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

I was honestly blown away by this book. It's quintessential middle grade fantasy and so well-written!! This is the exact type of "adventure to save the day" that we all know and love from our childhoods and I'm so glad that we get a fresh new look on it with these well-rounded characters and magnificent world. I'm a huge fan of fairy tales and this was everything I could have wanted in one. It's a new favorite for sure and one I'll be recommending to other fantasy/fair tale lovers.

This was a lovely little middle grade novel about filling the world with light, about growing up slowly and not being afraid, and about found family.

I think that kids who love nature and adventure and magical libraries would love this book!

It was slow moving, but the pace was steady. Even the more intense moments had a gentle pace and a sense of waiting, rather than anxious motion.

While I felt that some of the plot points were underdeveloped and some of the characters were lacking, this was still a lovely little story.

Peaceful. Kind. Gentle.

I received an arc via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

Loved this. A delightful middle grade. Solid plot. Strong character development. Couldn’t put it down. Would make an excellent read aloud.

I really enjoyed this lovely book by Millie Florence. The plot was exciting, and the twists near the end were surprising and satisfying. The themes of light and darkness, coming of age, and finding one's purpose were portrayed in a lyrical fashion that will entrance young readers but still offer depth to older children and teens. The artistic renderings on the chapter headings were lovely, and the Latin that was woven throughout the book was fun to translate. Looking forward to reading it with my children!
(I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

This was such a fun and sweet yet complex story. Very strong captivating characters full of personality. The setting is a very beautiful place, somewhere I would love to visit and the description made it feel very much like I was there. I loved the dark and light themes and truly it was a great story, very well written! Hoping for a sequel because I want to know more!!

I enjoyed this book and the world Millie Florence created in it immensely, and so my stars are four rather than five because I wanted more. I wanted to spend more time in the town, in the Library, and I wanted to get to know some of the side characters better. But I loved Lydia's quest, and her struggle with the Darkness gives readers a lot to think about.

Perhaps Florence will write a sequel, where we get to hear more of Prenha's story. I will definitely read it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I have already pre-ordered another copy.

What a lovely middle grade novel! Beyond Mulberry Glen is a middle grade novel with a protagonist readers will love and relate to. This cozy story follows Lydia, a girl who must test her strength, wits, and character while rescuing her friends, twins Zale and Zamilla.

The half imp-half human twins go missing after hearing about a Darkness that has swallowed a forest and is creeping into minds, consuming entire communities. Little do they know that Lydia knows first hand about the feelings of the Darkness. When the twins secretly leave to find the cure for the Darkness, Lydia leaves her cosy tree house home to rescue them.
Full of herbs, teas, and all things cosy nature, this fantasy follows Lydia and the cast of characters she meets along the way, on her adventure through towns and forests.

Will they stop the Darkness? Can she find Sale and Zamilla before it's too late?
----

I love the atmospheric tone of this book. Readers will be engulfed by the world Florence has crafted with its nature-themed, cosy, bookish setting.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

Beyond Mulberry Glen is a story of moving bookshelves, herbs, and friendship with a little bit of Latin sprinkled in for good measure. This story has a theme of light woven throughout and reminds the reader that even in the darkest of dark, hope can be found in the light. This book is perfect for readers who love mystery, adventure, and excitement! I recommend it for ages 10 and above. My children said it was one of their new favorite books which is saying a lot as we are constantly reading fabulous books that are well loved. I received a complimentary copy of this book and all opinions expressed in this review are my own. I hope you will grab a copy of this book and sit down with a cup of herbal tea and enjoy!

3.5 stars

This is my first time reading a book by Millie Florence, I was attracted to it because of that cover.

Lydia is a girl who does not like change. She’s quite content with her home in Mulberry Glen where she feels secure. After hearing about a Darkness in a forest a couple days journey, 2 of her friends set out to discover what is actually going on and try to stop it from spreading. Lydia embarks there herself to stop them.

This is quite a journey for Lydia, she meets new people, had a few adventures of her own and learned more about this Darkness. There is some great metaphors here that are relevant today and easily seen.

Beyond Mulberry Glen is a coming-of-age story, it's about friendships both old and new. It's an adventure story that was fun with some great life lessons.

You can find Beyond Mulberry Glen on bookshelves Jan 7th.

My thanks to Waxwing Books for a digital arc in exchange for a honest review.

This book was a joy to read- I couldn't put it down! Millie uses beautiful language and vivid scenes and characters. I was really able to enter Lydia's world! I love the latin that is sprinkled throughout. I also love how the story parallels the gospel through the description of the darkness and the light. Thank you Millie for creating a delightful and lovely story. I'm excited for my children to read this as well!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

"Grow towards the light." This a fantastical, delightful tale of a girl's struggle to not let the darkness in the world around her overwhelm her spirit. A fantasy adventure with a message that is particularly apt for this generation. I enjoyed the journey with Lydia as she faces her fears and discovers kindred spirits along the way. The story has alot of heart and a warmth that shines through to the last chapter. I am looking forward to reading more by this author!

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

I had high hopes for Beyond Mulberry Glen after enjoying The Balter of Ashton Harper, but this one fell flat for me. The pacing felt rushed, with short sentences and minimal character development, making it difficult to connect with the story. A bit more time spent developing the characters would have helped me feel more invested in both the journey and the conclusion.

Overall, this was a cute fairytale-like story with a nice message. I did find it rather simple in certain places and the usage of Latin felt a bit forced. But other than that, it was a fun light vs dark story with good pacing.

