Paper Hearts & Summer Kisses - Carole Matthews || Review

A heart-warming and poignant novel of romance, family and second chances, Paper Hearts and Summer Kisses is Sunday Times bestselling Carole Matthews at her outstanding best. Perfect for fans of Jill Mansell and Milly Johnson.

 Christie Chapman is a single working mother who spends her days commuting to her secretarial job in London and looking after her teenage son, Finn. It can be tough just getting through the day but Christie has always found comfort in her love of crafting and any spare time she has is spent in her parents' summerhouse working on her beautiful creations. From intricately designed birthday cards to personalised gifts, Christie's flair for the handmade knows no bounds and it's not long before opportunity comes knocking.

 All of a sudden Christie sees a different future for her and Finn - one full of hope and possibility, and if the handsome Max Alexander is to be believed, one full of love too. It's all there for the taking. And then, all of sudden, Christie's world is turned upside down.

 Christie knows that something has to give, but what will she choose? Will she give up her dreams and the chance of real love? What price will she pay for doing the right thing? Can Christie find her happy ending in . . . Paper Hearts and Summer Kisses.

Review

If Mary Berry is an addict then you know its going to be a bloody good read

I feel like ive been stuck in a reading slump forever (in reality its been about 4 days) but whatever book i picked off my bookcase wasnt working for me, i tried picking at random - reading synopsis - getting the OH to pick but nothing. Then i found this hidden behind a few books, i had got it from a chairty shop before we moved and i was so happy because i had been desperate to buy it anyway. 

Christie Chapman is a strong working mother who is spending her days commuting two hours to a job that she has been doing for longer than she cares to remember. It is proving oh so hard for her and I know i couldnt manage it, getting on a coach that early each morning, but then again i am not Christie. She spends her days doing that, and her evenings drink wine! (a woman after my own heart) and crafting to her hearts content (something i cannot do) 

Having made cards here and there, selling a few at work and dreaming of ever making it big - so when a small competition in her crafting magazine catches her eye, Christie and her mum crack on with the entry, filling up on alcohol - in the more sober light, that idea gets scrapped.

When opportunity unexpectedly comes knocking, and a turn of life - this could be Christies chance to turn things round, but just like  that, as things are looking up, they are suddenly not again with some drastic life changing news.

My heart went out for Christie having to deal with a range of massive blows, and still having to tackle life daily. Things certainly did brighten up with Max Alexander popping into the equation and her morning companion bringing her breakfast on the coach.

Paper Hearts & Summer Kisses was the perfect read to fix my slump, it was heart warming, laugh out loud but also full of drama. I don't know how woman could take on so much and still be such a wonderful person with everyone elses interest at heart and never her own. This really was such a wonderful read that i would recommend to everyone and anyone.

It was light enough that i could enjoy it at a steady pace (although i crammed it into every spare minute i had) but so much drama that it wasnt just a list of one womans craft activities. I think Carole has done a wonderful job of fixing my reading slump (as i kindly tweeted her) and is fast becoming one of my favourite authors. 

Author Info

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.

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