I’m delighted to be sharing my thoughts about Together, Again by Milly Johnson.
Together, Again by Milly Johnson is out 3rd March, published by Simon & Schuster in paperback, priced £8.99.
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- Publisher : Simon & Schuster UK (2 Mar. 2023)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 384 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1471199061
- ISBN-13 : 978-1471199066
Sisters Jolene, Marsha and Annis have convened at their beautiful family home, Fox House, following the death of their mother, the tricky Eleanor Vamplew. Born seven years apart, the women are more strangers than sisters.
Jolene, the eldest, is a successful romantic novelist who writes about beautiful relationships even though her own marriage to the handsome and charming Warren is complicated.
Marsha, the neglected middle child, has put all of her energy into her work, hoping money will plug the gap in her life left by the man who broke her young heart.
Annis is the renegade, who left home aged sixteen and never returned, not even for the death of their beloved father Julian. Until now.
So when the sisters discover that their mother has left everything to Annis in her will, it undermines everything they thought they knew. Can saying their final goodbyes to Eleanor bring them together again?
Together, Again is the story of truths uncovered and lies exposed, of secrets told – and kept. It is a novel about sister helping sister to heal from childhood scars and finding in each other support, forgiveness, courage and love.
Book Review
I’ve always loved Milly Johnson’s writing but Together, Again takes it to a whole new level (in my opinion!).
There is so much emotional depth in this story, tackling issues that change lives … and not just for one sister. All three siblings have made choices as a result of their experiences growing up in a home that is dysfunctional, that take away their power and leave them broken in some way.
All three have a narration that lets us in and get to know them better. Eleanor’s narration is through a letter. I’m not judging parents on the autistic spectrum or with different needs, but I have seen how parenting skills effect their children. It’s really hard to work with a parent who sees and experiences the world differently. And for this reason, I did feel compassion towards Eleanor. I didn’t see much love or care from her mother either …
As Jolene, Marsha and Annis pack up Fox House, their understanding of each other gets deeper. I loved their developing friendship. So strong together (loved the scene at the pub!). I also loved their healthy developing relationships with others. That opening up and trusting despite the fear was so special.
The quote below really struck me. It says so much about how problems/issues can impact on us doesn’t it!
Time to unhook it from her heel and shrug it off for good.
The sisters aren’t the only ones to experience a change. Sally (Eleanor’s friend) is a key character. One incident had such an impact on her life. I cheered for her change of heart. And the changes she was starting to make in her life.
Not all secrets are revealed to everyone. And that’s how it should be. Totally understood the reasoning behind this. And loved that one of the sister’s could confide in someone who was a kind and caring soul.
So many emotions for me reading Together, Again. It’s not all doom and gloom though! As with all Milly Johnson’s stories, her characters find where they belong and we watch them go off on the start of their new paths.
Together, Again will draw you in and tangle you up before wrapping you in contentment and knowing that all is as it should be.
Highly recommended!
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 with millions of copies of her books sold across the world, Milly’s star continues to rise. Milly was chosen as one of the authors for The Reading Agency’s Quick Reads 2020 campaign. Together, Again is her twentieth novel. Milly writes from the heart about what and where she knows and highlights the importance of community spirit. Her books champion women, their strength and resilience, and celebrate love, friendship and the possibility of second chances. She is an exceptional writer who puts her heart and soul into every book she writes and every character she creates.