Cathy Bramley – Author of light-hearted, romantic women's fiction

Hello and welcome to my website. This is the place to catch up with all my news (by the way, don’t forget to sign up to my newsletter while you’re here), find out a bit about me and get the lowdown on my books. My eighteenth novel, SOMEWHERE ONLY WE KNOW is available from on 31 July 2025! Dig around and you might find a competition to enter and hints about my new releases.

Thank you for visiting and do come back soon!

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Cathy Bramley

1 week ago

Guatemala…
This country stole my heart, from the colourful architecture, to the kindness of the people and the beauty of the landscape. It’s a place of great contrast: lakes and mountains, bustling towns and crowded buses, volcanoes and jungle. I was hot one minute and piling on layers the next. Some highlights…
A tour of Tikal Mayan ruins at sunset
Breakfast overlooking the lake in Flores
Street food and fireworks at the Flores festival
The gorgeous colours of Antigua
Buying irresistible textiles at Chichicastengo market
Witnessing Mayan religious rituals on the steps of the Catholic church
Hiking up Acatenango to camp overnight (🥶) and watch the eruption of a live volcano - a once in a lifetime experience, if you ever get the chance, take it!
The stunning views of Lake Atitlan and the pretty towns on its shores. And the rookie error of sitting at the front of the lancha whilst whizzing across the water.
The seafood!!! I’ve had more delicious ceviche here than anywhere and the flavours are off the charts.
The best bit of all… I’m only halfway through our trip!
#somewhereonlyweknow ... See MoreSee Less

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Cathy Bramley

2 weeks ago

So #2016…
1. I was in my cheer mom era. Which with two daughters meant lots of rehearsals, competitions all over the country and much holding of breath as Isabel was thrown up into the air and secured by one foot by some equally tiny teens.
2. I MET MARIAN KEYES! She appeared at the theatre in Nottingham and inadvertently gave me the best writing advice I’ve ever had which rescued me from my writing nightmare. She said sometimes you have to go back to go forward. That became my very next action with the book I was struggling with - The Lemon Tree Cafe. I ditched 75k words and started again in…
3. & 4. A tiny cottage I rented in Derbyshire which became the inspiration for Rosie’s home. I wish I’d had more confidence in myself as I sat wrangling with words - The Lemon Tree Cafe went on to be my first Sunday Times bestseller.
5. I met Milly Johnson for the first time at the Romantic Novelists Association awards dinner. I was a bit in awe of her then and now I’m proud to call her a friend and over the years she’s been one of my biggest cheerleaders. Love you Johnners!
6. I also met Fern Britton at the same event. She was one of the first readers of Ivy Lane - my first book - and gave me a wonderful quote to use. I’ll forever be grateful for her kindness.
7. I celebrated the launch of The Plumberry School of Comfort Food at the Lowdham Book Festival with a signing at The Bookcase independent bookstore near my village and then…
8.Went on a relaxing holiday and read it in preparation for editing my next book as it featured some of the same characters.
9. A research trip for A Match Made In Devon - one of my favourites books.
10. I find immersing myself in the world of my characters very useful in the weeks prior to beginning the first draft. This one was for A Match Made In Devon.
11. A fantastic event at Waterstones Birmingham with Miranda Dickinson, Cressida McLaughlin (not pictured) and Lucy Diamond. I hadn’t met Lucy before and was yet again star struck but she was lovely. Book people, in my opinion, always are! ... See MoreSee Less

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Cathy Bramley

3 weeks ago

Ever since I got the idea of writing a book about a mum who took a gap year*, I’ve been dying to do a bit of independent travel.
And guess what… I’m finally getting to do it!
On Monday 5th of Jan, my partner and I set off with our backpacks for a five week trip around Central America. We spent a couple of days in Mexico for a reset after a full-on Christmas and New Year and now we’re in beautiful Belize on the island of Caye Caulker. I know I’m very fortunate to have the opportunity to do this and I plan to make the most of every moment. So far I’m having the absolute time of my life ❤️
*Somewhere Only We Know out in paperback on 9 April ... See MoreSee Less

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Cathy Bramley

4 weeks ago

What a year I’ve had- selecting only 20 photos was tricky! Looking back through the images from 2025 on my phone has reminded me of all the fun things I’ve done and the amazing places I’ve visited, but best of all the wonderful people I’ve had the privilege of making memories with.
It was a year of love, laughter, books, beaches, sunrises, sunsets, friends, family, holidays and happiness. It wasn’t all good - I’ve had the toughest year of my writing career so far, but the new book for Christmas 2026 is written and I’m thrilled to bits with it (Not Just For Christmas in case you’re curious!).
2025 has taught me (or at least tried) to slow down, trust myself, and enjoy the moment. I’ve been less active on social media this year and that has really helped me to stop comparing myself to other people- particularly other writers. I don’t make New Year’s resolutions, but instead I’m going to make a conscious effort to try new things and push myself out of my comfort zone a bit more. What are you hoping for in 2026? ... See MoreSee Less

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Cathy Bramley

1 month ago

Yesterday was wonderful- but so busy that I didn’t have chance to wish everybody a Happy Christmas! So I’m doing it belatedly and sending you my love and best wishes. I hope you had a happy and peaceful day and managed to make time to have a little rest too! ... See MoreSee Less

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