What a sweet read! Heartwarming, whimsical and fun! It had lovable characters, adventure and a great message. Loved this one!

I believe Millie Florence is an up-and-coming author to keep your eye on.
I was first introduced to Millie Florence's writing when I read her book Honey Butter, which she wrote at age 13. I was so intrigued by the story-writing skills and depth of perspective she had at only 13, I was excited to read her most recent book, Beyond Mulberry Glen.
Beyond Mulberry Glen was an easy, page-turning read. The main character, Lydia, was relatable and well-developed.
Florence weaves in some very thought-provoking themes. I believe this book would lend itself well to discussion.

My main critique would be that I found Florence's resolution to the problem of Tenebrae to be an intriguing attempt at profundity and Biblical/spiritual analogy but still a bit lacking in clarity and underlying theology (and therefore lacking in the impact it could have had). I chalk it up to simply a need for continued growth, experience, and an ever-deepening understanding of Scripture.
I know I will continue to follow her work, as I have high hopes that she will only increase in her ability to expertly weave Truth into captivating stories.

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

It has been a long time since I enjoyed a book this much. I read it, then finished, and then read it a second time. There is so much truth in this fantasy story for all ages. “Change is not a gate we pass through; it is the definition of life.” This is the book for those that face the darkness every single day. It is a book for those that get in the trenches to fight back the darkness for those we love. I am thankful for the hope and light this book brings. It did not disappoint. I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book and all opinions are my own.

5 stars. This was my second time reading Millie Florence and I had high hopes which were not disappointed. The cost autumnal feels were immaculate and I adored the woodsy living! It was so fairycore/little-forest-people-core, like those delightful squirrel and mouse home illustrations we all love. I also LOVED the Latin, and Lydia, and the Zs, and basically every character; and the plot was intriguing, but not too intense. Most of all, the writing was just absolutely EXQUISITE. I've rarely seen anything so beautiful. I couldn't believe how wonderful and beautiful it was. And finally, I really appreciated the portrayal of depression. As someone who struggles with frequent bouts of that darkness, I was very impressed by how well done it was and how excellently it was explained.

So, why only 5 stars? This would easily have been a 7 or 8 star... except for the ending. I felt very left down and unsatisfied when I finished it! Everything was building up to a spiritual climax and I kept turning the pages expecting Jesus to show up, but he never did, and I just craved him. The best way I can explain it was that it seemed like Christless Christianity—so, so close, but not into the fullest light. There was so much more beyond! Why did we stop on the edge? The solution just wasn't compete... it wasn't enough. There's more, and it's even better; I know, because I've experienced it. <3

Don't get me wrong; it was a gorgeous, fantastic book and I highly recommend it. It would be a great tool for parents to explain depression to their children. I think it would help remove some of the shame and guilt that comes, especially when "my life isn't that bad and I have no reason to be depressed" fills your mind. I can't wait to reread this!! Definitely a new favourite.

Content: There is a fairy, but she has no magical powers, she just flies and is like a thousand years old. There's goblins and elves or whatnot, but the only difference between them and real humans is that it's mentioned casually they're "eight in human years and X many in elf years." The library is said to be magic and it's made of trees + expands + you get lost in it, but it's really an allegory for reading and its dangers.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*

I know a book must be good when at least one of the children says..that was lovely, now read it again Grandma. This happens so rarely that I immediately add the book to my to buy list. This book was read with all of the children (from 9 - 15 ) and they all took something from this tale of good versus evil. A great book to read together. ❤

This was a delightful, uplifting, middle grade novel. One of my favorite themes to discover in books is how light chases out the darkness and how there is hope, even when we can’t see it. This book illustrates that so beautifully without being too dark. It has a delightful, whimsical feel to it that I love. I also loved the family-like dynamics. The characters aren’t related by blood but they care for each other like family. The prose in this book is also beautiful and I thought the addition of Latin words and phrases to be a creative way of expressing more meaning. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this middle grade novel and I’d highly recommend. Thank you to NetGalley and Waxwing Books for the ARC!

Do you have a kid who hates change? They will understand Lydia. She loves her home in Mulberry Glen, where she lives with a philosopher, a fairy, a cook, and a pair of mischievous twins (a young boy and girl). Why would she ever want to grow up and leave this safe, cozy place?

Alas, she must. Lydia must start an apprenticeship if she wants to become an herbologist one day. (Lydia is like Jo March on the brink of going to New York.)

But before Lydia is assigned an apprenticeship, something else happens that forces her to leave even earlier than expected and not on safe, predictable terms.

There is a Darkness that's spreading from the forest of Tenebrae, and rumor has it that the only thing that can vanquish the darkness is a flower called Omni Res Mundi (Latin translation: "everything in the world").

Lydia teams up with some colorful characters to accomplish her mission and (maybe) vanquish the Darkness for good.

There is a great discussion here about what it takes to beat back "the dark." So many of us struggle with dark thoughts, depression, despair—and other people seem to be happy as clams, so why aren't we? How do you stop those dark thoughts from spreading and taking over? This is a timely topic but one that's as old as time, too.

This book offers an answer to this question, and I agree with the beautiful message. I hope that a lot of kids and young people take it to heart. It's the truth.

To parents of sensitive kids: Even though this book ventures into the darkness, it isn't dark, so approach it without fear.

As someone who isn't familiar with Latin, I hope they include a translation page somewhere in the front or back matter.

Thank you to Waxwing Books and NetGalley for an advance reader copy of this beautiful book.