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Merry Shaw #3
A Merry Little Christmas: The most heart-warming, joyful and cosy small-town romance book to curl up with this Christmas
This Christmas indulge in some me-time and enjoy this uplifting and heart-warming story from Sunday Times bestseller Cathy Bramley. Full of romance, laughter and family drama, A Merry Little Christmas is the perfect book to curl up with this festive season.
In the snowy market town of Wetherly, Merry is about to take on her biggest project yet - the arrival of a new baby. She has always dreamed of being a mother, since losing her mum at a young age. Everyone is so excited, so why is Merry feeling terrified? And why is she struggling to open up to business partner and best friend Nell, whose help she needs at their thriving candle shop more than ever?
What Nell desperately wants for Christmas is a baby with husband Olek. But when she uncovers a shocking truth about Olek's past, dreams of a family are turned upside down. Nell feels she has no-one to turn to, as Merry is wrapped up in her own plans for the new baby.
Tensions run high as Christmas approaches, and Merry and Nell's friendship reaches breaking point. As long-held secrets finally come to light, can Nell and Merry save the most precious gift of all - their friendship?
In the snowy market town of Wetherly, Merry is about to take on her biggest project yet - the arrival of a new baby. She has always dreamed of being a mother, since losing her mum at a young age. Everyone is so excited, so why is Merry feeling terrified? And why is she struggling to open up to business partner and best friend Nell, whose help she needs at their thriving candle shop more than ever?
What Nell desperately wants for Christmas is a baby with husband Olek. But when she uncovers a shocking truth about Olek's past, dreams of a family are turned upside down. Nell feels she has no-one to turn to, as Merry is wrapped up in her own plans for the new baby.
Tensions run high as Christmas approaches, and Merry and Nell's friendship reaches breaking point. As long-held secrets finally come to light, can Nell and Merry save the most precious gift of all - their friendship?
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2024
331 people are currently reading
552 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Bramley
66 books1,130 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 124 reviews
December 30, 2024
I could not finish this book. Way too much drama, lies, and secrets. Was not Christmas like at all.
September 30, 2024
I feel it's important to start my review with trigger warnings as this book does contain references to pregnancy, fertility issues and pregnancy loss, which I know from my own experience can be not the content that some people are comfortable with just encountering in a book, especially a festive read.
This is no criticism of Cathy Bramley's writing at all, the book is great, it hooks you in and is full of drama, conflict and a really honest and gritty look at friendship, relationships and parenting, I just feel personally that I want my Christmas books on the lighter, escapist, side of life. It was a great follow up to how life is now treating Merry, Emily and their loved ones after the first book, though you can absolutely read this as a standalone book as it does fill in the plot.
Overall if you want a dramatic and quite harrowing at times book to get stuck into then this is a great read, however if it's uplifting, festive joy and light humour that you prefer in your Christmas books then perhaps this isn't the one for you this time.
This is no criticism of Cathy Bramley's writing at all, the book is great, it hooks you in and is full of drama, conflict and a really honest and gritty look at friendship, relationships and parenting, I just feel personally that I want my Christmas books on the lighter, escapist, side of life. It was a great follow up to how life is now treating Merry, Emily and their loved ones after the first book, though you can absolutely read this as a standalone book as it does fill in the plot.
Overall if you want a dramatic and quite harrowing at times book to get stuck into then this is a great read, however if it's uplifting, festive joy and light humour that you prefer in your Christmas books then perhaps this isn't the one for you this time.
January 1, 2025
I wasn’t sure if I would finish this book, but I decided to try and I’m glad I did. I’ve now read a Lucy Score book! Will I pick up another in the future? Quite possibly. For all its flaws, there was a good amount of romance, some likeable characters and both heartwarming and humorous scenes. Some of the references in the romance scenes possibly slipped through edits and shouldn’t have though - ‘pebbled nipples?’
It was a typical hallmark with additional romance, and not nearly enough festive references given that it’s marketed as a Christmas read. The enemies to lovers theme was strong, the banter brilliant, but ultimately the main character (Noah) clearly a misogynistic guy until he got what he wanted, and Cat was very over the top in her enthusiasm to help a town that she had no connection to.
