A Patchwork Family by Cathy Bramley

Gina is a woman who has had a lot of darkness in her life for the past few months, however, all is once again looking up as she starts a new chapter. Recently divorced, she now has the ticket to go out into the world and do something independent and follow her dreams as a childminder. However, as she begins to strive out into the world and become something for herself disaster strikes. The Evergreens, the place which she calls home has now been put up for sale. This is now Gina's fight for what is right for both her and friends. Does she have the confidence and tenacity to keep what is most important to her?

Gina has been living on The Evergreens estate for a while now, while renting Welcome Cottage and running her childminding business from there with great success. However, when the divorce comes through, she finally decides that it is time to branch out and expand. But this is left in tatters after her landlord unexpectedly dies and leaves the estate to both her great-niece and great-nephew, Rebecca and Dexter.

It is clear from the beginning what both Rebecca and Dexter's motivations are when turning up to their Great-Aunt's funeral. To make money and sell the estate, rather than giving much of a consideration to the people who have been living there, Gina and old pensioners, Bing and Delphine. But it is also highlighted that maybe all is not as it seems, with both of them feeling different towards the selling of the estate.

Can I just say from the moment that we were introduced to Dexter he seemed lovely? I mean really lovely. I feel like this male character compared to some of the others that Cathy has created feels really different somehow. It almost feels as though he is almost perfect. Seriously, what man goes about saying that they had a meet-cute the first time they meet a woman? It's adorable and strangely not something you hear every day from a man.

I think that it is important to note however, that in order to connect better with the story to read some of the other books by Cathy. But this is not essential, it is just that they have nice connections which you seem to appreciate much better. I might even be better if you read the other books after, because it doesn't really matter which order you read these books, because they are written so good.

It seems like there is a great emphasis on what community is and what it could be. The great thing is, Gina was a part of the community and not only did she get involved and be a part of it, but it also became her patchwork family. Sometimes we make our own families and they help us and make us stand tall in the face of disaster. This is a very important message to anyone who feels down or doesn't feel like they are appreciated in the way they should do, especially in the age of the Coronavirus. Even in such dark times, there is a guiding and shining light that makes you feel fuzzy and warm inside and that is definitely 'A Patchwork Family'.

There is little I find wrong with this book, so I have decided to award the accolade of 5 stars.

Comments

SEPTEMBER TBR!

Another month ended and school is slowly creeping back on us. Well, so much for the holidays! I have to admit that when it comes to this time in the year i get so depressed. Not only the fact of school dawning once again, but the fact there will be no more lie ins! Tough luck! But it is also because i won't have as much time to talk to you guys (mental cry). Meaning being able to keep up to daily reading... Wah wah! So what have I just received in my box of goodies for this month?... Well, it has to be the entire series of Dan Brown 's Robert Langdon, as well as other novels written by him. Including Deception Point and Digital Fortress. Yay! Pages and pages of new books to read!! I must admit that I may have already started Deception Point before letting you guys know what is happening. Total betrayal I know... Yeah, so in effect it is only 5 out of the six books received are actually TBR. But never mind. Seriously, who could pass on an incredible bestseller-...

The Blood Of Olympus: The Heroes Of Olympus by Rick Riordan

Yes. I have finally made it. When receiving the book last year on the day that it was published, I was very excited, not only because it had more about my favourite demigods, but also it was signed by the author himself. But then I thought, do I really want to finish what I started so many years ago? The book universe which literally made me the person I am today - writing to you. That is why it took over a year to gain the courage to tell myself that it is ok to move on. To not be stuck in the past. Cherish the moments that you have now, and see how much of a person you have become in these last few years. So, with my heart in my throat, I have decided to record and review the last Percy Jackson story that we will ever know there to be (except of course for the books which talk about Greek God's and Heroes). Right, just gathering my thoughts to tell you the final chapter. I guess you never know how difficult it is to give up your favourite characters, until the very end, wher...

A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston

I’ve been following Ashley Poston’s work for a while. At first it was the comic con series back in 2020 when she first became known to me during COVID. After I read the series I forgot about her for a while. It was only when I went into my local Waterstones to pick up The Dead Romantics she came back under my radar. She is now one of my must buys if a new book comes out. Her take of the romantic genre has always been fresh and interesting with some form of magical realism. A Novel Love Story follows our heroine Elsy, otherwise referred to as Eileen. Unlucky in love she struggles to try new things. Instead, she is comforted by her favourite book series by her favourite author, Rachel Flowers. On her way to a cabin retreat by herself, she finds her car broken down in a town that is somewhat familiar to her favourite book series. I’m not going to lie, compared to Poston’s earlier novels this book took some time for me to get into. There have been numerous occasions where I’ve had to...

The Snow Song by Sally Gardner

Synopsis : 'Women imprisoned by superstition, chained by guilt. Perched on a mountain in a land of ancient forests is a village, rife with secrets. Cut off from the outside world it is run by the elders, men to whom tradition is all. Edith lives alone with her alcoholic father who is forcing her to marry the village butcher. But she is in love with a shepherd who promised to return to her. As the village becomes isolated in a sea of snow, Edith loses her power of speech. And it is this enchantment that will have far-reaching consequences, not only for Edith but for the whole village.'

My Favourite Books... So Far

I have only really been reading seriously since I was thirteen years old, but I sure have found some books which I believe have really entertained and changed my perspective of life. Here are a few that I have rounded up that might be of interest to you. 1. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl Yes, this is pretty much a staple in any young reader's bookshelf, but not for me it wasn't. I didn't get to read this treasure until I was nineteen and I was so annoyed that I left it so long. Seriously, who doesn't love the idea of winning a golden ticket to a chocolate factory? It's the perfect little read for any age. Don't get me started on the writing! Oh, I could talk all day about it. It's simply perfection. 2. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell I know I'm basic. This is already such a popular book already, but I just couldn't resist. This book personally came at the right time for me. I read it just as I was going round and researching universities t...