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The Queen of Wishful Thinking: A Novel
Her mother said if she could imagine doing something in her head, she could do it in real life. But as hard as she wishes for a new life, can Bonnie ever make it happen?
Bonnie Brookland grew up in the vibrant world of antiques, surrounded by the comforting chaos of market stalls, old treasures, and the loyal friends who became her second family. But lately, life has felt anything but colorful. So when she stumbles upon The Pot of Gold, a struggling antique shop in a quiet corner of her British town, something about it tugs at her. It feels like home.
The Pot of Gold is a dream come true for Lewis Harley, who left behind a high-pressure investment banking career after a health scare in his forties. Craving peace and purpose, he's poured everything into the shop. But things haven't gone to plan, and the business is struggling. That is, until Bonnie walks through the door.
However, both are navigating lives that aren't easy to leave behind. And when long-buried secrets rise to the surface, Bonnie and Lew must each decide how much they're willing to risk to rediscover themselves--and whether the life they've always hoped for might still be within reach.
A warm, uplifting novel about second chances, finding light after loss, and the quiet magic of building a life you love.
Bonnie Brookland grew up in the vibrant world of antiques, surrounded by the comforting chaos of market stalls, old treasures, and the loyal friends who became her second family. But lately, life has felt anything but colorful. So when she stumbles upon The Pot of Gold, a struggling antique shop in a quiet corner of her British town, something about it tugs at her. It feels like home.
The Pot of Gold is a dream come true for Lewis Harley, who left behind a high-pressure investment banking career after a health scare in his forties. Craving peace and purpose, he's poured everything into the shop. But things haven't gone to plan, and the business is struggling. That is, until Bonnie walks through the door.
However, both are navigating lives that aren't easy to leave behind. And when long-buried secrets rise to the surface, Bonnie and Lew must each decide how much they're willing to risk to rediscover themselves--and whether the life they've always hoped for might still be within reach.
A warm, uplifting novel about second chances, finding light after loss, and the quiet magic of building a life you love.
Audible Audio
Published February 3, 2026
10 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Milly Johnson
53 books2,170 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 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 10, 2026
2.5 rounded up, as this wasn't on the author. NOT a quirky rom-com - instead two people (co-workers in an antique shop) who are both trapped in abusive marriages, which felt serious, dark and depressing TBH. I do NOT blame the author for this - it is entirely the fault of the publishers marketing team with the cutesy cover & marketing blurb 😡😡 "A warm, uplifting novel about second chances, finding light after loss, and the quiet magic of building a life you love"??? NOPE, not the book I read at all 🤯 FMC Bonnie was really trapped with a controlling, mentally & even physically abusive a-hole hubby who even tries to send her to prison! 😡 MMC Lew, doesn't fare much better with his shallow, lying, materialistic harridan of a wife💸 I was glad they got their HEA, but reading this wasn’t "uplifting" and there's hardly any time spent with the two as a couple either! Also I do NOT appreciate that this book was apparently released in 2017 and this is just a re-release for the U.S. market 😡 It IS actually a decent women’s fiction & well-written, but readers should be aware of the triggers and have clear expectations from publishers!!
February 4, 2026
The Queen of Wishful Thinking is a warm, gentle read about second chances, emotional endurance, and the quiet courage it takes to imagine a different life.
I loved the antique shop setting and the strong sense of community — it’s cosy, comforting, and very much Milly Johnson’s strength. Bonnie is a sympathetic protagonist, and her journey of slowly reclaiming herself after loss and disappointment is handled with kindness and empathy.
That said, the story unfolds predictably and some conflicts resolve a little too neatly, which kept it from fully resonating with me. This is more of a soothing, feel-good read than a deeply challenging one.
Overall, a comforting novel about rebuilding and hope — perfect if you’re in the mood for something gentle, cosy, and reassuring.
I loved the antique shop setting and the strong sense of community — it’s cosy, comforting, and very much Milly Johnson’s strength. Bonnie is a sympathetic protagonist, and her journey of slowly reclaiming herself after loss and disappointment is handled with kindness and empathy.
That said, the story unfolds predictably and some conflicts resolve a little too neatly, which kept it from fully resonating with me. This is more of a soothing, feel-good read than a deeply challenging one.
