vision in Day-Glo lycra has other ideas.

As Jodie starts to relax a little and meets new friends she finds herself wondering if the new version of her is the real Jodie. The freedom and friendship that she finds on the island make her start to wonder if she could have a new less complicated life. Inevitably the London life doesn’t let her go that easily and there are decisions to be made.

Its a fun romantic comedy with a great deal of pathos, dealing with all kinds of issues like grief, IVF, loss of a child, betrayal and mental health but all in a very sensitive and thoughtful fashion. In this year of staycations it makes the Isle of Wight feel like a very attractive prospect!

Supplied by Net Galley and Little Brown Book Group UK in exchange for an honest review.

UK Publication date: May 27 2020. 400 pages.

#SunnyDaysandSeaBreezes #NetGalley

[Nicola Clough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carols books never disappoint me at all and such a brilliant easy fun read and didn’t want to put it down. It’s got great characters and the plot is brilliant and makes me want to go and visit the Isle of Wight it’s a warm read full of heartbreak new friendships and learning to enjoy life again where you are happy.
Jodie is on her way to the Isle of Wight leaving her husband and London life behind her. She’s staying on her brothers boat to try and discover what she wants in life. She’s lost a baby and feels her husband is not supporting her and she is sure he is having an affair so goes away to learn what she wants. Marilyn cleans the boat for her brother when he’s not there takes Jodie under her wing and provides food to feed her up and really looks after and she does open up to her about what is going on. She also meets Ned on the boat next to her and their friendship gets much closer than she thinks especially when she goes to a festival with him. But on de she gets boat she finds her husband on the boat and Ned isn’t happy as didn’t realise she was married. She decides to leave the boat and go back to London with her husband and when she gets back to London has she made the right decision and she misses the freedom she had on the boat what will she do especially when she learns her husband has had an affair will she stay or move away again what is best for her.
Worth far more than five stars.

[Maria P · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this although the story was pretty basic. Nice to be set on the Isle of Wight as I’ve never visited there and now I want to go! This is the first book I’ve read by this Author and her writing style I found a little odd at times though. Firstly, on occasion I realised the protagonist was actually talking to us as the reader. However these times came so few and far between and irregularly that I found myself having to re-read those sections over a couple more times until I realised she was actually talking to us as the reader. For me that sort of thing spoils the magic of the story as one minute you are lost in the story and the next brought back to reality. I could understand if that style was a regular feature of the book but it literally happened probably about 5 times in the whole book - so really wasn’t any point in my opinion and those bits should just have been omitted completely. My second criticism is that the chapters of the book were far too short. I like short chapters but this was ridiculous. The book is only 385 pages long and it had 93 chapters!! Meaning that some chapters were literally only 2 pages long! Most were 3-4 pages. For me this really affected the flow of the story and made it a bit disjointed as it meant I stopped reading frequently. The story itself wrapped up quite quickly and for me felt a bit flat at the end. Therefore all in all a 3 ⭐️ from me.

[Catherine Craig (Angelic Light) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Woman’s Fiction/Romance book, which is a great summer read.

The story is about Jodie, who goes to the Isle of Wight to have some time on her brother Bill’s boat Sunny Days. Although Jodie hopes for some peace and quiet, Bill’s cleaner Marilyn keeps her entertained with her caring and fun nature, and she also meets a handsome man called Ned who sweeps her off her feet. Will Jodie be able to move on with her life in happiness, or will she be dragged back to her past?

I really loved this book, with it's lovely characters, and I highly recommend it! It is superb.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.

[Eve L-A Witherington · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!