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Unexpected Lessons in Love
What happens when 'I do' turns into 'I don't know'?
Jeannie always wanted to fall in love, and now she’s finally got the whirlwind romance she dreamed of. Dan’s gorgeous, he’s a successful young vet, and he flew her to New York and proposed on Brooklyn Bridge. Jeannie has to remind herself this is actually her life. It seems too perfect, too magical, to be real. Yet it is.
But now she’s on her way to the wedding she can’t shake off the tight sensation crushing her chest. Is it just nerves . . . or is this all happening a bit too fast?
Jeannie has one last chance to shout, ‘Stop!’ But just as she grabs it, a twist of fate throws everything she knows into the air like confetti. What Jeannie learns about Dan, about her own heart, and about the power of love itself, will change her world for ever . . .
Jeannie always wanted to fall in love, and now she’s finally got the whirlwind romance she dreamed of. Dan’s gorgeous, he’s a successful young vet, and he flew her to New York and proposed on Brooklyn Bridge. Jeannie has to remind herself this is actually her life. It seems too perfect, too magical, to be real. Yet it is.
But now she’s on her way to the wedding she can’t shake off the tight sensation crushing her chest. Is it just nerves . . . or is this all happening a bit too fast?
Jeannie has one last chance to shout, ‘Stop!’ But just as she grabs it, a twist of fate throws everything she knows into the air like confetti. What Jeannie learns about Dan, about her own heart, and about the power of love itself, will change her world for ever . . .
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2019
241 people are currently reading
2446 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Dillon
20 books968 followersLucy Dillon was born in Cumbria, worked for a while in publishing in London, and now lives in the Wye Valley with her husband and their Border terrier. She has written eight novels set in the fictional Midlands town of Longhampton, which looks a bit like Hereford, although the inhabitants tend to sound rather more Northern than that.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 360 reviews
January 10, 2020
I absolutely loved this book and was hooked from the first page. I loved getting to know Jeannie and her life. I loved seeing her grow and develop over the course of this novel and it was just an absolute delight at every turn. If you like very character driven books and you like books with lovely dogs in then Lucy Dillon is the author for you.
I just absolutely loved how this book unfurled itself with the turns of every page, or the start of every chapter. I ended up listening to the audiobook of this one and it was incredibly well done. I think if I had had a physical copy I might have been tempted to flick forwards to find out more information about the mysterious Dan.
Jeannie was such a lovely character to spend this book with. She is a genuine person who is a lot like you and me. She wants to see the good in people and she wants to make the right call. I am so pleased with the friends that she made during this novel, they are the right people to be in her life. I also really liked the relationship she had with her father in this book, it is great to see a positive relationship between a father and a daughter, they're not all broken.
The subject matter of this novel is also awesome, showing people that relationships aren't always easy but sometimes nothing dramatic needs to happen in order for them to either become stronger or end. I really loved the message that this book puts out there, especially as someone who has had to cancel a wedding. The dogs in this book are of course awesome as well, I loved their involvement in the whole plot. I did shed a couple of tears where the dogs and their setting was concerned so be prepared for that.
This book was definitely up lifting and has such a well rounded plot with characters you're going to love getting to know. I enjoyed every moment of it and I am sure you will too!
I just absolutely loved how this book unfurled itself with the turns of every page, or the start of every chapter. I ended up listening to the audiobook of this one and it was incredibly well done. I think if I had had a physical copy I might have been tempted to flick forwards to find out more information about the mysterious Dan.
Jeannie was such a lovely character to spend this book with. She is a genuine person who is a lot like you and me. She wants to see the good in people and she wants to make the right call. I am so pleased with the friends that she made during this novel, they are the right people to be in her life. I also really liked the relationship she had with her father in this book, it is great to see a positive relationship between a father and a daughter, they're not all broken.
The subject matter of this novel is also awesome, showing people that relationships aren't always easy but sometimes nothing dramatic needs to happen in order for them to either become stronger or end. I really loved the message that this book puts out there, especially as someone who has had to cancel a wedding. The dogs in this book are of course awesome as well, I loved their involvement in the whole plot. I did shed a couple of tears where the dogs and their setting was concerned so be prepared for that.
This book was definitely up lifting and has such a well rounded plot with characters you're going to love getting to know. I enjoyed every moment of it and I am sure you will too!
January 9, 2020
It's Jeannie and Dan's wedding day but Dan gets injured on the way to the wedding and Jeannie starts to realise that maybe she doesn't know Dan very well at all.
As Dan lies in hospital Jeannie starts a new life in a new village alone, trying to understand this man she was going to marry based on stories from his family and friends, trying to find a motivation for herself.
Given the blurb it's difficult to say more without giving away huge spoilers.
I enjoyed this, I enjoyed the characters and the plot (albeit I knew how it was going to end - but that's romance for you). It's got loads of dogs and wedding dresses and ukuleles, perfect feel-good reading. Although having said that there were some very teary moments when reading this novel.
This is the first book I have read by Lucy Dillon and I thoroughly enjoyed - I will look out for more books by this author.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
As Dan lies in hospital Jeannie starts a new life in a new village alone, trying to understand this man she was going to marry based on stories from his family and friends, trying to find a motivation for herself.
Given the blurb it's difficult to say more without giving away huge spoilers.
I enjoyed this, I enjoyed the characters and the plot (albeit I knew how it was going to end - but that's romance for you). It's got loads of dogs and wedding dresses and ukuleles, perfect feel-good reading. Although having said that there were some very teary moments when reading this novel.
This is the first book I have read by Lucy Dillon and I thoroughly enjoyed - I will look out for more books by this author.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
November 19, 2021
1.5 stars
This was a little bit too sincere and earnest for me. No snappy banter, no comedy. The "oh dear"-ness of it became tiresome very early on. The protagonist is one of those timid, guilt-ridden, hand-wringing types who can't speak up for herself - this is not the kind of person you really want to follow through 400 pages.
Also, like with most romantic dramas, the book has to start off with a bang. This one manages to achieve a trifecta - someone getting hit by a bus, someone going into a long-term coma, and a wedding day jilting by the corseted up bride - all within 30 minutes. It was just too cliché, and the rest of the book never took off.
I read the first 200 pages and skimmed to the end just to see if the conclusion was as obvious as it was set up to be (it was). This one goes nowhere. There's nothing horribly wrong with the writing, but I would not recommend it.
This was a little bit too sincere and earnest for me. No snappy banter, no comedy. The "oh dear"-ness of it became tiresome very early on. The protagonist is one of those timid, guilt-ridden, hand-wringing types who can't speak up for herself - this is not the kind of person you really want to follow through 400 pages.
Also, like with most romantic dramas, the book has to start off with a bang. This one manages to achieve a trifecta - someone getting hit by a bus, someone going into a long-term coma, and a wedding day jilting by the corseted up bride - all within 30 minutes. It was just too cliché, and the rest of the book never took off.
I read the first 200 pages and skimmed to the end just to see if the conclusion was as obvious as it was set up to be (it was). This one goes nowhere. There's nothing horribly wrong with the writing, but I would not recommend it.
January 20, 2022
Jeg har læst alle de af Lucy Dillons bøger der er udkommet på dansk, det er feel - good historier når de er bedst, og denne er ingen undtagelse. Der er et dejligt gensyn med nogle af personerne fra bogen ”Ensomme hjerter og herreløse hunde” for vi er i det skønne Longhampton, der er selvfølgelig en hel masse skønne hunde med i historien også, og man mærker tydelig forfatterens kærlighed og forståelse for disse dyr.
Romanen er egentlig Jeannis historie, hun skal lige pludselig forholde sig til en hverdag et nyt sted og med sin (måske) kommende mand i koma, samtidig møder vi en masse skønne mennesker, og deres historier og skæbner er med til give Jeannie en større forståelse, både for Dan og ikke mindst hende selv. Det er også en historie om at kærlighed og ægteskab er noget man kæmper for hele livet.
En skøn roman som jeg varmt kan anbefale
Romanen er egentlig Jeannis historie, hun skal lige pludselig forholde sig til en hverdag et nyt sted og med sin (måske) kommende mand i koma, samtidig møder vi en masse skønne mennesker, og deres historier og skæbner er med til give Jeannie en større forståelse, både for Dan og ikke mindst hende selv. Det er også en historie om at kærlighed og ægteskab er noget man kæmper for hele livet.
En skøn roman som jeg varmt kan anbefale
August 24, 2019
Lucy Dillon is a master storyteller. Every single book that she writes makes my heart sore. This one is no different and is absolutely breathtakingly beautiful. It teaches you about, love, hope, marriage, relationships and happiness and is the perfect read for everybody who is a fan of chicklit and romance. I adored it.
March 30, 2024
This was an interesting read. We follow Jeannie and her lessons in love. I found that the characters didn’t engaged me that much and took me long time to finish this book. I give 3 stars 🌟
May 30, 2021
tyvärr ett avdrag för slutet :,(((
December 5, 2019
I really enjoyed this beautifully written, emotional read which has stayed with me since I finished reading it. I loved the fact that it was deeper than I expected and wasn’t just a pure romance book.
Jeannie was an interesting main character who I took a little while to warm to. She seemed kind of silly when we first meet her and I felt that even though it was brave of her to call off the wedding she could have done it a lot earlier. As the story progresses and we learn more about her I started to warm to her and found I wanted everything to end up well.
I liked following the many different relationships in this book, not just between married couples but between friends, family and in laws. These all seemed very realistic to me as the relationships weren’t perfect and people made mistakes which made me feel more invested in the story . The wedding vow “in sickness and in health” is explored throughout the book and was quite thought provoking as it made me realise how emotionally difficult it must be to support a loved one through an accident or illness. I’ve never really given much thought to what it would involve so I found that part of the book very interesting.
This was a very absorbing story and there was always something happening to keep me interested. The author cleverly drops little hints that things might not be as they seem throughout the story, which I must admit I missed until they are pointed out at the end and had me scrabbling back through the pages to reread certain bits. The ending was very clever and not at all how I expected it to end up which I always love. I actually wanted the story to continue as I wanted to watch the new development unfold!
Huge thanks to Hannah and Hayley from Transworld for inviting me onto the blog tour and for my copy of this book. If you want a book to cosy up with this festive period I highly recommend this one!
Jeannie was an interesting main character who I took a little while to warm to. She seemed kind of silly when we first meet her and I felt that even though it was brave of her to call off the wedding she could have done it a lot earlier. As the story progresses and we learn more about her I started to warm to her and found I wanted everything to end up well.
I liked following the many different relationships in this book, not just between married couples but between friends, family and in laws. These all seemed very realistic to me as the relationships weren’t perfect and people made mistakes which made me feel more invested in the story . The wedding vow “in sickness and in health” is explored throughout the book and was quite thought provoking as it made me realise how emotionally difficult it must be to support a loved one through an accident or illness. I’ve never really given much thought to what it would involve so I found that part of the book very interesting.
This was a very absorbing story and there was always something happening to keep me interested. The author cleverly drops little hints that things might not be as they seem throughout the story, which I must admit I missed until they are pointed out at the end and had me scrabbling back through the pages to reread certain bits. The ending was very clever and not at all how I expected it to end up which I always love. I actually wanted the story to continue as I wanted to watch the new development unfold!
