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Lydia Green Of Mulberry Glen

Millie Florence (Goodreads Author)

4.71 · Rating details · 24 ratings · 19 reviews

Lydia Green never had reason to worry much before.

She lived in a timeless Glen on the edge of the Valleylands with her mismatched family of fairies, philosophers, and two troublemakers known as the Zs.

But now, at age eleven, her world is turned upside down when rumors reach Mulberry Glen about a mysterious Darkness that dwells in the forest Tenebrae.

Lydia knows it is ...more

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Paperback, 358 pages

Published March 29th 2019 by Sprouting Pen Press

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Mar 31, 2019 Julie Mozart rated it it was amazing

WARNING: a cup of something spicy and warm is pretty much mandatory to read this book. You’ll thank me later.
I’d like to say that the Glen hits you immediately, but ‘hit’ isn’t a very charming word. It’s another world in there, to put it simply. To put it otherwise would take up another novel, and I think you’d much rather be reading the actual book in question than a drawn out review by someone who talks too much. Let’s be honest.
But to the review anyway!
Besides the fact that it literally WARNING: a cup of something spicy and warm is pretty much mandatory to read this book. You’ll thank me later.
I’d like to say that the Glen hits you immediately, but ‘hit’ isn’t a very charming word. It’s another world in there, to put it simply. To put it otherwise would take up another novel, and I think you’d much rather be reading the actual book in question than a drawn out review by someone who talks too much. Let’s be honest.
But to the review anyway!
Besides the fact that it literally actually is another world, I immediately was struck by the fact that Lydia goes through the same problems as any kid, adult, or succulent plant on Earth. So, maybe it’s a bit more difficult for your average Joe to find a library the size of a labyrinth, and most people don’t have a local dark forest, but Lydia’s mind, as she herself put it, is ‘a forest’ that many of us can recognize.
Despite the cozy adventure the narration presents the story to be, Lydia Green of Mulberry Glen can’t really be described as ‘comfortable’. The story that presents itself as magic and fairy tales brings a lot more to the plate: mental health. I think this is something that I find myself rolling my eyes at in books. It’s always shown from a teen’s point of view. They wish they could go back to idyllic childhoods that were apparently stress-free and literally a never-ending family barbeque.
HOWEVER, Lydia Green was a breath of fresh air. Lydia is only eleven-ish years old, and it’s not that depressed children make me happy or anything as morbid, but it’s that children have DEPTH in Millie Florence’s stories. Worries, joys, fears, so many emotions…it’s so great to see. Lydia isn’t an indestructible god by any measure, and she goes through things that I have gone through myself. From leaving an old home, to suddenly having to grow up, to hating change in general…nope, it’s not angsty teen drama, it’s real, real worries that real, real kids go through all the time. And finally there’s a Pixar lamp come to shine light on it.
Plus the fact that the entire book feels like a quote. Seriously. It was like C.S. Lewis met Hilda Boswell and they sat down for tea and wrote a book (tea is invariable). It’s not by any stretch ‘dumbed down’ for kids, and I’m absolutely in LOVE with that.
As for those looking for a book for kids, look no further. If there could ever be THE read aloud book, I’d like to think its name would be Lydia Green of Mulberry Glen. Tenebrae could be unsettling to anyone under 8, but it’s worth the conversation. As someone who went through a strong fear of the dark, a collection of nightlights, and the biggest pantheon of made-up-monsters, I know any kid could tell you this hits home. A battle against light and dark only has one outcome. Spoiler alert.
...more

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Aug 16, 2019 Angela R. Watts rated it really liked it

Shelves: children-s-books, fantasy, indie-authors, middle-grade, young-adult

STORY

A smooth pace and a lot of sweet description, this story tackles the plot of light conquering darkness. We follow Lydia as she faces the darkness to save her family, even when it seems she is lacking nothing, every ounce of change terrifies her at first. Eventually, she must choose light, or darkness.

The story is easy to follow. I read it in a day where I honestly wasn't thinking well enough to even bother trying to figure out the plot and plot twists. I'm glad I didn't, I liked just ...more

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Mar 15, 2019 Gabriella Slade rated it it was amazing

Shelves: books-4-2019, favorites

I was SO excited when Millie asked me to be on her street team and read Lydia Green before the release date. I've followed Millie before her first book, Honey Butter, was even published. I watched this book grow from the first draft onward. I watched her reveal the title, cover, and so on. This was one of my most anticipated reads of this year, and it didn't disappoint.
Millie is such a strong writer. She knows how to plot a novel. She knows how to keep you on the edge of the seat, wanting to ...more

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Mar 16, 2019 Becca Camp rated it it was amazing

Shelves: recommended-reads

This story was cute and deep at the same time, if that’s even possible! Lydia Green is relatable and understandable, which are very good qualities in a main character. Dealing with “the Darkness” is no joke, and this was very well done and explained.

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Mar 16, 2019 Olivia Scott rated it it was amazing

I received a copy of Lydia Green of Mulberry Glen in exchange for an honest review, and I absolutely LOVED IT. As usual, Millie Florence excelled at atmosphere and mood setting. Some of her descriptions of the "darkness" brought me to tears. She tackled a big, scary topic beautifully and made it seem understandable and, most importantly, able to be overcome. I want every child and preteen in my life to read this book, in case they're ever affected by mental illness, so they know there's always ...more

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Mar 12, 2019 Zoe Anastasia rated it it was amazing

I was super excited to read LGMG when I first heard about it. I read Honey Butter and loved it so much, so I knew this novel would be great!

Lydia is easy to cheer for throughout her journey of finding the Zs (who were hilarious and crazy) and I enjoyed seeing the story through her point of view. One of my favorite characters was Quill, the boy who lives in the library, and loves books. And the theme of the story makes you think about the darkness in the world a little differently and Millie ...more

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Apr 09, 2019 Lydia rated it really liked it

This story is not only beautifully written, the clear message of hope it delivers to the readers is timeless and uplifting as well. The thought that went into it produced a seamless result. This book has earned a place on my shelf as something to be kept permanently. Millie Florence is an exceptional author and I hope to read many more books by her.

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Mar 29, 2019 Millie Florence added it · (Review from the author)

Shelves: wrote-it, teen-kid-authors

It’s release day, and I may be a little excited.
My book has arrived in the world of reality after its long journey on the sea of imagination.
It’s funny because, for me, Lydia’s journey is ending. I’ve written the book, polished and packaged it, and sent it out into the world. Yet for all of you, dear Readers, this story is only just beginning. When that package arrives on your doorstep when you open the cover to that first page and read those first words.
“Lydia had once been known to remark ...more

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Jun 06, 2019 Sarah Baran rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy

"...this Darkness makes you feel that you are alone. As if the world has lost meaning. As if there is no point to oppose it. But you must remember that even when the world seems pitch black, there is light, and there will always be light. It is yours to find if only you reach out." (pg. 50)

I'm continually blown away by how Millie Florence, still in her early teens, manages to write stories with more heart, charm, and maturity than most ADULT authors can even pull off. Lydia Green of Mulberry "...this Darkness makes you feel that you are alone. As if the world has lost meaning. As if there is no point to oppose it. But you must remember that even when the world seems pitch black, there is light, and there will always be light. It is yours to find if only you reach out." (pg. 50)

I'm continually blown away by how Millie Florence, still in her early teens, manages to write stories with more heart, charm, and maturity than most ADULT authors can even pull off. Lydia Green of Mulberry Glen tackles a dark (and frequently forgotten) subject, that of mental illness and depression, but it's handled in such a way that feels neither pretentious or insipid, bypassing her lack of experience in years by focusing on a universal struggle we all, young or old, have faced: Fear of change.

The first half of the story was slower than I expected, but it created a nice picture of Lydia's idyllic life, underscored by the eerie gutfeeling that something isn't quite right. The characters are charming (QUILL THOUGH. QUILL.) and the settings quaint (Tower Valley is the new Rivendell, just sayin'...), and as always, Millie doesn't fail to disappoint with her beautiful prose.

Tenebrae (shout-out to the Latin nerds) also, I felt, was adeptly handled. It wasn't toned down to be anything less scary than what it really is, which I think is important. Young readers are capable of feeling and thinking far more than what we give them credit for, and making a "shiny, nonthreatening" version of something terrible rarely fools them. What stands out, and what is crucial, is that the darkness can be defeated. This, also, was nicely handled. Depression isn't a one-size-fits-all, and the way some people overcome it won't work for everyone. Millie is respectful of that, and the ending is, in a sense, very open-ended; there's no definitive "solution" to defeating Tenebrae, and though it is defeated, I get the feeling it could grow back at any time when people start letting despair overshadow their hope again.

But there is hope. As the Narrator reminds us, "...whatever may be around the next bend, dear Reader, whether the skies are cloudy or clear, remember that there will be light."

If I have to nitpick flaws, I wasn't terribly impressed by the Zs. They were supposed to be loveable, but I found their recklessness and thoughtlessness a little annoying. Also, there's a situation where a certain character is constantly being depicted as a villain, only for us to later learn that it was just a huge misunderstanding and he's actually a decent chap. While the story certainly would have been darker if he'd remained an antagonist, I feel a little cheated that he wasn't. I think he could've offered much more thematic complexity, showing another side to the problem than just Lydia's innocent and childlike despair.

But despite these minor things, Lydia Green of Mulberry Glen stands out as a story of innocence, a story of darkness, and a story of powerful hope. Be ye warned, this is the ultimate "cozy" read, and warmth of any variety (sunshine, fireplace, mug of tea) is highly recommended. You may also want to find a lap-cat, a dusty library, and a fairy or two to complete the ultimate Lydia Green reading experience. This story will soak into your heart and leave you feeling happier than before. ...more

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Aug 24, 2019 Naomi King rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy

Okay, it's been a few months since I read Lydia Green, so let's see if I can do this right.

First of all, the world was so beautiful! So well described and very easy to picture.

The characters were great, I feel an emotional connection to the Zs, which is probably not the best thing, but hey! Lydia was nice enough, though I did feel she was a little young.

I definitely am guilty of staying up late to finish it!

Overall, I am very pleased with the story, a cute fantasy novel,that any child will ...more

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May 19, 2019 Nina Martineck rated it it was amazing

It’s been awhile since I’ve read a book with such pure and innocent magic as one finds in Lydia Green of Mulberry Glen. As we grow older, we tend to forget that fairy tales exist, but Lydia Green of Mulberry Glen, reminiscent of the leather bound storybook tucked next to the fireplace at my grandma’s house, restores a part of your heart you didn’t realize needed restoration.

Warning - Mild spoilers ahead! (Nothing that will ruin the book!)

I found myself lost in Lydia’s world on every page. It’s been awhile since I’ve read a book with such pure and innocent magic as one finds in Lydia Green of Mulberry Glen. As we grow older, we tend to forget that fairy tales exist, but Lydia Green of Mulberry Glen, reminiscent of the leather bound storybook tucked next to the fireplace at my grandma’s house, restores a part of your heart you didn’t realize needed restoration.

Warning - Mild spoilers ahead! (Nothing that will ruin the book!)

I found myself lost in Lydia’s world on every page. Millie Florence strikes the perfect balance between flowering poetry and compelling prose—she allowed the inventive imagery to exist without compromising the pace of her plot, an equilibrium I rarely find in middle grade fiction. I knew the language Florence was capable of after reading Honey Butter, her first novel, but the growth Lydia Green showcases is astounding. She takes you by the hand and pulls you straight to the heart of her mystical world.

And her world-building is stellar. Without ever explaining the Pendent and apprenticeship process in a typical exposition dump, she mentions it just enough that the reader understands it fully without sitting through a boring page or two. Same goes for the Ranger system. You never feel told about the world—she shows you everything you need to know, just when you need to know it.

Her characters are dynamic, developed, and realistic. She allows them to make mistakes and want things and talk like children and be afraid of things. Lydia is nowhere near perfect, which makes her an excellent character with a distinct arc.

Unlike most middle grade books I’ve read, this plot had no slow spot. It moved along nicely without any instances where I felt like I could skip a few pages. The reader can tell that it was well-planned and carefully considered. In the very few instances I could feel it starting to slow down, Florence threw you something new and picked it right back up again, which, personally, I love in a book.

I only had one issue with this book, and it’s extremely nit-picky, but I did find myself somewhat distracted by the common use of passive voice. This isn’t an issue that bothers everyone, and it in no way mitigate my feelings about this book, but I felt I should mention it, mostly because there isn’t anything else I could say about this book that makes it less than perfect. There were just a few instances when it interrupted my visualization, but once again, it’s a very individual issue that not everyone will find.

