Member Reviews

Honestly, Jill Mansell never fails to hit me with the warm and fuzzy feelings while reading her books. Everything from the delectable settings to the quirky but lovable characters completely drag you into her stories desperate for everyone to get their happy endings.

One thing I have always loved about Jill's books is how, although we always have a main romance, she weaves so many other stories through. Through this is absolutely Nella and Nick's story, and boy did I love them, we meet so many other characters, are hit with some truly epic plot twists that change people's lives. She interweaves all of these characters stories so effortlessly, from the Hollywood glamour star to the grandma of 5 who works at the local pub, making sure you are invested in every single relationship whether they're romantic or not. Her romances range from slow burn friends to lovers, to the most delicious enemies to lovers with a twist, with plenty more thrown in for good measure, no one storyline getting overshadowed by another, they all get the perfect amount of page time.

As a sucker for a slow burn, Nella and Nick's romance was absolutely my favourite. Their first meeting may have ended in a hospital visit, but when Nella's current job ends there is only one place she can think to work. The only problem? Nick would be her boss, and Nella knows the perils that come with work based relationships. But living next door to each other, seeing each other nearly every day makes staying platonic that much harder. Alongside these two gems, our other main romance is that of Lizzie and Matthew, a delicious enemies to friends to lovers that had me laughing and crying in equal measure. They don't start off on the best foot, with each interaction seeming to send them more down the enemies for life route, until a secret is brought to light that changes everything and shows each of them in a completely different light.

I always love the settings Jill chooses for her books and this one is no different. Starbourne gives off those perfect picturesque village vibes, where everyone knows everyone's business, and these settings always add an extra depth and emotional aspect to the stories because, whilst we're watching our characters fall in love, were also meeting everyone they know. From the chef at the local pub who also does everyone's hair, to the maid who works at the holiday homes. Jill builds these villages through the people who live there, and she's yet to set her books in a place I don't want to be transported to.

As with most of Jill's books, you know fairly early on who will end up with who, but I love that. I love getting into a book where I know there will be no big twists, or surprises. There's something comforting in knowing how the story will end, or at least having an idea from the start, because it makes for the coziest read you can just lose yourself in. Don't get me wrong, there are absolutely a few twists, Mansell certainly keeps us on our toes, but just knowing that that wonderful HEA is waiting you at the end means it's a cozier read. If you're looking for a book to cozy up with this winter, with the most picturesque setting and a whole bunch of characters you will fall in love with, look no further.

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This is such a lovely story. An easy read which pulls you in from the first page. Set in the Cotwolds, in the village of Starbourne, Nella Hughes, looking to purchase sunset-orange roses, loses out on the last bunch to Nick Callaghan. She’s returned to the village to visit her grandfather’s grave and lay his favourite flowers there. A phone call brings news that her boss, music promotor Tommy Kester has found himself in a spot of bother and taken himself abroad for a while. And Nick, who manages a luxury rental company, just happens to be looking for someone to cover the day to day running of his business – the ultimate Girl Friday with a ‘can do’ attitude. And Nella Is hired.
This opening chapter provides the foundation for the rest of the story as the reader becomes immersed in the loves, lives and challenges faced by the residents of Starbourne and those who have booked their holidays in one of Nick’s luxury properties. An Almost Perfect Summer ticks all the boxes as Jill assembles another cast of unforgettable characters whose stories will stay with you long after you reach the last page.
I would like to thank Netgalley, the author and Headline for an ARC of An Almost Perfect Summer in exchange for an honest review.

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This is a thoroughly enjoyable read set in the enchanting setting of a high-end luxury holiday complex. The novel weaves together the lives of its characters as different love interests emerge and evolve. The clever storytelling gradually intertwines these separate threads, culminating in a satisfying and well-crafted conclusion. A perfect choice for readers who love a mix of romance, drama, and a touch of escapism in a stunning backdrop.

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Jill Mansell doesn't just give us one love story, she gives us several, all in one delightfully readable book.
Set around some luxurious holiday homes in a picture perfect English village, the characters lives and stories become interwoven. As usual, Jill gives us interesting, relatable, and sometimes slightly flawed characters.
Once I started reading this, I just didn't want to put it down.

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I was looking forward to reading Jill Mansell’s latest book, and wasn’t disappointed. Her characters are always warm, friendly and relatable. The main characters are Nella and Nick, and their story begins when they have a slight disagreement in a shop.

Lizzie, a Hollywood actress is also introduced. Having become burnt out she needs to escape the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, and decides to stay at the lodge where Nella is concierge.

Set in the beautiful Cotswolds, almost a whole community of characters tell their own stories, and I enjoyed reading about their relationsships, how they interact, with several twists and turns along the way. Characters are skilfully described and you feel that you know them. There is a heartwarming feel with humour, and secrets to be explored which keep you turning the pages. A great read.

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This is the first book that I have read, written by Jill Mansell and I am sure that it won’t be the last. It has such a great feel -good factor, wonderful characters and it made me smile all the way through. Thoroughly recommended.

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It is a while since I have read any of Jill Mansell's novels and this one totally lived up to expectations. There are great characters, plenty going on and all in an idyllic Cotswold village. As with any rom com there are plenty of opportunities for misunderstandings, especially when characters don't express their feelings. There are also a couple of massive co-incidences, but who cares. This is a great book to curl up and relax to, whatever the season.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

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I love Jill Mansell books, they never disappoint. I enjoyed the book and all the characters and how they fit together. A perfect read.

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Jill Mansell does not disappoint, An Almost Perfect Summer is a truly enjoyable read. I loved all the characters and the way their stories fit together.

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

I have always loved Jill Mansell books - have read her for years! I was so thrilled to read the eARC ahead of release and boy, it did not disappoint. What a fabulous heartwarming story with lovable characters, gorgeous slow burn romance and stunningly evocative descriptions of The Cotswolds. I need to rent a luxury holiday home there immediately! I would highly recommend this to everyone. A cosy and comforting and beautiful story which you’ll whiz through as you won’t be able to put it down.

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This is possibly my favourite book from this author, it was everything I hope for when I start one of her books and more.
Great characters, slow burn romance for more than just the main characters and plot twists galore. It was also really funny, heartwarming and hard to put down. If I’d aligned it with a day off, I would have probably read it in a day.

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What a beautiful story! From the initial meeting between Nella and Nick, to the introduction of many interesting characters, I was hooked and needed to know their stories - I read it in two days!

Set in the Cotswolds, Nella finds herself working for Nick, as a concierge for his exclusive rental properties. Lizzie, a famous British actor living in LA, decides she needs a break, and books one of the properties. From this point on, the cast of characters perfectly interweaves, with beautiful relationships and friendships formed. A truly lovely book.

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An absolute heart warming book.

I just love reading Jill Mansells. They are engaging, well written and always leave a warm feeling inside.

A great story, with likeable characters (except one or two) and actual laugh out loud moments

Perfect escapism on a cold winters evening.

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Jill Mansell is one of my favourite authors and I know I’m in for an immersive experience when reading her novels. This new book has great lead characters in Nella, Nick and Lizzie but also fantastic supporting characters which makes interaction between them realistic and interesting. Set in a Cotswold village this is a warm, comforting book which was a joy to read. Highly recommended.

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A lovely romantic feel-good story from the wonderful Jill Mansell is exactly what I needed this winter season! As always, the storyline comes together with a satisfying conclusion for all characters!

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Fabulous as always. I love Jill Mansell's writing style. Maybe some people will think it twee, all the happy endings in thisbook, but that's what I'm looking for. Loved the village life depicted, loved the main couple (and the other couples), loved the thoughtfulness, the way dogs were clearly members of the family, the way ageing women were depicted (kindly). More please, Jill. With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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This was brilliant. Nella was immediately likeable and I wanted to find out more, so was Nick, but then so was Hugh and Maeve and, and, and… no doubt you’ll feel the same- nearly every singly character that enters the story, be they a main character or not, you immediately like and want to read more about them. Even characters like Tommy and Jed and Esme! Lizzie was a great main plot line side avenue and the autobiography. It was just such a clever book with SO much going on and yet told so brilliantly that you don’t get at all confused by who is who. I’m just writing this and reflecting in awe to be honest, at how brilliant the writing and how much I enjoyed this story about the goings on in the beautiful Cotswold village. Would absolutely recommend!

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A lovely heartwarming read. When Nick and Nella's relationship is purely platonic when she decides to go and work for him in the cotswolds where he runs a company which lets out luxury accommodation, there are a number of interesting guests including Lizzie an actress from L A who is having a break while writing her memoirs. It's a really good story which holds your interest as there is so much going on some wonderful characters bought to life by this author it's funny,romantic and charming and a perfect setting for the story. I really enjoyed it

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Another best seller from Jill Mansell, I have read almost all her books and each and very one is always guaranteed to be a brilliant read. The characters and the storyline were all wonderful as ever, thoroughly enjoyed it

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Every time I pick up a Jill Mansell book I know I am in for a good read.
It's like meeting up with an old friend you haven't seen for a while and catching up over a glass of wine. The characters become friends and you feel their emotions as the story unravels in all it's glory.
So many delightful people but you never lose track of who they are and what they mean to the story.

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