Huge thanks to Hannah and Hayley from Transworld for inviting me onto the blog tour and for my copy of this book. If you want a book to cosy up with this festive period I highly recommend this one!
May 14, 2021
Jeannie agreed to marry Dan after a picture perfect type proposal. Problem is their life together is moving too fast together. On her wedding day I do becomes I do not know. Accident strikes for Dan leading to a trail of unexpected Lessons to me not just in love. It's an interesting read with many twists and turns along the way. 4.5 Stars
October 1, 2025
Finns inget bättre än en Lucy Dillon bok🫶🏻💕 Det tar mig verkligen back to my roots som Jay Smith säger..
January 16, 2020
Another gorgeous book by one of my favourite authors. You really can't beat chick lit with dog characters!
February 25, 2021
Det bästa i Dillons böcker brukar vara hundarna, så också i den här. Det är hjärtvärmande om ett antal människor som förs tillsammans av en slump. Brudklänningshistorier, hundräddning, vänskap, ukulele och som vanligt kärlek. Förutsägbart, självklart, men är det ändå inte vad vi behöver ibland? Vetskapen om ett lyckligt slut.
December 12, 2019
With many contemporary, women's fiction it's quite easy to see where the story is going to lead to. But, with Unexpected Lessons In Love it takes us on a journey of discovery, and the ending isn't as clear cut as what we would expect.
Jeannie is a character that you grow to love through the story. The story opens on Brooklyn Bridge, where Dan does the most romantic gesture of proposing to his love Jeannie. It's a whirlwind romance. They met online and within five months are getting married. How very romantic...But...on the day if the wedding whilst she's on her way to the church, Jeannie has a change of heart and decides that actually she doesn't want to go ahead and get married. Her father makes her take action and gets her to make the phonecall.
But, fate has other ideas! And, what follows is Jeannie's journey of self discovery.
I loved all the secondary characters that are involved in this story. Each has a different role to play. Jeannie's parents backstory was a brilliant concept from Dillon. Their sudden life changing event from their lives sort of mirrors what Jeannie and Dan are experiencing. So, it was nice to get a perspective of what could happen from the parents point of view. And, the encouragement and words of wisdom comes through.
Owen, Dan's best man. I fell in love with him from the first meeting. He was so tentative and caring, thoughtful and organised. I enjoyed the developing relationship between him and Jeannie. Through Owen, Jeannie got to learn more about Dan, the man she loved and was meant to marry. Yet, also the man she knew so little about. The resulting storyline from Owen offers mystery and questions we the reader need to find out.
As Dan lays in the hospital bed, Jeannie must carry on with life as best as she can. Dealing with her emotions and guilt whilst trying to settle and integrate into the new community they have moved to.
Here we are introduced to a plethora of characters, each with their own fascinating stories to tell. It all adds to the beauty of this book, the sub plotlines are what make the foundations for the whole journey. The title becomes more apparent with each character we meet as Jeannie learns something from each one.
I did shed a year or two whilst reading this story. But, it had nothing to do with the human characters or their stories. It was all down to the four legged friends that have a role in this book. Dillon opens our eyes to the real life facts of puppy farming. It's something I have heard of but have little knowledge of what it actually entails. But, now I will take more notice of this plight.
Even the puppies in the book have lessons for Jeannie. They show how simple relationships can be, but it's our own human stupidity which gives us the most heartache.
This is an inspiring tale of discovery and learnt about love. You won't regret buying this book. Take the chance - learn from Jeannie and the dogs.
Thank you to Hayley (and also Hannah, who has since left) for giving me the opportunity to be on this fabulous blog tour for Unexpected Lessons In Love. And, many thanks to the publishers for my gifted proof copy in exchange of an honest review.
Jeannie is a character that you grow to love through the story. The story opens on Brooklyn Bridge, where Dan does the most romantic gesture of proposing to his love Jeannie. It's a whirlwind romance. They met online and within five months are getting married. How very romantic...But...on the day if the wedding whilst she's on her way to the church, Jeannie has a change of heart and decides that actually she doesn't want to go ahead and get married. Her father makes her take action and gets her to make the phonecall.
But, fate has other ideas! And, what follows is Jeannie's journey of self discovery.
I loved all the secondary characters that are involved in this story. Each has a different role to play. Jeannie's parents backstory was a brilliant concept from Dillon. Their sudden life changing event from their lives sort of mirrors what Jeannie and Dan are experiencing. So, it was nice to get a perspective of what could happen from the parents point of view. And, the encouragement and words of wisdom comes through.
Owen, Dan's best man. I fell in love with him from the first meeting. He was so tentative and caring, thoughtful and organised. I enjoyed the developing relationship between him and Jeannie. Through Owen, Jeannie got to learn more about Dan, the man she loved and was meant to marry. Yet, also the man she knew so little about. The resulting storyline from Owen offers mystery and questions we the reader need to find out.
As Dan lays in the hospital bed, Jeannie must carry on with life as best as she can. Dealing with her emotions and guilt whilst trying to settle and integrate into the new community they have moved to.
Here we are introduced to a plethora of characters, each with their own fascinating stories to tell. It all adds to the beauty of this book, the sub plotlines are what make the foundations for the whole journey. The title becomes more apparent with each character we meet as Jeannie learns something from each one.
I did shed a year or two whilst reading this story. But, it had nothing to do with the human characters or their stories. It was all down to the four legged friends that have a role in this book. Dillon opens our eyes to the real life facts of puppy farming. It's something I have heard of but have little knowledge of what it actually entails. But, now I will take more notice of this plight.
Even the puppies in the book have lessons for Jeannie. They show how simple relationships can be, but it's our own human stupidity which gives us the most heartache.
