Researching Sunny Days & Sea Breezes
Carole Matthews latest novel, Sunny Days and Sea Breezes, is set in the Isle of Wight and to celebrate paperback publication we asked Carole to share with us her favourite spots to visit, where to eat and photos from her research trip!
Places to eat
The Beach Shack, Steephill Cove:
A wonderful place to eat and I imagined this vibe for Ida’s cafe in the book.
Osborne House, East Cowes:
A fabulous place to visit. It’s the palatial former holiday home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. So many beautiful things to see.
The Spyglass Inn, Ventnor:
Busy, bustling pub right on the beach. I used this for my inspiration for the pub Ned’s band plays in.
The Beach Hut, Bembridge:
Beachside cafe specialising in seafood. Gorgeous.
The Old Thatch Tearooms, Shanklin:
Old-fashioned tea room with a secluded garden filled with fairies. Also truly excellent scones.
Mottistone Gardens and Estate, Brighstone:
Beautiful gardens and an excellent place for outdoor lunch.
Photo diary
Gorgeous coastal views and the little coves that inspired me:
The Needles and the stunning multi-coloured cliffs of Alum Bay:
Houseboats in our harbour and the view from our houseboat:
More lovely views!
THE TOP TEN SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
Winner of the RNA Romantic Comedy Novel of the Year award
'A life-affirming story full of joy and hope' CATHY BRAMLEY
'A sun-filled, fun-filled wonderful escapist adventure' MILLY JOHNSON
When does time out become the time of your life?
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 Days.
But from the moment Jodie steps aboard her new home, it's clear she'll struggle to keep herself to herself. If it isn't Marilyn, who cleans for Bill and is under strict instructions to look after Jodie, then it's Ned, the noisy sculptor on the next-door houseboat. Ned's wood carving is hard on the ears, but it's made up for by the fact that he's rather easy on the eyes.
Bustled out of the boat by Marilyn and encouraged to explore with Ned, 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?
An absolute must-read from the queen of fun-filled and life-affirming fiction, Sunny Days and Sea Breezes will make your heart sing!
'A wonderful setting where dark clouds part to reveal a happy ending' KATIE FFORDE
'A bright and breezy summer story, the next best thing to a seaside trip' SUNDAY MIRROR
'A delightful summer read' HELLO!
'Packed full of Matthews' signature charm, this has original characters and an escapist setting' WOMAN
'Perfect escapism' BELLA
'A bright, breezy, summery story!' BEST
'A warm summer read' CHOICE
SUNNY DAYS & SEA BREEZES was a Sunday Times bestseller in hardback on 28th June 2020
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