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Honey Butter
Jamie Johnson is a seven-year-old girl with an annoying older sister, a short attention span, and an odd hobby of collecting paint sample cards.
Laren Lark is an almost thirteen-year-old girl with a love of books, a talent for poetry, and a past full of road school adventures.
This Book is a whimsical story about what happened to them one fateful summer, with a pound of friendship, a gallon of family, and a ton of everyday joy.
"one of my very favorite reads of the year. I adored it, and it's one of those stories that has stayed with me throughout the year, so I know it's one I will return to in the future." - Anna Rose Johnson, author of The Star that Always Stays
Laren Lark is an almost thirteen-year-old girl with a love of books, a talent for poetry, and a past full of road school adventures.
This Book is a whimsical story about what happened to them one fateful summer, with a pound of friendship, a gallon of family, and a ton of everyday joy.
"one of my very favorite reads of the year. I adored it, and it's one of those stories that has stayed with me throughout the year, so I know it's one I will return to in the future." - Anna Rose Johnson, author of The Star that Always Stays
164 pages, Paperback
Published August 14, 2017
15 people are currently reading
374 people want to read
About the author
Millie Florence
8 books319 followersMillie Florence’s earliest memories are of lying under the covers at night, whispering stories to herself long after her parents had told her to go to sleep. She published her first book, ‘Honey Butter’, at age 13 and hasn’t stopped since!
Millie lives in a picturesque blue house in the woods of southern Illinois. She loves adventure, good food, and just about all things yellow.
Millie lives in a picturesque blue house in the woods of southern Illinois. She loves adventure, good food, and just about all things yellow.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
August 3, 2018
Okay, you guys. This book! Just--I feel like I've overused "wow" lately, but other words are failing me.
I first heard about this book when I read Millie Florence's interview on Homeschooled Authors. The premise sounded cute, and the ebook wasn't expensive, and it's a nice thing to support your fellow new authors, right? Hmm, yeah, okay. Except that when I finished it this morning and had to scramble to get out the door for work on time, the fact that I'd "helped out" a new young author was the last thing on my mind.
I'm really not sure why my expectations were so low, unless I was remembering my own writing at thirteen. (And no, I will not show it to you.) This book is...not that. Not by a long shot. Was every sentence perfectly polished? No. Did I come away with an "awww" sentiment for a cute first try? Not even close.
Honey Butter is the perfect name for this book. It's sweet--so sweet--but not in a cotton-candy or even a cake-and-ice-cream way. It's a homey, comfortable, down-to-earth sweetness. A lot like a fresh-baked yeast roll covered in--honey butter.
As someone who's enjoyed a lot of mixed-age friendships (although I was usually on the older end), I loved the chemistry between Jamie and Laren. I also loved the fact that their friendship didn't make Jamie dependent and clingy; instead, seeing the world through Laren's eyes helped her open her heart to the people already in her own life. The chaos of Jamie's big family was spot-on, and I felt her pain as she struggled with the frustration and hurt of her sister's rejection.
Content: arguments between siblings, including "I hate you" (discussed and corrected); "magic" used as a description in several places
Final analysis--I think I shot myself in the foot buying the ebook first, because now I want the print book, too... I'm already considering which parents, libraries, schools, etc. I might be able to recommend this to. It's just that kind of book. 4.5 shining stars!
I first heard about this book when I read Millie Florence's interview on Homeschooled Authors. The premise sounded cute, and the ebook wasn't expensive, and it's a nice thing to support your fellow new authors, right? Hmm, yeah, okay. Except that when I finished it this morning and had to scramble to get out the door for work on time, the fact that I'd "helped out" a new young author was the last thing on my mind.
I'm really not sure why my expectations were so low, unless I was remembering my own writing at thirteen. (And no, I will not show it to you.) This book is...not that. Not by a long shot. Was every sentence perfectly polished? No. Did I come away with an "awww" sentiment for a cute first try? Not even close.
Honey Butter is the perfect name for this book. It's sweet--so sweet--but not in a cotton-candy or even a cake-and-ice-cream way. It's a homey, comfortable, down-to-earth sweetness. A lot like a fresh-baked yeast roll covered in--honey butter.
As someone who's enjoyed a lot of mixed-age friendships (although I was usually on the older end), I loved the chemistry between Jamie and Laren. I also loved the fact that their friendship didn't make Jamie dependent and clingy; instead, seeing the world through Laren's eyes helped her open her heart to the people already in her own life. The chaos of Jamie's big family was spot-on, and I felt her pain as she struggled with the frustration and hurt of her sister's rejection.
Content: arguments between siblings, including "I hate you" (discussed and corrected); "magic" used as a description in several places
Final analysis--I think I shot myself in the foot buying the ebook first, because now I want the print book, too... I'm already considering which parents, libraries, schools, etc. I might be able to recommend this to. It's just that kind of book. 4.5 shining stars!
September 23, 2018
I liked it a lot, and it was well-done. Great writing style and editing and characterization and plotting.
My main problems were I didn't care for the protagonist (petty, annoying) and felt she was a bit young for her age (5 rather than 7), and I didn't feel that Jaime's parents were ... parenting. xP At least not Jaime.
Otherwise, fantastic story! Probably a little young for me, but very cute, and I enjoyed it.
My main problems were I didn't care for the protagonist (petty, annoying) and felt she was a bit young for her age (5 rather than 7), and I didn't feel that Jaime's parents were ... parenting. xP At least not Jaime.
Otherwise, fantastic story! Probably a little young for me, but very cute, and I enjoyed it.
November 8, 2023
While certainly not perfect, I think this was one of the sweetest middle grade books I've ever read. Full of siblings and quirkiness, it's sure to delight its readers. I also particularly loved the bits about paint cards as my sisters and I used to collect them as well.
August 29, 2019
THIS WAS SO GOOD AKAUBSYAGQVHSKSKAUAHAJIS
Yes. Just everything about this. Yes.
The soft, poetic, lyrical style of writing, mingled with reality and pain.
Jamie.
LAREN.
Cara.
Erica.
Griffin. (Griffin + Erica = Griffica SHHHHHIIIIIIIPPPPP)
THE PAINT CARDS AKAUAVAYGAHAJSKXUYCVBS
Laren's backstory?? *sobs endlessly*
This book inspired me to be a better sister. And to enjoy the little things in life.
Like Honey Butter paint cards.
Yes. Just everything about this. Yes.
The soft, poetic, lyrical style of writing, mingled with reality and pain.
Jamie.
LAREN.
Cara.
Erica.
Griffin. (Griffin + Erica = Griffica SHHHHHIIIIIIIPPPPP)
THE PAINT CARDS AKAUAVAYGAHAJSKXUYCVBS
Laren's backstory?? *sobs endlessly*
This book inspired me to be a better sister. And to enjoy the little things in life.
Like Honey Butter paint cards.
March 27, 2022
4.5 stars.
Not by any means a perfect book… but it’s better than perfect. This is one of those sweet heartfelt stories that lingers in your chest after reading.
Perfect read aloud for families too!
Not by any means a perfect book… but it’s better than perfect. This is one of those sweet heartfelt stories that lingers in your chest after reading.
Perfect read aloud for families too!
May 2, 2021
I’ve been aware of Millie for a loonngggg time and I’ve always considered her a celebrity so when I got the opportunity to get a signed copy of her first book I was stoked.
And reading it?
And you’re going to tell me this was written by a THIRTEEN YEAR OLD?
I have literally zero complaints about this book. The young POV was so sweet and adorable and so pure and the simple theme of the story made it so precious.
The plot? Beautiful, short, and sweet.
Characters? Simple, and realisitc.
Woah. I see why everyone loves this book.
It deserves all the stars in the world.
Job well done, Millie. ;)
It was a quick read, but one I thoroughly enjoyed and can’t believe I haven’t sat my behind down to read Lydia Of Mulberry Glen yet.
If you haven’t read this teen author “classic”, YOU MUST. It’s not a waste of your time and it’s sooo cute and fulfilling.
It just makes you so happy inside.
And reading it?
And you’re going to tell me this was written by a THIRTEEN YEAR OLD?
I have literally zero complaints about this book. The young POV was so sweet and adorable and so pure and the simple theme of the story made it so precious.
The plot? Beautiful, short, and sweet.
Characters? Simple, and realisitc.
Woah. I see why everyone loves this book.
It deserves all the stars in the world.
Job well done, Millie. ;)
It was a quick read, but one I thoroughly enjoyed and can’t believe I haven’t sat my behind down to read Lydia Of Mulberry Glen yet.
If you haven’t read this teen author “classic”, YOU MUST. It’s not a waste of your time and it’s sooo cute and fulfilling.
It just makes you so happy inside.
July 18, 2018
Great debut from a young author!
Millie Florence’s debut novella, Honey Butter, is a delightful read full of vivid descriptions of a Carolina summer, an unlikely friendship, beautiful literature, and sibling relationships. I highly recommend this sweet book for a read-aloud for younger children or an independent read for older kids and pre-teens.
Millie Florence’s debut novella, Honey Butter, is a delightful read full of vivid descriptions of a Carolina summer, an unlikely friendship, beautiful literature, and sibling relationships. I highly recommend this sweet book for a read-aloud for younger children or an independent read for older kids and pre-teens.
April 25, 2025
3.5 Stars
This was a cute book...with summery vibes and a small plot, still cute, and I adore the cover!
Characters:
Jamie was a cute character, though the why behind some of her actions especially toward the end felt a bit skipped over and I would have liked more detail and explanation on why she made the decision she did.
Laren was my favorite character! As a side character, she was super well developed, more so than Jamie in my opinion, and I loved her optimistic personality!
Jamie's family was fun... As someone from a big family, it was nice to see that in a book.😁
Themes:
Enjoy the little things and moments... don't take your family for granted. Overall, a slice of life sort of MG book would be a good way to describe it.
Language:
A sibling telling someone they hate the sibling and another thinking the same thing. Mentioned because I know my Mama never would have let me and my siblings say that to each other.
Romance:
N/A
Violence/Gore:
N/A
Overall:
This was a cute book that felt could have been fleshed out just a bit more... but the author was 13 when she wrote it...so, way better than anything I wrote at that age.🤣
Jamie's paint card collection was cool! And I loved the friendship between her and Laren, which reminded me of most my friendships growing up....lol...I was always older than my friends, still am for the most part.😂
Recommend ages 6+, but whether the slower storyline will hold their attention will be the deciding factor there.
This was a cute book...with summery vibes and a small plot, still cute, and I adore the cover!
Characters:
Jamie was a cute character, though the why behind some of her actions especially toward the end felt a bit skipped over and I would have liked more detail and explanation on why she made the decision she did.
Laren was my favorite character! As a side character, she was super well developed, more so than Jamie in my opinion, and I loved her optimistic personality!
Jamie's family was fun... As someone from a big family, it was nice to see that in a book.😁
Themes:
Enjoy the little things and moments... don't take your family for granted. Overall, a slice of life sort of MG book would be a good way to describe it.
Language:
A sibling telling someone they hate the sibling and another thinking the same thing. Mentioned because I know my Mama never would have let me and my siblings say that to each other.
Romance:
N/A
Violence/Gore:
N/A
Overall:
This was a cute book that felt could have been fleshed out just a bit more... but the author was 13 when she wrote it...so, way better than anything I wrote at that age.🤣
Jamie's paint card collection was cool! And I loved the friendship between her and Laren, which reminded me of most my friendships growing up....lol...I was always older than my friends, still am for the most part.😂
Recommend ages 6+, but whether the slower storyline will hold their attention will be the deciding factor there.
July 13, 2022
Golden sunshine on a warm summer day. A library full of other worlds. Wonder at the beauty of the world. Friendship opening doors to new possibilities. Bright color that holds meaning.
All these things and more saturate the vivid story of Honey Butter by Millie Florence. It’s a sweet and thoughtful contemporary novel for children of all ages--and for anyone who enjoys a good story and appreciates the simple delights of ordinary life.
Jamie’s world seems humdrum, boring, uninteresting. She’s enduring a miserable and uneventful summer and hurting from a sibling’s repeated rejection. Her one unusual joy is the collection she treasures. Then a new girl moves in next door--and an unlikely and delightful friendship is formed. Together, the two girls show each other new things in life and help each other walk through the pain of past and present hurts.
Honey Butter is about friendship, family, and discovering the joys and beauty of the commonplace world around us. Its pages speak of healing, of appreciating the good things we have in life, and of treasuring and restoring relationships with the people in our lives. It’s a story of home and family, of the coziness and adventure of the ordinary, and of the beauty of the world around us--even in things that seem unremarkable or overly familiar.
I highly enjoyed Honey Butter, especially the central friendship and the family relationships in its pages. Jamie’s narrative voice is direct and sensible, spiced with vivid descriptions interspersed throughout. Her practical personality is balanced by her friend Laren’s expressive dialogue, and they mesh seamlessly without feeling overboard or out of place.
While reading, I kept trying to think of other books I’ve read to compare with elements of Honey Butter, but I couldn’t think of a good match. This story is unique and all its own--thoughtful and beautiful, down-to-earth and airily light, ordinary and golden with wonder.
I thought the protagonist, Jamie, and some of the other young characters seemed older than their stated age, but it didn’t affect my enjoyment at all.
One thing I didn’t like at first was the pronounced conflict between siblings. What I love most is siblings who have a good relationship and love each other, even though they clash sometimes--but a sibling relationship in this book went far beyond that into more hateful conflict. However, that was resolved at the end of the book, and I was glad. I love how the book showed that sibling relationships are to be valued and treasured--and that we should work to restore them when they’re broken. It’s a heartbreaking thing when those relationships are damaged or lost--and it’s a precious and wonderful thing to be friends with one’s siblings.
It was really special for me to share this book with my youngest sister. We enjoyed reading it at the same time, and it was especially inspiring for her, as a lover of art and beauty. Both of us felt enveloped in warmth and coziness as we read, and we were both inspired to think deeply and appreciate the world and people around us. I treasure our relationship as sisters, and I think we’re a lot like the two friends in Honey Butter, Jamie and Laren.
I’m so glad I finally read Millie Florence’s debut novel. I expected excellence from her, after seeing her around on social media, and I wasn’t disappointed. I would never have known that this was her first book, or that she was so young when she published, because her book is just as quality as some of the best indie books I’ve read. I will definitely be watching this author through the promising career ahead of her!
A small note for parents:
Some parents will want to know that this book depicts constant fighting between two siblings, including saying mean things to each other, yelling at each other, and anger on both sides. (minor spoilers)
Very young and/or sensitive children may also be affected by a mention of an extremely tragic event in a character’s life. (major spoilers)
All these things and more saturate the vivid story of Honey Butter by Millie Florence. It’s a sweet and thoughtful contemporary novel for children of all ages--and for anyone who enjoys a good story and appreciates the simple delights of ordinary life.
Jamie’s world seems humdrum, boring, uninteresting. She’s enduring a miserable and uneventful summer and hurting from a sibling’s repeated rejection. Her one unusual joy is the collection she treasures. Then a new girl moves in next door--and an unlikely and delightful friendship is formed. Together, the two girls show each other new things in life and help each other walk through the pain of past and present hurts.
Honey Butter is about friendship, family, and discovering the joys and beauty of the commonplace world around us. Its pages speak of healing, of appreciating the good things we have in life, and of treasuring and restoring relationships with the people in our lives. It’s a story of home and family, of the coziness and adventure of the ordinary, and of the beauty of the world around us--even in things that seem unremarkable or overly familiar.
I highly enjoyed Honey Butter, especially the central friendship and the family relationships in its pages. Jamie’s narrative voice is direct and sensible, spiced with vivid descriptions interspersed throughout. Her practical personality is balanced by her friend Laren’s expressive dialogue, and they mesh seamlessly without feeling overboard or out of place.
While reading, I kept trying to think of other books I’ve read to compare with elements of Honey Butter, but I couldn’t think of a good match. This story is unique and all its own--thoughtful and beautiful, down-to-earth and airily light, ordinary and golden with wonder.
I thought the protagonist, Jamie, and some of the other young characters seemed older than their stated age, but it didn’t affect my enjoyment at all.
One thing I didn’t like at first was the pronounced conflict between siblings. What I love most is siblings who have a good relationship and love each other, even though they clash sometimes--but a sibling relationship in this book went far beyond that into more hateful conflict. However, that was resolved at the end of the book, and I was glad. I love how the book showed that sibling relationships are to be valued and treasured--and that we should work to restore them when they’re broken. It’s a heartbreaking thing when those relationships are damaged or lost--and it’s a precious and wonderful thing to be friends with one’s siblings.
It was really special for me to share this book with my youngest sister. We enjoyed reading it at the same time, and it was especially inspiring for her, as a lover of art and beauty. Both of us felt enveloped in warmth and coziness as we read, and we were both inspired to think deeply and appreciate the world and people around us. I treasure our relationship as sisters, and I think we’re a lot like the two friends in Honey Butter, Jamie and Laren.
I’m so glad I finally read Millie Florence’s debut novel. I expected excellence from her, after seeing her around on social media, and I wasn’t disappointed. I would never have known that this was her first book, or that she was so young when she published, because her book is just as quality as some of the best indie books I’ve read. I will definitely be watching this author through the promising career ahead of her!
A small note for parents:
Some parents will want to know that this book depicts constant fighting between two siblings, including saying mean things to each other, yelling at each other, and anger on both sides. (minor spoilers)
Very young and/or sensitive children may also be affected by a mention of an extremely tragic event in a character’s life. (major spoilers)
December 5, 2017
Ok, I feel horrible for not writing this sooner. But here it is--hopefully better late than never?
Full disclosure: I received a free electronic copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Let me just say that this book was adorable. It was super sweet and very well-written. I was pleasantly surprised and can't wait to see where Millie takes her writing career from here!
The characters in this book were well-developed and very sweet. None of the attitude or angst coming from other preteen or young teen books. I have an eight-year-old sister, and she would love this story! I wouldn't have any reservations about giving it to her, either. I really appreciate that, because so many books for young people are full of age-inappropriate nonsense, in my opinion (I may be a little on the conservative side, lol).
The paint cards are such a cute quirk for the main character. Sometimes, you just want a cute, fun, fuzzy book about summertime and friendship and the simple days of childhood--and Honey Butter is it. Pick this book up when you need a quick pick-me-up, or when a young reader in your life needs something refreshing.
I highly recommend Honey Butter. Read it, support a fabulous new author, and enjoy!
Full disclosure: I received a free electronic copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Let me just say that this book was adorable. It was super sweet and very well-written. I was pleasantly surprised and can't wait to see where Millie takes her writing career from here!
The characters in this book were well-developed and very sweet. None of the attitude or angst coming from other preteen or young teen books. I have an eight-year-old sister, and she would love this story! I wouldn't have any reservations about giving it to her, either. I really appreciate that, because so many books for young people are full of age-inappropriate nonsense, in my opinion (I may be a little on the conservative side, lol).
The paint cards are such a cute quirk for the main character. Sometimes, you just want a cute, fun, fuzzy book about summertime and friendship and the simple days of childhood--and Honey Butter is it. Pick this book up when you need a quick pick-me-up, or when a young reader in your life needs something refreshing.
I highly recommend Honey Butter. Read it, support a fabulous new author, and enjoy!
March 7, 2019
I binged this cute book in one sitting! Millie is such a talented writer, and it shows on the page.
Jamie was an adorable protagonist, and her love for paint cards was so unique, and I really loved her friendship with Laren. I myself have often friended girls who are younger than me, and I think this friendship was very well done! The sisterhood between Jamie and Erica reminded me to be a better older sister. (I happen to be the eldest of 7.) Of course I appreciated the large family aspect of the book which also was done very well. I'd also just like to say that when reading this book, the voice narrating the book to me was Millie herself. :) The only thing I didn't really understand were the random head hops between characters, but maybe that was just part of the story. They just confused me a little, but did not lessen my enjoyment for this story. Highly recommend!
Jamie was an adorable protagonist, and her love for paint cards was so unique, and I really loved her friendship with Laren. I myself have often friended girls who are younger than me, and I think this friendship was very well done! The sisterhood between Jamie and Erica reminded me to be a better older sister. (I happen to be the eldest of 7.) Of course I appreciated the large family aspect of the book which also was done very well. I'd also just like to say that when reading this book, the voice narrating the book to me was Millie herself. :) The only thing I didn't really understand were the random head hops between characters, but maybe that was just part of the story. They just confused me a little, but did not lessen my enjoyment for this story. Highly recommend!
April 14, 2018
I discovered this book through an interview with the young author on a BraveWriter podcast. I loved listening to Millie and her passion for writing was infectious. I knew it would be a great selection for our mama + daughter bookclub. We all loved the story and had a blast looking through rainbow stacks of paint cards together, creating our own mini games with them. We highly recommend this book and look forward to Millie’s next book someday!
March 8, 2022
An endearing middle grade book!
I enjoyed the imagery, the characters, and I adored the paint cards. I've always been low-key obsessed with them, myself, and I am an adult and still consider collecting them, haha.
The author did a fantastic job with pacing, and the story was pretty realistically portrayed. This is definitely one I'll hold onto for my nieces to read!
I enjoyed the imagery, the characters, and I adored the paint cards. I've always been low-key obsessed with them, myself, and I am an adult and still consider collecting them, haha.
The author did a fantastic job with pacing, and the story was pretty realistically portrayed. This is definitely one I'll hold onto for my nieces to read!
March 18, 2019
A heartwarming story with colorful (pun very much intended) descriptions and charming characters! I loved the message Honey Butter delivered and how vivid the emotions were. It's a great read for a rainy day.
December 23, 2018
I don’t even know where to begin!! Honey Butter absolutely blew me away, and I would recommend it to EVERYONE.
Honey Butter tells the story of seven-year-old Jamie in a fun and poetic way. Jamie, the middle child, often feels pushed around by her older sister Erica, and occasionally neglected by her parents, who are busy with her baby siblings. It seems she has only her ever-growing collection of paint cards to keep her company. Until one day, when she meets the teenage girl next door.
The author beautifully illustrates the over arching themes of joy and family, but there’s something to be learned every chapter, each of which occur on a different day of August. “It’s a wonderful thought that everyday has something to celebrate.” Jaime’s new friend Laren teaches her many important lessons, including the importance of family and the beauty of life.
I loved almost all of the characters, but I think Laren was my favorite. She has such a whimsical outlook on things, which I found both humorous and fun to watch Jaime ponder. Jaime, being a young child, got on my nerves occasionally; but she was a fun character, and I loved her collection of paint cards (and the deeper meanings behind them). Erica, Jaime’s older sister, could be quite rude sometimes, but she won me over in the end. And who doesn’t like a kind librarian who only adds to the fun these two friends have everyday?
Despite having published Honey Butter at only 13, Millie Florence has crafted a beautiful story that I think anyone can take away from and enjoy. Her prose is beautiful. And that sweet ending had me tearing up. If you’re looking for a light-hearted story about the joy of life, read this!! She is VERY talented, and I’m excited to see more from this young author.
Honey Butter tells the story of seven-year-old Jamie in a fun and poetic way. Jamie, the middle child, often feels pushed around by her older sister Erica, and occasionally neglected by her parents, who are busy with her baby siblings. It seems she has only her ever-growing collection of paint cards to keep her company. Until one day, when she meets the teenage girl next door.
The author beautifully illustrates the over arching themes of joy and family, but there’s something to be learned every chapter, each of which occur on a different day of August. “It’s a wonderful thought that everyday has something to celebrate.” Jaime’s new friend Laren teaches her many important lessons, including the importance of family and the beauty of life.
I loved almost all of the characters, but I think Laren was my favorite. She has such a whimsical outlook on things, which I found both humorous and fun to watch Jaime ponder. Jaime, being a young child, got on my nerves occasionally; but she was a fun character, and I loved her collection of paint cards (and the deeper meanings behind them). Erica, Jaime’s older sister, could be quite rude sometimes, but she won me over in the end. And who doesn’t like a kind librarian who only adds to the fun these two friends have everyday?
Despite having published Honey Butter at only 13, Millie Florence has crafted a beautiful story that I think anyone can take away from and enjoy. Her prose is beautiful. And that sweet ending had me tearing up. If you’re looking for a light-hearted story about the joy of life, read this!! She is VERY talented, and I’m excited to see more from this young author.
August 27, 2017
I must admit, I didn't expect too much of this book, but it crashed through my unbelieving mind with a solid plot, awesome set of characters, and a great little world you can forget yourself in.
Although the book is written wordier than I usually prefer, the writing style is set from the first page, and stays consistent and cleverly crafted throughout. A few times in the first chapters the dialogue 'tripped me up' so to speak and I found a few typos in the Kindle edition, but the story kept me going and I was pleasantly surprised (And rewarded) by an ending that quite literally made me smile and feel warm and fuzzy (but really, though! Not saying it just to be cliche!). In the 2 solid hours I spent bingeing the story from start to finish, I realised 4 things:
1. the things you have around you, the ones taken for granted, are usually your best resources for the day you want a hug...or to take over the world. Siblings could come in handy for planning world domination, or just to make you feel good on a rainy day
2. friends might not stay, but God's always got a reason to send them around, even for just the little bit of time they were with you
3. I may or may not be tempted to start collecting paint cards
4. Millie Florence is a brilliant author
I promise, by the last page, you'll be feeling as sweet, melty, and warm as a big pot of honey butter.
Although the book is written wordier than I usually prefer, the writing style is set from the first page, and stays consistent and cleverly crafted throughout. A few times in the first chapters the dialogue 'tripped me up' so to speak and I found a few typos in the Kindle edition, but the story kept me going and I was pleasantly surprised (And rewarded) by an ending that quite literally made me smile and feel warm and fuzzy (but really, though! Not saying it just to be cliche!). In the 2 solid hours I spent bingeing the story from start to finish, I realised 4 things:
1. the things you have around you, the ones taken for granted, are usually your best resources for the day you want a hug...or to take over the world. Siblings could come in handy for planning world domination, or just to make you feel good on a rainy day
2. friends might not stay, but God's always got a reason to send them around, even for just the little bit of time they were with you
3. I may or may not be tempted to start collecting paint cards
4. Millie Florence is a brilliant author
I promise, by the last page, you'll be feeling as sweet, melty, and warm as a big pot of honey butter.
April 23, 2020
WE NEED MORE BOOKS LIKE THIS IN THE WORLD.
Millie Florence published this when she was 13? Unbelievable.
Her writing reflects the wonder in her heart, and it’s so refreshing and beautiful. She sees the world through young eyes, but it doesn’t come across as naive. There is wisdom in the youngishness of this book and a love for simply being alive that many of us lose as we grow older. Though there were happy vibes woven through the entire story, I didn’t feel like I was choking on sickly-sweet happiness.
Many times main characters who are a little on the grumpy/sassy side annoy me to death, but I loved Jaime. She was such a seven-year-old. I slid right into her mind, and this brought back many memories of when I was that age.
Laren is perfect. She’s a poem in human form. I love her. :)
The ending worked so well. I loved the happy/bittersweet feel.
The best thing about this: the descriptions. Millie crafted each scene so that I felt like I was right there with Jaime. So poetic and not at all wordy.
Little negative details: I felt like the editing could have been better. There were some overused words and phrases, and a couple typos.
Millie Florence published this when she was 13? Unbelievable.
Her writing reflects the wonder in her heart, and it’s so refreshing and beautiful. She sees the world through young eyes, but it doesn’t come across as naive. There is wisdom in the youngishness of this book and a love for simply being alive that many of us lose as we grow older. Though there were happy vibes woven through the entire story, I didn’t feel like I was choking on sickly-sweet happiness.
Many times main characters who are a little on the grumpy/sassy side annoy me to death, but I loved Jaime. She was such a seven-year-old. I slid right into her mind, and this brought back many memories of when I was that age.
Laren is perfect. She’s a poem in human form. I love her. :)
The ending worked so well. I loved the happy/bittersweet feel.
The best thing about this: the descriptions. Millie crafted each scene so that I felt like I was right there with Jaime. So poetic and not at all wordy.
Little negative details: I felt like the editing could have been better. There were some overused words and phrases, and a couple typos.
September 20, 2017
As I mentioned in the praise quote for this little novel, Honey Butter is a lovely story for the young and creative soul. Millie Florence paints a radiant picture of childhood friendship and adventure. I love the fact that the main character, Jamie, has a working collection of paint sample cards. The story has a great message behind it, and the characters are very relatable.
The layout of the book was very interesting. I liked the various paint cards that were placed at the beginning of each chapter, although it would have been even more attractive if they were in color. I believe that this is the way that they are in Kindle format. In addition, there is an unusual blank page between every chapter. Nevertheless, the cover design is very creative!
Overall, this story is an uplifting read for children of all ages. The author is a wonderfully talented girl, and you will not be disappointed with her work of art.
The layout of the book was very interesting. I liked the various paint cards that were placed at the beginning of each chapter, although it would have been even more attractive if they were in color. I believe that this is the way that they are in Kindle format. In addition, there is an unusual blank page between every chapter. Nevertheless, the cover design is very creative!
Overall, this story is an uplifting read for children of all ages. The author is a wonderfully talented girl, and you will not be disappointed with her work of art.
April 23, 2018
I really liked honey butter! I was paying attention To reading the book but I can’t seem to remember that it’s it was written by a 13-year-old!!! It is a beautifully written story and I love the storyline so much I highly recommend this book to Middle schoolers!
June 5, 2021
This was an absolutely amazing middle grade. Middle grade is usually a hit or miss for me. But i absolutely love Florence’s writing style. Something about it just gets me. If you like middle grade, I definitely recommend.
March 18, 2024
It is such a magical feeling to find an author around your age who writes like you. Although the author of this book is Millie Florence and not Shreya Ganguly, I feel a part of Millie because of how we write descriptions, characters, and stories. I read this book as a reader, but I could have easily been the story's writer. We can read a book and feel as if we are reading our own writing because we are not separate beings. The magic of a story is for readers to live the stories, watching each experience uncover before our eyes. As an author myself, it is my hope for readers to feel the moments through stories. Honey Butter is a story of love, happiness, friendship, and childhood innocence. Jamie Johnson is a seven-year-old girl obsessed with paint cards and she has a sense of wonder lingering about her. Her sister, Erica does not seem to understand her. Through Jamie, I revisited that time in my life when children have such lovely thoughts but have trouble expressing them in words. The character I relate to most is Laren Lark, a thirteen-year-old girl with a passion for books and a talent for poetry. I love writing poetry and I find it such a beautiful way to show the infinite feelings we have where nothing more is yearned for. This novel also includes many of my favorite books, one of which is A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett. I love the unusual friendship that blossoms between Jamie and Laren. Laren learns to have excitement from Jamie and Jamie learns to appreciate everything and find beauty in all there is through Laren. Laren is a roadschooler and her time in North Carolina is temporary, but the love and friendship with the two girls shall continue even after she has to travel back home. We often search for the feeling of stability and permanence, but everything is temporary and that is wonderful in its self. Jamie and Laren read books together, think of poetry, draw chalk gardens, talk for hours, and embark on a great many adventures. Jamie learns that beneath hatred, there is love, which is the strongest force in the world. While in grief over the death of her brother, Laren finds a sister in Jamie. Laren writes in one of her poems about the beauty of now, the only moment there is. The book ceases with hope and at the end, there is a poem titled Honey Butter. In the end, after Laren returns home, Jamie returns her paint card collection to the paint store, only keeping Honey Butter for herself and Dragon Fruit for Erica. Laren has Everlasting with her. Jamie has found joy everywhere and has enjoyed giving a paint card to everyone. We must all learn to give up our possessions someday because of how much we love them and we realize that we don't need that anymore. It is the ability to feel the music in silence. Millie's writing is vivid and has so much potential and I would recommend it to you all.
January 5, 2018
I had little idea what to expect from this young author, but whatever expectations I vaguely had were vastly exceeded. I enjoyed the whimsical feel and interesting characters who drew me in so that I tore through the book in one sitting.
The conflicts, though minor, felt realistic in how they affected the young, loveable protagonist and evoke childhood memories with ease. It's also nice to see a protagonist who isn't originally book obsessed but with a unique and interesting hobby. The poetry was sweet and I liked the inventive use of colour.
If I had to nitpick a minor fault I'd say some of the scenes can feel a little crowded almost which can make them slower to read, but I think this is in part to reflect the busy household Jamie lives in.
I'd recommend this to any young reader and I'm looking forward to seeing how Millie will grow as a writer in the future.
(I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.)
The conflicts, though minor, felt realistic in how they affected the young, loveable protagonist and evoke childhood memories with ease. It's also nice to see a protagonist who isn't originally book obsessed but with a unique and interesting hobby. The poetry was sweet and I liked the inventive use of colour.
If I had to nitpick a minor fault I'd say some of the scenes can feel a little crowded almost which can make them slower to read, but I think this is in part to reflect the busy household Jamie lives in.
I'd recommend this to any young reader and I'm looking forward to seeing how Millie will grow as a writer in the future.
(I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.)
August 11, 2021
Extremely impressed with this author's writing - hard to believe she published this when she was only 13. I've read indie books by adults that aren't even close to this level. This book managed to get me in the feels a couple of times. Definitely recommend for middle-grade readers!
March 2, 2019
I loved it so much and it has a great moral!
March 29, 2019
This was such an adorable little “slice of life”! I adored all of the paint names (Millie, did you come up with those yourself?). It was a quick read full of love, color, and hope.
Read
April 4, 2025This was sweet and light, with delightful descriptions. I struggled to get into it initially because the character's goal was unclear to me and I didn't know what to root for. But the themes of friendship and humility and forgiveness were rounded out in the satisfying ending.
November 27, 2023
Beautifully written with problems that are real for middle schoolers. Jamie has a unique collection--paint chips from her local paint shop. The names of paint colors are delightful, as well as watching Jamie's relationship with her older sister develop alongside an unexpected friendship with the nearly thirteen year old girl next door.
Want to read
October 5, 2017I received this copy from the author, in exchange for an honest review.
February 12, 2024
Well, that was one of the sweetest books ever!
December 14, 2021
This was a beautiful little book! I am so impressed with the author's skill!
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