There are a lot of characters in this book, and they're all introduced in the early chapters which makes it somewhat confusing. None of them feels really three-dimensional; they all have problems or issues, mostly stemming from events that are not their fault, some of them long-held secrets.

The subplots work well alongside each other although the multiple viewpoints makes it feel a bit flat. The 'bad' characters - of whom there are many - are all unpleasant stereotypes with no positive features at all. And while the action and direction of the many plots are well structured, the writing could have done with some editing in places.

I found it all a bit predictable, but the ending is mostly positive and everyone is able to move forward, letting go of their pasts. I doubt if I'll read this again, but if you like light-weight women's fiction, it could make a good holiday read.

Longer review here: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2023/10/the-teashop-on-corner-by-milly-john... ( )

Wonderful book ( )

What a charming and delightful story this turned out to be! The Teashop on the Corner is set in a literary cafe where a group of strangers find themselves supporting and caring for one another as friends. The discussions they have about their favorite books were fun to eavesdrop on and the literary themed desserts they enjoyed - like Holmes rum truffle and Vampire red velvet cake - sounded scrumptious. There’s a bittersweet sadness in each their lives that they are singly working through and they find that “company on the journey would be good”. I underlined so many heartfelt quotables in this that if I listed them all here it would almost be like copying the entire book. ( )

Leni Merryman's Teashop on the Corner combines her two loves of cooking and stationery. Her first customers include recently widowed Carla Pride who found out her husband's funeral that she was never married to him, Molly Jones whose rogue of a husband has just turned up on her doorstep saying he's dying and Shaun Collins, a gruff Irishman with a tragic past. Will they find comfort at the Teashop on the Corner and will they support Leni when she needs them herself. A lovely read. Would read more by the author. ( )

I have never read anything by Milly Johnson before, but after reading this I'll be going back to catch up on her other titles. It was a thoroughly enjoyable read, with a great cast of characters that had me hooked from the start.

The Teashop on the Corner has recently been opened by Leni Merryman and as well as serving tea and cake, offers a range of literature related stationary and accessories that delight her growing clientele.

The Teashop provides a haven of peace and respite for a particular group of people who gradually become friends and help each other through their assorted problems. While it might fall into the chick lit category and have a nice light hearted cover, some of themes that are covered are far from light and frothy. The various characters cope with a range of trials and tribulations including divorce, bankruptcy, bereavement, unemployment and child abuse, yet the subjects are dealt with in a sympathetic and caring way that neither trivialises or over dramatises the themes.

It is impossible not to warm to the characters and hope that they each get a happy outcome. As to whether that happens - you'll need to read the book to find out.

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in return for an honest review. ( )