Somewhere Only We Know: The perfect uplifting, escapist new novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author!

by Cathy Bramley, Amber Gadd (Narrator), Sophia Di Martino (Narrator)

'Tender and emotional, just absolutely beautiful' JOSIE SILVER

'Heartbreaking and hopeful' SARAH MORGAN

She thought their love story was over.
The world had other plans...

When Magnolia Jones finds her daughter's travel journal, she can think of no better way to honour her life than setting off on the gap year trip that twenty-three-year-old Brontë had dreamed of taking.

It was meant to be Brontë's adventure, but perhaps following her daughter's footsteps around the world is exactly what Magnolia needs to piece her broken heart back together and begin to heal.

As her travels take her further away from home, memories of a long-ago summer come flooding back. Magnolia barely recognises that girl she used to be - the dreams she had, the freedom ahead, the midnight kisses on the beach with curly-haired, brown eyed Jackson.

Maybe, just maybe, in this magical place that is somewhere only they know, Magnolia is about to discover that her journey isn't over - it's just about to begin...

More praise for Somewhere Only We

'Life-affirming and full of love and hope. A book you won't want to put down, I devoured it greedily' SANTA MONTEFIORE

'A heart-breaking yet hugely uplifting novel about finding yourself after loss' EMILY STONE

'An injection of pure of happiness and escapism!' KIRSTY GREENWOOD

'An emotional journey which will have you reaching for tissues and your passport, this book is a beautiful exploration of grief and hope. The perfect cocktail of heartbreak, nostalgia and romance in an idyllic setting' VERONICA HENRY

'Poignant and inspiring, Somewhere Only We Know broke my heart and then healed it. Absolutely stunning!' KIM NASH

'Maggie was the perfect protagonist to travel the world with' CESCA MAJOR

'Emotional and evocative, the perfect escapist read. I loved it' ALEX BROWN

'A wonderfully different and uplifting novel - thoroughly enjoyable' KATIE FFORDE

'A gorgeous story that swept me away. I loved it!' SOPHIE COUSENS

'A journey of rediscovery and romantic adventure. Tender, touching and terrific!' SUZAN HOLDER

Audible Audio

Published July 31, 2025

About the author

Cathy 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

Reviews

[Sheila]

This book was good until she lets a young teenager go off on a train ride, by herself, and does not tell her father. The book lost its spark after that.

[Catherine Wellstead]

Oh wow 🌟 it’s about losing a loved one , how to keep living with the pain of grief , beautiful story 🌟

[Madeline Lawton]

Cried throughout the whole thing

[Lisa Martin-Whatley]

An easy to read book. Sweet and sad storyline

[Fictionatnight]

4.5⭐️
Cathy Bramley has once again delivered a heartwarming, beautifully written story that lingers long after the final page. Somewhere Only We Know is a tender exploration of the bond between mother and daughter, woven with themes of grief, regret, healing, and ultimately, hope.

I loved how the narrative alternated between the present and Maggie’s past, allowing us to truly understand her journey and see her not just as a mother, but as a woman with dreams, heartbreak, and resilience. The travel diary snippets were an absolute delight. We got to know Brontë and the snippets added authenticity and depth to Maggie’s story, and I found myself transported alongside her to each stunning destination. The vivid descriptions of her travels were so evocative that I felt like I had my own passport in hand.

Another highlight for me was the wonderful characters Maggie met throughout her travels. Each one brought something special to her journey and added richness to the story, making it feel warm and full of life.

This story is not about staying broken; it’s about picking up the pieces, rediscovering yourself, and finding joy in unexpected places. If I had one tiny niggle, it would be that the ending wrapped up a little too smoothly, but honestly, after such an emotional ride, I didn’t mind the satisfying close.

If you’re looking for a story that celebrates second chances, family, and the courage to live fully, this is the book for you. Absolutely loved it!

[Gaye Teather]

I've read and loved every one of Cathy's books and I have to say she just gets better and better. This book was outstandingly beautiful, sad, poignant and awe inspiring. It touched on every single emotion. The grief felt by a mother on losing her beloved 23 year old daughter, Bronte, in a car accident was so moving but also remarkably hopeful as she bravely takes on the challenge of fulfilling her daughter's planned gap year adventures in Nepal, Australia and Bali. Encouraged and motivated by Bronte's journal setting out her planned itinerary day by day, Mum, Maggie, sets out to go to the places that her daughter never got to see. The places were beautifully described and I felt I was there on that journey and I learned quite a lot about the countries that Maggie visited. The themes of deep love, especially that of a mother and daughter relationship, grief, regret and hope all feature here with a lesson to do those special things and go to those special places with our loved ones while we can as regret when it is too late to do so is a very painful emotion.. I absolutely loved this beautiful book that will stay with me for a long time. My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Gem ~]

The premise of this book in itself is a tearjerker but actually there's much more that is life-affirming and hopeful about this story that I encourage anyone, ESPECIALLY those who have experienced loss and grief, to read it.
There's a familiar tug between work and "life" experienced by the main character that I feel many people, particularly women in their 40s, can relate to and though we may all not have the resources to travel, we certainly would like to, and this book opens up this escapism to do so. The wonderful and hilarious moments of experience that travelling brings is captured perfectly and I think reading about Nepal, Australia and Bali alone was captivating.
The "journey" the main character goes on through grief as well as deep-rooted family and career tangles is a second branch of this story that is equally as important and interesting. Discovering what really matters and what options we have ties into the stages of life we all experience and the forks in the road that bring change and uncertainty but also gifts.
Another wonderful and beautiful book by Cathy Bramley who is one of my "must-buy" authors every time.

[Frances]

I absolutely Loved this story.
Don’t be put off by the original premise of this story, yes it has a few kleenex moments, but probably not where you would expect, the warmth and message of this book was delightful.
The dual narration works really well.

[Wabbit]

I adored this book, wonderful characters that are so well rounded I felt I knew them all! Great settings, and a life affirming m, positive read.

[Shelli]

3.5 🌟 So grateful to Compulsive Readers @thebookdealer @orionbooks for this #AD/PR #GIFTED copy of this wonderful book. So pleased to have been part of the tour.

This book is written with heart and, despite the obvious sadness portrayed, the story still manages to be upbeat and give ‘warm second chance at life’ vibes.

The story is well-written, with a comfortably predictable plot and likeable characters. Some difficult themes are handled sensitively and carefully, and I really felt a connection to the main character when reading. I adored the jumps in time and I especially enjoyed the letters shared within the journal throughout.

Overall, a great read! Out tomorrow, 9th April 2026!! Thank you!

[Jean]

Maggie`s daughter Brontë wants to have a year out after uni before working, and they argue but before making up Brontë is diesel in a car accident.
When Maggie's boss tells her to take a long break Maggie decides to follow Brontë s travel journal on where she wanted to go ending up where she was conceived and hopefully learn about her father.
A very moving story with a great ending but the description of Nepal seemed to go on forever which put me off.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC and I give my honest review

[Gales Tales70]

The story celebrates second chances and family with the courage to take risks, opportunities and living life to the full. Heartwarming, with wonderful characters and a life affirming positive read. Make sure you have tissues to hand

My first read by Cathy and I absolutely loved it and will stay with me a while

[Joanne Whitefoot]

An amazing story. Sometimes very sad and a tear jerker. But other times I found myself laughing out loud, my family wondered what was wrong. Highly recommended this book and Cathy Bramley as an author. Love her books

[Sue Burton]

Emotional read

[Linda]

Oh my days what a journey!!! This book was an emotional rollercoaster but in a good way.
The story is utterly heartwarming such a joyous read and it will melt your heart.

[Anne McKinley]

Lovely. It was a balm for my hurting heart.

[Sharon Richardson]

I just finished reading this wonderful heartbreaking but heartwarming story ........such a beautifully written journey ...