Take a Chance on Me

This was another great and fun chick-lit book by Jill Mansell. In fact, it might just be my favorite by her so far. The characters were all great. Witty and clever Cleo, who just seemed so real and down to Earth; sexy and charming Johnny who's not as bad as he seems; Abbie and Tom who were a great couple who seemed so in love; Fia who came into Cleo's life unexpectedly; Ash, the funny and awkward side-kick; and Georgia the teen who came as a surprise into Abbie and Tom's life. All of the characters fit together so well and I loved them all. The story was a typical chick-lit one. A strong female lead goes through obstacles to get the guy. But that was okay because the story that got us to the end was fun and I enjoyed reading it. Sometimes its nice to just get lost in a story that you don't have to think too much about and just enjoy it. I can't wait to see what Jill Mansell comes up with next!

The problem - a cold wet rainy day and no urge to do chores... The solution - a pot of tea, a warm quilt, a comfy couch and....the latest North American release by Jill Mansell - Take a Chance on Me! Cleo has lived in the small town of Channings Hill her entire life. She works as a chauffeur for a local limo company, spends her spare time with her friends and family and hangs out in her local - The Hollybush Inn. She hopes she's found the love of her life in Will - he just seems to be everything she has ever wished for. Or is he? And what about Johnny - a now well known sculptor who teased Cleo mercilessly when they were youngsters in school. He's back in town and has charm galore and every woman in town seems to be drawn towards it, except Cleo - or is she? Yet again, Jill Mansell has created a fantastic fictional world populated with lovable, quirky characters. Cleo is incredibly good hearted and fun, but has no confidence that true love will come her way. The supporting cast is just as fun - her neighbour Ash is incredibly suave when he's doing his radio programme, but tongue tied when in the same room with Fia - the woman of his dreams, but Cleo's nightmare. The subplot involving Cleo's sister Abbie, her husband Tom and their past intruding on their present goes a little deeper. I'm sure it's a situation that has played out in many marriages and Mansell handles it with both pathos and humour. Why do I enjoy Mansell's books so much? Well, I love chick lit - especially Brit chick lit and Jill is one of the best! I always feel like I come to know her characters so well. They're people you'd like to have in your circle (okay - except for Will) and I could see myself happily sitting in the pub on karaoke night eating a hot pot. The plots are fun, lots of wrong turns and miscommunications. Her writing style is clever, humourous, breezy and addictive. You're not taking a chance if you pick up Jill Mansell's latest. You're guaranteed a warm, witty good time read!

This was my 2nd Jill Mansell book, and now it did make me read more. There was drama, romance, and nothing was rushed. I liked that. The story is about Cleo who works as a chauffeur. All is well, and she has a great boyfriend, until the day Johnny LaVenture comes back. And she hates him, and with reason since he gave her this nickname that ruined her schoolyears, among other things. But he is so hot and hard to resist. Then there is the story about Cleo's sister Abby who is older and in a happy marriage, but they never got any kids and this saddens her. And soon things start to happen in this sleepy English village. There is much drama, I can't go into details, but secrets are revealed, foundations are shaken, and perfect boyfriends are not so perfect after all. Abby and Cleo are the main characters, but we also get to follow Cleo's friend Ash, who is really shy around women he likes, but on the air, he is mr perfect. So there is a lot of things happening, and a lot of relationships that comes together or needs to be fixed. Like I mentioned, I enjoyed that there was no rush. No one fell madly in love and married the next day. No things took their time, it felt very real. Some were stubborn, and some just hoped for things to come. A truthful tale about romance, and everyday life. This book did make me want to go to this English village and drink some tea. This is a great book to read this fall, perhaps while drinking some tea ;) Final thoughts: It was sweet, and I could not put it down. I just wanted to know.

Finally! A Jill Mansell book that is definitely worth reading. This book is a great place to start if you are new to Mansell, and a definite must-read if you're already a fan. Take a Chance on Me has all of the best parts of Mansell's books rolled into one; the comedy, drama, romance, subplots, and unique characters. All of the characters in this story have equally large roles, but the characters at the forefront are Cleo and Johnny. They have a shared past, as schoolmates but, as adults, have trouble finding common ground with one another. The other character (and their friends) - Fia, Tom, Ash, Georgia and Abbie, have equally good storylines that are mixed with romance. The book keeps you entertained throughout and gets going right away; often, Mansell's books are a bit slow-paced, but not this one. It was a good book and I'd recommend it.

Loved this book...could not put it down. Just when you think your the only one with relationship issues...read this :)