120 Seconds

by Jill Foxley

The main protagonist Alice grows up in a village where the scent of roses and the songs of blackbirds mark her childhood While she spent her childhood in the quiet charm of rural life she could have spent her remaining years with heartbreak and single motherhood
This story traces the arc of a life lived boldly and painfully through marriage motherhood betrayal and breakdown Alice's marriage collapses when expectations turn into disappointments and emotional abuse but she finds her way with the strength of her children and a new kind of freedom
With this storyline Jill Foxley delivers an emotionally rich and deep personal story that brings out the authenticity heartbreak and humour This book is more than a memoir its a testament to the courage it takes to start over and the fragile power of the moments that define us

270 pages, Paperback

Published November 27, 2025

About the author

Originally from rural Essex, award winning garden ‎designer and landscaper, Jill Foxley, has been creating ‎gardens for over thirty years. In 2012 she moved to an ‎even more rural corner deep in southwest France, ‎along with husband, Simon, and their two dogs, Ruby ‎and Arnie. Along with helping to renovate their ‎dilapidated farmhouse, she now spends more time in ‎her own garden, but continues to design for others ‎too. Since relocating, she has written blogs and several ‎pieces for local newspapers. Her passion is listening to ‎people's stories - everyone has a tale to tell.‎

Reviews

[Paula L · Rating 4 out of 5]

120 Seconds begins when Alice was a child (1960s) and goes right up to present day. When reading Alice's story, I felt I was right by her side, every step of the way. I celebrated her highs and embraced her during the lows. I couldn't tell if it was fact or fiction or a perfect blend between the two. There were times when the author has to skim through years to continue with the pertinent aspects and whilst you read these sections quickly, you don't feel like it is being rushed. A really enjoyable read and I am looking forward to the author's second book.

[Melanie Nimmo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I strongly recommend this outstanding book by Jill Foxley. From beginning to end, the novel engages readers with its compelling narrative, effectively balancing elements of sadness, courage, emotional depth, and moments of laugh out loud humour. A totally moving story, beautifully written and had me hooked from page 1.

[Deborah Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved and was very moved by Jill Foxley’s first novel. I was familiar with her writing having joyously followed a brilliant descriptive, frank and hilarious blog about life in rural France she used to publish, and was very excited to hear she had written a whole book!
I am the of the same vintage as Alice and enjoyed the familiarity of the eras about which Jill writes, and the music she chooses to complement the chapters and stir memories of the contents within.
The book is beautifully written. I love the evocative descriptions of the countryside both in England and France and the beautiful gardens Alice creates and tends.
Alice’s journey is tough, troubling, traumatic, inspiring, joyous, and romantic in equal measures. I felt physically exhausted as she and Ed shifted those stones at the French Chateau to plant the trees and created their Hampton Court Gardens, devastated for her at the loss of her Caroline, and I empathised with her teenage rebellion which led to unwise decisions as I had a very a similar childhood and teenage mindset myself. But these decisions turn out to be very much part of her journey and perhaps build the self reliance that enables her to achieve so much later in the book.
I love admire and respect strong feisty women and Alice fits that description to a tee. Her sense of humour and sheer grit gets her through the best and worst of times and leaves me the reader inspired to make more of my advancing but still potentially active years.

[Gina Castellaneta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers a deeply personal and engaging look into the life of a woman navigating the complexities of her journey. Through a series of highs and lows, the story captures the emotional depth of real-life experiences—moments of joy, struggle, resilience, and growth are all woven together in a way that feels both authentic and relatable.

What stands out most is the honesty in the storytelling. The narrative doesn’t shy away from difficult moments, instead embracing them as essential parts of the protagonist’s evolution. This creates a strong emotional connection, allowing readers to see reflections of their own challenges and triumphs within the pages.

The pacing keeps the reader invested, gradually building toward a conclusion that is unexpected. The ending, in particular, adds a powerful final layer to the story, leaving a lasting impression.

Overall, this is a compelling and heartfelt read that explores the intricacies of life with sincerity and depth.

[Basia Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rollicking good read, pinpointing the twists and turns of a life that has rejected the comfortable certainties of an upper-class background in the Home Counties.
Alice leaves her abusive husband and, after setting up an award-winning landscaping business, she heads to pastures new in South West France with her soulmate, Ed. There, the new life in the sun that they envisage presents new unforeseen challenges with a 'deus ex machina' ending.
Jill Foxley has delved into her own life, lending the story an authentic ring of a woman shaping life on her own terms with resourcefulness and courage.

[Miteya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This memoir beautifully traces Alice’s transformation through love, betrayal, and self discovery. Foxley writes with clarity and vulnerability, allowing readers to witness the slow collapse of a marriage shaped by unmet expectations and emotional strain. I appreciated how the rural childhood imagery contrasts sharply with later struggles, emphasizing growth and loss. The emotional pacing felt natural, and the children’s presence added warmth to painful moments. A strong review should mention themes, writing quality, emotional resonance, and personal reflection. For me, the strongest theme was courage the bravery required to leave, rebuild, and redefine freedom on one’s own terms.