3.2.10

Book Review: Take A Chance On Me by Jill Mansell


I loved Jill Mansell's last book Rumour Has It so I was very excited to receive an advance copy of Take A Chance On Me published by Headline Review on 18th February.


The story revolves around Cleo Quinn who isn't known for having the best luck with men. However, things with her new man Will are going extremely well and she's beginning to think that things may be looking up. But the return of Johnny LaVenture in Channings Hill changes everything. They were sworn enemies at school and Johnny is now a famous sculptor who soon has all the ladies in the village lusting after him even though he only has eyes for one of them. Meanwhile, Cleo's sister Abbie is being haunted by the events of the past as they come crashing back into her and husband Tom's life in the present. Is their marriage strong enough to survive such events? And then we have Ash, he is Cleo's best mate and neighbour. He has the gift of the gab when presenting his hugely popular radio show but is as quiet and shy as a mouse when in front of anyone he remotely fancies. Will he ever be able to overcome this and tell the woman of his dreams about his real feelings?

It did not take me long to really get into this book and then I didn't want to put it down. I think that Jill Mansell always creates highly believable and likable characters and Take A Chance On Me is full of them. Cleo Quinn is lovely and you get to know her very well as the story progresses. We learn of her hopes and her fears and I was willing for everything to work out for her in the end.

Johnny LaVenture is an excellent name for a character and through his return we learn so much about Cleo's past. We've all had that experience of bumping into that person from school who we didn't really like and having the realisation of how different we are in the present.

Jill Mansell's writing style is extremely witty and welcoming. She really draws you into the story and you very quickly care for the characters that she has created. There are many surprising twists and turns in this book as the characters do take chances, especially with their emotions. I would highly recommend Take A Chance on Me,I thought it was excellent.

9 comments:

verity said...

Goodness me I am envious of all of the books you are getting ahead of schedule. Jill Mansell is another of my bedtime reading authors.

Anonymous said...

Lovely Dot, thank you so much - it's completely nerve-wracking, waiting for the verdicts of reviewers! Glad you liked the name too - LaVenture is my mother-in-law's family name and she's so happy I used it.
Very happy you liked the book!
Love
Jill Mansell x

Dot said...

Verity- I have been very lucky indeed just lately!

Jill Mansell- Thank you for having a look at my review! I really loved the book!

Lynsey Dalladay said...

Hi,

I happened to notice you were currently reading Blacklands by Belinda Bauer. I hope you enjoy it! If you'd like to review any other Transworld books please get in touch. You can find me on twitter!

Best wishes,

Lynsey Dalladay

Kim said...

Another great review and now I will be looking forward to the publication of Take A Chance On Me, it sounds like just the type of book I would love to read.
Thanks as always, Dot.

Dot said...

Kim Thank you! I think that you would really enjoy this one! xx

Kirsty said...

Oooh I loved this one too - loved Johnny La Venture -Hubba Hubba!!

Dot said...

Kirsty- He was great wasn't he!!

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