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Appleby Farm #1
A Blessing in Disguise
Freya Moorcroft has wild red hair, mischievous green eyes, a warm smile and a heart of gold. She’s happy working at the café round the corner from Ivy Lane allotments and her romance with her new boyfriend is going well, she thinks, but a part of her still misses the beautiful rolling hills of her Cumbrian childhood home: Appleby Farm.
Then a phone call out of the blue changes everything…
Freya’s beloved Uncle Arthur and Auntie Sue need her help. For the first time in years, Freya is back on the farm feeding the chickens, mucking out the stables, and loving every moment. As her visit comes to an end, she has a difficult decision to make: stay, or go?
Freya has to follow her heart, but just where does her heart lie?
Appleby Farm is an irresistibly charming novel told in four parts – following the adventures of Freya Moorcroft in love, friendship and a spot of farming – beginning with A Blessing In Disguise. It features some friendly faces who appeared in Cathy's bestselling series, Ivy Lane, but it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone story.
Each part of Appleby Farm contains 10 chapters.
Praise for Cathy Bramley and Ivy Lane:
‘Delightfully warm with plenty of twists and turns’ Trisha Ashley
‘A perfect blend of the two greatest pleasures in life – love and gardening!’ Fern Britton
'A witty, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy' Miranda Dickinson
- GenresChick LitShort Stories
93 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 5, 2015
35 people are currently reading
317 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Bramley
66 books1,135 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 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 5, 2015
I have been eagerly anticipating the release of Appleby Farm and was so excited that I was primed and ready to download on the stroke of midnight. My plan to read the first couple of chapters before sleep were scuppered when I looked up just over an hour later to realise I had read almost all of it.....of course then I had to finish it before settling down for the night.
The main character is Freya, and I love her already! Freya has struggled to settle down to anything long term, and for the last few months has been living in Kingsfield and working in the local cafe. She stumbled upon the job as a help to her friend Anna, whose Mum had broken her ankle and was struggling to run the business. And that introduction is prime example of who Freya is. A loveable, naturally caring person who as a reader I very quickly became attached to.
If you, like me, have read and loved the Ivy Lane series you will be excited to see some familiar faces pop up. One of the first people we are reunited with is Charlie who has been dating Freya for a couple of months. We even get to go back to Ivy Lane and the allotments.
Freya is questioning what to do next in life, and pondering what happens next with Charlie. He has a son but seems reluctant to bring them all together. Bang on cue Freya gets a call from her Auntie Sue who is phoning to say that Freya's Uncle Arthur had been in an accident. Freya drops everything and heads off to Appleby Farm to visit them.
This is where I totally fell in love with the story. Appleby Farm sounds like a fantastic place to live. I love country life and found it very easy to visualise what a great place this was, and feel at home. Freya quickly realises that her Aunt and Uncle need more longer term help, and sets about finding out more about what help is needed and enlisting people to get stuck in. We also meet more of the local community including Lizzie who is working at the local pub, Eddy who works on the farm, and Rory who is living locally and looking for some practical farm experience. They are lovely and I want to get to know them better (or just move there myself).
If I was Freya I know I would struggle to leave Appleby Farm, but then Freya does have the lovely Charlie to consider too. But where will she end up? Ooh I want to tell you more but I don't want to ruin it for you.....
I am in love with this series already. It is just as good as Ivy Lane and I cannot wait to devour the rest of the series and see what happens. I love Cathy's writing style. It is so warm, inviting, fun and loving and her books always fill me with warmth and put a smile on my face, just like meeting up with old friends and finding out what is happening with them. I could read her work all the time!
I loved seeing characters from the Ivy Lane series appearing and catching up with them. But if you haven't read that then don't worry, this works perfectly as a stand alone.
Roll on March so I can download part 2 and get back to Freya and Appleby Farm.
April 7, 2018
Whenever I read a Cathy Bramley book, I always know that I'm in for a treat as I just love her stories. She really knows how to keep you entertained throughout and leaves you wanting more.
This first book to the Appleby Farm series was a delightful read and the perfect introduction to the main character, her family and friends. You also get to meet Charlie her newish boyfriend and come the end of the books one of the questions your left wondering is if Charlie is here to stay or not.
