A beautifully uplifting short read that proves a powerful story doesn’t need many pages to stay with you.
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- Category : Romantic Fiction
- ASIN : B0GGTFJTX5
- Publisher : Amazon Original Stories
- Publication date : 1 May 2026
- Language : English
- File size : 5.6 MB
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For a decade, Tam has quietly held YorkMart together whilst others took the credit, making herself smaller in the process. When she’s briefly promoted to acting Managing Director, she finally has a chance to shine—until her promotion is snatched away and handed to Jack Cesaroni—the man brought in to do the job that should have been hers.
Tam expects nothing but disappointment from Jack. But when they’re trapped in a lift between floors thirteen and fourteen, he sees what no one else has: Tam is exceptional. That single word of recognition sparks something Tam thought she’d lost—and an unexpected connection she never saw coming.
Now Tam faces an impossible choice: stay being the smaller version of herself she’s become used to, or take a leap and reclaim the vibrant, authentic woman she once was—and discover how wonderful it could be if she lets someone see the real her…
Lift Me Up Review
If you think novellas or short stories leave a lot to be desired, Lift Me Up by Milly Johnson will completely change your mind.
Tam really doesn’t fit with the family around her. The expectations placed on her (both from them and her soon-to-be in-laws) are miles away from who she really is. It takes the reappearance of an old Uni friend to help her look beneath the surface to her own wants and needs … and one word from Jack to start believing in herself.
The format works beautifully. The lift becomes the perfect setting for us to get to know both Tam and Jack, while dinner at her parents’ house reveals the not-so-subtle dynamics that shape her world … and affect those around her, including her brother’s partner. In contrast, Tam truly shines at work, and I loved seeing her blossom in a space where she can truly be herself.
I loved that this isn’t a will-they-won’t-they romance. The focus stays on Tam, with the romance unfolding later in a way that feels genuine and uplifting.
Short stories are famously difficult to write well, but this ‘slice’ of Milly Johnson’s storytelling is spot on. There’s no sense of anything missing compared to her full-length novels. The characters you quickly connect with, the relatable issues, and that signature warmth are all here—just with less characters.
I was completely drawn in and fully invested in Tam. I felt everything (despair, frustration, and, of course, that uplifting spark of joy). I cheered, I groaned, and by the end, I felt lighter. It really is the perfect tonic.
Browse all my Milly Johnson book reviews on Goodreads.
Author Info
Milly Johnson was born, raised and still lives in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. A Sunday Times bestseller, she is one of the Top 10 Female Fiction authors in the UK, and has sold millions of copies of her books sold across the world.
Milly’s writing highlights the importance of community spirit and the magic of kindness. Her books inspire and uplift but she packs a punch and never shies away from the hard realities of life and the complexities of relationships in her stories. Her books champion women, their strength and resilience, and celebrate love, friendship and the possibility and joy of second chances and renaissances.
