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Mrs. Milner Gets A Kitchen
205 pages, ebook
Published November 1, 2023
6 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
About the author
Jane Hadley
6 books19 followersJane Hadley lives under seven layers of blankets staring out into the cold tundra of Minnesota winter from behind her original wavy glass 1915 windows which she stubbornly won’t replace because old things are inherently valuable.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
December 5, 2024
This is a low-key historical romance that is way sexier than any book set in the 1950s has a right to be. Marion Milner is a recently-divorced housewife who's decided that she's going to show all of her meddling neighbors that she is THRIVING without her husband. The best way to do this? Get a full kitchen reno and then host the neighborhood Christmas party. It wasn't meant to include getting it on with the hot contractor she's alone with all day e'rday while he does really sexy stuff with his hands. (I'm talking about carpentry, get your mind out of the gutter!)
This book includes:
“Stupid overalls”;
He’s good with his hands (he’s a carpenter, like I said!);
Baptizing the new countertop;
Divorced MCs;
Plenty of spice in this kitchen;
Creative use of tools AND toolbox;
Christmas-adjacent.
Basically it is now one of my new favorite novellas.
18-Word Summaries:
Meg: Marion wanted a kitchen reno, but her contractor’s so good with his hands she gets a real bargain.
Laine: Harry’s living in a porn come to life, and he'd be totally fine with that with more feelings.
This book includes:
“Stupid overalls”;
He’s good with his hands (he’s a carpenter, like I said!);
Baptizing the new countertop;
Divorced MCs;
Plenty of spice in this kitchen;
Creative use of tools AND toolbox;
Christmas-adjacent.
Basically it is now one of my new favorite novellas.
18-Word Summaries:
Meg: Marion wanted a kitchen reno, but her contractor’s so good with his hands she gets a real bargain.
Laine: Harry’s living in a porn come to life, and he'd be totally fine with that with more feelings.
December 24, 2023
Finally, this one is on GR. This novella was really good! This period was really brought to life. This one isn't your typical run-of-the-mill story. Loved it so much. I foresee great things from this author. Romance lovers should give this short novel a shot. Just subscribe to the author's newsletter and you should be able to access this novella.
December 20, 2023
I absolutely loved this mid-century romance between Marion, a newly divorced mother of two, and Harry, a handyman who is hired to remodel her kitchen. It is free when you sign up for the authors' newsletter!
This year I've read a couple of books that take place in this time period, and I have to say that I love this setting that feels slightly modern, yet still so antiquated in so many ways. This book straddles the tension between modernity and the strictures of society at that time really well.
Marion struggles to navigate the judgement of others now that she is divorced. On the one hand she desperately wants to impress her peers, and on the other hand it's clear that bristles at the rigid expectations necessary to fit in smoothly. I really loved how Marion grew to embrace who she is in this book.
Harry was the perfect match for her. He is steady and well meaning, caring and supportive. I love a cinnamon roll character, and Harry was a delight! He struggles to do the right thing, and is able to own up to mistakes.
I loved their romance, which takes place while Harry is working in Marion's home to renovate her kitchen in time for a Christmas gathering. Lots of swoony moments. The light holiday vibes were just right. Recommended!!!
*disclosure to say that Jane and I are friends. Congratulations Jane on this book!!! Looking forward to reading your next one 💜
This year I've read a couple of books that take place in this time period, and I have to say that I love this setting that feels slightly modern, yet still so antiquated in so many ways. This book straddles the tension between modernity and the strictures of society at that time really well.
Marion struggles to navigate the judgement of others now that she is divorced. On the one hand she desperately wants to impress her peers, and on the other hand it's clear that bristles at the rigid expectations necessary to fit in smoothly. I really loved how Marion grew to embrace who she is in this book.
Harry was the perfect match for her. He is steady and well meaning, caring and supportive. I love a cinnamon roll character, and Harry was a delight! He struggles to do the right thing, and is able to own up to mistakes.
I loved their romance, which takes place while Harry is working in Marion's home to renovate her kitchen in time for a Christmas gathering. Lots of swoony moments. The light holiday vibes were just right. Recommended!!!
*disclosure to say that Jane and I are friends. Congratulations Jane on this book!!! Looking forward to reading your next one 💜
January 31, 2024
This book is free when you sign up for the author's newsletter. I saw it all over bookstagram with people raving, and I remained dubious. But as a divorced single mom who recently had her kitchen done, I thought I'd try it. I loved it so much.
