I’ve said it a million times, but seriously Jill Mansell’s books just have my whole heart! There aren’t many authors whose books I read religiously before joining bookstagram who I still set my watch to, but Jill is the exception because her books bring me so much comfort and joy! And this was another glorious treat, perfect for winter reading.

Whilst there’s plenty of romance and the gorgeous idyllic Cotswold setting you might expect, I loved that the focus of this novel felt like a bit more of a Scrooge type storyline as a kind, happy young woman (Lou) tries to bring out the nicer side of curmudgeonly old Edgar, an old man who’s closed himself off to people ever since having his heart broken years ago. Throw in a mansion up for grabs and an equally grumpy rescue dog and seriously, what more could you want?!

Now I think the “bad” characters in this were some of the worst I’ve read lately and I was definitely ready to boot a few of them but of course that’s what makes the story so exciting and you have to go through the sticky bits to really appreciate the joy of the ending! Although having said that, I still shed a few tears along the way and was definitely completely besotted with old Edgar and Captain Oats, who were some of my favourite characters of Jill’s yet.

I also loved all the different character stories and romances going on alongside Lou’s, and the way all the characters connect in one way or another - but overall this was just such a lovely story about kindness and the spirit of giving that makes it perfect to read around Christmas! And as always, I will wait with bated breath for whatever comes next 🥰

A wonderful, wonderful story. I spent a delightful couple of days immersed in the interaction of the characters and revelling in village life. An absolute dream of a book.

This is a heart-warming feel-good story, set in a small Cotswolds village, with lots of moving parts to keep it really interesting. There are a plethora of sweet romances - with each of the side characters having their own story. There is a well balanced mix of characters, both good and bad, with a bit of grumpy curmudgeon in for good measure (of both the two and four legged variety). Alongside the light-hearted cosy feel of the book, there are some emotive elements, with an interesting ponderance on what death might entail and a couple of frustrating and tense situations, which have you eager to find out what happens next.

With so many characters and moving parts, the book rattles along at a good pace - I had the audio version, which is well narrated and which had me hanging on to every word. I have previously been a huge fan of Jill Mansell, but stopped reading her books after a mediocre book, followed by a particularly boring one, so I am pleasantly surprised to enjoy this one so much. I would happily recommend this as a really enjoyable read and give thanks to NetGallery and Headline Audio for allowing me to get a copy of the book - it really is appreciated.

I have read and loved every single Jill Mansell book and was so excited to listen to her newest offering. This did not disappoint, the characters are perfect in their imperfections - we quickly grown to love Lou, Edgar, Sammy and Remy and I was rooting for them throughout the book. The narrator was easy to listen to and her voice matched each person well. The ending leaves you feeling satisfied in the typical Mansell fashion. Thank you so much for this arc, it’s a definite must read.

What a lovely audiobook this was!
The narrator does a wonderful job of telling this story and really captures the emotion of some of the characters as they experience certain events throughout.
It did remind me a little bit of A Man Called I’ve with the character that is Edgar, and just like Ove, Edgar really made his was into my heart.
There’s a few of the characters own stories intertwining throughout the book, but these are very easy to follow alongside the main story and they all tie together nicely.
Another lovely book by Jill Mansell

This is a wonderful heartwarming audiobook set in the beautiful Cotswolds. Lou is a carer who meets an elderly curmudgeon called Edgar (along with his dog Captain Oates) who persuades her to work for him. Lou accepts the offer and not only does she fulfill her duties but she coaxes Edgar to become a little more sociable and a little less grumpy. This is just a lovely feel good audiobook that will bring some welcome sunshine over the next few wintery months as this book comes out on the 19th January 2023. Narrated by Katharine Press who delivers all the joy - I really couldn’t stop listening. Very uplifting! Thank you Headline Audio and Netgalley for my copy.

Audio free courtesy of NetGalley

I have been a huge Jill Mansell fan since her first book and I always buy her books and devour them. This was as amazing as the rest of them. I couldn't stop listening to it and was gutted when it ended

It started when Lou was visiting her friend in Foxwell to watch him sing. Whilst getting a bottle of wine in the supermarket, she encounters a grumpy, rude old man, and when he takes a fall in the carpark, she rushes to help him. This one act changes her life, as when she returns to the Midlands, she finds that the person she cares for is moving into a home, so she lost her job and her Landlord is having to sell her house to pay for it, so she is also losing her home.

The grumpy old man, Edgar, has offered her a job, living in and looking after him, which she reluctantly agrees to after he gives her an offer he thinks she can't refuse but makes her feel sorry for him.

She moves to Foxwell and becomes part of the community, catching the attention of one man, whilst she dreams about another. But not all is straightforward.

It is a lovely book and I was recommended to all chic lit lovers

Every now and then I need a little escapism and this book what the perfect antidote to the stresses of life. Nothing shocking or surprising. Just a gentle, sweet read.

Absolutely delightful as is all of Jill’s books. This one I devoured in 24hrs! One minute Lou is happily employed, with a perfect flat. The next, her home and job have gone. Suddenly she has to start over.
The last thing Lou wants is to move to a tiny Cotswolds village. She certainly doesn't intend to work for curmudgeonly eighty-year-old Edgar Allsopp. But Edgar is about to make her the kind of promise nobody could ignore. In return, she secretly vows to help him fall in love with life again.
Foxwell is also home to Remy, whose charm and charisma are proving hard to ignore. But Lou hasn't recovered from the last time she fell for a charmer. She needs a distraction - and luckily one's about to turn up.
Secrets never stay hidden for long in Foxwell, nor are promises always kept.
What a gorgeous book! The author has a great gift for characterisation - nuanced, interesting, believable people but created with a charming lightness of touch. Thanks to a great author we have warmth, wisdom and emotional intelligence, this book was a huge pleasure to read! Top marks!
Audio version was amazing !

You really can’t go wrong with Jill Mansell books and this is no exception. Despite having previously read this title it was still enjoyable to listen to someone else’s narration