But perhaps my favorite part of the book was the Darkness. I don’t know if it was intended or not, but I found the Darkness to be a wonderfully handled symbol of mental illness. Florence presented it as something disquieting, sure, but not as something that lessened one’s value. While Lydia Green of Mulberry Glen has a myriad of quotable moments, this is the one that sticks in my head the most: “The Darkness found you, you didn’t find it. It just happened, and it’s not your fault.” The personification of the Darkness helps the reader understand what Florence means by it better, but also identify with it. We all have our own Darknesses, but Florence is right: they are not our faults. I read that line while freaking out about something totally unrelated, and it sat in my chest like a cup of warm tea. It made me feel so much better.

I found myself a child again between the pages of Lydia Green of Mulberry Glen. This is a book meant to be read under a big tree and a cloudless sky, or by the window during a daytime thunderstorm, clutching a mug of hot tea. It’s a book for when you feel hopeless, or for when you feel content, or for when you don’t know how you feel but know you want to feel something else. It’s ethereal, convivial, refreshing, and—above all—pure magic. ...more

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Mar 26, 2019 Lucas James rated it it was amazing

*Disclaimer: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

Wow, this book is an absolute masterpiece. The characters are lovable and relatable; the plot is interesting, the pace is steady. Millie did an amazing job with this book.
Anyway, let me “analyze” certain aspects of the book.

CHARACTERS:
Like I said, the characters are fantastic! Every character has their own voice, and I feel like I could have been able to tell what character was speaking even without the tags. (I’m not sure if that ...more

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Dec 24, 2019 Naomi Kenyon rated it it was amazing

Millie is such a talented young author, who develops a playground for your imagination through colorful descriptions and exciting story plots! I highly recommend reading Lydia Green of Mulberry Glen, and promise you'll be swept away with her and her companions as they embark on an a journey to stop the Darkness and rescue her friends.
Although it is nearly impossible to pick a favorite part of this book, I have to say I love the ending chapters (15, 16, and 17) quite a lot.
Her description of ...more

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May 29, 2019 Sara Francis rated it really liked it

Lydia Green of Mulberry Glen is an enrapturing tale that is enjoyable for readers of all ages. Her writing style is outstanding especially considering her young age and she has quite the imagination!

*More detailed review coming soon!*

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Jul 03, 2019 Sunny Houk rated it it was amazing

This book didn't disappoint. I love it so much. Now to get my younger siblings to read it. :)

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Mar 15, 2019 Tom Greever rated it it was amazing

Despite the author's age, this book is very well written - what you would want or expect from a good middle grade fantasy. Doesn't feel like a teen author book. Beyond that, it tells a great story of hope in the darkness, addressing kid's feelings of sadness, dealing with change, and even handling depression. I highly recommend it for parents of kids who struggle with these feelings as a great conversation starter. Parents read it too!

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Jul 24, 2019 J.C. rated it it was amazing

Lydia Green of Mulberry Glen is such a heartfelt and inspiring novel, from the creative storytelling, to the lovable characters, to the powerful thematics. Millie’s tangible writing style draws you in like a cup of warm tea, and her lovable characters wrap their arms around your heart. The story is uniquely told, with many instances of, “Dear reader,” which made for a tale feeling much like a fairytale. The storyline weaves intricately, telling a careful tale of a young girl resisting change, ...more

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Aug 01, 2019 The Writer rated it it was amazing

I could tell from the very first line what an amazing book this was going to be.
Millie Florence did an incredible job of weaving a welcoming fantasy world and introducing lovable and timeless characters. Her writing style is beautiful and flowery with lots of gorgeous descriptions and similes. (Jealous!) the whole thing is intensely quotable.
But what I think I loved most about this book was the theme. It’s all about growing towards the light. It’s all about overcoming the darkness. About hope. ...more

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Jul 27, 2019 Jesse L. Rinkenberger rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Wow! Just wow!

This book is absolutely spectacular! Full of whims and adventures and light. I love the characters, it's weird but I actually kind of like Cole, and the scenes were well described. On the flip side, I felt the first part of the story kind of slow...but boy! I still can't get over the ending! So many surprises and plot twists! Check this book out of you want to learn how to GROW TOWARDS THE LIGHT! ...more

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About Millie Florence

Millie Florence

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Millie Florence is an adventurous homeschooler who published her first book, ‘Honey Butter’, at age 13. She loves sushi, zip lines, and just about all things yellow.

Millie lives in a picturesque blue house in the woods with her parents and her four siblings, plus a varying amount of cats and chickens.

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