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A Patchwork Family #1
Moving On
This is part one in an uplifting four-part serial from bestseller Cathy Bramley. Gina Moss is proud of she's just had the most amicable divorce ever. No arguments, no fuss, no drama. It means she has plenty of time and energy for her thriving childminding business too. Welcome Cottage is both home and workplace for Gina. It sits just on the edge of The Evergreens - a grand if slightly run-down Victorian residence to three octogenarians who have far too much fun for their Violet, Delphine and Bing.But a tragedy puts her older friends at risk of eviction - and Gina in charge of the battle to save them. It might be her first fight, but it's one that Gina is determined not to lose... Return to the village of Barnaby and the world of the bestselling novel, The Lemon Tree Cafe. A Patchwork Family is a heart-warming novel told in four parts, following the challenges and triumphs faced by Gina Moss as she swaps an easy life for a happy one. This is the first part.*****Praise for Cathy Bramley from some of your other favourite 'Delightful!' Katie Fforde'A page-turner of a story' Milly Johnson'Delightfully warm with plenty of twists and turns' Trisha Ashley'The perfect romantic tale, to warm your heart and make you smile' Ali McNamara
90 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2019
147 people are currently reading
349 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Bramley
66 books1,140 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 32 reviews
August 1, 2019
The first part in a new four-part novel by Cathy Bramley.
This instalment was aptly named 'Moving On' and we are introduced to Gina who has just had an amicable divorce and is looking forward to the next chapter. We meet a multitude of characters and I particularly liked that they were of varying ages - children that Gina childminds for, right up to three likeable 80 odd year old's, and Gina had time for them all.
Cathy is amazing at writing these shorter stories as I find she manages to cram so much into them. There were a number of storylines to follow-up as the book moves on and yet I still felt it wasn't lacking detail despite leaving me wanting more.
There was a novella released earlier in the year relating to this story that I really enjoyed and I'm looking forward to seeing how this ties in further down the line. I await the next instalment with eagerness!
My many thanks to Orion Publishing Group via NetGalley for providing me with this advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
This instalment was aptly named 'Moving On' and we are introduced to Gina who has just had an amicable divorce and is looking forward to the next chapter. We meet a multitude of characters and I particularly liked that they were of varying ages - children that Gina childminds for, right up to three likeable 80 odd year old's, and Gina had time for them all.
Cathy is amazing at writing these shorter stories as I find she manages to cram so much into them. There were a number of storylines to follow-up as the book moves on and yet I still felt it wasn't lacking detail despite leaving me wanting more.
There was a novella released earlier in the year relating to this story that I really enjoyed and I'm looking forward to seeing how this ties in further down the line. I await the next instalment with eagerness!
My many thanks to Orion Publishing Group via NetGalley for providing me with this advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2019
"Moving On" is the first part in the new serialisation by Cathy Bramley, and it is absolutely brilliant introduction to something that - I am deadly sure - is going to be a wonderful, warm story full of ups and downs for the characters. Well, the downs have started already, as we are left on a cliff-hanger in the last chapter!
This short novella is like a tribute to Cathy Bramley. It is full of her hallmark chatty, warm and welcoming banter between the characters, wonderful setting, fun, humour and a little sadness. Our main heroine Gina Moss has just divorced and can now focus on her career - she works as a child - minder at her cottage with a wonderful name Welcome Cottage. There is such a lovely, beautiful bond between Gina and her charges, you can feel that she adores them and that she really cares about them. Gina is surrounded by a bunch of great, vivid characters that I thought are going to pop out of the pages at any moment, they are all so realistic and had their own, huge personalities, even when they had a little too much to drink - they are incredibly funny then.
It was a great and very promising beginning, introducing as - quickly and efficiently - to all the most important players and giving us an idea what can happen in the next parts. Cathy Bramley has again created a world that, even with all the troubles and problems, is inviting and colourful and you want to be a part of it and help the characters. Gina was so easy to like, and I've immediately warmed to her, her dry sense of humour and probably because she, just like moi, works with children. I really can't wait for the next parts to see the light of the day, I am sure we're for a real treat and that many, many adventures are waiting for us to discover. Recommended!
Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
August 1, 2019
Thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest review
Having read all of Cathy's books I was delighted to get an early copy
What an utterly FANTASTIC book wonderful warm inviting characters ecstatic to he back at lemon tree cafe
Can't wait for the next installment
Having read all of Cathy's books I was delighted to get an early copy
What an utterly FANTASTIC book wonderful warm inviting characters ecstatic to he back at lemon tree cafe
Can't wait for the next installment
April 22, 2020
Another great book from Cathy Bramley. Loved Gina & her lovely way with the children. I could have done with her when my boys were little!
My only criticism, the ending seemed a little rushed or that could have been me wanting more!
Highly recommended feel good read x
My only criticism, the ending seemed a little rushed or that could have been me wanting more!
Highly recommended feel good read x
November 21, 2022
Lekker onzin boek, alleen jammer dat ook dit boek is uitgesmeerd over 4 delen en dus te kort is.
August 8, 2019
Moving On is the first part in a new series from Cathy Bramley called A Patchwork Family and what a gorgeous introduction it was. This brief story really set the scene and introduced to what I feel will be a wonderful and heart-warming book overall. Cathy has this unique ability to instantly make you feel at home within the story and you become easily immersed within all the goings on. Not to mention the stunning and colourful cover for this part which is so attractive and makes you want to dive into the story. This is an uplifting, cosy and warm read which shows great potential for what is in store for us in the three parts still to come and I loved every minute of it.
Gina Moss has literally just been granted her divorce from Eric and although they parted on amicable terms it is still a shock filled with sadness that her relationship has come to an end now that everything is official. For the last two years she has felt in a kind of limbo waiting for that final nail in the coffin and now that it has happened she feels she is ready to move on with the next stage of her life. What direction that should take she is not sure of yet but she is happy that she can no longer be railroaded into things or have decisions made for her by Eric. Gina is out on her own and it feels refreshing and new that she has total control over her own life although there is always that slight hesitancy that how can I do things without support from someone else. Whatever choices she makes, she knows the consequences are completely up to her to deal with be they good or bad.
Gina lives in Welcome Cottage where she runs a child-minding service. She is a qualified teacher but she feels happier out of the constraints of the classroom and running things her own way. Her cottage is part of the Evergreen estate owned by Violet who lives in the big house alongside long term friends Delphine and Bing who are advancing in their years. It may seem like an unusual set up but it works for everybody. Gina is so kind, caring and considerate. She is a lovely character who you warm to instantly. I loved all the descriptions of the children she minds and the activities they get up to and it's evident she loves what she is doing but at the back of her mind is that niggling feeling that with a new start in life around the corner that maybe the time is ripe for expansion. But how can she go about this given she is only renting the cottage? She comes up with a good plan for this to possibly come to fruition but before plans can be put in place an event happens which alters everything.
I felt so bad for Gina that just when she was on the verge of something positive, beneficial and worthwhile happening in her life than her hopes are crushed. Not to mention this also affecting plenty of other people. But her fighting spirit and the belief she has in others get going and she decides she will want not stand for what is about to unfold. Gina loved helping all the various characters we met, and yes there was an awful lot of them, but I didn't become confused or feel they were introduced too quickly. It all felt so natural and that I was reading about friends that I had known for a long time. For those eagle eyed readers and long term fans of Cathy's brilliant books, they will spot many familiar characters from The Lemon Tree Cafe. It was wonderful to get to catch up with these characters again and I love how Cathy has done this with several of her books. It's a great way to see how characters you loved in the past are now getting on without the need for a full length book solely dedicated to them.
Gina has so much belief in everyone that you wish she could feel the same about herself. She is bubbly and positive but behind it all I sense there is a slight apprehension to want to do the same for herself as she does for others. But with a major turn of events maybe this will be the break she needs to just really go for it? Gina has avoided conflict for long and not stood up for herself but with no option only to fight for what she believes in she vows to try and stop what now seems like the inevitable. She needs to stand up strong ad fight for her home, business and the friends she loves so dearly.
Moving On ended very much on a cliffhanger and has me very excited for what is to come in part two Dreaming Big as this was packed full with a variety of interesting and vivid characters and I sense there is a lot more exploits and possibly some romance in store for Gina and co. I can already tell that Cathy Bramley is onto another winner with this new series and she really is an author who never lets you down.
Gina Moss has literally just been granted her divorce from Eric and although they parted on amicable terms it is still a shock filled with sadness that her relationship has come to an end now that everything is official. For the last two years she has felt in a kind of limbo waiting for that final nail in the coffin and now that it has happened she feels she is ready to move on with the next stage of her life. What direction that should take she is not sure of yet but she is happy that she can no longer be railroaded into things or have decisions made for her by Eric. Gina is out on her own and it feels refreshing and new that she has total control over her own life although there is always that slight hesitancy that how can I do things without support from someone else. Whatever choices she makes, she knows the consequences are completely up to her to deal with be they good or bad.
Gina lives in Welcome Cottage where she runs a child-minding service. She is a qualified teacher but she feels happier out of the constraints of the classroom and running things her own way. Her cottage is part of the Evergreen estate owned by Violet who lives in the big house alongside long term friends Delphine and Bing who are advancing in their years. It may seem like an unusual set up but it works for everybody. Gina is so kind, caring and considerate. She is a lovely character who you warm to instantly. I loved all the descriptions of the children she minds and the activities they get up to and it's evident she loves what she is doing but at the back of her mind is that niggling feeling that with a new start in life around the corner that maybe the time is ripe for expansion. But how can she go about this given she is only renting the cottage? She comes up with a good plan for this to possibly come to fruition but before plans can be put in place an event happens which alters everything.
I felt so bad for Gina that just when she was on the verge of something positive, beneficial and worthwhile happening in her life than her hopes are crushed. Not to mention this also affecting plenty of other people. But her fighting spirit and the belief she has in others get going and she decides she will want not stand for what is about to unfold. Gina loved helping all the various characters we met, and yes there was an awful lot of them, but I didn't become confused or feel they were introduced too quickly. It all felt so natural and that I was reading about friends that I had known for a long time. For those eagle eyed readers and long term fans of Cathy's brilliant books, they will spot many familiar characters from The Lemon Tree Cafe. It was wonderful to get to catch up with these characters again and I love how Cathy has done this with several of her books. It's a great way to see how characters you loved in the past are now getting on without the need for a full length book solely dedicated to them.
Gina has so much belief in everyone that you wish she could feel the same about herself. She is bubbly and positive but behind it all I sense there is a slight apprehension to want to do the same for herself as she does for others. But with a major turn of events maybe this will be the break she needs to just really go for it? Gina has avoided conflict for long and not stood up for herself but with no option only to fight for what she believes in she vows to try and stop what now seems like the inevitable. She needs to stand up strong ad fight for her home, business and the friends she loves so dearly.
Moving On ended very much on a cliffhanger and has me very excited for what is to come in part two Dreaming Big as this was packed full with a variety of interesting and vivid characters and I sense there is a lot more exploits and possibly some romance in store for Gina and co. I can already tell that Cathy Bramley is onto another winner with this new series and she really is an author who never lets you down.
August 3, 2019
I am an avid reader of Cathy's books, and I was delighted to receive a copy of the first part of this book to review from Netgalley and the Publisher. The first part of A Patchwork Family features Gina, as she is trying to rebuild her life after her divorce. She rents Welcome cottage, which is part of the Evergreens estate. She has big plans, but before she can put them into action, a big tragedy occurs, which potentially could change everything. This book features the Lemon Tree Cafe, and it is wonderful to catch up with the characters from this book. It can easily be read as a standalone book, if you have not read the Lemon Tree Cafe. This book has an engaging storyline, and the characters range from babies, up to people in their eighties. The characters are well developed, and are interesting to read about. Cathy brings the characters to life with her usual warmth, so that you feel like you want to know them in real life. This book is well written the storytelling draws you in and immerses you so that you want to carry on reading. I really enjoyed reading this book, and I am eagerly awaiting the next installment, so I can find out what happens next.
August 2, 2019
I was so eagerly awaiting this first instalment of the patchwork family as I have read and loved all of Cathy’s books to date! This didn’t disappoint in any way my only disappointment was that I read and devoured it so quickly as I couldn’t wait to see where the story would take you!
Gina the main character has just been through an amicable divorce and is reevaluating her life, whilst content at her little cottage with her childminding business she craves for more and starts to make tentative plans for expansion, throughout this you are introduced to new characters and other familiar ones are also there and the lemon tree cafe so it’s like coming home! A fantastic story life so far can’t wait to get better acquainted with these new characters and see where the story takes you, eagerly awaiting part two!
Thank you so very much net galley for this great read
Gina the main character has just been through an amicable divorce and is reevaluating her life, whilst content at her little cottage with her childminding business she craves for more and starts to make tentative plans for expansion, throughout this you are introduced to new characters and other familiar ones are also there and the lemon tree cafe so it’s like coming home! A fantastic story life so far can’t wait to get better acquainted with these new characters and see where the story takes you, eagerly awaiting part two!
Thank you so very much net galley for this great read
September 1, 2019
Gina and her husband Eric split amicably where she leaves being a teacher behind to become a child minder. Eric evidently winds her up and belittles what she does from the off and her parents never gave her much attention either despite her wacky cool hair colours.
As she discovers a dishy new headteacher, gets an Ofsted inspection and faces taking on more kids to childmind including a selective mute girl who's just lost her dad, she has her hands full so facing buying not renting her home from her elderly friends is exciting until a huge shock flips her plan upside down...
This book intrigued me into the ways of a working and older friendship and especially as they lose a beloved friend and family member sending their lives into chaos Cathy has me hooked i need to know what happens next!
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
As she discovers a dishy new headteacher, gets an Ofsted inspection and faces taking on more kids to childmind including a selective mute girl who's just lost her dad, she has her hands full so facing buying not renting her home from her elderly friends is exciting until a huge shock flips her plan upside down...
This book intrigued me into the ways of a working and older friendship and especially as they lose a beloved friend and family member sending their lives into chaos Cathy has me hooked i need to know what happens next!
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
August 5, 2019
This is the first part of Cathy Bramley‘s latest book. As I have come to expect from this author, it is very well written and easy to read. I formed an immediate connection to Gina, who has just completed her divorce from her ex husband.
An excellent beginning, very enjoyable, though sad in places. I really liked the meet-cute, it gave me a much needed chuckle in the sad part. I look forward to seeing what Gina gets up to in the following three parts of this book.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
An excellent beginning, very enjoyable, though sad in places. I really liked the meet-cute, it gave me a much needed chuckle in the sad part. I look forward to seeing what Gina gets up to in the following three parts of this book.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2019
Thanks to netgalley for a copy of this book.
What a brilliant start to the series, it’s a shame to wait for the next instalment.
Gina has just got divorced and is planning on expanding her childminder business. She rents a cottage from the Evergreens estate and I thinking of asking the owners to sell it to her. Things take an unexpected turn and she find herself with 3 months notice to leave the property. Can she save her business, the cottage and ensure the 2 elderly people who now live in the Evergreens main house from being homeless.
What a brilliant start to the series, it’s a shame to wait for the next instalment.
Gina has just got divorced and is planning on expanding her childminder business. She rents a cottage from the Evergreens estate and I thinking of asking the owners to sell it to her. Things take an unexpected turn and she find herself with 3 months notice to leave the property. Can she save her business, the cottage and ensure the 2 elderly people who now live in the Evergreens main house from being homeless.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2019
You know, I think I adore reading Cathy Bramley's books in parts. It's a whole different reading experience for me, and I adore her books - even though they're a genre I don't really read much of.
I just finished part one five minutes ago as I write this, and I probably shouldn't have read it in a public place - I struggled not to ball my eyes out!
In this short period of time I've grown so attached to the characters and their stories, and Cathy has a way with words leaving my extremely bleary eyed.
I definitely look forward to part 2!!
I just finished part one five minutes ago as I write this, and I probably shouldn't have read it in a public place - I struggled not to ball my eyes out!
In this short period of time I've grown so attached to the characters and their stories, and Cathy has a way with words leaving my extremely bleary eyed.
I definitely look forward to part 2!!
August 9, 2019
I really enjoyed the first part of this series, Such lovely characters, although very sad in places too - I won't give anything away! It was nice to see some old faces from The Lemon Tree Café as well, it always warms me more quickly to a book when they are old faces appearing. The new characters are lovely - with the exception of Rebecca! - and I look forward to the next part to find out what is in store for Gina and her friends...….
November 21, 2019
Have read all four books once, but as I was impatient in wanting to know what happened next,I seem to have missed parts out. Rereading the whole lot again. Brilliant story being happy, sad, romance and a lot more. Would highly recommend this set of books
July 1, 2023
Voorspelbaar maar niet erg boeiend geschreven. Zeer duidelijk dat dit het 1ste deel van een reeks is. Het leek wel de inleiding.
Het verhaal boeit me niet genoeg om verder te lezen. Maar het zal wrss wel een feelgoedreeks zijn.
Het verhaal boeit me niet genoeg om verder te lezen. Maar het zal wrss wel een feelgoedreeks zijn.
August 2, 2019
Loved this book didn’t won’t it to end loved visiting old friends from The Lemon Tree Cafe. So waiting for the next episode 📚x
August 6, 2019
loved this great start to this series
August 11, 2019
Loved this and meeting Rosie Noah Nonna from lemon tree cafe cannot wait for part two 😍
August 20, 2019
Brilliant
I absolutely loved everything single page. A warming and enjoyable read
Can’t wait to read the next instalment
Highly recommended
I absolutely loved everything single page. A warming and enjoyable read
Can’t wait to read the next instalment
Highly recommended
August 26, 2019
A really good read that leaves you wanting more!!!
September 20, 2019
Can't wait for the next book in October. I am really enjoying this series of books.
September 23, 2019
Another fabulous story from Cathy Bramley, you instantly like and understand the characters. I'll be starting Part Two today.
October 7, 2019
Interesting
A good read. Very interesting, especially the ending, looking forward to reading the rest of the series. I enjoy cliffhangers at times.
A good read. Very interesting, especially the ending, looking forward to reading the rest of the series. I enjoy cliffhangers at times.
October 8, 2019
great book
October 10, 2019
This is a fab book to start the set off. Loving the characters and the setting.
October 10, 2019
Short and sweet
I thought this was a great follow on read from the lemon tree cafe where we were introduced to Gina moss.Looking forward to part 2!
I thought this was a great follow on read from the lemon tree cafe where we were introduced to Gina moss.Looking forward to part 2!
December 12, 2020
Started of off slow but once got into it was really nice story, can't wait to read the rest of series in 2021
October 7, 2025
Leuk! Wel een kort verhaal, benieuwd naar deel 2!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews