Existing Side By Side

Hetty’s Farmhouse Bakery by Cathy Bramley is a really delightful contemporary novel.

Set on a farm in Cumbria, the reader is treated to rolling hills and lots of sheep. There is a warm community atmosphere where everyone pulls together.

Old fashioned sheep farming combines with a new venture – baking. The novel shows that traditions and innovations can exist side by side. Diversification is the name of the game.

Kindness makes the world go round. “Kindness is a reflection of a person’s true beauty.” There are some very beautiful people in the novel. Kindness looks at mistakes and forgives. Kindness looks to others rather than self. Kindness binds people together.

Friends can be even closer than family. Good friendships are hard to find and well worth keeping.

The reader witnesses a strong marriage. We see the ingredients for a long lasting happy marriage are partnership and putting the other person first. As well as encouraging dreams.

Written in the first person, the reader ‘experiences’ the novel first hand. Hetty’s Farmhouse Bakery has a wonderful light fun filled atmosphere that sweeps the reader along. Parents evening at the start of the book, had me in absolute stitches.

I adore Cathy Bramley’s books. They make me smile and feel good as well as being cracking stories.

A delightful read.

I received this book for free from Net Galley. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

JULIA WILSON