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The Mini-Break

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Sometimes you just need to get away…

Lulu has it all; a romance writer at the height of her career, she can often be found attending glittery parties or spending time with her good-looking, health-fanatic boyfriend, Benedict.
 
When writer’s block strikes she goes on a mini-break to Devon, which proves just the tonic she needs. But upon her return to London, she finds her usual perfect life in chaos.
 
Will escaping back to the countryside be the answer? And will life become even more complicated when Lulu runs into handsome, brooding farmer Joe?
 
A funny, feel-good and fabulous read that will take you on a trip you never knew you needed. Have you packed…?

382 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 21, 2019

195 people are currently reading
177 people want to read

About the author

Maddie Please

26 books226 followers
Maddie Please was born in Dorset, brought up in Worcestershire and went to University in Cardiff.

After a career as a dentist Maddie now lives in Devon with her exceptionally handsome and supportive husband. They have 4 adult-ish children all of whom have left home and are probably rather surprised by all this. She did warn them.

Maddie is a voracious reader, and would enjoy hoovering, defrosting the fridge and cleaning the windows but unfortunately she doesn't really have time. She is very disciplined and sensible about her writing and she likes to write every day because it gets her out of doing the ironing.

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5 stars
579 (52%)
4 stars
346 (31%)
3 stars
143 (13%)
2 stars
25 (2%)
1 star
7 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly Carrington-Fox.
863 reviews196 followers
March 14, 2019
[Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review]
----------------------------
Siguiendo mi política de pedir en Netgalley todo libro viviente cuya portada esté llena de colorines (la teoría de los colorinchis, la llamo yo), pedí este, suponiendo ya que podía ser un truñito importante, como casi todos los que he pedido siguiendo mi teoría (nadie ha dicho que la teoría de los colorinchis sea para pedir libros buenos, eh). Efectivamente, ha sido un tostón de libro. No le doy menos puntuación porque, como casi siempre, la premisa no está mal, el maromo es adorable y estuve parte de la lectura medianamente intrigada. Pero vamos, que me he aburrido bastante leyendo.
Los personajes son clichés con patas, simples a más no poder. No he logrado conectar casi nada con la protagonista, una mujer supuestamente fuerte a la que es raro que su entorno le deje terminar una frase, algo que le molesta pero contra lo que no se rebela.
Es un libro como muy disperso, que se entretetiene en cosas que no interesan a nadie y que enlentecen la lectura, y que pasa de puntillas por lo importante.
Yo le haría una edición importante, porque, además, me ha parecido demasiado largo para lo que cuenta. Lo que más me ha gustado es saber lo que es un Aga (que se menciona tanto que parece que patrocina el libro).
Parafraseando al gran Ángel Sanchidrián, lo recomiendo a todos aquellos que gusten de secar las bragas en el Aga y a los que le gusten los adorafollables maromos que se las vuelen.
Profile Image for Sarah.
2,963 reviews231 followers
April 10, 2022
Louisa, otherwise known as Lulu under her pen name, goes away on a bit of a writing retreat with her sister who is also an author to Devon. The idyllic get-away they had envisioned turns out not quite to be what they had expected when the house they are staying in is in the middle of nowhere with no shops or amenities to be seen. Not to mention the lack of phone signal and wi-fi!

Whilst their first impressions of their get-away in Devon isn’t a great one, it isn’t long before it starts holding more of an attraction. Well for Louisa anyway in the form of the local farmer. I have to say I fell in love with the place straight away as there is something appealing of living somewhere in the countryside where there is peace and quiet instead of all the hustle and bustle from a city. As with Louisa, I fell more and more in love with the area and the majority of the characters. There are a couple of less likeable ones but will let others discover them for themselves.

Louisa is a great protagonist and she had me laughing at some of the embarrassing situations she seems to find herself in. One of the things in particular I love about this author’s novels is that the main characters are all so wonderful and relatable. It’s what keeps me coming back to read more of her books.

The Mini-Break is the perfect book to escape in to. Whether you are by the pool, at the beach, sunbathing in the back garden, or even curled up on the sofa! It’s a great read that can be enjoyed at anytime of the year. This is the third book I have read of the author’s now and already I am a huge fan and can’t wait to read more. If you love an easy going read with idyllic locations and some laugh out loud moments, then you need to add this author and books to your to be read pile.
Profile Image for Gaele.
4,076 reviews85 followers
April 12, 2019
Louisa has been finding much of London distracting and far too repetitive: meeting with the “gang’ to show of and be seen, drinking too much, finding every excuse NOT to write, even tired of the constant “lather, rinse, repeat” with live in boyfriend Benedict, now taking even MORE advantage of situations since he’s now paying his share by picking up the electric bill. With her sister now recovering from a knee injury and them both owing their agent / publisher a book, an offer of a house in Devon for a week of heads down work and remove from the distractions of London is just what the doctor ordered.

Well, not quite – mud, rain, cold and no food delivery in sight for two women who regularly order in or use pre-made meals from Waitrose as sustenance: the wine and snacks have gone well -but with a missing laptop cable, spotty wifi and general discomfiture being in “the country’ the two are having a less than productive, or enjoyable, getaway. But being back in London is no joy for Louisa either – and the one glimpse of the neighbor has her thinking of the country again – a few back and forth moments, a decision to sell her flat and some truly fish out of water moments where Louisa has ZERO idea how to cook, function in mud, or even manage to scale a fence – the struggles with life as she tries to sort out plotting, her own life and find what feels right – despite it being a mad choice.

There are no huge dramatic action scenes here – even the romance is rather sweetly awkward and odd as Louisa is facing many choices and challenges she’s never before addressed, and situations that, in her London life, were wholly inconceivable. Please does a lovely job of showing us just how Louisa is changing and seeing her life (and ‘friends’ ) in London as just what they are – not enough to make her happy after all these years. Both in her outlook and in her attitude, Louisa is growing up and changing, and the baby steps she takes are well detailed and feel plausible, even as many are late to arrive in the grand scheme. Louisa is finding her happiness and joy in a small Devon village – with a house on a narrow track, nearest store miles away and iffy (if not downright malicious) weather for many of the days…….

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
Profile Image for Kelly.
611 reviews15 followers
April 29, 2019
Funny, light hearted and entertaining. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and devoured it in less than a day. I was happily entertained from start to finish. I also now have an authors back list to find and read. This is a definite must read for those who love romance and a happy ending!

Thank you NetGalley.
Profile Image for Julie Cordiner.
Author 7 books1 follower
June 17, 2019
Great for a holiday read, I enjoyed the humour in this, and read it in no time. The heroine Lulu was funny and completely hapless in most areas of her life, making for an entertaining experience. Her hanger-on of a boyfriend Benedict was suitably annoying and added some great comedic obstacles to her desire for... I’d better not say who, as that would spoil the plot.

I nearly didn’t buy this because of the cover - I’ve no idea why Avon has moved away from the delightful themes of the first three books. But I’m glad I did buy it, as it provided a good dose of fun.
36 reviews1 follower
March 23, 2019
I do love your books!

I like your characters, all of them! I have read three now, and ready for the next. Please keep writing more of these delightful adventures. They make me happy. Thank you! Eve

Author 3 books21 followers
June 4, 2019
Proper review to come but this is another funny, cheering, escapist read from Maddie Please.
271 reviews5 followers
July 18, 2019
A Delightful Escape

This was a perfect read after a couple of “heavy” books. It was well written and well edited with likable, believable characters, a good storyline, and a great sense of humor. I enjoyed every moment of the relatively quick, easy read that actually made me smile and laugh.
Profile Image for Patty.
1,555 reviews1 follower
April 4, 2019
The Mini-Break by Maddie Please is a sweet romance about a romance writer who has writer's block after she starts to reevaluate her life. Will Lulu find the true love she has always dreamed about when she escapes to the country? I found this book to be a sweet enjoyable book, so if you're looking for a nice escape give this book a try.

I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and the Publisher. Thank you.
11.4k reviews197 followers
March 10, 2019
Lulu and her friend Jassy head down to Devon for what they think will be a fun getaway from all the stuff happening in London. Lulu's a writer who is living with Benedict but he's, well, he's not a fun person, really. Things don't go quite as planned in Devon (it's kind of a disaster, honestly) but Lulu does meet Joe, a neighbor who tugs at her heart. This is delightful chick lit that made for a perfect light read at the end of the day. Thanks to net galley for the ARC. There are good characters, some scenes that will definitely make you chuckle, and while it might not surprise you, it will satisfy.
Profile Image for Erika.
18 reviews
April 13, 2019
What a delightful and pleasure reading! Mini-break is my second Maddie Please’s book, and I can’t wait for the next one! I just love the way she writes and now I wish I could go to Devon, and see if the place is the same as in my imagination.
It’s a feel really good book!
11 reviews
October 27, 2019
I really enjoyed the way this was written. A good light hearted book
Profile Image for Christina Banach.
Author 1 book130 followers
October 15, 2019
Sometimes you just need to get away, at least that’s what the blurb to this book says, and in these troubled times who would disagree with that? But you don’t need a fortune to fly off to the sun, or a month’s salary to spend time in the foreign city of your choice. All you need is to lose yourself in this gem of a book.

Maddie Please has already proven herself to be an accomplished writer of women’s commercial fiction and her latest novel, The Mini-Break, has confirmed her place as one of the go-to authors for feelgood stories that warm the heart and leave the reader truly satisfied.

As with all of Ms Please’s novels The Mini-Break has a cracking plot, and such a well-realised setting and cast of lifelike characters that the reader virtually falls inside the story. Romance author Lulu, the main character, is a delight and – oh – what can I say about Joe? Nothing… you’ll just have to read the book to make your own judgement about him!

Do yourself a favour: read this book!
Profile Image for The Cris Corner.
13 reviews
June 16, 2019

The main thing I want to say is that after reading “The Mini-Break” I desired a country house and a gorgeous Joe with broad shoulders who stands by me. Like the main character of this story, Louisa Darling I’d like to to give up the noisy town and a shallow life in the city to search a quieter life in the country.

To be honest I have to say it is a story very predictable, however there is something to catch you and although you could guess what happens next, you can’t help but read one more page and another.

“The Mini-break” is a delightful read for this Summer sunbathing in the beach.
42 reviews
April 10, 2019
Another feel-good read from an author you can rely on to make you chuckle. The story is lighthearted but never lightweight. The characterisation is three-dimensional, including that of the minor characters, and the relationships are explored in depth. I loved watching the progress of the heroine's awful boyfriend and wondering what dreadful lapse he would be guilty of next. The writing is funny, clever and breezy and I rooted for Lulu all the way, as she began to understand she needed to change the direction of her life, finding love along the way. Great fun!
Profile Image for Kristin.
1,439 reviews118 followers
dnf
April 23, 2019
I would like to thank netgalley and Avon books UK for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Terrible writing.
Profile Image for Mi-ch-elle.
103 reviews
March 23, 2019
Louisa (or Lulu) Darling is a well known romance writer. She and her younger sister Jasmine (or Jassy) - also a writer - are the Darling Duo. They are living the high life - going to fancy parties, always being invited somewhere and going to numerous book launches. Lulu has it all, even the “amazing” (sometimes frustrating) boyfriend.

Both sisters have book deadlines and in order to finish, Jassy and Lulu decide to go on a 10 day mini break to Devon. Terrible weather, unfortunate circumstances, Jassy’s leg injury and the car having a puncher leaving them stranded makes the holiday a miserable affair. Until a farmer on a tractor comes to their rescue, Joe. Something about Joe makes Lulu hesitate to rush back home.

When she returns home to her boyfriend she finds him entertaining a “friend”. This moment puts her life and life with him into perspective. Realizing that she needs a change. Lulu shows growth in character, becoming more sure of what she wants in life.

Joe is the typical nice guy who trusts easily. While Lulu is an imaginative and a rather random character.

“The Mini-Break” was an easy read. There were bits of the book that made me adore Lulu, particularly the klutzy parts. She showed more of herself to Joe in these odd moments. Joe was a sweetheart through and through.

Although the story was a sweet romantic story, I definitely was not a fan of all the inner chatter. It caused my earlier enthusiasm of the book to turn sower and skimming through the inner POV.

Star Rating: 3

** I received a copy of “The Mini-Break” by Maddie Please via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

#TheMiniBreak #NetGalley
Profile Image for Seema Rao.
Author 2 books70 followers
February 21, 2019
Terribly English~ Romantic ~ Expected

tl: dr: Romance writer finds herself needing a break and finding something she didn't know she needed.

Anglophiles will love this story, with its breaks on Devon and moments in London. The main character is a British Romance writer who likely writes books much as this one. This book, though, is somewhat reminiscent of One Day in December. The love interest isn't nearly as "much" as the One Day fool. In this book, the main love interest is a kind man named Joe. But, some of the same situations happen here: cheating, missteps, misapprehension. The story luckily doesn't require a decade of heart-break before sewing up. If you don't mind cheating as a story plot, then I recommend this book. The main character is well-drawn, and there are real linguistic gems, particularly in the MC's interior dialogue. Her boyfriend at the start of the book is a classic gaslighter; his ending is enjoyable for anyone who has been treated this way. There isn't much of a surprise in the happy ending, but I don't think that is the point for this type of book. This a great book for someone who needs an English romance fix (and is okay with cheating on a jerk).

3.5
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
49 reviews2 followers
March 16, 2019
In The Mini-Break by Maddie Please, Lulu finds herself in the countryside, very far from her Notting Hill flat. It is a typical “fish out of water” story, but I enjoyed her journey. I did stress out about her getting her book written, though! I also enjoyed the handful of American references and chuckled about the Washington ski hat (seriously, they need a name change!).

Lulu begins to find her voice and makes some very tough life-changing decisions. I appreciate the tension between London and Devon, but I liked getting to meet Devon’s residents and wanted to see more of them. I hope we get to revisit Lulu in the future. In the meantime, I’ll check out other books by Maddie Please!
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
360 reviews
September 4, 2019
Story revolves around Lulu & her family & friends.
Lulu is a well-known novelist, who mainly writes chic-lit. She's churned out 19 novels already & is on to re-writes for her latest book. Her agent & publisher are on her case to finish it.
However, Lulu can't seem to concentrate on the job at hand, as she has various problems swirling around in her head. She keeps going backwards & forwards between her apartment in London & her agent's house in Devon to try to get this book finished, but she keeps getting distracted.
The story has it's funny moments, usually at Lulu's expense & ticks along at a nice pace. It was an enjoyable read, but I felt it was lacking from her usual writing & I couldn't wait to finish it, as I was starting to get bored.
Profile Image for Robyn Chumley.
127 reviews
January 2, 2025
5 Stars—Why Not?

This is a perfect book ready for people who love to laugh. Two sisters, who live in Notting Hill, are authors writing rom-coms with one agent pushing them on. And an oh-so-gay (if you ask me) boyfriend for Louisa; his name is Benedict, and he loves LuLu’s…well, I’m not sure he loves anything about her except her money. Very bothersome, you’ll see. That’s one of the many reasons Louisa’s trying to get into his thick skull that they’re breaking up. And, in the countryside there is a tall, dark and handsome guy who’s a sheepherder with a sad past. Pick it up—you’ll enjoy the light read!
Profile Image for Sarah Carper.
549 reviews13 followers
September 5, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. I was excited to pick up this book as the reviews I saw were really good. However, it wasn’t the book for me. I couldn’t connect with any of the characters and I didn’t love the author’s writing style. I was thankful it was a quick read, or else I’m not sure I would have wanted to finish reading the book otherwise.
2 reviews
July 16, 2024
This was a fun, lighthearted read with good characters set between London and the Devon countryside.
Main characters are two sisters who are both writers.
Very enjoyable and easy to read with a nice dash of romance and two very different men. The only reason I didn’t give it five stars is because the not very nice male character was a bit too awful and would she really be with someone that bad and put up with some of what he does and says for so long?
Profile Image for Christine Margaret Costello.
311 reviews
November 11, 2023
Louisa's story

I loved this book, Maddie Please has such a wonderful way with words. Devon came to life, you can picture the countryside and the farming community. Louisa and Joe are a great couple, wanting them to get together. Benedict was such an awful character, so demanding, selfish and a child. Can't wait to read the next book by Maddie
886 reviews3 followers
April 30, 2025
I have loved all the Maddie Please books that I have read. This one had an enjoyable story line, but I have to admit for the first half of the book LuLu really got on my nerves. She was indecisive, contrary and I found her difficult to like. Things improved about half way through so I’m glad i persevered.
23 reviews
January 30, 2022
Lovely

I would have given 5 had it been revealed Louisa was pregnant, I do feel Maddie was hinting at it. A really good read as usual I have lost a lot sleep,I love the different characters and became very involved, it certainly takes allsorts!!!!
41 reviews1 follower
July 12, 2024
Can’t seem to get enough of this author. I am loving her books and this one was just as good as the others. It is refreshing to read books with slightly older heroins and don’t call anyone over 55 as ancient like some romances. This is funny and easy to read and I would highly recommend it
773 reviews
October 20, 2024
This was an okay read but I am glad it wasn't my first by Maddie. I found Lulu and her sister a bit pathetic, I prefer my leading lady to have a bit more gumption and I get irritated by the way so many men seem to like helpless women. Anyway things pick up as the story progressed.
106 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2024
Another wonderful book by Maddie Please. Loved the story about the Darling sisters but was hoping for more on Lulu and Joe's continuing romance. Was hoping to see a brother or sister for Ivy! Still loved and enjoyed the book and thankful Lulu got rid of Benedict lol.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

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