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Don't Want to Miss a Thing
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.
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.
448 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
310 people are currently reading
5915 people want to read
About the author
Jill Mansell
85 books4,881 followersJill 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.
Jill Mansell's books have sold over ten million copies and her titles include: Making your Mind up, Fast Friends, Good at Games, Sheer Mischief and Solo, among many others.
Jill Mansell's books have sold over ten million copies and her titles include: Making your Mind up, Fast Friends, Good at Games, Sheer Mischief and Solo, among many others.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 856 reviews
November 26, 2016
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.
April 4, 2013
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 many amusing ups and downs (look out for the lunch date with a baby in tow and the YMCA!). Dex is the type of guy that will break your heart; he’s a bad boy, and the struggles he faces when he becomes Delphi’s guardian are both tough and heart-warming, meaning you instantly end up rooting for him to succeed. I didn’t actually read the blurb; it was the new Jill Mansell novel, I didn’t need to. But my complete unfamiliarity with the storyline meant I was doubly shocked at Dex’s sisters death, having not been expecting it, but the subject was written so delicately It had be crying my eyes out!
Mansell has gossipy village life down to a tee; everyone’s stories carefully intertwine yet not taking focus away from Dex and Molly. The book is packed with interesting characters, Sam in particular is intriguing and I couldn’t guess his role in the story but when you do find out, it’s a shocker. Towards the end of the book, as everyone’s stories begin to come to a conclusion, I couldn’t stop the tears of joy and sorrow from coming. This is a thoroughly satisfying emotional read and I loved every word. So…erm, Jill… when’s the next one??!
Review by Francesca Verbeeten on behalf of BestChickLit.com
Mansell has gossipy village life down to a tee; everyone’s stories carefully intertwine yet not taking focus away from Dex and Molly. The book is packed with interesting characters, Sam in particular is intriguing and I couldn’t guess his role in the story but when you do find out, it’s a shocker. Towards the end of the book, as everyone’s stories begin to come to a conclusion, I couldn’t stop the tears of joy and sorrow from coming. This is a thoroughly satisfying emotional read and I loved every word. So…erm, Jill… when’s the next one??!
Review by Francesca Verbeeten on behalf of BestChickLit.com
September 14, 2016
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...
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...
February 1, 2013
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.
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.
February 15, 2013
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 adaring 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.
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
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.
April 25, 2019
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 ending. But it reached it.
What I did not expect was the cast of characters that came with the story and the POVs and romances that centered around them. This was a seriously long book. It is a weird combination of "typical rom com" and "a few families in a small British village." It follows several different characters and their paths to love.
The paths were so weird.
I could not figure out how old anyone was. I thought the group ranged from 30 to 70, but apparently within that range you can date/sleep with whomever. Besides middle-ish-age romances, there is a teenage girl with major angst and a baby that never cries.
Seriously, maybe I need to hang out with more babies, but think there is something wrong with how much the 1 year old gurgles happily to herself.
I feel like this review is getting random but this book was so random. There were moments I liked and moments that felt all over the place. It was so long.
Overall, I feel positive towards it. But mostly I do not think I will remember it.
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 ending. But it reached it.
What I did not expect was the cast of characters that came with the story and the POVs and romances that centered around them. This was a seriously long book. It is a weird combination of "typical rom com" and "a few families in a small British village." It follows several different characters and their paths to love.
The paths were so weird.
I could not figure out how old anyone was. I thought the group ranged from 30 to 70, but apparently within that range you can date/sleep with whomever. Besides middle-ish-age romances, there is a teenage girl with major angst and a baby that never cries.
Seriously, maybe I need to hang out with more babies, but think there is something wrong with how much the 1 year old gurgles happily to herself.
I feel like this review is getting random but this book was so random. There were moments I liked and moments that felt all over the place. It was so long.
Overall, I feel positive towards it. But mostly I do not think I will remember it.
June 30, 2013
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 the aftermath of Laura’s death Dexter is adamant that he is unable to take care of Delphi but it is Molly, his next door neighbour in Briarwood where he has just purchased a weekend cottage, who convinces him otherwise.
Giving up his well paid job and flat in London, Dexter moves to Briarwood in order to convince social workers that he is a suitable carer for Delphi. He soon settles into village life with the help of Molly and embraces the changes that he has made. Soon Dexter and Molly become attracted to each other but Molly, knowing of Dexter’s love them and leave them reputation, turns Dexter down after a drunken proposition. They soon get their friendship back on track and Dexter starts to date the local doctor, Amanda, whilst Molly gets involved with the good-looking Vince.
This was a lovely, heart-warming book and Delphi was definitely the star character. Yes, we all knew that Dexter and Molly would get together but that’s the joy of the book – getting to see the developing relationship between Dexter & Molly. What I loved most was seeing Dexter, playboy of the year, fall in love with Delphi as well as Molly.
As usual, there were a great cast of characters and I liked the fact that we were able to delve into their stories as well as Dexter and Molly’s. Loved it.
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 the aftermath of Laura’s death Dexter is adamant that he is unable to take care of Delphi but it is Molly, his next door neighbour in Briarwood where he has just purchased a weekend cottage, who convinces him otherwise.
Giving up his well paid job and flat in London, Dexter moves to Briarwood in order to convince social workers that he is a suitable carer for Delphi. He soon settles into village life with the help of Molly and embraces the changes that he has made. Soon Dexter and Molly become attracted to each other but Molly, knowing of Dexter’s love them and leave them reputation, turns Dexter down after a drunken proposition. They soon get their friendship back on track and Dexter starts to date the local doctor, Amanda, whilst Molly gets involved with the good-looking Vince.
This was a lovely, heart-warming book and Delphi was definitely the star character. Yes, we all knew that Dexter and Molly would get together but that’s the joy of the book – getting to see the developing relationship between Dexter & Molly. What I loved most was seeing Dexter, playboy of the year, fall in love with Delphi as well as Molly.
As usual, there were a great cast of characters and I liked the fact that we were able to delve into their stories as well as Dexter and Molly’s. Loved it.
August 11, 2016
Dit was echt een geweldig boek! Toen ik de titel las had ik inderdaad wel verwacht dat iemand zich ging settelen, maar op deze manier, dat had ik totaal niet verwacht. Wat Dex heeft gedaan is zo'n mooi gebaar naar zijn zus toe. Dat Dex het aan zou kunnen daar had ik niet aan getwijfeld, het is niet voor niets een boek, maar dat het op deze manier zou verlopen had ik ook niet verwacht.
Ik vond het trouwens ook super leuk dat het niet echt één verhaal was, er waren meerdere verhalen die allemaal met elkaar waren verweven waardoor het toch een geheel werd. Dat vond ik wel echt een plus punt!
Ik vond het trouwens ook super leuk dat het niet echt één verhaal was, er waren meerdere verhalen die allemaal met elkaar waren verweven waardoor het toch een geheel werd. Dat vond ik wel echt een plus punt!
December 15, 2016
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.
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.
June 30, 2020
Eindelijk heb ik dit boek uitgelezen. Ooit, toen ik 12 of 13 was, besloot ik dit boek op te pakken bij de bibliotheek, maar dan wel de Engelse versie. Ik kwam tot halverwege maar toen moest ik in een keer allemaal literatuur voor school lezen en kwam het er niet meer van. Nu bijna 10 jaar later, kwam ik het boek tegen bij Kobo Plus en ik besloot het nu toch maar eens helemaal te lezen.
Het verhaal is lief en schattig, maar wel een beetje rommelig. Soms wordt er zomaar van personage gewisseld wat het een beetje verwarrend maakte. Toch heb ik er wel van genoten en sloot ik de personages al snel in mijn hart. Misschien ga ik dan nu eindelijk eens meer van Jill Mansell lezen.
Het verhaal is lief en schattig, maar wel een beetje rommelig. Soms wordt er zomaar van personage gewisseld wat het een beetje verwarrend maakte. Toch heb ik er wel van genoten en sloot ik de personages al snel in mijn hart. Misschien ga ik dan nu eindelijk eens meer van Jill Mansell lezen.
June 5, 2023
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.
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.
February 4, 2013
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.
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.
October 16, 2022
I liked the author's writing style and I really liked the friendships between the characters in the novel and learning about the connections between all of the characters in the little village of Briarwood.
March 12, 2021
Predictable, kinda boring and the characters lacked depth. But it was ok and I nearly cried at one point but I blame having a sinus infection sooo
July 22, 2017
Grappig leest makkelijk weg. Op het eind wel erg voorspelbaar
July 8, 2016
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.
