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Things Are Looking Up
Milly has been waiting for this moment forever and finally it’s just an hour away—an interview with Vogue magazine and the opportunity to get her Louboutin-clad foot in the door. There’s just one problem: totally engrossed in her mobile phone, Milly doesn’t see the bus that is fast approaching—until it’s too late…
When Milly next opens her eyes, the consequences of her accident become clear. Everything she has worked for and dreamed of suddenly feels out of reach. But there is one bright spot on her horizon: the reappearance of her ex Jed, in all of his six-foot-four, broad-shouldered glory, with the most piercing ice blue eyes Milly ever saw.
Once used to working in a whirlwind, Milly now has the chance to reconsider how to live. Will she rush back to the treadmill, get her head down and back to business, or is there a whole other life waiting for her, if she’ll just look up to see it?
When Milly next opens her eyes, the consequences of her accident become clear. Everything she has worked for and dreamed of suddenly feels out of reach. But there is one bright spot on her horizon: the reappearance of her ex Jed, in all of his six-foot-four, broad-shouldered glory, with the most piercing ice blue eyes Milly ever saw.
Once used to working in a whirlwind, Milly now has the chance to reconsider how to live. Will she rush back to the treadmill, get her head down and back to business, or is there a whole other life waiting for her, if she’ll just look up to see it?
346 pages, Paperback
Published May 25, 2021
552 people are currently reading
874 people want to read
About the author
Maxine Morrey
38 books308 followersMaxine has wanted to be a writer for as long as she can remember and wrote her first (very short) book for school when she was ten. Coming in first, she won a handful of book tokens – perfect for a bookworm!
As years went by, she continued to write, but ‘normal’ work often got in the way. She has written articles on a variety of subjects, as well as a book on Brighton for a Local History publisher. However, novels are what she loves writing the most. After self publishing her first novel when a contract fell through, thanks to the recession, she continued to look for opportunities.
In August 2015, she won Harper Collins/Carina UK’s ‘Write Christmas’ competition with her romantic comedy, ‘Winter’s Fairytale’.
Maxine lives on the south coast of England, and when not wrangling with words loves to read sew and listen to podcasts. As she also likes cake she can also be found either walking or doing something vaguely physical at the gym.
As years went by, she continued to write, but ‘normal’ work often got in the way. She has written articles on a variety of subjects, as well as a book on Brighton for a Local History publisher. However, novels are what she loves writing the most. After self publishing her first novel when a contract fell through, thanks to the recession, she continued to look for opportunities.
In August 2015, she won Harper Collins/Carina UK’s ‘Write Christmas’ competition with her romantic comedy, ‘Winter’s Fairytale’.
Maxine lives on the south coast of England, and when not wrangling with words loves to read sew and listen to podcasts. As she also likes cake she can also be found either walking or doing something vaguely physical at the gym.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
May 30, 2021
Things are looking Up is exactly what it promises to be in the blurb - it is an uplifting story of a workaholic girl hit by a bus while on her way to a breakthrough job interview. Milly wakes up in a hospital. She's just spent a week in coma just because she couldn't take her eyes off her phone, reading work-related messages. Her family tell her she needs to slow down and reassess her priorities in life and for once, flatless, jobless, and without any prospects to ever make it again in the demanding fashion journalism world, Milly is ready to do just that - look up from her phone and take stock of her life. Enter Jed, a perfect ex-boyfriend (almost an ex-fiance), still hot and handsome, even richer and more successful than he used to be, and to top it all sweet, kind, and understanding.
If you love a good second-chances story, you are going to be delighted with this one. Second chances in life, but also family, friends, and romantic relationships. As Maxine Morrey aptly put it, sometimes you are just not ready for the first chance. I found Milly's life before the bus accident very relatable. Life of a freelancer is hard, hectic, and full of constant pressure. Milly's family are worried she is giving all of herself, working for people who take her effort and her sacrifices for granted, while Milly is oblivious to how replaceable she is to them. Until that special moment of realization that put things into perspective. This isn't an anti-career book - after all, Milly rebuilds her life, she just does it in a way that makes it more balanced and gives her more happiness and personal fulfilment.
Jed did seem a bit too perfect to be true, but, well...a girl can dream. There is also a lot of drama with the new woman in Jed's life - you didn't think he would still be completely free and unattached four years after he and Milly broke up? The book is mostly about Milly's personal growth and life changes, but there is also plenty of intense romantic feelings, misunderstandings that could have been cleared much sooner had the characters talked (and listened!) to each other.
My only niggle is that sometimes things were a bit too spelled-out, but it was still an enjoyable read and I would definitely like to read another book from Maxine Morrey. Hope it comes out soon!
Thank you to Rachel from Rachel's Random resources, NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the review copy provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
If you love a good second-chances story, you are going to be delighted with this one. Second chances in life, but also family, friends, and romantic relationships. As Maxine Morrey aptly put it, sometimes you are just not ready for the first chance. I found Milly's life before the bus accident very relatable. Life of a freelancer is hard, hectic, and full of constant pressure. Milly's family are worried she is giving all of herself, working for people who take her effort and her sacrifices for granted, while Milly is oblivious to how replaceable she is to them. Until that special moment of realization that put things into perspective. This isn't an anti-career book - after all, Milly rebuilds her life, she just does it in a way that makes it more balanced and gives her more happiness and personal fulfilment.
Jed did seem a bit too perfect to be true, but, well...a girl can dream. There is also a lot of drama with the new woman in Jed's life - you didn't think he would still be completely free and unattached four years after he and Milly broke up? The book is mostly about Milly's personal growth and life changes, but there is also plenty of intense romantic feelings, misunderstandings that could have been cleared much sooner had the characters talked (and listened!) to each other.
My only niggle is that sometimes things were a bit too spelled-out, but it was still an enjoyable read and I would definitely like to read another book from Maxine Morrey. Hope it comes out soon!
Thank you to Rachel from Rachel's Random resources, NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the review copy provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
June 4, 2021
Milly was a workaholic climbing up the career ladder, until her life came crashing down when she was hit by a bus. Nearly losing her life made her realize she needed to rethink her life. This is a heartwarming and uplifting story, with a reminder to slow down and enjoy life more.
"You need to live your life while you can. Who knows what's around the corner for any of us."
The premise is great, but the delivery wasn't. I think what it's lacking is interesting characters. Milly and Jed are pretty bland, and the supporting characters didn't contribute much to the story. The dialogue between Milly and Jed served more as a narrative, rather than a means of moving the story in interesting directions.
Overall, this is a sweet and predictable story.
"You need to live your life while you can. Who knows what's around the corner for any of us."
The premise is great, but the delivery wasn't. I think what it's lacking is interesting characters. Milly and Jed are pretty bland, and the supporting characters didn't contribute much to the story. The dialogue between Milly and Jed served more as a narrative, rather than a means of moving the story in interesting directions.