This is an inspiring tale of discovery and learnt about love. You won't regret buying this book. Take the chance - learn from Jeannie and the dogs.
Thank you to Hayley (and also Hannah, who has since left) for giving me the opportunity to be on this fabulous blog tour for Unexpected Lessons In Love. And, many thanks to the publishers for my gifted proof copy in exchange of an honest review.
March 22, 2020
I've always said that Lucy Dillons' best books are ones that featured our four legged canine friends, and this is no exception. Amongst the themes in this book there is a strong anti puppy farming message, and watching Rachel, Natalie and Jeannie help three rescued families of dogs from a puppy farm, learn to trust humans and how to just be dogs is incredibly heartwarming.
Although it's not the key story line it was the one that I definitely enjoyed the most. The main thrust of this book is about Jeannie and Dan, who in the opening pages are meant to be getting married, after a whirlwind relationship and engagement.
However things aren't quite as they seem, and from the moment of the unfortunate accident just before Jeannie get's to the church, everyone's lives start to change.
And Jeannie has a chance to through the people she meets in her new town, get to make brand new friends and re-evaluate just what love and what a marriage really is.
It's a story about re-evaluating life, love, learning more about loved ones, and with a wonderful array of dogs. It's a really just lovely book that I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
Thank you to Transworld Digital and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,.
Although it's not the key story line it was the one that I definitely enjoyed the most. The main thrust of this book is about Jeannie and Dan, who in the opening pages are meant to be getting married, after a whirlwind relationship and engagement.
However things aren't quite as they seem, and from the moment of the unfortunate accident just before Jeannie get's to the church, everyone's lives start to change.
And Jeannie has a chance to through the people she meets in her new town, get to make brand new friends and re-evaluate just what love and what a marriage really is.
It's a story about re-evaluating life, love, learning more about loved ones, and with a wonderful array of dogs. It's a really just lovely book that I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
Thank you to Transworld Digital and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,.
December 31, 2019
Unexpected lessons in love by Lucy Dillon
Daniel is a vet and Jeannie a part time music teacher and musician with a band. They have a whirlwind romance and on the way to the wedding Jeannie has cold feet and tries to call of the Wedding however Daniel gets hit by a bus on the way and is in a coma.
It is about the twist and turns of intervening events waiting to happen with new unexpected friends and explained events.
However It was very slow and for most of the book not going anywhere. There was so many strand sub plots it got very confusing. Part of story eventually got better but very long winded. i felt the Story Could of happened quicker which would have given it more teeth. It eventually got there but by then i was losing interest. It was all left a bit wanting with a flat ending. Plot line was ok generally just it took too long to get to the point.
Daniel is a vet and Jeannie a part time music teacher and musician with a band. They have a whirlwind romance and on the way to the wedding Jeannie has cold feet and tries to call of the Wedding however Daniel gets hit by a bus on the way and is in a coma.
It is about the twist and turns of intervening events waiting to happen with new unexpected friends and explained events.
However It was very slow and for most of the book not going anywhere. There was so many strand sub plots it got very confusing. Part of story eventually got better but very long winded. i felt the Story Could of happened quicker which would have given it more teeth. It eventually got there but by then i was losing interest. It was all left a bit wanting with a flat ending. Plot line was ok generally just it took too long to get to the point.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2019
It feels like it has been forever since I have read a book by the wonderful author that is Lucy Dillon. But now having finished the gorgeous read that was Unexpected Lessons in Love, I think I can safely say that this was the right book with which to reacquaint myself with Lucy's writing. This is a lovely, easy read that I read in two sittings as the chapters just seem to fly by. It's an ideal read for this time of year when you might be too busy to settle down into reading something really serious and hard going. Here, the author has struck the perfect blend between some light-hearted and heart-warming scenarios alongside the more pressing question for our main character, Jeannie McCarthy – what happens when I do becomes I don't know?
In the brief prologue set in the city that never sleeps - New York, Jeannie seems to be having the time of her life away for a few days with her boyfriend Dan. It's a bliss she has never felt before and she feels totally caught up in the moment and romance of everything that has been building for the past several months. As Dan gets down on one knee and pops the question, of course, Jeannie says yes. Fast forward several months and as Jeannie is being driven to the wedding ceremony with her father sat alongside her - doubts, apprehension and niggles just keep flowing through her mind on what should be the happiest, most secure and contented day of her life. As she takes the bull by the horns and does what she fervently believes is right for her and makes that call to Dan, little does she know that by following what her heart and mind are both saying that in fact it will lead to devastating consequences she could never have envisaged happening.
Fate obviously had other plans in store for Jeannie and Dan and as news reaches her of what happened as she made that phone call and left a message she is torn in two and to be honest she remains that way for the majority of the book. I thought Jeannie was a brilliantly written character because although she mightn't have been truly open and honest to all those around her about how she was feeling about marrying Dan, at least the reader knew what was going on as in private she confessed an awful lot and wore her heart on her sleeve. She has made the right decision for her that maybe I do wasn't what she wanted and before the moment arrived where there was no turning back she had done something about it.
Fair play to her I thought as too often people enter into things not 100% certain and then down the line major regrets and disruption come into play. It took bravery and courage to make the decision before it was too late but unfortunately she's not sure did Dan hear what she said on the phone. As they wait for news of how things will turn out for Dan, Jeannie has to battle with what she has confessed and the fact that nobody else, bar her father and perhaps Dan, know what she said and how she is feeling.
How can she continue on as if things are normal and, if and when Dan wakes up, will their wedding, home plans and marriage be back on track? Will Jeannie discover things she wished she hadn't? Will she be able to confess all to everyone around her and will they judge her for her actions given Dan's situation? So many questions to grapple with and many more arise throughout the novel and that's what makes this story a very good read. You never knew how things were going to turn out but boy were you on Jeannie's side all the way. You felt the uncertainty and really the guilt that she was dealing with. Could she have been the source of Dan's accident? Should she carry on as normal and push her feelings to one side for the sake of Dan and their future together? But shouldn't long term individual and personal happiness count for something. We have to please and satisfy ourselves first in terms of what we want out of or lives, for if we ourselves aren't happy first how can we make those around feel safe, loved and contented?
I thought it was strong and brave of Jeannie to put on such a front because she knew as Dan couldn't have his say that things were perhaps better left unsaid until the time was right to get things out in the open. She put on a front and covered her true feelings well and it was mature and responsible of her to do so and I think if I had been in the same situation I would probably have done the very same thing. Jeannie was thinking about the bigger picture and at that time and place it was the right thing to do but deep down she knew the truth would have to come out at some stage. But perhaps there is more than one truth to be shared?
The setting of the novel and some other characters began to niggle away at me quite early on in the book so I stopped and checked and was delighted to see and then remember in more detail that Longhampton was the setting of some of Lucy's earlier books and I had loved this village and its residents. I was thrilled to see Rachel from Lost Dogs and Lonely Hearts make a reappearance. It was great that she featured so heavily once again and that the rescue kennels she runs would play such an important role in Jeannie's story, not to mention all the mentions of dogs and puppies. The author raised a very important issue and weaved it in wonderfully with the overall themes of the book as it is definitely a theme which sadly features in the news and social media all too prominently these days.
Rachel and some other characters become a tower of strength for Jeannie as she battles through a maelstrom of emotions trying to act as if everything is normal when really one little slip or a sudden awakening could upset the apple cart altogether. But as the title suggests there are plenty of unexpected lessons to be learned in love and as the story progresses and through the story of many other women and their weddings and dresses Jeannie comes to realise the value of true love and that perhaps we should always be honest. Yes she had tried to do that in the first place but then bottled up what had been said because of what had happened but maybe she should have followed her heart and mind the whole way through instead of putting on a façade that surely had to come crashing down at some stage. She should have always thought of herself instead of letting other people's actions and feelings over ride hers.
I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent reading Unexpected Lessons in Love. It's a charming read that shows the best things can often come from the worst beginnings and that maybe love does stand a chance of surviving stupidity and mistakes. Or maybe it can't? You'll have to read this book to discover the answers. I will say towards the end the author threw in a few surprises that I hadn't seen coming even though I did have my suspicions but couldn't really pinpoint anything specific. It all helped to make for a great read and this book has reminded me that I should catch up with the books I have not read by Lucy Dillon as she really is a fantastic author.
In the brief prologue set in the city that never sleeps - New York, Jeannie seems to be having the time of her life away for a few days with her boyfriend Dan. It's a bliss she has never felt before and she feels totally caught up in the moment and romance of everything that has been building for the past several months. As Dan gets down on one knee and pops the question, of course, Jeannie says yes. Fast forward several months and as Jeannie is being driven to the wedding ceremony with her father sat alongside her - doubts, apprehension and niggles just keep flowing through her mind on what should be the happiest, most secure and contented day of her life. As she takes the bull by the horns and does what she fervently believes is right for her and makes that call to Dan, little does she know that by following what her heart and mind are both saying that in fact it will lead to devastating consequences she could never have envisaged happening.
Fate obviously had other plans in store for Jeannie and Dan and as news reaches her of what happened as she made that phone call and left a message she is torn in two and to be honest she remains that way for the majority of the book. I thought Jeannie was a brilliantly written character because although she mightn't have been truly open and honest to all those around her about how she was feeling about marrying Dan, at least the reader knew what was going on as in private she confessed an awful lot and wore her heart on her sleeve. She has made the right decision for her that maybe I do wasn't what she wanted and before the moment arrived where there was no turning back she had done something about it.
Fair play to her I thought as too often people enter into things not 100% certain and then down the line major regrets and disruption come into play. It took bravery and courage to make the decision before it was too late but unfortunately she's not sure did Dan hear what she said on the phone. As they wait for news of how things will turn out for Dan, Jeannie has to battle with what she has confessed and the fact that nobody else, bar her father and perhaps Dan, know what she said and how she is feeling.
How can she continue on as if things are normal and, if and when Dan wakes up, will their wedding, home plans and marriage be back on track? Will Jeannie discover things she wished she hadn't? Will she be able to confess all to everyone around her and will they judge her for her actions given Dan's situation? So many questions to grapple with and many more arise throughout the novel and that's what makes this story a very good read. You never knew how things were going to turn out but boy were you on Jeannie's side all the way. You felt the uncertainty and really the guilt that she was dealing with. Could she have been the source of Dan's accident? Should she carry on as normal and push her feelings to one side for the sake of Dan and their future together? But shouldn't long term individual and personal happiness count for something. We have to please and satisfy ourselves first in terms of what we want out of or lives, for if we ourselves aren't happy first how can we make those around feel safe, loved and contented?
I thought it was strong and brave of Jeannie to put on such a front because she knew as Dan couldn't have his say that things were perhaps better left unsaid until the time was right to get things out in the open. She put on a front and covered her true feelings well and it was mature and responsible of her to do so and I think if I had been in the same situation I would probably have done the very same thing. Jeannie was thinking about the bigger picture and at that time and place it was the right thing to do but deep down she knew the truth would have to come out at some stage. But perhaps there is more than one truth to be shared?
The setting of the novel and some other characters began to niggle away at me quite early on in the book so I stopped and checked and was delighted to see and then remember in more detail that Longhampton was the setting of some of Lucy's earlier books and I had loved this village and its residents. I was thrilled to see Rachel from Lost Dogs and Lonely Hearts make a reappearance. It was great that she featured so heavily once again and that the rescue kennels she runs would play such an important role in Jeannie's story, not to mention all the mentions of dogs and puppies. The author raised a very important issue and weaved it in wonderfully with the overall themes of the book as it is definitely a theme which sadly features in the news and social media all too prominently these days.
Rachel and some other characters become a tower of strength for Jeannie as she battles through a maelstrom of emotions trying to act as if everything is normal when really one little slip or a sudden awakening could upset the apple cart altogether. But as the title suggests there are plenty of unexpected lessons to be learned in love and as the story progresses and through the story of many other women and their weddings and dresses Jeannie comes to realise the value of true love and that perhaps we should always be honest. Yes she had tried to do that in the first place but then bottled up what had been said because of what had happened but maybe she should have followed her heart and mind the whole way through instead of putting on a façade that surely had to come crashing down at some stage. She should have always thought of herself instead of letting other people's actions and feelings over ride hers.
I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent reading Unexpected Lessons in Love. It's a charming read that shows the best things can often come from the worst beginnings and that maybe love does stand a chance of surviving stupidity and mistakes. Or maybe it can't? You'll have to read this book to discover the answers. I will say towards the end the author threw in a few surprises that I hadn't seen coming even though I did have my suspicions but couldn't really pinpoint anything specific. It all helped to make for a great read and this book has reminded me that I should catch up with the books I have not read by Lucy Dillon as she really is a fantastic author.
December 16, 2019
After meeting online and a whirlwind romance, Dan proposes to Jeannie on a romantic trip away and then suddenly all too soon it’s the day of the wedding and in the car to the church last minute doubts get to her and she has one last chance to put the brakes on. However those actions have repercussions that she never could have imagined and thus we go to the heart of the story.
I have to admit I didn’t like Jeannie very much at first. I can’t imagine that you wouldn’t make that decision much earlier than on your actual wedding day – on the way to the church, and although it wasn’t her intention I thought it was cruel. But Jeannie did and, honestly, once I got to know her, I did grow quite fond of her and want everything to work out in whatever way she wanted.
There is so much depth and substance to this story. I was totally absorbed by Jeannie’s dilemma and in the circumstances she finds herself in, together with those of the people around her. There are some wonderful characters who begin as secondary to the story but who end up playing major supporting roles and I very much enjoyed getting to know them.
As I’ve realised with Lucy’s books, there is always a dog or two involved and a large part of the story involves a thread about puppy farming and a dog rescue charity with which Jeannie becomes involved via Dan’s new boss’s wife, Rachel. I loved this part of the story and to see see animals which have been mistreated slowly begin to trust humans again and find loving homes. Working with the charity and helping with the dogs was an important step for Jeannie and things began to make sense for her.
This is not just a story about Jeannie and Dan. Other people’s hopes and dreams (the wedding dress charity event was an inspired idea) and shows how complicated and imperfect love is.
Unexpected Lessons in Love is an emotional read but it is heartwarming and uplifting too. The unpredictability of the story makes it stands out from other reads in this genre. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it.
I have to admit I didn’t like Jeannie very much at first. I can’t imagine that you wouldn’t make that decision much earlier than on your actual wedding day – on the way to the church, and although it wasn’t her intention I thought it was cruel. But Jeannie did and, honestly, once I got to know her, I did grow quite fond of her and want everything to work out in whatever way she wanted.
There is so much depth and substance to this story. I was totally absorbed by Jeannie’s dilemma and in the circumstances she finds herself in, together with those of the people around her. There are some wonderful characters who begin as secondary to the story but who end up playing major supporting roles and I very much enjoyed getting to know them.
As I’ve realised with Lucy’s books, there is always a dog or two involved and a large part of the story involves a thread about puppy farming and a dog rescue charity with which Jeannie becomes involved via Dan’s new boss’s wife, Rachel. I loved this part of the story and to see see animals which have been mistreated slowly begin to trust humans again and find loving homes. Working with the charity and helping with the dogs was an important step for Jeannie and things began to make sense for her.
This is not just a story about Jeannie and Dan. Other people’s hopes and dreams (the wedding dress charity event was an inspired idea) and shows how complicated and imperfect love is.
Unexpected Lessons in Love is an emotional read but it is heartwarming and uplifting too. The unpredictability of the story makes it stands out from other reads in this genre. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it.
January 1, 2020
2.5 ✧
Unexpected Lessons in Love finds Jeannie, with cold feet, about to marry Dan. She bravely decides to call off the wedding at the same time that Dan is in an accident and ends up in a coma.
This started off good, I liked the writing but not the POV in this one. I'm usually not fussy unless it reads weird. My rating isn't great but I did read this book at a bad time, I've been super busy. That's probably the reason that when the plot started to drag (Dan still in a coma), I really gave up a bit and skimmed to the end.
I had a slight niggle around what guy I was supposed to get behind (Dan's best man Owen gave me some vibes, very early). That's actually a deal breaker for me as I need to know WHO it will BE, I don't read to be disappointed. I'd happily spoil a triangle outcome for myself just to avoid it.
You know what? This may have been about love, making the mistakes, fixing them, life, life life.. but considering the end, it wasn't a romance. I'm glad I didn't give it my all. I would check out another book by Dillon another time though.
(ARC kindly provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review)
Unexpected Lessons in Love finds Jeannie, with cold feet, about to marry Dan. She bravely decides to call off the wedding at the same time that Dan is in an accident and ends up in a coma.
This started off good, I liked the writing but not the POV in this one. I'm usually not fussy unless it reads weird. My rating isn't great but I did read this book at a bad time, I've been super busy. That's probably the reason that when the plot started to drag (Dan still in a coma), I really gave up a bit and skimmed to the end.
I had a slight niggle around what guy I was supposed to get behind (Dan's best man Owen gave me some vibes, very early). That's actually a deal breaker for me as I need to know WHO it will BE, I don't read to be disappointed. I'd happily spoil a triangle outcome for myself just to avoid it.
You know what? This may have been about love, making the mistakes, fixing them, life, life life.. but considering the end, it wasn't a romance. I'm glad I didn't give it my all. I would check out another book by Dillon another time though.
(ARC kindly provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review)
January 19, 2022
This was an interesting read. I've read a few books from this author, but this was my least favorite. But it was interesting because we follow Jeannie and her lessons in love. I went back and forth about liking her and Dan. But what broke me was Rachel explaining her relationship with George, plus Gem 🐶 I loved him from the first book 📙 💎 ♥ but since I did not enjoy following Jeannie and Dan so much, it affected my ratings.
January 24, 2020
I’ve read all of Lucy’s books and know that I can rely on them to be easy, enjoyable reads and this was definitely the case in this, her latest novel. The main storyline follows Jeannie & Dan and what happens on their wedding day. There is a good mix of characters and it wasn’t immediately obvious (to me anyway) which direction the story was going to take.
3-4 stars
3-4 stars
January 16, 2023
4.5 stjärnor och bäst hittills i år 💓
February 13, 2021
A pleasant and quick read, although it felt predictable and hastily wrapped up in its ending. The main character was more original than expected and very humane. Bonus points for the consistent theme of dogs and dog ownership!
December 10, 2019
It’s always difficult to write a review without a few tiny spoilers. I’m going try to be careful here, and say that what happens just before the wedding causes Jeannie to reevaluate her decision to pull out of the wedding, although because of that twist of fate the wedding is put on hold.
I felt hugely empathetic towards Jeannie because the decision she makes is a selfless one. It might not, however, be the right one for her. Her personal growth within the story line is immense and I wanted so badly for her to get her fairy tale ending. You will have to read it for yourself to find out!
What really made this book for me was the side story, about the dog rescue, and all the wonderful doggy characters. The reality of the results of puppy farms, and the difficulties faced by dogs who need to learn how to be a dog was heart-breakingly accurate, and sensitively handled. Gem the collie was adorable, and reminded me so much of Sweep, my inseparable collie companion when I was a teenager. I also loved the characters that appeared for the fundraising event for the dog rescue centre.
This book was about so much more than a wedding and the aftermath of what happened to prevent the wedding taking place. It was about relationships with parents, and friends, as well as with partners, and was about love and hope, and in making life choices that affect more than just the person making the choice. Throughout the book I found myself moved to both tears and laughter, and it was such an enjoyable 5 star read for me.
I felt hugely empathetic towards Jeannie because the decision she makes is a selfless one. It might not, however, be the right one for her. Her personal growth within the story line is immense and I wanted so badly for her to get her fairy tale ending. You will have to read it for yourself to find out!
What really made this book for me was the side story, about the dog rescue, and all the wonderful doggy characters. The reality of the results of puppy farms, and the difficulties faced by dogs who need to learn how to be a dog was heart-breakingly accurate, and sensitively handled. Gem the collie was adorable, and reminded me so much of Sweep, my inseparable collie companion when I was a teenager. I also loved the characters that appeared for the fundraising event for the dog rescue centre.
This book was about so much more than a wedding and the aftermath of what happened to prevent the wedding taking place. It was about relationships with parents, and friends, as well as with partners, and was about love and hope, and in making life choices that affect more than just the person making the choice. Throughout the book I found myself moved to both tears and laughter, and it was such an enjoyable 5 star read for me.
March 23, 2021
Dillon gör mig aldrig besviken, även denna innehåller en fin blandning av kärlek, vänskap, hundar, goda gärningar, choklad och kakor, men också musik, vilket kändes nytt. Det var svårt att sluta läsa för jag ville veta hur det skulle gå för Jeanie och Dan, vars bröllopsdag skjuts på framtiden när Dan blir påkörd av en buss och hamnar i koma.
October 17, 2021
Jag gillade idén och bokens början, men sedan blev den långtråkig (enligt mig) och tog en riktning jag inte hade väntat mig. Tyvärr gav jag upp efter två timmars lyssning. Annars ett väldigt fint skrivsätt och berörande historia. Det är bara jag som hade önskat mer spänning och kärlek.
August 23, 2019
I'm so excited every time I have the opportunity to read a book by Lucy Dillon so thank you NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this book early. I always know to read her books with a box of tissues nearby and time on my hands because once I start I won't be stopping. 'Unexpected Lessons in Love' allows us to see what happens when a romantic proposal that is leading to a perfect wedding doesn't always mean a happy ending and love that 'snaps' into place. Jeannie, a talented musician who isn't hearing all the right notes at the moment, is on the way to her wedding in just the right wedding dress when she realises that maybe Dan isn't the love of her life. Letting her bridegroom down at the last minute though is about to be the least of her problems when fate steps in and postpones the wedding in a far more dramatic manner. Over the coming weeks Jeannie does learn an great deal about love, marriage and people as she finds herself helping care for dogs in the local rescue centre and organise a fundraising event for the centre. She just might also find her musical muse once more. Yes there were tears for me, smiles and a gentle sigh as I turned the last page. Thank you once more Lucy for a wonderful story that made me wish there was so much more.
August 24, 2019
I love Lucy Dillon’s books so to have the opportunity to read this one early from net galley made my day!
