Hated this book. I loved the cover and was really looking forward to reading it. I only managed to read 25% before I had to give up.
This book is not for me but others may enjoy it

I loved Jenni Keers debut novel The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker and I couldn’t wait to read her next book. It was worth waiting for! I loved how complex Maisie was as a character but I couldn't help rooting for her to succeed. I also loved how Keers created such a realistic world and I felt completely immersed in the book once I started reading. Will definitely be recommending.

When I read Author Jenni Keer’s first book, The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker, here’s how I described it. “…a story that evokes a certain adorable mood. This debut novel is part fairy tale, part Wizard of Oz, and completely loveable and engaging.” Once again, the same magic spins its joy in Ms. Keer’s second book, a humorous fiction novel.

When we meet Maisie, she has a boyfriend and a job. By the second chapter in the book, she has no boyfriend, and no job. But, she does have Nigel, who is a…oh I’ll let you find that out for yourself.

It’s delightful getting to know young-adult Maisie. In addition to the no job and no boyfriend situation, she has a fragmented family. But, she’s not one to say “Why me?”

She fixes her job situation by taking a marketing position at Gildersleeves Antiques. What a wonderful part of the story- Gildersleeves has plenty of quirky characters, along with an equally exotic assortment of cast-offs, collectibles and treasures.

And that’s how Maisie discovers a teapot from her past, which belonged to the Mayhew sisters. Is the teapot magical? Will it help her solve her other problems?

The charm and strength of Ms. Keer’s books are the characters. And in this book, she has given us so many quirky, yet redeemable people to get to know and love. From the employees at Gildersleeves, to the six Mayhew sisters, and Maisie’s mother, father and four siblings, we have an abundance of treats to savor. My favorites (in addition to Maisie) were Arthur, an older, lonely man and Maisie’s emotional mother, Beverly. Although I really shouldn’t pick favorites as I am leaving out two very wonderful and important gentlemen. And then there’s that one guy at the care home.

Throughout the story, Maisie continues to put one tidy and well-organized foot in front of the other, and she ends up being a “restorative tonic” for all. With themes of family, friendships, aging, and antiques, which are really all tied together, we find what’s important to cherish in Maisie’s unlikely life.

Is Maisie a bit slow to catch on to things? Yes. But, by the end of this charming and totally satisfying book, Maisie works it out. And when she does, I felt as happy as Nigel. Everything comes together and even the garden gnomes find a place to belong.

In the author notes, Ms. Keer mentioned that she was relieved to have completed the notoriously tricky second book. Not to worry- the story of Maisie surpasses the loveliness of the first book. There are so many more characters, feelings and thoughts, and so many perfect phrases and word pictures. I did feel confused by the first chapter of the book- but it was like unpacking a mixed-lot bin of collectibles- once I sorted it out, the pleasures were revealed. Enjoy this gentle, endearing book!

Thanks to Netgalley, Avon Books UK and Rachels Random Resources for a review copy. This is my honest review.

I absolutely loved it!! I’ve been really frustrated every time someone interrupted my reading. I was rooting for Maisie from the very beginning. I was so happy with the ending. The characters in the book are fab, I loved how realistic the plot was also.
I highly recommend this book! It is fab!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

I absolutely loved Keers debut novel The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker and I couldn’t wait to read her second book....and boy was it worth the wait.

This is an amazing book filled with wonderful characters that you can fall in love with. Our heroine Maisie is such a complex character....wanting everything to be neat and organised but keeps a room locked where she can unleash her emotions onto a canvas. The meadows family is disfunction at its best, each member shaped by the past and poor Maisie finds herself the one they all come too.

The characters at the auction house are wonderfully strange and funny....and the dynamics are portrayed beautifully.

The author has me laughing one minute, crying the next and then back to laughing. Her story telling is amazing and the book was a joy to read.

Another 5 star read from Jenni Keer