Overall, this is a sweet and predictable story.
August 18, 2021
This is my first read by Miss Morrey. I can not say I enjoy Things Are Looking Up more than 3 stars. BTW, this is chick lits. The story follows Miliy, who's on the the way to her dream job interview, hit by a bus. All her life is not upside down. She is forced to take a hard look in the mirror of who she is.
Miliy goes into a journey to reconnect with herself. The story is more of self journey. There are some secondary characters that help Miliy on the way, including her ex boyfriend Jed.
I like the idea of self discovery. I like the blurb of this book. But somehow I zoned out from few chapters in the middle. The writing does not really connect with me.
Overall this is not a bad book.
3 stars
Miliy goes into a journey to reconnect with herself. The story is more of self journey. There are some secondary characters that help Miliy on the way, including her ex boyfriend Jed.
I like the idea of self discovery. I like the blurb of this book. But somehow I zoned out from few chapters in the middle. The writing does not really connect with me.
Overall this is not a bad book.
3 stars
May 27, 2021
This book was SO FUN! Sometimes it takes getting hit by a bus to make you take a minute to look up and appreciate things around you. In the case of this book it was a literal bus that Milly got hit by that landed her in the hospital in a coma with multiple injuries. Lucky for Milly and us she made a full recovery. She also came to realize that she had been so consumed with her career that she had pushed everything else out of her life. Her family, her friends, the love of her life. Fortunately Millies unfortunate encounter with a bus let her to start looking up from her phone and making some real connections. Milly was a great likable character who just seem to have been caught up in the rat race of a competitive fashion business. Her brother Harry and sister-in-law Ava were a great support system and I loved how there for Milly they were. And then there’s Jed, Milly‘s ex who had been the first to be called about the accident because his name was still on her emergency contact card. Jed was perhaps a little good to be true, kind, caring, smart, handsome, wealthy, and extremely supportive. I was like OK Milly if you won’t have him I will! 🙋🏻♀️ There was some definite Romance peppered into the story but I’d say it was more of the story of Milly rediscovering and reinventing herself.
This book and emojis 🚍 📱 🏥 🪳 💞
*** Big thank you to Boldwood Books for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
This book and emojis 🚍 📱 🏥 🪳 💞
*** Big thank you to Boldwood Books for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
March 13, 2023
This was a sweet story. It is a gentle tale of rediscovering your life and I really appreciated the message that Morrey is promoting and one that I think all readers can adapt to their way of living.
When Milly has a terrible accident, she is forced to re-evaluate her life. Before being hit by a bus, she is completely absorbed in her work, barely giving time to her friends and family. Stuck in a hospital bed for several weeks, Milly comes to realise that actually, beyond her work, she has very little else in life. And it is a rather sobering perception.
Although she intends to restart her life exactly where she left off before the accident, it would seem that her body (and fate) have other ideas. Not being able to go full-throttle has left her exhausted and as a free-lance writer, the money starts to dry up. Milly’s circumstances lead her to move in with her ex boyfriend, Jed, who proves to be the tonic that Milly needs.
Now, just because Milly moves in with her ex boyfriend, does not mean this is an instant revival of their relationship. Instead, Morrey explores Milly’s recovery and her gradual alteration to life around her. No longer feeling the pressure to constantly be absorbed in her mobile phone, Milly is able to properly “see” around her for the first time. It means she actually starts to dislike the person she used to be and uses this as an opportunity to reassess the direction her life was going. Work is no longer the all-consuming priority and Milly takes the time to make new friends that aren’t work-related, and also to just enjoy the simpler things in life.
This was a slow tale because the romance took a long time in coming. Whilst it was obvious how the story would conclude, the writer instead focusses on Milly’s “reset” and how she actively changes her attitudes. I enjoyed watching her character grow and I definitely thought she was more likeable compared to the Milly we meet in the first chapter. True, her simmering connection with Jed added another level to this narrative, but it wasn’t the all-consuming romance I think I was expecting.
As such, I did find the read to be a little slow in places with a lot of dialogue. I think I wanted Morrey to focus more on Jed and Milly, perhaps seeing them spend more time together that is beyond his amazing penthouse, but I believe this would have detracted attention away from Milly’s evolution. It was definitely a heart-warming story and I liked how Morrey uses Milly’s situation to try and encourage readers to step away from technology and find a more work-life balance.
Things definitely look up for Milly by the end of the story and I found the conclusion to be really satisfying. This is a great example of a bit of “feel good fiction” and I think some of the lessons that Milly learned in this novel are ones I will try and emulate myself.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
When Milly has a terrible accident, she is forced to re-evaluate her life. Before being hit by a bus, she is completely absorbed in her work, barely giving time to her friends and family. Stuck in a hospital bed for several weeks, Milly comes to realise that actually, beyond her work, she has very little else in life. And it is a rather sobering perception.
Although she intends to restart her life exactly where she left off before the accident, it would seem that her body (and fate) have other ideas. Not being able to go full-throttle has left her exhausted and as a free-lance writer, the money starts to dry up. Milly’s circumstances lead her to move in with her ex boyfriend, Jed, who proves to be the tonic that Milly needs.
Now, just because Milly moves in with her ex boyfriend, does not mean this is an instant revival of their relationship. Instead, Morrey explores Milly’s recovery and her gradual alteration to life around her. No longer feeling the pressure to constantly be absorbed in her mobile phone, Milly is able to properly “see” around her for the first time. It means she actually starts to dislike the person she used to be and uses this as an opportunity to reassess the direction her life was going. Work is no longer the all-consuming priority and Milly takes the time to make new friends that aren’t work-related, and also to just enjoy the simpler things in life.
This was a slow tale because the romance took a long time in coming. Whilst it was obvious how the story would conclude, the writer instead focusses on Milly’s “reset” and how she actively changes her attitudes. I enjoyed watching her character grow and I definitely thought she was more likeable compared to the Milly we meet in the first chapter. True, her simmering connection with Jed added another level to this narrative, but it wasn’t the all-consuming romance I think I was expecting.
As such, I did find the read to be a little slow in places with a lot of dialogue. I think I wanted Morrey to focus more on Jed and Milly, perhaps seeing them spend more time together that is beyond his amazing penthouse, but I believe this would have detracted attention away from Milly’s evolution. It was definitely a heart-warming story and I liked how Morrey uses Milly’s situation to try and encourage readers to step away from technology and find a more work-life balance.
Things definitely look up for Milly by the end of the story and I found the conclusion to be really satisfying. This is a great example of a bit of “feel good fiction” and I think some of the lessons that Milly learned in this novel are ones I will try and emulate myself.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 27, 2021
Blog Review: https://trishadoeseverythingbutstudy2...
I received a free e-ARC form Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
Review:
This is 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
I really loved it!
The newest from Maxine Morrey has not disappointed! This is a book I was slightly sceptical about since the second chance romance is one of the tropes where I end up not liking the execution more often than not, but I should never have doubted, this one had an amazing execution.
