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Somewhere Only We Know: The perfect uplifting, escapist new novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author!
Tender and emotional, just absolutely beautiful JOSIE SILVER
Sometimes it takes getting away from it all to truly bring you home . . .
From the Sunday Times bestselling storyteller Cathy Bramley comes an emotional, escapist and uplifting novel about a grieving mother who travels in the footsteps of her teenage daughter from the vineyards of Australia to the beaches of Bali.
Single parent Maggie has always worked hard, juggling a career with raising her beautiful daughter, Bronte. She is shocked when Bronte abandons her dream job at a top London advertising firm, to go travelling. They argue, and before they can reconcile Bronte is tragically killed in a car accident.
Devastated by grief, Maggie is ordered by her boss Anna to take a sabbatical. She discovers Bronte's gap year journal, filled with hopes and dreams for her future travels. Maggie decides to put her life back together by taking on her daughter's gap year. She is reminded of her younger self, the adventurous twenty-two-year-old who fell head over heels for Jackson, a young American she met whilst volunteering, and fell pregnant with Bronte.
The journal takes Maggie to backpackers' paradise Nepal, where she changes the life of vulnerable women in Chitwan, to the Blue Mountains in Australia where she comforts Bronte's grieving boyfriend Harry. She also enjoys a brief romance with Jono, a dashing vineyard owner who restores her confidence. Fate finally reunites them twenty years later in Bali, he too was drawn back to the place and no-one has ever come close to Maggie. As they come to terms with the events of their past and the daughter they shared, together they begin to heal.
384 pages, Hardcover
Published July 31, 2025
About the author
Cathy Bramley
66 books1,145 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 70 reviews
April 10, 2026
What a beautiful story, Cathy Bramley, has weaved together.
Cathy Bramley is well-know for writing such beautiful page-turning novels, with characters you care about.
Tears were in my eyes, reading Somewhere Where Only We Know.
Brontë wants to go travelling, take a gap year, before she starts work. She is desperate to earn money and save it.
When Brontë leaves her home for a week, the most upsetting thing happens and Brontë never comes home.
After Brontë death, brave, Magnolia Jones, has thrown herself into her job.
But when she out at a pub with work colleagues, one fellow has far too much to drink. Because her daughter died by a drunk driver, Magnolia takes his keys so he can’t drive home.
I was totally shocked with what she did with this man’s car keys, did Magnolia take things a bit too far?
Magnolia fears she will lose her job, after what she did with the fellows car keys.
What will Magnolia Jones do next?
This story captured my heart from the first page, until the very last.
I know this novel will be a strong favourite for all readers and book clubs, I specially recommend reading Somewhere Only We Know, to you all.
Cathy Bramley is well-know for writing such beautiful page-turning novels, with characters you care about.
Tears were in my eyes, reading Somewhere Where Only We Know.
Brontë wants to go travelling, take a gap year, before she starts work. She is desperate to earn money and save it.
When Brontë leaves her home for a week, the most upsetting thing happens and Brontë never comes home.
After Brontë death, brave, Magnolia Jones, has thrown herself into her job.
But when she out at a pub with work colleagues, one fellow has far too much to drink. Because her daughter died by a drunk driver, Magnolia takes his keys so he can’t drive home.
I was totally shocked with what she did with this man’s car keys, did Magnolia take things a bit too far?
Magnolia fears she will lose her job, after what she did with the fellows car keys.
What will Magnolia Jones do next?
This story captured my heart from the first page, until the very last.
I know this novel will be a strong favourite for all readers and book clubs, I specially recommend reading Somewhere Only We Know, to you all.
May 28, 2025
@babsbookcorner instagram
A story of courage and second chances.
When Magnolia finds her daughter’s travel journal, she can think of no better way to honour her life than setting off on a gap year trip that 23 year old Brontë had dreamed of .
Forced into taking a sabbatical from work Magnolia knew she had to find a way to work through her grief. So she decided set off travelling around the world with Brontë as her tour guide .
Thank you so much to @CathyBramley, @netgallery and @orionbooks for sending me an early release copy of this beautiful book. Publication date 31st July 2025.
This is my first Cathy Bramley book and I can’t wait to read more. Cathy writes from the heart and her ability to bring a story to life is remarkable. I felt like I was there every step of the way on Maggie’s travels whether it was walking through the streets of Bali or the vineyards of Australia.
I found Maggie a truly inspirational character and how she used her grief and courage to help others overcome their fears .
Did I enjoy this ?
Definitely. I couldn’t put it down and read it in 2 sittings. It was uplifting and heart warming whilst at the same time dealing with some sensitive issues .It takes you on one woman’s journey through grief after the sudden loss of her child.
This book is a celebration of life, family and love. It makes you realise how precious life is and how we should never be afraid to take on new challenges.
Would I recommend it ?
Absolutely this book was beautifully written and I can’t wait to recommend it to friends and customers.
#somewhereonlyweknow
#cathybramley
#heartwarming
#grief
#makingmemories
#gapyear
A story of courage and second chances.
When Magnolia finds her daughter’s travel journal, she can think of no better way to honour her life than setting off on a gap year trip that 23 year old Brontë had dreamed of .
Forced into taking a sabbatical from work Magnolia knew she had to find a way to work through her grief. So she decided set off travelling around the world with Brontë as her tour guide .
Thank you so much to @CathyBramley, @netgallery and @orionbooks for sending me an early release copy of this beautiful book. Publication date 31st July 2025.
This is my first Cathy Bramley book and I can’t wait to read more. Cathy writes from the heart and her ability to bring a story to life is remarkable. I felt like I was there every step of the way on Maggie’s travels whether it was walking through the streets of Bali or the vineyards of Australia.
I found Maggie a truly inspirational character and how she used her grief and courage to help others overcome their fears .
Did I enjoy this ?
Definitely. I couldn’t put it down and read it in 2 sittings. It was uplifting and heart warming whilst at the same time dealing with some sensitive issues .It takes you on one woman’s journey through grief after the sudden loss of her child.
This book is a celebration of life, family and love. It makes you realise how precious life is and how we should never be afraid to take on new challenges.
Would I recommend it ?
Absolutely this book was beautifully written and I can’t wait to recommend it to friends and customers.
#somewhereonlyweknow
#cathybramley
#heartwarming
#grief
#makingmemories
#gapyear
May 29, 2025
Maggie's daughter Bronte was tragically killed at the young age of twenty-three. Maggie is finding it hard to come to terms with, especially as she didn't want her to give up a new job to go back packing for a year.
Forced to take a sabbatical from her job, Maggie decides to open Bronte's gap year journal and take herself on her travels.
This was quite an emotional read. I did find myself crying at times, so be warned and armed with tissues!
