Fabulous Fridays: Chick Lit

I have been thinking about this post for a while but have been putting it off as I hate, hate, hate the term Chick lit! I think it has far too many derogatory connotations yet it is one of my favourite genres to read. So off I went to get a definition of what Chick Lit is and I found this:

Chick Lit is genre fiction which addresses issues of modern womanhood...

This still isn't great as it still sounds a bit feminist and bra burning to me but I interpret it as books about women! I am a woman and therefore it is likely that I am going to enjoy reading books about other women, I hold my hands up to the fact that I very rarely read books with a male lead character or written by a man. I think this is a subconscious choice, I do have a few male authors who I enjoy but it is mainly books by female authors sitting on my TBR pile.

So sorry for the preamble but here is a list of some of my favourite chick-lit books and inadvertently this list also includes all of my favourite chick-lit authors. These are the writers I go to when I want a great story, likeable characters, a bit of drama and the odd happy ending. These are the authors that I get excited about having a new book out as I just know that I am guaranteed a treat! 

I apologise right now if you don't agree with my definition of Chick Lit but I hope that some of these books might be of interest to you, just click on the title to read my review!

Have a lovely weekend

Dot
xxx 

The Teashop on the Corner by Milly Johnson (Simon & Schuster, 492 pages) Life is full of second chances...if only you keep your heart open for them.
Spring Hill Square is a pretty sanctuary away from the bustle of everyday life. And at its centre is Leni Merryman's Teashop on the Corner, a place where three people will find a friend to lean on.
Carla Pride has just discovered that her late husband Martin was not who she thought he was. But now she must learn to put her marriage behind her and move forward.
Molly Jones' ex-husband Harvey has reappeared in her life after many years, wanting to put right the wrongs of the past before it's too late.
And Will Linton's business has gone bust and his wife has left him to pick up the pieces. Now he needs to gather the strength to start again.
Can all three find the comfort they are looking for in The Teashop on the Corner? And as their hearts are slowly mended by Leni, can they return the favour when she needs in the most?

Thirteen Weddings by Paige Toon (Simon & Schuster, 422 pages) Sometimes you just have to step out of the light to see clearly again...

Bronte never expected to see Alex after their one night together, but she never stopped thinking of him. So when she arrives at work one day to find that Alex is a new colleague, she is secretly thrilled. The only problem is that Alex is now engaged to the girl he was on a break from the night they met.
Determined to move on, Bronte becomes a part-time wedding photographer, alongside her day job. Surrounded by loving couples, tearful bridesmaids, mischievous  pageboys and interfering mother-in-laws, she struggles through wedding after wedding whilst he heart is slowly torn apart.
As Alex's own wedding day draws ever nearer, their chemistry becomes harder to ignore. Bronte must decide whether to fight for the man she loves, or to let him go forever. 

You're The One That I Want by Giovanna Fletcher (Penguin, 400 pages) Maddy, Ben and Robert have been inseparable since they met in the school playground. They've stuck together through thick and thin, feeling safe in the knowledge that they have each other.
So when Ben falls hopelessly in love with Maddy, he decides to keep it quiet for the sake of their friendship. Until Robert swoops in and kisses Maddy- irrevocably fracturing things between them as the kiss turns to love.
But when Robert and Maddy's love turns sour, can Ben continue to say nothing? And can Maddy choose between her two best friends?

Take a Look at Me Now by Miranda Dickinson (Avon, 416 pages) When Nell's on-off boyfriend Aidan calls her into his office, the last thing she expects is to lose her job. Heartbroken and unemployed, she makes a radical decision to blow her redundancy cheque and escape to San Francisco. But is the glamour of the city too good to be true? And can Nell leave her past behind?

A Cottage by the Sea by Carole Matthews (Sphere, 448 pages) Grace had always been best friends with Ella and Flick. The late night chats, shared heartaches and good times have created a bond that has stood the test of time.
When Ella invites them to stay for a week in her cottage in South Wales, Grace jumps at the chance to see her old friends. She also hopes that the change of scenery will help her reconnect with her distant husband.
Then Flick arrives: lovable, bubbly, incorrigible Flick, accompanied by the handsome and charming Noah.
This is going to be one week that will change all of their lives forever...

The Mystery of Mercy Close by Marian Keyes (Penguin, 624 pages) Helen Walsh doesn't believe in fear- it's just a thing invented by man to get all the money and good  jobs- and yet she's sinking . Her work as a private investigator has dried up, her flat has been repossessed and now some old demons have resurfaced.
Not least in the form of her charming but dodgy ex-boyfriend Jay Parker, who shows up with a missing person case/ Money is tight- so tight Helen's had to move back with her elderly parents- and Jay is awash with cash. The missing person is Wayne Diffney, the 'wacky one' from boyband Laddz.
He's vanished from his house in Mercy Close and it's vital that he's found- Laddz have a sell-out comeback gig in five days time.
Things ended messily with Jay. And she's never going back there. Besides she has a new boyfriend now, the very sexy detective Artie Devlin and it's all going well, even though his ex-wife isn't quite 'ex' enough and his teenage son hates her. But the reappearance of Jay is stirring up all kinds of stuff she thought she'd left behind.
Playing by her own rules, Helen is drawn into a dark and glamorous world, where her worst enemy is her own head and where increasingly she feels connected to Wayne, a man she's never even met. 

To The Moon and Back by Jill Mansell (Headline, 416 pages) When Ellie Kendall loses her husband Jamie in an accident she feels her world has come to an end. But life has to go on and eventually she's ready for a new start- at work, that is. She definitely doesn't need a new man, not while she has a certain secret visitor to keep her company...
Entrepreneur Zack McLaren seems to have it all, but the girl he can't stop thinking about won't give him a second glance. Why can't she pay him the kind of attention she lavishes on Elmo, his time share dog?
Having moved  to an exclusive flat in North London, Ellie becomes friendly with neighbour Roo who's harbouring a secret of her own. Between them, can both girls sort out their lives? Guilt is a powerful emotion, but a lot can happen in a year in Primrose Hill...

BOOK REVIEW: The Teashop on the Corner by Milly Johnson

Life is full of second chances...if only you keep your heart open for them.
Spring Hill Square is a pretty sanctuary away from the bustle of everyday life. And at its centre is Leni Merryman's Teashop on the Corner, a place where three people will find a friend to lean on.
Carla Pride has just discovered that her late husband Martin was not who she thought he was. But now she must learn to put her marriage behind her and move forward.
Molly Jones' ex-husband Harvey has reappeared in her life after many years, wanting to put right the wrongs of the past before it's too late.
And Will Linton's business has gone bust and his wife has left him to pick up the pieces. Now he needs to gather the strength to start again.
Can all three find the comfort they are looking for in The Teashop on the Corner? And as their hearts are slowly mended by Leni, can they return the favour when she needs in the most?

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Pages: 492

The Teashop on the Corner is Milly Johnson at her best; warm, inviting, witty and entertaining. I devoured this book in about two days, I wanted to constantly be surrounded by the characters that Milly had created in order to find out what would happen to them.

The teashop run by Leni is delightful, she sells beautiful literary gifts and her cakes are named after famous authors etc. I found myself wishing that this was a real place as I know I would be in there a lot. Leni's teashop becomes a real safe haven for the main characters in the book, the shop brings people together who perhaps would not have met otherwise.
I always love the way in which Milly Johnson manages to tackle big issues in her book but without bringing the reader down. The Teashop on the Corner deals with death, infidelity, sexual abuse, domestic abuse and deception. I couldn't believe how much was packed into this book and it was done in such an effortless manner. As I said though, Milly Johnson shows the tough stuff but then ever so subtly lifts the reader back up, not an easy feat.
The Teashop on the Corner is a brilliant book, the characters and the storyline are spot on and I was very sad to reach the final page.

Many thanks to Simon and Schuster for sending me a review copy. 

Book Review: It's Raining Men by Milly Johnson

Best friends from work, May, Lara and Clare are desperate for some time away. They have each had a rough time lately and need some serious R&R. So they set off to a luxurious spa for ten glorious days, but when they arrive at their destination, it seems it is not the place they thought it was. In fact, they appear to have come to an entirely different village...
Here in Ren Dullem nothing is quite what it seems; the lovely cobbled streets and picturesque cottages hide a secret that the villagers have been keeping hidden for years.  Why is everyone so unfriendly and suspicious? Why does the landlord of their holiday rental seem so rude? And why are there so few women in the village?
Despite the strange atmosphere, the three friends are determined to make the best of it. But will this be the break they all need? Or will the odd little village with all its secrets bring them all to breaking point?

I started this book with the intention of taking it on holiday with me but I couldn't as I had finished it before I had even packed my case! I always know that I am in for a treat with Milly Johnson but this is my favourite of her books so far.
May, Lara and Clare find themselves in the small coastal village of Ren Dullem by accident when their booking at a luxury spa goes terribly wrong. Desperate for a holiday, the three friends decide to stay and make the most of it, yet they get much more than they bargained for.
This strange village could be beautiful yet it is the unfriendliest place these three women have ever visited. And what is with the lack of women, there are hardly any and May, Lara and Clare get stared at wherever they go. Their landlord Gene Hathersage and his brother are rather attractive but one seems to permanently be in a bad mood and the other has a vile fiancee who the whole village is terrified of.
I enjoyed this book so much. It had a slightly magical and mysterious edge to it and once I had started, I just couldn't stop reading.
I liked all three of the female characters and I enjoyed the separate story-lines that Milly Johnson had created, there is plenty going on to keep you interested.
The village of Ren Dullem is almost a character as well; I was intrigued as to what was going on and the secrets being kept by the inhabitants. I loved the ending and the little extra surprises included.
It's Raining Men is a funny, warm and entertaining read. Milly Johnson at her best.

Dot Scribbles Rating: 5/5

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Pages: 480

Many thanks to Simon and Schuster for sending me a copy of this book to review, it is out now!

Book Review: White Wedding by Milly Johnson

They met on the search for the wedding dress of their dreams. But will they find more than they bargained for?
Heir to a chocolate dynasty, Bel is in the midst of planning her perfect wedding to Richard, the love of her life, when disaster strikes and everything she held dear starts to fall apart.
Ice-cream parlour owner Violet is engaged to Glyn though she fell out of love with him long ago. But, unhappy though she is, somehow she can't quite shake her childhood dream of a big fairy-tale wedding with all the trimmings.
All three women are brought together at the White Wedding bridal shop, on the search for the perfect dress for their big day. Its owner Freya guarantees that her gowns will bring them happiness though maybe not in quite the way they expected...

Milly Johnson has done it again, I really enjoyed this book and flew through the pages.
The story revolves around Bel, Max and Violet who all met at the White Wedding bridal shop when looking for their perfect wedding dresses.
Bel is heir to a chocolate dynasty but is in no way a spoilt rich girl.She is all set to marry Richard who appears to be the perfect groom. But when Bel discovers some skeletons in Richard's closet, she may have to rethink her wedding plans.
Max and Stuart have been together for seventeen years so getting married is more a formality than a romantic occasion. But when Max sees My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding on the TV, she is soon dreaming of big princess dresses and cakes in the shape of castles.
Violet is engaged to agoraphobic Glyn and rather than being excited about her upcoming nuptials, she is almost just going through the motions. Violet throws herself into her new ice-cream parlour business, especially the handsome artist she is paying to help her decorate.
I think my favourite aspect of Milly Johnson's books are the wonderful characters that she creates. I really took to Bel, Max and Violet and I wanted them to all have their own happy ending. Their friendship grows as they get to know each other, proving that men can come and go but you can always rely on your best mates.
As usual, Milly Johnson writes with a lot of humour and warmth. I loved the My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding aspect of the book; I am a big fan of the show and it was a lot of fun reading about Max's extravagant plans.
White Wedding is a great book about love, life, friendship and really big wedding dresses. I highly recommend this book, Milly Johnson never fails to entertain.

Dot Scribbles Rating 5/5

Many thanks to Simon and Schuster for sending me a copy of White Wedding to review, it is out now!

New to Dot Scribbles Shelves

I have received some very exciting books to review recently, here's a few of them, let me know your thoughts!

Summer Daydreams by Carole Matthews (Sphere, 24th May) Nell McNamara has a happy life: her boyfriend Olly adores her, their four-year-old daughter Petal is the centre of their world and Nell has a steady job in the local chip shop. When the chippy needs a makeover, Nell jumps at the chance to unleash the creativity fizzing inside her.
Inspired by what she can achieve- and encouraged by the best friends a girl can have- Nell is determined to try something new. Waving goodbye to the chip shop, she starts up a new business making her own line of must-have handbags, which are soon flying off the shelves!
It seems Nell's dreams are finally coming true, but her success doesn't come without a price. Before too long, Nell has to ask herself if it's really possible to have it all...

Catching The Sun by Tony Parsons (Harper Collins, 7th June) When taxi driver Tom Finn is almost jailed for confronting two burglars in his own home, he leaves broken Britain and takes his wife and children to live on the tropical island of Phuket, Thailand. Phuket is all the Finn family dreamed of- a tropical paradise where the children swim with elephants, the gibbons sing love songs in the jungle, the Andaman Sea is like turquoise glass and the young family is free to grow. But both man-made disaster and unleashed forces of nature shatter this tropical idyll.

White Wedding by Milly Johnson (Simon and Schuster, 7th May) It's the day they've always dreamed about. But will it turn out to be a nightmare...?
Bel is in the midst of planning her perfect wedding when disaster strikes and everything she thought she knew is turned on its head. Can she hold it all together and, with the help of her friends, and a mysterious man she meets unexpectedly, turn disaster into triumph?
Bel's best friend, ice-cream parlour owner Violet, is engaged to Glyn, who is besotted by her although Violet fell out of love with him long ago. But however trapped she feels in the relationship, she can't quite say the words, 'I don't want to marry you anymore.' Then, just when she's about to give up and resign herself to married life, she finds love in the most surprising of places. Will duty rule her heart or will she allow herself to be swept off her feet?
Their childhood friend Max was planning a quick registry office do with her fiance Stuart until she sees a TV programme about traveller brides and becomes determined to have the most extravagantly glitzy wedding ever. But in all the excitement has she lost sight of what's really important? Does she want the wedding more than she wants the groom?

And as all three friends find the dress of their dreams at the White Wedding bridal shop, its owner, the lovely Freya, guarantees that her gowns will bring them happiness- though maybe not quite in the way they expected...

Until I Die by Amy Plum (Atom, 3rd May) She fell in love with the perfect man. But his secret condemns him to die: again and again. For Kate's boyfriend is a revenant. A man who gave his life in place of another. Now one of the undead. Locked in an immortal battle played out on the streets of Paris. Kate and Vincent can be together right now, in the moment. But when one is mortal and the other immortal. What will they do about forever? Set in a Paris rich in art, history and mythology, Until I Die is a gothic novel about love against the odds. With a detailed revenant mythology rooted in existing legend, Amy Plum introduces you to a dark and fascinating new paranormal underworld.

Better Together by Sheila O'Flannagan (Healdine, 5th July) Sheridan Gray has the perfect life: dream job as a hot-shot journalist, ideal boyfriend and demanding parents' approval. That is, until her world crashes around her. Left with few options, she takes a job in what just so happens to be the hometown of the man she blames for everything- is this ever going to be the new start Sheridan needs?
When her husband, an aspiring actor, was offered a part in Dublin, Nina Fallon never dreamt her own life would become a soap opera. Faced with running her guesthouse alone and denying the idle gossipers, the last thing she needs is her new tenant's eagle-eyed investigations. As Sheridan gets closer to the truth, both women struggle to let go of the past. Will they stick to what they know? Or will they find that practice makes perfect and sometimes it's best to move on?

Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness (Headline, 10th July) It began with A Discovery of Witches. Historian, Diana Bishop descended from a line of powerful witches, and long-lived vampire Matthew Clairmont have broken the laws dividing creatures. When Diana discovered a significant alchemical manuscript in the Bodleian Library, she sparked a struggle in which she became bound to Matthew. Now the fragile coexistence of witches, daemons, vampires and humans is dangerously threatened. Seeking safety, Diana and Matthew travel back in time to London, 1590. But they soon realise that the past may not provide a haven. Reclaiming his former identity as poet and spy for Queen Elizabeth, the vampire falls back in with a group of radicals known as the School of Night. Many are unruly daemons, the creative minds of the age, including playwright Christopher Marlowe and mathematician Thomas Harriot. Together Matthew and Diana scour Tudor London for the elusive manuscript  Ashmole 782, and search for the witch who will teach Diana how to control her remarkable powers... Fall under the spell of Diana and Matthew once more in this stunning , rich imagined epic tale.

Book Review: An Autumn Crush by Milly Johnson + GIVEAWAY!!!!

In the heart of the windy season, four friends are about to get swept off their feet...
Newly single after a bruising divorce, Juliet Miller moves into a place of her own and advertises for a flatmate, little believing that, in her mid-thirties, she'll find anyone suitable. Then, just as she's about to give up hope, along comes self-employed copywriter Floz, and the two women hit it off straight away.
When Juliet's gentle giant of a twin brother, Guy, meets Floz, he falls head over heels. But as hard as he tries to charm her, his foot seems to be permanently in his mouth. Meanwhile, Guy's best friend Steve has always had a secret crush on Juliet- one which could not be more unrequited if it tried...
As Floz and Juliet's friendship deepens and Floz becomes a part of the Miller family, can guy turn her affections into something more- into love for him? And what will happen to Steve's heart when Juliet eventually catches the eye of Piers- the man of her dreams?

Milly Johnson has written such a lovely book to get you in the mood for the Autumn months. Friendship is key to this story as it is in most of Milly's books; Juliet and Floz have only just met each other but it becomes obvious very quickly that they have found a friendship for life.
Juliet is the more out-going of the two women, she has a huge crush on her boss, Piers Winstanley-Black and dreams that one day he will sweep her off her feet and carry her into the sunset. She is completely oblivious to Steve, her brother's best friend who has always had a thing for her. Juliet doesn't have a good thing to say about Steve, but has this just become a habit rather than true feelings?
Floz is an extremely likable character but she is the one with skeletons in her cupboard. She reveals she has an ex-husband and a more recent broken relationship but she won't divulge any more details. As the book goes on, Floz becomes quieter and Juliet decides that she must find out what is upsetting her new best friend. Meanwhile. Juliet's brother Guy is completely taken with Floz but a mixture of bad timing and misunderstandings means that the two are never likely to get it on.
I have enjoyed all of Milly Johnson's books that I have read, they are always filled with warm and likable characters and a lot of humour. If you are looking for a good book to curl up with on the sofa as the nights draw in then give An Autumn Crush a go!

Dot Scribbles rating 4/5

Many thanks to Simon and Schuster for sending me a copy of the book to review, it is out now!

I have one copy of An Autumn Crush to give away so you can enjoy it for yourself! Autumn is my favourite time of the year (mainly because it is when my birthday takes place!) to win this copy just tell me what your favourite thing about Autumn is, along with your comment please leave your email address so that I can contact the winner! This competition will stay open until midnight on Tuesday 25th October and is open to UK residents only- Good Luck! 


The ever-lovely Milly Johnson saw my competition yesterday and has kindly said that she will also send the winner a signed book plate, a book bag and an autumn bookmark!! Now that would make a lovely prize wouldn't it! 

Book Review: Here Come the Girls by Milly Johnson + GIVE AWAY!!

Ven, Roz, Olive and Frankie have been friends since school. They daydreamed of glorious futures, full of riches, romances and fabulous jobs. The world was to be their oyster. 

Twenty-five years later, Olive cleans other people's houses to support  her lazy, out-of-work husband and his ailing mother. Roz cannot show her kind, caring partner Manus any love because her philandering ex has left her trust in shreds. And she and Frankie have fallen out big time. 

But Ven is determined to reunite her friends and realize the dream they had of taking a cruise by the time they hit forty. Before they know it, the four of them are far from home, on the high seas But can blue skies, hot sun  and sixteen days of luxury and indulgence distract from the tension and loneliness that await their return?

I always enjoy Milly Johnson's books but I think this one is my clear favourite. I have just got back off my sixth cruise and I think that they are the perfect holiday so I was excited when I realised that Milly's new book was set in the luxurious world of cruising.
Once again we have a fantastic story and lovely characters to get to know. Ven, Roz, Frankie and Olive have been friends since school, where they made the pact to go on a cruise for Ven's fortieth birthday. A lot has happened since that summer day at school though. None of them have the life that they had imagined for themselves when they were fifteen. Ven is recently divorced from her cheating husband who dealt a double blow by talking half of her inheritance in the divorce settlement. Roz can't seem to escape her past; Manus is a lovely man but she cannot forget how she was treated by her ex all of those years ago. Olive is having to clean other people's toilets for a living as well as being a general dogsbody for her lazy husband and mother-in-law. Frankie is the black sheep of the group, Roz won't talk to her so she is not too pleased when she realises that they are stuck on a ship together for sixteen days.
The book is set out just like a cruise itinerary, we know if the ladies are at sea or in a port and what the dress code will be for dinner that night. Here Come the Girls has a lovely pace and I found it a really relaxing read as it was as though I was on holiday with them.
Ultimately this book is about friendship, these women would do anything for each other. They are not afraid to tell it like it is and this makes for very entertaining reading.
Milly Johnson has talked of her love of cruising and it is so clear to see in the book. She has all the little details spot on, from the luxurious surroundings, to the brightly coloured cocktails and the excitement that a formal night brings. If you have been on a cruise then it is lovely to be able to identify with the experiences that the ladies have on-board. If you haven't been on a cruise then you may be in trouble as this book will make you want to book one as soon as possible.
Ven, Roz, Frankie and Olive know that the holiday has to come to an end, they all know that they have got to make changes to their lives on their return as why shouldn't they be as happy as their fifteen year old selves had imagined?
Here Come the Girls is a fantastic read with a delicious twist towards the end, it felt like pure escapism. It would be a great book to take away with you, or as I found, one to banish the holiday blues.

Many thanks to Milly Johnson and Simon and Schuster for sending me a review copy, the book is out now.

I also have one copy of the book to give away to a lucky UK resident, the very lovely Milly Johnson has also offered to sent the winner a book bag and bookmark. Simply leave a comment below, you must include your email address to be entered into the competition so that I can contact the winner. This will remain open until midnight on Wednesday May 25th, good luck!!!


If you are feeling lucky then head over to Milly's blog as she has a fabulous competition to win a bottle of the Icewine which features in Here Comes the Girls. You can't go wrong with a bottle of bubbly so just click here to find out more! 

Book Review: A Summer Fling by Milly Johnson

These girls are about to have a summer they'll never forget!
When dynamic Christie blows in like a warm wind to take over their department, five very different women find themselves thrown together at work.
Anna, 39, is left reeling after her fiance's departure with a younger woman. Can she ever learn to trust again? Then there's Grace, in her fifties, trapped in a loveless marriage with a man she married because she fell for his motherless brood. Can she prevent 33-year-old Dawn- orphaned as a teenager and engaged to love-rat Calum- from making the same mistake she did?
At 28, Raychel would seem to be the happiest, with a loving husband, Ben and their cosy nest for two. But what dark secrets are lurking behind this perfect facade, that make sweet, pretty Raychel so unwilling to open up?
Under Christine's kindly hand, the girls know they have some difficult choices to make. Indeed, none of them quite realized how much they needed the sense of fun, laughter, and loyalty that abounds when five women become friends.

I do not have a bad word to say about this book as I loved it. The ending itself made me cry but I was also very sad that there were no more pages.
The four women have been working together for a long time but it takes Christine's appointment as their new boss to bring them together. Milly Johnson has brought 5 very different women together which makes for extremely interesting reading and she has joined them in a friendship that they all so desperately needed.
Each woman has a different issue and storyline so each chapter had something going on, this book is extremely hard to put down once you have started.
There are some very serious issues covered through these 5 women but Milly Johnson still injects the book with many laughs and a lot of warmth and humility.
I enjoyed Milly Johnson's last book, A Spring Affair but for me this one had something extra; she is a great writer who I would highly recommend. 

Review: A Spring Affair by Milly Johnson

How on earth did fiesty, fun-loving Lou Casserly become the ultimate 'surrended wife'? Long gone is the outrageous girl who once dreamed up wild plans with her best friend Deb. Now Lou is a lonely, picked on woman who no longer realises when she is being taken advantage of- whether by her never satisfied mother or unfaithful husband Phil.
Then one day, she picks up a dog-eared magazine and spots an article about clearing clutter, little realising how it will change her life. What begins as an earnest spring clean soon spirals out of control. The more Lou lets go of, the more light and air can get to those painful, closed up places at the centre of her heart. When she meets hunky, local man Tom Broom, she sees her philandering husband in a very different light. But, even with Tom's help, can Lou Winter manage to put the spring back into her step? And who knows where her new found zest for the stripped-back life will take her next?

This is the first book by Milly Johnson that I have read, somehow I missed her first book, The Yorkshire Pudding Club. I loved how she offers you little snippets of information along the way, you keep turning the pages in order to get more. The character of Lou Winter was extremely well created; we meet the down-trodden Lou who has been with Phil for far too long and lost who she truly is. As the story progresses we start to see the real Lou shine through as she begins to take control of her life again.
I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it! It was the perfect book to ease me into my holiday!