A Patchwork Family (A Patchwork Family #1-4)
Published March 5th 2020 by Orion, Kindle Edition
Love, friendship and family come in all different shapes and sizes...
Gina has been going with the flow for years - she'd rather have an easy life than face any conflict. She runs her childminding business from her cottage at the edge of The Evergreens, a charming Victorian house and home to three octogenarians who have far too much fun for their age.
But when The Evergreens is put up for sale, Gina and the other residents face losing their home. To protect her business and save her elderly friends from eviction, Gina must make a stand and fight for the first time in her life.
As Gina's ideas for saving The Evergreens get bigger and bolder, she starts to believe it might just be possible. The only thing is, does she believe in herself?
*****
User Reviews
Rating: really liked it
It has been a long time since I have been on here to share a review with you and that is because I lost my husband last year and at your time of need you would think your love of reading would be there to help but unfortunately for me the complete opposite happened and I lost my joy of reading.
When I got my hands on a copy of The Patchwork Family by Cathy Bramley, an author I absolutely love and tie that with a little weekend break with my sister I was hopeful that I would find my love of reading hidden in the pages of this book.
Our main character Gina is such a down to earth, passionate and selfless character with a pure heart of gold. Gina is determined to make this new chapter of her life a positive and successful one in her own right. Her childminding business has the potential to blossom and as she begins to make plans for expansion the unexpected happens and throws her ideas in a grander scale which would help those around her but can she pull it off after years of being put down by her loved ones. As the storyline moves along we get to find out more about how Gina felt growing up and in her previous relationship which only made me only want her to succeed in her venture even more.
I felt like this was a relatable storyline with characters all dealing with life’s struggles in one way or another.
I loved the idea of bringing two different generations together to help the elderly with their loneliness and in turn the little ones learning traditional values, something that I think would benefit us all in the real world too. The storyline flowed beautifully making this such an addictive and enjoyable read that captured my heart with its hope, love and warmth.
There was some witty moments which kept the storyline light and uplifting buffering the more tender parts of the book. The oldies are a great addition to this storyline and Bing was thoroughly charming cheeky and entertaining throughout. There is a sweet sprinkling of romance in this book but this doesn’t overtake the whole storyline.
I was taken in by this novel and its warmth and kindness touched my heart and gave me the pure escapism I always loved in reading. This was up there with my favourite, Ivy Lane by this author and is definitely one that in these anxious and devastating times will take your mind off to a better place. I am thrilled to have loved and enjoyed this book which I will be recommending to many, lets just hope my reading mojo is back for good so I can pass more recommendations your way in this current time of distraction.
Rating: really liked it
Gina runs a child care business from the cottage she is renting at the edge of The Evergreens. The Evergreens is a stately old place which is home to the elderly Violet, Delphine and Bing. When the Evergreens is put up for sale, Gina and her friends try to come up with a plan to stop them being evicted and all losing their home. Gina does come up with a plan but she is not sure how feasible it is. It requires stepping out and taking a huge risk, something Gina, feels inadequate to do. Does she believe in herself and her ideas enough to see this plan through? And what about Dexter, the man who, along with his sister Rebecca, has come into her life and complicated matters in more ways than one. Can Gina find a way to bring her plans to fruition?
Gina is a lovey generous hearted person who really cares about her friends and the children she looks after. She is very easy to like and empathise with. The three elderly residents of the Evergreens are also beautifully drawn. Some of the other characters are initially unlikable given their attitudes but do change somewhat as the story progresses. Some more than others. There is also one person the reader will dislike intensely and with good reason. The story shows a lot about human nature. How people relate to each other and work together for a common cause but also how they turn on others quickly when things go pear shaped.
I really enjoyed this charming book. No doubt it is a pure bit of escapism but it is beautifully told. One issue I did query though was a decision Gina makes towards the end, which struck me as odd given how tight the money situation was. But that aside I was happy to suspend disbelief and go with the flow in this story of friendship, love and family. There are moments of sadness but also moments that had me laughing. The children Gina looks after are a delight and Gina is a creative and imaginative person. Unashamedly a feel good read, but in the current climate that was exactly what was needed. Anyone who likes chick lit with warm and likable characters should like this one. A recommended read that leaves you feeling good. My first book by this author I would be keen to read another.
Rating: really liked it
4.5 stars - such an uplifting read in these unsettling and uneasy times, perfect escapism. It was lovely to see the older generation getting such a key part to the storyline too, a really nice change.
Rating: really liked it
I’ve always love Cathy’s books and certainly didn’t disappoint me at all such a warm funny book with plenty about kindness and friendships come from many different people of different ages and plenty about romance to.
