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The Perfectly Imperfect Woman
The brand new, feel-good bestseller from the wonderful Milly Johnson.
448 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 22, 2018
296 people are currently reading
1395 people want to read
About the author
Milly Johnson
52 books2,137 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 342 reviews
May 7, 2018
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Marnie is truly a fabulously flawed character (and one of the best I’ve read in a while). She is totally relatable for any age group and the mistakes could be ones we make ourselves. I really felt for her when she thinks she’s a magnet for others believing the worst of her, a belief obviously set down in childhood and reinforced by the things that happen. I was so defensive on her behalf around her family, Caitlin and her job, wanting to poke their eyes out. Isn’t a great when you’re emotionally invested in a character! In fact I was emotionally invested in them all to some degree … even Kay and Una … and I’ve shed some tears alongside the laughter.
The first time Marnie meets the Wychwell crew at the Mayday event had me laughing – definitely one of those Milly Johnson moments. Not an auspicious start for any type of relationship between Herv and Marnie 😀 I was intrigued with the undercurrents in the Wychwell residents relationships, not only the connection between Marnie and Lilian Dearman but also the residents with each other. What were they hiding? Who could you trust? There’s plenty of secrets to uncover. I didn’t guess the biggest one of all!
The Perfectly Imperfect Woman is much more than a romance read with conflicts, secrets and magic sprinkled throughout. And of course cheesecake (what IS the special ingredient I wonder). I wanted to slow down and savour every word but found it impossible. Milly Johnson has written another page turner that ticks all the boxes for me. Don’t miss it!
Marnie is truly a fabulously flawed character (and one of the best I’ve read in a while). She is totally relatable for any age group and the mistakes could be ones we make ourselves. I really felt for her when she thinks she’s a magnet for others believing the worst of her, a belief obviously set down in childhood and reinforced by the things that happen. I was so defensive on her behalf around her family, Caitlin and her job, wanting to poke their eyes out. Isn’t a great when you’re emotionally invested in a character! In fact I was emotionally invested in them all to some degree … even Kay and Una … and I’ve shed some tears alongside the laughter.
The first time Marnie meets the Wychwell crew at the Mayday event had me laughing – definitely one of those Milly Johnson moments. Not an auspicious start for any type of relationship between Herv and Marnie 😀 I was intrigued with the undercurrents in the Wychwell residents relationships, not only the connection between Marnie and Lilian Dearman but also the residents with each other. What were they hiding? Who could you trust? There’s plenty of secrets to uncover. I didn’t guess the biggest one of all!
The Perfectly Imperfect Woman is much more than a romance read with conflicts, secrets and magic sprinkled throughout. And of course cheesecake (what IS the special ingredient I wonder). I wanted to slow down and savour every word but found it impossible. Milly Johnson has written another page turner that ticks all the boxes for me. Don’t miss it!
May 21, 2018
THE PERFECTLY IMPERFECT WOMAN by Milly Johnson is a book filled with moments - moments that will make you laugh out loud, moments that will make your heart break, and moments where you wish you could crawl between the pages and find yourself in the story so that you could help out the characters that have come to mean so much to you.
Marnie Salt has not had an easy life, adopted by a mother (and I use that term very lightly) that didn't want her and being broken down by so many people in her life. But now she is strong, independent, and determined to make it to the top in her career. But she is also lonely. And when she falls for another guy who breaks her heart and lets her down, Marnie loses her career too.
Luckily for her, there is a guardian angel in her life in the form of a wacky older lady who says exactly what she thinks and she just might have the answer for Marnie when she offers her a fresh start in the stunning little village of Wychwell with its crazy inhabitants.
As Marnie throws herself into her new life and a new job, she is happy to escape the demons from her past, but as she will soon learn you can never run away from who you are and what has happened in your life ... but maybe, just maybe, the hurt from the past can be softened by opening up to those who want and deserve your love?
The title of this story really tells it all and I loved watching Marnie come to realise that she really is enough just the way she is. As her story unfolded my heart broke for the child that she was and all that she had gone through and was still going through. Lilian, Lionel, Herv, and Emelie are such special characters, and I really enjoyed the crazy village with its eclectic cast of gossips and interfering busybodies.
THE PERFECTLY IMPERFECT WOMAN by Milly Johnson has it all - drama, romance, mystery, and secrets - but it also sends an important message of loving yourself for who you are and recognising your own worth, and I highly recommend this excellent novel to all fiction fans.
Marnie Salt has not had an easy life, adopted by a mother (and I use that term very lightly) that didn't want her and being broken down by so many people in her life. But now she is strong, independent, and determined to make it to the top in her career. But she is also lonely. And when she falls for another guy who breaks her heart and lets her down, Marnie loses her career too.
Luckily for her, there is a guardian angel in her life in the form of a wacky older lady who says exactly what she thinks and she just might have the answer for Marnie when she offers her a fresh start in the stunning little village of Wychwell with its crazy inhabitants.
As Marnie throws herself into her new life and a new job, she is happy to escape the demons from her past, but as she will soon learn you can never run away from who you are and what has happened in your life ... but maybe, just maybe, the hurt from the past can be softened by opening up to those who want and deserve your love?
The title of this story really tells it all and I loved watching Marnie come to realise that she really is enough just the way she is. As her story unfolded my heart broke for the child that she was and all that she had gone through and was still going through. Lilian, Lionel, Herv, and Emelie are such special characters, and I really enjoyed the crazy village with its eclectic cast of gossips and interfering busybodies.
THE PERFECTLY IMPERFECT WOMAN by Milly Johnson has it all - drama, romance, mystery, and secrets - but it also sends an important message of loving yourself for who you are and recognising your own worth, and I highly recommend this excellent novel to all fiction fans.
February 5, 2018
What a book! In part its an ode to a cheesecake, in parts it is the history of a small village in Yorkshire with all of the myths surrounding it, in parts its a story about a realistic main character who has her flaws, but ultimately has a good heart and in parts it is so many other things I can't sit here listing its merits all day!
I absolutely loved this book, it took the reader on a rather unexpected journey, it has a few surprises along the way and generally was incredibly gripping throughout.
The way Marnie first met Lillian is certainly amusing and memorable, and learning all about the village of Wychwell was interesting. I will say there are a fair few villagers that I really disliked but with a sort of enjoyment to my dislike of them. They weren't main characters but did add an extra dimension to the story.
There are so many storylines and subplots in this book that I could take all day just trying to tell you about them. Instead I will say there is plenty in there for everyone, I was never confused, and I loved seeing this look at Marnie's life and how it changed over a period of time.
This is an excellent book from Milly Johnson, its just a shame it had to finish. There are some really funny bits, some more emotional sections, it touches on issues such as adoption, there are secrets to be revealed and its just an all around fabulous book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
I absolutely loved this book, it took the reader on a rather unexpected journey, it has a few surprises along the way and generally was incredibly gripping throughout.
The way Marnie first met Lillian is certainly amusing and memorable, and learning all about the village of Wychwell was interesting. I will say there are a fair few villagers that I really disliked but with a sort of enjoyment to my dislike of them. They weren't main characters but did add an extra dimension to the story.
There are so many storylines and subplots in this book that I could take all day just trying to tell you about them. Instead I will say there is plenty in there for everyone, I was never confused, and I loved seeing this look at Marnie's life and how it changed over a period of time.
This is an excellent book from Milly Johnson, its just a shame it had to finish. There are some really funny bits, some more emotional sections, it touches on issues such as adoption, there are secrets to be revealed and its just an all around fabulous book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
February 24, 2018
Gosh, this book has such a high rating but I didn’t connect with it at all! The plot was just too unbelievable!
January 6, 2021
Marnie opened up another bottle of wine as they messaged back and forth. Somehow the conversation segued from recipes for cheesecakes to recipes of disaster – i.e. Marnie’s life. Lubricated by fermented grapes, a dam burst inside her and out it all poured in a torrent. Everything.... And Marnie went past caring if the person she was typing to was a genuine elderly lady, a Daily Mail reporter or a serial killer called Darren.
As usual, Milly Johnson does not disappoint. In this one, Marnie Salt is an attractive, smart, ambitious woman who is also good and kind. She is greatly flawed, as is typical in Milly's heroines, in that she makes very poor choices as far as her relationships with men and friends are concerned. She is epically embarrassed at work due to still another poor choice. She quits her job and moves to a small village, virtually owned by a new older friend she meets in a chat forum online, and finds her mojo and her happy ending. This is not a spoiler as all of Milly Johnson's endings are super happy and satisfying. There is a little magic involved and more than one mystery. And Cheesecake! If you don't like cheesecake, you might not like this book.
As Marnie repairs herself, the reader finds out more and more about her painful past and her destructive mother and sister. Milly really likes to pile on her heroines before she triumphantly resurrects them. But the gradual reveal of what Marnie had to endure as a child helps us to understand her so we can't blame her.
What a vile family you have, dear. No wonder you have so much difficulty negotiating life. They’ve imprinted a faulty map in you. Totally understandable why you keep losing your way. I have the same map imprinted on me too. We have more in common than you could know.
I can't help but think this is a book that might have a sequel at some future date. Or at least be revisited in a future book. Although the ending is very cathartic and answers many questions we have been teased with throughout the book, there are a few questions and mysteries left unexplained.
Marnie was a great character in a book of great characters. She is smart, successful, funny, and has a good heart. Although she frustrated me to start out with as far as her poor choice in men, I like that when she learned her lesson, she did not backslide into more poor choices, although she did have me worried a few times. She got more strong and powerful as the book went on without losing her kind and generous nature.
She wasn’t someone on a piece of elastic that could be dropped and picked up again when it suited. Nope, she wasn’t that Marnie now and the awareness that she wasn’t shocked her in a warm way. Could she be actually growing up at last? Thanks to a batty old lady who had seen her warts and all and still valued her as something precious?
January 20, 2018
I have just finished this beautiful book and feel absolutely bereft!
Milly Johnson writes with such feeling and emotion that you can't help but be swept along with her characters and storyline like.
My heart broke for Marnie but I couldn't stop reading, desperate for her to find happiness and love.
I really enjoyed reading about the history of Wychwell which runs alongside the main story and will genuinely miss all the characters. The good and the bad!
I really look forward to the next book.
Milly Johnson writes with such feeling and emotion that you can't help but be swept along with her characters and storyline like.
My heart broke for Marnie but I couldn't stop reading, desperate for her to find happiness and love.
I really enjoyed reading about the history of Wychwell which runs alongside the main story and will genuinely miss all the characters. The good and the bad!
I really look forward to the next book.
August 18, 2018
Really struggled with this one which is unusually as I love Milly’s books :(
July 10, 2018
Marnie loves her job in Beverage Marketing, but she has felt lonely for a long time, even when she’s been in relationships. When she chats to an old lady in an online cheesecake forum, her path crosses with Lilian Dearman. Following an incident at work, Marnie decides to visit Lilian, who, it turns out, owns a village in the Yorkshire Dales. Marnie thinks her stay at Wychwell will be temporary, but little does she know how much her life is about to change.
Thank you to Sara-Jade Virtue and Simon & Schuster UK for providing a copy of this book which I won in a competition.
The Perfectly Imperfect Woman is a feel-good book and a great summer read! Marnie is such a likable main character. She has had to contend with a lot of turbulence in her life from a young age. This is partly because her family are dysfunctional, to say the least. Whilst she does make some mistakes, she learns from them and shows that it’s okay not to be perfect. I was cheering for her throughout the novel.
Milly Johnson writes with a warm humour which leaps off the page. Most of the story takes place in the fictional village of Wychwell and you get a real sense of community. There is a diverse range of characters, from the good to the bad to the busy-bodies. Aside from Marnie, my favourite characters are Lilian and Herv. Lilian is one of a kind and she doesn’t give a flying fig about what anyone thinks about her. Herv is originally from Norway and has settled nicely into Wychwell. He is such a sweet guy!
The unexpected twists and revelations kept me guessing. Quite a number of the characters have interesting secrets. I also enjoyed reading about the history of Wychwell and the mysteries surrounding this fascinating village which feels like it could be a real place. Last but not least, I loved all the different cheesecake flavours!
This review also appears on my blog, Shaz Reads.
Thank you to Sara-Jade Virtue and Simon & Schuster UK for providing a copy of this book which I won in a competition.
The Perfectly Imperfect Woman is a feel-good book and a great summer read! Marnie is such a likable main character. She has had to contend with a lot of turbulence in her life from a young age. This is partly because her family are dysfunctional, to say the least. Whilst she does make some mistakes, she learns from them and shows that it’s okay not to be perfect. I was cheering for her throughout the novel.
Milly Johnson writes with a warm humour which leaps off the page. Most of the story takes place in the fictional village of Wychwell and you get a real sense of community. There is a diverse range of characters, from the good to the bad to the busy-bodies. Aside from Marnie, my favourite characters are Lilian and Herv. Lilian is one of a kind and she doesn’t give a flying fig about what anyone thinks about her. Herv is originally from Norway and has settled nicely into Wychwell. He is such a sweet guy!
The unexpected twists and revelations kept me guessing. Quite a number of the characters have interesting secrets. I also enjoyed reading about the history of Wychwell and the mysteries surrounding this fascinating village which feels like it could be a real place. Last but not least, I loved all the different cheesecake flavours!
This review also appears on my blog, Shaz Reads.
November 25, 2019
This is the first time I read something by Milly Johnson. I totally enjoyed the way main character Marnie Salt turns her life around and found this book a very entertaining and light read. Would recommend it to all lovers of chick lit genre.
February 22, 2018
Marnie just wants to be loved, but finding the right person lands her in the most terrible situations. She doesn't have much luck when it comes to family, boyfriends and friendships, but Lillian is different. When Marnie meets Lillian online she finally forms a friendship that's equal and beneficial to both. Lillian is a little older than Marnie, but they get along fabulously. When one of Marnie's relationships turns into a huge disaster Marnie needs a place to stay. Lillian offers her a cottage and Marnie finally finds the sanctuary she's been looking for.
Being in Wychwell heals Marnie's heart, she can finally bake all the cakes she likes and spending time with Lillian is precious. The place might look idyllic, but Marnie knows not everyone is friendly and welcoming. She thinks being in Wychwell is only temporary, but Marnie's sense of duty binds her to the place in an inevitable way. There's no going back and Marnie has to get to know who she is and learn to stand up for herself as quickly as she can, so she will survive the next round of catastrophes in her life. Maybe, if she succeeds, she will even find happiness this time.
The Perfectly Imperfect Woman is a wonderful heartwarming story. I fell in love with this book from the start. It's so sweet and original. Marnie is a kindhearted woman, but she's also a bit naive. She's longing to be loved and this sometimes makes her blind to the truth. Milly Johnson describes her feelings in a fantastic understanding way and it was impossible not to like Marnie even if she sometimes doesn't make the most wise decisions. She has a lot of growing up to do and meeting Lillian changes her life for the better. Lillian is generous and loving and she's exactly the person Marnie needs in her life. They're both giving and have big hearts, which makes their friendship incredibly special.
Milly Johnson has chosen a gorgeous setting for her story. Wychwell is intriguing and stunning. I love how Milly Johnson's colorful descriptions are making it come to life in a fantastic way. It's the ideal place for a story filled with charm, mystery and kindness. Lillian is fabulously quirky and she perfectly fits into her surroundings. Marnie has finally found a place she belongs and slowly the beautiful person she is fully comes to the surface. I loved Milly Johnson's delicious descriptions of Marnie's cakes and I enjoyed the warm and emphatic way she writes about her main characters. I love how creative her stories are and think The Perfectly Imperfect Woman is a true gem. I highly recommend this brilliant feelgood book that put a huge smile on my face.
Being in Wychwell heals Marnie's heart, she can finally bake all the cakes she likes and spending time with Lillian is precious. The place might look idyllic, but Marnie knows not everyone is friendly and welcoming. She thinks being in Wychwell is only temporary, but Marnie's sense of duty binds her to the place in an inevitable way. There's no going back and Marnie has to get to know who she is and learn to stand up for herself as quickly as she can, so she will survive the next round of catastrophes in her life. Maybe, if she succeeds, she will even find happiness this time.
The Perfectly Imperfect Woman is a wonderful heartwarming story. I fell in love with this book from the start. It's so sweet and original. Marnie is a kindhearted woman, but she's also a bit naive. She's longing to be loved and this sometimes makes her blind to the truth. Milly Johnson describes her feelings in a fantastic understanding way and it was impossible not to like Marnie even if she sometimes doesn't make the most wise decisions. She has a lot of growing up to do and meeting Lillian changes her life for the better. Lillian is generous and loving and she's exactly the person Marnie needs in her life. They're both giving and have big hearts, which makes their friendship incredibly special.
Milly Johnson has chosen a gorgeous setting for her story. Wychwell is intriguing and stunning. I love how Milly Johnson's colorful descriptions are making it come to life in a fantastic way. It's the ideal place for a story filled with charm, mystery and kindness. Lillian is fabulously quirky and she perfectly fits into her surroundings. Marnie has finally found a place she belongs and slowly the beautiful person she is fully comes to the surface. I loved Milly Johnson's delicious descriptions of Marnie's cakes and I enjoyed the warm and emphatic way she writes about her main characters. I love how creative her stories are and think The Perfectly Imperfect Woman is a true gem. I highly recommend this brilliant feelgood book that put a huge smile on my face.
February 26, 2018
I was thrilled to get a chance to read another Milly Johnson. Her covers are always so enticing and I rarely don't love one of her books. Thankfully this latest one is a wonderful read and I devoured it in just two sittings. Marnie Salt has an okay job, and when she meets a guy from work things seem to be going swimmingly. She then has a chance encounter with a lady online named Lillian. When Marnie and Lillian finally meet up, a few things happen to Marnie which have a massive impact on her life and she finds herself living in the village of Wychwell, where Lillian is none other than Lady of The Manor.
Wychwell seems to be something of a fresh start for Marnie however it soon becomes apparent that the village of Wychwall is not like oither places and it has its very own rules and regulations which the villagers ensure Marnie is aware of. I'm reluctant to share any more of the storyline as this book is I feel a bit of a departure from the norm. The story may seem like it goes in one direction but there are actually a number of sub plots running through all of which captured my attention.
The characters are again both likeable and extremely readable, making for the perfect read. The characters are again slightly different from the normal characters you would expect and it makes the book so much more engaging. I absolutely loved this book and would highly recommend it to anybody.
Wychwell seems to be something of a fresh start for Marnie however it soon becomes apparent that the village of Wychwall is not like oither places and it has its very own rules and regulations which the villagers ensure Marnie is aware of. I'm reluctant to share any more of the storyline as this book is I feel a bit of a departure from the norm. The story may seem like it goes in one direction but there are actually a number of sub plots running through all of which captured my attention.
The characters are again both likeable and extremely readable, making for the perfect read. The characters are again slightly different from the normal characters you would expect and it makes the book so much more engaging. I absolutely loved this book and would highly recommend it to anybody.
March 10, 2020
This was a very enjoyable read, but not one of my favorites by this author. There were just way too many quirky elements going on that interfered with the overall message of the story. Which was a shame.
But, I loved, loved the town and townspeople. If there is a "Wychwell" in real life, point me to it!
But, I loved, loved the town and townspeople. If there is a "Wychwell" in real life, point me to it!
February 22, 2018
I have always loved Millie Johnson books and she certainly hasn't let me down at all you are hooked from the first page and full of laughter and romantic and life just a brilliant book. It flows so well as a book and wants you to read more to find out what does happen next.
It's all based around Marnie Salt and her mother never really wanted her after she had her own child as she adopted Marnie and she feels as if life can never go right. As a youngster she meets a lovely neighbour who shows her how to make cheesecakes and in years to come she will not realise this will change her life forever. She's in a job where she is having a secret relationship with the boss and she thinks he's left his wife but when she turns up at the office ranting at Marnie she decides she needs to move and have time away as she can't face anyone. She turns up is a beautiful village and the while village has been psssed through generations and Marnie thinks it's only to be temporary but little does she know it will change her life. She comes across problems to start with and is unsure but then she realises she can learn to love and be happy again.
A beautiful read full of family secrets will they all come out and be sorted or not a simply Devine read.
It's all based around Marnie Salt and her mother never really wanted her after she had her own child as she adopted Marnie and she feels as if life can never go right. As a youngster she meets a lovely neighbour who shows her how to make cheesecakes and in years to come she will not realise this will change her life forever. She's in a job where she is having a secret relationship with the boss and she thinks he's left his wife but when she turns up at the office ranting at Marnie she decides she needs to move and have time away as she can't face anyone. She turns up is a beautiful village and the while village has been psssed through generations and Marnie thinks it's only to be temporary but little does she know it will change her life. She comes across problems to start with and is unsure but then she realises she can learn to love and be happy again.
A beautiful read full of family secrets will they all come out and be sorted or not a simply Devine read.
September 30, 2018
While actually reading this book I didn't have many problems, the book has such a nice flow that you are carried along by it. However, once I had finished I realised I had many problems, mainly that Milly Johnson didn't seem to know what she wanted the book to be, she tried to tackle some really serious issues but the brash nature she brushed over then and the almost instant recovery I found dismissive. I think there are some issues that if you are going to tackle them you have to tackle head on, you can't skirt past it, and the fact that she does lowers my enjoyment of the book retrospectively.
I would say this is a enjoyable light easy read, but in many ways it isn't, and even though I didn't enjoy it I wish it did one theme justice as opposed to being a jack of all trades.
I would say this is a enjoyable light easy read, but in many ways it isn't, and even though I didn't enjoy it I wish it did one theme justice as opposed to being a jack of all trades.
January 12, 2018
Another absolutely wonderful read from Milly Johnson. They carry on getting better and better. The characters are so vivid that they feel like friends and you experience everything alongside them. Wychwell sounds a gorgeous place to find and spend time
After pouring her heart out to a woman on a cheesecake site, Marnie finds herself renting a cottage in Lillian's viillage, Wychell. She is a delighfully eccentric old lady and she craves Marnie's company. You get the feel of village life and romance is in the air. You just lose yourself totally within the pages and enjoy every moment- it's just sad that it has to come to an end!
After pouring her heart out to a woman on a cheesecake site, Marnie finds herself renting a cottage in Lillian's viillage, Wychell. She is a delighfully eccentric old lady and she craves Marnie's company. You get the feel of village life and romance is in the air. You just lose yourself totally within the pages and enjoy every moment- it's just sad that it has to come to an end!
August 12, 2018
Great book ,love this author. Read all her books and they are all a great read
June 18, 2022
Great characters in this one. The side romance is peripheral to the story but ultimately sweet after the H makes a huge mistake.
February 28, 2018
So many twists and turns in this book! This one constantly had me on the back foot, not knowing what was going to happen next, especially when it came to what or who was going to be revealed. Plot wise there are so many sub plots going on, it can get a touch confusing at times but seeing them each tied up was definitely satisfying.
In terms of characters, there is a wonderful cast in this novel. All the usual characters you would expect in a small village, but each of them had their own little secret or little quirk that you really won't be expecting. There are some seriously good villains who you will love to hate and who live up to their reputations! And then of course there is main character Marnie.
Marnie has had a tough life and Milly Johnson throws a whole lot more at her in this book. I actually uttered the phrase 'oh what now?' For poor Marnie. She's interesting to read about because she is just an ordinary woman who's living a rather extra ordinary life.
Cheesecake is another character in this book as you might be able to tell if you follow this author on any social media. There are some really great baking scenes in this book and flavours of cheesecake mentioned so this novel does come with a warning not to read on an empty stomach.
The thing I really loved about this book was Milly Johnson's way with words. Her northern humour really does jump right off the page and she has some classic phrases in there! She doesn't mince words and so there is some colourful language throughout the novel by I absolutely loved it and felt so at home in her world!
In terms of characters, there is a wonderful cast in this novel. All the usual characters you would expect in a small village, but each of them had their own little secret or little quirk that you really won't be expecting. There are some seriously good villains who you will love to hate and who live up to their reputations! And then of course there is main character Marnie.
Marnie has had a tough life and Milly Johnson throws a whole lot more at her in this book. I actually uttered the phrase 'oh what now?' For poor Marnie. She's interesting to read about because she is just an ordinary woman who's living a rather extra ordinary life.
Cheesecake is another character in this book as you might be able to tell if you follow this author on any social media. There are some really great baking scenes in this book and flavours of cheesecake mentioned so this novel does come with a warning not to read on an empty stomach.
The thing I really loved about this book was Milly Johnson's way with words. Her northern humour really does jump right off the page and she has some classic phrases in there! She doesn't mince words and so there is some colourful language throughout the novel by I absolutely loved it and felt so at home in her world!
July 31, 2021
The story, the plot, the characters - all was perfect Milly Johnson's setting. I don't know why I haven't enjoyed it more, but I can't deny I wasn't taken away like with some other her books. I really don't understand.
Marnie was truly perfectly imperfect. Herv was just... [sigh...] And all those secondary characters. Lilian - her past... So many ellipsis.
Perhaps it was a matter of the magic part - I wasn't a fan of it. Perhaps the thread of "trashy novels" - what was the point. Just because someone could be rich? No matter. I am not going to think and think why I didn't like it more.
3 stars for enjoyment, a few 5-star-scenes, the characters from 4 to 5 stars.
Marnie was truly perfectly imperfect. Herv was just... [sigh...] And all those secondary characters. Lilian - her past... So many ellipsis.
Perhaps it was a matter of the magic part - I wasn't a fan of it. Perhaps the thread of "trashy novels" - what was the point. Just because someone could be rich? No matter. I am not going to think and think why I didn't like it more.
3 stars for enjoyment, a few 5-star-scenes, the characters from 4 to 5 stars.
March 21, 2019
3.5 🌟
Abit of a long read for what it is was. Although I enjoyed joining Marnie on her journey of self-discovery and self-love.
The plot seemed to do this weird thing of dabbling back and forth between being realistic and relatable, to far-fetched and nonsensical. This I would say is the only thing I struggled with. I finished reading this in 2 days and by the end, I found myself just eagerly wanting to get to the end of it.
Overall, it was well written, definitely humorous and I absolutely adored Nerv! 😍
Abit of a long read for what it is was. Although I enjoyed joining Marnie on her journey of self-discovery and self-love.
The plot seemed to do this weird thing of dabbling back and forth between being realistic and relatable, to far-fetched and nonsensical. This I would say is the only thing I struggled with. I finished reading this in 2 days and by the end, I found myself just eagerly wanting to get to the end of it.
Overall, it was well written, definitely humorous and I absolutely adored Nerv! 😍
July 15, 2018
By the end of the first chapter of The Perfectly Imperfect Woman I was craving cheesecake! It was almost midnight and I had to go to bed with the image of a delicious buttery, crumbly based topped with creamy cheese and sharp, sweet fruit on the top and oozing down the sides. Torture, pure torture.
Milly Johnson returns with her trademark Northern wit and humour, her totally relatable characters, her divine settings and her wonderfully creative stories.
Lead character Marnie is a lovable, often vulnerable and naive, but always adorable. She suffers the anguish of failed relationships; a common theme in life. Beginning with a difficult young life with a cold and controlling mother and continuing through female friendships and boyfriends. When the reader meets Marnie she's grieving the end of yet another romance, the loss of her best friend and the instability of having to live in a rented property.
It's not long before Marnie begins to feel a little happier with life, but that doesn't last and it's Lillian, a much older, but feisty lady that Marnie met in an online baking forum who comes to the rescue. Offered the chance of a cottage in a beautiful Yorkshire village, Marnie jumps at the chance.
What follows is a heart warming and uplifting story that will delight fans of this author. Marnie discovers that whilst the village may appear perfect at first glance, there are plenty of residents who are not very sweet at all.
Packed with cheesecake and fun, yet dealing with more serious issues, The Perfectly Imperfect Woman is a joy to read. The author adds a little mystery here and there, with village legends, curses and magic. She will make you belly laugh and she will make you gulp back the sobs.
Delightful, seductive and pure Milly Johnson
Milly Johnson returns with her trademark Northern wit and humour, her totally relatable characters, her divine settings and her wonderfully creative stories.
Lead character Marnie is a lovable, often vulnerable and naive, but always adorable. She suffers the anguish of failed relationships; a common theme in life. Beginning with a difficult young life with a cold and controlling mother and continuing through female friendships and boyfriends. When the reader meets Marnie she's grieving the end of yet another romance, the loss of her best friend and the instability of having to live in a rented property.
It's not long before Marnie begins to feel a little happier with life, but that doesn't last and it's Lillian, a much older, but feisty lady that Marnie met in an online baking forum who comes to the rescue. Offered the chance of a cottage in a beautiful Yorkshire village, Marnie jumps at the chance.
What follows is a heart warming and uplifting story that will delight fans of this author. Marnie discovers that whilst the village may appear perfect at first glance, there are plenty of residents who are not very sweet at all.
Packed with cheesecake and fun, yet dealing with more serious issues, The Perfectly Imperfect Woman is a joy to read. The author adds a little mystery here and there, with village legends, curses and magic. She will make you belly laugh and she will make you gulp back the sobs.
Delightful, seductive and pure Milly Johnson
January 2, 2019
Nicely written, feel good factor chic lit which moves along at a steady pace. Some of the decisions made were not relatable but if you're happy to go along with it and not over analyse then it's a fun story that has a happy ending.
Perfect for taking on holiday or for round the fire reading in winter. Loved the little village and its history and the quirky village characters who all added to this charming story. Cheesecake does dominate but it's also about chances, love and rivalry. Nicely put together and easily worthy of 4 stars.
Perfect for taking on holiday or for round the fire reading in winter. Loved the little village and its history and the quirky village characters who all added to this charming story. Cheesecake does dominate but it's also about chances, love and rivalry. Nicely put together and easily worthy of 4 stars.
September 1, 2021
This book is about a woman who has gone through unfortunately events in life and thinking herself broken and unworthy of love. After an affair ended badly, Marnie started a new life in a peaceful village. She ended up going through more "dramas" before she rebuilds herself and bagging a big, handsome viking for herself in the end.
Plots like this are common and ten a penny. But the author has done a good job in telling the story and taking us on an enjoyable journey with the characters.
I love this book and I love Milly Johnson <3 This is a 5-stars read for me. A feel-good fiction that has the same effect as curling up in my blanket with a cup of coffee and a book on a rainy day. I look forward to reading more books by Johnson.
Plots like this are common and ten a penny. But the author has done a good job in telling the story and taking us on an enjoyable journey with the characters.
I love this book and I love Milly Johnson <3 This is a 5-stars read for me. A feel-good fiction that has the same effect as curling up in my blanket with a cup of coffee and a book on a rainy day. I look forward to reading more books by Johnson.
December 22, 2018
Wow. This bloody book hit me hard in the feels. So hard.
February 27, 2019
This was a good read but it’s not my favourite. It didn’t quite flow as well as her other novels.
Marnie was a great character and I loved it when she moved to Wychwell to escape her life.
Marnie was a great character and I loved it when she moved to Wychwell to escape her life.
February 27, 2019
I love Milly Johnson’s books - it’s like going under a warm cosy blanket. 😊
November 30, 2022
Another brilliant milly Johnson book.
May 22, 2020
Absolutely loved this book and all the characters in it. This is one of my favourite books by Milly Johnson.
I can really recommend reading it
I can really recommend reading it
July 19, 2018
Marnie Salt hasn't had an easy life - she was adopted and has never felt loved. She's never had luck with people, family, boyfriends or friends. But on the cheesecake forum in internet she's just met Lilian - the right person at the right time. Lilian is older than Marnie but it doesn't stop them from forming a firm, strong friendship and soon Marnie finds herself in Wychwell. Marnie blossoms - she can finally bake cheesecakes and she's finally happy with her life. She doesn't plan on staying there forever, she only wants to heal her heart and consider her future. But then something happens that puts Marnie's whole world upside down. She must make difficult decisions and must learn to stand up for herself. Will she manage?
One of the strengths of Milly Johnson's books are the characters. She can brilliantly capture the essence of her characters and paint them in such realistic, but also friendly, way. They are full of flaws, they sometimes don't tell the whole truth, they make mistakes but ultimately they are so human, and I simply love this. So I loved Marnie. Simply loved her. I would only like to see her telling some truths to her mother, because she should have done it. Marnie has problems, sometimes her decisions are not the wisest ones but that's the thing - it only made her more down - to - earth and genuine. She had a big and giving heart and probably this is why all the problems always found her, as she was too trusty and naive and has seen only good things in people. She had a lot of growing up to do, our Marnie, and Milly Johnson really well led her main character on this journey.
The setting in this book is gorgeous and original, and Wychwell, small village in Yorkshire, has such a great story to tell! It was a village like no other, with its own rules and politics!
Yes, it sometimes felt like a witch - hunt there, and there were moments it felt so isolated and so closed but it was also the charm of this place and most of the villagers were great. Milly Johnson has so easily brought this place to life, and the map at the beginning of the book was one of the best ideas ever, it was so great to be able to really place the cottages and imagine the whole village. There was so much happening there, you can count on mystery, drama, scandal and tons of kindness and friendship. There are many subplots in this book but it doesn't mean that I felt confused, oh no, it was perfectly planned and plotted. It touches upon many heavier issues, such as for example adoption or money fraud, but this all is almost always written with humour or at least in a lighter way.
Altogether, "The Perfectly Imperfect Woman" was a heart - warming, funny and poignant read. It is really easy to fell in love with this story immediately - the writing style is brilliant, easy to follow and chatty, and the plot brings some surprises that I would never expect. It's just a book with a heart, you know, and you can feel it in every word, and it is great to read such a story. Highly recommended!
Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
February 23, 2018
So many twists and turns in this book! This one constantly had me on the back foot, not knowing what was going to happen next, especially when it came to what or who was going to be revealed. Plot wise there are so many sub plots going on, it can get a touch confusing at times but seeing them each tied up was definitely satisfying.
In terms of characters, there is a wonderful cast in this novel. All the usual characters you would expect in a small village, but each of them had their own little secret or little quirk that you really won't be expecting. There are some seriously good villains who you will love to hate and who live up to their reputations! And then of course there is main character Marnie.
Marnie has had a tough life and Milly Johnson throws a whole lot more at her in this book. I actually uttered the phrase 'oh what now?' For poor Marnie. She's interesting to read about because she is just an ordinary woman who's living a rather extra ordinary life.
Cheesecake is another character in this book as you might be able to tell if you follow this author on any social media. There are some really great baking scenes in this book and flavours of cheesecake mentioned so this novel does come with a warning not to read on an empty stomach.
The thing I really loved about this book was Milly Johnson's way with words. Her northern humour really does jump right off the page and she has some classic phrases in there! She doesn't mince words and so there is some colourful language throughout the novel by I absolutely loved it and felt so at home in her world!
In terms of characters, there is a wonderful cast in this novel. All the usual characters you would expect in a small village, but each of them had their own little secret or little quirk that you really won't be expecting. There are some seriously good villains who you will love to hate and who live up to their reputations! And then of course there is main character Marnie.
Marnie has had a tough life and Milly Johnson throws a whole lot more at her in this book. I actually uttered the phrase 'oh what now?' For poor Marnie. She's interesting to read about because she is just an ordinary woman who's living a rather extra ordinary life.
Cheesecake is another character in this book as you might be able to tell if you follow this author on any social media. There are some really great baking scenes in this book and flavours of cheesecake mentioned so this novel does come with a warning not to read on an empty stomach.
The thing I really loved about this book was Milly Johnson's way with words. Her northern humour really does jump right off the page and she has some classic phrases in there! She doesn't mince words and so there is some colourful language throughout the novel by I absolutely loved it and felt so at home in her world!
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