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My Kind of Happy
The new feel-good, funny story from Sunday Times bestseller Cathy Bramley about one woman's search for happiness...
'I think flowers are sunshine for the soul.'
Flowers have always made Fearne smile. She treasures the memories of her beloved grandmother's floristry and helping her to arrange beautiful blooms that brought such joy to their recipients.
But ever since a family tragedy a year ago, Fearne has been searching for her own contentment. When a chance discovery inspires her to start a happiness list, it seems that Fearne might just have found her answer...
Sometimes the scariest path can be the most rewarding. So is Fearne ready to take the risk and step into the unknown? And what kind of happiness might she find if she does?
'Full of joy and hope after heartbreak...a delightfully uplifting, inspiring read. You might just want to change your life too' FIONA GIBSON
* * * * * *
Readers are LOVING My Kind of Happy:
'Inspiring and uplifting' 5*
'Cathy just gets better and better' 5*
'Like a dose of sunshine on a dismal day...' 5*
'A feel-good story!' 5*
'Draws you in from the beginning...' 5*
'I laughed and cried my eyes out!' 5*
'I think flowers are sunshine for the soul.'
Flowers have always made Fearne smile. She treasures the memories of her beloved grandmother's floristry and helping her to arrange beautiful blooms that brought such joy to their recipients.
But ever since a family tragedy a year ago, Fearne has been searching for her own contentment. When a chance discovery inspires her to start a happiness list, it seems that Fearne might just have found her answer...
Sometimes the scariest path can be the most rewarding. So is Fearne ready to take the risk and step into the unknown? And what kind of happiness might she find if she does?
'Full of joy and hope after heartbreak...a delightfully uplifting, inspiring read. You might just want to change your life too' FIONA GIBSON
* * * * * *
Readers are LOVING My Kind of Happy:
'Inspiring and uplifting' 5*
'Cathy just gets better and better' 5*
'Like a dose of sunshine on a dismal day...' 5*
'A feel-good story!' 5*
'Draws you in from the beginning...' 5*
'I laughed and cried my eyes out!' 5*
480 pages, Paperback
Published May 10, 2022
337 people are currently reading
1726 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Bramley
66 books1,134 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 206 reviews
June 3, 2021
For a novel about happiness, this could not have frustrated me more. While certain elements were fun (the flower shop, for example, was a lovely setting) the entire premise of the book was shallow and simplistic. The novel is definitely an amusing, light read (I used it as escapism during a really stressful week) but under any deeper scrutiny it just doesn’t hold up.
My main frustration with the novel is that its central philosophy is ultimately quite self-centred and destructive. The story starts when Fearne discovers a letter from her dead brother describing his desire to live a life devoted to what he wants to do, rather than what society wants. This includes going to new places, meeting new people, riding his motorbike, watching the sunset… All sorts of lovely things, but all ultimately without any sort of commitment, stability, or substance. Fearne embraces this attitude, and immediately goes and quits her job, which is something she’s only able to do because she’s fortunate enough to actually own her house outright. The novel does explain this (it’s thanks to her brother’s life insurance) but what mid-20-year-old owns a house outright? To any young person laden with a mortgage (or struggling to afford a deposit) a novel that advocates leaving your job to follow a vague dream just sounds a bit out of touch.
In terms of the novel’s actual plot, the flower side of things was fun and interesting, with some significant challenges and triumphs. The romance, on the other hand, was both utterly predictable and cringeworthy. A suitably unavailable man shows up (he’s married) but it turns out that his wife is actually horrible and they’re having marriage problems. And yet, before he’s even properly unmarried, and without giving his multiple children any time to adjust, they already dive into a relationship. Then, when he quite reasonably suggests that they take things slowly, Fearne makes the utterly irrational leap that he doesn’t love her at all, so she should just leave. It’s incredibly frustrating when a character makes such irrational judgements that are solely designed to throw a wrench in the plot and complicate an otherwise overly simple conclusion.
Overall, I don’t regret reading My Kind of Happy, because it was useful fluff while I was stressed. The setting was lovely, many of the characters were sweet, and I did like Fearne herself. It’s just a shame that the two main elements of the story—the “live for yourself” philosophy and the entire romance plot—were just so poorly done.
My main frustration with the novel is that its central philosophy is ultimately quite self-centred and destructive. The story starts when Fearne discovers a letter from her dead brother describing his desire to live a life devoted to what he wants to do, rather than what society wants. This includes going to new places, meeting new people, riding his motorbike, watching the sunset… All sorts of lovely things, but all ultimately without any sort of commitment, stability, or substance. Fearne embraces this attitude, and immediately goes and quits her job, which is something she’s only able to do because she’s fortunate enough to actually own her house outright. The novel does explain this (it’s thanks to her brother’s life insurance) but what mid-20-year-old owns a house outright? To any young person laden with a mortgage (or struggling to afford a deposit) a novel that advocates leaving your job to follow a vague dream just sounds a bit out of touch.
In terms of the novel’s actual plot, the flower side of things was fun and interesting, with some significant challenges and triumphs. The romance, on the other hand, was both utterly predictable and cringeworthy. A suitably unavailable man shows up (he’s married) but it turns out that his wife is actually horrible and they’re having marriage problems. And yet, before he’s even properly unmarried, and without giving his multiple children any time to adjust, they already dive into a relationship. Then, when he quite reasonably suggests that they take things slowly, Fearne makes the utterly irrational leap that he doesn’t love her at all, so she should just leave. It’s incredibly frustrating when a character makes such irrational judgements that are solely designed to throw a wrench in the plot and complicate an otherwise overly simple conclusion.
Overall, I don’t regret reading My Kind of Happy, because it was useful fluff while I was stressed. The setting was lovely, many of the characters were sweet, and I did like Fearne herself. It’s just a shame that the two main elements of the story—the “live for yourself” philosophy and the entire romance plot—were just so poorly done.
October 18, 2021
First book from this Author, but it will not be the last, just wonderful, made me cry and laugh.
March 15, 2021
Fearne is not at a happy place right now – having lost a beloved family member in an accident, she’s not sure what to do with her own life. Then, at a chance, she discovers a letter addressed to her, a letter that makes her realise that she’s not living the life she should be living and that she should do this what makes her happy. But is she ready to take the risk to find her own happiness?
I totally enjoyed this story, it must be one of Cathy Bramley’s loveliest, uplifting reads. I appreciate so much the fact that, even though it is sometimes a little overdone on the emotions level, so very saccharine in tone, it never feels too meh or unrealistic - and it is really not easy to find this balance, Bramley has done it perfectly. I was scared that there will come a moment when I’ll be tired with Fearne and her grief but it never came – she was grieving long and hard but the author managed to make her relatable and likeable and real.
The book is filled with great, colourful characters – some of them we already know, as it’s a trip back to Barnaby, and it was a great surprise to see some of the characters that I’ve fallen in love with in the author’s previous books. Fearne is a new kid on the block and we get to know her in one of her lowest points in life, extremely grief stricken, not knowing where the future is going to take her. She was warm – hearted and always open for new things, not afraid of taking on challenges.
I absolutely loved to see Fearne changing. At the end she was a completely different character and the change was absolutely positive. She for sure learnt how to enjoy life again and it was great to see, because it was very easy to fall for her.
Even though you know where the story is leading it still isn’t as predictable as you may think. There were some turns and twists on the way to Fearne’s happiness and actually until the last moment you couldn’t be sure if she’s really going to get her happy end. I mean, I was hoping for it, but the author has managed to make it a curvy and bumpy road.
As in all Cathy Bramley’s books, the sense of community is overwhelming, but she also managed not to over – use it. The characters were there for each other but in a realistic, down – to – earth way. I also loved that the story was set in a flower – shop – I’ve never wonderd how it is to be a florist so it was a great change and I truly enjoyed the insider knowledge about flowers and flowery – arrangements. It turns out it’s not as easy as you could think. The descriptions of the flowers and creations were beautiful.
The author never fails to deliver an uplifting, lovely, funny and poignant story that will grow on you. I was invested in the characters’ lives, I wanted to applaud them and slap some of them and I want to know more about the feisty Annabel – such a shame she was introduced so late into the story, she truly lightened the plot. The book ended in such a satisfying way, just what I needed, leaving me with my heart full of hope that everything is going to be better.
It was a quick read – because I simply wanted to keep reading this story with a feel – good factor to it. It was engaging, comforting and relatable, showing there is always a way forward and that finding your own happiness is not so difficult. Highly recommended, and if you’ve never read Cathy Bramley before (I won’t be asking where have you been), „My Kind of Happy“ is the perfect start to great adventures with her characters.
Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
I totally enjoyed this story, it must be one of Cathy Bramley’s loveliest, uplifting reads. I appreciate so much the fact that, even though it is sometimes a little overdone on the emotions level, so very saccharine in tone, it never feels too meh or unrealistic - and it is really not easy to find this balance, Bramley has done it perfectly. I was scared that there will come a moment when I’ll be tired with Fearne and her grief but it never came – she was grieving long and hard but the author managed to make her relatable and likeable and real.
The book is filled with great, colourful characters – some of them we already know, as it’s a trip back to Barnaby, and it was a great surprise to see some of the characters that I’ve fallen in love with in the author’s previous books. Fearne is a new kid on the block and we get to know her in one of her lowest points in life, extremely grief stricken, not knowing where the future is going to take her. She was warm – hearted and always open for new things, not afraid of taking on challenges.
I absolutely loved to see Fearne changing. At the end she was a completely different character and the change was absolutely positive. She for sure learnt how to enjoy life again and it was great to see, because it was very easy to fall for her.
Even though you know where the story is leading it still isn’t as predictable as you may think. There were some turns and twists on the way to Fearne’s happiness and actually until the last moment you couldn’t be sure if she’s really going to get her happy end. I mean, I was hoping for it, but the author has managed to make it a curvy and bumpy road.
As in all Cathy Bramley’s books, the sense of community is overwhelming, but she also managed not to over – use it. The characters were there for each other but in a realistic, down – to – earth way. I also loved that the story was set in a flower – shop – I’ve never wonderd how it is to be a florist so it was a great change and I truly enjoyed the insider knowledge about flowers and flowery – arrangements. It turns out it’s not as easy as you could think. The descriptions of the flowers and creations were beautiful.
The author never fails to deliver an uplifting, lovely, funny and poignant story that will grow on you. I was invested in the characters’ lives, I wanted to applaud them and slap some of them and I want to know more about the feisty Annabel – such a shame she was introduced so late into the story, she truly lightened the plot. The book ended in such a satisfying way, just what I needed, leaving me with my heart full of hope that everything is going to be better.
It was a quick read – because I simply wanted to keep reading this story with a feel – good factor to it. It was engaging, comforting and relatable, showing there is always a way forward and that finding your own happiness is not so difficult. Highly recommended, and if you’ve never read Cathy Bramley before (I won’t be asking where have you been), „My Kind of Happy“ is the perfect start to great adventures with her characters.
Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
February 9, 2025
It was ok but nothing spectacular!
March 18, 2021
Another amazing book by Cathy simply brilliant and such a warm read and so much kindness in it and full of romance and making new friends but heartbreak as well. It’s worth more than five stars and a very easy read and you want it to keep going.
Fearne has lost her brother and while clearing and sorting away his belongings she comes across a letter he wrote years ago about making herself happy and doing things for her. She decides she needs to take notice of her brother and do what makes her happy she’s not happy in her job and the first thing she does is hands her notice in. She reads an article about a village so as it’s so close she decides to visit. She starts a happiness list but when she turns up at the village one thing leads to another and she helps a lady who is struggling to do the flowers for a wedding. She has always had a love for flowers from her grandmother and she’s asked to help out and she takes it on and do some things for her and the more she works here she learns to be happy again and when one young turns up in the shop will it be the start of something new for her to make herself really happy again and to move forward can her wishes of happiness really come true or not.
Fearne has lost her brother and while clearing and sorting away his belongings she comes across a letter he wrote years ago about making herself happy and doing things for her. She decides she needs to take notice of her brother and do what makes her happy she’s not happy in her job and the first thing she does is hands her notice in. She reads an article about a village so as it’s so close she decides to visit. She starts a happiness list but when she turns up at the village one thing leads to another and she helps a lady who is struggling to do the flowers for a wedding. She has always had a love for flowers from her grandmother and she’s asked to help out and she takes it on and do some things for her and the more she works here she learns to be happy again and when one young turns up in the shop will it be the start of something new for her to make herself really happy again and to move forward can her wishes of happiness really come true or not.
April 3, 2021
Another beautiful story including a reunion with characters from previous books.
September 28, 2021
In parts I found the story slow moving in others I wanted to know everything at once. The strongest part of the story revolves the main character Fearne. Tragedy happened to her brother on a motorbike accident and she has been trying to get her head around it for years. With the help of a list of what makes her happy. Sam was also a highlight to read about for me and he is not a failure at life, he just has scars from it. Fearne and Sam to me a highly suited and made this a more enjoyable read.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
March 8, 2021
I couldn't wait to start reading this book, every book by Cathy gets better and better, they certainly do not disappoint. It is an engaging and comforting read, I wanted to savour this book but ended up reading it within two days, it was just too good. Fearne has been through an awful family tragedy and is not very happy with her life until a chance discovery of a letter makes her realise she has not fulfilled her true potential and sets out on a journey to discover her happiness. Is she ready to find happiness? It made me realise if you are not happy with your life then go and sort it out, do whatever makes you happy and do it for yourself. A thoroughly enjoyable read
June 25, 2022
This is the first Cathy Bradley book that I have read and I wasn’t disappointed. It’s a light, easy read with likeable characters, particularly Fearne. Fearne has been through an awful family tragedy and is not very happy with her life, until a chance discovery of a letter makes her realise she has not fulfilled her true potential and sets out on a journey to discover her happiness. Is she ready to find happiness?
Extremely enjoyable and I will look forward to reading something else from this author.
🤔 It made me realise if you are not happy with your life then go and sort it out, do whatever makes you happy and do it for yourself !
Extremely enjoyable and I will look forward to reading something else from this author.
🤔 It made me realise if you are not happy with your life then go and sort it out, do whatever makes you happy and do it for yourself !
June 20, 2021
When I started reading this book I wasn't sure that I liked it or was enjoying it but a few chapters in I was completely hooked. Annie's story was both compelling, emotional and a really good read. I love Cathy Bramley books and this is definitely one of her best.
March 14, 2021
Ah, I’m so happy! I’ve spent the last few days back in one of my favourite villages with some of my favourite people and I’ve met a few more to fall in love with. Cathy Bramley never fails to meet expectation with her warm hearted, down to earth, enveloping tales of life, marking herself out as one of the very best authors in her genre. I loved absolutely every minute of this beautiful book, and I can’t wait to reread and disappear again and again... until next time 😍😁☺️
April 11, 2021
Another winner from Cathy Bramley! I love that she uses the same settings and some of the same characters throughout her stories, while at the same time, introducing us to other new characters. Having a happiness list and doing what makes you happy is something I can relate to, now that I am older. I am not sure I would have understood the concept in my 20's or 30's, but now in my 60's, I can and I'm all for it! This story is full of love, warmth, and beautiful flowers!
April 4, 2024
This book was in the 3.5-3.9 star range for me. I didn’t love the last 100 pages but enjoyed the book overall. The writing was good throughout. I wasn’t a fan of how things were wrapped up with Freddie’s death, and felt like there were a few too many side-characters to keep straight. Entertaining, cute, cozy, and uplifting nonetheless.
April 21, 2021
Goodreads Kindle Copy Win
A family tragedy has a woman starting over and beginning a happiness list. We will watch her as she steps into the unknown and find unexpected happiness along the way. Sometimes we fail to see what is always been there in our lives.
A family tragedy has a woman starting over and beginning a happiness list. We will watch her as she steps into the unknown and find unexpected happiness along the way. Sometimes we fail to see what is always been there in our lives.
June 27, 2021
I enjoyed the characters in this book, and mainly the story. I don’t think it ended so well in that it became obvious very quickly how it was going to end and it didn’t peek well. It felt like the final chapters were just for the sake of it
November 29, 2021
Loved this book so much. Got to see connecting characters from her other books which is so extra special. Yes this is a cosy contemporary but done with such a lovely manner that I will have to re read it. This tackles grief, divorce and living life to the max.
July 4, 2024
A nice easy summer read. Flowers and florists, weddings, relationships, good jumble of characters. A new author for me and have another on the shelf. Finally finished a book in a decent amount if time, hooray.
April 28, 2021
Feel good fabulous
April 4, 2022
Easy read & I really enjoyed it
June 19, 2022
Love, love, love that this book is centred around flowers and floristry! Such a unique setting for a book!
April 25, 2024
Quite amusing good holiday reading
December 20, 2024
A lovely, uplifting read.
February 9, 2025
Very sweet novel.
March 4, 2025
Heart warming and charming x A perfect, easy read that brought a smile to my face 🥰
April 9, 2024
Great read loved it
October 2, 2021
The fact that this isn't 1.5 or 1 stars says a lot, I think. Here's the thing - I couldn't stand the romance at all and the book was a bit hit and miss for me but I'm still giving this 2 stars. Why?
Mostly, because I really liked the setting of the book and there were moments which I did enjoy.
Do I think that the ending was great? Nope. Do I think that this book made sense? Not really - sure do what makes you happy but be rooted in the real world where there are responsibilities you can't ignore.
Would I recommend this? Nope. I've read better books by Bramley and was disappointed in this. Reading this has made me realise how formulaic how her romances are becoming - maybe should reread Wickham Hall and see if my thoughts on that have changed too? But seriously, I feel like all of her books are a bit insta-lovey and if it wasn't for the setting and heartwarming feelings of her books, at this point, I might be more selective in what I pick up by her...
Mostly, because I really liked the setting of the book and there were moments which I did enjoy.
Do I think that the ending was great? Nope. Do I think that this book made sense? Not really - sure do what makes you happy but be rooted in the real world where there are responsibilities you can't ignore.
Would I recommend this? Nope. I've read better books by Bramley and was disappointed in this. Reading this has made me realise how formulaic how her romances are becoming - maybe should reread Wickham Hall and see if my thoughts on that have changed too? But seriously, I feel like all of her books are a bit insta-lovey and if it wasn't for the setting and heartwarming feelings of her books, at this point, I might be more selective in what I pick up by her...
November 24, 2021
This book, on its premise was nice to read, lots of twists and turns and it had a deeper undercurrent of events which you don’t exactly expect.
After the main character loses her brother and finds a letter of his urging her to really live life, she takes the chance to change her life and this leads to lots of twists and turns. I did feel like the original point of the plot got lost throughout the book and towards the end, it was all about her romance with this man… instead of the whole premise which was turning her life around. I think the aspect of money was very lost too. Yes it’s a book but it was also somewhat just unrealistic to a point.
I think the dynamic between her and her brother co owning a house/living together was a bit weird too. I think this was created just to make the plot easier (so she could quit her job on a whim etc) but should have perhaps been addressed more.
I think it was an enjoyable, quick read, if a bit unrealistic and with a few plot holes towards the end.
After the main character loses her brother and finds a letter of his urging her to really live life, she takes the chance to change her life and this leads to lots of twists and turns. I did feel like the original point of the plot got lost throughout the book and towards the end, it was all about her romance with this man… instead of the whole premise which was turning her life around. I think the aspect of money was very lost too. Yes it’s a book but it was also somewhat just unrealistic to a point.
I think the dynamic between her and her brother co owning a house/living together was a bit weird too. I think this was created just to make the plot easier (so she could quit her job on a whim etc) but should have perhaps been addressed more.
I think it was an enjoyable, quick read, if a bit unrealistic and with a few plot holes towards the end.
March 21, 2021
Wow! What a fabulous read. I don't want to give the plot away, so will be a little vague, but this is a wonderful story of loss, love, following your heart and forgiveness. It was great to come across characters from previous books, but it can be read totally stand alone. I loved the main characters in this book, but especially Fern and Scamp the dog. A huge page-turner, I couldn't put it down.
March 16, 2021
Loved the story of making a happy list and where it led
Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews