The solution - a pot of tea, a warm quilt, a comfy couch and....the latest North American release by Jill Mansell - Take a Chance on Me!
Cleo has lived in the small town of Channings Hill her entire life. She works as a chauffeur for a local limo company, spends her spare time with her friends and family and hangs out in her local - The Hollybush Inn. She hopes she's found the love of her life in Will - he just seems to be everything she has ever wished for.
Or is he? And what about Johnny - a now well known sculptor who teased Cleo mercilessly when they were youngsters in school. He's back in town and has charm galore and every woman in town seems to be drawn towards it, except Cleo - or is she?
Yet again, Jill Mansell has created a fantastic fictional world populated with lovable, quirky characters. Cleo is incredibly good hearted and fun, but has no confidence that true love will come her way. The supporting cast is just as fun - her neighbour Ash is incredibly suave when he's doing his radio programme, but tongue tied when in the same room with Fia - the woman of his dreams, but Cleo's nightmare. The subplot involving Cleo's sister Abbie, her husband Tom and their past intruding on their present goes a little deeper. I'm sure it's a situation that has played out in many marriages and Mansell handles it with both pathos and humour.
Why do I enjoy Mansell's books so much? Well, I love chick lit - especially Brit chick lit and Jill is one of the best! I always feel like I come to know her characters so well. They're people you'd like to have in your circle (okay - except for Will) and I could see myself happily sitting in the pub on karaoke night eating a hot pot. The plots are fun, lots of wrong turns and miscommunications. Her writing style is clever, humourous, breezy and addictive.
You're not taking a chance if you pick up Jill Mansell's latest. You're guaranteed a warm, witty good time read!
Read an excerpt of Take a Chance on Me.
Woop woop, thank you AGAIN, Luanne, for such a gorgeous review! I love it that you love my writing! I'm especially thrilled with the cover of this one - just so beautiful.
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Jill xx
I like some chick lit, but I'm not a huge fan. I do love Mansell's though, because her characters are so great.
ReplyDeleteGreat review, great cover, thanks! for sharing.
ReplyDeleteNot a big chick lit fan, but I have wanted to get my hands on this to check it out.
ReplyDeleteMansell is an expert in creating characters. I don't usually read chick lit, but I love her books!
ReplyDeleteLove Jill Mansell. I read Rumor Has It and it instantly became one of my all time favorites because the characters were so well written. Thanks for the great review. Can't wait to read this :)
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