Book Review... Take a Chance on Me - Jill Mansell

Take A Chance On Me - Jill Mansell
Headline Review, 2010
ISBN: 9780755328208













My rating

From the back cover:

"Cleo Quinn doesn't have a great track record when it comes to men, but now Will's come along she's optimistic. Handsome, attentive and an absolute gentleman when it comes to her questionable cooking skills, he could be her Mr Right. Things are definitely looking up for Cleo... apart from one small problem with a rather large ego. Johnny LaVenture, sculptor extraordinaire and her childhood adversary, is back in Channing's Hill and tormenting Cleo as if he'd never been away. 
But life never goes to plan, does it? Johnny isn't the only one stirring up trouble and, for Cleo's family and friends, all kinds of sparks are starting to fly. If you think you can put the past behind you, think again..."


I read a lot of Jill Mansell's books in my early twenties and always found them warm, engaging, and fun reads. This book was no exception.

I had a hard time getting to grips with the heroine's story. Although I don't mind books where there is more than one character's story involved, I felt in this case there is too much of the book devoted to a few too many character's stories.

All the character's lives/stories are intertwined but I feel that it would have been nicer if the focus had just been on Cleo and Abbie's stories - Abbie's story is wonderful, and beautifully written.

In my opinion there was a little too much jumping around, however the storytelling is flawless. This is a book that instantly grabs you and sucks you in, and it is very enjoyable.

There is lots of fun and quirkiness that makes this style of British 'Chick-Lit' magical, and, above all, the story and the characters are believable.

A good, solid read that will while away a few hours. Not a keeper for me though.

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