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Making Your Mind Up
Lottie Carlyle isn't looking for love when she meets her new boss, Tyler Klein. Living in a beautiful cottage with her two adorable - sometimes - kids in an idyllic village in the Cotswolds, on good terms with her ex-husband and with friends all around, she's happy enough with her lot. But Tyler's perfect for Lottie and quickly she falls for him - and he for her. Unfortunately, there's a problem. For reasons that are totally unfair, Lottie's children HATE Tyler. When a rival for Lottie's affections comes on the scene in the shape of charmer Seb, the children adore him, and he's certainly a distraction. But he's not Tyler - and he's not even at all what he seems. Lottie's got a problem - but thanks, in classic Jill Mansell style, to a tobogganing accident and a delicious series of mix-ups, all will be revealed and true love will find a way.
436 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
398 people are currently reading
4287 people want to read
About the author
Jill Mansell
85 books4,881 followersJill Mansell lives with her partner and children in Bristol, and writes full time. Actually that’s not true; she watches TV, eats fruit gums, admires the rugby players training in the sports field behind her house, and spends hours on the internet marvelling at how many other writers have blogs. Only when she’s completely run out of displacement activities does she write.
Jill Mansell's books have sold over ten million copies and her titles include: Making your Mind up, Fast Friends, Good at Games, Sheer Mischief and Solo, among many others.
Jill Mansell's books have sold over ten million copies and her titles include: Making your Mind up, Fast Friends, Good at Games, Sheer Mischief and Solo, among many others.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 316 reviews
November 23, 2012
This book was a let down for me. It started out with so much potential, and had all the elements that Jill Mansell is known for. I liked Lottie's spirit, I loved Tyler's character and all the secondary characters were great - to start with.
Then the plot got thicker, and the characters became almost comical.
The storyline was ridiculous to tell you the truth, what with Lottie not choosing to be with a perfectly decent guy because her children disliked him. I am all with a mother putting her children first, but I mean, for crying out loud, the poor sod did nothing wrong. The children were spoiled brats, and that whole scene with them actually telling on their own mother to their principal and having her tell off Lottie and threaten her even was absolutely horrid. And Sebastian, seriously? I saw that end coming from the moment she first met him.
Also, Mario's storyline was very silly, unnecessary and not believable. Oh, but wait, here comes the good part...Cressida and her little romantic adventure. Good old Cressida. Cressida whose husband leaves her because she couldn't bear him any children, but then runs off, gets married, has a kid and asks his ex-wife to basically raise his kid. Oh, but the story's not over yet, because you see, Cressida gets SO attached to the little girl that she thinks of her as her own, and with a stroke of luck, her parents turn out to be insensitive, uncaring parents, who pretty much couldn't care less what happened to their daughter. So when they decide they are moving countries for a good business venture, they think well, we'll just leave our daughter - Jojo - with Cressida and have her adopt her because we are such incompetent, selfish parents. And Cressida gets EVERYTHING she wants in the world. A love story, AND a daughter. The End.
Are you kidding me?! Seriously? This actually happens in real life? Even if the parents are incompetent and neglectful, I have never heard of such a scenario where it works out perfectly for the EX-WIFE! Very weak storyline from Mansell there.
Honestly, I enjoyed the book in a very superficial, trivial, negligible way - because if I were to try and look deeper into the story, or think of it more seriously, I'd have given it just the one star (due to everything I stated above).
All in all, I don't expect every Mansell book to be great, and although she's disappointed me a few times, she's also proved herself worthy. For that, I will continue reading her books.
Then the plot got thicker, and the characters became almost comical.
The storyline was ridiculous to tell you the truth, what with Lottie not choosing to be with a perfectly decent guy because her children disliked him. I am all with a mother putting her children first, but I mean, for crying out loud, the poor sod did nothing wrong. The children were spoiled brats, and that whole scene with them actually telling on their own mother to their principal and having her tell off Lottie and threaten her even was absolutely horrid. And Sebastian, seriously? I saw that end coming from the moment she first met him.
Also, Mario's storyline was very silly, unnecessary and not believable. Oh, but wait, here comes the good part...Cressida and her little romantic adventure. Good old Cressida. Cressida whose husband leaves her because she couldn't bear him any children, but then runs off, gets married, has a kid and asks his ex-wife to basically raise his kid. Oh, but the story's not over yet, because you see, Cressida gets SO attached to the little girl that she thinks of her as her own, and with a stroke of luck, her parents turn out to be insensitive, uncaring parents, who pretty much couldn't care less what happened to their daughter. So when they decide they are moving countries for a good business venture, they think well, we'll just leave our daughter - Jojo - with Cressida and have her adopt her because we are such incompetent, selfish parents. And Cressida gets EVERYTHING she wants in the world. A love story, AND a daughter. The End.
Are you kidding me?! Seriously? This actually happens in real life? Even if the parents are incompetent and neglectful, I have never heard of such a scenario where it works out perfectly for the EX-WIFE! Very weak storyline from Mansell there.
Honestly, I enjoyed the book in a very superficial, trivial, negligible way - because if I were to try and look deeper into the story, or think of it more seriously, I'd have given it just the one star (due to everything I stated above).
All in all, I don't expect every Mansell book to be great, and although she's disappointed me a few times, she's also proved herself worthy. For that, I will continue reading her books.
June 17, 2023
Quite an enjoyable story, rich in detail and so character driven, I honestly had a challenging time who I wanted to see more of. Though Lottie and Tyler are major characters, there were also several that I felt a deep connection with. Cressida, Freddie, Mario, Amber, Jojo as well as Lottie’s children, Ruby and Nat who were quite bratty for two thirds of the book. Usually books with this many characters all with different storylines can be a challenge to follow and keep everything straight, but Ms. Mansell does it so seamlessly without dragging the reader out of the story.
As the reader gets to know Lottie, Cressida and Amber and how they are all connected, I loved how each of them are in a place in their lives where they need to make up their minds. Lottie needs to make up her mind about Tyler. Will she allow her children to dictate her love life? They like Seb, but he’s really just an overgrown kid himself. Will he be there when life throws hurdles in their path?
Cressida lives a solitary existence making greeting cards and spends lots of time with Jojo, who is her ex-husband’s daughter. I found this relationship surprising and a little disturbing, but I quickly warmed up to these two and realized how well they got along and felt bad that Cressida’s husband left her for not giving him a child but relies on her to take care of the child he has with his next wife. Wouldn’t have minded seeing that guy get run over by a bus. Cressida meets Tom and his son Donny and may have a chance at romance but will need to make up her mind about Jojo and her role in Jojo’s life.
Amber is dating Lottie’s ex-husband, Mario. She gets along wonderfully with Ruby and Nat (don’t get me started about how unfair these kids are towards Tyler dating Lottie) but she has trust issues with Mario and begins to wonder if his bad boy persona is just that or if he really is a liar and cheater. Amber needs to make up her mind about whether she needs to find someone who she can fully trust and will make her happy or if she should stay with Mario.
In addition to all of this going on, Lottie’s boss, Freddie wants Lottie’s help tracking down people from his past that he needs to make amends with, as he has already made up his mind about his life and the direction it will go.
My Final Verdict: A story with so much to unpack but leaves me caring so much about what happens to them is a book not to be missed. This book made me smile and cry. There were some laugh aloud moments and some moments of righteous indignation and irritation. What more could a reader ask for? Fans of romance and fiction will find something in this story that will tug on their heartstrings. You just need to make your mind up but save yourself the trouble of indecision and just go for it.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Making Your Mind Up from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
As the reader gets to know Lottie, Cressida and Amber and how they are all connected, I loved how each of them are in a place in their lives where they need to make up their minds. Lottie needs to make up her mind about Tyler. Will she allow her children to dictate her love life? They like Seb, but he’s really just an overgrown kid himself. Will he be there when life throws hurdles in their path?
Cressida lives a solitary existence making greeting cards and spends lots of time with Jojo, who is her ex-husband’s daughter. I found this relationship surprising and a little disturbing, but I quickly warmed up to these two and realized how well they got along and felt bad that Cressida’s husband left her for not giving him a child but relies on her to take care of the child he has with his next wife. Wouldn’t have minded seeing that guy get run over by a bus. Cressida meets Tom and his son Donny and may have a chance at romance but will need to make up her mind about Jojo and her role in Jojo’s life.
Amber is dating Lottie’s ex-husband, Mario. She gets along wonderfully with Ruby and Nat (don’t get me started about how unfair these kids are towards Tyler dating Lottie) but she has trust issues with Mario and begins to wonder if his bad boy persona is just that or if he really is a liar and cheater. Amber needs to make up her mind about whether she needs to find someone who she can fully trust and will make her happy or if she should stay with Mario.
In addition to all of this going on, Lottie’s boss, Freddie wants Lottie’s help tracking down people from his past that he needs to make amends with, as he has already made up his mind about his life and the direction it will go.
My Final Verdict: A story with so much to unpack but leaves me caring so much about what happens to them is a book not to be missed. This book made me smile and cry. There were some laugh aloud moments and some moments of righteous indignation and irritation. What more could a reader ask for? Fans of romance and fiction will find something in this story that will tug on their heartstrings. You just need to make your mind up but save yourself the trouble of indecision and just go for it.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Making Your Mind Up from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 1, 2018
Het was weer even geleden dat ik voor het laatst een boek van Jill heb gelezen maar het was weer gewoon een ouderwets leuk. Ik moest om sommige situaties toch wel grinniken maar er zaten ook mooie serieuze momenten in het verhaal. Al met al een goed verhaal met toch wel enigszins een voorspelbaar einde.
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May 31, 2015I don't DNF often, but I have to here. The constant POV changes are driving me crazy, the one American character uses British slang more than the actual British characters and everything is just so cheesy. I gave it 100 pages and nothing got better. Maybe I'll try again someday, but right now I just can't.
January 27, 2016
2.5 stars
May 28, 2017
Zoals steeds, weer een leuk boek van jill mansell
Heb enorm genoten van de personage die maar op één of andere manier maar niet samen kwamen, maar zoals altijd eind goed al goed
Heb enorm genoten van de personage die maar op één of andere manier maar niet samen kwamen, maar zoals altijd eind goed al goed
November 12, 2015
bleh...
I have never read any Jill Mansell books, I see why. It's not that it was badly written, but I just hated most of the characters. The only characters I liked were the minor ones, Freddie, Tom, Cressie. They had some substance and niceties. The main characters were not likable.
I never understand movies or books that are written like this:
Handsome guy, beautiful girl, talk for 30 seconds and must be in love? Strictly based on looks obviously since nothing of substance transpires between the characters other than seeing one another. In a movie, I can accept it more because of the limited time to develop the characters. In a book of 462 pages, I'm sorry, they just come across as shallow. I wish I would have abandoned...but I have a hard time doing that with books. Not sure how this one is rated above a three average on good reads.
I have never read any Jill Mansell books, I see why. It's not that it was badly written, but I just hated most of the characters. The only characters I liked were the minor ones, Freddie, Tom, Cressie. They had some substance and niceties. The main characters were not likable.
I never understand movies or books that are written like this:
Handsome guy, beautiful girl, talk for 30 seconds and must be in love? Strictly based on looks obviously since nothing of substance transpires between the characters other than seeing one another. In a movie, I can accept it more because of the limited time to develop the characters. In a book of 462 pages, I'm sorry, they just come across as shallow. I wish I would have abandoned...but I have a hard time doing that with books. Not sure how this one is rated above a three average on good reads.
June 10, 2015
Totally enjoyable in typical Mansell fashion:) This one puts more focus I felt on family & children, which was different but good. It has a more original feel to the storyline. In some places I would have liked to have seen more, such as interactions between Cressida & Lottie and also the ending. I love reading her books because you pretty much know you will end the book with a big smile on your face (and many times during the book too
February 4, 2020
I liked the characters, Tyler, Cressida and Amber! I loved Lottie in the beginning but she makes too many poor choices!
October 4, 2025
3.5 stars
Toen ik dit boek oppakte had ik door de fijne cover (een andere dan deze versie op Goodreads) de verwachting in een fijn kerstverhaal terecht te komen. Dat bleek iets anders te liggen; er komen geen kerstbomen, kerstlampjes of kerstige momenten in voor, maar het is een verhaal vol familie, geheimen en liefde.
Zoals we van Jill Mansell gewend zijn volgen we meerdere personages en hun verhaallijnen. Ondanks dat er niet bij staat wiens POV het is, merk je dit al snel genoeg doordat het in de derde persoon is geschreven. Toch moest ik hier echt even aan wennen en duurde het best lang totdat ik in het verhaal zat, omdat ik niet altijd kon plaatsen wie nou wie was ten opzichte van de andere personages. Dit verhaal is eerder uitgegeven in 2006 en dat merk je wel in bepaalde woordkeuzes en situaties die je anno 2025 niet meer hoort, wat ik grappig vond om te lezen.
En de minnaar is... is een fijn feelgood verhaal, maar verwacht geen kerstvibes. 🙆🏼♀️
Dank aan @lsuitgeverij voor dit recensie exemplaar!
Toen ik dit boek oppakte had ik door de fijne cover (een andere dan deze versie op Goodreads) de verwachting in een fijn kerstverhaal terecht te komen. Dat bleek iets anders te liggen; er komen geen kerstbomen, kerstlampjes of kerstige momenten in voor, maar het is een verhaal vol familie, geheimen en liefde.
Zoals we van Jill Mansell gewend zijn volgen we meerdere personages en hun verhaallijnen. Ondanks dat er niet bij staat wiens POV het is, merk je dit al snel genoeg doordat het in de derde persoon is geschreven. Toch moest ik hier echt even aan wennen en duurde het best lang totdat ik in het verhaal zat, omdat ik niet altijd kon plaatsen wie nou wie was ten opzichte van de andere personages. Dit verhaal is eerder uitgegeven in 2006 en dat merk je wel in bepaalde woordkeuzes en situaties die je anno 2025 niet meer hoort, wat ik grappig vond om te lezen.
En de minnaar is... is een fijn feelgood verhaal, maar verwacht geen kerstvibes. 🙆🏼♀️
Dank aan @lsuitgeverij voor dit recensie exemplaar!
April 9, 2020
We’ve had a beautiful couple of days here in England. I’m lucky enough to have a garden, which is handy during lockdown so have spent a few days in the garden, reading this book.
It’s one of those country chick-lits set in the Cotswolds, filled with predictable storylines, romances that are will they/won’t they? And some tear jerking moments but with some moments that will make you smile.
Perfect reading to get away from all the craziness at the moment, my kind of book.
It’s one of those country chick-lits set in the Cotswolds, filled with predictable storylines, romances that are will they/won’t they? And some tear jerking moments but with some moments that will make you smile.
Perfect reading to get away from all the craziness at the moment, my kind of book.
July 31, 2017
2.5 stars. The entire plot is about a woman being with a crackhead instead of a perfectly suitable man because her kids don't like him, but then they spend a couple days with him and love him so now she can be with him. It's enjoyable as long as you ignore the sheer stupidity
November 2, 2020
Um acaso feliz foi ter encontrado esse livro numa feira do livro e tê-lo trazido para casa. Jill Mansell mais uma vez traz-nos uma comédia romântica que nos conquista o coração e nos faz acreditar no verdadeiro amor.
Como descrever estas maravilhosas personagens? Lottie conquista pelo seu bom humor e paciência de anjo para aturar as duas pestes (queria dizer filhos) que conseguem fazer a vida negra a qualquer pessoa que se atravesse no caminho, mas no fundo achei-os...
Continuar a ler em https://nerdechique.wordpress.com/202...
Como descrever estas maravilhosas personagens? Lottie conquista pelo seu bom humor e paciência de anjo para aturar as duas pestes (queria dizer filhos) que conseguem fazer a vida negra a qualquer pessoa que se atravesse no caminho, mas no fundo achei-os...
Continuar a ler em https://nerdechique.wordpress.com/202...
September 2, 2023
Heerlijk feelgood boek voor tussendoor
July 2, 2008
Lottie Carlyle isn't looking for love when she meets her new boss, Tyler Klein. Living in a beautiful cottage with her two adorable - sometimes - kids in an idyllic village in the Cotswolds, on good terms with her ex-husband and with friends all around, she's happy enough with her lot. But Tyler's perfect for Lottie and quickly she falls for him - and he for her. Unfortunately, there's a problem. For reasons that are totally unfair, Lottie's children HATE Tyler. When a rival for Lottie's affections comes on the scene in the shape of charmer Seb, the children adore him, and he's certainly a distraction. But he's not Tyler - and he's not even at all what he seems. Lottie's got a problem - but thanks, in classic Jill Mansell style, to a tobogganing accident and a delicious series of mix-ups, all will be revealed and true love will find a way.
"Lovely romantic story... man likes woman, woman likes man, yet her children stops them from being together, all until a tragedy. Such a sweet ending, with a twist. Had me smiling from the very first chapter. Great read, especially if you're a hopeless romantic. "
"Lovely romantic story... man likes woman, woman likes man, yet her children stops them from being together, all until a tragedy. Such a sweet ending, with a twist. Had me smiling from the very first chapter. Great read, especially if you're a hopeless romantic. "
May 8, 2015
Jill Mansell writes satisfying stories. Here it is a week after I finished Making Your Mind Up, and I'm sighing with satisfaction at this complete, thoroughly developed, fun piece of fiction.
So Lottie lives in a little cottage with her two children (when they aren't with their nice-enough but childish father). She feels chemistry with her new boss Tyler, but her children aren't having it. They behave badly around him, and speak badly of him. So after a failed attempt at dating, Lottie moves on to ever charming Seb... who isn't all that he seems to be. I KNEW there was something odd about that guy!
In the end, love prevails, as do family and loyalty and reason.
So besides phenomenal characters and a happily ever after, Making Your Mind Up illustrates the strength of family love. Most of Mansell's novels are fun and flirty, but this one adds the dimension of children - truth-telling, tiring, joyful parts of us that keep us forever in love.
http://randombookmuses.com/tag/jill-m...
NetGalley provided an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
So Lottie lives in a little cottage with her two children (when they aren't with their nice-enough but childish father). She feels chemistry with her new boss Tyler, but her children aren't having it. They behave badly around him, and speak badly of him. So after a failed attempt at dating, Lottie moves on to ever charming Seb... who isn't all that he seems to be. I KNEW there was something odd about that guy!
In the end, love prevails, as do family and loyalty and reason.
So besides phenomenal characters and a happily ever after, Making Your Mind Up illustrates the strength of family love. Most of Mansell's novels are fun and flirty, but this one adds the dimension of children - truth-telling, tiring, joyful parts of us that keep us forever in love.
http://randombookmuses.com/tag/jill-m...
NetGalley provided an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 13, 2025
De (nieuwe) cover van En de minnaar is… wekt de indruk dat je een kerstverhaal gaat lezen, maar als je daarop rekent, kom je bedrogen uit. Dit boek heeft totaal geen kerstsetting, ondanks de winterse uitstraling van de kaft. Toch blijft Jill Mansell altijd een goed cadeautje, ook voor de decembermaanden. Geen mistletoe of kerstlichtjes, maar wel een flinke dosis feelgoodromantiek in typische Jill Mansell-stijl.
Gehele review binnenkort op mijn blog: https://jenniferleest.wordpress.com/
Gehele review binnenkort op mijn blog: https://jenniferleest.wordpress.com/
November 25, 2017
Um, I pretty much love everything about this book. There were a couple things I didn’t like (Seb and Liana), but they were a necessary evil. This was just such a sweet and wonderful story set in a small town in England. I’m obsessed.
March 13, 2019
DNF - made it to pg 118, and gave up. Jumping around to various characters, and I still have no idea what I’ve read or where it’s even going, and I’m almost half thru. Forget it.
December 5, 2023
A very classic chick-flick romance book!! A bit slow in the middle, but picked up again in the last 80 pages and had me grinning from ear to ear reading the last chapters!
July 2, 2024
Heerlijk boek
August 26, 2024
Wel grappig door de onwerkelijke voorvallen.
September 5, 2025
Got exactly what I wanted from this book. Chick-lit at its best. Fun and lighthearted.
December 21, 2025
It's an enjoyable read with believable characters. I particularly enjoyed the back story to Freddie Masterson.
February 5, 2024
Different experiences for 2 women of love and tragedy. Makes you laugh and cry at same time when everything goes against you just trying to go on a date.
February 8, 2014
O que eu me ri com mais esta história de Jill Mansell, inacreditável.
Após o último livro que li desta autora, excelente, pensei que tão depressa não passaria os olhos por algo seu tão divertido, mas eis Acasos Felizes para me surpreender, e de que maneira!
Depois de dez livros lidos e nove opinados desta escritora aqui no blogue, confesso-vos que começo a ficar com a sensação, quase certeza, de que os meus comentários às suas narrativas são repetitivos. Afinal de contas, Jill cativa-me pelas suas singularidades que não variam muito de livro para livro – o que para quem gosta como eu é uma mais-valia – e que mais voltam a encontrar-se expostas no seu melhor. Dito isto, cheguei a um momento em que avalio as suas histórias com base nas personagens principais, no estilo de abordagem às problemáticas e romance comuns e, mais importante, em relação às peripécias, reviravoltas e humor – tudo o resto nestas páginas é trapalhada habitual de ler e chorar por mais.
Como tão bem elucida a sinopse, a questão central do texto gira torno da dificuldade de Lottie em ser feliz com o homem de quem gosta devido aos seus pestinhas, que o vêm como um monstro. A somar a este problema simples, existe o ex. marido de Lottie sempre colado à porta de sua casa, a boa amiga com teias de aranha, o seu antigo patrão e grande amigo envolvido numa fatalidade e um homem lindo, rico e sedutor que afinal pode não ser um partido assim tão bom, mas que os pestinhas adoram.
Resumindo, a vida amorosa da protagonista tem tudo para correr mal, e corre realmente mal, mas é maravilhoso vê-la assim como a Tyler sofrerem – muito bem, é horrível o que eu acabei de dizer, mas é uma das maravilhas da ficção.
Gostei imenso de Lottie. Esta protagonista vai da irascibilidade à doçura em segundos com o seu feitio peculiar, já para não falar do seu sentido de humor, do seu grande coração de mãe e de se revelar uma amiga que dá o sangue por aqueles que estima. É, claro está, do género que se coloca nas situações mais impossíveis, que não sabe o significado da palavra descrição e que se mete onde não é chamada, ou não fosse ela louca por um segredo ou coscuvilhice. Gostei igualmente dos seus filhos, Nat e Ruby, muito irritantes, embirrentos e teimosos, algo que eu deduzo ser próprio dos seus sete e dez anos de idade, mas por outro lado também têm momentos em que são os anjos, como qualquer criança.
No que respeita aos machos de Lottie, o ex. marido Mario caracteriza-se por ser um mulherengo que se vai moderando ao longo do texto, cumprindo bem o seu papel de pai e redimindo-se na segunda metade do livro. Já Tyler, que está igualmente bem enquanto patrão fatal, surpreendeu-me muito no final embora, desde o início, fosse possível antever a sua boa índole e me tenha logo conquistado pela sua eterna paciência. Por fim, Seb, é do género que nos deixa a pulga atrás da orelha mas o que vamos seguindo para ver até onde vai, bem ele vai longe, isso é certo. São todos previsíveis, essa é que é essa, mas são o protótipo de personagem Jill a que não resisto.
Ainda em relação a intervenientes, quero citar Cress e Jojo, tia e sobrinha. A primeira é uma grande amiga de Lottie e juntamente com a sua menina acabam por protagonizar uma temática bastante interessante, assim como Freddie o ex. patrão da protagonista que permite a introdução de algo incomum nos livros desta autora, passagens temporais no passado e que dão ênfase ao presente desta personagem com questões importantes.
Personagens, imensas como sempre, à parte, adorei os momentos altos do livro. As caricatas situações com uma Nana, um lagarto, com cinzas e uma crise de soluços ficam para a história de tão divertidas que foram – gargalhei! As reviravoltas, por vezes surpreendentes, foram mais um ponto positivo, embora o final tenha continuado a ser imaginável. E gostei, também, de todo o ambiente criado em torno da aldeia, onde não faltam os cromos e as fofocas que animam o dia de qualquer habitante de um local pequeno e idílico.
No que respeita a questões pertinentes, Jill volta a satirizar vários clichés e vários traços característicos de indivíduos comuns, mais ou menos bons, que de uma forma ou de outra encontramos no nosso dia-a-dia. Os snobes, os fúteis e os interesseiros estão presentes, assim como os tímidos, os mulherengos e os excêntricos. Igualmente abordadas são questões como a morte e as drogas, e, num campo mais afectivo, o divórcio, a adopção, as relações passageiras e todo o que se encontra associado a novos relacionamentos de pais solteiros.
Numa vertente mais animadora e emotiva, esta é também uma história de segundas oportunidades, de evolução individual e sobre o amor leve mas intenso pois, embora nem sempre pareça, esta autora é uma romântica.
Opinião completa em: http://historiasdeelphaba.blogspot.pt...
Após o último livro que li desta autora, excelente, pensei que tão depressa não passaria os olhos por algo seu tão divertido, mas eis Acasos Felizes para me surpreender, e de que maneira!
Depois de dez livros lidos e nove opinados desta escritora aqui no blogue, confesso-vos que começo a ficar com a sensação, quase certeza, de que os meus comentários às suas narrativas são repetitivos. Afinal de contas, Jill cativa-me pelas suas singularidades que não variam muito de livro para livro – o que para quem gosta como eu é uma mais-valia – e que mais voltam a encontrar-se expostas no seu melhor. Dito isto, cheguei a um momento em que avalio as suas histórias com base nas personagens principais, no estilo de abordagem às problemáticas e romance comuns e, mais importante, em relação às peripécias, reviravoltas e humor – tudo o resto nestas páginas é trapalhada habitual de ler e chorar por mais.
Como tão bem elucida a sinopse, a questão central do texto gira torno da dificuldade de Lottie em ser feliz com o homem de quem gosta devido aos seus pestinhas, que o vêm como um monstro. A somar a este problema simples, existe o ex. marido de Lottie sempre colado à porta de sua casa, a boa amiga com teias de aranha, o seu antigo patrão e grande amigo envolvido numa fatalidade e um homem lindo, rico e sedutor que afinal pode não ser um partido assim tão bom, mas que os pestinhas adoram.
Resumindo, a vida amorosa da protagonista tem tudo para correr mal, e corre realmente mal, mas é maravilhoso vê-la assim como a Tyler sofrerem – muito bem, é horrível o que eu acabei de dizer, mas é uma das maravilhas da ficção.
Gostei imenso de Lottie. Esta protagonista vai da irascibilidade à doçura em segundos com o seu feitio peculiar, já para não falar do seu sentido de humor, do seu grande coração de mãe e de se revelar uma amiga que dá o sangue por aqueles que estima. É, claro está, do género que se coloca nas situações mais impossíveis, que não sabe o significado da palavra descrição e que se mete onde não é chamada, ou não fosse ela louca por um segredo ou coscuvilhice. Gostei igualmente dos seus filhos, Nat e Ruby, muito irritantes, embirrentos e teimosos, algo que eu deduzo ser próprio dos seus sete e dez anos de idade, mas por outro lado também têm momentos em que são os anjos, como qualquer criança.
No que respeita aos machos de Lottie, o ex. marido Mario caracteriza-se por ser um mulherengo que se vai moderando ao longo do texto, cumprindo bem o seu papel de pai e redimindo-se na segunda metade do livro. Já Tyler, que está igualmente bem enquanto patrão fatal, surpreendeu-me muito no final embora, desde o início, fosse possível antever a sua boa índole e me tenha logo conquistado pela sua eterna paciência. Por fim, Seb, é do género que nos deixa a pulga atrás da orelha mas o que vamos seguindo para ver até onde vai, bem ele vai longe, isso é certo. São todos previsíveis, essa é que é essa, mas são o protótipo de personagem Jill a que não resisto.
Ainda em relação a intervenientes, quero citar Cress e Jojo, tia e sobrinha. A primeira é uma grande amiga de Lottie e juntamente com a sua menina acabam por protagonizar uma temática bastante interessante, assim como Freddie o ex. patrão da protagonista que permite a introdução de algo incomum nos livros desta autora, passagens temporais no passado e que dão ênfase ao presente desta personagem com questões importantes.
Personagens, imensas como sempre, à parte, adorei os momentos altos do livro. As caricatas situações com uma Nana, um lagarto, com cinzas e uma crise de soluços ficam para a história de tão divertidas que foram – gargalhei! As reviravoltas, por vezes surpreendentes, foram mais um ponto positivo, embora o final tenha continuado a ser imaginável. E gostei, também, de todo o ambiente criado em torno da aldeia, onde não faltam os cromos e as fofocas que animam o dia de qualquer habitante de um local pequeno e idílico.
No que respeita a questões pertinentes, Jill volta a satirizar vários clichés e vários traços característicos de indivíduos comuns, mais ou menos bons, que de uma forma ou de outra encontramos no nosso dia-a-dia. Os snobes, os fúteis e os interesseiros estão presentes, assim como os tímidos, os mulherengos e os excêntricos. Igualmente abordadas são questões como a morte e as drogas, e, num campo mais afectivo, o divórcio, a adopção, as relações passageiras e todo o que se encontra associado a novos relacionamentos de pais solteiros.
Numa vertente mais animadora e emotiva, esta é também uma história de segundas oportunidades, de evolução individual e sobre o amor leve mas intenso pois, embora nem sempre pareça, esta autora é uma romântica.
Opinião completa em: http://historiasdeelphaba.blogspot.pt...
February 6, 2025
Leuk en vermakelijk boek om te lezen op vakantie, maar niet heel bijzonder.
February 6, 2016
I love Jill's books, have been slowly making my way through her novels. I haven't read anything of Jill's for a while, because there have been other books I wanted to read on my bookshelf, but hers are always on my shelf waiting to be read. Only problem is choosing which one of Jill's book to read next.
Making Your Mind Up follows numerous story-lines of a bunch of different characters. Main story (romance) is between Lottie and Tyler.
First we have Lottie and Tyler. Lottie is a mother of two, Nat and Ruby. Tyler is American, worked previously on Wall Street, bought a holiday home in England that his parents loved to stay at when visiting England. He decided to buy the holiday home after his friend died of a heart attack because the pressure of the job was to much. Lottie is the assistant that come with the job.
Lottie's children are a bunch of bratty kids. Nat and Ruby pull a lot of crap to get Lottie NOT to go out with Tyler. Lottie gave Tyler up for her children, because they hate his guts after an incident when they first met. She starts dating another guy, Seb. The kids love him, but I wasn't overly fond of him. I didn't see what Lottie saw in him at all.
Next story line is about Mario, Lottie's ex-husband, father of Lottie's kids. Mario is a flirt, doesn't know how to turn it off and it's what ended his marriage with Lottie. Maria's girlfriend of eight months goes on holiday and Lottie goes into full cock blocking mode to make sure he doesn't cheat on Amber.
Lottie's friend Cressida, owns her business making Cards and invitations. Falls in love with one of her customers, Thomas that is vacationing in town for a bit with his son. Her ex-husband left her because she couldn't have kids, he then has a child with someone else and treats that kid like crap. Cress spends a lot of time looking after her ex-husband's child, Jojo. Jojo and Thomas's son Donny plot to get them to meet up again and failed attempts when they had arranged to see each other, but something always come up, that had to put their plans on hold.
And finally the last storyline is Freddie's. Lottie former boss. He gets sick and can't continue to run his business so he sells it to Tyler and Lottie helps Freddie gets his affairs in order. Freddie lived a colourful life. Loved reading about his life. Freddie's storyline is emotional and I teared up a few times reading it. Really like him and his search to make amends with his former friends.
There was a lot going on in this book. Unique characters in and out of Lottie's life. Love the way she interacted with all of them. Why did Lottie and Cressida only share one chapter together, when they are "allegedly" best friends. Would of liked to see more interaction between them.
I enjoyed this book, it's not one of my favorites book by Jill. Some of the stuff in the book, I thought was unrealistic. It did end a bit quickly but wasn't disappointed by how it ended, everything was tied up nicely.
I am now on to my next Mansell novel. But which one?
Making Your Mind Up follows numerous story-lines of a bunch of different characters. Main story (romance) is between Lottie and Tyler.
First we have Lottie and Tyler. Lottie is a mother of two, Nat and Ruby. Tyler is American, worked previously on Wall Street, bought a holiday home in England that his parents loved to stay at when visiting England. He decided to buy the holiday home after his friend died of a heart attack because the pressure of the job was to much. Lottie is the assistant that come with the job.
Lottie's children are a bunch of bratty kids. Nat and Ruby pull a lot of crap to get Lottie NOT to go out with Tyler. Lottie gave Tyler up for her children, because they hate his guts after an incident when they first met. She starts dating another guy, Seb. The kids love him, but I wasn't overly fond of him. I didn't see what Lottie saw in him at all.
Next story line is about Mario, Lottie's ex-husband, father of Lottie's kids. Mario is a flirt, doesn't know how to turn it off and it's what ended his marriage with Lottie. Maria's girlfriend of eight months goes on holiday and Lottie goes into full cock blocking mode to make sure he doesn't cheat on Amber.
Lottie's friend Cressida, owns her business making Cards and invitations. Falls in love with one of her customers, Thomas that is vacationing in town for a bit with his son. Her ex-husband left her because she couldn't have kids, he then has a child with someone else and treats that kid like crap. Cress spends a lot of time looking after her ex-husband's child, Jojo. Jojo and Thomas's son Donny plot to get them to meet up again and failed attempts when they had arranged to see each other, but something always come up, that had to put their plans on hold.
And finally the last storyline is Freddie's. Lottie former boss. He gets sick and can't continue to run his business so he sells it to Tyler and Lottie helps Freddie gets his affairs in order. Freddie lived a colourful life. Loved reading about his life. Freddie's storyline is emotional and I teared up a few times reading it. Really like him and his search to make amends with his former friends.
There was a lot going on in this book. Unique characters in and out of Lottie's life. Love the way she interacted with all of them. Why did Lottie and Cressida only share one chapter together, when they are "allegedly" best friends. Would of liked to see more interaction between them.
I enjoyed this book, it's not one of my favorites book by Jill. Some of the stuff in the book, I thought was unrealistic. It did end a bit quickly but wasn't disappointed by how it ended, everything was tied up nicely.
I am now on to my next Mansell novel. But which one?
May 8, 2015
Making Your Mind Up is a heart warming story that kept me engrossed, made me laugh, teared me up, and in the end made me feel good.
I loved all of the characters in Making Your Mind Up. Lottie is the main character who is so admirable and realistic. I just really delighted in her character. As an ex-wife she remains on friendly terms with her ex-husband and his girl friend, as a mother the kids come first...even at the cost of any relationships she might hope to develop. I really felt for her as she struggled with her feelings for Tyler, her children's dislike of him, and her relationship with Seb...someone who's fun and makes her feel good but is not who she really wants to be with. I actually didn't see where that relationship was going...and neither did Lottie!
As an employee and friend she is loyal and caring. When her soon to be former employer and friend Freddie gives her a task that is also heart breaking in it's own way, she takes it on and does it. This is a strong sub plot that continues through out Making Your Mind Up...one that needs mentioned but not given away because it is very relevant to the plot, so real and it brought out strong emotions as I read. I liked Freddie a lot and the relationship Lottie had with Freddie, the trust they had in each other and the obvious caring they felt for one another.
For me Lottie was so believable and very entertaining! " '...I'm not allowed to die of boredom because I have to be here pretending to be a supportive parent for the next six hours...' " I felt like she could be my friend, someone I could easily spend time with and I liked her!
There are a host of other secondary characters, some with strong secondary plots who tie in well with Lottie's life and are significant to the plot. I enjoyed reading about these people as much as I did about Lottie.
I also really liked the English village setting and Jill's descriptions of the place. She made me want to go there myself and maybe have a swim in that lake!
Making Your Mind Up has good flow, and Jill kept me absorbed in this story. I'd highly recommend Making Up Your Mind to women's fiction/romance readers who want to be thoroughly entertained.
I loved all of the characters in Making Your Mind Up. Lottie is the main character who is so admirable and realistic. I just really delighted in her character. As an ex-wife she remains on friendly terms with her ex-husband and his girl friend, as a mother the kids come first...even at the cost of any relationships she might hope to develop. I really felt for her as she struggled with her feelings for Tyler, her children's dislike of him, and her relationship with Seb...someone who's fun and makes her feel good but is not who she really wants to be with. I actually didn't see where that relationship was going...and neither did Lottie!
As an employee and friend she is loyal and caring. When her soon to be former employer and friend Freddie gives her a task that is also heart breaking in it's own way, she takes it on and does it. This is a strong sub plot that continues through out Making Your Mind Up...one that needs mentioned but not given away because it is very relevant to the plot, so real and it brought out strong emotions as I read. I liked Freddie a lot and the relationship Lottie had with Freddie, the trust they had in each other and the obvious caring they felt for one another.
For me Lottie was so believable and very entertaining! " '...I'm not allowed to die of boredom because I have to be here pretending to be a supportive parent for the next six hours...' " I felt like she could be my friend, someone I could easily spend time with and I liked her!
There are a host of other secondary characters, some with strong secondary plots who tie in well with Lottie's life and are significant to the plot. I enjoyed reading about these people as much as I did about Lottie.
I also really liked the English village setting and Jill's descriptions of the place. She made me want to go there myself and maybe have a swim in that lake!
Making Your Mind Up has good flow, and Jill kept me absorbed in this story. I'd highly recommend Making Up Your Mind to women's fiction/romance readers who want to be thoroughly entertained.
October 18, 2010
single mum meets hot guys - yes that happens all the time. I'd like to see my single mum friends meet gusy willing to accept their children as their own. And furthermore I don't think any of my friends would even allow their kids to be in the company of men they've just met until they're sure. Kids need stability - not Eastenders as a life example.
Jill Mansell's books that I have read so far have been far too chick lit and stupid for me. Be prepared to lose brain cells when reading her trite, clichéd rubbish.
The heroine is generally naïve is either unsuccessful in her career or from a disadvantaged background, and a bit of a sap and misunderstood by the “hero” - and are usually been betrayed by a former boyfriend or just broken up from a long term relationship.
The hero's generally are all from the same chick lit text book of romance : tall dark and handsome (and invariably wealthy).
I loath absolute chick lit – but all her books are thus. Great of you're a bimbo though – because these books are so light that they float. Enjoy.
Jill Mansell's books that I have read so far have been far too chick lit and stupid for me. Be prepared to lose brain cells when reading her trite, clichéd rubbish.
The heroine is generally naïve is either unsuccessful in her career or from a disadvantaged background, and a bit of a sap and misunderstood by the “hero” - and are usually been betrayed by a former boyfriend or just broken up from a long term relationship.
The hero's generally are all from the same chick lit text book of romance : tall dark and handsome (and invariably wealthy).
I loath absolute chick lit – but all her books are thus. Great of you're a bimbo though – because these books are so light that they float. Enjoy.
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