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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November 15, 2023Huisje, Boompje, Feestje ~ Jill Mansell
LS Amsterdam, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ik blijf het zeggen, maar een Jill Mansell blijft altijd voelen als thuiskomen... Even een boek waar je zelf niet hoeft na te denken, en je helemaal in kan verliezen. Meerdere verhaallijnen en personages, die je makkelijk kunt volgen, en die uiteindelijk allemaal prachtig samenkomen. Elke keer weer sla ik blij haar boeken dicht, en het was dit keer niet anders. 🥰❤️
www.facebook.com/thebookbabecisz
LS Amsterdam, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ik blijf het zeggen, maar een Jill Mansell blijft altijd voelen als thuiskomen... Even een boek waar je zelf niet hoeft na te denken, en je helemaal in kan verliezen. Meerdere verhaallijnen en personages, die je makkelijk kunt volgen, en die uiteindelijk allemaal prachtig samenkomen. Elke keer weer sla ik blij haar boeken dicht, en het was dit keer niet anders. 🥰❤️
www.facebook.com/thebookbabecisz
March 29, 2013
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 far read. Many of the previous books have been marred by unrealistic upbeat teenage girls that have been somewhat irritating, but the teenage girl in this one was much more realistic, and much less irritating, even if she did get herself into a rather nasty situation (which it wouldn't even be a spoiler to say she is rescued from, because it is Jill Mansell after all).
So, if you are feeling down and want cheering up, or just feel like curling up with a good book that doesn't require any effort, this is the one for you. Even if you don't read chick-lit. :-)
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 far read. Many of the previous books have been marred by unrealistic upbeat teenage girls that have been somewhat irritating, but the teenage girl in this one was much more realistic, and much less irritating, even if she did get herself into a rather nasty situation (which it wouldn't even be a spoiler to say she is rescued from, because it is Jill Mansell after all).
So, if you are feeling down and want cheering up, or just feel like curling up with a good book that doesn't require any effort, this is the one for you. Even if you don't read chick-lit. :-)
February 4, 2023
My first by the author. I liked it, but...
It wasn't as believable and real as e.g. novels by Milly Johnson or Kristan Higgins or Mhairi McFarlane.
It wasn't as witty as e.g. books by Jennifer Crusie or Susan Elizabeth Phillips or Marian Keyes.
It wasn't as touching as e.g. stories by Kristan Higgins or Milly Johnson or Mhairi McFarlane.
Of course, mentioned above authors have written brilliant and a bit less enjoyable books. So, there is a chance that I will more like other Jill Mansell's novels.
This one had more interesting parts (e.g. the thread of Joe - it was great, almost to the end, when a big event supposedly made HEA for all - I didn't feel it) and some worse parts/cliches - and not the best used - (e.g. a wealthy hero, HEA for everyone, a drama around Delphi's father). Fortunately, it was a fast read, so there was no time to feel bored or annoyed.
It wasn't as believable and real as e.g. novels by Milly Johnson or Kristan Higgins or Mhairi McFarlane.
It wasn't as witty as e.g. books by Jennifer Crusie or Susan Elizabeth Phillips or Marian Keyes.
It wasn't as touching as e.g. stories by Kristan Higgins or Milly Johnson or Mhairi McFarlane.
Of course, mentioned above authors have written brilliant and a bit less enjoyable books. So, there is a chance that I will more like other Jill Mansell's novels.
This one had more interesting parts (e.g. the thread of Joe - it was great, almost to the end, when a big event supposedly made HEA for all - I didn't feel it) and some worse parts/cliches - and not the best used - (e.g. a wealthy hero, HEA for everyone, a drama around Delphi's father). Fortunately, it was a fast read, so there was no time to feel bored or annoyed.
January 17, 2015
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 are a little loose, but there's never any descriptiveness to their behaviors.
Recommended to fans of British chick-lit for sure! :)
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 are a little loose, but there's never any descriptiveness to their behaviors.
Recommended to fans of British chick-lit for sure! :)
September 22, 2016
Here I go again - another one I've read before! Which of course, I yet again realized very soon after beginning reading. Enjoyable though -here's what I said about it first time around, back in 2013…..
Another lovely story from Jill Mansell. Some great characters in this latest novel and the story really moves along at a fast pace, so you zip through this book in no time at all. There are a couple of surprises along the way, both happy and sad, but overall it is a story full of very happy endings. Maybe not all that realistic, but a good, happy read.
Another lovely story from Jill Mansell. Some great characters in this latest novel and the story really moves along at a fast pace, so you zip through this book in no time at all. There are a couple of surprises along the way, both happy and sad, but overall it is a story full of very happy endings. Maybe not all that realistic, but a good, happy read.
January 9, 2017
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.
August 19, 2023
a cute read.
December 14, 2018
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 details regarding the characters I'd refer to the book blurb. I also listened to the Audio-version of Don't Want to Miss a Thing, and the narrator, Clare Corbett did a very good job diversifying the characters by changing her voice, inflection and accent. I was impressed.
One thing I'm sure of : I will certainly read more books by Jill Mansell. I'm glad to add this author to the plus column. Overall rating ***3,75***
For a story synopsis and more details regarding the characters I'd refer to the book blurb. I also listened to the Audio-version of Don't Want to Miss a Thing, and the narrator, Clare Corbett did a very good job diversifying the characters by changing her voice, inflection and accent. I was impressed.
One thing I'm sure of : I will certainly read more books by Jill Mansell. I'm glad to add this author to the plus column. Overall rating ***3,75***
April 15, 2017
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!
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!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2019
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 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
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
February 24, 2013
"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 answers the phone to Laura, his much-loved sister, and the mother to just-this-minute born Delphi.
From the moment he picks up Delphi's tiny little body, there's a connection. An unspoken bond that Dex finds completely new to him, but at the same time, enchanting. After spending some time in the hospital room with his sister and new niece, Dex heads off back home.
A few nights later, whilst out at a party, Dex receives another phone call, this time, not delivering good news... His sister, Laura has passed away, and suddenly, baby Delphi needs a carer.
Suddenly thrown into the world of social services, signing forms and visits to his home, Dex doesn't know who to turn to. He doesn't know any of his neighbors, he doesn't know a thing about babies, and his modern bachelor pad isn't really suitable for a new born. Until suddenly, a bulb flashes bright in his head. He was, before everything turned upside down, looking for a holiday cottage. Somewhere he could get away to now and again. As he visits different holiday homes with his temporarily annoying girlfriend of the time, he comes across a quaint village, known as Briarwood, and just knows that this is the kind of place that he could bring Delphi up in.
Meanwhile, Molly is struggling to understand how her ex boyfriend thought that buying her a fish would mend their broken relationship. After finally finding the courage to break up from Graham and being landed with a Carp, Molly flings it over her back garden fence and hopes that she is finally rid of it, once and for all. Unfortunately for her, at that same exact moment, Dex and his tag-along girlfriend are inspecting the behind of his new holiday home. After an awkward apology and rushed introduction, the sparks begin dancing between Dex and Molly.
Over in the cafe, run and lived in by Frankie, her husband Joe and daughter Amber, is where Molly's weekly drawing classes take place. Before the family had moved in here, over 20 years ago, it had been used a TV company for an up and coming series called, 'Next to You'. After the show had been a hit, and then had eventually came to an end, Frankie had decided to keep the legacy of the show running, by turning the cafe into a kind of memorabilia showcase. There were photographs and items from the show hung around the rooms, and people still came to visit it,taking photos etc. Now, it was lived in by Frankie's small but lovable family, and eaten in by the locals. Joe, her husband, is out most days and nights working, and Amber is studying for exams. But, even though all is calm on top of the water, there is a storm raging beneath...
As a number of characters lives intertwine in this magnificent story, you're absorbed even deeper into it. I'm a huge fan of Jill Mansell's work as it is, and could not wait for this to be released! And let me tell you, it was definitely worth the wait. Just absolutely beautiful!
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 answers the phone to Laura, his much-loved sister, and the mother to just-this-minute born Delphi.
From the moment he picks up Delphi's tiny little body, there's a connection. An unspoken bond that Dex finds completely new to him, but at the same time, enchanting. After spending some time in the hospital room with his sister and new niece, Dex heads off back home.
A few nights later, whilst out at a party, Dex receives another phone call, this time, not delivering good news... His sister, Laura has passed away, and suddenly, baby Delphi needs a carer.
Suddenly thrown into the world of social services, signing forms and visits to his home, Dex doesn't know who to turn to. He doesn't know any of his neighbors, he doesn't know a thing about babies, and his modern bachelor pad isn't really suitable for a new born. Until suddenly, a bulb flashes bright in his head. He was, before everything turned upside down, looking for a holiday cottage. Somewhere he could get away to now and again. As he visits different holiday homes with his temporarily annoying girlfriend of the time, he comes across a quaint village, known as Briarwood, and just knows that this is the kind of place that he could bring Delphi up in.
Meanwhile, Molly is struggling to understand how her ex boyfriend thought that buying her a fish would mend their broken relationship. After finally finding the courage to break up from Graham and being landed with a Carp, Molly flings it over her back garden fence and hopes that she is finally rid of it, once and for all. Unfortunately for her, at that same exact moment, Dex and his tag-along girlfriend are inspecting the behind of his new holiday home. After an awkward apology and rushed introduction, the sparks begin dancing between Dex and Molly.
Over in the cafe, run and lived in by Frankie, her husband Joe and daughter Amber, is where Molly's weekly drawing classes take place. Before the family had moved in here, over 20 years ago, it had been used a TV company for an up and coming series called, 'Next to You'. After the show had been a hit, and then had eventually came to an end, Frankie had decided to keep the legacy of the show running, by turning the cafe into a kind of memorabilia showcase. There were photographs and items from the show hung around the rooms, and people still came to visit it,taking photos etc. Now, it was lived in by Frankie's small but lovable family, and eaten in by the locals. Joe, her husband, is out most days and nights working, and Amber is studying for exams. But, even though all is calm on top of the water, there is a storm raging beneath...
As a number of characters lives intertwine in this magnificent story, you're absorbed even deeper into it. I'm a huge fan of Jill Mansell's work as it is, and could not wait for this to be released! And let me tell you, it was definitely worth the wait. Just absolutely beautiful!
February 4, 2013
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 unfortunately (obviously a but was coming up), the novel also did irked the inner cynic in me. It has the formula which no chick lit books could go wrong with. You have the playboy alpha male who moves to the countryside and meets his funny and attractive, but not in the drop dead gorgeous way mind you, female neighbour. Stuff happens. Seriously, I really don't even need the spoiler tags, but I'll just put it there any way, just in case. What irks me is that, It's pretty cliched and I'm quite sure I've read something along these lines in her previous books.
So I guess if this is your first time reading a Jill Mansell novel, by all means go for it. You'll probably enjoy it.
But if it isn't your first, and like me, you've been consistently reading all her other novels, I say don't waste your money on it. Check it out from the library or something. It's rather cute and funny at times, but really not all that much different from the rest of her novels. I really hope her next book will bring something fresh to the table, I'm getting rather bored by her predictable storylines.
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 unfortunately (obviously a but was coming up), the novel also did irked the inner cynic in me. It has the formula which no chick lit books could go wrong with. You have the playboy alpha male who moves to the countryside and meets his funny and attractive, but not in the drop dead gorgeous way mind you, female neighbour. Stuff happens. Seriously, I really don't even need the spoiler tags, but I'll just put it there any way, just in case. What irks me is that, It's pretty cliched and I'm quite sure I've read something along these lines in her previous books.
So I guess if this is your first time reading a Jill Mansell novel, by all means go for it. You'll probably enjoy it.
But if it isn't your first, and like me, you've been consistently reading all her other novels, I say don't waste your money on it. Check it out from the library or something. It's rather cute and funny at times, but really not all that much different from the rest of her novels. I really hope her next book will bring something fresh to the table, I'm getting rather bored by her predictable storylines.
February 6, 2013
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 of the 'rea'l thrown at them in some unusual ways, which show good humour and don't detract from the tale. I think this one is going to be one of my favourites of hers and is well worth a read if you like chick-lit with a bit more meat and humour than is often on display in this genre of fiction. She has a delightful quirkiness in her books which is very evident here and she ties up the characters tales well with no sense that she had to rush to fit them all in.
January 26, 2013
Well, you really don't want to miss this book:)
As usual, there are many many characters in the book, all of them living in the same village, and although I though it will be much more about Dex and Molly, I loved all of them and wanted to have more more more of them. There are more serious matters in the book but - as always - Jill wonderfully balance it with a lot of humour. There is a lot happening but everything is clear and orderly, everything has its beginning and its end, and the writing just flows. Really heart - warming book, and what made me like it still more (if it is possible at all) was Delphi, as she and My little Sophie are in the same age, so I could imagine her beautifully, with her starfish little hands, her kisses and her trying to walk. Perhaps one can say it is predictable, but hey - it's all about chick lit:)
Already waiting for the next Mansell's book:)
As usual, there are many many characters in the book, all of them living in the same village, and although I though it will be much more about Dex and Molly, I loved all of them and wanted to have more more more of them. There are more serious matters in the book but - as always - Jill wonderfully balance it with a lot of humour. There is a lot happening but everything is clear and orderly, everything has its beginning and its end, and the writing just flows. Really heart - warming book, and what made me like it still more (if it is possible at all) was Delphi, as she and My little Sophie are in the same age, so I could imagine her beautifully, with her starfish little hands, her kisses and her trying to walk. Perhaps one can say it is predictable, but hey - it's all about chick lit:)
Already waiting for the next Mansell's book:)
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