A charming sequel to "Small Miracles". The sisters of St Philomena's, along with a cast of familiar characters - along with some new ones - are back to tackle some new challenges. Life is always more complicated than it at first appears, but author Anne Booth manages to weave multiple threads together into a pleasing ending. An enjoyable, multi-layered read.

Revisiting the Sisters of Saint Philomena this can readily be read as a standalone book. Although the main characters are nuns and there is a strong religious theme the story is more about love and forgiveness. I get a strong sense of the TV program Sister Boniface, although Sister Bridget isn't a sleuth, more almost a force of nature. She is badly shaken, however, by the arrival of someone who really doesn't like her and she doesn't understand why. It is confusing switching between the different characters in the convent in England and those in Ireland, although this helps the story along, but you do get used to it. Not a book to be skipped through, but one to read and pondered upon and ultimately very satisfying - I did end up reading it in the middle of the night when I couldn't sleep.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

Warm, gentle but perceptive this is a comforting read of nuns and village life, some difficult truths but a hug in a book.

Anne Booth returns us to Fairbridge, the Sisters of Saint Philomena, the priests and the community that surrounds them for the Christmas period, in her marvellous warm hearted series. The familiar characters are joined by a raft of new ones, this includes the put upon, anxious Mary in Ireland, a below the radar artist, married to Declan, a successful developer, who has never really seen her. Mary is the sister of the nun, Sister Bridget, who no one can help but adore for her wonderful compassion, kindness, and baking, but in her efforts to fix others problems, Bridget is to learn the uncomfortable lesson that the road to hell can be paved with good intentions.

Moreover, Bridget takes really hard the arrival of Peter, who is taking care of the dying JJ, despite having endured a hard life, JJ bears no ill will to anyone, accepting his fate with remarkable fortitude. Peter takes against Bridget, refusing all overtures and the cakes she bakes, not used to this, her spirit takes a huge knock, and combined with the shock of Mary's anger, she struggles to cope during the festive season. When Declan, her brother-in law, turns up unexpectedly on their doorstep, Bridget goes into overdrive, doing what she thinks is best in addressing his issues, only to fail to comprehend why her good deeds are not always appreciated. The elderly, grumpy Sister Cecilia, acquires the love and constant attention of a gorgeous and playful kitten, despite her doing nothing to earn this, a close bond develops between them.

It's a Christmas season of joy and challenges, Maura and Annabel Sanders, mother of George, prove to be difficult members of the congregation, and after one bingo night, we see Sister Margaret lose her temper with them in a way she is to regret later. One of the reasons I love this series are the flaws in the characters that make them all so human, they are people for the most part doing their best in life. There is judgementalism, being blind to what others might desire in their lives, and so much more, but this is always against a background of hope, humanity and supportive relationships that allow small miracles, mercy and love to flourish. This is a delightfully entertaining festive read that I think many readers will be engrossed by and enjoy. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.

What a lovely, charming book this was. Like with the previous novel, in fact a little more, it tackled hard, important and difficult subjects - the way the Catholic Church, particularly in Ireland, abused children and young women in orphanages and Magdalen laundries, and women's role in the Church, as well as the non-religious topic of capitalism and the abuse of manual workers.

All this is mediated through the story of Sister Bridget, the Mother Superior of St Philomena's, and her sister Mary, married to a successful man with an empty life full of posh things when all she wants is to be at the cottage she grew up in, in her art studio. Friendships are important as always, and the community as a whole, with Matthew and George, Jackie at the pet shop and kind Mr Abidi in the corner shop. And the difficult events are leavened by cranky old Sister Cecilia's growing relationship with the kitten, Pangur Ban, who she tries to ignore - and things get worse when another kitten moves in (the kittens remain fine, thankfully, with some mild peril easily resolved).

As with the previous book, faith is woven into the story and deeply important, and it's nice to see that celebrated in a mainstream novel. A really charming read and I can't wait for the next instalment.

My blog review will be out on Saturday 7 October https://librofulltime.wordpress.com/2023/10/07/book-review-anne-booth-sweet-mercies/

I absolutely loved this book! It’s charming and sweet, it’s funny and yet it covers some difficult parts of life.
The nuns are such adorable characters. The whole book left me smiling.

As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the plot - you should read this book for yourself!

Having read and enjoyed "Small Miracles", I was very pleased to receive an ARC of this novel, featuring the Sisters of St Philomena's. I really enjoyed this novel, which has a thread of "redemption" running through it, adding a slightly more sombre note at times. However it's still a lovely read, with plenty of the same warmth, wit, humour and hope. If (like me) you were raised a Catholic, you'll recognise the innocent hope and belief shown by the Sisters in their prayers.

We meet many old friends from "Small Miracles" - George, Matthew, Chris and Em, Father Hugh, and of course the Sisters themselves - as well as plenty of new characters. As in the previous novel, the interconnections and histories of the characters add depth to the writing. A very enjoyable read, and I hope there will be more books in this series.

Warning: As in the previous book, you will find yourself craving tea and cake at various points (thanks to Sister Bridget!)

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.

Sweet Mercies by Anne Booth was a joy to read. It was a delight being back with the sisters at St Philomena's, and I enjoyed getting to know them more. The new characters were great additions and I hope I'll meet them all again.

This book is like receiving the best Christmas present all wrapped up with a bow! It's a great read with engaging characters.

I really loved Small Mercies and was very excited to meet Sisters Margaret, Cecilia and Bridget of St Philomena's convent again. This was a less dramatic story than Small Mercies, which centred on saving the convent, but it was just as enjoyable. A gentle, easy pace introduces us to both familiar and new characters, with all their strengths and frailties and stories to tell. There's plenty humour here - nonagenerian Sister Cecilia's adventures with kitten Pangur would make a book of their own - but also lots of emotions as Sister Bridget's sister in Ireland, Mary, reflects on life, marriage and the unfulfilment of her younger dreams. Can Sister Bridget make amends?
I particularly like the way God, belief and religion are woven into this story with neither drum banging, moralising nor apology - just a simple assumption that faith can make better people of us all. It reflects the sisters' atitiude to their friends, acquaintances and neighbours. Of course, the sisters themselves have their faults and failoings, but it makes them all the more endearing. A warm, witty and delightful read.

Small Mercies is a bit different from Small Miracles. In the first book everything was positive and cuddly throughout but in Mercies the story acknowledges that people have troubles and that these can affect a person’s character and relationships to others.
This makes it slightly more difficult to embrace initially but the resolution teaches all of us to not judge, to be helpful, supportive and forgiving.
Readers who have not read the first book may struggle. I have and still could have done with reminders of who people were and the previous plot; there was casual mention of the sale of paintings that helped the convent, for example.
These are small gripes, however, in a redemptive story that brings everything to a happy conclusion and has a positive message to help individuals and be the one who brings joy to another rather than unhappiness.

Having read the previous book, I was delighted to receive a copy of this one. I wasn’t disappointed as it’s a big hug of a book.

Sister Bridget is happy that everything seems to be going smoothly at St Philomena’s convent. The B&B is up and running, Christmas is fast approaching and the Parish Bingo is going from strength to strength.
Then a man arrives to stay in one of the convent flats to look after his ill friend. For some reason he seems to particularly dislike Sister Bridget and although she finds something familiar about him she can’t understand why. Things begin to come to a head and Sister Bridget will have to look to the past to find a way forward to the future.
If you like Richard Osman or the Reverend Richard Coles you would probably enjoy this.

Sweet Mercies by Anne Booth is the second book in the Sisters of Saint Philomena Series.

We are back with the characters from the first book, and we visit them around Christmas time. Sister Bridget is more popular than ever before until a visit from mother superior turns out not her biggest fan. She gets more popular especially the cakes she bakes, which are made and given as prizes at the local bingo night. The three sisters are also trying to make more money by running a B&B until her brother-in-law Declan comes to stay. He has just had some bad news about his health and asks Bridget for help to sort out life before the end of his days.
This is another thought provoking and uplifting story that I really enjoyed 4 stars from me.

A delightful stroll through life in the convent and across the water in Ireland with Sister Bridget's sister.
With some great personalities (Sister Cecilia is a favourite) and an emotional weft to the story this is a gentle and enjoyable read.

Always a delight to read about the nuns in Anne’s novels. This time it’s set around Christmas and the importance of reflection and forgiveness. It’s warm, touching and thought provoking. I also enjoyed being reminded about some of the products we got only at home in Ireland - brought back great memories! - thank you Anne!

A fantastic second book following The Sisters of Saint Philomena and their parishioners. As well as the Nuns this book includes Sister Bridget’s family as well as the local travel agent George and Matthew his partner. Thanks to Anne Booth and her publisher. Thanks also to NetGalley.

A lovely feel good story, slightly quirky and continuing the stories of the characters introduced in Small Miracles. Everyone loves Sister Bridget - except the new visitor to the convent. But why? And what secrets from the past are going to be revealed? I raced through this, it's comforting story and very enjoyable with some funny moments and a great cast of characters.

A very sweet and comforting story catching up with Sister Bridget and the other Sisters from St Philomena’s convent. This time, as their B&B is successfully up and running, we catch up with Mary, Bridget’s sister, and her family as they struggle with ill health, financial struggles and the past coming back to haunt them. If you enjoyed the first book in this series, you will love this! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I loved Small Miracles, so I was thrilled to be offered a copy of Sweet Mercies (the sequel) to review.

I was such a joy to return and spend time with the Sisters of Saint Philomena again. I loved the sense of community, both in the convent, and the wider area. It’s wonderful to see how all the characters are getting on, they feel like old friends. I especially loved the kittens, and their interactions with Sister Cecilia.

The plot was great, I loved all the different threads running through the book, and the way they intertwined. I enjoyed the sense of history, and the way it all comes together in the end.

Overall, this book was a joy to read, full of community and kindness. I really hope that there will be more books in the series. I’d love to learn more about Sister Cecilia’s past.

I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own.