Monday, March 28, 2011

Staying at Daisy's - Jill Mansell

When I want something light, easy and fun to read, Jill Mansell is always a sure bet. Staying at Daisy's was a winner.

Daisy MacLean manages a small hotel owned by her father Hector is a village in England. The hotel is the setting for a wedding that seems to touch off events for the friends, family and employees of Daisy's hotel.

Daisy has been burned before in love and has no interest in best man Dev - mind you he is awfully handsome... And Daisy's best friend and chambermaid Tara just happens to have dated the groom before....and Hector - well, he's never met a guest he couldn't charm ...but he's got a secret...and so does Tara's Aunt Maggie...and the new porter at the hotel....and who is his mystery girlfriend...and...

Well, you get the idea. Lots of madcap situations, miscommunications and missed signals make for a amusing, light hearted read. Staying at Daisy's is populated with the kind of characters Mansell is known for - warm, funny and unique personas. They're all a little bit quirky and you can't help but be charmed. Daisy is the kind of person you'd love to know and have as a friend. The supporting characters are all clearly drawn roles, filling out the roster.  Hector is the one individual who struck a sour note with me - I didn't think he deserved his happy ending. And of course, there are happy endings for all involved. And that's the fun of Mansell's books - the journey there is delightfully entertaining. Staying at Daisy's is a bit longer than previous books. About 50 pages too much in my opinion - one too many missed opportunities with Daisy and Dev stretched out the ending.

A lovely diversionary read, perfect for fans of the chick lit genre.

4 comments:

Mary (Bookfan) said...

So glad you liked this. I picked it up for my Kindle recently and hope to read it this summer.

Patti V said...

I think this sounds like a must read for me. Jill Mansell is one of my favorite authors that you have turned me on to!

bermudaonion said...

Sounds like another winner from Mansell!

Dorte H said...

English villages and secrets - this sounds good.