White Lies and Wishes

by Cathy Bramley

What happens when what you wish for is only half the story...?

Three strangers and a funeral, that’s all it takes for these women’s lives and wishes to intersect. Death has a funny way of showing you what you really want out of life… or so they say, anyway.

Jo is flirty and a little after thirty, but what she really wants is to get her business back on track and conquer her fear of heights. That’s what she’ll say when asked, anyway. She has things to prove and finding love can always wait…

Sarah has the best of both worlds, baby in one hand and job in the other. All she wants is to get that promotion, then all those missed bath times will be worth it. So she says, anyway. She can’t stop to think about it too long or she might drop something…

All Carrie wants is to shift the excess pounds and look good for summer. Wearing a bikini is all she has ever desired. So she has always said, anyway. But it’s not the only weight she’s carrying, dark secrets from her past are threatening to surface…

So the three unlikely new friends set themselves a deadline to get their lives in order; juggling blokes, babies and bikini bottoms along the way. There’s nothing to stop them from achieving their dreams – except those little white lies we all tell…

A feel-good romantic comedy that's guaranteed to make you smile - perfect for fans of Carole Matthews, Trisha Ashley and Katie Fforde.

Your favourite authors have loved reading bestselling Cathy Bramley:
‘Delightfully warm with plenty of twists and turns’ Trisha Ashley
‘Engaging characters and a sweeping romance. This is delightful!’ Katie Fforde
‘A witty, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy’ Miranda Dickinson
‘The perfect romantic tale, to warm your heart and make you smile.’ Ali McNamara

Genres: Chick Lit, Fiction, Romance, Contemporary

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 26, 2017

About the author

Cathy 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

Reviews

[Irena BookDustMagic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cathy Bramley is the author I found out about because of blogging community.
Her book Wickham Hall was so well received, and I couldn’t help but added it to my ever-growing tbr list.
Unfortunately, I still haven’t got a chance to read it, but when I saw there was an opportunity to read and review Bramley’s newest novel, I had to grab it.

White Lies & Wishes is a story about three women, very different at the first glance, but with one thing in common: all of them have wishes they want to make happen’, all of them want more from life.

These three women, Jo, Sarah and Carrie, meet at the funeral. It’s not a happy event, but it makes them realize that life is short, and they have to make the best out of it while it lasts.
They promise to help each other reach their goals – every one of them makes a wish, and with common support, they will do their best for their wishes to become reality.

Out of all the three characters, I honestly can not say that I have a favorite.
They were all somewhere in the middle, when it comes to likeability.
Each of them had some flaws, as well as good features, and that is why, in my opinion, they felt real to me.

I enjoyed reading all of the stories, but I have to admit that the one about Jo was predictable.
It also took me longest to like Sarah, because I just couldn’t understand her. In my eyes, she was too selfish, chasing her career and not appreciating her husband enough.

The story is written in third person.
It reads really easily, but for the better reading experience, I decided to take my time with it.

White Lies and Wishes not only made me think about my life and how it is still not too late to do something more from it, but it also reminded me that it is never too late to make new, true friendships.

I would recommend this novel to women’s fiction lovers out there.

Read this and more reviews on my blog: https://bookdustmagic.com

[Justkeepreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore Cathy Bramleys books and always devour them greedily. I have been awaiting this new release for some time now as it has been on pre order since before Christmas. So when I woke up on publication date I excitedly turned the wifi for my kindle on and it was there waiting for me. I started it yesterday and have read it every free moment I got, and I have to say I absolutely loved it.

This is such a fun read, it has lots of fun moments, some romantic moments. I make you realise what is most important out of life. It will drive home the importance of friendship. It will make you feel empowered to do the things you want to do and it will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy. With a giant smile on your face.

This really is a great read and if you are a fan of chick lit and romance this is definitely for you.


I thought that the book moved at a really good pace. Because it was about what happened to three different woman it kept you engaged throughout. I loved Jo and Carrie I thought they were great characters. Sarah I also liked but I also found her a bit annoying and I really just wanted to sit her down and tell her she was being selfish and that she was missing the most important years of her sons life. But I did learn to love her too.

The book follows the story of three woman Carrie, Sarah and Jo. Who all meet in the most hilarious of circumstances. At the most unhilarious of places. A wake of jo's Best friends husband who has just died.

Faced with their own mortality The three woman become unlikely friends and decide to write a wish list. Where each of them choose one thing that they have always wanted to do, but have been to scared to do.

Jo decides that she wants to over come her fear of heights. As she has always wanted to go to the top of the Empire State Building. What Jo really wants is for her own Sleepless in Seattle romantic moment. With a dwindling business, money tight but spending too much on expensive shoes, needing to make some hard decisions in her work and personal life and needing to face up to her overbearing father. Will Jo get the happily ever after she's been dreaming of?

Carrie wishes that she can wear a bikini out in public. To do that she needs to loose quite a bit of weight. What Carrie neglects to say is that she really wants to loose weight so that she can start a family with her husband Alex. But can Carrie loose the weight? Can she stop being the type of person people walk over? Can she gain the courage to step out and get the job she wants? Can she face up to her controlling husband? Can she be the type of person she wants to be? And complete her goal?

