What do you think?
Rate this book
Merry Shaw #2
Merrily Ever After
Two strangers. One big secret. And a Christmas to remember . . .
Merry has always wanted a family to spend Christmas with, and this year her dream comes true as she says 'I do' to father-of-two Cole. But as she juggles her rapidly-growing business, wedding planning and the two new children in her life, her dream begins to unravel.
Emily is desperately waiting for the New Year to begin, so she can finally have a fresh start. She has always put her family first, leaving little time for happiness and love. When her beloved father Ray moves into a residential home, she discovers a photograph in his belongings that has the potential to change everything.
As past secrets come to light, will this be a magical Christmas for Emily and Merry to remember?
Merry has always wanted a family to spend Christmas with, and this year her dream comes true as she says 'I do' to father-of-two Cole. But as she juggles her rapidly-growing business, wedding planning and the two new children in her life, her dream begins to unravel.
Emily is desperately waiting for the New Year to begin, so she can finally have a fresh start. She has always put her family first, leaving little time for happiness and love. When her beloved father Ray moves into a residential home, she discovers a photograph in his belongings that has the potential to change everything.
As past secrets come to light, will this be a magical Christmas for Emily and Merry to remember?
414 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 13, 2022
362 people are currently reading
2468 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 345 reviews
January 10, 2024
My Reviews Can Also Be Found On:
My Blog | Twitter | Amazon | BRC Blog | StoryGraph
A Wedding and Christmas all in one book? Count me in! I had no idea that this was book two in a series, the first one being The Merry Christmas Project. This one can certainly be read as a stand-alone but I will be reading book one during next year's holiday season as I would love to know Merry and Cole's backstories.
I figured out how Merry and Emily were connected long before the book revealed it but it in no way ruined my enjoyment of the book. It was really lovely to read about them meeting and learning about each other. I loved that the romance wasn't central to the story as Merry deals with running her own business, learning how to be a stepmom and getting ready for her big day. Emily on the other hand is dealing with her father's dementia, starting a new job and has been dumped by her ingrate of a boyfriend.
All in all this book was festive, romantic and very realistic. I look forward to reading more by this author.
A Wedding and Christmas all in one book? Count me in! I had no idea that this was book two in a series, the first one being The Merry Christmas Project. This one can certainly be read as a stand-alone but I will be reading book one during next year's holiday season as I would love to know Merry and Cole's backstories.
I figured out how Merry and Emily were connected long before the book revealed it but it in no way ruined my enjoyment of the book. It was really lovely to read about them meeting and learning about each other. I loved that the romance wasn't central to the story as Merry deals with running her own business, learning how to be a stepmom and getting ready for her big day. Emily on the other hand is dealing with her father's dementia, starting a new job and has been dumped by her ingrate of a boyfriend.
All in all this book was festive, romantic and very realistic. I look forward to reading more by this author.
December 12, 2022
When I first saw this on the kindle store for 99 cents I didn't know it was a second book. The first one is called, "A Merry Christmas Project." I really liked the sound of the premise so I bought it. I don't think you need to read the first book at all in order to enjoy this one.
This is the kind of Christmas story I truly like. Not cheesy. It has some issues everyday people might experience and there is a lot of Christmas sparkle and joy to the story.
Merry, is now engaged to her fiancee, Cole in this second story. Merry, has been raised in the foster care system and has always wanted to be a part of a family. This is Cole's second marriage and he has 2 children from his first marriage. Merry is dealing with running a personal business and planning a wedding while some issues arise with the children.
Emily, is a teacher in a school. She is an only child of divorced parents and her Dad, Ray is suffering from Dementia. Emily has some decisions to make regarding him. She also meets a nice young man named, Will through her father's circumstances.
Merry and Emily cross paths many times accidentally. Could it be a Christmas miracle that leads them together at such an important part of their lives? A really enjoyable Christmas story 🎄
This is the kind of Christmas story I truly like. Not cheesy. It has some issues everyday people might experience and there is a lot of Christmas sparkle and joy to the story.
Merry, is now engaged to her fiancee, Cole in this second story. Merry, has been raised in the foster care system and has always wanted to be a part of a family. This is Cole's second marriage and he has 2 children from his first marriage. Merry is dealing with running a personal business and planning a wedding while some issues arise with the children.
Emily, is a teacher in a school. She is an only child of divorced parents and her Dad, Ray is suffering from Dementia. Emily has some decisions to make regarding him. She also meets a nice young man named, Will through her father's circumstances.
Merry and Emily cross paths many times accidentally. Could it be a Christmas miracle that leads them together at such an important part of their lives? A really enjoyable Christmas story 🎄
September 2, 2022
A wonderful follow up from The Merry Christmas Project but can be read independently (though much more fun to read it as a sequel). Charming and full of Christmas spirit, though with some hard-hitting threads. Also some killer one-liners. In summation: a real treat.
November 9, 2022
“If the universe sends you an opportunity to celebrate, take it.”
Another heart warming read by Cathy!
I couldn’t stop smiling, a completely cosy read to cuddle up with a hot chocolate next to the fire.
This festive and heart-warming cute read was everything (apart from some of the main characters decisions).
The novel alternates between Merry and Emily.
These two women keep meeting each other randomly. Before they soon realise they have a lot more in common than they think.
Merry has never really had a family. Going from foster home to another. Cole asked her to marry him. With his two children she feels she is finally apart of a family. She also runs her own candle business (how cool is that?) with only one staff member (Cole’s retired dad) she really should have had more members taken on / pushed for it more as it’s not really fair on the dad.
Apart from that characteristic in Merry, she is a bubbly character.
Emily, is a teacher currently as she had to give up her other job to help take care of her dad (which did get out of hand when she was supposed to be working, the least she could have done was to get help as this would have helped with her mentally). I understand she feels she owes her dad everything but she has no time for herself at all. At the end of the day your own mental health and wellbeing and self care comes first. That is how you actually are able to take care of others. There is a reason why things such as airplanes and emergencies say to put the air items on yourself first before you help anyone else including children and so forth.
Both of these characters have the best intentions they are basically twins! It was so adorable to see their lives blossom as they make decisions as well as when their lives enter-twined. I really enjoyed this novel so much, I kept dragging it out because it really did make me smile so much my face hurts.
Perfect cosy read with love, family and new friendships.
100% recommend this!
Review: https://clife.blog/2022/11/16/book-re...
Another heart warming read by Cathy!
I couldn’t stop smiling, a completely cosy read to cuddle up with a hot chocolate next to the fire.
This festive and heart-warming cute read was everything (apart from some of the main characters decisions).
The novel alternates between Merry and Emily.
These two women keep meeting each other randomly. Before they soon realise they have a lot more in common than they think.
Merry has never really had a family. Going from foster home to another. Cole asked her to marry him. With his two children she feels she is finally apart of a family. She also runs her own candle business (how cool is that?) with only one staff member (Cole’s retired dad) she really should have had more members taken on / pushed for it more as it’s not really fair on the dad.
Apart from that characteristic in Merry, she is a bubbly character.
Emily, is a teacher currently as she had to give up her other job to help take care of her dad (which did get out of hand when she was supposed to be working, the least she could have done was to get help as this would have helped with her mentally). I understand she feels she owes her dad everything but she has no time for herself at all. At the end of the day your own mental health and wellbeing and self care comes first. That is how you actually are able to take care of others. There is a reason why things such as airplanes and emergencies say to put the air items on yourself first before you help anyone else including children and so forth.
Both of these characters have the best intentions they are basically twins! It was so adorable to see their lives blossom as they make decisions as well as when their lives enter-twined. I really enjoyed this novel so much, I kept dragging it out because it really did make me smile so much my face hurts.
Perfect cosy read with love, family and new friendships.
100% recommend this!
Review: https://clife.blog/2022/11/16/book-re...
October 10, 2022
Well I had happy tears in my eyes by the end of this one, it's just so joyous and I loved every word of this wonderful book.
Because Cathy Bramley is an auto read author for me, I never really look at her blurbs, so imagine my surprise and delight fairly early into the story when I realised it was a sequel to last year's Christmas release. It's no wonder I felt right at home with Merry, as I already knew her and Cole, and I am so happy to have been able to read the continuation of their story.
And then the second character this book focuses on is Emily, who is brand new, and she was a complete and utter delight to meet too. She's involved in some key storylines, and deals with everything thrown at her so so well.
I guessed fairly early as to how the stories might intersect and it didn't remotely detract from my enjoyment and seeing if I was right, as I was enjoying all of the characters so much, I just was engrossed in their stories.
It's a story full of love, romance, some adorable children, a couple of utterly fantastic men, while at the same time shines a light on dementia too with Ray. Some of Ray's lines had me laughing out loud while also feeling for Emily, as she clearly is struggling with him.
All set around a wedding being arranged within a few months, as well as Merry struggling with work-life balance, and also trying to work out just how she should be with Freya and Harley her about to be step children. There is a sprinkling of Christmas too - and a romantic gesture that made me swoon too.
It's just everything you could want in a Cathy Bramley novel. Another triumph from a totally fantastic author.
Thank you to Orion and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Because Cathy Bramley is an auto read author for me, I never really look at her blurbs, so imagine my surprise and delight fairly early into the story when I realised it was a sequel to last year's Christmas release. It's no wonder I felt right at home with Merry, as I already knew her and Cole, and I am so happy to have been able to read the continuation of their story.
And then the second character this book focuses on is Emily, who is brand new, and she was a complete and utter delight to meet too. She's involved in some key storylines, and deals with everything thrown at her so so well.
I guessed fairly early as to how the stories might intersect and it didn't remotely detract from my enjoyment and seeing if I was right, as I was enjoying all of the characters so much, I just was engrossed in their stories.
It's a story full of love, romance, some adorable children, a couple of utterly fantastic men, while at the same time shines a light on dementia too with Ray. Some of Ray's lines had me laughing out loud while also feeling for Emily, as she clearly is struggling with him.
All set around a wedding being arranged within a few months, as well as Merry struggling with work-life balance, and also trying to work out just how she should be with Freya and Harley her about to be step children. There is a sprinkling of Christmas too - and a romantic gesture that made me swoon too.
It's just everything you could want in a Cathy Bramley novel. Another triumph from a totally fantastic author.
Thank you to Orion and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
January 9, 2023
This was just too over the top sappy for me. The plot was sweet, but the book was a lot of repetition. I kept confusing the two main characters because they were so similar- which I realize was probably the point.
January 18, 2023
While I enjoyed this Cathy Bramley read, I'm afraid it wasn't on par with her previous two novels. The addition to Merry's story felt nice and I loved her connection with Emily. But I cannot give this book more than 3 stars simply because of one character - RAY. I don't know what Cathy Bramley was trying to do there, but he's a deadbeat dad who never did anything for the women he impregnated. You don't get to romanticize that. You don't get to romanticize the trauma Merry and partly, Emily, were put through because of him. You get up your bottom, find a job, and you support the people you've taken responsibility for. Otherwise, careful where you spread your seed.
Sound a bit harsh, I'm aware, but not everything is black and white. Sometimes there's Ray, who somehow, is the hero of this story, after everything he put Merry and Emily through. Hence why I was left with a bitter taste after Merry was so happy to see him. Emily was enough. She didn't need Ray.
Sound a bit harsh, I'm aware, but not everything is black and white. Sometimes there's Ray, who somehow, is the hero of this story, after everything he put Merry and Emily through. Hence why I was left with a bitter taste after Merry was so happy to see him. Emily was enough. She didn't need Ray.
October 9, 2022
I received this book via NetGalley and give it my honest opinion
Well Cathy Bramley does it again! I just love the way she writes all her books!
You will definitely need a box of tissues for this one, it will also warm your heart. The characters are lovable and the storyline has all the emotions. I enjoyed it from cover to cover. The perfect Christmas read.
Well Cathy Bramley does it again! I just love the way she writes all her books!
You will definitely need a box of tissues for this one, it will also warm your heart. The characters are lovable and the storyline has all the emotions. I enjoyed it from cover to cover. The perfect Christmas read.
December 23, 2023
I really enjoyed this as a follow up to The Merry Christmas project. Lovely to find out what happens to the characters. Was quite predictable but I didn’t mind and just really enjoyed reading it. 😊
October 12, 2022
Thank you to the publisher for this ARC via NetGalley. Merrily Ever After is a sweet, festive story that brings the two central characters together seamlessly. It was a light, and refreshing read also, nice not to have the usual love split/ getting over heartbreak storylines instead, there’s a sensitivity to this family tale,, and I’m grateful for it.
November 14, 2022
Sometimes the perfect book comes along at the perfect time in your life. This happened for me when I picked up Merrily Ever After and started to read. It's been a tough year here, I've been unwell and feeling very sorry for myself. This book brought such joy, love, warmth and sparkle into my life. It's like a huge soothing hug, in a book and I loved every single page.
I don't usually read a lot of Christmas themed books, but I know that Cathy Bramley writes so well that I just had to pick this one up. Honestly, it brings such joy to the reader, with characters who become almost friends and a setting that really is the perfect place to spend Christmas.
Merry and Emily have lived in the same area for years, they've bumped into each other a couple of times, and each time has left lasting memories for them. Both of them immediately knew that the other could become a friend. Little do they know just how close they will become.
Merry is marrying Cole, the man of her dreams. They will have a Christmas Eve wedding surrounded by friends and family. However, Merry's one sadness about this is that the family member are all Cole's. She doesn't have parents, or siblings to invite and whilst she's delighted that she's being welcomed so warmly by Cole's father and his two children, she'd love someone of her very own to be there. Merry's Mum died when she was just a young girl, and she was never told who her father was.
Emily is struggling to care for her Dad Ray. Her parents were never married and her Dad wasn't around for much of her childhood. However, she loves him and she wants to do the best for him. His dementia is worsening and he just can't look after himself now. Reluctantly, Emily decides that he must go into a care home. It's a wonderful place, full of quirky, interesting residents and Ray will fill in just fine. The staff care for the people there, and there's one staff member who has taken Emily's eye.
Ray's dementia means that he's begun to say things that don't make sense to Emily at all, and when she discovers his old tin, full of memories, she's really confused.
This is where Merry's and Emily's stories begin to interweave, with so many reveals and long held secrets exposed. It's beautifully done, with humour, and sensitivity and empathy. Cathy Bramley's ability to depict dementia is wonderfully done, there's touches of humour and sadness in equal measure.
This is a feel-good story to warm the hardest of hearts. The characters are a joy to discover, and whilst there are some serious and emotional topics dealt with, it is full of love.
The perfect read for the season, in fact, it's the perfect read for any time.
I don't usually read a lot of Christmas themed books, but I know that Cathy Bramley writes so well that I just had to pick this one up. Honestly, it brings such joy to the reader, with characters who become almost friends and a setting that really is the perfect place to spend Christmas.
Merry and Emily have lived in the same area for years, they've bumped into each other a couple of times, and each time has left lasting memories for them. Both of them immediately knew that the other could become a friend. Little do they know just how close they will become.
Merry is marrying Cole, the man of her dreams. They will have a Christmas Eve wedding surrounded by friends and family. However, Merry's one sadness about this is that the family member are all Cole's. She doesn't have parents, or siblings to invite and whilst she's delighted that she's being welcomed so warmly by Cole's father and his two children, she'd love someone of her very own to be there. Merry's Mum died when she was just a young girl, and she was never told who her father was.
Emily is struggling to care for her Dad Ray. Her parents were never married and her Dad wasn't around for much of her childhood. However, she loves him and she wants to do the best for him. His dementia is worsening and he just can't look after himself now. Reluctantly, Emily decides that he must go into a care home. It's a wonderful place, full of quirky, interesting residents and Ray will fill in just fine. The staff care for the people there, and there's one staff member who has taken Emily's eye.
Ray's dementia means that he's begun to say things that don't make sense to Emily at all, and when she discovers his old tin, full of memories, she's really confused.
This is where Merry's and Emily's stories begin to interweave, with so many reveals and long held secrets exposed. It's beautifully done, with humour, and sensitivity and empathy. Cathy Bramley's ability to depict dementia is wonderfully done, there's touches of humour and sadness in equal measure.
This is a feel-good story to warm the hardest of hearts. The characters are a joy to discover, and whilst there are some serious and emotional topics dealt with, it is full of love.
The perfect read for the season, in fact, it's the perfect read for any time.
December 13, 2022
Absolutely loved this. We follow on from the first book with merry a year on and so happy. Emily I’d a new character and I literally adore her. Straight away we find out that Emily’s dad has early dementia and she is his caregiver so this is definitely emotional. Love love love it 🥰
December 27, 2022
I really wanted to like this book, but I did not. I did not care for most of the characters at all.
December 29, 2023
Time taken to read - in and out over 9 days (busy December)
Pages - 432
Publisher - Orion
Source - Bought
Blurb from Goodreads
In a picturesque town in Derbyshire, Merry has always wanted a family to spend Christmas with, and this year her dream comes true as she says 'I do' to father-of-two Cole. But as she juggles worries about her business, last-minute wedding planning and the two new children in her life, Merry is stretched to breaking point.
Meanwhile, only a few miles away, Emily is desperately waiting for the New Year to begin. Her father Ray's dementia is worsening, and she's struggling to care for him alone while holding down a job. When Ray moves into a residential home, she discovers a photograph in his belongings that has the potential to change everything .
As shocking secrets from Ray's past finally come to light, will this Christmas make or break Emily and Merry?
My Review
So this is marked as a standalone but Merry I am sure was in the other book I read by this author and her partner. We alternate between Merry and Emily. Merry's candle business is successful, in fact branching out so well she really needs to look to more staff but it is her baby and she is reluctant to let go. Everything is coming together great however planning a wedding, stretching herself thin with the business and concerns with her soon to be step children is causing Merry stress. Emily has a selfish boyfriend, I mean the guy is an absolute horror bag and her dad is getting more forgetful, confused and wandering more. Emily has the absolute guilt on what is best to do for her dad but with his condition worsening and the impact it is having on her job/personal life and health - stuck between a rock and a hard place.
We follow the two ladies as they navigate between their own personal issues, I really felt for Emily although with the boyfriend interactions I was near screaming at the book. Honestly a repugnant and vile individual. Emily's dad, the dementia/scenes are very emotive and heart breaking at some points.
The book is a cozy read with some emotive themes, friendship, blended families, wedding planning, stress, dementia, secrets, love & loss. It is a mixed bag, if you want to just escape from your own world for a wee bit this is a good shout. I need to look at her other books to see if these characters are in other despite being standalones, 4/5. I got this on a bargain buy special offer (I got a few copies for my blind dates with a book for my workies too).
Pages - 432
Publisher - Orion
Source - Bought
Blurb from Goodreads
In a picturesque town in Derbyshire, Merry has always wanted a family to spend Christmas with, and this year her dream comes true as she says 'I do' to father-of-two Cole. But as she juggles worries about her business, last-minute wedding planning and the two new children in her life, Merry is stretched to breaking point.
Meanwhile, only a few miles away, Emily is desperately waiting for the New Year to begin. Her father Ray's dementia is worsening, and she's struggling to care for him alone while holding down a job. When Ray moves into a residential home, she discovers a photograph in his belongings that has the potential to change everything .
As shocking secrets from Ray's past finally come to light, will this Christmas make or break Emily and Merry?
My Review
So this is marked as a standalone but Merry I am sure was in the other book I read by this author and her partner. We alternate between Merry and Emily. Merry's candle business is successful, in fact branching out so well she really needs to look to more staff but it is her baby and she is reluctant to let go. Everything is coming together great however planning a wedding, stretching herself thin with the business and concerns with her soon to be step children is causing Merry stress. Emily has a selfish boyfriend, I mean the guy is an absolute horror bag and her dad is getting more forgetful, confused and wandering more. Emily has the absolute guilt on what is best to do for her dad but with his condition worsening and the impact it is having on her job/personal life and health - stuck between a rock and a hard place.
We follow the two ladies as they navigate between their own personal issues, I really felt for Emily although with the boyfriend interactions I was near screaming at the book. Honestly a repugnant and vile individual. Emily's dad, the dementia/scenes are very emotive and heart breaking at some points.
The book is a cozy read with some emotive themes, friendship, blended families, wedding planning, stress, dementia, secrets, love & loss. It is a mixed bag, if you want to just escape from your own world for a wee bit this is a good shout. I need to look at her other books to see if these characters are in other despite being standalones, 4/5. I got this on a bargain buy special offer (I got a few copies for my blind dates with a book for my workies too).
December 23, 2022
Absolutely loved this book. Such a lovely, feel good festive read and so lovely to read more of Merry and Cole’s story. Was it cheesy? Yes, but I’m all about the cheese. Especially at Christmas! I do love a Cathy Bramley book!
January 6, 2023
4,5
At first I was a bit annoyed by Emily’s situation. Then I got wrapped up in the book and couldn’t put it down. It’s not a typical romantic story but really moving
At first I was a bit annoyed by Emily’s situation. Then I got wrapped up in the book and couldn’t put it down. It’s not a typical romantic story but really moving
December 25, 2023
What a delight to read
December 31, 2022
Loved it
December 12, 2024
This was exactly what I wanted! No real drama, more exciting and everything works out perfectly. Wonderful Christmas feel good novel. Would recommend
January 2, 2025
This book should have been closer to 200 pages, not 400. Allow me to elaborate.
“Nell had told me yesterday that she thought I looked thin, and I’d told her that ironically it was called the ‘too much on my plate’ diet, which we both thought was hilarious. On the plus side, by starting at the crack of dawn today, I’d managed to pour four hundred candles, giving us a head start for next week, which meant that at least I could have tomorrow off.”
Now imagine that type of filler writing for about 300 of the 400 pages.
I figured out the plot within the first 50 pages. Everything after that was boring, except for, like, 3 things.
And to cap it off, Merry and Cole left their wedding ceremony to “All I Want for Christmas” by Mariah Carey. I quite literally cannot think of a worse song to start your marriage off with.
At least this counts toward my reading goal.
“Nell had told me yesterday that she thought I looked thin, and I’d told her that ironically it was called the ‘too much on my plate’ diet, which we both thought was hilarious. On the plus side, by starting at the crack of dawn today, I’d managed to pour four hundred candles, giving us a head start for next week, which meant that at least I could have tomorrow off.”
Now imagine that type of filler writing for about 300 of the 400 pages.
I figured out the plot within the first 50 pages. Everything after that was boring, except for, like, 3 things.
And to cap it off, Merry and Cole left their wedding ceremony to “All I Want for Christmas” by Mariah Carey. I quite literally cannot think of a worse song to start your marriage off with.
At least this counts toward my reading goal.
December 23, 2023
After reading The Merry Christmas Project last week, I couldn’t wait to read this one, and it did not disappoint. I loved it even more than the first one and I really loved the first one!!!
In Merrily Ever After, we are reunited with Merry, Cole and the rest of the gang one year on. Merry’s candle making business, Merry and Bright, has gone from strength to strength, and her and Cole are getting married. With wedding planning and business booming, Merry is quite literally burning the candle at both ends. Will she make it through the holiday period unscathed?
We are also introduced to Emily. Emily is currently working as a school secretary at a secondary school, although her real passion is in vintage fashion, and she is struggling with balancing work and caring for her Dad who has dementia. Emily makes the agonising decision to move her Dad into a care home, and this is where she meets Will, the friendly face that she so desperately needs.
A big revelation is about to throw Emily and Merry together in ways they never expected. But are they exactly what each other needs?
Whilst I immediately knew where this book was going to go, I still absolutely loved it. A fantastic bunch of characters, with the new additions just making them an even better bunch! Warm, cosy, feel good - reminds you of the importance of family and friendship, and valuing your loved ones. Some very bittersweet, poignant moments that made me teary! Just an overall fantastic Christmassy, heartwarming read - I really did love everything about it.
In Merrily Ever After, we are reunited with Merry, Cole and the rest of the gang one year on. Merry’s candle making business, Merry and Bright, has gone from strength to strength, and her and Cole are getting married. With wedding planning and business booming, Merry is quite literally burning the candle at both ends. Will she make it through the holiday period unscathed?
We are also introduced to Emily. Emily is currently working as a school secretary at a secondary school, although her real passion is in vintage fashion, and she is struggling with balancing work and caring for her Dad who has dementia. Emily makes the agonising decision to move her Dad into a care home, and this is where she meets Will, the friendly face that she so desperately needs.
A big revelation is about to throw Emily and Merry together in ways they never expected. But are they exactly what each other needs?
Whilst I immediately knew where this book was going to go, I still absolutely loved it. A fantastic bunch of characters, with the new additions just making them an even better bunch! Warm, cosy, feel good - reminds you of the importance of family and friendship, and valuing your loved ones. Some very bittersweet, poignant moments that made me teary! Just an overall fantastic Christmassy, heartwarming read - I really did love everything about it.
October 29, 2022
October is a little early for the festive reads but this one is more about the characters' stories, with a hint of mistletoe and a waft of cinnamon to get us in the Christmas spirit!
We revisit candle shop owner Merry Shaw, whose relationship with builder Cole has progressed since they met last Christmas and they are looking to take things further. She is also getting on well with his children Harley and Freya and is good friends with his ex-wife Lydia. Having grown up in foster care it looks as though she will finally have the family she craves. However stepfamilies can be complicated and, when the children indicate that they are feeling unhappy, Merry wonders whether her relationship with Cole is meant to be.
Emily lives in the same town and works as a secretary in the local high school. Her job isn't exactly her dream career but she has had to work around caring for her father Ray, who has dementia. When her boyfriend Gavin dumps her because she isn't able to give him enough attention everything looks bleak. As caring for her father gets harder she looks into moving him into to a residential home. Little does she know that this decision will bring new friends and opportunities to her!
This story is a little predictable, but a good heart-warming, fluffy read for Christmas! This is the second book in a series, but can be read as a standalone as the previous story is revisited. I hope we hear more of Merry and Emilys' stories!
We revisit candle shop owner Merry Shaw, whose relationship with builder Cole has progressed since they met last Christmas and they are looking to take things further. She is also getting on well with his children Harley and Freya and is good friends with his ex-wife Lydia. Having grown up in foster care it looks as though she will finally have the family she craves. However stepfamilies can be complicated and, when the children indicate that they are feeling unhappy, Merry wonders whether her relationship with Cole is meant to be.
Emily lives in the same town and works as a secretary in the local high school. Her job isn't exactly her dream career but she has had to work around caring for her father Ray, who has dementia. When her boyfriend Gavin dumps her because she isn't able to give him enough attention everything looks bleak. As caring for her father gets harder she looks into moving him into to a residential home. Little does she know that this decision will bring new friends and opportunities to her!
This story is a little predictable, but a good heart-warming, fluffy read for Christmas! This is the second book in a series, but can be read as a standalone as the previous story is revisited. I hope we hear more of Merry and Emilys' stories!
October 15, 2022
Merrily Ever After
I really feel for Emily who looking after her dad Ray who has deminta is hard enough.
Merry and Emily, two women who are having to deal with different issues.
Merry is Planning her wedding to Cole. Recall on a struggling with his two teenage children
A very emotional and realistic read which many will be able to relate to.
Having been without a family for most of her life, Mellie is very excited to finally have a family of her own through marriage. Along with her Mary's wedding planning and candle business, things are getting better and better, along with the story of Emily and her dementia-stricken father, Ray. Emily has changed jobs and is exhausted trying to protect her father. As the story develops into a very old mystery, it's amazing how the mystery unfolds, given little clues that will change Emily and Merry's lives forever. I love the characters - Nell is so funny and the Coles kids are so real.
I enjoyed reading about each character lives and how they dealt with thier own circumstances.
@
#MerrilyEverAfter #NetGalley #seasonal #christmas
I really feel for Emily who looking after her dad Ray who has deminta is hard enough.
Merry and Emily, two women who are having to deal with different issues.
Merry is Planning her wedding to Cole. Recall on a struggling with his two teenage children
A very emotional and realistic read which many will be able to relate to.
Having been without a family for most of her life, Mellie is very excited to finally have a family of her own through marriage. Along with her Mary's wedding planning and candle business, things are getting better and better, along with the story of Emily and her dementia-stricken father, Ray. Emily has changed jobs and is exhausted trying to protect her father. As the story develops into a very old mystery, it's amazing how the mystery unfolds, given little clues that will change Emily and Merry's lives forever. I love the characters - Nell is so funny and the Coles kids are so real.
I enjoyed reading about each character lives and how they dealt with thier own circumstances.
@
#MerrilyEverAfter #NetGalley #seasonal #christmas
October 25, 2022
Lovely, lovely, lovely! What a wonderfully festive, heart-warming read! It is a follow up book to The Merry Christmas Project, but it can easily be read as a standalone book. Merry is starting a new life with Cole and his two children, but with a Christmas wedding on the horizon, things aren’t going as smoothly as they should be. We also meet Emily, a school secretary who’s caring for her dad who has dementia. Merry and Emily’s stories unfold as the book moves on, with their paths crossing on more than one occasion!
I loved this book; it was such an easy-to-read story which captures you right from the beginning. I loved Merry’s character and could relate to her easily! I also loved Emily’s character equally and found her relationship with her dad, Ray moving and emotional. Their storylines move along at a good pace, alternating the chapters between Merry and Emily’s perspectives and we get to know the characters really well as the book continues.
I did wonder as I read how Merry and Emily’s storylines would connect, as it was obvious they were going to! I didn’t guess how though, and thought it was a wonderful twist to their storylines and read with bated breath whilst their secrets unfolded. There were plenty of emotional moments in their stories and Ray’s storyline did bring tears to my eyes. As the book is set on the run up to Christmas, it really is the perfect way to get into the festive spirit! Full of love, family and friendships, with each one sprinkled with a little bit of Christmas sparkles! Wonderful!! Would recommend!!
I loved this book; it was such an easy-to-read story which captures you right from the beginning. I loved Merry’s character and could relate to her easily! I also loved Emily’s character equally and found her relationship with her dad, Ray moving and emotional. Their storylines move along at a good pace, alternating the chapters between Merry and Emily’s perspectives and we get to know the characters really well as the book continues.
I did wonder as I read how Merry and Emily’s storylines would connect, as it was obvious they were going to! I didn’t guess how though, and thought it was a wonderful twist to their storylines and read with bated breath whilst their secrets unfolded. There were plenty of emotional moments in their stories and Ray’s storyline did bring tears to my eyes. As the book is set on the run up to Christmas, it really is the perfect way to get into the festive spirit! Full of love, family and friendships, with each one sprinkled with a little bit of Christmas sparkles! Wonderful!! Would recommend!!
December 31, 2022
Heartwarming Christmas read. Set a year later after the events in The Merry Christmas Project we catch up with Merry and her friends and Cole, her fiancé, and his children. Merry is slowly adjusting to feeling comfortable around the children, Harley, grappling with being a teenager, and Freya. The reader is also introduced to Emily, who has to contend with the difficulties associated with a father suffering from dementia. There are many poignant moments scattered throughout but these are handled in a caring and tender way. There is also much light-hearted ness and humour. Merry’s candles’ many beautiful scents are based on memories and experiences. Merry and Emily’s lives and stories become intertwined and it is a joy to read of their journey.
December 9, 2023
Não tinha grandes expectativas para este livro e acabou por me surpreender!
A história, em si, aqueceu-me o coração e deixou-me muitas vezes com um sorriso no rosto. É um drama familiar bastante bem conseguido, por mais previsível que seja.
Gostei especialmente da representação da demência, enquanto doença, e do seu impacto na vida das pessoas que vivem com familiares que a tem. Achei bastante realista e tocou-me especialmente, por ter passado pelo mesmo.
Provavelmente não teria comprado este livro se não estivesse estado tão barato na Amazon, mas estou feliz por tê-lo feito. Sinto que este livro é do género daqueles filmes de domingo à tarde que vemos na televisão, que não é bem o que costumamos ver, mas acaba por cumprir o seu propósito, de nos entreter.
Recomendo para quem queira uma leitura natalícia mais profunda, fora dos típicos romances.
A história, em si, aqueceu-me o coração e deixou-me muitas vezes com um sorriso no rosto. É um drama familiar bastante bem conseguido, por mais previsível que seja.
Gostei especialmente da representação da demência, enquanto doença, e do seu impacto na vida das pessoas que vivem com familiares que a tem. Achei bastante realista e tocou-me especialmente, por ter passado pelo mesmo.
Provavelmente não teria comprado este livro se não estivesse estado tão barato na Amazon, mas estou feliz por tê-lo feito. Sinto que este livro é do género daqueles filmes de domingo à tarde que vemos na televisão, que não é bem o que costumamos ver, mas acaba por cumprir o seu propósito, de nos entreter.
Recomendo para quem queira uma leitura natalícia mais profunda, fora dos típicos romances.
December 2, 2023
Described as a “feel good comforting fiction” I’d say that this is a very fluffy, good old happy ending, festive read! 🎄Which isn’t a bad thing, and is exactly what I expected 🙂. I always want to LOVE these festive feel goods, but i just get a little bored & feel myself eye rolling at how everyone always gets on, and any minor disagreement is immediately quashed because “Christmas” - just feels a bit contrived !
This is not a bad book, and definitely giving heartfelt Christmas vibes. It says more about me than the book that I’m giving this an average rating 😂 sickly sweet happy vibes are not the one for me! 🥹
This is not a bad book, and definitely giving heartfelt Christmas vibes. It says more about me than the book that I’m giving this an average rating 😂 sickly sweet happy vibes are not the one for me! 🥹
July 19, 2025
I read the first book about Merry when it came out a few years ago and really enjoyed it. I hadn’t realised there were two more books until recently, so I was pleased to dive back into the story of Merry, Cole and the gang. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the characters again—Ray’s storyline was lovely, and I found both Emily and Merry really relatable.
This series is full of happy endings and love, which is sometimes just what you need from a book. Although this one has a festive feel, it actually starts around October and finishes on Christmas Eve, so it’s not overly Christmassy—just a nice, cosy read. A light-hearted and enjoyable story overall.
This series is full of happy endings and love, which is sometimes just what you need from a book. Although this one has a festive feel, it actually starts around October and finishes on Christmas Eve, so it’s not overly Christmassy—just a nice, cosy read. A light-hearted and enjoyable story overall.
November 28, 2022
I'm a little gutted I didn't love this as much, but I also didn't realise there was a prequel so maybe I would have had more of a connection to the characters. I personally found it a little predictable and felt it could definitely have wrapped up quicker, but definitely an easy read for this time of year!
December 31, 2023
What a lovely Christmas read!
Absolutely perfect feel good book that I thoroughly enjoyed, and so glad I decided to pick it up.
Had a bit of everything thrown in here - romance, sadness, finding family, and a sad/lovely storyline about an elderly parent with dementia, which bought back so many sad and happy memories of my nan ❤️
Lovely book that I would recommend
Absolutely perfect feel good book that I thoroughly enjoyed, and so glad I decided to pick it up.
Had a bit of everything thrown in here - romance, sadness, finding family, and a sad/lovely storyline about an elderly parent with dementia, which bought back so many sad and happy memories of my nan ❤️
Lovely book that I would recommend
Displaying 1 - 30 of 345 reviews