It was a typical hallmark with additional romance, and not nearly enough festive references given that it’s marketed as a Christmas read. The enemies to lovers theme was strong, the banter brilliant, but ultimately the main character (Noah) clearly a misogynistic guy until he got what he wanted, and Cat was very over the top in her enthusiasm to help a town that she had no connection to.
December 27, 2024
Just loved it, and was good to catch up with Merry and Nell
November 14, 2024
Some parts read like an episode of EastEnders!
I perhaps should have read the earlier books that introduced us to Merry and Nell. The letters at the end were a nice touch, but I didn't find much else "cosy"!
I perhaps should have read the earlier books that introduced us to Merry and Nell. The letters at the end were a nice touch, but I didn't find much else "cosy"!
October 10, 2024
How lovely to be back with Merry and Cole. What a lot happening, I’m not sure how Merry kept her blood pressure down when I could feel mine soaring with all the stress she was going through.
It also has to said that the sub story with Nell and Olek was just as heart wrenching. And I must admit to having such a soft spot for Olek.
I loved how family was the main theme and how you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone. Family is defined differently by everyone and I really liked how it was defined here. Family is more than blood and DNA, it’s love and commitment.
A simply beautiful read, full of so much Christmas magic. I really hope we get to look in on them again soon.
It also has to said that the sub story with Nell and Olek was just as heart wrenching. And I must admit to having such a soft spot for Olek.
I loved how family was the main theme and how you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone. Family is defined differently by everyone and I really liked how it was defined here. Family is more than blood and DNA, it’s love and commitment.
A simply beautiful read, full of so much Christmas magic. I really hope we get to look in on them again soon.
December 7, 2024
I had been looking forward to reading this third book in the series. Unfortunately I didn't like it as much as the previous books in the series. The book focussed so much on pregnancies, fights and secrets, that it made for a very gloomy read for most of the story. Only at the end of the book, things got better. I do like the author's other books; just this one not as much.
November 13, 2024
Not very festive and quite depressing in parts. Way too much focus on pregnancy and babies sorry
December 26, 2025
Having absolutely adored Books 1 and 2 in this charming series, I was more than a little excited to read this entry in the Merry Shaw franchise, and revisit all my favourite characters. However, this book seemed to lack so much of the signature charm of its predecessors, and many of my favourite characters were relegated to the sidelines of this book, and barely featured. I'd also admired Merry as a protagonist, and loved her character development in the first two novels, but in this book I found her irksome, notably her behaviour towards her best friend Nell, which was, at worst reprehensible, and at best, insensitive. I would still encourage people to read the first two books in this series, which ooze charm, and read like a hug-in-a-book, but I sadly wouldn't recommend reading A Merry Little Christmas.
January 17, 2025
The third installment of the "Christmas" series featuring Merry and Nell. I was annoyed at Nell for lying to Olek about the test results. And then continuing to lie to everyone about her situation. And Merry was grumpy and controling with everyone too. However all was solved in the end, and just as Christmas was upon them. I am ready for another book from Cathy that moves away from this group and gives us new characters to enjoy.
December 14, 2025
3 ⭐️ ik vond dit boek echt een stuk minder leuk dan de vorige 2 in de serie. Het was meer een drama dan een romance boek en ik vond dit ook een beetje overheersend met veel miscommunicatie. Opzich wel een leuk boek voor de kerst, maar niet een romance wat ik eigenlijk had bedacht. Daarom wel 3 ster, maar gewoon niet mijn favoriet.
November 20, 2024
It was great to be back in Whetherley to catch up with Merry and friends. There were quite a lot of people acting out of character which I didn’t like though so I didn’t enjoy this as much as the other 2 but would still read more
January 1, 2025
An enjoyable Christmas read with multi storylines on the themes of parents, babies and friendship meant that there was enough to interest me over 350+ pages. Not too shallow and a mixture of drama, humour and romance.
November 10, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley & publishers for this arc! While this book had a lot of really touching & meaningful moments that filled me with warmth, I’m just not sure it was for me but can appreciate how much other people have loved it and how well it was written. Especially how sensitive the author is to the hard subject matter & it was handled/written really well. Not sure if it is because it was my first Merry book & I should have read the books before but I just didn’t connect with any of the characters or felt invested in the story. The first 70-80% of the book really dragged on and felt very doom and gloom and a bit repetitive, not a cute festive christmas book as I was expecting. Both main characters were equally a bit annoying & cringey and as I also don’t really enjoy the miscommunication trope I think that also played an aspect.
Overall I think if you enjoy the stories & characters from the previous books you would really like this one but unfortunately it just wasn’t for me.
Overall I think if you enjoy the stories & characters from the previous books you would really like this one but unfortunately it just wasn’t for me.
December 29, 2024
Really enjoyed this book and love this series. I hope there’s another book to follow on from this. Love the letters at the end. Felt a tad emotional.
January 6, 2025
Once I started to read this, I couldn't put it down. Having read Cathy's book last Christmas it didn't take long to remember all the characters from her last one.
Great story.
Great story.
December 27, 2024
This book was a bit too soap like for my taste way too many arguments and drama. both Merry and Nell complain way too much. The ending felt rushed and I hope we find out in another installment what happens to Woody the Airbnb guest.
November 7, 2024
I felt this book was a bit disappointing especially after I had had enjoyed the previous two Christmas books about Merry. There wasn’t much Christmas in this book compared to the last two. I felt Merry was being horrible to her husband Cole a lot of the time and especially to her best friend Nell. I didn’t like her much in this book
January 3, 2025
I found this rather depressing rather than Christmassy so decided not to finish it.
December 7, 2024
3,5 ⭐
Si vous cherchez une histoire toute douce de Noël, passez votre chemin. Cette histoire se passe certes à la période des fêtes mais c'est beaucoup plus profond que ce qu'on pourrait imaginer (deuil, infertilité, suicide).
L'année dernière, j'avais lu le tome précédent donc j'avais envie de retrouver Merry et tout son entourage dans ce livre. J'ai été un peu déçue parce que j'ai trouvé Merry assez détestable pendant une grande partie du livre. Même si ça a l'air fait exprès au regard de l'histoire, ça m'a un peu empêché d'accrocher et d'avoir envie de dévorer ce livre. J'ai également eu du mal avec les mensonges présents et la miscommunication qui est un des trucs qui me soûlent le plus dans les romans...
J'ai tout de même passé un moment agréable parce que les personnages sont attachants et que l'histoire reste très touchante.
Si vous cherchez une histoire toute douce de Noël, passez votre chemin. Cette histoire se passe certes à la période des fêtes mais c'est beaucoup plus profond que ce qu'on pourrait imaginer (deuil, infertilité, suicide).
L'année dernière, j'avais lu le tome précédent donc j'avais envie de retrouver Merry et tout son entourage dans ce livre. J'ai été un peu déçue parce que j'ai trouvé Merry assez détestable pendant une grande partie du livre. Même si ça a l'air fait exprès au regard de l'histoire, ça m'a un peu empêché d'accrocher et d'avoir envie de dévorer ce livre. J'ai également eu du mal avec les mensonges présents et la miscommunication qui est un des trucs qui me soûlent le plus dans les romans...
J'ai tout de même passé un moment agréable parce que les personnages sont attachants et que l'histoire reste très touchante.
September 18, 2024
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.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and reviews.
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.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and reviews.
September 14, 2024
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.
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.
November 24, 2024
Another fabulous book, I loved every chapter of it.
December 9, 2024
A Merry Little Christmas is the third book in Cathy Bramley’s Christmas series following Merry, who we have followed in all three books, and her best friend Nell who we have known since book 1. This year Merry is preparing for her new baby while also feeling terrified of being a mother and Nell is struggling with infertility and doesn’t know what to do after discovering something about her husband’s past that could change everything. I would recommend checking out the trigger warnings as infertility, death of a parent and pregnancy are all widely discussed throughout the story.
I would say that as the series has gone on the tone of the books has stayed consistently festive however the stories have gradually moved from fully romance, to part romance, part contemporary, to in this one a fully contemporary story. I have continued to enjoy them however my favourite is definitely book 1 and if it is a series you are considering becoming invested in I would bear in mind.
There were things I loved about this book both new and familiar but also unfortunately it is also the book in the series that had the most things I didn't enjoy reading.
Starting with the positives, I loved seeing how Merry and Emily’s relationship has developed over the year. It often feels very special to read and it is great to see how close they have become. In fact some of the bonds characters have with others make up some of my favourite parts of these books. This includes Cole’s sister Hester and how she just adds to every scene she is in and Fred, Cole’s dad, who has to be one of my top characters. I have also really enjoyed seeing more of Max, Nell’s stepson, in this book as we have previously met him but didn’t really know him.
Following the same couple for 3 books each with different stories also really lets you get to know the couple and I have really enjoyed rereading the series to watch Merry and Cole’s relationship develop book by book.
As I already mentioned I did have a few things I didn’t fully enjoy about this book and the main one of those was how it felt like we were always in the middle of tension and conflict. Some of this makes sense for the plot and most of it I can see why it was added in, none of it felt like it was there for the sake of it, however I do think some of it could have been stripped back and built to the same character development with less overall conflict because at times I felt like it took away from the festive feeling, and I didn’t enjoy reading so much conflict for so long, a little bit less would’ve been a nice amount and worked for the story.
There were still festive vibes though among some really special scenes among friends and family which shared some messages that also feel important around Christmas time. It was overall a really solid Christmas book that I would recommend. I really enjoyed curling up with this and a hot drink as we started December and am really glad I bought it when it was released.
Thank you to Netgalley and Orion Publishing Group for a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
I would say that as the series has gone on the tone of the books has stayed consistently festive however the stories have gradually moved from fully romance, to part romance, part contemporary, to in this one a fully contemporary story. I have continued to enjoy them however my favourite is definitely book 1 and if it is a series you are considering becoming invested in I would bear in mind.
There were things I loved about this book both new and familiar but also unfortunately it is also the book in the series that had the most things I didn't enjoy reading.
Starting with the positives, I loved seeing how Merry and Emily’s relationship has developed over the year. It often feels very special to read and it is great to see how close they have become. In fact some of the bonds characters have with others make up some of my favourite parts of these books. This includes Cole’s sister Hester and how she just adds to every scene she is in and Fred, Cole’s dad, who has to be one of my top characters. I have also really enjoyed seeing more of Max, Nell’s stepson, in this book as we have previously met him but didn’t really know him.
Following the same couple for 3 books each with different stories also really lets you get to know the couple and I have really enjoyed rereading the series to watch Merry and Cole’s relationship develop book by book.
As I already mentioned I did have a few things I didn’t fully enjoy about this book and the main one of those was how it felt like we were always in the middle of tension and conflict. Some of this makes sense for the plot and most of it I can see why it was added in, none of it felt like it was there for the sake of it, however I do think some of it could have been stripped back and built to the same character development with less overall conflict because at times I felt like it took away from the festive feeling, and I didn’t enjoy reading so much conflict for so long, a little bit less would’ve been a nice amount and worked for the story.
There were still festive vibes though among some really special scenes among friends and family which shared some messages that also feel important around Christmas time. It was overall a really solid Christmas book that I would recommend. I really enjoyed curling up with this and a hot drink as we started December and am really glad I bought it when it was released.
Thank you to Netgalley and Orion Publishing Group for a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
December 26, 2024
In the snowy market town of Wetherly, Merry is about to take on her biggest project yet - the arrival of a new baby. She has always dreamed of being a mother, since losing her mum at a young age. Everyone is so excited, so why is Merry feeling terrified? And why is she struggling to open up to business partner and best friend Nell?
What Nell desperately wants for Christmas is a baby with husband Olek. But when she uncovers a shocking truth about Olek's past, dreams of a family are turned upside down. Nell feels she has no-one to turn to, as Merry is wrapped up in her own plans for the new baby.
Tensions run high as Christmas approaches, and Merry and Nell's friendship reaches breaking point. As long-held secrets finally come to light, can Nell and Merry save the most precious gift of all - their friendship?
I loved this series and it was so great to be back with Merry and Nell again. I’ve always loved Merry and Nells friendship so to see it strained was sad.
The book is from a dual POV which I always love and was so easy to read.
At first Merry came across as controlling in this book until her vulnerability was shown. Nell’s story was heartbreaking but written sensitively and with care. The story was full of drama and gritty friendship. It was great to be back with all the familiar characters which all added something to the story.
The book does contain some trigger warnings and it’s not the lightest Christmas read but still enjoyable and such a page turner, I was obsessed in knowing what would happen. The writing keeps you gripped and I have enjoyed the whole Merry series.
This can be read as a stand-alone book or as part of the series. I would recommend reading the whole series it’s fab.
What Nell desperately wants for Christmas is a baby with husband Olek. But when she uncovers a shocking truth about Olek's past, dreams of a family are turned upside down. Nell feels she has no-one to turn to, as Merry is wrapped up in her own plans for the new baby.
Tensions run high as Christmas approaches, and Merry and Nell's friendship reaches breaking point. As long-held secrets finally come to light, can Nell and Merry save the most precious gift of all - their friendship?
I loved this series and it was so great to be back with Merry and Nell again. I’ve always loved Merry and Nells friendship so to see it strained was sad.
The book is from a dual POV which I always love and was so easy to read.
At first Merry came across as controlling in this book until her vulnerability was shown. Nell’s story was heartbreaking but written sensitively and with care. The story was full of drama and gritty friendship. It was great to be back with all the familiar characters which all added something to the story.
The book does contain some trigger warnings and it’s not the lightest Christmas read but still enjoyable and such a page turner, I was obsessed in knowing what would happen. The writing keeps you gripped and I have enjoyed the whole Merry series.
This can be read as a stand-alone book or as part of the series. I would recommend reading the whole series it’s fab.
December 30, 2024
I was very excited to be back in Wetherly with Merry and the gang! I absolutely loved the first two instalments of this series when I read them last Christmas so I made sure to fit this one in over the festive period 🎄
It’s the run up to Christmas and we are greeted by a heavily pregnant Merry, one year on from her wedding to Cole. Merry’s candle shop, Merry & Bright, is thriving, with best friend Nell now a partner in the business. Despite this, Merry is having a hard time relinquishing control and struggles to slow down towards the end of her pregnancy, but when her waters break a few weeks early, she’s forced to take a back seat. Nell is struggling a lot with her own fertility problems, and seeing Merry so blasé about being pregnant drives a real wedge into their friendship.
The two women have a very tough time of it in this book, and their friendship appears to be completely shattered. Nell’s relationship with partner Olek is in pieces, Merry’s Dad’s health is ailing…can they come through the other side? And will Nell be there when Merry brings new life into the world?
I have to say, Merry did annoy me in this book! 🙈 I guess that was kind of the whole point…she was pregnant and stressed and fearful about how she would take to being a mother, however she had me eye rolling sooooo often. And to be honest, Nell wasn’t much better! I still loved the story and the characters, but I think some of the festiveness was lost through the drama, and it was that warm, Christmassy feeling that I loved so much about the first two books, which is why I’ve dropped a star. But a good instalment overall. Just not my favourite from the series!
It’s the run up to Christmas and we are greeted by a heavily pregnant Merry, one year on from her wedding to Cole. Merry’s candle shop, Merry & Bright, is thriving, with best friend Nell now a partner in the business. Despite this, Merry is having a hard time relinquishing control and struggles to slow down towards the end of her pregnancy, but when her waters break a few weeks early, she’s forced to take a back seat. Nell is struggling a lot with her own fertility problems, and seeing Merry so blasé about being pregnant drives a real wedge into their friendship.
The two women have a very tough time of it in this book, and their friendship appears to be completely shattered. Nell’s relationship with partner Olek is in pieces, Merry’s Dad’s health is ailing…can they come through the other side? And will Nell be there when Merry brings new life into the world?
I have to say, Merry did annoy me in this book! 🙈 I guess that was kind of the whole point…she was pregnant and stressed and fearful about how she would take to being a mother, however she had me eye rolling sooooo often. And to be honest, Nell wasn’t much better! I still loved the story and the characters, but I think some of the festiveness was lost through the drama, and it was that warm, Christmassy feeling that I loved so much about the first two books, which is why I’ve dropped a star. But a good instalment overall. Just not my favourite from the series!
January 5, 2025
I took a few holiday books with me on my trip to London thinking I’d be reading a bunch, but that didn’t happen. We were busy everyday and then I got home and got so busy with the holidays that I didn’t have a lot of reading time. So even though it’s after Christmas I wanted to finish what I started and I was so happy I finished A Merry Little Christmas because it was so cute! Full of love, family, friendship, woman owned business, babies, and lots of yummy desserts and tea! Definitely a perfect holiday read but also good for a wintry cold month. Author Cathy Bramley has so many books. Can’t wait to read more in the future.
Merry and Nell have been inseparable since college and working together just seems right. They have both dreamed of the day they can start families and have their babies together but the universe has other plans. Merry gets married and right away gets pregnant while Nell wonders why a year has passed and still no bun in the oven. Nell is so happy for her friend but it’s not easy watching Merry have something she wants so badly.
Merry is as big as a house and ready to pop but her new home isn’t ready yet even though her husband scold promised her it would be. Growing up without a mother Merry has it in her head that everything needs to be perfect when the baby arrives but it’s not practical. Meanwhile Neil has gotten some distributing news from her fertility doctor that will surely shake her and Olek’s world. How can one test make you question everything?
The two friends will go through so much but can it bring them closer of push them away? You’ll need to read your find out!
Merry and Nell have been inseparable since college and working together just seems right. They have both dreamed of the day they can start families and have their babies together but the universe has other plans. Merry gets married and right away gets pregnant while Nell wonders why a year has passed and still no bun in the oven. Nell is so happy for her friend but it’s not easy watching Merry have something she wants so badly.
Merry is as big as a house and ready to pop but her new home isn’t ready yet even though her husband scold promised her it would be. Growing up without a mother Merry has it in her head that everything needs to be perfect when the baby arrives but it’s not practical. Meanwhile Neil has gotten some distributing news from her fertility doctor that will surely shake her and Olek’s world. How can one test make you question everything?
The two friends will go through so much but can it bring them closer of push them away? You’ll need to read your find out!
October 28, 2024
#AMerryLittleChristmas
#Netgalley
From the the best selling author Cathy Bramley, this is her latest Christmas book. It follows on from last year's fantastic Christmas book, Merrily Ever After, and the previous years book The Merry Christmas Project, but don't worry if you haven't read them, you will soon be engrossed in this book. We meet best friends, Nell and Merry, and Merry's half-sister Emily. Nell and her husband Olek are having trouble conceiving and Merry has been admitted to hospital earlier than she wanted as her waters have broken and the doctor insisted that she should have bed rest, but she has too much to do that just now, what with moving house and work commitments on the lead up to Christmas, she just doesn't want to wait until the baby is deemed full term in three weeks time.
As it gets nearer to Christmas Day, things don't go to plan, friendships are strained, baby plans are strained too, and Merry's Shop desperately needs some staff to help bring festive cheer. No spoilers but in this close knit community, people pull together whether they are family, friends or complete strangers and very soon Merry and Nell are beginning to look forward to Christmas but then nothing goes to plan and friendships are strained to the limit! You will certainly be pulled into the storyline from the very first few pages and I couldn't put it down, a lovely heartwarming festive and christmassy story, I always have to read a Cathy Bramley book at this time of year, it wouldn't be Christmas without Cathy Bramley.
#Netgalley
From the the best selling author Cathy Bramley, this is her latest Christmas book. It follows on from last year's fantastic Christmas book, Merrily Ever After, and the previous years book The Merry Christmas Project, but don't worry if you haven't read them, you will soon be engrossed in this book. We meet best friends, Nell and Merry, and Merry's half-sister Emily. Nell and her husband Olek are having trouble conceiving and Merry has been admitted to hospital earlier than she wanted as her waters have broken and the doctor insisted that she should have bed rest, but she has too much to do that just now, what with moving house and work commitments on the lead up to Christmas, she just doesn't want to wait until the baby is deemed full term in three weeks time.
As it gets nearer to Christmas Day, things don't go to plan, friendships are strained, baby plans are strained too, and Merry's Shop desperately needs some staff to help bring festive cheer. No spoilers but in this close knit community, people pull together whether they are family, friends or complete strangers and very soon Merry and Nell are beginning to look forward to Christmas but then nothing goes to plan and friendships are strained to the limit! You will certainly be pulled into the storyline from the very first few pages and I couldn't put it down, a lovely heartwarming festive and christmassy story, I always have to read a Cathy Bramley book at this time of year, it wouldn't be Christmas without Cathy Bramley.
December 28, 2024
4.5 star
I am on a roll with my Christmas books this year and one I was super excited about was A Merry Little Christmas by Cathy Bramley. This book reunites us with Merry and Nell who you would have met if you have read her previous books The Merry Christmas Project and Merrily Ever After, now I have only read the first book so I was a little unsure if I would be able to follow the storyline having missed the middle book but I decided to go ahead and treat myself and give it a try .anyway. I need not have worried as I found myself swept along by the storyline from start to finish without feeling like I had missed anything.
Well this was certainly a book that was determined to leave a lasting impression on me. By the half way mark I was in tears! This really is such a poignant read that is going to stay in my heart forever.
There were a number of sensitive issues that were tackled in this book and the author really did delve into each situation with care but also with raw and real emotions rather than sugar coating anything and I think this was why it was so emotive because it all just felt so real and with friends of mine currently in a similar situation it actually opened my eyes up even more to the pain and anguish they constantly feel.
Friendships and relationships were really put to the test and in all honesty I never quite new if the book would live up to the title and give us a Merry Little Christmas.
I would definitely recommend this book but be sure to have a box of tissues to hand.
I am on a roll with my Christmas books this year and one I was super excited about was A Merry Little Christmas by Cathy Bramley. This book reunites us with Merry and Nell who you would have met if you have read her previous books The Merry Christmas Project and Merrily Ever After, now I have only read the first book so I was a little unsure if I would be able to follow the storyline having missed the middle book but I decided to go ahead and treat myself and give it a try .anyway. I need not have worried as I found myself swept along by the storyline from start to finish without feeling like I had missed anything.
Well this was certainly a book that was determined to leave a lasting impression on me. By the half way mark I was in tears! This really is such a poignant read that is going to stay in my heart forever.
There were a number of sensitive issues that were tackled in this book and the author really did delve into each situation with care but also with raw and real emotions rather than sugar coating anything and I think this was why it was so emotive because it all just felt so real and with friends of mine currently in a similar situation it actually opened my eyes up even more to the pain and anguish they constantly feel.
Friendships and relationships were really put to the test and in all honesty I never quite new if the book would live up to the title and give us a Merry Little Christmas.
I would definitely recommend this book but be sure to have a box of tissues to hand.
November 23, 2024
An absolute Christmas joy of a book to read.
This definitely had me feeling Merry and Bright by the end, even if there is an absolute rollercoaster throughout the book, as we catch up with Merry and Nell in their respective quests for motherhood.
And at times I didn't recognise either of them, as they were acting so out of character, but equally it felt very familiar to be back amongst these characters and their lives. And I found myself wishing for a Christmas miracle at points for both Merry and Nell.
There are secrets, lies, emotional outbursts, and some storylines that potentially could be tricky to read if you are desperate for a baby of your own. Merry at times feels oddly delusional, while Nell is bottling so much up, it's bound to explode badly.
It's a story of friendship, of new beginnings, of strengthening relationships and just an all around fabulous book to read.
I devoured it in a day, happily curled up on the sofa, ignoring real life, just absorbed in the pages of this book. I really really hope this isn't the end for these characters but fear it could be. I have absolutely adored this series, and there is something really quite special about a Cathy Bramley Christmas book - I just hope there will be more!
Just fabulous.
Thank you to Orion and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
This definitely had me feeling Merry and Bright by the end, even if there is an absolute rollercoaster throughout the book, as we catch up with Merry and Nell in their respective quests for motherhood.
And at times I didn't recognise either of them, as they were acting so out of character, but equally it felt very familiar to be back amongst these characters and their lives. And I found myself wishing for a Christmas miracle at points for both Merry and Nell.
There are secrets, lies, emotional outbursts, and some storylines that potentially could be tricky to read if you are desperate for a baby of your own. Merry at times feels oddly delusional, while Nell is bottling so much up, it's bound to explode badly.
It's a story of friendship, of new beginnings, of strengthening relationships and just an all around fabulous book to read.
I devoured it in a day, happily curled up on the sofa, ignoring real life, just absorbed in the pages of this book. I really really hope this isn't the end for these characters but fear it could be. I have absolutely adored this series, and there is something really quite special about a Cathy Bramley Christmas book - I just hope there will be more!
Just fabulous.
Thank you to Orion and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
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