Jo wants a promotion at work and wants to become partner in her company. But having recently moved to the country in a new cottage. Having just had a baby who is only 8 months old when she returns to work. And having a husband who gave to his work to be a stay at home dad. Has jo lost sight of what's most important? When Dan tells Sarah that he doesn't want her to go for partner and that he wants to gain back his independence and go to work part time too. Will this be curtain for their relationship or will be the wake up call Jo needs to realise what's she's missing out on?

With a goal of September in sight, and a trip to New York at the goal post. Will each lady get their goals? Will they all get the happy endings that they desire?

A wonderful, warmhearted romantic read. Sure to warm you up on a cold and dreary January.

Grab this book, a warm drink, chocolate a blanket and your favourite reading spot and enjoy.

Happy reading everyone

[Dale Harcombe · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story concerns three women. These three meet at a funeral. It prompts them to realise time is short and they all make a wish to try and improve their lives.
Jo Gold is single and fully invested in trying to save her family’s footwear business and finally gain the approval of her father. Sarah Hudson, mother of baby Zac, has gone back to work leaving her husband Dave to care for Zac and supposedly the house. But somehow the house seems to get neglected which frustrates Sarah. Meanwhile she is intent on doing whatever it takes to gain a partnership at the accountancy firm where she works. Carrie Radley is married but not working, choosing instead to stay home and care for her husband Alex. Her wish is to lose a lot of weight, and be able to wear a bikini in public. These three women form a friendship and embark on a quest to make their wishes come though before September.
I could not relate to any of these three characters, but it did not stop me from enjoying this novel. The characters were interesting enough to keep my attention, though never emotionally involving me. Ultimately it is a story about friendship with some romance and marriage issues thrown in. An engaging read if a tad predictable. I enjoyed the development of friendship between the women.

[Bookread2day · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read quite a few of Cathy Bramley books. White Lies & Wishes is awesome it's my favourite book by Cathy so far. Three women meet at a funeral on one winter's day. Abi and Frederic Lafleur were both still young, they had their lives in front of them. After the funeral of Frederic, Abi was going home to an empty house. At the funeral some women meet. They make a bucket list of wishes. Jo Gold says she has no time for love as she runs a small family business and runs seven shoe shops. How us girls just love shoes and may well wish that we ran a shoe shop business. Sarah Hudson and her husband live in Rose Cottage. With the arrival of baby Zac her head was filled full of extension plans. Her wish was to be made partner in the accountancy firm were she works. Carrie Radley has no job or kids. What did she do all day? Carrie wishes to wear a bikini in public in the summer. The bucket list of wishes is that they all have to make their own wishes come true themselves. Ladies you will love this book as so much happens it really is a delightful up to date story.

[Nicola Clough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book and didn't want it to end. Cathy Bramley never lets you down very well written and many twists and turns well worth reading. Three ladies who meet by chance become friendly and all wish for things in their lives so they can change and can they make the changes or not. Read and enjoy I certainly recommend it.

[Sherrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first Cathy Bramley, and a pleasant, easy, light hearted read about 3 new friends who, after meeting at a funeral, make a list of their wishes and pledge to help each other accomplish them. Not too taxing, but a nice story.

[Clair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, what I love about Cathy Bramley’s books is that it’s like settling down wearing your favourite, comfortable jumper – you know right from the very start that you are going to love the characters and the writing style is warming from the very start.

White Lies & Wishes opens at a sad point, the funeral of a relatively young man who has died from cancer with his young widow struggling to cope. However, the melancholy feel doesn’t last for long once Jo, Sarah and Carrie become acquaintances! The women are fantastic, they are real and could be any one of us. I think that is why it is so easy to warm to them from the outset, and by the 3rd chapter I was already laughing out loud at their paranoid thoughts and indiscretions!

Jo, Sarah and Carrie couldn’t be any more different but need each other completely, they are all fighting their own demons that they have buried away and spend the majority of their lives ignoring. Jo is running herself into the ground trying to keep the family business afloat and life seems to have passed her by, Carrie is comfort-eating everything in sight and Sarah is feeling the epitome of mother guilt by trying to have it all – but does she?! These ladies come up with the idea of supporting each other pursue their dreams and are fantastically supportive of each other, what ensues is a wonderful, laugh-out-loud tale of friendship, mishaps and searching out what you really want from life.

This is a fantastic read that is a pleasure to lose yourself in!

[Sharon Goodwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

http://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/2017/0...

We’re introduced to our three leading ladies at Frederic Lafteur’s funeral in the rural village of Woodby. With Jo and Carrie already outside having a moment away from everything, Sarah is the last one to join them … although Sarah thinks she is on her own. The sadness of the funeral is offset by Sarah’s public display – it did make me chuckle. With their wish lists and offers of support for each other made, Jo is off to her parents, Sarah has gone back to work and Carrie has gone home to husband Alex giving us an insight into their individual lives.

I’ve really enjoyed the three different narrations. Three very distinctive and separate lives; Jo receiving mixed messages from her parents and guarding her emotions; Carrie’s past trauma and how it has affected her self-belief; Sarah with her guilt about missing Zac’s ‘firsts’ and trying to live her life to show she can achieve. The growing friendship between Jo, Carrie and Sarah hits some bumpy patches which of course reflects reality. Usually I will have a favourite character but in White Lies and Wishes, all three are fabulous (although Jo’s storyline stood out for me).

