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The Plumberry School of Comfort Food #1
Food, Glorious Food
This is Part One in a brand-new serial from bestselling author Cathy Bramley.
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 is about to land 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 has rather gone off the boil. It needs the kind of great ideas that only Verity could cook up . . .
But as Verity tries to balance stirring up publicity, keeping their top chef sweet and soothing her aching heart, will her move to Plumberry prove to be a sheer delight . . . or a recipe for disaster?
The Plumberry School of Comfort Food is an irresistibly charming novel told in four parts – following the adventures of Verity Bloom in love, friendship and cooking. This is the first part.
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 is about to land 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 has rather gone off the boil. It needs the kind of great ideas that only Verity could cook up . . .
But as Verity tries to balance stirring up publicity, keeping their top chef sweet and soothing her aching heart, will her move to Plumberry prove to be a sheer delight . . . or a recipe for disaster?
The Plumberry School of Comfort Food is an irresistibly charming novel told in four parts – following the adventures of Verity Bloom in love, friendship and cooking. This is the first part.
107 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 3, 2016
44 people are currently reading
498 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Bramley
66 books1,136 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 43 reviews
October 21, 2017
3 1/2 stars, nice novella to start the series. I really like a book about starting a new life, business and cooking, not cookbooks though.
June 30, 2016
Verity's whole life changes in one day-she's single and without a job. She needs something that takes her thoughts off of her miserable life and just when she most needs is, she gets a phone call from her best friend's mom, who needs her help with a new cookery school. Verity has been avoiding cooking since her best friend Mimi passed away, and she still finds it hard to accept how she can be part of everything her friend would have enjoyed. Since her arrival to the Plumberry School of Comfort Food, there hasn't been a dull moment, and a handsome chef makes it even more exciting and due to him, she has to pull herself together and start making the wonders in the kitchen again.
Even though it was short, it didn't lack depth, it was filled with emotional, heartfelt and funny moments. I liked the setting and the characters, they were all likeable and down to earth, with whom you can relate to. In a nutshell it was a wonderful story and a great beginning to this magnificent series.
Even though it was short, it didn't lack depth, it was filled with emotional, heartfelt and funny moments. I liked the setting and the characters, they were all likeable and down to earth, with whom you can relate to. In a nutshell it was a wonderful story and a great beginning to this magnificent series.
May 15, 2016
Actual rating: 4.5
I received the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange of honest reviews. All opinions are mine.
Plumberry School of Comfort Food is basically about Verity Bloom who found herself losing her job and her boyfriend in one fell swoop. When she was asked to come and stay with her bestfriend's mother to help with her new cookery school in Plumberry, she thought it would be a good idea to get away from her life for a while.
I have two problems with this book. One, it's too short. Since it's going to be published in a four-part serial, the page count is only about 100 pages and that is not nearly enough for me. I need more! Second, those glorious mention of food. I hate that when I read books with foods being mentioned and my mouth immediately waters. I even want Verity's fish fingers sandwich and I'm not even a huge fan of fish fingers. So consider yourselves warned, don't read this book on empty stomach. Or at least make sure that you have something to munch on because the temptation is real.
I thought this is a good start to the series. We were introduced to Verity, whom I love right from the start because she is as real as she can be, with a huge grief to get over but by the end of part one, you can clearly see how she's working through it, so I'm definitely looking forward to read the next part to see how she fares. Other than Verity, there is also a myriad of other characters to love such as Gloria, the owner of the cookery school (Verity's bestfriend's mom), Mags the front house manager, Tom the chef and Pixie the part-time worker. I am most interested in Tom of all the characters because in this part of the book, he came across as someone uptight and very cheffy, citing pan-fried scallops with a lime foam and minted pea purèe as his signature dish and wanting to teach only hardcore cooking classes as opposed to simple, beginner level ones.
Cathy Bramley has always had brilliant writing and storytelling skills and it is clearly evident in this book. It was an easy read and got me hooked right from the start and the smatterings of foods being mentioned is just like icing on the cake. I'm definitely looking forward to read the next parts of the story to know how the events of the story would unfold.
I received the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange of honest reviews. All opinions are mine.
