What do you think?
Rate this book
Rescue Me
Curl up with Sunday Times bestseller Cathy Bramley and this joyful free short story about friendship, love and hope!
Fearne Lovage is living a neat and tidy life. Sure, the inner circle of people she opens up to is small - but it's perfectly formed of people she loves. And when your heart is broken, feeling safe means everything. It's not a time for risks.
But life has a surprise in store for Fearne - a hairy, scruffy, messy one. Soon Fearne finds herself saving the day, and getting rescued right back...
You'll also meet the characters of Cathy's upcoming new four-part ebook serial, MY KIND OF HAPPY - which follows Fearne on her search for true happiness.
Fearne Lovage is living a neat and tidy life. Sure, the inner circle of people she opens up to is small - but it's perfectly formed of people she loves. And when your heart is broken, feeling safe means everything. It's not a time for risks.
But life has a surprise in store for Fearne - a hairy, scruffy, messy one. Soon Fearne finds herself saving the day, and getting rescued right back...
You'll also meet the characters of Cathy's upcoming new four-part ebook serial, MY KIND OF HAPPY - which follows Fearne on her search for true happiness.
Kindle Edition
First published June 16, 2020
121 people are currently reading
413 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Bramley
66 books1,135 followersCathy Bramley is the author of the best-selling romantic comedies Ivy Lane, Appleby Farm, Wickham Hall, Conditional Love and The Plumberry School of Comfort Food. She lives in a Nottinghamshire village with her family and a dog.
Her recent career as a full-time writer of light-hearted, romantic fiction has come as somewhat of a lovely surprise after spending eighteen years running her own marketing agency. However, she has been always an avid reader, never without a book on the go and now thinks she may have found her dream job!
Cathy loves to hear from her readers. You can get in touch via her website www.CathyBramley.co.uk Facebook page Facebook.com/CathyBramleyAuthor or on Twitter twitter.com/CathyBramley
Her recent career as a full-time writer of light-hearted, romantic fiction has come as somewhat of a lovely surprise after spending eighteen years running her own marketing agency. However, she has been always an avid reader, never without a book on the go and now thinks she may have found her dream job!
Cathy loves to hear from her readers. You can get in touch via her website www.CathyBramley.co.uk Facebook page Facebook.com/CathyBramleyAuthor or on Twitter twitter.com/CathyBramley
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
May 15, 2021
At 97, Ethel is in the winter of her life, she’s happy enough, with Scamp, her 12 year old mongrel dog for company - growing old gracefully together. She likes to watch tv quiz shows to keep her mind active, she’s determined she won’t succumb to dementia, and she also likes to keeps an eye on her young next door neighbour, Fearne, she worries about her a lot. She also worries about Scamp, should anything happen to her.
Fearne is finding life difficult after losing her brother Freddie, in a motorcycle accident - everyone tells her that time is a great healer, but she’s sick of hearing it, and doesn’t believe it anyway. The lovely little house they’d shared no longer feels the same.
Ethel has come up with a plan though, and she hopes Fearne will go along with it....
Absolutely delightful read!
Fearne is finding life difficult after losing her brother Freddie, in a motorcycle accident - everyone tells her that time is a great healer, but she’s sick of hearing it, and doesn’t believe it anyway. The lovely little house they’d shared no longer feels the same.
Ethel has come up with a plan though, and she hopes Fearne will go along with it....
Absolutely delightful read!
March 8, 2021
Not going to lie, the reason why I grabbed this story was that it's short, and I need some quick reads to complete my Goodreads reading challenge, and it was free on Amazon.
It is only 40 pages long, so I won't say much about it.
Only that it was good, kind of heartwarming tale about love for a dog and about friendship, and that I saved some quotes I want to reread.
I am also looking forward for the continuation.
It is only 40 pages long, so I won't say much about it.
Only that it was good, kind of heartwarming tale about love for a dog and about friendship, and that I saved some quotes I want to reread.
I am also looking forward for the continuation.
October 20, 2022
This was such a lovely , touching , tender, sweet little story. I immediately fell for Ethel , who doesn't love a tough as old boots kind of character , she might be 97 but nothing will stop her.
This short story gives you an introduction into the characters that are in 'My Kind of Happiness ' and I can safely say I will be reading that book soon ! Cathy bramley is such a talented author that even in a short story she packs so much in , so much emotion and makes you completely fall for the characters.. and who could resist little scamp! A perfect quick read!
This short story gives you an introduction into the characters that are in 'My Kind of Happiness ' and I can safely say I will be reading that book soon ! Cathy bramley is such a talented author that even in a short story she packs so much in , so much emotion and makes you completely fall for the characters.. and who could resist little scamp! A perfect quick read!
June 16, 2020
This is a very short story which is what leads up to her new series of books. It's a warm read and has happiness and heartbreak and plenty about a wonderful little dog. Highly recommend reading.
July 13, 2020
Nice little short story that turns out to be a background story to Cathy's next book
July 2, 2020
Absolutely loved it. Can't wait for the follow-up later in the year
June 19, 2020
Such a sweet little story. What it lacks in length it more than makes up for in its strength. Ethel is 97, and has a twelve year old dog called Scamp. Of late she had begun worrying about what would happen to Scamp if anything happened to her, she knew her family wouldn’t want to look after an arthritic old dog. Her next-door-neighbour Fearne kept an eye on both of them, coming in every day to see she was alright, and whether she or Scamp needed anything. Fearne had shared her house with her brother, but he had died in a road accident, and apart from checking on Ethel she had cut herself off from her previous carefree life.
But Ethel had hatched a plan, and it comes to fruition rather quicker, and more dramatically, than she would ever have wanted or imagined! It is a very short story, but uplifting, and well worth reading.
But Ethel had hatched a plan, and it comes to fruition rather quicker, and more dramatically, than she would ever have wanted or imagined! It is a very short story, but uplifting, and well worth reading.
July 9, 2020
This is a short story filled with all the warm fuzzy feelings of friendship and love. This isn't my normal genre of choice and I do feel that if it was longer I wouldn't find myself engrossed in it, I just liked how it was short and sweet.
Cathy Bramley's writing is full of love, loss and joy - with all sorts of other things thrown in. I'd like to guess and say her writing makes people both laugh and cry. If you love drama/love/friendship you'll love this little book and her others too.
Cathy Bramley's writing is full of love, loss and joy - with all sorts of other things thrown in. I'd like to guess and say her writing makes people both laugh and cry. If you love drama/love/friendship you'll love this little book and her others too.
June 28, 2021
Right, this is soooo bad what is the point of a book that only is 40 pages and makes no sense, well it was free sooo yeah. DO NOT READ THIS, it was literally just about an old woman dude and a dog. BAD
August 30, 2020
I loved this! I fell into the story from the first couple of pages and warmed to the characters Fearne and Ethel from the get go! After reading a little snippet of Fearne and her back story I wish for great things for her, she seems such a caring and fun character but after a recent tragedy she’s lost that spark. I got so consumed into the story that I was absolutely gutted when it came to an end, but fear not! This novella is the start to a four part ebook serial following Fearne on her search for happiness. Part one is already out followed by part two, three and four which are due out Sept, Oct and Nov! I’ve pre ordered the lot.. 😊 I’m tempted to wait until they are all on my kindle to read together! I cannot wait to follow Fearne’s journey to happiness!
August 15, 2020
A short story about Fearne Lovage, her elderly neighbour Ethel who has a little dog called Scamp. Ethel is 97 and worries what will happen to Scamp if something was to happen to her. She sees Fearne as having so much potential but is so sad as her brother died in a road accident. Ethel has a plan but she doesn’t expect that plan to happen so quickly ✨ A lovely little read that made you feel all warm inside after reading it. Highly recommend. 5 🌟
June 7, 2025
short story, but actually just a few chapters
The blurb reads that this is a short story, but it’s actually just the first X chapters of a book as it doesn’t have an actual ending. Instead, you will have to get the next book to actually read the proper story.
The story is nice and has potential, but I do f like it’s not clear that this isn’t a stand alone and is marketed as a short story.
The blurb reads that this is a short story, but it’s actually just the first X chapters of a book as it doesn’t have an actual ending. Instead, you will have to get the next book to actually read the proper story.
The story is nice and has potential, but I do f like it’s not clear that this isn’t a stand alone and is marketed as a short story.
July 24, 2020
UWhat a beautiful little story, I adore Cathys little novellas & can't wait to read the series. A little book that's big on love, friendship & finding yourself when you're feeling a little lost, tugs at the heartstrings ❤️ Many thanks to Netgalley for my ARC in return for my honest review.
July 7, 2020
Really got into it then it ended with it been only a short story. Definitely will read more Cathy Bramley in the future
October 31, 2020
Nice short read but I would have liked to have found it what happened to Ethel
December 15, 2020
A short and simple heart-warming story.
December 3, 2021
Didn't really work for me.
June 16, 2020
Ageing beautifully.
What a gorgeous prequel to
My Kind of Happy.
Ethel is a real character still plenty fire in her belly and her little buddy Scamp who since her hubby died has been her constant companion, having such a wonderful friend and neighbor fearne who has been looking out for Ethel until that fateful day when her world comes crashing dow.
Can't wait to find out what new adventures were in for on Pineapple lane.
What a gorgeous prequel to
My Kind of Happy.
Ethel is a real character still plenty fire in her belly and her little buddy Scamp who since her hubby died has been her constant companion, having such a wonderful friend and neighbor fearne who has been looking out for Ethel until that fateful day when her world comes crashing dow.
Can't wait to find out what new adventures were in for on Pineapple lane.
November 8, 2020
Grief, loneliness and love for dogs
Ratings : 4/5
Ethel and Fearne are neighbours with a shared loneliness and love for dogs. Where Ethel has lived a full life and is now leading a happy ripe old age, Fearne is young but has given up on life after losing a dear one. Can their new found friendship make Fearne come out of her shell and get over her grief? Read this book to find out.
What I liked about the book:
—> Ethel’s full of life character and her staunch independence, despite her age.
—> Scamp’s character which I’m sure will melt all the dog lovers’ hearts.
—> The unlikely and unusual bond between the two women and how it grows stronger over a period of time.
—> How Ethel feels Fearne is wasting her youth and tries her best to make her understand this.
—> Though it ends on a positive closure, it leaves us wanting to read more in the next leg of the story (which is carried forward in another book with Fearne’s story)
—> Provides a sneak peek into the first few pages of the next book where Fearne’s story is taken ahead.
What I did not like about the book:
—> It is mostly predictable as to how the story will unfold.
—> I would’ve loved to know more about Ethel and her husband’s adventures in their younger days.
Quotable quotes:
—> The way to ward off dementia is to keep learning, keep testing yourself, stay curious.
—> This was her life now; watching other people go about theirs.
—> Ninety-seven. Sometimes she felt greedy still taking up space on the planet. As if she’d had more than her fair share.
—> It was on the tip of her tongue to decline the invitation; she’d had enough of other people for one day, it was tiring maintaining her invisible ‘leave me alone’ force field.
—> She didn’t really like custard creams. Perversely, that was why she bought them, so she wasn’t tempted to eat them all.
—> University isn’t for everyone. There’s more than one way to skin a cat.
—> There’s a different silence to an empty house. I know this is a contradiction in terms, but it almost has a sound all of its own.
—> You’re never lonely when you’ve got a dog.
—> Your adventure is out there somewhere and when you’re ready it’ll be waiting for you.
—> Fearne knew that grief had made her irrational at times. She also knew that this was completely natural. But it didn’t stop her feeling like an idiot sometimes.
—> A dog fills a space in your heart you didn’t know was there.
—> Sometimes the scariest path can be the most rewarding.
Ratings : 4/5
Ethel and Fearne are neighbours with a shared loneliness and love for dogs. Where Ethel has lived a full life and is now leading a happy ripe old age, Fearne is young but has given up on life after losing a dear one. Can their new found friendship make Fearne come out of her shell and get over her grief? Read this book to find out.
What I liked about the book:
—> Ethel’s full of life character and her staunch independence, despite her age.
—> Scamp’s character which I’m sure will melt all the dog lovers’ hearts.
—> The unlikely and unusual bond between the two women and how it grows stronger over a period of time.
—> How Ethel feels Fearne is wasting her youth and tries her best to make her understand this.
—> Though it ends on a positive closure, it leaves us wanting to read more in the next leg of the story (which is carried forward in another book with Fearne’s story)
—> Provides a sneak peek into the first few pages of the next book where Fearne’s story is taken ahead.
What I did not like about the book:
—> It is mostly predictable as to how the story will unfold.
—> I would’ve loved to know more about Ethel and her husband’s adventures in their younger days.
Quotable quotes:
—> The way to ward off dementia is to keep learning, keep testing yourself, stay curious.
—> This was her life now; watching other people go about theirs.
—> Ninety-seven. Sometimes she felt greedy still taking up space on the planet. As if she’d had more than her fair share.
—> It was on the tip of her tongue to decline the invitation; she’d had enough of other people for one day, it was tiring maintaining her invisible ‘leave me alone’ force field.
—> She didn’t really like custard creams. Perversely, that was why she bought them, so she wasn’t tempted to eat them all.
—> University isn’t for everyone. There’s more than one way to skin a cat.
—> There’s a different silence to an empty house. I know this is a contradiction in terms, but it almost has a sound all of its own.
—> You’re never lonely when you’ve got a dog.
—> Your adventure is out there somewhere and when you’re ready it’ll be waiting for you.
—> Fearne knew that grief had made her irrational at times. She also knew that this was completely natural. But it didn’t stop her feeling like an idiot sometimes.
—> A dog fills a space in your heart you didn’t know was there.
—> Sometimes the scariest path can be the most rewarding.
May 16, 2021
A dog fills a space in your heart you didn't know was there❤️
Rescue Me
Cathy Bramley
Anyone who has ever had /has a pet dog knows the truth about these words. Selfless creatures they are and I have always felt we humans don't deserve their unconditional love. Such pure is the love of those furry goodness.
Having always had a pet dog growing up, I know the feeling of being blessed with them and the pain of losing them as they become a family member. In pic our little brother Timon, whom we lost last year to old age and remembered him while reading the story.
Ethel, an independent, well lived woman in her 90s who is worried about the fate of Scamp, her four legged companion, if at all she has to leave him behind when the time comes.
Fearne the friendly good-hearted neighbour, who is grieving the loss of a family member and is just alive and not living.
Ethel wishes for a happy home for Scamp and wonders if Fearne could provide it for him, knowing that she needs him as much as he would need her to fill the space in her life created by loss.
Fearne finds herself under circumstances when Ethel takes ill and has to take in Scamp but Scamp ends up to be the one who rescues her by taking her in his heart.
A simple and beautiful short story about how much dogs can be of support and helpful to humans just by being their wonderful selfless selves.
Rescue Me
Cathy Bramley
Anyone who has ever had /has a pet dog knows the truth about these words. Selfless creatures they are and I have always felt we humans don't deserve their unconditional love. Such pure is the love of those furry goodness.
Having always had a pet dog growing up, I know the feeling of being blessed with them and the pain of losing them as they become a family member. In pic our little brother Timon, whom we lost last year to old age and remembered him while reading the story.
Ethel, an independent, well lived woman in her 90s who is worried about the fate of Scamp, her four legged companion, if at all she has to leave him behind when the time comes.
Fearne the friendly good-hearted neighbour, who is grieving the loss of a family member and is just alive and not living.
Ethel wishes for a happy home for Scamp and wonders if Fearne could provide it for him, knowing that she needs him as much as he would need her to fill the space in her life created by loss.
Fearne finds herself under circumstances when Ethel takes ill and has to take in Scamp but Scamp ends up to be the one who rescues her by taking her in his heart.
A simple and beautiful short story about how much dogs can be of support and helpful to humans just by being their wonderful selfless selves.
May 21, 2021
The cover caught my eye when I was mindlessly scrolling through some of the Amazon freebies.
Fearne Lovage is living a neat and tidy life. She has a small circle of people she trusts, but that is okay. However, her heart is still broken, and taking risks is not a part of the plan. When life gives Fearne a hairy, scruffy, messy surprise she finds herself saving the day and getting rescued all at the same time.
This was a quick read since it's a short story and all, but I felt like it was the right length. It was very nice and very sweet but also touching at the same time. For sure a good read if you want something to read while you laze about the pool or on the porch.
That doggo was adorable! Fearne really needed that little fluffball after the tragedy she is still recovering from. Too sad!
I am curious about the next books. This was for sure a prequel I think.
But yessss this was perfect for a quick read that is sweet and touching. I'll give it 4 stars.
Fearne Lovage is living a neat and tidy life. She has a small circle of people she trusts, but that is okay. However, her heart is still broken, and taking risks is not a part of the plan. When life gives Fearne a hairy, scruffy, messy surprise she finds herself saving the day and getting rescued all at the same time.
This was a quick read since it's a short story and all, but I felt like it was the right length. It was very nice and very sweet but also touching at the same time. For sure a good read if you want something to read while you laze about the pool or on the porch.
That doggo was adorable! Fearne really needed that little fluffball after the tragedy she is still recovering from. Too sad!
I am curious about the next books. This was for sure a prequel I think.
But yessss this was perfect for a quick read that is sweet and touching. I'll give it 4 stars.
June 16, 2020
I absolutely love Cathy Bramley's books, and always look forward to reading her new books. This book is a short story which is a prequel to her new book, My Kind of Happy.
The main protagonist is Fearne, who is grieving for her brother who recently died. She lives next door to Ethel, a fiercely independent 97 year old. Ethel asks Fearne to help out, by walking her dog Scamp, in the hope that it will in turn help out Fearne.
This is such a gorgeous and heart warming story. I had pre-order it, and as soon as it was delivered to my Kindle at Midnight, I had to read it in one go. The characterisation is fantastic, and the story is well-written. I can't wait to read the book My Kind of Happy to see how the story of Fearne progresses as she tries to come to terms with her Brother's death.
Thank you to Cathy Bramley for this lovely free book.
The main protagonist is Fearne, who is grieving for her brother who recently died. She lives next door to Ethel, a fiercely independent 97 year old. Ethel asks Fearne to help out, by walking her dog Scamp, in the hope that it will in turn help out Fearne.
This is such a gorgeous and heart warming story. I had pre-order it, and as soon as it was delivered to my Kindle at Midnight, I had to read it in one go. The characterisation is fantastic, and the story is well-written. I can't wait to read the book My Kind of Happy to see how the story of Fearne progresses as she tries to come to terms with her Brother's death.
Thank you to Cathy Bramley for this lovely free book.
July 7, 2020
This is a short story, which you can read in 45 minutes, and is in preparation for a full book on the same characters coming soon from Cathy Bramley. It leaves you wanted so much more from the characters, I will definitely be buying the book when it's out. What this book lacks in length, it really makes up for in the strength of the narrative, the characters and their relationships.
This was such a lovely read, I may have had a little cry but I loved it. The characters and their alternating narration gives you insight into to both of their thoughts, which is nice. Its a tale of unlikely, but much needed friendship and it really pulls on your heartstrings. Would recommend to anyone that wants an easy read.
This was such a lovely read, I may have had a little cry but I loved it. The characters and their alternating narration gives you insight into to both of their thoughts, which is nice. Its a tale of unlikely, but much needed friendship and it really pulls on your heartstrings. Would recommend to anyone that wants an easy read.
July 10, 2020
Loved it!! Can't wait to read more about Fearne and Ethel and of course Scamp. It's a very short story that gives a small glance of Ethel and Fearne's lives. Sounds like Ethel and her husband lived a wonderful life, full of adventure. I'm guessing Fearne will eventually go on her own adventures with her new partner Scamp.
Definitely recommend it. Looking forward to reading the full story and finding out what Fearne and Scamp will do. Loved the cover.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Orion Publishing Group through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Definitely recommend it. Looking forward to reading the full story and finding out what Fearne and Scamp will do. Loved the cover.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Orion Publishing Group through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 11, 2020
A short story by one of my favourite authors of this genre.
Fearne is a young woman who has been through trauma and this has caused her to withdraw from the world. She lives next door to Ethel who is very elderly and has a lovely dog called Scamp, whom Fearne takes for walks. I like the relationship that these two women have with each other, even though they are separated by age and outlook.
This is really a story to whet the reading appetite for the author's new book and I have to say that after reading this lead-in, I do want to read the book, so job done!
5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Orion.
Fearne is a young woman who has been through trauma and this has caused her to withdraw from the world. She lives next door to Ethel who is very elderly and has a lovely dog called Scamp, whom Fearne takes for walks. I like the relationship that these two women have with each other, even though they are separated by age and outlook.
This is really a story to whet the reading appetite for the author's new book and I have to say that after reading this lead-in, I do want to read the book, so job done!
5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Orion.
September 13, 2020
This is a lovely short story about an elderly woman named Ethel, her dog Scamp and her young neighbour Fearne. Fearne is grieving for her brother who died and Ethel is lonely, so they both help to keep each other company and Fearne helps Ethel with her shopping. Scamp the dog loves them both and is always excited to be with them and receive some yummy treats from Fearne. This story will be continued in Cathy Bramley's next book, which I look forward to. I really enjoyed this short story.
Many thanks to Cathy Bramley, Orion and netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Many thanks to Cathy Bramley, Orion and netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 27, 2021
This is a very short story that leads into Cathy's new book my kind of happy.
Ethel is a 97 year old lonely woman who carers for her neighbour Fearne and is worried about her after the death of her brother.
When Ethel starts to realise she can't be around forever and Scamp her beloved dog has no one she starts to pin her hopes on Fearne..
Maybe scamp is what Fearne needs and when Ethel takes a fall fearne is thrown into having to look after Scamp
I really didn't expect much from a 40 page story but she really packed it in and I already understand Fearne and her background.
A brilliant quick read
Ethel is a 97 year old lonely woman who carers for her neighbour Fearne and is worried about her after the death of her brother.
When Ethel starts to realise she can't be around forever and Scamp her beloved dog has no one she starts to pin her hopes on Fearne..
Maybe scamp is what Fearne needs and when Ethel takes a fall fearne is thrown into having to look after Scamp
I really didn't expect much from a 40 page story but she really packed it in and I already understand Fearne and her background.
A brilliant quick read
August 28, 2020
In this book Ethel lives alone with her dog scamp while her friend Fearne is still coming to terms with losing her brother and finding a way to carry on in life.
So when Ethel has a fall Fearne and Ethel realise how much a good friendship can help in life and being united by their shard love of Scamp helps the ladies friendship he united them, and it's a heart warming read to see how a pet can help lift spirits and bring others together.
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
So when Ethel has a fall Fearne and Ethel realise how much a good friendship can help in life and being united by their shard love of Scamp helps the ladies friendship he united them, and it's a heart warming read to see how a pet can help lift spirits and bring others together.
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
September 21, 2020
This prequel is a good introduction to the forthcoming series. Dealing with loneliness and grief can be demoralising.
Ethel is a 97 year old widow with her dog, Scamp as a companion. Fearne is grieving for her brother. They look out for each other and their love for the dog bring them closer together. The saying "a dog is a man's best friend" is the centre of their friendship. A friendship that brings two different generations together and the unconditional love of Scamp proves to be beneficial to both of them.
It's short and very well portrayed. Neighbourly love and care go a long way.
Ethel is a 97 year old widow with her dog, Scamp as a companion. Fearne is grieving for her brother. They look out for each other and their love for the dog bring them closer together. The saying "a dog is a man's best friend" is the centre of their friendship. A friendship that brings two different generations together and the unconditional love of Scamp proves to be beneficial to both of them.
It's short and very well portrayed. Neighbourly love and care go a long way.
July 7, 2020
This was a beautifully written short story that has just brighten ed up
My day and was the perfect quick read for in the bath. I thoroughly a enjoyed the story of fearne and how her friendship with her elderly neighbour and her dog scamp gave her comfort at a difficult time while she was grieving the loss of her brother. I loved this so much have pre ordered the follow up the happy place to see how learned journey back to happiness continues
My day and was the perfect quick read for in the bath. I thoroughly a enjoyed the story of fearne and how her friendship with her elderly neighbour and her dog scamp gave her comfort at a difficult time while she was grieving the loss of her brother. I loved this so much have pre ordered the follow up the happy place to see how learned journey back to happiness continues
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews