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The Sunrise Sisterhood
Three generations of women, and the summer that saved them.
The holidays are here, and in Salcombe, Liz longs for the arrival of her god-daughters, Skye and Clare and Clare's daughter baby Ivy. After years on her own, she needs help to save the catering business she built with Clare's late mother, Jen.
However, half-sisters Skye and Clare couldn't be more different, struggling with family secrets and hidden jealousies. As the women navigate this unexpected summer together, truths are revealed and their relationships are put to the test.
The Sunrise Sisterhood is a summery slice of joyful escapism as well as an emotional drama about three women healed by the sparkling waves of Salcombe and the power of the sisterhood.
The holidays are here, and in Salcombe, Liz longs for the arrival of her god-daughters, Skye and Clare and Clare's daughter baby Ivy. After years on her own, she needs help to save the catering business she built with Clare's late mother, Jen.
However, half-sisters Skye and Clare couldn't be more different, struggling with family secrets and hidden jealousies. As the women navigate this unexpected summer together, truths are revealed and their relationships are put to the test.
The Sunrise Sisterhood is a summery slice of joyful escapism as well as an emotional drama about three women healed by the sparkling waves of Salcombe and the power of the sisterhood.
448 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 11, 2023
251 people are currently reading
931 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Bramley
66 books1,130 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 187 reviews
May 5, 2023
Liz is still reeling from the death of her best friend, drinking too much and letting her business fail. Clare is a single mum trying to do everything, whilst grieving for her mum.
Skye is at a crossroads with her job, running away from Uganda to figure out everything.
When both of her Goddaughters arrive at her house for the summer they must get over old hurts and learn how to be a family.
Well what a fabulous read, I do love books set in small towns with characters that are starting again and this was no exception.
I really enjoyed the multiple POV, of really being able to get to know what each character was thinking and feeling. Each had their own flaws and issues to get over and seeing their progress put a smile on my face.
This is a perfect holiday read, or if you aren't going on holiday it will certainly transport you to Salcombe for a couple of days.
Skye is at a crossroads with her job, running away from Uganda to figure out everything.
When both of her Goddaughters arrive at her house for the summer they must get over old hurts and learn how to be a family.
Well what a fabulous read, I do love books set in small towns with characters that are starting again and this was no exception.
I really enjoyed the multiple POV, of really being able to get to know what each character was thinking and feeling. Each had their own flaws and issues to get over and seeing their progress put a smile on my face.
This is a perfect holiday read, or if you aren't going on holiday it will certainly transport you to Salcombe for a couple of days.
June 17, 2023
Not a fan of lies and secrets, this book is full of both. I was looking forward to reading this book too, I usually like books by Cathy Bramley to, but not this one.
March 11, 2023
This was such a good book. Once I started it I found it hard to put it down.
I loved the strong female characters and their relationships with each other and Mike.
I liked how the love from Jen was woken through the whole story.
Liz’s story and how her grief was still so raw and how it was so tangible, yet she was so strong and the matriarch of her best friends family.
Clare and ivy were a solid little unit and really didn’t need anyone else in there lives….until life intervened.
Sky has come home with big decisions on her mind.
This was great thank you netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the strong female characters and their relationships with each other and Mike.
I liked how the love from Jen was woken through the whole story.
Liz’s story and how her grief was still so raw and how it was so tangible, yet she was so strong and the matriarch of her best friends family.
Clare and ivy were a solid little unit and really didn’t need anyone else in there lives….until life intervened.
Sky has come home with big decisions on her mind.
This was great thank you netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
August 17, 2025
I adored this book. Such a great mix of characters and a beautiful setting. You can really get a sense of the love that the author has for Salcombe through her writing and she says in her thank you’s at the end that she hopes her readers fall in love with it too and I did.
Sad at times but I found it uplifting and an absolute joy to read. Deserves 5 stars in my humble opinion.
Sad at times but I found it uplifting and an absolute joy to read. Deserves 5 stars in my humble opinion.
May 4, 2023
A great summer read that lives up to its title, it really is about sisterhood and families of all shapes with Interesting characters you want to hug. Lovely ending with scope for a sequel ( we live in hope) thank you for the advance copy netgalley.
March 1, 2023
Cathy Bramley writes brilliant books with multigenerational characters that just highlight so many of the different perspectives in life yet in a gentle soothing way that is a joy to read. The Sunrise Sisterhood does exactly this.
Based in Salcombe and combining three main characters if Skye, her half sister Clare and their godmother Liz, this book explores their summer trying to cope with their grief, battling many secrets and attempts to salvage Liz's catering business.
A warm book to cherish this will be a great holiday read this summer.
Based in Salcombe and combining three main characters if Skye, her half sister Clare and their godmother Liz, this book explores their summer trying to cope with their grief, battling many secrets and attempts to salvage Liz's catering business.
A warm book to cherish this will be a great holiday read this summer.
August 24, 2023
This was such a lovely, heartwarming story.
Liz has been lost since the loss of her best friend/business partner, Jen, and has been struggling to get the motivation to get through each day without a drink.
When her two god-daughters Clare and Skye come to stay for the summer, she hopes that this will be just the thing to help her find the joy in life again.
With the half-sisters never having been close and all three of them harbouring their own secrets, will the summer run smoothly or end in chaos?
I adored this whole book!
Filled with a celebration of sisterhood, romance, heartbreak, loss and grief and support - with some farce, fun and summer goodness thrown in.
I knew straight away that I would love our main characters.
Each of them vulnerable in their own ways, but none of them showing it to the outside world. Each with flaws and secrets - but the way that their friendships developed, it was soon easy to see that they would become a great support for each other.
There were some bumps along the way and some surprises too - but I loved how they bonded and came through for each other in the end.
There were a fair few storylines weaving around each other and these were really lovely to get immersed in.
Liz, Jen and Mike's relationships, Claire and Adam and Skye in Africa all added such depth to the characters and made them feel completely relatable.
The three women all dealing with very real, everyday issues that could affect any of us.
It was great to see them open up to each other eventually and to see how the storylines came together to a beautiful and satisfying conclusion.
This was such an easy read which had me laughing, holding my breath, even cringing but ultimately smiling from ear to ear.
This is the first book I've read by Cathy, but I will definitely be looking out for more reads now.
Liz has been lost since the loss of her best friend/business partner, Jen, and has been struggling to get the motivation to get through each day without a drink.
When her two god-daughters Clare and Skye come to stay for the summer, she hopes that this will be just the thing to help her find the joy in life again.
With the half-sisters never having been close and all three of them harbouring their own secrets, will the summer run smoothly or end in chaos?
I adored this whole book!
Filled with a celebration of sisterhood, romance, heartbreak, loss and grief and support - with some farce, fun and summer goodness thrown in.
I knew straight away that I would love our main characters.
Each of them vulnerable in their own ways, but none of them showing it to the outside world. Each with flaws and secrets - but the way that their friendships developed, it was soon easy to see that they would become a great support for each other.
There were some bumps along the way and some surprises too - but I loved how they bonded and came through for each other in the end.
There were a fair few storylines weaving around each other and these were really lovely to get immersed in.
Liz, Jen and Mike's relationships, Claire and Adam and Skye in Africa all added such depth to the characters and made them feel completely relatable.
The three women all dealing with very real, everyday issues that could affect any of us.
It was great to see them open up to each other eventually and to see how the storylines came together to a beautiful and satisfying conclusion.
This was such an easy read which had me laughing, holding my breath, even cringing but ultimately smiling from ear to ear.
This is the first book I've read by Cathy, but I will definitely be looking out for more reads now.
August 24, 2023
Are you ready for a summer of sunrises, sea breezes and secrets? It’s summertime in the glorious Salcombe, and Liz is having both of her goddaughters - Clare and Skye, stay for the summer. The half-sisters have never been close and there’s a lot of resentment between them. But as the summer draws along, they try to resolve their differences and attempt to become the sisters that each of them so desperately needs. Each one of these women is hiding a big secret, and they are going to need each other when the fallout inevitably comes. Can they form a strong sisterhood or will these already fragile relationships fall apart?
This book was so many things - it was heartwarming, comforting, full of wisdom, emotional, romantic, funny, joyful, inspiring…I could go on and on! From the moment I started reading this book, I knew I was going to fall in love with these three women and I absolutely did! They weren’t perfect and they definitely each had their flaws, but don’t we all? Liz, Skye and Clare so accurately represented real women facing real everyday problems.
Every time I picked up the book and started reading, the smile on my face just grew and grew. It was so cosy and comforting and everything about it just felt right. This book made me feel happy and that is credit to Cathy Bramley’s writing. She managed to construct a cast of characters and a plot that exuded complete and utter warmth so perfectly.
I really, really enjoyed this. I can’t recommend it enough - you will finish it with the biggest smile on your face and maybe even a little tear!
Thank you to Tandem for running this readalong and allowing me to be a part of Liz, Clare and Skye’s summer - it has been emotional!!
This book was so many things - it was heartwarming, comforting, full of wisdom, emotional, romantic, funny, joyful, inspiring…I could go on and on! From the moment I started reading this book, I knew I was going to fall in love with these three women and I absolutely did! They weren’t perfect and they definitely each had their flaws, but don’t we all? Liz, Skye and Clare so accurately represented real women facing real everyday problems.
Every time I picked up the book and started reading, the smile on my face just grew and grew. It was so cosy and comforting and everything about it just felt right. This book made me feel happy and that is credit to Cathy Bramley’s writing. She managed to construct a cast of characters and a plot that exuded complete and utter warmth so perfectly.
I really, really enjoyed this. I can’t recommend it enough - you will finish it with the biggest smile on your face and maybe even a little tear!
Thank you to Tandem for running this readalong and allowing me to be a part of Liz, Clare and Skye’s summer - it has been emotional!!
May 31, 2023
Loved the family connections and the storytelling was fabulous, my new favourite book by Cathy Bramley.
July 9, 2023
An enjoyable read.
February 6, 2024
A Review to follow
November 3, 2025
Read for book club: very predictable romance where it all ends happily ever after, despite appalling communication between characters! I knew the end by end of chapter 1. It was a very light, stress free read.
October 1, 2023
Loved this from start to finish 😊
October 8, 2023
Another absolutely fantastic read, loved it all and one I will remember, just like The Summer That Changed Us. Thank you Cathy.
August 26, 2024
A good easy light read a fun story about women looking after women
December 16, 2024
I recently attended an in-person author talk organised by the monthly book club that I belong to. Cathy Bramley was one of the two attending authors, the other being Cressida McLaughlin. They were both utterly charming and it was really interesting to hear them interview each other about their journey to become published authors.
This is the first of Cathy’s novels that I have read and, whilst I am not a devotee of commercial literature of this kind, I did escape into it quite easily. The cast of characters were all flawed, with the exception of the baby, Ivy, and some of them were frankly unlikeable. The novel was predominantly about familial and romantic relationships, with each relationship being broken or somewhat dysfunctional. I have a feeling that other novels by this author will similarly tackle other social and personal issues and I am curious to read at least one more to see whether this is indeed the case, which was hinted at during the author talk.
In this novel we have a failing small business owner whose partner and best friend has recently died in a car accident prompting her addiction to alcohol in an attempt to assuage her grief. There is also: a pregnancy and birth resulting from a one night stand, an older man-younger woman serial husband, a new same sex relationship, sibling rivalry and unrequited love, to name but a few of the issues.
The title is somewhat of a mystery and a little misleading. It refers to a yoga group who meet on the beach in the early mornings. The group is only mentioned on a couple of occasions, as a place where one of the characters attends class and meets her new love interest. The novel is definitely about sisterhood and the benefits of women supporting each other emotionally and physically, but I think a more relevant title could have been found.
I do love a happy ending and all the issues and broken relationships were resolved and repaired, which ties up loose ends nicely. In real life of course things are more complicated, but then who wants to read of conflict and despair in these difficult times? What we all need is literature that inspires and uplifts us and provides us with some escapism. This novel does provide escapism and it was an easy read, but it reads rather like a soap opera. I will try one more of this author’s stories, as I really liked her in person and found her engaging to listen to.
This is the first of Cathy’s novels that I have read and, whilst I am not a devotee of commercial literature of this kind, I did escape into it quite easily. The cast of characters were all flawed, with the exception of the baby, Ivy, and some of them were frankly unlikeable. The novel was predominantly about familial and romantic relationships, with each relationship being broken or somewhat dysfunctional. I have a feeling that other novels by this author will similarly tackle other social and personal issues and I am curious to read at least one more to see whether this is indeed the case, which was hinted at during the author talk.
In this novel we have a failing small business owner whose partner and best friend has recently died in a car accident prompting her addiction to alcohol in an attempt to assuage her grief. There is also: a pregnancy and birth resulting from a one night stand, an older man-younger woman serial husband, a new same sex relationship, sibling rivalry and unrequited love, to name but a few of the issues.
The title is somewhat of a mystery and a little misleading. It refers to a yoga group who meet on the beach in the early mornings. The group is only mentioned on a couple of occasions, as a place where one of the characters attends class and meets her new love interest. The novel is definitely about sisterhood and the benefits of women supporting each other emotionally and physically, but I think a more relevant title could have been found.
I do love a happy ending and all the issues and broken relationships were resolved and repaired, which ties up loose ends nicely. In real life of course things are more complicated, but then who wants to read of conflict and despair in these difficult times? What we all need is literature that inspires and uplifts us and provides us with some escapism. This novel does provide escapism and it was an easy read, but it reads rather like a soap opera. I will try one more of this author’s stories, as I really liked her in person and found her engaging to listen to.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2023
What a lovely warm and uplifting read this is with three fabulous main characters, each dealing with their own issues in life but ultimately so much better with each other to support. Liz is still reeling from the death of her best friend and business partner, not to mention a long time unrequited love, but her way of dealing with her loss is far from healthy; her goddaughters are half sisters who have always resented each other thanks to their fathers attitude to them leaving them feeling unwanted or second best and neither are happy at the prospect of a summer spent with the other.
All the characters had good storylines, not over complicated but that made them all the more relatable. The setting was lovely and the overall feel of the book was so warm-hearted and positive making for a lovely easy and relaxing read as you would expect from Cathy Bramley.
All the characters had good storylines, not over complicated but that made them all the more relatable. The setting was lovely and the overall feel of the book was so warm-hearted and positive making for a lovely easy and relaxing read as you would expect from Cathy Bramley.
March 16, 2023
Although this isn't my favourite Cathy book. It's a good one non the less and if you are a fan you will most likely throughout enjoy it. I loved the fact that it was a book about female solidarity, friendship and love. I didn't like the main man one little bit, he was rude, conceited, selfish and unkind. It's full of heart, and well written.
June 26, 2024
What a delightful story! It contained some of.my favorite elements: romance, heartwarming family and friend relationships, several baddies I loved to hate, a very cute baby, and a satisfying HEA.
Definitely a future re-read!
Mostly rated G with a few PG-13 storylines.
Definitely a future re-read!
Mostly rated G with a few PG-13 storylines.
May 16, 2023
In The Sunrise Sisterhood three strong women take the starring roles. At 61, divorced with no family, Liz has lost her mojo since her best friend and business partner Jen died. Liz no longer wants to cater dinner and tea parties for residents and visitors to Salcombe – she has scaled her work right back.
But then Jen’s ex-husband Mike asks a favour. Will she employ Skye, his daughter from his second marriage, for the summer? Liz will do anything for Mike – she has been in love with him for forty years.
Skye arrives, with has decisions to make about her future. Will a summer in Devon help her make up her mind?
Mike’s first daughter Clare, from his marriage to Jen, is also planning to spend the summer with Liz. A single mum to baby Ivy, she is looking forward to the break. But when she arrives to discover Skye is there, sparks fly. The half-sisters have always resented each other.
Can Liz keep the peace amidst the challenges all three face? She needs to get over Mike and find a fresh path in life, Skye has to decide where her heart lies, and Clare has to find out the hard way that she can’t do everything by herself.
By the end of summer relationships will change – some will grow, some will wither. But what a lot of adventures the women have to go through first.
And that’s great news for the reader, who is kept thoroughly entertained by the captivating storytelling. From Liz’s drunken antics on her first day back on the job – who hasn’t been there and worn the T-shirt of shame? – to Skye’s growing feelings for a new friend and Clare’s secret horror at discovering her lies about her baby’s father might be found out, it’s all page-turning stuff.
Every human emotion is here. Unrequited love, loneliness, jealousy, grief, anxiety and fear for the future underpin the narrative but are balanced by unconditional love, laughter, loyalty and friendship as the three women grow in strength and band together in sisterhood against their common “enemy” Mike. But for all his flaws, he’s an endearing character, too.
Cathy’s book always leave me with a warm glow in my heart, but I finished this one feeling particularly happy and inspired. There’s something and someone for everyone here. I’m team Liz, right down to the longing for a glass of chilled Rose – who will you be?
But then Jen’s ex-husband Mike asks a favour. Will she employ Skye, his daughter from his second marriage, for the summer? Liz will do anything for Mike – she has been in love with him for forty years.
Skye arrives, with has decisions to make about her future. Will a summer in Devon help her make up her mind?
Mike’s first daughter Clare, from his marriage to Jen, is also planning to spend the summer with Liz. A single mum to baby Ivy, she is looking forward to the break. But when she arrives to discover Skye is there, sparks fly. The half-sisters have always resented each other.
Can Liz keep the peace amidst the challenges all three face? She needs to get over Mike and find a fresh path in life, Skye has to decide where her heart lies, and Clare has to find out the hard way that she can’t do everything by herself.
By the end of summer relationships will change – some will grow, some will wither. But what a lot of adventures the women have to go through first.
And that’s great news for the reader, who is kept thoroughly entertained by the captivating storytelling. From Liz’s drunken antics on her first day back on the job – who hasn’t been there and worn the T-shirt of shame? – to Skye’s growing feelings for a new friend and Clare’s secret horror at discovering her lies about her baby’s father might be found out, it’s all page-turning stuff.
Every human emotion is here. Unrequited love, loneliness, jealousy, grief, anxiety and fear for the future underpin the narrative but are balanced by unconditional love, laughter, loyalty and friendship as the three women grow in strength and band together in sisterhood against their common “enemy” Mike. But for all his flaws, he’s an endearing character, too.
Cathy’s book always leave me with a warm glow in my heart, but I finished this one feeling particularly happy and inspired. There’s something and someone for everyone here. I’m team Liz, right down to the longing for a glass of chilled Rose – who will you be?
May 12, 2023
Rating: 4.5 Stars
This summer fall in love with Cathy Bramley’s hopeful, heartfelt and irresistible new novel, The Sunrise Sisterhood.
The holidays are here and Liz is eagerly awaiting the arrival of her god-daughters, Skye and Clare and Clare’s baby daughter Ivy. Liz cannot wait until the girls get to Salcombe because she is in desperate need of their help. Years ago, Liz had built a catering business with the girls’ late mother, Jen and with times being hard and money being in very short supply, the business is in danger of going under – unless Skye and Clare can help her save it. However, Liz quickly realises that all of them have got quite a challenge on their hands and rescuing the business from the doldrums is going to be an uphill battle she is not sure she is up for.
Half-sisters Skye and Clare are like chalk and cheese. They couldn’t be more different and the more time Liz spends with them, the more she realises that their disagreements are merely a cover for the simmering jealousies and devastating secrets that are weighing her god-daughters down. As shocking truths are revealed and relationships are challenged and tested like never before, this summer promises to be one the three women will remember forever – hopefully for all the right reasons…
Can the business be saved? Will the two sisters manage to heal from the past, lay old ghosts to rest and forge forward into the future? Or will this summer leave them with no other option but to each go their separate ways?
Reading a Cathy Bramley novel is like having a chat with your best friend over a glass of wine and a great big slice of your favourite cake and The Sunrise Sisterhood is definitely no exception. A book that had me laughing out loud and sobbing my heart out, The Sunrise Sisterhood is a spellbinding tale about forgiveness, belonging, second chances and love I couldn’t bear to put down.
With characters who are so real they will feel like old friends by the end of the book, laugh-out loud humour, intense emotion and heart-wrenching pathos, Cathy Bramley’s The Sunrise Sisterhood needs to be in every one’s beach bag this summer.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This summer fall in love with Cathy Bramley’s hopeful, heartfelt and irresistible new novel, The Sunrise Sisterhood.
The holidays are here and Liz is eagerly awaiting the arrival of her god-daughters, Skye and Clare and Clare’s baby daughter Ivy. Liz cannot wait until the girls get to Salcombe because she is in desperate need of their help. Years ago, Liz had built a catering business with the girls’ late mother, Jen and with times being hard and money being in very short supply, the business is in danger of going under – unless Skye and Clare can help her save it. However, Liz quickly realises that all of them have got quite a challenge on their hands and rescuing the business from the doldrums is going to be an uphill battle she is not sure she is up for.
Half-sisters Skye and Clare are like chalk and cheese. They couldn’t be more different and the more time Liz spends with them, the more she realises that their disagreements are merely a cover for the simmering jealousies and devastating secrets that are weighing her god-daughters down. As shocking truths are revealed and relationships are challenged and tested like never before, this summer promises to be one the three women will remember forever – hopefully for all the right reasons…
Can the business be saved? Will the two sisters manage to heal from the past, lay old ghosts to rest and forge forward into the future? Or will this summer leave them with no other option but to each go their separate ways?
Reading a Cathy Bramley novel is like having a chat with your best friend over a glass of wine and a great big slice of your favourite cake and The Sunrise Sisterhood is definitely no exception. A book that had me laughing out loud and sobbing my heart out, The Sunrise Sisterhood is a spellbinding tale about forgiveness, belonging, second chances and love I couldn’t bear to put down.
With characters who are so real they will feel like old friends by the end of the book, laugh-out loud humour, intense emotion and heart-wrenching pathos, Cathy Bramley’s The Sunrise Sisterhood needs to be in every one’s beach bag this summer.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 9, 2023
Liz is lonely. Since the death of best friend Jen, she hasn’t had the energy to keep the Seaside Gourmet Girls in full operation.
Headteacher Clare needs some downtime. Independent and refusing help, she’s close to burn out. She’s looking forward to time in Salcombe with Liz and her own baby daughter Ivy.
Skye is on leave from her role with the Hope Foundation charity project in Uganda. She needs to make a decision but had to have time away to clear her head to do so.
Liz meets up with Jen’s ex-husband Mike on what would have been Jen’s birthday. She’s given news that means she’ll have to get the catering business up and running again. Mike offers the opportunity for Skye to help her out for the summer, but Liz is wary at first. With Clare and Ivy staying for the summer and no love lost between Clare and Skye, it could cause more problems than it solves. Liz believes Mike when he promises to smooth it over.
Oh how I loved this story. I didn’t want it to end! The Sunrise Sisterhood gave me the whole spectrum of feelings. It felt good to snort with laughter (the misunderstanding at the business meeting is a classic), feel uncomfortable in places (the catered birthday party springs to mind – funny to watch on the outside but painful because of why), cry tears of sadness and happiness. The birthday party invite is ingenious! This made me cry big heartfelt tears. Surely it had to make a difference.
I enjoyed finding out what motivated the characters and loved them all. Mike was the biggest surprise of all for me. And it made sense for something else that had puzzled me.
The conflicts are creative, moving the action along on a jagged path to understanding and realisations. I loved how different it was for each of the characters yet comes together to make a whole.
Salcombe is where it’s at this summer. Where secrets are revealed and all three women find their own way through to live their best lives. I loved it!
https://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/5-boo...
Headteacher Clare needs some downtime. Independent and refusing help, she’s close to burn out. She’s looking forward to time in Salcombe with Liz and her own baby daughter Ivy.
Skye is on leave from her role with the Hope Foundation charity project in Uganda. She needs to make a decision but had to have time away to clear her head to do so.
Liz meets up with Jen’s ex-husband Mike on what would have been Jen’s birthday. She’s given news that means she’ll have to get the catering business up and running again. Mike offers the opportunity for Skye to help her out for the summer, but Liz is wary at first. With Clare and Ivy staying for the summer and no love lost between Clare and Skye, it could cause more problems than it solves. Liz believes Mike when he promises to smooth it over.
Oh how I loved this story. I didn’t want it to end! The Sunrise Sisterhood gave me the whole spectrum of feelings. It felt good to snort with laughter (the misunderstanding at the business meeting is a classic), feel uncomfortable in places (the catered birthday party springs to mind – funny to watch on the outside but painful because of why), cry tears of sadness and happiness. The birthday party invite is ingenious! This made me cry big heartfelt tears. Surely it had to make a difference.
I enjoyed finding out what motivated the characters and loved them all. Mike was the biggest surprise of all for me. And it made sense for something else that had puzzled me.
The conflicts are creative, moving the action along on a jagged path to understanding and realisations. I loved how different it was for each of the characters yet comes together to make a whole.
Salcombe is where it’s at this summer. Where secrets are revealed and all three women find their own way through to live their best lives. I loved it!
https://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/5-boo...
March 22, 2023
This one was a bit on the ‘give me the author’s other books instead’ as they are a lot better.
This did start off well however some things annoyed me and it just got worse from there. For starters the godmother is a drunk. She doesn’t seem to realise this and if she does she doesn’t do much to help, who drinks that much during an event they are working?! She is also obsessed with her best friend’s ex-husband for over 20 years, MOVE ON! Especially when he has been a complete ass of a person to his children and his ex wife and her.
Skye is okay, she is a normal 20’s girl figuring out her life. She is the only character that I think was written well.
Big flaw:
There are a good few inaccuracies with Ivy (the under 1 year old) which really annoyed me.
Because 1. Is this a toddler or a big bruiser lump of a baby?
2. You do not feed an under 1 year old raisins, everyone knows that. Yet Claire states this is one of Ivy’s snacks. Anyone should know this is a choking hazard, anything small and chewy like that - whatever size your baby is you do not give it snacks of this kind.
3. It understands words and and speak back like a 4 year old. Even if the child is a big bruiser when it is under 1. Realistically it does not function the way this one is being described.
4. How can the baby’s father realistically not actually see from looking at the baby that it is his? Obviously it looks like him when he’s saying hey funny thing that baby looks like my dad. Well duh! He would have features and if it looks like your dad it clearly must look like you too then. There is obviously some resemblance on the fathers side so how could he not put two and two together?
Lastly, I have a petite baby therefore I can say the above because this is from actual knowledge and experience.
Overall, this novel could have been improved, I love this author’s novels usually however this novel annoyed me with its inaccuracies and unrealistic ness of common sense. The author has better books out there which I strongly encourage exploring.
Thank you to publishers for sending this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Review: https://clife.blog/2023/03/27/book-re...
This did start off well however some things annoyed me and it just got worse from there. For starters the godmother is a drunk. She doesn’t seem to realise this and if she does she doesn’t do much to help, who drinks that much during an event they are working?! She is also obsessed with her best friend’s ex-husband for over 20 years, MOVE ON! Especially when he has been a complete ass of a person to his children and his ex wife and her.
Skye is okay, she is a normal 20’s girl figuring out her life. She is the only character that I think was written well.
Big flaw:
There are a good few inaccuracies with Ivy (the under 1 year old) which really annoyed me.
Because 1. Is this a toddler or a big bruiser lump of a baby?
2. You do not feed an under 1 year old raisins, everyone knows that. Yet Claire states this is one of Ivy’s snacks. Anyone should know this is a choking hazard, anything small and chewy like that - whatever size your baby is you do not give it snacks of this kind.
3. It understands words and and speak back like a 4 year old. Even if the child is a big bruiser when it is under 1. Realistically it does not function the way this one is being described.
4. How can the baby’s father realistically not actually see from looking at the baby that it is his? Obviously it looks like him when he’s saying hey funny thing that baby looks like my dad. Well duh! He would have features and if it looks like your dad it clearly must look like you too then. There is obviously some resemblance on the fathers side so how could he not put two and two together?
Lastly, I have a petite baby therefore I can say the above because this is from actual knowledge and experience.
Overall, this novel could have been improved, I love this author’s novels usually however this novel annoyed me with its inaccuracies and unrealistic ness of common sense. The author has better books out there which I strongly encourage exploring.
Thank you to publishers for sending this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Review: https://clife.blog/2023/03/27/book-re...
September 10, 2023
This book centres around three women, Liz and her two god-daughters, Clare and Skye. All the women are different in personalities as well as having something going on in their lives that they are hiding. The story is set in an idyllic location which had me wishing I could transport myself to see the wonderful places and scenery that were being described as they were so picturesque.
I adored getting to know these women better as well as finding out what they are hiding. When Clare and her half sister Skye turn up at Liz’s house to spend the summer, things are off to a frosty start. There is a lot of history between them with both having very different up bringing’s which has created a lot of tension and jealousy over the years. It was heart-warming to see that due to certain events, things start to thaw and all three women start to open up and allow the others in.
There are a great cast of characters that make this story even more charming. I loved Peter and his eccentric mum and aunt who never failed to bring a smile to my face. Also Clare’s daughter, Ivy. She is such a cutie and brought back fond memories of when my children were that small.
The Sunrise Sisterhood by Cathy Bramley is an endearing and uplifting read that stole my heart. It’s very much about overcoming grief, letting others in and more importantly, how good it is to talk. You can’t help but get wrapped up in the gorgeous setting and even lovelier characters and it had my emotions go into over drive. It’s one of those stories that leaves you with a big cheesy grin on your face. An absolute delight to read!
I adored getting to know these women better as well as finding out what they are hiding. When Clare and her half sister Skye turn up at Liz’s house to spend the summer, things are off to a frosty start. There is a lot of history between them with both having very different up bringing’s which has created a lot of tension and jealousy over the years. It was heart-warming to see that due to certain events, things start to thaw and all three women start to open up and allow the others in.
There are a great cast of characters that make this story even more charming. I loved Peter and his eccentric mum and aunt who never failed to bring a smile to my face. Also Clare’s daughter, Ivy. She is such a cutie and brought back fond memories of when my children were that small.
The Sunrise Sisterhood by Cathy Bramley is an endearing and uplifting read that stole my heart. It’s very much about overcoming grief, letting others in and more importantly, how good it is to talk. You can’t help but get wrapped up in the gorgeous setting and even lovelier characters and it had my emotions go into over drive. It’s one of those stories that leaves you with a big cheesy grin on your face. An absolute delight to read!
August 6, 2023
Holiday reading, can take you anywhere. Here we are off to Salcombe, Devon.
Liz is grieving her best friend and work partner Jenny. She hasn’t managed to maintain the catering business since her tragic death. However when Jenny’s ex husband asks for something, it appears Liz has to get back to what she was doing before her life changed.
Clare, Jenny’s daughter is a single mother to baby Ivy. She is determined to do it all on her own, including being a headteacher and certainly not accepting help from anyone. But Clare misses her mum, and spending time with Liz in the summer holidays, is going to be what she needs the most.
Skye, has returned from her work in Uganda, she has to decide what to do next, When an opportunity to work with her godmother, Liz she heads to Devon. What she doesn’t realise is that her stepsister Clare will be there as well.
This book is full of secrets and jealousies that have threatened to ruin relationships and families. It seems that even the younger of the characters are continuing in that vain. By bringing all these women together with their emotional baggage, something has to come to a head during this particular summer in Salcombe.
Liz, Clare and Skye learn a lot about each other and themselves. In the face of adversity they are quick to defend each other, but perhaps that is the most startling outcome, it makes them as much introspective of their own actions as well.
Some lovely characters to laugh along with, exasperate about and cry with, this books is full of female hopes and desires. A proper sisterhood supports each other and Cathy Bramley shows you how it can be done with the backdrop of Salcombe added in for the perfect setting.
If you are expecting the romantic cosy fiction feel that this author often writes about then you will be disappointed. This is a book which can be seen as raw and emotional, with romance as a secondary plot. Don’t let that put you off, this is about embracing women and the strength and power of female relationships. If you need that pick me up – then it is a book to read.
Liz is grieving her best friend and work partner Jenny. She hasn’t managed to maintain the catering business since her tragic death. However when Jenny’s ex husband asks for something, it appears Liz has to get back to what she was doing before her life changed.
Clare, Jenny’s daughter is a single mother to baby Ivy. She is determined to do it all on her own, including being a headteacher and certainly not accepting help from anyone. But Clare misses her mum, and spending time with Liz in the summer holidays, is going to be what she needs the most.
Skye, has returned from her work in Uganda, she has to decide what to do next, When an opportunity to work with her godmother, Liz she heads to Devon. What she doesn’t realise is that her stepsister Clare will be there as well.
This book is full of secrets and jealousies that have threatened to ruin relationships and families. It seems that even the younger of the characters are continuing in that vain. By bringing all these women together with their emotional baggage, something has to come to a head during this particular summer in Salcombe.
Liz, Clare and Skye learn a lot about each other and themselves. In the face of adversity they are quick to defend each other, but perhaps that is the most startling outcome, it makes them as much introspective of their own actions as well.
Some lovely characters to laugh along with, exasperate about and cry with, this books is full of female hopes and desires. A proper sisterhood supports each other and Cathy Bramley shows you how it can be done with the backdrop of Salcombe added in for the perfect setting.
If you are expecting the romantic cosy fiction feel that this author often writes about then you will be disappointed. This is a book which can be seen as raw and emotional, with romance as a secondary plot. Don’t let that put you off, this is about embracing women and the strength and power of female relationships. If you need that pick me up – then it is a book to read.
May 11, 2023
If like me you are starting to dream of summer and you are looking for a truly delightful easy read, then you must read The Sunshine Sisterhood by. It is a story of family, friendship and new beginnings and a thoroughly engaging story that will sweep you up right from the start.
Liz runs a catering company in Salcombe, but following the death of her business partner and best friend Jen, she has rather fall out of love with the business. When her two god-daughters and half sisters Clare and Skye both come to spend the summer with her they find themselves all pulling together to save Liz’s business - and along the way they form bonds and support each other to confront the secrets they are hiding and the issues each of them are dealing with in their lives.
I loved the multi-generational element of the three main characters, all dealing with very relatable issues and each strong in their own way. Emotional without being overly saccharine, their stories drew me in and I was rooting for all three of them to find their happy ending. And the familiar Salcombe setting made me long for long summer days by the sea - in my case a perfect escapism read for a rainy bank holiday weekend but equally the ideal holiday read!
Liz runs a catering company in Salcombe, but following the death of her business partner and best friend Jen, she has rather fall out of love with the business. When her two god-daughters and half sisters Clare and Skye both come to spend the summer with her they find themselves all pulling together to save Liz’s business - and along the way they form bonds and support each other to confront the secrets they are hiding and the issues each of them are dealing with in their lives.
I loved the multi-generational element of the three main characters, all dealing with very relatable issues and each strong in their own way. Emotional without being overly saccharine, their stories drew me in and I was rooting for all three of them to find their happy ending. And the familiar Salcombe setting made me long for long summer days by the sea - in my case a perfect escapism read for a rainy bank holiday weekend but equally the ideal holiday read!
April 13, 2023
I am never disappointed with any book by Cathy Bramley. I've read them all and don't even need to read the blurb to know I'm going to love every one of her latest books. Cathy writes with so much warmth, kindness and with a special talent for understanding and relating to all age groups. This is another multi generational story featuring three women who are all flawed, struggling with crises in their lives and yet have an inner strength that pulls them through. I liked all of these women equally as they all brought something different to the story. There are various themes throughout including romance, betrayal, family feuds, alcoholism and more - all of which kept me gripped and wanting to read just one more chapter to see what happened next. Another thing that I love about Cathy's writing is that despite some hard hitting subjects and some unpleasant people and situations she never resorts to offensive language or graphic sexual descriptions. It takes a special talent to convey certain scenarios in a way that informs rather than offends. Keep them coming Cathy. I look forward to the next one.
July 25, 2023
I had forgotten I had already tried this author, but at least I did finish this one (unlike The Summer That Changed Us) but I can't say I have changed my opinion enough to make me consider reading any more of her books. Perhaps because I didn't connect with any of the characters I found myself picking up on things I might have overlooked had I been more invested in their stories...
The Gourmet Girls, we are told, is a successful business yet after trading for 15 years it is overdrawn at the bank and has little more to show for itself than some cutlery, crockery and glassware. Secondly, Claire is happy to breastfeed whilst taking (medically prescribed) Morphine! Thirdly, photographs are "taken for prosperity" I'm not sure if that is a typo our friend the damp squid. Fourthly, Liz's vegan faux pas, she would have to have been permanently plastered all through the menu research and planning to make such a stupid mistake.
The book is not without some redeeming features, I did like the way the two half-sisters envied the other's childhood, seeing it through their own interpretation of the reality.
The Gourmet Girls, we are told, is a successful business yet after trading for 15 years it is overdrawn at the bank and has little more to show for itself than some cutlery, crockery and glassware. Secondly, Claire is happy to breastfeed whilst taking (medically prescribed) Morphine! Thirdly, photographs are "taken for prosperity" I'm not sure if that is a typo our friend the damp squid. Fourthly, Liz's vegan faux pas, she would have to have been permanently plastered all through the menu research and planning to make such a stupid mistake.
The book is not without some redeeming features, I did like the way the two half-sisters envied the other's childhood, seeing it through their own interpretation of the reality.
June 26, 2024
I started off really enjoying this book but the more things progressed the more I disliked it.
I am all for a light-hearted romance but if you are going to bring some big themes into that then you need to do your research and write about them in a some what authentic way. The really big issue in this book is that Liz is an alcoholic. She is sneaking swigs from the bottle while no one is looking and is reliant on drink every day for quite a fair proportion of the day and clearly can not just have one drink and that be enough. My problem with this is the author then goes on to write her stopping drinking so incredibly easy. She doesn't have a single relapse, she doesn't have withdrawal symptoms, no mood swings, no shakes, not even any real cravings. it is just poorly written and does a huge disservice to the topic and all those people who have battled with similar.
The rest of the plot is fine. Sky was my favourite character and also the least problematic of the 3 women. Mike was a awful man and I found his redemption arch all too easy too. A man of 65 does not suddenly change into an enlightened modern man over the space of a weekend.
I am all for a light-hearted romance but if you are going to bring some big themes into that then you need to do your research and write about them in a some what authentic way. The really big issue in this book is that Liz is an alcoholic. She is sneaking swigs from the bottle while no one is looking and is reliant on drink every day for quite a fair proportion of the day and clearly can not just have one drink and that be enough. My problem with this is the author then goes on to write her stopping drinking so incredibly easy. She doesn't have a single relapse, she doesn't have withdrawal symptoms, no mood swings, no shakes, not even any real cravings. it is just poorly written and does a huge disservice to the topic and all those people who have battled with similar.
The rest of the plot is fine. Sky was my favourite character and also the least problematic of the 3 women. Mike was a awful man and I found his redemption arch all too easy too. A man of 65 does not suddenly change into an enlightened modern man over the space of a weekend.
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