The pace is really good, I was invested emotionally in their separate lives as well as their friendship and I absolutely LOVED the Empire State Building. One of the most entertaining resolutions I’ve read in a while

[Luise · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Sometimes it takes a while to get swept up in a story, get used to the style of writing etc. And sometimes it takes forever. Like 90 % of the book. The alternation between the three ladies' perspectives were a little chaotic at the beginning. Somewhat unsatisfactory, I'd say. Also, I couldn't sympathise with them - perhaps because they were just too miserable. And don't you flee into the fictional world of books to escape misery? Good start.

Storywise, it continued being a little uninteresting/ boring. I didn't really care about anyone. Even the dramatic turns and later the majority of their happy-ending-solutions weren't convincing. Not good. The characters often made decisions, reacted or said stuff that was just not plausible/ inappropriate in that situation.

Out of the three main characters, I liked Jo's part best. It was like a proper (medium quality) chick lit story. At times I thought I'd enjoy a story just about her way more. And in the end, the outcomes of her work-related and romantic situations were actually quite nice. (Only slightly over the top.)

Sarah's part had potential, but was somehow poorly executed. Too boring, forced and unnatural cliché, superficial and whatever.

Carrie was just ugh. Her development, past etc. didn't make sense and were unnecessary. And her finale. Uuuuuuugh.


Alternating the points of view of various characters can be really good and keep the story interesting.

But in this case, it often built up some sort of suspense (e.g. about a life-changing decision) or at least the feeling, that the story might actually get better now - just to be interrupted by a change of perspective to another character.

And then later you get a summary of what was going on in the meantime. Insta-kill of any possibility to actually engage with the ladies' destinies.

Such a disappointment as the author proved that she can do so much better.

[Helena Wildsmith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was sweet and funny but sadly it was just too long. The story kept droning on and on with not a lot happening and the characters all just seemed a bit...stupid? Some of the things they said and the unbelievably obvious things that they didn't notice just made me feel slightly irritated by them. A goodish read but not one I'd really recommend.

[Claire mcmanus · Rating 5 out of 5]

didnt want ut to end wonderful as usual from the delightful cathy bramley loved sarah jo and carrie

[Kaisha (The Writing Garnet) · Rating 5 out of 5]

All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com

Three very unique women plus three bolshie wishes sounds quite straight forward, doesn't it? After all, it's ONLY one wish each that they are aiming to make a reality, how hard can it be? Well, considering the fact that Jo, Carrie and Sarah are virtually strangers and their wishes aren't exactly black and white; they may be in for a bumpy ride before they get their happy endings!
To be honest, I'm sure Jo, Carrie and Sarah, are not the only ones who have made a positive 'bucket list', aiming to change something about their life that they haven't had the confidence to do so before. I was going to say that it's similar to a new years resolution, except that not many people keep theirs! The three ladies met at a time where making friendships would usually be the last thing on your mind. But for them, it seemed to be the ideal place to strike up a friendship, and put the world (well, their lives) to rights during their very first conversation! Some might say that it was a brave move on their part, or some might say that Cathy Bramley gets top marks for originality of friendship starting places. I say; BOTH!
I adored the unusual way the ladies met each other as it showed exactly how varied different lives can be. Not everyone meets at a bar or in a café; we have the chance to create friendships wherever we go and this scenario was no different. I struggled to associate with the main three characters to begin with as I didn't warm to them as quickly as I had hoped. However, once the storyline grew and the characters let their guards down, I found that I was able to relate to them all in such very different ways. I actually can't pick a favourite!
Describing what I enjoyed about Cathy Bramley's new book is like having to choose a favourite pair of shoes; overwhelming and extremely difficult. I LOVED everything about this book; selecting a couple of positives to write about is really hard when there are so many (cough, the whole book, cough). The only way that I can sum up my thoughts of the book is by imagining a seedling; during the first chapter the seed was planted and the storyline began. As the storyline progressed, the seedling grew as did Jo, Carrie and Sarah. Every chapter saw the seedling gain strength, individuality and the want to weather the storm, and every chapter saw the storyline become something rather special.  So special in fact, I found myself smiling at the book multiple times as the warmth and love that was cushioned under Cathy Bramley's words, jumped off the page and into my soul.
The seedling weathered quite a few storms, but it never lost hope, neither did the characters. Then, about three-quarters of the way into the novel my heart became full of pride and the seedling was no more. For me, three quarters of the way through the novel was a complete game changer. Cathy Bramley not only managed to fill my soul with warmth and love, she also filled my heart with hope, determination and a heart warming eye opener that left me stunned. The seedling blossomed into a beautiful flower; as beautiful as the storyline of White Lies & Wishes and the humbling message that it contains. If you feel as though your own life has a huge question marking hovering above it, get onto Amazon or pop into your local supermarket and buy this book. It won't fix your life, but it most certainly will give you the laughter, hope and hunger to fulfill your own special dreams.
Cathy Bramley has once again written such an outstanding novel; I am in awe. A wonderful book that is full of true friendships, dreams and the desire to laugh. I think I may have just found one of my new favourite books. Wait, no, scrap that. I KNOW that I have found a new favourite book. Oh, and no, that isn't a white lie.

Thank you Becky Hunter & Transworld

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cathy Bramley is one of my favourite authors and it’s a pain in the backside to have to wait every year to read her new novel, because first they come out in parts and I can’t be doing with that. I rather like my books in one go, but Cathy is definitely worth the wait and I adored Wickham Hall. So I was very excited to be invited to take part in the blog tour for White Lies and Wishes, her first book with Transworld to be published without being a serial first (except for her debut Conditional Love).

I really liked White Lies and Wishes, it was a quick, light read and it didn’t take me long to complete at all and I loved the idea of making a wish list and sticking to it, because boy am I bad at sticking to things I say I’ll do. I’m easily distracted, see. I think it also helps when you have friends spurring you on, in the case of Carrie, Jo and Sarah. I liked how different they all were, but how they were willing to come together just to make this wishlist happen and how it blossomed into friendship. If only it were that easy in real life…

I thought I would relate to Carrie the most, since we both seem to struggle with our weight, but by God, I wanted to smash her face in. She was so down on herself all the time, and it drove me to distraction and the endless excuses! Dieting being a full time job, and how good it was she *didn’t* have a job, I could talk forever about that, but what I will say is that it must be nice when all you have to worry about in life IS your diet. I also hoped Carrie’s story would be one where she struggles to lose the weight, but no. A hypnotherapist was all it took. I long, absolutely long, for a real weight loss story, be it in magazines or books, because the way it’s always portrayed is that you just throw out all the unhealthy stuff, make meals from scratch and boom! the weight just falls off (and it literally falls off, apparently). When in reality, you still have to deal with cravings, failing, picking yourself back up, because it really isn’t just a case of stopping eating junk (if only it were that easy), or seeing a hypnotherapist. Or I could just be the exception, I could be the only one who struggles? But I couldn’t relate to Carrie at all, which made me sad.

Instead it was feisty Jo and new mum Sarah who I related to. Jo especially, because let me tell you, being a business owner is hard bloody work and I could absolutely see where she was coming from as she tried to get Golds back in business, to try and stop it from failing. And Sarah, who is struggling with new mum going back to work guilt. All these ladies were so different which made their friendship that much better.

I really enjoyed White Lies and Wishes, Cathy Bramley is a fantastic storyteller and this was a wonderful read. Yes, I had some slight issues, but that’s always the way it is, apart from the slight hiccups, because they were personal to me issues rather than actual issues with the book itself, this was a fantastic read. Cathy just seems to get better with all of her books and I’m enjoying reading her books so, so much as she’s quickly become a favourite author of mine.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Three women meet for the first time, at the funeral of a mutual friend's husband, and very soon not only gel, but also decide that life is too short and they put together a wish list, which they will help each other with. This isn't like other bucket list books with loads of outlandish suggestions, all 3 of these wishes are certainly achievable by the women, but with a self imposed deadline of September that year, whether they will or not is another matter.

So lets meet the stars of the book:

Jo Gold who runs a footwear business that is failing, and she is praying to be able to turn the business around before she needs to make long standing employees redundant. Her wish is to face her fear of heights. Jo is the sort of woman who isn't used to having female company so finds it hard sometimes that she is making new friends.

Then there is Sarah Hudson, she has a young baby, but has already returned to work, leaving husband Dave as a house hubby. Her wish for their wishlist is to become a partner at the place she works, but as the story progresses I did have to wonder if that was the right thing for her.

Finally there is Carrie Radley, who in some respects is a bit of an enigma. She is certainly overweight, and over eats. She appears to do not much with her days, and is married to a man, that no one can really get a read on to start with. It is clear she is unhappy, and her wish is to be able to wear a bikini in public.

What none of the girls realise at the start, is they have all not been entirely truthful, and may just be hiding things, which is what I loved, as it meant there were plenty of surprises in the story, and kept my interest as I really wanted to get to know these three ladies, and just how their fortunes would change.

I loved the shoe business that Jo runs, and some of the ideas for saving the company, reminded me a musical I saw a year or so ago, but they are also completely different, it was just a similar philosophy. Sarah's journey of trying to get back used to working while also loving being a parent, was enjoyable to see, and is one that a lot of parents will relate to. Equally Carrie's struggle to accept her own body is another storyline that many women will relate to.

All of the characters have the sorts of qualities that you will recognise in people that you know, they are instantly human and likeable, and the sorts of women that you could imagine hanging around with yourself. The book as a whole is a pleasure to read, and as a fan of Cathy Bramley, it makes a change to read a story that hasn't been split into four parts. It is one complete story that flows incredibly well, and did I mention it has a gorgeous cover!

Thank you so much to Becky Hunter at Transworld for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Novelle Novels · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 out of 5 stars
This is such a beautifully written chick lit book built around friendship and a desire to show the best parts of ourselves. How often we hide the truths of our desires and hardships to our friends.. This is so powerful as it shows three very different women with different life’s that meet at a funeral and set a wish each but hide their true wishes. A well written chick lit that isn’t too predictable yet very feel good.

[Ellie (bookmadbarlow) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely book following three women as they meet at a funeral. They create a wishlist of things they want to achieve and in the process create a friendship which allows them to see that sometimes its the unwritten wishes that mean the most.
A good solid womens fiction book with some great sections of hilarity.

[Alison Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely book, characters you can relate too. I enjoyed reading about Jo, Carrie and Sarah and their white lies and wishes.

[Amber Grenville-Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect cosy read with great characters and many laugh out of moments.

