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The Mill on Magnolia Lane
The sky is cornflower blue, the air is scented with the smell of fresh apple blossom and Lizzie Lovell can’t wait to start her new life in the mill on Magnolia Lane. But is she just about to fall in love with someone she shouldn’t?
When Lizzie loses her larger-than-life Dad she doesn’t know how to move forward. Encouraged by a childhood dream she shared with her beloved father, she is determined to continue his legacy and moves to the old Mill on Magnolia lane, a place he had always longed to own.
Restoring the old windmill is a much bigger job than Lizzie bargained for, especially when she is distracted by her new next door neighbour Jude, who has temptingly twinkly eyes and a body to die for. But when Jude’s ex- girlfriend Harriet arrives back on the scene, Lizzie begins to wonder if life wasn’t far simpler before she moved to the mill. Especially when it emerges that Harriet knows something about Jude’s past, something that could shatter her new start and her heart into smithereens …
If your heart is warmed by Jenny Colgan, Lucy Diamond and Josie Silver’s One Day in December, you’ll fall in love with this beautiful feel-good story about finding love when you least expect it.
When Lizzie loses her larger-than-life Dad she doesn’t know how to move forward. Encouraged by a childhood dream she shared with her beloved father, she is determined to continue his legacy and moves to the old Mill on Magnolia lane, a place he had always longed to own.
Restoring the old windmill is a much bigger job than Lizzie bargained for, especially when she is distracted by her new next door neighbour Jude, who has temptingly twinkly eyes and a body to die for. But when Jude’s ex- girlfriend Harriet arrives back on the scene, Lizzie begins to wonder if life wasn’t far simpler before she moved to the mill. Especially when it emerges that Harriet knows something about Jude’s past, something that could shatter her new start and her heart into smithereens …
If your heart is warmed by Jenny Colgan, Lucy Diamond and Josie Silver’s One Day in December, you’ll fall in love with this beautiful feel-good story about finding love when you least expect it.
324 pages, ebook
Published April 4, 2019
334 people are currently reading
339 people want to read
About the author
Tilly Tennant
48 books470 followersTilly 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.
Tilly is represented by the wonderful, gorgeous Peta Nightingale at LAW.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
April 13, 2019
A heartwarming story packed with love and family! This book made me want to move to a windmill or at the very least to a small English Village. Tilly Tennant Rights stories with such charming and realistic characters. At the end of this book I felt as though I was saying goodbye to good friends, I am hoping there will be a follow up.
Lizzie has lost her much love father, so she decides she will purchase the old mill to honor the dream that they shared. The thing is the mill is in need of some serious renovation, something Lizzie wasn’t necessarily anticipating. Lizzie ends up living on the property in less than ideal conditions during the renovation. She soon meets her handsome neighbor Jude. There is an instant attraction and soon they find their lives entangled, but Jude has a bit of a past. There is quite a bit more to all of this, but you will need to read the book to find that out.
Lizzie was a very likable character and I loved her growth throughout this book. Lizzie really finds her self in some tough situations that I am not sure how I would handle myself, I generally completely agreed with her decisions and understood where she was coming from. Jude? Loved him... hated him... loved him... The secondary characters were all pretty spectacular, I loved getting to know Lizzie’s family, but Charlie stole the show. Charlie was Jude’s younger brother, he is on the autism spectrum and his bluntness was refreshing. There was A romance in this book, however it also really touched on the love of family.
A perfect book to kick off your season of reading in the sun!🌞
*** thank you to Bookouture for my copy of this book ***
Lizzie has lost her much love father, so she decides she will purchase the old mill to honor the dream that they shared. The thing is the mill is in need of some serious renovation, something Lizzie wasn’t necessarily anticipating. Lizzie ends up living on the property in less than ideal conditions during the renovation. She soon meets her handsome neighbor Jude. There is an instant attraction and soon they find their lives entangled, but Jude has a bit of a past. There is quite a bit more to all of this, but you will need to read the book to find that out.
Lizzie was a very likable character and I loved her growth throughout this book. Lizzie really finds her self in some tough situations that I am not sure how I would handle myself, I generally completely agreed with her decisions and understood where she was coming from. Jude? Loved him... hated him... loved him... The secondary characters were all pretty spectacular, I loved getting to know Lizzie’s family, but Charlie stole the show. Charlie was Jude’s younger brother, he is on the autism spectrum and his bluntness was refreshing. There was A romance in this book, however it also really touched on the love of family.
A perfect book to kick off your season of reading in the sun!🌞
*** thank you to Bookouture for my copy of this book ***
April 8, 2019
Book Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com
Lizzie Lovell’s dad has recently passed away. Re-evaluating her life she decides to sell her home and purchase a windmill just outside the little village of Piriwick. Her dad had always wanted to buy the mill but had never gotten around to it.The mill, unfortunately, is falling apart but Lizzie is determined to bring it back to its former glory. She even decides to live on site in a small caravan so she can help oversee the work and help out too.
As well as the mill, Lizzie makes friends with some of the locals including handsome Jude and his younger brother Charlie, who is autistic.
Life’s looking good for Lizzie, but nothing ever that simple!
Over the years I have read and reviewed numerous Tilly Tennant books. I always enjoy her writing style and how she can make you feel warm and uplifted and The Mill on Magnolia Lane is no different.
The characters are very realistic which means that some are adorable and lovely, others are plain annoying. Lizzie falls in to the adorable category. She is very headstrong and has plenty of guts to change her life completely.
The book from start to finish was exceptionally enjoyable and I loved seeing how the renovations on the mill were coming along. My tiny criticism is that the book sometimes jumped forward in time. Now and again in moved forward days without me realising.
This is a book for summer. It’s an easy read and one you can lie on the beach with or sit by the pool with drinking your cocktails and enjoying a fabulous story.
Lizzie Lovell’s dad has recently passed away. Re-evaluating her life she decides to sell her home and purchase a windmill just outside the little village of Piriwick. Her dad had always wanted to buy the mill but had never gotten around to it.The mill, unfortunately, is falling apart but Lizzie is determined to bring it back to its former glory. She even decides to live on site in a small caravan so she can help oversee the work and help out too.
As well as the mill, Lizzie makes friends with some of the locals including handsome Jude and his younger brother Charlie, who is autistic.
Life’s looking good for Lizzie, but nothing ever that simple!
Over the years I have read and reviewed numerous Tilly Tennant books. I always enjoy her writing style and how she can make you feel warm and uplifted and The Mill on Magnolia Lane is no different.
The characters are very realistic which means that some are adorable and lovely, others are plain annoying. Lizzie falls in to the adorable category. She is very headstrong and has plenty of guts to change her life completely.
The book from start to finish was exceptionally enjoyable and I loved seeing how the renovations on the mill were coming along. My tiny criticism is that the book sometimes jumped forward in time. Now and again in moved forward days without me realising.
This is a book for summer. It’s an easy read and one you can lie on the beach with or sit by the pool with drinking your cocktails and enjoying a fabulous story.
June 17, 2019
When you read a Tilly Tennant book, you know you're in for a fabulous read.
Fun is what you're going to get.
Lizzie, loses her role model, larger-than -life Dad. They had the best times together and he'd always say he was going to buy the old,run down mill om Magnolia but it never came to fruition.
As a way to honor his memory she buys the Mill on Magnolia.
Restoring the mill is taking longer and is so much more costly than she has anticipated.
Her neighbors are so sweet, Jude and his younger, special needs brother who is everyone's best friend.
Jude, he's oh so tempting, but his ex-girlfriend Harriet is not making it easy when she arrives back on the scene. Lovely, feel good book.
Published April 4th 2019 by Bookouture.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Fun is what you're going to get.
Lizzie, loses her role model, larger-than -life Dad. They had the best times together and he'd always say he was going to buy the old,run down mill om Magnolia but it never came to fruition.
As a way to honor his memory she buys the Mill on Magnolia.
Restoring the mill is taking longer and is so much more costly than she has anticipated.
Her neighbors are so sweet, Jude and his younger, special needs brother who is everyone's best friend.
Jude, he's oh so tempting, but his ex-girlfriend Harriet is not making it easy when she arrives back on the scene. Lovely, feel good book.
Published April 4th 2019 by Bookouture.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
April 4, 2019
A lovely feel-good story.
After losing her Dad, Lizzie has a mad moment and buys the dilapidated windmill her Dad had always admired. She ups sticks and lives in a caravan on-site while the renovations are being done. She is single and works from home so it’s ideal for her. Her family think she is bonkers though. We get to meet her family, Mum, sister and brother. And her lovely stepmum. There are many ups and downs between them all. Many touching and emotional scenes which the author writes so beautifully. There is instant attraction with Jude, her nearest neighbour. Things move quickly but it isn’t plain sailing as his ex always seems to pester him at a crucial moment!
