Book Review - A Patchwork Family by Cathy Bramley

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Title: A Patchwork Family

Author: Cathy Bramley

Format reviewed: Paperback

Source: Purchased

Publisher: Orion

Publication Date: 19th March 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

Gina Moss is single and proud. She's focused on her thriving childminding business, which she runs from her cottage at the edge of The Evergreens: a charming Victorian home to three elderly residents who adore playing with the kids Gina minds. To Gina, they all feel like family.

Then a run-in (literally) with a tall, handsome American stranger gives her the tummy-flutters... Before a tragedy puts her older friends at risk of eviction - and Gina in charge of the battle to save them. The house sale brings her closer to Dexter, one of the owners - and the stranger who set her heart alight.

As the sparks fly between them, Gina carries on fighting for her friends, her home and her business. But can she fight for her chance at love - and win it all, too?

A Patchwork Family was originally published as a four-part serial. This is the complete story in one package.

There were happy tears in my eyes by the end of this fabulous book. 

But before you get to that point, you are treated to such a wonderful story, which has so many threads to it, and quite a few surprises too. 

Gina is just a really lovely main character and she is determined to not let anyone evict her, or her elderly friends for their homes, much less the impact it has on her childminding business. 

I'm not sure if I should be telling how wonderful the pensioners that live at Evergreens are, especially Bing who I really do have a soft spot for.  Or how adorable the children are in Gina's friends for you get to know so many of them. 

Including the new family Cat with her twins Lily and Isobel, who with Gina's care seem to come on leaps and bounds. 

There are new friendships being formed all over the book, and I loved the various activities Gina did with her charges, Paige who is Gina's friend and also a childminder providing some contrast. 

I always love it authors include characters from their previous books, and specifically it was fabulous to catch up with the Lemon Tree Cafe gang, and seeing what they are up to nowadays. This is 100% a standalone book, but fans of the author will potentially recognise and enjoy catching up with old friends. 

Originally this was published in 4 parts and  I love the way each part ends with just enough of a hook for me to be turning the pages frantically to start the next part. For I had to know what would happen next. 

My mind has gone to mush trying to thinks of more words than just fabulous, but that is what this book truly is.  I always love a Cathy Bramley and this was no exception. another gem by this always talented author.