I loved visiting the Nun's of St Philomena again.
It's been a while since I read the first book and I felt like I needed a run down of who was who amongst the characters, as it took be a few chapters to get back into the fold.
The writing is good, but its the character development that the author is most adept at.
I just want to be friends with Sister Margaret. I loved that the author allowed her to shine in this novel, as she always seems to be overruled by Sister Bridget.

Back with the Sisters of Philomena, and if you are missing Call the Midwife, then these eclectic group of nuns and others are sure to brighten your day. The remaining sisters in this convent bring joy to the locals of Fairbridge, whether that is with tea and cake or calling Bingo. As well as providing a form of bed and breakfast to visitors in the area.

Sister Bridget, full of life and belief that everything is rosy. Her sister Mary, back in Ireland though is in a very different position and has a very different view of Sister Bridget. We get to learn a bit more about these sisters and their background which brought them to where they are now.

Whilst familiar characters feature form the first book, it can be read as a standalone and works well with enough background for you to place everyone. Whilst not overtly religious in it’s tone despite nuns being the main characters. The book does challenge beliefs of the church and the lifestyle’s chosen now in a way that perhaps some might find surprising. It doesn’t shy away from those difficult conversations and consequences.

This is one of those books which is what I have called in the past a ‘quiet’ book, not packed full of twist and turns, thrills and spills. A simple story with some gentle humour which envelops you. I do hope I get to learn more about the sisters in future books.

Warm and witty I found myself giggling like a hyena! I think this book is just fun and full of cheer.

Another sweet and hearwarming story, festive and poignant. I was glad to catch up with the sisters, learn more about their life and follow a story that mixes family drama and a Christmas story
Can't wait to read another one.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I read and loved the first book so I found this thoroughly enjoyable, really heart-warming, and lovely characters. A real feel-good book.

This is a perfect, feel-good, cosy up with the fire and Christmas tree lit behind you kind of book. Perfect Christmas read, simple and easy!

The E-Book could be improved and more user-friendly, such as links to the chapters, no significant gaps between words and a cover for the book would be better. It is very document-like instead of a book. A star has been deducted because of this.

This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and I would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

I received a free copy of, Sweet Mercies by Anne Booth, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Sister Bridget is absolutely lovely, I can see why almost everyone is in love with her. Shes a great cook, bingo caller, Catholic, and friend. I liked Fr. Hugh too, a lovely priest. A feel good Christmas read.

Lovely book which shows that everyone, despite their best intentions, can sometimes get things wrong. And it's not a bad thing, it's just part of being human. The sisters of St Philomena's are back with some new friends, including a furry one. Themes in the novel can be a tough read, in particular the way Catholic Church dealt with children and women in Ireland (Magdeline Laundries), but the author also brings lightness and positivity through the relationships of the characters and tea and baking.

Thoroughly enjoyed this heartwarming captivating read.
Sweet Mercies is the second book in this series & I would recommend you read the first one to get a sense of the story so far.
The author has created some wonderful endearing characters with the sisters of Philomena’s convent playing the main parts.
Religion is woven throughout the story but in an endearing way & I'm sure we could all learn something from their kind thoughtful ways.
That’s not to say they themselves don’t have faults & pull themselves up about it time & again.
Sister Bridget in particular is having a hard time with family issues as well as certain people in the community.
They are trying to help make money at the B&B they run & also helping run the community bingo which is always good for a few laughs.
Life is always busy for them as they help with one crisis or another.
This is a light hearted cosy read which covers the complexities of everyday life.
Well worth reading.

In Fairbridge, the Sisters of Saint Philomena, prepare for Christmas. With the indomitable Sr Brigid at the helm the sisters bring joy to the parish with the bingo, the cakes & being there to lend an ear. This is the second book in a series but it can be read as a standalone. I love the different characters & various offshoots- Sr Cecelia & the kitten deserve a book to themselves! The book also makes the reader think how events of the past can continue to follow you down the years & often shock you by their repercussions.

Being brought up a Catholic with an Irish dad, there were lots of things that were familiar & jogged memories which added to my enjoyment of the story. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this lovely book.

I am very sorry but I haven't read the first book so found it hard to take to this one, I tried several times but I couldn't get into it. I have since read other reviews and it is good to Know that others have really enjoyed it so it is just me, I wish the author well and I will try to get her other book and then try this one again. As I am unable to give either 4 or 5 stars I would rather not give a review, it isn't fair to the author to pull the numbers down when they are really needed. Good luck and I am sorry.

A charming Christmas return to the Sisters of St Philomena. It's hard to categorise these, but they're multi-strand slightly inspirational interconnected stories with a religious tinge. I think if you like Beverly Jenkins' Blessings series, this would probably work for you although there is less of a romance strand to this. Once you get going on it, it's hard to put down and it just whooshes by.

I was so excited to revisit the sisters of St Phillomenas again. The sisters are such lovely people it was no trouble slipping back into the convent with them.

This second story is a bit more domestic than the first and it took me a while to remember all the characters and their back stories. While the previous story was a mystery this time we look at the past of Sister Bridget and explore Irish Catholicism in a way that will be familiar to many people.

Anne Booth has done a great job of crafting a warm hearted story that deals with some difficult subjects like addiction, loss of faith and owning up to all of our mistakes.

Sometimes things do line up a little too perfectly, and the story does take a while to get going, but ultimately it's a perfectly cosy story.

Some readers may want to know that this novel does between a non-catholic homosexual couple at the beginning of their relationship and their struggles to be "out" in public. It's a very sensitively handled romance and possibly a good way to spark a conversation.

It was a joy to reunite with the Sisters of Saint Philomena’s again and discover what happens to them next. As ‘Sweet Mercies’ opens, we find the Sisters in the throes of preparing for the hectic Christmas/New Year period.

They’re managing the convent, supporting a school on the premises, and running a busy B&B. All this hard work brings its own rewards and stressors that are heightened by the excitement and busyness of the season.

Nevertheless, the same gentle humour is available here. Light relief is provided by Sister Cecilia and the antics of Pingu, a kitten, who takes an unexpected, devoted shine to Sister Cecilia and slowly melts her resistance and her heart.

Sister Bridget is extra busy in the kitchen and overly preoccupied with family drama which creates tension between her and her younger sister, Mary. She is also perplexed by an unsettling visitor who seems to take an instant, inexplicable dislike to her.

Another guest turns out to have surprising roots and connections to Sister Bridget’s home in Ireland, which precipitates a visit that enables secrets from the past to become revealed, helping to create a redemptive atmosphere of understanding, forgiveness, and healing.

Some serious societal issues, such as homelessness, addiction and abuse involving the Catholic Church are unearthed. Yet, like ‘Small Miracles’, this is a feel-good, heartwarming read that can be enjoyed independently. Grateful thanks to Harvill Secker and NetGalley for the eARC.

The second book about the Sisters of St Philomena's convent. This is as heart warming and entertaining as the previous book. I loved the story and although the topics covered include addiction, exploitation and abuse it is an easy read. We follow the lives of Sister Bridget and her sister Mary as we meet members of their family in Ireland. Along with the other Sisters at the Convent in London as they come with the financial difficulties of the 1960's. Father Hugo and Father Stephen are very gentle priests, alongside the staff of the B & B.
I can recommend this book to all.

A wonderful, heart-warming read, perfect for the festive season.

The sisters of St. Philomena's are, as always, busy in the community whilst getting to grips with running their new B&B. Sister Bridget is their stalwart, running many things to enhance the lives of everyone living in the village and beyond and she's very popular - or at least, she always has been up until now. When a visitor arrives from Ireland who quite obviously does not like her, she's not the only one who's puzzled Things are happening back home in Ireland and Sister Bridget, although well-intentioned, may wel be putting her foot in it . . .

I loved the first in this series and couldn't wait to read this one. There's a wonderful spirit of love and happiness throughout, but also the lesson that - no matter how well=intentioned - we can all get it wrong. A delightful and enjoyable read filled with a wide array of characters and a lot of love. 4.5*.

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.

This sequel to Small Miracles brings back the sisters of St Philomena's and other characters but can easily be read as a standalone novel. Set in the Christmas and New Year period of 1995/6 it’s less light hearted than the previous book as along with parish bingo and kitten antics it deals with exploitation, addiction, homelessness and the abuses of the Catholic Church in Ireland. Redemption is an underlying theme. A lovely read which I thoroughly enjoyed.

The Sisters of St Philomena’s are back!
We learn more about Sister Bridget's own sister and her family and why the dying man bought to the covent by Father Hugh is connected.
The usual parish highs and lows, funny and sad.
A lovely read.

Catch up with Sister Bridget and the other Sisters from the convent in this humorous story of a successful B and B. The story continues dealing with everything that life throws at us : ill- health, financial worries and the past catching up with them. I love the thought that Even saints need second chances... It isn't just saint but everyone needs second chances! If you loved the first book, you will definitely love this. Read it and get laughing - you will feel a lot better!
Thank you to Harvill Secker for offering me this book to read via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

"Sweet Mercies" continues the story of the nuns of St Philomena's Convent and B&B, their families and friends in Fairbridge and back in Ireland. These events take place around Christmas and New Year 1995/6. This was a time when most people still made holiday and travel arrangements via a travel agent, in this case George. There is plenty of drama as old acquaintances from long ago turn up, and their identities and back stories are gradually revealed.

This is a gentle book, with plenty of Catholic religion in it, but it also addresses some serious issues, particularly addiction. There is also a great deal of friendship and support between the cast of characters.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this book.