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Merry Shaw #1
Projekt jul
Julen är inställd! Eller?
I den pittoreska lilla staden Wetherley ser julen inte ut att bli som den brukar.
Merry Shaw har en deprimerande jul framför sig. Hon hade tänkt tillbringa den med sin pojkvän i hans tjusiga hus, nyförlovad och lycklig. Men när hennes frieri inte riktigt går som förväntat står hon plötsligt hemlös och ensam inför julen. Var ska hon bo, och var ska hon tillverka sina doftljus till sitt nystartade företag?
Cole Robinson är nyskild och saknar sina barn som flyttat till Kanada med sin mamma. För att slippa tänka på det, lägger han ner ännu fler arbetstimmar i sin byggfirma jul eller ej.
Såväl Merry som Cole har bestämt sig för att julen är inställd i år. Så hur i hela världen kommer det sig att de plötsligt blir ansvariga för att arrangera stadens julfirande -
Tack vare en härlig samling familj och vänner, en livlig liten stad, lite snö och en mistel här och där, blir julen mer glittrande och magisk än Merry och Cole någonsin kunnat föreställa sig.
I den pittoreska lilla staden Wetherley ser julen inte ut att bli som den brukar.
Merry Shaw har en deprimerande jul framför sig. Hon hade tänkt tillbringa den med sin pojkvän i hans tjusiga hus, nyförlovad och lycklig. Men när hennes frieri inte riktigt går som förväntat står hon plötsligt hemlös och ensam inför julen. Var ska hon bo, och var ska hon tillverka sina doftljus till sitt nystartade företag?
Cole Robinson är nyskild och saknar sina barn som flyttat till Kanada med sin mamma. För att slippa tänka på det, lägger han ner ännu fler arbetstimmar i sin byggfirma jul eller ej.
Såväl Merry som Cole har bestämt sig för att julen är inställd i år. Så hur i hela världen kommer det sig att de plötsligt blir ansvariga för att arrangera stadens julfirande -
Tack vare en härlig samling familj och vänner, en livlig liten stad, lite snö och en mistel här och där, blir julen mer glittrande och magisk än Merry och Cole någonsin kunnat föreställa sig.
328 pages, Hardcover
First published October 14, 2021
184 people are currently reading
1864 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 301 reviews
October 23, 2021
I've been a massive fan of Cathy Bramley for ages, so was mega excited to see that she had finally written a Christmas book, and wow what a Christmas book it is!
It has had me smiling throughout, and barely been able to put the book down, apart from when reaching the ends of tube journeys (as I didn't quite fancy doing a loop of length and breadth of London, no matter how much I was enjoying what I was reading!).
And by the end which I had a ridiculous smile on my face and emotion welling in my heart, rather unexpectedly at the most perfect ending but not necessarily just how I would have imagined it!
This is just so full of the joys of the season, I loved it! From the main character's name Merry, to the fact she ends up running the big Christmas project in town, plus is a scented candle maker, with the best name for a company - Merry And Bright Candles!
And then there is Cole who is struggling to be apart from his children this year, especially at Christmas, and whose whole family seem simply lovely.
Easily one of my favourite scenes involves Merry and best friend Nell, working on Nell's nuts stall at the market, especially given its their first meeting of Cole, and well the dialogue is hilarious!
This is just a really gorgeous and special book as you would expect from Cathy Bramley, it its definitely one of my favourites of hers. Was a delighted to read.
It has had me smiling throughout, and barely been able to put the book down, apart from when reaching the ends of tube journeys (as I didn't quite fancy doing a loop of length and breadth of London, no matter how much I was enjoying what I was reading!).
And by the end which I had a ridiculous smile on my face and emotion welling in my heart, rather unexpectedly at the most perfect ending but not necessarily just how I would have imagined it!
This is just so full of the joys of the season, I loved it! From the main character's name Merry, to the fact she ends up running the big Christmas project in town, plus is a scented candle maker, with the best name for a company - Merry And Bright Candles!
And then there is Cole who is struggling to be apart from his children this year, especially at Christmas, and whose whole family seem simply lovely.
Easily one of my favourite scenes involves Merry and best friend Nell, working on Nell's nuts stall at the market, especially given its their first meeting of Cole, and well the dialogue is hilarious!
This is just a really gorgeous and special book as you would expect from Cathy Bramley, it its definitely one of my favourites of hers. Was a delighted to read.
October 23, 2021
A lovely book. The only thing I think that let it down was how rushed the ending was
December 3, 2022
The Christmas romance market is heavily saturated and I've read plenty of them! This one was at the top end of the scale - very likeable characters, humour, romance (obviously!) and a fab storyline.
November 1, 2021
Absolutely loved this can't wait for follow up
December 7, 2021
I love a bit of Christmas chick lit and this ticked the box! Cathy Bramley's first festive book and it was lovely. The usual story of girl meets boy and they get together but throw in plenty of snow, and lots of candles, including instructions to make your own, and who cares if its a bit cheesy!
December 15, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. It was a lovely story with great characters and very Christmassy. Just what I was in the mood for 😊
December 16, 2022
A lovely heart warming Christmas book. Loved all the characters in it, and it was just so nice to read
December 17, 2025
Yes, I did like it that’s why I searched for its sequel and checked it out ASAP, so I could read it before the year ends.
This book gave me all the Christmas vibes I was looking for. Merry’s project was also a hit for me, and I felt like I was part of their community. All the characters are likable. The buildup of the romance was well done. I definitely got kilig, and their banter was really funny. I also loved the backstory of both Merry and Cole. I’m excited to see what happens in the second book.
Plus, after reading this, I now want to start a candle business as well. The descriptions of the candle scents were so vivid I could almost smell them. I wanted to light one for myself, but I don’t have any kaya I’m frustrated 😣🥲.
The ending felt a bit rushed… or maybe I just didn’t want it to end. Either way, I loved it.
So if you’re looking for a solid Christmassy read, this one’s a great pick. 🥳
This book gave me all the Christmas vibes I was looking for. Merry’s project was also a hit for me, and I felt like I was part of their community. All the characters are likable. The buildup of the romance was well done. I definitely got kilig, and their banter was really funny. I also loved the backstory of both Merry and Cole. I’m excited to see what happens in the second book.
Plus, after reading this, I now want to start a candle business as well. The descriptions of the candle scents were so vivid I could almost smell them. I wanted to light one for myself, but I don’t have any kaya I’m frustrated 😣🥲.
The ending felt a bit rushed… or maybe I just didn’t want it to end. Either way, I loved it.
So if you’re looking for a solid Christmassy read, this one’s a great pick. 🥳
November 30, 2021
I loved this book was such a feel good book and loved everything about this book felt like it was real life and in a a real christmas mood loved the characters especially merry.
November 24, 2022
I absolutely loved this book. Such a lovely, Christmassy book. If this doesn’t get you in the festive spirit then I don’t know what will!
October 30, 2021
Cathy has only gone and done it again as another outstanding book with brilliant characters and the plot is brilliant full of Christmas and saving Christmas in the town and romance after heartache. It really is outstanding this book.
Merry thinks she is happy with her boyfriend but when she proposes to him and he says no and things fall apart and she ends up leaving him and moving into rented accommodation. She’s recently started making candles as a full time job as well but when the town have a meeting to organise the Christmas project for the town and she puts herself forward when now she isn’t keen on Christmas which is a shame as she always was. Then you have Cole who’s wife and two children have moved away to another country and he doesn’t want to celebrate Christmas with out them he throws himself into work but when his house he rents out floods due to his workers blocking the river he goes to see his tenant and when he sees merry he feels something towards her. He saves her business as he lends his building for her to use and she is working on the Christmas project and he starts to help her and gets his famous sister to switch the lights on and every one can see they are made for each other but will they or will they leave it to late and will they make everyone s happy for Christmas with how she plans the events.
Perfect Christmas read full of warmth and sparkle.
Merry thinks she is happy with her boyfriend but when she proposes to him and he says no and things fall apart and she ends up leaving him and moving into rented accommodation. She’s recently started making candles as a full time job as well but when the town have a meeting to organise the Christmas project for the town and she puts herself forward when now she isn’t keen on Christmas which is a shame as she always was. Then you have Cole who’s wife and two children have moved away to another country and he doesn’t want to celebrate Christmas with out them he throws himself into work but when his house he rents out floods due to his workers blocking the river he goes to see his tenant and when he sees merry he feels something towards her. He saves her business as he lends his building for her to use and she is working on the Christmas project and he starts to help her and gets his famous sister to switch the lights on and every one can see they are made for each other but will they or will they leave it to late and will they make everyone s happy for Christmas with how she plans the events.
Perfect Christmas read full of warmth and sparkle.
January 24, 2025
This gorgeous Christmassy book is really well written. The storyline isn’t one that’s unique, but the characters are lovable and the story well developed. It made me feel so joyful and truly captured the Christmassy feeling for me. I’ve read a couple of Cathy Bramley books a good few years ago & remember them being great. She’s definitely an author I enjoy.
December 5, 2021
A really great way of getting you into the Festive spirit. Would definitely recommend this book.
December 12, 2022
A cozy and heart warming Christmas story I enjoyed thoroughly.
The main character is a bit disorganized, but just started her own business of making candles. She's a very optimistic, though lonely person who is looking for a place and family to belong to.
My most favourite part of the book is people behaving like grown ups and working together. There is quite a bit of uncertainty about other people's feelings, which makes for intriguing reading. However there is no eyeroll inducing drama to be found, and I really loved that!
The friendships in here are as important as the romance, and to me it made the book all the more special.
Here and there I would have liked a bit more depth, but overall this was a great feel good story that definitely got me into the Christmas spirit!
The main character is a bit disorganized, but just started her own business of making candles. She's a very optimistic, though lonely person who is looking for a place and family to belong to.
My most favourite part of the book is people behaving like grown ups and working together. There is quite a bit of uncertainty about other people's feelings, which makes for intriguing reading. However there is no eyeroll inducing drama to be found, and I really loved that!
The friendships in here are as important as the romance, and to me it made the book all the more special.
Here and there I would have liked a bit more depth, but overall this was a great feel good story that definitely got me into the Christmas spirit!
December 22, 2021
Bokrecension och recensionsexemplar: Projekt Jul av Cathy Bramley
Handling: Vi får följa Merry och Cole i den pittoreska lilla staden Wetherley. För både Merry och Cole så är de inte alls taggade över julen. Båda har upplevt något fruktansvärt jobbigt i sitt liv och på ett höger eller vänster kopplar de med julen och dess festligheter. Merry hade sitt liv planerad med pojkvän och framtida planer. Detta tog en plötslig vändning och helt plötsligt var hon hemlös och ensam inför julen. Cole var nyskild och saknade sina barn oerhört mycket då barnen har flyttat med sin mamma till Kanada. För att slippa tänka på ensamheten öser han på med massa jobb. Både Merry och Cole har bestämt att deras jul är inställd! Men kan man verkligen stoppa julen?
Recension: Om du vill ha lite verklighetsflykt med lite julstämning, relationer, vänskap och ett litet ryck i hjärtat så är detta en perfekt läsning för dig. En gemenskap som drar samman för den här tiden på året när den betyder så mycket för så många. Det var så mycket jag älskade med den här boken. Merry är en underbar person, så snäll och positiv och jag tog verkligen emot henne. Sedan finns det Cole som är en stilig, hjälpsam och omtänksam man. Både Merry men även Cole hade fantastisk fina personligheter och deras berättelser gjorde dem mer trovärdiga. Jag tyckte om att läsa om Merrys ljus och hur hon blandade oljor för att skapa nya dofter. Bara detta att hon, trots hur det gick med hennes förhållande, gick vidare med sitt liv och byggde upp sitt företag. En stark kvinna med höga ambitioner! Det gillar vi! Jag tyckte även om hur de olika karaktärerna i boken hade en fin men även respektfull relation. Inte det här typiska hämnd/hatar/vill aldrig prata med personen, som man är van vid. Miljöbeskrivningen i boken var otrolig fin. Man kunde verkligen se staden framför sig med små hus, ett livligt torg och massa ljus och granar överallt. Älskar det! Det jag även uppskattade var språket. Den var lätt och bubblig!
Boken får: 4/5
Sidor: 328
Författare: Cathy Bramley @cathybramley
Förlag: Pirat Förlag @piratforlaget
GoodReads: ArbereshaSabani
Instagram: @wandersinbookland
#projektjul #cathybramley #piratförlaget #bokstagram #bookstagram #bokinfluencer #bookfluencer #booksandflowers
Handling: Vi får följa Merry och Cole i den pittoreska lilla staden Wetherley. För både Merry och Cole så är de inte alls taggade över julen. Båda har upplevt något fruktansvärt jobbigt i sitt liv och på ett höger eller vänster kopplar de med julen och dess festligheter. Merry hade sitt liv planerad med pojkvän och framtida planer. Detta tog en plötslig vändning och helt plötsligt var hon hemlös och ensam inför julen. Cole var nyskild och saknade sina barn oerhört mycket då barnen har flyttat med sin mamma till Kanada. För att slippa tänka på ensamheten öser han på med massa jobb. Både Merry och Cole har bestämt att deras jul är inställd! Men kan man verkligen stoppa julen?
Recension: Om du vill ha lite verklighetsflykt med lite julstämning, relationer, vänskap och ett litet ryck i hjärtat så är detta en perfekt läsning för dig. En gemenskap som drar samman för den här tiden på året när den betyder så mycket för så många. Det var så mycket jag älskade med den här boken. Merry är en underbar person, så snäll och positiv och jag tog verkligen emot henne. Sedan finns det Cole som är en stilig, hjälpsam och omtänksam man. Både Merry men även Cole hade fantastisk fina personligheter och deras berättelser gjorde dem mer trovärdiga. Jag tyckte om att läsa om Merrys ljus och hur hon blandade oljor för att skapa nya dofter. Bara detta att hon, trots hur det gick med hennes förhållande, gick vidare med sitt liv och byggde upp sitt företag. En stark kvinna med höga ambitioner! Det gillar vi! Jag tyckte även om hur de olika karaktärerna i boken hade en fin men även respektfull relation. Inte det här typiska hämnd/hatar/vill aldrig prata med personen, som man är van vid. Miljöbeskrivningen i boken var otrolig fin. Man kunde verkligen se staden framför sig med små hus, ett livligt torg och massa ljus och granar överallt. Älskar det! Det jag även uppskattade var språket. Den var lätt och bubblig!
Boken får: 4/5
Sidor: 328
Författare: Cathy Bramley @cathybramley
Förlag: Pirat Förlag @piratforlaget
GoodReads: ArbereshaSabani
Instagram: @wandersinbookland
#projektjul #cathybramley #piratförlaget #bokstagram #bookstagram #bokinfluencer #bookfluencer #booksandflowers
November 30, 2021
If you are looking for a fab festive read then this one is great. Told over the space of October to Christmas and super Christmassy in feels.
Merry has just proposed to Daniel, unfortunately, Daniel didn't quite have the same idea about their relationship direction. So, Merry moves into a new cottage with her fledgling candle making business and meets local business man Cole.
Merry has had troubles in her past, being taken in to care as a child and is a bit disillusioned with Christmas, although she does want a big family. Cole is recently divorced and his ex wife has taken the Children to Canada for a year, so he is also feeling slightly down.
Enter the Merry Christmas project and a chance for the whole community to come together.
I loved the friendships, the family units - however dysfunctional and I just loved Merry and Cole as characters.
The alternating chapters from each POV, just helped showcase the differing personalities and made me fully invested in the building romance.
Would certainly recommend as a great winter/festive story. Gave me all the festive feels.
Merry has just proposed to Daniel, unfortunately, Daniel didn't quite have the same idea about their relationship direction. So, Merry moves into a new cottage with her fledgling candle making business and meets local business man Cole.
Merry has had troubles in her past, being taken in to care as a child and is a bit disillusioned with Christmas, although she does want a big family. Cole is recently divorced and his ex wife has taken the Children to Canada for a year, so he is also feeling slightly down.
Enter the Merry Christmas project and a chance for the whole community to come together.
I loved the friendships, the family units - however dysfunctional and I just loved Merry and Cole as characters.
The alternating chapters from each POV, just helped showcase the differing personalities and made me fully invested in the building romance.
Would certainly recommend as a great winter/festive story. Gave me all the festive feels.
December 17, 2021
4 starka stjärnor 🌟🌟🌟🌟
En riktig magiskt jul-feelgood må jag säga. Berättelsen växte på mig, första delen av boken var ok men så blev den bara bättre och bättre mot slutet och fick mig verkligen att komma in i julstämning såhär veckan innan jul.
Karaktärerna hade jag enkelt att lära känna och gilla, deras liv var spännade var för sig och blev charmiga när de kom att flätades ihop… Visa delar av boken var mer intressanta än andra, men absolut en trevlig julig berättelse som bjuder på härlig julfeeling, julmarknad, julpyssel, levande ljus, julmat, julgranar julstök och allt där emellan. Inte minst ett fint budskap om vikten av familj, vänskap, kärlek och närvaro.
Boken skulle nog ha kunnat kortats ner en aning, samtidigt tycker jag att mycket av det som finns med i berättelsen behövs för den där röda tråden. Boken språk är väldigt bra, skriver på ett enkelt och roligt sätt som gjorde berättelsen så bra.
”En del av de bästa sakerna i livet händer när man avviker från planerna”
En riktig magiskt jul-feelgood må jag säga. Berättelsen växte på mig, första delen av boken var ok men så blev den bara bättre och bättre mot slutet och fick mig verkligen att komma in i julstämning såhär veckan innan jul.
Karaktärerna hade jag enkelt att lära känna och gilla, deras liv var spännade var för sig och blev charmiga när de kom att flätades ihop… Visa delar av boken var mer intressanta än andra, men absolut en trevlig julig berättelse som bjuder på härlig julfeeling, julmarknad, julpyssel, levande ljus, julmat, julgranar julstök och allt där emellan. Inte minst ett fint budskap om vikten av familj, vänskap, kärlek och närvaro.
Boken skulle nog ha kunnat kortats ner en aning, samtidigt tycker jag att mycket av det som finns med i berättelsen behövs för den där röda tråden. Boken språk är väldigt bra, skriver på ett enkelt och roligt sätt som gjorde berättelsen så bra.
”En del av de bästa sakerna i livet händer när man avviker från planerna”
November 29, 2021
I listened to the audiobook and give 4⭐️ for Angela Griffin’s lovely audio and 3⭐️ for the story; it was nice, fluffy, mainly unbelievable (as these stories tend to be) and a very easy listen. I would listen/read to another Cathy Bramley story, but the average rating is because nothing really happened. There is a sort of plot (although the ‘project’ which starts off being the main plot line gets pretty much shunted to a side role and picked up at the end as an afterthought) but overall it stays on a pretty straight trajectory, no twists, no turns and could probably have been a bit shorter. But then we wouldn’t have had Angela Griffin’s great narration….so overall very cute, cuddly, heartwarming, but demands a bit of extra event for me to rate it higher.
December 20, 2021
Review
I've never read anything by Cathy Bramley before and for that I can only apologise 🤣
This book is everything you want in a Christmas book and then some. Merry is just the most gorgeous character and I really fell in love with Cole.
Each of the characters went on their own journey from the kids, Harley and Freya being away from their dad to Fred, Cole's father who is coming to terms with the loss of his wife.
This is a book I will read over and over in Christmases to come just because of how festive it made me feel and how beautifully written the story was.
A huge ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ for this new to me author and I can't wait to read more.
I've never read anything by Cathy Bramley before and for that I can only apologise 🤣
This book is everything you want in a Christmas book and then some. Merry is just the most gorgeous character and I really fell in love with Cole.
Each of the characters went on their own journey from the kids, Harley and Freya being away from their dad to Fred, Cole's father who is coming to terms with the loss of his wife.
This is a book I will read over and over in Christmases to come just because of how festive it made me feel and how beautifully written the story was.
A huge ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ for this new to me author and I can't wait to read more.
December 24, 2021
A truly beautiful first Christmas novel from Cathy Bramley - The Merry Christmas Project is heartfelt, warm, topical and well written. I’m never disappointed with Cathy’s Summer books and it was a real treat having a festive read from her this year too.
It’s hard to create a unique Christmas book with so many well-covered topics and love stories these days. But Cathy is one of the few Authors that can and she brings something a little different into her books.
There were some really emotional bits, other chapters that made me smile, and bits that just pulled at my heart strings. This book IS Christmas…in a book…a perfect festive read.
It’s hard to create a unique Christmas book with so many well-covered topics and love stories these days. But Cathy is one of the few Authors that can and she brings something a little different into her books.
There were some really emotional bits, other chapters that made me smile, and bits that just pulled at my heart strings. This book IS Christmas…in a book…a perfect festive read.
December 7, 2024
This was such a heart-warming read! Oozing cosiness and Christmas cheer- what a triumph!
The friendships in this book are great- there almost a better story than the love interest. How refreshing it is that the ex and his new partner weren't the enemy. It wasn't an awful toxic break up, it was amicable and it made for a great addition to the story.
I did the audiobook and it was such an easy listen. It was everything I want in a Christmas book. Fully chuffed with this one ❤️
The friendships in this book are great- there almost a better story than the love interest. How refreshing it is that the ex and his new partner weren't the enemy. It wasn't an awful toxic break up, it was amicable and it made for a great addition to the story.
I did the audiobook and it was such an easy listen. It was everything I want in a Christmas book. Fully chuffed with this one ❤️
December 19, 2021
Another great Christmas story. Romance, humour, predicable - in a good way, and full of magical Christmas moments. The story starts in October and builds up to Christmas day! Perfect reading for the week before Christmas!
January 10, 2022
Jag hade höga förhoppningar om denna och tyvärr infriades inte alla! Den var väldigt bra och mysig och julfaktorn fanns där, men den var lite för lång i min smak (11,5 timmar lyssnartid)! Och slutet gör att jag verkligen hoppas på en uppföljare!
December 25, 2022
4.5 stars
A lovely cosy Christmas read, although the ending seemed very rushed and was a slight let down. But it was so easy to get stuck into and I loved the writing style - aside from a few weird / cringey similes. I'll definitely read Cathy Bramley again.
Merry Christmas!
A lovely cosy Christmas read, although the ending seemed very rushed and was a slight let down. But it was so easy to get stuck into and I loved the writing style - aside from a few weird / cringey similes. I'll definitely read Cathy Bramley again.
Merry Christmas!
December 29, 2021
Fabulous 👌
November 8, 2022
Charming read . Great characters , main and supporting.
I loved the Christmas theme .
I loved the Christmas theme .
December 16, 2022
1,5
2,5 ⭐️ fram till slutet men sen… Jag kunde ha överseende med Merrys beteende ändå in i det sista men när strömavbrottscenen skedde var mitt tålamod slut.
2,5 ⭐️ fram till slutet men sen… Jag kunde ha överseende med Merrys beteende ändå in i det sista men när strömavbrottscenen skedde var mitt tålamod slut.
December 18, 2022
Katastrof
January 2, 2023
Feelgood Christmas romp. Makes me want to learn how to make candles!
December 26, 2023
A really heartwarming festive romance! I didn’t realise this was the second in the series however I still
Managed to catch up and really enjoyed the story, characters and setting
Managed to catch up and really enjoyed the story, characters and setting
Displaying 1 - 30 of 301 reviews