Carole Matthews Books in Order

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks!

All of Carole Matthews’ books in order!

Who is Carole Matthews?

Carole Matthews is a British author known for her romance novels who published her first book, Let’s Meet on Platform Eight, in 1997.

Since then, she published more than 30 books, often appearing on the bestsellers lists, especially with novels like Welcome To The Real World, Wrapped up in You, and Happiness for Beginners.

If you like Carole Matthews’ books, you may also want to take a look at our Jenny Colgan reading order.

How to read Carole Matthews’ Books in Order?

The Chocolate Lovers’ Club Series

• The Chocolate Lovers’ Club (2007) – Lucy thought she had got her happily ever after with the gorgeous Aidan, but things aren’t turning out the way she had hoped they would. But she’s not the only one with problems . . . Autumn’s new boyfriend has yet to meet her parents, Nadia’s husband has sworn he’s given up gambling – but she’s finding that hard to believe – and Chantal is doing all she can to save her marriage. It’s clear that the four members of The Chocolate Lovers’ Club are going to need each other to get through their problems – a whole lot of chocolate . . .
• The Chocolate Lovers’ Diet (2007) – For Lucy Lombard, there’s nothing that chocolate can’t cure. From heartache to headache, it’s the one thing she can rely on – and she’s not alone. Fellow chocolate addicts Autumn, Nadia, and Chantal share her passion, and together they form a select group known as The Chocolate Lovers’ Club. Whenever there’s a crisis, they meet in their sanctuary: a cafe called Chocolate Heaven. And with a cheating boyfriend, a flirtatious boss, a gambling husband, and a loveless marriage, there’s always plenty to discuss . . .
• The Chocolate Lovers’ Christmas (2015) – Christmas is just around the corner, but the women of The Chocolate Lovers’ Club have more to worry about than shopping for presents. . . Lucy hasn’t spent time with her boyfriend, Aiden, in weeks. And then her ex-fiance turns up and things become even more complicated. Nadia hasn’t let herself get close to a man in a long time, yet she can’t help feeling drawn to Jacob. Chantal and her husband, Ted, are besotted with their baby daughter Lana – but she’s not sure that’s enough to base a marriage on. Autumn is dealing with a tragedy that has hit too close to home.

• The Chocolate Lovers’ Wedding (2016) – The ladies of The Chocolate Lovers’ Club should be gearing up for the wedding of the year but life keeps getting in the way . . . Lucy is worried about her financial situation and it keeps distracting her. Nadia may have a real chance at finding love. Autumn can’t wait to meet someone she hasn’t seen in a very long time. Chantal has been through so much and she’s finally starting to feel settled.

---

Other Novels by Carole Matthews

• Let’s Meet on Platform 8 (1997) – Teri has dated more men than she’s had low-calorie, low-fat dinners, and she still hasn’t found Mr. Right. She’s found other men though: Mr. Lazy, Mr. Greedy, Mr. Completely Selfish, Mr. Looking-For-Mother-Substitute, and Mr. Pervert. But no Mr. Right. That is until she’s literally knocked off her feet by Jamie Duncan as they rush to catch the same train from Euston station: the 18.07 from platform 8. It’s not long before love blossoms and commuting takes on a whole new meaning. There’s just one problem. Teri may have found Mr. Right but he may not be Mr. Available . . .
• A Whiff of Scandal (1998) – When Rose escapes from London and her handsome and charming ex-lover, she has no idea her occupation as an aromatherapist will cause such a scandal in her new country village. All she wants is a bit of peace and quiet, but her new neighbors soon ensure that her life is more chaotic than ever before. But that may be because Rose is falling in love . . .
• More to Life Than This (1999) – Kate Lewis is 35 and feeling restless. She’s fed up with worrying about the ironing and would like her husband, Jeffrey, to pay more attention to her than to his golf clubs. There must be more to life than this! Kate enrolls herself in a t’ai chi course and takes her best friend Sonia along for the ride. She’s determined to ‘find herself’, but it’s easier said than done, especially when she finds the distracting Ben Mahler first…

