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Good Things: Discover this uplifting family story set in a charming English village
Two sisters, one absent father and a grand inheritance . . .
Maggie and Liz may be sisters (and yes, named after a pair of much more famous siblings), but that's about all they have in common. Maggie is a free spirit - travelling the world, flitting through life and relationships without ever really having to connect. Liz, meanwhile, is the lynchpin of Little Martin village society and determined to be the perfect wife, mother and homemaker - even if she does live in a new build.
When Liz and Maggie's beloved grandmother, Queen Vic, dies in a characteristically dramatic fashion, they are left to deal with the aftermath - inheriting the family Manor, as well as full responsibility for their profligate father, a notorious womaniser who causes trouble wherever he goes.
Maggie and Liz have been living separate lives for years - but now might finally be the time to put their differences behind them.
Maggie and Liz may be sisters (and yes, named after a pair of much more famous siblings), but that's about all they have in common. Maggie is a free spirit - travelling the world, flitting through life and relationships without ever really having to connect. Liz, meanwhile, is the lynchpin of Little Martin village society and determined to be the perfect wife, mother and homemaker - even if she does live in a new build.
When Liz and Maggie's beloved grandmother, Queen Vic, dies in a characteristically dramatic fashion, they are left to deal with the aftermath - inheriting the family Manor, as well as full responsibility for their profligate father, a notorious womaniser who causes trouble wherever he goes.
Maggie and Liz have been living separate lives for years - but now might finally be the time to put their differences behind them.
- GenresFiction
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2024
6 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 22, 2024
Actual rating 4.5.
I absolutely loved Kate’s non-fiction debut, so as soon as she kindly offered to send me a copy of this I squealed YES PLEASE! And thankfully it’s every bit as warm, witty and charming as I was hoping, and there are still dogs too of course!
This is a lovely big hearted look at a rather dysfunctional family, as they’re thrown together after the death of their grandmother/mother. You’ve got super Type A Liz trying to keep control of everything - namely her philandering father - whilst sweet Maggie just wants to enjoy having him back home. Despite his faults (and I definitely wouldn’t want him as MY dad!), I did love George, who was just that brilliant eccentric, entertaining older man endlessly looking for love! Whilst I found Liz harder to warm to until the end, I was very much invested in Maggie and her potential romance too!
This is just one of those really easy, joyful reads that you’ll devour in a matter of hours and finish feeling all the warm fuzzies! I don’t know what it is about it but I just love small village life and that wonderful sense of community you get from books set there, and this is a great example!
I absolutely loved Kate’s non-fiction debut, so as soon as she kindly offered to send me a copy of this I squealed YES PLEASE! And thankfully it’s every bit as warm, witty and charming as I was hoping, and there are still dogs too of course!
This is a lovely big hearted look at a rather dysfunctional family, as they’re thrown together after the death of their grandmother/mother. You’ve got super Type A Liz trying to keep control of everything - namely her philandering father - whilst sweet Maggie just wants to enjoy having him back home. Despite his faults (and I definitely wouldn’t want him as MY dad!), I did love George, who was just that brilliant eccentric, entertaining older man endlessly looking for love! Whilst I found Liz harder to warm to until the end, I was very much invested in Maggie and her potential romance too!
This is just one of those really easy, joyful reads that you’ll devour in a matter of hours and finish feeling all the warm fuzzies! I don’t know what it is about it but I just love small village life and that wonderful sense of community you get from books set there, and this is a great example!
April 24, 2024
Oh what a lovely read! I read Kate’s non fiction book; London’s Number One Dog-Walking Agency (a great read by the way!) so I was super excited to see Kate had written a fiction book and I’m so grateful to be sent this copy to read.
Good Things was just everything I needed and more, life has been crazy for me and my emotions all over the place as some people will know, but I just immediately became engrossed in this book and it was exactly what I needed. The setting is brilliant, the characters are so likeable, it’s just a warm and lovely read… and there are dogs!
Both sisters, Liz and Maggie, are navigating life following their loss. They’re both very different and I enjoyed seeing how things changed and also their dad being back home, despite his flaws, I really liked his character! I was really invested in Maggie’s romance! The side characters and community are a great addition to the story.
A real joy to read and I loved it!
Good Things was just everything I needed and more, life has been crazy for me and my emotions all over the place as some people will know, but I just immediately became engrossed in this book and it was exactly what I needed. The setting is brilliant, the characters are so likeable, it’s just a warm and lovely read… and there are dogs!
Both sisters, Liz and Maggie, are navigating life following their loss. They’re both very different and I enjoyed seeing how things changed and also their dad being back home, despite his flaws, I really liked his character! I was really invested in Maggie’s romance! The side characters and community are a great addition to the story.
A real joy to read and I loved it!
September 8, 2024
Good Things by Kate MacDougall
Blurb
Two sisters, one absent father and a grand inheritance . . .
Maggie and Liz may be sisters (and yes, named after a pair of much more famous siblings), but that's about all they have in common. Maggie is a free spirit - travelling the world, flitting through life and relationships without ever really having to connect. Liz, meanwhile, is the lynchpin of Little Martin village society and determined to be the perfect wife, mother and homemaker - even if she does live in a new build.
When Liz and Maggie's beloved grandmother, Queen Vic, dies in a characteristically dramatic fashion, they are left to deal with the aftermath - inheriting the family Manor, as well as full responsibility for their profligate father, a notorious womaniser who causes trouble wherever he goes.
Maggie and Liz have been living separate lives for years - but now might finally be the time to put their differences behind them.
My Opinion
I had seen some great reviews about Good Things so when I saw that it was available as an audiobook in my local library I grabbed it. With a great writing style and some fantastic characters I was quickly hooked. A heart-warming story.
Rating 4/5
Blurb
Two sisters, one absent father and a grand inheritance . . .
Maggie and Liz may be sisters (and yes, named after a pair of much more famous siblings), but that's about all they have in common. Maggie is a free spirit - travelling the world, flitting through life and relationships without ever really having to connect. Liz, meanwhile, is the lynchpin of Little Martin village society and determined to be the perfect wife, mother and homemaker - even if she does live in a new build.
When Liz and Maggie's beloved grandmother, Queen Vic, dies in a characteristically dramatic fashion, they are left to deal with the aftermath - inheriting the family Manor, as well as full responsibility for their profligate father, a notorious womaniser who causes trouble wherever he goes.
Maggie and Liz have been living separate lives for years - but now might finally be the time to put their differences behind them.
My Opinion
I had seen some great reviews about Good Things so when I saw that it was available as an audiobook in my local library I grabbed it. With a great writing style and some fantastic characters I was quickly hooked. A heart-warming story.
Rating 4/5
April 28, 2024
What a lovely read. This genre is my favourite, so books really have to be good to get 5 stars from me in this genre, and this deserves them all.
I absolutely adored the characters, their backgrounds, and their foibles. George, in particular, had a real redemption that left me quite emotional.
I really liked the history of the Addison family, Queen Vic, George, Elizabeth, Margaret, and the corgis. It was such a quirky tale.
The setting of Little Martin was picturesque, and I loved the villagers, their parish council, and the am-dram society.
Both sisters needed to learn something about themselves, and seeing them come to their realisations was wonderful.
I was in tears several times, happy tears, I just got really emotional when Liz was in Brighton with Tom, when Joe came to the restaurant, and the ending were the standout moments of emotion for me.
I believe this is a debut piece of fiction from the author, and with that in mind I think she will become a force in this genre, because she writes very well for light romance and heartwarming family tales.
It's a lovely read that I would highly recommend.
I absolutely adored the characters, their backgrounds, and their foibles. George, in particular, had a real redemption that left me quite emotional.
I really liked the history of the Addison family, Queen Vic, George, Elizabeth, Margaret, and the corgis. It was such a quirky tale.
The setting of Little Martin was picturesque, and I loved the villagers, their parish council, and the am-dram society.
Both sisters needed to learn something about themselves, and seeing them come to their realisations was wonderful.
I was in tears several times, happy tears, I just got really emotional when Liz was in Brighton with Tom, when Joe came to the restaurant, and the ending were the standout moments of emotion for me.
I believe this is a debut piece of fiction from the author, and with that in mind I think she will become a force in this genre, because she writes very well for light romance and heartwarming family tales.
It's a lovely read that I would highly recommend.
April 24, 2024
‘Good Things’ was a real surprise for me. It’s not my usual genre and when I do read books like this I usually find them to be a bit slower and harder to get through. But not ‘Good Things’. This book is beautifully written and the main characters of Liz and Maggie are so believable and intricate in their personalities. It just draws you in and makes you care so much about them. I even found that I loved their dad, George.
Kate MacDougall has a wonderful ability of taking flawed, human characters and making you really root for them and want them to have a happy ever after even if they actually don’t always really deserve it because of their life choices. This book really drew me in and I didn’t want it to end. I just wanted to keep reading about The Manor. I think my favourite character is Maggie as she seems to be the one whose life has been hampered and changed by her childhood and her relationship with her Dad. I really love this story and I can’t wait to read more books by Kate MacDougall.
Kate MacDougall has a wonderful ability of taking flawed, human characters and making you really root for them and want them to have a happy ever after even if they actually don’t always really deserve it because of their life choices. This book really drew me in and I didn’t want it to end. I just wanted to keep reading about The Manor. I think my favourite character is Maggie as she seems to be the one whose life has been hampered and changed by her childhood and her relationship with her Dad. I really love this story and I can’t wait to read more books by Kate MacDougall.
April 30, 2024
Review 📚
Good Things is set in a gorgeous village in the Cotswolds, England and is the story of two sisters, Maggie and Liz and the impact of their father, George’s return to the old family manor they have always called home. Both Maggie and Liz are completely different in how they live their lives, in personality and action which keeps the story engaging and fun. Memories of their childhood are relived, as they grew up with divorced parents, their father always onto the next woman and adventure while their beloved grandmother, Queen Victoria, gave them love and stability.
I loved the way the author described the manor, I could envision it in my mind and that of the village, Little Martin, full of nosy village folk, meetings and committees and everyone knowing all your business.
The sisters’ personal journeys as they look at their own lives now that George has returned makes for a cosy and engaging read! And a cute little corgi named Albert will make you smile!
E-arc review, thanks to Love Book Tours, the author and Netgalley. This is my honest review.
Good Things is set in a gorgeous village in the Cotswolds, England and is the story of two sisters, Maggie and Liz and the impact of their father, George’s return to the old family manor they have always called home. Both Maggie and Liz are completely different in how they live their lives, in personality and action which keeps the story engaging and fun. Memories of their childhood are relived, as they grew up with divorced parents, their father always onto the next woman and adventure while their beloved grandmother, Queen Victoria, gave them love and stability.
I loved the way the author described the manor, I could envision it in my mind and that of the village, Little Martin, full of nosy village folk, meetings and committees and everyone knowing all your business.
The sisters’ personal journeys as they look at their own lives now that George has returned makes for a cosy and engaging read! And a cute little corgi named Albert will make you smile!
E-arc review, thanks to Love Book Tours, the author and Netgalley. This is my honest review.
May 1, 2024
Good Things by Kate MacDougall is a contemporary fiction book about two very different sisters who have been living tow very different lives, one absent father and an inheritance. I found the book an easy and fairly quick read. I was able to pick it up and read a new chapter without losing the thread. I warmed to the characters, even the errant George Addison. I especially loved Albert. MacDougall has a way with words making the characters quirks, foibles and everything that makes them unique, ring on the page. They felt real, sharing the little intricacies of life.
Good Things was funny, witty and sometimes a little sad. I thought many times while reading the book ‘how true’.
In conclusion is about family dynamics, relationships and the intricacies of what life throws at us. It is a well observed, look at life and a must read for those of you who love reading about the funny nuances of life.
Good Things was funny, witty and sometimes a little sad. I thought many times while reading the book ‘how true’.
In conclusion is about family dynamics, relationships and the intricacies of what life throws at us. It is a well observed, look at life and a must read for those of you who love reading about the funny nuances of life.
May 6, 2024
3.5⭐️
This is a light, cosy read filled with family dynamics and drama.
It follows the story of sisters Liz, Maggie and their absentee father. Set in the Cotswold, we are also embroiled in the lives of other villagers.
There is a juxtaposition of the sisters and their grandmother and father. The plot is very convincing and the characters relatable but I found the three main characters immature and sometimes out of touch with reality.
The author explores complex dynamics between family members, neighbours, friends and lovers.
However, I felt there was still something missing. I did not connect with the characters, except perhaps Joe. Also, I felt the issue of Rhonda was not properly resolved.
If you love women fiction then you will enjoy this. I received a copy via NetGalley and the review is mine and voluntary.
This is a light, cosy read filled with family dynamics and drama.
It follows the story of sisters Liz, Maggie and their absentee father. Set in the Cotswold, we are also embroiled in the lives of other villagers.
There is a juxtaposition of the sisters and their grandmother and father. The plot is very convincing and the characters relatable but I found the three main characters immature and sometimes out of touch with reality.
The author explores complex dynamics between family members, neighbours, friends and lovers.
However, I felt there was still something missing. I did not connect with the characters, except perhaps Joe. Also, I felt the issue of Rhonda was not properly resolved.
If you love women fiction then you will enjoy this. I received a copy via NetGalley and the review is mine and voluntary.
January 8, 2025
This is a story of family and community. Of women, their lives, their loves and their dreams.
Set in a small village in rural England, two sisters find themselves managing the reluctant sale of their childhood family home after the passing of their grandmother - ‘Queen’ Vic.
As we discover our central characters we learn that Liz is structured, ambitious, conservative and burdened with family and career. While younger sister Maggie is a free spirit.
Into this slightly strained set of circumstances returns their estranged father, George.
Yes - there is a naming convention going on here. It nearly put me off the whole story, but push on.
The story slowly reveals layers of our main and supporting characters. A few surprises along the way. Wrapped up with a satisfying ending.
I’d love to see a prequel to learn more of the life of ‘Queen’ Vic.
Set in a small village in rural England, two sisters find themselves managing the reluctant sale of their childhood family home after the passing of their grandmother - ‘Queen’ Vic.
As we discover our central characters we learn that Liz is structured, ambitious, conservative and burdened with family and career. While younger sister Maggie is a free spirit.
Into this slightly strained set of circumstances returns their estranged father, George.
Yes - there is a naming convention going on here. It nearly put me off the whole story, but push on.
The story slowly reveals layers of our main and supporting characters. A few surprises along the way. Wrapped up with a satisfying ending.
I’d love to see a prequel to learn more of the life of ‘Queen’ Vic.
May 3, 2024
Adored this book!
Kate wowed me with this feel good read, I read this after a long week and I must say that this book left me feeling warm and fuzzy inside! I really enjoyed getting to know Liz and Maggie, sisters who have their own distinct personalities. While I felt like I saw a bit of myself in Maggie I still easily connected to Liz and had a soft spot for her.
Seeing these two mcs come together during this read as well as the character growth in each of these women is such a treat, this book shows that we can and should all come together in tough times even if we may have differences with the ones we love. Amazing pacing and the book being split into three parts that are season make this an easy and digestible read that is perfect for binging.
Kate wowed me with this feel good read, I read this after a long week and I must say that this book left me feeling warm and fuzzy inside! I really enjoyed getting to know Liz and Maggie, sisters who have their own distinct personalities. While I felt like I saw a bit of myself in Maggie I still easily connected to Liz and had a soft spot for her.
Seeing these two mcs come together during this read as well as the character growth in each of these women is such a treat, this book shows that we can and should all come together in tough times even if we may have differences with the ones we love. Amazing pacing and the book being split into three parts that are season make this an easy and digestible read that is perfect for binging.
May 3, 2024
This was a lovely story about a family, the differences that divide them, and the links that bring them together.
I loved that the main characters (and dogs) were named after members of the Royal family. "Queen Vic" sounded like an amazing Grandmother, who more than made up for the lousy parents that Maggie and Liz had.
George was interesting to me. He obviously hadn't been very present in the girls lives, and everytime I started to like him, he did something to stop me.
I found it to be a nice 'cosy' easy read that conjured up the passing seasons as the story progressed through the year.
