Review of Summer Daydreams by Carole Matthews

When Carole Matthews signed to Sphere, I was really excited to hear that she would be bringing out two books a year. The first was ‘Wrapped up in You’, which I absolutely loved and reviewed last year. Summer Daydreams is her second title at Sphere and is just wonderful. Once you have got past the gorgeous, sparkly cover you are met with a funny, fast paced and ultimately romantic story.

I was particularly excited to see that the novel is set in Hitchin, a market town not far from where I live. I could really visualize all of the scenes set there.

The novel follows chip shop worker Nell McNamara who has a four year daughter Petal and is working all hours, alongside her partner Olly, to make ends meet. When Nell gives the tired and dated chip shop a makeover everyone sees her hidden artistic talent and tells her that she is wasting her life serving chips everyday. Her passion lies in handbags, but can she make it in the fierce fashion world with no experience and what will the consequences be for her family?

This is Carole Matthews at her best; Summer Daydreams is funny, sharp and addictive to read. The characters leap off the pages and make you feel like you have known them for years. Petal is adorable and hilarious, whilst Nell works so hard that you cannot fail to be impressed by her. There are also a few moments of suspense when some unexpected events occur towards the end of the novel.

I think this may be my favourite book from Carole Matthews so far.

Thank you to Sphere for sending me a copy to review.