Posts
Pages: 432
Publ date: October 1st 2010 Sourcebooks Landmark
Living in a small town like Channings Hill, there are some people you just can't avoid, no matter how much you really, really want to. When Cleo's job throws her into constant contact with her childhood nemesis, Johnny LaVenture, she can't leave the past behind. But for someone she'd rather have nothing to do with, Johnny is impossible to ignore... Then shocking discoveries of past scandals, unrequited loves, old grudges, and not-so-ex-wives throw Cleo's family and friends into chaos. Life in sleepy Channings Hill may be about to get very complicated, but it's definitely never been more exciting.
This was my 2nd Jill Mansell book, and now it did make me read more. There was drama, romance, and nothing was rushed. I liked that.
The story is about Cleo who works as a chauffeur. All is well, and she has a great boyfriend, until the day Johnny LaVenture comes back. And she hates him, and with reason since he gave her this nickname that ruined her schoolyears, among other things. But he is so hot and hard to resist. Then there is the story about Cleo's sister Abby who is older and in a happy marriage, but they never got any kids and this saddens her. And soon things start to happen in this sleepy English village.
There is much drama, I can't go into details, but secrets are revealed, foundations are shaken, and perfect boyfriends are not so perfect after all. Abby and Cleo are the main characters, but we also get to follow Cleo's friend Ash, who is really shy around women he likes, but on the air, he is mr perfect. So there is a lot of things happening, and a lot of relationships that comes together or needs to be fixed.
Like I mentioned, I enjoyed that there was no rush. No one fell madly in love and married the next day. No things took their time, it felt very real. Some were stubborn, and some just hoped for things to come. A truthful tale about romance, and everyday life.
This book did makes me want to go to this English village and drink some tea. This is a great book to read this fall, perhaps while drinking some tea ;)
Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: I have mixed feelings, I don't like it, but at the same time it's cute and fits the book.
Reason for reading: From sourcebooks
Final thoughts: It was sweet, and I could not put it down. I just wanted to know.
3,75
I can enjoy a slow burn romance and I LOVE English tea time. Especially with a cart full of yummy goodness. I've done it a few times now, in England, Ireland and the Netherlands and it's such a good time to share with friends or family :)
ReplyDeleteLOL - this book made me want to travel to England too!
ReplyDeleteI liked the book and went into it thinking I'd never like Johnny and by the end I sure did :)
I don't read a lot of chick lit, but I do love Mansell's books because her characters are so fantastic!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant review! This sounds like a fun, entertaining story...and I like a slow-burning romance! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat review!! Sounds like this one was really sweet! I've never read anything by her.
ReplyDeleteI love Jill Mansell - she's one of my favorite Brit Chick Lit authors! I think I have this one on my shelf. I find all of her characters to be entertaining so I'll be looking forward to comparing notes with you when I get around to reading this one :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful review. This sounds like my kind of book. Will add to my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried this author but I may one day.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read anything by Mansell yet, but everyone seems to really like her stories.
ReplyDeleteThis one looks cute..I think Tori is going to read it for Smexy. Nice review:)
ReplyDeleteI do appreciate a book that moves more at the pace of real life!
ReplyDeleteLeontine
ReplyDeleteMmm yummy goodness, I really must make real scones so I can know what they taste like. So fun that you have had the real deal.
Patti
We should all travel to England and drink tea! ;)
Johnny was a hard person to like for me too, and at one time I just went noooo.
Bermuda
That they are. They feel so real, and she is really good at creating them
Melissa
ReplyDeleteWhen I read so many fast romances, then it sure is nice sitting back with a book like this one
Carrie
I have only read one book, and that one was a bit, confusing actually. But this one was so much better :)
Amused
I am happy to have finally discovered her for real. It was fun. Great characters and romance, and I'd sure enjoy comparing notes when you have read it
DC
ReplyDeleteI am sure you would enjoy it :)=
Ladytink
It's good to save some for that rainy day
Carol
They just have something heartwarming and real over them
Mandi
Nice, looking forward to that :D
Chris
After all the world winning romances, I totally need slow
This sounds like a nice romance!
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy reading a good book with a cup of tea :)
http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/
It sounds like a fun read (and now I have the ABBA song "Take a Chance" stuck in my head). :)
ReplyDeleteAhh... sounds like a lovely read on a lazy Sunday afternoon with my tea :)
ReplyDeleteI skimmed your review dearie because I'm starting this one tonight. I will make sure that I have some tea while I'm reading!
ReplyDeleteI always wanted to give this author a shot but never really have a chance yet. Her books sound like a very fun read and I sure love their light tones!
ReplyDeleteI read a book by Jill Mansel once and I don't remember being impressed. This book sounds like a fun though and I love stories about old enemies falling in love. I also like books where relationships are developed realistically and the characters don't fall in love with each other after a couple of conversations. I think I'd enjoy this book.
ReplyDeleteNaida
ReplyDeleteI do like it too, and even better if it's chilly outside.
Alyce
I am happy it didn't get stuck in my head, cos then I go around singing it all day long.
Cherry
My point exactly :D
Staci
ReplyDeleteYou do that, and I can't wait to see what you think.
Shy
They are sure perfect when you want just that, and at the same time this one was serious too
Simcha
I read one too once, and was not impressed. So I am sure glad I liked this one.
And yes love takes time, sure I love the love fantasy books where people fall in love at once. But I do want reality too
Glad you enjoyed this one. I love Jill Mansell and can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeleteI will meet you for tea. I am reading this now and totally loving it. Great review.
ReplyDeleteAnna
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy it! But if you like Mansell I am sure you will
Jenny
Yay, tea time, lol, it did make me wanna live in a cute and quiet village