Comfort and Joy

The Plumberry School of Comfort Food

by Cathy Bramley

Librarian note: alternate-cover edition of B01J4WYQOU.

**Contains Christmas recipes!**

Curl up with this fabulously festive short story from bestseller Cathy Bramley, full of Christmas cheer and sparkle.

It’s been a busy year for Verity Bloom at the Plumberry School of Comfort Food, but Christmas Eve is finally here. With delicious treats all wrapped up and the ingredients packed away, Verity is looking forward to a relaxing few days with her new boyfriend.

Good food, family and friends – it’s a simple recipe for true comfort and joy, and all Verity’s friends in the village are full of excitement about the holidays too.

But the weather has other plans in store… Relentless rain leads to a power cut that spells disaster for many of Plumberry’s residents. It’s starting to look like this year’s celebrations could be a total washout.

With dreams of a perfect Christmas dashed, will the last of the festive cheer be swept away in the downpour? Or can the cookery school create a Christmas miracle for everyone Verity holds dear?

Genres: Christmas, Fiction, Chick Lit, Short Stories

120 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 13, 2016

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

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

I had actually forgotten that I had this book to read so it was a lovely surprise to find it on my Kindle!  I was a huge fan of the Plumberry School of Comfort Food series so I knew I was in for a treat as soon as I started it!

I can honestly say that reading it felt like I was catching up with old friends!  I loved the story and the writing style was excellent as I have come to expect from any of Cathy's books.  The characters are genuine and well-rounded and best of all, very likeable.  

Five stars from me, I thought  the whole thing was lovely and I was whisked away to Plumberry with them for a blissful few hours - I wholeheartedly enjoyed it - and definitely recommend it!!

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really lovely, festive, short story.

[Susan Buchanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this today (my birthday) in one sitting, in a coffee shop and it really made me feel Christmassy and full of community spirit. At several points I was grinning like a fool and at other points I was trying not to let the tears fall. Classic Cathy Bramley - absolutely loved it. Off to buy the only one of her books I haven't had a chance to read yet - Wickham Hall. Highly recommend

[Jessica (Jess Hearts Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I make it a rule to not read any Christmas stories before November but I could not resist diving into Cathy Bramley's festive little number early!

Comfort and Joy is a Christmas short story featuring the cast from The Plumberry School of Comfort Food a book that I read and loved earlier this year. It was so lovely to catch up with all of my favourite characters and find out where life has taken them since we parted ways.

Our main character Verity Bloom is looking forward to taking a break from the Plumberry School of Comfort Food over the holidays and spending Christmas day snuggled inside with her new boyfriend Tom. But it seems like the weather has other ideas as heavy rain lashes down leading to flooding and power cuts, meaning that for the residents of Plumberry, Christmas is canceled. Can Verity and the Plumberry School of Comfort Food save the day and bring Christmas to an entire village?

I loved every moment reading this book, I wasn't expecting to feel Christmassy so early into October but this book put me in the festive spirit! I loved the sense of community, kindness and sharing that is explored in this story, all essential ingredients in the true meaning of Christmas.

Comfort and Joy does exactly what it says on the packaging, whether you're in the mood for Christmas yet or not Cathy Bramley's short story will make you feel cosy and happy bringing a smile to even the most hardened of Scrooges faces.

[Sharon Goodwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/2016/1...

We join the cookery school as Christmas Eve is winding down (what a hectic day!). Verity stops off at different shops on her way home, getting soaked from the incessant rain. Each shop owner has a personal challenge due to the weather and Verity is missing her family in Canada. When the power goes off on Christmas Day you would think this would bring more gloom … but in true Cathy Bramley style, what starts out as a challenge turns into sparkles and happiness.

I loved being back in Plumberry. I was intrigued with what was going on with Pixie and eager to see how the challenges could be solved in such a short space of time (bearing in mind Comfort and Joy is a short story at 120 pages). Cathy has such a skill that I think your emotions would be hooked in even if you don’t know anything about this community!

Comfort and Joy epitomizes the spirit of the season. More joy in giving than receiving = abundance for everyone and comfort in celebrating life changing moments with family and friends … and of course in such a fabulously festive setting at the cookery school

[Nicola Clough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book and lovely to go back to plumberry school of food to hear more about the characters. Verity has had a busy year at the school but it's Christmas Eve she cannot wait to have a quiet Christmas with her partner but a storm hits the village and can everyone pull together to make Christmas a good time for all. Really good short story and great story line.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

received an email asking if I'd like to read Comfort and Joy ahead of it's publication day 13th October. Hell yes, for two reasons - one it's written by Cathy Bramley an author I don't think I'll ever tire of reading and two it's a christmas book. Yes, it's a short story which I find can sometimes leave me feeling short changed - often short stories aren't long enough o give enough details and background but in this case the way has already been paved. The starring cast are from the Plumberry School of Comfort Food.

The story begins on Christmas Eve and ends on Christmas Day - Plumberry is full of new romances, most made through the Cookery School and as we meet each couple on Christmas Eve the excitement is palpable. They are all headed home, loaded down with food for Christmas day ready to enjoy their time away from work, each looking forward to spending their Christmas break with loved ones and family.

It may only be October but Cathy has got me drooling at the mouth wishing it was Christmas Eve already - I love everything about Christmas. The preparation, the food, spending time with friends and family, the decorations and chilling with a glass of something white and fizzy in front of the fire. This book sets the scene perfectly.

Imagine everything good about christmas - friends, family, kindness, love, laughter and generosity. Add a touch of Christmas magic and you have Comfort and Joy - a perfect read that'll get you in the mood counting down the days until it really is Christmas. I loved this book - a bite sized taster to get you in the mood. Cathy Bramley knows how to pack it all in. Just 120 pages that won't fail to touch your heart. What could have been a miserable Christmas for many is transformed when Verity and Tom give up their plans for a quiet first Christmas together in order to open up a haven to the community in the form of The Cookery School.

There is drama aplenty, sadness and serious moments but these are counter balanced by many uplifting, happy moments that had me smiling and laughing out loud. Imagine twenty plus ovens all cooking delicious christmas fare - the smell was divine. You can smell through a kindle can't you? I could literally taste my Christmas dinner whilst reading this book, it's a real drool worthy read. If I didn't love Verity before I definitely do know - if I could pick a new best friend it would be her - her generosity and kindness shines through, putting others before herself - her own happiness sparkling like a shiny star when she is helping others. If I could step into the pages of this book I would - I so want to live in Plumbery, a village that opens its arms to newcomers and when needed closes them tight to look after them - just perfect.

You can get your fix too for only 99p from Amazon. http://amzn.to/2cysMEe

[Vickie Richens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the novella and the catch up with all the characters of the plumberry book

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally reviewed on Becca's Books.

How the wonderful Cathy Bramley has managed to cram so much Chrismassy delight into only 120 pages is beyond me, but boy was it impossible to not let the cheer seep into my bones and truly take hold. Comfort and Joy by Cathy Bramley is a short but incredibly sweet festive story that takes readers back to Plumberry, alongside Verity Bloom and a handful of residents. For me, having not yet had the opportunity to read Cathy's previous release The Plumberry School of Comfort Food, it was such a joy to be introduced to these characters for the first time, and I was thrilled that not having read the full novel set in Plumberry, my enjoyment wasn't hindered at all. It's Christmas time and Verity is about to close up the Plumberry School to head back to her brand new home with boyfriend Tom, to enjoy Christmas Day alongside her love. It's been a busy and productive year for this lady and so, the prospect of snuggling up in front of a crackling fire, cuddled into Tom's side, is more than she could hope for. She can hardly wait!

But of course, as is so often the case in life, things do not go to plan. The rain has been relentless during the lead-up to Christmas, and many areas surrounding, or near-to Plumberry, have been struck by horrendous, potentially dangerous floods. With water levels rising, there's no telling how much higher they'll end up reaching, and Verity is right to feel worried. One by one, she witnesses the other residents' plans get cancelled due to the awful weather and, before she knows it, the quiet and cosy Christmas she and Tom had planned together is slowly slipping away. It's up to Verity and a few good friends to ensure that everyone still gets the Christmas they were hoping for. If The Plumberry School thought it was getting a rest for Christmas, it was wrong.

I cannot tell you how fantastic it felt to be delving back into Cathy Bramley's world, short story or not. The comfort oozing from this author's style is warm, cosy and deliciously intoxicating, and Bramley's descriptions of Plumberry dressed up for Christmas were utterly charming. So much so, I was tempted to stick my Christmas tree up right there and then. I've said it before and I'll say it again, reading anything written by Cathy Bramley is a treat for the soul. Your senses are teased and brought to life, you're introduced to some of the most loveliest characters around, and you're always left feeling happy and light and as if the world makes sense once more.

The themes of friendship and community are focused on beautifully within this short story. When push comes to shove, we're witness to the residents of Plumberry coming together to help one another out. Each resident seems to have a problem of their own to figure out but with the help of a few good friends, it's easily done. Bramley's main character, Verity Bloom, tackles the longing she feels to be with her family back in Canada. Jack is left heartbroken after the terrible floods ruin his plans for Christmas with his children. It's all a mess thanks to the weather, but together, the residents are able to overcome the issues sent their way and manage to pull off Christmas dinner in the most fabulous of ways.

All in all, though it be short, Comfort and Joy is an uplifting, heartwarming and completely cosy story that captures perfectly what Christmas is truly about. From the twinkling fairy lights to the turkeys roasting, I was transported straight to Plumberry and enveloped safely within a Christmassy wonderland full of wonderful characters, warmth and heart. This will have you smiling from ear to ear and yearning for your Christmas dinner! Becca's Books is awarding Comfort and Joy by Cathy Bramley with four of my bookish cupcakes. A delightful little gem to add to your Christmas reading lists!

[Agi · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Comfort and Joy" was such a great surprise from Cathy Bramley! It was incredibly great to be back in Plumberry and all the characters from School of Comfort Food and I felt as if I haven't left the place and all those lovely people for so long. Plumberry seems to be a place very prone to accident, to be honest, if there is something to happen you can be sure that it will happen in Plumberry, but heck, we have School, Verity & Co, right? The loveliest bunch of people that you could think of, and if I were to be in troubles, I'd love it to happen somewhere around this place, pretty please. There is always food, no matter what, and what kind of food! And there is also always electricity (which is very significant for this short story, let me add).

This lovely short novella - really short, it took me around an hour to read it, and it took me a second only to feel at home with the characters and to feel totally immersed in their lives again - takes place around and on Christmas, but you would never say it, judging on the weather - it's raining cats and dogs and because of it a series of very unhappy and unwished - for accidents happen. Also in the characters' lives. And this time, which was also great, and I really, really liked it, the story concentrated not only on Verity and Tom but on the many brilliant characters that surrounded them in the "The Plumberry School of Comfort Food". I've no idea how Cathy Bramley managed to squeeze so many stories in this one, short novella, but all of the characters could feel as the stars of the scenes they entered. It was truly great to get some closure, to see how life goes on for some of them and how life starts for some of them.

You've no idea how much I could relate to Verity and her feelings of longing. As it happens I am also far, far away from my family, and it is really, really hard to spend Christmas without them, even after all those years. You can have your own family, your husband and a daughter, but well, mum is a mum, that's true. So all the feelings and emotions in Verity, all the things she has said about missing her mum just stroke a chord and my heart double went to her.

As always, the story perfectly blends poignant and funny moments, and there were some that had me on a verge of tears and there were some that made me laugh out loud, especially those involving a very large turkey and Harriet. Cathy Bramley always accomplishes to add a lesson or two to her stories, but they are lovely lessons, and it was the same this time. Actually, to be honest, I think I am going to re - read this novella right now, as it really made me feel cheerful and better the first time, and right now I am in a need of cheering up - and I can guarantee that you're going to feel absolutely uplifted after reading it. No matter if you are new to Cathy Bramley - which personally I can't believe - or a devoted fan, just like me, go and treat yourself to "Comfort & Joy"!

Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for a review.

[Aneesa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh my days this book was even more refreshing than the last and I have noticed a pattern emerging, without even me realising it I am constantly reading books which have some kind of bakers or chefs and it is constantly making me hungry, even now whilst writing this review my mouth is watering from all the wonderful delicacies I am thinking about *yum*.

I have always heard about Cathy Bramley but never gave any of her books a try until now, being a chick lit reader I am deeply saddened by this because I honestly don't know what I was waiting for. I mean who wouldn't want to just curl up and read such a good fun loving book? *raises hand high in the air*

Verity finally heaves a sigh of relief that she gets to spend Christmas with her gorgeous boyfriend Tom, after having such a busy week there is nothing more than Verity wants. However, she does feel a slight sadness as she won't get to spend the joyous holiday with her family who are across the continent, it is no big deal right? That is what she tries to tell herself. Both, Verity and Tom have promised this year no presents but Verity can't help it, what's Christmas without presents right? Unknown to her Tom also has a special surprise for her.....

Nothing ends up going to plan for Verity and Tom as the weather seems to have other ideas with flooding the whole village, before you know it Verity's friends also seem to come knocking on her door with problems and soon enough the whole village. What is Verity going to do now? How can she save Christmas for everyone? Verity never fails to disappoint, not only does she save everyone's Christmas by lending the kitchen's at her school but along with her friends, they also cook a huge meal for the homeless! It was so nice to see everyone come together on occasions like this, the closeness you have in small villages is really unlike elsewhere.

I loved the style of writing, it was so easy to read. And because this was such a short book I ended up flying through the pages. I am a little sad there is no sequel...


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[Linda Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s Christmas Eve for the inhabitants of Plumberry but Christmas might not be quite what they expected!

Comfort and Joy by Cathy Bramley should come with a health warning. The descriptions of food are so enticing and sumptuous that I felt ravenous the whole time I was reading. From fudge to turkey, champagne to truffles I could so easily imagine tasting the glorious food and drink presented in the writing. I’m not sure I’m going to be naming our turkey this year though!

This is my first Cathy Bramley read and I loved it. Considering Comfort and Joy is a short story I couldn’t believe how well developed and wide ranging the characters were. They became so life like as I read that I am now going to read the rest of the Plumberry stories about them as I want to know more.

I thought Comfort and Joy embodied the spirit of Christmas wonderfully, with a feel good element that wasn’t at all saccharine, but that was realistic and satisfying. I loved the balance between disaster and success and laughed aloud as well as shed a tear or two. The themes touched upon are so relevant to the season with relationships between parents and children, lovers and friends beautifully portrayed. But I loved too the elements of local and national relevance with floods, the homeless and the concept of charity all woven seamlessly into the plot.

A further element that I thoroughly appreciated too was the quality of the dialogue. I thought the separate voices were distinct and the speech natural so that I could hear the voices in my head.

In Comfort and Joy Cathy Bramley has created the perfect fireside read to touch the heart and make it truly Christmas. Read it!

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a story that epitomises Christmas spirit, then look no further than Comfort and Joy, it is one of my favourite stories, and just shows how a community can come together even when things are looking bleak.

This is a wonderfully festive sequel to what was a brilliant book, The Plumberry School of Comfort Food. Comfort and Joy can easily be read as a standalone story, but as someone who has read the original book, I can say it was brilliant as a short story extra. It gives you a sense of fulfillment as you see what the familiar characters are all up to this Christmas in Plumberry.

If you like Christmas food, then you won't be disappointed, as there is a veritable treasure trove of a festive feast within these pages, between the Christmas classes being run at the cooking school on Christmas eve, to Christmas day itself. I especially liked the turkey called Kevin, and what happened to him!

I truly believe that Comfort and Joy will bring you just that, when it is read, its a delightful short story featuring all the warmth and loveliness that Cathy Bramley is becoming very known for, in a bite sized package.

If you have never read a book by Cathy Bramley, then Comfort and Joy is definitely a good taster for her easy to read writing style, as well as a heart warming story.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted:> http://lauraslittlebookblog.blogspot....

4.5/5

There are just some books that capture the very essence of what Christmas is all about and even though Comfort and Joy is only a short story, it captures just this.

Comfort and Joy is a lovely short Christmas story including the characters from The Plumberry School of Comfort Food, but you do not need to have read that to read this. It's easy to feel like this is a whole new story and there's no confusion or missed bits. Verity and her friends are very much looking forward to Christmas, but the weather has other plans in store for them. Can they still make this a Christmas to remember?

Cathy always manages to create likeable characters and really get across that sense of community and in such a short space of time too. Although not everything goes quite as swimmingly as you would hope for the characters on Christmas day, it's the Christmas message that we take from the book that really makes this special.

In a nutshell, this is perfect Christmas reading. It's feel good, warm and most importantly Christmassy. Take some time out to get in the festive mood with Comfort and Joy.

[Justkeepreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely Christmas story. Full of warmth and Christmas cheer. I love Cathy Bramley and really enjoy all her books. This book is no exception. It was so lovely to catch up with all the wonderful characters from the Comfort food cafe.

Sometimes the best laid plans are the plans that you don't make for yourself. This book goes to prove my point.

After a year of hard work and being swept off their feet Verity and Tom are looking forward to a Christmas curled up in front the fire with only themselves to keep them occupied.

But things don't go to plan. As the village gets flooded the homes are without electricity. With no way to keep themselves warm and no way to cook food the residents are stuck with what to do.

As always Verity and The Comfort Food Cafe comes to the rescue offering people a place to go and stay. Where Friends are together and cooking Christmas dinner is fun. A wonderful feel good Christmas book. Loved it.

[Emma]

Readathon Oct 2016 book #2

[Lauren Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely short catch up at Plumberry
I love these characters and wish Cathy would write more on their tales.

This short story follows on 6-9 months later and sees Christmas at Plumberry.
Tom and Verity plan to spend a peaceful day at home but when the village is in trouble and no-one has a Christmas dinner, they rush to the rescue with the cooking school.

We get to catch up on Tom and Verity and I'm pleased they have moved in and are very happy. We also get to find out how mags and dave and pixie and Cheryl are getting on along with a few other plumberry neighbours.

My only downside to this is I wish Noah and Gabe had been in this. It mentioned where they were but not even a phonecall did seem out of place after the last book...

However, a lovely quick hour read and made me feel Christmassy in July!!

[Emily Pankhurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Straight away I loved this book. Once I started it I couldn't put it down. The writing was simple and the story was heartwarming. There were lots of things going on around the one main storyline and that kept my attention throughout.

I loved the characters who were all likable in their own way. Each of the characters background stories blended well together to result in this heartwarming read.

The village setting was excellent for this festive read, and really highlighted the positives of living in a small village.

Lastly I loved the messages of love and friendship throughout the book.

I highly recommend reading this book. It has certainly been one of my favourite festive reads so far this month!

✨For a longer review see my book blog✨ https://budgettalesblog.wordpress.com/

[Kat Mitcheson · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a trial book for me by this author as I have big main books bet her but wanted to check out her style before I fully committed and I LOVED it.
it's set in a York suburb of Plumberry and as Xmas is looming all the friends have plans for the big day until the rain causes the river to burst and flood the streets surrounding plumberry. before you know it, everyone's plans are shot! electricy has gone out and the only place for cooking is the cookery school... it saves the whole village.
wonderful sweet story with the discussion of cakes and food that will make u dribble. I shall be reading her bug main books this coming spring and summer.

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was after something short and sweet, this very much filled that spot.

It was lovely to be able to revisit Plumberry School of Comfort food and to be reacquainted with some of the lovely characters, seei how they have been and getting to experience Christmas with them, which turned out to be a full on drama and eventful one to say the least. So nice to see the community come together in a time of need.

Very well written, although I expect nothing less from the wonderful author that is Cathy Bramley.

[Karen Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

until i had finished reading this i didn't realise it was a follow up, but loved it anyway and now want to read the first book to see how it all started, it was a caring and funny book but had a major point, had me laughing and at the end crying with joy with them, it showed how when disaster struck the whole community pulled together to make Christmas special, loved the idea of recipes at the end, just added that final Christmas touch

[Sarah Goodfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although it's only a short story, cathy has done it again! Such a lovely heartwarming story, verity and her boyfriend, newly living together are looking forward to a nice quiet Christmas, just the 2 of them. But severe floods, dangerous conditions and power cuts mean that they end up helping out half the village, cooking lots of food on Christmas day. A real feel good story with a real community feel and lots of happy endings (and beginnings!) for everyone!

[elise buhn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely sequel to a lovely book!

I am so pleased to catch up with the people from The Plumberry School of Comfort Food! As with most of Cathy Bramley's delightful books, I was sorry when I finished the first book, so coming upon this continuation of that story is like unexpectedly meeting a good friend after an absence. It's a must read which you can follow with her other books, all worth reading as stand alone books but even better when you have come to know the chacters who populate them!

[Iona Bauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joy, Pure Joy

I am going to add reading this book to my list of Christmas traditions because it made me teary eyed, brought a smile to my face and gave me joy on every page! Please Cathy Bramley, would you continue the books about Plumberry because they really do bring me 'Comfort and Joy'! Corny but true. This book is another sure fire winner!

[Sarah Baines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully festive

The Plumberry School of Comfort Food is one of my favourite Cathy Bramley novels so Comfort and Joy was like visiting old friends. It's an absolutely beautiful and festive novel and i had tears in my eyes more than once. It's also got recipes in it - what more could you want!!

[Sall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A neat way to tie up lose ends from the novel. I loved how Pixie's Christmas turned out but I did find it predictable that she was staying at the cookery school yet Verity seemed very slow to work it out.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this a comfortable and warm read. It did have some quite interesting issues addressed as part of the lovely romance part of the story. I read it as a stand alone story with no problems. Would read more.

[Simone Mcfadden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect festive read

I have read a few of Cathy's books but haven't yet read the Plumberry series. After reading this beautiful festive story can't wait to read it now.

Loved the bonus recipes at the end

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked the story but it wasn't quite as good as the other books were.

[Aruna Sathish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a warm and comfortable read, just like comfort food. With a heartwarming love story and engaging characters this is surely one of my favourite books.