This book was a joy to read- I couldn't put it down! Millie uses beautiful language and vivid scenes and characters. I was really able to enter Lydia's world! I love the latin that is sprinkled throughout. I also love how the story parallels the gospel through the description of the darkness and the light. Thank you Millie for creating a delightful and lovely story. I'm excited for my children to read this as well!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

"Grow towards the light." This a fantastical, delightful tale of a girl's struggle to not let the darkness in the world around her overwhelm her spirit. A fantasy adventure with a message that is particularly apt for this generation. I enjoyed the journey with Lydia as she faces her fears and discovers kindred spirits along the way. The story has alot of heart and a warmth that shines through to the last chapter. I am looking forward to reading more by this author!

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

I had high hopes for Beyond Mulberry Glen after enjoying The Balter of Ashton Harper, but this one fell flat for me. The pacing felt rushed, with short sentences and minimal character development, making it difficult to connect with the story. A bit more time spent developing the characters would have helped me feel more invested in both the journey and the conclusion.

Overall, this was a cute fairytale-like story with a nice message. I did find it rather simple in certain places and the usage of Latin felt a bit forced. But other than that, it was a fun light vs dark story with good pacing.

What a sweet read! Heartwarming, whimsical and fun! It had lovable characters, adventure and a great message. Loved this one!

I believe Millie Florence is an up-and-coming author to keep your eye on.
I was first introduced to Millie Florence's writing when I read her book Honey Butter, which she wrote at age 13. I was so intrigued by the story-writing skills and depth of perspective she had at only 13, I was excited to read her most recent book, Beyond Mulberry Glen.
Beyond Mulberry Glen was an easy, page-turning read. The main character, Lydia, was relatable and well-developed.
Florence weaves in some very thought-provoking themes. I believe this book would lend itself well to discussion.

My main critique would be that I found Florence's resolution to the problem of Tenebrae to be an intriguing attempt at profundity and Biblical/spiritual analogy but still a bit lacking in clarity and underlying theology (and therefore lacking in the impact it could have had). I chalk it up to simply a need for continued growth, experience, and an ever-deepening understanding of Scripture.
I know I will continue to follow her work, as I have high hopes that she will only increase in her ability to expertly weave Truth into captivating stories.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

It has been a long time since I enjoyed a book this much. I read it, then finished, and then read it a second time. There is so much truth in this fantasy story for all ages. “Change is not a gate we pass through; it is the definition of life.” This is the book for those that face the darkness every single day. It is a book for those that get in the trenches to fight back the darkness for those we love. I am thankful for the hope and light this book brings. It did not disappoint. I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book and all opinions are my own.

5 stars. This was my second time reading Millie Florence and I had high hopes which were not disappointed. The cost autumnal feels were immaculate and I adored the woodsy living! It was so fairycore/little-forest-people-core, like those delightful squirrel and mouse home illustrations we all love. I also LOVED the Latin, and Lydia, and the Zs, and basically every character; and the plot was intriguing, but not too intense. Most of all, the writing was just absolutely EXQUISITE. I've rarely seen anything so beautiful. I couldn't believe how wonderful and beautiful it was. And finally, I really appreciated the portrayal of depression. As someone who struggles with frequent bouts of that darkness, I was very impressed by how well done it was and how excellently it was explained.

So, why only 5 stars? This would easily have been a 7 or 8 star... except for the ending. I felt very left down and unsatisfied when I finished it! Everything was building up to a spiritual climax and I kept turning the pages expecting Jesus to show up, but he never did, and I just craved him. The best way I can explain it was that it seemed like Christless Christianity—so, so close, but not into the fullest light. There was so much more beyond! Why did we stop on the edge? The solution just wasn't compete... it wasn't enough. There's more, and it's even better; I know, because I've experienced it. <3

Don't get me wrong; it was a gorgeous, fantastic book and I highly recommend it. It would be a great tool for parents to explain depression to their children. I think it would help remove some of the shame and guilt that comes, especially when "my life isn't that bad and I have no reason to be depressed" fills your mind. I can't wait to reread this!! Definitely a new favourite.

Content: There is a fairy, but she has no magical powers, she just flies and is like a thousand years old. There's goblins and elves or whatnot, but the only difference between them and real humans is that it's mentioned casually they're "eight in human years and X many in elf years." The library is said to be magic and it's made of trees + expands + you get lost in it, but it's really an allegory for reading and its dangers.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*

I know a book must be good when at least one of the children says..that was lovely, now read it again Grandma. This happens so rarely that I immediately add the book to my to buy list. This book was read with all of the children (from 9 - 15 ) and they all took something from this tale of good versus evil. A great book to read together. ❤

This was a delightful, uplifting, middle grade novel. One of my favorite themes to discover in books is how light chases out the darkness and how there is hope, even when we can’t see it. This book illustrates that so beautifully without being too dark. It has a delightful, whimsical feel to it that I love. I also loved the family-like dynamics. The characters aren’t related by blood but they care for each other like family. The prose in this book is also beautiful and I thought the addition of Latin words and phrases to be a creative way of expressing more meaning. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this middle grade novel and I’d highly recommend. Thank you to NetGalley and Waxwing Books for the ARC!

Do you have a kid who hates change? They will understand Lydia. She loves her home in Mulberry Glen, where she lives with a philosopher, a fairy, a cook, and a pair of mischievous twins (a young boy and girl). Why would she ever want to grow up and leave this safe, cozy place?

Alas, she must. Lydia must start an apprenticeship if she wants to become an herbologist one day. (Lydia is like Jo March on the brink of going to New York.)

But before Lydia is assigned an apprenticeship, something else happens that forces her to leave even earlier than expected and not on safe, predictable terms.

There is a Darkness that's spreading from the forest of Tenebrae, and rumor has it that the only thing that can vanquish the darkness is a flower called Omni Res Mundi (Latin translation: "everything in the world").

Lydia teams up with some colorful characters to accomplish her mission and (maybe) vanquish the Darkness for good.

There is a great discussion here about what it takes to beat back "the dark." So many of us struggle with dark thoughts, depression, despair—and other people seem to be happy as clams, so why aren't we? How do you stop those dark thoughts from spreading and taking over? This is a timely topic but one that's as old as time, too.

This book offers an answer to this question, and I agree with the beautiful message. I hope that a lot of kids and young people take it to heart. It's the truth.

To parents of sensitive kids: Even though this book ventures into the darkness, it isn't dark, so approach it without fear.

As someone who isn't familiar with Latin, I hope they include a translation page somewhere in the front or back matter.

Thank you to Waxwing Books and NetGalley for an advance reader copy of this beautiful book.

I really like all of the books written by Millie Florence they were really good.
she also wrote honey butter, lydia green of mylberry green.

4.5 ★ - (loved it, favorite!)

Spectacular!! This is one of the best pieces of middle grade fiction I've picked up in recent years and the first book I've read by the author. To say I'm impressed would be an understatement! Great worldbuilding (it was all so fascinating and prettyyy), heartfelt characters, a bit of Lord of the Rings vibes, subtle biblical themes... the prose?!! And the very best of autumnal feels!!! All of this along with the Latin (which was a really cool twist) and the herbology references (like arnica oil) which I understood somewhat as my mom is into homeopathy, made this super fun to read. There are sooo many favorite quotes tucked in this one little book, too many to fit them all in a review I'm afraid, but I may add some near release day ;)

And oh, the characters!!! Bravest Lydia, golden-retriever Livy, sharp Prehna, quiet Coran, kind Mrs. Castra, hilarious Quill, sweetest Terra, wise Pit— so many favorites! And I also liked the philosopher and the Z's though their antics got way out of hand, haha!

The second-guessing of characters and some of the twists at the end kept me on my toes; I didn't see some of the things coming even, which I don't often find in a middle grade. And I teared up over Coran recounting to Lydia that he was reunited as well as over Terra listening to Lydia confide in her ahhhh.

Which brings me to another point, the Darkness plot(?) was not only interesting but rather relatable. A lot of it reminded me of some of the things I've struggled with personally in my thoughts so I really connected with that, particularly in Lydia and Terra. It's a really good depiction of the battle of the mind and that, though things may sometimes resurface a little, it doesn't have to control you when you have the Light. And I should add, some of the Darkness bits may be a bit scary for some younger readers so I'd recommend reading some of the other reviews and the content warnings below first :)

I think there could have been a tad more buildup/picking-up-of-the-pace before the climax as the adventure meandered most of the story (which I really enjoyed) until it suddenly hit the summit, which actually the surprise works too, though my initial thought was it could have been a little more nuanced(?)... anywho. I do wish my eARC had included the illustrations mentioned! I know they must be gorgeous telling from the cover, the map, and the illustrator's other work which I discovered earlier this year.

That 'twas a lot of rambling ahahah but I suppose it shows how much I enjoyed this book! So. In conclusion? A charming fairytale destined to delight readers of all ages, this is one I'll be adding to my shelves!


CWs, or things that caught my attention: mentions/descriptions of nightmares, darkness taking over minds (sometimes seems like depression?), short descriptions of creepy beasts, lying, running away, "Oh, chamomile!" is used several times and a couple of variations elsewhere, eavesdropping, getting lost... I believe that was it?

What an absolutely cozy, and adventurous journey this story takes you on! I Loved the cozy vibes of Mulberry Glen, Millie's adventure that takes her out of her comfort zone to discover how beyond those comforts, there is so much joy, truth, and beauty to be found! A beautiful story that I highly recommend to young readers (3rd-6th grades), or a family read aloud!

What worked:
Lydia’s “family” is comprised of unrelated characters who share a deep affection for each other. The Z twins are mischievous characters, part elf and part human, who enjoy playing pranks on others and making boisterous entrances when they choose to appear. Their impulsiveness creates a conflict for Lydia that becomes the plot’s focus. Lydia loves her life in Mulberry Glen and she wants nothing to change. However, she’s at an age where she’s expected to apply for a mentorship but no one in Mulberry Glen shares her interest in herbs and plants. The Z twins’ poor judgment forces Lydia to leave home and she discovers the light and darkness beyond Mulberry Glen.
The Darkness is a legendary danger that’s already taken over a section of the forest called Tenebrae. No one who has entered Tenebrae has ever been seen again and Lydia fears its influence may be spreading. The Z twins notice her concerns and decide they’re going to enter the forest and stop the Darkness once and for all. The Darkness has relevance to readers as it represents despair and loss of hope. It slowly seeps into people’s minds until their depression leads to their demise. Lydia doesn’t know what eventually happens to those affected by the Darkness so readers are left to imagine the possibilities.
The author includes a couple of subplots to enhance Lydia’s search for the twins. She’s joined by a girl named Prehna who’s also looking for a mentoring partner. She doesn’t know what she wants to do but she offers to help Lydia while she’s figuring it out. They’re also joined by a boy named Coran who’s lost his parents to the Darkness. He’s unhappy with his current mentorship but Coran’s brother presents a more interesting story. Cole is a Ranger and he’s willing to do almost anything to save their parents from the Darkness. However, readers will be concerned when they learn Cole’s been secretly researching questionable, more mysterious aspects of the Darkness.
What didn’t work as well:
Lydia has Latin lessons every day and some other characters speak it too. The meanings of the words and phrases are easy to follow but it seems strange to use Latin as the language. It’s similar to authors using Spanish or French but Latin isn’t a language commonly spoken anymore. The conclusion to the plot is satisfying but the build-up to the climax might have been developed more.
The final verdict:
This creative story is entertaining with a powerful message of hope and positivity. The author leads readers through dark times and challenges to love and caring at the end. I recommend you give this book a shot.

This middle grade story was so so whimsical and sweet and fun. It tackles the anxieties around growing up which I think is something we can all relate to. Perfect for middle grade readers who like a cozy adventure story!

Thank you NetGalley and Waxwing Books for providing this free, Advanced E-Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 4 Stars.

This is a very charming middle-grade story for fans of light, fantastical worlds with colorful writing, lovable characters, and a very Alice-in-Wonderland-esque tone.

Lydia Green is an eleven-year-old girl residing in Mulberry Glen, a quaint and peaceful forest home, along with her mismatched family: a guardian fairy, a philosopher, a friend with a passion for cooking, and two trouble-making half-imps known as the Z’s.

Her own passion is one for herbs and medicine, but Lydia is afraid of growing up, moving away from the glen and becoming an apprentice to a trade, as all young children of her age do. But when news of a spreading darkness, having taken physical form in a shrouded forest known as Tenebrae—and finding residence within Lydia's own fretting mind—the Z’s take off on a foolish quest to stop it themselves. Now, Lydia sets out to save them, and with new friends at her side, she must learn to overcome her own darkness, or be Taken like so many others.

I absolutely loved this story. Something about the simplicity really spoke to me, as it's set in a mythical world without too much emphasis on magic or complicated world-building. It's a very short novel, and the story is a fairly straightforward tale of adventure. The writing is gorgeous, filled with a perfect balance of whimsy and sustenance, while the antagonist, a “darkness” both physical and symbolic, speaks to younger and older crowds. Overall, it has a profound theme about growing up and the anxieties that come with it, anxieties that hang around for the rest of our lives, and we have to keep looking for hope.

The weak point for me was the falling action, as the finale, though incredible and heart-warming in itself, came too abruptly. And in the resolution, I would've liked to see more closure and development in the characters that joined Lydia on her quest, instead of the sort of summarized happy ending that was provided.

This was an incredible read, and one I'd recommend to crowds young and old. It fits the category of wholesome bedtime story as well, and I could see this being a favorite of mine when I was much younger.

*3.5 stars

This was a short, simple, cute story with sweet characters, child-like whimsical prose, and themes that inspire hope and love. I think it would be good for any kid who loves a Light vs. Darkness story with a bit of a fairytale feel.