Overall, a comforting novel about rebuilding and hope — perfect if you’re in the mood for something gentle, cosy, and reassuring.
February 6, 2026
This is one of my favorite Milly Johnson books and Colleen Prendergast's narration is top notch. I highly recommend this book in all it's forms.
Thank you, NetGalley and Harper Muse for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review. I'm SO happy that this book is finally being published in the US.
Reading Milly Johnson is fun, heartwarming, romantic, sometimes laugh-out-loud funny, and very satisfying. I loved the main and supporting characters, I loved the romance, I loved hating the baddies, I loved the wonderful story, and I totally loved the wonderful HEA.
One of the highlights was definitely the local newspaper typos and apologies; each one made me burst out laughing.
Thank you, NetGalley and Harper Muse for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review. I'm SO happy that this book is finally being published in the US.
Reading Milly Johnson is fun, heartwarming, romantic, sometimes laugh-out-loud funny, and very satisfying. I loved the main and supporting characters, I loved the romance, I loved hating the baddies, I loved the wonderful story, and I totally loved the wonderful HEA.
One of the highlights was definitely the local newspaper typos and apologies; each one made me burst out laughing.
Read
February 24, 2026The Queen of Wishful Thinking
by Milly Johnson
🎧 Narrated by Colleen Prendergast
I went into this expecting a warm, uplifting romance. What I got was something very different.
First, let me say this clearly, this book is beautifully written and beautifully narrated. I both read and listened to it, and Colleen Prendergast did a wonderful job bringing emotional nuance and depth to the story. The prose itself is thoughtful and layered.
However, I do think this is miscategorized. If you’re going in expecting a traditional romance, you may be surprised. The romantic arc doesn’t truly come together until the very last chapter and epilogue. This felt much more like women’s fiction or literary fiction centered on healing, trauma, and rediscovery rather than a romance-forward story.
And while it may ultimately be about second chances and rebuilding, this is not a light read.
The themes explored are heavy and delicate, including abortion, miscarriage, death of a parent, euthanasia, dementia, manipulative relationships, and profound loss. “Loss” alone does not fully prepare a reader for the emotional weight carried in these pages. I genuinely believe this story needed clearer content guidance.
That said, if I had gone in knowing this was women’s fiction dealing deeply with grief, trauma, and survival, I likely would have experienced it very differently. My expectations shaped my reaction, and because of that, I don’t feel it would be fair to assign a star rating.
Bonnie is a beautifully written FMC, strong, resilient, and grounded in positivity even after devastating experiences. The MMC is equally compelling, having survived manipulation and emotional damage of his own. Their connection is quiet and earned, but the heart of this book is truly about healing and reclaiming your life.
If you love women’s fiction that explores overcoming terrible loss, trauma, and rebuilding from the ground up, this may absolutely be for you.
No rating
As mentioned no rating but thank you libro.fm, harper muse and BookSparks for this review copy, all opinions are my own.
by Milly Johnson
🎧 Narrated by Colleen Prendergast
I went into this expecting a warm, uplifting romance. What I got was something very different.
First, let me say this clearly, this book is beautifully written and beautifully narrated. I both read and listened to it, and Colleen Prendergast did a wonderful job bringing emotional nuance and depth to the story. The prose itself is thoughtful and layered.
However, I do think this is miscategorized. If you’re going in expecting a traditional romance, you may be surprised. The romantic arc doesn’t truly come together until the very last chapter and epilogue. This felt much more like women’s fiction or literary fiction centered on healing, trauma, and rediscovery rather than a romance-forward story.
And while it may ultimately be about second chances and rebuilding, this is not a light read.
The themes explored are heavy and delicate, including abortion, miscarriage, death of a parent, euthanasia, dementia, manipulative relationships, and profound loss. “Loss” alone does not fully prepare a reader for the emotional weight carried in these pages. I genuinely believe this story needed clearer content guidance.
That said, if I had gone in knowing this was women’s fiction dealing deeply with grief, trauma, and survival, I likely would have experienced it very differently. My expectations shaped my reaction, and because of that, I don’t feel it would be fair to assign a star rating.
Bonnie is a beautifully written FMC, strong, resilient, and grounded in positivity even after devastating experiences. The MMC is equally compelling, having survived manipulation and emotional damage of his own. Their connection is quiet and earned, but the heart of this book is truly about healing and reclaiming your life.
If you love women’s fiction that explores overcoming terrible loss, trauma, and rebuilding from the ground up, this may absolutely be for you.
No rating
As mentioned no rating but thank you libro.fm, harper muse and BookSparks for this review copy, all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
There’s a very specific flavor of cozy British chaos that smells like aged mahogany, trauma repression, and lemon drizzle cake, and The Queen of Wishful Thinking is serving it up on mismatched china with a side of deep emotional ache. Bonnie Brookland, my sweet summer candle, is exactly the kind of woman you root for while also texting the group chat “someone get her out of that damn house before I do something illegal.”
Bonnie is stuck in a marriage so bad it feels like a villain origin story, and she works in a shop where the only antique is her will to live. Enter The Pot of Gold, an antique shop that’s more financially cursed than charming, run by Lewis Harley, a man who said “burn it all down” after a heart attack and meant it. He's recovering from capitalism, bless him. The two meet and you immediately know this is a "we are both too tired for nonsense but accidentally fell in love over some vintage cufflinks" situation. It’s delicious.
This book is sneaky. It seems like a cozy romcom about antiques but then suddenly it’s like, oh, surprise. Here’s an emotional hostage situation disguised as a marriage. Here’s generational grief hiding in the drawer under that glass paperweight. There’s humor (the Daily Trumpet typos? ICONIC) and community (the antique dealers with bonkers nicknames? Obsessed), but also some genuinely dark, raw material that hits hard. Bonnie’s story isn't just about starting over. It's about crawling out from under the wreckage of a life you didn’t realize had buried you.
And Lew? Look. I would risk emotional availability for this man. He’s older, gentle, respectful, and has the audacity to listen to Bonnie. He’s also dealing with a marriage that’s been quietly rotting from the inside and doesn’t even smell like hope anymore. Their dynamic is all slow glances and emotional parallel parking. No insta-love. Just a quiet building of trust and shared heartbreak until they both realize maybe, maybe, they deserve more.
The antique shop setting isn’t just window dressing, either. It’s metaphor city. These two aren’t just dusting off old clocks. They’re restoring themselves. It’s all chipped edges, hidden value, and finding the right person to say, “actually, this is worth saving.” If that doesn’t wreck you a little, check your pulse.
Bonnie’s growth is subtle but satisfying. She's not charging into change with a battle cry, she’s whispering her way out of survival mode, and it makes every small win feel huge. And when her secret finally surfaces? Oof. I actually stopped reading, stared at the wall, and muttered “oh, girl” out loud.
If I’m nitpicking (and I always am), the middle third got a little bogged down in Bonnie’s marital quicksand and I wanted more page time with her and Lew making weird eye contact over dusty Victorian umbrellas. But the payoff? Worth it. The final act is emotional demolition and I was here for every tear-streaked, triumphant second.
Four stars and a big, hopeful sigh. The Queen of Wishful Thinking isn’t flashy, but it gets you. It wraps you in a warm blanket, then lights that blanket on fire and tells you it’s time to leave your emotionally manipulative husband. A perfect read for anyone who’s ever wanted to quit their job, change their life, and maybe fall in love with a sad man in corduroy.
Thank you to Harper Muse and NetGalley for early access to this heartfelt re-release.
Bonnie is stuck in a marriage so bad it feels like a villain origin story, and she works in a shop where the only antique is her will to live. Enter The Pot of Gold, an antique shop that’s more financially cursed than charming, run by Lewis Harley, a man who said “burn it all down” after a heart attack and meant it. He's recovering from capitalism, bless him. The two meet and you immediately know this is a "we are both too tired for nonsense but accidentally fell in love over some vintage cufflinks" situation. It’s delicious.
This book is sneaky. It seems like a cozy romcom about antiques but then suddenly it’s like, oh, surprise. Here’s an emotional hostage situation disguised as a marriage. Here’s generational grief hiding in the drawer under that glass paperweight. There’s humor (the Daily Trumpet typos? ICONIC) and community (the antique dealers with bonkers nicknames? Obsessed), but also some genuinely dark, raw material that hits hard. Bonnie’s story isn't just about starting over. It's about crawling out from under the wreckage of a life you didn’t realize had buried you.
And Lew? Look. I would risk emotional availability for this man. He’s older, gentle, respectful, and has the audacity to listen to Bonnie. He’s also dealing with a marriage that’s been quietly rotting from the inside and doesn’t even smell like hope anymore. Their dynamic is all slow glances and emotional parallel parking. No insta-love. Just a quiet building of trust and shared heartbreak until they both realize maybe, maybe, they deserve more.
The antique shop setting isn’t just window dressing, either. It’s metaphor city. These two aren’t just dusting off old clocks. They’re restoring themselves. It’s all chipped edges, hidden value, and finding the right person to say, “actually, this is worth saving.” If that doesn’t wreck you a little, check your pulse.
Bonnie’s growth is subtle but satisfying. She's not charging into change with a battle cry, she’s whispering her way out of survival mode, and it makes every small win feel huge. And when her secret finally surfaces? Oof. I actually stopped reading, stared at the wall, and muttered “oh, girl” out loud.
If I’m nitpicking (and I always am), the middle third got a little bogged down in Bonnie’s marital quicksand and I wanted more page time with her and Lew making weird eye contact over dusty Victorian umbrellas. But the payoff? Worth it. The final act is emotional demolition and I was here for every tear-streaked, triumphant second.
Four stars and a big, hopeful sigh. The Queen of Wishful Thinking isn’t flashy, but it gets you. It wraps you in a warm blanket, then lights that blanket on fire and tells you it’s time to leave your emotionally manipulative husband. A perfect read for anyone who’s ever wanted to quit their job, change their life, and maybe fall in love with a sad man in corduroy.
Thank you to Harper Muse and NetGalley for early access to this heartfelt re-release.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
There is something profoundly moving about a story that captures the delicate art of starting over. The Queen of Wishful Thinking is an exquisite exploration of that journey, feeling less like a simple novel and more like a warm invitation into a world of reclaimed treasures and quiet resilience. 🧸🕰️ We are introduced to Bonnie Brookland, a woman whose soul is deeply intertwined with the vibrant, chaotic world of antiques, yet who finds herself standing in a life that has lost its luster. 🥀 Her path crosses with Lewis Harley at his struggling shop, The Pot of Gold. Having abandoned a high-pressure career in investment banking following a health crisis, Lewis represents the weary heart in all of us that yearns for peace and purpose over prestige. ❤️🩹
The connection that blossoms between Bonnie and Lewis is beautifully understated and mature, rooted in a shared understanding of loss and the tentative hope for a second act. 🏹🧡 Watching them navigate the complexities of the struggling business—and their own guarded hearts—is incredibly rewarding. The setting itself acts as a character; I could almost smell the aged wood and wax polish, with the British antique markets rendered in such vivid, charming detail that the atmosphere felt entirely immersive. It is a narrative that honors the "quiet magic" of building a life you truly love, rather than the one you feel obligated to lead. 💭✨
However, the story possesses a compelling depth that balances its warmth, particularly as long-buried secrets begin to surface, challenging the stability they’ve worked so hard to build. 📖 It’s a poignant reminder that while imagining a new life is the first step, the courage to risk everything for it is where the true transformation lies. This novel is a sophisticated, uplifting tribute to second chances and the beauty of finding light after a long season of shadow. It is a truly resonant five-star read for anyone who appreciates a story about the grace found in rediscovering oneself. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The connection that blossoms between Bonnie and Lewis is beautifully understated and mature, rooted in a shared understanding of loss and the tentative hope for a second act. 🏹🧡 Watching them navigate the complexities of the struggling business—and their own guarded hearts—is incredibly rewarding. The setting itself acts as a character; I could almost smell the aged wood and wax polish, with the British antique markets rendered in such vivid, charming detail that the atmosphere felt entirely immersive. It is a narrative that honors the "quiet magic" of building a life you truly love, rather than the one you feel obligated to lead. 💭✨
However, the story possesses a compelling depth that balances its warmth, particularly as long-buried secrets begin to surface, challenging the stability they’ve worked so hard to build. 📖 It’s a poignant reminder that while imagining a new life is the first step, the courage to risk everything for it is where the true transformation lies. This novel is a sophisticated, uplifting tribute to second chances and the beauty of finding light after a long season of shadow. It is a truly resonant five-star read for anyone who appreciates a story about the grace found in rediscovering oneself. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review of advance copy
I would have liked this book if I was better prepared for it's storyline and overall premise. From the jump this was marketed as a romance, and even the abstract made it feel like it would be a rom-com. However, I would say this falls into a lit fic/women's fic category.
There are many topics, such as domestic violence (on-page), assisted suicide (on-page), miscarriage/abortion (off-page, but heavily discussed) that I feel should have been included in a trigger warning/preface. The marketing, abstract, and cover do not match the inside - this lead me to be blindsided by numerous heavy topics that I was not mentally prepared for.
I loved both of the main characters, Bonnie and Lew, but their romance (?) felt like a strange addition to all the other things happening in this story. I am so, so happy they get a HEA...but it felt so displaced compared to the rest of the plot. Their friendship was very well showcased, but the romance was more "tell don't show".
The writing is lovely, and the atmosphere of the antique shop, found family, and Bonnie's home on Rainbow Road gave so much sunlight to the book.
In juxtaposition, the above mentioned darker elements felt like whiplash as I turned each page. There were also some out-of-date terms, sentiments and verbiage that took me out of the story - it was jarring for the book to have such a strong, incredible FMC, only to also have misogynistic intonations being laced into conversations and characters.
I do feel this story is raw, honest to real life, and does showcase resilience throughout incredibly hard times. I just wish the abstract and marketing had been more honest to what was truly in it's pages.
Thank you so much to BookSparks for an ARC of this book - all thoughts are my own.
There are many topics, such as domestic violence (on-page), assisted suicide (on-page), miscarriage/abortion (off-page, but heavily discussed) that I feel should have been included in a trigger warning/preface. The marketing, abstract, and cover do not match the inside - this lead me to be blindsided by numerous heavy topics that I was not mentally prepared for.
I loved both of the main characters, Bonnie and Lew, but their romance (?) felt like a strange addition to all the other things happening in this story. I am so, so happy they get a HEA...but it felt so displaced compared to the rest of the plot. Their friendship was very well showcased, but the romance was more "tell don't show".
The writing is lovely, and the atmosphere of the antique shop, found family, and Bonnie's home on Rainbow Road gave so much sunlight to the book.
In juxtaposition, the above mentioned darker elements felt like whiplash as I turned each page. There were also some out-of-date terms, sentiments and verbiage that took me out of the story - it was jarring for the book to have such a strong, incredible FMC, only to also have misogynistic intonations being laced into conversations and characters.
I do feel this story is raw, honest to real life, and does showcase resilience throughout incredibly hard times. I just wish the abstract and marketing had been more honest to what was truly in it's pages.
Thank you so much to BookSparks for an ARC of this book - all thoughts are my own.
February 23, 2026
2.5 ⭐
Honestly, I almost DNFed the book but I wanted to see where it would lead...and I don't know how to skim a book so I read it all 😂
This was different from what I'm used to reading or maybe what I was in the mood for. I expected romance (I'm quite enjoying romcoms at the moment) but the romance between the main characters wasn't exactly the main plot point... probably because they had things to resolve. But the book felt slow and the plot overcomplicated.
The story got layers of complication a little bit late in the game. It was like it transformed into a dramatic romance (tv) film.
I felt like there was more drama than necessary, for both of the main characters... It served the last sentence of the book, though.
The story is told by a somewhat omniscient narrator but it confused me when we infiltrated the mind of other characters halfway through the book. So far, we had only known the inner workings of the main characters. But at that point, the story line was getting more "complicated" so maybe that's why it puzzled me.
The setting and characters' love for antiques made me want to read the book.
The characters were interesting.
The prose was nice to read.
You'll like it if you want main characters that are over 40, if you want some drama... and care more about the story and the intensity of the story rather than the intensity of emotions and the romantic relationship between the main characters.
(You guessed it, I prefer the latter or both.)
I received an eARC of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher and author for trusting me with this story.
Honestly, I almost DNFed the book but I wanted to see where it would lead...and I don't know how to skim a book so I read it all 😂
This was different from what I'm used to reading or maybe what I was in the mood for. I expected romance (I'm quite enjoying romcoms at the moment) but the romance between the main characters wasn't exactly the main plot point... probably because they had things to resolve. But the book felt slow and the plot overcomplicated.
The story got layers of complication a little bit late in the game. It was like it transformed into a dramatic romance (tv) film.
I felt like there was more drama than necessary, for both of the main characters... It served the last sentence of the book, though.
The story is told by a somewhat omniscient narrator but it confused me when we infiltrated the mind of other characters halfway through the book. So far, we had only known the inner workings of the main characters. But at that point, the story line was getting more "complicated" so maybe that's why it puzzled me.
The setting and characters' love for antiques made me want to read the book.
The characters were interesting.
The prose was nice to read.
You'll like it if you want main characters that are over 40, if you want some drama... and care more about the story and the intensity of the story rather than the intensity of emotions and the romantic relationship between the main characters.
(You guessed it, I prefer the latter or both.)
I received an eARC of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher and author for trusting me with this story.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an advance copy of The Queen of Wishful Thinking via NetGalley from Harper Muse in exchange for my honest review.
This story was a wonderful blend of emotion, humor, found family, and romance. It touches on deeper, sometimes sad themes, but balances them beautifully with warmth, hope, and genuinely endearing moments.
I found myself rooting for Bonnie from the very beginning. Watching her slowly find her footing, build friendships, and begin to believe in herself was incredibly satisfying. The supporting cast was also a highlight, and even the antagonistic characters were well written.
The world of antiques brought such a cozy, nostalgic charm to the book. Stepping into that setting, meeting the various dealers, and getting to know their personalities gave the story a comforting, almost sentimental feel that I really loved.
The romance between Bonnie and Lewis was thoughtfully paced and well done. It allowed space for Bonnie’s personal growth, making the relationship feel earned rather than rushed. Seeing her blossom on her own made the romantic arc even more rewarding.
Overall, The Queen of Wishful Thinking is a heartfelt, hopeful story about starting over, finding connection, and discovering your own strength. A cozy and emotional read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
This story was a wonderful blend of emotion, humor, found family, and romance. It touches on deeper, sometimes sad themes, but balances them beautifully with warmth, hope, and genuinely endearing moments.
I found myself rooting for Bonnie from the very beginning. Watching her slowly find her footing, build friendships, and begin to believe in herself was incredibly satisfying. The supporting cast was also a highlight, and even the antagonistic characters were well written.
The world of antiques brought such a cozy, nostalgic charm to the book. Stepping into that setting, meeting the various dealers, and getting to know their personalities gave the story a comforting, almost sentimental feel that I really loved.
The romance between Bonnie and Lewis was thoughtfully paced and well done. It allowed space for Bonnie’s personal growth, making the relationship feel earned rather than rushed. Seeing her blossom on her own made the romantic arc even more rewarding.
Overall, The Queen of Wishful Thinking is a heartfelt, hopeful story about starting over, finding connection, and discovering your own strength. A cozy and emotional read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
February 8, 2026
The Queen of Wishful Thinking by Milly Johnson is wonderful read about second chances, wishful thinking, dreams coming true, and romance. I absolutely loved the cast of characters. Bonnie's previous romantic relationship guy and her former boss were real pieces of work. Neither one supported Bonnie doing what she loved and what she was good at doing. Bonnie had a charm and way with people that nobody else had. She was honest, real, and knowledgeable. Once fired, she finds a new job, a new friend, and possibly her new happily ever after. Lew has a heart attack and is given another chance to fulfill his dream of owning his own antique shop where Bonnie comes to work for him. He is not as knowledgeable as her and appreciates her knowledge, passion, and honesty. Together they succeed in work, make friends, and fall deeply in love. This book was so perfect both emotionally and through the characters. I enjoyed following their stories and was happy with the way things ended. I look forward to reading more books by this talented writer, Milly Johnson, in the future. If you love contemporary, charming, romantic yet realistic tales then, this novel is definitely one to read!
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
December 22, 2025
This story has a theme about enjoying the simple pleasures in life and reaching for your dreams. The main characters are very sweet but are both in terrible marriages to other people. As the story opens Lewis has quit his high stress job as an investment banker in the city to open an antique store in his small town. Bonnie comes to apply for a job after being let go from another antique store (her boss was awful). She starts to work for Lewis and together they build his business, leasing space to many quirky and fun characters. Bonnie wants to leave her horrible husband, but he is emotionally blackmailing her and so it’s a challenge. Lewis is trying to keep his marriage together but it’s not going well and he longs for children (and a dog:) The story has humor and a sweet romance but it’s not all light and cheery. It has some heartbreaking, darker parts, but I was moved by the story and was wishing I could see more of Bonnie and Lew at the end. 4 ½ stars. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thanks to the author, Harper Muse and NetGalley for the complimentary copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a delightful book about second chances and following your dreams.
Both Bonnie and Lew were very likeable characters; Bonnie having been brought up in the Antiques trade and fired from her unscrupulous boss, finds a job at the newest Antiques shop in town run by Lew, who wanted a slower pace of life, after nearly dying as a result of his high-flying previous career.
I also really enjoyed all the traders that we meet, and how they are a family unit, and a force to be reckoned with. We see this especially towards the end of the book, where hilarity ensues.
Bonnie has been keeping a secret for many years, and we see how her estranged husband Stephen has been manipulating her for much longer. Throughout the course of the book, we see this secret unravel, and the lengths Stephen has gone to in order to maintain control over her. However, it was an important and quite emotive topic to cover, and I really enjoyed how it played out.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 3, 2026
Bonnie Brookland has always felt most at home among antiques and market stalls, but her once-colorful world has dulled. When she discovers The Pot of Gold, a struggling antique shop tucked away in a quiet British town, she’s drawn to it instantly and to its owner, Lewis Harley. Lew has left behind a high-pressure career after a health scare, hoping the shop would bring him peace and purpose. Instead, he’s facing failure until Bonnie walks through the door and changes everything.
What follows is a tender, slow-burn connection between two people standing at crossroads in their lives. I loved the cosy setting, which had a great sense of community. Bonnie and Lew are both flawed, believable characters, and their journey toward rediscovering themselves feels earned rather than rushed. The story did take me some time to settle into, and some of the revelations I anticipated. Overall, a great read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
What follows is a tender, slow-burn connection between two people standing at crossroads in their lives. I loved the cosy setting, which had a great sense of community. Bonnie and Lew are both flawed, believable characters, and their journey toward rediscovering themselves feels earned rather than rushed. The story did take me some time to settle into, and some of the revelations I anticipated. Overall, a great read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 11, 2026
This book really surprised me— based on the blurb and the cover, I went in expecting more of a romcom, maybe with some Beauty and the Beast vibes, and this was decidedly not that. However, I still loved it! Bonnie and Lew were so believably human characters— both so sweet and lovable, yet realistically and relatably stuck in lives that weren’t what they expected (or deserved). Bonnie’s story had me on the edge of my seat, agonizing for her to be okay by the end; Lew’s story had me angry on his behalf at every turn. Both deal with real, raw issues and are handled with insightful deftness and storytelling satisfaction. I also loved the entire crew of the antiques dealers— if only we all could have such a community in our corners! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
February 17, 2026
Bonnie Brookland is an expert on antiques due to her long-time employment and her father’s shop. However, her beloved dad and his business partner have passed, leaving the shop to a disinterested and vengeful new owner. Lewis, a one-time investment banker, experiences a health scare that makes him determined to change his life by trading his executive status for his dream of opening a shop, The Pot of Gold.
Soon, Bonnie’s and Lew’s paths cross and they begin working together to make the shop a success. With a delightful cast of characters, The Queen of Wishful Thinking blends found family, secrets and second chances in a story that is heartfelt and full of hope.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.
Soon, Bonnie’s and Lew’s paths cross and they begin working together to make the shop a success. With a delightful cast of characters, The Queen of Wishful Thinking blends found family, secrets and second chances in a story that is heartfelt and full of hope.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.
February 4, 2026
Loved it! My first book by Milly Johnson and I'm already a fan! What a wonderful, warm person she must be to have written this utterly charming tale. Despite the dark themes, the story is more healing than painful because the emphasis is on love, resilience, and second chances. The story is well-written and has colorful characters, leads you can't help rooting for, relatable issues, a community you'd wish to be part of, and loads of warmth and wisdom. And as with all cozy books, the ending is deeply satisfying. What a delightful book! Definitely recommend.
I thank Netgalley and the publishers for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I thank Netgalley and the publishers for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2026
Bonnie has been surrounded by antiques her whole life, her father ran a shop and she always worked in it. But after he dies and the store is passed to the other shop owner’s son, it is no longer the refuge it once was. After being fired, Bonnie finds Pot of Gold, a new shop, run by Lewis and once again Bonnie finds fulfillment. Lewis, an ex-investment banker has put his heart into his new venture and appreciates Bonnie’s knowledge and sunny attitude. When secrets are unearthed in both of their lives, they have to decide how far they will go for their own happiness.
I grabbed this one because I loved the last book I read by the author (The Accidental Rewrite), I think her books were released in England a while ago and we are just getting caught up here. This was so sweet and heartwarming that it was such a nice escape for me. The British narrator was great and I loved listening to the audiobook so much that I didn’t even mind (that much) when I had to re-bake my son’s birthday cake because I forgot to put in sugar the first time (listening to the book for both preps). I can’t wait to read the rest of her backlist, even if I have to get the books from England.
4.25 stars
I grabbed this one because I loved the last book I read by the author (The Accidental Rewrite), I think her books were released in England a while ago and we are just getting caught up here. This was so sweet and heartwarming that it was such a nice escape for me. The British narrator was great and I loved listening to the audiobook so much that I didn’t even mind (that much) when I had to re-bake my son’s birthday cake because I forgot to put in sugar the first time (listening to the book for both preps). I can’t wait to read the rest of her backlist, even if I have to get the books from England.
4.25 stars
Read
February 26, 2026This is a lovely character driven story about second chances. Bonnie has been around antiques all her life as her father owned an antique shop. After his death she continued to work in antique shops and luckily her path eventually crosses with Lew as he struggles to keep his antique shop alive. Both Lew and Bonnie are also dealing with difficult marriages. These two were lovely, gracious, and warm characters and made the book a joy to read. The secondary characters connected to the antique shop were a lot of fun and helped make the story complete. This book is about second chances, kindness, and friendship and was endearing to read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a really cute book! I loved it! Loved the antiques part of it as well.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 12, 2026
Thank you Libro.Fm for this amazing audiobook. The narrator had the best British accent that put you right in the mood. This book has likeable characters, antiques, a handsome shop owner, romance, and lots of drama. I found myself making time to listen to the book because I liked it so much. You'll find yourself routing for Bonnie and wanting to sucker punch anyone that hurts her. lol Such an enjoyable read!
February 6, 2026
While a little bit of a soap opera, it will have you rooting for the heroine and smiling by the end.
February 6, 2026
What an absolutely adorable, heart warming read. Very quirky and very British lol. But a lovely story about older characters finding love again and finding joy in life.
February 25, 2026
This book, y’all… it’s something special! It made me laugh and brought tears to my eyes, and I remain such a fan of @themillyjohnson 😍
I’m a little bit obsessed with the characters in this book and would like to be friends with everyone described in these pages. (Well, not quite everyone…)
I both listened to and read this one, and the audio narration was absolutely spot-on. I loved hearing the characters come to life and the earnestness of the words, too.
While definitely tackling some tough issues (grief, domestic abuse, deceit), this book is such a precious reminder of the power of love and second chances and people who are there for us unconditionally.
Antiques play a huge role in this story and its settings; are you an antiques lover?
I’m a little bit obsessed with the characters in this book and would like to be friends with everyone described in these pages. (Well, not quite everyone…)
I both listened to and read this one, and the audio narration was absolutely spot-on. I loved hearing the characters come to life and the earnestness of the words, too.
While definitely tackling some tough issues (grief, domestic abuse, deceit), this book is such a precious reminder of the power of love and second chances and people who are there for us unconditionally.
Antiques play a huge role in this story and its settings; are you an antiques lover?
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