Cathy is the queen of festive cosy Christmas reads and a merry little Christmas was the epitome of a tradition warm cosy all enveloping hug of a Christmas read!
Based back in Wetherley we are reunited with Merry and Nell and their ongoing lives, so lovely to be amongst familiar characters and see the progression in their lives and families!
Motherhood is something Nell is desperate to experience but it just isn’t happening,However merry has fallen pregnant very easily but is blighted by fear regarding motherhood and her ability to parent.
Will the two friend’s relationship be able to withstand Nell’s unhappiness and a deep rooted secret and Merrys trepidation and fear re impending motherhood? Friendship is tested to the limits not only affecting them but their nearest and dearest too, as secrets are revealed, surprises arranged but with a wonderful community of friends and family we are led on a compelling heartwarming totally captivating read just perfect to get you in the festive frame of mind!
Thank you NetGalley for this early read

Cathy Bramley’s A Very Merry Christmas is a heartwarming festive read that wraps you up in the comforting embrace of family, love, and the spirit of Christmas. Set in the magical market town of Wetherly, the story meets back up with Merry who is on the path to motherhood, a journey she desperately wants, yet the impending overwhelm of motherhood leaves her terrified. Her best friend Nell, on the other hand, is struggling to conceive, however a shocking truth about her husband Olek is uncovered. Tensions run high in the tough build up to the festive period, and love and friendship is put through the ultimate test.

Bramley’s writing shines with her trademark warmth and humour, crafting characters that are relatable and full of heart. Merry is an endearing protagonist—her love for Christmas is infectious, and her journey through family struggles feels authentic and tender and Nell is a sweetheart, who’s ability to love shines off the pages. The whole narrative pulled at the emotional chords of the heart to beautifully capture the unassuming magic of the season, not just in the lights and decorations but in the close bonds between friends, and loved ones, even if they are tried and tested throughout.

At its core, A Very Merry Christmas is a celebration of togetherness and finding joy even when life throws curve balls. The family community, with its array of quirky and lovable characters, leads towards a sense of belonging that will warm your heart with the turn of each page.

A Very Merry Christmas delivers emotional depth and the feel-good factor. A true holiday read that I couldn’t put down and I for one hope that this is not the last we hear from Merry and the gang in Wetherly. This is perfect for fans of festive romance, cosy settings, and stories that celebrate the joy of family and friends.

Thank you Netgalley and Orion Publishing Group for my ARC copy.

When I saw Cathy Bramley had a new christmas book out I knew I needed to request it and it did not disappoint. I loved this book, it was an absolute emotional rollercoaster that dealt with topics of infertility and broken/difficult relationships. It hit a little to close to home at some points but I really felt for Nellie. I adored the ending of the book and can't wait to read more by Cathy Bramley.

Best friends and business partners Merry and Nell both have dreams of motherhood, Merry falls pregnant easily but Nell struggles to conceive. When Nell receives devastating news she is left reeling, and with a massive decision to make.
While on the outside, Merry seems to be taking everything in her stride, inside she is a seething mass of doubt and insecurity which is making her snappy with her loved ones.
Nell desperately needs someone to confide in, but with Merry absorbed in making plans for her baby Nell doesn’t know who to turn to and the stress of keeping her secret begins to tell.
With Christmas and the arrival of Merry’s baby fast approaching, the two friends have never been further apart, just when they need each other the most. Can they get their relationship back on an even keel before it’s too late.
A lovely story about the power of love and friendship and how you can face anything if you are lucky enough to have those things in your life.

I loved this story so much even if it did break my heart it mended it again at the end. What a lovely Christmas treat to return to Weatherley and see what Merry and her friends and family are up to. A wonderful, warm, fuzzy story, Bravo!

Cathy Bramley is my sure fire enjoyment author and with every new release (especially the Christmas ones!) I can’t wait to get stuck in.

I really do love a Christmas read as the festivity, coziness and Christmas joy spans the pages and I get all the festive feels. And even though I’m reading this in September, I live in a state of perpetually being excited for December so these books provide me the hit of winter vibes that I love.

And back with Merry and a whole host of characters that I love really does feel like Christmas come early!

I love Merry and Nell and they really are tested in this book. They overcome so much and the story itself was so heartfelt, compelling, captivating and completely had me hooked. The ending too! Gah, I teared up. What an amazing read.

Book Review: A Merry Little Christmas

I want to extend my gratitude to NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of A Merry Little Christmas by Cathy Bramley. This book is a delightful escape into a snowy town filled with warmth, laughter, and heartfelt moments—perfect for the festive season.

