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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Well, I just loved this from start to finish. Like many of Milly Johnson’s characters, to begin with the main character Polly is not in a happy place. She’s brilliant at her job as a business analyst but underappreciated by her new boss and overlooked for promotion simply because she is a woman. Her home life isn’t much better with a partner who has cheated on her and who takes her for granted. Her only escape is her creative writing where she writes about a character called Sabrina who is living the kind of life Polly wishes she could have. I was immediately on Polly’s side and hoping she could make a better life for herself.
For reasons I won’t go into, Polly comes to believe she really is Sabrina and begins anew in a small seaside town which hold many happy memories for her. I loved this part of the story as she was warmly welcomed into the community, particularly by kind Marielle who really is a lifeline. Female friendship and support is always a big theme in Milly’s books and this book is no exception. Marielle has a group of women friends of varying ages known as the ‘Mad Cows’ and they were just brilliant! These women were such fun to read about and fiercely defensive of each other, even when they occasionally had the wrong end of the stick as they did at one very significant point in the book. Everything the ‘mad cows’ did for each other came from a place of love.
It would be fabulous to be able to write your own life story and I’m sure we’d all write ourselves happy and contented lives. It was so lovely to see Sabrina live the happier life that Polly deserved, when she was free from the constraints of Polly’s life. There was a really sweet love story too of course, perfectly pitched, gently unfolding and so heart-warming.
I have to mention the author’s note at the end of the story in which she talks a bit about romantic fiction in general – a genre that specialises, of course, in happy ever afters. I totally agree that romantic fiction is just as beautifully written and carefully crafted as any other kind of book. Hooray for romantic fiction bringing readers cheer, inspiration, escapism and joy!
The Happiest Ever After is another warm hug of a book from Milly Johnson. Full of heart and love and sure to leave you feeling uplifted. Milly Johnson at her fabulous best!
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Milly Johnson is one of my favourite authors, so I consider myself incredibly lucky to receive an ARC of her new book "The Happiest Ever After" Thank you Simon & Schuster UK for providing me with a copy to read and review.
Polly Potter is a terrific character that you can really relate to. But life is not treating Polly particularly well. Her partner is taking her for granted and generally being a bit of a git and her boss is just despicable. Polly is desperate to escape her unhappiness and the universe lends a helping hand in a most unexpected way.
This is such a heart warming read, full of great characters and dry wit. I honestly couldn't put it down until I finished the very last page. Polly's story was lovely to read and I was rooting for her throughout her journey. I also found the subplots and side characters engaging too and thought they added another dimension to the book. I was delighted to see The Daily Trumpet make its return. The snippets between chapters made me laugh out loud.
I would definitely recommend this book to readers who enjoy heart warming stories with found family and plenty of humour.
Polly Potter is a terrific character that you can really relate to. But life is not treating Polly particularly well. Her partner is taking her for granted and generally being a bit of a git and her boss is just despicable. Polly is desperate to escape her unhappiness and the universe lends a helping hand in a most unexpected way.
This is such a heart warming read, full of great characters and dry wit. I honestly couldn't put it down until I finished the very last page. Polly's story was lovely to read and I was rooting for her throughout her journey. I also found the subplots and side characters engaging too and thought they added another dimension to the book. I was delighted to see The Daily Trumpet make its return. The snippets between chapters made me laugh out loud.
I would definitely recommend this book to readers who enjoy heart warming stories with found family and plenty of humour.
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Poor Polly has come to a cross roads in her life. She isn’t happy with any of it. Work or love and has decided it’s time for a change. Just as she finally takes control of her life, an unfortunate incident leaves her with little memory of who she is and she finds herself having to start over again.
If you are going to end up anywhere, then I am sure like most of us, we would love for it to be by the sea and this is where Polly finds herself. Marielle is a wonderful lady who is probably a bit too open hearted for her own good but she takes pity on this lady who can’t remember anything and brings her into her home and family. I loved the hustle and bustle of the Italian restaurant as well as everyone who works there. There is a lot of energy and good vibes when it comes to these parts and of course the description of the fabulous food was an added bonus!
There are some loveable and definitely not so loveable characters throughout the story. The close knit friendship between Marielle and her friends was great to read of as well as the new friendships and some blossoming love interests. Whilst it has a bit of a David and Goliath theme going on, it’s very much about self worth.
The Happiest Ever After is another feel good and wholesome read by Milly Johnson. The mix of humour and heart-warming moments was just glorious! Every chapter ends with the local paper apologising for errors which has become a bit of a trait of the authors and it’s absolutely brilliant. They never fail to make me laugh. The author’s books are a real tonic that always leave me with a smile on my face and all warm and cosy inside. A gorgeously fun, light-hearted read that gives you a great big hug!
My thanks to the publisher for an early readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.