I'd love to revist Maggie and Liz in the future and see how things have worked out for them both.
I loved that the main characters (and dogs) were named after members of the Royal family. "Queen Vic" sounded like an amazing Grandmother, who more than made up for the lousy parents that Maggie and Liz had.
George was interesting to me. He obviously hadn't been very present in the girls lives, and everytime I started to like him, he did something to stop me.
I found it to be a nice 'cosy' easy read that conjured up the passing seasons as the story progressed through the year.
I'd love to revist Maggie and Liz in the future and see how things have worked out for them both.
April 30, 2024
Kate MacDougall tells us the story of two very different sisters who have dealt with the lack of parent figures in very different ways.
The sisters are like complete opposites but are always there for each other, even when their dad turned up after 2 years out of the blue.
They have to support each other through the drama their father George brings but it also wakes them both up to the problems in their owns lives.
I loved the village setting complete with the village nosiness. The characters of Liz and Maggie were built up really well and I really felt I got to know them.
A great little easy read, good for anyone.
The sisters are like complete opposites but are always there for each other, even when their dad turned up after 2 years out of the blue.
They have to support each other through the drama their father George brings but it also wakes them both up to the problems in their owns lives.
I loved the village setting complete with the village nosiness. The characters of Liz and Maggie were built up really well and I really felt I got to know them.
A great little easy read, good for anyone.
May 6, 2024
I was immediately drawn to this book by its blurb and cover.
It was lovely getting to know the family, all different with their own quirks. I felt they were all relatable and some I liked more than others. I liked how the family had similar names to a certain family,
The author has a lovely writing style that draws you in completely. I liked the descriptions of the Manor, the village and its inhabitants.
A beautifully written, heartwarming story which was funny and sad. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Thank you Love Books Tours for my gifted digital copy and spot on the tour.
It was lovely getting to know the family, all different with their own quirks. I felt they were all relatable and some I liked more than others. I liked how the family had similar names to a certain family,
The author has a lovely writing style that draws you in completely. I liked the descriptions of the Manor, the village and its inhabitants.
A beautifully written, heartwarming story which was funny and sad. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Thank you Love Books Tours for my gifted digital copy and spot on the tour.
August 8, 2024
Good Things follows the story of Liz & Maggie (named after another set of well-known sisters). Like their namesakes, Liz and Maggie are complete opposites but very close having had a turbulent upbringing, with their Grandmother, Queen Vic, raising them.
When their wayward father George shows up with his faithful corgi Albert, things take a turn for the sisters again.
I found the whole royal family connection a bit twee personally, however, the sisters' characters were both very well thought out, and we do get a real insight into them and their lives. On the whole, it was an enjoyable read.
When their wayward father George shows up with his faithful corgi Albert, things take a turn for the sisters again.
I found the whole royal family connection a bit twee personally, however, the sisters' characters were both very well thought out, and we do get a real insight into them and their lives. On the whole, it was an enjoyable read.
October 27, 2025
I have read (listened) to the book on Spotify and I initially thought that I wasn’t going to enjoy it, but I actually found it a good light read with some fun characters and some things I could relate to, for example when Liz goes back into work to speak to HR about her return to work and all the things she should have said about being a mum to her new baby. It also reminded me of the village my dad lives in, as it has similar characters and shenanigans! 😄 I enjoyed listening to it, it wasn’t too deep and it was entertaining!
May 3, 2024
Good Things was an enjoyable cosy read, centred around two sisters and their womanizing father. It certainly brought up topics that are relatable but this story made them enjoyable to read. The characters are all likeable and realistic and really brought this story together.
I really enjoyed Kate MacDougall's writing style, it flowed really easy and gave all the right cosy feels. Good Things really is a cosy lovely down to earth read.
I really enjoyed Kate MacDougall's writing style, it flowed really easy and gave all the right cosy feels. Good Things really is a cosy lovely down to earth read.
April 27, 2024
2.5 sweet read
Read
August 15, 2024Dnf
May 11, 2025
Nice easy read
December 13, 2025
was drawn in by the beautiful cover but this story was not for me. I just couldn’t relate to much, and it didn’t really interest me at all.
🔉audiobook
🔉audiobook
May 28, 2024
This was a lovely - if not emotional at times - read that perfectly captured family bonds and real life so perfectly.
As we are introduced to Liz and Maggie, two sisters who could not be more different, we learn that although their lives went off in such hugely different directions - they'd be there for each other whatever!
Growing up with only a brother - who is not too dissimilar to me - but never having that close a bond - I really love to read about such relationships.
I really connected with Liz as she has a very similar life to mine - not that I'm in any way a lynchpin around the village - but I definitely aspire to be that perfect wife and mother.
Maggie, being completely different, didn't put me off at all and I loved the obvious contrasts between the two and still related to some of her thoughts and feelings.
It was really easy to immerse myself into their lives and enjoy their journey - ups and downs!
The writing style was beautiful and this was a real joy to read.
The setting was brilliantly described and this just drew me in for the duration - the manor sounded delightful and I really felt as though I was there with them all - I would love to visit for tea!!
This was a story about real life and it was great to relate to so many of the feelings, emotions and everyday events.
As we are introduced to Liz and Maggie, two sisters who could not be more different, we learn that although their lives went off in such hugely different directions - they'd be there for each other whatever!
Growing up with only a brother - who is not too dissimilar to me - but never having that close a bond - I really love to read about such relationships.
I really connected with Liz as she has a very similar life to mine - not that I'm in any way a lynchpin around the village - but I definitely aspire to be that perfect wife and mother.
Maggie, being completely different, didn't put me off at all and I loved the obvious contrasts between the two and still related to some of her thoughts and feelings.
It was really easy to immerse myself into their lives and enjoy their journey - ups and downs!
The writing style was beautiful and this was a real joy to read.
The setting was brilliantly described and this just drew me in for the duration - the manor sounded delightful and I really felt as though I was there with them all - I would love to visit for tea!!
This was a story about real life and it was great to relate to so many of the feelings, emotions and everyday events.
April 29, 2024
Good Things is full of good things. It is one of those lovely, cosy reads that is just lovely to curl up with over the weekend.
The story features two sisters, Maggie and Liz, who are very different from one and other. But one thing they do have in common is that their lives are disrupted by their womaniser father, who gets himself into trouble everywhere. Maggie enjoys an adventurous lifestyle whereas Liz lives a quiet village life. But they will need to work together to sort out their dad!
I loved the characters. They had some quirks that make them likeable and realistic. The family dynamic was humorous and I loved the picturesque village setting.
The story features two sisters, Maggie and Liz, who are very different from one and other. But one thing they do have in common is that their lives are disrupted by their womaniser father, who gets himself into trouble everywhere. Maggie enjoys an adventurous lifestyle whereas Liz lives a quiet village life. But they will need to work together to sort out their dad!
I loved the characters. They had some quirks that make them likeable and realistic. The family dynamic was humorous and I loved the picturesque village setting.
August 14, 2024
This was such a lovely read. Heartwarming, yet sad at times and exploring such a range of emotion through the families struggles to reconnect after what seems a turbulent past.
I absolutely loved Maggie and Liz. They reminded me so much of me and my sister - so different but still very much family regardless of their approach to life. And George turned out to be an underdog favourite for me at the end of the book.
I loved the small town village life, the cast of locals who you grow to be a part of, the scenery and the Manor House itself is a character of its own. It really is the most wonderful of settings to get lost in.
There’s hints of romance which I love, there’s downs as well as ups which is true to reality and overall I just loved getting absorbed into this family and their lives.
Such a surprisingly wonderful read that I’m sure I will go back and revisit again at a later date.
I absolutely loved Maggie and Liz. They reminded me so much of me and my sister - so different but still very much family regardless of their approach to life. And George turned out to be an underdog favourite for me at the end of the book.
I loved the small town village life, the cast of locals who you grow to be a part of, the scenery and the Manor House itself is a character of its own. It really is the most wonderful of settings to get lost in.
There’s hints of romance which I love, there’s downs as well as ups which is true to reality and overall I just loved getting absorbed into this family and their lives.
Such a surprisingly wonderful read that I’m sure I will go back and revisit again at a later date.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews