Book Review - The Merry Christmas Project by Cathy Bramley

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Title: The Merry Christmas Project

Author: Cathy Bramley

Format reviewed: Paperback

Source: Purchased

Publisher: Orion

Publication Date: 14th October 2021 

Rating: 5 Stars

Christmas has always meant something special to Merry - even without a family of her own. This year, her heart might be broken but her new candle business is booming. The last thing she needs is another project - but when her hometown's annual event needs some fresh festive inspiration, Merry can't resist.

Cole loves a project too - though it's usually of the bricks and mortar variety. As a single dad, his Christmas wish is to see his kids again, so getting the new house finished for when they're all together is the perfect distraction.

But this Christmas, magic is in the air for these two strangers. Will it bring them all the joy they planned for . . . and take their hearts by surprise too?

After all, anything can happen at Christmas. . .

I've been a massive fan of Cathy Bramley for ages, so was mega excited to see that she had finally written a Christmas book, and wow what a Christmas book it is! 

It has had me smiling throughout, and barely been able to put the book down, apart from when reaching the ends of tube journeys (as I didn't quite fancy doing a loop of length and breadth of London, no matter how much  I was enjoying what I was reading!). 

And by the end which I had a ridiculous smile on my face and emotion welling in my heart, rather unexpectedly at the most perfect ending but not necessarily just how I would have imagined it! 

This is just so full of the joys of the season, I loved it! From the main character's name Merry, to the fact she ends up running the big Christmas project in town, plus is a scented candle maker, with the best name for a company - Merry And Bright Candles!  

And then there is Cole who is struggling to be apart from his children this year, especially at Christmas, and whose whole family seem simply lovely. 

Easily one of my favourite scenes involves Merry and best friend Nell, working on Nell's nuts stall at the market, especially given its their first meeting of Cole, and well the dialogue is hilarious! 

This is just a really gorgeous and special book as you would expect from Cathy Bramley, it its definitely one of my favourites of hers.  Was a delight to read.