Plumberry School of Comfort Food is basically about Verity Bloom who found herself losing her job and her boyfriend in one fell swoop. When she was asked to come and stay with her bestfriend's mother to help with her new cookery school in Plumberry, she thought it would be a good idea to get away from her life for a while.
I have two problems with this book. One, it's too short. Since it's going to be published in a four-part serial, the page count is only about 100 pages and that is not nearly enough for me. I need more! Second, those glorious mention of food. I hate that when I read books with foods being mentioned and my mouth immediately waters. I even want Verity's fish fingers sandwich and I'm not even a huge fan of fish fingers. So consider yourselves warned, don't read this book on empty stomach. Or at least make sure that you have something to munch on because the temptation is real.
I thought this is a good start to the series. We were introduced to Verity, whom I love right from the start because she is as real as she can be, with a huge grief to get over but by the end of part one, you can clearly see how she's working through it, so I'm definitely looking forward to read the next part to see how she fares. Other than Verity, there is also a myriad of other characters to love such as Gloria, the owner of the cookery school (Verity's bestfriend's mom), Mags the front house manager, Tom the chef and Pixie the part-time worker. I am most interested in Tom of all the characters because in this part of the book, he came across as someone uptight and very cheffy, citing pan-fried scallops with a lime foam and minted pea purèe as his signature dish and wanting to teach only hardcore cooking classes as opposed to simple, beginner level ones.
Cathy Bramley has always had brilliant writing and storytelling skills and it is clearly evident in this book. It was an easy read and got me hooked right from the start and the smatterings of foods being mentioned is just like icing on the cake. I'm definitely looking forward to read the next parts of the story to know how the events of the story would unfold.
June 12, 2016
Review first posted on my blog 'A Spoonful of Happy Endings': http://spoonfulofhappyendings.blogspo...
After discovering her boyfriend has been cheating on her and losing her job, all on the same day, Verity Bloom needs something to distract her from all the misery in her life. After the completely unexpected death of her best friend Mimi two years ago, Verity has never really done anything with her passion for cooking, but the perfect opportunity to pick this up again arrives in the form of the Plumberry School of Comfort Food. Verity's help is desperately needed and before she knows it, she finds herself back in the kitchen while also dealing with all kinds of complications, including the move to a new village, the publicity for the school to attract students, and a rather handsome top chef...
Cathy Bramley has done it again! Obviously this is just the first part of this new series set at the Plumberry School of Comfort Food, but it's a promising start and one I really enjoyed reading from start to finish. It's quite a quick read and sets the scene perfectly; providing the reader with the chance to get to know main character Verity, the secondary characters and the setting, in this case a new cooking school in the small town of Plumberry. I straight away fell in love with Verity, her personality and interesting background story, and Plumberry and its wonderful inhabitants.
I really admire Cathy for how she manages to come up with a great and fascinating new setting and collection of characters over and over again. We've had gardening, farming, events at a big country estate, and now it's cooking at a school... I love it and can't wait for more. This is a great book to pick up for anyone who's looking for a quick read, or anyone who's not yet familiar with Cathy's writing and would like to give it a taste. I can safely say that if you love chick lit, you will love Cathy's work, so don't hesitate to give it a shot. The first part of 'The Plumberry School of Comfort Food' is a promising and great start to a new Cathy Bramley series; I can't wait to read more!
After discovering her boyfriend has been cheating on her and losing her job, all on the same day, Verity Bloom needs something to distract her from all the misery in her life. After the completely unexpected death of her best friend Mimi two years ago, Verity has never really done anything with her passion for cooking, but the perfect opportunity to pick this up again arrives in the form of the Plumberry School of Comfort Food. Verity's help is desperately needed and before she knows it, she finds herself back in the kitchen while also dealing with all kinds of complications, including the move to a new village, the publicity for the school to attract students, and a rather handsome top chef...
Cathy Bramley has done it again! Obviously this is just the first part of this new series set at the Plumberry School of Comfort Food, but it's a promising start and one I really enjoyed reading from start to finish. It's quite a quick read and sets the scene perfectly; providing the reader with the chance to get to know main character Verity, the secondary characters and the setting, in this case a new cooking school in the small town of Plumberry. I straight away fell in love with Verity, her personality and interesting background story, and Plumberry and its wonderful inhabitants.
I really admire Cathy for how she manages to come up with a great and fascinating new setting and collection of characters over and over again. We've had gardening, farming, events at a big country estate, and now it's cooking at a school... I love it and can't wait for more. This is a great book to pick up for anyone who's looking for a quick read, or anyone who's not yet familiar with Cathy's writing and would like to give it a taste. I can safely say that if you love chick lit, you will love Cathy's work, so don't hesitate to give it a shot. The first part of 'The Plumberry School of Comfort Food' is a promising and great start to a new Cathy Bramley series; I can't wait to read more!
July 31, 2016
Wow!! One finishing this first part of The Plumberry School of Comfort Food I immediately headed over to Amazon and purchased the next 3 instalments as I need to find out what happens and immerse myself in the wonderful village that is Plumberry!
This is the first book I have read from Cathy Bramley and most certainly will not be the last, her writing style is so easy and makes you feel as though you are there with the characters.
Verity is feeling lost, it is 2 years since the sudden death of her best friend, Mimi, and she has still not come to terms with the hole that has been left by Mimi's absence. One thing that Mimi and Verity enjoyed doing together was baking and since Mimi's death, Verity has not been able to enjoy being in the kitchen so lives on a diet of ready meals and toast! Mimi's husband, Gabe, and 3 years old son, Noah are just about coping but Gabe is still lonely.
Verity is living with Rosie and is about to make a pitch at work to save herself from redundancy but all does not go to plan so Verity heads north to Plumberry to help Gloria, Mimi's mother, with the opening of her new cookery school where she meets the enigmatic but grumpy Tom.
The flow of this book is wonderful, I quickly lost myself in this first part and did not stop until I had finished it. The characters are wonderful (other than those you are not supposed to like!) and I particularly loved Verity and Rosie. I warmed to them both from the outside, they feel like girls you could go and have a good chat with over copious amounts of coffee and cake!
Aside from the characters, Bramley's Plumberry sounds wonderful, the sort of village where everyone knows everyone else...but in a good way, all supporting and looking out for one another.
One warning is needed for this book, do not read it when you are hungry because you will be drooling throughout it - the descriptions of the cooking and food are so brilliant you can almost taste the results!
This is the first book I have read from Cathy Bramley and most certainly will not be the last, her writing style is so easy and makes you feel as though you are there with the characters.
Verity is feeling lost, it is 2 years since the sudden death of her best friend, Mimi, and she has still not come to terms with the hole that has been left by Mimi's absence. One thing that Mimi and Verity enjoyed doing together was baking and since Mimi's death, Verity has not been able to enjoy being in the kitchen so lives on a diet of ready meals and toast! Mimi's husband, Gabe, and 3 years old son, Noah are just about coping but Gabe is still lonely.
Verity is living with Rosie and is about to make a pitch at work to save herself from redundancy but all does not go to plan so Verity heads north to Plumberry to help Gloria, Mimi's mother, with the opening of her new cookery school where she meets the enigmatic but grumpy Tom.
The flow of this book is wonderful, I quickly lost myself in this first part and did not stop until I had finished it. The characters are wonderful (other than those you are not supposed to like!) and I particularly loved Verity and Rosie. I warmed to them both from the outside, they feel like girls you could go and have a good chat with over copious amounts of coffee and cake!
Aside from the characters, Bramley's Plumberry sounds wonderful, the sort of village where everyone knows everyone else...but in a good way, all supporting and looking out for one another.
One warning is needed for this book, do not read it when you are hungry because you will be drooling throughout it - the descriptions of the cooking and food are so brilliant you can almost taste the results!
March 15, 2016
Delighted when a new series was published from Cathy Bramley. This book has done it again, grabbed me from the first page of this new book and left me wanting more when I finished the last page. Sadness, friends, cooking, love interests and set in a great village, what more could you want for a great read. 5 great big stars.
September 23, 2018
To read my full review go to mariesbookbotuique.wordpress.com/2018... comfort-food-by-cathy-bramley
This front cover is just glorious and delightful in so many ways: firstly I really like the swirly writing used for Cathy's name in white and the title in a lovely deep plum colour this looks great against the blue backing of the sky. A king fisher rests on the end of the author's name (How cute is that?). moving back to the title a few cooking instruments are scattering around it, two branches creep in to the cover and then your eye's meet the winding hills, stream and the village blow. A lady is walking down a path gazing at the village in front of her. All in all I think this is a delicious looking front cover!(see what I did there, with the food related reference!!!!!!!)
Verity Bloom, loosed her best friend; Mimi and baking companion two years ago. Still caught up in her grief; nothing makes her happy anymore not even her friend and roommate can put a smile on her face. Mimi leaves behind a husband and their little son Noah.
So when Verity get's a panicked phone call from Mimi's mother who is about to open a cookery school. She has also just finished her relationship with her jobless and cheating boyfriend so agrees to help her for a while. What a wait's her? Can Verity bring herself to start cooking again or is it to painful? Will she find her own happiness when she's there? How will she deal with the whole team? Is it going to be plain sailing/cooking?
The Plumberry School of Comfort Food by Cathy Bramley is a cosy, warm story that's, funny, witty and full of excitement. It's also not without a few sad bit; which I always' think keeps the story true to life. Cathy really has an exquisite writing style that I have just fallen in love with. She provides lovely description that produce image after image in my mind while reading, kind of like a slide show. There are quite a few up's and down's throughout the book-keeping me intrigued and entertained. I really didn't want this story to end and was pretty bummed when I did!
This story also has many bit's that I could relate to for me personally and could sympathise with Verity's character at points; which is probably why I couldn't put it down to be honest. I adored reading all the yummy food's that get cooked; so having said that I would advise you have something yummy to hand if you get to read this great book.
At the end of the book I was delighted to discover some of the lovely recipes in the story; which I will try to give a go at some point. I thought this was a really nice touch!
If you adore cooking, baking with the added drops of romance and drama, then this story is for you! I really recommend it!
This front cover is just glorious and delightful in so many ways: firstly I really like the swirly writing used for Cathy's name in white and the title in a lovely deep plum colour this looks great against the blue backing of the sky. A king fisher rests on the end of the author's name (How cute is that?). moving back to the title a few cooking instruments are scattering around it, two branches creep in to the cover and then your eye's meet the winding hills, stream and the village blow. A lady is walking down a path gazing at the village in front of her. All in all I think this is a delicious looking front cover!(see what I did there, with the food related reference!!!!!!!)
Verity Bloom, loosed her best friend; Mimi and baking companion two years ago. Still caught up in her grief; nothing makes her happy anymore not even her friend and roommate can put a smile on her face. Mimi leaves behind a husband and their little son Noah.
So when Verity get's a panicked phone call from Mimi's mother who is about to open a cookery school. She has also just finished her relationship with her jobless and cheating boyfriend so agrees to help her for a while. What a wait's her? Can Verity bring herself to start cooking again or is it to painful? Will she find her own happiness when she's there? How will she deal with the whole team? Is it going to be plain sailing/cooking?
The Plumberry School of Comfort Food by Cathy Bramley is a cosy, warm story that's, funny, witty and full of excitement. It's also not without a few sad bit; which I always' think keeps the story true to life. Cathy really has an exquisite writing style that I have just fallen in love with. She provides lovely description that produce image after image in my mind while reading, kind of like a slide show. There are quite a few up's and down's throughout the book-keeping me intrigued and entertained. I really didn't want this story to end and was pretty bummed when I did!
This story also has many bit's that I could relate to for me personally and could sympathise with Verity's character at points; which is probably why I couldn't put it down to be honest. I adored reading all the yummy food's that get cooked; so having said that I would advise you have something yummy to hand if you get to read this great book.
At the end of the book I was delighted to discover some of the lovely recipes in the story; which I will try to give a go at some point. I thought this was a really nice touch!
If you adore cooking, baking with the added drops of romance and drama, then this story is for you! I really recommend it!
October 15, 2017
This book is about Verity Bloom. When you first start the book, everything is going wrong for Verity. Her boyfriend is having an affair and stolen her job and now she has nothing. Her friend Mimi died two years ago and she is struggling to get over her and the love she had with cooking. Gloria (Mimi's mum) is opening up a cooking school and asks Verity for help and that's where it all begins.
It's a lovely story, which was an easy read and very enjoyable. I do wish the chapters were a little shorter but lovely story, with lots going on. Romance and Friendship but also a love for cooking.