[Carol Sheppard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book and the 3 main characters were real and likeable

[George (Fueltheblog) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely little book which brings you hope and lets you know that you can aim for a wish/dream and you can do a lot in 6months to make them happen.

Updated review - Full review on www.fueltheblog.wordpress.com

Jo, Sarah and Carrie are very different people.

Jo has no time for love and is determined to save her family business. Sarah is a new mum working hard to become a partner at her accountancy firm and Carrie is a bored housewife who overeats to compensate.

The trio meet by chance and decide to work together to make their wishes come true. The story then follows them all as they embark on their journey to make their wishes come true. Can it be that easy, or have they not been that honest to each other?

I must admit, I love a Cathy Bramley book, she’s a talented writer who can create relatable characters and she’s done it again.

Yet this is slightly different to other books I have read of Cathy’s. We have three main characters to focus on, rather than just one. This is not a problem as Cathy effortlessly drifts between them all and you as a reader can easily identify whom is whom and you are not left wondering whats going on! I can confirm I did not have to flick between pages to see who was who! So thats helpful!

We enter the story at a funeral, where the trio meet. The sad circumstances highlight that life is too short and they soon decide that together they could make their wishes come true. Its an unlikely way for the ladies to meet, yet its done in a truly believable way. You can see how being in such a sad situation as a funeral can help you put your life and your wishes into perspective and I have to admit that it has made me evaluate what I would like to get from life also.

The girls soon meet up separately and decide on their wishes, which they want to make come true by the end of September (6 months away!). Jo wants to conquer her fear of heights, Sarah wants to become a partner at her law firm and Carrie wants to loose some weight and feel confident to wear a bikini in public. All relatively simple goals, but can they make them happen and are they being honest with themselves and their new friends to make them come true?

If I am totally honest, I didn’t fully find myself liking all of the characters. I could relate to Carrie and her feelings towards her weight, seriously Cathy you hit the nail on the head with some of the points there! BUT I really did not get her husband. Like the perception of him and how Carrie talked about him confused me. A lot.

I couldn’t really get used to Sarah. She had very weird characteristics. Such as asking Carrie to use the anti-bac before holding the baby and then there was her weird drive to become partner when I had the feeling it wasn’t what she wanted! It was odd. Like I say I couldn’t adapt to her. There was also something strange about her husband, but I won’t go there!

So that leaves Jo, who for me she was the most relatable character of the trio. She wanted to be the best and prove herself to her dad. I also felt as though, her dream was apparent throughout the book, both to the girls and her secret dream. I am not alone in this, it appears she was the most relatable character for a few people on Goodreads, which to me highlights that this is what Cathy planned for, so much skill!

Although I didn’t agree with all of the characters 100% of the time, I really enjoyed this book and getting to know their situations. I liked how it was focused on friendships and all in all GIRL POWER! There is not enough of that in the world! Its also great to read a book and not enjoy every character, it makes them more relatable and believeable. I was eager to see how their dreams grew and how their friendship blossomed to help each other achieve what they truly wanted. Was it strange that they kept their real wishes a secret, yes. But I am ok with that as I can honestly say I enjoyed this read. It was nice and airy and just what I needed.

I am looking forward to picking up my next Bramley book!

[Between The Pages (Gemma M) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Cathy's newest book now available I have enjoyed many of her previous books so this was a must have for me. I awarded a well deserved five stars as I absolutely loved this story. White Lies and Wishes focuses on three middle aged ladies Jo, Carrie and Sarah who becomes the best of the friends and embark on making their wishes come true. This is the perfect chick-lit book to escape into from your own life. I would highly recommend this story to you all. This book actually got me out of a bad reading slump so thank you Cathy. White Lies and Wishes is written well, easy to read and easy to devour! It has the odd bits where you will laugh out loud. Perfect.

[Grass monster · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Blurb :
Flirtatious, straight-talking Jo Gold says she’s got no time for love; she’s determined to save her family’s failing footwear business.
New mother Sarah Hudson has cut short her maternity leave to return to work. She says she’ll do whatever it takes to make partner at the accountancy firm.
Bored, over-eating housewife Carrie Radley says she just wants to shift the pounds – she’d love to finally wear a bikini in public.
The unlikely trio meet by chance one winter’s day, and in a moment of ‘Carpe Diem’ madness, embark on a mission to make their wishes come true by September.
Easy. At least it would be, if they hadn’t been just the teensiest bit stingy with the truth…
With hidden issues, hidden talents, and hidden demons to overcome, new friends Jo, Carrie and Sarah must admit to what they really, really want, if they are ever to get their happy endings.


My Thoughts :
I really enjoy reading Cathy Bramley's books and this one was no different. The cover alone makes this book stand out from any crowd, and has such vibrant colours and pictures.
After meeting at a funeral, Carrie, Jo and Sarah become friends and they soon realize that life is too short, and they have to make the most out of it. Each of them in turn make a wish and with each others support they try to make their wishes come true by September. Its easy to fall in love with these women and take them under your wing as real friends. I felt as if I grew to be in their friendship group.
We soon delve into the lives of these 3 woman and follow their journey, its not all plain sailing, with a few white lies and mistakes made as any human would. There are laugh out loud moments aswell as heart warming moments
Cathy Bramley captures these women in a down to earth way and makes the charactors warm and inviting.
A fantastic book about dreams, friendship and hope. Cant wait for Cathy's next book.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Cathy Bramley books, so was excited to see she had a new book out. We meet three women who are virtually strangers, but all pledge with each other to make a wish of one thing that they want to make come true. Jo wants to make her family’s footwear business a success. Sarah wants to juggle work and family and become a partner at the Accountancy firm that she works at. Carrie wants to lose weight and wear a bikini in public. They all try and work towards their goals, but they’ve all only made half a wish – is their real wish something hard to achieve?

