The White Rose Book Cafe in Thirsk is currently celebrating it's 30 years anniversary. Spread over 2 floors and with a cafe selling tasty cakes and treats, the events programme is to be envied.

On a wet evening in March we made our way to the shop to enjoy their latest event Milly Johnson in conversation with Lucy Diamond. I had purchased a ticket that would allow me to take home the latest hardback by either author. As I currently have a book-buying problem (ahem) at the moment, I did end up with a copy of each book. (double ahem).

Read all about my To Be Read Pile 2025

The evening was great and brought back many memories of event preparation, the choice of wines (red or white) and non-alcoholic for the drivers in the audience as well as the selection of nibbles and tasty crisps. The format was one we had not used, and it was so good!

Milly and Lucy are good friends, and this was evident to see as Lucy started the conversation with well-chosen questions which provided a rare insight into a bestselling author's world. It also helped that Milly Johnson is a born comic, bringing her no-nonsense Barnsley wisdom to such topics as the menopause, making it big in Sweden, watching the Antiques Roadshow with her antiques dealer partner and how the show is now ruined forever.

We were immediately laughing. I swear I nearly snorted nosecco out of my nose when Milly spoke about 'Saint Davina' and the reality of menopause. Milly told us her latest book was almost called 'See You next Tuesday' until an editor pointed out the obvious pitfall with that.

What was most interesting was how both authors write. Both start with no plan, but an inspiration. This could have been a news event, a person they encountered or an overheard conversation which they wanted to explore further. Both explained they then just write page one, with no idea what will happen on page two. If they are really stuck, they write 'There was a knock at the door' and depending who is coming through that door will determine how the story will develop, or maybe introduce a new character.

They spoke about another author friend who has post-its dotted around her office with carefully plotted plans, quotes, dialogue and key points in the story and felt they had missed out on the buying of a range of lovely, colourful stationery.

Best of all, Milly announced that she is in the process of writing the sister book to 'I Wish it Could be Christmas Every Day' which I loved and featured on my #12booksofchristmas list.

Read my review of I Wish it Could be Christmas Every Day by Milly Johnson

The evening was excellent and it was lovely meeting them both. Next Friday, I will share more nuggets of the evening including a Swedish rivalry and creating a new book genre, and review the Lucy Diamond novel. But today's review is for Milly Johnson's Same Time Next Week.

The Plot (from the inside cover)

Everything changes, but true friendship is forever.

Amanda is primary carer to her elderly mother and one of the only women in a male-dominated company. Used to being second best all her life, is this her time to finally break ranks and shine.

Sky works at the repair shop, patching up old teddy bears, and their owners' hearts. But her own heart beats for the one man who is striclty off limits.

Mel has been a loyal and loving wife to Steve for thirty years. When he goes to his old school reunion, life as she knows it will never be the same again.

Erin is trying to get over a traumatic loss where her guilt weighs more than her grief. Will sharing an hour with strnagers once a week help her heal?

Astrid is in need of a change and a challenge. But when a fantastic opportunity presents itself, who is around to convince her she is worthy enough to take the risk?

Together can these women find acceptance, courage and support?

My Thoughts

Love takes many forms. We have no control over nor who we choose to love, as a colleague, a friend, or something much more and this is explored beautifully in Same Time Next Week.

We start with Amanda, who is main carer for her mother while her feckless brother does nothing. At work she is treated with disdain as the menopause hits hard, until a well-meaning new hire suggests she undertakes a project about menopause and it's impact for women at work. Meeting the wonderful Ray at his American style diner, she helps him with his marketing and decides to hold a friendship group for women to come along and talk about whatever is on their mind, and it is here we encounter the other characters.

Milly writes great characters that I was quickly invested in. I loved Mel, Amanda and Astrid particularly. Both had lots of heart as they navigated the various challenges in their lives. The best bit is how they come into each other's lives through friendships, working at the Repair Shop, and the Club. Best of all is the support they give each other.

And it is here that the women are raised up. Helping each other brings about courage to take on new jobs, flatmates, leave a marriage after 20 something years, and start new relationships. Don't be fooled into thinking this is a romance book, it is much more. Feel-good is the name of the game and I challenge anyone not to feel good after reading this book.

Milly also writes excellent 'bad' characters; the cheating husband, the greedy brother, the boorish work colleague. But not all the men are awful. We have the wonderful Bon, Postman Pat and of course lovely Ray, are along for the ride.

This book is a real joy, funny, enjoyable and with characters you care about. It's full of wisdom and leaves you all aglow when the last page is turned.