The Juniper Gin Joint: The Perfect Summer Read

by Lizzie Lovell

'The perfect pick-me-up for summer!' -- Phillipa Ashley
'Like a complex gin, brimming with botanicals, this delicious book offers a giant swig of a story full of characters, wit and warmth' -- Jules Wake

When life gives you lemons, make gin and tonic!
It's been a tough year for empty-nester Jen in her seaside Devon town; her kids have left for pastures new and her husband's left for another woman.
Home alone with her eccentric home-brewing father and a Jack Russell, she is just getting her life back on track when her job at the local museum is threatened by her first love and nemesis, Councillor David Barton, who intends to sell the beautiful old building to a pub chain. But help is at hand from her Jackie, a former Greenham Common warrior; Tish, a flamboyant historian; and Carol, mega-flirt. Plus newcomer and former campaigner, Tom. Who happens to be a widower. And quite sexy. And also the owner of a Jack Russell.
The key to saving the day and putting the town back on the tourist map could lie just within reach - when reaching for a cold gin and tonic, that is. Mother's Ruin to some, gin is the making of Jen when she comes together with her friends and family to save the museum and open an artisan distillery in the basement.
With its debauched local history of smuggling, can gin be the town's saviour and bring love back into Jen's life?

Genres: Romance

337 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 5, 2018

Reviews

[Alex Cantone · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s funny that the people closest to you, the ones who live with you, who share their life with you, can really, really get on your nerves. The way they forget things, pause mid-sentence, smell. Breathe, even…

Not my usual reading fare (but fitted three reading challenges), the Juniper Gin Joint is a light-hearted rom-com, about middle-aged love, loss, infidelity, and a group of women in a small coastal town in Devon who defy vested interests of the council, raising funds to acquire the museum, adding a gin distillery using local botanicals.

Really enjoyed the gin bit and learned a lot (the word gin came from Genèvieve, the French word for Juniper), and Isambard Kingdom Brunel was a bonus. And Dad was a standout. But why do so many British writers, male and female, go for first person narrative? (Praise be for Mick Herron and Ian Rankin). I expected a bit more depth to the story (some level of villainy perhaps?), but all-in-all, one big extended family.

Recommended for readers of cosies and gin drinkers.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming, not challenging. I enjoyed this very much.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Juniper Gin Joint was a cute, easy read. I must confess to not having a lot to say about the book - especially since it was mostly building up to being a gin joint rather than us actually getting to see the gin joint in action. There was a lot of showing, rather than telling where despite being written in first-person present-tense it skipped over a lot of important scenes I would have liked to have seen.

While I liked the general plot, I do wonder exactly who has half a million pounds lying around randomly to offer with the purchase of a run down museum. It’s almost pie in the sky - not to mention, Jennifer’s sons boyfriends parents offering another half a million, without wanting to see a business plan or anything. Like if you look too closely, you see problems. If you ignore all of that, it’s a fun, light read. Jennifer is an easy to like character and I LOVED her dad immensely.

I hate myself for being so picky, but there were a few editing issues. The spelling of Kerrang as Kerang. The use of “sarney” instead of “sarnie”, even though the correct usage is used later in the novel (that, in particular, is annoying). Otherwise the writing was fine, the novel is just over 300 pages and I flew through it in an evening.

I would definitely read a sequel - to see them flourish with the gin joint, to see it progress since we didn’t really see that here. I like Lizzie Lovell’s storytelling, she writes characters you really like, inoffensive and I’ve learned so much about gins I could open my OWN distillery. The Juniper Gin Joint was a lovely read, and I would definitely read a sequel.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's easy, delightful enough read. The main character is Jen who is approaching 50 and starting to wonder what to do with yet life. The story involves a man from her past, present and future. The future one becoming the present nearing the end. It is more about the setting up of a gin distillery more than the running of it.

[Lisa Whittaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jen lives in a seaside town in Devon with her Dad, Reggie. She’s had a tough year but is starting to get her life back on track until her job at the towns museum is threatened. The local councillor (Jen’s first love) wants to sell the museum to a pub chain but Jen and her friends have other ideas! I loved how this book is written. Jen is telling her story and it will have you laughing out loud and tearing up. I couldn’t put this book down. It’ll make you want to make yourself a large G&T, curl up on the sofa and devour this book!

[Linda Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life has been tricky of late for Jennifer and it isn’t about to get any easier!

I loved The Juniper Gin Joint. There have been several books with similar titles and themes in recent times, but The Juniper Gin Joint is a cut above the rest because of the smooth quality of Lizzie Lovell’s writing and the sheer joy of having a slightly older cast of characters as Jennifer approaches her 50th birthday. In fact, I gulped down this book in one sitting – rather like I might attack one of Jennifer’s dad’s gin concoctions!

There’s such a feel good atmosphere to The Juniper Gin Joint. By the very nature of the genre it’s obvious that things will work out somehow, but the journey to getting there in Lizzie Lovell’s writing feels natural, mature and completely engaging. It’s also very funny at times too so as well as enjoying a captivating story I was entertained and made to laugh – and shed a little tear once or twice too. There’s romance and relationships, corruption and identity, sexuality and infidelity so that I really do think this lovely book has something for everyone. Each chapter has the perfect hook to lead the reader on.

Jennifer’s narrative voice is strong and clear and it feels as if she is talking directly to the reader. I truly felt I knew her as a friend by the end of the book. All the characters complement the plot and one another – even the animals so there is a smooth and enticing quality to the book. I certainly wouldn’t mind bumping in to Tom on occasion…

The Juniper Gin Joint is never going to be ranked as classic literature in the realms of Tolstoy or Dickens, but as an example of its genre – feel good, fabulous fiction just perfect on a sunny afternoon or next to the fire on a chilly winter’s evening – it is just perfect. I couldn’t have enjoyed it more as I absolutely loved it. Wonderful stuff.
https://lindasbookbag.com/2018/07/17/...

[Elizabeth Ducie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An woman approaching 50, with a whole raft of 21st century problems: an errant husband, grown-up (albeit wonderfully supportive) children, a father who's not always on the same planet as the rest of us, redundancy - and a randy dog! But somehow, Jen manages, with the help of her friends and family, to not only survive but also move onward and upward. And although I did worry for the state of her liver at times, some of the recipes had me reaching for the gin bottle.

LIzzie Lovell has given Jennifer Juniper a great voice: at times scathing, sometimes gentle but always humorous. The writing is fluent and easy to read. Great fun. This really is a perfect summer read.

[Charlie Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very easy summer read.

[Janay Brazier · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book all in one day. It was such an easy read and I really did enjoy Lizzie Lovell’s writing style - it was very funny in parts - but I did find myself wanting more from it. I was reading on and waiting for something bigger to happen or at least little more drama. That’s not to put this book down at all because what it does have is done very well and I still enjoyed reading this. A lovely summertime read that doesn’t require overthinking or problem-solving, you can just read and enjoy a nice story.

[Alison Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story about Jennifer and her friends and family and their quest to save Clatford House, with quite a bit on gin along the way.

[PrettyFlamingo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having recently got into gin and all its varieties myself after avoiding it through my student years, thinking it was more like the spray I use on my kitchen worktops, I thought this was a cute, entertaining read and I finished it in little more than a day. It was recommended to me by a friend with the comment "Brilliant". I can see it's been written to capitalise on the fashionability of gin and it makes a refreshing change from endless cupcake cafes and Little Fluffy Muffy tearoom stories. I don't think the story was anything unique, as I've read numerous variations on the theme before - group of women find a whole new direction with love along the way - for example Milly Johnson does this with much more substance. But it made an interesting read and tackled things like menopause, empty nest syndrome, loss, heritage, sustainability and redundancy. I'm really interested in history and museums and would have loved Jen's job.

My criticisms would be the main character being nicknamed Jennifer Juniper was much too convenient, and quickly became annoying. Jen herself acted like a giddy teenager over Tom and didn't seem to have got over her teenage rejection properly, not even 35 years later. Also the scene in the school just would not have happened (trust me, I'm a teacher) and the happy endings for all the characters' personal lives were also too contrived, but I enjoyed the story. I'd have liked to have seen how the museum and the gin parlour fared once open, as I felt this cut off the story somewhat.

Lizzie Lovell (the name for the much fluffier output of Sophie Duffy) is an entertaining writer, though, with a good sense of humour and has some great lines in there.

[Bookread2day · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the paperback edition. I loved this book so much. It's definitely a good book for taking on holiday or as a summer read. Jen didn't see this happening but her husband has left her for another woman. Things get even more distressing for Jen about her husband with his new woman. It does seem like Jen leads a very hectic life. Her daughter is like most daughters playing the music loud that drums around the house. Jen's father had a fall so he now lives with Jen. Her father like some granddad's don't care what they say and he makes a conversation with his granddaughter that Jen just isn't happy about. Sadly both Jen's children leave home leaving her feeling rather alone. Which I can just imagine myself feeling upset if my daughter was to leave home. What more can possibly go wrong for Jen. And will Jen find a new partner. If you like reading Katie afford ,Trisha Ashley, Jenny Colgan and Cathy Brambley then I'm most certainly you will want to read this book by Lizzie Lovell. I do hope you all enjoy reading The Juniper Gin Joint as much as what I have.

[Candice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable easy read. Likeable characters. Nothing challenging. Leaves you smiling. Enjoyed reading about the gin making and I would have liked to read if the Gin Joint ended up being a success or not.

[Tracey Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really easy read, a great look at how life can tear your down and bring you back up even higher. Finding your way to a whole new chapter with greater understanding.

[Jo Hurst · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a mediocre outing that was ok but didn’t brighten my world or make me want to pick it up. The characters were ok and the storyline could have been good but it wasn’t. It felt rushed and too simple. I like the puppy storyline though and thought Bob and Betty the best things in the book.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took a few chapters to get into but then I did not want to put it down

[Sarah Kingsnorth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this quirky, fast paced and astute story.
Wise and funny, I was hooked from the start.
I loved the setting. It’s somewhere I am very familiar with and have spent many happy holidays there.
A gorgeous read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Chari · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story itself was great, a group of friends distilling
gin and trying to save the museum, but that’s kind of it.
I liked that there were a few gin-making facts sprinkled
and they were quite interesting.

There was a slightly forced romantic storyline which
was a bit unnecessary. It didn’t add anything to the
story and you wouldn’t lose anything without it, apart
from an embarrassing moment of her dog running off
and humping another dog. The group also didn’t face
much objection, there was a bit but it was quashed
incredibly easily. It was a bit like “We are going to build
a gin bar” “No you’re not” “Yeah we are” “……Yeah
okay, go on then” “Yay”

It’s always a bit disappointing when you have a great
story concept that is sort of…just that. However, it was
a nice, fun story that entertained me. It would be a
good read if you are looking for something easy to
enjoy on holiday or sitting in the garden during the
summer.

[Frenchorchidea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had high hope for this book, and it started very well but quite quickly I found myself thinking that I was a little bored. But I kept reading it hoping that it will get better but unfortunately I found this story so so. It's very well written but something is missing to this story. Not much is happening in my opinion. I was happy to finish it. A little disappointment for me.

[Amy Buckle / Amy's Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

After her husband left her for a younger woman, both her children have left home, and her mother died suddenly, Jen was not having the best Christmas. Skip to a year later, and things are looking up, except suddenly, she is told that she may be... read the full review here: https://www.amybucklesbookshelf.co.uk...

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jen’s husband has left her for another woman, her daughter is off to university, her son is on a gap year, her aging, eccentric father is now living with her but spends most of his time in his shed and, just as she is trying to adapt to all these changes in her life, her job at the local museum is under threat because a local councillor, her first, teenage love, wants to sell the beautiful, but decaying, listed building to a pub chain. Outraged by what feels like cultural vandalism, Jen and her friends and colleagues from the museum decide to try to save the town’s heritage and to find a way to bring the rather old-fashioned museum into a multi-purpose, twenty first century venue. Could starting an artisan gin distillery and establishing a cocktail gin bar be the answer to their prayers? Joining them in their venture is newcomer Tom, a school-teacher, experienced campaigner and, what’s more, an attractive widower!
Filled with a cast of delightful, a number of somewhat eccentric characters, a couple of dogs and a litter of puppies, this is a feel-good story which would be an ideal summer read. There is nothing challenging about it so it can very easily be picked up and put down – perfect if you are lounging about by the pool or curled up on the sofa! Jen’s is the only voice we hear but the other characters do come to life as the story progresses. Although they are somewhat over-exaggerated at times, I did find myself warming to them – and also to feeling like hissing at the “villain” of the story, the verging-on-corrupt councillor! The plot often requires a suspension of disbelief (for instance, it seemed ludicrously easy to obtain a licence and set up a gin bar!) but I found it quite enjoyable to escape into this good-feel story and grew fond of the characters who inhabited it. There were lots of moments of gentle humour and I thought that the dynamics of a family facing change – offspring growing away yet still needing the security of family, concerns about an aging parent, mid-life crises etc – were very well captured. I enjoyed the way in which life in a small town in Devon was captured and could almost smell the sea air and the scent of violets! So, if you want to escape into gentle fantasy, I suggest that this story would probably be even more enjoyable if read whilst sipping a gin cocktail!
I was going to give this easy-read story a three-star rating but decided on four because of all that I discovered about the distilling and refining of gin – a fascinating and complex process.
With thanks to Readers First and Allen and Unwin for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Marjorie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the tale of a woman on the speedy downhill slope to 50. Her son is off travelling in Canada, her daughter is about to start University, her mum has died, her dad is becoming increasingly frail, her husband has left her for a (much younger) woman and she is about to be made redundant. As if this wasn't enough it looks like the menopause is in full flow. What is a woman to do - well, it would appear she is going to consume copious quantities of gin in multiple forms but mainly with tonic or of the sloe variety.

This could so easily have become a very depressing book. After all, when you get to a certain age you automatically feel sidelined by society; add on emotional upheaval from newly adult children and the hormonal storms it is a recipe for disaster. Luckily the author manages to give a true enough depiction of women of a "certain age" with wit and warmth - even a dollop or two of wisdom.

We only ever really see things from Jen's point of view and I relish the fact that she is not afraid to think, or say, some quite uncomplimentary things about others. Be honest, we all do it - unless you are Pollyanna. Sadly, this means that the only character that has any depth is Jen herself and everyone else comes across as a little bit of a stereotype.

I also had a couple of issues with the plot of the vaguely corrupt councillor who comes good in the end. I know gin is really in vogue at the moment but I am not so sure that it would be so easy to get a licence for a micro-distillery. There seemed to be no inspections of the equipment or even Health & Safety regulations to be met (yes, I do know how that makes me sound).

I appreciate that this is a certain genre of book and should be allowed the necessary leeway of reality or else we won't get the uplifting ending that we are reading for. That is why we read these books isn't it - to make us smile? Sadly, sometimes the plot trumps reality to such an extent that it does end up spoiling the tale - regrettably, this was the case for me in this book.

A breezy read, that is perfect for the poolside or curled up with a book of chocolates. Nothing demanding in either content or approach but warm and will raise a smile or two; if not a muttered "Yep, that's me" or two.

I RECEIVED A FREE COPY OF THIS BOOK FROM READERS FIRST IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.

[Hayley Marsland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by this author and I absolutely loved it.

Now I don't drink at all ( but that's a whole other story ) but even if I did Gin would be the last thing I would pick up, because even the smell of the stuff makes me heave, that said I have actually visited The Plymouth Gin Distillery, ( mentioned in the book ) which if you are an aficionado of said tipple, and you happen to be in that part of the country, I highly recommend that you visit and do one of their tours, because it was very interesting and you do get to sample the gin too.

Anyway back to the book.

Jen lives in a Devon town and it's been a tough year, the kids have left home for pastures new, and the husband has left home for a younger woman.

Just when Jen thinks things can't get any worse, her job at the local museum is under threat by none other than her first love, now nemesis and local councillor Dave Barton, who is hoping to sell the museum building to a pub chain.

Fortunately help is at hand in the form of Jen's work colleagues and village newcomer, and ex campaigner, Tom, who also happens to be a widower.

They happen upon the idea of launching an artisan Gin Distillery, which they hope to combine alongside the museum.

Could this be the salvation of the faded little seaside town, and bring love back to Jen's life.

Filled with characters, that I was cheering on right from the start, this book was full of warmth and a lovely easy read.

[Heather Copping · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book, I found it very easy to read and would recommend this book to anyone who wants an ideal summer holidays read, especially if they are going to Devon where this book is set.
The main character is Jen who is a menopausal empty nester, she works for the local council at the museum in Dingleton, Devon. She is divorced from Mike who now has a younger girlfriend. Her daughter Lauren is off to her first year at uni and her son is overseas. She also has her elderly father living with her after her mums death. Also sharing her home is a Jack Russell terrier called Bob. Emotions run high after the council decide to close the museum and Jen, her family and friends try to buy the old building. She then meets Tom who also has a Jack Russell terrier called Betty. Tom has recently lost his wife to cancer and very soon a relationship develops between Tom and Jen. Everyone in the family has an interest in either chemistry, brewing, distilling or drinking gin!! Very soon an idea develops to turn the museum into a Gin Joint. Many different emotions were covered including romantic, comedy, annoying characters (councillors) and there is puppy overload. Fans of Cathy Bramley and Jenny Colgan books will love this.

[Chaz Thompson-Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cracking yarn.

Jen is a mother in her late 40's who finds herself with an empty nest, menopausal and a runaway husband who has dumped her for a younger model. To top it all of she finds the job she loves is gone after the council decide to close the museum she works in and the listed building goes up for auction.
Heartbroken by the idea a pub chain could take over the building and lose all that history the Clatford House gang decide to take on the challenge of buying the building and opening their own gin distillery no less.
This book is full of funny moments and great characters, especially Jen's lovable father. Throw in a few cute puppies and a dash of gin and you can be sure of a light hearted, easy to read tale.
The title stars it's the perfect summer read but you'll enjoy this book at any time of the year. I'd actually really like a second dose of The Juniper Gin Joint just to see how everyone is getting on and if the distillery is a success. That is the only reason for my 4 stars, a lot is based around the build up to buying and taking over the building but it ends almost right at the point of opening. I would have liked to find out more about the transformation from tired museum to trendy gin palace. Great read though.

[Terri Stokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Left alone by both choices and the right time, Jen is finally living alone in her Devon home, the kids has grown up and left the nest, her husband leaving her for another woman. It might seem like the end of the world for poor Jen, but she soon getting everything in her life sorted out again, giving her the moments she needs and the adventure she’s probably left behind in exchange for looking after a husband and kids.
But things change once again when her job is threatened and it brings back her first love again, but not in the good way, he plans on selling the local museum to a chain of pubs. After all, who would want that?
What would you do if something you loved was on the line to being shut down and thrown away to a chain of pubs which would take a beautiful building, filled with local history and other things and change it all. Well, that’s what Jen thinks, her and her friends soon come up with a plan on keeping the museum and putting their little town back on the tourist map again, and maybe just maybe they can add a little extra in to it all which would help save everyone’s jobs and their happiness.

[Coco · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Juniper Gin Joint was an easy read about Jen's family life which frequently dissolved into chaotic gaiety and well deserves 5*.

Being finicky I've reduced my rating to 4* due to the unbelievable idea that Jen's friends have such deep pockets that together they can immediately cough up half a million pounds towards the million pound purchase of their museum in Clatford House. A few pages later another half a million pounds was offered by total strangers wanting to invest without requiring involvement in the business. Government departments are invariably slow decision makers, yet a Change of Building Use and a licence to sell alcohol were granted without delay, followed by the confirmation of a grant from the Heritage Lottery. Sigh, only in fiction. With the amount of gin Jen consumes her brain must be wrecked.

What drove me mad was the occasional US spelling. The author is British, the plot was set in England, spelling was English, all except words ending in ‘ise’ which were Americanised to ‘ize’.

Even with the spotty spelling, The Juniper Gin Joint was worth reading just for the interaction between Jen and her father.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Reading For Chuckles
What a wonderful story to escape in.
I loved the style of the writing and had many a chuckle. The author has a knack of hitting the nail on the head regarding relationships and everyday life.
The story about Violet was lovely and I learnt a lot about the making of Gin which at the moment seems to be the "in" drink. (They are even making it somewhere in the area where I live and bottles for sale are turning up at our local shows) so the book is very up to date on local activities.
I soon thought, I know where this seaside town really is with its black swans and its famous railway line with the sea wall that runs alongside it.
Dawlish in Devon.
We often visit for the day as we love it so as we do the railway trip from Exeter.
So this story brought back many happy memories, make me chuckle, increased my knowledge and gave me a great escape from everyday life.
What more could I ask for ....do try it.

[buzylizzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely escapist read, complete with Devon seaside setting, good quality gin and puppies. With Jennifer the feisty heroine shortly to turn 50 it could be described as chick lit for the menopausal.
There is a varied cast of quirky and lovable characters (and a hissable villain) none of whom are explored too deeply, and the small seaside town feel is brought out well. The only slightly jarring note for me is the mild swearing sprinkled throughout.
Jennifer and some of the other characters have had some bad times to contend with but you can relax into this book knowing that nothing too terrible is going to happen in the course of the narrative. In fact things turn around with all the elements falling into place in a way that seems simply too good to be true, though it makes for a wonderfully enjoyable story.

[Hazel Tyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely little book, read this soooo fast, in less than 24hrs!
Jen's fast approaching 50, her husband has left her for a younger model, her son is travelling around Canada and her daughter has just left for Uni. All she is left with is her mad as a box of frogs dad, Bob the dog and a job which she is about to also lose. Although this all sounds terribly horrible, it couldn't be further from the truth. Little by little her life at 50 starts again, new job with a twist, a new love and finally lots and lots of Gin! Her dad is what makes this book. Such a funny character, you never know what is going to come out of his mouth next. I can relate to all the characters in this story, this is definitely a summer holiday read, with a feel good ending.