This book feels like a cosy hug in story form, packed with heart, charm, and all the festive feels. The characters are so warm and relatable, especially Merry, who’s navigating some big life changes while trying to follow her dreams. Her journey is both uplifting and emotional, with plenty of moments that had me smiling from ear to ear.

What makes this book shine is Bramley’s ability to weave in deeper themes of love, community, and resilience without losing the light, feel-good tone. It’s the perfect balance of joy and substance, leaving you with that warm, fuzzy feeling long after you’ve turned the last page. If you’re after a heartfelt, festive story to lift your spirits, Merrily Ever After is an absolute must-read!

Merrily Ever After by Cathy Bramley

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Orion and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

In a picturesque town in Derbyshire, Merry has always wanted a family to spend Christmas with, and this year her dream comes true as she says 'I do' to father-of-two Cole. But as she juggles worries about her business, last-minute wedding planning and the two new children in her life, Merry is stretched to breaking point.

Meanwhile, only a few miles away, Emily is desperately waiting for the New Year to begin. Her father Ray's dementia is worsening, and she's struggling to care for him alone while holding down a job. When Ray moves into a residential home, she discovers a photograph in his belongings that has the potential to change everything .

As shocking secrets from Ray's past finally come to light, will this Christmas make or break Emily and Merry?

My Opinion

Cathy Bramley is an author I really need to read more of, I know that I enjoy the writing style. This was a lovely, festive read. Cathy has written a book where the characters are relatable and difficult topics are handled delicately. This book will play with your emotions, but ultimately it is an enjoyable read.

Rating 4/5

Whilst this is the second book in a series this can be read as a standalone. Litter with Christmas joy and sparkle this book wraps you up in a warm hug. Both Merry and Emily face a lot of issues we could all relate to and it was refreshing to see a book tackle these things with realism and sensitivity. This was a real treat to read!

Well drawn characters, a nicely paced story and just what I'd expect from Cathy. Like drawing on a nice warm winter coat.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book as a whole but occasionally struggled with the characters. They were at times a bit too cheesy and trying to be like a hallmark movie. It was easy to guess what would happen in the book but was a light cosy read for the holiday season.

If you're a fan of Cathy Bramley, you will love this heartwarming Christmas story. Following the story of Emily and Merry, I won't give any spoilers but it's an absolute joy of a festive book about friends, family and love!

Cute qnd sweet read. This was just the right amount of sugar. Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read.

another good book to read lovely story line and plenty of activity throughout but the finish could have been better for me as i would liked to have known what happened to emily and wil and of course ray her dad

You really can't beat Cathy's books. She is an exceptional writer and I loved being back with these characters. Very well written and you really feel part of the book. I didn't want this one to end.

A brilliant read and one I really enjoyed. The characters are loveable and varied, the plot is one that is engaging and medium paced. I found myself completely drawn into the story and enjoyed the writing style.

A lovely heart warming festive read. Really enjoyable! Fun movements and touching moments a plenty. The main character has featured in another title but this can be read as a stand alone. I hope this isn’t the last boo about this patchwork family. Great read.

Thank you Netgalley

Again Cathy has given us another story full of characters who all come together to make one story. Her books always come across as people you know, how real life really is. Friends, family, neighbours all entwined together.
She never let's you down.
An absolute lovely Christmas story.

The Christmas treats keep on coming from Cathy Bramley. We join Merry again (as seen in The Merry Christmas Project, so no spoilers) but this time we have Emily’s story. She is feeling very isolated. As she struggles to hold down her job she has to care for her father who is showing increasing signs of dementia. As Rachel comes to terms with her new normal she starts looking into her background and finds evidence that will change her life.
This is such a heart-warming and life affirming book. It manages to deal with real world problems but sprinkle a little Christmas hope and promise into what could have been a very grim story. The power in this book is to give us an escape but also to bolster up those going through similar issues.

Curl up on a cold afternoon and get stuck in

Easy to read and leaves you feeling warm

I didnt realise it was a sequel and hadn't read the first one but it stands alone nicely

I found this book very good.

It is an festive book. Merry is getting married to Cole. She never knew her Father and her Mum died when she was a child. We see her and Cole trying to organise an wedding and also run an business.

Emily is an secretary at an school but her home life is not good her Dad has dementia. We see things unfolding with this story and things come out from her Dad that does not make sense.

I really enjoyed this book it was funny and sad in places.

It was well written and didn’t realise it was a sequel but you can read this standalone.

This is a good book. I enjoyed the flow of the story, it had well rounded robust characters, a good dose of fun and romance and is a all round general good read.

I really love it when you get a Christmas book that just fills you with warmth as you read it on a cold winters night. This is a sequel following the life of Merry and her desire to settle down with Cole and his children. I didn't realise and it really didn't matter as it is a story on its own. A really perfect christmassy read.

Dozy me didn’t realise this was the sequel to 'The Merry Christmas Project' but I was so delighted when I realised it was, not that you need to read that first, it definitely works as a standalone book, but it’s so much more enjoyable if you read the first because you know Merry already ! Christmassy as expected with this title, but also a story that could be read at anytime. I adore the community, the characters, the writing, it’s just a wonderful story which I highly recommend

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy in return for an honest opinion

A lovely, feel-good story set in the run up to Christmas.
I wasn’t aware this was a sequel / part of a series when I started to read it. There were quite a few times when it definitely felt I had missed out on a several characters’ backstories as they were alluded to at different parts of the book. However, this didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book as the author filled in some of the gaps with short recaps between characters, so this could be read as a stand alone book.
An enjoyable read, a perfect book for snuggling up with on chilly winter days & nights.

I had not realised that this was a follow up book but it made no difference as this book is so well-crafted it can be read first.
Merry is engaged to the love of her life Cole and is organizing her Christmas Eve wedding whilst trying to navigate the tricky role of stepmum-to-be. Emily is facing the gut wrenching task of putting her father with dementia in a care home for his safety whilst going through a break-up. But Merry’s and Emily’s paths seem to keep crossing, then an unexpected find is set to bring them together to unravel the past.
This was a proper Christmas read with the complications of family, deteriorating health and festive cheer thrown in for good measure.