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Don't Want to Miss a Thing

Jill Mansell

3.96 · Rating details · 9,456 ratings · 705 reviews

Dexter Yates loves his fun, care-free London life; he has money, looks and girlfriends galore. But everything changes overnight when his sister dies, leaving him in charge of her eight-month-old daughter Delphi. How is he ever going to cope?

Comic-strip artist Molly Hayes lives in the beautiful Cotswold village of Briarwood. When it comes to relationships, she has a history ...more

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Hardcover, 352 pages

Published January 31st 2013 by Headline Review (first published January 1st 2013)

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Nov 26, 2016 Kathryn rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 4-star, audiobooks, contemporary-romance

Enjoyed this light entertaining story from Jill Mansell and well narrated by Clare Corbett. Life in a small town in England with a lot going on.

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Apr 04, 2013 BestChickLit.com rated it it was amazing

To me, reading a Jill Mansell novel is like that first satisfying sip of tea after a hard day and this one was, thankfully, no different – I settled down, started to read and just thought ‘Ahhhhhh!’ You quickly get to know the characters, which immediately enables you to become fully absorbed into their lives. Molly is a quirky artist living in a village where everyone knows your business and after a hilarious meet up between her and Dex they quickly form a ‘will they won’t they’ friendship with ...more

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Sep 14, 2016 Jacob Proffitt rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, audiobook

Once I let go of my romance expectations, this went a lot smoother. Mansell hops perspectives a lot and there are a lot of romantic threads going with three foregrounded. There are two main characters, and the story centers on them mostly, but they make a bare majority of page-space and the story is correspondingly fragmented.

That said, I liked all the side characters and their perspectives didn't suck. And all the romances ended up being uniquely touching in one way or another, and I was engage Once I let go of my romance expectations, this went a lot smoother. Mansell hops perspectives a lot and there are a lot of romantic threads going with three foregrounded. There are two main characters, and the story centers on them mostly, but they make a bare majority of page-space and the story is correspondingly fragmented.

That said, I liked all the side characters and their perspectives didn't suck. And all the romances ended up being uniquely touching in one way or another, and I was engaged throughout. What really made this work, though, was the love story of Dex and his niece Delphi. Dex starts off explicitly shallow. And he knows it and is fine with that. When his sister unexpectedly dies naming him guardian for the eight-month-old, he has a choice to make—because even though he's nearest kin and named guardian, the child services of the UK aren't so callused as to simply give the care of a helpless infant into the indifferent hands of a partying bachelor. So Dex can let things take their course and see Delphi go to a fine family. Or he can man up and take charge of her care and change his life fundamentally. Of course he chooses the latter, but Mansell does an excellent job conveying his trepidation and let us know exactly how much that is a close call.

Since Dex is charming (and charmingly written), it was fun spending time with him as he takes on the challenges of fatherhood and the further step to fundamentally alter his life. His job was high-charging enough that he's got enough stashed away for him to actually quit, relocate to his summer home in the country, and be full-time caretaker for at least Delphi's initial years. I like that he made this clean break and, well, grew up, frankly. I liked how he dove into his role as father, but also his role as neighbor in the quirky village. This includes, of course, getting to know Molly, his nearest neighbor.

What I found strange, for a romance, is that both Molly and Dex spend the bulk of the novel in (explicitly sexual) relationships with other people. They blow their first fumbling overtures and thus spend the rest of the novel apart, relationship-wise. I find that off-putting in romance novels and Mansell pulls off a minor miracle that this didn't chafe as much as I expected. One benefit of this is that it allowed Dex and Molly to establish a friendship with only an undercurrent of sexual tension. I liked how solid that turned out. It helped, actually, that there were other romantic threads interwoven here to take the heat off of my impatience for them to get together.

In the end, this is a solid 3.5 stars I rounded to four for my satisfaction with them when they finally get together. I was occasionally impatient with the diversions (particularly the teen Amber who was busy destroying her life) and the sleeping with other people still chafed, despite Mansell's skill. But I was engaged and enjoyed the experience enough to be satisfied with the read. I'll probably seek out more Mansell in future, though I suspect I'll have to be in the right mood.

A note about Steamy: I don't remember if Mansell actually got explicit in any sex scenes. There's mentions, and sex is an important aspect of the story, but I don't recall any details. So they probably didn't happen. My memory is bad enough that I'm not going to say there are none, however... ...more

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Jan 11, 2013 Kate’s Book Spot rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Firstly I’d like to thank Helena from Headline Publishing Group for sending me this novel to read and give an honest review. Obviously I have heard of Jill Mansell and seen her books in the shops but I’ve never actually read one (I’m hanging my head in shame now), this meant that I wasn’t sure what to expect from it. Now I’ve finished I have just one question – why have I not read any of her books before? It really was my kind of book, it felt so natural and comfortable to read and right from th Firstly I’d like to thank Helena from Headline Publishing Group for sending me this novel to read and give an honest review. Obviously I have heard of Jill Mansell and seen her books in the shops but I’ve never actually read one (I’m hanging my head in shame now), this meant that I wasn’t sure what to expect from it. Now I’ve finished I have just one question – why have I not read any of her books before? It really was my kind of book, it felt so natural and comfortable to read and right from the very first page I slipped easily into the storyline and quickly connected to the characters. This is actually a difficult review for me to write because I enjoyed it so much and I want to do the book justice.

Dex’s sister had just had her baby and it was clear that he was excited about it, his reaction to baby Delphi was endearing and kind of beautiful. Dex was a little bit cheeky and very care-free at this point in the book and he was just the type of male character that I always fall in love with. Knowing the tragedy that would soon face him I was intrigued to see how, or if, his personality would be affected.

Molly’s introduction was a funny one making me laugh out loud and even snort at one point – delightful! I pictured the scene easily (yes I have spent lots of time in the waiting room of various A&Es) as she went to pick up her drunk, injured boyfriend in the early hours of the morning. My initial impression of her was that she was a bit of a soft touch but very likeable.

When the tragic moment came it was heartbreaking, I could almost feel Dex’s sadness rolling off the pages. His grief was clear and I think it was written in a sensitive but honest way.

When the storyline moved to Briarwood I thought things would quiet down but the adventures were just beginning… I know I’ll think of this book whenever I hear YMCA in the future! The mysterious Sam had my mind working overtime as I tried to figure out who he was and what he was doing in the village, when all was revealed I was completely shocked – I just hadn’t seen it coming and it set off a chain of events that put me on the edge of my seat.

Something else that I liked about this book was that there was so much going on, it wasn’t just the main Dex and Molly part of the storyline that kept me so hooked – all the characters had their own story to tell and I found myself fascinated by everyone’s lives. Some of my favourite moments, and things to look out for, included Dex and Molly’s fishy first meeting, the perils of dining out with a baby and a crazy baby borrowing scheme – these were all things that made me laugh and stood out in my mind after I had finished reading.

This was a brilliant book that I just couldn’t put down, I will definitely be reading more from this fantastic author. ...more

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Feb 10, 2013 Tina rated it really liked it

Shelves: audiobook, z2013-reads, chick-lit

Sometimes you are just in the mood for a light, funny, improbable, quick read. These books fit the bill for that 100%. There is an added bonus that there is an almost stream-of-consciousness style to the storytelling so that you are never sure sometimes where the plot is going to lead or even who the next chapter is going to be about.

In this one we meet our fun loving, well off bachelor Dex. He is a playboy --- the type who has slept with women whose names he can't precisely recall. Normally I h Sometimes you are just in the mood for a light, funny, improbable, quick read. These books fit the bill for that 100%. There is an added bonus that there is an almost stream-of-consciousness style to the storytelling so that you are never sure sometimes where the plot is going to lead or even who the next chapter is going to be about.

In this one we meet our fun loving, well off bachelor Dex. He is a playboy --- the type who has slept with women whose names he can't precisely recall. Normally I hate this guy. But this author manages to make this character likeable and charming. That likeability ramps up even more when Dex learns that he is getting custody of his newly orphaned toddler niece. After a smallish pity party, Dexter mans up and completely changes his lifestyle to accommodate the needs of a baby. The adjustment isn't easy and is often funny, but Dex rises to the occasion.

