Reviews

It Started with a Secret by Jill Mansell

m4k_f33's review against another edition

funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

Quite predictable and easy to read. Would recommend if you want to read a book “for the time being”

mindfullibrarian's review against another edition

4.0

(free review copy) a perfect summer read - cheery and cozy and unique

bexbooksandstuff's review against another edition

5.0

Just loved this book. Such a feel good enjoyable read. Plenty of laugh out loud moments and the side characters had some great substance. I especially loved Sir Richards character!

Set in the idyllic setting of Cornwall Lainey and Kit begin their new job using a tiny lie to get their foot in the door. The family they meet are fabulous and they love what they do. Can they keep their secret?

The main romantic story was as you would expect but what I really enjoyed were all the side plots. All the other characters were given great storylines and they all linked so well.

Thanks Jill as always your books are a pleasure to read.

hannahb2603's review against another edition

funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

susieoakley33's review against another edition

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

aniek11's review against another edition

4.0

Ik word gewoon altijd vrolijk van Jill Mansell, vaak wat voorspelbaar, maar daardoor niet minder fijn

mpr2000's review against another edition

4.0

Lainey needs a new job after the bed and breakfast she was working in France closes the doors. So when she sees a job offer asking for a couple to take care of a “messy” family, she and her friend Kit decide to tell a white lie to the family and pretend to be the couple the family thinks they need! Funny and original “It Started With A Family” is the read you need when you need a holiday from your life!
I like the core of the story, how all your surroundings can change with a secret, for good or bad, but a secret that changes you completely. There are a few secrets on this story that keep the reader wanting to know how the story will continue after the revelations, because I am sure that you are aware that no matter how much you try to keep a secret the truth will always surface!
This story is full of characters and little stories that makes the book rich and complex, because all of them connect in one way or the other and make the reader eager to know everything! I think that some books are best when you know less, this is one of those books, don’t ask for what’s about or where, simply let the author drive the story in their own way and enjoy the trip.
I haven’t read many books of Jill Mansell but after reading “It Started With A Secret” I will search for more books of her! They are perfect to disconnect from the daily stress and let your mind flow to a sweet story with vivid colours and complex characters.
Ready?

albertef's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

pricey87's review against another edition

emotional lighthearted fast-paced

4.0

booklover1974's review against another edition

Jill Mansell is still the queen of feelgood stories! I have read almost every one of her books and her stories always have a momentum so you can't put the book down. It was the same with this one. I read it on one sitting... my family was not happy :)

If you want a story about a big family and be charmed by them, read this! You won't be disappointed. You'll root for them all and only wish them the best!