It's a lovely story, which was an easy read and very enjoyable. I do wish the chapters were a little shorter but lovely story, with lots going on. Romance and Friendship but also a love for cooking.
June 12, 2017
Oh oops, I read the 4 short novels all in one book. Rather than being on the short side, I found it a little long, but this makes sense now that I know it was a 4 in one compilation. Very enjoyable, light easy reading.
July 20, 2018
Fun, light slightly soppy holiday reading, which was quickly whipped through and easily digested. But it hung together well and although every commercial activity was met with success, the story wasn’t too far fetched.
Read
July 29, 2021Audiobook review. Chosen because it’s read by Colleen Prendergast. Too slow and too long for me. I got weirdly annoyed by the repetition of “cookery school”. Listened for 3 hours then skipped to the last hour. Disappointed
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2017
An uplifting tale. Warm likeable characters. Some very sad parts with food as comfort and love. I enjoyed this one.
August 14, 2017
Loved seeing the start of Verity and Tom and Gabe and delving deeper having read the Lemon Tree Cafe.
December 1, 2017
4.5/5. Really liked the story and the great and interesting cast of characters, and fully plan to keep reading the rest of the books if they keep being as good as this one.
December 10, 2017
Cheers
Another good book from Cathy Bramley, enjoyed every page , can't wait to start the next chapter. Love the receipts at the end.
Another good book from Cathy Bramley, enjoyed every page , can't wait to start the next chapter. Love the receipts at the end.
August 22, 2018
I liked the start of this book, but unfortunately again spoiled by such a predictable ending.
November 26, 2018
Light and entertaining read.
Picked it up by chance and was really glad for it. This book lifts your spirits right up if feeling a bit gloomy and will put a smile on your face.
Picked it up by chance and was really glad for it. This book lifts your spirits right up if feeling a bit gloomy and will put a smile on your face.
October 28, 2019
I wish I'd discovered this series before I read the Lemon Tree series, but I am still enjoying it, like reading a prequel as they share the same characters.
February 19, 2021
Started this but soon gave up. Was t for me.
October 15, 2023
Pure unadulterated chick lit fiction, just what you need for a quick romp of a read :-)
March 5, 2017
The perfect read for a rainy cozy day in!
April 8, 2016
Oh wow, I haven't even realised how much I am missing Cathy'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.
In "Food, Glorious Food" (and believe me, there is a lot of food, glorious food in this first part, 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) we are introduced to the main character, Verity Bloom, 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 "Food, Glorious Food" - I immediately connected with all of them and am already feeling like a part of their gang), and I loved seeing her coming back to life she enjoyed before, to blossoming and starting to laugh again.
The story has me hooked from the very beginning and I can't wait to see what's going to happen next. Of course, as usual, it ended with a cliff - hanger, but there is also more, as it introduces us to two potential love interests for Verity, even though she doesn't think about love, but come on, we know she's going to fell in love some time, right? 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. 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!
Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for a review.
April 9, 2016
I read this book in one single sitting, well one laying.. I was in the bath! This is how quick I read this book. Given it is only 107 pages but I would never normally read something in one sitting.
The main character Verity was just so loveable and adorable, her story starts out a little lacksadaisical and disorientated. Finding herself at a turning point in her life and not sure which direction is best for her, a phone call from her late best friends mother is exactly what Verity needs to re-find her passions and find herself again. After Verity has been unable to even look at a stove the same since her best friend Mimi passed away. Rosie, Verity's new best friend was also a favourite of mine, she's just so energetic, fun and definitely someone Verity needs in her life. Verity and Rosie are my favourite characters (so far!). I really felt for Verity and to some degree really do empathise with her, as a major lover of cooking I found myself lost and unable to find my spark again, I was rooting for her to get back in the kitchen!!
The story building is perfect and happened at such a lovely speed. A brilliant start up and a beautiful beginning. I loved watching Verity attempt to get herself back on track, finding her 'love' and not in a man! It was fantastic to read a love of something other than another person, in food! I am edging to read the next part of this wonderful serial, especially after the ending...
I really loved reading this and it was such a happy, feel good start to a new book. It's an odd feeling only reading the first quarter of a book and writing a review for it, but I feel they all deserve a review of their own! I am really excited to see where Verity goes and whats in store for this wonderful characters. Along with Rosie, Pixie (such a cute name!), Tom, Mags and Gloria.
This is a perfect and heart warming start to what I expect to be a beautiful novel.
The main character Verity was just so loveable and adorable, her story starts out a little lacksadaisical and disorientated. Finding herself at a turning point in her life and not sure which direction is best for her, a phone call from her late best friends mother is exactly what Verity needs to re-find her passions and find herself again. After Verity has been unable to even look at a stove the same since her best friend Mimi passed away. Rosie, Verity's new best friend was also a favourite of mine, she's just so energetic, fun and definitely someone Verity needs in her life. Verity and Rosie are my favourite characters (so far!). I really felt for Verity and to some degree really do empathise with her, as a major lover of cooking I found myself lost and unable to find my spark again, I was rooting for her to get back in the kitchen!!
The story building is perfect and happened at such a lovely speed. A brilliant start up and a beautiful beginning. I loved watching Verity attempt to get herself back on track, finding her 'love' and not in a man! It was fantastic to read a love of something other than another person, in food! I am edging to read the next part of this wonderful serial, especially after the ending...
I really loved reading this and it was such a happy, feel good start to a new book. It's an odd feeling only reading the first quarter of a book and writing a review for it, but I feel they all deserve a review of their own! I am really excited to see where Verity goes and whats in store for this wonderful characters. Along with Rosie, Pixie (such a cute name!), Tom, Mags and Gloria.
This is a perfect and heart warming start to what I expect to be a beautiful novel.
July 25, 2016
Firstly, thank you to Transworld for the review copy of this title provided via NetGalley. I think this is one of my most highly anticipated releases from Cathy as I absolutely loved the premise for this. I love watching GBBO every summer so loved the cookery school idea with all it's different classes!
The first part of this story is all about the lead up to the cookery school opening and that in itself is inherently littered with hilarious moments as Verity and the gang try to get everything organised against what seems the strongest will of the world!
Cathy's writing is very easy to get swept up in. It was easy to imagine the cookery school and how all of the classes are shaping up. I'd love to visit myself so I can see how the school will be a hit. As I said it's not without its trials and throughout Verity is tested which brings her out of her shell. Verity has suffered some heartbreak and loss in her life and Plumberry is just the thing to put some pep back in her step.
The story goes from laugh out loud to wrought with emotions and is the perfect start to what is shaping up to be another great story from Cathy. The full length novel is on sale now so make sure you check it out!
The first part of this story is all about the lead up to the cookery school opening and that in itself is inherently littered with hilarious moments as Verity and the gang try to get everything organised against what seems the strongest will of the world!
Cathy's writing is very easy to get swept up in. It was easy to imagine the cookery school and how all of the classes are shaping up. I'd love to visit myself so I can see how the school will be a hit. As I said it's not without its trials and throughout Verity is tested which brings her out of her shell. Verity has suffered some heartbreak and loss in her life and Plumberry is just the thing to put some pep back in her step.
The story goes from laugh out loud to wrought with emotions and is the perfect start to what is shaping up to be another great story from Cathy. The full length novel is on sale now so make sure you check it out!
May 13, 2016
NetGalley copy in exchange of an honest review.
Meet Verity, whose life changes in the blink of an eye: in less than two minutes, she learns that no, she’s not pregrant, that yes, he broke up with her without knowing it, and that she’s just lost her job.
So when the opportunity to escape her life and come help at the Plumberry School of Comfort Food arises, she says yes, even though she is terrified of going back into the food world.
Will this decision be for the best?
That is such a heartwarming, quick and easy read! I loved it :)
This first part (of the series) introduces us to very loveable characters and extremely funny. I absolutely loved learning about them and watching their interactions between one another. They’re very lively and realistic.
I absolutely loved the style too. It’s witty, funny, easy to read and straight to the point. You get sucked in very easily. It feels cosy and warm, which is the best when it’s pouring outside (as it is while I’m writing these few words).
It feels like a love letter to food, and I need to get my hands on part two.
Meet Verity, whose life changes in the blink of an eye: in less than two minutes, she learns that no, she’s not pregrant, that yes, he broke up with her without knowing it, and that she’s just lost her job.
So when the opportunity to escape her life and come help at the Plumberry School of Comfort Food arises, she says yes, even though she is terrified of going back into the food world.
Will this decision be for the best?
That is such a heartwarming, quick and easy read! I loved it :)
This first part (of the series) introduces us to very loveable characters and extremely funny. I absolutely loved learning about them and watching their interactions between one another. They’re very lively and realistic.
I absolutely loved the style too. It’s witty, funny, easy to read and straight to the point. You get sucked in very easily. It feels cosy and warm, which is the best when it’s pouring outside (as it is while I’m writing these few words).
It feels like a love letter to food, and I need to get my hands on part two.
April 25, 2016
Verity Bloom is on a losing streak, her boyfriend has just stolen all of her ideas and presented them as his own resulting in her losing the job that should have been hers, and not only that he has been cheating on her!
Two years ago her best friend Mimi died and Verity is still unable to get over it, she has even lost the desire to cook as without her friend alongside her it is no fun. So when Mimi's mother Gloria phones her to ask for her help in her new venture, opening a cookery school, she wants to run a mile!
Gloria wins however and off she goes to Plumberry where in no time she is making friends and throwing herself into making a success of the school.
A lovely book with a great setting for the continuing parts so I am really looking forward to the next release
Two years ago her best friend Mimi died and Verity is still unable to get over it, she has even lost the desire to cook as without her friend alongside her it is no fun. So when Mimi's mother Gloria phones her to ask for her help in her new venture, opening a cookery school, she wants to run a mile!
Gloria wins however and off she goes to Plumberry where in no time she is making friends and throwing herself into making a success of the school.
A lovely book with a great setting for the continuing parts so I am really looking forward to the next release
July 30, 2016
I really enjoyed reading this story, even though I had never met the characters before it did feel as if I knew them already. The cover of this book is really enticing and colourful and I wasn't sure about the significance of the kingfisher but if you read this book you will find out. My heart went out to Verity and I can see what a lovely girl she is by what she had done for her best friend and how her life is now. The story was a bit emotional but there were also some laughs, I liked the sound of the two dachshunds Comfrey and Sage they sounded like little pickles. There are also some fantastic recipes at the end of this book for you to try out, I will definitely be making the mac n cheese as it is my favourite food.
July 7, 2016
For a couple of years Verity hasn't spent anytime in the kitchen due to mourning her best friend,, Mimi, who she would share many hours of fun sharing recipes in the kitchen.
In one day Verity's life is turned upside down when she suspects she is pregnant loses her job to her boyfriend and also finds out that he is having a fling with a colleague. With time on her hands she offers to give Gloria (Mimi's Mum) a hand with the marketing of her new business venture, a cooking school in Plumberry.
I really enjoyed the first instalment of The Plumberry School Of Comfort Food and will be started the next one later today.
In one day Verity's life is turned upside down when she suspects she is pregnant loses her job to her boyfriend and also finds out that he is having a fling with a colleague. With time on her hands she offers to give Gloria (Mimi's Mum) a hand with the marketing of her new business venture, a cooking school in Plumberry.
I really enjoyed the first instalment of The Plumberry School Of Comfort Food and will be started the next one later today.
April 25, 2016
This is such a lovely story with some great characters. I know that it is becoming popular to publish books in three or four parts but it simply made me impatient to read the rest. I can see the advantage in building up interest but personally I want to read all the book now.This book is not just about comfort food - it really is comfort reading. Pick it up and before you know it the world is a better place. A great start and my thanks to Netgalley for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 8, 2016
It's chick lit. And it is exactly what you'd expect from the title and the picture.
Pleasant enough escapism for me after reading a series of violent thrillers.
Be warned though, it's VERY short. I'd class it as a novella really, so if you're buying electronically it may not be quite the bargain it seems to be. I've almost finished the second part now, and I'm guessing that all four together might be about the length of an average novel.
Pleasant enough escapism for me after reading a series of violent thrillers.
Be warned though, it's VERY short. I'd class it as a novella really, so if you're buying electronically it may not be quite the bargain it seems to be. I've almost finished the second part now, and I'm guessing that all four together might be about the length of an average novel.
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