Another enjoyable Milly Johnson book, great characters lovely setting what's not to like. Just could not put it down. Thank you netgalley for the advanced copy

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

NOTE: This is the U.S. version of Johnson's "The Happiest Ever After" published in the U.K. last year.

So full disclosure: I am a total Milly Johnson fan. She is my favorite modern author and each of her new books is an automatic buy for me. I usually buy e-books but with Milly, I buy the hard cover because 99% of the time it is so worth it. Yes, her writing is that good so excuse me while I do a bit of gushing...

This story was SO good! I loved Polly and I loved the twisty-turny plot. I loved Marrielle, Teddy, Flick, and the rest of the supporting cast of characters. I roared with laughter at the "Daily Trumpet" typos as well as Johnson's snarky turn of phrase while describing the self-centered and selfish characters who I enjoyed hating.

There were heartwarming scenes of friends and family supporting each other, a sweet, slow burn love story, and a wonderful, satisfying HEA.

A smattering of f-bombs.

I cannot wait to read this again and also listen to the audio book.

I was drawn to this title because of the book's cover. It's gorgeous and appealing. The story is just the same. The action is believable, and the setting is perfect. I was hooked from the beginning and enjoyed how Johnson crafted each character and storyline. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

What a brilliant read! Polly is not happy. She’s undermined at work; her partner Chris takes her for granted and she’s making grand plans to leave. She just needs to get through his sisters marriage renewal wearing the most hideous dress ever. The dress arrives and the renewal isn’t quite what it seems…without spoiling that part of the plot (which was genius!), Polly immediately runs away. This is the sort of life from that point onwards and what happens when she finally returns to Chris and her old life. I loved this book.

I wasn't sure this book was for me at first - but I slowly warmed up to the characters. The gentle pace, the simple lives, and glimpses of goodness in some of the people in Polly's life made me keep turning the pages well into the night. The howlers by the local newspaper were perfect! A sweet story told with empathy and depth - it's wonderful to read about someone who's so positive, even in adversity. No similarity at all, but reminded me of Harry Potter living under the stairs, convinced this was his lot- till it all changed, and magic entered his life!

I stayed up way too late last night finishing this book. I couldn't put it down till I knew what would happen to Polly.

Poor Polly. Lives with a man that has no life in him. A job in which at one time she was much appreciated and able to grow in. This all changed with the new ownership. Now it's a not so great job that continues to use her creativity while giving the men the credit. What can a girl do but try to make a fresh start?

This book kept me guessing. I could write so much about it, but it would spoil it for those that haven't read it yet. (Hopefully other reviews don't spoil.) There are some very wow moments that kept me hanging on for more.

Milly Johnson is my favourite writer of romantic comedy so I was thrilled to get this book to review. Imagine my dismay then when by the end of the third page I knew I had read it before and not that long ago. Checking back through my reviews I discovered that I had reviewed the same book under the title "The Happiest Ever After" in March 2024.. i really hate when publishers bring out the same book under two different tiles. In the past I have spent quite a bit of money on books I'd already read. Having said that I loved the book and gave it 5 stars in my original review which can be found on this site.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book

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

I went into this expecting a fluffy, warm yet cringey romance novel. My expectations weren't high and I am so glad they weren't. This was nothing like my pre-read thoughts. This reads more like a literary fiction than a rom-com. I loved the character development of Polly. I admire her. Her journey was moving and heartfelt. This is not a contemporary novel that one will forget easily. The romance was sweet and didn't include insta-love which I hate in books.

Milly Johnson, I am gonna buy and read your other books too.

I am so sad I haven’t read more books by Milly before because this book was absolutely darling! I loved every page and just couldn’t stop thinking about it

I'd actually already read this book before —or at least its UK published version— and found myself enjoying it again!! Big thank you to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy!

Milly Johnson writes from the heart, this book is filled with moments of realisation and digs deep into the truth of happiness!
The main character is Polly, she’s overlooked in her private and work life and feels stuck and definitely not appreciated. Polly has so much to give and I found myself wanting more for her.
We follow Polly as she finally strikes out, putting herself first, the bumps along the way bring her love of writing to the fore as she discovers her true identity.. I enjoyed Polly’s journey of building her confidence and the people who make her feel special.
The setting that Polly finds herself in lets her blossom, my annoyance at those who took her for granted grew as she felt obligated to give second chances.
The "Daily Trumpet" additions gave bursts of humour to perfectly balance the seriousness of Polly’s circumstances!
I highly recommend this read.

Thank you to Harper Muse, NetGalley and the wonderful Milly Johnson for the opportunity to read and review this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

The Accidental Rewrite is a heartwarming and introspective novel about second chances, the power of storytelling, and the courage it takes to start over. Lilly Johnson crafts a narrative that is both charmingly witty and emotionally resonant, pulling readers into the world of a protagonist who finds herself rewriting more than just a manuscript—she’s rewriting her life.

The main character, a struggling author navigating personal loss and creative burnout, finds unexpected inspiration in the most unlikely of places. What follows is a beautifully layered exploration of identity, love, grief, and the messy, often humorous ways we grow. Johnson’s prose is sharp yet lyrical, and her dialogue sparkles with authenticity.

One of the book’s greatest strengths lies in its emotional honesty—how it allows its characters to be flawed, vulnerable, and real. The relationships—both romantic and platonic—feel genuine and earned, and the arc of transformation is deeply satisfying.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, doubted your purpose, or wondered whether it’s too late to chase a different version of your life, The Accidental Rewrite might just be the encouragement you need.