Little Acts of Love

Mishaps in Millrise #1

by Tilly Tennant

Mishaps in Millrise – a four-(novella)-part romantic spin-off from Mishaps and Mistletoe

If you’re new to the town of Millrise, then come and meet the residents. But if you fell in love with Phoebe and Jack last Christmas in Mishaps and Mistletoe, then you’ve just been invited to the best reunion ever…

Almost five months have passed since Phoebe and Jack first met in the grotto of a drunken Santa at Hendry’s toy store in Millrise. Since then, Jack and his adorable daughter, Maria, have turned Phoebe’s life around. As she and Jack get closer, Phoebe decides it’s time to put her stagnating career back on track too, which means going for a big promotion at work.

But nothing is ever simple in the strange little world of Hendry’s, and Phoebe is soon wishing she’d stayed on the tills. At home, things aren’t much better as the couple brace themselves to meet their respective in-laws. It’s clear from the start that making friends and influencing people has never been harder. And to make it worse, Phoebe must compete for the affection of Jack’s parents with the perfect partner and mother – who’s been dead for five years…

>b>To be continued...!

Genres: Chick Lit

86 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 10, 2015

About the author

Tilly Tennant was born in Dorset, the oldest of four children, but now lives in Staffordshire with a family of her own. After years of dismal and disastrous jobs, including paper plate stacking, shop girl, newspaper promotions and waitressing (she never could carry a bowl of soup without spilling a bit), she decided to indulge her passion for the written word by embarking on a degree in English and creative writing, graduating in 2009 with first class honours. She wrote her first novel in 2007 during her first summer break at university and has not stopped writing since. She also works as a freelance fiction editor, and considers herself very lucky that this enables her to read many wonderful books before the rest of the world gets them.

Tilly is represented by the wonderful, gorgeous Peta Nightingale at LAW.

Reviews

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mishaps in Millrise is a kind of standalone sequel series; you don't have to have read Mishaps and Mistletoe to jump aboard, but then you wouldn't want to miss out on that book because it's charming and wonderfully funny - a lot for Little Acts of Love to live up to then.

The book starts a few months after the last episode, with Phoebe making a concious effort to get her disastrous career on track. But just as things start going well at work, things take a turn for the worse at home with the arrival of the boyfriend's mysterious, mischievous brother, and the impending doom of meeting the in-laws. All of this is wonderfully entertaining however, from Phoebe rapping her way through a job interview, to messing around with cosplay fan and best friend, Midnight, there is never a dull moment! A great start to the series, I eagerly await part 2 ...

[Bianca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've received this novel via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was distracted by the beautiful cover and I didn't notice that this was just part 1 of a series!!! Shock Horror! But MEA CULPA!

I'll keep this review short, just like the novel, or is it a novel? It felt like I only was given a quarter of a short novel, as it only took a couple of hours to read this installment. So I'll try, really, really hard not to hold it against it and review what I've read on its merit.

So what can I say about it? It's competently written, the main characters are interesting enough and there's some humour throughout. But due to the diminished time in the company of these characters, I didn't find myself too engaged or too interested, if I'm being honest. I can tell though, that if it'd been one stand-alone full novel, it would have made for a charming beach read, but as it stands, I can't be bothered to look for, wait for the next installments.

[Emma Star Crossed Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free for a Blog Tour in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Thank you to JB for letting me take part in this tour. I had previously read two of Tilly’s books and as soon as I read the blurb I knew I had to read both this and Mistletoe and Mishaps too.

This book picks up four months after Mistletoe and Mishaps. It follows Jack and Phoebe’s relationship and where Phoebe is with her job four months after Christmas. Phoebe is going for this big promotion at work and is pretty nervous about it. Jack and Phoebe have been blissfully happy for the past four months. Jack quite clearly adores Phoebe but there are things he’s holding back. There is something going on with his brother which I am keen to get ot the bottom of. He’s also holding back on introducing her to his parents and Phoebe can’t help but think this might have something to do with Rebecca.

This book nicely continues from the snippet we got at christmas and set you up for the next 3 parts in this story. Tilly really leaves you hanging at the end of this and I cannot wait for the next one.

[Julie Boon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't read the Christmas story of Mishaps in Millrise so I was worried that I wouldn't be able to follow this story, but I was pleasantly surprised to be able to follow the characters straight away.

Phoebe works in a toy shop and has been seeing boyfriend Jack for a few months and he has a lovely daughter Maria. Phoebe is still mourning her previous partner but is trying to get on with her life and therefore goes for a big promotion at work.

Phoebe obviously didn't get all of the information regarding her interview for the promotion as she didn't know about a presentation she had to give. She asks her colleague and friend to help and she ends up singing a rap song instead of giving a computer presentation!! It was absolutely hilarious, I couldn't stop laughing for ages!!

Anyway I won't tell you too much more except I am not 100% sure about Jack and I think there is a lot more to come from their relationship. I hope I can get to read the other instalments as I am very interested in knowing what happens next............

[Jo Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank Brooks Cottage Books and author Tilly Tennant for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

We first met Phoebe and Jack in Tilly's Christmas story Mishaps and Mistletoe and I'm really glad that she has decided to revisit them with a four-part series. As the blurb says they are now five months down the line and still finding out about each other.

Phoebe decides to try for promotion and the interview for this is hilarious. Midnight talks Phoebe into doing something crazy for the interview. I love Phoebe and Midnights friendship, but I don't think she is the best influence on Phoebe.

Jack and Pheobe's relationship still seems to be going strong until Jack's brother turns up and he decides to hide something from Pheobe. An interesting start to this new four part novella serie and I'm looking forward to the next one as I love all of Tilly's books. This story is really sweet and Jack and Pheobe are a lovely couple but I sense trouble ahead.

[DJ Sakata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite Quotes:

“...only a few months ago she really hadn't cared for children at all. They were like an alien race, to be treated with suspicion and avoided unless absolutely necessary.”

“That brain donor will have to get up early in the morning to catch me. In fact, he'd have to get up the night before and camp out.”

“Steve's nostrils were flared in a way that suggested a permanent state of near-fatal high blood pressure. At first, Phoebe had been alarmed by this sight whenever she had the misfortune to witness it. But as the months progressed, she realised that this was actually her boss in a good mood. Steve in a bad mood looked like an atomic bomb ready to go off.”

My Review:

Read as part of the Mishaps in Millrise Omnibus.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, I found it quite light hearted but could see that it was building up to something just as the book ended, with it being the first part of the series I can see it developing much further as the story moves on. The main characters are easily likable and the story flowed really well, making it a pleasant way to pass the time without having to worry about anything else. I am looking forward to the next instalment. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 1 of a 4 part book series. Note to readers, you can either read this as a 4 part book series like I’m going to or there is a full length novel which includes all of the 4 parts should you prefer to read it in that format.

So this is a nice start to the series, introducing the characters, and starting to get to know them. I feel that all is not going to be smooth sailing for our main character Phoebe in her personal life or her new job, but looking forward to seeing how she handles it all.

It’s pretty well written, story has been pulled in and left me wanting more anyhow, so on to part 2 I go.

[Agi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the title of this book and, to be honest, decided in a flash to be a part of the Blog Tour, without reading a blurb or without giving it a thought, so when I've seen it is a continuation of Mishaps and Mistletoe, which I didn't read, I worried a little but there was no need for this - Little Acts of Love can be absolutely read as a stand - alone novella (although now, after reading it, I am desperate to know what happened before, so will be definitely reading Mishaps and Mistletoe - the author truly boosted my curiosity through those short passages concerning the past of the characters).

You are thrown direct into the heart of the story and you know there is a past, but even without knowing about it you can easily continue with Little Acts of Love. The writing is very nice, and very fresh, and there is something really magic to it.