• For Better, for Worse (2000) – Josie Flynn is in New York for the wedding of her American cousin Martha. Having just been through a messy divorce, she isn’t really in the wedding spirit, especially when she thinks Martha is about to marry the wrong man – and Josie isn’t afraid to tell her so. This is all very noble until Josie meets Matt Jarvis and appears to be about to fall for the wrong man herself. Add to that the return of her ex-husband, an old flame, and a dubious boy band, and it looks like it’s going to be quite the wedding…
• A Minor Indiscretion (2001) – When Ali and Ed Kingston decide to go their separate ways after Ali’s brief encounter with a much younger street artist, their friends and family will stop at nothing to see them reunited, in a wickedly funny novel of temptation and midlife crises.
• A Compromising Position (2002) – When Emily’s boyfriend posts compromising photos of her on the internet, her life goes into sharp decline. Emily is about to lose everything – including the man she thought she loved. Her best friend, Cara, is determined to mend Emily’s broken heart and she believes that a little magic is all that’s required. But will Cara cast the right spell to get Emily out of her current position? Or will it go horribly wrong when they both fall in love with the same man?

• The Sweetest Taboo (2003) – Sadie Nelson has two men to choose from, and neither is hassle-free. First, there’s Gil McGann, a Hollywood producer who’s flown Sadie from grey London to sun-soaked LA in order to win her heart. He has more to offer her than Sadie could ever have imagined… Then there’s gorgeous actor Tavis Jones, whose sense of fun makes Sadie feel immediately at home. But can they ever be more than just good friends? The longer she leaves it, the harder it gets, and Sadie’s about to discover that in LA, anything can happen…
• With or Without You (2004) – When Jake tells Lyssa it’s not working, she knows he’s not talking about the toaster. Her immediate reaction is to sob into her pillow and wait for Jake to come to his senses. But slowly Lyssa begins to understand that’s not an option. In a bid to escape, she embarks on a trekking holiday in Nepal. Lyssa needs to get away – it never occurred to her that she might fall in love . . .
• You Drive Me Crazy (2005) – The last place Anna Terry expects to fall in love is in the waiting room of her divorce lawyer’s office, but that’s where she meets Nick Diamond… Anna’s first marriage ended before her pregnancy was over, and her second husband has disappeared, leaving her penniless and with two children. Nick’s luck hasn’t been any better: his wife has run off with another man, and his business is in chaos. When Anna gets a job as Nick’s secretary, what starts as a mild flirtation soon accelerates into overdrive – and then their ex-partners show up…

• Welcome to the Real World (2006) – Fern has the voice of an angel, but as an underpaid barmaid and pub singer, she’s going nowhere fast. Then she enters the TV talent show Fame Game, and this could be her big break. But then, things are never that simple. Evan David’s exquisite tones have enthralled opera buffs throughout the world. Everyone around him panders to his every need, but what he really needs now is a break – from everything. Two worlds collide when Fern becomes Evan’s assistant, and neither is prepared for the dramatic effect they have on each other. Something happens when they’re together, and it’s more than just music…
• It’s a Kind of Magic (2008) – Emma and Leo have been together forever, but their relationship seems to have lost its sparkle. When Leo turns up to Emma’s 30th birthday dinner unforgivably late and extremely drunk, she can’t help wishing for someone to wave a magic wand and turn Leo into a reliable and considerate boyfriend. Then Leo’s path crosses with a decidedly unusual girl called Isobel, and as he falls under her spell, Emma sees him change before her very eyes. Soon she regrets wishing for a new Leo at all. If Emma’s going to win Leo back, she’ll need to do some changing of her own…
• All You Need Is Love (2008) – Single mum and all-around superwoman Sally Freeman wants a better life for herself and her son, Charlie, so she sets about improving things for them. Just as her mission begins, enters Spencer Knight, who’s offering Sally a ticket to a new life. He’s got the looks, the charm – everything she could wish for. But is he really the answer to her prayers, or does her hapless ex-boyfriend, Johnny, still hold the key to her heart?

• The Difference a Day Makes (2009) – William and Amy love their busy city life, but when Will collapses on his way to 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 . . .
• That Loving Feeling (2009) – Juliet Joyce has been happily married to Rick for twenty-five years. But with two children who treat the house like a hotel, a mother who’s moved in with them, and a father who’s announced a radical life change, Juliet and Rick have little time for themselves, let alone romance.
• It’s Now or Never (2010) – When twins Annie and Lauren attend their older sister Chelsea’s fortieth birthday party at the Dorchester Hotel, they wonder why their lives are so different. Chelsea’s husband is twirling her around the dance floor, while Annie’s husband has gone fishing and Lauren’s lover is at home with his wife and children. Annie and Lauren decide it’s time to make a change and turn their lives around, it’s time they start living for themselves again. But have they left it too late? It’s now or never.

• The Only Way is Up (2010) – Lily and Laurence had it all: the money, the car, a beautiful home in the countryside. Then Laurence loses his job and everything disappears. With nowhere to turn, Lily and Laurence are forced to take their two young children and move to flea-ridden public housing. As they try to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives, Lily constantly dreams of returning to her old, luxurious life. Will her dream come true or will she learn that money doesn’t always buy happiness?
• Wrapped Up In You (2011) – Thirty-something hairdresser Janie Johnson’s single status is a constant source of gossip for her friends and clients. So after too many nights in with her cat, a blind date disaster, and news that her ex is getting married, Janie realizes it’s time to do something dramatic with her life. Leaving winter behind, Janie takes the plunge and books an exotic trip to Africa. Her friends think she’s mad and Janie thinks they may very well be right . . . but then she falls head over heels for her tour guide – and fully-fledged Maasai Warrior – Dominic. But can Janie now face spending a snowy Christmas back home without him?
• Summer Daydreams (2012) – Nell McNamara has a happy life: her boyfriend, Olly, adores her, their four-year-old daughter, Petal, is the center of their world, and Nell has a steady job in the local chip shop. When the chippy needs a makeover, Nell jumps at the chance to unleash the creativity fizzing inside her. Inspired by what she can achieve, Nell is determined to try something new. Waving goodbye to the chip shop, she starts up a new business making her own line of must-have handbags, which are soon flying off the shelves. It seems Nell’s dreams are finally coming true, but her success doesn’t come without a price. Before too long, Nell has to ask herself if it’s really possible to have it all….

• With Love at Christmas (2012) – Juliet Joyce adores Christmas. Already the festive spirit is upon her, which is just as well as this Christmas things are starting to get out of hand. Her son, Tom, is out of work and bringing home a slew of unsuitable partners; pregnant daughter Chloe and her little boy have moved back in; Juliet’s father, Frank, is getting over the heartbreak of his own; and Rita, her eccentric mother, is behaving more erratically each day. And has the chaos got too much for Juliet’s husband, Rick? With the big day fast approaching, Juliet hopes that she can stop everything from spiraling out of control because the only thing she wants is her family all around her and her home to be filled With Love At Christmas.
• A Cottage by the Sea (2013) – Grace has been best friends with Ella and Flick forever. The late-night chats shared heartaches and good times have created a bond that has stood the test of time. When Ella invites them to stay for a week in her cottage in South Wales, Grace jumps at the chance to see her old friends. She also hopes that the change of scenery will help her reconnect with her distant husband. Then Flick arrives; loveable, bubbly, incorrigible Flick, accompanied by the handsome and charming Noah. And all at once, they realize this is going to be one week which will change all their lives forever…
• Calling Mrs Christmas (2013) – Cassie Smith has been out of work for a while but she has an idea. Drawing on her love of Christmas, she begins charging for small things: wrapping presents; writing cards; tree-decorating. She’s soon in huge demand and Cassie’s business, Calling Mrs. Christmas, is born. Carter Randall wants to make Christmas special for his children, so he enlists Cassie’s help, and his lavish requests start taking up all her time. Thank goodness she can rely on her loving partner Jim to handle the rest of her clients. When millionaire Carter asks Cassie to join his family on a trip, she knows she shouldn’t go. Suddenly Cassie finds herself facing a heartbreaking choice that could change her entire life.

