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mel_keeps_reading's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
mary00's review against another edition
2.0
This book was overstuffed with too many separate plotlines, and I didn't really care for any of them. I actually finished the book, which is why it gets two stars instead of one.
thatonelibrarygirl's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Not my cuppa. The English (UK) phrases didn’t always flow well to me, but it was easy to understand. Very reminiscent of “Life As We Know It” (2010 film). I love the film, not this book. Also, I was very bothered by the term “transvestite” being used and mentioned as a bad thing. Inexcusable in view. Very much a clean, closed-door romance. Very meh. But I picked this author up as a random pick at the library for our book club challenge, and now I can say I finished.
jo_bookworm's review against another edition
4.0
Dexter works hard and plays even harder. Women are part of the fun, and there is nothing serious that Dexter wants to get involved in. In fact the only love that Dexter has in is life is for himself and the only woman he loves is his sister. Then another female comes into his life - his brand new niece, Delphi and all of a sudden his life changes in more ways than he could ever imagine. Dexter loses his sister tragically and he is left holding the baby - literally.
Can the man who has never much committed to anything apart from having fun change his ways and become a responsible father figure? It will need a complete change of scenery and a starting again from scratch so he decides to move to Briarwood a village in the Cotswolds.
Molly has no luck with men, she simply chooses the wrong ones. The final straw with her latest beau results in the large carp he caught for her being unceremoniously flung over into the next door neighbours garden - just as Dexter happens to be viewing the property. Molly knows the cliché there are plenty more fish in the sea but this seems a rather stranger way of meeting her new neighbour especially when he appears to be drop dead gorgeous. Living next to him is going to be tough.
So along with Molly and Dexter and their will they wont they relationship, we meet other villagers as well and you really don't want to miss a thing that goes on in this place. Even the most outwardly appearing secure relationships seem to have secrets hidden, and they are all exposed in various ways and in some cases heartbreaking moments when you think that no one will find love and that the romantic ideal that you have as a reader is going to be severely tested.
This is Jill Mansell's new novel and whilst I have never read any of her work before, I think you will not be disappointed if you pick this up for some true romance and something that will brighten the winter days until we get to spring.
Can the man who has never much committed to anything apart from having fun change his ways and become a responsible father figure? It will need a complete change of scenery and a starting again from scratch so he decides to move to Briarwood a village in the Cotswolds.
Molly has no luck with men, she simply chooses the wrong ones. The final straw with her latest beau results in the large carp he caught for her being unceremoniously flung over into the next door neighbours garden - just as Dexter happens to be viewing the property. Molly knows the cliché there are plenty more fish in the sea but this seems a rather stranger way of meeting her new neighbour especially when he appears to be drop dead gorgeous. Living next to him is going to be tough.
So along with Molly and Dexter and their will they wont they relationship, we meet other villagers as well and you really don't want to miss a thing that goes on in this place. Even the most outwardly appearing secure relationships seem to have secrets hidden, and they are all exposed in various ways and in some cases heartbreaking moments when you think that no one will find love and that the romantic ideal that you have as a reader is going to be severely tested.
This is Jill Mansell's new novel and whilst I have never read any of her work before, I think you will not be disappointed if you pick this up for some true romance and something that will brighten the winter days until we get to spring.
ramen_beauty_books's review against another edition
2.0
DNF at about 30%. Too formulaic, the plot's been done to death before. Meh.
quequel's review against another edition
4.0
Eu adorei conhecer tantas historias em uma só.. foi divertido e emocionante. Não tem grandes acontecimentos mesmo os personagens passarem por situações bem complicadas, a narrativa é leve e uma delicia de ler.
blodeuedd's review against another edition
3.0
As always you will get more than one HEA and that is why Mansell's books are so fun. I love the love in the air. Even side characters, that are truly on the side gets a HEA.
But the book is about Dex and Molly. Dex is the womanizing partyboy (who I would not have liked if he had stayed like that). But he changes and becomes respectable, and is truly a god guy.
Molly is the nice down to earth neighbor. There are sparks, but are they just friendship sparks? These two have a very very long way to go.
And that is what I like, love that takes time, love that grows from friendship. Love that when you realize it's love, you already know each other well.
As for the side stories. There is a tale of lost love, hurt love and found love. You will see.
Mansell's books are cute and always enjoyable.
Cover
Eh
Would I read more
Yes
But the book is about Dex and Molly. Dex is the womanizing partyboy (who I would not have liked if he had stayed like that). But he changes and becomes respectable, and is truly a god guy.
Molly is the nice down to earth neighbor. There are sparks, but are they just friendship sparks? These two have a very very long way to go.
And that is what I like, love that takes time, love that grows from friendship. Love that when you realize it's love, you already know each other well.
As for the side stories. There is a tale of lost love, hurt love and found love. You will see.
Mansell's books are cute and always enjoyable.
Cover
Eh
Would I read more
Yes
pebbles1984's review against another edition
4.0
If you're looking for a quick, fun, easy, happy read, this book is great :)
readsewknit's review against another edition
3.0
This was a palate cleanser between some more thought-provoking books (what a pretentious way to spin chick lit!). Jill Mansell was a British author I'd heard mentioned before, well-known for her women's fiction.
This is a simple story centered around a free-spirited uncle becoming a guardian when his single sister passes away. He removes himself from his old life and retreats to a quiet village. In the village we see relationships begin and play out among a handful of members on a variety of levels (parents and children, spouses, etc).
Will it be receiving accolades and awards right and left? No, but it falls into that beach-read chick-lit if you're just looking for something quick and undemanding.
This is a simple story centered around a free-spirited uncle becoming a guardian when his single sister passes away. He removes himself from his old life and retreats to a quiet village. In the village we see relationships begin and play out among a handful of members on a variety of levels (parents and children, spouses, etc).
Will it be receiving accolades and awards right and left? No, but it falls into that beach-read chick-lit if you're just looking for something quick and undemanding.