The book begins at a funeral. Jo’s friend Ali has lost her husband to cancer. Sarah and Carrie are at the wake, but they don’t really know each other let alone anyone else. They live in the village where Ali lives. Sarah has gone to show support for a neighbour and Carrie’s husband worked with Ali’s husband. Carrie also volunteered to do the buffet, much to her husband’s disappointment. The ladies all meet up in a moment of solitude in an alley way outside. Jo had gone out for a cigarette, Carrie to sneakily eat despite being on a diet and Sarah to express her breast milk! The situation throws them together to meet up and from there the friendship grows. Outwardly, they are all so different from each other, but in reality they are all hiding secrets, fears and insecurities.

The story is a lovely story of friendship and love, with lots of laugh out loud moments. You can’t help but fall in love with all of the characters and you get caught in the story from page one. As normal with Cathy Bramley books, it was a book that I didn’t want to finish! If you want to escape from the trials and tribulations of life for a couple of hours, I can’t recommend this book enough!

[Joanne D'Arcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the latest nobel from Cathy Bramley and is in fact a whole novel, not being released in parts as some of her previously novels have been. Cathy Bramley novels are for reading in one fell swoop, preferably in a comfy chair with a cup of tea and a biscuit to accompany you!

Jo, Sarah and Carrie meet at a funeral wake and form an unlikely bond. Jo is a strong single determined female who is trying to prove something to her father and herself by saving the families footwear business.

Carrie is bored. A housewife with a habit for the biscuit tin, the cake tin, the chocolate tin and with self-esteem issues she does not feel she fits in anywhere.

Sarah is trying to be the perfect mother, the perfect wife and the perfect accountant. Juggling all three is not going to work forever.

When they meet in rather humourous circumstances they form this bond where they share their wishes. Trouble is they are not sharing the truth as well. Jo needs to overcome her vertigo, Carrie wants to lose weight and Sarah wants to be made a partner in the accountancy firm.

However it seems that by not sharing the truth with each other and themselves, they will find themselves in a difficult position to achieve what they really want.

Whilst there is romance in this novel, this is really about forging friendships both new and old and overcoming many hang ups and worries and living life to the full. Of course there is a happy ending, but actually all the happy endings are not necessarily the ones that I as a reader was expecting or what the three women planned. That is what makes this a delightful book to read.

Cathy Bramley is fast becoming one of my favourite authors up there with Katie Fforde and Trisha Ashley. If you know these authors then you know what you are going to get from Bramley.

I look forward to more of her work.

[Melisa Broadbent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I managed to read in two days (and I was at work for one of them!) that was how much I liked it. The downside to this is that it is over too quickly.

We are introduced to 3 different characters who come across each other at a funeral. Jo, who works for her family's shoe company. Carrie, who is an overeating housewife and Sarah an ambitious accountant who has recently returned back to work after having her first child. On first appearances they appear to be happy with their lives however we learn from them individually that this isn't the case and they decide to set up a wishlist of something they individually want to achieve.

Throughout the story we learn about the characters and I loved hearing about what set them on this certain path in their life and how their priorities start to slowly change. The friendship of the women is tested at some points but I liked that it wasn't all plain sailing and made them face challenges.

A lovely well written story from an author who hasn't disappointed so far.

[Emma Crowley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cathy Bramley always has the most gorgeous covers for her books and between the pages of the bright, inviting, attractive covers the feel good factor is always present in spades. This new story White Lies and Wishes is no different. I had read the book with the purple/orange cover but this new version with the blue sky and butterflies is just as lovely. Despite the trials and tribulations her characters may face Cathy writes a story that will leave you all warm inside and caught up in such addictive storylines. To be honest I just cannot get enough of her writing and am glad she publishes one or two books each year. I really would buy anything this author writes, no questions asked, without even reading the blurb such is the way I have fallen in love with the characters, setting and plot created so vividly by the author with each book she publishes. The buzz around Cathy's books just increases with each new publication and I love how everyone is always so eager to see what story awaits us.

The majority of Cathy's books have first been published as four part novella's with a full paperback following some months later. I'll admit the impatient side of me wants to read each part as soon as possible but at the same time I hate being left waiting with cliff hanger endings. I envy those who have the patience to wait for the paperback to gobble up the story in one go. Thankfully White Lies and Wishes was one where once I began reading I had the pleasure of not stopping until I reached the last page. The story follows three women who meet at a funeral in winter and form a friendship. The women give themselves until September to see their wishes come true but not without some lies and difficulties along the way which will see them go through many ups and downs. Yet the three woman remain loyal and true to each other and their developing friendships would give anyone hope and bring a smile to the reader's face.

Having read a sample chapter of this book at the end of The Plumberry School of Comfort Food I was all the more eager to begin reading and again like the stories split into novella's I had been left hanging and it was such a big tease as chapter one really wasn't enough for me. I feel that way with all of Cathy's books once you pick one up they are very difficult to put back down. Everything else goes by the wayside as you say to yourself just one more chapter and then found you have read 100 pages or more in a short space of time. So to say I was keen to further discover the story of Jo, Carrie and Sarah was an understatement. As soon as the book popped through my letterbox I had to read it that day and didn't come up for air until I turned the last page.

