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Julia Blake
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Becoming Lili (The Perennials Trilogy Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Julia Blake (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 out of 5 stars 35 ratings

The magnificent opening to the epic Perennials Trilogy, Becoming Lili is a rollercoaster read of love, loss, and found family

It begins with an ugly duckling girl. Bullied viciously at school and unloved at home, Phyllis is a lonely teenager longing for so much more from life. Suddenly, a tragic loss and a random encounter with a stranger offer her the opportunity to have it all - if only she dares to change, to grasp the chance with both hands.

Never has an ugly duckling turned into such a beautiful swan

In the years that follow, others join her on her journey to Becoming Lili. Then Lili meets Jake and realises that sometimes the one thing you want, is the one thing you can't have.

Becoming Lili is a heart-warming tale of love, aspiration, and friendship set against the backdrop of the vibrant '90s, with a cast of unforgettable characters you will fall in love with.

"Beautifully written and brimming with friendship, love, and lavish parties, Becoming Lili is a blessing for those who like to delve deep into a book."

Becky Wright - author of Remember to Love Me

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  1. Book 1 of 3
    The Perennials Trilogy
  2. Print length
    441 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    May 13, 2017
  6. File size
    4.2 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 3 books in this series.
This option includes 3 books.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07167WWH8
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Sele Books
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 13, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.2 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 441 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 3 ‏ : ‎ The Perennials Trilogy
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 35 ratings

About the author

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Julia Blake

Julia Blake

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Julia Blake lives in the beautiful historic town of Bury St Edmunds in the very East of England. A multi-genre author, her impressive list of published novels goes from Contemporary Drama to Romantic Suspense, Fairytale Retelling, Folklore Fantasy, Narnia Inspired Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Short Stories and even Poetry. So there really is something to suit everyone.

Filled with relatable, three-dimensional characters, her books are warm and engaging - guaranteed page-turners from beginning to end.

Julia is also a popular figure on social media, and her blog - A Little Bit of Blake - is a weekly friendly chat about Julia's quirky take on everyday life.

Julia Blake can be found at:

www.juliablakeauthor.co.uk

Instagram - @juliablakeauthor

Facebook - Julia Blake

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
35 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book heartwarming and inspiring, with interesting twists and turns throughout the narrative. The characters are well-developed, and one customer describes them as the best loved female characters in modern literature. They appreciate the book's depth and beauty, with one review noting it reads like a sweeping epic saga.

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EnjoymentHeartwarming storyStory qualityCharacter developmentBeauty
8 customers mention "Enjoyment"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable, with one describing it as a sweeping epic saga that reads like a soap opera becoming literature.

"...Becoming Lili is a phenomenal book...." Read more

"...And the best part is, this fabulous world continues in its sequel, Chaining Daisy. I can’t wait to fall into it for many, many months!" Read more

"...These books are so enjoyable; like soap opera becoming literature! They have the drama, but it is so classy, you will drink in every word...." Read more

"Becoming Lili is a well woven tale. It begins with a girl who lives in an unloving home. At school she is bullied...." Read more

8 customers mention "Heartwarming story"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the story heartwarming and inspiring, with one customer describing it as a found family narrative, while another highlights its themes of hope and friendship.

"...hers is jam packed full of everything; friendship, fear, uncertainty, dismay, disappointment, acceptance, growth, trust and love...." Read more

"...It is a truly mind-blowing psychological portrait of a family that sets this story in motion...." Read more

"Becoming Lili is a beautiful story about love, about friendship and loyalty, and about hope...." Read more

"...A heartwarming read of found family set in 1990s London and the surrounding countryside that becomes very spicy about seventy-five percent into the..." Read more

7 customers mention "Story quality"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story's twists and turns, with one customer describing it as a modern Austen-esque exploration of life.

"...I love Conrad Stevens! What a whirlwind and a breath of fresh air at the same time!..." Read more

"...reaching its inevitable end, but what an ending it was, full of unexpected twists and stirring moments that will stay with you long after you close..." Read more

"...There are some interesting twists and turns along the way and a surprising gesture of love at the end. I truly loved the story...." Read more

"Becoming Lili is a beautiful story about love, about friendship and loyalty, and about hope...." Read more

6 customers mention "Character development"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with several noting the well-described characters, and one describing them as the best loved female characters in modern literature.

"...All of these secondary characters are rich, colorful and memorable but one stands out. I love Conrad Stevens!..." Read more

"...Lili: I believe Lili will go down as one of the best loved female characters in modern literature...." Read more

"...I truly loved the story. Julia Blake is very talented at building the characters and their surroundings giving the story much depth." Read more

"...This is a testament to Blake’s ability to create multifaceted characters that feel real...." Read more

4 customers mention "Beauty"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book beautiful, with one describing it as colorful.

"...All of these secondary characters are rich, colorful and memorable but one stands out. I love Conrad Stevens!..." Read more

"...people can have ugly souls, people who aren’t conventionally beautiful can possess dazzling hearts, and loveliness can be found in even the bleakest..." Read more

"...They have the drama, but it is so classy, you will drink in every word. The characters, learn, grow, hurt, heal and feel real...." Read more

"...And that future girl’s name was Lili. Lili was elegant, self-assured and surrounded by dear friends...." Read more

Heartbreak, friendship, love and redemption --
5 out of 5 stars
Heartbreak, friendship, love and redemption --
As a teacher, I’m very sensitive to the needs of children and reading the story of Phyllis, I couldn’t help but cringe. Her mother and father belie her existence. I wanted to jump into the novel and wring their necks; seriously. As a reader, mother and teacher, I felt the sincerest sympathy for Phyllis, just because her parents refused to show her any ounce of love or defend her when she was bullied at school. The author does an outstanding job on character development and when I found out this was actually a true story, I teared up. Our world is full of school’s where kids are bullied, but through teachers and other staff, as well as parents, kids usually seek solace and and end somewhere. But not for poor Phyllis. It’s not until there’s a tragic accident and she moves in with her grandmother that she’s able to heal and grow. Throughout the rest of the story, we meet Amy and other characters that support Phyllis’s transformation into Lili! She truly finds friendship, love and develops into a wonderful young woman. She finds love, ventures off through life, attending lavish parties and finds her sensuality. Julia Blake tastefully allows Phyllis to explore her sexuality and invites the reader through her descriptions. I must say I blushed several times. Oh Lili. Lili finds love, but it’s an unexpected love, she’s not sure she deserves, but in the end she confronts her demons-- her parents and realizes she’s been dead to them this whole time. The storyline, characters and plot unfold quickly, you’ll need some tissues and get ready for your emotions to ride the rollercoaster, as Lily embraces herself, determined to be the best mother and young woman a girl can be.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Linda L. Oliphant
    5.0 out of 5 stars Becoming Lili is a phenomenal book with layers upon layers.
    Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2019
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    I was quickly drawn into Phyllis’ world within the first three paragraphs. I was captured by the end of the first chapter. Phyllis was an unwanted and unloved child except by one, her grandmother. That, unexpectedly ends much too soon. It’s no wonder Phyllis wanted to be someone else. All of this in the first chapter.

    Phyllis’ journey of self discovery, growth and acceptance begins years later with a chance meeting at a grocery mart...or was it more than just mere chance? I read as Phyllis opened her eyes and brain to the possibilities of something more and Lili was born. I followed Lili through her journey of becoming... becoming the woman she never hoped to be but only dreamt to be. This journey of hers is jam packed full of everything; friendship, fear, uncertainty, dismay, disappointment, acceptance, growth, trust and love.

    The characters are introduced one at a time and each are developed gradually, much like real life. All of these secondary characters are rich, colorful and memorable but one stands out. I love Conrad Stevens! What a whirlwind and a breath of fresh air at the same time!
    I know that appears to be a bit of a contradiction but wait till you meet him! “He’d opened a window...had let the sunlight of possibilities flood in.” I felt it... so did Lili. Each character has their own story. Every single character added another layer to the story which sent my brain and my heart racing.

    Becoming Lili is a phenomenal book. Authors spend a lot of time and effort writing and honing their book; but when they include artistic details, well...its these details which really set the book apart from the pack of other books, adding to the enjoyment of the reader. That is the icing on the cake. THIS is one of those books.
    One person found this helpful
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  • J. Simpson
    5.0 out of 5 stars A modern Austen-esque exploration of life and the dichotomy between ugliness and beauty...
    Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2023
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Some books are so rich and decadent they demand to be savored—and boy, did I savor this book! I took longer to read this book than any book I’ve ever read… a year and a half! Yes, it’s a thick book, approaching 500 pages, but the story is so compelling and the pacing so swift, you could easily devour it in a few days. But I wanted to climb inside this story and stay for a while, so I took my time. So much time, that the worn cover bears the teeth marks of my beloved kitty Maeby, who crossed the Rainbow Bridge almost ten months ago. This book came with me on seven trips to Colorado, saw me through the loss of my mom, and was a constant reminder that despite the sometimes ugliness of life, beauty always prevails.

    And that’s what this book was at its heart, not just an Ugly Duckling tale, but a modern Austen-esque exploration of life and the dichotomy between ugliness and beauty. More importantly, it examines what it means to be ugly and beautiful, illustrating just how deceptive either one can be, hiding the truth of what’s inside. Beautiful people can have ugly souls, people who aren’t conventionally beautiful can possess dazzling hearts, and loveliness can be found in even the bleakest of situations.

    I loved this book and for months have feared reaching its inevitable end, but what an ending it was, full of unexpected twists and stirring moments that will stay with you long after you close the book. And the best part is, this fabulous world continues in its sequel, Chaining Daisy. I can’t wait to fall into it for many, many months!
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  • Sherry L. Ross
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Story of Transformation
    Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Becoming Lili, by Julia Blake, is not just another “coming of age” tale. It is a story about transformation. Lili wasn’t always Lili. She started out as Phyllis. What a childhood this child had. Your heart will break. Her childhood was one of lovelessness and neglect, but not in the usual way. She was not beaten, not starved, but her parents wronged her terribly in an altogether different way. The story of her childhood will engage you immediately. You have never seen parents quite like this. It is a truly mind-blowing psychological portrait of a family that sets this story in motion. You will fall in love with child Phyllis, teenage Phyllis and then you will watch her, feel her, root for her to become Lili! This is such an uplifting book.
    There is still plenty of obstacles and this is not a story of one happy event after another as she achieves her admirable adulthood. There is more loss to come, hearts are broken, dear friends are made, each with their own troubles and heartaches, much is learned and much is accomplished. But Lili is center stage in this first book in the author’s Perennials Trilogy. Phyllis becoming Lili: I believe Lili will go down as one of the best loved female characters in modern literature. You will find joy in watching her blossom and care for her deeply. Many of the other characters in this book become stories in and of themselves and you will want to know more about all of them too. Daisy is one of them. She is barely out of her teens and marries the love of her life, an older man; but there is a sense that not all is right. So here comes book two: Chaining Daisy. I am reading that now and enjoying it every bit as much as the first. These books are so enjoyable; like soap opera becoming literature! They have the drama, but it is so classy, you will drink in every word. The characters, learn, grow, hurt, heal and feel real. Don’t miss either of these books.
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  • C
    5.0 out of 5 stars A heartwarming story that i highly recommend.
    Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Becoming Lili is a well woven tale. It begins with a girl who lives in an unloving home. At school she is bullied. Everywhere she goes she experiences cruelty. Then a turn of events gives her the opportunity to change her life. It takes a while for her to transform. Eventually she succeeds and becomes a beautiful young woman inside and out. She gets what she’s always dreamed of friends, love, and happiness. There are some interesting twists and turns along the way and a surprising gesture of love at the end.

    I truly loved the story. Julia Blake is very talented at building the characters and their surroundings giving the story much depth.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Jack
    5.0 out of 5 stars Enchanting read
    Reviewed in Canada on September 25, 2021
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    I was absolutely absorbed into the world of Lili and found myself really connecting with all the characters in this book. Julia has a great way of bringing these characters to life in a fresh story that keeps you engaged until the end. I loved how her British idioms were splashed through out the book but done in a manner that gave it context and was still easy to understand the meaning. It really added an authentic warm feeling to the story. I am looking forward to enjoying more of her work.
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  • Emma Eley
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very British with an original plot...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 22, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Despite one or two things that made me cringe, i really enjoyed this book, couldn't put it down and even read the follow up Chaining Daisy straight after.

    Becoming lili, to me, has a Judy Blume crossed with Enid Blyton feel, but updated and grown up. Not a bad thing and i think the author might be missing a trick, in my totally unqualified opinion.
    If this book was made a little more current and the extremely well written sex scenes were toned down a bit, i think it would make an excellent and popular coming of age teen novel or film. Especially if the story ended at the de ja vu part of the book. I absolutely loved the de ja vu part, it was genius, brilliant!!

    Its very overly british which i loved, and the descriptions of the food (which there is quite a bit of) made me very hungry.
    Another trick i think the author could be missing, as she could possibly be an amazing food writer.
    (Although i wish that some of the food was more "Suffolk" on occasion, to complement the wonderful Bury st. Edmund's, were this story is set. Honestly this strangely really matters to me as the food was described so often and so brilliantly)

    The only other criticism i have, was that a few characters came across as very stereotypical, borderline offensive and portrayed in a snobbish manner. Some of the storylines came across a tiny bit fantastical... but that could be down to the inverted snob in me and my lack of experience or understanding of romantic fiction.

    The plot despite being a coming of age, ugly duckling turned swan theme (not my normal cup of tea) is original and brilliant.

    Definitely worth a read, definitely worth reading the second book Chaining Daisy as well. Because you just want to know what happens next.

    Loved it!!
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  • Wendy Hewlett
    5.0 out of 5 stars This Epic Tale Should Become a Classic
    Reviewed in Canada on August 24, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Becoming Lili is a realistic glimpse into the long-lasting effects of bullying and one brave young woman's journey to finding herself and breaking free of the chains that bound her.
    Blake, with her penchant for stringing words together in an elegant and beautiful manner, had me laughing out loud in one moment and shedding tears in the next.
    The characters are realistic and well-developed, to the point you can't help buy love them or loathe them.
    It's an epic tale that leads you through twists and turns to a wonderfully surprising ending.
    It's a long read, but I absolutely loved it. Now I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the series - Chaining Daisy.
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Girl power!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 20, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The first part of Julia Blake's Perennials Trilogy tells the story of Lili and how she transforms from a bullied, unloved child into a woman in control of her own life. A great read for lovers of stories featuring strong female characters and especially if you were around in the nineties. This book provides a great trip down memory lane, showing how the fashions, music and popular culture of the time act as a backdrop to Lili's journey.
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  • sam
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wow what a gripping read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 23, 2022
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    This first book in the trilogy is an amazing read. It starts with Phyllis being bullied not only at school but at home by her parents as well, she finds comfort with her Nan but when she’s sadly left on her own Phyllis learns to start to love herself by redecorating her house and restyling herself and this made her decide to change her name and the story of Phyllis becoming Lili starts. What an amazing story of her ups and downs, friends she’s meets and the life she builds for herself. So if you want a book that you can’t put down this is for you
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