Books Read: Milly Johnson - The Teashop on the Corner

Life is full of second chances...if only you keep your heart open for them. 

Spring Hill Square is a pretty sanctuary away from the bustle of everyday life. And at its centre is Leni Merryman's Teashop on the Corner, specialising in cake, bookish stationery and compassion. And for three people, all in need of a little TLC, it is somewhere to find a friend to lean on. 

Carla Pride has just discovered that her late husband Martin was not who she thought he was. And now she must learn to put her marriage behind her and move forward. 

Molly Jones's ex-husband Harvey has reappeared in her life after many years, wanting to put right the wrongs of the past before it is too late. 

And Will Linton's business has gone bust and his wife has left him to pick up the pieces. Now he needs to gather the strength to start again. 

Can all three find the comfort they are looking for in The Teashop on the Corner? And as their hearts are slowly mended by Leni, can they return the favour when she needs it most...?

Amazon links: Kindle or Paperback 

Despite having bought quite a few of Milly Johnson's books over the last few years, most of them are still sat waiting patiently in my TBR pile!  So when a copy of The Teashop on the Corner popped through the letterbox I couldn't wait to start reading it as I loved the premise of this story.

As the title suggests the story revolves around a charming teashop that has just been opened by Leni which turns out to be the perfect refuge for Carla, Molly and Will to find solace and friendship.  Carla's world has been turned upside down by the sudden death of her husband and a shock discovery, Will is looking for a new start following the collapse of his business and his marriage whilst pensioner Molly is worried that she is losing her mind whilst her repulsive son and daughter-in-law are trying to force her out of her own home.

Add into the mix secondary characters property developer Shaun, retired doctor Pavitar and teenager Ryan and you have all the ingredients for such a entertaining, heartwarming read.  As the friendships and storylines develop secrets are revealed which will take you on an emotional journey with the characters.

But despite all the wonderful characters it was young Ryan who stole the show for me, a young lad from the wrong side of town who no-one expects to make anything of himself because of his family but under Leni's wing he literally flourished.

Now for the teashop itself, I loved the literary themed cakes and the knick knacks for sale, it sounded like my idea of heaven although wouldn't be any good for my diet or bank balance as I'd be wanting to purchase everything myself!

At times I found myself laughing at the humour which is inevitable in a Milly Johnson novel whilst at other times you find yourself experiencing a whole rollercoaster of emotions, joy, sadness and even anger.  It was obvious from the start there was more to Leni's story than first met the eye but as the truth came out I literally found myself with tears in my eyes.

Having only read one Milly Johnson book before, I am now a huge fan after reading this wonderful story so need to try and find some time to read the 6 other books of hers that I already have to read...  Maybe I ought to have a Milly Johnson feature week on the blog ;-)

I'd like to thank Simon & Schuster for sending me a copy of this book to review.