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The Plumberry School of Comfort Food #1-4
The Plumberry School of Comfort Food
The Plumberry School of Comfort Food was originally published as a four-part serial. This is the complete story in one package.
Verity Bloom hasn't been interested in cooking anything more complicated than the perfect fish finger sandwich, ever since she lost her best friend and baking companion two years ago.
But an opportunity to help a friend lands her right back in the heart of the kitchen. The Plumberry School of Comfort Food is due to open in a few weeks' time and needs the kind of great ideas that only Verity could cook up. And with new friendships bubbling and a sprinkling of romance in the mix, Verity finally begins to feel like she's home.
But when tragedy strikes at the very heart of the cookery school, can Verity find the magic ingredient for Plumberry while still writing her own recipe for happiness?
Verity Bloom hasn't been interested in cooking anything more complicated than the perfect fish finger sandwich, ever since she lost her best friend and baking companion two years ago.
But an opportunity to help a friend lands her right back in the heart of the kitchen. The Plumberry School of Comfort Food is due to open in a few weeks' time and needs the kind of great ideas that only Verity could cook up. And with new friendships bubbling and a sprinkling of romance in the mix, Verity finally begins to feel like she's home.
But when tragedy strikes at the very heart of the cookery school, can Verity find the magic ingredient for Plumberry while still writing her own recipe for happiness?
480 pages, Paperback
First published June 30, 2016
100 people are currently reading
818 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 - 30 of 115 reviews
July 27, 2016
The Plumberry School of Comfort Food was a sweet, moreish and warm story that was an absolute delight to read. This was my first taste of Cathy Bramley’s writing and it certainly won’t be my last!
The book follows Verity Bloom whose passion for cooking burnt out after the untimely death of her best friend Mimi two years ago. Verity and Mimi were always whipping up comfort food in the kitchen for their Youtube channel, adding love and laughter as the magic ingredient to their recipes. But since Mimi’s death, Verity has existed on microwave meals and fish finger sandwiches, cooking just isn’t the same without her partner in crime.
When Mimi’s mother Gloria asks for Verity’s help opening her new cookery school, Verity is thrown back into the world of cakes and pastries, dinners and desserts, and slowly begins to let cooking back into her heart. As Verity whips, stirs and bakes The Plumberry School of Comfort Food into life, it begins to become a foodie destination known for its food with heart. However, the cookery school’s Michelin starred chef Tom has different ideas about what good food consists of with his career being built off of hard work and a serious, professional approach to cooking. As the heat rises in and out of the kitchen, will Verity and Tom be able to put their differences aside and make The Plumberry School of Comfort Food a success? Or will their clashing personalities make a recipe for disaster?
Reading this book was like being wrapped in a warm comforting hug. I liked Verity straight away and quickly lost myself in her world. The entire cast of characters were lovely and each of them felt very real with their own backstories, passions, and dreams. My favourite character has to be Mags who really made me smile. I also loved the slow burning romance between Verity and Tom, who despite their differences had real chemistry between them.
The cookery school was a very original idea putting a new spin on the ever popular foodie chick-lit genre. I loved the way it bought the people of Plumberry together with its bake off style competitions and delicious food – some of the descriptions really made my mouth water! There was a sweet message at the heart of this story about showing our love for others through the act of making them food that I thought was really lovely.
The Plumberry School of Comfort Food was the perfect feel good read that put a big smile on my face. Cathy Bramley has become a new favourite author of mine and I’m now happily going to make my way through her backlist. If they’re half as good as Plumberry then I’m in for a real treat!
The book follows Verity Bloom whose passion for cooking burnt out after the untimely death of her best friend Mimi two years ago. Verity and Mimi were always whipping up comfort food in the kitchen for their Youtube channel, adding love and laughter as the magic ingredient to their recipes. But since Mimi’s death, Verity has existed on microwave meals and fish finger sandwiches, cooking just isn’t the same without her partner in crime.
When Mimi’s mother Gloria asks for Verity’s help opening her new cookery school, Verity is thrown back into the world of cakes and pastries, dinners and desserts, and slowly begins to let cooking back into her heart. As Verity whips, stirs and bakes The Plumberry School of Comfort Food into life, it begins to become a foodie destination known for its food with heart. However, the cookery school’s Michelin starred chef Tom has different ideas about what good food consists of with his career being built off of hard work and a serious, professional approach to cooking. As the heat rises in and out of the kitchen, will Verity and Tom be able to put their differences aside and make The Plumberry School of Comfort Food a success? Or will their clashing personalities make a recipe for disaster?
Reading this book was like being wrapped in a warm comforting hug. I liked Verity straight away and quickly lost myself in her world. The entire cast of characters were lovely and each of them felt very real with their own backstories, passions, and dreams. My favourite character has to be Mags who really made me smile. I also loved the slow burning romance between Verity and Tom, who despite their differences had real chemistry between them.
The cookery school was a very original idea putting a new spin on the ever popular foodie chick-lit genre. I loved the way it bought the people of Plumberry together with its bake off style competitions and delicious food – some of the descriptions really made my mouth water! There was a sweet message at the heart of this story about showing our love for others through the act of making them food that I thought was really lovely.
The Plumberry School of Comfort Food was the perfect feel good read that put a big smile on my face. Cathy Bramley has become a new favourite author of mine and I’m now happily going to make my way through her backlist. If they’re half as good as Plumberry then I’m in for a real treat!
July 7, 2016
Oh wow, I haven't even realised how much I've missed Cathy Bramley's writing! I could probably read her books on daily basis, so dear Cathy, please never stop writing novels! I don't know how the author does it but each time I start a new book or new series by Ms Bramley I immediately feel at home and I feel as if I had known the characters for a long, long time already - the warmth of the writing just envelopes you and really, the stories are like an evening out with best friends - brilliant, funny, comforting and relaxing.
I've really read many books about food but in "The Plumberry School of Comfort Food" believe me, there is a lot of food, glorious food indeed, so well described that I actually felt my mouth watering, even though I am relatively resistant to such things, but the author has really excelled herself in describing these lovely, gorgeous canapés and some other food. Glorious food. Yes, I am aware I used the word "glorious" already. But it is glorious.
This time, as usual with Cathy Bramley's heroines, Verity Bloom is at crossroads with her life. We are introduced to her not in her best moment to be honest, and let's only say it involves unfaithful boyfriend, her job and she's still grieving after the very unexpected death of her best friend Mimi. The story of Verity is so natural and realistic, sounds so believable and she's another fantastic character from Cathy Bramley (and ditto for the whole cast of characters in the book - I immediately connected with all of them and am felt like a part of their gang), and I loved seeing her coming back to life she enjoyed before, blossoming and starting to laugh again. What she needed was one phone call from Mimi's mother Gloria, owner of a new cooking school - even though Verity wasn't sure about cooking, as she connected cooking and food with great memories of Mimi. But nevertheless, she knew that marketing the school is something she can do really well, so there was nothing keeping her at home and she took the chance. I really enjoyed the way our Verity was changing and coming back to life and the whole process of it. It was not easy for her and the author has brilliantly captured all the emotions and feeling accompanying Verity. I loved to see how her passion to life was growing back, how she was finding cooking relaxing and bringing joy again and I also loved how she dealt (or not) with the romance element in her life. I absolutely, totally adored watching how Verity and Tom were coming together, how awkward it was occasionally, and how genuine, and you've no idea how much I wanted those two to stay together, which was not so obvious, as - of course! Of course! - the author has pulled the rug from under their feet more than once!
I also loved to see how the school is coming to life. I adored the classes that the school offered and I'd myself love to try one or two of them, even if I were supposed to respond "Yes, Chef" to Tom. I could respond however he wished, to be honest, as Tom, you lovely folks, Tom is again one of the best male characters ever. I've no idea how Cathy Bramley manages to create such characters, as every book of hers brings us a new cookie. But better back to school, oh dear, I kinda went too far with my thoughts about Tom... The descriptions of the cookery school, inside and outside, and of the village were, as always, full of lovely details, vivid and springing to life.
The group of characters is just the best. Tom, Gloria, Mags, Rosie, Pixie - they were all fantastic, larger than life, funny and sad, just like the real people. However, I couldn't warm to Mimi's husband Gabe. I don't know why, there was something in him that made me feeling like this. And of course they all stick together! They support each other, they can count on each other, they bicker and then mend the fences and this all felt so genuine! It was really palpable that they all felt so good in their own company but also that any new person was heartily welcome, and this made me feel like a part of their world.
As usual, Cathy Bramley adds some more serious issues to her story, and it's the same with this novel, and this subplot is mention en passant every once in a while. I must admit, I relatively quickly guessed what it could be, that was so controversial and made Verity fell out with her parents, especially with her mother, but nevertheless it was an interesting look at this issue and I really appreciate the fact that Cathy has found a place for this in this light - hearted story. She also complicates the lives of the characters, adding a catastrophe here or there and she sees the timing brilliantly - she knows when to add a funny scene to brake the ice and when to add some drama to pump up the pace and feelings. There are twists and turns along the way but always treated with a dose of humour and wit.
Reading the book was a real joy, from start to finish. It is so well written, it has a lovely storyline and it's full to the brim with events of all sorts. It is a great journey that makes you laugh, cry, cheer and boo the characters, a great rollercoaster of emotions and full of beautiful descriptions and lovely setting. It belongs to these kind of books that you want to read as quickly as possible to see what's going to happen but you also don't want to end. However, after reading "The End", I felt so satisfied and so happy - Cathy Bramley has again delivered a brilliant, light - hearted, warm and uplifting read that I'll be coming back to for comfort. You really don't need comfort food when you have the book to hand. There were characters that you can relate to, it was down - to - earth and - again! - the cover is so incredibly gorgeous and inviting! Loved it and can't wait for more! Highly recommended!
Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for a review.
March 25, 2017
4.5 stars
This is a very nice book. A lot happens throughout the story. It's a diverse mix of nice events, lovely courses at the cookery school, wonderful people as well as trouble accidents and other catastrophes. There was also a lot of match making going on and some secrets of the past that were revealed bit by bit.
I enjoyed that very much as it kept the story interesting and not too predictable.
I also liked the love triangle part. It wasn't too obvious who will be the king of hearts as there was always this doubt- that everything might change,whosoever seemed to be the promising one at the moment.
There were a few tiny things that spoiled the perfection a little, however. (Careful: spoiler alert.)
One:
'Have fun and don't eat dodgy fish.' - *eats dodgy fish and gets himself a nice little food poisoning*
'Lovely heels!' - 'Thanks! I hope I won't slip on spilled food and break my neck a hahahaha ha.' - *trips, sails down the stairs and ends up in hospital*
'All this went too smoothly in advance of the opening. There HAVE to be some complications.' --> boom! - boss and star chef are knocked out around the grand opening.
The 'doom' was too often too accurately predicted for my taste. So when you saw those statements, you could be sure that this is going to happen.
Two:
Verity reminds the reader too often about Mimi. 'I feel so guilty. It should be her here, not me.' At least once or twice whenever a happy event takes place plus in between on a regular basis. That was a bit too much sometimes.
Then there was that moment when Verity gave Liam her presentation. After he tricked her out of her job by stealing her idea plus cheating on her. It's Ok to be a 'nice person' and stuff. That's fine. But you just don't do that :D Aaargh. I hated her for a second. Fortunately, she was great for the rest of the story so I could kind of forgive that incidence.
Oh, and finally the 'tragedy'. It was a tragedy, indeed. For the concerned parties at least. But I didn't care at all. And that's a shame because I liked that person before. But then she annoyed me when she was 'a patient'. And it was that annoyance that caused her to die so pff. (I won't tell you who that is, muhaha.)
Well, sounds like a lot of negative stuff, but as mentioned in the beginning, this book is mostly really delightful. So go and get it!
This is a very nice book. A lot happens throughout the story. It's a diverse mix of nice events, lovely courses at the cookery school, wonderful people as well as trouble accidents and other catastrophes. There was also a lot of match making going on and some secrets of the past that were revealed bit by bit.
I enjoyed that very much as it kept the story interesting and not too predictable.
I also liked the love triangle part. It wasn't too obvious who will be the king of hearts as there was always this doubt- that everything might change,whosoever seemed to be the promising one at the moment.
There were a few tiny things that spoiled the perfection a little, however. (Careful: spoiler alert.)
One:
'Have fun and don't eat dodgy fish.' - *eats dodgy fish and gets himself a nice little food poisoning*
'Lovely heels!' - 'Thanks! I hope I won't slip on spilled food and break my neck a hahahaha ha.' - *trips, sails down the stairs and ends up in hospital*
'All this went too smoothly in advance of the opening. There HAVE to be some complications.' --> boom! - boss and star chef are knocked out around the grand opening.
The 'doom' was too often too accurately predicted for my taste. So when you saw those statements, you could be sure that this is going to happen.
Two:
Verity reminds the reader too often about Mimi. 'I feel so guilty. It should be her here, not me.' At least once or twice whenever a happy event takes place plus in between on a regular basis. That was a bit too much sometimes.
Then there was that moment when Verity gave Liam her presentation. After he tricked her out of her job by stealing her idea plus cheating on her. It's Ok to be a 'nice person' and stuff. That's fine. But you just don't do that :D Aaargh. I hated her for a second. Fortunately, she was great for the rest of the story so I could kind of forgive that incidence.
Oh, and finally the 'tragedy'. It was a tragedy, indeed. For the concerned parties at least. But I didn't care at all. And that's a shame because I liked that person before. But then she annoyed me when she was 'a patient'. And it was that annoyance that caused her to die so pff. (I won't tell you who that is, muhaha.)
Well, sounds like a lot of negative stuff, but as mentioned in the beginning, this book is mostly really delightful. So go and get it!
October 8, 2016
When I think back to the beginning of the story I realise how out of step with life Verity was. Like most people she’s living her life for the ‘should’ and ‘ought’ – other people’s expectations. She’s in a relationship because she ‘should’ be and her job doesn’t offer her fulfilment. However, it’s perfect for where she is emotionally as she’s just going through the motions to get by. I’ve enjoyed her transformation and the journey of getting where she should be. I thought the right emphasis was put on her grief for Mimi which made it all feel very real. Not only did I care about what happened to Verity, I also felt emotionally attached to the other characters too. Verity isn’t the only one who we see change.