I loved our characters, Milly and Jed, and I loved the slow burn in this. While most second chance romances end up falling back in love in a very short time frame, here these two were living together for literal months, but nothing. Just slow, slight pining, nothing that's on the forefront of both their minds; the perfect recipe for a slow burn.
I really enjoyed the insight into a job that I've admittedly not seen much of and don't know a lot about; freelancing. And how it's being taken over by influencers, and people are losing their jobs because the new generation is more in demand. I really empathised with Milly, and the way she lost so much of her income just because she was in an accident and wasn't able to fulfil her obligations.
It is sad, the way this industry waits for no one; if you don't fight your way through and keep fighting, you're not going to get any part of the cake.
The only thing for which this isn't rated 5 stars is the way we would sometimes pick up characters and really forget about them? I wanted to see more of Henry and Ava, and Rosie and Alfie, and I wish they were more present in the rest of the book.
Hector, the dog, was such an amazing character really, and I just loved him and all his interactions with our characters. I did resent Christine a lot, and that thing she did at the end was a real dick move and though I was pretty sure she was lying, just how much she was lying made me hate her a lot.
I just loved the angst; Maxine Morrey does amazing angst. The tension is just amazing, the whole finding their way back to each other slowly, surely, it's just so beautiful; I was almost crying at the end when finally kissed. God, for some time there I was worried that there wasn't a happy ending.
I absolutely loved the ending, it was just so SWEET!! The epilogue was available on the author's website, and I really loved the way it tied everything up. I will absolutely be reading more by Maxine Morrey in the future.
I also really loved the overall message of this book; how much are we really missing by not looking up from our phones? There's such a beautiful world out there, that's ours, but we stay lost in our own. You just have to look up.
On the whole, an amazing read, and one I recommend to anyone who enjoys romance, really well-done angst, insight into freelancing and its hardships, the second chance romance trope, sweet love interests who are just really perfect, great friendships and the support dog who is really so much of a character by himself.
Pre-reading review:
I can't believe I got approved for this!! A Maxine Morrey book, and while I don't normally love the second chance romance trope, I have a good feeling about this!
I received a free e-ARC form Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
Review:
This is 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
I really loved it!
The newest from Maxine Morrey has not disappointed! This is a book I was slightly sceptical about since the second chance romance is one of the tropes where I end up not liking the execution more often than not, but I should never have doubted, this one had an amazing execution.
I loved our characters, Milly and Jed, and I loved the slow burn in this. While most second chance romances end up falling back in love in a very short time frame, here these two were living together for literal months, but nothing. Just slow, slight pining, nothing that's on the forefront of both their minds; the perfect recipe for a slow burn.
I really enjoyed the insight into a job that I've admittedly not seen much of and don't know a lot about; freelancing. And how it's being taken over by influencers, and people are losing their jobs because the new generation is more in demand. I really empathised with Milly, and the way she lost so much of her income just because she was in an accident and wasn't able to fulfil her obligations.
It is sad, the way this industry waits for no one; if you don't fight your way through and keep fighting, you're not going to get any part of the cake.
The only thing for which this isn't rated 5 stars is the way we would sometimes pick up characters and really forget about them? I wanted to see more of Henry and Ava, and Rosie and Alfie, and I wish they were more present in the rest of the book.
Hector, the dog, was such an amazing character really, and I just loved him and all his interactions with our characters. I did resent Christine a lot, and that thing she did at the end was a real dick move and though I was pretty sure she was lying, just how much she was lying made me hate her a lot.
I just loved the angst; Maxine Morrey does amazing angst. The tension is just amazing, the whole finding their way back to each other slowly, surely, it's just so beautiful; I was almost crying at the end when finally kissed. God, for some time there I was worried that there wasn't a happy ending.
I absolutely loved the ending, it was just so SWEET!! The epilogue was available on the author's website, and I really loved the way it tied everything up. I will absolutely be reading more by Maxine Morrey in the future.
I also really loved the overall message of this book; how much are we really missing by not looking up from our phones? There's such a beautiful world out there, that's ours, but we stay lost in our own. You just have to look up.
On the whole, an amazing read, and one I recommend to anyone who enjoys romance, really well-done angst, insight into freelancing and its hardships, the second chance romance trope, sweet love interests who are just really perfect, great friendships and the support dog who is really so much of a character by himself.
Pre-reading review:
I can't believe I got approved for this!! A Maxine Morrey book, and while I don't normally love the second chance romance trope, I have a good feeling about this!
October 25, 2022
3.5 pretty good for a freebie. No smut or heat but plenty of thoughtful scenes and wit.
April 4, 2021
I didn’t enjoy this story. I might have, had I been in a different mindset. But this story reminded me of a Sophie Kinsella story and I read some reviews of that to remind me, and this story has some of the same flaws: bashing ambition in women.
Milly Finch is totally focused on her career. So focused she doesn’t see the bus coming and ends up in hospital, where she is kept in an artificial coma for a week. When she wakes up from her coma her brother immediately starts arguing with her that she’s always got her nose to the screen of phone and has put her career before friends, family and her own well-being. Which is a pretty shitty thing to do - the brother’s remarks, I mean - Milly just woke up from a coma. You’re not put in an artificial coma to help mend a broken arm; Milly probably had swelling to the brain, she may have brain damage and at the very least have a concussion. In Milly’s case however, a coma seems to be a nice rather long sleep as she is capable of arguing back at her brother.
The message of the book is set: career bad, family and friends good. At least the family and friends come to your hospital bed and the people you knew through work did not. It turns out no one told the work people that she was in hospital, so it’s not like they actually got a chance. And the friend and family only seem to be there to tell her what a bad person Milly’s been.
But, no more of that. After two weeks in hospital, Milly has missed all her deadlines and all her clients have let her know they never want to work with her again because she is unreliable. From a freelancer with a great network, she has gone to unemployed with nothing. She even has to move in with her ex-boyfriend because not paying rent is about all she can afford.
From then on Milly as a different person. She makes a few halfhearted attempts at still wanting to be independent and pulling her own weight (or putting casseroles in the oven), but other than that she’s looking up to appreciate the beauty around her, like making small talk with strangers.
A lifestyle most of us can’t afford because we do have to work before we can eat.
Not even the main hero can hold my attention, because he suffers from a flaw all Maxine Morrey’s heroes seem to have: they are too darn perfect. They are absolutely nice and understanding, make a lot of money and all ways have time for their tonnes of friends. They don’t even leave their shoes in the hallway in a way you can trip over them.
Time to just skip to the epilogue.
I read an ARC through NetGalley.
Milly Finch is totally focused on her career. So focused she doesn’t see the bus coming and ends up in hospital, where she is kept in an artificial coma for a week. When she wakes up from her coma her brother immediately starts arguing with her that she’s always got her nose to the screen of phone and has put her career before friends, family and her own well-being. Which is a pretty shitty thing to do - the brother’s remarks, I mean - Milly just woke up from a coma. You’re not put in an artificial coma to help mend a broken arm; Milly probably had swelling to the brain, she may have brain damage and at the very least have a concussion. In Milly’s case however, a coma seems to be a nice rather long sleep as she is capable of arguing back at her brother.
The message of the book is set: career bad, family and friends good. At least the family and friends come to your hospital bed and the people you knew through work did not. It turns out no one told the work people that she was in hospital, so it’s not like they actually got a chance. And the friend and family only seem to be there to tell her what a bad person Milly’s been.
But, no more of that. After two weeks in hospital, Milly has missed all her deadlines and all her clients have let her know they never want to work with her again because she is unreliable. From a freelancer with a great network, she has gone to unemployed with nothing. She even has to move in with her ex-boyfriend because not paying rent is about all she can afford.
From then on Milly as a different person. She makes a few halfhearted attempts at still wanting to be independent and pulling her own weight (or putting casseroles in the oven), but other than that she’s looking up to appreciate the beauty around her, like making small talk with strangers.
A lifestyle most of us can’t afford because we do have to work before we can eat.
Not even the main hero can hold my attention, because he suffers from a flaw all Maxine Morrey’s heroes seem to have: they are too darn perfect. They are absolutely nice and understanding, make a lot of money and all ways have time for their tonnes of friends. They don’t even leave their shoes in the hallway in a way you can trip over them.
Time to just skip to the epilogue.
I read an ARC through NetGalley.
April 30, 2021
Well I can't say I recall the last time I read a book where the main character is hit by a bus in the opening chapter - possibly because I think this could be the first one. Milly is so addicted to working and her phone, she literally doesn't see a bus hit her, and parts of her phone ended up really stuck to her in the aftermath.
I promise she lives, as this is a rom com, and she is our main character, and its a story of Milly learning to look up, take in the world around her, recovering from her hospital stay, and trying to rebuild her life. For while she is in hospital she is evicted and also loses all her work, contacts she used to be able to rely on, no longer want anything to do with her.
So the last thing she wants or needs really is for Jed to walk back into her life, or hospital room to be precise, much less being the bigger better man, and offering to take Milly in until she gets herself together, despite the fact that their relationship didn't exactly end well.
I loved seeing the growth in Milly's character as she re-discovers a love of books, of just enjoying the small pleasures in life, and seeing what is around her when she isn't completely hooked on her phone.
However it was Jed that I kept reading for. I loved him from the off as as the book progressed I fell further and further in love with him. Apart from his potentially iffy taste in women that is. Thankfully his taste in animals is a lot better and I loved the whole storyline involving a wonderful four legged friend.
This is a really enjoyable story, full of will they, won't they feelings, and characters you could be believe in. I especially loved Ravi and Sunni from the bookshop who seemed so down to earth and lovely people, just the story you would want running your local bookshop!
Definitely brightened up my week while I was reading this.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
I promise she lives, as this is a rom com, and she is our main character, and its a story of Milly learning to look up, take in the world around her, recovering from her hospital stay, and trying to rebuild her life. For while she is in hospital she is evicted and also loses all her work, contacts she used to be able to rely on, no longer want anything to do with her.
So the last thing she wants or needs really is for Jed to walk back into her life, or hospital room to be precise, much less being the bigger better man, and offering to take Milly in until she gets herself together, despite the fact that their relationship didn't exactly end well.
I loved seeing the growth in Milly's character as she re-discovers a love of books, of just enjoying the small pleasures in life, and seeing what is around her when she isn't completely hooked on her phone.
However it was Jed that I kept reading for. I loved him from the off as as the book progressed I fell further and further in love with him. Apart from his potentially iffy taste in women that is. Thankfully his taste in animals is a lot better and I loved the whole storyline involving a wonderful four legged friend.
This is a really enjoyable story, full of will they, won't they feelings, and characters you could be believe in. I especially loved Ravi and Sunni from the bookshop who seemed so down to earth and lovely people, just the story you would want running your local bookshop!
Definitely brightened up my week while I was reading this.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
June 21, 2022
Complete shite xx
March 17, 2023
When Milly gets hit by a bus she’s in a coma for a week. Milly wakes up and in walks her ex Jed, and all Milly is bothered about is her phone, she’s constantly on it.
That’s why she got hit by a bus she was to glued to her screen to see that the crossing light was on red but decided to cross anyway.
Milly looses not just her job but her flat too and now she rents out a cheap flat until she can get back on her feet.
This was until her ex saw the apartment and told her she’s staying with him.
After moving out of the flat that was falling apart and staying with her ex, her ex told her to get a lawyer so she could get her money back of the flat as there is several things wrong with it.
When Jed’s friend passes away, they try and look for the dog that his friend had.
They find the dog but he’s not eating he won’t move and when the dog sees Jed he starts moving again, Jed wants to take him home and they let him, but only fostering for now.
Jed has a birthday party and invites all his friends, Christine Jed’s ex locks the dog in the bedroom so the dog doesn’t get hairs on the expensive clothes people are wearing.
Now Jed and Christine are engaged, Milly moves out as she gets a new job and doesn’t speak to Jed anymore after their engagement.
Until one day her manager gets her to interview Jed and he wants her… it turns out he’s not getting married he never was, Christine made it all up to get Milly away from Jed.
That’s why she got hit by a bus she was to glued to her screen to see that the crossing light was on red but decided to cross anyway.
Milly looses not just her job but her flat too and now she rents out a cheap flat until she can get back on her feet.
This was until her ex saw the apartment and told her she’s staying with him.
After moving out of the flat that was falling apart and staying with her ex, her ex told her to get a lawyer so she could get her money back of the flat as there is several things wrong with it.
When Jed’s friend passes away, they try and look for the dog that his friend had.
They find the dog but he’s not eating he won’t move and when the dog sees Jed he starts moving again, Jed wants to take him home and they let him, but only fostering for now.
Jed has a birthday party and invites all his friends, Christine Jed’s ex locks the dog in the bedroom so the dog doesn’t get hairs on the expensive clothes people are wearing.
Now Jed and Christine are engaged, Milly moves out as she gets a new job and doesn’t speak to Jed anymore after their engagement.
Until one day her manager gets her to interview Jed and he wants her… it turns out he’s not getting married he never was, Christine made it all up to get Milly away from Jed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2021
I like this author -- she is a good writer and her stories are very positive overall. However, this book bothered me because there was such a disparity between the MCs. He's a kind and gorgeous billionaire who went on to date supermodels after she dumped him. Meanwhile she pursues a thankless career and has no true friends. Seriously? Her family blames her for her focus on her career and although they don't say so, favor her ex. Meanwhile her ex is some sort of billionaire who somehow has extensive free time.
She has a series of humiliations including being hit by a bus and evicted and finally suffers enough that she deserves the perfect H (the perfect H who allows his girlfriend to humiliate her and says nothing, BTW). The only thing that made this not a one-star book is that she sadly moves on and he finally pursues her a bit.
I really liked Winter at Wishington Bay , so I'm going to keep on reading this author. Hopefully this is an aberration.
She has a series of humiliations including being hit by a bus and evicted and finally suffers enough that she deserves the perfect H (the perfect H who allows his girlfriend to humiliate her and says nothing, BTW). The only thing that made this not a one-star book is that she sadly moves on and he finally pursues her a bit.
I really liked Winter at Wishington Bay , so I'm going to keep on reading this author. Hopefully this is an aberration.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2021
Milly is a freelance fashion writer on her way to the interview of her life with British Vogue when her pre-occupation with her mobile phone leads to her being mown down by a London bus. Fast-forward a week and Milly comes out of a coma with cracked ribs, a broken arm, cuts and bruises. Worse, a week in hospital has meant that Milly has missed numerous deadlines and she has lost all her regular columns and writing work. Then to put a cherry on a really poobah week, her landlady serves her notice on the awful flat they share, because Milly clearly won't be able to pay the rent with no work coming in.
Only through her time in hospital does Milly realise that she has prioritised her career over friends, over family, and over love. But when the chips are down the only people there to support her are her family and her ex-boyfriend Jed.
I can only describe this as a mash-up/retelling of A Little Princess, with a smoosh of the film Overboard (which actually is probably a modern, grown-up version of A Little Princess anyway), a whisper of A Christmas Carol and just about every Hallmark movie ever made. Milly was clearly a 'bad person' pre her encounter with the bus, she even missed her nephew's sole speaking line at the school play. She is glued to her phone 24/7 and pays no attention to friends and family. Unfortunately, for me, Milly's road to enlightenment is less of a road and more of a doorstep. Within a day or two of waking up (it seems) bad Milly is no more and now we have caring sharing Milly who wanders around London with her eyes wide open seeing all the parts of London she never had time for before. She talks to random strangers on the bus and in a church (TBH at this point I suspected that there might be some woo-woo higher power at work, but luckily that fear was unfounded), she enters into conversations with the local bookshop owner and the Italian who owns the deli round the corner.
And now Jed, Jed is a self-made millionaire who devotes a lot of time to charity and other good works, he dates a super-model heiress and seems to work from home an awful lot. A self-made millionaire under the age of 30 who only seems to work part-time - He must be a unicorn.
I'm writing this with raging insomnia and so I am being particularly snarky but this novel relies on a series of coincidences to make things work. Is it really likely that one week in a coma would mean that Milly would have missed every single deadline, surely some of her columns would have been monthly? Is it also likely that the entire industry would completely blank her, even after she explained about the coma, and especially when she was always quick to help others out in the past (surely in the Hallmark film this is where all her former clients and mentees would turn up with offers of work, or at least a box of chocolates)? Then because of the aforementioned landlady and having no money and her brother having building work done the only place Milly can stay is in Jed's penthouse apartment? And there's more but I won't spoil things that happen later in the book.
Overall, this was a pleasant enough read, but totally predictable from start to finish, it needed more subtlety, more light and dark. The characters felt too one-dimensional. For example, Milly's brother confiscates her phone, rightly blaming her accident on Milly's obsession with emails and social media. But then later when she doesn't answer four calls from him he isn't the least bit concerned - if I called someone who was glued to their phone and they didn't answer/call me back within a few hours I'd be contacting the police!
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
Only through her time in hospital does Milly realise that she has prioritised her career over friends, over family, and over love. But when the chips are down the only people there to support her are her family and her ex-boyfriend Jed.
I can only describe this as a mash-up/retelling of A Little Princess, with a smoosh of the film Overboard (which actually is probably a modern, grown-up version of A Little Princess anyway), a whisper of A Christmas Carol and just about every Hallmark movie ever made. Milly was clearly a 'bad person' pre her encounter with the bus, she even missed her nephew's sole speaking line at the school play. She is glued to her phone 24/7 and pays no attention to friends and family. Unfortunately, for me, Milly's road to enlightenment is less of a road and more of a doorstep. Within a day or two of waking up (it seems) bad Milly is no more and now we have caring sharing Milly who wanders around London with her eyes wide open seeing all the parts of London she never had time for before. She talks to random strangers on the bus and in a church (TBH at this point I suspected that there might be some woo-woo higher power at work, but luckily that fear was unfounded), she enters into conversations with the local bookshop owner and the Italian who owns the deli round the corner.
And now Jed, Jed is a self-made millionaire who devotes a lot of time to charity and other good works, he dates a super-model heiress and seems to work from home an awful lot. A self-made millionaire under the age of 30 who only seems to work part-time - He must be a unicorn.
I'm writing this with raging insomnia and so I am being particularly snarky but this novel relies on a series of coincidences to make things work. Is it really likely that one week in a coma would mean that Milly would have missed every single deadline, surely some of her columns would have been monthly? Is it also likely that the entire industry would completely blank her, even after she explained about the coma, and especially when she was always quick to help others out in the past (surely in the Hallmark film this is where all her former clients and mentees would turn up with offers of work, or at least a box of chocolates)? Then because of the aforementioned landlady and having no money and her brother having building work done the only place Milly can stay is in Jed's penthouse apartment? And there's more but I won't spoil things that happen later in the book.
Overall, this was a pleasant enough read, but totally predictable from start to finish, it needed more subtlety, more light and dark. The characters felt too one-dimensional. For example, Milly's brother confiscates her phone, rightly blaming her accident on Milly's obsession with emails and social media. But then later when she doesn't answer four calls from him he isn't the least bit concerned - if I called someone who was glued to their phone and they didn't answer/call me back within a few hours I'd be contacting the police!
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
June 4, 2021
The Blurb :
Milly has been waiting for this moment forever and finally it’s just an hour away – an interview with Vogue magazine and the opportunity to get her Louboutin-clad foot in the door. There’s just one problem – totally engrossed in her mobile phone, Milly doesn’t see the bus that is fast approaching – until it’s too late…
When Milly next opens her eyes, the consequences of her accident become clear. Everything she has worked for and dreamed of suddenly feels out of reach. But there is one bright spot on her horizon – the reappearance of her ex Jed, in all of his six-foot-four, broad-shouldered glory, with the most piercing ice blue eyes Milly ever saw.
Once used to working in a whirlwind, Milly now has the chance to reconsider how to live. Will she rush back to the treadmill, get her head down and back to business, or is there a whole other life waiting for her, if she’ll just look up to see it?
My Thoughts :
I absolutely loved the Blurb of this story, havent we all been there by looking at our phones too much and aswell as being one of my Favourite Authors, Maxine Morrey, I knew I had to read this story as soon as possible.
Here we meet Milly Finch, a fashion Journalist and a workaholic. Milly has worked so hard to get up the ladder in her career. And as she is just about to apply for a position at Vogue magazine, bang all her drams are brought to a hault when Milly is so engrossed in being on her phone one morning, she literally doesnt see the bus coming and the next thing she remembers is waking up in hospital.
After being in a Coma for a week, Milly now has to reassess her life and has the chance to start again.
With the support of her family and ex boyfriend Jed back on the scene, can Milly learn to slow down a little and put others first and not her career or will she prefer to live her life full steam ahead just as before the accident!?.
A great story once again from Maxine Morrey, Maxine transports us to the heart of the story and pulls at the heart strings, showing us that life can give us second chances. A heartwarming story full of fun, friendships and loveable characters.
Cant wait for more from this Author.
Milly has been waiting for this moment forever and finally it’s just an hour away – an interview with Vogue magazine and the opportunity to get her Louboutin-clad foot in the door. There’s just one problem – totally engrossed in her mobile phone, Milly doesn’t see the bus that is fast approaching – until it’s too late…
When Milly next opens her eyes, the consequences of her accident become clear. Everything she has worked for and dreamed of suddenly feels out of reach. But there is one bright spot on her horizon – the reappearance of her ex Jed, in all of his six-foot-four, broad-shouldered glory, with the most piercing ice blue eyes Milly ever saw.
Once used to working in a whirlwind, Milly now has the chance to reconsider how to live. Will she rush back to the treadmill, get her head down and back to business, or is there a whole other life waiting for her, if she’ll just look up to see it?
My Thoughts :
I absolutely loved the Blurb of this story, havent we all been there by looking at our phones too much and aswell as being one of my Favourite Authors, Maxine Morrey, I knew I had to read this story as soon as possible.
Here we meet Milly Finch, a fashion Journalist and a workaholic. Milly has worked so hard to get up the ladder in her career. And as she is just about to apply for a position at Vogue magazine, bang all her drams are brought to a hault when Milly is so engrossed in being on her phone one morning, she literally doesnt see the bus coming and the next thing she remembers is waking up in hospital.
After being in a Coma for a week, Milly now has to reassess her life and has the chance to start again.
With the support of her family and ex boyfriend Jed back on the scene, can Milly learn to slow down a little and put others first and not her career or will she prefer to live her life full steam ahead just as before the accident!?.
A great story once again from Maxine Morrey, Maxine transports us to the heart of the story and pulls at the heart strings, showing us that life can give us second chances. A heartwarming story full of fun, friendships and loveable characters.
Cant wait for more from this Author.
May 30, 2021
Firstly huge thanks go to Rachels Random Resources, Maxine Morrey and Boldwood Books for sending me the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Absolutely loved this! I think this has to be my all time favourite of Maxine Morrey’s books. As soon as I finished I just had to get all my thoughts down as I was buzzing with excitement.
I must say I’ve never read a book where the opening scene was the main character getting hit by a bus! So, obviously I was hooked from the get go, I really liked Milly, such a heartwarming relatable character. I think a lot of people can relate to her, life can get so busy at times and we can sometimes become selfish and involved with our own lives, forgetting what’s really important. So Milly with a 101 things on her mind and glued to her phone was never going to see that bus coming!
Thankfully Milly has a guardian angel looking down on her that day and luckily able to walk away from the accident with minimal damage however her life is left in tatters. With her family round her for support and not forgetting her ex Jed walking back into her life (I shall come to him in a moment). Milly must learn how to take a step back, slow down and listen to her body and mind.
So my new fictional boyfriend Jed… Oh my word, he is my new favourite male lead. The further I read the more I fell in love with Jed. An absolute gentlemen, hottie in a suit, down to earth billionaire with a heart of gold. Animal lover, tall, beautiful blue eyes… honestly my list is endless but I will leave you to find out what a dreamboat he is.
I really enjoyed following Milly on her search for a new her, seeing her grow and experience life without being glued to endless scrolling on her phone. I loved this book from start to finish, I feel that Milly’s story isn’t finished and I would love to see a second book.
A book to add to your tbr pile and a Jed to add to your dreams!
Absolutely loved this! I think this has to be my all time favourite of Maxine Morrey’s books. As soon as I finished I just had to get all my thoughts down as I was buzzing with excitement.
I must say I’ve never read a book where the opening scene was the main character getting hit by a bus! So, obviously I was hooked from the get go, I really liked Milly, such a heartwarming relatable character. I think a lot of people can relate to her, life can get so busy at times and we can sometimes become selfish and involved with our own lives, forgetting what’s really important. So Milly with a 101 things on her mind and glued to her phone was never going to see that bus coming!
Thankfully Milly has a guardian angel looking down on her that day and luckily able to walk away from the accident with minimal damage however her life is left in tatters. With her family round her for support and not forgetting her ex Jed walking back into her life (I shall come to him in a moment). Milly must learn how to take a step back, slow down and listen to her body and mind.
So my new fictional boyfriend Jed… Oh my word, he is my new favourite male lead. The further I read the more I fell in love with Jed. An absolute gentlemen, hottie in a suit, down to earth billionaire with a heart of gold. Animal lover, tall, beautiful blue eyes… honestly my list is endless but I will leave you to find out what a dreamboat he is.
I really enjoyed following Milly on her search for a new her, seeing her grow and experience life without being glued to endless scrolling on her phone. I loved this book from start to finish, I feel that Milly’s story isn’t finished and I would love to see a second book.
A book to add to your tbr pile and a Jed to add to your dreams!
May 18, 2021
I really loved this book!
Milly gets hit by a bus while she's on her way to the most important job interview of her life and with her eys stuck to her phone. The following week's she goes through coma, recovery and reavaluating her life.
I loved Milly's journey, discovering the importance of little and valuable things in life (like a cuddle with a puppy) and distancing herself from social media and a kind of superficial approach to existence.
At the beginning she is stuck in a sort of self-deprecating attitude that doesn't allow her to grow, but with time she gets out of it and discovers her true self.
Definetly a well written, heart warming journey!
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#thingsarelookingup #NetGalley
Milly gets hit by a bus while she's on her way to the most important job interview of her life and with her eys stuck to her phone. The following week's she goes through coma, recovery and reavaluating her life.
I loved Milly's journey, discovering the importance of little and valuable things in life (like a cuddle with a puppy) and distancing herself from social media and a kind of superficial approach to existence.
At the beginning she is stuck in a sort of self-deprecating attitude that doesn't allow her to grow, but with time she gets out of it and discovers her true self.
Definetly a well written, heart warming journey!
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#thingsarelookingup #NetGalley
September 22, 2021
You would think with the main character getting hit by a bus there would be more of a plot. But no, she quickly learns her lesson by not walking and texting, moves in with her perfect ex, and have tons of banter until he leaves his shrill girlfriend and gets back with her. Things were looking real lame throughout.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2022
i actually enjoyed the first half of the book but then the never ending emphasis on how much better millie is than everyone else because she’s not looking at her phone anymore became annoying. also some i’m not like other girls vibes going on and if christine was not vilified so blatantly without any nuance, this book could have been a lot more interesting
October 28, 2025
3 stars.
[Content warnings: traffic accident; coma; mentions of losing a parent. Nothing in this review].
Things Are Looking Up started out very well for me. I was quickly taken by the protagonist, Milly, and the love interest, Jed, and excited for their second-chance connection to grow. The premise which draws them back together was simple but seemed to have a lot of potential for Milly's character growth in particular, so I was invested.
But sadly, I did notice a few problems which weighed on me more heavily as the novel went on.
For starters, Maxine Morrey has a tendency to overwrite, and could do with a more critical level of focus for her scenes. I got the feeling that Morrey loves her main characters so much that she drags out every interaction and every day that we spend with them. This often left lengthy scenes which slowed down the overall pace of Milly's story. A lot of them could have been pared back so we still get the nice moments and tease out the personalities and character backgrounds we need, but without spending so much time in the same inconsequential scenes.
The final third of the novel sped things up considerably and didn't feel quite as static. The plot points were more interesting and had a bigger impact on Milly and Jed, individually and in terms of their relationship. However, I still thought a lot of these late happenings came out of nowhere and didn't fit with the earlier parts of the novel. I wish Morrey had planted a few more seeds in the earlier chapters to give the later moments more of an impact. This also would have helped to fix the ambling pace of the start/middle of the book, and given the whole novel a stronger narrative to keep readers engaged.
I think a lot of this book's failings could have been avoided by a more careful distribution of focus on its secondary characters. Morrey's attention is sprinkled very sparingly across quite a lot of characters (besides Milly and Jed, who rightfully take the lion's share), especially for quite a short book. If she had honed in on the few characters of greater importance - I would have said Bert, Christine and Dmitri, who near enough only appear in the final third but could have had so much to contribute in earlier stages - things would have been much sharper, and Milly's arc would have been clearer as a result.
It's a shame that this book had kind of lost me, because I was really routing for Milly and Jed in the beginning, yet could barely enjoy their happy ending. But the fact that I was taken by them at all means Morrey must be doing something right, and on that basis, I would consider reading more from her.
[Content warnings: traffic accident; coma; mentions of losing a parent. Nothing in this review].
Things Are Looking Up started out very well for me. I was quickly taken by the protagonist, Milly, and the love interest, Jed, and excited for their second-chance connection to grow. The premise which draws them back together was simple but seemed to have a lot of potential for Milly's character growth in particular, so I was invested.
But sadly, I did notice a few problems which weighed on me more heavily as the novel went on.
For starters, Maxine Morrey has a tendency to overwrite, and could do with a more critical level of focus for her scenes. I got the feeling that Morrey loves her main characters so much that she drags out every interaction and every day that we spend with them. This often left lengthy scenes which slowed down the overall pace of Milly's story. A lot of them could have been pared back so we still get the nice moments and tease out the personalities and character backgrounds we need, but without spending so much time in the same inconsequential scenes.
The final third of the novel sped things up considerably and didn't feel quite as static. The plot points were more interesting and had a bigger impact on Milly and Jed, individually and in terms of their relationship. However, I still thought a lot of these late happenings came out of nowhere and didn't fit with the earlier parts of the novel. I wish Morrey had planted a few more seeds in the earlier chapters to give the later moments more of an impact. This also would have helped to fix the ambling pace of the start/middle of the book, and given the whole novel a stronger narrative to keep readers engaged.
I think a lot of this book's failings could have been avoided by a more careful distribution of focus on its secondary characters. Morrey's attention is sprinkled very sparingly across quite a lot of characters (besides Milly and Jed, who rightfully take the lion's share), especially for quite a short book. If she had honed in on the few characters of greater importance - I would have said Bert, Christine and Dmitri, who near enough only appear in the final third but could have had so much to contribute in earlier stages - things would have been much sharper, and Milly's arc would have been clearer as a result.
It's a shame that this book had kind of lost me, because I was really routing for Milly and Jed in the beginning, yet could barely enjoy their happy ending. But the fact that I was taken by them at all means Morrey must be doing something right, and on that basis, I would consider reading more from her.
May 25, 2021
A fabulous up-to-date novel about life, love and mistakes made along the way.
Milly has worked long and hard for her dream job, committing herself 24/7 to her career and, finally, she is on the verge of achieving success – a position at Vogue magazine. Then they change the time of her interview and she has her head down, focusing on her mobile phone and misses the bus bearing down on her. When she next opens her eyes, the reality of her situation comes crashing down; she has lost everything she’s worked for and her life has imploded. Then her ex, Jed, re-enters her life and as she convalesces, Milly wonders if she can work her way back to where she was or, then again, if life has more to offer?
This is a touching read from an author with a good insight into the life of a modern woman. Milly is easy to identify with; we’ve all known someone who commits everything to their career to the detriment of everything else in life. I admired Milly – she’s a very loveable character but not without her flaws – well, let’s face it, few of us are! This is a lovely story, beautifully told but there were a couple of inconsistencies which niggled at me. However, it was still a delightful, entertaining read and one I’m happy to give four stars.
Milly has worked long and hard for her dream job, committing herself 24/7 to her career and, finally, she is on the verge of achieving success – a position at Vogue magazine. Then they change the time of her interview and she has her head down, focusing on her mobile phone and misses the bus bearing down on her. When she next opens her eyes, the reality of her situation comes crashing down; she has lost everything she’s worked for and her life has imploded. Then her ex, Jed, re-enters her life and as she convalesces, Milly wonders if she can work her way back to where she was or, then again, if life has more to offer?
This is a touching read from an author with a good insight into the life of a modern woman. Milly is easy to identify with; we’ve all known someone who commits everything to their career to the detriment of everything else in life. I admired Milly – she’s a very loveable character but not without her flaws – well, let’s face it, few of us are! This is a lovely story, beautifully told but there were a couple of inconsistencies which niggled at me. However, it was still a delightful, entertaining read and one I’m happy to give four stars.
October 30, 2022
This was a little underwhelming and plodded on in a way that it never felt like it was going anywhere.
I liked the overall concept of second chances and there were some interesting characters that I’d liked to have heard more from. There was a lot of repetition, it felt like the same themes were mentioned too much and I didn’t warm to the main character, her perception of working in fashion was a little stereotypical.
She talked about spending all her money on the latest trends to wear to impress people, wouldn’t a fashion journalist find creative ways to look fashionable for less perhaps? Or at least find her own style and not just wear what was on trend. Surely writing about fashion affords you the knowledge to figure your own style out, I hardly think wearing the latest high fashion designer is required to successfully do an interview with someone. The story arc didn’t work for me either, it didn’t feel natural or resonant to how people behave in reality. Not a winner for me.
I liked the overall concept of second chances and there were some interesting characters that I’d liked to have heard more from. There was a lot of repetition, it felt like the same themes were mentioned too much and I didn’t warm to the main character, her perception of working in fashion was a little stereotypical.
She talked about spending all her money on the latest trends to wear to impress people, wouldn’t a fashion journalist find creative ways to look fashionable for less perhaps? Or at least find her own style and not just wear what was on trend. Surely writing about fashion affords you the knowledge to figure your own style out, I hardly think wearing the latest high fashion designer is required to successfully do an interview with someone. The story arc didn’t work for me either, it didn’t feel natural or resonant to how people behave in reality. Not a winner for me.
May 16, 2021
I’m not sure being run over by a bus can be counted as a good thing but it definitely makes Milly stop and rethink her previous life choices. I loved how the mantra for this wonderful read was to stop and look up to see what is around you. So many times we get entrenched on life’s treadmill and this story is a brilliant reminder to make the most of the important things. Great characters and Hector, the gorgeous dog, made this story a wonderful way to spend the afternoon.
October 14, 2022
— Dnfed at 20%
Why do people always have to hate on other people's dreams? And okay the mc accidentally gets hit by a bus because she was looking at her phone, why does that mean her family can dictate whether she gets a new phone or not? Or her job?
Idk
Rating: 1/5
Why do people always have to hate on other people's dreams? And okay the mc accidentally gets hit by a bus because she was looking at her phone, why does that mean her family can dictate whether she gets a new phone or not? Or her job?
Idk
Rating: 1/5
February 17, 2023
This book is longer than it needs to be. It is definitely a book more about self discovery then a romance novel and the author sure likes to make that known. I don't think the main character discovers anything new after her first epiphany, just the same revelation, over and over again.
I read some reviews which said the characters were relatable, but I'm not sure who to unless, you are an heiress or a tech billionaire.
It has good reviews from others, but it's not a book for me.
I read some reviews which said the characters were relatable, but I'm not sure who to unless, you are an heiress or a tech billionaire.
It has good reviews from others, but it's not a book for me.
April 4, 2023
Read via audiobook and can I just say the narration on this is SO GOOD!!!! This was such a feel good read and is the perfect easy listen
No major twists and turns just feel good vibes of how Millie gets her life back and learns how to balance what’s important
No major twists and turns just feel good vibes of how Millie gets her life back and learns how to balance what’s important
August 5, 2023
A predictable ending but enjoyable nonetheless
December 26, 2024
I really liked this one, a sweet story and an important message to never take like for granted.
June 25, 2021
Fast paced, cute and poignant. Not much romance but a lot of self discovery and nice bit characters. It’s good to see a character grow as much as Milly did. It reminds us that we can grow too. Just have to tend the soil and such.
August 17, 2021
Things Are Looking Up is a sweet, predictable book about Milly and Jed, who used to be a couple until Milly chose her career aspirations over their relationship.
A few years later, Milly is rushing to a job interview, face down in her phone while crossing the street, and is hit by a bus. She ends up with no job and no home, able to pack all her belongings into just a few boxes, and questioning all her life goals. Suddenly, Milly finds Jed back in her life, this time as a friend offering her shelter as she gets back on her feet. Will things turn out differently this time?
I really enjoyed both main characters, especially Jed, who is just an all-around great guy. I enjoyed the descriptions of Jed's home, his personality, his grin, and his generosity. Jed's New Orleans drawl and love for his Mama melted my heart.
There is a point in the middle of the book where things get a bit repetitive: Milly insisting she was too absorbed in her work before the bus accident, and wondering why Jed would be so kind to her now. But you know what knocks any plot out of a loop? A dog! Sure enough, a sweet dog is introduced midway through this book, and he propels the story out of the lull and gets the story moving again.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
A few years later, Milly is rushing to a job interview, face down in her phone while crossing the street, and is hit by a bus. She ends up with no job and no home, able to pack all her belongings into just a few boxes, and questioning all her life goals. Suddenly, Milly finds Jed back in her life, this time as a friend offering her shelter as she gets back on her feet. Will things turn out differently this time?
I really enjoyed both main characters, especially Jed, who is just an all-around great guy. I enjoyed the descriptions of Jed's home, his personality, his grin, and his generosity. Jed's New Orleans drawl and love for his Mama melted my heart.
There is a point in the middle of the book where things get a bit repetitive: Milly insisting she was too absorbed in her work before the bus accident, and wondering why Jed would be so kind to her now. But you know what knocks any plot out of a loop? A dog! Sure enough, a sweet dog is introduced midway through this book, and he propels the story out of the lull and gets the story moving again.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
April 4, 2021
Career-driven woman, on her way to an interview with Vogue for her dream job, gets hit by a bus and wakes up from a coma a week later. Getting that from the book description was enough to make me want to read Things Are Looking Up. It made an impact and I was instantly curious.
Interesting book description, strong woman character, and an ex-lovers trope?! SIGN ME IN. This book made me realize how much I love the drama of a book with an ex-lovers trope. It's like the feeling of an enemies to lovers or a friends to lovers but heavier because both characters know they once loved each other. My heart just shakes from how they deny their own feelings and doubt the possibility of the other person still having feelings for them.
Our main character, Milly, annoyed me half the time and I appreciate her character development SO MUCH. I think that's the main highlight of the book. Following Milly as she discovers what she really want and what path she really wants to take. I couldn't connect with the characters that much but I loved the family and friends element. It was touching to read and I could really feel the love and care between them.
This was an easy read. It could've been shorter and it would still give the same effect. I really loved the last-ish part though!! It has the most exciting parts and I couldn't put it down during those parts. I honestly would've rated this 3.5 to 4 stars if the good feeling continued until the end but WHAT'S UP WITH THAT ENDING?? It ended so abruptly like they stopped writing the book then just gave it a random ending. Anyways, it was still an enjoyable read!
Interesting book description, strong woman character, and an ex-lovers trope?! SIGN ME IN. This book made me realize how much I love the drama of a book with an ex-lovers trope. It's like the feeling of an enemies to lovers or a friends to lovers but heavier because both characters know they once loved each other. My heart just shakes from how they deny their own feelings and doubt the possibility of the other person still having feelings for them.
Our main character, Milly, annoyed me half the time and I appreciate her character development SO MUCH. I think that's the main highlight of the book. Following Milly as she discovers what she really want and what path she really wants to take. I couldn't connect with the characters that much but I loved the family and friends element. It was touching to read and I could really feel the love and care between them.
This was an easy read. It could've been shorter and it would still give the same effect. I really loved the last-ish part though!! It has the most exciting parts and I couldn't put it down during those parts. I honestly would've rated this 3.5 to 4 stars if the good feeling continued until the end but WHAT'S UP WITH THAT ENDING?? It ended so abruptly like they stopped writing the book then just gave it a random ending. Anyways, it was still an enjoyable read!
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