Cathy Bramley

A character-based novel taking place over one summer. Liz is godmother to the half-sisters Clare and Skye, who are very different and have never got along. They're all going to be together, along with Clare's baby, Ivy, while Liz tries to restart her catering business.

It took a little while to get going; but the characters are quite distinct, and I liked them all in different ways. There's some low-key romance, some secrets that emerge, and a lot of healing as they talk about issues from show more the past, and find a way forward.

Recommended if you like this kind of thoughtful, character-driven women's fiction which has several strands, but no real overall plot.

Longer review: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2026/01/the-sunrise-sisterhood-by-cathy-bra... show less

A long journey home and a day off meant I raced through this light-hearted book about 3 new friends and their wishes. It is pretty predictable, but because it is more grown up (women in their 30's) it means it's not as throwaway as some novels in the genre.

It's not a Mann Booker prize winner by any stretch of the imagination, but the characters are well constructed and their foibles are understandable and this makes them easy to relate to. It's the ideal summer/ light read for anyone who show more likes the 'chick lit rom com' genre. show less

The Merry Christmas Project is Cathy Bramley's first Christmas book and it's my first Cathy Bramley book. It's a delightful and festive read.

Merry Shaw is one of our main characters. She longs to settle down and have a family of her own but it always seems to be just out of reach. Then there's Cole, our other main character. He's divorced and not seeing enough of his two children. Perhaps each is looking for what the other can give….

There was so much I loved about this book. Merry is a show more lovely person, so kind and upbeat and I really took to her. Then there's the quietly dashing Cole who is such a well-drawn hero, handsome, helpful and thoughtful. Swoon. I enjoyed reading about Merry's candles and how she blended oils together to make new fragrances. There's one in particular that made me smile because of the reason why she made it. I did laugh out loud several times too. I loved the dry humour and banter between Cole and Merry.

There's a charming supporting cast, including Merry's friends, Nell and Astrid, and Cole's family. The community comes together for a Christmas project which Merry unexpectedly ends up taking charge of and it truly felt like a place I'd want to be a part of.

This is a gentle read, with a really pleasing blend of humour, romance, friendship and small business with the candles and Nell's market stall selling nuts (loved the wasabi peas incident!). Reading The Merry Christmas Project made me feel all warm and fuzzy and cosy and is the perfect Christmas choice. show less

I loved this book! Holly, who narrates, is a highly-organised but also slightly insecure young woman who is very likeable. She works hard, and has a stressed relationship with her clutter-hoarding mother.

It's relationship-based, covering about six months in Holly's life as she settles into her role as assistant events manager at a stately home. The writing is good, just the right pace for my tastes, and the lack of bad language or anything 'adult' is very refreshing. Some important issues show more are touched upon in sensitive ways, and there's some low-key humour too.

This was originally written as a four-part series but works well as a whole book. I bought my copy at a charity shop, having not come across the author before, and am now going to read as many of her books as I can find. Highly recommended if you enjoy light but sometimes thought-provoking women's fiction. show less