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The Birdie & Bramble #1
New Beginnings at The Birdie and Bramble
'Fun, fab, fresh, joyful and awesome.' Netgalley Reviewer
Can going home be a fresh start?
The Birdie & Bramble used to have queues out the door, especially during high season in St Andrews, but when Maddy Campbell makes her way back home after her father's sudden death, the restaurant and her future seems bleak.
Unsure of how she's going to face the world without her dad, Maddy sets out to sell the business and run back to London as quickly as possible. So when she finds out that the business isn't worth a thing she realises it's up to her to turn the restaurant around. Together with her dad's best friends, faithful family dog Frank and the restaurant staff, Maddy sets out to save The Birdie & Bramble and preserve her dad's legacy.
But as she becomes embroiled in the local town gossip, reconnects with family and bumps into Jack a fellow dog walker with the longest eyelashes in Europe, Maddy begins to wonder if the life she's built for herself is the one she actually wants...
It's a time of change for everyone at The Birdie & Bramble, but could this be a new beginning for Maddy too?
This is the first novel in The Birdie & Bramble series. Don't miss a single book in this hilarious and feel-good series:
1. New Beginnings at The Birdie & Bramble
2. Snowfall at The Birdie & Bramble
3. Blue Skies at The Birdie & Bramble
Reviewers have falling in love with The Birdie and Bramble - have you?
'Well written with loveable and relatable characters, such a heartwarming read'
'This is a brilliant book. I loved the characters. They are well written and relatable
The plot is entertaining and kept me interested until the end. This is the first book in the series and I can't wait for the next one.'
'This is a brilliant book about new starts, family, grief, and friendship. It's one of those book that can be an easy read or make you think if you read them at the right moment in your life.'
'This story so made me want to pack a bag and return for a visit to Scotland!'
'I really enjoyed reading this book, It has a lovely feel good factor, and it is an engaging read.'
'This novel has interesting characters, a great storyline and is unputdownable. Would recommend you give this read a go.'
'New Beginnings at The Birdie and Bramble is the first novel by Alison Craig that I've read and I can honestly say that I will be picking up more of her work in the future. I really liked her style of writing and found this an easy book to read. Her writing is so descriptive and I could honestly picture everything she was describing, especially the food! '
'This is very similar to a Katie Fforde novel. I loved the glorious food descriptions (not to be read if you are on a diet), the cosy small town feel, the morning walks on the beach, the romantic tension between Maddie's boyfriend in London and her new venison supplier for the restaurant. There's a suitably evil Laird, secret identities and nefarious plots to reveal all while serving sumptuous Scottish fare.'
Kindle Edition
Published September 9, 2019
27 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Alison Craig
5 books12 followersWriter and broadcaster from Scotland.
Love love love books.
Left school at 16 and attended the University of life, worked in London, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Spain working in many different areas, which eventually led me to radio and TV presenting. During this whole time I wrote a daily diary and always harboured an ambition to be a writer.
My first book was an autobiographical account of becoming a Mum, laid the foundation of thinking...hmmmnnn maybe one day I could write fiction and finally in 2019 my dream came true.
After submitting my first fiction novel, New Beginnings At The Birdie and Bramble to Orion I was over the moon to be offered a deal, and to find out they loved it so much they wanted me to write a trilogy.
The series in St Andrews, a beautiful historic Scottish town on the East Coast in a failing restaurant.
I am married to a chef, restaurant owner so have been immersed in this world for many years and it is a rich seam of stories, fun and drama.
New Beginnings, the first book is being developed into a TV series, and The 3rd Book, Blue Skies at The Birdie and Bramble is being released on 24th May, 2021. What a year!
Love connection with fellow writers and readers....
Love love love books.
Left school at 16 and attended the University of life, worked in London, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Spain working in many different areas, which eventually led me to radio and TV presenting. During this whole time I wrote a daily diary and always harboured an ambition to be a writer.
My first book was an autobiographical account of becoming a Mum, laid the foundation of thinking...hmmmnnn maybe one day I could write fiction and finally in 2019 my dream came true.
After submitting my first fiction novel, New Beginnings At The Birdie and Bramble to Orion I was over the moon to be offered a deal, and to find out they loved it so much they wanted me to write a trilogy.
The series in St Andrews, a beautiful historic Scottish town on the East Coast in a failing restaurant.
I am married to a chef, restaurant owner so have been immersed in this world for many years and it is a rich seam of stories, fun and drama.
New Beginnings, the first book is being developed into a TV series, and The 3rd Book, Blue Skies at The Birdie and Bramble is being released on 24th May, 2021. What a year!
Love connection with fellow writers and readers....
