Book Review - The Corner Shop on Foxmore Green by Lilac Mills

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Title: The Corner Shop on Foxmore Green

Author: Lilac Mills

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Canelo Romance

Publication Date: 19th January 2023

Rating: 4 Stars

Can a new shop change the village’s future – and Rowena’s?

Single mum Rowena is always looking for ways for her and Nia, her four-year-old daughter, to live more sustainably. So when she visits a zero-waste shop in Cardiff, she’s inspired to start one up in her home village of Foxmore, where local businesses and artisan shops are a core part of the community.

For Huw, it’s love at first sight when he bumps into Rowena the day he moves to Foxmore. But a series of misunderstandings keeps the two from getting closer, and now a conflict of interest over Rowena’s shop might put a stop to any fledgling romance…

When a figure from Rowena’s past makes a surprise appearance, both her shop and her relationship with Huw are suddenly under threat. Can Rowena still realise her corner shop dreams and find love?

A gorgeously fun and feel-good cosy romance, perfect for fans of Sue Moorcroft, Holly Martin and Suzanne Snow.

There is something about Lilac Mills' writing that is so comforting and warm to read, while also more recently clearly having a message about saving the planet - although with each book that larger topic is dealt with in completely different ways. 

For Rowena is utterly fed up with thee amount of single use plastic that is in all of the shops in Foxmore, and with Nia, her fabulous four year old daughter now at school age she is starting to wonder whether she could get another job, that will fulfill her more than what she is currently doing part time. 

And after encountering one in nearby Cardiff, she realises that what Foxmore really needs is a Zero Waste shop.  With best friend Betsan, they attempt to make it a reality but nothing at all is smooth sailing. 

Add in a handsome stranger that has just moved into the village, a series of hilarious misunderstandings later, and some potential romance, and you have many elements that make up a truly engaging book. 

There are things referenced in the blurb for this book which don't happen until the last perhaps 25% or so, which surprised me as if I mentioned them in a review, then I would be accused of spoilers! 

For me Nia was the star of this book, she was simply fabulous, and often had me giggling.  I do love the things children come out with! 

And the whole idea of a zero waste shop is certainly a good one, and if I lived within walking distance of such a shop I might be tempted to use one myself.  They are a concept I wasn't overly familiar with before reading this but now understand a whole lot more. 

A really pleasurable read that left me looking forward to the next book in the series. 

Thank you to Canelo and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.