Blue Monday being the last Monday is traditionally one of the most miserable days of the year for various reasons and to be attending the funeral in the tiny rural village of Woodby of a man taken too soon doesn't help matters. From the outset the story is told with chapters from each women's point of view and at various points their stories and opinions all merge into one. Each voice was distinct and we were given a good insight as to how each of our female characters were feeling at a given point in time. It never became too confusing and had a great flow which can be hard to achieve but here everything worked seamlessly and made for an engaging, heartfelt read. Although the women may have never met each other before it's clear their chance introduction was meant to be and they will make each day count and cherish every moment.

Jo is the straight talker of the group. She says things like they are and I love someone like that who is not afraid to speak their mind and say how they are feeling or how they wish things to be and to hell with what everyone else thinks. Sometimes we just have to be like that to stop people walking all over us. Jo is in charge of Gold's shoe company, now that her father has retired, but times are tough and the company is finding it difficult to keep up with latest designs and secure the orders they so desperately need. Jo is aware a shake up is needed but how can she go about this without offending her dad who spent his life building the company from scratch and who holds it so dear to his heart? Jo feels husbands, babies and business don't mix so her eye is always on work and keeping things going. There is no time for romance but if there was would she want love in her life? Yet is the biological clock starting to tick just that ever little bit more loudly?

Sarah is married to Dave with a son who is only a few months old. Her dream was to have a beautiful house in the countryside away from the rat race whilst having a lovely baby and husband and continuing her work at an accountancy firm. Unfortunately Sarah is feeling the pressure to conform, did she go back to work too early leaving Dave as a house husband? Will she strive hard enough to be made partner in the firm? Will she have to sacrifice precious hours with her son to progress up the career ladder? Is her dream house just too small and not living up to expectations? Is she missing out on so much while Dave reaps all the rewards of parenthood?

As for our last main character Carrie she was the person catering for the funeral and helping out in between grabbing mouthfuls of food when no one was looking. She feels increasingly isolated from society and her weight continues to increase. She is married to Alex who loves her deeply but she feels he puts her down due to her weight. Will meeting Sarah and Jo give her the support and push she needs to make changes for the better and become the happy person she deserves to be?

The three women decided to create a wish list of what they want to achieve in the first nine months of the year and all three commit said wishes to paper. Each of them view this in a different way and maybe their true, long held, deep down wishes are being kept internal and not out in the open. Are they still lying to themselves and just saying something that can be easily done without thinking for longer and looking at the bigger picture? Either way it's a fresh start for them all and as the months progress and we follow Carrie, Sarah and Jo the story only became ever more riveting. Will all three women find their wishes coming true?

I can't say I preferred one character over another as they all brought different things to the story and I identified with each of them at various times. It proved that no one is perfect that we all have something we battle with and are afraid to bring out into the open. But friends will be there for us no matter what even if they are old or new. Maybe they can provide the incitement we need to take the bull by the horns and just go for it and forget the consequences and find the happiness and satisfaction we deserve. If it had all been plain sailing for the women this wouldn't have made for much of a read, instead the author throws a few curve balls to really make the characters search deep down for what it is they truly want and not just to say something for the sake of it. We get a deep insight into the minds of Carrie, Jo and Sarah as they each battle their own inner, and in a way outer, demons until they find their mojo, their confidence or that solution that will help them find the perfect balance like Sarah so desperately craves. I did feel sorry for each women in turn but loved how in such a short space of time they came together as a unit with one ultimate goal in mind and they would do the best for each other to achieve this.

White Lies and Wishes is another triumph for Cathy Bramley and I can't say enough how much I love her books and they are really just the tonic and perfect pick me up that I have needed recently. This story of bonding and forging friendships is captivating and sparkling and I would urge you to take your time and savour every moment or as with me you'll regret reading so quickly and then realise you'll have wait a bit before your next Cathy fix. This is an uplifting read with brilliantly drawn characters and the reader will easily find someone they can identify with and will urge on until happiness may just be reached. Now I have a wait until March for Cathy's next book The Lemon Tree Café which again like her others is being published in four parts in March, April, May and June. The question is will I be able to wait for the paperback publication or will the call of Cathy's charming writing be too strong for me too resist?

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new Cathy Bramley book is always something to look forward to. White Lies & Wishes is not a four-part novel like many of Cathy’s other books and it was a nice change to not have to wait for the next part because once I’ve finished one book from Cathy, I’m always eager to read another. This book focuses on three different women, Carrie, Sarah and Jo, who very quickly become friends and make plans to each change an aspect of their lives.

By the end of the first chapter, I was already excited to see how the friendship of Carrie, Sarah and Jo would develop and where the story would take them. They weren’t best of friends from the moment they met though there was a connection there between the three of them. As the story develops, they are still getting to know each other, just like the reader is getting to know them. I struggled to pick a favourite and it took me a while to really warm to any of them. I did like all three of them but I was more interested to learn about their “white lies” and the secrets they were keeping.

The idea to the book is a heart-warming and life affirming one. Three women meet at the funeral of their friend’s young husband. There’s a heat-of-the-moment idea from one of them, caught up in the emotion of the day, to create a list of wishes for them to achieve by September. The January publication day for this book is a timely one, as watching Carrie, Sarah and Jo and their struggles is a bit like how most people approach their New Year’s resolutions, except they tend to last a bit longer than the average New Year’s resolution. Carrie loves her food, but hates her figure, and she wishes to be the kind of person to wear a bikini in public. Sarah’s resolution is career related and Jo’s is phobia related, and whilst they can all be easy resolutions to relate to, as things transpire in the book we learn that there is a lot more than meets the eye with all three women.

There’s a real feel-good factor to White Lies & Wishes. The characters tell little lies, they make mistakes and they face realistic struggles. They’re normal women with normal wishes leading normal lives and trying to achieve the typical kind of things we all wish for at times. It is reassuring to read a book with characters like this who are very human and easy to relate to. Cathy’s writing style is warm and inviting and from the moment I began this book, I knew I didn’t want to do anything else with my day except read it. As their friendship builds with plenty of mishaps and laughter along the way, I was engrossed in the story and the surprises it brought with it.

White Lies & Wishes delivers the best form of comfort-reading. It’s ideal escapism to whisk yourself away with three new fictional friends and their relationships, self-esteem and hopes for the future. You can either forget about your own problems for a few hours or take inspiration from Carrie, Sarah and Jo and try and find your own goals to achieve. As with all of Cathy’s books, White Lies & Wishes is full of humour and warmth and romance and a story that will leave you smiling come the end.

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a warm read and I felt that it managed to steer away from tried and tested stereotypes. Jo, Sarah and Carrie read as though they are real people, they make the same snap judgements as the rest of us and they can be fun and larky and then miserable and argumentative the next and not just because they are women, but, because they are people. They struggle with the same things we all do at various times in our lives and despite their disparate personalities their friendship does not feel forced on to the page but like it has evolved naturally with time. I loved how they lied to themselves about what they really wanted from life, afraid to even admit to themselves what it was that would make them feel happy and fulfilled - I am sure that no matter whether you are male or female once you get to a certain age you realise that you have been lieing to yourself and then have the crisis of admitting your real heart's desire to yourself even if it does not fit in with family, friends or even societal expectations. This book gives you "permission" to be true to yourself.

I thought it could have been tough going as I started reading this only 4 days after my Mother-In-Law passed away and this book starts with a funeral tea. Fortunately, even this minefield was navigated with a warm humour that steered me through the rather dodgy territory and made me interested in the three women that were so different and yet each equally alone and floundering in their own way. I didn't so much read this book as completely absorb it whilst playing chicken with my e-reader battery and the clock. I am pleased to report the battery managed to last until the end of the book or we could have seen a decidedly matronly middle-aged woman throwing a tantrum fit only for Zac.

The three main characters are

Jo - Single business woman who is desperately trying to find a way to keep the family business going to the expense of her social and romatic life.

Sarah - Married with a young baby (the aforementioned Zac) and desperately trying to achieve partnership at work and balance her home life with her husband who is reluctantly providing the child care.

Carrie - Homemaker extraordinaire who can only find comfort in vast quantities of junk food and refuses to believe her husband when he says he finds her attractive.

They don't sound like much summed up like that do they. However, they are rich characters that meld together well and have genuinely multi-faceted personalities. Admittedly, some of the situations they find themselves in are a little far fetched but this is fiction after all and we do read for a little bit of a vicarious thrill. It is a very cosy book with each character realising things about herself that help her move on to happiness but it is handled in such a way that you do keep wanting to read just the next chapter until suddenly you have completed the book and feel a little bereft.

Please do not read this book on your daily commute, you are going to miss your stop and likely find yourself at the terminus by accident!

[Trish Hills · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a true story of female friendship. Jo, Sarah and Carrie all want something to change in their lives and they make a pact to help each other achieve these goals. I'd love to have a group of friends like them. I feel I have a bit of each woman in my personality and having them on my team would be interesting.

Jo is ballsy and strong willed but vulnerable in certain aspects of her life. She is confident, feisty and loyal. Sarah is torn between her baby boy and her career. She is hardworking, passionate and determined. Sadly, she has doubts her choices in life. Carrie is a wallflower, timid and full of self-doubt. But deep down, there is a confident, sexy, strong woman waiting to emerge.

With the help of a Wish List and each other, the three friends have to make decisions about what they really want in their lives. What really matters and what will, ultimately make them happy?

If you ever feel stuck in a rut of a bit fed up, this book is a fantastic pick me up. It will make you think, make you grateful for what you have and will make you smile

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been really struggling with my reading recently due to my mum awaiting a major op (which she has now had & is recovering), so I thought I'd give this book a go as Cathy Bramley never fails to please. I'm pleased to say Cathy got my reading mojo back for me.

I loved this story from the first page. I imagined Jo as Cameron Diaz throughout the book. I especially loved it how Jo was based in Northampton (my hometown). All 3 women were so different but they worked really well together and all had something to prove. Jo was outgoing & confident, Carrie was timid & hid behind her hubby too much and Sarah was a career woman/mother who was struggling to find the perfect balance in life. Many women will read this book and relate to one of the women.

It was quite refreshing to read about a stay at home dad, Dave (Sarah's husband), he proved that Dads can do it too, hats off to all the stay at home dads out there.