Back from across the pond, I am completely inspired and in love with London! The city, the people and oh the royals! I am thrilled my first Open Book back, is to support Milly Johnson, British fiction author queen! Her latest, The Magnificent Mrs. Mayhew is out now and completely perfect for a cozy fall read ❤ See below for her fabulous responses and make sure to take a look at her back catalog 😉
via Amazon ~
Milly Johnson, the Queen of Feel-Good Fiction and The Sunday Times bestselling author, is back with a “glorious, heartfelt novel” (Rowan Coleman, New York Times bestselling author) about a woman trying to find her own place in the world, who through love, loss, and the kindness of strangers, discovers everything she needs in a village by the sea.
Behind every successful man is a woman.
Behind the fall of every successful man is usually another woman.
Sophie Mayhew seems to have the perfect life. The glamourous wife of a rising political star who is one step away from the highest position in the government, she matches her husband in looks, pedigree, and money. But he has made some stupid mistakes on his way to the top, and some of those mistakes are just now threatening to emerge. Still, this can all be swept under the rug so long as Sophie the Trophy plays her part in front of the cameras. But the words that tumble out of Sophie’s mouth one morning on the doorstep of their country house are not the words the spin doctors drilled into her head.
Bursting out of the restrictive mold that has been tightening around her since birth, Sophie flees to a small village on the coast, a safe haven from her childhood days, where she intends to be alone. But once there, she finds a community that warms her soul and makes her feel as if she is breathing properly for the first time in her life. Sophie knows she won’t be left in peace for long, though, so she must decide: where does her real future lie?
What three celebrities/authors/figures- living or dead, would you want to have a bookclub with?
Stephen King, Catherine Cookson and Henry Viii. There’s a mixed bunch for you. I think we’d all have a hoot and some really interesting discussions
Current binge series?
The Staircase.
Last favorite book?
Exquisite by Sarah Stovell. I couldn’t put it down. It’s the story of obsessive lust.
What 3 things to you pack in your bag for your dream vacation? Where is it?
I love cruising in the Mediterranean so much. That way I get to see a lot of places in two weeks and not just one destination. I’m particularly fond of the Greek Islands so… a book to read in the sunshine. A red lipstick that doesn’t wear off so I can look glamorous at all times and a dress that is loose fitting – you can’t have anything tight fitting when you’re on a cruise – the food is too hard to resist.
Sunday NYT or US Weekly?
US Weekly!
Last person you sent a text message to?
My son, who is on holiday with his friends. Just to check in that he’s okay.
Book you read that you wished you wrote?
Bridget Jones’ diary.
Do you have a teacher who encouraged you to become a writer?
I had an amazing English teacher at college who made me love writers I hadn’t really understood that much like Jane Austen. I didn’t really tell anyone that I wanted to write books then, I didn’t have the confidence I’d be able to do it, but I wish I had told her because she would have encouraged me, I absolutely know it. She was fantastic.
Do you listen to music while you write? If so, who?
I need complete silence when I write. I even wear noise cancelling headphones when there is no one else in the house.
Describe your writing space?
It’s a large office with a very old massive desk with lots of drawers in it. I have wooden shelves full of books all around the room and a rocking chair where one of my cats likes to sleep. The other one sits on top of the printer. I have things that look like books but aren’t books everywhere – like a coffee table and storage boxes, old tins – my partner, who is an antiques dealer, finds them for me.
Coffee or tea?
Coffee. Strong with a dash of milk.
Do you have a favorite book that you gift?
Yes it’s called ‘The Tent, the Bucket and Me’ by Emma Kennedy. It’s one of the funniest books I’ve ever read.
Book that you wished they would make a movie out of?
Mine – Here Come the Girls – it’s about a group of friends who go on a cruise together.
If you could have one song as the theme song of your life what would it be and why?
Here Comes the Sun by the Beatles. It was written on a sunny day and fills me with the feeling that however bad life is, the sunshine is still there behind the clouds. That’s me – hopeful!
What/Who inspires you?
Barbara Taylor-Bradford, a woman from Yorkshire who set the world alight with her stories. I met her a couple of years ago and she was so wise and glamorous and funny. She made her dream of becoming an author reality – and how!
Bravo reality TV- yes or no?
Not for me
Favorite Instagram account?
@auntyacidofficial
If you could name just one lipstick after a book, what would you call it and what shade would it be?
Deep, beautiful red and I’d call it ‘Rebecca’
Current #TBR pile?
Saving lots of books for my holidays. I love crime and psychological thrillers: I have Mark Billingham’s ‘Their Little Secret’ at the top and an advance copy of Nicci French’s ‘The Lying Room’ – I’m lucky because as authors we get a lot of free books.
Best advice you’ve ever received?
‘There is no pot of gold in a comfort zone.’ Sometimes you just need to be brave, feel the fear and go for it.
Follow Milly:
blissbeautyandbeyond.wordpress.com 