I was fascinated by the whole concept of Plumberry. I was engrossed through the stages of getting the school up and running and the ideas for revenue streams. The differing opinions gave depth to the characters and I could see how both had value. The cooking competitions were fabulous. I couldn’t get enough and kept turning those pages as fast as I could. I recently attended a cookery event myself ‘On Your Marks, Get Set, Cook … at Purewell’ where two chefs were head-to-head. I couldn’t help thinking of Plumberry!
Without a doubt, Plumberry is a community that’s a part of the village. I loved the friendships and the care they have for each other.
http://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/2016/0...
Of course there needs to be a balance and there is one particular crises that to be truthful, I hadn’t even considered might happen. Sorrow doesn’t even begin to describe how I felt. I had to keep reading through my tears to see how it would impact the story.
There’s an underlying theme that I thought Cathy dealt with sensitively and with realism. Although it was in the past, it had reverberations in the now and future.
The disasters and conflicts were well paced and kept me turning those pages. I would have been on tenterhooks had I read each serial as it came out!
The right amount of conflict/tension, fabulous characters and a beautiful setting, Plumberry is a romance read that will engage your emotions and leave you feeling positive and inspired.
I was fascinated by the whole concept of Plumberry. I was engrossed through the stages of getting the school up and running and the ideas for revenue streams. The differing opinions gave depth to the characters and I could see how both had value. The cooking competitions were fabulous. I couldn’t get enough and kept turning those pages as fast as I could. I recently attended a cookery event myself ‘On Your Marks, Get Set, Cook … at Purewell’ where two chefs were head-to-head. I couldn’t help thinking of Plumberry!
Without a doubt, Plumberry is a community that’s a part of the village. I loved the friendships and the care they have for each other.
http://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/2016/0...
Of course there needs to be a balance and there is one particular crises that to be truthful, I hadn’t even considered might happen. Sorrow doesn’t even begin to describe how I felt. I had to keep reading through my tears to see how it would impact the story.
There’s an underlying theme that I thought Cathy dealt with sensitively and with realism. Although it was in the past, it had reverberations in the now and future.
The disasters and conflicts were well paced and kept me turning those pages. I would have been on tenterhooks had I read each serial as it came out!
The right amount of conflict/tension, fabulous characters and a beautiful setting, Plumberry is a romance read that will engage your emotions and leave you feeling positive and inspired.
January 15, 2018
I picked this one up at a Books by Weight Sale only for it's title. So when Shakespeare said ‘What's in a name’ he really didn't know what he was talking about. It sounded warm and happy and comforting. And that's exactly what it turned out to be. The cover is lovely too, isn't it? Happy and cheerful.
The book is about Verity Bloom who works for an insurance company. She was an amateur cook and enjoyed making fun Youtube videos with her childhood friend Mimi. When Mimi passes away, Verity loses all interest in cooking and turned into a Prick-and-Ping-Princess, someone who depended on the microwave to do all her cooking. Meanwhile Mimi's mom Gloria, who had been a food stylist for television (I had no clue that was profession) decides to set up a Cookery School and calls over Verity to help with it. That’s where Verity renews her love affair with food.
This one is a simple feel-good book. Somedays that's all I have the heart for. For starters I loved the setting - a quaint town called Plumberry. Isn't that the sweetest of names? The School is wonderful and the cottages inviting.
Watching the women set up that school right from choosing a name to devising courses and planning marketing strategies to pull in the crowd - it was great fun. Some of the schemes they devised could really be used by a real-life school of cooking, they were that innovative.
I loved the constant debate between the School’s celebrity Chef Tom and Verity about whether food should be serious business or something that spells fun and togetherness. The title gives away the winner but I could see Tom’s point of view too.
The book met another one of my criteria for a good read - a bunch of endearing side characters. There's a cute little love triangle that keeps you guessing and a bit of a mystery thrown in for good measure.
I give it four stars for delivering on its promise and because I like romances with liberal doses of food.
The book is about Verity Bloom who works for an insurance company. She was an amateur cook and enjoyed making fun Youtube videos with her childhood friend Mimi. When Mimi passes away, Verity loses all interest in cooking and turned into a Prick-and-Ping-Princess, someone who depended on the microwave to do all her cooking. Meanwhile Mimi's mom Gloria, who had been a food stylist for television (I had no clue that was profession) decides to set up a Cookery School and calls over Verity to help with it. That’s where Verity renews her love affair with food.
This one is a simple feel-good book. Somedays that's all I have the heart for. For starters I loved the setting - a quaint town called Plumberry. Isn't that the sweetest of names? The School is wonderful and the cottages inviting.
Watching the women set up that school right from choosing a name to devising courses and planning marketing strategies to pull in the crowd - it was great fun. Some of the schemes they devised could really be used by a real-life school of cooking, they were that innovative.
I loved the constant debate between the School’s celebrity Chef Tom and Verity about whether food should be serious business or something that spells fun and togetherness. The title gives away the winner but I could see Tom’s point of view too.
The book met another one of my criteria for a good read - a bunch of endearing side characters. There's a cute little love triangle that keeps you guessing and a bit of a mystery thrown in for good measure.
I give it four stars for delivering on its promise and because I like romances with liberal doses of food.
September 28, 2016
'The Plumberry School of Comfort Food' is about Verity Bloom, who comes to Plumberry in order to help her dead best friend Mimi's mother with opening her cookery school.
Cooking was Mimi and Verity's shared passion, but ever since Mimi died, Verity lost that passion and preferred simple, microwaveable food instead. So when Gloria, Mimi's mother, calls for help, Verity must face her grief and real food again. With the help of old and new friends, she soon rediscovers her love for being in the kitchen. Soon the cookery school is a big hit, but then things get more and more complicated..
I really liked the story, but I think, it's not my favourite one (compared to 'Ivy Lane' etc.). I don't know, maybe it's because I absolutely do not have any passion for cooking at all. I don't hate it or anything, but I don't like it either. Another reason might be the 'deeper' problems Verity had, compared to the girls from Cathy Bramley's other four-part-serials. The 'problem' was too problematic for my taste, if that makes sense. It didn't ruin my day or anything, but it was just not to my liking. Also, a few of the characters were a bit annoying at times, for example Mags or Mimi's husband Gabe. What was also annoying was that Verity constantly felt guilty about everything she did (regarding Gabe and his son Noah) because it was HER doing it or being there or whatever instead of MIMI. Yeah, we got it, you don't want to take her place, blah, blah, blah. Thankfully that stopped towards the end of the book.
Although it sounds like I enjoyed it far less than the Cathy Bramley's other book, I still really liked it! ♥
Cooking was Mimi and Verity's shared passion, but ever since Mimi died, Verity lost that passion and preferred simple, microwaveable food instead. So when Gloria, Mimi's mother, calls for help, Verity must face her grief and real food again. With the help of old and new friends, she soon rediscovers her love for being in the kitchen. Soon the cookery school is a big hit, but then things get more and more complicated..
I really liked the story, but I think, it's not my favourite one (compared to 'Ivy Lane' etc.). I don't know, maybe it's because I absolutely do not have any passion for cooking at all. I don't hate it or anything, but I don't like it either. Another reason might be the 'deeper' problems Verity had, compared to the girls from Cathy Bramley's other four-part-serials. The 'problem' was too problematic for my taste, if that makes sense. It didn't ruin my day or anything, but it was just not to my liking. Also, a few of the characters were a bit annoying at times, for example Mags or Mimi's husband Gabe. What was also annoying was that Verity constantly felt guilty about everything she did (regarding Gabe and his son Noah) because it was HER doing it or being there or whatever instead of MIMI. Yeah, we got it, you don't want to take her place, blah, blah, blah. Thankfully that stopped towards the end of the book.
Although it sounds like I enjoyed it far less than the Cathy Bramley's other book, I still really liked it! ♥
August 12, 2016
A tantalizing warm witty read with some great characters.
April 2, 2017
Really enjoyed it. Lokking forward to more Cathy Bramley's in the future.
November 6, 2022
I borrowed this book from my city's library because of the book cover and the summary. Unfortunately, the book disappointed me because of the plot and the characters. There are a lot of secrets that, when revealed in a way, people get insulted.
I didn't connect with any of the characters; I felt they were selfish.
It is books like this that I am happy I read through the library and I don't buy them.
Verity, the main character, is very immature. She may have good organizational skills for her job, but she is very unorganized in her personal life.
Yes, the plot of the story deals with different kinds of grieves, but the execution of the telling of the story didn't grip me.
I didn't connect with any of the characters; I felt they were selfish.
It is books like this that I am happy I read through the library and I don't buy them.
Verity, the main character, is very immature. She may have good organizational skills for her job, but she is very unorganized in her personal life.
Yes, the plot of the story deals with different kinds of grieves, but the execution of the telling of the story didn't grip me.
July 13, 2017
I always love Cathy Bramley's books and this one was no different, it was an easy to read book that I found both heartwarming and enjoyable. It's about Verity and her moving up to Yorkshire to work in the Plumbery School of Comfort Food who her best friend's mum, Gloria, owns. Unfortunately, as we learn from the get go, Gloria's daughter died two years ago and Verity had sworn off cooking since as it was something they used to do together.
The story is about Verity's transition back into loving her life without feeling guilty about her friend Mimi not being there and finding her love of cooking again. I love the character of Verity and found her easy to like and, as I always say about Cathy Bramley's main characters, she was unique. At first I was a bit iffy with Tom, due to the way he was when it came to cooking, but soon grew to like his character and his relationship with Verity.
When the book started getting into it, I thought for sure that Verity would end up with Gabe but I'm glad she didn't. I don't think the two suited and I was a bit unsure about Gabe's character right from the beginning. There was drama after drama with this book but that's what made it so interesting, all of it was believable and I found myself wanting to start a new career at a cookery school...
The bits I found most upsetting was when Verity would talk to Mimi in her head, and when she got the DVD of her and Mimi I actually had to skip the pages because I found it too sad to read! I loved everything else though, from Gloria's cottage to the descriptions of the smells of baking. I loved the differences between Tom and Verity and I think that's what made them perfect for one another.
All I can say is that I can't wait to read even more Cathy Bramley! Ivy Lane is next on my list!
The story is about Verity's transition back into loving her life without feeling guilty about her friend Mimi not being there and finding her love of cooking again. I love the character of Verity and found her easy to like and, as I always say about Cathy Bramley's main characters, she was unique. At first I was a bit iffy with Tom, due to the way he was when it came to cooking, but soon grew to like his character and his relationship with Verity.
When the book started getting into it, I thought for sure that Verity would end up with Gabe but I'm glad she didn't. I don't think the two suited and I was a bit unsure about Gabe's character right from the beginning. There was drama after drama with this book but that's what made it so interesting, all of it was believable and I found myself wanting to start a new career at a cookery school...
The bits I found most upsetting was when Verity would talk to Mimi in her head, and when she got the DVD of her and Mimi I actually had to skip the pages because I found it too sad to read! I loved everything else though, from Gloria's cottage to the descriptions of the smells of baking. I loved the differences between Tom and Verity and I think that's what made them perfect for one another.
All I can say is that I can't wait to read even more Cathy Bramley! Ivy Lane is next on my list!
December 22, 2016
The Plumberry Cooking School series is essential four short stories (10 chapters each), which run in chapter sequence, one after the other. Not sure why the author didn't elect to just keeping it as one complete novel, because frankly to read one book on it's own would be pretty lame.
The main premise of the storyline is hard to swallow - Verity is seemingly unable to move forward after her friend dies (not a lover, a girlfriend). A few times I caught myself saying, oh get over it woman!! Had I not bought the entire four part series (dumb, I know), I would have happily flicked this read after the first installment.
There is a definitely old fashioned feeling about the entire story and setting - like it's set in the 1940's. Nobody swears, and considering it's set in a cooking environment with a world-class Irish chef, I find that VERY hard to believe. The brief scenes of passion are insipid and completely lacking in well, passion. Incredibly sedate, no surprises and frankly, pretty boring. I'm done with this author.
The main premise of the storyline is hard to swallow - Verity is seemingly unable to move forward after her friend dies (not a lover, a girlfriend). A few times I caught myself saying, oh get over it woman!! Had I not bought the entire four part series (dumb, I know), I would have happily flicked this read after the first installment.
There is a definitely old fashioned feeling about the entire story and setting - like it's set in the 1940's. Nobody swears, and considering it's set in a cooking environment with a world-class Irish chef, I find that VERY hard to believe. The brief scenes of passion are insipid and completely lacking in well, passion. Incredibly sedate, no surprises and frankly, pretty boring. I'm done with this author.
Read
March 15, 2016Totally entertaining and heartwarming, and gave me a permanent craving for a fish finger sandwich.
September 12, 2016
A nice little read to keep dipping into while being busy.
February 7, 2017
A really nice and simple easy read. Everything you want from a chick flick book. It was nice to resolve around food. Just I thought it was a shame that you could tell what was coming next. There were a few things which were hard to predict though. It was a nice read to read on a long plane journey and would recommend it in the future dependent on the situation.
April 23, 2022
Loved it , but I found it a very slow starter , but glad I continued to the end.
January 28, 2020
So clichéd, so predictable and yet so beautiful and delicious! The whole story played like a rom-com in my head. Such a comforting read.
Loved it!
Loved it!
May 10, 2020
This book is about a cookery school which specialises in comfort food and that makes it a book that is full of comfort reading, you can just sit in your favourite place to read and imagine that you are there with them. But as with everything comfortable, you sometimes find something sharp to bring you back to normal life and that's what happens to Verity when she moves in with Gloria, mother of her deceased best friend and owner of the Plumberry cookery school. A story that is both heartbreaking and bitter sweet, but it will certainly make you realise that you must be thankful for what you have, you only have one go at this life so don't let it fall through your fingers.
July 30, 2018
I absolutely loved this book, it had so much going on. The characters were all a delight to get to know and I loved seeing how each of them developed throughout the story.
There were sad moments throuhout the story but then there were also happy, fun and entertaining moments. This book really does have it all, even a shocked reveal of a secret come the end.
I wanted this story to go on and on, didn't want it to end.
There were sad moments throuhout the story but then there were also happy, fun and entertaining moments. This book really does have it all, even a shocked reveal of a secret come the end.
I wanted this story to go on and on, didn't want it to end.
February 7, 2017
Ive read other Cathy Bramely books and havent been let down and this was even better than I expected.
The story is Veritys, shes a character full of love and so caring to others. Shes not got a good track record with previous relationships with men but one relationship that was so important for her was with her best friend Mimi. Unfortunately Mimi passed away suddenly and unexpectedly, but we seen Verity remain close with Mimi's husband, son and mother Gloria.
Gloria is in the middle of opening a cookery school and invites Verity to join her for a few weeks to help get the cookery school ready for opening.
We see Verity fall in love with her job at the cookery school, the village the people and we see Gloria and her relationship get really close and have the mother daughter relationship they both have been without.
The book is full of unexpected secrets, twists and turns and I enjoyed this as I never knew exactly what was coming next.
There is also a whole lot of heartbreak and sadness throughout that will leave you in tears.
The perfect book I would say as reading this would put a smile on anyones face.
Im now rushing to read Comfort & Joy and find out whats been happening.
The story is Veritys, shes a character full of love and so caring to others. Shes not got a good track record with previous relationships with men but one relationship that was so important for her was with her best friend Mimi. Unfortunately Mimi passed away suddenly and unexpectedly, but we seen Verity remain close with Mimi's husband, son and mother Gloria.
Gloria is in the middle of opening a cookery school and invites Verity to join her for a few weeks to help get the cookery school ready for opening.
We see Verity fall in love with her job at the cookery school, the village the people and we see Gloria and her relationship get really close and have the mother daughter relationship they both have been without.
The book is full of unexpected secrets, twists and turns and I enjoyed this as I never knew exactly what was coming next.
There is also a whole lot of heartbreak and sadness throughout that will leave you in tears.
The perfect book I would say as reading this would put a smile on anyones face.
Im now rushing to read Comfort & Joy and find out whats been happening.
March 7, 2017
Loved this book
July 11, 2016
Originally posted on: http://www.albainbookland.com/2016/07...
Well, Cathy Bramley has done it again. I completely fell in love with the story and the characters of The Plumberry School of Comfort Food. In fact, this might be her best book yet. Not only does it have the usual charm you find in her books but so much more: this story is full of love, joy and heart but also sadness and raw emotions. A story that will steal your hearts for sure.
Lately, we've had quite a lot of foody novels in which the story is set in a bakery or a tea shop and even if I usually enjoy these settings, I was starting to feel like I was reading the same story again and again. So I was greatly surprised to discover a very original setting for this one: a culinary school, with lots of fun course (I'd love to attend), competitions and events. Not only that, the story was unique and highly entertaining with new surprises and twists with every chapter. It certainly captured my attention from start to finish and I found myself completely lost in its pages for hours.
As the main character, Verity was perfect, easy to love and root for and with a huge heart. Since losing her best friend, she had been merely surviving and getting on with life with no enjoyment or enthusiasm so it was really touching to see her getting more involved in the school and seeing her smiling and fighting for it. I was really curious to know more about her and with every new bit of information I like her more and more.
And then, we had all the cast of characters surrounding the school. I couldn't really pick a favourite as I loved reading about them all. Cathy Bramley always creates such well developed characters with their own stories that complement the main plot so well! I especially liked Tom, the Irish chef, and his assistant Pixie, and Mags, the receptionist and expublisher, and Gloria, whose idea started it all and... yes, I like them all, ok?
With glorious food, lovable characters, a highly entertaining story, lots of surprises and such a fun setting, The Plumberry School of Comfort Food is the book you've been looking for! It'll definitely be in my top ten books of the year so guys, just get yourself a copy!
(review copy)
Well, Cathy Bramley has done it again. I completely fell in love with the story and the characters of The Plumberry School of Comfort Food. In fact, this might be her best book yet. Not only does it have the usual charm you find in her books but so much more: this story is full of love, joy and heart but also sadness and raw emotions. A story that will steal your hearts for sure.
Lately, we've had quite a lot of foody novels in which the story is set in a bakery or a tea shop and even if I usually enjoy these settings, I was starting to feel like I was reading the same story again and again. So I was greatly surprised to discover a very original setting for this one: a culinary school, with lots of fun course (I'd love to attend), competitions and events. Not only that, the story was unique and highly entertaining with new surprises and twists with every chapter. It certainly captured my attention from start to finish and I found myself completely lost in its pages for hours.
As the main character, Verity was perfect, easy to love and root for and with a huge heart. Since losing her best friend, she had been merely surviving and getting on with life with no enjoyment or enthusiasm so it was really touching to see her getting more involved in the school and seeing her smiling and fighting for it. I was really curious to know more about her and with every new bit of information I like her more and more.
And then, we had all the cast of characters surrounding the school. I couldn't really pick a favourite as I loved reading about them all. Cathy Bramley always creates such well developed characters with their own stories that complement the main plot so well! I especially liked Tom, the Irish chef, and his assistant Pixie, and Mags, the receptionist and expublisher, and Gloria, whose idea started it all and... yes, I like them all, ok?
With glorious food, lovable characters, a highly entertaining story, lots of surprises and such a fun setting, The Plumberry School of Comfort Food is the book you've been looking for! It'll definitely be in my top ten books of the year so guys, just get yourself a copy!
(review copy)
July 26, 2016
Verity Bloom (what a great name!) loses her boyfriend and her job on the same day. Feeling sorry for herself she agrees to go and help her best friend's mum get her new cooking school up and running. She has lost her cooking mojo since her best friend died suddenly - will this help her win it back. Vowing to only stop a couple of weeks, she meets Tom, Plumberry School of Comfort Food's new Michelin starred chef. Will she be persuaded to stay?
I expected nothing less than a five star book from Cathy Bramley. I've read all her other books and loved them. This proved to be no different! Drawn in by the cover, the title and the description, I loved this book. Instantly forming a love for Verity's character, you get so involved with the 'will she, won't she' story. All of the characters are lovable, especially Tom, and the ideas of the cooking school make you want to pick up your sharpened knife and a chopping board straight away!
Fab, fab, fab.....can't wait for Cathy's next book!
I expected nothing less than a five star book from Cathy Bramley. I've read all her other books and loved them. This proved to be no different! Drawn in by the cover, the title and the description, I loved this book. Instantly forming a love for Verity's character, you get so involved with the 'will she, won't she' story. All of the characters are lovable, especially Tom, and the ideas of the cooking school make you want to pick up your sharpened knife and a chopping board straight away!
Fab, fab, fab.....can't wait for Cathy's next book!
December 16, 2016
Warning - don't read this book unless you have access to snacks at the same time, as it will make you hungry! Split into four parts which can all stand alone, but also move the story along in a good way, my favourite two parts were Cooking up a Storm and Taking Stock. The descriptions of the cooking school and of Plumberry itself made me really want to travel to Yorkshire and visit for myself. I loved how Verity and Tom both had such differing approaches to cooking and food, while Gloria and her best friend are like a breathe of fresh air. There are so many memorable bits, but I really did love the ways the Cooking school were being marketed, with the whole variety of different courses on offer, and the competitions taking part over the bank holiday weekend. With enchanting and captivating writing, this is an absolute delight of a book.
July 9, 2016
Excellent book I throughly enjoyed reading this and had you wanting to read more to find out what was going to happen. Verity Bloom isn't interesting in cooking or food at all and she is fighting to keep her job. Her best friend Mimi died leaving a husband and a little boy who verity loves and will do anything for. When verity looses her job she rings Mimi's mum and she invited her to stay with her and help set up the Plumberry school of comfort food. Can she find love and does she meet more heartache. Can they make a success of the school and do they have to be totally honest with others so they can move forward and enjoy life. An enjoyable read.
July 10, 2016
Verity Bloom has lost job and boyfriend on the same day. But things don't look so bad when an old friend calls asking for her help. Verity has known Gloria, her best friend's mother, all her life and now she needs her help with her cook school. Although Verity hasn't cooked since her best friend and baking companion died two years earlier, she is happy to help out temporarily until she gets back on her feet. An entartaining and delightful novel with a variety of lovely and colorful characters that made me laugh but also moved a little. It's a story of friendship and love but also food...my mouth was watering for all the delicious food described in the book!
April 5, 2016
After looking at the cover of this book I just knew that I was going to be hooked!
Plumberry School of comfort food is full of adorable loveable characters, new beginnings , a few twists and turns and a whole lot of yummy comfort food.
A delightful read that will make your heart sing!
Such a great start to yet another fantastic Cathy Bramley series.
I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Plumberry School of comfort food is full of adorable loveable characters, new beginnings , a few twists and turns and a whole lot of yummy comfort food.
A delightful read that will make your heart sing!
Such a great start to yet another fantastic Cathy Bramley series.
I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 27, 2016
I just love all Cathy Bramley's books and have enjoyed everything she has written so far. The Plumberry School of Comfort Food is a lovely book and i devoured it in a couple of days (see what I did there?).
I loved the characters, (normally there is at least one character in a book who annoys me) the plot, the writing, everything! A thoroughly good read which I would recommend and go out and buy all her other books as you won't be disappointed.
I loved the characters, (normally there is at least one character in a book who annoys me) the plot, the writing, everything! A thoroughly good read which I would recommend and go out and buy all her other books as you won't be disappointed.
March 25, 2016
Good start to this story told in four parts and I enjoyed the foodie aspect to it. Unfortunately I'm not a fan of having to buy four bits of a book however, interrupts my reading & lessens my enjoyment which is a shame because I liked the characters.
October 20, 2016
Very disappointed with this one. If this had ended after the first 200 odd pages, it could have been a nice enough wee book but felt the last half of the book was just dragging on with an extra bit of tragedy thrown in for no reason other than to pad things out.
July 16, 2016
It's the first book from this author that I've read but it definitely won't be the last. I was gripped from the beginning by the story and the characters and was so happy it ended the way it did.
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