A Truly Heartwarming Christmas Read – 5 Stars!

Sweet Mercies by Anne Booth is the perfect Christmas read to warm your heart. The novel captures everything that makes the holiday season special—friendship, family, forgiveness, and second chances—while also delving into the more complex, human side of relationships and personal growth. I couldn’t have asked for a more delightful and uplifting story to get me in the festive spirit.

The charming setting of St. Philomena's convent and the close-knit community in the town of Fairbridge provide the perfect backdrop for this heartwarming tale. Sister Bridget, the beloved and cheerful Mother Superior, is a character you can’t help but adore. She’s always ready to lend a kind word, offer a comforting cup of tea, or share a slice of her famous chocolate cake—truly the heart and soul of the convent. But when a visitor arrives with a secret that threatens to unravel Sister Bridget’s peaceful world, the story takes a deeper turn.

The emotional depth of Sweet Mercies really surprised me. While it’s full of warmth and charm, it’s also a beautiful exploration of personal redemption and forgiveness. As Sister Bridget is faced with long-buried secrets from her past, especially concerning her younger sister Mary, I found myself reflecting on the importance of facing up to our mistakes and making amends, no matter how difficult that may be.

The friendships, the community spirit, and the love that shine through in this novel are nothing short of magical. The small-town charm, combined with the warmth of the convent, made this story feel like a comforting embrace during the cold winter months. I also loved the gentle reminders that none of us are perfect, but we all deserve a second chance at happiness and peace.

Anne Booth has a wonderful way of crafting characters you genuinely care about, and the story flows with such warmth and sincerity that it’s impossible not to be swept up in the festive cheer. Sweet Mercies is a beautiful, uplifting novel that celebrates love, forgiveness, and the true spirit of Christmas. It’s the kind of book you’ll want to return to year after year.

This is a definite 5-star read for anyone looking for a heartwarming, feel-good Christmas tale that will leave you smiling long after you’ve turned the last page. Highly recommended!

**Thank you so much to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review**

Let me tell you something, I ADORE Call The Midwife, so when the first book in this series was advertised for fans of Call the Midlife... I had to give it a shot. Small Miracles did so well: it was so funny, and was the perfect, light book to break up all the darkness. I pounced when I heard there was a sequel and I'm so glad I did.

Everyone loves Sister Bridget. The cheerful Mother Superior of St Philomena's convent is friend to many in the town of Fairbridge and the irrepressible caller at the weekly Parish Bingo. There is nothing she can't sort out with a kind word, a cup of tea and a slice of her amazing chocolate cake. But is everything as rosy as she thinks?

As the Christmas tree goes up and festive cheer rises, a visitor arrives at the convent who doesn't like Sister Bridget one bit. Good intentions don't always go to plan. Sister Bridget learns that secrets are bubbling to the surface back home in Ireland - especially for her younger sister Mary. She will need to face up to past deeds, however well-intended. With the help of her friends, and the power of love and forgiveness, maybe she can finally make things right.

This is the perfect feel-good book. I'm so sad this author isn't more well-known because I think everyone deserves to have the Sisters of Saint Philomena in their life. The Sister's keep you laughing but are also not afraid to pull on your heart-strings.
This is not an action-packed book with fancy plotlines and twists - this is a book about love, growth and change. It is a cozy hug. A warm bath. And it is so, so necessary.

Anne Booth's "Sweet Mercies" is a beautifully crafted and deeply touching novel that explores themes of compassion, forgiveness, and redemption. Booth's exquisite prose and vivid storytelling draw readers into the lives of her richly developed characters, each struggling with their own trials and tribulations. The narrative is both heartwarming and thought-provoking, seamlessly weaving together moments of profound sorrow and unexpected joy. Booth's ability to capture the essence of human resilience and the power of kindness is truly remarkable. "Sweet Mercies" is an inspiring and uplifting read, leaving a lasting impression and a renewed faith in the goodness of the human spirit.

This was more of a like than a love.. Having fallen in love with the Nuns and their friends in the previous book, I was disappointed that each of the plot lines were tantalising in their interest but never really fleshed out enough. I think much more could have been made of relationships within the circle of friends and far less of the kitten storyline which was repetitive and obvious . Resolutions were rushed so pay offs felt hollow .

I enjoyed it but it did not leave me wholly satisfied.

I loved visiting the Nun's of St Philomena again.
It's been a while since I read the first book and I felt like I needed a run down of who was who amongst the characters, as it took be a few chapters to get back into the fold.
The writing is good, but its the character development that the author is most adept at.
I just want to be friends with Sister Margaret. I loved that the author allowed her to shine in this novel, as she always seems to be overruled by Sister Bridget.

Back with the Sisters of Philomena, and if you are missing Call the Midwife, then these eclectic group of nuns and others are sure to brighten your day. The remaining sisters in this convent bring joy to the locals of Fairbridge, whether that is with tea and cake or calling Bingo. As well as providing a form of bed and breakfast to visitors in the area.

Sister Bridget, full of life and belief that everything is rosy. Her sister Mary, back in Ireland though is in a very different position and has a very different view of Sister Bridget. We get to learn a bit more about these sisters and their background which brought them to where they are now.

Whilst familiar characters feature form the first book, it can be read as a standalone and works well with enough background for you to place everyone. Whilst not overtly religious in it’s tone despite nuns being the main characters. The book does challenge beliefs of the church and the lifestyle’s chosen now in a way that perhaps some might find surprising. It doesn’t shy away from those difficult conversations and consequences.

This is one of those books which is what I have called in the past a ‘quiet’ book, not packed full of twist and turns, thrills and spills. A simple story with some gentle humour which envelops you. I do hope I get to learn more about the sisters in future books.

Warm and witty I found myself giggling like a hyena! I think this book is just fun and full of cheer.

Another sweet and hearwarming story, festive and poignant. I was glad to catch up with the sisters, learn more about their life and follow a story that mixes family drama and a Christmas story
Can't wait to read another one.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I read and loved the first book so I found this thoroughly enjoyable, really heart-warming, and lovely characters. A real feel-good book.

This is a perfect, feel-good, cosy up with the fire and Christmas tree lit behind you kind of book. Perfect Christmas read, simple and easy!

The E-Book could be improved and more user-friendly, such as links to the chapters, no significant gaps between words and a cover for the book would be better. It is very document-like instead of a book. A star has been deducted because of this.

This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and I would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

I received a free copy of, Sweet Mercies by Anne Booth, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Sister Bridget is absolutely lovely, I can see why almost everyone is in love with her. Shes a great cook, bingo caller, Catholic, and friend. I liked Fr. Hugh too, a lovely priest. A feel good Christmas read.

Lovely book which shows that everyone, despite their best intentions, can sometimes get things wrong. And it's not a bad thing, it's just part of being human. The sisters of St Philomena's are back with some new friends, including a furry one. Themes in the novel can be a tough read, in particular the way Catholic Church dealt with children and women in Ireland (Magdeline Laundries), but the author also brings lightness and positivity through the relationships of the characters and tea and baking.

Thoroughly enjoyed this heartwarming captivating read.
Sweet Mercies is the second book in this series & I would recommend you read the first one to get a sense of the story so far.
The author has created some wonderful endearing characters with the sisters of Philomena’s convent playing the main parts.
Religion is woven throughout the story but in an endearing way & I'm sure we could all learn something from their kind thoughtful ways.
That’s not to say they themselves don’t have faults & pull themselves up about it time & again.
Sister Bridget in particular is having a hard time with family issues as well as certain people in the community.
They are trying to help make money at the B&B they run & also helping run the community bingo which is always good for a few laughs.
Life is always busy for them as they help with one crisis or another.
This is a light hearted cosy read which covers the complexities of everyday life.
Well worth reading.

In Fairbridge, the Sisters of Saint Philomena, prepare for Christmas. With the indomitable Sr Brigid at the helm the sisters bring joy to the parish with the bingo, the cakes & being there to lend an ear. This is the second book in a series but it can be read as a standalone. I love the different characters & various offshoots- Sr Cecelia & the kitten deserve a book to themselves! The book also makes the reader think how events of the past can continue to follow you down the years & often shock you by their repercussions.

Being brought up a Catholic with an Irish dad, there were lots of things that were familiar & jogged memories which added to my enjoyment of the story. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this lovely book.

I am very sorry but I haven't read the first book so found it hard to take to this one, I tried several times but I couldn't get into it. I have since read other reviews and it is good to Know that others have really enjoyed it so it is just me, I wish the author well and I will try to get her other book and then try this one again. As I am unable to give either 4 or 5 stars I would rather not give a review, it isn't fair to the author to pull the numbers down when they are really needed. Good luck and I am sorry.

A charming Christmas return to the Sisters of St Philomena. It's hard to categorise these, but they're multi-strand slightly inspirational interconnected stories with a religious tinge. I think if you like Beverly Jenkins' Blessings series, this would probably work for you although there is less of a romance strand to this. Once you get going on it, it's hard to put down and it just whooshes by.

I was so excited to revisit the sisters of St Phillomenas again. The sisters are such lovely people it was no trouble slipping back into the convent with them.

This second story is a bit more domestic than the first and it took me a while to remember all the characters and their back stories. While the previous story was a mystery this time we look at the past of Sister Bridget and explore Irish Catholicism in a way that will be familiar to many people.

Anne Booth has done a great job of crafting a warm hearted story that deals with some difficult subjects like addiction, loss of faith and owning up to all of our mistakes.

Sometimes things do line up a little too perfectly, and the story does take a while to get going, but ultimately it's a perfectly cosy story.

Some readers may want to know that this novel does between a non-catholic homosexual couple at the beginning of their relationship and their struggles to be "out" in public. It's a very sensitively handled romance and possibly a good way to spark a conversation.

It was a joy to reunite with the Sisters of Saint Philomena’s again and discover what happens to them next. As ‘Sweet Mercies’ opens, we find the Sisters in the throes of preparing for the hectic Christmas/New Year period.

They’re managing the convent, supporting a school on the premises, and running a busy B&B. All this hard work brings its own rewards and stressors that are heightened by the excitement and busyness of the season.

Nevertheless, the same gentle humour is available here. Light relief is provided by Sister Cecilia and the antics of Pingu, a kitten, who takes an unexpected, devoted shine to Sister Cecilia and slowly melts her resistance and her heart.

Sister Bridget is extra busy in the kitchen and overly preoccupied with family drama which creates tension between her and her younger sister, Mary. She is also perplexed by an unsettling visitor who seems to take an instant, inexplicable dislike to her.

Another guest turns out to have surprising roots and connections to Sister Bridget’s home in Ireland, which precipitates a visit that enables secrets from the past to become revealed, helping to create a redemptive atmosphere of understanding, forgiveness, and healing.

Some serious societal issues, such as homelessness, addiction and abuse involving the Catholic Church are unearthed. Yet, like ‘Small Miracles’, this is a feel-good, heartwarming read that can be enjoyed independently. Grateful thanks to Harvill Secker and NetGalley for the eARC.

The second book about the Sisters of St Philomena's convent. This is as heart warming and entertaining as the previous book. I loved the story and although the topics covered include addiction, exploitation and abuse it is an easy read. We follow the lives of Sister Bridget and her sister Mary as we meet members of their family in Ireland. Along with the other Sisters at the Convent in London as they come with the financial difficulties of the 1960's. Father Hugo and Father Stephen are very gentle priests, alongside the staff of the B & B.
I can recommend this book to all.

A wonderful, heart-warming read, perfect for the festive season.

The sisters of St. Philomena's are, as always, busy in the community whilst getting to grips with running their new B&B. Sister Bridget is their stalwart, running many things to enhance the lives of everyone living in the village and beyond and she's very popular - or at least, she always has been up until now. When a visitor arrives from Ireland who quite obviously does not like her, she's not the only one who's puzzled Things are happening back home in Ireland and Sister Bridget, although well-intentioned, may wel be putting her foot in it . . .

I loved the first in this series and couldn't wait to read this one. There's a wonderful spirit of love and happiness throughout, but also the lesson that - no matter how well=intentioned - we can all get it wrong. A delightful and enjoyable read filled with a wide array of characters and a lot of love. 4.5*.

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.