When Ellie Kendall tragically loses her husband she feels her life is over. But eventually she’s ready for a new start – at work, that is. She doesn’t need a new man when she has a certain secret visitor to keep her company...
Zack McLaren seems to have it all, but the girl he can’t stop thinking about won’t give him a second glance. If only she’d pay him the same attention she lavishes on his dog.
Moving to North London, Ellie meets neighbour Roo who has a secret of her own. Can the girls sort out their lives? Guilt is a powerful emotion, but a lot can happen in a year in Primrose Hill...
First thought after I finished the last page: "When is Jill writing her next book? I love her and this book!"
Why I loved this book: If not for Sourcebooks, I'm not sure I would have read a Jill Mansell novel. I have to say in all honesty, that this has been one of my highlights reviewing for Sourcebooks.....Mansell delivers book after book. And this one is my favorite to date. I don't know how Mansell does it, but she makes me LOVE and CARE about her characters. Maybe she sprinkles fairy dust on each and every page? Whatever it is, she has that special gift of drawing her readers into her story and keeping you riveted until the very end.
Ellie is a special young woman, who will stay with me for some time to come. I could feel my heart breaking along with hers when she finds out that the love of her life, Jamie, has died from injuries sustained in a car accident. I absolutely understood her grief, guilt, and inability to move on with her life. And even though Jamie has died, the reader is still able to connect with him and get to know him as Ellie talks to him daily.
Recommend? YES! I know the synopsis sounds sad and with any other author it just might be depressing. But Jill handles the topics of young widowhood, coming to terms with the loss of a loved one, and survivor's guilt wonderfully. There's pretty much everything you could want in this book.....love, heartbreak, laughter, hope, and a great cast of characters!
Rating: 9/10
Author: Jill Mansell
Published: September 2011
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Genre: "Smart and sassy" British Chick Lit
* Uncorrected ARC
Disclaimer:Thank you to Danielle @ Sourcebooks Casablanca for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MYexperience while reading this novel.© 2011, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
You know an author is successful when her characters take root in the reader's heart. Jill Mansell is definitely successful.
ReplyDeleteI loved this as well. I cannot wait to read her next book!
ReplyDeleteThis is my favorite Mansell so far, too!
ReplyDeleteWow!! This sounds REALLY good! :):):):):):):):):):):)
ReplyDeleteI read another review that said this is Mansell's best book ever! All I can say is wow! I love her work because of her fabulous characters.
ReplyDeleteWhy why why haven't I read one of her books yet? After all, she has such a lovely first name! LOL
ReplyDeleteSometimes its spooky how much we think alike and agree Staci girl! I would have never read a Mansell book either and That's why i adore Sourcebooks so. They have introduces me to several of my new fav authors. Fab review sweetie!
ReplyDeleteI've never read one of her books. For some reason I see those cutesy covers and think "light" but the blurb you shared is anything but light!
ReplyDeleteHmmmm....I generally don't read contemporary books, but this author sounds like someone I should explore. Thanks for the recommendation. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed the book.
ReplyDeleteI had hoped to finish this last weekend but as you know I'm having a hard time focusing on my reading so I didn't. I hope to this weekend. It's awesome so far and I agree - Jill could never write too many books for me. She's an awesome author.
ReplyDeleteYour review has sold me on this book. I am putting it on the list right away. I adore the cover!
ReplyDeleteYour delight over her books encouraged me to accept this one for review and I loved it and look forward to more of her books!
ReplyDeleteHi Stacey,
ReplyDeleteWow, what a gorgeous review. Thank you so much, you've just made my day - I'm thrilled you enjoyed my writing!
Love
Jill xxx
Mansell is just wonderful :D I do like her books, real, fun and sweet
ReplyDeleteI've been meaning to read this author...and earlier today, I was at Barnes & Noble and actually picked this one up and studied it. I almost bought it, but I've been trying to only buy from the sales tables for awhile.
ReplyDeleteI may have to go back!
Thanks for the review.
I've read one book by Mansell and really enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to reading this book at some point as I keep hearing good things about it. Thanks for making me want to read it a little bit more :)
ReplyDeleteThis is one author who everyone raves about and I still haven't tried. I really need to do something about that :)
ReplyDeleteYou and Bookfool have me convinced. I need to start with her backlist before diving into this new release. I'm ready to discover a new author. Thanks for the enticing review!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a sweet story. Will have to check it out.
ReplyDelete9/10 is a very good recommendation. Love the cover.
ReplyDeleteI've never read a Mansell book, but gave my daughter one a month or so ago, and she gobbled it up! Maybe one day. :) I do have some on my Kindle. Any recommendations?
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love your review, your enthusiasm is contagious and I wish I was next door so I could borrow it immediately LOL
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