Jeannie and dan are newly in love and get swept up in the romance of early exciting love and this leads to a romantic proposal very early in in the relationship! Suddenly life is a few shared weekends taken up with wedding planning but losing sight of what long term commitment and marriage actually are! The day of the wedding suddenly comes around and Jeannie realises that she needs to halt the proceedings after a chat with her dad! What happens next is totally taken out of their hands and the course of their relationship is suddenly very different, much soul searching and honesty is required with the help of best man Owen who is caught in the middle! A beautiful read showing that truth, honesty and transparency are vital to a good relationship along with the support of great friends and of course dogs! If you love a feel good read and love dogs then this is the book for you x
Jeannie and dan are newly in love and get swept up in the romance of early exciting love and this leads to a romantic proposal very early in in the relationship! Suddenly life is a few shared weekends taken up with wedding planning but losing sight of what long term commitment and marriage actually are! The day of the wedding suddenly comes around and Jeannie realises that she needs to halt the proceedings after a chat with her dad! What happens next is totally taken out of their hands and the course of their relationship is suddenly very different, much soul searching and honesty is required with the help of best man Owen who is caught in the middle! A beautiful read showing that truth, honesty and transparency are vital to a good relationship along with the support of great friends and of course dogs! If you love a feel good read and love dogs then this is the book for you x
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2021
This book was completely unexpected! Jeannie and Dan have a whirlwind romance that results in a grand proposal on the Brooklyn Bridge. As the wedding approaches, Jeannie can’t quite shake the feeling that something is missing, how can she make vows that last a lifetime, when she has only known Dan for a year?
I went into this book for some light relief and escapism, looking for a cute, easy to read romance. I am pleased to say that I found so much more than that in this book! It completely took me by surprise and had so many elements in it that are close to my heart. Whilst the writing style is typical of your usual chick lit, making it completely readable and fast paced, the story is something really special and completely unique to anything else I have read in this genre.
I will definitely be reading more of Lucy Dillon’s work, her stories are so charming and original. I would definitely recommend this for anybody looking for an uplifting, not overly-romantic romance.
I went into this book for some light relief and escapism, looking for a cute, easy to read romance. I am pleased to say that I found so much more than that in this book! It completely took me by surprise and had so many elements in it that are close to my heart. Whilst the writing style is typical of your usual chick lit, making it completely readable and fast paced, the story is something really special and completely unique to anything else I have read in this genre.
I will definitely be reading more of Lucy Dillon’s work, her stories are so charming and original. I would definitely recommend this for anybody looking for an uplifting, not overly-romantic romance.
March 13, 2020
This is my first Lucy Dillon book and it was quite a treat because of the doggoes! Jeannie and Dan meet online and have a whirlwind romance, and when he proposes 5 months later, she said yes! Then, the doubts start creeping in. On her wedding day, she gets cold feet and realises that she does not know him very well after all! And wants to call off the wedding! Her father, an adorable character who I wish were featured more, is supportive of her decision (or indecision!). Alas! As fate would have it, Dan is hit by a bus before she could communicate her wish to halt the event, and he goes into a coma. Jeannie waits for him to recover in the village called Longhampton, and in the process, gets to know his friends, including vet George and his wife Rachel, and Dan’s best friend Owen. She gets involved in the dog rescue centre in the local community and has a richer life for it. The story has a twist at the end, and I can’t say more without giving away the ending, although you might be able to pick the clues up halfway through the book.
The ‘star of the show’ for me, were the dogs, and the subplot. The puppy farming, the dog rescue charity, the different dogs featured; they are at once heart-warming and heart-breaking. The harsh realities and horrors of puppy mills are illustrated clearly, and I feel this is an important message to take away, more so than the core plot about Jeannie’s predicament. Hence, this book would appeal to dog lovers and dog rescuers. As a character, Jeannie herself is a wee bit annoying to me. Yes, she grows, as she learns from each person and dog she meets and I guess it is her indecisiveness that drives the core story, for without it, there wouldn’t be a story. But heck… there are times I felt like screaming at her. The amount of internal dialogue that goes on in her head is just exasperating. In a way, I guess some readers could identify with her character if we have had cold feet before getting married, if we are unsure what to do with our lives and how we would be a disappointment to someone whom we have an obligation to. I just feel that the character is negligible but the dogs are a different thing altogether. (Also, why would you marry someone you have known only 5 months? But that's just my view).
So, do I recommend this? Yes. It’s a light read and it deals with the facets and complexities of life – decision-making, marriage, patience, love (in all its forms), friendships. But also, read this because it has puppies, and the cruelty of puppy mills is a thing that everyone should be aware of.
Many thanks to Times Reads for this book in exchange for an honest review.
The ‘star of the show’ for me, were the dogs, and the subplot. The puppy farming, the dog rescue charity, the different dogs featured; they are at once heart-warming and heart-breaking. The harsh realities and horrors of puppy mills are illustrated clearly, and I feel this is an important message to take away, more so than the core plot about Jeannie’s predicament. Hence, this book would appeal to dog lovers and dog rescuers. As a character, Jeannie herself is a wee bit annoying to me. Yes, she grows, as she learns from each person and dog she meets and I guess it is her indecisiveness that drives the core story, for without it, there wouldn’t be a story. But heck… there are times I felt like screaming at her. The amount of internal dialogue that goes on in her head is just exasperating. In a way, I guess some readers could identify with her character if we have had cold feet before getting married, if we are unsure what to do with our lives and how we would be a disappointment to someone whom we have an obligation to. I just feel that the character is negligible but the dogs are a different thing altogether. (Also, why would you marry someone you have known only 5 months? But that's just my view).
So, do I recommend this? Yes. It’s a light read and it deals with the facets and complexities of life – decision-making, marriage, patience, love (in all its forms), friendships. But also, read this because it has puppies, and the cruelty of puppy mills is a thing that everyone should be aware of.
Many thanks to Times Reads for this book in exchange for an honest review.
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