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A Walk in the Park
It's been a while, but Lara Carson's back in Bath and lives are set to change as a result. Because Lara left her family and boyfriend Flynn eighteen years ago without a word to anyone. Why has no one heard from her since? Her childhood best friend Evie is thrilled Lara's back and able to share her happiness. Evie's about to walk down the aisle with her dream man, Joel. Or so she thinks... Then there's Flynn Erskine, even more attractive now and stunned to see Lara again. The spark between them is as strong as ever, but how's Flynn going to react when he discovers the secret she's been keeping from him? Oh yes, there's a lot of catching up to be done...
432 pages, Paperback
First published February 16, 2012
664 people are currently reading
4734 people want to read
About the author
Jill Mansell
85 books4,869 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 684 reviews
August 15, 2012
A few years ago (not saying exactly how many, I don't want to admit I'm old) I read pretty much every book Jill Mansell released. When I say read, I devoured them in matter of hours then re read them a few weeks later because I was jealous of the journey these women went on to find the loves of their lives. Why could that never happen to me?
Then I stopped reading Chick Lit because there were too many books that started to read the same. I understand it's hard to find a story that is completely different within the genre, but I tarred the entire genre with the same brush and moved on.
Recently I have rediscovered my love of the genre. It doesn't matter that a lot of the stories are similar in basic content, it's the details and the journey that is the important thing. Also, the writing.... this is of the utmost importance. And Jill Mansell is a master at all three of these.
I don't like to give spoilers in my reviews, so I won't. But, I did love the air of celebrity throughout this book. Not only Flynn (whenever I read his name, I pictured Flynn Rider from Tangled - Sorry Jill- the pitfalls of having a 7 yr old daughter I guess) with his skiing, but the enigmatic and vampiric EnjaySeven. Without being corny, this aspect lifted the book slightly, and also provided the majority of chuckles (thanks harry).
Even though I personally tend to find many books in this genre predictable, I admit to being pleasantly surprised with a few of the twists. Also, the way some of the characters left us hanging, I would love to see a possible sequel just to tie up a few loose ends.
Thanks to a very good friend (You know who you are Zephy)posting me a copy of this book, I would never have rekindled my love affair with Jill Mansell's books, and on that note, I'm off to dig out the ones I own just so I know which to buy to bulk up my collection!
Then I stopped reading Chick Lit because there were too many books that started to read the same. I understand it's hard to find a story that is completely different within the genre, but I tarred the entire genre with the same brush and moved on.
Recently I have rediscovered my love of the genre. It doesn't matter that a lot of the stories are similar in basic content, it's the details and the journey that is the important thing. Also, the writing.... this is of the utmost importance. And Jill Mansell is a master at all three of these.
I don't like to give spoilers in my reviews, so I won't. But, I did love the air of celebrity throughout this book. Not only Flynn (whenever I read his name, I pictured Flynn Rider from Tangled - Sorry Jill- the pitfalls of having a 7 yr old daughter I guess) with his skiing, but the enigmatic and vampiric EnjaySeven. Without being corny, this aspect lifted the book slightly, and also provided the majority of chuckles (thanks harry).
Even though I personally tend to find many books in this genre predictable, I admit to being pleasantly surprised with a few of the twists. Also, the way some of the characters left us hanging, I would love to see a possible sequel just to tie up a few loose ends.
Thanks to a very good friend (You know who you are Zephy)posting me a copy of this book, I would never have rekindled my love affair with Jill Mansell's books, and on that note, I'm off to dig out the ones I own just so I know which to buy to bulk up my collection!
March 15, 2018
This story has the feeling of a modern Cinderella story. Lara Carson had her prince, she lost her mother, her father remarried to this awful witch of a stepmother, she went and lived with her aunt (fairy godmother?) after being kicked out of the house and finding out she was pregnant.
Eighteen years later she returns to her hometown, her house, her old life and re-meets the love of her life. Things unfold pretty fast from that point.
The book is good, I suppose, entertaining too, but it was too slow for me and I read it on and off for months and months. I guess I wasn't too invested with all the characters.
Eighteen years later she returns to her hometown, her house, her old life and re-meets the love of her life. Things unfold pretty fast from that point.
The book is good, I suppose, entertaining too, but it was too slow for me and I read it on and off for months and months. I guess I wasn't too invested with all the characters.
November 14, 2024
A Walk in the Park started off with a bang. I whizzed right through the first hundred pages or so, but then the story began to get bogged down with too many different storylines and too many different characters. I don't know, maybe I just wasn't in the right mood for this one.
The book did pick up again towards the end, but I felt like overall, at 448 pages, it was just too lengthy. I think Jill Mansell has a knack for writing fun and quirky characters that you kind of wish you knew in real life. While I enjoyed reading about most of these people, I just wish the story wasn't so long and that it had all been wrapped up sooner.
Maybe I'm being nit picky but the American rapper Mansell adds to the storyline, EnjaySeven, was beyond annoying and just plain ridiculous. "Hey, man, don't be so tetchy. Who d'yall sell these to? You OK with this, by the way?" His dialogue and his accent would make me cringe and I found him to be offensive. He was totally an unnecessary character in my opinion. Bleh.
So overall, I was disappointed with A Walk in the Park. If a few characters were taken out, and the book was about a hundred pages less, I might have enjoyed it more.
The book did pick up again towards the end, but I felt like overall, at 448 pages, it was just too lengthy. I think Jill Mansell has a knack for writing fun and quirky characters that you kind of wish you knew in real life. While I enjoyed reading about most of these people, I just wish the story wasn't so long and that it had all been wrapped up sooner.
Maybe I'm being nit picky but the American rapper Mansell adds to the storyline, EnjaySeven, was beyond annoying and just plain ridiculous. "Hey, man, don't be so tetchy. Who d'yall sell these to? You OK with this, by the way?" His dialogue and his accent would make me cringe and I found him to be offensive. He was totally an unnecessary character in my opinion. Bleh.
So overall, I was disappointed with A Walk in the Park. If a few characters were taken out, and the book was about a hundred pages less, I might have enjoyed it more.
September 26, 2012
If you don't like the road you're walking, start paving another one. - Dolly Parton
Jill Mansell’s new title, A WALK IN THE PARK, was just that – a walk in the park. It was engaging, enlightening, and surprising. It kept my attention with its warmth, spunk, and humor. Mansell even offered a secondary character ala Dolly Parton, as if she had been transplanted from Dollywood to the Lake District!
A WALK IN THE PARK kicks off with a homecoming – Lara returns to Bath for her father’s funeral – a father she hasn’t seen in 18 years after he tossed her out of the house. The house that Lara inherits. An inheritance that opens a mystery. A mystery that introduces readers to a cast of comforting characters, each looking for value in their own lives. Mansell tackles everyday situations to which modern women will relate – you’ll cheer for the heroines and hiss at the villains straight from your own life!
A WALK IN THE PARK dives into second chances, self discovery, and slowing down in a hectic world. Mansell challenged her characters to find what makes them happy, not what makes others happy. The Pièce de résistance – an unexpected comedic scene at a cafe that is sure to make any reader laugh out loud.
Recommended read for those who enjoy modern British culture and lighthearted women’s fiction.
I received an ARC from Sourcebooks for this review. A WALK IN THE PARK will make its US debut in November 2012.
Jill Mansell’s new title, A WALK IN THE PARK, was just that – a walk in the park. It was engaging, enlightening, and surprising. It kept my attention with its warmth, spunk, and humor. Mansell even offered a secondary character ala Dolly Parton, as if she had been transplanted from Dollywood to the Lake District!
A WALK IN THE PARK kicks off with a homecoming – Lara returns to Bath for her father’s funeral – a father she hasn’t seen in 18 years after he tossed her out of the house. The house that Lara inherits. An inheritance that opens a mystery. A mystery that introduces readers to a cast of comforting characters, each looking for value in their own lives. Mansell tackles everyday situations to which modern women will relate – you’ll cheer for the heroines and hiss at the villains straight from your own life!
A WALK IN THE PARK dives into second chances, self discovery, and slowing down in a hectic world. Mansell challenged her characters to find what makes them happy, not what makes others happy. The Pièce de résistance – an unexpected comedic scene at a cafe that is sure to make any reader laugh out loud.
Recommended read for those who enjoy modern British culture and lighthearted women’s fiction.
I received an ARC from Sourcebooks for this review. A WALK IN THE PARK will make its US debut in November 2012.
April 3, 2016
Published 5th July 2012
Author: Jill Mansell
I love reading Jill Mansell's books she is one of my favourite chick lit writers. This book did not disappoint, I read it in two days as I couldn't put it down. Hurray for a few days off work to indulge. I enjoy Jill Mansell's style of writing its relaxing and entertaining at the same time. A gentle read but by no means boring. I loved the characters Lara and daughter Gigi and could empathise with her reluctance to trust Flynn. There were unexpected twists where I must admit I shouted out "no way" to some of the characters. Very descriptive and very well written it was a pleasure to be engrossed in this book. Thoroughly enjoyed Janice getting her comeuppance.
Author: Jill Mansell
I love reading Jill Mansell's books she is one of my favourite chick lit writers. This book did not disappoint, I read it in two days as I couldn't put it down. Hurray for a few days off work to indulge. I enjoy Jill Mansell's style of writing its relaxing and entertaining at the same time. A gentle read but by no means boring. I loved the characters Lara and daughter Gigi and could empathise with her reluctance to trust Flynn. There were unexpected twists where I must admit I shouted out "no way" to some of the characters. Very descriptive and very well written it was a pleasure to be engrossed in this book. Thoroughly enjoyed Janice getting her comeuppance.
May 26, 2013
Another hit from Jill. Loved Flynn, the love interest. Also the gangsta rapper with a secret, the effeminate jewellery store owner, Aunt Nettie and even the 'toad' Janice. Lots of lovely characters, some of whom were a tad stereotypical, but loved them nonetheless. A few surprises along the way shocked me . Plenty to hold your interest. Plus the family dynamic, as well as the relationships between love rat Joel and his long suffering girlfriend and his larger than life family made it all the more enjoyable. One of Jill's better books in my opinion and I've read them all.
July 31, 2020
Altijd leuk, een warme zomerdag en een boek van Jill.
January 30, 2013
I had seen Jill Mansell's books recommended as British chick lit, so, being in the mood for fun and light fare with a British accent, I thought I'd try one. Unfortunately, this book fell flat. Very fluffy romance, totally predictable, silly plot (the U.S. rapper bit was not only extraneous but totally unbelievable), and didn't even make good use of its wonderful setting in Bath (hardly any description at all). As I'm a serious Anglophile, I want to soak up all the flavors of a British setting from the smell of the air to the shop window displays and, most especially, the quirky houses. Here the main character inherits a house in Bath, and there was not even enough description to picture it except for old wallpaper and new paint colors. (A different color for every room and the main character painted a room a day - which made me wonder if the writer had ever done any actual wallpaper stripping and painting in an older house, not to mention her choice of colors.) The story revolves around two women in their 30's who were best friends as teenagers. Lara, the principal character, returns to her hometown after being thrown out by her father eighteen years earlier and raising her now teenage daughter on her own. No one ever knew why Lara had disappeared or where she'd gone. Lara returns in time to attend Evie's wedding to her perfect dreamboat fiance, but the morning of the wedding Evie discovers something that could jeopardize the marriage. OK, first off, the whole construction of Lara's disappearance which the entire plot rides on is totally ridiculous. Would her devoted boyfriend and best friend never have tried to find her and been so easily put off by silence from her father and stepmother? She was staying with her aunt, for heaven's sake, and Evie, as her childhood best friend, would probably have heard of this aunt at some point. And then, after eighteen years of no contact or news, would Evie greet Lara with open arms and take up again as if nothing had ever happened? Wouldn't she be the least bit skeptical? Of the two characters, I found Evie's story the more interesting, though it is the minor one. Of course, its perfect romantic ending seems rather too contrived. But then everything about this book's plot feels contrived. I won't be reading any more of this Brit's chick lit, despite all the raving recommendations.
July 4, 2022
Recensie volgt @ The BookbabeVlinders voor altijd ~ Jill Mansell
LS Amsterdam, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ik had echt enorme behoeft aan nog een Jill Mansell, en dacht: waarom ook niet? En ook dit was weer een heerijk boek om even bij weg te dromen. Meerdere verhaallijnen die prachtig samen komen, personages waar je gelujk van houdt en een setting waar je je thuis kunt voelen. Op en top genieten weer. Nu weer tijd om even afwisselen met een thriller ;)
www.facebook.com/thebookbabecisz
LS Amsterdam, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ik had echt enorme behoeft aan nog een Jill Mansell, en dacht: waarom ook niet? En ook dit was weer een heerijk boek om even bij weg te dromen. Meerdere verhaallijnen die prachtig samen komen, personages waar je gelujk van houdt en een setting waar je je thuis kunt voelen. Op en top genieten weer. Nu weer tijd om even afwisselen met een thriller ;)
www.facebook.com/thebookbabecisz
September 26, 2012
I think I've read almost every book Jill Mansell has wrote. She's an auto-read. The only problem I have with her books is that they are like potato chips. Once I start, I can't stop. So I waited until I had a nice long evening where I would be uninterrupted to delve into A Walk in the Park.
Whew!What a fabulous read! When Lara's mother died, her father took up with another woman and married her. Janice never liked Lara and wanted her gone and used every thing she could think of to make it happen. But Lara made these easy for her - by creating common teenage mistakes. Most parents would live and learn but Lara's father throws her out of the house. She's only sixteen.
She makes her way to her Aunt Nettie's and there she stays for years - until her dad dies. Then she goes back for the funeral, but only because the solicit needs her for the will reading. She finds out she inherited the house and decides to move in and get a job. What she doesn't count on is her old boyfriend, Flynn, still single, handsome and available. He makes no secret of the fact he wants to pick up where they left off years ago.
Then there is Harry, who owns a clothing store where Lara spent her teen years. He's got troubles of his own - in the way of a popular rap star. The rapper keeps putting Harry's shirts on his website and the orders are piling in. The fans can't get enough of stodgy British Harry and the rapper and it makes for great publicity and shirt sales!
Then there is Lara's best friend, Evie. She's about to get married when everything begins to fall apart. Her love life, along with the ups and downs of Lara's life, will keep you thoroughly entertained! From romance, to laugh out loud moments, heartwarming and sweet, A Walk in the Park is anything but. I totally loved it and recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good British Chick-lit novel!
Whew!What a fabulous read! When Lara's mother died, her father took up with another woman and married her. Janice never liked Lara and wanted her gone and used every thing she could think of to make it happen. But Lara made these easy for her - by creating common teenage mistakes. Most parents would live and learn but Lara's father throws her out of the house. She's only sixteen.
She makes her way to her Aunt Nettie's and there she stays for years - until her dad dies. Then she goes back for the funeral, but only because the solicit needs her for the will reading. She finds out she inherited the house and decides to move in and get a job. What she doesn't count on is her old boyfriend, Flynn, still single, handsome and available. He makes no secret of the fact he wants to pick up where they left off years ago.
Then there is Harry, who owns a clothing store where Lara spent her teen years. He's got troubles of his own - in the way of a popular rap star. The rapper keeps putting Harry's shirts on his website and the orders are piling in. The fans can't get enough of stodgy British Harry and the rapper and it makes for great publicity and shirt sales!
Then there is Lara's best friend, Evie. She's about to get married when everything begins to fall apart. Her love life, along with the ups and downs of Lara's life, will keep you thoroughly entertained! From romance, to laugh out loud moments, heartwarming and sweet, A Walk in the Park is anything but. I totally loved it and recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good British Chick-lit novel!
May 1, 2013
This may wind up being a five star book for me. I'll have to give it time to mull over before I'm willing to add that extra star, though.
There's a certain ineffable sweetness about Jill Mansell's books. I've been trying to explain it to my friends for the past few days. In her books, characters are rarely mean. There may be a tosser or two, as you'd see in real life, but most of the characters are simply good people trying to be better and make good decisions. They never set out to hurt other people. They may be hurt, but if they are, the novels will feature healing. For all that these books are light, I also think they present a really wonderful vision of the world that I'd like to live in. There's a sense of optimism that is sorely lacking in so many other books.
This book encapsulates that charm and sweetness perfectly. This is why I snatch every Jill Mansell book that I can find on sale. (Yes, I buy them on sale--even though I like them, I have a difficult time shelling out too much for books anymore. Job insecurity in recent years has made me much less impulsive about spending money.)
I know this review has said very little about A Walk in the Park. I don't intend to say much. The wonder of this book isn't really in the plot. It's in the flawed but good characters making their way through a world. It's in the wonder of knowing that this is not a jaded world. It's a fantastic place to visit, and I recommend it highly.
There's a certain ineffable sweetness about Jill Mansell's books. I've been trying to explain it to my friends for the past few days. In her books, characters are rarely mean. There may be a tosser or two, as you'd see in real life, but most of the characters are simply good people trying to be better and make good decisions. They never set out to hurt other people. They may be hurt, but if they are, the novels will feature healing. For all that these books are light, I also think they present a really wonderful vision of the world that I'd like to live in. There's a sense of optimism that is sorely lacking in so many other books.
This book encapsulates that charm and sweetness perfectly. This is why I snatch every Jill Mansell book that I can find on sale. (Yes, I buy them on sale--even though I like them, I have a difficult time shelling out too much for books anymore. Job insecurity in recent years has made me much less impulsive about spending money.)
I know this review has said very little about A Walk in the Park. I don't intend to say much. The wonder of this book isn't really in the plot. It's in the flawed but good characters making their way through a world. It's in the wonder of knowing that this is not a jaded world. It's a fantastic place to visit, and I recommend it highly.
July 27, 2016
Een erg leuk boek. Leest lekker makkelijk weg!
April 25, 2017
Uvijek sam se veselila knjigama koje je napisala Jill Mansell. Njene knjige su mi bile zanimljivo, zabavno i lagano štivo. Međutim, ova me razočarala. Likovi mi nisu bili zanimljivi a priča je previše predvidljiva..
October 10, 2020
You can’t really go wrong with a Jill mansell book. It’s set in bath too which is a beautiful city. Easy reading chick-lit put pure escapism and feel good reading especially in the current situation we all found ourselves in
August 28, 2017
3.5 *
Had blijkbaar boek al eens gelezen ....
Had blijkbaar boek al eens gelezen ....
May 10, 2012
After only discovering Jill Mansell last year with the wonderful To the Moon and Back I’m definitely a newbie fan of her books but she’s already fast becoming one of my favourite chick-lit writers. A Walk in the Park is Jill’s twenty third novel a huge landmark and testament to how beloved Jill Mansell is as an author. She truly is a chick-lit legend and after reading three of her books (To the Moon and Back, An Offer You Can’t Refuse, and now A Walk in the Park) I can certainly see why she’s such a popular author.
What I love most about Jill’s books is that they appeal to women of all ages. There are always a range of heart-warming characters of different ages and personalities which means that there’s always a character you can connect with and a little something for everyone. I enjoy Mansell’s books as a twenty two year old as do my mum and nan, and I think that has something to do with Jill’s success over the years. She has this way of catering to everyone both younger women discovering her books for the first time and old fans who have been reading her books for years. A Walk in the Park is no different with the book following a variety of wonderful characters from Lara and her friend Evie to Lara’s teenage daughter Gigi not to mention the lovely secondary characters Harry and Flynn to name a few. Jill’s books are always full of characters you can’t help but want the best for and I love how likeable and relatable her characters are. In this book I particularly loved Harry- oh if only all men were a little bit more like Harry!
The book is made up of many themes the most prominent being the relationship between fathers and daughters, and how there’s a lot more than meets the eye when it comes to people and relationships. It has a moral of not taking things at face value and shows that no relationship is as straight forward as it seems. This book has a little bit of everything from romance, to family drama, to mysteries, to friendship. I became so involved with all of the different characters and I particularly liked Lara’s story as she uncovers old family secrets and tries not to repeat her mother’s mistakes. A Walk in the Park has a lot of veiled mystery and I found the twists and turns made this book a real page turner.
Once again Jill Mansell is on the money with this one. There’s not a lot that I can say that’s not in the synopsis that wouldn’t spoil the book so all you need to know is that this book ticks all the boxes and is a good all round solid read with some of the loveliest characters I’ve had the pleasure to read about. Reading a Jill Mansell book is pure escapism at its best and I would thoroughly recommend this latest offering to old Jill fans and newbies alike.
What I love most about Jill’s books is that they appeal to women of all ages. There are always a range of heart-warming characters of different ages and personalities which means that there’s always a character you can connect with and a little something for everyone. I enjoy Mansell’s books as a twenty two year old as do my mum and nan, and I think that has something to do with Jill’s success over the years. She has this way of catering to everyone both younger women discovering her books for the first time and old fans who have been reading her books for years. A Walk in the Park is no different with the book following a variety of wonderful characters from Lara and her friend Evie to Lara’s teenage daughter Gigi not to mention the lovely secondary characters Harry and Flynn to name a few. Jill’s books are always full of characters you can’t help but want the best for and I love how likeable and relatable her characters are. In this book I particularly loved Harry- oh if only all men were a little bit more like Harry!
The book is made up of many themes the most prominent being the relationship between fathers and daughters, and how there’s a lot more than meets the eye when it comes to people and relationships. It has a moral of not taking things at face value and shows that no relationship is as straight forward as it seems. This book has a little bit of everything from romance, to family drama, to mysteries, to friendship. I became so involved with all of the different characters and I particularly liked Lara’s story as she uncovers old family secrets and tries not to repeat her mother’s mistakes. A Walk in the Park has a lot of veiled mystery and I found the twists and turns made this book a real page turner.
Once again Jill Mansell is on the money with this one. There’s not a lot that I can say that’s not in the synopsis that wouldn’t spoil the book so all you need to know is that this book ticks all the boxes and is a good all round solid read with some of the loveliest characters I’ve had the pleasure to read about. Reading a Jill Mansell book is pure escapism at its best and I would thoroughly recommend this latest offering to old Jill fans and newbies alike.
October 25, 2021
Oh man! I just loved this book! Definitely on the “re-read, buy, and listen to” list!
I’m making my way through Jill Mansell’s books and it seems like she’s had a similar journey to Jenny Colgan. Both wrote many books that I don’t like at all but, as they developed their craft over the years, their writing kept (and has kept on) improving.
The good news for me is that there are a lot of Mansell’s later books left to read! Yay!
I’m making my way through Jill Mansell’s books and it seems like she’s had a similar journey to Jenny Colgan. Both wrote many books that I don’t like at all but, as they developed their craft over the years, their writing kept (and has kept on) improving.
The good news for me is that there are a lot of Mansell’s later books left to read! Yay!
May 13, 2013
I loved this book!
November 2, 2017
Enjoyable chick lit read, 1 or 2 too many characters though!
May 9, 2018
I picked this book up on my library's NEW 2018 shelf and thought I can't go wrong with a Jill Mansell book.. and I was so right.
I read this in 2 sittings, she writes complex stories with wonderful deep characters and background stories but it still is an easy light read, that warms your heart.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book as much as I have her others before.
Great romance author.
I read this in 2 sittings, she writes complex stories with wonderful deep characters and background stories but it still is an easy light read, that warms your heart.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book as much as I have her others before.
Great romance author.
February 2, 2021
It was an entertaining book more like 3 and a half 🌟 Lara was sixteen and pregnant and thrown out of the house by her father. Nowhere else to go, she lives with her aunt. Nineteen years later she returns to Bath for a friend's wedding and sees Flynn again. However the father of her child doesn't even know he's a father.
Quick beach read, well that's if you were allowed to travel.
Quick beach read, well that's if you were allowed to travel.
October 12, 2016
Meni odlična! Baš sam uživala od početka do kraja. Savršeno štivo za duga, lijena, jesenska popodneva!
November 6, 2012
It seems like there has been nothing but rain, rain and more rain lately. So, I decided that yet another rainy day was the right time to pick something light and fun to read. Jill Mansell's latest book - A Walk in the Park - was the perfect antidote for all that rain.
Lara was just sixteen when her father kicked her out of the family home, but her stepmother had a hand in that decision. So she left Bath, England without a word to anyone - not her best friend Evie or her boyfriend Flynn. Lar never told Flynn the secret she had been hoping to tell him that night.....that secret is now eighteen years old and her name is Gigi.
When her father dies, Lara returns for the funeral, where the family solicitor delivers shocking news. The home she grew up in was not her father's house. Instead it belonged solely to her deceased mother and ownership now passes to Lara. Gigi has taken to Bath and decides they should move into the house. Lara has her doubts, but agrees.
You can see it coming, can't you? Yes, Lara does run into Flynn again....
And from here on in Mansell weaves another humourous, heartwarming tale full of charming, quirky characters, missed cues, missed communications and missteps.
As always, it's impossible not to love the lead character in Mansell's novels. Lara is just the kind of person you'd love to have as a best friend. I enjoyed the lead character being a little older this time round. But Jill involves all demographics in her stories. A Walk in the Park also touches on older love, same sex relationships and friendship. But all of the characters have some traits in common - they're warm, funny, loving and well, just plain nice. The kind of people you'd love to surround yourself with. Mansell allows to escape into a world where although, not nice things sometimes happen, happy ever after endings do win out after all. (The philanderer was even hard to hate!)
Yes, you know everything will turn out the way you want it to in the end, but that never detracts from my enjoying each and every page. If you're looking to lose yourself for the day in a modern fairytale of sorts, pick up the latest from my absolute favourite chick lit author - Jill Mansell. You won't be disappointed!
Lara was just sixteen when her father kicked her out of the family home, but her stepmother had a hand in that decision. So she left Bath, England without a word to anyone - not her best friend Evie or her boyfriend Flynn. Lar never told Flynn the secret she had been hoping to tell him that night.....that secret is now eighteen years old and her name is Gigi.
When her father dies, Lara returns for the funeral, where the family solicitor delivers shocking news. The home she grew up in was not her father's house. Instead it belonged solely to her deceased mother and ownership now passes to Lara. Gigi has taken to Bath and decides they should move into the house. Lara has her doubts, but agrees.
You can see it coming, can't you? Yes, Lara does run into Flynn again....
And from here on in Mansell weaves another humourous, heartwarming tale full of charming, quirky characters, missed cues, missed communications and missteps.
As always, it's impossible not to love the lead character in Mansell's novels. Lara is just the kind of person you'd love to have as a best friend. I enjoyed the lead character being a little older this time round. But Jill involves all demographics in her stories. A Walk in the Park also touches on older love, same sex relationships and friendship. But all of the characters have some traits in common - they're warm, funny, loving and well, just plain nice. The kind of people you'd love to surround yourself with. Mansell allows to escape into a world where although, not nice things sometimes happen, happy ever after endings do win out after all. (The philanderer was even hard to hate!)
Yes, you know everything will turn out the way you want it to in the end, but that never detracts from my enjoying each and every page. If you're looking to lose yourself for the day in a modern fairytale of sorts, pick up the latest from my absolute favourite chick lit author - Jill Mansell. You won't be disappointed!
October 30, 2015
Another year has passed since I read one of Jill's books and I was so looking forward to her new one. I got mine in the post and realised that it was in usual Mansell style a reasonable sized book with over 400 pages and a gorgeous cover inviting me to start reading! Within the first four chapters I realised that my plans for the evening were finished. There would be no cooking or cleaning done, all that would happen is that traipse back and forth to the kettle whilst still reading the book.
Lara Carson starts the story off with a bang. She left her town at 16 and following events that unfolded has now decided to move back and start over. At the same time, her old friend Evie is getting ready to marry her man Joel. However, within the first quarter of the book, both women are up to their eyes in drama.
It is quite hard to review a book without giving away a lot of the story but all I will say about the storyline is that it certainly won't disappoint. It had a lot going on and kept me on tenterhooks all the way through. As for the characters, this is what Jill Mansell does best. Lara and Evie were lovely women and you warm to both of them right away. In addition to them there is an eclectic and interesting bunch of people that all feature heavily in the story.
Gigi was an adorable character and actually reminded me of somebody I know. We meet Lara's aunt Nettie, Don who owns jewellery shop in Bath and superstar rapper Enjay Seven. Like I said before the storyline I can't mention but what I can say is that the scenes between Enjay and Harry had me laughing out loud. My favourite character (and a pretty central one too) was Flynn. He sounds like a truly wonderful bloke and I kept my fingers crossed that things worked out how I wanted the whole way through the book.
Overall this book is one of the best Jill Mansell has written and I loved every bit of it. Having read it in under a day I can only say that I suggest you get yourself a copy and settle yourself in for the night with a hot cuppa and a duvet. What better way to spend an evening? This book is a true testament to why Jill Mansell has been a successful author for twenty years. As for myself, I will settle back and wait another long year for the next one.
Lara Carson starts the story off with a bang. She left her town at 16 and following events that unfolded has now decided to move back and start over. At the same time, her old friend Evie is getting ready to marry her man Joel. However, within the first quarter of the book, both women are up to their eyes in drama.
It is quite hard to review a book without giving away a lot of the story but all I will say about the storyline is that it certainly won't disappoint. It had a lot going on and kept me on tenterhooks all the way through. As for the characters, this is what Jill Mansell does best. Lara and Evie were lovely women and you warm to both of them right away. In addition to them there is an eclectic and interesting bunch of people that all feature heavily in the story.
Gigi was an adorable character and actually reminded me of somebody I know. We meet Lara's aunt Nettie, Don who owns jewellery shop in Bath and superstar rapper Enjay Seven. Like I said before the storyline I can't mention but what I can say is that the scenes between Enjay and Harry had me laughing out loud. My favourite character (and a pretty central one too) was Flynn. He sounds like a truly wonderful bloke and I kept my fingers crossed that things worked out how I wanted the whole way through the book.
Overall this book is one of the best Jill Mansell has written and I loved every bit of it. Having read it in under a day I can only say that I suggest you get yourself a copy and settle yourself in for the night with a hot cuppa and a duvet. What better way to spend an evening? This book is a true testament to why Jill Mansell has been a successful author for twenty years. As for myself, I will settle back and wait another long year for the next one.
February 28, 2013
So, as all Jill Mansell novels, this was a book filled with drama, humour, and very quirky characters. The past few books I reviewed for Mansell, I had been quite disappointed and letdown by the storylines, especially all the redundancies and similarities between plots.
This one though, finally, was different and Mansell came through in the end. I can now say I actually really enjoyed reading this book! Sure, it's predictable in certain areas, and you kind of figure out what's going to happen way before it happens, but you need to really let go of your expectations when reading a chicklit if you think it's going to take you by surprise. Predictability is part of their appeal, it is why we like to read them, and why we enjoy them so much!
So in this book, we are immediately introduced to Lara, who had left her town 18 years prior when she was just sixteen because her dad kicked her out of the house, leaving behind her best friend Evie, and her boyfriend, Flynn. Moving in with her aunt Nettie, she started a new life completely disconnecting herself from her past. However, she finds herself moving back 18 years later upon hearing of her father's death and having been left the house in her name. Moving back forces her to deal with a lot of unfinished business, including that of her best friend, ex-boyfriend and much more. Within just a few chapters, both Evie and Lara are suspended in a whirlwind of drama.
And that is one of the things I actually really like about Mansell. She does not prolong the events of the story and deals with every problem, situation and dramatic event quickly and concisely, so that we don't have to hold our breaths for very long. Her straightforward style of writing is what appeals to me.
Other characters that add so much flavor to the story include Gigi, Don, Enjay Seven (an American rapper), Harry, Jamie and Ethan, all of which will put a smile on your face one way or another.
A truly enjoyable read, I will recommend this book, although it still doesn't rank as one of my favorites for her.
This one though, finally, was different and Mansell came through in the end. I can now say I actually really enjoyed reading this book! Sure, it's predictable in certain areas, and you kind of figure out what's going to happen way before it happens, but you need to really let go of your expectations when reading a chicklit if you think it's going to take you by surprise. Predictability is part of their appeal, it is why we like to read them, and why we enjoy them so much!
So in this book, we are immediately introduced to Lara, who had left her town 18 years prior when she was just sixteen because her dad kicked her out of the house, leaving behind her best friend Evie, and her boyfriend, Flynn. Moving in with her aunt Nettie, she started a new life completely disconnecting herself from her past. However, she finds herself moving back 18 years later upon hearing of her father's death and having been left the house in her name. Moving back forces her to deal with a lot of unfinished business, including that of her best friend, ex-boyfriend and much more. Within just a few chapters, both Evie and Lara are suspended in a whirlwind of drama.
And that is one of the things I actually really like about Mansell. She does not prolong the events of the story and deals with every problem, situation and dramatic event quickly and concisely, so that we don't have to hold our breaths for very long. Her straightforward style of writing is what appeals to me.
Other characters that add so much flavor to the story include Gigi, Don, Enjay Seven (an American rapper), Harry, Jamie and Ethan, all of which will put a smile on your face one way or another.
A truly enjoyable read, I will recommend this book, although it still doesn't rank as one of my favorites for her.
September 5, 2020
This was absolutely a lovely read - and a nice surprise, too, since I didn't choose this book myself; it was a gift, so I wasn't even sure if I would like it. But gosh, did I. I'm usually more of a fantasy kind of girl (although I do love romance). I like reading romantic stories set in the present time, but those don't tend to be the kind of books I enjoy most thoroughly, with some exceptions. However, I was sucked into the story within the first few pages and I kept wanting to read on until I'd finished it, after which I was a little sad that it was over.
What I love the most about A Walk In the Park is the fact that the characters and their relationships with each other are not cliche. Gigi is no annoying eighteen-year-old who parties all the time and constantly argues with her mother - instead, they are very close and Gigi is rather mature, although it is still clear that she is a teenager. The turns in Evie's relationships with Joel and Ethan were ones I did not see coming (although I was kind of hoping for the Ethan one), as were the "plot twists" regarding Harry and Enjay. Most of the characters were absolutely lovable; and even the ones that weren't were still easy to relate to because they were not depicted as horrible and evil people, but as normal people with problems.
The story itself never got boring - there was always something new happening, especially since the focus shifts between characters. The plot was just as realistic as the characters and basically very simple, but with twists and turns that kept it interesting and enjoyable. I loved the ending and the entire book just left me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. This was the perfect read for a few cold autumn days. Jill Mansell just got herself a new fan! :)
What I love the most about A Walk In the Park is the fact that the characters and their relationships with each other are not cliche. Gigi is no annoying eighteen-year-old who parties all the time and constantly argues with her mother - instead, they are very close and Gigi is rather mature, although it is still clear that she is a teenager. The turns in Evie's relationships with Joel and Ethan were ones I did not see coming (although I was kind of hoping for the Ethan one), as were the "plot twists" regarding Harry and Enjay. Most of the characters were absolutely lovable; and even the ones that weren't were still easy to relate to because they were not depicted as horrible and evil people, but as normal people with problems.
The story itself never got boring - there was always something new happening, especially since the focus shifts between characters. The plot was just as realistic as the characters and basically very simple, but with twists and turns that kept it interesting and enjoyable. I loved the ending and the entire book just left me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. This was the perfect read for a few cold autumn days. Jill Mansell just got herself a new fan! :)
December 2, 2012
Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.blogsp...
One downside to getting into really good book is reading the last sentence. The sad feeling that you’re saying goodbye to characters you’ve come to know and love. That’s what happened to me after reading A Walk In The Park. It held me captivated and longing to find the time to read more. I think a big part of its appeal for me was the wonderful characters that Ms. Mansell created. Not just the main ones, but secondary characters too. Every one of them was painstakingly crafted making them jump off the page. I felt like I knew everyone of them and they came across as very lifelike to me.
Besides the people who lived in this book, the plot was great too. Just when I thought the author was taking the story one way (and convinced myself I knew what would happen next) she took me by surprise, revealing things I hadn’t seen coming.
There’s more than one romance that develops in this story and each one is fun to follow. I must say I was pulling for Lara and Flynn from the moment they reconnected. As I read on I hoped I wouldn’t be disappointed.
I should also give a mention to the setting, which is Bath in the UK and having been there myself many times I can say that the author did a wonderful job using it as the backdrop for the story. It was almost like revisiting the city all over again.
This is the first book I’ve ever read by Ms. Mansell but it won’t be the last. If you’re looking for a great book to add to your fall to read list, I highly recommend this one.
One downside to getting into really good book is reading the last sentence. The sad feeling that you’re saying goodbye to characters you’ve come to know and love. That’s what happened to me after reading A Walk In The Park. It held me captivated and longing to find the time to read more. I think a big part of its appeal for me was the wonderful characters that Ms. Mansell created. Not just the main ones, but secondary characters too. Every one of them was painstakingly crafted making them jump off the page. I felt like I knew everyone of them and they came across as very lifelike to me.
Besides the people who lived in this book, the plot was great too. Just when I thought the author was taking the story one way (and convinced myself I knew what would happen next) she took me by surprise, revealing things I hadn’t seen coming.
There’s more than one romance that develops in this story and each one is fun to follow. I must say I was pulling for Lara and Flynn from the moment they reconnected. As I read on I hoped I wouldn’t be disappointed.
I should also give a mention to the setting, which is Bath in the UK and having been there myself many times I can say that the author did a wonderful job using it as the backdrop for the story. It was almost like revisiting the city all over again.
This is the first book I’ve ever read by Ms. Mansell but it won’t be the last. If you’re looking for a great book to add to your fall to read list, I highly recommend this one.
June 2, 2014
A Walk in the Park by Jill Mansell
I wanted to read this book because it was recommend to me through a friend and I bought it. When I first read the blurb i thought it didn't seem very good, and I was right, but I read it anyway because I thought I would give it the benefit of the doubt.
An interesting character in the story is Enjay, who is a famous rapper that stops by in town. The reason he is interesting is because he starts of very cocky and arrogant, but you get to see him progress as a character throughout the book. You also get to see all the skeletons in his closet and you begin to sympathies with him and understand his actions from the beginning of the story.
My favorite quote is “it feels kind of like . . . being on holiday.” This quote is said by Harry, a friend of the main character who had recently come out as homosexual. Harry says this to an acquaintance he bumps into at a gay club. This quote shows Harry beginning to become comfortable with his sexuality and him slowly accepting it.
This book made me think deeper about love and how it is not always lost or too late to pursue. Even when you are a single parent or are old you can still find love. In the book Lara reconnected with her lost love - her ex boyfriend and father of her child – Flynn. Even though 18 years had passed since she left him after finding out she was pregnant, they still manage to rekindle their love.
I still disliked this book because the characters are annoying and unrelatable.
I wanted to read this book because it was recommend to me through a friend and I bought it. When I first read the blurb i thought it didn't seem very good, and I was right, but I read it anyway because I thought I would give it the benefit of the doubt.
An interesting character in the story is Enjay, who is a famous rapper that stops by in town. The reason he is interesting is because he starts of very cocky and arrogant, but you get to see him progress as a character throughout the book. You also get to see all the skeletons in his closet and you begin to sympathies with him and understand his actions from the beginning of the story.
My favorite quote is “it feels kind of like . . . being on holiday.” This quote is said by Harry, a friend of the main character who had recently come out as homosexual. Harry says this to an acquaintance he bumps into at a gay club. This quote shows Harry beginning to become comfortable with his sexuality and him slowly accepting it.
This book made me think deeper about love and how it is not always lost or too late to pursue. Even when you are a single parent or are old you can still find love. In the book Lara reconnected with her lost love - her ex boyfriend and father of her child – Flynn. Even though 18 years had passed since she left him after finding out she was pregnant, they still manage to rekindle their love.
I still disliked this book because the characters are annoying and unrelatable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2019
This story was so cute and ended really nicely. It follows the perspectives of two girls. One is Lara who was kicked out of her house when she was a teenager, and ended up at her aunt´s house in another city and pregnant. She had found out before her departure and hadn´t been able to inform her boyfriend at the time, Flynn. When she returns with her daughter to live in her hometown, once her father dies, she reconnects with Flynn and Evie. The second perspective that we follow in this book is Evie´s. Minutes before her wedding she discovers that Joel, her fiancée, is being unfaithful to her with a number of women and she immediately cancels the weddding and cuts contact with him while going to live with Lara.
I really loved this book because of its simplicity that doesn´t actually let you be bored at any moment. I loved finding out about Lara´s family and her reconnection with her old life. I also loved how Evie saw the flaws in her former life and was able to rectify them. Overall, my favourite part were the characters and I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporaries.
I really loved this book because of its simplicity that doesn´t actually let you be bored at any moment. I loved finding out about Lara´s family and her reconnection with her old life. I also loved how Evie saw the flaws in her former life and was able to rectify them. Overall, my favourite part were the characters and I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporaries.
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