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Under the Cherry Tree
“A feel-good, heart-warming, tear-jerking love story.”
The best sort of holiday read, recommended for fans of Jane Costello, Erica James, and Lucy James
“My dog didn't like men. Actually that was a lie – she didn't like the men I chose. The only ones who rocked her world had been my father (who was no longer with us), Ross (who was gay), and the butcher on the high street (for obvious reasons).”
When Jenni Meadows has the opportunity to expand her dog-grooming business she takes it, and when a nice man appears on her horizon but fails to make any sparks fly, she decides she has enough on her plate with her business without adding a boyfriend into the mix.
Besides, Millie doesn’t like him and when her dog doesn’t like a man, Jenni knows all about it. So why does Millie take a very strange liking to the new vet, especially since he has a taciturn expression, wears a wedding ring, and wields a needle?
Under the Cherry Tree is a tale of love and hope, waggy tails, and cold noses.
The best sort of holiday read, recommended for fans of Jane Costello, Erica James, and Lucy James
“My dog didn't like men. Actually that was a lie – she didn't like the men I chose. The only ones who rocked her world had been my father (who was no longer with us), Ross (who was gay), and the butcher on the high street (for obvious reasons).”
When Jenni Meadows has the opportunity to expand her dog-grooming business she takes it, and when a nice man appears on her horizon but fails to make any sparks fly, she decides she has enough on her plate with her business without adding a boyfriend into the mix.
Besides, Millie doesn’t like him and when her dog doesn’t like a man, Jenni knows all about it. So why does Millie take a very strange liking to the new vet, especially since he has a taciturn expression, wears a wedding ring, and wields a needle?
Under the Cherry Tree is a tale of love and hope, waggy tails, and cold noses.
- GenresChick Lit
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2017
18 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
About the author
Lilac Mills
83 books231 followersLilac lives on a Welsh hillside with her very patient husband and incredibly sweet dog, where she grows veggies (if the slugs don't get them), bakes (badly) and loves making things out of glitter and glue (a mess, usually).
She's been an avid reader ever since she got her hands on a copy of Noddy Goes to Toytown when she was five, and she once tried to read everything in her local library starting with A and working her way through the alphabet.
She loves long, hot summer days in the garden, and cold winter ones snuggled in front of the fire, but whatever the weather she's usually writing, or thinking about writing, with heartwarming romance and happy-ever-afters always on her mind.
She's been an avid reader ever since she got her hands on a copy of Noddy Goes to Toytown when she was five, and she once tried to read everything in her local library starting with A and working her way through the alphabet.
She loves long, hot summer days in the garden, and cold winter ones snuggled in front of the fire, but whatever the weather she's usually writing, or thinking about writing, with heartwarming romance and happy-ever-afters always on her mind.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 5, 2017
5☆ Melted my heart, Enchanting, Perfect read for Animal Lovers
Oh wow what a beautiful read.
If you love dogs as much as i do then this is perfect for you!
Although be warned it will melt your heart, produce tears, and leave you enchanted.
I love my furr baby, he is my family, so for me this story was completely relatable.
Dog owners will no doubt of gone through some of these scenarios throughout the book.
Jenni and Millie( jenni's dog) are inseparable. Needless to say this can cause trouble in the love department. As Millie doesn't really want to share and to be honest Jenni isn't really interested.
After all they say dogs are a perfect judge or character.... so maybe when Millie is growling she's actually protecting Jenni.
The perfect bond. Melts my heart!
Jenni runs her own dog grooming parlour so you can see she is devoted to her four legged furr babies... No room for love!
Or is there!!
Not giving any more away.
Except that I laughed, i choked up, my heart swelled with love for Millie, i adoured their special bond, truly a poignant and captivating read.
Do I recommend this book.... with out a doubt ...YES!!!
This is a very special book and I believe people will fall in love with Jenni and Millie.
Perfect book for animal lovers, Rom com, chick lit, romance.
I received this book from the Publisher in exchange for a honest and fair review via Netgalley.
Oh wow what a beautiful read.
If you love dogs as much as i do then this is perfect for you!
Although be warned it will melt your heart, produce tears, and leave you enchanted.
I love my furr baby, he is my family, so for me this story was completely relatable.
Dog owners will no doubt of gone through some of these scenarios throughout the book.
Jenni and Millie( jenni's dog) are inseparable. Needless to say this can cause trouble in the love department. As Millie doesn't really want to share and to be honest Jenni isn't really interested.
After all they say dogs are a perfect judge or character.... so maybe when Millie is growling she's actually protecting Jenni.
The perfect bond. Melts my heart!
Jenni runs her own dog grooming parlour so you can see she is devoted to her four legged furr babies... No room for love!
Or is there!!
Not giving any more away.
Except that I laughed, i choked up, my heart swelled with love for Millie, i adoured their special bond, truly a poignant and captivating read.
Do I recommend this book.... with out a doubt ...YES!!!
This is a very special book and I believe people will fall in love with Jenni and Millie.
Perfect book for animal lovers, Rom com, chick lit, romance.
I received this book from the Publisher in exchange for a honest and fair review via Netgalley.
May 14, 2017
What a rollercoaster of emotion I have just been on, and don't mean it in the typical this was a heavily emotional book. In fact for the most part its incredibly light hearted with plenty of laughs to be had. And its due to the quality of the writing and how well you get to know the characters which is why certain events hit me incredibly hard.
There was a particular film that came to mind during parts of this book, which this felt slightly reminiscent of, but I will refrain from naming the film, as anyone knows it may then guess certain outcomes of this story and I wouldn't want that.
As far as I'm concerned this book is all about Millie, she is the best character, and although she doesn't speak, she communicates surprisingly well and its amazing at how many men she seems to really dislike. I should possibly mention that Millie is in fact a Westie, and one of the best four legged characters I've read this year.
She is full of character, and is inseparable from her human Jenni. Jenni is dog mad, and hopes to expand her dog grooming business to include dog behaviour training and agility classes, plus a whole lot more. Jenni is also single although there are three very distinct possible men on the horizon, so she hopes one of them may turn into something more.
There is Mark with his parent's dog Randy who is a real handful, Neil the architect who feels a bit slimy, even from the start, and there is locum vet Scott. Of these men Millie attacks one, fawns over another and shows utter indifference to the third.
Besides Millie and men, there is another storyline in progress, which is about Jenni's expansion plans, and whether she will touch the money she has in order to buy the perfect property for the business, and its not long after Jenni starts to look at a property that the title of the book begins to make some sense.
Under The Cherry Tree is a very entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable debut novel, that had me smiling and crying. It is a reasonably quick read and Lilac has a great turn of phrase, which pulls the reader right into the book and won't let you go. This book is a must for dog lovers, dogs in fiction lovers, animal lovers and generally anyone who enjoys a good fun romantic comedy.
Thank you so much to Lilac for this copy of the book which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
There was a particular film that came to mind during parts of this book, which this felt slightly reminiscent of, but I will refrain from naming the film, as anyone knows it may then guess certain outcomes of this story and I wouldn't want that.
As far as I'm concerned this book is all about Millie, she is the best character, and although she doesn't speak, she communicates surprisingly well and its amazing at how many men she seems to really dislike. I should possibly mention that Millie is in fact a Westie, and one of the best four legged characters I've read this year.
She is full of character, and is inseparable from her human Jenni. Jenni is dog mad, and hopes to expand her dog grooming business to include dog behaviour training and agility classes, plus a whole lot more. Jenni is also single although there are three very distinct possible men on the horizon, so she hopes one of them may turn into something more.
There is Mark with his parent's dog Randy who is a real handful, Neil the architect who feels a bit slimy, even from the start, and there is locum vet Scott. Of these men Millie attacks one, fawns over another and shows utter indifference to the third.
Besides Millie and men, there is another storyline in progress, which is about Jenni's expansion plans, and whether she will touch the money she has in order to buy the perfect property for the business, and its not long after Jenni starts to look at a property that the title of the book begins to make some sense.
Under The Cherry Tree is a very entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable debut novel, that had me smiling and crying. It is a reasonably quick read and Lilac has a great turn of phrase, which pulls the reader right into the book and won't let you go. This book is a must for dog lovers, dogs in fiction lovers, animal lovers and generally anyone who enjoys a good fun romantic comedy.
Thank you so much to Lilac for this copy of the book which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
May 31, 2017
Oh my word, I am in bits after reading this FABULOUS book. I thought I was settling down to a bit of no-brainer chick-lit so I didn't expect my heart to be ripped out by this tear-jerking read. I do admit to crying at a few books but I was absolutely sobbing whilst reading this, it had so completely captured my heart and the characters were as real to me as if they were standing right in front of me, or nudging my ankle in Millie's case. I think Lilac Mills has invented a new genre. Forget chick-lit, this is pup-lit as Millie the westie completely steals the show and you can be forgiven for forgetting that unlucky-in-love Jenni Meadows is the main character.
Jenni runs a dog-grooming parlour and with running a business she doesn't have a lot of time for a love life. Even if she did, every man who comes into contact with her gets a disapproving glare or sometimes growl from Jenni's best friend, Millie, the west highland terrier. When Jenni goes to view a property in the hilariously named village of Cow's Bottom she has no intention of buying it, but she falls in love at first sight with the cottage. Then like buses, 3 men come along at once: Sparkless Mark who's nice enough but doesn't give Jenni butterflies in her tummy, Nasty Neil the architect who has designs on Jenni as well as her cottage, and village vet Scott who's perfect apart from the ring on the third finger of his left hand. What's even worse for Jenni is that the only one Millie approves of is Scott. Does Millie know something that Jenni doesn't?
What a fabulous book! I knew from just reading the description that I was going to fall in love with Millie and I wasn't wrong. Lilac Mills has created the most adorable fictional canine character that I have ever come across. Millie has more characteristics than most humans making her a larger than life character and one that I will never forget. I heartily recommend this book even if chick-lit is not your usual genre as Under the Cherry Tree is both heart-warming and heart-breaking. Despite my tears, and to quote Mary Poppins, Under the Cherry Tree is practically perfect in every way. Don't miss this one!
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Jenni runs a dog-grooming parlour and with running a business she doesn't have a lot of time for a love life. Even if she did, every man who comes into contact with her gets a disapproving glare or sometimes growl from Jenni's best friend, Millie, the west highland terrier. When Jenni goes to view a property in the hilariously named village of Cow's Bottom she has no intention of buying it, but she falls in love at first sight with the cottage. Then like buses, 3 men come along at once: Sparkless Mark who's nice enough but doesn't give Jenni butterflies in her tummy, Nasty Neil the architect who has designs on Jenni as well as her cottage, and village vet Scott who's perfect apart from the ring on the third finger of his left hand. What's even worse for Jenni is that the only one Millie approves of is Scott. Does Millie know something that Jenni doesn't?
What a fabulous book! I knew from just reading the description that I was going to fall in love with Millie and I wasn't wrong. Lilac Mills has created the most adorable fictional canine character that I have ever come across. Millie has more characteristics than most humans making her a larger than life character and one that I will never forget. I heartily recommend this book even if chick-lit is not your usual genre as Under the Cherry Tree is both heart-warming and heart-breaking. Despite my tears, and to quote Mary Poppins, Under the Cherry Tree is practically perfect in every way. Don't miss this one!
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
May 31, 2017
I was initially approached by Lilac to read Under the Cherry Tree, how could I possibly refuse!? The cover is adorable, I love cherry tree blossom and I particularly like the name Lilac .. so I was onto a winner before I opened the book.
This is such a sweet story filled with emotional highs and lows. I immediately warmed to Jenni, she is a woman who knows what she wants and goes for it. Her relationship with Millie is delightful. Anyone who has loved a pet and revolved their life around them will appreciate this.
Full of doggy charm, Jenni has a grooming salon and is a dog behavioural specialist. Following the death of her father she has a substantial amount of money so this gives her the opportunity to purchase Cherry Tree Farm and expand her business.
There is more to the farm than meets the eye, the ‘treasure’ Jenni discovers under the tree is fascinating and poses lots of questions about who lived there and whether they are the cause of noises/sensations going bump in the night.
Jenni has her fair share of problematic boyfriends/relationships and some of these create the humour in the book. I love the fact Millie is so protective and she certainly has methods of eliminating the men who she considers unsuitable for Jenni!
This is a fine mix of light-hearted romance but significant amounts of blubbing will ensue if you are an animal lover. There are some great characters, I could picture Ross her gay best friend, he is so full of warmth and the hunky Vet Scott is rather delectable. I enjoyed every minute of this, it’s so easy to read and be drawn into the story and I look forward to what comes next from Lilac.
This is such a sweet story filled with emotional highs and lows. I immediately warmed to Jenni, she is a woman who knows what she wants and goes for it. Her relationship with Millie is delightful. Anyone who has loved a pet and revolved their life around them will appreciate this.
Full of doggy charm, Jenni has a grooming salon and is a dog behavioural specialist. Following the death of her father she has a substantial amount of money so this gives her the opportunity to purchase Cherry Tree Farm and expand her business.
There is more to the farm than meets the eye, the ‘treasure’ Jenni discovers under the tree is fascinating and poses lots of questions about who lived there and whether they are the cause of noises/sensations going bump in the night.
Jenni has her fair share of problematic boyfriends/relationships and some of these create the humour in the book. I love the fact Millie is so protective and she certainly has methods of eliminating the men who she considers unsuitable for Jenni!
This is a fine mix of light-hearted romance but significant amounts of blubbing will ensue if you are an animal lover. There are some great characters, I could picture Ross her gay best friend, he is so full of warmth and the hunky Vet Scott is rather delectable. I enjoyed every minute of this, it’s so easy to read and be drawn into the story and I look forward to what comes next from Lilac.
September 9, 2017
Under The Cherry Tree is such a delightful, humour and heartwarming book and has a very adorable main character that comes with four legs and a personality of a girl next door who has an incredible approach to men.
This book is also about Jenni who has a successful dog grooming business and has plans for its expansion. Millie and Jenni are a very tight unit when it comes to dating ( for Jenni). There is a huge problem when it comes to Millie she hates men. So it is quite a challenge for Jenni. Well, I think Millie will pick the right one for Jenni but will it be Mark, Neil or Scott???
Under The Cherry Tree is a book that is perfect summery read and the one that will please dog lovers far and wide.
This book is also about Jenni who has a successful dog grooming business and has plans for its expansion. Millie and Jenni are a very tight unit when it comes to dating ( for Jenni). There is a huge problem when it comes to Millie she hates men. So it is quite a challenge for Jenni. Well, I think Millie will pick the right one for Jenni but will it be Mark, Neil or Scott???
Under The Cherry Tree is a book that is perfect summery read and the one that will please dog lovers far and wide.
July 15, 2017
“Under the Cherry Tree” is a quintessential summer read.
Read full review in the 2017 July/August issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2017 July/August issue of InD'tale Magazine.
May 18, 2017
This book was a little difficult to read because I too have a dog and her name is also Millie. I HATE that Millie died in the book. She stuck around as a ghost so it would have been easy to just keep her alive. Otherwise, I enjoyed the romance storyline but I would have liked to have seen Jenni and Scott's relationship develop a little more before the "I love you." This was a three star read for me. I would probably check out other books by Ms. Mills.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lilac Tree Books for providing me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lilac Tree Books for providing me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2017
I'm a sucker for any book that has dogs within the pages.
Jenni and Millie are quite tight for a dog and her owner, but I can see where Millie was a great source of support and unconditional love for Jenni especially after she lost her father. But Millie has some up side to her, such as knowing what people are not good and Jenni really should avoid...of course like any person, she doesn't always make the right decisions.
There are several men that enter Jenni's life and Millie has something to say (or bark) about them. She does not like Neil (and for good reason as you will find out later in the book) or Mark (he seems alright but lives too far away). Now she does like Scott - the substitute vet, but he has some issues of his own to work through.
I enjoyed the language of this book. That may sound like a strange thing, but it is set in England and while they speak English some of the terminology is different than the English I speak in America. Thank goodness for the dictionary on my Oasis for a few of those words! I also enjoyed the descriptions of the towns and landscape, it sounded very picturesque and a place I wouldn't mind visiting.
There are also ghosts in this book - but not the scary kind. There is the owner of the property that died, Cecilia, and her ghostly efforts to push Jenni towards her future (which she does successfully but that is all I am saying). There is also a dog ghost which seems very real to Jenni.
The story tugged at my heartstrings nearer to the end when Millie is diagnosed with some health issues and the story that ensued after that. I am not ashamed to admit I was teary eyed because it reminded me of what I went through with one of my dogs not quite a year ago.
A very enjoyable story with a little bit of everything within the pages.
Jenni and Millie are quite tight for a dog and her owner, but I can see where Millie was a great source of support and unconditional love for Jenni especially after she lost her father. But Millie has some up side to her, such as knowing what people are not good and Jenni really should avoid...of course like any person, she doesn't always make the right decisions.
There are several men that enter Jenni's life and Millie has something to say (or bark) about them. She does not like Neil (and for good reason as you will find out later in the book) or Mark (he seems alright but lives too far away). Now she does like Scott - the substitute vet, but he has some issues of his own to work through.
I enjoyed the language of this book. That may sound like a strange thing, but it is set in England and while they speak English some of the terminology is different than the English I speak in America. Thank goodness for the dictionary on my Oasis for a few of those words! I also enjoyed the descriptions of the towns and landscape, it sounded very picturesque and a place I wouldn't mind visiting.
There are also ghosts in this book - but not the scary kind. There is the owner of the property that died, Cecilia, and her ghostly efforts to push Jenni towards her future (which she does successfully but that is all I am saying). There is also a dog ghost which seems very real to Jenni.
The story tugged at my heartstrings nearer to the end when Millie is diagnosed with some health issues and the story that ensued after that. I am not ashamed to admit I was teary eyed because it reminded me of what I went through with one of my dogs not quite a year ago.
A very enjoyable story with a little bit of everything within the pages.
October 15, 2017
Lilac Mills has fast become one of my favourite Authors. This is the second book I have read of hers and let me tell you it was just as good as the first. If her book covers dont draw you in instantly nothing will, they are so bright and beautiful.
In Under the Cherry Tree, we meet Jenni Meadows. Jenni has a beloved Westie dog called Millie. She owns a grooming business called Telling Tales and deals in dog behaviour problems.
After her dad died suddenly in a car accident she was givensome compensation money which she refused to touch. After some encouragement from her family and friends she decides to follow her dreams and buy Cherry Tree Farm to expand her dog business.
Enter Mark, Neil and Scott, Millie usually doesnt like men apart from gay bestfriend Ross, but she seems to take a liking to Scott, Jenni wonders if she should infact listen to her dog more often.
We are treated to some vivid descriptions of Cherry Tree Farm and its suroundings aswell as some romance, twists and turns, surprises, laughter and a great supporting cast.
You will not want to put it down. In general I am not always keen when an animal is dominating the story but this wasnt just any old story. Lilac Mills has put this story together with a lot of thought and interest. I loved how Cecelia, a previous owner was incorporated into the story in such a heartwarming way. I rarely cry at books but when a certain thing happens near to the end, I was welling up and just wanted to be there with Jenni and Scott to provide some comfort. Although I called the reveal of Cherry Tree’s latest owner it did add to the esscence of the story. I loved, loved, loved this. I am looking forward to Lilac Mill’s next book ‘And a Sixpence for Luck’.
** This has been reviewed for Whispering Stories blog, thank you for the copy **
In Under the Cherry Tree, we meet Jenni Meadows. Jenni has a beloved Westie dog called Millie. She owns a grooming business called Telling Tales and deals in dog behaviour problems.
After her dad died suddenly in a car accident she was givensome compensation money which she refused to touch. After some encouragement from her family and friends she decides to follow her dreams and buy Cherry Tree Farm to expand her dog business.
Enter Mark, Neil and Scott, Millie usually doesnt like men apart from gay bestfriend Ross, but she seems to take a liking to Scott, Jenni wonders if she should infact listen to her dog more often.
We are treated to some vivid descriptions of Cherry Tree Farm and its suroundings aswell as some romance, twists and turns, surprises, laughter and a great supporting cast.
You will not want to put it down. In general I am not always keen when an animal is dominating the story but this wasnt just any old story. Lilac Mills has put this story together with a lot of thought and interest. I loved how Cecelia, a previous owner was incorporated into the story in such a heartwarming way. I rarely cry at books but when a certain thing happens near to the end, I was welling up and just wanted to be there with Jenni and Scott to provide some comfort. Although I called the reveal of Cherry Tree’s latest owner it did add to the esscence of the story. I loved, loved, loved this. I am looking forward to Lilac Mill’s next book ‘And a Sixpence for Luck’.
** This has been reviewed for Whispering Stories blog, thank you for the copy **
July 12, 2017
This is a wonderful book, especially for those who love dogs and romance. Actually, although Millie (a West Highland Terrier) plays a very central role in this story, I think it safe to say if you love or have loved any special pet that this tale will bring a smile to your face.
Jenni is the owner of Telling Tales, a dog grooming salon. Millie, her West Highland Terrier, is her constant companion. At the urging of her mother, Jenni looks at and purchases a property in a nearby village that is perfect for expanding her business.
The characters in this story are very real and are the kind of people that most readers have probably met at some time in their life. There are moments that made me giggle while other parts of the story tugged at my heart. Millie adds a delightful dimension with her ability to accurately assess the men who come into Jenni’s life.
Just a note: Keep in mind that Lilac Mills is English and uses words that may be less familiar to American readers. I did not find them in the least distracting. This may be because I have both real life and Internet friends who live or have lived in England and am accustomed to hearing them speak. However, I think that these terms are ones with which most readers are familiar.
I received a free copy of this book directly from the author. This review has been written by my own choice. I enjoyed it enough that I have pre-purchased her next book.
Jenni is the owner of Telling Tales, a dog grooming salon. Millie, her West Highland Terrier, is her constant companion. At the urging of her mother, Jenni looks at and purchases a property in a nearby village that is perfect for expanding her business.
The characters in this story are very real and are the kind of people that most readers have probably met at some time in their life. There are moments that made me giggle while other parts of the story tugged at my heart. Millie adds a delightful dimension with her ability to accurately assess the men who come into Jenni’s life.
Just a note: Keep in mind that Lilac Mills is English and uses words that may be less familiar to American readers. I did not find them in the least distracting. This may be because I have both real life and Internet friends who live or have lived in England and am accustomed to hearing them speak. However, I think that these terms are ones with which most readers are familiar.
I received a free copy of this book directly from the author. This review has been written by my own choice. I enjoyed it enough that I have pre-purchased her next book.
June 19, 2017
In Under the Cherry Tree, author Lilac Mills serves up a deliciously different kind of love story. Dog groomer and behavioralist Jenni Meadows loves her friends, her family, her business - Telling Tails -
and her sweet Westie Millie...not necessarily in that order. Although three different men present themselves as potential romantic interests for Jenni, Millie doesn’t approve of all of them in equal measure. And while Jenni juggles these confusing relationships, she never loses sight of her most important goal: buying and restoring Cherry Tree Farm, then turning it into a full-service haven for dog lovers (complete with grooming salon, kennel, behavior classes, day care, café, and shop). Okay, so the owner of Cherry Tree Farm keeps pulling out of potential sales. And the farm itself may or may not be haunted by more than one ghost. Then there’s the fact that Jenni is haunted by grief of her own. But these challenges make for a book rich with emotion, featuring well-rounded characters I cared about (or rooted against) from page one. I won’t give away any twists, but the course of Jenni’s path to success does not run smoothly. And as she navigates the bumpy path toward her future, you’ll fall in love with Jenni and her sweet companion Milie. I sure did.
*I was provided with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
and her sweet Westie Millie...not necessarily in that order. Although three different men present themselves as potential romantic interests for Jenni, Millie doesn’t approve of all of them in equal measure. And while Jenni juggles these confusing relationships, she never loses sight of her most important goal: buying and restoring Cherry Tree Farm, then turning it into a full-service haven for dog lovers (complete with grooming salon, kennel, behavior classes, day care, café, and shop). Okay, so the owner of Cherry Tree Farm keeps pulling out of potential sales. And the farm itself may or may not be haunted by more than one ghost. Then there’s the fact that Jenni is haunted by grief of her own. But these challenges make for a book rich with emotion, featuring well-rounded characters I cared about (or rooted against) from page one. I won’t give away any twists, but the course of Jenni’s path to success does not run smoothly. And as she navigates the bumpy path toward her future, you’ll fall in love with Jenni and her sweet companion Milie. I sure did.
*I was provided with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
May 31, 2017
This is a very British book - think Bridget Jones' Diary - and that is going to be the perfect cup of tea for some readers. But others not so much. Let me explain :)
The entire book is from Jenni's perspective as she goes thru a pretty major change in her life. She's single and has a habit apparently of kissing a few frogs, which she still does while at the same time learning a bit about herself. There's a lot of self-discovery and growth for Jenni, as well as quite a bit of assuming and misunderstanding. But she comes out the other side better off ... and with a HEA for herself.
Unfortunately, while we get a lot of her development and her missteps along the way, we don't actually get a lot of the romance aspect of her eventually finding Mr. Right. While Mills delivers a great read, it isn't as much of a romance as some readers may like.
So. If you are looking for a humorous, heartfelt journey piece with a happy ending then Under the Cherry Tree is definitely for you. If you are looking for a more traditional love story, maybe come back here once you are in the mood for something a little different.
*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***
The entire book is from Jenni's perspective as she goes thru a pretty major change in her life. She's single and has a habit apparently of kissing a few frogs, which she still does while at the same time learning a bit about herself. There's a lot of self-discovery and growth for Jenni, as well as quite a bit of assuming and misunderstanding. But she comes out the other side better off ... and with a HEA for herself.
Unfortunately, while we get a lot of her development and her missteps along the way, we don't actually get a lot of the romance aspect of her eventually finding Mr. Right. While Mills delivers a great read, it isn't as much of a romance as some readers may like.
So. If you are looking for a humorous, heartfelt journey piece with a happy ending then Under the Cherry Tree is definitely for you. If you are looking for a more traditional love story, maybe come back here once you are in the mood for something a little different.
*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***
June 6, 2017
Jenni is dog mad and runs her own grooming business but it is small and cramped and she has always wanted to expand. She has the means to do so but the money is compensation from the accident that killed her father and she is determined not to touch it.......that is until her mother leaves her a brochure for Cherry Tree Farm!
Pushed into going to see it by her very gay best friend Jenni instantly falls in love with it knows it will be absolutely perfect for her business and her ageing Westie Millie, the love of her life!
Not having had time for relationships she meets Mark out walking his Labrador and goes on a few dates but Millie is not keen and she knows he is lovely but there is no spark hard as she tries. Then talk about like buses she meets Neil the architect designing her new building and there is definitely a spark there but Millie absolutely hates him...what is wrong with dog! The one person she expects her dog to hate is the vet as she has always been an embarrassing nightmare to take to the vets but Millie rolls over is putty in his hands.....shame his is wearing a wedding ring!
A great story with great comedy moments as well as being very emotional......definitely a book for dog lovers!
Pushed into going to see it by her very gay best friend Jenni instantly falls in love with it knows it will be absolutely perfect for her business and her ageing Westie Millie, the love of her life!
Not having had time for relationships she meets Mark out walking his Labrador and goes on a few dates but Millie is not keen and she knows he is lovely but there is no spark hard as she tries. Then talk about like buses she meets Neil the architect designing her new building and there is definitely a spark there but Millie absolutely hates him...what is wrong with dog! The one person she expects her dog to hate is the vet as she has always been an embarrassing nightmare to take to the vets but Millie rolls over is putty in his hands.....shame his is wearing a wedding ring!
A great story with great comedy moments as well as being very emotional......definitely a book for dog lovers!
May 25, 2017
I instantly loved and connected with Jenni. My world basically revolves around my three dogs so I totally identified with her life and passion for working with dogs. One thing that frustrated me was that it took her so long to trust Millie’s judgment about men she was meeting. If the dog growls and/or bites in the man’s presence then he needs to go!
The sub-plot involving the previous owner of the farm was also wonderful, although sad. I’m into sure if I would have been as accepting of the paranormal activities in the house, but, who knows until you have been there. Something that I was not at all prepared for was the emotional and heart-wrenching moments in this novel. Some of Jenni’s troubles hit way too close to home and I found myself crying like a baby, however, by the time I finished reading, my heart was full and happy!
Under the Cherry Tree is an effortless and light-hearted read that any romantic and dog lover will devour! Lilac Mills’ writing style is that of a seasoned author, pulling the reader in to become lost in her crazy and furry world. I thoroughly enjoyed the honor of reading this novel!
The sub-plot involving the previous owner of the farm was also wonderful, although sad. I’m into sure if I would have been as accepting of the paranormal activities in the house, but, who knows until you have been there. Something that I was not at all prepared for was the emotional and heart-wrenching moments in this novel. Some of Jenni’s troubles hit way too close to home and I found myself crying like a baby, however, by the time I finished reading, my heart was full and happy!
Under the Cherry Tree is an effortless and light-hearted read that any romantic and dog lover will devour! Lilac Mills’ writing style is that of a seasoned author, pulling the reader in to become lost in her crazy and furry world. I thoroughly enjoyed the honor of reading this novel!
October 4, 2017
I can't put into words how much I loved this book. It has everything..romance, a cottage with a story to tell, a delightful main character in the form of Jenni, but most of all, a little white Westie called Millie.
Millie knows instinctively who she likes, but also who she doesn't like. Jenni's love life is dictated by her dog and so far no one has come up to par. The relationship between Jenni and Millie is enchanting, you are compelled to keep those pages turning and I read this book in just one sitting. I will resist giving any of the plot away but if you love dogs like I do, I highly recommend it.
There were parts which made me cry, as I read huddled up to my thirteen-year-old chihuahua, with a sleepy dachshund curled by my feet, and the memory of a dog we lost recently still at the front of our minds.
Other parts made me chuckle, and some warmed my heart and left me glowing, and wanting more!
Huge thank you to the author, Lilac Mills who sent me this book in exchange for an honest review. It really was a pleasure!
Millie knows instinctively who she likes, but also who she doesn't like. Jenni's love life is dictated by her dog and so far no one has come up to par. The relationship between Jenni and Millie is enchanting, you are compelled to keep those pages turning and I read this book in just one sitting. I will resist giving any of the plot away but if you love dogs like I do, I highly recommend it.
There were parts which made me cry, as I read huddled up to my thirteen-year-old chihuahua, with a sleepy dachshund curled by my feet, and the memory of a dog we lost recently still at the front of our minds.
Other parts made me chuckle, and some warmed my heart and left me glowing, and wanting more!
Huge thank you to the author, Lilac Mills who sent me this book in exchange for an honest review. It really was a pleasure!
May 5, 2017
I laughed myself silly and cried through a mountain of tissues - from one page, to the next! Have you ever lost a loved one? Do you know what it's like, to be owned by a dog? Have you wondered if you'll ever find, Mr. Right? Join Jenni Meadows, (and Millie) as she navigates through a course filled with a lot of Mr. Wrongs! Jenni is faced with a once-in-a-lifetime, opportunity. In order to fulfill her dream, she must risk her inheritance. This is a bittersweet, story of love and loss. The journey of a young, woman who must make make brave decisions and tough choices. She sees evidence that her path was destined and that she is never, truly alone. She also learns that she will only find Mr. Right, when she is willing to be found. I wish I could give it more stars! I received this book as an ARC and I voluntarily give this review.
June 4, 2017
Being a dog owner and petsitter, Lilac had me in the first pages! This is a wonderful story of hope and some regrets. I laughed out loud at the antics and wept buckets at one or two points (no spoilers).
Jenni's dating attempts were so realistic and I really felt for her when Mr Perfect turned out to be the opposite. All the characters were well written and totally believable.
The ghosts were so reassuring - I've also felt my old dog's presence. And fitted well into the story. The animals were so well depicted - Lilac obviously knows her dogs - and Millie was so westie-like, it was hilarious!
Thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to more from Lilac - hopefully more from Cherry Tree Farm too!
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Jenni's dating attempts were so realistic and I really felt for her when Mr Perfect turned out to be the opposite. All the characters were well written and totally believable.
The ghosts were so reassuring - I've also felt my old dog's presence. And fitted well into the story. The animals were so well depicted - Lilac obviously knows her dogs - and Millie was so westie-like, it was hilarious!
Thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to more from Lilac - hopefully more from Cherry Tree Farm too!
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 16, 2017
I was blessed with a free, advanced copy of this book, and have chosen of my own volition to share this review here.
Wow, what a read. Ups and downs, twists and turns, laughter and tears...this book had it all! The writing style made for a quick, easy read. The characters were well developed. The story line had a smooth flow.
The story itself truly enveloped the reader. The main character, Jenni Meadows, and her dog, Millie, have a truly loving relationship. The dog comes to her owner's rescue more often then not; even when Jenni is unaware of Millie's intent. Millie's tenacity ends up in a heartbreak, which in turn leads to a heartwarming conclusion.
Wow, what a read. Ups and downs, twists and turns, laughter and tears...this book had it all! The writing style made for a quick, easy read. The characters were well developed. The story line had a smooth flow.
The story itself truly enveloped the reader. The main character, Jenni Meadows, and her dog, Millie, have a truly loving relationship. The dog comes to her owner's rescue more often then not; even when Jenni is unaware of Millie's intent. Millie's tenacity ends up in a heartbreak, which in turn leads to a heartwarming conclusion.
May 31, 2017
It is easy to love this story especially with Millie in it. Millie being the dog, one of the most memorable characters I have met in a while. This is her owners Jenni’s story but Millie steals the show more than once in Under the Cherry Tree by Lilac Mills.
I shed more than a few tears laughing and crying. There are several twists in the story that caused that. I won’t give much of this story away. Dog lovers everywhere, run don’t walk to get this one. A pulls-at-your-heart-strings while bringing-a-smile-to-your-face romantic story. Easy to recommend, I loved this debut novel of Lilac Mills. She certainly has a way with words.
I shed more than a few tears laughing and crying. There are several twists in the story that caused that. I won’t give much of this story away. Dog lovers everywhere, run don’t walk to get this one. A pulls-at-your-heart-strings while bringing-a-smile-to-your-face romantic story. Easy to recommend, I loved this debut novel of Lilac Mills. She certainly has a way with words.
September 18, 2017
You will love Jennie. She is a very funny girl, totally in love with her dog, Millie, her work, Talling Tails, but not totally happy after his dad died in a car accident two years ago. Until her mother show her a brochure with the perfect place to make her dreams come true Cherry Tree Farm. But can she use the money she has due to her father accident? This is the story of Jennie' s journey to happiness and the people she will met and the experience she will have in order to achieve her dreams, even if it means losing the ones that you love behind, but that will be with you all the way. Lilac will make you laugh out loud, cry, but won't be able tu pit the book aside until the end.
October 20, 2017
I enjoyed this book. It was a fun quick read for me. I was immediately drawn into the story. We follow Jenni and her dog Millie who live in England on their adventures of expanding Jenni's dog grooming salon. There are three guys involved throughout the story. Millie's reactions to the guys are just as important as Jenni's but Jenni doesn't necessarily give her dog the credit she deserves at the beginning. A flew plot twists I wasn't expecting kept me thoroughly engrossed. I ran the gamut of emotions while reading this book. I laughed, grew angry, and cried.. It has been too long since I have read a good romance and this is just what I needed.
June 1, 2018
3.5 stars. I see lots of people really loved this book. For me, I was pretty indifferent to it. I found the pace of this book to be very slow, with lots of time being spent on inconsequential details, and not enough time on developing and exploring the relationship. Maybe I was expecting more of a romance than a chick lit read, however, I just didn't enjoy the story as the humourous bits were not often enough to make the story engrossing. *I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
May 31, 2017
I was lucky enough to get a pre-publication copy of this book and it was such a pleasure to read. An easy read, though emotional at times. It is a perfect feel-good holiday read. I believe it would be a treat for dog-lovers out there, though it reads perfectly well for people like me who can't tell you the breed of any dog. I would highly recommend the book, especially if you are in the mood for an easy going book, which I was.
February 2, 2018
Beautiful book , just beautiful
This was a wonderful book , sound characters , steady storyline . But more importantly for me was the story of Millie . SPOILER ALERT ! If you have ever loved a pet with all your heart , and people think you're deranged for grieving , ("just for an animal ") then this is the book for you . I loved it , and totally understood the feelings of great loss , and the 'visits '
Hankies recommended , and I look forward to reading more .
This was a wonderful book , sound characters , steady storyline . But more importantly for me was the story of Millie . SPOILER ALERT ! If you have ever loved a pet with all your heart , and people think you're deranged for grieving , ("just for an animal ") then this is the book for you . I loved it , and totally understood the feelings of great loss , and the 'visits '
Hankies recommended , and I look forward to reading more .
May 5, 2017
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book by Lilac Mills. There are highs, lows and in-betweens in this enjoyable read! I laughed, cried and shook my head throughout the book. It is an easy read; you do not get bogged down in the telling. The characters are developed and the storyline is very good with several surprises/turns I was not expecting. I would definitely recommend this book.
June 18, 2017
Wonderful Story For Lovers and Dog Lovers!
Oh, what a wonderful tale! I laughed and I cried. The emotions are so well expressed! The story touches on the tough emotions we all get ambushed by as well as the joys and uncertainties of new love. I would recommend this story to everyone! It is a clean romance that deals with the real world. I look forward to reading more of this author’s work!
Oh, what a wonderful tale! I laughed and I cried. The emotions are so well expressed! The story touches on the tough emotions we all get ambushed by as well as the joys and uncertainties of new love. I would recommend this story to everyone! It is a clean romance that deals with the real world. I look forward to reading more of this author’s work!
May 5, 2017
3.5 stars
" for ghost dogs everywhere and the humans who still love them..."
Thank you, BookBuzz.net, Netgalley and Lilac Mills for this advance reader copy of the book.
It's enjoyable to read and I really recommend it.
" for ghost dogs everywhere and the humans who still love them..."
Thank you, BookBuzz.net, Netgalley and Lilac Mills for this advance reader copy of the book.
It's enjoyable to read and I really recommend it.
March 23, 2018
Heartwarming
Couldn't put this book down, laughed, shed a few tears and walked around with a soppy smile on my face. So many emotions in one book. I'm off to find another Lilac Mills book as I really enjoyed this one
Couldn't put this book down, laughed, shed a few tears and walked around with a soppy smile on my face. So many emotions in one book. I'm off to find another Lilac Mills book as I really enjoyed this one
March 17, 2018
Lovely read
Sat here bawling happy tears! I loved this book! Im not usually a chixk lit fan but I lobe anything to do with pooches so this really appealed. Fab!
Sat here bawling happy tears! I loved this book! Im not usually a chixk lit fan but I lobe anything to do with pooches so this really appealed. Fab!
September 25, 2017
A giveaway win. My wife loved this book, mostly, even when it left her in tears. The story of a dog groomer who loses a parent and refuses to use the money until her dream property crosses her path. She begins to develop the property to her dream; almost to have it dashed by the project manager. Twists and turns abound, but will she find happiness?
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