Well I'm off to read the second instalment so as I can find that out as well as seeing whatelse will happen.
This first book to the Appleby Farm series was a delightful read and the perfect introduction to the main character, her family and friends. You also get to meet Charlie her newish boyfriend and come the end of the books one of the questions your left wondering is if Charlie is here to stay or not.
Well I'm off to read the second instalment so as I can find that out as well as seeing whatelse will happen.
February 12, 2015
What a fantastic read.
Freya has a number of jobs- never settling to anything for long. She is presently helping her friends mother in her cafe after she hurts her leg. She introduces changes to help and starts training a new starter- but is starting to get itchy feet again.
After a phone call to say that her uncle has had an accident and they need help on Appleby Farm whilst he recovers- she uses her holiday to go down to help. She realises that they need more help and tries to organise it for them.
When she returns she meets back up with her boyfriend- but a chance conversation leaves her wondering where their future will lie. Do they want the same things? He acts childishly when she receives more bad news- and we'll discover more in Book 2. I'm on Countdown already!
Freya has a number of jobs- never settling to anything for long. She is presently helping her friends mother in her cafe after she hurts her leg. She introduces changes to help and starts training a new starter- but is starting to get itchy feet again.
After a phone call to say that her uncle has had an accident and they need help on Appleby Farm whilst he recovers- she uses her holiday to go down to help. She realises that they need more help and tries to organise it for them.
When she returns she meets back up with her boyfriend- but a chance conversation leaves her wondering where their future will lie. Do they want the same things? He acts childishly when she receives more bad news- and we'll discover more in Book 2. I'm on Countdown already!
June 13, 2018
I am loving Cathy Bramley's knack of making me want to be somewhere in the English countryside sipping tea and being wooed by a tall male with an accent.
This Australian has been swept up by the romance of a life in a quaint township or even on a farm.
This Australian has been swept up by the romance of a life in a quaint township or even on a farm.
February 8, 2025
Ga de andere 3 boeken van deze serie ook maar lezen, erg leuk! Cathy Bramley stelt nooit teleur!
February 11, 2015
Originally posted on http://beccasbooooks.blogspot.co.uk/
Eeeeek! I cannot tell you, readers, how bloody lovely it felt to be back within one of the wonderful Cathy Bramley's gorgeous stories. Since reading the complete Ivy Lane story, I've been head over heels in love with Cathy's effortlessly snug and charming writing style, and so, I could not wait to dip my toes into her brand new Appleby Farm series and wriggle them about!
In part 1 of the Appleby Farm series, aptly titled A Blessing in Disguise, Cathy introduces us to her flame-haired, charismatic heroine Freya Moorcroft. The story opens with a comical scene that's taking place in Kingsfield, in Shenton Road Cafe, just around the corner from the lovely Ivy Lane allotments. Feeling so close to Cathy's previous series made me feel, once more, at home within her writing, and it was even better when previous characters cropped up here and there and took me right back to where the magic all began. As the story presses onwards, Freya's first person narrative begins to reveal her story to the readers, and we're told all about how she managed to end up working there, but also where she'd been beforehand. It turned out that Freya, despite seeming to fit right into the setting perfectly, was well-travelled and had actually tried her hand at all manner of jobs, everything from being an apple picker in New Zealand to being a chalet girl in Austria. Reading about Freya's past, which seemed so very real to me, really added a ton of believability to her character. It also emphasised the fact that, even though Freya had travelled all over the place and worked many jobs, there was still only one place that truly held her heart. Appleby Farm, home to her Uncle Arthur and Auntie Sue.
Cathy gathers a handful of twists and throws them into the plot just as we're getting to grips with Freya's surroundings and circumstances, and I LOVED IT! Before we know it, due to a terrible accident involving her Uncle Arthur, Freya is heading back to Lovedale, back to Appleby Farm, back to lend a helping hand to her loved ones when they most need it. During the Freya's journey back to Appleby Farm, I was so very excited to finally arrive at the place that Freya absolutely adored and held so close to her heart. Cathy's gorgeous, warm descriptions brought the farm to life for me before we'd even arrived. Not only was the farm described picture perfect, but Lovedale itself was incredibly inviting and weirdly, felt familiar, probably that old Cathy Bramley charm! ;) It was as if the author had some sort of magic wand, and with just a tap from that, everything in the scenery was drenched with Cathy's clever wording and unique appeal. Once Freya was back at Appleby Farm, Cathy brought in and introduced a bunch of new characters to my delight, including chickens and horses and two adorable cats! As the story progresses, Cathy brings up the problems that have led Freya back to where she's called home for years, and the story then takes on a life of it's own as Freya attempts to help out in the best way that she can.
As mentioned above, there is just something effortlessly comforting about Cathy's writing and characters. Her settings are incredibly warm and welcoming, and within just moments of beginning, I felt cocooned and wrapped up in her magical world. The story held me captive right the way through, and I read it completely in about three hours. I couldn't wait to see how Freya would help out, I loved the little quirks that her Auntie and Uncle had like a real family, and I think I, as much as Freya, felt almost joyful at the fact that I was there.
If ever there was a way to begin a brand new series, then Cathy Bramley cracked it with this one. A Blessing in Disguise has that glittery Bramley spark, for sure, and already, I cannot wait for Part 2, which I just know will fantastic. I cannot fault a single thing about Cathy's writing. It sparkles, it invites, it welcomes you and squeezes ever so tightly. In fact, you feel so wanted and needed within Cathy Bramley's stories, it's very hard to turn the final pages, because you honestly just want more.
Becca's Books is rating A Blessing in Disguise by Cathy Bramley with FIVE OF MY GORGEOUS CUPCAKES! Roll on Part 2, wahooooo!
Eeeeek! I cannot tell you, readers, how bloody lovely it felt to be back within one of the wonderful Cathy Bramley's gorgeous stories. Since reading the complete Ivy Lane story, I've been head over heels in love with Cathy's effortlessly snug and charming writing style, and so, I could not wait to dip my toes into her brand new Appleby Farm series and wriggle them about!
In part 1 of the Appleby Farm series, aptly titled A Blessing in Disguise, Cathy introduces us to her flame-haired, charismatic heroine Freya Moorcroft. The story opens with a comical scene that's taking place in Kingsfield, in Shenton Road Cafe, just around the corner from the lovely Ivy Lane allotments. Feeling so close to Cathy's previous series made me feel, once more, at home within her writing, and it was even better when previous characters cropped up here and there and took me right back to where the magic all began. As the story presses onwards, Freya's first person narrative begins to reveal her story to the readers, and we're told all about how she managed to end up working there, but also where she'd been beforehand. It turned out that Freya, despite seeming to fit right into the setting perfectly, was well-travelled and had actually tried her hand at all manner of jobs, everything from being an apple picker in New Zealand to being a chalet girl in Austria. Reading about Freya's past, which seemed so very real to me, really added a ton of believability to her character. It also emphasised the fact that, even though Freya had travelled all over the place and worked many jobs, there was still only one place that truly held her heart. Appleby Farm, home to her Uncle Arthur and Auntie Sue.
Cathy gathers a handful of twists and throws them into the plot just as we're getting to grips with Freya's surroundings and circumstances, and I LOVED IT! Before we know it, due to a terrible accident involving her Uncle Arthur, Freya is heading back to Lovedale, back to Appleby Farm, back to lend a helping hand to her loved ones when they most need it. During the Freya's journey back to Appleby Farm, I was so very excited to finally arrive at the place that Freya absolutely adored and held so close to her heart. Cathy's gorgeous, warm descriptions brought the farm to life for me before we'd even arrived. Not only was the farm described picture perfect, but Lovedale itself was incredibly inviting and weirdly, felt familiar, probably that old Cathy Bramley charm! ;) It was as if the author had some sort of magic wand, and with just a tap from that, everything in the scenery was drenched with Cathy's clever wording and unique appeal. Once Freya was back at Appleby Farm, Cathy brought in and introduced a bunch of new characters to my delight, including chickens and horses and two adorable cats! As the story progresses, Cathy brings up the problems that have led Freya back to where she's called home for years, and the story then takes on a life of it's own as Freya attempts to help out in the best way that she can.
As mentioned above, there is just something effortlessly comforting about Cathy's writing and characters. Her settings are incredibly warm and welcoming, and within just moments of beginning, I felt cocooned and wrapped up in her magical world. The story held me captive right the way through, and I read it completely in about three hours. I couldn't wait to see how Freya would help out, I loved the little quirks that her Auntie and Uncle had like a real family, and I think I, as much as Freya, felt almost joyful at the fact that I was there.
If ever there was a way to begin a brand new series, then Cathy Bramley cracked it with this one. A Blessing in Disguise has that glittery Bramley spark, for sure, and already, I cannot wait for Part 2, which I just know will fantastic. I cannot fault a single thing about Cathy's writing. It sparkles, it invites, it welcomes you and squeezes ever so tightly. In fact, you feel so wanted and needed within Cathy Bramley's stories, it's very hard to turn the final pages, because you honestly just want more.
Becca's Books is rating A Blessing in Disguise by Cathy Bramley with FIVE OF MY GORGEOUS CUPCAKES! Roll on Part 2, wahooooo!
February 5, 2015
Oh, what a joy this first part in the "Appleby Farm" series was! I am going to be honest with you, I was not sure if I'm going to read each part of the series, waiting a month before the next one will be published, or rather wait for the whole book to come out, but I'm too impatient and have pre - ordered "A Blessing in Disguise" some days ago and started to read it today in the morning. And it immediately made me feel better!
As soon as I started reading, I wanted to punch the air and shout "I know her!", "I know him", "I was there!", when Cathy mentioned the Ivy Lane allotments or the lovely characters from the previous series. It just made me feel so in the right place, and I felt as if I have never left Ivy Lane!
This time it is Freya that is our main character, and I couldn't imagine a better leading character for this book as her. She just oozes warm and good feelings, and she's more probable to step into cow's poo, gets dirty with a toothpaste or ice - cream than blow - dry her lovely red hair - absolutely my kind of girl!
As it is a first part of the series, we get to know Freya, her background, and her family as well, and we can see that something went wrong with her relationship with her parents and brother (who, nota bene, seems to be a really jealous ass, sorry for my language, although he should be a little more wiser, as he's so much older than Freya). As Cathy already get us used to, her characters are all down - to - earth, but nevertheless exceptional, warm, friendly and so easy to like!
Cathy's writing is - as always - amazing and her one - liners are one of the best ever. She writes in a way that makes you feel that writing is actually the easiest thing in the world (though I'm sure it's NOT!), and her storytelling is exceptional. The way she told the story made me wish I was on a farm right now, strolling through the green fields... OK, white, white, we have snow up to our noses right now... , mucking out, cleaning or collecting eggs, even with my panic fear of hens. I'm not a city - kind of girl, I love animals and you can usually see me in wellies, not high - heels, so the story couldn't have taken a better setting for me. Cathy's descriptions of the village and even the farm work are just delicious and she makes it all feel very realistic.
Oh, and my good old gut feeling is telling me that our Charlie is going to end without a girlfriend again (not that I'm bothered!)! And please tell me, there is going to be more about the lovely Harry in the next parts!
This is a brilliant, feel - good introduction to for sure absolutely brilliant series, and I really can't wait for the second part! I think I have a little girl - crush on Freya and would so already want to know which ways her life is going to go. Bring me more of Cathy Bramley, anytime!
As soon as I started reading, I wanted to punch the air and shout "I know her!", "I know him", "I was there!", when Cathy mentioned the Ivy Lane allotments or the lovely characters from the previous series. It just made me feel so in the right place, and I felt as if I have never left Ivy Lane!
This time it is Freya that is our main character, and I couldn't imagine a better leading character for this book as her. She just oozes warm and good feelings, and she's more probable to step into cow's poo, gets dirty with a toothpaste or ice - cream than blow - dry her lovely red hair - absolutely my kind of girl!
As it is a first part of the series, we get to know Freya, her background, and her family as well, and we can see that something went wrong with her relationship with her parents and brother (who, nota bene, seems to be a really jealous ass, sorry for my language, although he should be a little more wiser, as he's so much older than Freya). As Cathy already get us used to, her characters are all down - to - earth, but nevertheless exceptional, warm, friendly and so easy to like!
Cathy's writing is - as always - amazing and her one - liners are one of the best ever. She writes in a way that makes you feel that writing is actually the easiest thing in the world (though I'm sure it's NOT!), and her storytelling is exceptional. The way she told the story made me wish I was on a farm right now, strolling through the green fields... OK, white, white, we have snow up to our noses right now... , mucking out, cleaning or collecting eggs, even with my panic fear of hens. I'm not a city - kind of girl, I love animals and you can usually see me in wellies, not high - heels, so the story couldn't have taken a better setting for me. Cathy's descriptions of the village and even the farm work are just delicious and she makes it all feel very realistic.
Oh, and my good old gut feeling is telling me that our Charlie is going to end without a girlfriend again (not that I'm bothered!)! And please tell me, there is going to be more about the lovely Harry in the next parts!
This is a brilliant, feel - good introduction to for sure absolutely brilliant series, and I really can't wait for the second part! I think I have a little girl - crush on Freya and would so already want to know which ways her life is going to go. Bring me more of Cathy Bramley, anytime!
July 12, 2015
Looks like the start of another fabulous feel good series. Need to read more about Freya and Appleby Farm.
August 5, 2019
A good start
It’s a light read. I had just finished a novel about life after the War, and whilst it was a good read, it was a bit depressing and this book has lightened my mood and promises to be a good tale.
It’s a light read. I had just finished a novel about life after the War, and whilst it was a good read, it was a bit depressing and this book has lightened my mood and promises to be a good tale.
June 10, 2019
Lovely
Keeps you gripped a +++++++±++++++++ ****** * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Keeps you gripped a +++++++±++++++++ ****** * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
January 9, 2022
Second time reading this series! Loved it the first time and loving it this time! On to part 2!
November 2, 2023
3 ⭐️ stars.
July 3, 2024
Heerlijke feelgood, fijne stem om naar te luisteren.
June 23, 2025
Didn't like the writing style. The FL behaved like she was 15 not 25.
February 8, 2015
To begin with I've got to say Cathy has ruined my Sunday morning lay in with Appleby Farm, not because anything is wrong with the book, completely the opposite. I started it late Saturday night and when I awoke in a dreamy blur Sunday morning, instead of rolling over and going back to sleep, my mind raced to where I had left the story last night and felt compelled to finish what I had started! My last day of being 49 and awake and reading due to the brilliance of Cathy's writing. It honestly does draw you in and get right on in and under your skin. It's FAB.U.LICIOUS and I cannot wait for the next instalment. Personally I compare it to the tv series Broadchurch, nothing about police and murder but the overwhelming need to know what happens next! OMG Cathy you have pulled it out of the bag again you write so effortless, it's a privilege to read your books and I'm so glad I've found you as an author.
May 25, 2015
The first part of Appleby farm is an easy and well worth reading book wants me to read on into the next book straight away. Freya hasn't settled at any jobs she's met someone but he has a son and to start with he doesn't want to introduce Freya to the son but they do eventually meet and hit it off. Freya's auntie rings Freya as her husband is unwell and they need help on the farm so Freya rushes up and tries to sort things out she then goes back home only to find out later on that her uncle has had a heart attack and she rushes up thinking her and her partner have broken up but read to find out what happens.
June 28, 2015
I read all 4 parts, not just this one and loved them all. I just couldn't put them down...but next time, I read all parts together, not with publishing gaps of time between...serials aren't my thing it seems, too impatient for the rest. If I buy as such, I'll save and read as one. Thanks for a great read!
Read
February 20, 2015I need to know what happens next! I'm torn as to whether reading this in parts or waiting until it covers out as a whole book (as I did with Ivy Lane) was a good idea. I liked it a lot but I wasn't ready for it to end
March 3, 2015
review to come
August 16, 2015
Great characters, easy fun story line
Read
April 27, 2015Nice relaxing read, likeable characters no great thought needed.
June 18, 2015
Enjoyed this first in the series of four - looking forward to seeing how the story develops.
July 31, 2017
Nice small chick lit book. Easy to read and really funny to read.
January 4, 2026
Ik vond het een erg leuk boek, kort boekje tussendoor. Erg grappig en met geen spice (wat ook wel eens fijn is :)).
February 18, 2015
brilliant can't wait for next part
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews