I am a big fan of Milly, I love all of her novels, but this one was special to me as my mom was in the same shoes like the main character of this book.
Usually, I read books slowly (especially in English), but I have read The Woman in the Middle in about a week! Very well written story, colourful characters... and of course: Unadulterated humour that only Milly can write!

Milly Johnson’s ‘The Woman in the Middle’ is an evocative and touching story of an ordinary woman with extraordinary responsibilities, who embarks on an emotional journey to discover the truth about her past and create a better future. Shay’s strength, courage, and resilience throughout the novel will move readers and inspire them to challenge and conquer their own inner obstacles. A beautifully written and captivating read.

Starting off with a sandwich analogy for how Shay feels, this book goes from strength to strength with its great looks at marriage, mental health, family, and a whole lot more too.

There are so many interwoven threads especially within Shay's family that it may seem daunting at first to follow, but once you get your head in the game, and are engrossed between the pages, it all comes together incredibly well.

I am reluctant to say too much as it really is a book best read with no prior knowledge, just go into it with an open mind and be prepared to be dazzled by Milly Johnson's storytelling prowess about just an ordinary typical family and the life they lead.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Another absolute cracker of a book from Milly Johnson!
Shay is a woman with a secret. She is married to Bruce, cares for her mother, her father is in a care home, her sister is distant and she worries about her grown up children. Oh, she works as well.
When events in Shay’s life begin to take over, she needs to get away and goes back to the place she grew up, which is when we find out about the tragedy that has haunted her.
Don’t dismiss Milly Johnson as “chick lit” - this is so, so much more. An absolute belter of a book, well paced and plotted, it hooks you in and keeps you there. The characters are so well described, I was rooting for Shay the whole way through.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book.

I experienced a wealth of emotions when reading The Woman in the Middle; I laughed, cried, fumed and loved every single page. Milly Johnson writes with so much vivacity that my kindle was virtually thrumming with life and I was enjoying it so much that I really didn't want the story to end.

I'd never really thought about it before but Milly is so right about a lot of women being part of the sandwich generation: stuck in the middle caring for ageing parents and growing children. Shay Bastable spreads herself as thinly as a dieter buttering bread as she cares for her elderly mother, does everything she can to support her husband and makes sure that she is always on hand for her grown-up children. So who cares for Shay? Nobody!

As events see Shay's world evolving and changing, she decides to face up to her past and returns to the village of her childhood. I adored this part of the story, especially Shay catching up with old friends and enemies. It made me think about how much we hold on to things that happened to us at school. Many people have encountered school bullying and it's something that is so difficult to forgive and forget, but perhaps knowing the reasons behind the bullying could make us see things in a different light. It's food for thought anyway.

Milly Johnson really knows how people tick and she creates such relatable and believable characters that I found myself caring about each one of them (apart from Bruce, of course). The Woman in the Middle is a heartfelt and engaging novel that evoked so many emotions in me. It's a truly wonderful book and another stunning novel from Milly Johnson. Highly recommended.

I received an ARC to read and review for the blog tour; this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

There is nothing quite like a Milly Johnson book - Milly has perfected the art of portraying real family life with the dynamics and emotions that tie them together in such a way that as a reader you forget you are reading about fictional characters, and not reading about your own friends and family. With each book, from the very first pages I find myself totally hooked and totally invested and immersed in their lives.

I devoured The Woman in the Middle in almost one sitting, I picked it up one evening, read 40 pages and just knew it was going to be brilliant. I settled down the next day to read the remaining 400! The Woman in the Middle is such a heartfelt, relatable story - Milly has the words and analogies that just sums everything up perfectly. Sandwiched between family and work pressures it’s easy to forget to care for yourself too - my emotions yo - yo’d whist reading, she touched so many raw nerves, throughout the book that at times I found myself reading with a lump in my throat that I couldn’t swallow. I think The Woman in the Middle evoked in me every emotion possible from one end of the spectrum to the other. So many aspects of family life tackled in a thought provoking way.

The central character is Shay Bastable, a woman with a backbone of steel, and a heart of gold, her whole life is centred on administering care and support for her whole family. Mostly unnoticed and without thanks. Shay is described as part of the sandwich generation - a term I’d never heard before but totally understood as the story unfolded. She is stuck, sandwiched in the middle, somewhere between caring for her two elderly parents and that of her grown up children who having flown the nest appear to have dropped off her radar. Let’s also not forget Bruce, her husband too.

I absolutely loved Shay, but wanted to give her a push to add ‘herself’ into the equation, she was totally selfless - the needs and lives of her family uttermost in her every thought and action, never asking for anything for herself nor seeking pity for a life of giving - she personified the best mother, daughter, wife role. Caring for her family was uppermost in her mind, she never put herself first, she saw her role in the family and fullfilled it.

Shay visits her mum everyday, providing essential care for her Roberta, left to do it alone by sister Paula, she doesn’t have time in her day. Roberta has dementia and becomes fixated on the arrival of a skip next door, the name on the side triggering memories. This sets off a chain of events that turns both their lives upside down and subsequently the inter-family relationships, irrevocably on their head. Relationships, friendships and family life are reassessed as Shay finds herself going back to her past to understand her present and subsequently shape her future.

As much as this was a heartfelt, emotional read for me it was also hopeful and uplifting at the same time, shining light on the dark moments, life evolves and nothing and no one stays the same forever. Milly tastefully scattered a liberal amount of humour throughout to soften the edges, and as the story ended I was left with a lighter heart and a smile on my face. Thank you Milly Johnson for yet another beautiful story about relationships, family dynamics, love and friendship delivered in your usual open, honest, straight-forward style - just perfect.

Along with her constant concerns about her two (apparently) grown up children and their life choices, Shay finds herself carrying all the responsibility for the care of her mother Roberta, living alone with all the signs of advancing dementia. As if that’s not enough, she’s also the only one who visits her father, now unresponsive in a nursing home – and she also has that niggling feeling, however much he may protest, that all is not well with her relationship with husband Bruce. When a skip is delivered and her mother’s neighbours begin to carry out major work on their house, and Shay is unable to do anything to stop it, it’s only the beginning of everything in her life spinning out of control.

I’ve never been the filling in a sandwich like Shay – I only had the concerns about parents, more of a Danish open sandwich really. But I simply adored Shay from the very beginning, and felt so deeply for her as she wrestled with all the problems in her life, identifying with her entirely as she pinned on her brave face and never lost her sense of humour as her world dramatically imploded. The way the author builds empathy for her is entirely exceptional – I found so much I could identify with in her emotions and reactions, and found myself cheering her on every step of the way as she struggled to repair herself by revisiting the issues in her past.

The characterisation took my breath away – not just Shay herself, but her extended family and every individual who plays their part in her story. The portrayal of her mother Roberta brought back vivid memories of my time caring for mum – the living in the past, the distorted memories (the Omar Sharif thread is quite inspired), the grasping for details just beyond reach, the love between them balanced by understandable (and painfully recognisable) irritation over the repetitive obsession with events outside the window. The lone Potterworth’s eclair almost broke me (although mum was always more of a fan of Marks and Spencer) – and anyone with elderly or departed parents will find a multitude of gently moving moments to bring a tear to the eye, but always accompanied by a smile.

But all the family relationships are quite wonderful – the sister with her eye on the inheritance (always “too busy” to share the load), the gloriously abrasive daughter who only returns home when she needs bailing out (yet again), the son whose wedding is fast approaching but gives him little to smile about. And, of course, the hapless and gullible Bruce – coupled with the sometimes illusory nature of friendship, thrown into sharp relief by Shay’s fond memories of the one friend who was always there for her. There was a whole host of minor characters I took to my heart too, none more than the wonderful Dagmara with her wisdom and constant support – we all really need someone like her in our lives.

I loved this whole book beyond measure – it has that perfect balance of wonderful humour and desperate sadness, and a quite perfectly wrought and compelling story as Shay deals with the hand she’s been dealt and revisits her past in search of healing and hope for the future. Milly Johnson’s characters are just so entirely real, people you recognise within your own life, behaving as real people often do – and her writing has the unparalleled ability to touch you at the deepest level, only to find yourself laughing quite uncontrollably a few pages later. And the book’s conclusion? It’s really quite glorious – and really couldn’t have been better, more uplifting and entirely what I wanted it to be, if I’d written it myself.

I just adored everything about this book – without question, one of my books of the year (and, I have to say, of any year…). Go on, treat yourself – I defy you not to love it too.

Firstly a big thank you to the publishers for my copy to review on netgalley. Its always such a treat to dig into a new Milly Johnson book. You can feel how much warmth and love she pours into her words.

This is a story about a woman who literally is in the middle making everything run smoothly. I can guarantee we all can relate to this concept.

Perfect escapism especially with the world as it is,books are such a lifeline .

I absolutely loved it and the characters.

Heartwarming and life affirming ,but also reminding you life is short and look out for yourself too!

We meet characters af different points in their lives and we observe their character and strength grow .

Love,loss ,friendships , family and new beginnings.

You can see why Milly is a bestseller author as she continues to write much needed stories that remind us of the magic of words.

