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A Patchwork Family #1-4
De patchworkfamilie
Single Gina leidt een gemoedelijk en zorgeloos bestaan en gaat conflicten het liefst uit de weg. Ze runt een kinderopvang vanuit haar gehuurde, knusse cottage aan de rand van landgoed The Evergreens. Zodra het grote landgoed samen met haar cottage verkocht dreigt te worden, is Gina vastbesloten om hier een stokje voor te steken. Hierdoor staat ze recht tegenover de knappe vreemdeling die de verkoop regelt. Gooien haar gevoelens voor hem haar plannen overhoop?
Paperback
First published March 5, 2020
327 people are currently reading
1860 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Bramley
66 books1,133 followersCathy Bramley is the author of the best-selling romantic comedies Ivy Lane, Appleby Farm, Wickham Hall, Conditional Love and The Plumberry School of Comfort Food. She lives in a Nottinghamshire village with her family and a dog.
Her recent career as a full-time writer of light-hearted, romantic fiction has come as somewhat of a lovely surprise after spending eighteen years running her own marketing agency. However, she has been always an avid reader, never without a book on the go and now thinks she may have found her dream job!
Cathy loves to hear from her readers. You can get in touch via her website www.CathyBramley.co.uk Facebook page Facebook.com/CathyBramleyAuthor or on Twitter twitter.com/CathyBramley
Her recent career as a full-time writer of light-hearted, romantic fiction has come as somewhat of a lovely surprise after spending eighteen years running her own marketing agency. However, she has been always an avid reader, never without a book on the go and now thinks she may have found her dream job!
Cathy loves to hear from her readers. You can get in touch via her website www.CathyBramley.co.uk Facebook page Facebook.com/CathyBramleyAuthor or on Twitter twitter.com/CathyBramley
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 269 reviews
May 20, 2020
It has been a long time since I have been on here to share a review with you and that is because I lost my husband last year and at your time of need you would think your love of reading would be there to help but unfortunately for me the complete opposite happened and I lost my joy of reading.
When I got my hands on a copy of The Patchwork Family by Cathy Bramley, an author I absolutely love and tie that with a little weekend break with my sister I was hopeful that I would find my love of reading hidden in the pages of this book.
Our main character Gina is such a down to earth, passionate and selfless character with a pure heart of gold. Gina is determined to make this new chapter of her life a positive and successful one in her own right. Her childminding business has the potential to blossom and as she begins to make plans for expansion the unexpected happens and throws her ideas in a grander scale which would help those around her but can she pull it off after years of being put down by her loved ones. As the storyline moves along we get to find out more about how Gina felt growing up and in her previous relationship which only made me only want her to succeed in her venture even more.
I felt like this was a relatable storyline with characters all dealing with life’s struggles in one way or another.
I loved the idea of bringing two different generations together to help the elderly with their loneliness and in turn the little ones learning traditional values, something that I think would benefit us all in the real world too. The storyline flowed beautifully making this such an addictive and enjoyable read that captured my heart with its hope, love and warmth.
There was some witty moments which kept the storyline light and uplifting buffering the more tender parts of the book. The oldies are a great addition to this storyline and Bing was thoroughly charming cheeky and entertaining throughout. There is a sweet sprinkling of romance in this book but this doesn’t overtake the whole storyline.
I was taken in by this novel and its warmth and kindness touched my heart and gave me the pure escapism I always loved in reading. This was up there with my favourite, Ivy Lane by this author and is definitely one that in these anxious and devastating times will take your mind off to a better place. I am thrilled to have loved and enjoyed this book which I will be recommending to many, lets just hope my reading mojo is back for good so I can pass more recommendations your way in this current time of distraction.
When I got my hands on a copy of The Patchwork Family by Cathy Bramley, an author I absolutely love and tie that with a little weekend break with my sister I was hopeful that I would find my love of reading hidden in the pages of this book.
Our main character Gina is such a down to earth, passionate and selfless character with a pure heart of gold. Gina is determined to make this new chapter of her life a positive and successful one in her own right. Her childminding business has the potential to blossom and as she begins to make plans for expansion the unexpected happens and throws her ideas in a grander scale which would help those around her but can she pull it off after years of being put down by her loved ones. As the storyline moves along we get to find out more about how Gina felt growing up and in her previous relationship which only made me only want her to succeed in her venture even more.
