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Same Time Next Week: 'Real women, real life, real feeling, Milly brings it all.' CATHY BRAMLEY
Welcome to Spring Hill, home to a parade of independent shops and cafes and a thriving local community.
Amanda is primary carer to her elderly mother and one of the only women employed by a male-dominated company. Used to being second-best all her life, is this her time to finally break ranks and shine?
Sky works at the repair shop, patching up old teddy bears, and their owners’ hearts. But her heart beats only for the one man who is strictly off-limits.
Mel has been a loyal and loving wife to Steve for thirty years. But when he goes to his old school reunion, life as she knows it will never be the same again.
Erin is trying to get over a traumatic loss where her guilt weighs more than her grief. Unable to move forward, can she find the first step to healing lies in sharing an hour with strangers once a week?
Astrid is feeling unsettled, lonely and in need of change and challenge. But when a fantastic opportunity presents itself to her that would bring her what she wants, who is around to convince her she is worthy enough to take the risk?
These five women of different ages and backgrounds are drawn together in a friendship group in the back room of Ray’s Diner every Tuesday. Over a cup of something warming, could they find the answers to their worries, acceptance, courage, support – and laughter here…?
Amanda is primary carer to her elderly mother and one of the only women employed by a male-dominated company. Used to being second-best all her life, is this her time to finally break ranks and shine?
Sky works at the repair shop, patching up old teddy bears, and their owners’ hearts. But her heart beats only for the one man who is strictly off-limits.
Mel has been a loyal and loving wife to Steve for thirty years. But when he goes to his old school reunion, life as she knows it will never be the same again.
Erin is trying to get over a traumatic loss where her guilt weighs more than her grief. Unable to move forward, can she find the first step to healing lies in sharing an hour with strangers once a week?
Astrid is feeling unsettled, lonely and in need of change and challenge. But when a fantastic opportunity presents itself to her that would bring her what she wants, who is around to convince her she is worthy enough to take the risk?
These five women of different ages and backgrounds are drawn together in a friendship group in the back room of Ray’s Diner every Tuesday. Over a cup of something warming, could they find the answers to their worries, acceptance, courage, support – and laughter here…?
461 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2025
282 people are currently reading
725 people want to read
About the author
Milly Johnson
52 books2,135 followersMilly Johnson was born in Barnsley, raised in Barnsley and still lives in Barnsley. She writes about strong women, often having a renaissance, all ages and has just released her 22nd novel Same Time Next Week. Do check out her website for up to date news and appearance dates.
As well as a novelist she is a professional joke writer, performance poet, newspaper and magazine columnist and also after dinner/motivational speaker.
She is on insta as @themillyjohnson, facebook as @millyjohnsonauthor, Twitter as @millyjohnson and a ridiculous presence on TikTok @millyjohnsonauthor. Do give her a follow - even if it's just out of sympathy!
As well as a novelist she is a professional joke writer, performance poet, newspaper and magazine columnist and also after dinner/motivational speaker.
She is on insta as @themillyjohnson, facebook as @millyjohnsonauthor, Twitter as @millyjohnson and a ridiculous presence on TikTok @millyjohnsonauthor. Do give her a follow - even if it's just out of sympathy!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
May 16, 2025
3.5 stars. A book like a cosy blanket. My only gripe is the many mentions of HRT. I got it after the first five times.
April 11, 2025
Timewise, I can never be too far from a Milly Johnson book. I’ve been re-reading them sporadically on Audible while waiting for a new one by her. This time, I ended up reading this new title at the same time as I was listening to an old favorite, The Woman in the Middle. Unfortunately the main heroine of the older book bore a great similarity to one of the main characters in this one in personality as well as her challenges and journey. So every time I returned to this one after listening to the other, I had to get my thoughts together and reset, so to speak. It wasn’t too difficult as “Middle” had only one main story to Same Time, Next Week’s fairly equally distributed stories of five women’s paths to love and inner growth.
Same Time… follows the lives of women who start out at, or soon reach, very low points in their lives. How they find their ways to happiness, success, and their just deserts is the very familiar foundation to any reader of Milly Johnson. It didn’t break too much new ground, that’s for sure. And I am more than fine with that. With Milly, it’s not the plot, but the writing, humor, and the way she makes you care about her characters. And you can’t beat the way she always makes sure the good guys triumph and the bad guys get what they deserve. With Milly, due rewards and punishments are super-sized. And that’s a good thing, because she really puts her characters through the gauntlet at the hands of their tormentors. When the character you grow to care about suffers, you suffer along with them. The fact that you know revenge and justice are coming for all makes it all worth it.
In this one, I would say the two main characters are Amanda and Mel. Amanda is in her 50s and suffering mightily from the symptoms of menopause. Milly gives us a play by play on this stage of life, and it’s not pretty. For those who have yet to go through this, I hope your experience does not mirror Amanda’s. Take hope that her experience is not a universal one. Some sail through with just a few blips. She is faithfully and lovingly is taking care of her elderly mother who does not appreciate her and has never really loved her. On the other hand, she worships her worthless and immoral son, Bradley, who only cares about what he can get out of her and is eagerly anticipating his inheritance. The elderly, those that care for them, and their struggles, is an issue that Milly has tackled before. This one is more harrowing and heartbreaking than usual.
Mel has been married, she thinks happily, to Steve for 30 years. He goes to a highschool reunion and starts having an affair with a woman he meets there. My first question was why Mel didn’t go with him, but it is never even mentioned as a consideration. Perhaps school reunions are different in the U.K. It’s not a good idea not to accompany your spouse to a high school reunion, in my view. If Mel had gone with Steve, none of her story would have happened, and that would have been a bad thing. Bad for the reader, and, as it turns out, bad for Mel. Because life without Steve teaches her that she was not so happy in her marriage after all.
Astrid, Sky, and Erin round out the quintet of women who, through the friendship group that Amanda starts, become friends and supporters of each other through their trials and tribulations. The group meets in the newly opened Ray’s Diner, a new business in Spring Hill Square, a little center that has made a number of appearances in previous books. Sky is in her late twenties and haunted by a false accusation that her father was a serial killer. It ruined his life and keeps raising its ugly head. Her sweet and gentle nature is also being taken advantage of by her landlord from hell who moved in on her and is a creepy pervert to boot. This part of the story was very disturbing and I didn’t understand how this could have been allowed to happen. She is in love with her boss who is 20 years older and the ex-husband of…Erin. The two exes were and are great friends but were unhappy in their marriage. Erin is struggling with guilt and the death of the woman she left her ex, Bon, for. Astrid, who is a trans woman, played a prominent role in Afternoon Tea at The Sunflower Cafe and was also in The Mother of all Christmases, and The Queen of Wishful Thinking She is struggling with the death of her husband and a lack of purpose. Astrid is a great character, a real “cracker,” pun intended. “Cracker” as in the British slang version, I hasten to add.
Once again, Milly expertly weaves a lot of threads together to fashion very entertaining and satisfying journeys of all her protagonists. And of course that includes finding love as well as their paths forward through grief of all sorts to the promise of happiness and fulfillment.
https://rebekahsreadingsandwatchings....
Same Time… follows the lives of women who start out at, or soon reach, very low points in their lives. How they find their ways to happiness, success, and their just deserts is the very familiar foundation to any reader of Milly Johnson. It didn’t break too much new ground, that’s for sure. And I am more than fine with that. With Milly, it’s not the plot, but the writing, humor, and the way she makes you care about her characters. And you can’t beat the way she always makes sure the good guys triumph and the bad guys get what they deserve. With Milly, due rewards and punishments are super-sized. And that’s a good thing, because she really puts her characters through the gauntlet at the hands of their tormentors. When the character you grow to care about suffers, you suffer along with them. The fact that you know revenge and justice are coming for all makes it all worth it.
In this one, I would say the two main characters are Amanda and Mel. Amanda is in her 50s and suffering mightily from the symptoms of menopause. Milly gives us a play by play on this stage of life, and it’s not pretty. For those who have yet to go through this, I hope your experience does not mirror Amanda’s. Take hope that her experience is not a universal one. Some sail through with just a few blips. She is faithfully and lovingly is taking care of her elderly mother who does not appreciate her and has never really loved her. On the other hand, she worships her worthless and immoral son, Bradley, who only cares about what he can get out of her and is eagerly anticipating his inheritance. The elderly, those that care for them, and their struggles, is an issue that Milly has tackled before. This one is more harrowing and heartbreaking than usual.
Mel has been married, she thinks happily, to Steve for 30 years. He goes to a highschool reunion and starts having an affair with a woman he meets there. My first question was why Mel didn’t go with him, but it is never even mentioned as a consideration. Perhaps school reunions are different in the U.K. It’s not a good idea not to accompany your spouse to a high school reunion, in my view. If Mel had gone with Steve, none of her story would have happened, and that would have been a bad thing. Bad for the reader, and, as it turns out, bad for Mel. Because life without Steve teaches her that she was not so happy in her marriage after all.
Astrid, Sky, and Erin round out the quintet of women who, through the friendship group that Amanda starts, become friends and supporters of each other through their trials and tribulations. The group meets in the newly opened Ray’s Diner, a new business in Spring Hill Square, a little center that has made a number of appearances in previous books. Sky is in her late twenties and haunted by a false accusation that her father was a serial killer. It ruined his life and keeps raising its ugly head. Her sweet and gentle nature is also being taken advantage of by her landlord from hell who moved in on her and is a creepy pervert to boot. This part of the story was very disturbing and I didn’t understand how this could have been allowed to happen. She is in love with her boss who is 20 years older and the ex-husband of…Erin. The two exes were and are great friends but were unhappy in their marriage. Erin is struggling with guilt and the death of the woman she left her ex, Bon, for. Astrid, who is a trans woman, played a prominent role in Afternoon Tea at The Sunflower Cafe and was also in The Mother of all Christmases, and The Queen of Wishful Thinking She is struggling with the death of her husband and a lack of purpose. Astrid is a great character, a real “cracker,” pun intended. “Cracker” as in the British slang version, I hasten to add.
Once again, Milly expertly weaves a lot of threads together to fashion very entertaining and satisfying journeys of all her protagonists. And of course that includes finding love as well as their paths forward through grief of all sorts to the promise of happiness and fulfillment.
https://rebekahsreadingsandwatchings....
March 4, 2025
I’ve read most of Milly’s books over the years and they all have something in common; relatable characters that tug on the emotions together with lashings of humour. I was rooting for each one of these five women, each facing a difficult situation – Amanda – whose menopause symptoms are making her life a misery (I could readily identify there!) and an unloving mother who makes no secret that Amanda’s brother Bradley is the favourite despite Amanda being the one who does everything for her. Sky, the teddy bear maker (think BBC TV’s The Repair Shop) whose health issues make her fragility even more pronounced and not helped by having a sleazy landlord. Mel who never imagined that she would be subject to such betrayal and emotional cruelty. Erin, whose conflicting feelings of grief and guilt are preventing her from seeing a way forward. And, finally Astrid, who after having lost the love of her life is lonely and trying to find her place in the world as well as self worth.
A new diner in town, run by Ray, a Texan offering blueberry pie along with his generosity and kindness, becomes a safe space for our characters to meet, chat and generally advise and support each other. I loved following their individual stories and became quite fond of them – commiserating when life was pants and cheering for them at every bit of good news. I always think an author has done their job well when fictional characters have such an emotional impact that it feels quite sad to say goodbye to them. I was delighted to see the Pandoros and their cracker business (the paper type, not the biscuit) make a cameo appearance. Anyone who has read The Mother of All Christmases will remember them.
Same Time Next Week is a captivating, emotional but uplifting story, written with heart and humour. Who else but Milly could make a reader emotional over one page but have you snorting with laughter at the next.
I loved this story of friendship with its touch of romance. All these woman gained something by the end of the book namely friendship, self worth and confidence whilst losing that fear of moving forward and taking chances. Most definitely recommended.
A new diner in town, run by Ray, a Texan offering blueberry pie along with his generosity and kindness, becomes a safe space for our characters to meet, chat and generally advise and support each other. I loved following their individual stories and became quite fond of them – commiserating when life was pants and cheering for them at every bit of good news. I always think an author has done their job well when fictional characters have such an emotional impact that it feels quite sad to say goodbye to them. I was delighted to see the Pandoros and their cracker business (the paper type, not the biscuit) make a cameo appearance. Anyone who has read The Mother of All Christmases will remember them.
Same Time Next Week is a captivating, emotional but uplifting story, written with heart and humour. Who else but Milly could make a reader emotional over one page but have you snorting with laughter at the next.
I loved this story of friendship with its touch of romance. All these woman gained something by the end of the book namely friendship, self worth and confidence whilst losing that fear of moving forward and taking chances. Most definitely recommended.
May 18, 2025
3.5 stars. Like other books by Milly Johnson a lovely read.
March 2, 2025
What a wonderful heartwarming read this is. Milly Johnson has such a beautiful way of writing about friendships and humanity.
From the very beginning I loved the sound of this group getting together to chat and put the world to rights. Some time away from the hassle of life / family/ relationships and work etc - and in a safe, non judgemental environment where every woman is there to support.
Each of our main characters has hardships in their lives and each has to find ways of getting through each day - but with the support and love of eachother they find life a little more tolerable. I was totally invested in each of their stories and lived each high and low with them on their journeys.
Crying a little and laughing a lot this is a hug in book form from Milly, and I think everyone needs a Ray’s Diner to hang out in plus those cookies sounded divine.
From the very beginning I loved the sound of this group getting together to chat and put the world to rights. Some time away from the hassle of life / family/ relationships and work etc - and in a safe, non judgemental environment where every woman is there to support.
Each of our main characters has hardships in their lives and each has to find ways of getting through each day - but with the support and love of eachother they find life a little more tolerable. I was totally invested in each of their stories and lived each high and low with them on their journeys.
Crying a little and laughing a lot this is a hug in book form from Milly, and I think everyone needs a Ray’s Diner to hang out in plus those cookies sounded divine.
February 22, 2025
Yay for menopausal women and the gift of friendship!
July 11, 2025
Overall I enjoyed this read but not as much as I have previous books by Milly Johnson. It took me at least half the book to get all the many characters logged in my head and each chapter I had to double check which one they were. I was most invested in Amanda & Mel’s stories & enjoyed the humour throughout the book but especially that behind Postman Pat’s character (although not the cringy accent). Sky’s journey was also interesting but I had trouble remembering who Erin was. A happy ever after ending of course and most satisfying of all- the ‘baddies’ getting their just desserts.
September 14, 2025
Any book set in Barnsley gets 5 stars from me lol
September 10, 2025
I wanted to like this one from a good Yorkkshire Lass literally round the corner, but I really struggled. It feels like the book was sponsored by a private HRT company by the amount of times HRT was mentioned and the multiple mentions of bypassing your patronising GP and just buying this 'miracle cure' online. Other than that, your problems can be solved by penis... seriously? It's hard to explain but the women felt written by a man. Everyone was 'saved' by men, the group really had very little to do with everyone's arc with the exception of Amanda who recieved some support towards the end.
Mel was saved by Postman Pat from her dull as fuck marriage. Sky was saved from her pervert landlord by her boss (also love interest despite the obvious power imbalance and *23* year age gap! yikes) then they marry quicker than a couple in a Mormon YA. Then her serial killer dad side plot was solved by 3 men. Amanda had some agency ... eventually after being the least perceptive person ever for 3/4 of the book. Only to actually be saved in the end by Ray's tangy texas penis. A man at work gets her a fat redundancy payout and a man sets her up as a Baker. Erin is saved by a man so dull I've forgotten his name. The only person not saved is Astrid. Good for her.
Mel was saved by Postman Pat from her dull as fuck marriage. Sky was saved from her pervert landlord by her boss (also love interest despite the obvious power imbalance and *23* year age gap! yikes) then they marry quicker than a couple in a Mormon YA. Then her serial killer dad side plot was solved by 3 men. Amanda had some agency ... eventually after being the least perceptive person ever for 3/4 of the book. Only to actually be saved in the end by Ray's tangy texas penis. A man at work gets her a fat redundancy payout and a man sets her up as a Baker. Erin is saved by a man so dull I've forgotten his name. The only person not saved is Astrid. Good for her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2025
Why have I not read Milly Johnsons' books before?? That's the question I am now asking myself.
Same Time Next Week is a joy of a book. It's just what I needed after all the stuff that has been happening to me. No sooner had I started reading that it seemed like I had finished it! The characters are women we can all empathise with. Milly Johnson brings the daily issues we all suffer from in one way or another and interweaves them with delightful and joyous women who I wished I could be friends for real with.
I was laughing out loud and crying, too, as I felt like I was with them all. The fact it's written by someone with a Northern humour (like mine) just puts a cherry on the top, too!
I am proper looking forward to reading more of Milly Johnson's books
Thanks to Sara-Jade Virtue for my gifted copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Same Time Next Week is a joy of a book. It's just what I needed after all the stuff that has been happening to me. No sooner had I started reading that it seemed like I had finished it! The characters are women we can all empathise with. Milly Johnson brings the daily issues we all suffer from in one way or another and interweaves them with delightful and joyous women who I wished I could be friends for real with.
I was laughing out loud and crying, too, as I felt like I was with them all. The fact it's written by someone with a Northern humour (like mine) just puts a cherry on the top, too!
I am proper looking forward to reading more of Milly Johnson's books
Thanks to Sara-Jade Virtue for my gifted copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
March 2, 2025
I took this away with me on holiday and read it in 2 days. I adore books about female friendships, and this was full of them.
This book didn't shy away from difficult topics including menopause, attitudes on gender, sexual harrassment, marriage breakdown, grief guilt, and financial abuse. But this was all done in a way that left me feeling utterly uplifted after finishing the book. An absolute 5⭐️ read for me, and my mum loved it too. My mum isn't very tech savvy, but she took the time to text me about this book to tell me how much she had enjoyed it. Praise indeed!
I wanted to join this group of women. They just all felt very real to me. I hope everyone can find a place like this to belong to.
I was sent a proof copy of this by the publisher and asked to give an honest review.
This book didn't shy away from difficult topics including menopause, attitudes on gender, sexual harrassment, marriage breakdown, grief guilt, and financial abuse. But this was all done in a way that left me feeling utterly uplifted after finishing the book. An absolute 5⭐️ read for me, and my mum loved it too. My mum isn't very tech savvy, but she took the time to text me about this book to tell me how much she had enjoyed it. Praise indeed!
I wanted to join this group of women. They just all felt very real to me. I hope everyone can find a place like this to belong to.
I was sent a proof copy of this by the publisher and asked to give an honest review.
September 3, 2025
How good is this book? Well, I just read it for the third time and again stayed up way too late to finish it even though I already knew what was going to happen.
Wow. This was so good! I love Milly Johnson's books and this latest one did not disappoint.
I loved how Johnson skillfully managed the plot lines of the five main characters. Managing this many characters could have felt choppy or confusing. Instead, she kept the overall story flowing but also kept me, the reader, on the edge of her seat. This book has all my favorite things: romance, snarky dialogue, supportive friendships, baddies you love to hate, and very satisfying HEAs. Per usual, it was also enjoyable to revisit places and characters from prior books.
Here's another reason I love reading Milly Johnson's writing: She's not preachy or self-righteous. She doesn't have an underlying agenda that takes away from the story. Her characters are relatable, perfectly imperfect humans, and very likeable.
More profanity than is usual from Johnson and an R-rated love scene.
And now... I'm going to read it again!
Wow. This was so good! I love Milly Johnson's books and this latest one did not disappoint.
I loved how Johnson skillfully managed the plot lines of the five main characters. Managing this many characters could have felt choppy or confusing. Instead, she kept the overall story flowing but also kept me, the reader, on the edge of her seat. This book has all my favorite things: romance, snarky dialogue, supportive friendships, baddies you love to hate, and very satisfying HEAs. Per usual, it was also enjoyable to revisit places and characters from prior books.
Here's another reason I love reading Milly Johnson's writing: She's not preachy or self-righteous. She doesn't have an underlying agenda that takes away from the story. Her characters are relatable, perfectly imperfect humans, and very likeable.
More profanity than is usual from Johnson and an R-rated love scene.
And now... I'm going to read it again!
March 16, 2025
Same Time Next Week by bestselling author Milly Johnson invites readers into the charmingly intimate world of Spring Hill, an idyllic Yorkshire square bustling with independent shops, cozy cafés, and heartfelt stories. Known for her relatable narratives and deft character portrayals, Johnson once again crafts a novel that delves deep into the lives and struggles of five distinct women whose paths cross in the comforting warmth of Ray’s Diner.
Johnson, who previously captivated readers with heartwarming titles such as My One True North and The Woman in the Middle, continues her tradition of blending gentle humor with poignant emotional truths. Fans of Cathy Kelly, Lucy Diamond, and Jill Mansell will find a familiar, comforting cadence here, as Johnson expertly maneuvers through complex emotional landscapes.
Plot: A Weekly Haven of Shared Secrets
The story orbits around Ray’s Diner, a rejuvenated café previously run by beloved local icon Bettina Boot. Each week, five women—Amanda, Sky, Mel, Erin, and Astrid—converge at this welcoming diner, seeking solace and camaraderie. Each woman grapples with her unique challenges, gradually discovering that companionship and mutual support provide strength to face life's uncertainties.
Amanda, burdened by the pressures of caring for an aging mother and navigating male-dominated corporate culture, battles deep-seated feelings of inadequacy. Sky, an empathetic soul, restores teddy bears and mends hearts, harboring unspoken affection for an unattainable love. Mel faces a dramatic upheaval when her seemingly stable marriage disintegrates, forcing her to rediscover her identity. Erin carries the heavy weight of a devastating loss and seeks redemption through newfound friendships. Finally, Astrid, vibrant yet longing for purpose, encounters a thrilling opportunity that challenges her self-worth.
Johnson weaves these separate threads into a cohesive, richly textured narrative, emphasizing the power of friendship to transform ordinary lives. Her nuanced exploration of each character’s emotional journey resonates deeply, ensuring the reader's investment in their happiness and growth.
Main Character Analysis: The Women of Spring Hill
Johnson’s strength lies significantly in her characters’ relatability. Each woman is meticulously crafted with depth and vulnerability:
- Amanda Brundell: Amanda is brilliantly drawn as both capable and profoundly insecure, a woman caught between professional ambition and familial duty. Her relatable struggles with menopause and caregiving evoke empathy, though at times her inner monologues border on repetitive.
- Sky Urban: Sky’s delicate occupation—restoring cherished teddy bears—is a symbolic reflection of her gentle spirit. Her secret love is poignantly depicted, though readers might wish for more decisive development in her personal arc.
- Mel: Mel's marital crisis injects considerable drama into the narrative. Johnson effectively captures Mel’s turmoil and resilience, although Mel’s journey could benefit from greater depth in addressing her transformation.
- Erin van der Meer: Erin’s story is among the most compelling, layered with guilt, grief, and self-discovery. Her path to forgiveness and healing is portrayed convincingly, making her journey particularly satisfying.
- Astrid: Astrid brings an engaging liveliness to the ensemble, balancing humor with thoughtful introspection. Her search for self-worth and purpose feels genuine and refreshing.
Together, these women represent a mosaic of modern female experiences, making their weekly gatherings at Ray's Diner feel authentic and vital.
Writing Style: Comforting, Humorous, and Human
Johnson’s signature writing style shines in this novel—warm, humorous, and emotionally intuitive. Her prose effortlessly transports readers to the quaint Yorkshire setting, while her dialogue feels natural, peppered with wit and gentle humor. However, occasional redundancies in character reflection slightly dilute narrative momentum. Yet, the overall pacing remains engaging, buoyed by charming descriptions and Johnson’s keen understanding of human emotion.
Themes: Friendship, Change, and Self-Acceptance
Same Time Next Week beautifully explores significant themes through everyday scenarios:
- Friendship: Central to the novel is the transformative power of friendship. Johnson underscores that through shared vulnerability, profound connections are forged, and personal strength emerges.
- Change and Transformation: Johnson candidly portrays her characters’ struggles against inevitable life changes, advocating that growth often comes from embracing rather than resisting uncertainty.
- Self-Acceptance: Each woman’s narrative arc subtly reinforces the importance of self-compassion and self-belief, highlighting that true fulfillment arises from internal validation rather than external approval.
Johnson skillfully weaves these themes into a tapestry that is both comforting and challenging, encouraging readers to reflect on their own lives and relationships.
Personal Take: Comforting Yet Not Without Flaws
As an avid reader of Milly Johnson’s previous novels, Same Time Next Week was warmly anticipated. Johnson maintains her exceptional ability to craft relatable characters whose lives echo our own challenges and joys. The warmth emanating from Ray’s Diner and the genuine friendships forged there offer readers a comforting escape.
Yet, the novel is not without its weaknesses. Some narrative elements feel predictable, particularly in the romantic subplots. Johnson’s reluctance to fully commit to deeper conflicts occasionally detracts from the story’s emotional stakes. Additionally, certain plot resolutions may feel overly convenient, sacrificing realism for narrative tidiness.
Nevertheless, these minor flaws do not significantly detract from the book’s overall charm. Johnson’s strength in evoking emotional resonance ultimately ensures reader satisfaction, delivering a heartwarming experience despite minor narrative shortcomings.
Johnson, who previously captivated readers with heartwarming titles such as My One True North and The Woman in the Middle, continues her tradition of blending gentle humor with poignant emotional truths. Fans of Cathy Kelly, Lucy Diamond, and Jill Mansell will find a familiar, comforting cadence here, as Johnson expertly maneuvers through complex emotional landscapes.
Plot: A Weekly Haven of Shared Secrets
The story orbits around Ray’s Diner, a rejuvenated café previously run by beloved local icon Bettina Boot. Each week, five women—Amanda, Sky, Mel, Erin, and Astrid—converge at this welcoming diner, seeking solace and camaraderie. Each woman grapples with her unique challenges, gradually discovering that companionship and mutual support provide strength to face life's uncertainties.
Amanda, burdened by the pressures of caring for an aging mother and navigating male-dominated corporate culture, battles deep-seated feelings of inadequacy. Sky, an empathetic soul, restores teddy bears and mends hearts, harboring unspoken affection for an unattainable love. Mel faces a dramatic upheaval when her seemingly stable marriage disintegrates, forcing her to rediscover her identity. Erin carries the heavy weight of a devastating loss and seeks redemption through newfound friendships. Finally, Astrid, vibrant yet longing for purpose, encounters a thrilling opportunity that challenges her self-worth.
Johnson weaves these separate threads into a cohesive, richly textured narrative, emphasizing the power of friendship to transform ordinary lives. Her nuanced exploration of each character’s emotional journey resonates deeply, ensuring the reader's investment in their happiness and growth.
Main Character Analysis: The Women of Spring Hill
Johnson’s strength lies significantly in her characters’ relatability. Each woman is meticulously crafted with depth and vulnerability:
- Amanda Brundell: Amanda is brilliantly drawn as both capable and profoundly insecure, a woman caught between professional ambition and familial duty. Her relatable struggles with menopause and caregiving evoke empathy, though at times her inner monologues border on repetitive.
- Sky Urban: Sky’s delicate occupation—restoring cherished teddy bears—is a symbolic reflection of her gentle spirit. Her secret love is poignantly depicted, though readers might wish for more decisive development in her personal arc.
- Mel: Mel's marital crisis injects considerable drama into the narrative. Johnson effectively captures Mel’s turmoil and resilience, although Mel’s journey could benefit from greater depth in addressing her transformation.
- Erin van der Meer: Erin’s story is among the most compelling, layered with guilt, grief, and self-discovery. Her path to forgiveness and healing is portrayed convincingly, making her journey particularly satisfying.
- Astrid: Astrid brings an engaging liveliness to the ensemble, balancing humor with thoughtful introspection. Her search for self-worth and purpose feels genuine and refreshing.
Together, these women represent a mosaic of modern female experiences, making their weekly gatherings at Ray's Diner feel authentic and vital.
Writing Style: Comforting, Humorous, and Human
Johnson’s signature writing style shines in this novel—warm, humorous, and emotionally intuitive. Her prose effortlessly transports readers to the quaint Yorkshire setting, while her dialogue feels natural, peppered with wit and gentle humor. However, occasional redundancies in character reflection slightly dilute narrative momentum. Yet, the overall pacing remains engaging, buoyed by charming descriptions and Johnson’s keen understanding of human emotion.
Themes: Friendship, Change, and Self-Acceptance
Same Time Next Week beautifully explores significant themes through everyday scenarios:
- Friendship: Central to the novel is the transformative power of friendship. Johnson underscores that through shared vulnerability, profound connections are forged, and personal strength emerges.
- Change and Transformation: Johnson candidly portrays her characters’ struggles against inevitable life changes, advocating that growth often comes from embracing rather than resisting uncertainty.
- Self-Acceptance: Each woman’s narrative arc subtly reinforces the importance of self-compassion and self-belief, highlighting that true fulfillment arises from internal validation rather than external approval.
Johnson skillfully weaves these themes into a tapestry that is both comforting and challenging, encouraging readers to reflect on their own lives and relationships.
Personal Take: Comforting Yet Not Without Flaws
As an avid reader of Milly Johnson’s previous novels, Same Time Next Week was warmly anticipated. Johnson maintains her exceptional ability to craft relatable characters whose lives echo our own challenges and joys. The warmth emanating from Ray’s Diner and the genuine friendships forged there offer readers a comforting escape.
Yet, the novel is not without its weaknesses. Some narrative elements feel predictable, particularly in the romantic subplots. Johnson’s reluctance to fully commit to deeper conflicts occasionally detracts from the story’s emotional stakes. Additionally, certain plot resolutions may feel overly convenient, sacrificing realism for narrative tidiness.
Nevertheless, these minor flaws do not significantly detract from the book’s overall charm. Johnson’s strength in evoking emotional resonance ultimately ensures reader satisfaction, delivering a heartwarming experience despite minor narrative shortcomings.
March 28, 2025
I've read all of Milly Johnsons books and so i kinda forced myself to listen to this one on audiobook, but i just feel I've either grown out of her stories or they are getting more boring? I just can't seem to enjoy them like i used to, maybe it's the predictably that bores me and the fact there are so many characters to follow.
March 17, 2025
It took me a while to get into this book. Certain things in my life were being very distracting and interrupting my reading time, which was incredibly frustrating. Once I did get into this book, it was just the tonic I needed. A mixture of characters old and new. It was lovely to have Astrid back again. It was very refreshing to see fifty something women in this book who were not one-dimensional. I could really relate to all the menopause stuff I was nodding my head throughout as well as chuckling. I loved the group meetings at Ray's Diner. I wish I'd had that when my mum died 10 plus years ago. I loved the relationship between Pat and Amanda it was my favourite part of the book. I really hope Milly brings them back again in another book. This was a cracking read, but then I am biased as Milly is one of my favourite authors. To me, her books are like sunshine.
April 11, 2025
Same Time Next Week is utterly wonderful, being packed with humour and emotion in the lives of real, relatable women whose friendship is depicted with warmth and sensitive humanity. It’s gone straight on my list of books of the year. My full review is on the My Weekly website.
Read
September 7, 2025abandoned. absolutely nothing happened. the writing style was good, though. just not entertaining enough for me.
February 22, 2025
Oh my goodness where do I begin. Same Time Next Week is a powerful, uplifting, read that took me on a journey, that saw me shedding tears, at both ends of the emotional spectrum and sitting nodding like some deranged dog in the corner, muttering yes - this!! Exactly this as I turned the pages, absorbing myself into the lives of the many characters.
Milly Johnson really has crafted her story telling to perfection. She tempers real life scenarios and presents relatable characters to the reader with her dry northern wit. Honest, upfront, what you see is what you get and so very real. Same Time Next Week is a story that traverses the ages but sits perfectly with who I, and who most of my friends are right now, approaching, at,or just past that age! It hit the spot perfectly, landing in a Same Time Next Week shaped hole I didn’t know existed until I did.
Image working in a male dominated workplace that has its mindset stuck firmly in the dark ages and finding your young, modern, big boss wants you to help him change that, wants to understand things from a woman’s perspective. Amanda gets her chance, gets that voice in a class moment that was so applause worthy. I’ve been and still am the person who doesn’t even remember her name most days, most days wondering how I got through the day without losing it completely.
Have I told you how good this book is yet, I can’t remember! It’s AMAZING!
Each and every Milly Johnson novel has characters that get under your skin, some like an itch you can’t wait to stop scratching, like Steve, husband of Mel and Bradley, Amandas brother in this book and then there are others that wrap themselves around your heart, like Amanda, Ray Bon and Sky - I so loved them! When the story ended I didn’t want to let them go.
Each and every Milly Johnson novel has hit the spot for me - I’ve loved every one, but Same Time Next Week is the best yet. Strong women, emotive storylines, unexpected friendships, the power and support of women, romance and humour all mixed up like a literary band aid on your heart that I don’t want to pull off - I was sad when I turned the last page on this book, I didn’t want it to end. Cookies and a weekly catch up proving better than any prescription - where do I sign up! I want to be top of the list to join this group.
Milly Johnson really has crafted her story telling to perfection. She tempers real life scenarios and presents relatable characters to the reader with her dry northern wit. Honest, upfront, what you see is what you get and so very real. Same Time Next Week is a story that traverses the ages but sits perfectly with who I, and who most of my friends are right now, approaching, at,or just past that age! It hit the spot perfectly, landing in a Same Time Next Week shaped hole I didn’t know existed until I did.
Image working in a male dominated workplace that has its mindset stuck firmly in the dark ages and finding your young, modern, big boss wants you to help him change that, wants to understand things from a woman’s perspective. Amanda gets her chance, gets that voice in a class moment that was so applause worthy. I’ve been and still am the person who doesn’t even remember her name most days, most days wondering how I got through the day without losing it completely.
Have I told you how good this book is yet, I can’t remember! It’s AMAZING!
Each and every Milly Johnson novel has characters that get under your skin, some like an itch you can’t wait to stop scratching, like Steve, husband of Mel and Bradley, Amandas brother in this book and then there are others that wrap themselves around your heart, like Amanda, Ray Bon and Sky - I so loved them! When the story ended I didn’t want to let them go.
Each and every Milly Johnson novel has hit the spot for me - I’ve loved every one, but Same Time Next Week is the best yet. Strong women, emotive storylines, unexpected friendships, the power and support of women, romance and humour all mixed up like a literary band aid on your heart that I don’t want to pull off - I was sad when I turned the last page on this book, I didn’t want it to end. Cookies and a weekly catch up proving better than any prescription - where do I sign up! I want to be top of the list to join this group.
May 8, 2025
This book introduces us to five women - Amanda, Sky, Mel, Erin and Astrid. Amanda looks after her elderly mother with little to no help from her brother. Sky makes and repairs teddy bears. Mel has been married to Steve for 30 years but finds her marriage in trouble. Erin is trying to deal with her grief and guilt over her partner's death. Astrid is a cleaner but feels she needs more of a challenge. Each one of the women have their own problems and issues which they are trying to deal with, but when a new diner open and runs a weekly meeting where the women can chat, laugh and forget their problems, the women all become friends.
I love this author's books so was keen to start this one. I have to stay initially I found the storyline a little slow going. There is an awful lot of characters and I really struggled to remember who was who and what their individual stories were. I liked the main characters though and as I moved through the book I began to follow the story better and enjoy it. The chapters move between each woman and we follow their own individual stories and also when they are all together. I particularly liked Amanda's storyline and really felt for her as her relationship with her mother was revealed. I also loved Mel's story and really hoped it turned out like I wanted it to!
This wasn't my favourite book by this author, but I still really enjoyed it and was caught up in the story enough to not put it down. This was a heart warming and emotional read, with plenty of love and laughter to balance it out. It touches on some tricky subjects, but these are all dealt with well. Would definitely recommend.
I love this author's books so was keen to start this one. I have to stay initially I found the storyline a little slow going. There is an awful lot of characters and I really struggled to remember who was who and what their individual stories were. I liked the main characters though and as I moved through the book I began to follow the story better and enjoy it. The chapters move between each woman and we follow their own individual stories and also when they are all together. I particularly liked Amanda's storyline and really felt for her as her relationship with her mother was revealed. I also loved Mel's story and really hoped it turned out like I wanted it to!
This wasn't my favourite book by this author, but I still really enjoyed it and was caught up in the story enough to not put it down. This was a heart warming and emotional read, with plenty of love and laughter to balance it out. It touches on some tricky subjects, but these are all dealt with well. Would definitely recommend.
March 10, 2025
Not the same
I have loved all of Milly Johnson's books since the beginning but the last few have been a bit disappointing. I struggled to get through this one it was boring (sorry)
I have loved all of Milly Johnson's books since the beginning but the last few have been a bit disappointing. I struggled to get through this one it was boring (sorry)
March 6, 2025
Amanda decides to start a friendship group at Ray’s Diner in Spring Hill. This is where her path crosses with Sky, Mel, Erin, and Astrid and they form an unbreakable bond and friendship.
I loved the storyline and everything about it. It was heartwarming and at times heartbreaking. I found myself laughing with the characters but also at times felt sad when they felt sad. What I loved about the characters are that they felt so real. Especially because they are all going through very real situations that anyone could face and they do face them head on.
There were many characters in the story but it was so easy to follow each of their stories and at no time did I feel lost. By the end of the book I felt like I knew the characters well and was part of the friendship club. What I love about this author's writing style is that when I read their books I'm introduced to characters that are unforgettable.
Amanda’s decision to set up the friendship club is the best decision she could have made. Although she’s doubtful that it will be a success she still perseveres. At the first meeting only one person attends but by the next more are drawn to the club. Amanda is someone who is very selfless balancing her time between her day job and caring for her mother, with very little time to herself. Yet Amanda isn't appreciated and her mother prefers her brother Bradley who doesn’t care about his mother at all so I felt really sad for Amanda.
Sky is someone who is very much in love with her boss Bon but there's never been a time to tell him so she watches him from afar and wishes they could be something more. At the same time Sky finds herself in a difficult situation when her landlord moves into her shared home. There were a few scenes that really creeped me out and he's probably one of the grossest characters I've ever come across. I loved the idea of Sky’s Bears because they showed how creative Sky is. Especially when she makes a personalised bear for Astrid of her late husband which is so detailed. It really warmed my heart to see Astrid’s reaction.
Erin is still grieving the loss of someone dear to her but now she’s started taking the first steps to talking about her loss. But when she starts to recall her past relationship with Carona she realises that it wasn't what she thought it was. Astrid is someone who lacks confidence and that came through very clearly. She’s not appreciated in her role as a cleaner so I can see why when she is presented with another opportunity she takes a risk. It was very brave of Astrid to take that first step which was very out of her comfort zone.
Then we have Mel who I couldn’t help but like because she was so funny. She has been married for thirty years to Steve but then she starts to see him in a different light. She realises that she has been seeing her marriage through rose tinted glasses and it prompts her to make the change that she needs to live a more fulfilled life. One of the things that I loved about Mel was that at first she seemed quiet but when she is upset she goes on this really long rant. There was one scene during the friendship group where Mel goes on a bit of a rant which included describing someone as a ‘pound-shop Liam Gallagher’ and I couldn't stop laughing along with the characters.
This is a story about friendship, sisterhood and making connections. The characters at the start of the story are in some ways feeling alone. They are each going through something but they have no one to talk to. The friendship group fills that gap in their life, giving them a group of people to talk to that they didn’t know they needed. It gives them a sense of belonging, that there is someone to listen to them when they want to talk and that they are not alone. The friendship group really did turn strangers into forever friends.
A brilliant read.
I loved the storyline and everything about it. It was heartwarming and at times heartbreaking. I found myself laughing with the characters but also at times felt sad when they felt sad. What I loved about the characters are that they felt so real. Especially because they are all going through very real situations that anyone could face and they do face them head on.
There were many characters in the story but it was so easy to follow each of their stories and at no time did I feel lost. By the end of the book I felt like I knew the characters well and was part of the friendship club. What I love about this author's writing style is that when I read their books I'm introduced to characters that are unforgettable.
Amanda’s decision to set up the friendship club is the best decision she could have made. Although she’s doubtful that it will be a success she still perseveres. At the first meeting only one person attends but by the next more are drawn to the club. Amanda is someone who is very selfless balancing her time between her day job and caring for her mother, with very little time to herself. Yet Amanda isn't appreciated and her mother prefers her brother Bradley who doesn’t care about his mother at all so I felt really sad for Amanda.
Sky is someone who is very much in love with her boss Bon but there's never been a time to tell him so she watches him from afar and wishes they could be something more. At the same time Sky finds herself in a difficult situation when her landlord moves into her shared home. There were a few scenes that really creeped me out and he's probably one of the grossest characters I've ever come across. I loved the idea of Sky’s Bears because they showed how creative Sky is. Especially when she makes a personalised bear for Astrid of her late husband which is so detailed. It really warmed my heart to see Astrid’s reaction.
Erin is still grieving the loss of someone dear to her but now she’s started taking the first steps to talking about her loss. But when she starts to recall her past relationship with Carona she realises that it wasn't what she thought it was. Astrid is someone who lacks confidence and that came through very clearly. She’s not appreciated in her role as a cleaner so I can see why when she is presented with another opportunity she takes a risk. It was very brave of Astrid to take that first step which was very out of her comfort zone.
Then we have Mel who I couldn’t help but like because she was so funny. She has been married for thirty years to Steve but then she starts to see him in a different light. She realises that she has been seeing her marriage through rose tinted glasses and it prompts her to make the change that she needs to live a more fulfilled life. One of the things that I loved about Mel was that at first she seemed quiet but when she is upset she goes on this really long rant. There was one scene during the friendship group where Mel goes on a bit of a rant which included describing someone as a ‘pound-shop Liam Gallagher’ and I couldn't stop laughing along with the characters.
This is a story about friendship, sisterhood and making connections. The characters at the start of the story are in some ways feeling alone. They are each going through something but they have no one to talk to. The friendship group fills that gap in their life, giving them a group of people to talk to that they didn’t know they needed. It gives them a sense of belonging, that there is someone to listen to them when they want to talk and that they are not alone. The friendship group really did turn strangers into forever friends.
A brilliant read.
April 18, 2025
another great book by Milly Johnson!! really enjoyed this book and didn't want it to finish x the book has 5 characters who each have their own story and troubles and their lives weave together through the friendship support group at Ray's cafe!! lived the idea of the weekly friendship meet up, how the woman supported each other and were there to listen and not judge each other!! would recommend!!
August 7, 2025
Sorry but, kind of shocked at the amount of 5 star reviews…it was alright, definitely not one of the best books I’ve read; the last 15% was so cheesy it might as well have been a pantomime, and the quick flipping between characters meant it was hard to keep track of who was who. Nevertheless, enjoyable read which made me laugh out loud more than once! “Closed up like my second ear piercing” is a fave line of mine 😂❤️🔥
April 11, 2025
I loved this book! the female strength is on fire, and I am so proud to be a woman when you have someone like Milly writing books showing how super human we are!
the book follows a group of woman who all have different things going on but they come together in a support group
the book follows a group of woman who all have different things going on but they come together in a support group
April 11, 2025
Lots of characters to get caught up with. Love, loss, friendship, the menopause, a prowler x 2 and Ray's Diner!
So glad some of the characters got what they deserved, their behaviour was infuriating but the girls fought together and got stronger with every meeting. loved it!
So glad some of the characters got what they deserved, their behaviour was infuriating but the girls fought together and got stronger with every meeting. loved it!
November 25, 2025
It took me a few chapters to get into the book and then I couldn’t put it down. Loved it.
March 22, 2025
I enjoyed this book made a nice change from murder. Good characters although some of them I would have gladly murdered.
March 30, 2025
This is Milly at her best! Wonderful warm characters, totally relatable women. Classic Milly, a real treat! Devoured in a day!!
August 1, 2025
I don’t know how she does it but Milly’s books are a must read for me, I always know I can totally relax into her books as they navigate through the different lives of the characters and how they marry together. In my opinion Milly just gets better and better.
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