Rumor Has It

This was my first Jill Mansell, but after I read it I order 4 more! This is a great story, of not just one character, but many in a small town. Mansell tells a perspective story rather than just from one character's point of view. Make time to read this because you won't be able to put it down!

I really can't say enough how much I enjoyed reading this wonderful book. As a fan of Meg Cabot's adult books, and Sophie Kinsella's stand alone novels, I felt like I'd found a book that was reminiscent of the type of "chick lit" that allowed the main character to be strong, yet emotionally open. Tilly was a sweet character that only annoyed me in her resistance to Jack, who really manages to warm the heart. Jack isn't the regular Lothario that you're eager to hate; he's actually much more complex and filled with surprising depths of kindness and generosity. I think that I fell in love with Jack! The other thing I really enjoyed about Mansell's novel was the number of other characters involved in the story. Sometimes I feel as if a writer needs to fill space and keep you reading, so they introduce a number of characters to get your attention. In this case, they each felt important and lovely in connection with the story as a whole. I loved Tilly's best friend Erin, and wanted to see her happy. Max was also a lovely character, with a wonderful back story to add depth to the novel. Altogether, I really loved each of the characters, and was almost sad to see the book end! Overall, I give Rumor Has It a high two thumb's up. I loved the escape factor of the story, and the sweet love story that unfolded. As mentioned, if you're at all a fan of Cabot or Kinsella, then I can readily and happily recommend this novel as another fun addition to the genre.

I became a huge Mansell fan by accident. Actually, i saw the cover for one of her books about a year ago and decided to buy it because of two reasons: one -- i was a fanatical british chick lit reader and, two -- I thought the cover was pretty. I'm not even joking. Luckily enough, the pretty cover matched the story inside! I immediately started researching other novels written by Mansell. Then i had read a review about this novel and just judging from the back cover i could NOT WAIT to get my hands on a copy. I was even researching if i would be able to have one sent to me overseas! I decided to wait it out the grueling 6 or 7 months to FINALLY get this book. and let me tell you... good things come to those who wait!!! Meet Tilly Cole and her lovely group of friends. Of course she notices Jack Lucas -- everyone in town certainly has. But with fair warning from her friends, she keeps in mind that Jack has a bedpost with one too many notches on it. So, naturally she keeps her guard up, at least she tries to but not without difficulty. Jack is just so amazingly charming and sweet that I wish wish wisssshhhh that he were a real person! The cast of characters were certainly something. Lou and Max were some of my favorite. However, compared to past Mansell novels i've read, i just wasn't as caught up in the subplots in this one compared to Miranda's big mistake. Or maybe it was just because i was so into Jack and Tilly that i got annoyed when she strayed off of their storyline. All things in mind though, this is definitely a novel i think you should read, especially if you're a fan of British chick-lit! It definitely had it's funny moments and touching scenes. Mansell's writing is flowing and easy to read. It epitomizes everything i love and adore about british culture just from my love of brit chick-lit. I devoured this book in a day and a half. And I'll probably sit and read it again some time in the near future.

Taking a job as Girl Friday to interior design Max, Tilly comes into contact frequently with his good friend Jack, the most desirable man in town, with the reputation of a playboy whose bedpost has been chopped down with all the notches it has received. Warned off Jack by Max, her friend Erin, and Max's teenage daughter Lou, Tilly has no intention of falling for Jack. But the thoughtful, reliable man she comes to see as a friend, doesn't seem to fit the image the village has of him. The confusing messages keep Tilly wondering about Jack and his intentions, as she navigates her busy days helping Lou with fashion and boys, gluing Swarovski crystals to ceilings for crazed clients of Max, and avoiding Jack's many manic conquests, who are suspicious of her friendship with him. Another great story from bestselling U.K. author Jill Mansell, Rumor Has It brings us quirky English village life at its very best, with interesting characters, gossip, and romantic machinations. Definitely put this on your summer reading and book club lists for a book that will make you laugh out loud often, while you worry and commiserate with Tilly about her situation with Jack.

I am going to say right off the bat that I really could never get into Chick Lit, that is until now. This is the most hilarious story with that off the wall pure British comedy that will make you chuckle from page one to the end. This author has certainly shown me that light and fluff with a great storyline, a few important messages and some just down and out comedy is what you need every now and then. OMG, I'm still chuckling. I am so going to have to check out the rest of this author's line of books. Rumor Has It is about Tilly who being dumped by her live in boyfriend ends up taking a live in position as a Girl Friday. Her boss is a hunka hunka but low and behold he is gay. Oh well, not the end of the world for Tilly as she's not looking really and there are plenty of fish in the ocean. Along comes Jack Lucas. Tall, dark, oozing with sexual charm that draws you in like bees to honey. Oh baby is he hot. So hot in fact that he is known about town by every female old enough to have her hormones in working order. Tilly is warned by everyone to stay away from Jack as he would only break her heart and chalk her up as another notch on his bedpost. Thank goodness Tilly has the strength of Hercules in the will department. Ahhh, but who says that even that will protect her in the end. Will she give in or will Jack break her heart into millions of shattering pieces. The author has done a fabulous job above and beyond anything I would have ever expected. I love the sense of humor, the solid storyline with it's hidden messages that are a strong reminder to one and all. The play of emotions is outstanding and oh gee I just don't know what more to say without giving it all away. Guess you'll have to read for yourself and see what a hoot this book truly is.