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 28, 2019
When her beloved father dies suddenly Maddie Campbell returns to St Andrews in Scotland and the family restaurant The Birdie and Bramble. The restaurant may have seen better days, the decor is certainly dated, but it is much beloved. When her landlord gives her 28 days notice to quit the flat above the restaurant, at her father's wake Maddy also discovers that he owns the restaurant and is doing everything in his power to get her to sell the leasehold back to him, without a thriving restaurant the leasehold is worth almost nothing and Maddie's father's legacy will disappear.
An imminent wedding booking that can't be cancelled gets Maddy and the staff to pull together to create a wonderful day and leads to a plan to revive the restaurant's fortunes, especially since the British Open is due to be held at St Andrews in a few months bringing a huge influx of tourists to the area.
This is very similar to a Katie Fforde novel. I loved the glorious food descriptions (not to be read if you are on a diet), the cosy small town feel, the morning walks on the beach, the romantic tension between Maddie's boyfriend in London and her new venison supplier for the restaurant. There's a suitably evil Laird, secret identities and nefarious plots to reveal all while serving sumptuous Scottish fare.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
An imminent wedding booking that can't be cancelled gets Maddy and the staff to pull together to create a wonderful day and leads to a plan to revive the restaurant's fortunes, especially since the British Open is due to be held at St Andrews in a few months bringing a huge influx of tourists to the area.
This is very similar to a Katie Fforde novel. I loved the glorious food descriptions (not to be read if you are on a diet), the cosy small town feel, the morning walks on the beach, the romantic tension between Maddie's boyfriend in London and her new venison supplier for the restaurant. There's a suitably evil Laird, secret identities and nefarious plots to reveal all while serving sumptuous Scottish fare.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
September 30, 2019
A wonderful start to a series by a new author I haven’t read before so this is double pleasure for me as I have found a new series and a new author I adore. A wonderful read about new beginnings (oddly enough) friendship, family, love and grief. Well written with loveable and relatable characters, such a heartwarming read, I look forward to the next interesting
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
April 17, 2022
More than a chicklit book… Much more…
I cried multiple times reading this book. My mom died in December. I found a mirror often reading this book. That can be helpful and healing. The author isn’t afraid of depth and honesty.
This book has plenty of light-hearted moments. It’s a book to love for the food and the location (St Andrews in Scotland), but the characters and story is even more wonderful.
Heartfelt. Beautifully written.
Can someone please send me some elderflower champagne?
Please, someone tell me what happened to wee hairy Frank. Is he with William and Noel?
I’ll be reading whatever Alison Craig writes now. In fact, I’ll be going to google what else she’s written as soon as I click SUBMIT on this review.
I want to go to Scotland. Actually, the book made me want to LIVE in Scotland.
I cried multiple times reading this book. My mom died in December. I found a mirror often reading this book. That can be helpful and healing. The author isn’t afraid of depth and honesty.
This book has plenty of light-hearted moments. It’s a book to love for the food and the location (St Andrews in Scotland), but the characters and story is even more wonderful.
Heartfelt. Beautifully written.
Can someone please send me some elderflower champagne?
Please, someone tell me what happened to wee hairy Frank. Is he with William and Noel?
I’ll be reading whatever Alison Craig writes now. In fact, I’ll be going to google what else she’s written as soon as I click SUBMIT on this review.
I want to go to Scotland. Actually, the book made me want to LIVE in Scotland.
September 12, 2019
I loved this book and am happy to learn it's the first in a trilogy. I was delighted to see Alison Craig was writing a novel, having long been a fan of her writing having followed her in a former newspaper column, and the Nappy Years about her adventure into motherhood. Set in beautiful St Andrew's, New Beginnings at the Birdie and Bramble tells the story of Maddie Campbell as she returns home from a career in London when her beloved dad dies suddenly. Dad, Joe, owned the Birdie and Bramble restaurant, which had long left its heyday behind. We see Maddie meet the restaurant manager, William, who, along with his wonderful partner, Noel, "adopts" Maddie and when they discover a wedding booking for that weekend, they set about making it a success. Helped by part time waitress, Mouse, and Maddie's cousin Hamish, who has come home from his world travels for Joe's funeral, they work like fury to make the wedding happen. And when it is a success, and to thwart the landlord's attempts to get them out of the building, they decide to open for a few weeks in the summer. There are adventures along the way and complications when handsome Jack comes on the scene, and Maddie's London boyfriend, Marcus comes on an occasional visit. We will Maddie to make the right decisions and for the restaurant to be a success. Such a feel good story, great characters who will stay with me, and a lovely, light writing style. Frank, the sausage dog was a great character, no doubt based on Alison's own wee sausage. I loved the Scottish words and expressions that you don't often see in books - and can't wait for the follow up!
September 4, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and Orion Publishing Group for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
New Beginnings at The Birdie and Bramble is the first novel by Alison Craig that I’ve read and I can honestly say that I will be picking up more of her work in the future. I really liked her style of writing and found this an easy book to read. Her writing is so descriptive and I could honestly picture everything she was describing, especially the food!
This is a story about finding strength and figuring out what you want out of life. It has ups and it has downs just like real life and I felt myself really liking Maddy and everyone in this book. The characters in this book were brilliantly written and all had their own paths of development which I really enjoyed reading about. This is the first book in a series and I cannot wait to continue to read about this group of people and The Birdie and Bramble (which is someone where I would definitely visit frequently!)
I don’t want to go into too much detail with this book as I don’t want to spoil anything but it really is worth the read if you’re looking for a story which focuses on family, friends and fresh starts!
New Beginnings at The Birdie and Bramble is the first novel by Alison Craig that I’ve read and I can honestly say that I will be picking up more of her work in the future. I really liked her style of writing and found this an easy book to read. Her writing is so descriptive and I could honestly picture everything she was describing, especially the food!
This is a story about finding strength and figuring out what you want out of life. It has ups and it has downs just like real life and I felt myself really liking Maddy and everyone in this book. The characters in this book were brilliantly written and all had their own paths of development which I really enjoyed reading about. This is the first book in a series and I cannot wait to continue to read about this group of people and The Birdie and Bramble (which is someone where I would definitely visit frequently!)
I don’t want to go into too much detail with this book as I don’t want to spoil anything but it really is worth the read if you’re looking for a story which focuses on family, friends and fresh starts!
September 4, 2019
I was drawn to this book by the eye catching colourful cover. I also loved the setting of this book as I love Scotland. I was excited to receive an ARC of this book from Netgalley and the Publisher.
The book starts with Maddy, who has moved from Scotland to live and work in London. She receives a phone call from her Uncle, to say that her Father has died unexpectedly and suddenly.
Maddy returns to Scotland, and finds that her Father's restaurant has gone downhill. She has a decision to make about what she should do next.
I really enjoyed reading this book, It has a lovely feel good factor, and it is an engaging read.
I loved the way the characters all worked together, supporting each other.
The characters are well thought out, and the storyline flows well.
I am pleased that I have found a new author to read, and I am looking forward to reading the next books in the series
The book starts with Maddy, who has moved from Scotland to live and work in London. She receives a phone call from her Uncle, to say that her Father has died unexpectedly and suddenly.
Maddy returns to Scotland, and finds that her Father's restaurant has gone downhill. She has a decision to make about what she should do next.
I really enjoyed reading this book, It has a lovely feel good factor, and it is an engaging read.
I loved the way the characters all worked together, supporting each other.
The characters are well thought out, and the storyline flows well.
I am pleased that I have found a new author to read, and I am looking forward to reading the next books in the series
September 7, 2019
This is a brilliant book about new starts, family, grief, and friendship. It's one of those book that can be an easy read or make you think if you read them at the right moment in your life.
I loved the cast of characters, they are well written and relatable and like their warm relationships.
The plot is enjoyable and entertaining, it kept me interested till the end and made me feel good.
It's the first book in a series and I hope to read the next instalments as I would be happy to meet again the characters.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I loved the cast of characters, they are well written and relatable and like their warm relationships.
The plot is enjoyable and entertaining, it kept me interested till the end and made me feel good.
It's the first book in a series and I hope to read the next instalments as I would be happy to meet again the characters.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
October 15, 2019
Gripping Story, well written, really looking forward to the next instalment
From the first word to the last I was gripped, the story is well structured and paced, the characters intriguing and Alison does an amazing job setting the scene as if you are there in St.Andrews walking on the beach or walking into the restaurant.
Im looking forward to finding out what happens next with all the wonderful characters.
Can't fault it 5 stars all the way
From the first word to the last I was gripped, the story is well structured and paced, the characters intriguing and Alison does an amazing job setting the scene as if you are there in St.Andrews walking on the beach or walking into the restaurant.
Im looking forward to finding out what happens next with all the wonderful characters.
Can't fault it 5 stars all the way
August 31, 2019
Thanks to netgalley for letting me have a chance to read this book.
Brilliant book, easy read.
When Maddy who lives in London gets a phone call to say her dad has died she rushes up to St. Andrews in Scotland. Her dad used to run a restaurant called The birdie and the bramble, she needs to decide what to do with it. Does she reopen it or sell the lease to the laird.
Brilliant book, easy read.
When Maddy who lives in London gets a phone call to say her dad has died she rushes up to St. Andrews in Scotland. Her dad used to run a restaurant called The birdie and the bramble, she needs to decide what to do with it. Does she reopen it or sell the lease to the laird.
September 12, 2019
This was a fantastic read - fun, warm, witty and tender. Loved the - will they won't they - love interest and the food descriptions are divine - do not read while hungry! Definitely recommended if you love a story with a heart.
September 14, 2019
St Andrews setting.
Really enjoyed this book. It was an easy read which I finished in 4 days. St Andrews might get a few extra visitors as it is front and centre in the book. Great fun read.
Really enjoyed this book. It was an easy read which I finished in 4 days. St Andrews might get a few extra visitors as it is front and centre in the book. Great fun read.
September 27, 2019
Loved it
What a roller coaster, great story. I could not put it down. Off to call my mum & dad now!
What a roller coaster, great story. I could not put it down. Off to call my mum & dad now!
October 14, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed this. Looking forward to book 2
April 3, 2021
Absolutely LOVED this book! Ideal for the lovely weather right now! Very well written and perfect for a summers day!
July 26, 2021
I loved this book, I like reading books set in parts of the world I've seen, and this part of Scotland is a firm favourite of mine. Together with a story with humour, romance and an underlying message, it's a win, win, win to me.
Maddie has the very unexpected news that her Father, who still lives in the same flat that she was raised in and owns the restaurant business he has worked in all his life, has suddenly passed away; so whilst dealing with that, she also has to deal with a landlord who wants her out of the flat her Dad lived in, and as he owns the lease to the restaurant too, he wants her out of that too!
However, she's not in this alone, along the way she makes new friends, gets rid of old ones and discovers she's not so bad at business after all!
It's a great story with a brilliant ending to the book, I'm so pleased that there's another 2 books in the series to read.
This is well worth a read, and I'm looking forward to reading more by this new author.
Maddie has the very unexpected news that her Father, who still lives in the same flat that she was raised in and owns the restaurant business he has worked in all his life, has suddenly passed away; so whilst dealing with that, she also has to deal with a landlord who wants her out of the flat her Dad lived in, and as he owns the lease to the restaurant too, he wants her out of that too!
However, she's not in this alone, along the way she makes new friends, gets rid of old ones and discovers she's not so bad at business after all!
It's a great story with a brilliant ending to the book, I'm so pleased that there's another 2 books in the series to read.
This is well worth a read, and I'm looking forward to reading more by this new author.
November 7, 2020
I love this story and the characters were wonderful too. The title belies the hidden depths of this engaging tale. The main character Maddy gets some devastating news and has to return to St Andrews in Scotland to look after her dads restaurant and his dog. I really cared about her and was moved from tears of sadness to joy several time which is a rarity for me.
In fact it is so rare it is the first time i have bothered to write a book review. Am off to buy the second one now. Highly recommend.
In fact it is so rare it is the first time i have bothered to write a book review. Am off to buy the second one now. Highly recommend.
April 14, 2021
Loved this book. Great storytelling, believable and lovable characters (with a few exceptions in the lovable category) and a twist at the end which I did not see coming. Have now bought the second book in the series and pre-ordered the third which is due for publication in May 2021. A feel good story and the bonus was Frank the sausage dog.
May 29, 2020
Enjoyable read.
May 2, 2021
Really enjoyed this book! It is a light hearted read despite covering the difficult topic of grief. Looking forward to reading the follow on books and seeing what Maddie does next!
May 6, 2021
I found this book unexciting and predictable. It was also extremely poorly edited. The frequency of errors contributed to making the book a disappointing read.
May 28, 2021
Loved this book so much. Can’t wait to read more from Alison Craig.
October 19, 2025
A nice story
September 9, 2019
🍷Lovely story of handling grief with a little help from your friends⛳
👍4.5 🌟 stars
I was totally won over by the St. Andrews, Scotland setting and this poignant story of a young woman dealing with missed opportunities and guilt when her father dies unexpectedly. The small community of St. Andrews is lovingly depicted as a place where almost everyone has her back and is willing to pitch in to help her reanimate her father's beloved restaurant, located just a short distance from the famous St. Andrews golf course links. With vivid descriptions that brought the town, its beaches and the Perthshire countryside to life, I was very impressed with the quality of writing. The characters are well-drawn, right down to the scheming Laird Barclay MacPherson who's got plans that threaten Maddie's golf-loving father's legacy. This story so made me want to pack a bag and return for a visit to Scotland!
Thanks to Orion and NetGalley for providing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
👍4.5 🌟 stars
I was totally won over by the St. Andrews, Scotland setting and this poignant story of a young woman dealing with missed opportunities and guilt when her father dies unexpectedly. The small community of St. Andrews is lovingly depicted as a place where almost everyone has her back and is willing to pitch in to help her reanimate her father's beloved restaurant, located just a short distance from the famous St. Andrews golf course links. With vivid descriptions that brought the town, its beaches and the Perthshire countryside to life, I was very impressed with the quality of writing. The characters are well-drawn, right down to the scheming Laird Barclay MacPherson who's got plans that threaten Maddie's golf-loving father's legacy. This story so made me want to pack a bag and return for a visit to Scotland!
Thanks to Orion and NetGalley for providing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews