I totally loved this book about Merry and Cole and his children, such a lovely, cozy, read which really put me in the mood for all things Christmas. I didn’t know this was a sequel but it didn’t in any way spoil this charming story with such charming characters and lovely setting, highly recommend for a winters night read in front of the fire with a hot chocolate in your hand. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this early copy.

🥰 An outstanding feel good book.

♥️ I smiled every step of the way whilst reading this one. A truly feel good, warm fuzzies, heart warming read.

🎄 Christmas setting - who doesn’t love a book about Christmas. I could picture the scenes, feel the atmospheres and smell the wonderful candles sold at Merry and Bright. 🕯️

👨‍👧‍👧 A truly lovely cast of characters. I can’t say too much about what I loved because I don’t want to give spoilers, but the book is filled with good people. Oh, apart from Gavin - boo Gavin, though he is insignificant anyway!

A wise character said “Life’s short, so eat the cake, buy the shoes and kiss the boy” #wordstoliveby

It was only as I neared the end of Merrily Ever After that I realised it was the sequel to an earlier novel by Cathy Bramley. I'm happy to report that it made not the slightest difference that I hadn't read the first book. Merrily Ever After is a book to sink into, as comforting as curling up in front of the fire with something by Grieg playing in the background, as you drink a cinnamon hot chocolate and delve into a comfort read. It's a fairy tale, a fantasy, an escape from the realities of life.

I immersed myself totally in this joy to read book.

Merry and her Fiancé Cole are planning a new future together with his children from his first marriage.
Will it go smoothly and be a fairytale wedding?

Emily has had a change of direction in her life, which now revolves around her dad Ray. She has decisions to make, will she choose the correct ones?

Fate will collide Merry and Emily. What secrets may come to light?

A hint of Christmas in this wonderful book, but it is more a story, rather than a Christmas book for me.
Without giving away any spoilers, I think the topic subject was handled very sensitively.
I warmed to the characters and understood where they were coming from. I liked the strong female bonds portrayed, love, loyalty and empathy. I loved Will’s character, I would have liked to have heard more of his story.
All in all I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

Thank you NetGalley and Orion publishing group for an advanced e-book copy. Opinions are my own.