Home Sweet Home in Brambleton: A BRAND NEW uplifting read, full of fresh starts and community spirit from Fay Keenan for 2026

by Fay Keenan

Let Fay Keenan whisk you away from it all with the latest heartwarming and uplifting instalment of the much-loved Brambleton series. Perfect for fans of Milly Johnson, Cathy Bramley and Veronica Henry. 💖💫📚 Every book in the Brambleton series can be read as a standalone.

Following a less-than-picture-book childhood, Bella West has got used to moving around – putting down roots opens you up for disappointment and heartbreak. But since arriving in the idyllic Somerset village of Lower Brambleton, something has changed.

Bella loves her job at Purrfect Paws cat rescue and the many residents love her back. So, when one particularly grumpy Bengal named Monty proves hard to charm, Bella is determined to find out his story.

When Noah Hathaway’s beloved Grandpa Jack passes away it falls to him to deal with his estate including his charming but run-down cottage in Lower Brambleton, not forgetting Jack’s cantankerous cat Monty. Busy with a life in London, Noah wants to settle things quickly, but countryside life has its own pace and slowly but inexorably the charms of Lower Brambleton begin to work their magic on Noah.

Can one morose moggy, one perfect English village and one endless countryside summer teach Bella and Noah the meaning of home and the joy of taking a chance on love?

Escape into the English countryside for this joyful tale of friendship and family, revelations and romance. Guaranteed to make you smile!

Readers love Fay Keenan ❤️:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘Fay Keenan is one of my very favourite authors and, once again, she doesn’t disappoint! Reader review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘From start to finish I just could not put this book down, it had wonderful writing that pulled me into its pages right from the very beginning.’ Reader review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘Oh I couldn't put this down… I kinda wish the characters were my family just so I get to see the happiness in real life...’ Reader review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'An easy, heartwarming read that grips you from the outset.' Reader review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Fay Keenan never disappoints' Reader review

Authors love Fay Keenan ❤️:

‘Guaranteed to put a spring in your step. Feel-good, frisky and great fun with a hearty dash of romance and intrigue.' Julie Houston

'This is fast becoming a favourite series of mine. If you enjoy my books I'm sure you will love Fay's too!' Sarah Bennett

'This novel has such a gorgeous setting. A lovely light read and the perfect book to pack in your suitcase and take on holiday. Recommended.' Della Galton

'A gorgeous rural romance full of warmth and charm.' Victoria Connelly

'Moving, funny, thoughtful and romantic. Bring on the next one!' Jenny Kane

324 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 12, 2026

About the author

Fay Keenan lives and works in Somerset. When Fay is not chasing her children around or writing, she teaches English at a local secondary school. Fay writes ‘heart thumping romantic fiction’ and likes to cover subjects of interest in her novels, including UK Parliament, the Air Ambulance and the international cider making industry. Her novels explore relationships, country living and hopefully have a good sprinkling of escapism, too!

Reviews

[Karen Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have authors that i just know their books are going to be brilliant and Fay is one of them. There hasnt been a single book ive not enjoyed and this one was part of a gorgeous series which again ive loved.

I loved being back in Lower Brambleton and see what past characters are up to and I really enjoy Bella's and Noah s journey.

An easy 5⭐️ read.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gentle, uplifting, and full of charm—this is exactly the kind of book that feels like a deep breath out.

Returning to Lower Brambleton in this new instalment feels like stepping into sunshine. Fay Keenan once again creates a village that wraps around you like a warm hug—full of kindness, character, and that unmistakable small‑town magic.

Bella West is such an easy heroine to root for. After a childhood that taught her not to get too comfortable anywhere, watching her slowly settle into the rhythms of Brambleton is genuinely heartwarming. Her work at Purrfect Paws is adorable, and her tenderness toward the animals (even the prickly ones!) gives the story a lovely emotional anchor. Monty the Bengal—gloriously grumpy and stubborn—absolutely steals the show.

Noah Hathaway is a perfect contrast: city‑polished, busy, and suddenly knocked off balance by grief and responsibility after his grandfather’s death. His return to Lower Brambleton—and to Monty—is full of gentle humour, nostalgia, and the kind of quiet moments that sneak up and soften you. Watching the countryside slowly work its magic on him is one of the biggest joys of the book.

Bella and Noah’s connection is warm and steady, built on shared compassion, community ties, and the healing power of taking things at the village’s pace. There’s a lovely softness to their romance—no drama for drama’s sake, just two people finding home in exactly the place they least expected.

This story has everything I want from a cosy contemporary romance: a welcoming village, lovely friendships, animals with big personalities, emotional growth, and a slow-burn love story that leaves you smiling.

If you’re looking for a feel‑good escape into rolling countryside, sunshine‑filled afternoons, and a community you’ll wish you could join, Home Sweet Home in Brambleton is the perfect pick.

My thanks to Fay Keenan, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Sarah Martinez · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my second Fay Keenan book, the first being Charlotte and Tristan’s story in 𝘈 𝘚𝘬𝘺 𝘍𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘴.

A full year since my last Keenan read, I forgot how incredibly slow-paced her writing is. The stories are interesting enough to keep reading, but it took me ten days to finish this book. That’s a long time for me. It took me so long because I kept getting BORED. There is such a thing as slow-burn romance, but there was no burn that I could see. The storyline proceeds at a glacial pace.

The characters are also very two-dimensional. I appreciate far more insight into what makes a character tick than what I get from these books. There were hints of backstory that could’ve been fleshed out far more.

Also, Keenan uses far too many exclamation points where they’re not needed.

Overall, a decent book, but not my cup of tea.

I have included some cautions below this line, which could be considered spoilers. Please do not read further if you wish for your reading experience to be completely unspoiled.
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CAUTIONS: POTENTIALLY UPSETTING OCCURRENCES IN THIS BOOK:

detailed talk of pet euthanasia, death of a pet on-page

•𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘉𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘸𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸.•

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fabulous read from Fay Keenan in this latest instalment in the Brambleton series. Bella West has not had the most idyllic childhood and as such has always struggled to settle anywhere. However Lower Brambleton feels like a place where she could put down roots. Working at Purrfect Paws cat rescue and the local pub she is part of the community. When Noah Hathaway’s very much loved grandpa Jack dies his grumpy Bengal cat Monty finds himself a resident at Purrfect Paws. Noah starts to visit Lower Brambleton to sort out Jack’s cottage and make it ready to sell but the more he visits the more drawn to the place he feels. Also meeting Bella changes things for both of them. This is such a lovely story and flows so beautifully with a bit of drama, family dynamics, a sense of community along with romance and new beginnings. I loved the characters and how they interacted, plus how each characters storylines were woven through the main story. Really looking forward to the next one in the series.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC

[The Lit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m giving this a 5 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC! I absolutely loved this story—it provided so many feel-good vibes. This is a warm, cozy tale filled with an interesting cast of characters and wonderful moments.

The story is centered around a cat sanctuary, which was just delightful. I especially loved the fun of comparing American to English words throughout the book! It’s a light, pleasant read with a very sweet romance at its heart. This was exactly the kind of "warm hug" a reader needs, and I truly hope there will be more to come in this series.

Obsessed with cozy village vibes? Head over to my profile @TheLitWhisperer to see more of my Brambleton favorites!

[Susanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story, so many feel-good vibes! Bella is usually a bit of a nomad but she's been in Lower Brambleton longer than most other places, working for the cat sanctuary and the local pub. Noah's grandad lived in the village and Noah grew to love the place. After his grandad passes away and he needs to sell the cottage, he's unsure as to whether he really wants to leave. Between Bella and her secret past (a good one), Noah and his desire to stay in the village, and Noah's grandad's curmudgeonly Bengal cat, Monty, this is a warm, cosy story filled with great characters and wonderful moments. Hopefully there'll be more to come in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books, and Fay Keenan for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Kayla Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars!

Just from the title alone you know it's going to be a heartwarming story and it did not disappoint! Fay Keenan's writing style is just a like a warm hug and I love it so much. Noah and Bella were so sweet and I just loved everything about them. Thank you so much to NetGalley and to the publisher for my digital ARC!!

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet romance. Centered around a cat sanctuary. Fun comparing American to English words. A light, pleasant read. Interesting cast of characters. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely story with some sweet romance.
Taking place in and around a cat rescue was an added joy. If you’re looking for a feel good story definitely add this one to your list.