The story revolves around Merry, who is about to welcome a new baby—a dream she’s held onto since losing her mother as a child. I found her journey incredibly relatable, capturing the mix of excitement and fear that comes with such a monumental life change. Bramley does a fantastic job of portraying Merry’s inner turmoil, making me empathize with her struggle to open up to her best friend and business partner, Nell.

Nell’s storyline adds another layer to the narrative. Her desire for a baby with her husband Olek takes a complicated turn when she discovers a shocking truth about his past. I was captivated by how this revelation impacts her dreams and her relationship with Merry. The tension that builds between them as the holiday approaches kept me on the edge of my seat, rooting for both characters to find their way back to each other.

What I loved most was the exploration of friendship amidst life’s challenges. The bond between Merry and Nell is beautifully depicted, showcasing how love and support can help us navigate even the toughest of times. As secrets are revealed and emotions run high, I found myself reflecting on the value of communication and understanding in any relationship.

Cathy Bramley has created a cozy and festive atmosphere that made me feel like I was right there in Wetherly, surrounded by the charm of a small-town Christmas. This book is more than just a holiday story; it's a reminder of the importance of friendship, family, and the courage to face our fears.

Overall, A Merry Little Christmas is an uplifting read that I highly recommend for anyone looking for a heartwarming escape this holiday season. It’s the perfect blend of romance, family drama, and festive spirit—definitely a story to curl up with by the fire.

You could never go wrong with Cathy Bramley. Her books are always a delight and this book was no exception! I loved the story of friendship and the holiday backdrop made it all the more delightful. Highly recommend

Merry is determined to keep going despite being warned to take it easy by her midwife and doctors, she knows she has a ton of things to do before Christmas and the arrival of her first baby. She knows she is the only person that she can rely to do all those important jobs including keeping her candle shop running in the busy run up to Christmas. Her best friend, Nell, is frustrated by her attitude especially as Nell is mourning being unable to conceive. I found this story too full of anxiety and tension, I personally don't think the payoff justified the amount of negativity and lack of communication throughout the book. I honestly think the romance and laughter were lacking.

I adore Cathy’s books. The pages envelop you like a warm hug and you’re completed invested in the plot from the first chapter.

In this novel, we’re back in Wetherley as pregnant Merry is getting closer to motherhood. She’s always dreamed of being a mother and this is her biggest project yet. But she’s absolutely terrified unable to open up to her husband, Cole or her best friend and business partner Nell. Meanwhile, Nell is desperate for a baby but uncovers a shocking secret that drives a wedge between her and her loved ones. She feels she has no one to turn to and as Christmas approaches, tensions reach breaking point.

This is a wonderful novel to curl up with. The characters are warm and witty and this book will make you feel all the emotions. It’s brilliantly written and a perfect festive read. Thank you to NetGalley, Orion Publishing Group and the author for the chance to review.

Didn’t reliase it was a follow up when I requested. However was easy enough to get into. I did want to slap Merry at some points, felt she was quite selfish and self centred. However was a good read

I couldn’t wait to read this book as I was desperate for the next chapter of Merry and her friends and family.
There was a lot more emotional depth to this book and I really enjoyed the tension between Merry and Nell and how that panned out. I could see both of their points of view although I did want to shake them both at times.
It was great to see how other characters lives had moved on and I loved Woody and hope to see him in further books.
The Christmas setting was lovely and added to the romance of the story and I can’t wait for the next instalment.
Thanks to NetGalley, Cathy Bramley and Orion Publishing Group for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Cathy Bramley books never disappoint . Good to be back Merry and Nell. A very sad read at times . Not really a Christmas book as I personally think of Noel book . Got a bit cross with Merry at times. Some good twists . Nice ending

Merry and Nell are best freinds and partners in a candle shop in Weatherly.
They both go on the journey to motherhood at the same time, only Merry becomes pregnant straight away and Nell is still waiting a year later.
Nell decides to have some tests done but doesnt give her husband the correct outcome to keep him happy.
Only to find out by accident.
Merry doesn't think she'll be a good mum due to her past and the freinds fall out over it as this is all the Nell wants.
There partners plan a way to get them back together

This was another fabulous read following Merry for the third consecutive Christmas and this year she’s very close to giving birth however her health means that she has to take it very easy - a phrase very much not in her vocabulary. This is very much balanced out with chapters featuring her best friend Nell who is struggling with her own pregnancy issues but in Nell’s case it’s her inability to conceive and the potential implications of this. This is a lot more poignant than the previous Merry books but that’s not to say there’s not plenty of joy in amongst that it’s just that this has a lot of emotional depth which you might not typically expect from a Christmas read. I really did enjoy this as there’s some very strong contrasting storylines and the friction between Merry and Nell really carried the story well. It’s a bit less Christmassy than the previous books as it concentrates a lot more on relationships but it’s still sprinkled with seasonal treats too.