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The Unlikely Life of Maisie Meadows
An utterly charming novel with a sprinkle of magic When Maisie Meadows finds herself single and jobless on New Year’s Day, she resolves that this will be the year she focuses on bringing her scattered family back together. Romance is all very well, but it’s the people you grew up with that matter the most. But a new job working at an auction house puts her in the path of Theo, a gorgeous but unattainable man who she can’t help but be distracted by. As their bond begins to grow, Maisie finds herself struggling to fulfil the promise she made to herself – but the universe has other ideas, and it’s not long before the Meadows family are thrown back together in the most unlikely of circumstances… Can dealing with other people’s treasures help Maisie to let go of the past, and teach her who she ought to treasure the most?
345 pages, ebook
First published July 8, 2019
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637 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
July 11, 2019
Favorite Quotes:
He was not only showing the new girl from HR around the archives but also giving her a guided tour of his tonsils.
Being single was all very well until your ovaries started idly flicking through pension options – not that she was anywhere near that stage, but sand still trickled relentlessly into the bottom chamber of her hourglass.
Theo’s jeans weren’t distressed, they were positively traumatised
Honestly, you’re so tightly coiled that if anyone springs your release catch you’re going to ping over the moon.
… her house was sterile, her desk at work was sterile, bloody hell – after six months without a boyfriend, she was sterile.
He doesn’t give up. All the time he’s in my peripheral vision, lurking like an unidentifiable odour.
My Review:
Jenni Keer is found treasure. This cleverly written and highly amusing book had more sparkles than a glitter bomb and was an utter delight to read. I adored every quirky character and savored each brilliantly chosen word. I fell right into this craftily paced and witty tale, which caused frequent eruptions of giggle-snorts and kept a well-earned smirk on my face throughout perusal. I was also quite resentful of any interruption to my reading and may have actually hissed at the ringing phone. Ms. Keer’s writing was deliciously clever, emotive, crisp, and extraordinarily engaging. She definitely has a gift for effortless levity and absorbing storytelling and I deeply suspect ownership of a magical pen or bewitched software, as she is an absolute powerhouse of a wordsmith.
And in addition to being totally besotted with Ms. Keer, I scored three new additions to my Brit Word List with claggy – which is Brit informal for thick and sticky; banjaxed – which is slang for destroyed or ruined; and G Plan – which is an iconic British brand of furniture.
He was not only showing the new girl from HR around the archives but also giving her a guided tour of his tonsils.
Being single was all very well until your ovaries started idly flicking through pension options – not that she was anywhere near that stage, but sand still trickled relentlessly into the bottom chamber of her hourglass.
Theo’s jeans weren’t distressed, they were positively traumatised
Honestly, you’re so tightly coiled that if anyone springs your release catch you’re going to ping over the moon.
… her house was sterile, her desk at work was sterile, bloody hell – after six months without a boyfriend, she was sterile.
He doesn’t give up. All the time he’s in my peripheral vision, lurking like an unidentifiable odour.
My Review:
Jenni Keer is found treasure. This cleverly written and highly amusing book had more sparkles than a glitter bomb and was an utter delight to read. I adored every quirky character and savored each brilliantly chosen word. I fell right into this craftily paced and witty tale, which caused frequent eruptions of giggle-snorts and kept a well-earned smirk on my face throughout perusal. I was also quite resentful of any interruption to my reading and may have actually hissed at the ringing phone. Ms. Keer’s writing was deliciously clever, emotive, crisp, and extraordinarily engaging. She definitely has a gift for effortless levity and absorbing storytelling and I deeply suspect ownership of a magical pen or bewitched software, as she is an absolute powerhouse of a wordsmith.
And in addition to being totally besotted with Ms. Keer, I scored three new additions to my Brit Word List with claggy – which is Brit informal for thick and sticky; banjaxed – which is slang for destroyed or ruined; and G Plan – which is an iconic British brand of furniture.
July 12, 2019
Jenni Keer has woven together a beautiful story with threads of family, romance, and Magic. When Maisie finds herself loveless and jobless on New Year’s Eve she resolves that she is going to get it together. She also resolves that she is going to unite her fractured family. Soon Maisie finds herself working at an auction house. Job✔️ her new boss is an intriguing and interesting man named Theo. Love✔️ A heartwarming and uplifting story that will put a smile on your face.
Maisie was a delightful character that I loved getting to know. I loved meeting her family and I was really rooting for their eventual reconciliation. I also loved loved loved her coworkers, so much fun, made me want to get a job at an auction house. Loved the magical element with the tea set and Maisie trying to get the set back together. I kind a liked how it was in alignment with her trying to get her family back together. The romance was sweet, Theo was a doll, made my heart melt. This book was simply divine a definite gem.
*** thanks to Avon UK for my copy of this book ***
Maisie was a delightful character that I loved getting to know. I loved meeting her family and I was really rooting for their eventual reconciliation. I also loved loved loved her coworkers, so much fun, made me want to get a job at an auction house. Loved the magical element with the tea set and Maisie trying to get the set back together. I kind a liked how it was in alignment with her trying to get her family back together. The romance was sweet, Theo was a doll, made my heart melt. This book was simply divine a definite gem.
*** thanks to Avon UK for my copy of this book ***
October 5, 2019
I loved this book so much. It was a very easy book to read, bright, funny and sunshiny. I loved the fact that the main character had a mission to find all the pieces of a tea set and how her family all connected up with people from work.
Her references to her pet Nigel was very funny and I could picture him as I read this book.
Although this was a second in a series it was a stand alone book, and I will looking for more of hers in the future.
My thanks to Netgalley and Avon publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
Her references to her pet Nigel was very funny and I could picture him as I read this book.
Although this was a second in a series it was a stand alone book, and I will looking for more of hers in the future.
My thanks to Netgalley and Avon publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
July 12, 2019
4☆ An Engrossing, Enchanting Feel Good Read with a sprinkle of Magic.
The Unlikely Life of Maisie Meadows is a compelling, enchanting and beautifully written story with a sparkle of magic, romance, emotion and humour.
Maisie finds herself without a job and boyfriend (who was also her boss) after she discovers him having it away with the newest member of staff, which leaves her no option but to hand her notice In.
So she sets out to find herself a new job, landing herself a wonderful new job in a quaint auction house Gildersleeves where they are plenty of quirky and eccentric characters and antiques to keep her busy.
But what is really intriguing is the antique tea set Maisie discovers, which she believes is of sentimental value.
So she sets out to find out more and to piece together the mystery and magic behind the Tea Set.
Which could just be the thing that helps bring her family together.
Maisie is such an endearing character, in fact all of the characters are superbly written. They are quirky, a lil eccentric loveable characters each with compelling sub storylines that make for an engrossing read!
The Unlikely Life of Maisie Meadows is an Enchanting, highly Compelling Read with a dash of Mystery and Intrigue, a sprinkle of Magic, a good dose of Humour and Romance to make you feel good.
This is very much a character driven story, about Family, Family Relationships, Reuniting Family, Connections, Romance, Friendship, Antiques and a Tea Set.
There are a few cleverly plotted twists which simply added to the mystery and intrigue perfectly.
If you are looking for a Warm and Cosy, Feel Good Women's Fiction that has a sprinkle of all things great, then you will love The Unlikely Life of Maisie Meadows.
I'm really looking forward to reading more from Jenni Keer.
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
The Unlikely Life of Maisie Meadows is a compelling, enchanting and beautifully written story with a sparkle of magic, romance, emotion and humour.
Maisie finds herself without a job and boyfriend (who was also her boss) after she discovers him having it away with the newest member of staff, which leaves her no option but to hand her notice In.
So she sets out to find herself a new job, landing herself a wonderful new job in a quaint auction house Gildersleeves where they are plenty of quirky and eccentric characters and antiques to keep her busy.
But what is really intriguing is the antique tea set Maisie discovers, which she believes is of sentimental value.
So she sets out to find out more and to piece together the mystery and magic behind the Tea Set.
Which could just be the thing that helps bring her family together.
Maisie is such an endearing character, in fact all of the characters are superbly written. They are quirky, a lil eccentric loveable characters each with compelling sub storylines that make for an engrossing read!
The Unlikely Life of Maisie Meadows is an Enchanting, highly Compelling Read with a dash of Mystery and Intrigue, a sprinkle of Magic, a good dose of Humour and Romance to make you feel good.
This is very much a character driven story, about Family, Family Relationships, Reuniting Family, Connections, Romance, Friendship, Antiques and a Tea Set.
There are a few cleverly plotted twists which simply added to the mystery and intrigue perfectly.
If you are looking for a Warm and Cosy, Feel Good Women's Fiction that has a sprinkle of all things great, then you will love The Unlikely Life of Maisie Meadows.
I'm really looking forward to reading more from Jenni Keer.
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
May 23, 2019
I can't believe this is only the author's second book, it is so accomplished and I much prefer it to her first one, which I also really enjoyed.
I connected really quickly to Maisie Meadows, and absolutely loved the assorted storylines running through the book, although one of the most obvious things to me, was never spelt out to Maisie until towards the end, so there were plenty of conversations at cross purposes, which are always amusing.
I loved the auction house that Maisie is working at, complete with all of her new colleagues, all of whom are simply wonderful, from the flamboyant Johnny, the quiet Elle, chatterbox Arthur (and there is so much more to his story, its a joy to uncover), and Theo who we meet in a wonderfully memorable way.
Then there is Maisie's family, she is the youngest of four, and just wants to reunite her siblings and parents under one roof and for them to all be on big happy family again like she remembers before it all went wrong... however let's just say again all the family members are radically different and nothing is as it seems.
Finally we have Maisie's quest to reunite all the pieces of a special tea set, and in doing so learns a lot about another large family who is fractured. The big question though is whether the tea set really does have slightly magical properties, or whether everything that happens really is coincidence.
There is masses of story in this, if you don't like one thread, then don't worry another one comes along very soon. Personally I enjoyed every last minute of it, and absolutely loved spending time with this cast of unusual characters.
There is more depth to the plot than you may think, and I already thought the cover was lovely, but looking at it again since reading the book, I can see just how relevant all those small items really are, each holing clues to strands of this book.
It was an utter delight to read, and I think Jenni Keer is definitely an author who will be going places, and I intend to keep reading and following her (in a completely non creepy way!).
Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
I connected really quickly to Maisie Meadows, and absolutely loved the assorted storylines running through the book, although one of the most obvious things to me, was never spelt out to Maisie until towards the end, so there were plenty of conversations at cross purposes, which are always amusing.
I loved the auction house that Maisie is working at, complete with all of her new colleagues, all of whom are simply wonderful, from the flamboyant Johnny, the quiet Elle, chatterbox Arthur (and there is so much more to his story, its a joy to uncover), and Theo who we meet in a wonderfully memorable way.
Then there is Maisie's family, she is the youngest of four, and just wants to reunite her siblings and parents under one roof and for them to all be on big happy family again like she remembers before it all went wrong... however let's just say again all the family members are radically different and nothing is as it seems.
Finally we have Maisie's quest to reunite all the pieces of a special tea set, and in doing so learns a lot about another large family who is fractured. The big question though is whether the tea set really does have slightly magical properties, or whether everything that happens really is coincidence.
There is masses of story in this, if you don't like one thread, then don't worry another one comes along very soon. Personally I enjoyed every last minute of it, and absolutely loved spending time with this cast of unusual characters.
There is more depth to the plot than you may think, and I already thought the cover was lovely, but looking at it again since reading the book, I can see just how relevant all those small items really are, each holing clues to strands of this book.
It was an utter delight to read, and I think Jenni Keer is definitely an author who will be going places, and I intend to keep reading and following her (in a completely non creepy way!).
Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
July 8, 2019
When you read as many romance books as I do, it can be quite difficult to find one that stands out from the crowd – although I enjoy every single one, and have a love for the genre that will never die. But it is always particularly exciting when you find one of the particularly special ones – and this lovely book provides sheer enjoyment from beginning to end, with some really original twists and turns to the story, a touch of magic, and a cast of characters that you can’t fail to fall in love with.
And then there’s the writing: strong, confident, with dialogue that sparkles and the surest of touches with both the emotional content – and there’s plenty of that – and the gentle comedy that constantly makes you smile. There’s a multiplicity of story threads in this book that would be daunting for the most experienced of authors – all equally enchanting and engaging, every one spooled out and untangled with dexterity, care for the detail, and tremendous aplomb.
Maisie, at the book’s centre, won my heart very quickly – with her desperate need to bring together her fragmented family, to recreate the happier times of her childhood, however unlikely and difficult that might be. And that’s mirrored in her quest to reunite the parts of a tea set, initiated by the chance find of a teapot that played an important part in her childhood memories. I loved Maisie’s quirkiness and relentless optimism, unusually coupled with an obsessive need for control and order, everything in its proper place: and I loved her release, the art created in her spare bedroom, a truer reflection of her messy life but tackled with a joy that’s entirely contagious.
As she tries to bring her family and the tea set together – and finds herself involved in bringing together yet another fractured family, and quite a few more broken links and relationships – she’s finding her feet in a new job at Gildersleeves auction house, taken on to bring their marketing into the 21st century. The setting is wonderful and lovingly recreated – if the auction house’s name sounds Dickensian, wait until you meet Johnny – and allows the introduction of a whole additional cast of quite wonderful characters. Misunderstandings do abound, mainly about the relationships between all her new colleagues – and while that might not always be my favourite plot device, in this book it all works just perfectly, its glorious confusion providing many of the book’s funniest moments.
Then there are the gnomes, Nigel’s reactions and interventions (no, you’ll need to read the book!), the tea set’s secret code, the relationship between Maisie’s parents (I adored her mother), her particularly intrusive and entitled sister, Theo’s scruffiness and 80s obsession (but he’s so thoroughly loveable), Elle’s vulnerability and the unfolding of her character…
I must particularly mention the quite excellent handling of the individual stories of the book’s older characters – Meredith’s support for her struggling neighbours, the nursing home scenes so realistically portrayed (and with such funny and touching moments), the relationships between the Mayhew sisters – but particularly that of auction house porter Arthur, so beautifully done and so unexpected that it made me cry.
I’ve rarely come across a book where every subsidiary character is so perfectly drawn that I became so entirely engrossed in and enchanted by their personal stories, every one given appropriate weight and worked through to conclusion. Its magical touches might be real, might be coincidental, but it’s all so very beautifully and cleverly done – and the book’s ending is so absolutely perfect, uplifting and heartwarming, that it moved me to tears yet again.
Just in case I might have left any room for doubt, this was such a special book, and I loved everything about it – highly recommended to all.
And then there’s the writing: strong, confident, with dialogue that sparkles and the surest of touches with both the emotional content – and there’s plenty of that – and the gentle comedy that constantly makes you smile. There’s a multiplicity of story threads in this book that would be daunting for the most experienced of authors – all equally enchanting and engaging, every one spooled out and untangled with dexterity, care for the detail, and tremendous aplomb.
Maisie, at the book’s centre, won my heart very quickly – with her desperate need to bring together her fragmented family, to recreate the happier times of her childhood, however unlikely and difficult that might be. And that’s mirrored in her quest to reunite the parts of a tea set, initiated by the chance find of a teapot that played an important part in her childhood memories. I loved Maisie’s quirkiness and relentless optimism, unusually coupled with an obsessive need for control and order, everything in its proper place: and I loved her release, the art created in her spare bedroom, a truer reflection of her messy life but tackled with a joy that’s entirely contagious.
As she tries to bring her family and the tea set together – and finds herself involved in bringing together yet another fractured family, and quite a few more broken links and relationships – she’s finding her feet in a new job at Gildersleeves auction house, taken on to bring their marketing into the 21st century. The setting is wonderful and lovingly recreated – if the auction house’s name sounds Dickensian, wait until you meet Johnny – and allows the introduction of a whole additional cast of quite wonderful characters. Misunderstandings do abound, mainly about the relationships between all her new colleagues – and while that might not always be my favourite plot device, in this book it all works just perfectly, its glorious confusion providing many of the book’s funniest moments.
Then there are the gnomes, Nigel’s reactions and interventions (no, you’ll need to read the book!), the tea set’s secret code, the relationship between Maisie’s parents (I adored her mother), her particularly intrusive and entitled sister, Theo’s scruffiness and 80s obsession (but he’s so thoroughly loveable), Elle’s vulnerability and the unfolding of her character…
I must particularly mention the quite excellent handling of the individual stories of the book’s older characters – Meredith’s support for her struggling neighbours, the nursing home scenes so realistically portrayed (and with such funny and touching moments), the relationships between the Mayhew sisters – but particularly that of auction house porter Arthur, so beautifully done and so unexpected that it made me cry.
I’ve rarely come across a book where every subsidiary character is so perfectly drawn that I became so entirely engrossed in and enchanted by their personal stories, every one given appropriate weight and worked through to conclusion. Its magical touches might be real, might be coincidental, but it’s all so very beautifully and cleverly done – and the book’s ending is so absolutely perfect, uplifting and heartwarming, that it moved me to tears yet again.
Just in case I might have left any room for doubt, this was such a special book, and I loved everything about it – highly recommended to all.
July 2, 2019
Maisie Meadows (who has one of those names which seem to exist only in romcoms and never in real life, though no doubt there are some around somewhere), driven out of her old job by an ill-advised romance, takes a new job with the delightful Johnny at Gildersleeve’s auction house. There’s obviously romance on the cards (though not with Johnny) and some shenanigans with a mysterious black and white tea set. Via a *lot* of Unfortunate Misunderstandings.
I know Unfortunate Misunderstandings and miscommunications are a standard in the romance genre but these were just too obvious and predictable to be satisfying and there were zero surprises. I was actually getting quite annoyed with the, at times, incredible density of the characters in this respect, and the ongoing misunderstandings, particularly towards the end, seemed far too contrived. Just communicate, for goodness sake!
That said I did like the characters and the auction house setting, and the story is well written. I particularly appreciated the inclusion of several older characters with very different personalities, which is not something we always see. Arthur was a particular gem. I wasn’t really fussed about the magic tea set element, though.
A pleasant escapist read.
I know Unfortunate Misunderstandings and miscommunications are a standard in the romance genre but these were just too obvious and predictable to be satisfying and there were zero surprises. I was actually getting quite annoyed with the, at times, incredible density of the characters in this respect, and the ongoing misunderstandings, particularly towards the end, seemed far too contrived. Just communicate, for goodness sake!
That said I did like the characters and the auction house setting, and the story is well written. I particularly appreciated the inclusion of several older characters with very different personalities, which is not something we always see. Arthur was a particular gem. I wasn’t really fussed about the magic tea set element, though.
A pleasant escapist read.
June 18, 2019
You can read all my review on Blog - Books Teacup and Reviews
The Unlikely Life of Maisie Meadows was a beautiful women’s fiction that revolved around life of Maisie Meadows and mysterious, magical tea set that changed Maisie’s life and perspective. It was about family, friendship, and love; embracing life no matter how unlikely things happened and try to live fullest; social media vs reality, read interaction and connection; quirkiness and imperfection.
Characters-
Maisie was wonderful character. She was caring, orderly, organized and wanted control in life, but deep inside she and her family was a mess that reflected in her paintings. No she was not painter, it’s just hobby, she was marketing executive and she was amazing at that. I liked her trying to form bond with all staff of Gildersleeve’s, and loved her for accepting her mistakes, efforts of being better person not acting like her ungrateful siblings. As the book progressed, her views towards life, family and need for perfection and appearance changed.
Theo was opposite of Maisie and yet they both brought out the best in each other. He was disorganized, scruffy and old fashioned, no-social-media person and was 80s fan. Oh, but he was nicest charming, down to earth and easy –to-be-with person and so so caring for his staff. I loved everything about this guy. I could see why Maisie couldn’t stop falling in love with her boss, ‘again’.
I enjoyed reading about all secondary characters in this book. They were all quirky, had their own story and had guilt and made mistakes in life but at the end, they embraced life. They all played important role in unlikely life of Maisie. My most favorites were Johnny and Arthur.
What I Liked-
Loved that cover. Color, design everything makes it beautiful and so relevant. Writing was smooth, charming, and utterly flamboyant just like Johnny. The Gildersleeve’s auction house, the items came for sell, its quirky staff and the way auction was held everything about it made the perfect setting. The plot was also interesting with thoughtful message.
Book started with betrayal that changed Maisie’s status to jobless and loveless, end of all Christmas plan and resulted in the New Year resolution- get over the heartbreak and find a new job that she did as a marketing executive at Gildersleeve’s auction house. No handsome boss around to romanticize and not entirely stick to desk job lured her in but little she knew about other old fashioned and a very charming partner of auction house who can prove her decision wrong.
Good thing that happened, she found Meredith’s teapot at auction house that brought back childhood memory. She desperately wanted her picture perfect Christmas with family like she remembered from childhood, when her family was still together. She found hope when she started reuniting Meredith’s tea set. She was certain this quirky teapot had some magical spell and she was out on a mission ‘reuniting Meredith’s tea set and her family members’.
Will she able to find all items of tea set? Was it just superstitious or the tea set really had something magical about it? Will her dream to reunite all scattered Meadows together come true? Will she fall for her boss or have to face another disappointment?
I loved finding answers to all these questions. My favorite part of the book was reading the story of Mayhew sisters, Arthur, history related to tea set and knowing each Meadows closely through Maisie’s perspective. It was interesting how tea set affected all sisters’ life and how on reuniting it was changing Maisie’s life. More surprising was the meaning of the tea-set’s name and how it worked differently with different group.
I also loved the thoughtful messages on family and friends, how imperfections has its own beauty, not everything needs to be perfect, tidy and as good as new, how used imperfect things comes by Gildersleeve’s has history and memory. Difference between social media and old fashioned way of interacting and engaging people for marketing was nicely represented.
Both Maisie and Theo made a great team and I enjoyed seeing their relationship blossom in story. Their banter over social media was endearing, both proved their point and accepted it graciously. Maisie’s relation with her family, Mayhew sisters and auction house staff was amazing. There were some hilarious moments (that old man at Willow Tree House was mind blowing), some tense and some emotional moments that made plot gripping and refreshing.
The climax was brilliant. I couldn’t guess what was going to happen when Meadows were gathered at Maisie’s place. All those confessions were surprising. There were misunderstandings, lack of communications and understanding other’s perspective that messed characters’ life. I loved how things settled at the end. End and Epilogue was satisfactory.
Overall, it was lovely, cozy, mysterious and magical women’s fiction with interesting characters and their unlikely life story. I surely recommend this book.
*** Note: Many thanks to publisher for providing e-ARC via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. ***
The Unlikely Life of Maisie Meadows was a beautiful women’s fiction that revolved around life of Maisie Meadows and mysterious, magical tea set that changed Maisie’s life and perspective. It was about family, friendship, and love; embracing life no matter how unlikely things happened and try to live fullest; social media vs reality, read interaction and connection; quirkiness and imperfection.
Characters-
Maisie was wonderful character. She was caring, orderly, organized and wanted control in life, but deep inside she and her family was a mess that reflected in her paintings. No she was not painter, it’s just hobby, she was marketing executive and she was amazing at that. I liked her trying to form bond with all staff of Gildersleeve’s, and loved her for accepting her mistakes, efforts of being better person not acting like her ungrateful siblings. As the book progressed, her views towards life, family and need for perfection and appearance changed.
Theo was opposite of Maisie and yet they both brought out the best in each other. He was disorganized, scruffy and old fashioned, no-social-media person and was 80s fan. Oh, but he was nicest charming, down to earth and easy –to-be-with person and so so caring for his staff. I loved everything about this guy. I could see why Maisie couldn’t stop falling in love with her boss, ‘again’.
I enjoyed reading about all secondary characters in this book. They were all quirky, had their own story and had guilt and made mistakes in life but at the end, they embraced life. They all played important role in unlikely life of Maisie. My most favorites were Johnny and Arthur.
What I Liked-
Loved that cover. Color, design everything makes it beautiful and so relevant. Writing was smooth, charming, and utterly flamboyant just like Johnny. The Gildersleeve’s auction house, the items came for sell, its quirky staff and the way auction was held everything about it made the perfect setting. The plot was also interesting with thoughtful message.
Book started with betrayal that changed Maisie’s status to jobless and loveless, end of all Christmas plan and resulted in the New Year resolution- get over the heartbreak and find a new job that she did as a marketing executive at Gildersleeve’s auction house. No handsome boss around to romanticize and not entirely stick to desk job lured her in but little she knew about other old fashioned and a very charming partner of auction house who can prove her decision wrong.
Good thing that happened, she found Meredith’s teapot at auction house that brought back childhood memory. She desperately wanted her picture perfect Christmas with family like she remembered from childhood, when her family was still together. She found hope when she started reuniting Meredith’s tea set. She was certain this quirky teapot had some magical spell and she was out on a mission ‘reuniting Meredith’s tea set and her family members’.
Will she able to find all items of tea set? Was it just superstitious or the tea set really had something magical about it? Will her dream to reunite all scattered Meadows together come true? Will she fall for her boss or have to face another disappointment?
I loved finding answers to all these questions. My favorite part of the book was reading the story of Mayhew sisters, Arthur, history related to tea set and knowing each Meadows closely through Maisie’s perspective. It was interesting how tea set affected all sisters’ life and how on reuniting it was changing Maisie’s life. More surprising was the meaning of the tea-set’s name and how it worked differently with different group.
I also loved the thoughtful messages on family and friends, how imperfections has its own beauty, not everything needs to be perfect, tidy and as good as new, how used imperfect things comes by Gildersleeve’s has history and memory. Difference between social media and old fashioned way of interacting and engaging people for marketing was nicely represented.
Both Maisie and Theo made a great team and I enjoyed seeing their relationship blossom in story. Their banter over social media was endearing, both proved their point and accepted it graciously. Maisie’s relation with her family, Mayhew sisters and auction house staff was amazing. There were some hilarious moments (that old man at Willow Tree House was mind blowing), some tense and some emotional moments that made plot gripping and refreshing.
The climax was brilliant. I couldn’t guess what was going to happen when Meadows were gathered at Maisie’s place. All those confessions were surprising. There were misunderstandings, lack of communications and understanding other’s perspective that messed characters’ life. I loved how things settled at the end. End and Epilogue was satisfactory.
Overall, it was lovely, cozy, mysterious and magical women’s fiction with interesting characters and their unlikely life story. I surely recommend this book.
*** Note: Many thanks to publisher for providing e-ARC via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. ***
July 8, 2019
I knew that The Unlikely Life of Maisie Meadows would be a hit with me from the first paragraph.
Keer's writing reads beautifully, flows really well and feels elegant. The story she tells is engrossing, the characters she offers are interesting. I liked the pacing, I liked the romance the story featured. I found it all to be surprisingly unpredictable. With laugh out loud moments, this book was basically unputdownable, which is why I read it so fast.
Everything about this book is well executed. I think it's very enjoyable, and it's definitely a read that fans of the genre will enjoy.
*Copy received through NetGalley
*Rating: 5/5 stars
Keer's writing reads beautifully, flows really well and feels elegant. The story she tells is engrossing, the characters she offers are interesting. I liked the pacing, I liked the romance the story featured. I found it all to be surprisingly unpredictable. With laugh out loud moments, this book was basically unputdownable, which is why I read it so fast.
Everything about this book is well executed. I think it's very enjoyable, and it's definitely a read that fans of the genre will enjoy.
*Copy received through NetGalley
*Rating: 5/5 stars
July 9, 2019
What a lovely story. Maisie the youngest child in a dysfunctional family is the star of this gently paced, characterful story. Her attempts to recreate the ‘perfect family’, are spectacularly unsuccessful, as she is let down by her latest lover and loses her job as well.
The auction house job is a new start, and it feels right, but the serendipitous change in circumstances and career, and the part tea set she uncovers have a profound effect on her life and those close to her.
Maisie is a realistically flawed but easy to empathise character, her motivation for good is strong, but her foundations are rocky. Was life really as ‘rosy’ as she remembers? Is having a tidy house, the only way she can live her life, which seems so out of control. Is her secret, a true reflection of who she really is?
There are so many levels to this story, a potential romance, that is fraught with misunderstanding. A little magic, that Maisie hopes to use to bring her family together. The outcome is not what she expects, but is believable and hopeful. A multi-generational theme, that adds depth to the story and shows how the present reflects the past, and the lessons to be learnt.
It’s easy to lose yourself in this book. Character-driven, it makes you believe in the story, and want the best for Maisie and her friends. The setting is authentic, and relatable and gives the book its unique twist.
Gentle romance, quirky characters and a wealth of emotion and regret, all make this story a lovely interlude in everyday life.
I received a copy of this book from Avon Books UK via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
The auction house job is a new start, and it feels right, but the serendipitous change in circumstances and career, and the part tea set she uncovers have a profound effect on her life and those close to her.
Maisie is a realistically flawed but easy to empathise character, her motivation for good is strong, but her foundations are rocky. Was life really as ‘rosy’ as she remembers? Is having a tidy house, the only way she can live her life, which seems so out of control. Is her secret, a true reflection of who she really is?
There are so many levels to this story, a potential romance, that is fraught with misunderstanding. A little magic, that Maisie hopes to use to bring her family together. The outcome is not what she expects, but is believable and hopeful. A multi-generational theme, that adds depth to the story and shows how the present reflects the past, and the lessons to be learnt.
It’s easy to lose yourself in this book. Character-driven, it makes you believe in the story, and want the best for Maisie and her friends. The setting is authentic, and relatable and gives the book its unique twist.
Gentle romance, quirky characters and a wealth of emotion and regret, all make this story a lovely interlude in everyday life.
I received a copy of this book from Avon Books UK via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
June 26, 2019
I gave this 3.5 stars but rounded up to 4 because of the ending which I absolutely loved. I did figure out some twists, but one in particular caught me off guard in the best way. That said, it took me longer than usual to read it because it was slow at points in the middle and because the characters - especially the sister, while well done, acted and felt much younger than they were supposed to be. Sometimes things just didn't connect. Still, the beginning and ending of the book were brilliant (confusing review I know).
Its the story of mid twenties Maisie who is on a mission to reunite her family, and an old tea set. Thats the core story, but the lives of the people around her - her family, coworkers, and each link to the tea set - made both missions so interesting. I wish I could describe it more but no spoilers here.
Cute cozy read!
Received from Netgalley for an honest review.
Its the story of mid twenties Maisie who is on a mission to reunite her family, and an old tea set. Thats the core story, but the lives of the people around her - her family, coworkers, and each link to the tea set - made both missions so interesting. I wish I could describe it more but no spoilers here.
Cute cozy read!
Received from Netgalley for an honest review.
July 8, 2019
It has been a while since I read a book that kept me wondering and wondering about the plot and the outcome.
The Unlikely Life of Maisy Meadows is an utterly charming story with a sprinkle of magic and a dash of warmth and one loveable character that will make you wrap her up in a huge hug.
Maisy is full of quirkiness, she is witty, fun and sparky and she wants to get her family together once again.
I had goosebumps reading this book and I would definitely recommend it to wiggle its way on your TBR this summer.
The Unlikely Life of Maisy Meadows is an utterly charming story with a sprinkle of magic and a dash of warmth and one loveable character that will make you wrap her up in a huge hug.
Maisy is full of quirkiness, she is witty, fun and sparky and she wants to get her family together once again.
I had goosebumps reading this book and I would definitely recommend it to wiggle its way on your TBR this summer.
November 20, 2019
I was drawn in by the cover, which is similar to The Keeper of Lost Things. But unlike Hogan's novel, this didn't draw me in immediately and I was considering to bail several times. I couldn't really connect to the MC. Did not understand why she kept her hobby secret as if it was a state secret. The misunderstanding that kept her from getting together with the love interest was jarring. I seriously hope that the ARC I read was revised before publishing.
May 20, 2019
No need to feel worry about not being able to live up to the first book Jenni.
This is a fantastic, feel good, lovely, book that will make you feel good and leave you with a massive smile on your face. Loved it.
This is a fantastic, feel good, lovely, book that will make you feel good and leave you with a massive smile on your face. Loved it.
May 16, 2019
When I read Author Jenni Keer’s first book, The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker, here’s how I described it. “…a story that evokes a certain adorable mood. This debut novel is part fairy tale, part Wizard of Oz, and completely loveable and engaging.” Once again, the same magic spins its joy in Ms. Keer’s second book, a humorous fiction novel.
When we meet Maisie, she has a boyfriend and a job. By the second chapter in the book, she has no boyfriend, and no job. But, she does have Nigel, who is a…oh I’ll let you find that out for yourself.
It’s delightful getting to know young-adult Maisie. In addition to the no job and no boyfriend situation, she has a fragmented family. But, she’s not one to say “Why me?”
She fixes her job situation by taking a marketing position at Gildersleeves Antiques. What a wonderful part of the story- Gildersleeves has plenty of quirky characters, along with an equally exotic assortment of cast-offs, collectibles and treasures.
And that’s how Maisie discovers a teapot from her past, which belonged to the Mayhew sisters. Is the teapot magical? Will it help her solve her other problems?
The charm and strength of Ms. Keer’s books are the characters. And in this book, she has given us so many quirky, yet redeemable people to get to know and love. From the employees at Gildersleeves, to the six Mayhew sisters, and Maisie’s mother, father and four siblings, we have an abundance of treats to savor. My favorites (in addition to Maisie) were Arthur, an older, lonely man and Maisie’s emotional mother, Beverly. Although I really shouldn’t pick favorites as I am leaving out two very wonderful and important gentlemen. And then there’s that one guy at the care home.
Throughout the story, Maisie continues to put one tidy and well-organized foot in front of the other, and she ends up being a “restorative tonic” for all. With themes of family, friendships, aging, and antiques, which are really all tied together, we find what’s important to cherish in Maisie’s unlikely life.
Is Maisie a bit slow to catch on to things? Yes. But, by the end of this charming and totally satisfying book, Maisie works it out. And when she does, I felt as happy as Nigel. Everything comes together and even the garden gnomes find a place to belong.
In the author notes, Ms. Keer mentioned that she was relieved to have completed the notoriously tricky second book. Not to worry- the story of Maisie surpasses the loveliness of the first book. There are so many more characters, feelings and thoughts, and so many perfect phrases and word pictures. I did feel confused by the first chapter of the book- but it was like unpacking a mixed-lot bin of collectibles- once I sorted it out, the pleasures were revealed. Enjoy this gentle, endearing book!
Thanks to Netgalley, Avon Books UK and Rachels Random Resources for a review copy. This is my honest review.
When we meet Maisie, she has a boyfriend and a job. By the second chapter in the book, she has no boyfriend, and no job. But, she does have Nigel, who is a…oh I’ll let you find that out for yourself.
It’s delightful getting to know young-adult Maisie. In addition to the no job and no boyfriend situation, she has a fragmented family. But, she’s not one to say “Why me?”
She fixes her job situation by taking a marketing position at Gildersleeves Antiques. What a wonderful part of the story- Gildersleeves has plenty of quirky characters, along with an equally exotic assortment of cast-offs, collectibles and treasures.
And that’s how Maisie discovers a teapot from her past, which belonged to the Mayhew sisters. Is the teapot magical? Will it help her solve her other problems?
The charm and strength of Ms. Keer’s books are the characters. And in this book, she has given us so many quirky, yet redeemable people to get to know and love. From the employees at Gildersleeves, to the six Mayhew sisters, and Maisie’s mother, father and four siblings, we have an abundance of treats to savor. My favorites (in addition to Maisie) were Arthur, an older, lonely man and Maisie’s emotional mother, Beverly. Although I really shouldn’t pick favorites as I am leaving out two very wonderful and important gentlemen. And then there’s that one guy at the care home.
Throughout the story, Maisie continues to put one tidy and well-organized foot in front of the other, and she ends up being a “restorative tonic” for all. With themes of family, friendships, aging, and antiques, which are really all tied together, we find what’s important to cherish in Maisie’s unlikely life.
Is Maisie a bit slow to catch on to things? Yes. But, by the end of this charming and totally satisfying book, Maisie works it out. And when she does, I felt as happy as Nigel. Everything comes together and even the garden gnomes find a place to belong.
In the author notes, Ms. Keer mentioned that she was relieved to have completed the notoriously tricky second book. Not to worry- the story of Maisie surpasses the loveliness of the first book. There are so many more characters, feelings and thoughts, and so many perfect phrases and word pictures. I did feel confused by the first chapter of the book- but it was like unpacking a mixed-lot bin of collectibles- once I sorted it out, the pleasures were revealed. Enjoy this gentle, endearing book!
Thanks to Netgalley, Avon Books UK and Rachels Random Resources for a review copy. This is my honest review.
July 8, 2019
Oh my word, where do I begin? Maybe the beginning would be a good idea, so first off I'd like to say I absolutely love the cover for this book. It's so bright and vibrant but it wasn't until I had read the book I realised the significance of the images on the cover and it all made sense and made it a little bit more special.
Maisie Meadows finds herself jobless and single at the beginning of the story and when a job opportunity comes up ten minutes from home it seems like the ideal solution.
Gildersleeve's is an auction house owned by Johnny, an eccentric and vibrant man and his partner Theo, who is gorgeous and disheveled. Maisie finds herself working alongside the very quiet and shy Ella and the utterly amazing Arthur who could talk the hind legs of a donkey but is a wonderful and thoughtful gentleman. Maisie seems to fit in straight away and seems to be an asset to the business although Theo still lives in the dark ages when it come to technology and social media which is the main job Maisie takes on.
The characters are absolutely brilliant, I couldn't help totally falling in love with all of them from the auction house, each one very different but they all felt so realistic and it was so easy to picture them and their surroundings. I actually found myself wishing I worked there, it was like a family.
Maisie's real family though are scattered all over the place, her mum and dad split up when she was young and her three siblings live away from home and very rarely return. Maisie wants them all together, her dream is to have a family Christmas and loved reading about her dysfunctional family.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story with its fantastic characters and the mysterious tea set with its magical qualities. It had me laughing so many times, like real proper snorts and I just thank the stars I was reading this away from people, they would have thought I was a right loony. I have to say it also had me very nearly in tears as well, there is a certain part in the book involving Arthur where my heart broke, it totally shattered but my love for Arthur grew (I won't say any more and spoil it).
After finishing this book I realised this is the second book from Jenni Keer, the first being The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker and it was instantly added to my tbr pile. I just loved The unlikely Life of Maisie Meadows and will be highly recommending it and I can't wait to read more from Jenni Keer soon. Brilliant.
July 14, 2019
When Maisie Meadows finds herself out of a job and boyfriend she makes a vow to get her life back on track, bring her family back together and find a new job! She gets herself a job in a small auction house run by the wildly eccentric Johnny and handsome Theo. There to spruce up their marketing campaign, Maisie fits nicely in with her fellow workmates, but finds herself drawn to Theo in particular! Can Maisie keep her promise to herself or will she find Theo just far too distracting?!
My first book by this author, and only the second book which the author has written. The first thing that attracted me to this book was the cover! It looked so bright and attractive and purple is my favourite colour! I loved the theme of working in an auction house and equally loved the characters that were found working alongside Maisie. The writing made it so easy to just picture yourself amongst them all! I initially felt quite sad for Maisie spending Christmas Day all by herself, but she’s a great character and obviously not one for letting things get her down for too long!! I also loved Maisie’s relationships with all the other characters and the “chalk and cheese” attraction between Maisie and Theo was particularly endearing!! Without saying too much, their first meeting was so funny it made me laugh out loud!
There was though so many moments that did make me laugh that it is impossible to pick my favourite one! Nigel the Hamster though was definitely the star of the show!! The storyline did, in parts, also bring tears to my eyes and I found myself alternating between wiping away tears of laughter and tears of sadness! The writing was clever, witty and heart-warming and I felt an instant connection to the whole premise of the book right from the beginning. Full of family relationships, romance, laughter, sadness, past and present – this book had everything you could possibly need! The book grabbed me from the very first chapter and didn’t let me go until I’d finished it. Would highly recommend it for the ideal summer read!!
My first book by this author, and only the second book which the author has written. The first thing that attracted me to this book was the cover! It looked so bright and attractive and purple is my favourite colour! I loved the theme of working in an auction house and equally loved the characters that were found working alongside Maisie. The writing made it so easy to just picture yourself amongst them all! I initially felt quite sad for Maisie spending Christmas Day all by herself, but she’s a great character and obviously not one for letting things get her down for too long!! I also loved Maisie’s relationships with all the other characters and the “chalk and cheese” attraction between Maisie and Theo was particularly endearing!! Without saying too much, their first meeting was so funny it made me laugh out loud!
There was though so many moments that did make me laugh that it is impossible to pick my favourite one! Nigel the Hamster though was definitely the star of the show!! The storyline did, in parts, also bring tears to my eyes and I found myself alternating between wiping away tears of laughter and tears of sadness! The writing was clever, witty and heart-warming and I felt an instant connection to the whole premise of the book right from the beginning. Full of family relationships, romance, laughter, sadness, past and present – this book had everything you could possibly need! The book grabbed me from the very first chapter and didn’t let me go until I’d finished it. Would highly recommend it for the ideal summer read!!
June 27, 2019
I was so excited to see this book pop up as I loved Lucy Baker and Jenni Keer has once again created some superb characters in this book.
Maisie Meadows is a character that needs order in her life and is super organised, as the story progresses you start to see what led to her character traits and how she is constantly trying to remain in control of everything. I absolutely loved Maisie and her complicated family that she is trying in vain to pull back together.
Jenni Keer has a way of you into in her writing so you can't help but keep reading. This story is focused on Maisie trying to reunite her own family, whilst embarking on a new career where she meets some brilliant people who leads her to rediscover a link to her childhood through Meredith's tea set that she feels drawn too in a way she can't explain.
I read this book in just a couple of days and was gutted when I reached the end as I had fallen in love with the characters so much that I just wanted to keep reading more about them. Another brilliant triumph from Jenni Keer and I am excited to see what comes next as I have absolutely loved Lucy Baker & Maisie Meadows.
Maisie Meadows is a character that needs order in her life and is super organised, as the story progresses you start to see what led to her character traits and how she is constantly trying to remain in control of everything. I absolutely loved Maisie and her complicated family that she is trying in vain to pull back together.
Jenni Keer has a way of you into in her writing so you can't help but keep reading. This story is focused on Maisie trying to reunite her own family, whilst embarking on a new career where she meets some brilliant people who leads her to rediscover a link to her childhood through Meredith's tea set that she feels drawn too in a way she can't explain.
I read this book in just a couple of days and was gutted when I reached the end as I had fallen in love with the characters so much that I just wanted to keep reading more about them. Another brilliant triumph from Jenni Keer and I am excited to see what comes next as I have absolutely loved Lucy Baker & Maisie Meadows.
June 29, 2019
Note: I received a free advanced readers copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
When 25-year old Maisie finds herself out of a job and out of a boyfriend (her ex-boss) she finds herself a new life as the marketing expert of a small auction house where a team of curious yet wonderful characters work with her. At the same time as she starts this job, Maisie begins a quest to reunite her scattered family and a scattered tea set that has sentimental value to her. Some wordplay puts Maisie in all sorts of situations and misunderstandings but unfortunately while a clever idea, they are a bit too easily spotted to make the twists and turns of the story much of a surprise to the reader. While I enjoyed this book and especially liked some of the secondary characters, I wish I had been a little more surprised by the various would-be surprises.
When 25-year old Maisie finds herself out of a job and out of a boyfriend (her ex-boss) she finds herself a new life as the marketing expert of a small auction house where a team of curious yet wonderful characters work with her. At the same time as she starts this job, Maisie begins a quest to reunite her scattered family and a scattered tea set that has sentimental value to her. Some wordplay puts Maisie in all sorts of situations and misunderstandings but unfortunately while a clever idea, they are a bit too easily spotted to make the twists and turns of the story much of a surprise to the reader. While I enjoyed this book and especially liked some of the secondary characters, I wish I had been a little more surprised by the various would-be surprises.
September 22, 2020
A fantastic, lovable book. The author has created a great storyline that engaged me from the beginning and filled the book with excellent, well developed main characters. I would highly recommend this book and I plan on looking for more books by this author.
I would like to think Jenni Keer, Avon Books UK and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I would like to think Jenni Keer, Avon Books UK and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
July 30, 2019
What a delightful read.
I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Maisie and her two families - the one she was born into and the one she fell into - in this charming book. The world Jenni Keer has created is beautifully drawn and detailed, and Maisie is a character with nuances - someone to champion. I loved the elements of magic realism and the exploration of the theme of fate.
Highly recommended.
I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Maisie and her two families - the one she was born into and the one she fell into - in this charming book. The world Jenni Keer has created is beautifully drawn and detailed, and Maisie is a character with nuances - someone to champion. I loved the elements of magic realism and the exploration of the theme of fate.
Highly recommended.
May 25, 2019
This was the first book I have read of Jenni Keer’s but it will not be the last. There is one word for this book and that is charming. I love a book with quirky characters and this is chock full of them. Maisie, the lovely protagonist, is sweet, naive and relentlessly optimistic but not in an annoying way. You find yourself cheering her on through the book in all of her missions. I would have given it 5 stars except I’m not a fan of books that rely on lack of communication as a plot point, which was heavy throughout the book. But the end was so cute, it justified the means. Thanks to netgalley and Avon Books for an advanced copy of this book.
June 7, 2019
I loved this book. A lovely charming and witty story. An easy to read page turner of a book. There are some absolute laugh out loud moments involving antics in a care home setting. Plus look out for Nigel the hamster, he is a total star.
July 12, 2019
You can find the whole review here: https://tohscontent.wordpress.com/201...
Received an Advanced Reader’s Copy via NetGalley from publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Ah, this book. Let me draw you a picture. Imagine someone you really trust running the backs of their fingers against your cheek. Or the soft touch of a parent; or someone who knows you're busy and uses the softest of voices to ask you something before leaving the room as quietly as they came. Can you imagine that soft feeling that spreads through you? That's what reading The Unlikely Life of Maisie Meadows was like for me.
Our lovely, slightly-on-this-side-of-an-OCD Maisie is the youngest child of a family split right down the middle. An older brother that rarely ever comes to see his family, two older sister who can never ever seem to put up with one another and a mother and father who both love and hate one another and so can't stand to be around one another for a moment.
The arch of the story follows Maisie as she is cheated on and left to find another place of work, simply because how do you work everyday reporting to and sitting opposite the very man that decided to be unfaithful to you? Maisie then finds herself at an auction shop, agreeing to be the Marketing 'Head' (read only one on the team) for the little disorderly, but lovely shop filled with people with no connection whatsoever with one another, but with whom Maisie starts feeling a strange and lovely kinship. Enter, of course, hero, whose entrance we can never ever forget--thank you God *wipes tears of laughter away*.
Obsessed with the idea of bringing her family back together, Maisie recalls the magical and eerie tale told to her by the late neighbour of her childhood home and finds herself in the presence (and later, search of) these seemingly-magicked set of tea cups. All pish-posh right? But, what does it mean that with every bit of the tea set that she finds and reunites, more of her family starts coming together, standing at her doorstep laughing and talking as if nothing had transpired this last decade?
In truth, the The Unlikely Life of Maisie Meadows is actually about a set of tea cups. But it's also so much more. It's the story about a girl's heartfelt and desperate love for wanting her family and finding out that the pretty lenses she's been seeing things through were exactly that: the gaze of a child, unassuming and love-filled. It's about this young girl giving up this dream, only to find it around her all this while.
TULoMM has many many laugh-out-loud moments, many many heart-moving sentiments (What? Who said I cried? My eyes merely misted....Okay, I'm lying. I totally cried) and a sweet romance that builds slowly and frankly you're almost ready to clear out the confusions yourself before the characters do, just because these two characters are so precious and you justcan'ttakeitanymore. This book has so many surprises that you never see coming until, they're suddenly there and you're wondering how this never occurred to you?
Imagine all this... now wrap it up just that little bit of magic.
I highly recommend this lovely read! Read. It. Now. Luckily for you, The Unlikely Life of Maisie Meadows has released already and you can now go grab a copy in whichever retail store of your choice!
Jennnnnny! I'm in love with your lovely writing. Please never stop. <3
Received an Advanced Reader’s Copy via NetGalley from publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Ah, this book. Let me draw you a picture. Imagine someone you really trust running the backs of their fingers against your cheek. Or the soft touch of a parent; or someone who knows you're busy and uses the softest of voices to ask you something before leaving the room as quietly as they came. Can you imagine that soft feeling that spreads through you? That's what reading The Unlikely Life of Maisie Meadows was like for me.
Our lovely, slightly-on-this-side-of-an-OCD Maisie is the youngest child of a family split right down the middle. An older brother that rarely ever comes to see his family, two older sister who can never ever seem to put up with one another and a mother and father who both love and hate one another and so can't stand to be around one another for a moment.
The arch of the story follows Maisie as she is cheated on and left to find another place of work, simply because how do you work everyday reporting to and sitting opposite the very man that decided to be unfaithful to you? Maisie then finds herself at an auction shop, agreeing to be the Marketing 'Head' (read only one on the team) for the little disorderly, but lovely shop filled with people with no connection whatsoever with one another, but with whom Maisie starts feeling a strange and lovely kinship. Enter, of course, hero, whose entrance we can never ever forget--thank you God *wipes tears of laughter away*.
Obsessed with the idea of bringing her family back together, Maisie recalls the magical and eerie tale told to her by the late neighbour of her childhood home and finds herself in the presence (and later, search of) these seemingly-magicked set of tea cups. All pish-posh right? But, what does it mean that with every bit of the tea set that she finds and reunites, more of her family starts coming together, standing at her doorstep laughing and talking as if nothing had transpired this last decade?
In truth, the The Unlikely Life of Maisie Meadows is actually about a set of tea cups. But it's also so much more. It's the story about a girl's heartfelt and desperate love for wanting her family and finding out that the pretty lenses she's been seeing things through were exactly that: the gaze of a child, unassuming and love-filled. It's about this young girl giving up this dream, only to find it around her all this while.
TULoMM has many many laugh-out-loud moments, many many heart-moving sentiments (What? Who said I cried? My eyes merely misted....Okay, I'm lying. I totally cried) and a sweet romance that builds slowly and frankly you're almost ready to clear out the confusions yourself before the characters do, just because these two characters are so precious and you justcan'ttakeitanymore. This book has so many surprises that you never see coming until, they're suddenly there and you're wondering how this never occurred to you?
Imagine all this... now wrap it up just that little bit of magic.
I highly recommend this lovely read! Read. It. Now. Luckily for you, The Unlikely Life of Maisie Meadows has released already and you can now go grab a copy in whichever retail store of your choice!
Jennnnnny! I'm in love with your lovely writing. Please never stop. <3
October 5, 2019
This is the second book by this author and so enchanting and romantic with plenty about families and getting everyone together. The characters are brilliant and just a fantastic read.
Marie looses her boyfriend and changes jobs as well and she's set on bringing he family back together with in the following year. She's trying to also settle into her new job and she's meeting new people will she find romance or will things stand in her way. She tries to bring the family back together but do secrets come out that will effect them all. A summer must read.
Marie looses her boyfriend and changes jobs as well and she's set on bringing he family back together with in the following year. She's trying to also settle into her new job and she's meeting new people will she find romance or will things stand in her way. She tries to bring the family back together but do secrets come out that will effect them all. A summer must read.
December 23, 2020
This book is like a box of chocolates filled only with your favourites. Not so good for the waistline but terrific therapy for the heart and soul.
I thoroughly enjoyed Jenni Keer's first book The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker so the moment I saw the gorgeous cover of this second stand alone book and the author's name, I knew I had to read it.
Maisie Meadows is the perfect girl to love. She is kind hearted, creative and compassionate but she isn't very good at falling in love. She grew up in a chaotic household and suffers some very interesting dynamics between her parents and her various siblings.
Portrayed as a bit too understanding, this warm, funny and delightful heroine is determined to bring her disparate family together and she has an unusual idea for doing this.
Long ago, when the family lived in Hickory Street, Maisie met a wonderful elderly lady bext door called Meredith Mayhew who introduced Maisie to the world of art. She also hinted at the magical properties of a teapot she used.
This book is everything I love about a feel-good read. It is quirky and charming and one can read without any sense of unease for this is a book that even when things go wrong you know everything will be alright.
Set in and around Tattlesham, Suffolk, Maisie leaves her job at the brewery and starts working for Gildersleeve's Auction House. Filled with the most amazing characters we journey with Maisie as she attempts to find all the pieces belonging to Verity's teaset, to which the teapot back in her childhood belonged. Unite the teaset, unite my family is Maisie's mantra.
Filled with antiques, larger than life characters, with the flamboyant Johnny, the springy haired and Wot a Lot TV heartthrob Theo, quiet and shy Ella and the chattering head porter Arthur, Gildersleeve's is a magical antique emporium where marketing executive Maisie begins her adventures. With superb dialogue, farcical moments, laugh out loud interactions, some genuine sadness and a whole lot of 'open-your-eyes-Maisie-the-man-of-your-dreams-is-in- front-of-you' drama, this is definitely a romantic read guaranteed to make you grin inanely from ear to ear.
If I could bottle the feelings reading this book engendered in me, I would permanently swap it with my usual perfume and liberally spray myself every day.
Fancy a new fragrance? You'll love it!
I thoroughly enjoyed Jenni Keer's first book The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker so the moment I saw the gorgeous cover of this second stand alone book and the author's name, I knew I had to read it.
Maisie Meadows is the perfect girl to love. She is kind hearted, creative and compassionate but she isn't very good at falling in love. She grew up in a chaotic household and suffers some very interesting dynamics between her parents and her various siblings.
Portrayed as a bit too understanding, this warm, funny and delightful heroine is determined to bring her disparate family together and she has an unusual idea for doing this.
Long ago, when the family lived in Hickory Street, Maisie met a wonderful elderly lady bext door called Meredith Mayhew who introduced Maisie to the world of art. She also hinted at the magical properties of a teapot she used.
This book is everything I love about a feel-good read. It is quirky and charming and one can read without any sense of unease for this is a book that even when things go wrong you know everything will be alright.
Set in and around Tattlesham, Suffolk, Maisie leaves her job at the brewery and starts working for Gildersleeve's Auction House. Filled with the most amazing characters we journey with Maisie as she attempts to find all the pieces belonging to Verity's teaset, to which the teapot back in her childhood belonged. Unite the teaset, unite my family is Maisie's mantra.
Filled with antiques, larger than life characters, with the flamboyant Johnny, the springy haired and Wot a Lot TV heartthrob Theo, quiet and shy Ella and the chattering head porter Arthur, Gildersleeve's is a magical antique emporium where marketing executive Maisie begins her adventures. With superb dialogue, farcical moments, laugh out loud interactions, some genuine sadness and a whole lot of 'open-your-eyes-Maisie-the-man-of-your-dreams-is-in- front-of-you' drama, this is definitely a romantic read guaranteed to make you grin inanely from ear to ear.
If I could bottle the feelings reading this book engendered in me, I would permanently swap it with my usual perfume and liberally spray myself every day.
Fancy a new fragrance? You'll love it!
June 27, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for providing me with the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Every now and then, after reading a series of sometimes depressing and complex historical fiction novels, I like to dive headfirst into a fun chick lit story. (I categorized ‘Maisie’ as chick lit personally, although perhaps not everyone will share my sentiments.) I haven’t read Jenni Keer’s first novel, but I intend to do so soon in addition to her future releases. Admittedly, I was expecting something a bit over-the-top corny as I often pick those types of titles, but ‘Maisie’ completely exceeded all my expectations. Lighthearted? I’d expect nothing less from a cover and title so colorful. Corny? A tad bit. But boy, did it have substance!
My first thoughts: I am Maisie Meadows. Quirky, obsessive compulsive, creative, family-oriented; and most importantly, someone who chooses and cherishes the tight-knit bonds of a small group of friends. A young, professional woman who seemed like she had it all together on the outside by her way of generating order and organization in her everyday life, yet itching for a release through her abstract “art.”
But Maisie wasn’t the only enchanting character in this novel. There were countless others, each with their own importance to the development of the story, bringing their own personal magic and personality to the table. Some of my favorites included the dashingly scruffy and laidback Theo, the brash Irene, Naked Man, and, of course, Johnny Gildersleeves. (Hands down, I’d like to sit in an antique-filled living room and discuss my favorite heirlooms with Johnny while drinking red wine.)
Sometimes the climaxes in these types of novels fall short. Not in ‘Maisie’, though! In fact, the entire plot unfolded beautifully from start to finish. Nothing felt rushed or brushed over and there were quite a few plot twists I wasn’t expecting. The writing itself was strong, a style I hope to master one day; and the dialogue and description had me cackling aloud throughout—again, often in scenes with Johnny or silly misunderstandings the characters have about one another.
I look forward to when this book is published. I will certainly purchase it to read again.
Every now and then, after reading a series of sometimes depressing and complex historical fiction novels, I like to dive headfirst into a fun chick lit story. (I categorized ‘Maisie’ as chick lit personally, although perhaps not everyone will share my sentiments.) I haven’t read Jenni Keer’s first novel, but I intend to do so soon in addition to her future releases. Admittedly, I was expecting something a bit over-the-top corny as I often pick those types of titles, but ‘Maisie’ completely exceeded all my expectations. Lighthearted? I’d expect nothing less from a cover and title so colorful. Corny? A tad bit. But boy, did it have substance!
My first thoughts: I am Maisie Meadows. Quirky, obsessive compulsive, creative, family-oriented; and most importantly, someone who chooses and cherishes the tight-knit bonds of a small group of friends. A young, professional woman who seemed like she had it all together on the outside by her way of generating order and organization in her everyday life, yet itching for a release through her abstract “art.”
But Maisie wasn’t the only enchanting character in this novel. There were countless others, each with their own importance to the development of the story, bringing their own personal magic and personality to the table. Some of my favorites included the dashingly scruffy and laidback Theo, the brash Irene, Naked Man, and, of course, Johnny Gildersleeves. (Hands down, I’d like to sit in an antique-filled living room and discuss my favorite heirlooms with Johnny while drinking red wine.)
Sometimes the climaxes in these types of novels fall short. Not in ‘Maisie’, though! In fact, the entire plot unfolded beautifully from start to finish. Nothing felt rushed or brushed over and there were quite a few plot twists I wasn’t expecting. The writing itself was strong, a style I hope to master one day; and the dialogue and description had me cackling aloud throughout—again, often in scenes with Johnny or silly misunderstandings the characters have about one another.
I look forward to when this book is published. I will certainly purchase it to read again.
July 30, 2019
I really enjoyed the author's previous book: The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker and looked forward to this one! It did not disappoint.
The tale did not have a very auspicious beginning, Maisie and her boyfriend were the first chapter and I sighed at the standard beginning and have to truthfully admit I was a little apprehensive since I have not been picking books to my taste very often recently and have had to switch around a little to find the right one. By the second chapter, I was reassured by the way the tale was turning and soldiered on. The story then picks up pace, Maisie makes a life change and lands an odd but interesting job surrounded by people who could be caricatures of themselves. This delightful setup in an auction house raises the stakes for all forms of miscommunication between almost all of the people in the narrative. Although I guessed all the times when lines were crossed and there were missed opportunities, it was still fun to watch a few of them unfold (the others had me rushing them on under my breath to speak more clearly to each other- a trait of talking to the characters symbolizes a positive influence in my opinion, however annoyed the talk may be).
Maisie has had a troubled upbringing, parts of which she is only now confronting. The baby of the family tries to be the glue who holds the tattered fragments of her three siblings and separated parents together but she is not doing anyone any favours. Some of the turns of the story were too convenient but on the whole, was an encouraging read.I liked the first one better although I liked the magical element of this one and its 'side effects' more than the cat in the other book.
I would recommend this to people who are on the lookout for a book in the uplit genre without too much of conflict apart from the family kind.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and publishers but the review is completely based on my reading experience.
The tale did not have a very auspicious beginning, Maisie and her boyfriend were the first chapter and I sighed at the standard beginning and have to truthfully admit I was a little apprehensive since I have not been picking books to my taste very often recently and have had to switch around a little to find the right one. By the second chapter, I was reassured by the way the tale was turning and soldiered on. The story then picks up pace, Maisie makes a life change and lands an odd but interesting job surrounded by people who could be caricatures of themselves. This delightful setup in an auction house raises the stakes for all forms of miscommunication between almost all of the people in the narrative. Although I guessed all the times when lines were crossed and there were missed opportunities, it was still fun to watch a few of them unfold (the others had me rushing them on under my breath to speak more clearly to each other- a trait of talking to the characters symbolizes a positive influence in my opinion, however annoyed the talk may be).
Maisie has had a troubled upbringing, parts of which she is only now confronting. The baby of the family tries to be the glue who holds the tattered fragments of her three siblings and separated parents together but she is not doing anyone any favours. Some of the turns of the story were too convenient but on the whole, was an encouraging read.I liked the first one better although I liked the magical element of this one and its 'side effects' more than the cat in the other book.
I would recommend this to people who are on the lookout for a book in the uplit genre without too much of conflict apart from the family kind.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and publishers but the review is completely based on my reading experience.
July 3, 2019
The Unlikely Life of Maisie Meadows is the second book published by up and coming author Jenni Keer. This is the first book I’ve actually had the pleasure of reading from Ms. Keer. I loved it so much I went and purchased her first book! I always love discovering new authors and I look forward to seeing what Ms. Keer has for us in the future!
Not being familiar with Ms. Keer’s writing style, I didn’t know what to expect. So I was pleasantly surprised to get caught up in this story from the very beginning, and quickly became invested in the storyline and all the characters. I found my self picking up the book throughout the day just to read one more page!
As we start our story, Maisie Meadows has recently quit her job and broken up with her boyfriend, who also happened to be her boss. As she starts a new job at Gildersleeve’s auction house, she works at settling into her new job and dealing with her new coworkers. Oh my, what a fabulous collection of characters at Gildersleeve’s! From Johnny the eccentric, exuberant owner, to the painfully shy, quiet & thoughtful Ella, to the chatty but totally loveable Arthur, and then finally the down to earth, engaging and good-looking Theo, I absolutely loved them all. Gildersleeve’s auction house in itself was a fabulous backdrop for a story. It was a unique setting and one I’ve not read before.
When Maisie stumbles across an old teapot that once belonged to a neighbor from 20 years ago, she works to reunite the tea set. As Maisie discovers piece by piece the missing tea set from long ago, she begins to wonder if her family can also be reunited as well. This brings us another fabulous set of characters with the Mayhew sisters and Maisie’s parents and siblings and who could forget Nigel the hamster! He truly was the star of the book! ;-) I loved the teapot storyline and all that went along with it. There were so many wonderful stories intertwined into this book and I felt they all flowed beautifully together to make this story perfectly complete.
This was a wonderfully well-written story based on family, friends, secrets, misconceptions, love, loss, in summary, it’s based on life! I devoured this book and absolutely loved the ending. I enjoyed my time with Maisie and her family and friends and would have no problem revisiting this fabulous group of characters again. I highly recommend this book and author!
Not being familiar with Ms. Keer’s writing style, I didn’t know what to expect. So I was pleasantly surprised to get caught up in this story from the very beginning, and quickly became invested in the storyline and all the characters. I found my self picking up the book throughout the day just to read one more page!
As we start our story, Maisie Meadows has recently quit her job and broken up with her boyfriend, who also happened to be her boss. As she starts a new job at Gildersleeve’s auction house, she works at settling into her new job and dealing with her new coworkers. Oh my, what a fabulous collection of characters at Gildersleeve’s! From Johnny the eccentric, exuberant owner, to the painfully shy, quiet & thoughtful Ella, to the chatty but totally loveable Arthur, and then finally the down to earth, engaging and good-looking Theo, I absolutely loved them all. Gildersleeve’s auction house in itself was a fabulous backdrop for a story. It was a unique setting and one I’ve not read before.
When Maisie stumbles across an old teapot that once belonged to a neighbor from 20 years ago, she works to reunite the tea set. As Maisie discovers piece by piece the missing tea set from long ago, she begins to wonder if her family can also be reunited as well. This brings us another fabulous set of characters with the Mayhew sisters and Maisie’s parents and siblings and who could forget Nigel the hamster! He truly was the star of the book! ;-) I loved the teapot storyline and all that went along with it. There were so many wonderful stories intertwined into this book and I felt they all flowed beautifully together to make this story perfectly complete.
This was a wonderfully well-written story based on family, friends, secrets, misconceptions, love, loss, in summary, it’s based on life! I devoured this book and absolutely loved the ending. I enjoyed my time with Maisie and her family and friends and would have no problem revisiting this fabulous group of characters again. I highly recommend this book and author!
June 10, 2019
This is the second book by Jenni Keer. I read her first book also, and adored it! Her second book is a gem also! She writes stories with characters of various ages taking a leading role in the plot. I love the older population and think they carry a wealth of knowledge from their years on earth.
In this book, Maisie, the youngest child of her family is struggling with life. She recently left her job, her siblings are all over the globe and she comes to realize that she does not have many people to call true friends. The story is about loving people that are your blood family, but not always people you want to be around and that your family can include the people you love and chose to be close to. It is also about being brave and taking risks to better your life.
I think the author does a wonderful job of character development. I know the people in the book as if they are really in my life. I went through the joys they did and also the heartbreaking situations. The plot flowed extremely well and the book was very easy to read. I was all consumed in the story and as always, in a Women’s Humorous Fiction book, I was looking for a happy ending.
There are several twists and turns and I kept questioning my beliefs of how I thought the book would end. It was a great journey! I totally enjoyed this story and I hope Jenni Keer has many more stories to tell in the future. I really like her writing style.
I want to thank Avon UK and NetGalley.com for giving me the pleasure of reading the ARC of this book. My opinion is my own and not influenced by receiving the ARC.
In this book, Maisie, the youngest child of her family is struggling with life. She recently left her job, her siblings are all over the globe and she comes to realize that she does not have many people to call true friends. The story is about loving people that are your blood family, but not always people you want to be around and that your family can include the people you love and chose to be close to. It is also about being brave and taking risks to better your life.
I think the author does a wonderful job of character development. I know the people in the book as if they are really in my life. I went through the joys they did and also the heartbreaking situations. The plot flowed extremely well and the book was very easy to read. I was all consumed in the story and as always, in a Women’s Humorous Fiction book, I was looking for a happy ending.
There are several twists and turns and I kept questioning my beliefs of how I thought the book would end. It was a great journey! I totally enjoyed this story and I hope Jenni Keer has many more stories to tell in the future. I really like her writing style.
I want to thank Avon UK and NetGalley.com for giving me the pleasure of reading the ARC of this book. My opinion is my own and not influenced by receiving the ARC.
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