I felt like this was a relatable storyline with characters all dealing with life’s struggles in one way or another.
I loved the idea of bringing two different generations together to help the elderly with their loneliness and in turn the little ones learning traditional values, something that I think would benefit us all in the real world too. The storyline flowed beautifully making this such an addictive and enjoyable read that captured my heart with its hope, love and warmth.
There was some witty moments which kept the storyline light and uplifting buffering the more tender parts of the book. The oldies are a great addition to this storyline and Bing was thoroughly charming cheeky and entertaining throughout. There is a sweet sprinkling of romance in this book but this doesn’t overtake the whole storyline.
I was taken in by this novel and its warmth and kindness touched my heart and gave me the pure escapism I always loved in reading. This was up there with my favourite, Ivy Lane by this author and is definitely one that in these anxious and devastating times will take your mind off to a better place. I am thrilled to have loved and enjoyed this book which I will be recommending to many, lets just hope my reading mojo is back for good so I can pass more recommendations your way in this current time of distraction.
September 22, 2020
Gina runs a child care business from the cottage she is renting at the edge of The Evergreens. The Evergreens is a stately old place which is home to the elderly Violet, Delphine and Bing. When the Evergreens is put up for sale, Gina and her friends try to come up with a plan to stop them being evicted and all losing their home. Gina does come up with a plan but she is not sure how feasible it is. It requires stepping out and taking a huge risk, something Gina, feels inadequate to do. Does she believe in herself and her ideas enough to see this plan through? And what about Dexter, the man who, along with his sister Rebecca, has come into her life and complicated matters in more ways than one. Can Gina find a way to bring her plans to fruition?
Gina is a lovey generous hearted person who really cares about her friends and the children she looks after. She is very easy to like and empathise with. The three elderly residents of the Evergreens are also beautifully drawn. Some of the other characters are initially unlikable given their attitudes but do change somewhat as the story progresses. Some more than others. There is also one person the reader will dislike intensely and with good reason. The story shows a lot about human nature. How people relate to each other and work together for a common cause but also how they turn on others quickly when things go pear shaped.
I really enjoyed this charming book. No doubt it is a pure bit of escapism but it is beautifully told. One issue I did query though was a decision Gina makes towards the end, which struck me as odd given how tight the money situation was. But that aside I was happy to suspend disbelief and go with the flow in this story of friendship, love and family. There are moments of sadness but also moments that had me laughing. The children Gina looks after are a delight and Gina is a creative and imaginative person. Unashamedly a feel good read, but in the current climate that was exactly what was needed. Anyone who likes chick lit with warm and likable characters should like this one. A recommended read that leaves you feeling good. My first book by this author I would be keen to read another.
Gina is a lovey generous hearted person who really cares about her friends and the children she looks after. She is very easy to like and empathise with. The three elderly residents of the Evergreens are also beautifully drawn. Some of the other characters are initially unlikable given their attitudes but do change somewhat as the story progresses. Some more than others. There is also one person the reader will dislike intensely and with good reason. The story shows a lot about human nature. How people relate to each other and work together for a common cause but also how they turn on others quickly when things go pear shaped.
I really enjoyed this charming book. No doubt it is a pure bit of escapism but it is beautifully told. One issue I did query though was a decision Gina makes towards the end, which struck me as odd given how tight the money situation was. But that aside I was happy to suspend disbelief and go with the flow in this story of friendship, love and family. There are moments of sadness but also moments that had me laughing. The children Gina looks after are a delight and Gina is a creative and imaginative person. Unashamedly a feel good read, but in the current climate that was exactly what was needed. Anyone who likes chick lit with warm and likable characters should like this one. A recommended read that leaves you feeling good. My first book by this author I would be keen to read another.
July 12, 2020
4.5 stars - such an uplifting read in these unsettling and uneasy times, perfect escapism. It was lovely to see the older generation getting such a key part to the storyline too, a really nice change.