Helping him out is Molly his next door neighbor who manages to be be a pep-talker, a baby sitter and the woman who finally makes Dexter think seriously about a relationship. Only problem is, Molly doesn't think Dex has changed that much and shoots him down. Dex and Molly spend much of the book somewhat involved with other people while longing for each other.

If this were a romance novel that would piss me off. But since this is firmly chick-lit, I understand that Dex and Molly's relationship doesn't consummate until nearly then end of the book.

In the meantime, as is this author's MO, we have quite a few other couples' romantic antics to witness as well a a few minor plot-lines (i think I counted like 4 other plots meandering around this book) to fill our time. My favorite of them is the story of Frankie, Molly's best friend who finds out some rather disturbing news about her husband. This was one of the meatier stories that could have almost been a story in itself.

In the end, a veritable Musical Chairs of couples (including Molly and Dex) get together happily. I do have to mention that there is one point in the story that I laughed, really laughed, out loud. Dex is in a panic because he believes the biological father of his niece has turned up and wants to take her from him. I thought for sure I knew where the author was taking this. I was wrong. Dead wrong. Dex and Molly hatch a ~~daring~~ desperately funny and (possibly illegal) plan to keep that from happening. All I am going to say is....Transvetite George.... and leave it at that.

Totally fun book that I finished in one sitting. If you are a Jill Mansell fan this is a must read. If you've never read her before this is a fun one to start with and totally indicative of her narrative style. ...more

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Dec 15, 2016 Andrea rated it really liked it

Shelves: fiction

Rounding up to 4 Stars

This audiobook is all these things: smiley, cozy, small town, and narrated with British accents (I got you with that last one, eh?!). When I wasn't listening to it, I wanted to be. Completely satisfying. ...more

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Apr 25, 2019 Amy rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Well, it was better than I expected. But I also did not expect to get past the first chapter, so we are talking a seriously low bar here.
I'm a sucker for the "crazy playboy becomes guardian of baby" trope and went in expecting to enjoy the predictable transformation and inevitable romance between him and the woman who sticks with him. In a sense, Don't Want to Miss a Thing did not disappoint. Or maybe it did because it contained sooooo much angst and miscommunication to reach the predictable en ...more

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Jun 30, 2013 Clare rated it it was amazing

What I love about Jill Mansell, is that you are always guaranteed a good book and I was definitely not disappointed with ‘Don’t Want To Miss A Thing’. It was everything that you want and need in a chick lit novel: witty, fun, well written and pure escapism.

Dexter Yates is the guy who gets all the girls but should be avoided at all costs. He works hard but plays hard. However this all changes after the sudden death of his elder sister Laura who leaves behind an eight month old baby, Delphi. In th ...more

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Aug 09, 2019 Bookworman rated it really liked it

Shelves: rom-com-heaven

I loved this book! What a joy to read! Laugh out loud funny, great love stories, family challenges, and a nice, happy ending. Definitely a future re-read.

So far I’ve liked Mansell’s “Rumor Has It”, didn’t like “Take a Chance on Me”, but 2 out of three ain’t bad ((as Meatloaf has said) so I’m going to try another.

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Jul 09, 2015 Alexandra rated it it was amazing

Really enjoyed reading this one on a recent holiday!

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Jul 08, 2016 Zel Polev rated it it was ok

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Honestly, this was a fine book but some things put me off it. I didn't really care for the cheating husband and all the people affected by it. If you're going to throw that bomb, at least address it. No one really confronts him on how scummy he was for cheating on her for twenty years. He had the audacity to justify his actions when he knows full well that he did something wrong. He justifies it to make himself a good guy, telling himself that love just happens. You know what wold have been nice Honestly, this was a fine book but some things put me off it. I didn't really care for the cheating husband and all the people affected by it. If you're going to throw that bomb, at least address it. No one really confronts him on how scummy he was for cheating on her for twenty years. He had the audacity to justify his actions when he knows full well that he did something wrong. He justifies it to make himself a good guy, telling himself that love just happens. You know what wold have been nice was telling his wife that he impregnated someone. Telling her that he had been sleeping with another person while he is away on business. Telling her that he has another family. Letting the facade go on was just cruel and he had the audacity to tell her not to make a fool of herself. He phrased it as an advice from someone who cares. Yeah right. If he really cared he would have had respect to tell her the truth and honestly, it is so disgusting. I wasn't a fan of how everything played out. Everything somehow goes to happy ending without really addressing the issue. The mistress somehow earns brownie points for being there for Frankie's daughter. How about being complicit in the affair? How about backing off from a married man? His excuse for routinely cheating on his wife was that he didn't want the mistress to be celibate. She didn't have to be. She could have found somebody else. It just galls me that these people just completely skim over lying for twenty years and go on as if they did nothing wrong. Everyone involved in this cheating fiasco had really contrived storylines. Frankie found a new man, conveniently, the daughter had a rebellion phase, the mistress helps in the rescue of the daughter, the daughter forgives her dad when she was rescued. Somehow, everybody got along without really addressing the issue. It didn't work for me.