Marian Milner is a 50s housewife who recently got divorced and, much to her nosy neighbors' consternation, is living HER BEST LIFE. I'm so happy for her. You go, Marian. Part of living her best life is getting a new kitchen. Enter the contractor Harry, a handy man in overalls who puts in her kitchen and *puts in her kitchen* if you know what I mean. I thought this book was just going to be a newly single mom getting her back blown out but there was real story and real heart. And I love that they discussed what a relationship together would be, and not defaulting to marriage, which is what everyone around her wanted and expected of Marian. Also the spice was spicing. Loved it.
instagram.com/encyclopedia_britanika
Marian Milner is a 50s housewife who recently got divorced and, much to her nosy neighbors' consternation, is living HER BEST LIFE. I'm so happy for her. You go, Marian. Part of living her best life is getting a new kitchen. Enter the contractor Harry, a handy man in overalls who puts in her kitchen and *puts in her kitchen* if you know what I mean. I thought this book was just going to be a newly single mom getting her back blown out but there was real story and real heart. And I love that they discussed what a relationship together would be, and not defaulting to marriage, which is what everyone around her wanted and expected of Marian. Also the spice was spicing. Loved it.
instagram.com/encyclopedia_britanika
December 20, 2023
I made three (3) notes while reading this book, and all of them contain the word “hot.” It’s up to you to decide if I need to expand my vocabulary or if this book was actually just really hot.
To back up: This is a free book for Jane Hadley’s newsletter subscribers, but I would have absolutely paid for it. Set in the late 1950s, it’s the story of Mrs. Marion Milner, a recently divorced mother of two who decides to spend her divorce settlement updating her 1920s kitchen; she wants something that resembles a spaceship, and the GE salesman has just the ticket. What follows is an increasingly close relationship with Harry, the redheaded contractor who installs the kitchen.
It starts off very sweet: a woman who is learning to navigate the insular world of St. Paul’s Eastern European community, where divorcees are seen as threats (by most women) or opportunities (by one or two of their naughty husbands). Marion finds a friend in Harry, and eventually more.
And that “more” is when it really catches fire. This book gets, as I noted before, HOT.
I really, really liked this book. The setting (midcentury, Midwest) felt fresh, the writing was great, and I felt truly immersed in the story.
Definitely go sign up for Jane Hadley’s newsletter — she’s one to watch.
To back up: This is a free book for Jane Hadley’s newsletter subscribers, but I would have absolutely paid for it. Set in the late 1950s, it’s the story of Mrs. Marion Milner, a recently divorced mother of two who decides to spend her divorce settlement updating her 1920s kitchen; she wants something that resembles a spaceship, and the GE salesman has just the ticket. What follows is an increasingly close relationship with Harry, the redheaded contractor who installs the kitchen.
It starts off very sweet: a woman who is learning to navigate the insular world of St. Paul’s Eastern European community, where divorcees are seen as threats (by most women) or opportunities (by one or two of their naughty husbands). Marion finds a friend in Harry, and eventually more.
And that “more” is when it really catches fire. This book gets, as I noted before, HOT.
I really, really liked this book. The setting (midcentury, Midwest) felt fresh, the writing was great, and I felt truly immersed in the story.
Definitely go sign up for Jane Hadley’s newsletter — she’s one to watch.
December 20, 2023
Delightful and hot novella. I actually have read very little MF romance this year and, as the author is a Discord friend, was worried it wouldn't work for me. However, it was a real delight and I read it in 2 sittings. Really bright and likeable characters, hot chemistry and compelling mid-century suburban setting. Free with author's newsletter and definitely worth your attention!
March 2, 2024
This is probably one of the best newsletter novellas I have ever read! It takes place in the 1950s, about a handyman and a divorced woman who is getting her kitchen re-done. They spend some time together, which leads to hanky-panky. The scenes are pretty steamy! 😍 I'm definitely keeping my eye out for anything else that Jane Hadley writes.
Sign up for her newsletter to get this freebie!
Sign up for her newsletter to get this freebie!
December 11, 2025
Delightful, steamy, earnest. Didn't want to leave this world. Almost late to work because I couldn't put it down. Loved it.
December 20, 2023
A midcentury delight!
January 4, 2024
Kind of hard to believe this is a freebie from the author's newsletter given it's almost a full length novel, but I am so grateful! There definitely aren't enough 20th century historicals, and it gets extra points for being about a divorcee. I really liked both main characters and the romance was sweet and sexy.
