Book Review - A Merry Little Christmas by Cathy Bramley

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Title: A Merry Little Christmas

Author: Cathy Bramley

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Orion

Publication Date: 10th October 2024 

Rating: 5 Stars

This Christmas indulge in some me-time and enjoy this uplifting and heart-warming story from Sunday Times bestseller Cathy Bramley. Full of romance, laughter and family drama, A Merry Little Christmas is the perfect book to curl up with this festive season.

In the snowy market town of Wetherly, Merry is about to take on her biggest project yet - the arrival of a new baby. She has always dreamed of being a mother, since losing her mum at a young age. Everyone is so excited, so why is Merry feeling terrified? And why is she struggling to open up to business partner and best friend Nell, whose help she needs at their thriving candle shop more than ever?

What Nell desperately wants for Christmas is a baby with husband Olek. But when she uncovers a shocking truth about Olek's past, dreams of a family are turned upside down. Nell feels she has no-one to turn to, as Merry is wrapped up in her own plans for the new baby.

Tensions run high as Christmas approaches, and Merry and Nell's friendship reaches breaking point. As long-held secrets finally come to light, can Nell and Merry save the most precious gift of all - their friendship?

An absolute Christmas joy of a book to read. 

This definitely had me feeling Merry and Bright by the end, even if there is an absolute rollercoaster throughout the book, as we catch up with Merry and Nell in their respective quests for motherhood. 

And at times I didn't recognise either of them, as they were acting so out of character, but equally it felt very familiar to be back amongst these characters and their lives. And I found myself wishing for a Christmas miracle at points for both Merry and Nell. 

There are secrets, lies, emotional outbursts, and some storylines that potentially could be tricky to read if you are desperate for a baby of your own. Merry at times feels oddly delusional, while Nell is bottling so much up, it's bound to explode badly. 

It's a story of friendship, of new beginnings, of strengthening relationships and just an all around fabulous book to read. 

I devoured it  in a day, happily curled up on the sofa, ignoring real life, just absorbed in the pages of this book.  I really really hope this isn't the end for these characters but fear it could be.  I have absolutely adored this series, and there is something really quite special about a Cathy Bramley Christmas book - I just hope there will be more! 

Just fabulous. 

Thank you to Orion and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.