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The Little Dreams of Lara Cliffe
*** From the bestselling author of The Magnificent Mrs Mayhew ***
It only takes one small step to change your life!
Lara Cliffe and her three friends are off on a mini break for her hen party. It’s three weeks before her wedding to ’Steady Freddie’, one of the kindest men on the planet. But something is worrying Lara. Her friends say it’s wedding jitters, but she isn’t so sure. Fifteen years ago the love of her life, Danny Belfont, walked out on her three weeks before their wedding and she has never been able to fully get him out of her heart.
Then, on the overnight ferry, Lara finds out that Danny is playing in the onboard band and he spots her in the crowd. Will she meet him the next night to talk?
As the wonderful city of Amsterdam works its magic on Lara, she tries to sort out her thoughts. And if fate has brought Lara and Danny back together … is it really for love or for something quite different?
It only takes one small step to change your life!
Lara Cliffe and her three friends are off on a mini break for her hen party. It’s three weeks before her wedding to ’Steady Freddie’, one of the kindest men on the planet. But something is worrying Lara. Her friends say it’s wedding jitters, but she isn’t so sure. Fifteen years ago the love of her life, Danny Belfont, walked out on her three weeks before their wedding and she has never been able to fully get him out of her heart.
Then, on the overnight ferry, Lara finds out that Danny is playing in the onboard band and he spots her in the crowd. Will she meet him the next night to talk?
As the wonderful city of Amsterdam works its magic on Lara, she tries to sort out her thoughts. And if fate has brought Lara and Danny back together … is it really for love or for something quite different?
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About the author
Milly Johnson
51 books2,116 followersMilly Johnson was born in Barnsley, raised in Barnsley and still lives in Barnsley. She writes about strong women, often having a renaissance, all ages and has just released her 22nd novel Same Time Next Week. Do check out her website for up to date news and appearance dates.
As well as a novelist she is a professional joke writer, performance poet, newspaper and magazine columnist and also after dinner/motivational speaker.
She is on insta as @themillyjohnson, facebook as @millyjohnsonauthor, Twitter as @millyjohnson and a ridiculous presence on TikTok @millyjohnsonauthor. Do give her a follow - even if it's just out of sympathy!
As well as a novelist she is a professional joke writer, performance poet, newspaper and magazine columnist and also after dinner/motivational speaker.
She is on insta as @themillyjohnson, facebook as @millyjohnsonauthor, Twitter as @millyjohnson and a ridiculous presence on TikTok @millyjohnsonauthor. Do give her a follow - even if it's just out of sympathy!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
June 19, 2020
“Quick Reads” books tend to be a bit hitty missy for me but ‘The Little Dreams of Lara Cliffe’ by Milly Johnson was a fun, entertaining and enjoyable read, so much so I’m tempted now to try more but this author after enjoying the style of writing.
4 stars
4 stars
January 7, 2023
Lara and her 3 best friends are going to Amsterdam by ferry to celebrate Lara's upcoming marriage to Freddie.
On the first night on the ferry Lara spots her first love Danny Belfont playing with a very mediocre group in one of the bars onboard. Danny broke Lara's heart and it took her a long time to get over him but seeing him again stirs up so many memories Lara starts to question her love for Freddie.
As her hen party unfolds Lara discovers things about herself and her memories that could change her life.
On the first night on the ferry Lara spots her first love Danny Belfont playing with a very mediocre group in one of the bars onboard. Danny broke Lara's heart and it took her a long time to get over him but seeing him again stirs up so many memories Lara starts to question her love for Freddie.
As her hen party unfolds Lara discovers things about herself and her memories that could change her life.
May 3, 2020
One of this year's Quick Reads series at just under 100 pages. Written with Milly's trademark wit and warmth this was a lovely story about friendships, love and knowing what is important to you. The story takes the four friends to a brief tour of Amsterdam, including Anne Frank's House and also the Van Gogh Museum, which I visited last year so I especially enjoyed this aspect of this story.
There was an awful lot of story packed into this short read. I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend.
There was an awful lot of story packed into this short read. I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend.
February 27, 2020
This is a brilliant short story and has you hooked and makes you think about your past as well. Full of friendship and holidays and learning to move forward.
Lara is going away on her hen do for a weekend on a boat and she is going with her friends who are all so grateful she has finically found the right love of her live after a number of wrong ones. They go on the boat and while she’s wondering if she is marrying the right person and when she sees her first love Danny singing on the boat can she move on from him and decide to go on with her wedding or not everyone else when they learn he’s on the boat aren’t happy but what will Lara think.
Lara is going away on her hen do for a weekend on a boat and she is going with her friends who are all so grateful she has finically found the right love of her live after a number of wrong ones. They go on the boat and while she’s wondering if she is marrying the right person and when she sees her first love Danny singing on the boat can she move on from him and decide to go on with her wedding or not everyone else when they learn he’s on the boat aren’t happy but what will Lara think.
December 31, 2021
As it’s the last day of the year I didn’t want to start a new book until tomorrow. I began browsing my shelves and found this little quick read and decided it would fit in perfectly today. I’m a fan of Milly Johnson and would love to read her backlist so this was a great choice. It was light, it was easy and it was quick and it was a lovely choice today. I liked the characters but wished for more. It all happened too quick and was very predictable. It’s my only criticism of quick reads it doesn’t give enough time for story development. I still found it perfect for today and recommend it to anyone that just wants a shorter book to fill a day ❤️
July 21, 2020
Definitely one of the better outings in the Quick Reads series and just shy of 100 pages, The Little Dreams of Lara Cliffe is a decent chick-lit story and easy, undemanding reading. Although the story is standard chick-lit and depth is also limited by the length of the story, Milly Johnson packs an awful lot in as thirty-seven-year-old Lara Cliffe goes on a hen-do trip to Amsterdam with three long-term friends.
Having had her heart broken as a teenager when guitarist Danny Belfont ditched her three weeks prior to their wedding and replaced Lara in their band with a new girl and girlfriend, the last thing she needs is to find him playing as the entertainment on the overnight ferry. Already experiencing pre-wedding jitters Lara’s encounter with Danny unleashes a host of memories. As she goes on a whistle-stop tour of Amsterdam and visits the tourist attractions she finds herself reflecting on whether fate has brought them back together and where her future really lies.
Having had her heart broken as a teenager when guitarist Danny Belfont ditched her three weeks prior to their wedding and replaced Lara in their band with a new girl and girlfriend, the last thing she needs is to find him playing as the entertainment on the overnight ferry. Already experiencing pre-wedding jitters Lara’s encounter with Danny unleashes a host of memories. As she goes on a whistle-stop tour of Amsterdam and visits the tourist attractions she finds herself reflecting on whether fate has brought them back together and where her future really lies.
March 31, 2020
I was after a short story and knowing that I've enkoyed Milly books in the past, I figured this woukd fit the bill perfectly. I was right, as this was an absolutely delightful read.
I really enjoyed this story from start to finish, lovely characters and I was truly envious of the friendship that the four friends had. To have a close knit friendship from school to adult life, how many of us can say they have not!
Anyway, brilliant storytelling as always from Milly.
I really enjoyed this story from start to finish, lovely characters and I was truly envious of the friendship that the four friends had. To have a close knit friendship from school to adult life, how many of us can say they have not!
Anyway, brilliant storytelling as always from Milly.
February 9, 2020
This is the sweetest little story from Milly Johnson!
There's a whole lot of love, friendship, fun and humour wrapped up in the 100 or so pages.
There's a whole lot of love, friendship, fun and humour wrapped up in the 100 or so pages.
February 25, 2022
Cheesy! And the most depressing hen party I've ever imagined!
November 21, 2023
The impact of a full length Milly book compacted into a tiny one! Pure bliss.
March 5, 2021
Do love a quick read book inbetween other books
April 25, 2020
Quick read really enjoyed
March 11, 2020
Oh I loved travelling to Amsterdam with Lara and her friends. I have done that ferry crossing and so I could easily picture the things they were doing but even if you haven't travelled in the same footsteps as this group of friends, you will be rewarded with the fun of the ship as well as a virtual tour of Amsterdam, so much fun!
I really loved the characters we get to meet in this book, you can imagine their friendships and how they have changed over the years as they have grown up, got married and had babies. This is such a realistic portrayal of women my age and how their friendships have to stand the test of time in this way. I really loved that fact that Vicky, Jo and Pip are all so different from one another but are so loyal to each other and to Lara.
There is quite a lot of drama contained in the very few pages of this book so be prepared for the whirlwind of past boyfriends, sex museums and of course a little seasickness. This book is divided into three parts and a bit of an epilogue so if you're expecting something that isn't fully developed in just under 100 pages, you would be wrong. This read had a little bit of everything and is just the perfect choice as one of this year's quick reads titles.
I really loved the characters we get to meet in this book, you can imagine their friendships and how they have changed over the years as they have grown up, got married and had babies. This is such a realistic portrayal of women my age and how their friendships have to stand the test of time in this way. I really loved that fact that Vicky, Jo and Pip are all so different from one another but are so loyal to each other and to Lara.
There is quite a lot of drama contained in the very few pages of this book so be prepared for the whirlwind of past boyfriends, sex museums and of course a little seasickness. This book is divided into three parts and a bit of an epilogue so if you're expecting something that isn't fully developed in just under 100 pages, you would be wrong. This read had a little bit of everything and is just the perfect choice as one of this year's quick reads titles.
October 28, 2020
This book is from the ‘ Quick Reads 2020 ‘ collection and is a little short novella.
I have read a few of this author’s books and loved them and yet again this one didn’t disappoint!
The story revolves around four friends that have known each other since school. They are travelling on a ferry to Amsterdam for Lara’s hen party (she is the last one in their group of friends to get married)!!
Quite a lot happens in such a short book, there is a whirlwind of sea-sickness, sex museums, art galleries, toffee vodkas and past boyfriends.
This is such a wonderful book with the writing, plot and characters all to Milly Johnson’s usual high standard!
Once I started reading I just couldn’t stop and devoured the rest all in one go!!
I have read a few of this author’s books and loved them and yet again this one didn’t disappoint!
The story revolves around four friends that have known each other since school. They are travelling on a ferry to Amsterdam for Lara’s hen party (she is the last one in their group of friends to get married)!!
Quite a lot happens in such a short book, there is a whirlwind of sea-sickness, sex museums, art galleries, toffee vodkas and past boyfriends.
This is such a wonderful book with the writing, plot and characters all to Milly Johnson’s usual high standard!
Once I started reading I just couldn’t stop and devoured the rest all in one go!!
March 13, 2020
Lara is setting off on a cruise with her best friends and hen party planners, Vicky Jo and Pip.
As Lara prepares to marry steady Freddie a guy who dotes on her we see how she reacts when her ex shockingly is also on the cruise and he broke her heart terribly, Danny the dreamer who wanted to be a rock star.
But will Lara go back instead of onwards into her new planned happy life and marriage?
I loved this little book such a fun hopeful short story about looking ahead to the future and appreciating what and who you have in your life!
As Lara prepares to marry steady Freddie a guy who dotes on her we see how she reacts when her ex shockingly is also on the cruise and he broke her heart terribly, Danny the dreamer who wanted to be a rock star.
But will Lara go back instead of onwards into her new planned happy life and marriage?
I loved this little book such a fun hopeful short story about looking ahead to the future and appreciating what and who you have in your life!
February 22, 2020
One of the new Quick Reads for 2020. Lovely entertaining story with a great cast of characters. Really enjoyed it.
February 23, 2020
loved this quick read book
April 13, 2020
Lara Cliffe and her 3 friends are off on a mini break for her hen party. It’s 3 weeks before the wedding and Lara is worried, her friends say it’s the wedding jitters but Lara isn’t sure. Fifteen years ago the love of her life, Danny Belfont, walked out on her weeks before their wedding and she has never fully gotten over him. Then on the overnight ferry, Lara finds out that Danny is playing in the onboard band. Is this fate telling her to not go through with the wedding? ✨ This book was lovely, I liked the characters and how fast paced the book was. I’m pleased Lara got the answers she wanted and had her happy ending eventually. 3 🌟
March 30, 2020
Quick easy read that kept my attention throughout. Looking forward to reading some of her other books.
May 2, 2023
Short but very lovely
July 13, 2025
A nice little short story! I liked Lara!
January 26, 2022
I am really enjoying Milly Johnson’s books and this was another cracker!
Although a short story, it didn’t feel rushed or crammed. I warmed to all the characters immediately. It was fun and light and had me laughing in parts.
Following Lara and her friends on a boat to Amsterdam to celebrate her hen party this novella is packed with the usual hen party shenanigans including dreaded sea sickness, as well as a blast from the past which has Lara doubting her future.
A throughly good read as usual by the wonderful Milly!
Although a short story, it didn’t feel rushed or crammed. I warmed to all the characters immediately. It was fun and light and had me laughing in parts.
Following Lara and her friends on a boat to Amsterdam to celebrate her hen party this novella is packed with the usual hen party shenanigans including dreaded sea sickness, as well as a blast from the past which has Lara doubting her future.
A throughly good read as usual by the wonderful Milly!
March 10, 2020
The Small Dreams of Lara Cliffe is about Lara and her three friends who are on a mini-break to Amsterdam for her hen-do. Lara has had her share of disappointing relationships but is about to settle down and marry 'Steady Freddie'. However, on the boat to Rotterdam, she discovers that the guitarist in the on-board band is none other than her first love Danny, the man who jilted her and broke her heart. They used to sing in a band together and Danny had high hopes of stardom. Understandably, this rather throws her and she begins to think about all the times they had together.
It was good to have a virtual whistle-stop tour of Amsterdam with Lara and her friends. Milly Johnson often writes about the importance of kindness and friendship and this group of ladies were clearly really good friends who had been, and would always be, there for each other through thick or thin. This being just a short read at around 100 pages, we really only get glimpses of their lives and I'd love to read more about any of them which to me is a sign of a very well written character. And although he only made a few appearances, Steady Freddie was such a central part of the story and I did love his, well, steadiness.
The Small Dreams of Lara Cliffe is an enjoyable story and ideal for anyone looking for a quick read. It gives a good flavour of Milly Johnson's warm, engaging and witty style of writing and I definitely recommend you seek out her other books if you're not already familiar with them. The Quick Reads series is a great way to try out new authors or genres you wouldn't usually read.
It was good to have a virtual whistle-stop tour of Amsterdam with Lara and her friends. Milly Johnson often writes about the importance of kindness and friendship and this group of ladies were clearly really good friends who had been, and would always be, there for each other through thick or thin. This being just a short read at around 100 pages, we really only get glimpses of their lives and I'd love to read more about any of them which to me is a sign of a very well written character. And although he only made a few appearances, Steady Freddie was such a central part of the story and I did love his, well, steadiness.
The Small Dreams of Lara Cliffe is an enjoyable story and ideal for anyone looking for a quick read. It gives a good flavour of Milly Johnson's warm, engaging and witty style of writing and I definitely recommend you seek out her other books if you're not already familiar with them. The Quick Reads series is a great way to try out new authors or genres you wouldn't usually read.
March 23, 2020
Lara Cliffe has had a rocky road to get to this week – her hen do on a cruise to amsterdam and back. Her love life has not been plain sailing (no pun intended), but she’s finally happy and more than ready to settle down.
But when, on the first night of the cruise, she comes face to face with the guy who broke her heart into pieces, and it seems like he might be truly sorry, what will Lara do? Was it fate that brought them back together?
I have to say, even though this was a short story (published as part of the Quick Reads series for World Book Day), it had a lot of ups and downs. Many times that I wanted to reach into the book, grab Lara by her shoulders and shake some sense into her.
I won’t go into the story any more, because being short, it would be really easy for me to give away major spoilers. But it was a delightful read, as per usual from Milly. For only £1, you can’t go wrong, and if you’ve never read a Milly Johnson book before, this is the perfect gateway into a world of loveliness.
Posted on: https://emmaloui.se/2020/03/14/milly-...
But when, on the first night of the cruise, she comes face to face with the guy who broke her heart into pieces, and it seems like he might be truly sorry, what will Lara do? Was it fate that brought them back together?
I have to say, even though this was a short story (published as part of the Quick Reads series for World Book Day), it had a lot of ups and downs. Many times that I wanted to reach into the book, grab Lara by her shoulders and shake some sense into her.
I won’t go into the story any more, because being short, it would be really easy for me to give away major spoilers. But it was a delightful read, as per usual from Milly. For only £1, you can’t go wrong, and if you’ve never read a Milly Johnson book before, this is the perfect gateway into a world of loveliness.
Who the hell said dreams had to be big? It doesn’t matter what size your dream is, as long as it fits into that dream-sized hole in your heart.
Posted on: https://emmaloui.se/2020/03/14/milly-...
February 3, 2020
A quick easy read. This is about a hen weekend that set sails to Amsterdam with four best friends. Lara is about to get married to Freedie but many years ago she was left winded by her ex who left her 3 weeks before the wedding and that ex was playing in a band on the cruise... they see each other and Danny wants to meet Lara again and she is worried because all the fears and feelings come back.
After her day in Amsterdam with her friends she goes to meet Danny.. the question is does she believe him? Does she want to find out or move on and marry the man who brought her heart back to life.
A good easy read.
After her day in Amsterdam with her friends she goes to meet Danny.. the question is does she believe him? Does she want to find out or move on and marry the man who brought her heart back to life.
A good easy read.
January 30, 2022
I’m so glad Lara didn’t end up getting back together with Danny, it really looked like she might and he was such an idiot!
As always with these quick reads, this was too quick and I wanted it to last a little longer, having said that there was quite a bit crammed into this book.
I’ve never read anything by this author but I would definitely try a full length book now, I like these quick reads for that purpose, you can decide if a writer’s style is for you or not without having to commit to 300+ pages.
As always with these quick reads, this was too quick and I wanted it to last a little longer, having said that there was quite a bit crammed into this book.
I’ve never read anything by this author but I would definitely try a full length book now, I like these quick reads for that purpose, you can decide if a writer’s style is for you or not without having to commit to 300+ pages.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2020
A sweet short story from one of my favorite authors.
July 1, 2020
Nice short story thats easy to read. I didn’t think there was anything wrong with the story just think that i’m not the target audience. It’s not my type of story.
January 1, 2021
Short, sweet and a happy ending!
Lovely little taster of Milly Johnson's writing.
Lovely little taster of Milly Johnson's writing.
October 22, 2020
Lovely light hearted quick read.
I loved the friendship between Lara, Pip, Jo and Vicky
Nice 1 hour read to break up the longer books
I loved the friendship between Lara, Pip, Jo and Vicky
Nice 1 hour read to break up the longer books
Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews