Picture a British storyteller who turned chocolate into a cure for life’s woes—meet Carole Matthews! With her heartwarming romantic comedies, Matthews has charmed readers worldwide, selling over 7 million books across 31 countries. Her beloved Chocolate Lovers series, brimming with friendship and humor, has landed her on the Sunday Times Bestsellers List, proving that a good story and a sweet treat can fix almost anything.
Born in Liverpool, Matthews transformed from a shop assistant to an international bestseller, weaving relatable tales that sparkle with wit and warmth. Let’s dive into her journey, from her early days to her unforgettable stories that keep readers coming back for more.
The Making of Carole Matthews
Carole Matthews was born in 1960 in St. Helens, Merseyside, where her love for books took root early. Dreaming of becoming a teacher or tour guide, she never imagined writing as her destiny. After moving to London, she juggled jobs as a shop assistant, secretary, and beauty therapist. It wasn’t until a stint at a holistic clinic sparked her creativity that she tried her hand at writing. A short story win in Writing Magazine changed everything, netting her £1,000 and a nudge toward a writing course. Her first novel, Let’s Meet on Platform 8, was published in 1997, launching her career.
Carole Matthews’s Unforgettable Stories
Matthews’s romantic comedies are like a cozy chat with friends, blending humor, heartache, and hope. Her Chocolate Lovers series—The Chocolate Lovers’ Club, The Chocolate Lovers’ Diet, The Chocolate Lovers’ Christmas, and The Chocolate Lovers’ Wedding—follows four women united by their love for chocolate and their knack for navigating life’s ups and downs. Set in the charming Chocolate Heaven café, these books mix laugh-out-loud moments with poignant themes of friendship and resilience.
Beyond the series, Matthews shines in standalone novels like For Better, For Worse, a hilarious tale of midlife temptation that hit the USA Today Bestseller List, and Welcome to the Real World, shortlisted for the RNA Romantic Novel of the Year in 2007. Her stories often feature relatable characters facing real-world challenges, wrapped in a light, witty style that feels like a warm hug. With 34 novels, her work resonates globally, earning praise for its universal appeal.
Why Carole Matthews Matters
Carole Matthews has redefined romantic comedy with her knack for crafting stories that feel personal yet universal. Her focus on friendship, love, and life’s quirks has won her legions of fans and critical acclaim, including the RNA Outstanding Achievement Award in 2015. By championing relatable women and the power of connection, she’s left a lasting mark on the genre, inspiring readers to find joy in life’s simple pleasures—like a good book and a piece of chocolate.
- Born: 1960, St. Helens, Merseyside
- Key Works: The Chocolate Lovers’ Club, For Better, For Worse, Welcome to the Real World
- Awards: RNA Outstanding Achievement Award (2015), Romantic Novel of the Year for Sunny Days & Sea Breezes (2021)
Snag The Chocolate Lovers’ Club and dive into Carole Matthews’s delightful world of romance and friendship!