Phoebe and Jack are a couple, and the things are so good between them (and Jack's daughter Maria is also accepting Phoebe) that Jack has just given Phoebe a key to his house. But as soon as it happens, Phoebe starts to sense that there are some mysteries, that Jack is... keeping a secret? He never seems to want to introduce Phoebe to his parents, and when his brother visits, she can see there is something wrong, but Jack doesn't want to tell her anything about it...
Apart from troubles in heaven, Phoebe has a little stress at work. There came this opportunity to get a better job in the same company, in promotions, and even though she works there only 4 months, she decides to give it a go. Unfortunately, something or someone seems to sabotage Phoebe's chances, as she never knows that she is supposed to deliver a presentation during her interview... Will her quickly put together unconventional presentation be enough to get her this new great job? And what's wrong with Jack?

I find the characters engaging and well developed. I'm guessing there must be reason for Jack behaving the way he is behaving, but right now he doesn't seem to be my most beloved character - I mean, if there is a problem, then just tell it, OK? Especially when you seem to be so sure about your girlfriend. I can sense some troubles coming Jack and Phoebe's way, especially when both sets of parents are concerned, but still, Jack, you could be more open and honest with Phoebe, who really seems like a lovely girl and is so good with your daughter, right?
Also, Midnight (what a name...!) adds a lot of sparkles and fire to every scene she enters. I think I wouldn't bear up with her for longer but she's provided on regular doses by the author, in the right amount, and I love her imagination, fantasy and ideas. But because Phoebe is so much different to Midnight, those two complement each other in the most perfect way and they team up in a brilliant way.

I can only hope that some of the things will be explained in the next instalment, for example who forgot to put the information about presentation in Phoebe's flyer about the new job, or why the person who asked about Phoebe when she and her friend Midnight were buying something to eat seemed to be so important, why was this scene in this story at all. I mean, there seemed to be things started, mentioned, and then forgotten, even though they didn't seem to be so significant for the story. But I might be wrong of course and it's going to turn out that they were very denoting.

There was nothing wrong with this novella, absolutely nothing, but maybe this is what concerns me so much... It just seemed as if it has started somewhere and ended somewhere - I can't put my finger on it but it just seems to me to be unfinished (yes, I do realise it is a part of the series!)

Tilly Tennant can really write, and her storytelling is truly entertaining. She adds some twists and turns to the story which make the reading faster and interesting, and also there are some really funny moments in the novella. As much as it was a nice read, it won't stay with me for long, but please do try it, it may work much better for you! However, I did like this, it had its moments, and I am looking forward to the next parts of the series - the magic lies in this brilliant, light - hearted, warm writing style and truly great characters with brilliant attitudes...

Copy received in exchange for a review.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Posted originally http://www.reviewedthebook.co.uk/2015...

I couldn't have been more excited to see that Tilly Tennant was writing a four-part novella series set in Millrise, the town that Mishaps and Mistletoe was set in. Tilly is one of my favourite authors, the characters from Mishaps and Mistletoe were my personal favourites and I love a four part series - so, I was sure nothing could go wrong. And it didn't. Little Acts of Love was a beautiful start to the series, a lovely introduction to the characters of Phoebe, Jack and Maria and for those who already fell for the three of them in the Christmas novella, it was fun to reconnect and discover a few hints as to where the Mishaps in Millrise series is going to take them, whether Phoebe and Jack will survive the toughest challenges they've faced in their four month relationship so far...

In Little Acts of Love, Phoebe is trying to earn herself promotion at work, in children's toy store Hendry's. Not only does she want to prove to herself that she's good enough, she'd also like to be able to bring in a bigger wage and provide more for the life she now hopes to be sharing with Jack and his five year old daughter Maria. With the help of her best friend and colleague Midnight, Phoebe tries to battle the nerves and prove she's worthy of a promotion. I love reading Phoebe and Midnight's friendship. Midnight is such a character, with her no-shit attitude and some of the wacky things she's not afraid to say or do. She has a confident, bubbly personality and it works well at bringing out the fun side of Phoebe's character. You can see the appeal of working at Hendry's because even though they both complain about it at times, they're always laughing and it's entertaining to read. Meeting young children and their parents at the toy store every day brings out a side Phoebe never knew she had before Maria, as she begins to see more of the joys of children rather than them being alien to her.

Phoebe's relationship with Jack really gets its first test here and Jack's character was intriguing me. He seemed a little more changeable than I had expected from him having read Mishaps and Mistletoe and I'm not planning on spoiling the story so won't go any further, but I do like how Tilly looks to be setting this series up for a few twists and turns. Little Acts of Love may be a short novella but to me it didn't read like it was lacking anything. The character development was strong, not only for Phoebe and Jack but also a couple of the supporting characters, like Midnight. It's a light-hearted story with characters easy to invest in and a few laughs which makes it an uplifting, one-sitting kind of read. I have a feeling book two will be a little bit different...

*Book received for an honest review.

[B.R. Maycock · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Review: First off thanks to Netgalley for providing me with this book in return for an honest review.

Let me start by saying how much I loved this cover, such a pretty, intricate little cover, that, coupled with the blurb, made me think that this would be a nice easygoing read. This it was, and being part of a serial collection of books, and a novella at that, it flew by.

I had not read the book that this was a spin off from and so did not know Phoebe, Jack or indeed his daughter, Maria. We were told that they had been together four months but from the start it didn’t really feel like that. I might have missed Jack’s age, but it seemed he was older than Phoebe, and so their relationship seemed odd, as I would have expected a parent who had lost their spouse to not become so serious within a four month time-frame. This was one of the big problems of the book, I felt it needed a bit more of an introduction to the characters, maybe a smart few lines that would describe both them and their relationship more. If I’d read the first book and gotten to know Jack more I might have seen his behavior here out of character- I found him cranky and standoffish with Phoebe, with a bit of a temper, snapping at her a little too much and too loudly when she did not deserve it.

Another reason the book before would have made things easier was that I couldn’t tally the fact that a few months ago Phoebe hadn’t liked children at all and now her dream job was to be higher up in a toy company.

This all sounds like I didn’t like the book, but I loved the scenes with her mother and father, and found the descriptions of a father’s partaking in a war reenactment hilarious. I have to admit that this was the homely aspect to the book I wanted when I first saw the cover. The book was very nicely written and, I’ll be honest, if I’d read this a few years ago I’d probably have been giving this a 5/5, I think from Phoebe and Jack’s behavior it is aimed at a younger reader (I’m thirty five years old). The other thing that didn’t sell it to me was it being divided into four segments when I think one book would have sewn this all together a little more tightly ( I think the hook of this was introduced a little suddenly and late into this novella, but would have worked as part of one book.) I’m sure others will think differently, bringing me back to my constant thought that no two people will get the same out of any given book, everyone has different thoughts and ideas, things that work for them and things that don’t.

All in all, not for me, but a lovely light read that will appeal to so many so try not to take this pernickety old reviewer’s word for it.

Rating: 3/5

[Kaisha (The Writing Garnet) · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading a few books recently that have had quite deep storylines, I fancied something light to read. I thought to myself as I sat in my zebra print pyjamas, I wonder what author would be able to assist my bookish needs. I opened up Amazon on my laptop and sat staring at the screen with my blueberry muffin hanging out of my mouth, as you do. But then I felt like I was on a rollercoaster. Why would I be on a rollercoaster, in zebra print pyjamas whilst eating a blueberry muffin? How absurd! Then I thought that life is obviously a rollercoaster, just got to ride it! No, I didn’t think that, but I had those lyrics in my head again, because I knew exactly what author….TILLY TENNANT! Seriously Til’, if you’re going to serenade me can you quickly change the song because I’m getting a bit travel sick on this rollercoaster! (Thanks again to Ronan Keating for making yet another appearance where Tilly is concerned!)
But yes, anyway, I decided on this little beauty to read – Little Acts of Love. A novella that is part one of a four book series.

Most of the story is based in a toy shop where Phoebe works with her good friend that doesn’t give a tutu. Despite the fact that she hasn’t worked at the toy shop for long, she decides that a promotion is the way forward. Phoebe thought she had read the job description thoroughly, but on the morning of the interview she is told that she needs to have a presentation ready for the interviewing panel. To you and me, a presentation might be a slide show about the job or store, to Phoebe it soon becomes clear that her presentation isn’t as straight forward as a slideshow.
Honestly? I thought Phoebe’s presentation was hilarious to read. Cringy, but hilarious!
How gorgeous is the cover by the way! Very vintage chic! I thoroughly enjoyed this book because it was a light read and it was hilarious. The humour throughout the book is fantastic and definitely brought a smile to my face on multiple occasions. Despite some of the storyline having sad points, it was a lovely read and definitely left me wanting to find out what happened next. So much so, as soon as I had finished it, I ordered part 2; ‘Just Like Rebecca’. Because it is just the beginning of the storyline as such, the characters are just beginning to develop and so far a couple of them have made me incredibly intrigued. There seems to be a secret amongst one or two of the characters and I am looking forward to finding out what it may be.
Already the storyline is starting to show warmth and personality so stay tuned for my review on part two of the series!

[Stace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a free copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.

I have never read "Mishaps and Mistletoe", which is where the two main characters meet, so I didn’t get to read all about Phoebe and Jacks’ back story, nor have prior knowledge of Millrise. Although I felt it would have been nice to have had that information, as that would have given me the opportunity to get to know the characters better, it wasn’t essential as the book works as a stand alone.

The plot flits between Jack, Phoebe and Maria’s home life, and Phoebe’s working life at Hendry’s toy store.

The chemistry that Jack and Phoebe have for each other pours off nearly every page, and the love that Phoebe has for Jacks daughter, Maria is evident throughout.

Phoebe is a woman trying to move on with her life after her boyfriend, Vik, was killed in a freak accident. She feels the pain at losing her partner everyday, but is trying to move on with her life. She is strong willed, yet lacks confidence in herself. I thought she was a likeable character that you can really connect with, just like one of the girls, even if she is wise beyond her years.

Phoebe met Jack five months ago and their relationship has gone from strength to strength, but a secret that Jack is holding may just see the pairs’ love life be destroyed.

Jack is also grieving for his late wife, the mother of his daughter. He is a hard man to fathom out. One minute he is so in love with Phoebe that he wants her to feel like his home is her home too, and even gives her a key, but he’s holding something back from her, and is easily angered by his younger brother. The seriousness of his secret is evident, especially if he’s willing to wreak his relationship over it.

One of my favourite characters is Midnight. She works with Phoebe at Hendry’s, and has a ‘no fuss, don’t give a damn’ attitude. She has sex appeal and is not afraid to use it. I love her “tell it as it is” personality and she really stood out and brought fun to the story.

The book is only short, a novella, and is part one. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I can’t wait to connect with the characters in part two and hopefully find out what Jack’s secret is.

[Dan Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This year (2015) I decided to fit books in that I usually wouldn't read. Genres such as chick-lit and romantic comedies, such as Little Acts of Love, is a prime example. I'd heard good things about Tilly Tennant, so I took the dive, and thankfully, I wasn't disappointed.

A man reading chick-lit is a pretty new-age thing, but Tennant doesn't write in a way that dissuades men from actually enjoying the story. It was competently written - a fab mix of romance, wit, and humour. There were a few sexual references I found absolutely hilarious.

Midnight, the eccentric, extroverted shop assistant friend of main character Phoebe has to my favourite character. She really brings the scenes to life in my opinion. That's not to say that Phoebe and love interest Jack are total saps - they introduce important themes to this four-part series. A new relationship has those giddy, butterfly moments, but with a job promotion up for grabs, and the introduction of Jack's mysterious brother causes tension for the duo. The author does a great job at treading the thin line of what can make or break a relationship - it places the reader within the story.

I'm looking forward to reading the next book.

[Simona · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Mishaps in Millrise is a spin-off from Mishaps and Mistletoe. I haven’t read it, but I definitely plan on doing it, I wanna know how the story started and the blurbs sounds very exciting.

I can assure you though that it is not necessary to read the prequel. I got into the story quite fast and I loved the characters immediately. Tilly made it very easy to dive into this story with her unique, bubbly and fresh style of writing.

Phoebe and Jack are very happy and she also gets along really well with his daughter Maria. That’s not enough though, Phoebe is determined to fight for her career. Things seem to get better at work, but then at home everything gets worse. When Jack’s brother turns up, Jack is suddenly very secretive and mysterious and the situation of might meeting each other’s in-laws doesn’t make it better. Everything is tense and dramatic.

Phoebe’s best friend Midnight also adds a little spark here and there. There definitely never is a dull moment, Tilly really understands how to engage a reader. I enjoyed every page and I can’t wait for part 2!

[Suzie Groers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a natty little novella by Tilly Tennant, and I never say natty!

A lovely little story that takes the reader through Phoebe's attempts at bettering herself in her job at Hendry's toy shop and working on her relationship with her new love, Jack and his daughter, Maria. I understand that this is a follow on from Mishaps and Mistletoe which I hadn't read, but that didn't stop me enjoying Little Acts of Love.

The job interview has to be the high point of this story and it's like no job interview I've ever experienced (thankfully), but despite that it has a few laugh out loud moments.

The characters are all pretty likeable, and there's the appearance of a troublesome brother to Jack, which will no doubt will lead to more in the follow on.

All in all, well worth a read and you'll definitely want to get the next instalment.

I received a Kindle copy of this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly I have to say that I love the cover! A someone who hasn't yet read Mishaps and Mistletoe I can guarantee that this series can also be read as a standalone - it all makes sense without knowledge of the previous book. I liked Phoebe and Jack, and I sense trouble for them now that Hendry junior is on the scene! My favourite character without a doubt though is Midnight - she's just brilliant and I wish I had a friend like her! In true Tilly Tennant style this story is told with humour and heart, with characters that you can't wait to read more about. It ended just as things were getting really interesting, so I'm eagerly anticipating the next installment!

*A copy of this book was provided to me in exchange for a review as part of a blog tour: http://lilmissvixreads.blogspot.com/2...*

[Hannah Symonds · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is all about Phoebe and how she is trying to earn herself a promotion at the Children's toy store called Hendry's. She hopes to get provide a better life with her boyfriend Jack and his daughter Maria. Phoebe has a best friend called Midnight and I love the way their friendship blossoms, Midnight has such a different attitude to Phoebe's I think that is why they are such good friends and she brings the fun side out in Phoebe. They both work at Hendry's and you can see why they would have fun. I really enjoyed this story and really look forward to reading the next one.

[Sheerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part 1 of a 4 part series following on from Mishaps and Mistletoe, however you don't need to read that to get into this series but it was a good Christmas read, so why not! Phoebe and Jack now are in a relationship although it is still rather tentative for the sake of Maria, Jack's daughter by his dead wife. Phoebe feels that now she has this new found strength, she should apply for a new better job at Hendry's toy store. This book is worth the read just based on the hilarious and cringe feeling of the interview.

[J.B (Debbie) · Rating 5 out of 5]

review to follow.

[Elizabeth Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book free as part of a book tour. It's adorable. :)

[Lyndsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

good short story