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Sunshine Over Wildflower Cottage
Alice doesn't like animals. Not after have been bitten by a dog as a child. And the feeling is mutual: animals seem to hate Alice too.
Determined to change this, Alice applies for a job at Motley Hall, a tumbledown animal sanctuary in the Pennines which caters for a variety of unloved animals: a psychotic cat, a three-legged donkey, a prickle-less hedgehog, tame foxes and even an agoraphobic owl.
Just as she starts to feels as though she belongs, everything is turned upside down. The original owners of the land decide they want to destroy Motley Hall and build cheap housing on it. Can Alice stop them before it's too late?
The story of a woman finding her own place to call home and a new family, even if one of them is a three-legged donkey.
Determined to change this, Alice applies for a job at Motley Hall, a tumbledown animal sanctuary in the Pennines which caters for a variety of unloved animals: a psychotic cat, a three-legged donkey, a prickle-less hedgehog, tame foxes and even an agoraphobic owl.
Just as she starts to feels as though she belongs, everything is turned upside down. The original owners of the land decide they want to destroy Motley Hall and build cheap housing on it. Can Alice stop them before it's too late?
The story of a woman finding her own place to call home and a new family, even if one of them is a three-legged donkey.
493 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 16, 2016
249 people are currently reading
1560 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 243 reviews
October 30, 2017
I picked up this book expecting a light chick lit read. Being a person who loves owls I was immediately hooked when Viv arrives at The Wildflower Cottage Sanctuary for Animals where she encounters Piccolo, an owl. Later Viv meets a couple more owls and especially the white owl Ursula who seems to dislike everyone. Since she is not really an animal lover and is frightened of birds, Viv decides coming here was not such a wise move. But then she has an ulterior motive in coming to Ironmist and taking work in the office of the Animal Sanctuary.
This is an easy read with a range of likeable characters and a few decidedly unlikeable. A well as Viv there are Geraldine and Heath at the sanctuary. Back home, where Viv grew up with single parent Stel, are Viv’s mother and her group of long-time friends who call themselves The Old Spice Girls. What a group of interesting characters they are! Although the book starts like a feel good, light read, along the way there are some deeper issues covered, including domestic violence. I liked the way Viv used her amazing nose and sense of smell to create perfumes. You could almost smell the scents. That sideline plays an important part in the story.
The characters are complex and the setting with its misty moors and wildflowers is a joy to read about. It is a story of change and growth. I loved Ursula the white owl and the change she brings about. There is friendship and romance but also betrayal and the folly of choices that have long lasting repercussions. I really enjoyed this book with its interesting cast of characters both human and animal.
This is an easy read with a range of likeable characters and a few decidedly unlikeable. A well as Viv there are Geraldine and Heath at the sanctuary. Back home, where Viv grew up with single parent Stel, are Viv’s mother and her group of long-time friends who call themselves The Old Spice Girls. What a group of interesting characters they are! Although the book starts like a feel good, light read, along the way there are some deeper issues covered, including domestic violence. I liked the way Viv used her amazing nose and sense of smell to create perfumes. You could almost smell the scents. That sideline plays an important part in the story.
The characters are complex and the setting with its misty moors and wildflowers is a joy to read about. It is a story of change and growth. I loved Ursula the white owl and the change she brings about. There is friendship and romance but also betrayal and the folly of choices that have long lasting repercussions. I really enjoyed this book with its interesting cast of characters both human and animal.
July 11, 2016
4.5 stars
I’m a big fan of Milly Johnson, I look forward to the arrival of a new book from her every year and she never lets me down! Sunshine Over Wildflower Cottage is an absolute pleasure to read, as always Milly’s writing is full of warmth, love and humour and sweeps you away to a place that you never want to leave.
The book follows a young woman called Viv who takes on an admin job at Wildflower Cottage – a home for mistreated animals and birds of prey. Despite the beautiful animals and gorgeous countryside setting, Viv is here for more than just a new job. As kindly Geraldine and grumpy vet Heath take Viv into their hearts as well as their home, can Viv bare to tell them the real reason as to why she’s here?
Back at home, Viv’s mum Stel is missing her daughter terribly but manages to get by with the support of her friends the Old Spice Girls who meet every week to put the world to rights. When Stel gets together with a guy from her work she quickly finds herself in a whirlwind relationship but is Ian all he seems to be?
One of my favourite things about Milly Johnson’s books is that her characters feel like the women that I know and love in my own life making them so easy to root for. We meet and hear from lots of different characters in this book and each of them has their own unique story. I’m always in awe of how Milly ties each characters story into the overall plot so that by the end of the book all of the little jigsaw pieces fall into place nicely creating a bigger picture.
Stel’s chapters were my favourite to read. They’re so cleverly written and show how misleading appearances can be. I also loved the Old Spice Girls and their weekly meetings, their friendship and support of one another was so lovely to read.
Sunshine Over Wildflower Cottage is without doubt one of Milly Johnson’s best books to date. It’s a beautiful story of strength, new beginnings and friendship with an unexpected sprinkling of magic and mystery. Milly Johnson manages to make the world a little bit sunnier with her books and I’d recommend this to any reader looking for a heart-warming summer read.
I’m a big fan of Milly Johnson, I look forward to the arrival of a new book from her every year and she never lets me down! Sunshine Over Wildflower Cottage is an absolute pleasure to read, as always Milly’s writing is full of warmth, love and humour and sweeps you away to a place that you never want to leave.
The book follows a young woman called Viv who takes on an admin job at Wildflower Cottage – a home for mistreated animals and birds of prey. Despite the beautiful animals and gorgeous countryside setting, Viv is here for more than just a new job. As kindly Geraldine and grumpy vet Heath take Viv into their hearts as well as their home, can Viv bare to tell them the real reason as to why she’s here?
Back at home, Viv’s mum Stel is missing her daughter terribly but manages to get by with the support of her friends the Old Spice Girls who meet every week to put the world to rights. When Stel gets together with a guy from her work she quickly finds herself in a whirlwind relationship but is Ian all he seems to be?
One of my favourite things about Milly Johnson’s books is that her characters feel like the women that I know and love in my own life making them so easy to root for. We meet and hear from lots of different characters in this book and each of them has their own unique story. I’m always in awe of how Milly ties each characters story into the overall plot so that by the end of the book all of the little jigsaw pieces fall into place nicely creating a bigger picture.
Stel’s chapters were my favourite to read. They’re so cleverly written and show how misleading appearances can be. I also loved the Old Spice Girls and their weekly meetings, their friendship and support of one another was so lovely to read.
Sunshine Over Wildflower Cottage is without doubt one of Milly Johnson’s best books to date. It’s a beautiful story of strength, new beginnings and friendship with an unexpected sprinkling of magic and mystery. Milly Johnson manages to make the world a little bit sunnier with her books and I’d recommend this to any reader looking for a heart-warming summer read.
September 23, 2025
**currently re-reading on audible 9/2025. I am so over Stel.
Next day...I honestly can't do this book on audible anymore. As many great things in this book, I just can't with Stel's story. I probably will try to continue on Kindle so I can skip over her mess. Also, the part about the poor little bunny came up on my way home yesterday. Nope. Not today. Also reducing my rating to 4 stars, reserving the right to change back to 5 when I read the others' stories again.
I really enjoyed the story of Viv and the mystery of why she was at Wildflower Cottage very much. The story is split between young Viv's life and her friends at the small animal shelter, and her Mother, Stel, at home. There are also the stories of Stel's friends, "The Old Spice Girls," Caro, Lynn, Iris, and Gaynor.
Stel is the designated dumb doormat in this one. Although a wonderful mother and generous, warm hearted person, She is needy and babyish when it comes to her daughter and especially men. Her entanglement with an evil abuser is totally avoidable every step of the way, so I didn't have much sympathy for her.
Next day...I honestly can't do this book on audible anymore. As many great things in this book, I just can't with Stel's story. I probably will try to continue on Kindle so I can skip over her mess. Also, the part about the poor little bunny came up on my way home yesterday. Nope. Not today. Also reducing my rating to 4 stars, reserving the right to change back to 5 when I read the others' stories again.
Geraldine seemed entranced by the moths, their wings flittering against the hot glass, drawn by the brightness which would burn them, yet they came back for more. ‘Look, they’re being hurt and can’t pull away. Pain becomes their oxygen.’
I really enjoyed the story of Viv and the mystery of why she was at Wildflower Cottage very much. The story is split between young Viv's life and her friends at the small animal shelter, and her Mother, Stel, at home. There are also the stories of Stel's friends, "The Old Spice Girls," Caro, Lynn, Iris, and Gaynor.
Stel is the designated dumb doormat in this one. Although a wonderful mother and generous, warm hearted person, She is needy and babyish when it comes to her daughter and especially men. Her entanglement with an evil abuser is totally avoidable every step of the way, so I didn't have much sympathy for her.
‘My mum is lovely,’ said Viv. ‘But where men are concerned, she has no sense at all. Luckily, she isn’t quite at the stage where she’s writing to serial killers in prison, though.’ She smiled and Geraldine chuckled softly. ‘She wants to be loved so much and so she believes everything men tell her, but she couldn’t spot a nice man if he had “nice man” tattooed on his face.’Because of that though, her story did not frustrate or cause me anxiety (much.) Gaynor was a bitter mean person pretty much all the way through, but I loved Lynn and Iris's cheer-worthy tale, and Caro was awesome. It wasn't one of Milly's more hilarious novels, but I loved what humor there was. It kept me engaged and turning the pages eagerly anticipating the happy endings. **4 1/2**
August 18, 2025
After a third reading, I really enjoyed this book. Yes, it's much darker than Johnson's other books but it still has her signature heartwarming stories, great characters, romance, and, of course, a satisfying ending. I didn't like it the first time I read it, gave it 3 stars the second, and have now bumped it up to 3.5 stars.
April 26, 2020
The book is for women that need (and look for in a book)
a top note of fun and laughter, a middle note of acceptance and warmth, and a long-lasting base note of support and love
. And the truth is that all of Johnson's novels give me that.
We had here a group of middle-aged women plus one younger couple. There was friendship, love, searching for answers, fears, needs... And animals. [And hero as a vet - I can only sigh.]
Simply another guide for women - written in the best way.
I adore Milly Johnson.
We had here a group of middle-aged women plus one younger couple. There was friendship, love, searching for answers, fears, needs... And animals. [And hero as a vet - I can only sigh.]
Simply another guide for women - written in the best way.
I adore Milly Johnson.
August 20, 2022
Another fab read by Milly Johnson.
Review to follow once the other lovely ladies have finished.
Review to follow once the other lovely ladies have finished.
February 10, 2017
4.5 Stars
Another incredibly brilliant story, from the always talented Milly Johnson. This is such a touching story, and I loved how within the first chapter we had been introduced to the whole menagerie at the Wildflower Cottage wildlife sanctuary.
What confused me slightly more then being introduced to Viv's mum Stel and her whole friendship group in the very next chapter, which felt quite early on like information overload. It took me a while before I came to embrace the chapters that involved Stel and her friends, and their assorted life problems,
Stel is a romantic and easily trusts men, and she is completely convinced this time she may have met the man of her dreams. However from my point of view there were red flags popping up really early and I wished I could reach into the book to try and tell Stel what I was seeing.
I loved Wildflower Cottage from the start, and Viv's employment there seems a bit odd to start with given she is scared of most animals. There was clearly an ulterior motive for her getting the job, and although I had some half hearted ideas, all I will say is it was refreshing that her true reasoning only fully became apparent at the point she needed to reveal it herself. If you are anything like me, then you will be a bit shocked.
That wasn't the only shocking thing in the book which meant the last perhaps 150 pages were the easiest to read of all, as I was drawn into the action that was unveiling, I couldn't put it down. I felt as though I was there alongside the characters, which by that stage I had grown to love.
There is far more going in Sunshine Over Wildflower Cottage and I have a feeling I may need to re-read this book just to work out if I missed any vital clues, or to pay more attention on Stel's friends, as it turns out some of the sideline stories were quite interesting too, but because I wasn't really sure about them at the start of the book, I never quite felt connected to the group.
Thoroughly enjoyable story from one of my must read authors, written in Milly Johnson's clear concise style and it kept me guessing throughout.
Another incredibly brilliant story, from the always talented Milly Johnson. This is such a touching story, and I loved how within the first chapter we had been introduced to the whole menagerie at the Wildflower Cottage wildlife sanctuary.
What confused me slightly more then being introduced to Viv's mum Stel and her whole friendship group in the very next chapter, which felt quite early on like information overload. It took me a while before I came to embrace the chapters that involved Stel and her friends, and their assorted life problems,
Stel is a romantic and easily trusts men, and she is completely convinced this time she may have met the man of her dreams. However from my point of view there were red flags popping up really early and I wished I could reach into the book to try and tell Stel what I was seeing.
I loved Wildflower Cottage from the start, and Viv's employment there seems a bit odd to start with given she is scared of most animals. There was clearly an ulterior motive for her getting the job, and although I had some half hearted ideas, all I will say is it was refreshing that her true reasoning only fully became apparent at the point she needed to reveal it herself. If you are anything like me, then you will be a bit shocked.
That wasn't the only shocking thing in the book which meant the last perhaps 150 pages were the easiest to read of all, as I was drawn into the action that was unveiling, I couldn't put it down. I felt as though I was there alongside the characters, which by that stage I had grown to love.
There is far more going in Sunshine Over Wildflower Cottage and I have a feeling I may need to re-read this book just to work out if I missed any vital clues, or to pay more attention on Stel's friends, as it turns out some of the sideline stories were quite interesting too, but because I wasn't really sure about them at the start of the book, I never quite felt connected to the group.
Thoroughly enjoyable story from one of my must read authors, written in Milly Johnson's clear concise style and it kept me guessing throughout.
December 28, 2016
This is, of course, not a literary novel but a popular novel... Does that genre still exist? Milly Johnson's books all seem to be tagged as "chick-lit" although I prefer the term of "women's fiction".
It is definitely plot-driven, and the ending is romantic (and predictable), but in between it is indubitably feel-good fiction, and that is why I enjoy her books so much at certain times when I just can't get my head around more profound literature. Like Christmas time!
As with all of her plots, the baddies will be sinister, manipulative and threatening, and deserving of their eventual comeuppance, just as the goodies will always be amply rewarded for their kindness and true worth. Yet Ms Johnson manages to write such remarkably varied stories around this conventional formula, with moments of humour and multiple twists and turns that leave you feeling ultimately gratified and content.
The characters (rather numerous!) mostly feel like real people with real flaws and real problems and, if you can stomach the predictability and the two gigantic coincidences incorporated into the story, I would recommend this to anyone who needs an easy read or cheering up.
P.S. I have just noticed that many of my favourite singers/writers/actors/TV series come from Yorkshire... the Brontë sisters, Joe Cocker, Sally Wainwright, Alan Bennet, Judi Dench, Sarah Lancashire, Milly Johnson, DCI Banks, Downton Abbey, Dalziel & Pascoe, A Touch of Frost etc etc. What a remarkable place it must be! I must put it on my travel bucket list!
It is definitely plot-driven, and the ending is romantic (and predictable), but in between it is indubitably feel-good fiction, and that is why I enjoy her books so much at certain times when I just can't get my head around more profound literature. Like Christmas time!
As with all of her plots, the baddies will be sinister, manipulative and threatening, and deserving of their eventual comeuppance, just as the goodies will always be amply rewarded for their kindness and true worth. Yet Ms Johnson manages to write such remarkably varied stories around this conventional formula, with moments of humour and multiple twists and turns that leave you feeling ultimately gratified and content.
The characters (rather numerous!) mostly feel like real people with real flaws and real problems and, if you can stomach the predictability and the two gigantic coincidences incorporated into the story, I would recommend this to anyone who needs an easy read or cheering up.
P.S. I have just noticed that many of my favourite singers/writers/actors/TV series come from Yorkshire... the Brontë sisters, Joe Cocker, Sally Wainwright, Alan Bennet, Judi Dench, Sarah Lancashire, Milly Johnson, DCI Banks, Downton Abbey, Dalziel & Pascoe, A Touch of Frost etc etc. What a remarkable place it must be! I must put it on my travel bucket list!
July 26, 2018
this is m first time m doing a review in goodreads 😍
i really felt in love with Melly style 💜 and enjoyed reading this book soooo much
everything was perfect the characteristics , the place , the theme , the description 😍🌻
i wished if there were no end for the story
it is abt a girl colled Viv who is working on the wildflower cottage a tumbledown animal sunctuary , but her aim wasn't the Job but smth else that really chocked me 😱
her mom Stel and her friends each one has her story ,prblms but things will go all right at the end with each one
for Stel she isn't lucky in love but she found a man.thinking his the one but he is not .......... i really don't want to talk abt it more u have to read it cz non will understand m words or how m feeling
i really felt in love with Melly style 💜 and enjoyed reading this book soooo much
everything was perfect the characteristics , the place , the theme , the description 😍🌻
i wished if there were no end for the story
it is abt a girl colled Viv who is working on the wildflower cottage a tumbledown animal sunctuary , but her aim wasn't the Job but smth else that really chocked me 😱
her mom Stel and her friends each one has her story ,prblms but things will go all right at the end with each one
for Stel she isn't lucky in love but she found a man.thinking his the one but he is not .......... i really don't want to talk abt it more u have to read it cz non will understand m words or how m feeling
December 19, 2016
3 stars.
I really enjoyed the atmosphere of Wildflower Cottage. Johnson's description was so well-written that the cottage came to life and felt like an actual place. The inhabitants of the town are also very interesting, and though they appeared for only a short moment, they felt just as real and natural.
Viv was really my favorite part of the story. I loved her attitude and confidence, especially when she knew when to step up and be courageous. Her "quirk" was also very interesting, and I love how it was incorporated into the story. Heath, her love interest, was just as interesting, but I wish there had been more screen time between him and Viv.
And that was one of the problems I had with this novel. Because of the vast amount of characters, the focus of the novel shifted a lot. While I had no qualms with the multiple points of view, I didn't like how it kept jumping around. I found myself craving Viv's POV continuously, and I would quickly read through the other POVs in order to get to hers again. Johnson had several conflicts going about in this novel, and I understand that she did that to make the characters feel real and to show the obstacles each character had to surpass.
Yet it pained me to read through Stel's POV. While I understood what she was going through, I felt sick while reading because of her personality. She literally had no backbone or guts. I don't blame her for what had happened to her, in fact, no one deserves to go through what she did. But I wished that she had fought back or told her friends. What's the point of a support group if you don't go to them? Because this is chick-lit, I was glad that everything did turn out alright for her. But if this was real life? Well, she wouldn't be so goddamn lucky.
I also didn't care much for Gaynor's POV. I can see that Johnson is trying to show us that not every character is perfect and has their flaws. But you see, I rather read about the lovely Viv and her growing relationship with Heath, than bitchy, inferiority-complexed Gaynor. If it weren't for these extra POVs, I would have really enjoyed the story a lot more. I loved the dynamic and chemistry between Viv and Heath, and I so very wanted to see how they would get to know each other better. Instead, their spotlight was taken away so many times by the other characters.
The mysteries in this novel were pretty predictable, so don't go into this expecting some Sherlock Holmes mystery. However, I did feel like everything was basically being wrapped up in the last 15%, so it was like BAM BAM BAM. I wish the epilogue was longer (and featured Viv and Heath more).
I feel like I need to give a special mention to two characters who surprised me the most. Cora was the most awesome friend I have ever seen, and I wish she had gotten more screen time. Geraldine was equally as amazing, and my heart went out to her when her past was revealed.
A heart-warming story of friendship and girl power, despite some of the dark plot twists.
I really enjoyed the atmosphere of Wildflower Cottage. Johnson's description was so well-written that the cottage came to life and felt like an actual place. The inhabitants of the town are also very interesting, and though they appeared for only a short moment, they felt just as real and natural.
Viv was really my favorite part of the story. I loved her attitude and confidence, especially when she knew when to step up and be courageous. Her "quirk" was also very interesting, and I love how it was incorporated into the story. Heath, her love interest, was just as interesting, but I wish there had been more screen time between him and Viv.
And that was one of the problems I had with this novel. Because of the vast amount of characters, the focus of the novel shifted a lot. While I had no qualms with the multiple points of view, I didn't like how it kept jumping around. I found myself craving Viv's POV continuously, and I would quickly read through the other POVs in order to get to hers again. Johnson had several conflicts going about in this novel, and I understand that she did that to make the characters feel real and to show the obstacles each character had to surpass.
Yet it pained me to read through Stel's POV. While I understood what she was going through, I felt sick while reading because of her personality. She literally had no backbone or guts. I don't blame her for what had happened to her, in fact, no one deserves to go through what she did. But I wished that she had fought back or told her friends. What's the point of a support group if you don't go to them? Because this is chick-lit, I was glad that everything did turn out alright for her. But if this was real life? Well, she wouldn't be so goddamn lucky.
I also didn't care much for Gaynor's POV. I can see that Johnson is trying to show us that not every character is perfect and has their flaws. But you see, I rather read about the lovely Viv and her growing relationship with Heath, than bitchy, inferiority-complexed Gaynor. If it weren't for these extra POVs, I would have really enjoyed the story a lot more. I loved the dynamic and chemistry between Viv and Heath, and I so very wanted to see how they would get to know each other better. Instead, their spotlight was taken away so many times by the other characters.
The mysteries in this novel were pretty predictable, so don't go into this expecting some Sherlock Holmes mystery. However, I did feel like everything was basically being wrapped up in the last 15%, so it was like BAM BAM BAM. I wish the epilogue was longer (and featured Viv and Heath more).
I feel like I need to give a special mention to two characters who surprised me the most. Cora was the most awesome friend I have ever seen, and I wish she had gotten more screen time. Geraldine was equally as amazing, and my heart went out to her when her past was revealed.
A heart-warming story of friendship and girl power, despite some of the dark plot twists.
August 25, 2016
http://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/2016/0...
Milly has a writing style that means it’s easy to get into the plot from the beginning and as with all Milly’s novels there’s a great cast of characters in Sunshine Over Wildflower Cottage. Selfless Viv had me intrigued for pretty much most of the story. From the beginning I had questions about her motives (although because of her character you know they’re not going to hurt anyone but herself). I love it when I don’t work out completely what’s driving a character’s behaviour. I didn’t think she would ever get involved in the care of the animals at the sanctuary but not only are there some humorous moments but plenty of emotions as she takes on more than the admin at Wildflower Cottage. Geraldine’s background also had me intrigued. Despite there being a sense of something hidden by them both, I loved the way their friendship blossomed and the way that Geraldine championed Viv to Heath. Heath is the dark and brooding character we all love. One of the oldest families in Ironmist there’s feud plus emotional baggage along with misunderstandings that causes conflict.
Whilst Viv is away the story also focuses on her mum Stel and her group of friends back home giving us several subplots running through the story. Whilst it’s clear what is happening for some of Stel’s friends, Caro was another character that had me intrigued. And of course I have to mention Ian … I had my suspicions which only grew stronger. When I had worked out one part of the plot the other part merged in beautifully.
I loved both settings and the communities. It was easy to become emotionally attached to everyone. Milly Johnson writes sensitively about social issues and their devastating effects. I don’t want to say too much as it would give the plot away but I was cheering when one character made a stand despite the fear that was provoked by the past.
There’s plenty of tension and conflict – not just with the characters but with the timing of the closure of the animal sanctuary too. Again it was easy to become attached to the animals, Milly brings them to life and I came to love their personalities and even learn something too.
Sunshine Over Wildflower Cottage does have humour (I’m still chuckling at the first time Viv meets Antonio Leighton) and romance. There’s also a sprinkling of magic with the ghost mist and Isme. The feeling of having come through emotionally wrought times to find joy, peace and hope will stay with me for a long time.
Milly has a writing style that means it’s easy to get into the plot from the beginning and as with all Milly’s novels there’s a great cast of characters in Sunshine Over Wildflower Cottage. Selfless Viv had me intrigued for pretty much most of the story. From the beginning I had questions about her motives (although because of her character you know they’re not going to hurt anyone but herself). I love it when I don’t work out completely what’s driving a character’s behaviour. I didn’t think she would ever get involved in the care of the animals at the sanctuary but not only are there some humorous moments but plenty of emotions as she takes on more than the admin at Wildflower Cottage. Geraldine’s background also had me intrigued. Despite there being a sense of something hidden by them both, I loved the way their friendship blossomed and the way that Geraldine championed Viv to Heath. Heath is the dark and brooding character we all love. One of the oldest families in Ironmist there’s feud plus emotional baggage along with misunderstandings that causes conflict.
Whilst Viv is away the story also focuses on her mum Stel and her group of friends back home giving us several subplots running through the story. Whilst it’s clear what is happening for some of Stel’s friends, Caro was another character that had me intrigued. And of course I have to mention Ian … I had my suspicions which only grew stronger. When I had worked out one part of the plot the other part merged in beautifully.
I loved both settings and the communities. It was easy to become emotionally attached to everyone. Milly Johnson writes sensitively about social issues and their devastating effects. I don’t want to say too much as it would give the plot away but I was cheering when one character made a stand despite the fear that was provoked by the past.
There’s plenty of tension and conflict – not just with the characters but with the timing of the closure of the animal sanctuary too. Again it was easy to become attached to the animals, Milly brings them to life and I came to love their personalities and even learn something too.
Sunshine Over Wildflower Cottage does have humour (I’m still chuckling at the first time Viv meets Antonio Leighton) and romance. There’s also a sprinkling of magic with the ghost mist and Isme. The feeling of having come through emotionally wrought times to find joy, peace and hope will stay with me for a long time.
June 11, 2016
Milly really is my favourite author and I always eagerly await her new books. You know that you are guaranteed a wonderful read with a great cast of characters- both human and animal with a huge splash of that Milly humour throughout.
Viv arrives to take up an admin post at Wildflower Cottage which runs an animal sanctuary ,specialising in Birds of Prey. When she reveals that she doesn’t have any experience with animals and is scared to death by the geese- you begin to wonder why she’s taken this job.
The book hints at secrets with many of the characters and troubled times at the sanctuary itself. The Old Spice Girls are a wonderful addition to the story- a group of older women who meet up every Sunday to put the world to rights and share a gossip over cake. Every one of the Old Spice crew is a very entertaining and well drawn character.
The book provides everything- a hint of mystery, romance, relationships and friendships and a beautiful setting. Couldn’t we all imagine living somewhere like Wildflower Cottage with our very own Heath?!
I was so sad to come to the end of this one- as I always am with the latest Milly books. I just wanted to escape further into the pages – and shut out everyday life with the housework calling. I enjoyed a couple of afternoons enjoying reading in the sunshine that may have just extended into the early evening when I should have been cooking the evening meal!
I am so excited about being able to attend the book launch on the 20th and getting the chance to meet Milly and get my book signed. I am so grateful for being part of Team Milly and getting a prepublication book to read. With thanks to both Milly and the team at Simon and Schuster Uk.
I would highly recommend buying this one to take in your holiday suitcase- or even to save for a nice sunny afternoon in the garden like I did. You really lose yourself in the beautiful setting and amongst the wonderfully written pages.
A pure 6 out of 5 star read for me.
Viv arrives to take up an admin post at Wildflower Cottage which runs an animal sanctuary ,specialising in Birds of Prey. When she reveals that she doesn’t have any experience with animals and is scared to death by the geese- you begin to wonder why she’s taken this job.
The book hints at secrets with many of the characters and troubled times at the sanctuary itself. The Old Spice Girls are a wonderful addition to the story- a group of older women who meet up every Sunday to put the world to rights and share a gossip over cake. Every one of the Old Spice crew is a very entertaining and well drawn character.
The book provides everything- a hint of mystery, romance, relationships and friendships and a beautiful setting. Couldn’t we all imagine living somewhere like Wildflower Cottage with our very own Heath?!
I was so sad to come to the end of this one- as I always am with the latest Milly books. I just wanted to escape further into the pages – and shut out everyday life with the housework calling. I enjoyed a couple of afternoons enjoying reading in the sunshine that may have just extended into the early evening when I should have been cooking the evening meal!
I am so excited about being able to attend the book launch on the 20th and getting the chance to meet Milly and get my book signed. I am so grateful for being part of Team Milly and getting a prepublication book to read. With thanks to both Milly and the team at Simon and Schuster Uk.
I would highly recommend buying this one to take in your holiday suitcase- or even to save for a nice sunny afternoon in the garden like I did. You really lose yourself in the beautiful setting and amongst the wonderfully written pages.
A pure 6 out of 5 star read for me.
June 11, 2016
Where do I start? For me, this is Milly's best one yet - and I've read them all! Being an animal lover, this book ticked all the boxes - even if I was distraught a couple of times and sobbing with Viv!
It was an amazingly satisfying read. The main characters, Viv, Geraldine, Heath & Stel (and the Old Spice Girls) all had problems and some were serious. The twists and turns that they all took were wonderful (Caro's scene with Gaynor in the Ladies will live long in my memory - I was in bits). And the less said about a certain male, the better.
There were so many revelations about the people involved that I can't really talk about much without resorting to spoilers. Viv was magnificent! The way she dealt with the hand she'd been given was so courageous - and I was almost cheering out loud at one point!
Milly's research into the birds was detailed and following Viv & Ursula's friendship was truly moving. The descriptions of the valley, the flowers and the mists was so effective, I felt as if I was there....and so wish I could visit!
I think any book that leaves you with a huge smile on your face is a winner ........and this is the champion of those!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It was an amazingly satisfying read. The main characters, Viv, Geraldine, Heath & Stel (and the Old Spice Girls) all had problems and some were serious. The twists and turns that they all took were wonderful (Caro's scene with Gaynor in the Ladies will live long in my memory - I was in bits). And the less said about a certain male, the better.
There were so many revelations about the people involved that I can't really talk about much without resorting to spoilers. Viv was magnificent! The way she dealt with the hand she'd been given was so courageous - and I was almost cheering out loud at one point!
Milly's research into the birds was detailed and following Viv & Ursula's friendship was truly moving. The descriptions of the valley, the flowers and the mists was so effective, I felt as if I was there....and so wish I could visit!
I think any book that leaves you with a huge smile on your face is a winner ........and this is the champion of those!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 5, 2016
Another excellent book by Milly Johnson she never lets you down I got gripped from the first page and had great twists and turned and got you reading more as you wanted to find out what happened. Main character is Viv who decides to apply for a job at wildflower sanctuary and she wants to keep her past a secret but can she secure her future at the same time. Once she gets to wildflower cottage she doesn't like animals and they don't like but can she overcome her fear. She gets friends with the owner and can she save the animal sanctuary. Meanwhile her mum is left at home and thinks she has found the perfect man dies he turn out to be perfect or not. An excellent summer read.
July 9, 2025
4.5⭐️
I was unsure of this book at the start with the talk of owls & hawks (never been keen after a bad experience many many years ago🦉) I must have started the book & read a couple of chapters several times & then stopped. I finally conquered the early chapters and having time to read, I got drawn into the storyline..
Viv Blackbird takes a job at The Wildflower Animal Sanctuary despite not being a lover of animals but it transpires she has an ulterior motive for being in "Ironmist" Also at the Sanctuary are Geraldine & Heath.
Stel Blackbird, Linda, Iris, Gaynor & Caro are the best of friends and meet up every Sunday night at Linda's, They call themselves "The Old Spice Girls"
The storyline flips between Ironmist with Heath, Geraldine & Viv fighting to save the Sanctuary from being demolished and replaced with new homes by the Leightons' and the events that take place with the Old Spice Girls & on a few occasions I wanted to reach out to Stel and intervene, as the warning signs of her new romance became alarming.
This book is so cleverly written by Milly and as always she writes with warmth & passion for all her characters, most are very likeable, some less so! This book is a bit darker than some of Milly's other books and was not at all what I was expecting when I started it. It covers so many topics, friendship, grief and domestic violence to name but a few.
Glad I read it though😊
I was unsure of this book at the start with the talk of owls & hawks (never been keen after a bad experience many many years ago🦉) I must have started the book & read a couple of chapters several times & then stopped. I finally conquered the early chapters and having time to read, I got drawn into the storyline..
Viv Blackbird takes a job at The Wildflower Animal Sanctuary despite not being a lover of animals but it transpires she has an ulterior motive for being in "Ironmist" Also at the Sanctuary are Geraldine & Heath.
Stel Blackbird, Linda, Iris, Gaynor & Caro are the best of friends and meet up every Sunday night at Linda's, They call themselves "The Old Spice Girls"
The storyline flips between Ironmist with Heath, Geraldine & Viv fighting to save the Sanctuary from being demolished and replaced with new homes by the Leightons' and the events that take place with the Old Spice Girls & on a few occasions I wanted to reach out to Stel and intervene, as the warning signs of her new romance became alarming.
This book is so cleverly written by Milly and as always she writes with warmth & passion for all her characters, most are very likeable, some less so! This book is a bit darker than some of Milly's other books and was not at all what I was expecting when I started it. It covers so many topics, friendship, grief and domestic violence to name but a few.
Glad I read it though😊
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2016
This was such a wonderful feel good story about love, loss, friendships, new beginnings with a touch of magic and mystery. From the first sight of the sunny, gorgeous illustrations on the cover of this novel you can expect an equally delightful read. I have thoroughly enjoyed all of Milly’s previous books and this book was just as good, if not better, than her others.
The story is set around the idyllic Wildflower Cottage which is nestled in a valley in the Yorkshire Moors surrounded by the beautiful, delicate blue love-in-a-mist flowers. The cottage is the heart and soul of the animal sanctuary owned by Heath Merlo, a local vet and helpfully run by Geraldine. When Geraldine’s advert for admin help is answered by Viv, a young woman looking for part-time work to help subsidise her love and expertise for creating replicate and new scents, Geraldine couldn’t be happier as the girls hit it off as soon as Viv arrives at the cottage.
Viv has ulterior motives for taking on the small job at the sanctuary and is very secretive of her past with her new employees. For starters Viv hasn’t worked with animals before and is a little afraid of the feathered kind. So to work in a sanctuary that specialises in helping birds of prey her ulterior motives are definitely what’s keeping Viv motivated. However, the more Viv learns about the animals and people at the sanctuary the more she starts to fall in love with them and the area. She starts to doubt her initial reasons for taking the job on but she has gone so far in her mission and cannot give up now but she worries that what she may find out could harm the sanctuary.
The other side of the story we join Viv’s mum, Stel with her fellow members of the Old Spice Girls, a group of more mature ladies who meet up every Sunday for a good chat, cuppa and very often cake. Stel has suffered greatly with her choice of men folk in the past so when she meets Ian, one of the gardeners at the hospice she works at, Stel is hoping she has found a good ‘un. However, Stel soon starts to realise there is more to Ian behind his kind, helpful surface. All the other ladies in the Old Spice Girls have their own battles to fight which are all interwoven nicely within the storyline. I particularly liked Great Granny Iris, her strength and attitude facing her particular situation was brilliant, Go Granny Iris!
I loved the setting for this novel. The fictional village of Ironmist sounded almost ethereal and magical and I quite like this mystery within a novel, it sets your mind wondering whether magic really does exist in certain places. All the animals in the sanctuary have their own names and such wonderful characters that I’m sure Milly could write a book based just on them, maybe a children’s book?
The storyline held so many twists and turns and I was enthralled with what was going to happen next. When it takes a particularly darker turn it was wonderful to see the camaraderie in the old and new friends and I loved this. This story was so magical and heartwarming with it’s array of cute and curious animals and characters you learn to love and trust and want to be part of their circle. Another gorgeous read from Milly that I’m hoping there will be a sequel as I’d love more from Wildflower Cottage … 5/5*
The story is set around the idyllic Wildflower Cottage which is nestled in a valley in the Yorkshire Moors surrounded by the beautiful, delicate blue love-in-a-mist flowers. The cottage is the heart and soul of the animal sanctuary owned by Heath Merlo, a local vet and helpfully run by Geraldine. When Geraldine’s advert for admin help is answered by Viv, a young woman looking for part-time work to help subsidise her love and expertise for creating replicate and new scents, Geraldine couldn’t be happier as the girls hit it off as soon as Viv arrives at the cottage.
Viv has ulterior motives for taking on the small job at the sanctuary and is very secretive of her past with her new employees. For starters Viv hasn’t worked with animals before and is a little afraid of the feathered kind. So to work in a sanctuary that specialises in helping birds of prey her ulterior motives are definitely what’s keeping Viv motivated. However, the more Viv learns about the animals and people at the sanctuary the more she starts to fall in love with them and the area. She starts to doubt her initial reasons for taking the job on but she has gone so far in her mission and cannot give up now but she worries that what she may find out could harm the sanctuary.
The other side of the story we join Viv’s mum, Stel with her fellow members of the Old Spice Girls, a group of more mature ladies who meet up every Sunday for a good chat, cuppa and very often cake. Stel has suffered greatly with her choice of men folk in the past so when she meets Ian, one of the gardeners at the hospice she works at, Stel is hoping she has found a good ‘un. However, Stel soon starts to realise there is more to Ian behind his kind, helpful surface. All the other ladies in the Old Spice Girls have their own battles to fight which are all interwoven nicely within the storyline. I particularly liked Great Granny Iris, her strength and attitude facing her particular situation was brilliant, Go Granny Iris!
I loved the setting for this novel. The fictional village of Ironmist sounded almost ethereal and magical and I quite like this mystery within a novel, it sets your mind wondering whether magic really does exist in certain places. All the animals in the sanctuary have their own names and such wonderful characters that I’m sure Milly could write a book based just on them, maybe a children’s book?
The storyline held so many twists and turns and I was enthralled with what was going to happen next. When it takes a particularly darker turn it was wonderful to see the camaraderie in the old and new friends and I loved this. This story was so magical and heartwarming with it’s array of cute and curious animals and characters you learn to love and trust and want to be part of their circle. Another gorgeous read from Milly that I’m hoping there will be a sequel as I’d love more from Wildflower Cottage … 5/5*
June 19, 2016
I came across Milly Johnson's books a few years ago after picking one up on a whim in a supermarket and I'm so glad I did.
Milly writes from the heart and for the very first page of each novel, you find yourself completely immersed into the book. Her latest offering, Sunshine Over Wildflower Cottage, is no exception.
The book follows the story of Viv, who although she doesn't like animals, applies for a job at an animal sanctuary called Wildflower Cottage. There she meets the gorgeous Heath and wonderful Geraldine though it appears they all have their secrets, even Viv.
The characters in this book are fantastic. Chapter by chapter they are explored more and it's so easy to have a picture of them all in your mind and to be able to picture the beautiful surroundings and the wonderful animals. Reading this book has made me want to go to a bird of prey centre and be able to experience these majestic creatures first hand.
I read this book in a day and can highly recommend it as one of the best books I've read this year.
An absolutely wonderful read!!
Milly writes from the heart and for the very first page of each novel, you find yourself completely immersed into the book. Her latest offering, Sunshine Over Wildflower Cottage, is no exception.
The book follows the story of Viv, who although she doesn't like animals, applies for a job at an animal sanctuary called Wildflower Cottage. There she meets the gorgeous Heath and wonderful Geraldine though it appears they all have their secrets, even Viv.
The characters in this book are fantastic. Chapter by chapter they are explored more and it's so easy to have a picture of them all in your mind and to be able to picture the beautiful surroundings and the wonderful animals. Reading this book has made me want to go to a bird of prey centre and be able to experience these majestic creatures first hand.
I read this book in a day and can highly recommend it as one of the best books I've read this year.
An absolutely wonderful read!!
June 24, 2016
Loved it.
Milly at her best. Read it on holiday. Sometimes cried many times giggled aloud a few weird looks from fellow holiday makers
Milly at her best. Read it on holiday. Sometimes cried many times giggled aloud a few weird looks from fellow holiday makers
July 18, 2016
This is a really heart-warming read despite there being some nasty shocks along the way.
August 13, 2020
In 'Sunshine Over Wildflower Cottage', Viv isn't keen on her new job at Wildflower Cottage as she dislikes animals. However, she can't deny her attraction to the owner Heath and more importantly, she can't leave until she fulfils her true goal.
The story featured numerous characters, namely Viv, Heath and Geraldine (all based at Wildflower Cottage), along with Stel (Viv's mother), Caro, Iris, Linda and Gaynor (a group of tight-knit friends dubbed The Old Spice Girls) as well as possible love interests Al and Ian.
The predominant setting, Ironmist was brilliantly and intricately described. I especially enjoyed the details on the animal sanctuary, from the quirky animals to the goings-on. The impending closure of Wildflower Cottage and Viv's secret agenda kept me turning the pages.
Stel's relationship-centric storyline was well-written albeit predictable while The Old Spice Girls' weekly meet-ups showcased their bond yet didn't bring much to the table. The content dragged at times; some parts could've been trimmed and the characters developed further.
There was no sense of challenge as the storylines were wrapped up neatly thanks to luck and convenience:
The romance aspect fell flat due to the characters having no chemistry and change in feelings coming out of the blue. Besides that, I found Stel incredibly frustrating and would've preferred reading about Caro, Iris or even the cold-hearted Leanne.
Overall, 'Sunshine Over Wildflower Cottage' was at its best when focusing on the animal sanctuary and had a tinge of darkness contrary to its title and cover. On the downside, the characters were underdeveloped and the content was a tad long-winded at times.
The story featured numerous characters, namely Viv, Heath and Geraldine (all based at Wildflower Cottage), along with Stel (Viv's mother), Caro, Iris, Linda and Gaynor (a group of tight-knit friends dubbed The Old Spice Girls) as well as possible love interests Al and Ian.
The predominant setting, Ironmist was brilliantly and intricately described. I especially enjoyed the details on the animal sanctuary, from the quirky animals to the goings-on. The impending closure of Wildflower Cottage and Viv's secret agenda kept me turning the pages.
Stel's relationship-centric storyline was well-written albeit predictable while The Old Spice Girls' weekly meet-ups showcased their bond yet didn't bring much to the table. The content dragged at times; some parts could've been trimmed and the characters developed further.
There was no sense of challenge as the storylines were wrapped up neatly thanks to luck and convenience:
The romance aspect fell flat due to the characters having no chemistry and change in feelings coming out of the blue. Besides that, I found Stel incredibly frustrating and would've preferred reading about Caro, Iris or even the cold-hearted Leanne.
Overall, 'Sunshine Over Wildflower Cottage' was at its best when focusing on the animal sanctuary and had a tinge of darkness contrary to its title and cover. On the downside, the characters were underdeveloped and the content was a tad long-winded at times.
May 31, 2020
Once in a while, when I get totally fed up with this dark world and feel all alone, I like to take a trip into one of Milly Johnson's Fantasyland, where people are kind-hearted and friendly to each other, and are still aloud to form communities (real ones, not social media ones) and families and support each other through thick and thin. I know in my head it's not real, but Ms. Johnson's so wonderful a writer that it feels like it is. Her characters feel like real people, and you care about them. You want them to have a happy ending and the baddies to get their comeuppance, which they do. It seems like Johnson enjoys writing, and has fun creating suspense and drama, heart-wrenching moments and moments in which you find yourself holding your breath, turning page after page as fast as you can to learn what happens next. This novel is a sweet and fun read, warm and compassionate, and if human beings are capable of this there may be hope yet for humankind.
August 18, 2018
Easy holiday book. Animal sanctuary about to be closed down by landowners and property built instead. But someone saves the day
October 22, 2018
Fab!
Another fantastic read the best out of all i read so far, but so are all really brilliant so love these books
Another fantastic read the best out of all i read so far, but so are all really brilliant so love these books
April 28, 2019
It took me a bif of time to get into this book but once I was half way through I really started to enjoy it. A great read by a great author.
September 10, 2022
Another lovely book by Milly Johnson. Can't wait to read more
March 30, 2024
Another awesome book by Johnson!
December 12, 2018
Took a while for me to get into this book. Perhaps I just wasn’t in the best mood but I enjoyed it towards the end when all the strings started being tied together!
April 15, 2022
Easy read
September 12, 2017
Adoro le storie ambientate nella campagna inglese. Il paesaggio inglese è uno dei miei preferiti al mondo, dove mi rintanerei a vivere subito.
In questo romanzo siamo a Pogley Top, luogo inventato collocato nello Yorkshire.
La scrittrice ci racconta la storia di due protagoniste, Stel e Vivian Blackbird, madre e figlia, con il chiaro intento di mettere a confronto due generazioni e due situazioni particolari in cui spesso le donne si trovano invischiate.
Stel ha cinquantadue anni, è una madre e una lavoratrice indefessa, altruista e generosa. Assieme alle sue amiche di sempre, “le vecchie Spice Girls” come amano chiamarsi, passa tutte le domeniche sere, tra risate ricordi e nuovi drammi.
Stel ha un unico, enorme, difetto: sogna da sempre di avere al suo fianco un uomo premuroso e gentile, che si prenda cura di lei. In questo stato di bisogno attrae solo quelli che le sue amiche definiscono “idioti”, pronti a piazzarsi nella sua bella casa e a farsi mantenere dal suo stipendio.
Vivian Blackbird è una ragazza di ventitré anni, nata con una rara malformazione alla schiena. In cambio, dalla vita ha ottenuto un raro talento: un fiuto talmente eccezionale con il quale riesce a riprodurre i profumi che la natura regala da sempre all’uomo.
Il destino delle due donne, all’inizio del romanzo, è la separazione.
Stel rimane a Pogley Top, ad affrontare per la prima volta la sindrome da nido vuoto, che non fa che acuire il suo senso di solitudine; Vivian si trasferisce a Ironmist, un luogo immerso nella brughiera e nella nebbia, in un rifugio per animali, dove inizierà una nuova esperienza lavorativa.
Vivian ha paura degli animali e all’inizio il lettore non comprende come diavolo le sia venuto in mente di andare a lavorare proprio in quel luogo, a contatto con rapaci, muli, cani, gatti e conigli. Ovviamente il dipanarsi della matassa della trama spiegherà accuratamente che cosa si cela dietro la sua decisione.
Contemporaneamente la madre si ritrova ad affrontare una situazione alquanto spinosa con un altro idiota, Ian.
La caratterizzazione del personaggio di Ian è fantastica e farebbe prudere le mani a qualsiasi lettrice o lettore del mondo.
Da un punto di vista tecnico questo romanzo è utilissimo per almeno due motivi:
Il Mondo Narrativo: l’autrice è stata bravissima a ricostruire le due realtà contrapposte di Pogley Top e del rifugio di Ironmist. Due luoghi descritti non solo da un mero punto di vista geografico, ma soprattutto attraverso le persone che li abitano, e che li caratterizzano attraverso la memoria storica, il linguaggio, le convenzioni e le battaglie da combattere per un bene superiore;
I personaggi: sono tantissimi, tutti ottimamente caratterizzati. Non c’è un solo personaggio che passa sotto silenzio e che non sia descritto attraverso astute combinazione di conflitti e desideri. Ogni personaggio del romanzo combatte a spada tratta per raggiungere il suo obiettivo principale, giusto o sbagliato che sia;
La struttura: il frequente alternarsi del punto di vista tra Stel e Viv permette al lettore di non annoiarsi mai. La divisione in capitoli brevissimi aiuta il ritmo della storia, imponendo al lettore di non abbandonarla.
Sono molti i messaggi di questo stupendo romanzo: si parla di amicizia, di solitudine, di vecchiaia; mette in guardia le donne dalla manipolazione, dal rischio di violenza; è anche una storia di ricerca delle proprie origini, del luogo del mondo a cui apparteniamo.
Straordinario il messaggio di unicità che porta in sé ad ogni riga, ad ogni pagina. La stessa autrice termina il romanzo inserendo una delle più belle dichiarazioni di sempre:
“Per essere insostituibili, bisogna essere diversi.” [Coco Chanel]
In questo romanzo siamo a Pogley Top, luogo inventato collocato nello Yorkshire.
La scrittrice ci racconta la storia di due protagoniste, Stel e Vivian Blackbird, madre e figlia, con il chiaro intento di mettere a confronto due generazioni e due situazioni particolari in cui spesso le donne si trovano invischiate.
Stel ha cinquantadue anni, è una madre e una lavoratrice indefessa, altruista e generosa. Assieme alle sue amiche di sempre, “le vecchie Spice Girls” come amano chiamarsi, passa tutte le domeniche sere, tra risate ricordi e nuovi drammi.
Stel ha un unico, enorme, difetto: sogna da sempre di avere al suo fianco un uomo premuroso e gentile, che si prenda cura di lei. In questo stato di bisogno attrae solo quelli che le sue amiche definiscono “idioti”, pronti a piazzarsi nella sua bella casa e a farsi mantenere dal suo stipendio.
Vivian Blackbird è una ragazza di ventitré anni, nata con una rara malformazione alla schiena. In cambio, dalla vita ha ottenuto un raro talento: un fiuto talmente eccezionale con il quale riesce a riprodurre i profumi che la natura regala da sempre all’uomo.
Il destino delle due donne, all’inizio del romanzo, è la separazione.
Stel rimane a Pogley Top, ad affrontare per la prima volta la sindrome da nido vuoto, che non fa che acuire il suo senso di solitudine; Vivian si trasferisce a Ironmist, un luogo immerso nella brughiera e nella nebbia, in un rifugio per animali, dove inizierà una nuova esperienza lavorativa.
Vivian ha paura degli animali e all’inizio il lettore non comprende come diavolo le sia venuto in mente di andare a lavorare proprio in quel luogo, a contatto con rapaci, muli, cani, gatti e conigli. Ovviamente il dipanarsi della matassa della trama spiegherà accuratamente che cosa si cela dietro la sua decisione.
Contemporaneamente la madre si ritrova ad affrontare una situazione alquanto spinosa con un altro idiota, Ian.
La caratterizzazione del personaggio di Ian è fantastica e farebbe prudere le mani a qualsiasi lettrice o lettore del mondo.
Da un punto di vista tecnico questo romanzo è utilissimo per almeno due motivi:
Il Mondo Narrativo: l’autrice è stata bravissima a ricostruire le due realtà contrapposte di Pogley Top e del rifugio di Ironmist. Due luoghi descritti non solo da un mero punto di vista geografico, ma soprattutto attraverso le persone che li abitano, e che li caratterizzano attraverso la memoria storica, il linguaggio, le convenzioni e le battaglie da combattere per un bene superiore;
I personaggi: sono tantissimi, tutti ottimamente caratterizzati. Non c’è un solo personaggio che passa sotto silenzio e che non sia descritto attraverso astute combinazione di conflitti e desideri. Ogni personaggio del romanzo combatte a spada tratta per raggiungere il suo obiettivo principale, giusto o sbagliato che sia;
La struttura: il frequente alternarsi del punto di vista tra Stel e Viv permette al lettore di non annoiarsi mai. La divisione in capitoli brevissimi aiuta il ritmo della storia, imponendo al lettore di non abbandonarla.
Sono molti i messaggi di questo stupendo romanzo: si parla di amicizia, di solitudine, di vecchiaia; mette in guardia le donne dalla manipolazione, dal rischio di violenza; è anche una storia di ricerca delle proprie origini, del luogo del mondo a cui apparteniamo.
Straordinario il messaggio di unicità che porta in sé ad ogni riga, ad ogni pagina. La stessa autrice termina il romanzo inserendo una delle più belle dichiarazioni di sempre:
“Per essere insostituibili, bisogna essere diversi.” [Coco Chanel]
August 15, 2016
I’m a big, big fan of Milly Johnson, as an author and a person. As with every other book she’s written, we get to meet a cast of realistic, relatable and readable Northern characters all entwined with a touch of magical realism. Unfortunately though one of the characters is all too relatable for some women and it is to Milly’s credit that she handles this situation very well, even raising a bit of a laugh at the end of Ian’s story. Featuring less of Milly’s trademark humour than others, I felt, and a little more darkness, this is not a negative by any means.
Viv, a perfume mixer with a unique talent, is the focal point of the story, as she goes to work at an under-threat animal sanctuary in the village of Ironmist – and she doesn’t even like animals all that much except for her cat, that is. Eventually, we learn that she is there for a very different reason and the animal sanctuary is her smokescreen for this, but she learns to love and care for the creatures, the sanctuary and the surroundings. She also learns a lot about herself, overcoming her fears and facing up to life as the months go by. Finding out Viv’s true intentions is really interesting, as is uncovering all the secrets of the other characters. Heath owns the sanctuary and Geraldine is the manager, and it’s so interesting to see Viv change as she develops her relationships with her new colleagues – be they human, furry or feathered.
Meanwhile back at home, her mother Stel is hoping she has finally met the man of her dreams. She displays a rather alarming tendency to rush in, acting more like a teenager than the 52 year old she really is, when it comes to men. But do we ever grow out of that “will he call?” feeling, however old we are? There is a lesson to be learned here from Stel – always trust your initial gut instinct! Luckily for Stel, she has a strong supporting cast of great friends – which are a Milly speciality, and you just know that they are going to be there for her all the way. The “Old Spice Girls” also each have their own stories, which add to the realistic feel of the book, and keep the reader’s interest all the way.
We also learn about Viv’s beginnings which aren’t clear at the start of the story, and are not what you might think. And, of course, there is a romantic hero who happens to be a vet – doesn’t he just have to be the perfect man? Viv is a wonderful character. She has had a lot to overcome in her life, but she is a wonderful friend and daughter, developing such self-belief, confidence and compassion. I would love to have her as my mate!
And once again, Robyn Neild has created a stunning cover. A full 5 stars for this lovely read.
Viv, a perfume mixer with a unique talent, is the focal point of the story, as she goes to work at an under-threat animal sanctuary in the village of Ironmist – and she doesn’t even like animals all that much except for her cat, that is. Eventually, we learn that she is there for a very different reason and the animal sanctuary is her smokescreen for this, but she learns to love and care for the creatures, the sanctuary and the surroundings. She also learns a lot about herself, overcoming her fears and facing up to life as the months go by. Finding out Viv’s true intentions is really interesting, as is uncovering all the secrets of the other characters. Heath owns the sanctuary and Geraldine is the manager, and it’s so interesting to see Viv change as she develops her relationships with her new colleagues – be they human, furry or feathered.
Meanwhile back at home, her mother Stel is hoping she has finally met the man of her dreams. She displays a rather alarming tendency to rush in, acting more like a teenager than the 52 year old she really is, when it comes to men. But do we ever grow out of that “will he call?” feeling, however old we are? There is a lesson to be learned here from Stel – always trust your initial gut instinct! Luckily for Stel, she has a strong supporting cast of great friends – which are a Milly speciality, and you just know that they are going to be there for her all the way. The “Old Spice Girls” also each have their own stories, which add to the realistic feel of the book, and keep the reader’s interest all the way.
We also learn about Viv’s beginnings which aren’t clear at the start of the story, and are not what you might think. And, of course, there is a romantic hero who happens to be a vet – doesn’t he just have to be the perfect man? Viv is a wonderful character. She has had a lot to overcome in her life, but she is a wonderful friend and daughter, developing such self-belief, confidence and compassion. I would love to have her as my mate!
And once again, Robyn Neild has created a stunning cover. A full 5 stars for this lovely read.
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