April 13, 2020
I’ve always love Cathy’s books and certainly didn’t disappoint me at all such a warm funny book with plenty about kindness and friendships come from many different people of different ages and plenty about romance to.
Gina has just divorced from her husband and she’s a childminder from a cottage she rents in a small lovely cottage on the edge of the evergreens which is a country home to three octogenarians and they have had so much fun and still do. One of the three people pass away suddenly and the evergreens is out up for sake she wants to stay there protect her work and her friends who are going to be evicted. She makes a stand and puts up a fight and she wants to buy the place. Can she with support of friends do this especially when someone else is interested but the more she fights she starts believing in herself. Problem is when she learns who the person is who wants it hoe will she react and also when she thinks she is fighting well she starts having feelings for someone can she prove she loves him or not. Will she be able to stay childminding and looking after her wonderful children.
Gina has just divorced from her husband and she’s a childminder from a cottage she rents in a small lovely cottage on the edge of the evergreens which is a country home to three octogenarians and they have had so much fun and still do. One of the three people pass away suddenly and the evergreens is out up for sake she wants to stay there protect her work and her friends who are going to be evicted. She makes a stand and puts up a fight and she wants to buy the place. Can she with support of friends do this especially when someone else is interested but the more she fights she starts believing in herself. Problem is when she learns who the person is who wants it hoe will she react and also when she thinks she is fighting well she starts having feelings for someone can she prove she loves him or not. Will she be able to stay childminding and looking after her wonderful children.
November 10, 2019
This book is every bit as glorious as I hoped it would be.
It’s so full of warmth and humour and the characters sparkle off the page. There are some truly adorable children and some wonderful octogenarians, a central character who is kind and generous, brilliant at her job but - like so many people - lacking in self-belief. The hero is utterly gorgeous!
It’s a book about family - but not just the family you’re born with, the family you make for yourselves. The ending is perfection.
I don’t think you could read this and fail to be cheered - and inspired. A beautiful, funny and engaging story about love and kindness, with a huge heart.
It’s so full of warmth and humour and the characters sparkle off the page. There are some truly adorable children and some wonderful octogenarians, a central character who is kind and generous, brilliant at her job but - like so many people - lacking in self-belief. The hero is utterly gorgeous!
It’s a book about family - but not just the family you’re born with, the family you make for yourselves. The ending is perfection.
I don’t think you could read this and fail to be cheered - and inspired. A beautiful, funny and engaging story about love and kindness, with a huge heart.
June 16, 2021
Such a heartwarming, cosy easy read; Just what you expect from a Cathy Bramley book.
I loved how the character ages ranged from baby to Octogenarian, it was nice to have that range.
Gina is so determined to protect the Victorian house, her child minding business and her elderly friends, I was willing her to succeed. There was also a bit of Christmas sparkle too and who doesn't love that?!
A solid 4.5 star for me.
I loved how the character ages ranged from baby to Octogenarian, it was nice to have that range.
Gina is so determined to protect the Victorian house, her child minding business and her elderly friends, I was willing her to succeed. There was also a bit of Christmas sparkle too and who doesn't love that?!
A solid 4.5 star for me.
April 14, 2020
All of Cathy's books are brilliant, this being right up there too. I immediately warmed to Gina, she is an inspirational woman who is very kind and caring. I liked how the other characters stories came up and how Gina helps them. I liked the storyline and wished for Gina to start believing in herself more. I look forward to looking where this tor y goes on the next book of Cathy's. This book had me in tears but also had me laughing as some of the.children she looks after are hilarious, and Bing too is really funny. This is a must read.
April 28, 2020
SPOILER ALERT. This book was not my cup of tea. I felt like it took so long to get started and by the 145th page I was beginning to wonder what the book was even about as it didn't have a particular focus. There were too many events happening at once and too many characters. I felt like the ending was predictable and it didn't need to be 434 pages to get to that ending.
However that being said, my favourite part of the book was the final few chapters when Gina and Dexter finally got together which I had wanted all along. I think if the story focused solely on them, rather than several different things I would have enjoyed it more and given it a much higher rating.
However that being said, my favourite part of the book was the final few chapters when Gina and Dexter finally got together which I had wanted all along. I think if the story focused solely on them, rather than several different things I would have enjoyed it more and given it a much higher rating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2021
What a fantastic uplifting story. I laughter and cried my way through this book esp in part 4 of the book. I loved the characters even if I did find Gina a bit irritating at times😂
I loved that a lot of the story and love was given to elderly characters and that they weren’t just name dropped but an intricate part of the story.
My only criticism would be it should be marketed as a Christmas book as a lot of the story is about Christmas magic and I’m sat reading it in may, I’d love to be sat reading it with a hot chocolate and my Christmas tree
A first read by this author and I’ll definitely be checking out her other work
Solid 4.5 ⭐️
I loved that a lot of the story and love was given to elderly characters and that they weren’t just name dropped but an intricate part of the story.
My only criticism would be it should be marketed as a Christmas book as a lot of the story is about Christmas magic and I’m sat reading it in may, I’d love to be sat reading it with a hot chocolate and my Christmas tree
A first read by this author and I’ll definitely be checking out her other work
Solid 4.5 ⭐️
July 6, 2021
Another cosy read, same format as always, but very enjoyable.
February 28, 2021
There were happy tears in my eyes by the end of this fabulous book.
But before you get to that point, you are treated to such a wonderful story, which has so many threads to it, and quite a few surprises too.
Gina is just a really lovely main character and she is determined to not let anyone evict her, or her elderly friends for their homes, much less the impact it has on her childminding business.
I'm not sure if I should be telling how wonderful the pensioners that live at Evergreens are, especially Bing who I really do have a soft spot for. Or how adorable the children are in Gina's friends for you get to know so many of them.
Including the new family Cat with her twins Lily and Isobel, who with Gina's care seem to come on leaps and bounds.
There are new friendships being formed all over the book, and I loved the various activities Gina did with her charges, Paige who is Gina's friend and also a childminder providing some contrast.
I always love it authors include characters from their previous books, and specifically it was fabulous to catch up with the Lemon Tree Cafe gang, and seeing what they are up to nowadays. This is 100% a standalone book, but fans of the author will potentially recognise and enjoy catching up with old friends.
Originally this was published in 4 parts and I love the way each part ends with just enough of a hook for me to be turning the pages frantically to start the next part. For I had to know what would happen next.
My mind has gone to mush trying to thinks of more words than just fabulous, but that is what this book truly is. I always love a Cathy Bramley and this was no exception. another gem by this always talented author.
But before you get to that point, you are treated to such a wonderful story, which has so many threads to it, and quite a few surprises too.
Gina is just a really lovely main character and she is determined to not let anyone evict her, or her elderly friends for their homes, much less the impact it has on her childminding business.
I'm not sure if I should be telling how wonderful the pensioners that live at Evergreens are, especially Bing who I really do have a soft spot for. Or how adorable the children are in Gina's friends for you get to know so many of them.
Including the new family Cat with her twins Lily and Isobel, who with Gina's care seem to come on leaps and bounds.
There are new friendships being formed all over the book, and I loved the various activities Gina did with her charges, Paige who is Gina's friend and also a childminder providing some contrast.
I always love it authors include characters from their previous books, and specifically it was fabulous to catch up with the Lemon Tree Cafe gang, and seeing what they are up to nowadays. This is 100% a standalone book, but fans of the author will potentially recognise and enjoy catching up with old friends.
Originally this was published in 4 parts and I love the way each part ends with just enough of a hook for me to be turning the pages frantically to start the next part. For I had to know what would happen next.
My mind has gone to mush trying to thinks of more words than just fabulous, but that is what this book truly is. I always love a Cathy Bramley and this was no exception. another gem by this always talented author.
March 15, 2021
This truly was a magical book. I loved all the characters and Gina who the main story is about is a wonderful woman with ambition and drive to keep people together.
August 5, 2021
There were bits of this book that definitely made me laugh out loud. Would recommend!
March 6, 2022
Absolutely loved it and even bought tears at the end. Will definitely be reading that again, just fantastic
December 23, 2021
"Seltsis segasem" peategelane on eralastehoidu pidav, äsjalahutatud Gina. Maja, milles ta elab ja töötab, kuulub vanemale naisterahvale Violetile. Viimase ootamatu surm toob kohale rahaahned sugulased Rebecca ja Dexteri, kes maja ja valdused (sh. Gina üürimaja) kiiresti rahaks teha tahavad. Nii ähvardabki Ginat ning Violeti endisi majakaaslasi Bingi ja Dephine't kodutuks jäämine ja selle asemel, et endale lihtsalt uus elukoht otsida, ei kavatse nad võitluseta loobuda ja otsustavad maja lahtiste uste päevi saboteerida. Nende püüdlused on nii edukad, et koos potensiaalsete ostjatega, lahkub ka Dexter (kellesse Gina on vahepeal armuda jõudnud).
Vabandan ette, aga see polnud minu raamat.
Loo mõte meeldis mulle väga, kuid teostus kohe üldse mitte. Tegelaste valik oli huvitav, kuid mind segas autori stiil, sest ta suutis kõike, isegi traagilisi sündmusi mesimagusas võtmes kujutada. Olemuselt meenutas Libby Page'i "Brockwelli ujulat", mis minult samuti miinimumpunktid sai. Nii, et kui teile too meeldib, siis peaks ka see sobima, aga mulle ei lähe sellised raamatud peale.
Seda nimetatakse "hea tuju" raamatuks. Normimise mõttes võiks muidugi küsida, kas mõnda raamatut, mis pole just õpik, loetakse teadlikult halva tuju tekitamiseks, kuid minu hea tuju raamat on hoopis "Rasmus, Pontus ja Lontu".
Goodreadsi andmetel olen oma arvamusega vähemuses, seega palun ärge kuulake mind ja lugege ikka, kui huvitav tundub.
Vabandan ette, aga see polnud minu raamat.
Loo mõte meeldis mulle väga, kuid teostus kohe üldse mitte. Tegelaste valik oli huvitav, kuid mind segas autori stiil, sest ta suutis kõike, isegi traagilisi sündmusi mesimagusas võtmes kujutada. Olemuselt meenutas Libby Page'i "Brockwelli ujulat", mis minult samuti miinimumpunktid sai. Nii, et kui teile too meeldib, siis peaks ka see sobima, aga mulle ei lähe sellised raamatud peale.
Seda nimetatakse "hea tuju" raamatuks. Normimise mõttes võiks muidugi küsida, kas mõnda raamatut, mis pole just õpik, loetakse teadlikult halva tuju tekitamiseks, kuid minu hea tuju raamat on hoopis "Rasmus, Pontus ja Lontu".
Goodreadsi andmetel olen oma arvamusega vähemuses, seega palun ärge kuulake mind ja lugege ikka, kui huvitav tundub.
July 12, 2020
Sometimes it’s good to step out of what you’re used to reading and try something new. The Patchwork Family is a little different than what I’m used to reading and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it.
The beginning part of the book was a little slow moving. There’s the story and characters setup but I wished it had picked up a bit sooner. The characters were great and well written. A lot of them were quirky and I loved it! Especially the residents at The Evergreen. I loved the mission Gina set off to accomplish. It wasn’t without its bumps in the road. I also loved the statement in that family can be whoever and wherever you want it to be. Hope was a huge feeling as well! There were some twists I didn’t see coming and some moments that tugged at your heart strings. I was there for all of it!!
I really enjoyed this book! It’s definitely a feel good read. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I look forward to reading more. I give this 4 stars.
**Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng**
The beginning part of the book was a little slow moving. There’s the story and characters setup but I wished it had picked up a bit sooner. The characters were great and well written. A lot of them were quirky and I loved it! Especially the residents at The Evergreen. I loved the mission Gina set off to accomplish. It wasn’t without its bumps in the road. I also loved the statement in that family can be whoever and wherever you want it to be. Hope was a huge feeling as well! There were some twists I didn’t see coming and some moments that tugged at your heart strings. I was there for all of it!!
I really enjoyed this book! It’s definitely a feel good read. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I look forward to reading more. I give this 4 stars.
**Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng**
March 26, 2020
I love cathy Bramley’s books , and this one lives up to expectations.
I listened the the audiobook version which is wonderfully narrated by Colleen Prendergast.
This can be easily read as a stand alone, but we see a partial return of Rosie and some of her family from the Lemon Tree Cafe.
As usual you get swept away into a world of lovely characters and you find yourself rooting for them through their ups and downs until it all escalates into a glorious finish.
Loved it .
I listened the the audiobook version which is wonderfully narrated by Colleen Prendergast.
This can be easily read as a stand alone, but we see a partial return of Rosie and some of her family from the Lemon Tree Cafe.
As usual you get swept away into a world of lovely characters and you find yourself rooting for them through their ups and downs until it all escalates into a glorious finish.
Loved it .
May 24, 2020
Now don’t get me wrong, I love a bit of chick lit but there were so many plot holes in this book I just couldn’t get over!
Spoiler alert:
My favourite plot hole was that most of the story Gina complained about not having enough money to afford to buy The Evergreens and then she can miraculously afford to buy flights to New York and a hotel right before Christmas which would be an astronomical amount of money!! What?!
Spoiler alert:
My favourite plot hole was that most of the story Gina complained about not having enough money to afford to buy The Evergreens and then she can miraculously afford to buy flights to New York and a hotel right before Christmas which would be an astronomical amount of money!! What?!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2020
A wonderful, heartwarming story which I couldn't put down. Cathy writes about how family is beyond those who you are related to and about how community can be found within many generations. A beautiful reminder that we need young and old to be in our chosen families.
I will definitely be reading more of Cathy's novels and recommending this to friends
I will definitely be reading more of Cathy's novels and recommending this to friends
April 27, 2021
This is such a cosy read about family being more than blood and the importance of it. Love the way it portrays grief so well. So many amazing things in one book.
June 19, 2021
Good story line easy to follow 😊
May 28, 2020
This is the third book in this sort of series set in the Derbyshire Dale's, I say sort of as they don't exactly follow on but they do have characters that follow on through from the previous books. This makes it seem very friendly and homely to read, like they are long lost friends you are catching up with.
This book centres on newly divorced Gina, who is a registered child minder and lives in Welcome Cottage. What Gina would really like would be to move to somewhere a bit bigger and somewhere that she can call hers. When the house nearby and her own cottage come up for sale, she realises that this could be the answer to her dreams.
A book full of friendships, old and new, that you just can't get enough of in this book. Lovely setting, interesting characters, and it warms you right through, what more could you want. Another 5☆ read from Cathy Bramley.
This book centres on newly divorced Gina, who is a registered child minder and lives in Welcome Cottage. What Gina would really like would be to move to somewhere a bit bigger and somewhere that she can call hers. When the house nearby and her own cottage come up for sale, she realises that this could be the answer to her dreams.
A book full of friendships, old and new, that you just can't get enough of in this book. Lovely setting, interesting characters, and it warms you right through, what more could you want. Another 5☆ read from Cathy Bramley.
August 11, 2020
This is the kind of 5 star that says: this book might not belong to literary masterpieces, but it’s hugely enjoyable and just what I needed. It’s a lovely cheesy countryside novel with realistic characters, a few different character plot lines, and the perfect ending. It’s exactly what I needed and I flew through it.
December 29, 2025
This is the kind of book I would ordinarily give three stars to but, seeing as it is Christmas, and it magically turned into a Christmas story, I will round it up to four stars. If you like cute little romantic stories with happy endings this is a good one. I am an old grump and even I liked it.
May 16, 2020
This was cute. It kind of reminded me of a Hallmark Christmas movie. I liked that Gina found herself through her adventures. She was able to bring all generations together. Cute meet cute with her and Dexter, I liked their enemies to lovers relationship. I won this book through Goodreads.
May 26, 2020
A sweet,heart warming story.
January 17, 2021
Tears of sadness, tears of joy. An absolutely fantastic read. Highly recommended and by far one of the best books I have read
June 16, 2021
Was quite nice in the end
July 2, 2022
A lovely story first one read by this author
June 13, 2023
I really couldn't put this book down. A book that is totally worth reading
Displaying 1 - 30 of 269 reviews