• A Place to Call Home (2014) – In the dead of night, Ayesha takes her daughter, Sabina, and slips quietly from her home, leaving behind a life full of pain. Boarding a coach to London, all Ayesha wants is a fresh start. Hayden, a former pop star, has kept himself hidden away for years. He’s only opened up his home to two people – Crystal, a professional dancer with a heart of gold, and Joy, an ill-tempered retiree with a soft spot for waifs and strays. When Crystal asks Hayden if Ayesha and Sabina can stay with them, he reluctantly agrees and, as different as they may be, they quickly form an unlikely bond. So when enemies threaten their peaceful home, they will do all they can to save it and each other.
• The Christmas Party (2014) – Louise Young is a devoted single mother whose only priority is providing for her daughter, Mia. Louise has a good job in a huge international corporation and she’s grateful for it. The only problem is her boss who can’t keep his hands to himself, but Louise can handle him. What she really doesn’t have time for is romance – until she meets the company’s rising star, Josh Wallace.
• The Cake Shop in the Garden (2015) – Fay Merryweather runs her cake shop from her beautiful garden. She whips up airy sponges and scrumptious scones, while her customers enjoy the lovely blossoms and gorgeous blooms. Looking after the cake shop, the garden and her cantankerous mother means Fay is always busy but she accepts her responsibilities because if she doesn’t do all this, who will?

• Paper Hearts and Summer Kisses (2016) – Christie Chapman is a single mum who spends her days commuting to her secretarial job in London and looking after her teenage son, Finn. It’s not an easy life but Christie finds comfort in her love of crafting and spends her spare time working on her beautiful creations. From intricately designed cards to personalized gifts, Christie’s flair for the handmade knows no bounds and it’s not long before opportunity comes knocking.
• Christmas Cakes and Mistletoe Nights (2017) – Fay and Danny are madly in love and it’s all Fay’s ever dreamed of. But she left everything – including the delightful cake shop she used to run – to be with Danny on his cozy canal boat The Dreamcatcher. And as she soon finds out, making delicious cakes on the water isn’t always smooth sailing! Then Fay gets a call that sends her back to where it all began; back to where she first met Danny, back to her friends and the Cake Shop in the Garden. Even as Fay happily returns to dry land and her passion for baking, she knows it will be hard being away from Danny, especially with Christmas around the corner. But their relationship is strong enough to survive . . . isn’t it?
• Million Love Songs (2018) – Ruby Brown is ready for a change. She’s single for the first time in years and she’s going to dive into this brave new world with a smile on her face and a spring in her step. The last thing she’s looking for is a serious relationship. Mason represents everything Ruby wants right now: he’s charming, smooth, and perfect for some no-strings-attached fun. Joe on the other hand is kind and attractive, but comes with the sort of baggage Ruby wants to avoid: an annoyingly attractive ex-wife and two teenage children. Ruby thinks she knows what she wants, but is it what she needs to be truly happy?

• Happiness for Beginners (2019) – Thirty-eight years old, she lives on the twenty-five-acre Hope Farm in Buckinghamshire, surrounded by (mostly) four-legged friends and rolling hills. There’s Anthony the anti-social sheep, Tina Turner the alpaca with attitude, and the definitely-not-miniature pig, Teacup. Molly runs the farm as an alternative school for kids who haven’t thrived in mainstream education. It’s full-on, but she wouldn’t have it any other way. So when the well-groomed Shelby Dacre turns up at Hope Farm asking to enroll his son Lucas, Molly isn’t fazed. But Lucas is distant and soon Molly realizes he might be more of a handful than she anticipated.
• Sunny Days and Sea Breezes (2020) – 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.
• Christmas for Beginners (2020) – Christmas is fast approaching at the new Hope Farm. Owner Molly Baker has been convinced to organize an open day to raise some much-needed funds ahead of the New Year, but the nativity tableau is proving challenging. With anti-social sheep, awkward alpacas, and a seriously sequined Santa Claus to assemble, Molly is feeling overwhelmed, and in desperate need of some Christmas spirit . . . Despite the chaos of the farm getting in the way of her event planning, Molly is looking forward to spending the holidays with her boyfriend Shelby and his son, Lucas, hopeful that a happy family Christmas is exactly what they need to draw them all together. But while she is busy making plans on the farm, Shelby, it seems, has ideas of his own.

Don’t forget to bookmark this article to be sure to not miss anything new from Carole Matthews.