I also have a problem with female characters getting the shaft when it comes to books. How is it that a man can have his side action and the woman has to stay celibate. Can't the author at least present a viable second option for the heroine. No, he has to be boring and totally unsuitable so that she won't get any action while the hero freely spreads his seed anywhere. The imbalance is just really annoying. For once, have a viable candidate for a love triangle instead of the incompatibility being broadcasted a mile away.

Honestly, I like this book but these two things have really put me off it. I liked the scoundrel having to turn responsible. I liked that the hero and heroine had friendship as a basis for the relationship. I liked that the cheated wife had a good guy as a rebound. What I don't like is the sugarcoating just to erase the interesting issues she brings up. It's like all the bad things are swept under the rug and smiles must be put on. It felt really contrived. I was originally going to rate it as a three but I don't like how everything was wrapped up.

The story revolves around the romance of several couples. One was a movie star with a gypsy, another was a scoundrel with his fish-throwing neighbour, another was the scoundrel's friend with the cheated wife, the other was the love rival of the hero with the saucy waitress. ...more

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Sep 07, 2013 Angie rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: chick-lit, british-setting, kindle

Another fun, quirky, light-hearted novel from Jill Mansell. I love the quintessential British feel to her books. They are a great escape and never (well almost never!) fail to entertain.

This particular one has really great "side stories" too so that helped me to bump up the rating. I was interested in all the villagers lives and how they would all end up. I'm not going to rehash the book blurb as you can clearly read it on the book page. As I've said before in reviewing her books, the morals ar ...more

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Dec 14, 2018 Marleen rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This read was an absolute pleasant surprise. I had seen some of Jill Mansell's books translated into Dutch, so looked up the original (EN) version, and gave this one a try. I genuinely enjoyed many aspects of this story. There was something very British about it. Remarkably, it was neither too shallow, nor too uppity - It really had the right amount of humor and humanity about it. The characters gave off an authentic feel albeit featuring in a very "feel-good" story.
For a story synopsis and more ...more

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Apr 15, 2017 Morgan rated it it was ok

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. There were moments of hilarity in this book I will give credit. Delphi Yates, the baby, was by far my most favorite character in this book. She's the best storm pooper on anyone who crosses her path and you'll go home in slobbery spit when you're near her if you're lucky. Babies can sometimes make people turn over a new leaf. I've seen it happen in real life with one of my cousins. He found out eight months later after his son was born from the woman he had a one-night stand. They aren't togethe There were moments of hilarity in this book I will give credit. Delphi Yates, the baby, was by far my most favorite character in this book. She's the best storm pooper on anyone who crosses her path and you'll go home in slobbery spit when you're near her if you're lucky. Babies can sometimes make people turn over a new leaf. I've seen it happen in real life with one of my cousins. He found out eight months later after his son was born from the woman he had a one-night stand. They aren't together, but he loves his boy to no end and has a significant part raising him. Now, I come from a big family, so not all my family members are that responsible, but it still is possible for party animals to change, so I know Dexter would do anything for his sister after she passed away and take care of his niece.

However, I gave this a low rating since there was so much going on in this story. I've read books with multiple stories happening with other characters. I was able to keep up with them, but it does take away the attention span from the other stories going on and can throw a reader's emotions off-kilter when they get wrapped up in one part of the drama. You don't want too many. It ran like a soap-opera, so this isn't smooth leisure reading.

One story with Amber finding out her father was hiding another family for twenty years pissed me off. This followed like a cliché and I suppose the author had to do it that way in order for the other dramas to get a chance to be read. This should have been its own separate book because this trope didn't get the focus it deserved. I feel it would have been more appropriate for Amber to still not talk to her father for more time even if she was going through a rebellious phase or not. Frankie should have in the end to tell Joe to stuff it when he was telling her what not to do after his secret was exposed. I'm glad Frankie began to date Henry, but I wish their romance was given more depth and growth. There is a double standard with men cheating vs. women cheating. I know it would be harder for a woman to get away with having another family with two kids close to the same age from two different fathers since women are the ones who get pregnant. The only way I can think that a woman could have two separate lives if there was space of time in between, but the nevertheless, it's always the man doing it and society expects the women to look around it and God-forbid, forgive the bastards even after hearing their side of the story. Sorry, cheating is cheating in my book. I'll move on eventually, but I won't be your friend in the end.

Stephan and Hope's story was a little boring for me, but I had no complaints for it. That can easily be part of other dramas without it taking away too much attention from the others.

When it came to Molly and Dexter's relationship, it was terrible. I felt bad for Vince and Amanda. I know Vince in the end finds someone else and that should have gotten a different book with Lois, but it was sad with Amanda. I get she's a little pushy, but Dex was using her in the end to cover up his feelings for Molly and remaining in a relationship when he thought Molly was still dating Vince, so he wouldn't be pitied by her or the town. I'm glad Lois exploited the town's expectations and gossip to Dexter, so he could evaluate his feelings more. But it's stupid for both Molly and Dexter to passively get back at each other by dating other people and jumping to conclusions with one another. The town thought Amanda was infertile and assumed she was using Dexter to have a family with him and Delphi. I guess medical confidentiality is not important in England or the small towns of it, but she just had a hard time getting pregnant instead of being infertile and just enjoyed being around Delphi. She was being pitied without knowing until the end over something that wasn't even close to being true. That's horrible! I would be so fucking pissed with him and give the whole damn town a piece of my mind and slap them with a lawsuit for blabbing personal medical information about me.

I get Dexter was a man-whore before and I would be weary of him in the beginning, but making assumptions with one another isn't going to help when it comes to romance. Their story was scattered in between other drama stories that the ending became clichéd too.

The other part that bothered me was the book making offence to transgender people. They kept getting horrified about someone becoming a different gender or making fun of it by dressing up a male baby hippo with a tutu saying that the owner would be displeased finding out it was a transvestite. Yeah, because it's hilarious making fun of people struggling with their identity and those facing violent bullying for coming out or transitioning. This isn't the first book making fun of LGBT people and I'm sure it won't be my last coming across intolerance. So, sod off, Jill Mansell! ...more

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Apr 14, 2019 Maheswari rated it really liked it

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ finding your soulmate

Well oh well .... this book makes me laugh so much
Molly and Dex definitely shake my world

The things that suck all my tears is what happened to Amber

This book is like finding “ Love Actually “ movie in utter perfect level than the movie itself

This is my first read of this author and pretty sure will read more of her book

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Feb 16, 2013 Rebecca rated it it was amazing

"The things that go on in this quiet little village."

Welcome to Briarwood. A sleepy little village, hidden away from the strains and stresses of the everyday life of the city. Dexter Yates is the typical ladies man, leap-frogging from woman to woman, spending nights in bars & clubs with his mates, and generally just living the perfectly sculpted bachelor lifestyle. Whilst spending some quality time in bed with his latest lady friend, Dexter's phone rings. After checking the screen, he an ...more

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Dec 28, 2012 Rea Cobb rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I have only read a couple of books by Jill Mansell, the covers always appeal to me and although I enjoyed her previous books they have never seemed to leave a lasting impression on me.

I loved the synopsis of the book it sounded like my kind of read and again the cover of Don't Want to Miss a Thing is one that would reach out to me from the shelves.

Dexter Yates loves his fun, care-free London life; he has money, looks and girlfriends galore. But everything changes overnight when his sister dies, I have only read a couple of books by Jill Mansell, the covers always appeal to me and although I enjoyed her previous books they have never seemed to leave a lasting impression on me.

I loved the synopsis of the book it sounded like my kind of read and again the cover of Don't Want to Miss a Thing is one that would reach out to me from the shelves.

Dexter Yates loves his fun, care-free London life; he has money, looks and girlfriends galore. But everything changes overnight when his sister dies, leaving him in charge of her eight-month-old daughter Delphi. How is he ever going to cope?

Comic-strip artist Molly Hayes lives in the beautiful Cotswold village of Briarwood. When it comes to relationships, she has a history of choosing all the wrong men. Leaving the city behind, Dex moves to Briarwood - a much better place to work on his parenting skills - and he and Molly become neighbours. There's an undeniable connection between them. But if Dexter's going to adapt, he first has a lot to learn about Molly, about other people's secrets...and about himself.

This is by far my favourite book by Jill Mansell. I was hooked throughout the whole of thisbook. I found it impossible to put down cooking the dinner became an inconvenience! The story line was so fresh it wasn't similar to any book I have read.

We have two main characters in Dexter and Molly, as well as a few other characters who have smaller parts on the book such as the lovely Frankie who also brings a smaller storyline alongside the main plot but I found this storyline just as entertaining.

There was also some great humour weaved in between the romance and troubling situations some involving baby poo and my favourite was to do with the YMCA song! These incidents gave the characters a realistic feel to them and managed to keep the book lighthearted.

The book was packed with romance, humour and a cosy country storyline. The book flowed at a perfect pace with no low points where you would usually feel like skim reading.

This was a warm and touching read and one whose storyline and characters will stay with me long after the book is finished. This is definitely one for your to be read piles. ...more

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Feb 03, 2013 Elaine rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013-reads, brain-candy, kindle, adult, contemporary, romance, charming-dialogue-witty-banter, made-me-lol

2.5 stars

A single, hot British guy with a baby?
Yep, Ms Mansell has hit the jackpot (in the eyes of us females at least) once again with her male lead in this latest novel.

To be fair, I did like this book. For the most part, it appealed to the hopeless romantic in me, and I mean, I have a terribly weak spot for british men... And babies. Molly was a pretty likeable character too, as with most of Mansell's female leads. I did also like the side characters and their own little romances.

But unfortu ...more

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Mar 28, 2013 Mary rated it really liked it

I don't read chick-lit, of course I wouldn't...

which is why Jill Mansell is one of my guiltiest pleasures.

Unrealistically gorgeous/rich/witty/and just plain nice characters that you just wish were your friends, check; star-crossed lovers, check; improbable plot lines keeping the aforesaid star-crossed lovers, well, star-crossed, check; effortless reading, check; and of course happy endings (at least four), check. And a huge happy sigh.

I think this is probably the best Jill Mansell I've thus fa ...more

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Feb 06, 2013 Peri rated it it was amazing

I think everyone has an author that becomes the comfy joggers and blankie of their reading habits and Jill Mansell is mine. This latest offering from her doesn't disappoint on any level. It has sentences of lovely imagery that I think sometimes get lost in the pace of the characters lives and her story telling but they are there like little hidden gems or the free gift in the cereal box. Her characters in this book have a lovely mix of the gorgeous and the real, and gorgeous ones get nice doses ...more

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Jan 09, 2017 AudreyLovesParis rated it did not like it

Life is too short to read bad books. I got about two thirds of the way through this book and decided my time was too valuable to continue reading it. Poor writing, too many unnecessary characters, no real character development and a plot that defies reality. I am not a fan of chic-lit and this book is just too much air and no substance.

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Feb 25, 2014 Sara rated it liked it · review of another edition

3.5 stars Somewhat predictable and happy, but isn't that why I read these kinds of books? ...more

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Jun 27, 2016 Carolyn Storer rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobooks-read, chick-lit, book-list-2016

This was my first Jill Mansell. Nothing special but it was a nice cosy story with likeable characters. Will definitely try more from this author. Well read by one of my favourite narrators.

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May 29, 2019 Marla rated it liked it

Shelves: zz-2019, adult, with-reservations, francesca-or-frankie, celebrate-birthday, audiobook, chick-lit

There was a LOT going on in this book and much of it was good fun. I'm kind of a prude so the falling into bed with hour old acquaintances was a bit unsettling for me, but I enjoyed the light, humorous story. It seemed really long to me with all these plots and characters, but I was surprised at how much the author got in 352 pages or in my case, 12 hours and 8 minutes.

Interesting that most of the guys are decent and Dex, our hero is the biggest cad, unless you count Joe's monumental deception. There was a LOT going on in this book and much of it was good fun. I'm kind of a prude so the falling into bed with hour old acquaintances was a bit unsettling for me, but I enjoyed the light, humorous story. It seemed really long to me with all these plots and characters, but I was surprised at how much the author got in 352 pages or in my case, 12 hours and 8 minutes.

Interesting that most of the guys are decent and Dex, our hero is the biggest cad, unless you count Joe's monumental deception. (view spoiler)

Another thing I didn't like was except for one scene, Delphi was always so sweet and Dex wasn't frustrated or sleep-deprived. I adore my children but there were days that I wanted to run away from home or at least find a new job releasing me from full-time motherhood. And Delphi barely spoke, by age 1, my girls had over a dozen recognizable words. I'm glad that Dex considered going back to work after a while, but I was hoping maybe when Delphi is in school, that's when most of us return to work.

My favorite characters were Henry, the big, shy guy and Muriel, the clever but meddling grandmother.

The many story lines: *** SUPER SPOILERS *** (view spoiler)

Frankie ~ cafe owner

Favorite scene: (view spoiler)

With-reservations:
language, sexual situations & innuendos, infidelity, one night stands, unwed mothers, drinking to access (but at least not drinking and driving), drugs, underage drinking ...more

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Sep 24, 2020 Ana rated it really liked it

Shelves: audiobooks, chick-lit-english, contemporary-romance

Yes, Mansell's books have a formula. They are English village romances with a cast of quirky characters that, at the end of the book, all find love. But you know what? The world is a complete cluster right now so I'm okay wishing that the bartender meets a nice guy finally and the girl gets the guy who gets his sh*t together. Okay?

Sometimes it's okay to want the reliable narrator with a predictable outcome with just the right number of "oh, no!" twists and turns. Because the world is on fire, p ...more

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Sep 21, 2019 David Snape rated it it was ok

This was a book that was given to me from a raffle at the Going Forward Music Festival in Spalding and I thought, ok I will give it a try. It’s about a guy called Dexter who has moved away from the city to live life at a quieter area called Briarwood. Meeting characters that tests out relationships and friendships along with taking care of a 8 month baby called Delphi, bought to him when her sister past away. Not a keen lover on romantic stories and this wasn’t too bad, should have been a 3 star ...more

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Apr 10, 2020 Carole Hearn rated it it was amazing

This book was adorable. Just what I needed in these surreal times. It was a warm hug and simply beautiful. I fell in love with Dexter and Molly as the story took place as well as all the other characters in Briarwood.

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Aug 18, 2019 Angela W rated it did not like it

I didn't like this book one bit. It has too many holes and skips in stories, so not impressed. I won't be reading Jill Mansell books amymore. ...more

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Feb 10, 2020 Rene rated it liked it

This book could have been a four star, but there is no part of what Joe did that should be understood. While I am glad there is civility, to suggest it should be excused or acceptable is really an awful story line.

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Sep 28, 2018 Vlada rated it it was ok

Shelves: lost-interest

DNF at about 30%. Too formulaic, the plot's been done to death before. Meh. ...more

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About Jill Mansell

Jill Mansell

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Jill Mansell lives with her partner and children in Bristol, and writes full time. Actually that’s not true; she watches TV, eats fruit gums, admires the rugby players training in the sports field behind her house, and spends hours on the internet marvelling at how many other writers have blogs. Only when she’s completely run out of displacement activities does she write.

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“But even as the words were coming out of his mouth, he was slightly despising himself for saying them. It was what girls liked to hear though. Every now and again Dex found himself feeling like an actor who'd been performing in the same stage play for far too long. The lines came out automatically, irrespective of whether or not they were true.” — 0 likes

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