I loved the renovation of the windmill. I could visualise it so well that I wanted to help with the decoration and finishing touches. The surrounding countryside made me want to live there, the village life seemed perfect.
The characters were really likeable (well, mostly!) and all had good depth. It made me interested in their lives and what was going on.
An easy and enjoyable read, I’d recommend it.
If you’ve not read any books by this author, why the heck not?! Read one from the ‘From Italy with Love’ series, or the ‘Honeybourne’ series…you won’t regret it!
All my reviews are quite short and concise as I'm here to show off the book rather than my own writing ability.
https://steflozbookblog.wordpress.com...
After losing her Dad, Lizzie has a mad moment and buys the dilapidated windmill her Dad had always admired. She ups sticks and lives in a caravan on-site while the renovations are being done. She is single and works from home so it’s ideal for her. Her family think she is bonkers though. We get to meet her family, Mum, sister and brother. And her lovely stepmum. There are many ups and downs between them all. Many touching and emotional scenes which the author writes so beautifully. There is instant attraction with Jude, her nearest neighbour. Things move quickly but it isn’t plain sailing as his ex always seems to pester him at a crucial moment!
I loved the renovation of the windmill. I could visualise it so well that I wanted to help with the decoration and finishing touches. The surrounding countryside made me want to live there, the village life seemed perfect.
The characters were really likeable (well, mostly!) and all had good depth. It made me interested in their lives and what was going on.
An easy and enjoyable read, I’d recommend it.
If you’ve not read any books by this author, why the heck not?! Read one from the ‘From Italy with Love’ series, or the ‘Honeybourne’ series…you won’t regret it!
All my reviews are quite short and concise as I'm here to show off the book rather than my own writing ability.
https://steflozbookblog.wordpress.com...
March 16, 2019
On a whim following her dad's death, Lizzie buys an old mill that she is determined to restore and make a working mill again. I enjoyed the aspect of her visiting another mill to see how things worked and the renovation side of things but unfortunately this seemed very much a bit part to the story and I would have loved to hear more on this.
Lizzie's neighbour is Jude (male) and it just felt like I blinked and then they were in a relationship, there was very little build up to this. Jude has a friendly relationship with his ex Harriet, with whom he shares a son. Lizzie struggles with their close friendship and so ends her relationship with Jude and I may be in the minority but agreed she needed some time apart from him to understand her true feelings.
We are introduced to a wider range of Lizzie's family but I didn't really feel any warmth towards them but they certainly had more than their fair share of sadness throughout. The best character was undoubtedly Charlie, Jude's younger brother, who appears to have a form of autism and therefore tells it like it is and is very literal - I adored him and he was a fabulous inclusion in the story.
I did feel like there was material for a follow-on book and if there was then I would definitely read it so all in all I did enjoy this.
My many thanks to Bookouture via NetGalley for providing me with this advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
Lizzie's neighbour is Jude (male) and it just felt like I blinked and then they were in a relationship, there was very little build up to this. Jude has a friendly relationship with his ex Harriet, with whom he shares a son. Lizzie struggles with their close friendship and so ends her relationship with Jude and I may be in the minority but agreed she needed some time apart from him to understand her true feelings.
We are introduced to a wider range of Lizzie's family but I didn't really feel any warmth towards them but they certainly had more than their fair share of sadness throughout. The best character was undoubtedly Charlie, Jude's younger brother, who appears to have a form of autism and therefore tells it like it is and is very literal - I adored him and he was a fabulous inclusion in the story.
I did feel like there was material for a follow-on book and if there was then I would definitely read it so all in all I did enjoy this.
My many thanks to Bookouture via NetGalley for providing me with this advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 2, 2019
I really hope this is the start of a new series, as by the end of this book, I just didn't want it to end. I loved the Mill and its rennovation work, and the way that Lizzie develops over the book is great.
This is a story that takes place over at least a year if not longer, the exact time frames were hard to judge, as you'd start a new chapter and suddenly there was a fast forward of time - you never felt you missed anything but I just lost track when in the year we even were.
Over the course of the book, we get to meet all the Lovell family, who all think Lizzie is mad to gamble on buying a disused mill, and try to get it up and running again. To say there was some venting about builders would be an understatement. I'm so glad I wasn't living in Lizzie's caravan while they tried to make the building habitable.
There is great character development all around, and I loved seeing how Lizzie, Gracie, Florentina and Gwendolyn all adapted to new circumstances each time something happens. And let me just say there are a lot of eventful happenings in this story. It really does keep you on your toes.
But its also a comforting sort of a book, its a very pleasant to read story, that filled me with warmth, and definitely had Tilly Tennant's trademark writing style and feel to it. It's a very good book, and I'm hoping this isn't the last we have seen of Magnolia Lane and the Lovells.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
This is a story that takes place over at least a year if not longer, the exact time frames were hard to judge, as you'd start a new chapter and suddenly there was a fast forward of time - you never felt you missed anything but I just lost track when in the year we even were.
Over the course of the book, we get to meet all the Lovell family, who all think Lizzie is mad to gamble on buying a disused mill, and try to get it up and running again. To say there was some venting about builders would be an understatement. I'm so glad I wasn't living in Lizzie's caravan while they tried to make the building habitable.
There is great character development all around, and I loved seeing how Lizzie, Gracie, Florentina and Gwendolyn all adapted to new circumstances each time something happens. And let me just say there are a lot of eventful happenings in this story. It really does keep you on your toes.
But its also a comforting sort of a book, its a very pleasant to read story, that filled me with warmth, and definitely had Tilly Tennant's trademark writing style and feel to it. It's a very good book, and I'm hoping this isn't the last we have seen of Magnolia Lane and the Lovells.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
April 7, 2019
I adore Tilly Tennant but I’m a bit mixed on this one, it says on the blurb romantic comedy but it didn’t feel that way, it’s a very emotional read and I didn’t find there to be that much humour in it, when I wasn’t upset I was angry with Jude and Harriet, Jude was immature as was Harriet, I didn’t think that Lizzie was overly paranoid she reacted normally well except for accepting it ! Charlie is amazing the one shining character. So sadly for me this is a no, other than Charlie and I do adore Tilly Tennant but just found it not as happy or entertaining as her usual books.
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 14, 2019
3,5 STARS
YOU CAN ALSO FIND THIS REVIEW ON MY BLOG https://antonellasbookworld.blogspot....
A heartwarming story about friendship, love and family in a setting featuring a mill which has always been attracting to Lizzie's mind, our main character in this book.
After her dad's death, Lizzie decided to give her life a change by purchasing a mill, a building that she passed lots of time with her dad during the years.
Here Lizzie meets Jude, her handsome and single neighbour, who also cares for his little teenage brother with learning disabilities. It takes a few minutes for them to click.
However, Lizzie didn't know what Jude has on his shoulders.
Between the restore of the mill, her sister, the anomosity between her mum and stepmum, and Jude's ex, Lizzie has a lot to deal with.
I liked this book and, most of all, the cover. It's colourful and happy and it's what attracted me first of all at the beginning.
The story was light and heartwarming, however there were some things I honestly didn't like.
First of all, Lizzie and her abilities to make decisions on her own. I had the sense she wasn't really capable of thinking on her own sometimes, most of all when it regarded important things. She was swayed by her sister and sometimes her stepmum. It absolutely made sense that Her relationship with Jude was 'tainted' by the way Harriet, Jude's ex, interacted with Jude and the way Jude didn't do anything about it. Their way they interacted was more of a couple than friends. However, the way Lizzie dealt with it, asking her sister what to do and then follow religiously what she said regarding her and Jude, didn't sit well with me.
I felt like Lizzie was a little bit...coward. She really didn't face the Harriet problem with Jude like she should have and she cowardly took the way out without giving a chance to Jude to fix the problem. Only after Gracie and her stepmum said that she should consider to take Jude back Lizzie started to think about giving him a second chance.
Anyway, it's an easy and light story, I recommend it to read in summer, under the sun.
*Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
YOU CAN ALSO FIND THIS REVIEW ON MY BLOG https://antonellasbookworld.blogspot....
A heartwarming story about friendship, love and family in a setting featuring a mill which has always been attracting to Lizzie's mind, our main character in this book.
After her dad's death, Lizzie decided to give her life a change by purchasing a mill, a building that she passed lots of time with her dad during the years.
Here Lizzie meets Jude, her handsome and single neighbour, who also cares for his little teenage brother with learning disabilities. It takes a few minutes for them to click.
However, Lizzie didn't know what Jude has on his shoulders.
Between the restore of the mill, her sister, the anomosity between her mum and stepmum, and Jude's ex, Lizzie has a lot to deal with.
I liked this book and, most of all, the cover. It's colourful and happy and it's what attracted me first of all at the beginning.
The story was light and heartwarming, however there were some things I honestly didn't like.
First of all, Lizzie and her abilities to make decisions on her own. I had the sense she wasn't really capable of thinking on her own sometimes, most of all when it regarded important things. She was swayed by her sister and sometimes her stepmum. It absolutely made sense that Her relationship with Jude was 'tainted' by the way Harriet, Jude's ex, interacted with Jude and the way Jude didn't do anything about it. Their way they interacted was more of a couple than friends. However, the way Lizzie dealt with it, asking her sister what to do and then follow religiously what she said regarding her and Jude, didn't sit well with me.
I felt like Lizzie was a little bit...coward. She really didn't face the Harriet problem with Jude like she should have and she cowardly took the way out without giving a chance to Jude to fix the problem. Only after Gracie and her stepmum said that she should consider to take Jude back Lizzie started to think about giving him a second chance.
Anyway, it's an easy and light story, I recommend it to read in summer, under the sun.
*Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
April 5, 2019
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from Netgalley
Like the beautiful cover, THE MILL ON MAGNOLIA LANE by Tilly Tennant filled me with warmth from the beginning and left me cosy and comforted by the end.
Lizzie is lost without her beloved Dad but when she buys the old dilapidated mill that her father always dreamed of owning, she feels like it was fate and that he would be proud of her for taking it on. And a huge task it is as the mill barely has walls let alone windows or anything else that makes it habitable. But it is a new start which is exactly what Lizzie needs. What she didn't expect were her handsome next door neighbour and his amazing little brother, and suddenly Lizzie finds herself in a new relationship. But life is rarely simple and as Lizzie tries to juggle this herculean renovation alongside her family squabbling, is she really ready for love with someone who has a very close relationship with his ex?
Charming, funny, and very realistic, THE MILL ON MAGNOLIA LANE by Tilly Tennant may just put you off doing some home renovations but it will make you smile and fall in love with this wonderful group of quirky characters who are all dealing with their own stuff, and trying to be happy. The setting is perfect and I really hope this won't be the last we hear from this spirited community, but it is the emotional parts of this story which shone for me. The topics of grief, sibling rivalry, step-parenting, co-parenting and more are all deftly entwined amongst new romance, friendship, self-belief, and love, and I read this book in one night as I simply could not put it down.
THE MILL ON MAGNOLIA LANE by Tilly Tennant was everything I had hoped it would be and then some, and I highly recommend it to fiction fans everywhere!
Like the beautiful cover, THE MILL ON MAGNOLIA LANE by Tilly Tennant filled me with warmth from the beginning and left me cosy and comforted by the end.
Lizzie is lost without her beloved Dad but when she buys the old dilapidated mill that her father always dreamed of owning, she feels like it was fate and that he would be proud of her for taking it on. And a huge task it is as the mill barely has walls let alone windows or anything else that makes it habitable. But it is a new start which is exactly what Lizzie needs. What she didn't expect were her handsome next door neighbour and his amazing little brother, and suddenly Lizzie finds herself in a new relationship. But life is rarely simple and as Lizzie tries to juggle this herculean renovation alongside her family squabbling, is she really ready for love with someone who has a very close relationship with his ex?
Charming, funny, and very realistic, THE MILL ON MAGNOLIA LANE by Tilly Tennant may just put you off doing some home renovations but it will make you smile and fall in love with this wonderful group of quirky characters who are all dealing with their own stuff, and trying to be happy. The setting is perfect and I really hope this won't be the last we hear from this spirited community, but it is the emotional parts of this story which shone for me. The topics of grief, sibling rivalry, step-parenting, co-parenting and more are all deftly entwined amongst new romance, friendship, self-belief, and love, and I read this book in one night as I simply could not put it down.
THE MILL ON MAGNOLIA LANE by Tilly Tennant was everything I had hoped it would be and then some, and I highly recommend it to fiction fans everywhere!
April 9, 2019
The Mill on Magnolia Lane is the latest offering by Tilly Tennant. This is the tale of the Lovell women, Lizzie, her younger sister Gracie, mother Gwendolyn, and step mother Florentina. The story begins with the funeral of Lizzie’s father. She rides in the second car with her mother as Florentina has the privilege of riding in the widow’s limousine, causing additional angst for Gwendolyn.
As Lizzie is a freelance web writer, she is able to take her job anywhere. When she sees the old dilapidated windmill her father had so dreamed of restoring on the ride to the cemetery, the kernel of an idea begins to germinate. In the next few months she finds herself the owner of the mill and it’s property, a caravan for temporary housing, an enormous mortgage, and a feeling of exhilaration. She is stepping out of her box, taking a chance, and is so excited to see what will come with the renovation.
She meets neighbor Jude Travers and his disabled brother Charlie and forms a fast friendship with them both. A strong attraction between Lizzie and Jude is evident from the beginning. But the baggage Lizzie carries from her previous relationship and the presence of Jude’s former relationship in the form of close friend Harriet and their young son Artie may be more than they can overcome. When Gracie appears on Lizzie’s doorstep after her break up, the trailer gets crowded and patience gets thin. And thus the story evolves.
Life goes along uneventfully until tragedies strike that bring the four women together, making unlikely bonds and acceptance. In Tilly Tennant!s twenty-second novel, the reader is once again in store for a story of love in its many facets as well as the way it unites people in the darkest of times. I did enjoy this book and I do recommend it.
April 9, 2019
This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Thank you to Bookouture for my copy of this book. I have been reading Tilly's books for quite a few years now so I was excited to read this book that was set in Suffolk (where I live).
This story follows Lizzie as she embarks on this crazy idea to restore the mill on magnolia lane. The mill is in a very poor state of repair but Lizzie is determined to get the mill at least in a liveable state and quite possibly a working mill too. I really liked Lizzie. She was an easy character to like. At times I did want to give her a little shake but I totally understood a lot of her feelings and I think I would have been the same in her shoes. It's always easier to see these things from the outside.
We meet Jude and his brother Charlie quite early on in this book. Jude seemed like a nice guy if not a bit naive, especially when it comes to his ex. It seemed to me like he just didn't really think about the way their interactions appeared and how that would make Lizzie feel. Charlie was a great character and he made me laugh quite a lot.
I liked Lizzie's siblings but I wish we could have seen more of her brother, James. His storyline seemed too unexplored to me. I liked the interaction between Lizzie and her sister Gracie. I also think we could totally have another book just on Gracie (please)!
This book was an enjoyable read. The story was sweet but also have some real heartfelt moments.
This story follows Lizzie as she embarks on this crazy idea to restore the mill on magnolia lane. The mill is in a very poor state of repair but Lizzie is determined to get the mill at least in a liveable state and quite possibly a working mill too. I really liked Lizzie. She was an easy character to like. At times I did want to give her a little shake but I totally understood a lot of her feelings and I think I would have been the same in her shoes. It's always easier to see these things from the outside.
We meet Jude and his brother Charlie quite early on in this book. Jude seemed like a nice guy if not a bit naive, especially when it comes to his ex. It seemed to me like he just didn't really think about the way their interactions appeared and how that would make Lizzie feel. Charlie was a great character and he made me laugh quite a lot.
I liked Lizzie's siblings but I wish we could have seen more of her brother, James. His storyline seemed too unexplored to me. I liked the interaction between Lizzie and her sister Gracie. I also think we could totally have another book just on Gracie (please)!
This book was an enjoyable read. The story was sweet but also have some real heartfelt moments.
April 4, 2019
Lizzie is heartbroken her amazing dad has just passed away. Lizzie just doesn’t know what to do with herself. Lizzie and her father shared the same dream of one day owning the old mill on Magnolia Lane. Determined to make this a reality ad leave a legacy to remember her father by.
But the mill isn’t quite how Lizzie remembered it. It is in a state of disarray and the amount of work that it needs doing to it, is ginormous.
Then Lizzie becomes highly distracted by the stunningly handsome Jude who lives next door. But when Jude’s ex girlfriend Hattie arrives back on the scene wanting to shed some light on Jude’s shady past. Lizzie has to wonder if everything was much simpler before she to the mill.
But is LizIe about to fall in love with someone she shouldn’t? Or is Hattie just set to mix up trouble?
A fabulous, feel good book. That will make you go through every single emotion possible. It’s an absolute gem of a book and one simply not to be missed.
But the mill isn’t quite how Lizzie remembered it. It is in a state of disarray and the amount of work that it needs doing to it, is ginormous.
Then Lizzie becomes highly distracted by the stunningly handsome Jude who lives next door. But when Jude’s ex girlfriend Hattie arrives back on the scene wanting to shed some light on Jude’s shady past. Lizzie has to wonder if everything was much simpler before she to the mill.
But is LizIe about to fall in love with someone she shouldn’t? Or is Hattie just set to mix up trouble?
A fabulous, feel good book. That will make you go through every single emotion possible. It’s an absolute gem of a book and one simply not to be missed.
April 5, 2019
When you loose one of your parents, it feels like the world has stopped turning. Especially if you have a very deep connection with that parent. I know what it’s like.
The thing you want to do most is keep something alive you both felt strong about to keep the memory alive.
A family bond is strong even if you do not see or hear each other every day and even if you do not always see eye to eye. In times of need you can count on each other and when things go wrong you can grow closer than you thought possible.
This story is packed to the rafters with emotions. It’s about relationships ending and new ones starting, about sisters narrowing their distance, about people accepting each other, about lives ending and new ones beginning. There is room for laughter and sadness, love and friendship and making decisions.
I enjoyed reading Lizzie’s story. Although it was rather sad sometimes, there was a lovely happy ending. I felt there might be some room for a sequel? I hope I am right because I would like to know more about what will happen next. It seemed like it was only the beginning. 4 stars.
Thank you, Tilly Tennant, Bookouture and Netgalley
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
The thing you want to do most is keep something alive you both felt strong about to keep the memory alive.
A family bond is strong even if you do not see or hear each other every day and even if you do not always see eye to eye. In times of need you can count on each other and when things go wrong you can grow closer than you thought possible.
This story is packed to the rafters with emotions. It’s about relationships ending and new ones starting, about sisters narrowing their distance, about people accepting each other, about lives ending and new ones beginning. There is room for laughter and sadness, love and friendship and making decisions.
I enjoyed reading Lizzie’s story. Although it was rather sad sometimes, there was a lovely happy ending. I felt there might be some room for a sequel? I hope I am right because I would like to know more about what will happen next. It seemed like it was only the beginning. 4 stars.
Thank you, Tilly Tennant, Bookouture and Netgalley
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
June 20, 2019
I was shocked by this latest offering as it seems like a completely different type of book to the ones Tilly usually writes but I absolutely loved it. I admit in the beginning it seemed a little slow but I realise now there was somewhat of a build up describing The Mill and Lizzie’s new place she was living in. Following the death of her Father Lizzie takes a leap of faith in buying the old mill and has dreams of returning it to it’s former glory. At first it seems Lizzie bumps into and falls for her neighbour Jude and if I am honest I figured this would be a typical love story etc and I would get bored. Well, luckily for me this wasn’t the case and in all honesty Jude was just an addition to the story.
What actually transpires is an emotional journey of not just Lizzie but all the women in her life. The story is centered around her working on the Mill, but in reality we get to explore her journey alongside her sister Gracie, her Mother Gwendolyn and her stepmother Florentina. I ploughed through this book in two sittings and finished it with a feeling that this was a rather refreshing and slightly different book to her usual offerings (not that they are bad, because they most certainly aren’t). I absolutely loved it and although the story came to a nice conclusion I would love to revisit all of these women and see what happens to them further down the road.
What actually transpires is an emotional journey of not just Lizzie but all the women in her life. The story is centered around her working on the Mill, but in reality we get to explore her journey alongside her sister Gracie, her Mother Gwendolyn and her stepmother Florentina. I ploughed through this book in two sittings and finished it with a feeling that this was a rather refreshing and slightly different book to her usual offerings (not that they are bad, because they most certainly aren’t). I absolutely loved it and although the story came to a nice conclusion I would love to revisit all of these women and see what happens to them further down the road.
April 26, 2019
This book made me laugh and cry! Fun, laughter, romance and tragedy knitted together in a fantastic read. I’ve read books by this author before and struggled with the plots and pace but this book is in a class if it’s own. The characters become dear to you and I miss them already!
Thank you NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley
September 18, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the understanding the author has of the way siblings react with each other which is reflected through out this story. It gets a huge thumbs up from me.
March 2, 2019
This one just wasn’t for me. Usually I enjoy Tilly Tennant’s books but this one missed the mark. Main character Lizzie was very annoying, her sister Gracie was even worse and their mother Gwendolyn takes the cake for most annoying character in this boo.k. Constantly complaining.
Lizzie strikes up a relationship with Jude who seemingly is still in love with the mother of his child Harriet. We never really get any closure on that. Harriet remains lurking in the shadows. The whole thing makes no sense.
The best things about this book were Derek and his wife, Charlie, and in some ways Florentina. But overall the characters seemed underdeveloped and the plot went in too many directions. We barely hear anything about the brother James then bam, a strange plot that the reader can’t reakky care about because what do we really know about this character? Nothing.
To me the “romance” here just seemed dirty and creepy, like Jude was somehow fooling Lizzie. Then there was Gracie and her selfishness, Gwendolyn complaining about Florentina but then they are bffs by the end of the book, etc.
I think if some of the plots here had been explored more maybe in a series rather than one book it could have worked better. As it stands the author tried to cram too much junk into a small book and just made an overflowing mess.
My copy was provided by NetGalley for review.
Lizzie strikes up a relationship with Jude who seemingly is still in love with the mother of his child Harriet. We never really get any closure on that. Harriet remains lurking in the shadows. The whole thing makes no sense.
The best things about this book were Derek and his wife, Charlie, and in some ways Florentina. But overall the characters seemed underdeveloped and the plot went in too many directions. We barely hear anything about the brother James then bam, a strange plot that the reader can’t reakky care about because what do we really know about this character? Nothing.
To me the “romance” here just seemed dirty and creepy, like Jude was somehow fooling Lizzie. Then there was Gracie and her selfishness, Gwendolyn complaining about Florentina but then they are bffs by the end of the book, etc.
I think if some of the plots here had been explored more maybe in a series rather than one book it could have worked better. As it stands the author tried to cram too much junk into a small book and just made an overflowing mess.
My copy was provided by NetGalley for review.
April 12, 2019
The Mill on Magnolia Lane by Tilly Tennant has the most beautiful and colourful cover perfect for this time of year when you want something light and refreshing that draws you in and invites you to read. With Easter coming up this would be an ideal read if you have some time off or are planning a break away to some where warm and sunny. Although the eventual outcome might be slightly predictable, there are still a few twists, turns and bumps along the road to keep the reader entertained until we reach the conclusion.
Lizzie Lovell has always been attracted to the abandoned mill on Magnolia Lane ever since she was a child. Every time her father drove past it she felt there was something calling her there. Her father himself wished that he could buy it and restore it to its former glory instead of leaving it sitting there rotting and decaying. But that was never meant to be. Now Lizzie is a grown up women and one who is faced with some life changing decisions. Her family are trying to come to terms with the recent death of her father and, although he had been separated from Lizzie's mother Gwendolyn, his absence is deeply felt. Lizzie's love life is not that great either since her sudden and devastating split from Evan, the reasons for which become clearer much further on. When the reasons did become evident I felt more empathy towards Lizzie and I could see why she was so hesitant to place her trust in a new relationship given how hurt and broken she had been by past experiences. But up until that point I found her frustrating and wished she would just make up her mind and say exactly what she thought. Prior to this Lizzie takes a huge leap of faith into the unknown, she decides to buy the mill on Magnolia Lane in the hopes of getting it working again. In turn she can produce her own flour hopefully to sell on or to use for products in a shop/café she wishes to get up and running. Will this decision prove to be the best thing she has ever done or will it cause more trouble than its worth?
Once Lizzie moved on site into a caravan while building renovations were being carried out I thought the plot line regarding the mill itself and Lizzie's long term ambitions took a back seat and the more personal side of the story came to the fore. As Lizzie had contracted a builder to do the work it wasn't up to her to do any of the jobs. I think if she herself had been doing some of the work and needed help from friends it would have been excellent because the title and parts of the blurb suggests this is a personal quest Lizzie has set for herself. But I think this took much of a back-seat as her personal and family life came to the fore. I would have preferred a balance of the two and to see Lizzie struggle that little bit more when it came to the mill and reaching the point of success rather than so much focus on her brewing relationship. I just felt the mill side of things came too easily and a little hardship and pressure would have added some spice to the story.
As soon as Lizzie arrives to face the daunting task of seeing the mill back to working order and getting people in place to organise and restore everything she meets her new neighbours Jude and his brother Charlie. Jude has been raising Charlie since the death of their parents as Charlie has learning difficulties but he is one of the stand out characters in this story. He was really well written and portrayed so well. He added humour and warmth when things started to get too tense and he was just the most loveable person. Right from the moment Lizzie sets eyes on Jude she feels a connection and soon they are in a relationship, I thought this all happened so quickly. Within a few days of arriving, having sworn off men and relationships, she had fallen hook, line and sinker. OK Jude was written in such a way that I think all readers would fall in love with him but he did come with attachments and complications and I just thought yes this is a love story but it was just all too fast. I would have loved and a bit more hesitation and getting to know each other more before embarking full scale into a loving unit. But the more the story developed I realised this was more about dealing with how a couple attempt to stay together when faced with many challenges.
The above mentioned attachments and complications rear their ugly head more than once as we continue through the story and Lizzie is faced with many challenges and questions. Her loyalty is severely tested when it comes to Jude but also when dealing with the unexpected arrival of her sister Gracie from London. Gracie is fleeing a relationship but she soon discovers she too has brought something extra to the oasis Lizzie has envisaged for herself which is rapidly turning into a maelstrom of emotions and problems. I admired Lizzie for taking in Gracie and working on their sisterly relationship because I would have told her where to go considering she was up to her eyes with keeping an eye on work on the mill and trying to establish could things with Jude work out? Then into the equation comes their step mum Florentina who again was a lovely character and was there to give emotional support when needed. I really wanted Lizzie to express to Jude how she was feeling about certain things. I thinks she was slightly jealous as to what was going on and she wasn't ready for a competition for someone's affections. It was either her or nothing but Jude was caught between a rock and a hard place. Trust and being open with one another were two things that needed to happen and I questioned would the ever occur?
The Mill on Magnolia Lane started off well but then I felt it lost its way in the middle before picking up again towards the end. I thought a storyline that came in towards the end seemed to come out of nowhere and I understand it was used as a way of bringing the family together and getting everything out in the open but I don't think it needed to happen. I would have preferred something rather not so drastic and would have liked to have seen something else occur in its place. As for Jude and Lizzie will their trust and commitment issues just prove too difficult too overcome? Well you'll have to read this book to find out. Although I did enjoy this book, it lacked a little bit of sparkle for me that I normally find present in Tilly Tennant's books. It's not my favourite book by this author but I am glad I read it in order to discover did Lizzie fulfil her dreams of bringing the mill house back to life. This is a quick, light read ideal for when you have an hour or two spare to sit down and relax.
Lizzie Lovell has always been attracted to the abandoned mill on Magnolia Lane ever since she was a child. Every time her father drove past it she felt there was something calling her there. Her father himself wished that he could buy it and restore it to its former glory instead of leaving it sitting there rotting and decaying. But that was never meant to be. Now Lizzie is a grown up women and one who is faced with some life changing decisions. Her family are trying to come to terms with the recent death of her father and, although he had been separated from Lizzie's mother Gwendolyn, his absence is deeply felt. Lizzie's love life is not that great either since her sudden and devastating split from Evan, the reasons for which become clearer much further on. When the reasons did become evident I felt more empathy towards Lizzie and I could see why she was so hesitant to place her trust in a new relationship given how hurt and broken she had been by past experiences. But up until that point I found her frustrating and wished she would just make up her mind and say exactly what she thought. Prior to this Lizzie takes a huge leap of faith into the unknown, she decides to buy the mill on Magnolia Lane in the hopes of getting it working again. In turn she can produce her own flour hopefully to sell on or to use for products in a shop/café she wishes to get up and running. Will this decision prove to be the best thing she has ever done or will it cause more trouble than its worth?
Once Lizzie moved on site into a caravan while building renovations were being carried out I thought the plot line regarding the mill itself and Lizzie's long term ambitions took a back seat and the more personal side of the story came to the fore. As Lizzie had contracted a builder to do the work it wasn't up to her to do any of the jobs. I think if she herself had been doing some of the work and needed help from friends it would have been excellent because the title and parts of the blurb suggests this is a personal quest Lizzie has set for herself. But I think this took much of a back-seat as her personal and family life came to the fore. I would have preferred a balance of the two and to see Lizzie struggle that little bit more when it came to the mill and reaching the point of success rather than so much focus on her brewing relationship. I just felt the mill side of things came too easily and a little hardship and pressure would have added some spice to the story.
As soon as Lizzie arrives to face the daunting task of seeing the mill back to working order and getting people in place to organise and restore everything she meets her new neighbours Jude and his brother Charlie. Jude has been raising Charlie since the death of their parents as Charlie has learning difficulties but he is one of the stand out characters in this story. He was really well written and portrayed so well. He added humour and warmth when things started to get too tense and he was just the most loveable person. Right from the moment Lizzie sets eyes on Jude she feels a connection and soon they are in a relationship, I thought this all happened so quickly. Within a few days of arriving, having sworn off men and relationships, she had fallen hook, line and sinker. OK Jude was written in such a way that I think all readers would fall in love with him but he did come with attachments and complications and I just thought yes this is a love story but it was just all too fast. I would have loved and a bit more hesitation and getting to know each other more before embarking full scale into a loving unit. But the more the story developed I realised this was more about dealing with how a couple attempt to stay together when faced with many challenges.
The above mentioned attachments and complications rear their ugly head more than once as we continue through the story and Lizzie is faced with many challenges and questions. Her loyalty is severely tested when it comes to Jude but also when dealing with the unexpected arrival of her sister Gracie from London. Gracie is fleeing a relationship but she soon discovers she too has brought something extra to the oasis Lizzie has envisaged for herself which is rapidly turning into a maelstrom of emotions and problems. I admired Lizzie for taking in Gracie and working on their sisterly relationship because I would have told her where to go considering she was up to her eyes with keeping an eye on work on the mill and trying to establish could things with Jude work out? Then into the equation comes their step mum Florentina who again was a lovely character and was there to give emotional support when needed. I really wanted Lizzie to express to Jude how she was feeling about certain things. I thinks she was slightly jealous as to what was going on and she wasn't ready for a competition for someone's affections. It was either her or nothing but Jude was caught between a rock and a hard place. Trust and being open with one another were two things that needed to happen and I questioned would the ever occur?
The Mill on Magnolia Lane started off well but then I felt it lost its way in the middle before picking up again towards the end. I thought a storyline that came in towards the end seemed to come out of nowhere and I understand it was used as a way of bringing the family together and getting everything out in the open but I don't think it needed to happen. I would have preferred something rather not so drastic and would have liked to have seen something else occur in its place. As for Jude and Lizzie will their trust and commitment issues just prove too difficult too overcome? Well you'll have to read this book to find out. Although I did enjoy this book, it lacked a little bit of sparkle for me that I normally find present in Tilly Tennant's books. It's not my favourite book by this author but I am glad I read it in order to discover did Lizzie fulfil her dreams of bringing the mill house back to life. This is a quick, light read ideal for when you have an hour or two spare to sit down and relax.
April 4, 2019
I know there will be a lot of people out there who, like me, are huge fans of Tilly Tennant and who will be waiting eagerly for his latest book and I can confirm that I don’t think they will be disappointed by her latest offering.
This book joins Lizzie at a very sad time in her life when she has just lost her dad and she is feeling a little adrift. She decides to buy the derelict old mill on Magnolia Lane that her father always longed to own and decides to renovate it in his honour, and so her adventure starts. Living in a cramped caravan onsite, trying to deal with all the issues that inevitably come with restoring a crumbling, old building and dealing with her dishy neighbour and her fractured family in to the bargain was never going to be plain sailing.
Having built by own house from scratch (not literally, of course, I had builders!), I could relate to Lizzie’s dilemmas in the book and thought Tilly captured the problems with taking on a huge building project very well and it was a great driver for the book. The parts describing the renovation of the mill were some of my favourites in the book and anyone who enjoys these kind of stories about the renovation of old buildings, breathing new life into the and, thus, bringing to life the hopes and dreams for the future of the owners (because that is what building or renovating a house is, trying to bring to life your dream home) will love this book.
Although this is a romance, it is actually a book more about family relationships and how turbulent they can be and how we need to work at them sometimes, but that it can be worth it. Lizzie has a very troubled family. Divorce has led to conflict between her mother and siblings and her stepmother, to whom Lizzie alone is friendly and this causes friction. Lizzie’s stepmother was actually one of my favourite characters in the book and I loved the scenes she was in. Lizzie’s sister is high maintenance, and comes into the book with a lot of issues which she then burdens her sister with. All of this rang very true to life and brought a really interesting thread of questions and plot and tension to the book. It felt like a realistic portrayal of family to me. I thought the issues regarding Lizzie’s brother were rather glossed over or rushed and could have been developed more fully if they were to be included but I loved the rest of it.
For me, surprisingly, the romantic part of the book was the least compelling on this occasion. Part of the problem was that it just developed too quickly. I mean, unrealistically quickly. You really need to suspend your disbelief to buy in to this one, or maybe I am just old and jaded, who knows. Given her past history, I wasn’t quite buying it, particularly given the peculiar situation with Jude and his ex, Harriet. I didn’t blame Lizzie for her misgivings over that, although I did think that exploring this kind of situation was an interesting and relevant idea, as this is so common these days and something I have experienced myself but the portrayal didn’t quite ring true. Part of the problem was that Jude wasn’t quite doing it for me in his obliviousness. I did absolutely love Charlie as a character though, I could have read about him all day long. However, we all know that what we find compelling about men in books is very subjective (am I the only one who didn’t fall for Mr Rochester?), just as it is in real life. If we all liked the same, we’d be fighting over a very small pool of eligible men!
This is a really charming, summer read with a lot of strong points and an interesting premise that I know fans of Tilly will enjoy. Her appealing, breezy writing style is present and as strong as always and it is an easy and fun read. Just maybe one beat from perfect for me, but only for very personal reasons. You must read it and judge for yourself.
This book joins Lizzie at a very sad time in her life when she has just lost her dad and she is feeling a little adrift. She decides to buy the derelict old mill on Magnolia Lane that her father always longed to own and decides to renovate it in his honour, and so her adventure starts. Living in a cramped caravan onsite, trying to deal with all the issues that inevitably come with restoring a crumbling, old building and dealing with her dishy neighbour and her fractured family in to the bargain was never going to be plain sailing.
Having built by own house from scratch (not literally, of course, I had builders!), I could relate to Lizzie’s dilemmas in the book and thought Tilly captured the problems with taking on a huge building project very well and it was a great driver for the book. The parts describing the renovation of the mill were some of my favourites in the book and anyone who enjoys these kind of stories about the renovation of old buildings, breathing new life into the and, thus, bringing to life the hopes and dreams for the future of the owners (because that is what building or renovating a house is, trying to bring to life your dream home) will love this book.
Although this is a romance, it is actually a book more about family relationships and how turbulent they can be and how we need to work at them sometimes, but that it can be worth it. Lizzie has a very troubled family. Divorce has led to conflict between her mother and siblings and her stepmother, to whom Lizzie alone is friendly and this causes friction. Lizzie’s stepmother was actually one of my favourite characters in the book and I loved the scenes she was in. Lizzie’s sister is high maintenance, and comes into the book with a lot of issues which she then burdens her sister with. All of this rang very true to life and brought a really interesting thread of questions and plot and tension to the book. It felt like a realistic portrayal of family to me. I thought the issues regarding Lizzie’s brother were rather glossed over or rushed and could have been developed more fully if they were to be included but I loved the rest of it.
For me, surprisingly, the romantic part of the book was the least compelling on this occasion. Part of the problem was that it just developed too quickly. I mean, unrealistically quickly. You really need to suspend your disbelief to buy in to this one, or maybe I am just old and jaded, who knows. Given her past history, I wasn’t quite buying it, particularly given the peculiar situation with Jude and his ex, Harriet. I didn’t blame Lizzie for her misgivings over that, although I did think that exploring this kind of situation was an interesting and relevant idea, as this is so common these days and something I have experienced myself but the portrayal didn’t quite ring true. Part of the problem was that Jude wasn’t quite doing it for me in his obliviousness. I did absolutely love Charlie as a character though, I could have read about him all day long. However, we all know that what we find compelling about men in books is very subjective (am I the only one who didn’t fall for Mr Rochester?), just as it is in real life. If we all liked the same, we’d be fighting over a very small pool of eligible men!
This is a really charming, summer read with a lot of strong points and an interesting premise that I know fans of Tilly will enjoy. Her appealing, breezy writing style is present and as strong as always and it is an easy and fun read. Just maybe one beat from perfect for me, but only for very personal reasons. You must read it and judge for yourself.
April 8, 2019
3.5 stars – rounded
Opening at the funeral of Lizzie’s father isn’t necessarily the best introduction to the Lovell girls, and her mother is particularly put out by her ‘relegation’ to a lesser row as she is the divorcee, not the widow. And believe me – Lizzie’s mother Gwendolyn and her sister Gracie could have complained for England – and probably won it all. Fortunately, Lizzie is a bit too busy to always be negative and grousing – as she decided to, after being horribly misused by her ex, purchase a run-down mill on the outskirts of the town her father grew up in. Passing the run-down mill on their frequent road trips into the country left Lizzie with plenty of fond memories and perhaps a blind spot or seven when it comes to the potential of the old mill to be a working concern and home for her after renovation.
As if renovating (with no experience and a limited budget) an old grain mill isn’t enough – Lizzie is the one on the family who has taken on the role of “caretaker and fixer”, from checking on her mum and pushing her to move forward, to taking in her very annoying and rather spoilt sister: the only one in the family to whom their rather childish and immature brother will speak, and the only member of the Lovell family that is even remotely polite to (in fact – friendly with) her father’s widow Florentina. When you add in a gorgeous neighbor who was introduced by his little brother – a special needs adult-child who is an amazingly bright spot in the story – you get confusion, a family feud between Lizzie and her sister about their ‘stepmother’, a tragic ending for her brother James and a return (with a vengeance) of Lizzie’s deeply rooted trust issues when it comes to Jude and his relationship with the mother of his little son.
I love Tennant’s books and her writing – and for the most part her stories have a way of feeling very ‘real and plausible’ with plenty of intriguing dreams being chased by the characters she creates. This one, however, required a bit more ‘stick-to-it-ness’ than I normally find. Family and personal discord and upheaval, insecurities and conflicts all seemed to pop up when things were starting to progress – if not exactly smoothly, then a bit like a massive building project – one thing works and another seems to break down. But, I held onto the hope that the characters would find their way to new opportunities and outlooks – and that, like their grief, the drama and upheaval wouldn’t last forever. I was rewarded – the pieces so unreliably reliable for creating discord and ill-will were sorted out with cooler heads and a bit of time taking the edge off emotions and allowing a new outlook to present itself. With the sails working on the mill, a new baby and hope for new loves and happiness to come – the story came around to leave me with a smile.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
Opening at the funeral of Lizzie’s father isn’t necessarily the best introduction to the Lovell girls, and her mother is particularly put out by her ‘relegation’ to a lesser row as she is the divorcee, not the widow. And believe me – Lizzie’s mother Gwendolyn and her sister Gracie could have complained for England – and probably won it all. Fortunately, Lizzie is a bit too busy to always be negative and grousing – as she decided to, after being horribly misused by her ex, purchase a run-down mill on the outskirts of the town her father grew up in. Passing the run-down mill on their frequent road trips into the country left Lizzie with plenty of fond memories and perhaps a blind spot or seven when it comes to the potential of the old mill to be a working concern and home for her after renovation.
As if renovating (with no experience and a limited budget) an old grain mill isn’t enough – Lizzie is the one on the family who has taken on the role of “caretaker and fixer”, from checking on her mum and pushing her to move forward, to taking in her very annoying and rather spoilt sister: the only one in the family to whom their rather childish and immature brother will speak, and the only member of the Lovell family that is even remotely polite to (in fact – friendly with) her father’s widow Florentina. When you add in a gorgeous neighbor who was introduced by his little brother – a special needs adult-child who is an amazingly bright spot in the story – you get confusion, a family feud between Lizzie and her sister about their ‘stepmother’, a tragic ending for her brother James and a return (with a vengeance) of Lizzie’s deeply rooted trust issues when it comes to Jude and his relationship with the mother of his little son.
I love Tennant’s books and her writing – and for the most part her stories have a way of feeling very ‘real and plausible’ with plenty of intriguing dreams being chased by the characters she creates. This one, however, required a bit more ‘stick-to-it-ness’ than I normally find. Family and personal discord and upheaval, insecurities and conflicts all seemed to pop up when things were starting to progress – if not exactly smoothly, then a bit like a massive building project – one thing works and another seems to break down. But, I held onto the hope that the characters would find their way to new opportunities and outlooks – and that, like their grief, the drama and upheaval wouldn’t last forever. I was rewarded – the pieces so unreliably reliable for creating discord and ill-will were sorted out with cooler heads and a bit of time taking the edge off emotions and allowing a new outlook to present itself. With the sails working on the mill, a new baby and hope for new loves and happiness to come – the story came around to leave me with a smile.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
April 9, 2019
When Lizzie loses her larger-than-life Dad she doesn’t know how to move forward. Encouraged by a childhood dream she shared with her beloved father, she is determined to continue his legacy and moves to the old Mill on Magnolia lane, a place he had always longed to own.
Restoring the old windmill is a much bigger job than Lizzie bargained for, especially when she is distracted by her new next door neighbour Jude, who has temptingly twinkly eyes and a body to die for. But when Jude’s ex- girlfriend Harriet arrives back on the scene, Lizzie begins to wonder if life wasn’t far simpler before she moved to the mill. Especially when it emerges that Harriet knows something about Jude’s past, something that could shatter her new start and her heart into smithereens …
Following her dad’s death, Lizzie buys an old mill, which her and her father had always dreamed of restoring. It turns out to be a much larger job that she expected, both financially and in the amount of work needed. Meeting her new next door neighbour, Jude begins to wonder if her luck has changed, at least on the romance front! That is until she meets Jude’s ex-girlfriend, Harriett….
What a lovely book! An original story of a grief stricken Lizzie restoring an old derelict Mill. Do her plans sound crazy?.....absolutely!! Personally, I couldn’t think of anything worse of spending all that money to be left with the ruin of an old windmill and an old caravan to live in! But the story really works! I really liked all the main female characters – Lizzie, Gracie, Gwendolyn and Florentina – and felt they all blossomed throughout the book. I have to admit, Gracie was my favourite and I loved her relationship with sister, Lizzie.
There were a few little things which niggled me as the story progressed though! Whilst Jude sounded very aesthetically pleasing, he was very naïve and trusting where ex-girlfriend Harriett was concerned, and at times I really felt for Lizzie with how he was with her. I also didn’t like Harriett for the same reasons! The one thing that stood out for me though with this book was the location, the scenery and of course the windmill. Even the name, The Mill on Magnolia Lane, sounded so beautiful and whenever I was reading about the windmill, it conjured up lovely images in my mind!
All in all, it was a lovely, easy to read book. I didn’t find it as light-hearted as some the author’s other books, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing! The story flowed well and kept me interested throughout. It did have a lot of emotions to deal with in the ways of love, death and family relationships, but it was well written and tugged at my heartstrings at times. Would love to perhaps see a follow up book to carry on the storylines of some of the characters!! Would definitely recommend.
Restoring the old windmill is a much bigger job than Lizzie bargained for, especially when she is distracted by her new next door neighbour Jude, who has temptingly twinkly eyes and a body to die for. But when Jude’s ex- girlfriend Harriet arrives back on the scene, Lizzie begins to wonder if life wasn’t far simpler before she moved to the mill. Especially when it emerges that Harriet knows something about Jude’s past, something that could shatter her new start and her heart into smithereens …
Following her dad’s death, Lizzie buys an old mill, which her and her father had always dreamed of restoring. It turns out to be a much larger job that she expected, both financially and in the amount of work needed. Meeting her new next door neighbour, Jude begins to wonder if her luck has changed, at least on the romance front! That is until she meets Jude’s ex-girlfriend, Harriett….
What a lovely book! An original story of a grief stricken Lizzie restoring an old derelict Mill. Do her plans sound crazy?.....absolutely!! Personally, I couldn’t think of anything worse of spending all that money to be left with the ruin of an old windmill and an old caravan to live in! But the story really works! I really liked all the main female characters – Lizzie, Gracie, Gwendolyn and Florentina – and felt they all blossomed throughout the book. I have to admit, Gracie was my favourite and I loved her relationship with sister, Lizzie.
There were a few little things which niggled me as the story progressed though! Whilst Jude sounded very aesthetically pleasing, he was very naïve and trusting where ex-girlfriend Harriett was concerned, and at times I really felt for Lizzie with how he was with her. I also didn’t like Harriett for the same reasons! The one thing that stood out for me though with this book was the location, the scenery and of course the windmill. Even the name, The Mill on Magnolia Lane, sounded so beautiful and whenever I was reading about the windmill, it conjured up lovely images in my mind!
All in all, it was a lovely, easy to read book. I didn’t find it as light-hearted as some the author’s other books, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing! The story flowed well and kept me interested throughout. It did have a lot of emotions to deal with in the ways of love, death and family relationships, but it was well written and tugged at my heartstrings at times. Would love to perhaps see a follow up book to carry on the storylines of some of the characters!! Would definitely recommend.
April 1, 2019
Having read a lot of Tilly's books previously and loved them all, I was very much looking forward to reading this one, The Mill on Magnolia Lane, her latest venture into escapism. So with that said, I did have very high hopes for this one, but the honest truth is that I have mixed emotions about it and really didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would. I just don’t think it has that same spark as all her other books that I’ve read of hers.
I found it to be a very good story which was well written, but at the same time, I felt as if some of the story plots were rushed or not given enough attention. It would have been beneficial if some of the storylines could have been better developed and more time spent with them. Like the character of James for example, there was hardly any mention or involvement of him through the story but then something completely unexpected happens to him at the end, which kind of came out of nowhere and doesn’t really have enough relevance to the story, just felt a bit random.
Having read other reader's reviews of this book, I am glad to see that there are a few readers that did indeed enjoy this book, which to me, means it is true what they say, certain books just aren't for everyone.
Some good points about this book though, I really liked the character of Charlie, he was well developed and came out with the funniest of things at times, it was hard not to like him. I liked the setting of the story, being the renovating of the old mill and the obstacles that Lizzie had to keep overcoming with respect to that. It felt real, in that these things never go to plan. I really liked that this story wasn’t just focused purely on romance, it dealt with ongoing relationships between family members and external family members such as the step mother, and so was interesting to see how certain situations arose and how they were dealt with throughout the story.
Despite me not having enjoyed Tilly’s latest book l like I hoped I would, it hasn’t put me off from reading her books in the future, I’ve actually got a couple of her books still waiting to be read on my kindle and I’m still looking forward to reading them in the very near future.
I found it to be a very good story which was well written, but at the same time, I felt as if some of the story plots were rushed or not given enough attention. It would have been beneficial if some of the storylines could have been better developed and more time spent with them. Like the character of James for example, there was hardly any mention or involvement of him through the story but then something completely unexpected happens to him at the end, which kind of came out of nowhere and doesn’t really have enough relevance to the story, just felt a bit random.
Having read other reader's reviews of this book, I am glad to see that there are a few readers that did indeed enjoy this book, which to me, means it is true what they say, certain books just aren't for everyone.
Some good points about this book though, I really liked the character of Charlie, he was well developed and came out with the funniest of things at times, it was hard not to like him. I liked the setting of the story, being the renovating of the old mill and the obstacles that Lizzie had to keep overcoming with respect to that. It felt real, in that these things never go to plan. I really liked that this story wasn’t just focused purely on romance, it dealt with ongoing relationships between family members and external family members such as the step mother, and so was interesting to see how certain situations arose and how they were dealt with throughout the story.
Despite me not having enjoyed Tilly’s latest book l like I hoped I would, it hasn’t put me off from reading her books in the future, I’ve actually got a couple of her books still waiting to be read on my kindle and I’m still looking forward to reading them in the very near future.
March 23, 2019
I recieved an early preview copy of this book from Netgalley in return for an honest review.
I have read and enjoyed books by Tilly before, so I was excited to read this one.
After the death of her father Lizzie decides to make the most out of her life, and buys a derelict Windmill in the town where her father grew up. It is a reminder of the trips that they used to make together when she was a child.
Lizzie is trying to make a fresh start, but she soon finds that her family, who do not always get along with each other descend on her.
She also finds out that her neighbour, Jude is attracted to her, but she doesn't know if she should get involved or not.
I thought that the setting of the book was stunning. It is a perfect read for warm summer evenings. I would have liked more details about the project, as I felt that this was skimmed over.
I did not warm to the character of Jude very much. I thought that the relationship moved to quickly, and lacked substance. I liked the character who was his brother though.
Lizzie's family were a mixed bunch, I liked some of them, but not all of them
I liked the storyline, but I thought that the book lacked a little detail and substance. It was an easy and enjoyable read, but not one of my favourites by this author.
I have read and enjoyed books by Tilly before, so I was excited to read this one.
After the death of her father Lizzie decides to make the most out of her life, and buys a derelict Windmill in the town where her father grew up. It is a reminder of the trips that they used to make together when she was a child.
Lizzie is trying to make a fresh start, but she soon finds that her family, who do not always get along with each other descend on her.
She also finds out that her neighbour, Jude is attracted to her, but she doesn't know if she should get involved or not.
I thought that the setting of the book was stunning. It is a perfect read for warm summer evenings. I would have liked more details about the project, as I felt that this was skimmed over.
I did not warm to the character of Jude very much. I thought that the relationship moved to quickly, and lacked substance. I liked the character who was his brother though.
Lizzie's family were a mixed bunch, I liked some of them, but not all of them
I liked the storyline, but I thought that the book lacked a little detail and substance. It was an easy and enjoyable read, but not one of my favourites by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2019
I love Tilly’s books, and this one didn’t disappoint.
Lizzie’s life is thrown out of kilter when her beloved father dies so, having also recently split up with her boyfriend, she decides to live for the moment and buy a dilapidated mill that her father always had his eye on.
She soon meets Jude and they get on famously, but he has a past. There’s his ex, Harriet, with whom he has a toddler, Artie, and he also looks after his brother, Charlie, following the deaths of their parents. Jude and Harriet seem to be a bit too friendly for Lizzie’s liking so that causes some unrest. Then there are other significant characters; Lizzie’s new-dumped and newly-pregnant sister, Gracie, and her very nice stepmother, Florentina.
Lizzie tries to juggle the mill renovations, her mum, her sister, her stepmother (who loses everything in a fire), and Jude, so there are lots of twists and turns but a happy ending.
A warm, funny, and romantic read, ideal for the summer.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.
Lizzie’s life is thrown out of kilter when her beloved father dies so, having also recently split up with her boyfriend, she decides to live for the moment and buy a dilapidated mill that her father always had his eye on.
She soon meets Jude and they get on famously, but he has a past. There’s his ex, Harriet, with whom he has a toddler, Artie, and he also looks after his brother, Charlie, following the deaths of their parents. Jude and Harriet seem to be a bit too friendly for Lizzie’s liking so that causes some unrest. Then there are other significant characters; Lizzie’s new-dumped and newly-pregnant sister, Gracie, and her very nice stepmother, Florentina.
Lizzie tries to juggle the mill renovations, her mum, her sister, her stepmother (who loses everything in a fire), and Jude, so there are lots of twists and turns but a happy ending.
A warm, funny, and romantic read, ideal for the summer.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.
September 28, 2019
I enjoyed this story very much.
Lizzie decides that she is going to restore an old mill but she has no clue what she is in for! Between a gorgeous man just down the road (who has an annoying ex but an adorable little brother), her mother losing the plot and her sister moving in with her, she has her hands full. And then her step-mothers house burns down....
This is one complicated novel in terms of things going wrong for just about all the characters in the book at one time or another, but it just works, somehow. I am glad I am not Lizzie though, I have the feeling I would be heading for some very quiet outpost somewhere just so I could hear myself think!
I didn't think Harriet was a very nice person, so that speaks to the author's skill in writing that I got emotionally involved enough to think that, doesn't it? Despite her efforts to smooth things over with Lizzie, I never quite believed her. Cynical, me.
Anyway, I give this book 4.5 stars. My apologies for taking so long to read it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.
Lizzie decides that she is going to restore an old mill but she has no clue what she is in for! Between a gorgeous man just down the road (who has an annoying ex but an adorable little brother), her mother losing the plot and her sister moving in with her, she has her hands full. And then her step-mothers house burns down....
This is one complicated novel in terms of things going wrong for just about all the characters in the book at one time or another, but it just works, somehow. I am glad I am not Lizzie though, I have the feeling I would be heading for some very quiet outpost somewhere just so I could hear myself think!
I didn't think Harriet was a very nice person, so that speaks to the author's skill in writing that I got emotionally involved enough to think that, doesn't it? Despite her efforts to smooth things over with Lizzie, I never quite believed her. Cynical, me.
Anyway, I give this book 4.5 stars. My apologies for taking so long to read it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.
March 30, 2020
Lizzie Lovall had always admired the mill on Magnolia Lane when she drove past with her dad. They conjured up plans of how they would buy and restore it, but sadly their ideas never came to fruition. Lizzie’s dad died leaving her steeped in grief and having no idea where her life was going. Until she decides to buy the mill, on her own, and start to rebuild it.
Living alone in a caravan, next to a run down windmill, seemed like a good idea at first, but soon Lizzie’s life gets far more complicated. She meets a gorgeous architect called Jude, but his ex-girlfriend Harriet is still on the scene and Lizzie can’t understand why. With complicated family problems arising and finances stretched to the limit, Lizzie wonders if her decision was the right one.
This was just the escapism I needed. There is the perfect balance of heartwarming moments and emotional issues, with characters who are diverse and relatable. The story is about rebuilding, not just the mill, but also life after loss, relationships, friendship, and family. A really enjoyable read.
Living alone in a caravan, next to a run down windmill, seemed like a good idea at first, but soon Lizzie’s life gets far more complicated. She meets a gorgeous architect called Jude, but his ex-girlfriend Harriet is still on the scene and Lizzie can’t understand why. With complicated family problems arising and finances stretched to the limit, Lizzie wonders if her decision was the right one.
This was just the escapism I needed. There is the perfect balance of heartwarming moments and emotional issues, with characters who are diverse and relatable. The story is about rebuilding, not just the mill, but also life after loss, relationships, friendship, and family. A really enjoyable read.
April 5, 2019
Tilly Tennant's books are my go to books when I want to be sure to have a book that I will enjoy and that's why I picked "The Mill on Magnolia Lane" when I went on vacation and took the plane. And I am happy to have picked this book to go on vacation with because once again I really enjoyed Tilly Tennant's writing. I don't know how Tilly is doing it, but every single of her stories are all so different. She has a great imagination! and I really love this about her books! Even though I enjoyed a lot "THe Mill on Magnolia Lane" , I have to be honest, this book was one of my least favorite of Tilly Tennant's books. It wasn't as fun as I am used to with Tilly's books. Not sure why I felt this way. Maybe because in this book a lot of dramatic and sad events are happening. Maybe because a bit too much dramatic events are happening in this book and at the end you want to say "too much is too much, it's not credible anymore" but other than that, I really liked the characters, their interactions, the settings and the romance. I am giving this book a 4 stars out of 5! Very lovely book!
April 2, 2019
I have read the author before and enjoyed her books. This one I enjoyed also but it wasn’t my favourite of her books.
The storyline was a good one, young woman buys and renovates an old mill in memory of her father. The parts of the story dealing with the mill itself are fascinating and it had me picturing the scenes in my head. For me, however, the other parts of the story just didn’t hold my attention quite so much and I found myself skimming a lot.
This would be an ideal summer read for those looking to escape for a while into someone else’s life. Please note this review is based on my personal feelings and plenty of others will, I’m sure, love the story.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy.
The storyline was a good one, young woman buys and renovates an old mill in memory of her father. The parts of the story dealing with the mill itself are fascinating and it had me picturing the scenes in my head. For me, however, the other parts of the story just didn’t hold my attention quite so much and I found myself skimming a lot.
This would be an ideal summer read for those looking to escape for a while into someone else’s life. Please note this review is based on my personal feelings and plenty of others will, I’m sure, love the story.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy.
April 4, 2019
Do you have a special memory with your dad? Were you able to make a dream come true? How much fun would it be to actually do that? How much fun would it be to live in a windmill? What about relationships? These ladies have certainly not had an easy time with those. How many can relate to how hard it is to trust again after being treated like they were? I’m sure the number is high. But there are so many good things in this story and decisions being made that shows that they are not only survivors, but that they can flourish. I love the characters and felt the heartache and the joys right along with them. I think you will enjoy getting to know them too. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinions are my own.
April 24, 2019
When Lizzie's beloved father dies she is devastated and decides to totally change her life and buy an old deserted windmill that he had always coveted. The amount of renovation work to be done is immense and Lizzie is left wondering if she has bitten off more than she can chew, but then she meets her neighbour Jude and life is definitely looking up...... or it would be if it wasn't for the constant presence of his ex!
Another great book by this author, I loved Lizzie's chaotic life living in the caravan, coping with the arrival of her sister, the worry about her brother and the animosity between her sister and stepmother, and so you are really rooting for her to have her happy ending with Jude and to get her beloved mill up and running
Another great book by this author, I loved Lizzie's chaotic life living in the caravan, coping with the arrival of her sister, the worry about her brother and the animosity between her sister and stepmother, and so you are really rooting for her to have her happy ending with Jude and to get her beloved mill up and running
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