Really looking forward to reading more of Jane Hadley's work!
Really looking forward to reading more of Jane Hadley's work!
January 3, 2024
"Mrs. Milner Gets a Kitchen" by Jane Hadley
.
Cover: 5/5
Story: 5/5
Steam: 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥(+kissing, aftermath of mentioned scenes)
Ending: HEA
.
Series or Stand alone: Stand alone novel.
.
St. Paul, MN- Mid-century (1955)
Bright Chatty Divorcee
Veteran Carpenter Divorcee
Kitchen Remodel
Close Proximity
Midwestern Phrases
Friends to Lovers
Christmas Adjacent
Curvy Heroine
Gossiping Frenimies
.
Admittedly, I decided to read "Milner" for two reasons: #1. A love of mid-century Americana and #2. A historical romance set in Minnesota that isn't a pioneer/homesteading tale? Yes, please.
Hadley shines in "Milner." The pacing of the title is brilliant, the plot handles complex themes while, somehow, remaining light-hearted, and has a lovely splatter of humor (and foul language) thrown in for a wonderful mix. This book simply works!
By the end of this book, I knew the author was either from Minnesota, living in Minnesota, or had family from Minnesota. As a North Dakotan, "oh for cute" and "no, yeah, no" was a dead giveaway for someone well versed with the upper North. Being from an adjacent area with a family farm not far from St. Paul, this book hit so many high notes.
Aside from me finding myself enchanted with the St. Paul setting, I also fell for the love story. It's dreamy. It's unexpected. It's FRESH. There is so much to love, and in my mind, absolutely nothing to NOT like about "Milner."
Marion reminds me of my late grandmother. A lot. This book made me think of her over and over again. She was a divorcee at a time in which not many couples divorced, let alone the wife divorce her husband. Like Marion, my grandmother also found love again, except my grandfather was the one of Czech descent. As far as I know, she never had to deal with the Sokol Auxiliary bitches, but there is no doubt in my mind that she would have "given it to them" just as Marion did!
As for steam, Hadley largely uses explicit terms, and her scenes are well-detailed and lengthy. I could see how some readers might read the steam scenes and think "My grandparents would have never." You are wrong. Why do you think grandma and grandpa had so many children, you prude? 😉
.
Read as a complimentary ebook from the author's website. Honest review left voluntarily.
.
CW (may contain spoilers):
.
.
.
.
.
Divorce and period correct stigma around divorce
Period accurate se*ism
Marital indefinitely
Mentions of World War II
Mentions of the Korean War
Mentions of warfare
De*th of parent
.
Cover: 5/5
Story: 5/5
Steam: 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥(+kissing, aftermath of mentioned scenes)
Ending: HEA
.
Series or Stand alone: Stand alone novel.
.
St. Paul, MN- Mid-century (1955)
Bright Chatty Divorcee
Veteran Carpenter Divorcee
Kitchen Remodel
Close Proximity
Midwestern Phrases
Friends to Lovers
Christmas Adjacent
Curvy Heroine
Gossiping Frenimies
.
Admittedly, I decided to read "Milner" for two reasons: #1. A love of mid-century Americana and #2. A historical romance set in Minnesota that isn't a pioneer/homesteading tale? Yes, please.
Hadley shines in "Milner." The pacing of the title is brilliant, the plot handles complex themes while, somehow, remaining light-hearted, and has a lovely splatter of humor (and foul language) thrown in for a wonderful mix. This book simply works!
By the end of this book, I knew the author was either from Minnesota, living in Minnesota, or had family from Minnesota. As a North Dakotan, "oh for cute" and "no, yeah, no" was a dead giveaway for someone well versed with the upper North. Being from an adjacent area with a family farm not far from St. Paul, this book hit so many high notes.
Aside from me finding myself enchanted with the St. Paul setting, I also fell for the love story. It's dreamy. It's unexpected. It's FRESH. There is so much to love, and in my mind, absolutely nothing to NOT like about "Milner."
Marion reminds me of my late grandmother. A lot. This book made me think of her over and over again. She was a divorcee at a time in which not many couples divorced, let alone the wife divorce her husband. Like Marion, my grandmother also found love again, except my grandfather was the one of Czech descent. As far as I know, she never had to deal with the Sokol Auxiliary bitches, but there is no doubt in my mind that she would have "given it to them" just as Marion did!
As for steam, Hadley largely uses explicit terms, and her scenes are well-detailed and lengthy. I could see how some readers might read the steam scenes and think "My grandparents would have never." You are wrong. Why do you think grandma and grandpa had so many children, you prude? 😉
.
Read as a complimentary ebook from the author's website. Honest review left voluntarily.
.
CW (may contain spoilers):
.
.
.
.
.
Divorce and period correct stigma around divorce
Period accurate se*ism
Marital indefinitely
Mentions of World War II
Mentions of the Korean War
Mentions of warfare
De*th of parent
January 31, 2024
Jan 2024 reread:
(For my friends who have read this: On re-read, I figured something out about Joe. Did anyone else catch that?)
Just finished a re-read and I still love this book. What an achievement for an indie debut! It's got such a great balance between (genuine quick-growing) attraction and connection. I love some forced proximity to compensate for a shorter timeline and this book does that just right. Mrs. Milner's kitchen reno throws together these two compatible people who might not have otherwise crossed paths and developed an interest in each other and I am immediately rooting for them.
(For reasons I am constantly analyzing) I sometimes struggle to find het-presenting romances that I connect with emotionally but despite the 1950s setting, Mrs. Milner Gets a Kitchen steers clear of the type of (non-challenged) heteronormativity and gender essentialism that often creeps up in cishet romances and gets in the way of my loving a book.
Marion is relatable as heck. And there is something about her independence, boldness and decisiveness that seems in contrast to the way we often see women of that era portrayed in media and feels more authentic to real life (and a modern sensibility), while being slightly subversive.
Oh and let me note that this is a steamy book filled with tension you could cut with a knife.
If you haven't already read this book, sign up for the author's newsletter for your free copy. (Full disclosure, I am friendly with the author but my review is my honest reaction.)
>>>>>>>>>>
RTC. I read and loved this and am going to re-read soon.
(For my friends who have read this: On re-read, I figured something out about Joe. Did anyone else catch that?)
Just finished a re-read and I still love this book. What an achievement for an indie debut! It's got such a great balance between (genuine quick-growing) attraction and connection. I love some forced proximity to compensate for a shorter timeline and this book does that just right. Mrs. Milner's kitchen reno throws together these two compatible people who might not have otherwise crossed paths and developed an interest in each other and I am immediately rooting for them.
(For reasons I am constantly analyzing) I sometimes struggle to find het-presenting romances that I connect with emotionally but despite the 1950s setting, Mrs. Milner Gets a Kitchen steers clear of the type of (non-challenged) heteronormativity and gender essentialism that often creeps up in cishet romances and gets in the way of my loving a book.
Marion is relatable as heck. And there is something about her independence, boldness and decisiveness that seems in contrast to the way we often see women of that era portrayed in media and feels more authentic to real life (and a modern sensibility), while being slightly subversive.
Oh and let me note that this is a steamy book filled with tension you could cut with a knife.
If you haven't already read this book, sign up for the author's newsletter for your free copy. (Full disclosure, I am friendly with the author but my review is my honest reaction.)
>>>>>>>>>>
RTC. I read and loved this and am going to re-read soon.
December 20, 2023
A 1950s recently divorced housewife treats herself to a new kitchen from her alimony payments... and she falls for her contractor.
First, this was a lot of fun and very sexy. Jane Hadley builds excellent characters and turns the heat up.
It's also insightful. Marion Milner lives with all of the expectations of the "perfect housewife" around her. But she's divorced now, her kids are being bullied because of the decision to divorce, and her perfect sister is good at everything especially making her feel guilty for not being tired enough. And in steps kind, patient, precise Harry O'Connor who knows he shouldn't step out with a client but who is understanding.
There's a lot of family and community dynamics layered throughout this very steamy newsletter novella.
Do yourself a favor and go subscribe to @janehadleywrites so you can pick this up!!
First, this was a lot of fun and very sexy. Jane Hadley builds excellent characters and turns the heat up.
It's also insightful. Marion Milner lives with all of the expectations of the "perfect housewife" around her. But she's divorced now, her kids are being bullied because of the decision to divorce, and her perfect sister is good at everything especially making her feel guilty for not being tired enough. And in steps kind, patient, precise Harry O'Connor who knows he shouldn't step out with a client but who is understanding.
There's a lot of family and community dynamics layered throughout this very steamy newsletter novella.
Do yourself a favor and go subscribe to @janehadleywrites so you can pick this up!!
January 1, 2024
This was a really refreshing take on historic romance- 1950s American midwestern suburbs! Divorced MCs! Housewife and contractor love affair! The main characters both have a lot of depth and enormous chemistry. There’s wonderful banter and very steamy sex. It tackles really hard themes like divorce in a society that is unaccepting of anything other than perfection. Highly recommend!
November 2, 2024
Mrs. Milner Gets A Kitchen? More like Mrs. Milner Gets A Kitchen and a Little More!😜 If you get my drift 🤟
This was a really well developed novella with realistic and fleshed out characters! All the little quirks and details made Marion and Harry feel like real people and the way they got together was also believable.
I appreciate how the author didn’t attempt to glamorize the era and showed the sides of it that aren’t very pleasant to our 2024 selves. Also I was always appreciative a historical romance with characters who aren’t aristocrats and rich- they’re just normal everyday people.
This was a really well developed novella with realistic and fleshed out characters! All the little quirks and details made Marion and Harry feel like real people and the way they got together was also believable.
I appreciate how the author didn’t attempt to glamorize the era and showed the sides of it that aren’t very pleasant to our 2024 selves. Also I was always appreciative a historical romance with characters who aren’t aristocrats and rich- they’re just normal everyday people.
October 17, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
This was so much hotter of a novella than I was expecting. Both Marion and Harry are so hot for each other, and their chemistry is palpable. There were so many delicious scenes between these two, but I also appreciated their emotional connection. They’ve both been sold an American dream that didn’t quite work out for them, and I thought this brought up some really powerful introspection on this. Even more so when their feelings become deeper, and Marion struggles with not wanting to marry again and trusting Harry after he goes against her wishes. But he’s also such a sweet, caring guy, and his drive to take care of Marion and help fix her problems was endearing as hell. This one was so much hotter and more emotionally impactful than I was expecting, and Jane Hadley really knows how to balance this tension well. I was super invested in both of our characters and wanted them to find their own unique HEA.
I've heard we're gonna get Mr. Milner's story, which makes me SO EXCITED since I had some theories percolating around him.
This was so much hotter of a novella than I was expecting. Both Marion and Harry are so hot for each other, and their chemistry is palpable. There were so many delicious scenes between these two, but I also appreciated their emotional connection. They’ve both been sold an American dream that didn’t quite work out for them, and I thought this brought up some really powerful introspection on this. Even more so when their feelings become deeper, and Marion struggles with not wanting to marry again and trusting Harry after he goes against her wishes. But he’s also such a sweet, caring guy, and his drive to take care of Marion and help fix her problems was endearing as hell. This one was so much hotter and more emotionally impactful than I was expecting, and Jane Hadley really knows how to balance this tension well. I was super invested in both of our characters and wanted them to find their own unique HEA.
I've heard we're gonna get Mr. Milner's story, which makes me SO EXCITED since I had some theories percolating around him.
December 21, 2023
This was a really refreshing take on historic romance- 1950s American midwestern suburbs! Divorced MCs! Housewife and contractor love affair! The main characters both have a lot of depth and enormous chemistry. There’s wonderful banter and very steamy sex. It tackles really hard themes like divorce in a society that is unaccepting of anything other than perfection. Highly recommend!
January 4, 2024
An absolutely brilliant, sexy, historical romance.
January 26, 2024
I enjoyed this one, but for a novella, the pacing was a bit too slow for me. Some of the middle could've been tightened because I really enjoyed the beginning/end.
March 9, 2024
Omg, I loved it!
It was a super fun, cute and a very original story.
I loved that it was in the 1950s, as I haven't read many books from that era, so it was really interesting to me.
I look forward to read more from this author in the future.
It was a super fun, cute and a very original story.
I loved that it was in the 1950s, as I haven't read many books from that era, so it was really interesting to me.
I look forward to read more from this author in the future.
April 11, 2025
A sexy mid-century romance between divorcees, with a happy-for-now ending routed in character growth.
I got this for free on the authors website and that was daylight robbery.
I got this for free on the authors website and that was daylight robbery.
December 28, 2023
This was adorable. Time period and plot were refreshing and new.
January 2, 2024
This was a fun setting - loved the 1955 Minnesota location and the great historical detail. It looks like a debut, and while I enjoyed the story, especially Harry and everything about him, it did feel a little unfinished to me. Maybe that was from the shorter length or wanting more character development in Marion (including just a tad more backstory on her marriage - what happened there?).
January 31, 2024
3.5. Cute with a strong start, but lagged a bit through the second half for me. I didn’t love the third act conflict either. Still promising enough that I will probably check out more of this author’s work in the future.
December 21, 2023
Mrs. Milner Gets a Kitchen is Jane Hadley’s delightful, debut novel. Available free to newsletter subscribers, Hadley delivers a steamy and sweet historical romance set in the US in 1955 that brings together two lonely and unlikely characters. Marion Milner, mother, divorcée, daughter, sister, and all-around self-sacrificing caregiver, finds some relief in planning a state-of-the-art, brand-new kitchen with the help of an alluring ginger-haired contractor. Who could blame Marion, after the slow death of her crumbling marriage, for wanting something for herself. Even her desire for a new kitchen isn’t exactly indulgent. She’s not giving up her role as the hard-working housewife, just trying to make it more attractive and bearable. Most of Marion’s decisions are based on what’s bearable. So, when she finds an ever-growing attraction to Harry, a man who’s taking care of her needs for a change, harder and harder to resist, she finds herself giving herself over to some self-focused pleasure, even if she must hide it from her nosy neighbours and family. Harry O’Conner, contractor, Korean war vet, divorcé, is living in a bachelor apartment and longing for the knock-out, Mrs. Milner. This caring cinnamon roll hero is ready to show Mrs. Milner that she’s worth love and attention, but he must overcome his insecurities and Marion’s own feelings of guilt and shame to get there.
I really loved this fresh take on historical romance. Hadley weaves together the many threads that make up a woman constrained by society in the American mid-century. Contrasting the stigma of being a divorcée, and the difficulties Marion faces, is the genuine pleasure Harry and Marion find in each other’s company. I loved the way the characters were given time to get to know each other and the way we learned about what made them who they are at this time in their lives. Harry’s perspective allows us to see the hardships he has also faced. His vulnerability and sensitivity are heart-wrenching at times, and his attention to understanding Marion as a woman outside of her everyday roles, endears him to the reader even more, especially as he devotes his attention to Marion’s needs (whether it’s for a hot-plate or Harry’s skillful hands). The host of side characters are richly drawn; I especially loved Marion’s 6- and 8-year-old children and their old dog, Milly, who falls for Harry first. I loved the realistic details that drew a vivid picture of this era and the tight framework used to build the story. But mostly, I loved the realism of Marion and Harry. I got to know them really well and was rooting for them both. I really appreciated and loved the ending; it suited the story and honoured the characters. Overall, this is a well-written, clever, steamy, and emotional novel. I’m looking forward to reading more from this talented writer!
I really loved this fresh take on historical romance. Hadley weaves together the many threads that make up a woman constrained by society in the American mid-century. Contrasting the stigma of being a divorcée, and the difficulties Marion faces, is the genuine pleasure Harry and Marion find in each other’s company. I loved the way the characters were given time to get to know each other and the way we learned about what made them who they are at this time in their lives. Harry’s perspective allows us to see the hardships he has also faced. His vulnerability and sensitivity are heart-wrenching at times, and his attention to understanding Marion as a woman outside of her everyday roles, endears him to the reader even more, especially as he devotes his attention to Marion’s needs (whether it’s for a hot-plate or Harry’s skillful hands). The host of side characters are richly drawn; I especially loved Marion’s 6- and 8-year-old children and their old dog, Milly, who falls for Harry first. I loved the realistic details that drew a vivid picture of this era and the tight framework used to build the story. But mostly, I loved the realism of Marion and Harry. I got to know them really well and was rooting for them both. I really appreciated and loved the ending; it suited the story and honoured the characters. Overall, this is a well-written, clever, steamy, and emotional novel. I’m looking forward to reading more from this talented writer!
December 30, 2023
Who would have thought that the mid 1950s is the perfect time to set a romance? In Mrs. Milner Gets a Kitchen, Jane Hadley writes a wonderful novella that evokes the period with a realistic plot, intriguing characters and sizzling chemistry.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Things have been tough for divorcée Marion Milner and her children, and at this point, all she wants a brand new, state of the art kitchen. Handyman Harry O’Conner arrives to install her new linoleum floor, teal metal cabinets, and a dishwasher too. But as he works, the two talk about any and every topic, and the attraction between them grows. Can they wait until the kitchen is finished before acting on their feelings?