Gina has just divorced from her husband and she’s a childminder from a cottage she rents in a small lovely cottage on the edge of the evergreens which is a country home to three octogenarians and they have had so much fun and still do. One of the three people pass away suddenly and the evergreens is out up for sake she wants to stay there protect her work and her friends who are going to be evicted. She makes a stand and puts up a fight and she wants to buy the place. Can she with support of friends do this especially when someone else is interested but the more she fights she starts believing in herself. Problem is when she learns who the person is who wants it hoe will she react and also when she thinks she is fighting well she starts having feelings for someone can she prove she loves him or not. Will she be able to stay childminding and looking after her wonderful children.
Rating: really liked it
Such a heartwarming, cosy easy read; Just what you expect from a Cathy Bramley book.
I loved how the character ages ranged from baby to Octogenarian, it was nice to have that range.
Gina is so determined to protect the Victorian house, her child minding business and her elderly friends, I was willing her to succeed. There was also a bit of Christmas sparkle too and who doesn't love that?!
A solid 4.5 star for me.
Rating: really liked it
All of Cathy's books are brilliant, this being right up there too. I immediately warmed to Gina, she is an inspirational woman who is very kind and caring. I liked how the other characters stories came up and how Gina helps them. I liked the storyline and wished for Gina to start believing in herself more. I look forward to looking where this tor y goes on the next book of Cathy's. This book had me in tears but also had me laughing as some of the.children she looks after are hilarious, and Bing too is really funny. This is a must read.
Rating: really liked it
This book is every bit as glorious as I hoped it would be.
It’s so full of warmth and humour and the characters sparkle off the page. There are some truly adorable children and some wonderful octogenarians, a central character who is kind and generous, brilliant at her job but - like so many people - lacking in self-belief. The hero is utterly gorgeous!
It’s a book about family - but not just the family you’re born with, the family you make for yourselves. The ending is perfection.
I don’t think you could read this and fail to be cheered - and inspired. A beautiful, funny and engaging story about love and kindness, with a huge heart.
Rating: really liked it
SPOILER ALERT. This book was not my cup of tea. I felt like it took so long to get started and by the 145th page I was beginning to wonder what the book was even about as it didn't have a particular focus. There were too many events happening at once and too many characters. I felt like the ending was predictable and it didn't need to be 434 pages to get to that ending.
However that being said, my favourite part of the book was the final few chapters when Gina and Dexter finally got together which I had wanted all along. I think if the story focused solely on them, rather than several different things I would have enjoyed it more and given it a much higher rating.
Rating: really liked it
What a fantastic uplifting story. I laughter and cried my way through this book esp in part 4 of the book. I loved the characters even if I did find Gina a bit irritating at times😂
I loved that a lot of the story and love was given to elderly characters and that they weren’t just name dropped but an intricate part of the story.
My only criticism would be it should be marketed as a Christmas book as a lot of the story is about Christmas magic and I’m sat reading it in may, I’d love to be sat reading it with a hot chocolate and my Christmas tree
A first read by this author and I’ll definitely be checking out her other work
Solid 4.5 ⭐️
Rating: really liked it
Another cosy read, same format as always, but very enjoyable.
Rating: really liked it
This truly was a magical book. I loved all the characters and Gina who the main story is about is a wonderful woman with ambition and drive to keep people together.
Rating: really liked it
There were bits of this book that definitely made me laugh out loud. Would recommend!
Rating: really liked it
Absolutely loved it and even bought tears at the end. Will definitely be reading that again, just fantastic
Rating: really liked it
Good story line easy to follow 😊
Rating: really liked it
There were happy tears in my eyes by the end of this fabulous book.
But before you get to that point, you are treated to such a wonderful story, which has so many threads to it, and quite a few surprises too.
Gina is just a really lovely main character and she is determined to not let anyone evict her, or her elderly friends for their homes, much less the impact it has on her childminding business.
I'm not sure if I should be telling how wonderful the pensioners that live at Evergreens are, especially Bing who I really do have a soft spot for. Or how adorable the children are in Gina's friends for you get to know so many of them.
Including the new family Cat with her twins Lily and Isobel, who with Gina's care seem to come on leaps and bounds.
There are new friendships being formed all over the book, and I loved the various activities Gina did with her charges, Paige who is Gina's friend and also a childminder providing some contrast.
I always love it authors include characters from their previous books, and specifically it was fabulous to catch up with the Lemon Tree Cafe gang, and seeing what they are up to nowadays. This is 100% a standalone book, but fans of the author will potentially recognise and enjoy catching up with old friends.
Originally this was published in 4 parts and I love the way each part ends with just enough of a hook for me to be turning the pages frantically to start the next part. For I had to know what would happen next.
My mind has gone to mush trying to thinks of more words than just fabulous, but that is what this book truly is. I always love a Cathy Bramley and this was no exception. another gem by this always talented author.
