BOOK REVIEW: Maybe This Time by Jill Mansell

Mimi isn't looking for love when she spends a weekend in Goosebrook, the Cotswolds village her dad has moved to. And her first encounter with Cal, who lives there too, is nothing like a scene in a romantic movie- although she cannot help noticing how charismatic he is. But Cal's in no position to be any more than a friend, and Mimi heads back to her busy London life.
When they meet again four years later, it's still not to be. Cal is focusing on his family, and Mimi on her career. The Cal dives into a potentially perfect new romance whilst Mimi's busy fixing other people's relationships. It seems as if something, or someone else always gets in their way. Will it ever be the right time for both of them?

Publisher: Headline

Pages: 424

I knew that I was in for a treat with Jill Mansell's latest book, Maybe This Time. Mimi goes to visit her dad and his partner Marcus in the beautiful Cotswold village of Goosebrook. On her first visit she meets Cal who she instantly likes but she quickly becomes aware that he is not available. When Mimi returns from London four years later, Cal is still there and still very attractive but he has just begun a new relationship and Mimi's career is keeping her busy and taking her on a different path. Mimi and Cal have great chemistry but there always seems to be obstacles between them. Once all of the distractions have disappeared, will Cal and Mimi finally get their act together or are they just not meant to be?
Mimi is a fantastic creation, she fits effortlessly into life at Goosebrook and it is clear to see that she is one of life's good people. I loved the interaction between her and Cal, the dialogue they share is natural and I was so hopeful that they would get together.
The setting of Goosebrook is a great feature of the book. It is your typical, slightly eccentric English country village. Its inhabitants are very close to each other and it was lovely to see Mimi being taken under their wing and quickly becoming a valued member of their tight-knit community.
My favourite character in the book is CJ, he is the highly successful author Mimi works for at one point. He says it like it is and is a bit of a drama queen. I thoroughly enjoyed this part of the book as it contained such a lot of humour but also because you see Mimi realise how capable she is and her confidence is given a well needed boost.
I think Jill Mansell has a great knack of creating highly memorable romantic moments in her books. She slowly builds up the chemistry between the characters and then it suddenly hits you.
Maybe This Time is warm and witty. It has a fabulous romantic feel and I can highly recommend this highly entertaining book.