Shay Bastable has a lot to juggle in her family. Caring for parents, keeping her own family going will be relatable to many people. I certainly relate to the caring for parents, in my case to keep the rest of the more adult family than in the book, going in some ways. For Shay it's a struggle to keep all the balls freely in the air and they do indeed come crashing down all around her. Shay also has children and all their demands, especially determined, strong-willed daughter - Courtney to take care of,then there is her son who is supposed to be getting married, but she is concerned that something isn't right within the relationship.  You feel that this would no doubt have quite an impact. The book explores this as well as how her sister does little to help and her husband, Bruce is not at all useful and practically ignores what is going on around him, which makes matters even worse as there's not the backup needed in such a situation. There's definitely a lot to feel sorry for Shay and how her life is panning out. So, she tries to then put herself first, which seems somewhere between sensible and losing selflessness for awhile, but you can see where she is coming too and shows the challenges of life faced in this situation, trying to also take care of yourself as well as others.

You really get the sense that Shay is The Woman In The Middle instead of at the top of her family, yet is also the glue of her family holding it all together, even though the stickyness of that glue is waining along with her resillience as the weight of pressure, conveyed so well by Milly Johnson gets to her more and more, making its impact. You get the feeling that so much has shaped her life and is still shaping it, but not necessarily as she would have planned.

know I’m always in for a treat when I step into one of Milly Johnson’s worlds. The Woman in the Middle took me to the depths on many levels. It’s one of my top reads this year.

You don’t have to be a part of this generation to be able to relate to this story. If you have an emotional connection with anyone in your life – friend, parents, partner, children, sister (or remember what it’s like to be 16) you’ll be emotionally invested. I can guarantee it!

When we first meet Shay, she’s just going through the motions and putting everyone’s needs before her own. Until a catalyst strikes, quickly followed by more events, which force her to step back. She needs to resolve her past before she can move forward.

Along the way there are a few secrets and surprises. The way Shay handles herself shows how her confidence grows and gives her a voice. I literally fist pumped the air at one particular scene! I even dreamed about it. That’s some powerful storytelling right there.

I always enjoy Milly Johnson’s characters and apart from Shay (who is an inspiration) I think the one who stands out for me is Courtney. She really is unique, walking to the beat of her own drum! Of course, she would attend Tommy Tanner’s boxing classes 🙂 I loved her transformation.

I’ve felt the rawest of emotions as I’ve walked by Shay’s side (both dark and light). The challenges she faces are experienced by many in their day-to-day lives. I’m not going to share what they are – you’ll need to discover them for yourself. But I will say that Milly Johnson writes about these issues sensitively … whilst not holding back. She says it as it is.

The Woman in the Middle is a world where sacrifices are made, challenges bring strength, and secrets revealed lead to wholeness.

I felt like my heart was broken and then put back together in a different way! I had a few late nights reading this story because I just couldn’t put it down. I loved it!

Milly has done it again
Another great book
Didn’t want to end this book
A story of a rollercoaster of emotions
Can’t wait for her next book
Thanks NetGalley

This book tells the story of Shay the woman in the middle. She has a grown up family of her own but is also caring for her mother and visiting her father who is in a home. Her son and daughter are causing her concern and her mother is having problems with her neighbours.

Throw into the mix a sister who is selfish and unwilling to help her out, friends who betray her and things in her past that need putting to bed, this book certainly makes you go through your emotions, sadness, outrage, laughter, true friendship and loss.

Absolutely fabulous read, I adored every second! I have really enjoyed Milly Johnsons' books over the years but personally felt that none have quite reached the fabulousness of Here Come The Girls (a favourite that I've re read many times and also bought many people as a gift) but The Woman In The Middle is every bit as wonderful!
The trademark strong female characters are here with bells on, I adored Shay, Roberta, Courtney and Dagmara, fantastic ballsy characters with a wicked glint, and the exploration of female friendships was wonderful.
As always there is some brilliant humour and I feel sad to have got to the end, but I've ordered a hard copy as I will be re reading many times.
Milly Johnson at the top of her game and truly wonderful!

You know whenever you pick up a book by Milly Johnson you are going to get something brilliant; great story, wonderful characters and it will be one of those books you just don’t want to put down.
The Woman in the Middle is the story of Shay, a wife and mother who starts to see things as they really are. She is selfless, putting the needs of everyone else before her own and it’s putting a strain on her. An ill mother, a crumbling marriage and grown up children; Shay decides enough is enough and she needs some time for herself. As her Mother’s memory is sparked by a skip outside, Shay discovers the life she has been living is a lie and that now may be the time to start finding the missing pieces.
Shay returns to the village she grew up in, remembering old times and reconnecting with former friends and lovers. She wants to piece together all the bits and pieces and create a better picture of her past.
Milly writes with humour, although there are ups and downs, sadness as well as happiness, you often get funny little comedic moments to break the tension or drama. It wouldn’t be the same without her quick wit.

Milly Johnson is my favourite author and so far, I have never been failed by her magic with words. Her characters (probably like I imagine Milly herself) are very down to earth and are just like me or you – they are probably people that you may know.

She describes her main character, Shay Bastable as part of the sandwich generation – caring for her parents and her children and supporting her husband Bruce and holding them altogether. The slight issue we come to realise though – just who is holding Shay together?

Shay is a wonderful character who gives her all to the people that she loves which leaves very little time for herself. Sadly her mum Roberta has dementia and is struggling with her new neighbours who are intent on rebuilding the house next door. When a skip arrives on the drive of next door, it sets off memories with Roberta and a chain of events that makes Shay realise that she maybe doesn’t know her family as well as she thought she did.

Throughout the story, we learn about Shay’s childhood with her parents, her resentful sister and an event in Shay’s life has left her scarred and made her family leave their comfortable village life abruptly. Although this may sound like it is all doom and gloom – it really isn’t! It is a positive, heartwarming and upbeat story that makes you realise it isn’t too late to find that spark and above all, it isn’t selfish to take time away from the everyday hustle and bustle of life!

Milly Johnson just seems to get better with every book she writes and manages to make you feel emotions that you maybe didn’t realise that you had – probably much like Shay herself.

I absolutely adored The Woman in the Middle and can’t praise it enough as it was an absolute joy to read!

Milly Johnson is one of my very favourite authors and I wasn't disappointed with The Woman in the Middle.

Wonderful characters and set in Milly's style which I always sink into like a cosy blanket.

Many women will be able to relate to Shay - and to being that filling in the middle of a sandwich.

Give yourself a treat and settle into this lovely book today! You won't regret it.

I have read and loved every single one of Milly Johnson's books and this one got me right in the feels just like the others. Each one has played a beautifully emotive tune on my heartstrings for one reason or another, especially the teashop on the corner which had me a blubbing wreck on my husband's fiftieth. But there was just something even more special about this one, the woman in the middle could be any one of us, it might not necessarily be being in the middle of parents and kids but being in the middle of something and being pulled in different directions felt very relatable. The thing with Shay was that she was just trying to do her best in the circumstances she found herself in and she was shat on from a great height. Wife, daughter, mother and friend, Shay has lost herself in all the roles she has to play in everybody else's lives and before she finds herself again she really finds out who is on her side.

I would say Shay is now one of my favourite characters in a book, Milly has a knack of showing us how extra-ordinary seemingly ordinary women are and Shay was certainly put through the mill. Ferociously protective of her mum and her children I could really empathise with her and shared her anger and grief at what she went through. The back story that unfolded was heart-breaking and the journey Shay goes on had me cheering her on throughout, sometimes out loud.

I really loved this story about a lovely lady who's had enough and fights back, giving it everything she's got.

Thoroughly recommended to snuggle up with on a cold winter's night as it will warm you up from the inside. Emotive, raw and uplifting. This book comes with a little piece of Milly's heart inside.

I really enjoyed this. I liked the main character and seeing how she dealt with all the rubbish thrown at her. My first book by Milly and definitely not my last

This wonderful novel resonated with me so strongly, it was almost uncomfortable for me reading it to start with because I could identify with it so much. Shay is juggling everything in her life, quite literally, and as with any attempt to juggle metaphorically, occasionally all the balls drop at the same time.

As the plot progresses, more and more issues in Shay’s life seem insurmountable and challenge how she approaches them. The overall theme of this story is kindness, as with all of Milly’s novels and the ensuing warmth will make you smile and find humour in the happier moments, whilst also empathising with the more poignant issues.

Shay is the glue that holds her family together, but she always puts others first, rather than looking after herself. Torn between being needed by her parents and her adult children, who all rely on her for various reasons, she feels the pressure as the filling in a sandwich that is squeezing her from all sides. Once she gives herself permission to put herself first, by heading back to her childhood and the darkness she has been burdened by, she is able to move forward and resolve her other issues one by one.

I loved the characters in the book, with the exception of a couple, but the one I warmed to the most was Dagmara, a kick-ass pensioner with endless wisdom, warmth and humour, and just the person Shay needed to be on her side. Everyone needs a Dagmara!

This was such a relatable story in which kindness and honesty triumph, and where putting yourself first at least some of the time is actually the right thing to do.

Wow! Milly has packed so much into this book.

Shay is in the middle of it all. She cares for her Mother and her children even though they are now grown up and she cares for everyone else too. Unfortunately for Shay this isn't reciprocated by all of those people. I was incensed so many times by the way she was treated both in the present and the past.

The scenes with Shay's Mother were so reminiscent of many a conversation I have had over the years. How much of what Roberta says is true and how much is romancing or a confusion between real life and a TV programme or a film. Shay is about to find out and then some.

I'm sure there will be someone in this book you can relate to. Milly has it spot on with down to earth and realistic characters. There are a few vile characters. They are penned so well that I was ready to take them down myself. I had a few cheers as karma caught up with them.

The book has so many levels to it and such a well woven plot. I think this might be Milly's best book, it's certainly on a whole new level. Every word, gesture, character is so true to life I forgot I was reading a story.