I love this story! Harry is the sweetest, dirty talking cinnamon roll hero. He will do anything for Marion, whether it be renovating her kitchen, taking her on a date, or showing her what it’s like to be desired. For Marion, all of these are novel experiences, and sometimes her own reactions surprise her. She’s a strong woman on her own, and it’s great the way Harry admires her toughness and bravery.
The 1950s setting feels both modern and historical at the same time. Historically, it’s a great reminder that even in most of the 20th century, divorce wasn’t routine, and it had major financial and social consequences, especially for women. And every time Marion gets excited about her new 1950s kitchen, I remember my grandmother’s beloved pink metal cabinets that, even decades and decades later, she never changed.
Mrs. Milner Gets a Kitchen is the perfect length steamy novella. The 1950s setting is a great change from typical historicals in British ballrooms. And, Marion and Harry are intelligent, charming characters who show each other the happiness they each deserve in their lives. I can’t wait to read what Jane Hadley writes next!
—Mrs. Milner Gets a Kitchen is currently free to Jane Hadley’s newsletter subscribers.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Things have been tough for divorcée Marion Milner and her children, and at this point, all she wants a brand new, state of the art kitchen. Handyman Harry O’Conner arrives to install her new linoleum floor, teal metal cabinets, and a dishwasher too. But as he works, the two talk about any and every topic, and the attraction between them grows. Can they wait until the kitchen is finished before acting on their feelings?
I love this story! Harry is the sweetest, dirty talking cinnamon roll hero. He will do anything for Marion, whether it be renovating her kitchen, taking her on a date, or showing her what it’s like to be desired. For Marion, all of these are novel experiences, and sometimes her own reactions surprise her. She’s a strong woman on her own, and it’s great the way Harry admires her toughness and bravery.
The 1950s setting feels both modern and historical at the same time. Historically, it’s a great reminder that even in most of the 20th century, divorce wasn’t routine, and it had major financial and social consequences, especially for women. And every time Marion gets excited about her new 1950s kitchen, I remember my grandmother’s beloved pink metal cabinets that, even decades and decades later, she never changed.
Mrs. Milner Gets a Kitchen is the perfect length steamy novella. The 1950s setting is a great change from typical historicals in British ballrooms. And, Marion and Harry are intelligent, charming characters who show each other the happiness they each deserve in their lives. I can’t wait to read what Jane Hadley writes next!
—Mrs. Milner Gets a Kitchen is currently free to Jane Hadley’s newsletter subscribers.
December 20, 2023
If you like Mad Men, but with less existential angst, or The Marvelous Mrs Maisel, but with a more relatable heroine, this is for you.
This was absolutely charming. It was wonderful to see Marion, the titular Mrs. Milner, gain her confidence and rebuild her life after her divorce. Although I was grinding my teeth a bit when reading about the judgmental biddies and their lecherous husbands who assumed Marion was fair game for barely disguised digs and creepy advances, it was rewarding seeing Marion navigate it all and come out on the other side as a more self-possessed and confident woman. And that is in no small part due to the wonderful and supportive Harry, the refreshingly kind and decent hero, who comes to install her new kitchen, but quickly assumes a whole other role in her life.
The romance starts sweetly and tentatively, but soon escalates into a series of truly steamy encounters. Honestly, I was not prepared for how hot this book was. Give me Harry’s crappy apartment and his Murphy bed over a full ducal suite housing a tortured asshole any day. The development of the romance was believable, with them advancing and retreating, and Marion actually considering how her new relationship would influence her children, and not just throwing herself in it headlong.
My only minor quibble was that the dialogue sounded too modern at times. Overall, the writing was very good, but this did stand out to me. Regardless, I’m excited to see what Ms Hadley comes up with next.
This was absolutely charming. It was wonderful to see Marion, the titular Mrs. Milner, gain her confidence and rebuild her life after her divorce. Although I was grinding my teeth a bit when reading about the judgmental biddies and their lecherous husbands who assumed Marion was fair game for barely disguised digs and creepy advances, it was rewarding seeing Marion navigate it all and come out on the other side as a more self-possessed and confident woman. And that is in no small part due to the wonderful and supportive Harry, the refreshingly kind and decent hero, who comes to install her new kitchen, but quickly assumes a whole other role in her life.
The romance starts sweetly and tentatively, but soon escalates into a series of truly steamy encounters. Honestly, I was not prepared for how hot this book was. Give me Harry’s crappy apartment and his Murphy bed over a full ducal suite housing a tortured asshole any day. The development of the romance was believable, with them advancing and retreating, and Marion actually considering how her new relationship would influence her children, and not just throwing herself in it headlong.
My only minor quibble was that the dialogue sounded too modern at times. Overall, the writing was very good, but this did stand out to me. Regardless, I’m excited to see what Ms Hadley comes up with next.
March 24, 2024
To quote Harry, Mrs. Milner is a knock-out. This mid-century modern, kitchen-reno romance features two chatty divorcees. Harry, a contractor for GE hired out for kitchen installs, is a Korean war vet now living as a bachelor (with an honest-to-God Murphy bed) in St. Paul, Minnesota, when he's hired on to Mrs. Milner's kitchen retrofit. Mrs. Milner, freshly divorced mother of two, faces the censure of the neighborhood ladies as a newly single woman and desperately wants them to talk about anything other than her prospects. She hopes a brand-new GE kitchen - complete with a full set of teal kitchen cabinets and golden honeycomb lineoleum - will set tongues wagging in envy, rather than pity.
What follows is sweet and HOT and so authentically midwestern that I still have to remind myself I haven't actually met these people. Hadley writes a tender romance between cynics, with believable conflicts, a fully developed cast of characters, and a happily-ever-after that felt perfectly suited to the story. And the discussions of pregnancy prevention and consent were so well done for these characters and evidenced how much respect each shows for the other and for themself.
I still can't believe this is a newsletter freebie - this story signals an exciting career for Jane Hadley, and I can't wait to read what she writes next!
What follows is sweet and HOT and so authentically midwestern that I still have to remind myself I haven't actually met these people. Hadley writes a tender romance between cynics, with believable conflicts, a fully developed cast of characters, and a happily-ever-after that felt perfectly suited to the story. And the discussions of pregnancy prevention and consent were so well done for these characters and evidenced how much respect each shows for the other and for themself.
I still can't believe this is a newsletter freebie - this story signals an exciting career for Jane Hadley, and I can't wait to read what she writes next!
May 23, 2025
I really enjoyed this!! Generally I wish there was more mid-century HR, and this book does a great job with the trappings of the era—not just the aesthetics and the social mores, but also the specific milieu that created what we think of as iconic 1950’s culture (including technological advancement especially in domestic appliances, post-war prosperity, the development of suburbia, immigrant and first-gen striving, etc.). It also does something I think is common to good HR, which is create characters who struggle specifically with their historical environment, in this case two divorced people from conservative backgrounds who are trying to craft identities for themselves after having “failed” at the accepted life path.
Marion and Harry are both solid, well-realized characters who have tons of chemistry. The development of their romance is convincing, the sex is so, so hot (I love how the book capitalizes on its fairly porny premise), and their conflict is both nuanced and gracefully resolved. I also was so unbelievably happy that . Honestly I would read a whole second book about the next stage of their relationship!
Very strong in general, but for a free newsletter bonus book??? Insanely good.
Marion and Harry are both solid, well-realized characters who have tons of chemistry. The development of their romance is convincing, the sex is so, so hot (I love how the book capitalizes on its fairly porny premise), and their conflict is both nuanced and gracefully resolved. I also was so unbelievably happy that . Honestly I would read a whole second book about the next stage of their relationship!
Very strong in general, but for a free newsletter bonus book??? Insanely good.
January 11, 2024
This is such an endearing (steamy) story of divorcée Mrs. Milner who just wants a new kitchen to give the biddies up the block something else to gossip about. But when Henry O'Conner is in her kitchen day after day, laying pipe (stop it), the gossips might be on to something, and Marion does not want anyone all up in her business. And yet, Harry's company fills a void (stop it!), and it doesn't hurt that he also knows his way around the woodwork (ok, go on now). It's a bit complicated around the Milner kitchen with tenants upstairs, a spying neighbor across the street, a busybody mother, and a pair of kids who are dealing with their own drama. Everyone seems to think they know what's best for Marion, but maybe a new kitchen is a good enough place for her to start taking what she deserves for herself. Finally.
Major props to the toolbox for services rendered.
Note - this is a freebie novel for signing up to Jane's newsletter.
Major props to the toolbox for services rendered.
Note - this is a freebie novel for signing up to Jane's newsletter.
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