Maggie visits some amazing places. Nepal, where she meets the wonderful Tiff. Then, onto the Blue Mountains of Australia, where she has a little romance and then finally to Bali. The final destination is where she can talk about her grief with the one person who will understand.
Cathy writes with such depth and humanity.
I felt I was on the journey with Maggie. There are definitely some places I want to visit, and you can tell that Cathy has also been here too. Beautiful locations.
Thanks to Netgalley and Orion Publishing for the ARC in return for an honest review.
Forced to take a sabbatical from her job, Maggie decides to open Bronte's gap year journal and take herself on her travels.
This was quite an emotional read. I did find myself crying at times, so be warned and armed with tissues!
Maggie visits some amazing places. Nepal, where she meets the wonderful Tiff. Then, onto the Blue Mountains of Australia, where she has a little romance and then finally to Bali. The final destination is where she can talk about her grief with the one person who will understand.
Cathy writes with such depth and humanity.
I felt I was on the journey with Maggie. There are definitely some places I want to visit, and you can tell that Cathy has also been here too. Beautiful locations.
Thanks to Netgalley and Orion Publishing for the ARC in return for an honest review.
July 30, 2025
This was such an emotional book that definitely had me feeling all of the feels. It is the most perfect escapist read that travels all the way from the vineyards of Australia to the glorious beaches of Bali.
Maggie is forced to take a sabbatical from her job and stricken with grief she makes the decision to embark on her daughter’s planned gap year…
I really enjoyed this beautiful story and all of the amazing destinations were all written about so, so well and it was very easy to picture all of the wonderful locations and i honestly felt as though i was there soaking up all of the journey’s goodness.
Somewhere Only We Know sent me on a wonderful emotional journey, full of courage, love, loss, heartbreak, second chances and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her daughter and i thoroughly enjoyed it all…….
Maggie is forced to take a sabbatical from her job and stricken with grief she makes the decision to embark on her daughter’s planned gap year…
I really enjoyed this beautiful story and all of the amazing destinations were all written about so, so well and it was very easy to picture all of the wonderful locations and i honestly felt as though i was there soaking up all of the journey’s goodness.
Somewhere Only We Know sent me on a wonderful emotional journey, full of courage, love, loss, heartbreak, second chances and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her daughter and i thoroughly enjoyed it all…….
August 8, 2025
This was an emotional but truly beautiful book, made me cry but also believe there is hope that you can live your best life after a tragedy. In my opinion Cathy Bramley’s best book.
April 3, 2026
This is a women's fiction book which is really amazing - I loved it so much and I highly recommend it. It is the best book I have read this year!
The story is about a woman called Magnolia whose daughter Bronte dies and later down the line, Magnolia finds Bronte's travel journal. In the diary/journal lists all the adventures that Bronte had wanted to go on. Magnolia then sets out to try to complete these adventures herself, in memory of Bronte.
This is a book full of wonder, magic, adventure, grief, delight and love and it is heart-warming, heart-breaking and amazing, all at the same time. This would be an awesome book to take on holiday with you or to read in the garden on a sunny day. Or why not listen to the audiobook while you do your daily walk or your housework - you will love it!
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
The story is about a woman called Magnolia whose daughter Bronte dies and later down the line, Magnolia finds Bronte's travel journal. In the diary/journal lists all the adventures that Bronte had wanted to go on. Magnolia then sets out to try to complete these adventures herself, in memory of Bronte.
This is a book full of wonder, magic, adventure, grief, delight and love and it is heart-warming, heart-breaking and amazing, all at the same time. This would be an awesome book to take on holiday with you or to read in the garden on a sunny day. Or why not listen to the audiobook while you do your daily walk or your housework - you will love it!
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
April 9, 2026
For some reason or another it has been quite some time since I have read a book by Cathy Bramley despite loving her writing style but after reading her latest book, Somewhere Only We Know, I know I won’t be leaving it so long the next time. This was a wonderful read from start to finish with so much heart, compassion and soul poured into the writing. Despite the tough subject matter this was a story that I fell quickly into and I read it in two sittings and I think that’s because I truly felt every bit of emotion that the main character Maggie was dealing with and there was so much throughout the book that I was nodding along in agreement with. Yes, I mightn’t have caught up with every book that Cathy has recently written but I sense that this is her best book to date. It’s deeply personal and will speak to so many people providing comfort, advice, healing, hope and closure.
A brief but informative prologue which sets the scene for what it to come introduces us to Magnolia (Maggie) who is in her 40’s and her daughter Bronte. Maggie has raised Bronte on her own and they share a very strong bond. So when Bronte announces that she has a gap year all planned and mapped out in detail and is putting her new job in the art department of the Saatachi creative agency on hold Maggie is not best pleased. Bronte wants to have her Bali moment like Maggie did so many years before but that didn’t turn out the way Maggie had envisaged and she has been working hard to raise her daughter ever since. Maggie gives short shrift to the idea and doesn’t take the time to listen to Bronte and read more about what she had planned through the wonderful ideas she had written in her gap year notebook. Maggie will regret this as when I turned the page to chapter one life has been irrevocably altered for Maggie. An incident involving a car means Maggie has been left without a daughter and Bronte’s boyfriend Harry was seriously injured. Maggie’s world has been torn apart, and nothing will ever be the same. To be honest this was a kick in the stomach for me as I didn’t read the blurb before starting the book as I knew I wanted to get back into Cathy’s books and knew what the themes usually were. I was as devastated as Maggie for the loss of her daughter and wondered how she could carry on?
As the time approaches when Bronte would have left for her gap year, Maggie is continuing to spiral although to the outside world to all intents and purposes she is working hard in her job in sales and hoping for a promotion but behind it all she is suffering but won’t open up to anyone. Immense guilt takes up lots of space within her that she hadn’t supported Bronte in her plans and she feels there will be no way to elevate this. Moving on is extremely difficult and as she says herself she must keep moving forward because if she stops and is forced to look backwards god knows what would be unleashed that she is not and may never be ready to deal with. This quote really resonated with me ‘I realised I’d been wearing a suit of armour since Bronte died scared, that if I lifted the faceguard all my emotions would pour our and I’d never be able to scoop them back in again’. I think a lot of us can relate to this and how we deal with grief. An incident at work leads to Maggie being forced to take a sabbatical and not having her work, a team to manage or a daughter to mother just who is she? Now is the time in which she will find out as Bronte’s planned gap year is about to come to fruition through her mother’s eyes.
Bronte’s gap year notebook becomes like a talisman and guide for Maggie. Every word written is poured over and dissected although Maggie only reads pages as one part of her journey ends and the next begins wanting to keep everything a surprise until the last possible moment. Starting in Nepal, Cathy Bramley takes the reader on a journey of discovery, character growth, acceptance and of learning to reach an acceptance of loss so that one can continue to live whilst holding the missed loved one close to your heart. The section of the book set in Nepal was fabulous and so vividly described. I loved the mixture of humour amidst some sad moments and this worked exceptionally well throughout the book as Maggie’s journey continued. Maggie realises, ‘Wisdom doesn’t come with age, it comes from experiencing things you don’t always want to do’. She starts to push herself and do things Bronte had outlined in her plans, things which Maggie would never have attempted before but in doing so she feels closer to Bronte and fulfilling her daughter's dreams becomes her one and only goal. Maggie is someone adept at downplaying her emotions but through meeting remarkable people and forging some strong friendships she slowly starts to understand that we only have one chance at life and we have to make the most of it which was what Bronte had wanted to do.
From Nepal Maggie ventured to Australia, again beautifully described and the storyline here to be honest I wanted it to last longer. It could have been an entire book in itself and secretly I wanted something to happen but for the sake of the book as a whole I knew this couldn’t come to fruition despite me desperately wanting it to. Meeting Harry in Australia, who is there to visit his uncle in the Blue Mountains, opened up another strand to the story and allowed for a lot of depth and emotion to spill forth. One thing I particularly liked about this was the beautiful description of loved ones and stars. It will bring a tear to your eye that’s for sure. Scattered throughout the book are chapters detailing Maggie’s time in Bali when she was only 22, a glorious month which she had long saved for despite the difficult circumstances at home which do also have a strong forebearing on the Maggie in the present. I kept thinking why are these chapters included? I’m not overly invested in them and wanted to get back to Maggie and her current journey but Cathy Bramley had everything expertly plotted out and things do come full circle and not in a twee way that has one throwing their eyes to heaven. Instead, it felt natural, real and genuine but also heartbreaking and life affirming all at the same time.
Somewhere Only We Know is an utter triumph for Cathy Bramley. It’s not the usual run of the mill woman meets man, there is a bit of angst and they fall in love. There is a strong storyline behind the colourful cover and the reader is taken on a journey through grief and how to deal with it. Maggie learns to challenge herself, to push herself beyond the limits she had constructed around her since Bronte’s death. She follows a journey that Bronte could never take and does so with dignity and lots of love, fun and laughter along the way whilst facing head on emotions and situations she had kept buried and cosseted deep within her. She learns to seek out a life filled with moments of happiness and to embrace each day as it comes and not to put off for tomorrow what can be done today. ’Don’t be afraid to start a new chapter. Don’t miss out on what life has waiting for you on the next page’. There are so many life lessons for the reader to absorb and apply to their own lives. This is a book that deserves to find its way to lots of readers and I hope that it does so. It’s a little gem of a read that I thoroughly enjoyed, with thought provoking and compelling characters, stunning settings and without doubt come the end of 2026 will surely feature in my books of the year list.
A brief but informative prologue which sets the scene for what it to come introduces us to Magnolia (Maggie) who is in her 40’s and her daughter Bronte. Maggie has raised Bronte on her own and they share a very strong bond. So when Bronte announces that she has a gap year all planned and mapped out in detail and is putting her new job in the art department of the Saatachi creative agency on hold Maggie is not best pleased. Bronte wants to have her Bali moment like Maggie did so many years before but that didn’t turn out the way Maggie had envisaged and she has been working hard to raise her daughter ever since. Maggie gives short shrift to the idea and doesn’t take the time to listen to Bronte and read more about what she had planned through the wonderful ideas she had written in her gap year notebook. Maggie will regret this as when I turned the page to chapter one life has been irrevocably altered for Maggie. An incident involving a car means Maggie has been left without a daughter and Bronte’s boyfriend Harry was seriously injured. Maggie’s world has been torn apart, and nothing will ever be the same. To be honest this was a kick in the stomach for me as I didn’t read the blurb before starting the book as I knew I wanted to get back into Cathy’s books and knew what the themes usually were. I was as devastated as Maggie for the loss of her daughter and wondered how she could carry on?
As the time approaches when Bronte would have left for her gap year, Maggie is continuing to spiral although to the outside world to all intents and purposes she is working hard in her job in sales and hoping for a promotion but behind it all she is suffering but won’t open up to anyone. Immense guilt takes up lots of space within her that she hadn’t supported Bronte in her plans and she feels there will be no way to elevate this. Moving on is extremely difficult and as she says herself she must keep moving forward because if she stops and is forced to look backwards god knows what would be unleashed that she is not and may never be ready to deal with. This quote really resonated with me ‘I realised I’d been wearing a suit of armour since Bronte died scared, that if I lifted the faceguard all my emotions would pour our and I’d never be able to scoop them back in again’. I think a lot of us can relate to this and how we deal with grief. An incident at work leads to Maggie being forced to take a sabbatical and not having her work, a team to manage or a daughter to mother just who is she? Now is the time in which she will find out as Bronte’s planned gap year is about to come to fruition through her mother’s eyes.
Bronte’s gap year notebook becomes like a talisman and guide for Maggie. Every word written is poured over and dissected although Maggie only reads pages as one part of her journey ends and the next begins wanting to keep everything a surprise until the last possible moment. Starting in Nepal, Cathy Bramley takes the reader on a journey of discovery, character growth, acceptance and of learning to reach an acceptance of loss so that one can continue to live whilst holding the missed loved one close to your heart. The section of the book set in Nepal was fabulous and so vividly described. I loved the mixture of humour amidst some sad moments and this worked exceptionally well throughout the book as Maggie’s journey continued. Maggie realises, ‘Wisdom doesn’t come with age, it comes from experiencing things you don’t always want to do’. She starts to push herself and do things Bronte had outlined in her plans, things which Maggie would never have attempted before but in doing so she feels closer to Bronte and fulfilling her daughter's dreams becomes her one and only goal. Maggie is someone adept at downplaying her emotions but through meeting remarkable people and forging some strong friendships she slowly starts to understand that we only have one chance at life and we have to make the most of it which was what Bronte had wanted to do.
From Nepal Maggie ventured to Australia, again beautifully described and the storyline here to be honest I wanted it to last longer. It could have been an entire book in itself and secretly I wanted something to happen but for the sake of the book as a whole I knew this couldn’t come to fruition despite me desperately wanting it to. Meeting Harry in Australia, who is there to visit his uncle in the Blue Mountains, opened up another strand to the story and allowed for a lot of depth and emotion to spill forth. One thing I particularly liked about this was the beautiful description of loved ones and stars. It will bring a tear to your eye that’s for sure. Scattered throughout the book are chapters detailing Maggie’s time in Bali when she was only 22, a glorious month which she had long saved for despite the difficult circumstances at home which do also have a strong forebearing on the Maggie in the present. I kept thinking why are these chapters included? I’m not overly invested in them and wanted to get back to Maggie and her current journey but Cathy Bramley had everything expertly plotted out and things do come full circle and not in a twee way that has one throwing their eyes to heaven. Instead, it felt natural, real and genuine but also heartbreaking and life affirming all at the same time.
Somewhere Only We Know is an utter triumph for Cathy Bramley. It’s not the usual run of the mill woman meets man, there is a bit of angst and they fall in love. There is a strong storyline behind the colourful cover and the reader is taken on a journey through grief and how to deal with it. Maggie learns to challenge herself, to push herself beyond the limits she had constructed around her since Bronte’s death. She follows a journey that Bronte could never take and does so with dignity and lots of love, fun and laughter along the way whilst facing head on emotions and situations she had kept buried and cosseted deep within her. She learns to seek out a life filled with moments of happiness and to embrace each day as it comes and not to put off for tomorrow what can be done today. ’Don’t be afraid to start a new chapter. Don’t miss out on what life has waiting for you on the next page’. There are so many life lessons for the reader to absorb and apply to their own lives. This is a book that deserves to find its way to lots of readers and I hope that it does so. It’s a little gem of a read that I thoroughly enjoyed, with thought provoking and compelling characters, stunning settings and without doubt come the end of 2026 will surely feature in my books of the year list.
July 5, 2025
Thankyou NetGalley for the early copy of this book.
I do not want to do a review full of clips from the story or even worse spoilers but just want to say if you want to read a story of loss, discovery, travel then this is the book for you.
It is an incredible story of a mother/daughter bond that proves that time nor separation can break the bond, but can lead to the rediscovery of a mum who had been devoted to her daughter.
The locations the book is based in, with the descriptions and the adventures had reminded me of Race across the World in the way that I feel encouraged to go and see these places for myself.
This is an absolute perfect summer read - and an absolute gem from Cathy once again.
I do not want to do a review full of clips from the story or even worse spoilers but just want to say if you want to read a story of loss, discovery, travel then this is the book for you.
It is an incredible story of a mother/daughter bond that proves that time nor separation can break the bond, but can lead to the rediscovery of a mum who had been devoted to her daughter.
The locations the book is based in, with the descriptions and the adventures had reminded me of Race across the World in the way that I feel encouraged to go and see these places for myself.
This is an absolute perfect summer read - and an absolute gem from Cathy once again.
July 6, 2025
I absolutely adore this authors books and I couldn’t wait to start this. I have had to wait a while before writing a review as I had a book hangover after finishing reading due to just how beautiful it was. It was a heartbreaking and emotional read of grief and finding yourself again after tragedy and of second chances and also the bond between mother and
Daughter. It is hard to review without giving the story away. I was in tears of alternating happy and sadness throughout.
This was an inspiring journey of love and loss courage and hope and makes you grateful for the little things that will stay with me for a long time.
Daughter. It is hard to review without giving the story away. I was in tears of alternating happy and sadness throughout.
This was an inspiring journey of love and loss courage and hope and makes you grateful for the little things that will stay with me for a long time.
July 3, 2025
Oh my days! This book has me in tears from early on. Cathy Bramley is one of my ‘go to’ authors and I admit I didn’t read the blurb properly as I knew that I would like it. I knew that it was about a journey taken from a travel diary from a daughter, I guess I just didn’t realise how soon after the daughters death it took place, or indeed the suddenness of the death. The writing and emotions were so powerful and raw, I think I felt everything Maggie did, it was as if I was living inside her throughout this book, such amazing writing.
When Maggie decides to take Brontes gap year trip, it was beautiful how Bronte was with her the whole way, with the notes in the journal, Maggie shared it all with her. Being a women of a similar age to Maggie I could totally identify the issues she encountered and it was really touching how when working at the school camp with all the youngster doing volunteering that they included her fully and accepted her for who she was and didn’t see her as simply an age. And yes, a private room, comfortable bed, decent shower are all must haves for women of a certain age!
The whole storyline of looking for Jackson, Brontes dad in Bali was moving, all those years he was there waiting for her to come back, if only she’d be braver sooner and taken her daughter. Their rekindling was really sweet, a lifetime between them but as soon as they see each other it’s like no time passed at all.
I really enjoyed the whole Instagram hashtag and social media thing, boy did that take off quick. Maggie meeting up with Jake, Brontes boyfriend in Australia, following the plan set out by Bronte was really nice. They both healed a lot from that and managed to create their own friendship bond beyond Bronte.
From start to finish I loved this, it will definitely be one I come back to again and again.
When Maggie decides to take Brontes gap year trip, it was beautiful how Bronte was with her the whole way, with the notes in the journal, Maggie shared it all with her. Being a women of a similar age to Maggie I could totally identify the issues she encountered and it was really touching how when working at the school camp with all the youngster doing volunteering that they included her fully and accepted her for who she was and didn’t see her as simply an age. And yes, a private room, comfortable bed, decent shower are all must haves for women of a certain age!
The whole storyline of looking for Jackson, Brontes dad in Bali was moving, all those years he was there waiting for her to come back, if only she’d be braver sooner and taken her daughter. Their rekindling was really sweet, a lifetime between them but as soon as they see each other it’s like no time passed at all.
I really enjoyed the whole Instagram hashtag and social media thing, boy did that take off quick. Maggie meeting up with Jake, Brontes boyfriend in Australia, following the plan set out by Bronte was really nice. They both healed a lot from that and managed to create their own friendship bond beyond Bronte.
From start to finish I loved this, it will definitely be one I come back to again and again.
July 31, 2025
A hopeful and sparkling uplifting novel
—
Maggie is as close to her daughter Brontë as any mother could be. So when Brontë presents her plan for a gap year for travelling instead of taking up her prestigious first job, Maggie loses it but eventually suggests that Brontë takes a week to think about it.
But before the week is up, Brontë gets killed in a car accident.
Stoically grieving, Maggie’s unable to function properly so her boss makes Maggie take a three month sabbatical. At a loose end, and staring grief in the face, Maggie doesn’t know what to do, until her sister suggests she goes away to clear her head. And then Maggie spies Brontë’s travel journal, her plans already made. Maggie will follow in her daughter’s footsteps, take the journey that Brontë will now never be able to. What will Maggie find along the way, and will she be able to make peace with her daughter’s death?
At first, I wasn’t sold on the title, but I saw Bramley speak about this and I immediately had to read it. Beginning with tragedy, Bramley has made a hopeful and sparkling uplifting novel that doesn’t shy away from the hard work of grief, and that our loved ones who are gone are with us forever if we remember them and speak about them. Told from Maggie’s point of view in grief and before she had Brontë, this is a finely observed novel of love and second chances, with a romance that fulfils all you would want for Maggie.
Four and a half stars
—
Maggie is as close to her daughter Brontë as any mother could be. So when Brontë presents her plan for a gap year for travelling instead of taking up her prestigious first job, Maggie loses it but eventually suggests that Brontë takes a week to think about it.
But before the week is up, Brontë gets killed in a car accident.
Stoically grieving, Maggie’s unable to function properly so her boss makes Maggie take a three month sabbatical. At a loose end, and staring grief in the face, Maggie doesn’t know what to do, until her sister suggests she goes away to clear her head. And then Maggie spies Brontë’s travel journal, her plans already made. Maggie will follow in her daughter’s footsteps, take the journey that Brontë will now never be able to. What will Maggie find along the way, and will she be able to make peace with her daughter’s death?
At first, I wasn’t sold on the title, but I saw Bramley speak about this and I immediately had to read it. Beginning with tragedy, Bramley has made a hopeful and sparkling uplifting novel that doesn’t shy away from the hard work of grief, and that our loved ones who are gone are with us forever if we remember them and speak about them. Told from Maggie’s point of view in grief and before she had Brontë, this is a finely observed novel of love and second chances, with a romance that fulfils all you would want for Maggie.
Four and a half stars
March 23, 2026
I do love a Cathy Bramley novel, and I love a spot of armchair travel, so combined this was a fabulous book for me to read and thoroughly enjoy.
Magnolia is determined to follow her daughter's plans for the gap year she had planned but never was able to take. It's been months since Bronte's death, and she isn't' coping that well, and when she has to take time off work, it seems like maybe she will feel closer to Bronte by taking this journey for her.
She won't read the whole planning journal ahead of time, she is reading a page or two at a time so has no idea what is in store for her.
With the first stop being Nepal this is an eye opening experience, and Magnolia soon learns to take the spirit of what Bronte is hoping to see and do, but do things in her own way.
We also learn about Magnolia's first love of her life, Jackson, and I feel in love with him too.
I loved getting to see a few different countries through Magnolia's eyes, especially after she starts to become Insta famous with a Mums Gap Year hash tag.
This is uplifting and so so enjoyable to read. and I really felt transported to the different locations. And I really loved any volunteering that Magnolia did, as its always good to be able to give back to local communities.
What a totally joyous book, I absolutely adored it.
Thank you to Orion and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Magnolia is determined to follow her daughter's plans for the gap year she had planned but never was able to take. It's been months since Bronte's death, and she isn't' coping that well, and when she has to take time off work, it seems like maybe she will feel closer to Bronte by taking this journey for her.
She won't read the whole planning journal ahead of time, she is reading a page or two at a time so has no idea what is in store for her.
With the first stop being Nepal this is an eye opening experience, and Magnolia soon learns to take the spirit of what Bronte is hoping to see and do, but do things in her own way.
We also learn about Magnolia's first love of her life, Jackson, and I feel in love with him too.
I loved getting to see a few different countries through Magnolia's eyes, especially after she starts to become Insta famous with a Mums Gap Year hash tag.
This is uplifting and so so enjoyable to read. and I really felt transported to the different locations. And I really loved any volunteering that Magnolia did, as its always good to be able to give back to local communities.
What a totally joyous book, I absolutely adored it.
Thank you to Orion and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
May 10, 2025
Somewhere Only We Know by Cathy Bramley 🏝
Maggie is an independent single mum who has worked hard to provide a stable and loving home for her only child, Brontë. Now a grown woman and finished at uni Brontë decides that this would be the ideal time to have a gap year and travel, much to Maggie's surprise. However, Brontë never gets to go on her adventure...
Maggie, struggling through her grief while still working is a disaster waiting to happen, so is forced to take a 3 month sabbatical by her boss. In honour of her daughter, who died before embarking on her trip, Maggie decides to follow Brontë's well planned itinerary and go on the adventure instead #mumsgapyear ✈️
This story bought on such a roller coaster of emotions 🥹 and following Maggie as she journeys through not only her grief but Brontë's travel journal is just heartbreaking 💔 Every step of the way is a struggle but Maggie starts to find the joy in helping others and appreciating her surroundings as she visits the places her daughter was so excited to see.
Maggie is a wonderful character that I warmed to straight away, and regardless of her circumstances she makes a positve impression on everyone she comes across on her journey.
The places Maggie visits sound incredible, and the beautiful way they're described makes me want to travel more myself. Then the final destination in Brontë's plan is just the best! I don't want to give anything away, but that last leg of the journey and those final few chapters just filled my heart with utter joy ❤️ creating the most fantastic, yet bittersweet ending 🥹
A truly inspiring story full of courage, hope and love - due out on Thursday 31st July 📘
This is definitely a book that you won't want to miss!
Thank you so much @orionbooks for sending me this beautiful proof copy 🫶🏻✨️
Maggie is an independent single mum who has worked hard to provide a stable and loving home for her only child, Brontë. Now a grown woman and finished at uni Brontë decides that this would be the ideal time to have a gap year and travel, much to Maggie's surprise. However, Brontë never gets to go on her adventure...
Maggie, struggling through her grief while still working is a disaster waiting to happen, so is forced to take a 3 month sabbatical by her boss. In honour of her daughter, who died before embarking on her trip, Maggie decides to follow Brontë's well planned itinerary and go on the adventure instead #mumsgapyear ✈️
This story bought on such a roller coaster of emotions 🥹 and following Maggie as she journeys through not only her grief but Brontë's travel journal is just heartbreaking 💔 Every step of the way is a struggle but Maggie starts to find the joy in helping others and appreciating her surroundings as she visits the places her daughter was so excited to see.
Maggie is a wonderful character that I warmed to straight away, and regardless of her circumstances she makes a positve impression on everyone she comes across on her journey.
The places Maggie visits sound incredible, and the beautiful way they're described makes me want to travel more myself. Then the final destination in Brontë's plan is just the best! I don't want to give anything away, but that last leg of the journey and those final few chapters just filled my heart with utter joy ❤️ creating the most fantastic, yet bittersweet ending 🥹
A truly inspiring story full of courage, hope and love - due out on Thursday 31st July 📘
This is definitely a book that you won't want to miss!
Thank you so much @orionbooks for sending me this beautiful proof copy 🫶🏻✨️
July 24, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Brontë has decided she wants to take a gap year to travel the world. She has planned it in minuscule detail knowing her hardworking, rational and organised mother, Maggie, won't be keen on her giving up a fabulous new job. After tense talks and a promise to take a bit longer to think on it, Brontë leaves her mothers only to be in a tragic accident that will affect both of their lives forever.
After being forced to take a break from work, Maggie goes back to Brontë's travel planner and decides to honour her wonderful daughter by taking the trip in honour of her. This journey will bring with it a whole host of uncomfortable feelings, past memories and a step towards moving forward.
So first off, I loved this book. There were so many layers to it and I enjoyed each and every one of them. I have travelled to two of the countries listed in the book too and I really liked the nostalgia of reading about them, absorbing the sights and smells be conjured up in the writing.
The relationships in Maggie's life are complex and intense and I really enjoyed seeing these unfold. Moving from being a single mum to a sister and then a solo traveller, Maggie has so many different facets to her and they really engaged me. The female friendships and interactions in this book are the foundation to me and allow for a whole wealth of character development from our protagonist.
Although the book is sad throughout and portrays a grief journey it is also a celebration of the life and the good that comes from it. The timeline from when Maggie is younger bursts with exuberance and love. Likewise, the compassion she shows others in her later travels and the sense of community she fosters really highlights what great things can be achieved when people come together.
The book incorporates excerpts from Brontë's travel planner as well as letters written by Maggie. This broke up the text but also allowed us to gain a greater sense of the relationship between mother and daughter too.
This book was a 4.5 ⭐️ read for me, celebrating life, a can-do attitude and a sense of hope that it is never too late. It'll make you want to travel the world whatever your age and remind you that life is too precious not to sometimes just go for it!
Brontë has decided she wants to take a gap year to travel the world. She has planned it in minuscule detail knowing her hardworking, rational and organised mother, Maggie, won't be keen on her giving up a fabulous new job. After tense talks and a promise to take a bit longer to think on it, Brontë leaves her mothers only to be in a tragic accident that will affect both of their lives forever.
After being forced to take a break from work, Maggie goes back to Brontë's travel planner and decides to honour her wonderful daughter by taking the trip in honour of her. This journey will bring with it a whole host of uncomfortable feelings, past memories and a step towards moving forward.
So first off, I loved this book. There were so many layers to it and I enjoyed each and every one of them. I have travelled to two of the countries listed in the book too and I really liked the nostalgia of reading about them, absorbing the sights and smells be conjured up in the writing.
The relationships in Maggie's life are complex and intense and I really enjoyed seeing these unfold. Moving from being a single mum to a sister and then a solo traveller, Maggie has so many different facets to her and they really engaged me. The female friendships and interactions in this book are the foundation to me and allow for a whole wealth of character development from our protagonist.
Although the book is sad throughout and portrays a grief journey it is also a celebration of the life and the good that comes from it. The timeline from when Maggie is younger bursts with exuberance and love. Likewise, the compassion she shows others in her later travels and the sense of community she fosters really highlights what great things can be achieved when people come together.
The book incorporates excerpts from Brontë's travel planner as well as letters written by Maggie. This broke up the text but also allowed us to gain a greater sense of the relationship between mother and daughter too.
This book was a 4.5 ⭐️ read for me, celebrating life, a can-do attitude and a sense of hope that it is never too late. It'll make you want to travel the world whatever your age and remind you that life is too precious not to sometimes just go for it!
January 20, 2026
This is a tale that felt like it was written in two different tones. I’ll try to explain what I mean. Maggie’s grief and the life she has limited herself to because of childhood trauma is not easy to read. The author has managed to provide a very vivid and emotional picture of it all.
On the other hand, Maggie’s old romance and the way things turn out towards the end seemed very pale in comparison. The depth was missing although it fit into the bigger picture.
I did not read the blurb when I finally picked up the book so the first couple of chapters were quite a shock. The suddenness of the situation felt very potent. I think it is probably the best way to get the picture the author meant to paint. What follows is a mother’s trip across the world where she figures out what she truly holds dear and considers important. The value of a person as a human being is definitely part of the conversation.
It was not the book I was expecting, the cover doing nothing to indicate the weight of the content. It is not an easy read on the whole but Maggie’s journey to a newer possibly happier version of herself is one I would recommend to those who like emotional reads.
I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
On the other hand, Maggie’s old romance and the way things turn out towards the end seemed very pale in comparison. The depth was missing although it fit into the bigger picture.
I did not read the blurb when I finally picked up the book so the first couple of chapters were quite a shock. The suddenness of the situation felt very potent. I think it is probably the best way to get the picture the author meant to paint. What follows is a mother’s trip across the world where she figures out what she truly holds dear and considers important. The value of a person as a human being is definitely part of the conversation.
It was not the book I was expecting, the cover doing nothing to indicate the weight of the content. It is not an easy read on the whole but Maggie’s journey to a newer possibly happier version of herself is one I would recommend to those who like emotional reads.
I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
April 17, 2025
Wow what an extraordinary story of love, loss, hope and gratitude! Beautiful, poignant and so very very real!
I loved travelling to different lands on this journey and for me the best yet from author Cathy Bramley! Beautifully written, emotionally sensitive and struck me to my very core.
Maggie is a bit of a workaholic to make sure her life with her daughter is well cared for. When a tragic accident takes her daughter suddenly, Maggie is lost and can only cling to her work but this obsession is not healthy and Maggie is ordered to take time off for a sabbatical. Feeling vulnerable and at sea she decides to follow her daughter’s gap year plan and starts her journey to keep her daughter close and to find herself again.
The adventures and inner journey are brilliantly described and depicted. The story well crafted and quite exquisite. It’s an emotional ride at times, but full of love and hope always.
This book was an absolute joy and pleasure to read…., I will be reading again! It’s definitely one to read more than once!
Totally loved this and hugely recommended this year! This tale is exceptional and memorable, and resonated.
Thank you NetGalley and Orion books for the early read.
I loved travelling to different lands on this journey and for me the best yet from author Cathy Bramley! Beautifully written, emotionally sensitive and struck me to my very core.
Maggie is a bit of a workaholic to make sure her life with her daughter is well cared for. When a tragic accident takes her daughter suddenly, Maggie is lost and can only cling to her work but this obsession is not healthy and Maggie is ordered to take time off for a sabbatical. Feeling vulnerable and at sea she decides to follow her daughter’s gap year plan and starts her journey to keep her daughter close and to find herself again.
The adventures and inner journey are brilliantly described and depicted. The story well crafted and quite exquisite. It’s an emotional ride at times, but full of love and hope always.
This book was an absolute joy and pleasure to read…., I will be reading again! It’s definitely one to read more than once!
Totally loved this and hugely recommended this year! This tale is exceptional and memorable, and resonated.
Thank you NetGalley and Orion books for the early read.
May 18, 2025
This book deals with grief and one mothers struggle with it after losing her 23 year old daughter,
Maggie had brought up Brontë on her own and poured all her love and energy into her. When she is taken away from her in a tragic accident, Maggie is left feeling devastated.
Brontë had planned on taking a gap year to travel with her boyfriend Harry , something her mother was unsure off but now all that’s left is her beautifully illustrated notebook full of her travel plans .
Maggie struggles at work and with an unexpected paid break from work she decides to take the gap year herself , using Bronte’s notebook as her guide.
The story has dual timelines. Present day and 24 years ago when Maggie was working in a turtle sanctuary in Bali, falling for handsome Jackson who was her daughter’s father.
This book explores grief in a very emphatic way. Finding purpose after losing a loved one is difficult and as we travelled with Maggie we could see how she was growing, focusing on celebrating her daughter’s memory. We all struggle with the small stuff and this book made me think of the fragility of life and the importance of taking chances and valuing the important people in my life.
Heartbreaking and heartwarming in equal measures I really enjoyed this book
Maggie had brought up Brontë on her own and poured all her love and energy into her. When she is taken away from her in a tragic accident, Maggie is left feeling devastated.
Brontë had planned on taking a gap year to travel with her boyfriend Harry , something her mother was unsure off but now all that’s left is her beautifully illustrated notebook full of her travel plans .
Maggie struggles at work and with an unexpected paid break from work she decides to take the gap year herself , using Bronte’s notebook as her guide.
The story has dual timelines. Present day and 24 years ago when Maggie was working in a turtle sanctuary in Bali, falling for handsome Jackson who was her daughter’s father.
This book explores grief in a very emphatic way. Finding purpose after losing a loved one is difficult and as we travelled with Maggie we could see how she was growing, focusing on celebrating her daughter’s memory. We all struggle with the small stuff and this book made me think of the fragility of life and the importance of taking chances and valuing the important people in my life.
Heartbreaking and heartwarming in equal measures I really enjoyed this book
April 25, 2025
Wow what an exceptional read! I was totally invested from start to finish and really didn’t want it to end!
The most emotive, poignant, heartbreaking but beautiful, uplifting and inspiring read ever!
The main character Maggie driven by grief, and an enforced sabbatical from work decides to take on her daughter Brontes gap year of travel, following Brontes journal she takes herself completely out of her comfort zone and we the readers are led on a most exquisitely described journey through Nepal, Australia and Bali! Maggie learns about herself,her grief and more and more about Bronte from the journal and reconnecting with Brontes boyfriend! Along the way Maggie makes new friends, challenges herself, revisits her past, reconnects with old friends and in doing so works through her grief, learns to live, love and enjoy life making wonderful new memories, relationships, career changes as she starts to heal and embrace a new different life.
A truly awe inspiring read that will stay with you long after you have read it and one i would highly recommend
Thank you NetGalley for this early read
The most emotive, poignant, heartbreaking but beautiful, uplifting and inspiring read ever!
The main character Maggie driven by grief, and an enforced sabbatical from work decides to take on her daughter Brontes gap year of travel, following Brontes journal she takes herself completely out of her comfort zone and we the readers are led on a most exquisitely described journey through Nepal, Australia and Bali! Maggie learns about herself,her grief and more and more about Bronte from the journal and reconnecting with Brontes boyfriend! Along the way Maggie makes new friends, challenges herself, revisits her past, reconnects with old friends and in doing so works through her grief, learns to live, love and enjoy life making wonderful new memories, relationships, career changes as she starts to heal and embrace a new different life.
A truly awe inspiring read that will stay with you long after you have read it and one i would highly recommend
Thank you NetGalley for this early read
April 14, 2026
This uplifting story by Cathy Bramley starts in a sad place for Magnolia but as she embarks on the itinerary laid down by her sadly deceased daughter, she learns a lot about herself, her family and how she plans to carry on. It is far from a subdued story but takes you to some far flung places. Magnolia is pushed right out of her comfort zone and as she looks back at the young girl she used to be, she learns a lot about herself.
I enjoyed the places Magnolia saw, each so different, and the people she met along the way, who all had such an effect on her. At the beginning, she has buried herself in her work and all her adult life tried to tightly control her surroundings. Liberated on her Mum's Gap Year, she sees other possibilities and we also come to realise why she has wanted to be so in control. Her relationship with her mother has been difficult but she has nurtured her daughter and sister. You are never in doubt about her strong family feeling for the people she has put first, at the expense of her own desires.
In short: warm, uplifting reading
I enjoyed the places Magnolia saw, each so different, and the people she met along the way, who all had such an effect on her. At the beginning, she has buried herself in her work and all her adult life tried to tightly control her surroundings. Liberated on her Mum's Gap Year, she sees other possibilities and we also come to realise why she has wanted to be so in control. Her relationship with her mother has been difficult but she has nurtured her daughter and sister. You are never in doubt about her strong family feeling for the people she has put first, at the expense of her own desires.
In short: warm, uplifting reading
July 27, 2025
Transport yourself to the other side of the world with Cathy Bramley’s new novel. Maggie is a single parent to daughter Brontë who has just secured her dream job, but when she informs her mother she wishes to defer the placement to go travelling for a year, they argue and before they can reconcile, Brontë is tragically killed. Overcome with grief Maggie is unsure how she will cope, and following an incident at work, she is forced to take a sabbatical. Maggie decides to use this time to travel and by using her daughter’s travel book to guide her. From a backpackers dream in Nepal, to the Blue Mountains and vineyards of Australia and on to the island paradise of Bali, Maggie goes on a journey of self discovery, trying to overcome her grief but also to find herself again. This book is beautifully written with some amazing characters and I can highly recommend it. Thank you to NetGalley, Orion Publishing Group and the author for the chance to review.
August 27, 2025
This book will break your heart fairly early on, and then put it all back together again. It is very real, very raw, and very emotional. A brilliant storyline that follows Maggie as she undertakes the gap-year that her daughter, Bronte, can no longer do.
It is a book full of heart, impeccable research and beautiful locations. It has a level of maturity that has grown with Cathy as her books have progressed, writing from the perspective of an older women enjoying the locations rather than a younger person on their gap year before University. At the same time, Cathy captures beautifully the essence of seeing beautiful sights through both younger and older eyes - blending those embarking on their trips for the first time with Maggie, who is undertaking hers later in life but has already done one of the main locations before.
An inspiring book full of courage, beautiful messages and the hope that despite everything, it's not impossible to find laughter, and love, again.
It is a book full of heart, impeccable research and beautiful locations. It has a level of maturity that has grown with Cathy as her books have progressed, writing from the perspective of an older women enjoying the locations rather than a younger person on their gap year before University. At the same time, Cathy captures beautifully the essence of seeing beautiful sights through both younger and older eyes - blending those embarking on their trips for the first time with Maggie, who is undertaking hers later in life but has already done one of the main locations before.
An inspiring book full of courage, beautiful messages and the hope that despite everything, it's not impossible to find laughter, and love, again.
May 11, 2025
Such a heartwarming and fun book. I've read Cathy Bramley books before and really enjoy her character development. Maggie's daughter Bronte is planning a gap year and dies in an accident. Maggie, distraught and unable to cope, finds her daughter's notebook and plans for her gap year, and decides to follow in her footsteps. The book takes the reader to Nepal, Australia and Bali, and sees Maggie come to term with her grief and get back a piece of herself that has been missing. Although a sad topic, it was a fun and enjoyable read for someone who loves to travel - and hasn't yet made it to Nepal, Australia or Bali, so helped me to dream. Cathy's books are always great escapism and I'd recommend this as a good beach read.
Thanks to NetGalley, Cathy Bramley and publisher Orion, for an advanced copy of the book in return for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley, Cathy Bramley and publisher Orion, for an advanced copy of the book in return for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2025
Omg this book was just amazing and heart breaking at the same time.
Single parent Maggie loses her only daughter Brontë after she is killed by a car. Maggie is devastated and struggling to survive so has no option but to take a sabbatical from work. After finding her daughter’s gap year journal she decides to take the trip in memory of her daughter. What follows is a beautiful story where Maggie learns to live and love again while making wonderful memories
Maggie was a fantastic character and I loved her adventures which were so descriptive I really felt like I was there with her.
The ending was perfect but not what I was expecting at all.
Thanks to NetGalley, Cathy Bramley and Orion Publishing Group for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Single parent Maggie loses her only daughter Brontë after she is killed by a car. Maggie is devastated and struggling to survive so has no option but to take a sabbatical from work. After finding her daughter’s gap year journal she decides to take the trip in memory of her daughter. What follows is a beautiful story where Maggie learns to live and love again while making wonderful memories
Maggie was a fantastic character and I loved her adventures which were so descriptive I really felt like I was there with her.
The ending was perfect but not what I was expecting at all.
Thanks to NetGalley, Cathy Bramley and Orion Publishing Group for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
July 31, 2025
Wow what a powerful and moving read. It blew my socks away how emotional I got reading this book. Magnolia Jones is missing part of herself as her precious daughter had a fatal accident and Magnolia is still struggling to accept that her daughter is not coming back. Magnolia's work is being affected so they have given her time off work. Her daughter was planning to travel the world and see the sights, so Magnolia decides to go on the trip through her daughters eyes. But Magnolia is not young anymore can she really do this and will it bring her a little closure and comfort that she needs. It was a heart breaking and emotional read that deals with grief and courage and I loved the way Magnolia turned it around. Cathy's writing is very detailed and powerful. It was such a beautiful read.
August 16, 2025
I'm writing this review with tears in my eyes having just finished the book.
What a tale, so happy, sad and thought provoking. Even life affirming.
You'll know the plot as I'm sure everyone will have posted about it, apart from me.
My goodness what a wringer Magnolia goes through. It will strike a cord with all of us that suffered a loss at whatever age, mine was at 23. However I think everyone will be able to understand the person's grief but also the uplifting journey Magnolia goes on.
It's certainly just given me a kick up the bum so stop loafing around in my early retirement. Such a well written book, as you would expect from this author, but especially after she had personally suffered a great loss too.
So go and buy a copy and read it NOW!
What a tale, so happy, sad and thought provoking. Even life affirming.
You'll know the plot as I'm sure everyone will have posted about it, apart from me.
My goodness what a wringer Magnolia goes through. It will strike a cord with all of us that suffered a loss at whatever age, mine was at 23. However I think everyone will be able to understand the person's grief but also the uplifting journey Magnolia goes on.
It's certainly just given me a kick up the bum so stop loafing around in my early retirement. Such a well written book, as you would expect from this author, but especially after she had personally suffered a great loss too.
So go and buy a copy and read it NOW!
June 24, 2025
I have to say this is one of the most emotional and inspiring books I've ever read. Without giving spoilers, this is a story of love, loss, hope and despair in equal measures. It follows the story of Maggie and spam between her summer of travelling as a young woman in 2000 up to the present day. As I said, I don't want to give anything away, but there is such emotion in this book, both happy and sad, coupled with bravery and doing things outside of your comfort zone. There is also lots of travel, and the descriptions of the places visited, make me want to visit. It is a lovely read from start to finish.
June 28, 2025
A beautiful, heartbreaking, life affirming story with wonderful descriptions of places the majority of readers will probably never be lucky enough to visit. Who can ask for anything more from a book? Cathy Bramley gets the mood just right in her latest book. She writes about loss -of an adult child; of a hard won job; of first love. But she also write about finding oneself when everything is lost. A beautifully written book that was a pleasure to read and is my pleasure to recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
August 21, 2025
Emotional rollercoaster on paper! As always Cathy Bramley nails it.
A story so relatable in so many areas, conveying the heartache and fantasy of rekindling a lost love with believable realism. As a reader you are immersed on this journey with Maggie. You feel her pain, her fear, her anger and her love. You experience butterflies in your tummy as things progress with her love life and you champion her happy ever after. You become eager to turn the page of Bronte’s book with Maggie to see what is next on the agenda!
I fell in love with Bali simply through Cathy Bramley’s writing.
I laughed, I cried, I hoped and I loved.
A story so relatable in so many areas, conveying the heartache and fantasy of rekindling a lost love with believable realism. As a reader you are immersed on this journey with Maggie. You feel her pain, her fear, her anger and her love. You experience butterflies in your tummy as things progress with her love life and you champion her happy ever after. You become eager to turn the page of Bronte’s book with Maggie to see what is next on the agenda!
I fell in love with Bali simply through Cathy Bramley’s writing.
I laughed, I cried, I hoped and I loved.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Magnolia Jones takes on her daughter Brontë’s travel plans after she discovers the journal Brontë was unable to fulfil. Magnolia had a travel adventure herself when she was in her early 20’s and this new journey brings those memories back. This was heartwarming, heart breaking read that absolutely captured my heart. From Kathmandu in Nepal to the Blue Mountains in Australia and the beautiful island of Bali I travelled with Magnolia and reminisced on my own backpacking adventures many decades ago. The travel journal Magnolia writes to Brontë is so poignant, I defy anyone not to shed a tear or two. I loved this book and it has fuelled my dormant wanderlust!
May 12, 2025
Maggie is devastated when her Daughter dies unexpectedly and decides to go on the gap year travels that her Daughter Brontë had planned. This book takes you on Maggie’s travels along with occasional flashbacks to Maggie’s travels to Bali when she was younger and where she met the love of her life Jackson. The book has some emotional moments but have to admit I did find it hard going occasionally however I think that is because of the subject matter and although I didn’t enjoy this as much as all the other books of Cathy’s I have read it was still a lovely read.
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