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Maybe This Time
The deliciously uplifting new novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author of MEET ME AT BEACHCOMBER BAY. Not to be missed by readers of Lucy Diamond and Katie Fforde.
When Mimi first visits her dad's new home in the Cotswolds, she quickly falls in love with Goosebrook and its inhabitants. (Well, maybe not rude Henrietta, who lets Mimi walk miles in the rain rather than give her a lift.) There's Paddy, with his flashing eyes and seductive charm. Friendly and funny Lois makes her laugh. And seriously gorgeous Cal is welcoming and charismatic. Mimi would be more than happy to return to Goosebrook if it means bumping into him again...
Time passes and Mimi comes and goes, and concentrates on her career. Yet as their lives continue to intersect over the years and emotions (or relationships) become tangled, it's Cal who makes her feel most welcome whenever she does return to Goosebrook. But if he's The One, will it ever be the right time for them both?
When Mimi first visits her dad's new home in the Cotswolds, she quickly falls in love with Goosebrook and its inhabitants. (Well, maybe not rude Henrietta, who lets Mimi walk miles in the rain rather than give her a lift.) There's Paddy, with his flashing eyes and seductive charm. Friendly and funny Lois makes her laugh. And seriously gorgeous Cal is welcoming and charismatic. Mimi would be more than happy to return to Goosebrook if it means bumping into him again...
Time passes and Mimi comes and goes, and concentrates on her career. Yet as their lives continue to intersect over the years and emotions (or relationships) become tangled, it's Cal who makes her feel most welcome whenever she does return to Goosebrook. But if he's The One, will it ever be the right time for them both?
432 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2019
1490 people are currently reading
4083 people want to read
About the author
Jill Mansell
85 books4,870 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 755 reviews
December 14, 2019
In Maybe This Time, when Mimi visits the charming village of Goosebrook, she not only falls in love with the place, but also the people there, and in particular, kind and lovable Cal. But due to circumstances, it isn't the right time for them, and anyways she needs to get back to her city job and life. As time goes on and life throws in unforeseen complications, their paths are bound to cross again and again. But will it ever be the right time for them?
This book is Jill Mansell in top form. It's a light and fluffy read, but it still has many lovely, heartwarming moments, made all the more so because Mimi genuinely cares for Cal and wants him to be happy, even if it isn't with her. It explores that magic of meeting someone, discovering a special spark there, and then the bittersweet realization that it isn't meant to be. I found it to be a compelling angle for a love story and was thoroughly riveted. There are also a slew of adorable and sassy supporting characters, all contributing to the fun.
Typical for this genre, there were some cheesy parts, but they weren't overly so. I did find the ending to be a little bit abrupt. After everything Mimi had gone through. I wouldn't have minded the ending being a little more drawn-out. Nonetheless, this is such a sweet and uplifting story, and reading it filled me with warm fuzzies, which is just perfect for this time of the year.
This book is Jill Mansell in top form. It's a light and fluffy read, but it still has many lovely, heartwarming moments, made all the more so because Mimi genuinely cares for Cal and wants him to be happy, even if it isn't with her. It explores that magic of meeting someone, discovering a special spark there, and then the bittersweet realization that it isn't meant to be. I found it to be a compelling angle for a love story and was thoroughly riveted. There are also a slew of adorable and sassy supporting characters, all contributing to the fun.
Typical for this genre, there were some cheesy parts, but they weren't overly so. I did find the ending to be a little bit abrupt. After everything Mimi had gone through. I wouldn't have minded the ending being a little more drawn-out. Nonetheless, this is such a sweet and uplifting story, and reading it filled me with warm fuzzies, which is just perfect for this time of the year.
April 6, 2019
Please note that I received this book via NetGalley. This did not affect my rating or review.
So though I really enjoyed this book, the main reason why I didn't give it a favorite designation was honestly because I thought that Mansell should have Mimi with someone else that was introduced in the book. I thought all of the story-lines were very good and that Mansell did a good job of showcasing all of the stories though she doesn't juggle as as much as she usually does. For once, she stays focused on one character throughout the book with the secondary characters taking a back seat. The ending was a bit abrupt I thought, though often times Mansell's stories do kind of just end. I am a sucker for a good epilogue showing people over a good passage of time and having the author wrap things up in a more satisfactory way.
"Maybe This Time" follows Mimi Huish as she visits her father and his partner, Marcus in the new village they have moved to, Goosebrook. Mimi has what is a pretty funny meet-cute with Cal Mathieson. Mimi wants her father and Marcus to become part of the village, so on her next trip down she meets Cal again, and then is able to introduce herself and her father to some of the villagers: Paddy (local heart throb), Lois (gorgeous), and Felix (super posh). She also has a run in in with Felix's overbearing mother, Henrietta. Once Mimi's father is invited to participate in a local event she is glad that he is finally settling in. Unfortunately something occurs and Mimi doesn't visit Goosebrook for four years. I don't want to get into spoiler territory, but after the initial set-up of the book, I thought I knew which way that Mansell was going to go with things, but guessed wrong.
I loved the character of Mimi. She has a job doing PR which she loves and is very good at. When we see her four years later, she is still living with her best friend and has a new boyfriend she is crazy about. She eventually finds out though that what she thought was real was a lie and runs back to Goosebrook to lick her wounds. Being back there four years later has her catching up with all of the village that she hasn't seen in years. And now Mimi is having romantic thoughts about Cal though I honestly didn't see it myself.
Mimi starts hanging out with Lois and sees how her life has changed. Their friendship was a definite highlight while reading.
Cal was just okay. I really didn't find myself invested in him. Probably because most of the time he felt like a coat rack come to life. You know that coat racks are nice to have. But if you decided to get rid of yours, would you really notice? So that's how he read to me.
I really enjoyed Mimi's interactions with Paddy and wanted more of them. It definitely seemed like there was a mystery going on there. And the way the book ended, I wonder if maybe there will be a follow-up story starring Paddy.
Mimi also gets a boss in this one, CJ, who was a hot mess. I laughed every time he showed up.
The writing was good. I also have to say I was surprised by the turns this book took. It's not like Mansell hasn't written a book that has made me sad/cry before, see "Three Amazing Things About You." Starting off with introducing us to a lot of characters and then jumping four years later was pretty smart. And she ends up eventually moving through another full year (I think) by the time the book ends. I liked that, because it drives me nuts when a lot of books have life altering things happening in like 4 weeks book timeline wise and I go, this is not realistic every five minutes. The timeline issues still bug me whenever I re-read "The Proposal" by Jasmine Guillory.
The flow was a little rough here and there, but not enough to impact my reading. I think that the book jumping back and forth from Goosebrook to Puerto Pollensa was one reason why the flow was a bit rough.
The setting moves between London, Goosebrook, and Puerto Pollensa in Mallorca. The village of Goosebrook felt small to me though familiar. You quickly get used to the locals and everyone's relation to each other.
The ending as I said was a bit abrupt. I also thought it was just okay. I wish that Mansell had gone another way with Mimi. That said, I was happy about the resolutions with Felix, Lois, Henrietta, and Paddy.
So though I really enjoyed this book, the main reason why I didn't give it a favorite designation was honestly because I thought that Mansell should have Mimi with someone else that was introduced in the book. I thought all of the story-lines were very good and that Mansell did a good job of showcasing all of the stories though she doesn't juggle as as much as she usually does. For once, she stays focused on one character throughout the book with the secondary characters taking a back seat. The ending was a bit abrupt I thought, though often times Mansell's stories do kind of just end. I am a sucker for a good epilogue showing people over a good passage of time and having the author wrap things up in a more satisfactory way.
"Maybe This Time" follows Mimi Huish as she visits her father and his partner, Marcus in the new village they have moved to, Goosebrook. Mimi has what is a pretty funny meet-cute with Cal Mathieson. Mimi wants her father and Marcus to become part of the village, so on her next trip down she meets Cal again, and then is able to introduce herself and her father to some of the villagers: Paddy (local heart throb), Lois (gorgeous), and Felix (super posh). She also has a run in in with Felix's overbearing mother, Henrietta. Once Mimi's father is invited to participate in a local event she is glad that he is finally settling in. Unfortunately something occurs and Mimi doesn't visit Goosebrook for four years. I don't want to get into spoiler territory, but after the initial set-up of the book, I thought I knew which way that Mansell was going to go with things, but guessed wrong.
I loved the character of Mimi. She has a job doing PR which she loves and is very good at. When we see her four years later, she is still living with her best friend and has a new boyfriend she is crazy about. She eventually finds out though that what she thought was real was a lie and runs back to Goosebrook to lick her wounds. Being back there four years later has her catching up with all of the village that she hasn't seen in years. And now Mimi is having romantic thoughts about Cal though I honestly didn't see it myself.
Mimi starts hanging out with Lois and sees how her life has changed. Their friendship was a definite highlight while reading.
Cal was just okay. I really didn't find myself invested in him. Probably because most of the time he felt like a coat rack come to life. You know that coat racks are nice to have. But if you decided to get rid of yours, would you really notice? So that's how he read to me.
I really enjoyed Mimi's interactions with Paddy and wanted more of them. It definitely seemed like there was a mystery going on there. And the way the book ended, I wonder if maybe there will be a follow-up story starring Paddy.
Mimi also gets a boss in this one, CJ, who was a hot mess. I laughed every time he showed up.
The writing was good. I also have to say I was surprised by the turns this book took. It's not like Mansell hasn't written a book that has made me sad/cry before, see "Three Amazing Things About You." Starting off with introducing us to a lot of characters and then jumping four years later was pretty smart. And she ends up eventually moving through another full year (I think) by the time the book ends. I liked that, because it drives me nuts when a lot of books have life altering things happening in like 4 weeks book timeline wise and I go, this is not realistic every five minutes. The timeline issues still bug me whenever I re-read "The Proposal" by Jasmine Guillory.
The flow was a little rough here and there, but not enough to impact my reading. I think that the book jumping back and forth from Goosebrook to Puerto Pollensa was one reason why the flow was a bit rough.
The setting moves between London, Goosebrook, and Puerto Pollensa in Mallorca. The village of Goosebrook felt small to me though familiar. You quickly get used to the locals and everyone's relation to each other.
The ending as I said was a bit abrupt. I also thought it was just okay. I wish that Mansell had gone another way with Mimi. That said, I was happy about the resolutions with Felix, Lois, Henrietta, and Paddy.
May 30, 2019
i always enjoy jill mansell's books - i know what i am getting, a group of fun characters, a few love stories, lots of laughs and a cringey embarrassing moment or two. i don't remember the others super clearly but this has to be the slowest of slow burns ever . UGH. that made me cranky. maybe that happens in her other books but it just seemed to take an inordinately long time this time. perhaps that wouldn't have bothered me if it wasn't paired with two other things that bothered me - .
i really liked the felix and lois story, cora was a delight as well. i do feel like there was less focus on the side characters compared to her other books, which didn't bother me because i always care more about the MCs - but in this case, it just put more pressure on the MCs relationship for me, i wanted them together even more because there was nothing else distracting me.
so with the two things that annoyed me being pretty big things, it sounds like i hated it. that's sooooo not the case. i just wasn't super happy with it. like i said, i love jill mansell books and this one certainly didn't turn me off her writing, it just left me a little unsatisfied. it was still an easy read, i laughed, i totally covered my face in embarrassment a couple of times, it was cute and fun... i just wish a few things were different. it's not the end of the world, it was still a good read and i will definitely pick up another jill mansell book in the future, this one just wasn't my fave.
ARC received from netgalley in exchange for honest review
i really liked the felix and lois story, cora was a delight as well. i do feel like there was less focus on the side characters compared to her other books, which didn't bother me because i always care more about the MCs - but in this case, it just put more pressure on the MCs relationship for me, i wanted them together even more because there was nothing else distracting me.
so with the two things that annoyed me being pretty big things, it sounds like i hated it. that's sooooo not the case. i just wasn't super happy with it. like i said, i love jill mansell books and this one certainly didn't turn me off her writing, it just left me a little unsatisfied. it was still an easy read, i laughed, i totally covered my face in embarrassment a couple of times, it was cute and fun... i just wish a few things were different. it's not the end of the world, it was still a good read and i will definitely pick up another jill mansell book in the future, this one just wasn't my fave.
ARC received from netgalley in exchange for honest review
January 14, 2019
I spent a large majority of the book wondering if Mimi was ever going to get together with the man she blatantly has a massive crush on. After all her timings with him whenever they meet are always off. Either there is another relationship, or they aren't even in the same country let alone anything else.
However before we even get to that, we are introduced to Goosebrook in the Cotswolds with Mimi attempting to visit her dad there for the first time, and not realising just how rural it would be. The first few chapters are her first visits to the village and her getting to know in passing the various locals.
In fact there is quite a bit of drama in the first quarter of the book, and it sets the rest of the story up really nicely.
What I loved was for a period of time Mimi was working in Puerto Pollensa in Mallorca. I lived there for a few months 9 years ago, and since that time I have barely ever heard the town mentioned anywhere ever, so imagine my shock to see a second mention of it in two weeks for me already this year.
From what I recall of the town, Jill's descriptions match up, I recall the big square, and also the Wednesday market, as I had to walk past it to get the bus to work. It all really rang true to me, and I enjoyed Mimi working for CJ the big thriller writer.
I really enjoyed this latest book from one of my auto read, drop everything for authors and although I found this to be a very enjoyable book, I thought it was missing perhaps a spark that some of her others recently have had. It's still a very good story, great writing, and I was always keen to return to the book to see what happened next.
Maybe This Time left me with a smile on my face, but not before giving you assorted highs and lows, some real depth to some of the characters, and some fabulous settings.
Thank you to Headline and Anne Cater for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
However before we even get to that, we are introduced to Goosebrook in the Cotswolds with Mimi attempting to visit her dad there for the first time, and not realising just how rural it would be. The first few chapters are her first visits to the village and her getting to know in passing the various locals.
In fact there is quite a bit of drama in the first quarter of the book, and it sets the rest of the story up really nicely.
What I loved was for a period of time Mimi was working in Puerto Pollensa in Mallorca. I lived there for a few months 9 years ago, and since that time I have barely ever heard the town mentioned anywhere ever, so imagine my shock to see a second mention of it in two weeks for me already this year.
From what I recall of the town, Jill's descriptions match up, I recall the big square, and also the Wednesday market, as I had to walk past it to get the bus to work. It all really rang true to me, and I enjoyed Mimi working for CJ the big thriller writer.
I really enjoyed this latest book from one of my auto read, drop everything for authors and although I found this to be a very enjoyable book, I thought it was missing perhaps a spark that some of her others recently have had. It's still a very good story, great writing, and I was always keen to return to the book to see what happened next.
Maybe This Time left me with a smile on my face, but not before giving you assorted highs and lows, some real depth to some of the characters, and some fabulous settings.
Thank you to Headline and Anne Cater for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
September 14, 2019
From start to finish the story was so interesting. I loved the characters of Mimi and Cal (not forgetting Cora).
The first part of the book is before the present, setting the scene for the next. The back story is sad.
Throughout the middle to the end Mimi goes between London and the Cotsworlds. If I was her I'd leave London in the past and the people she knew in it. CJ grew on me and Mimi had a way of making people better.
Its will they or wont they between Mimi and Cal and the story couldn't have ended more perfectly for me.
The first part of the book is before the present, setting the scene for the next. The back story is sad.
Throughout the middle to the end Mimi goes between London and the Cotsworlds. If I was her I'd leave London in the past and the people she knew in it. CJ grew on me and Mimi had a way of making people better.
Its will they or wont they between Mimi and Cal and the story couldn't have ended more perfectly for me.
January 27, 2019
A new book from Jill Mansell is always a treat to look forward to and this book made me smile so much.
Mimi’s first introduction to the Cotswold village of Goosebrook is not without incident. On her way to visit her father who has moved there with his partner Marcus, she encounters Cal, who appears to be attacking a sheep. Once the misunderstanding is sorted, Mimi realises that she would rather like him to be more than just a friend however Cal is not available. Mimi meanwhile has a busy PR career to look forward to and besides she will be coming back to Goosebrook regularly.
However fate has other ideas for Mimi and there are shocking and difficult times in store for her but never one to mope, she just gets on with it and finds herself being introduced to some totally outrageous but nevertheless wonderfully likeable characters. Yes, CJ I’m looking at you! Poor Mimi needed the patience of a saint to deal with author CJ although I was pleased to see that she gave as good as she got!
Throw together the gorgeous setting of the Cotswolds, add in the myriad of engaging characters including the charismatic and good looking, the charming, the completely OTT and the absolutely vile – and you have a book that is a joy to read.
Set over a timeline of a few years, this is not all fluff and lightness. Without giving any any spoilers, there is some sadness and there are some more difficult issues dealt with but overall it is such an uplifting and feel good read that you can’t help but smile at some of the witty one liners or the absurdity of some of the characters’ antics. What I particularly liked was the community feel to the village and the way that they all looked out for each other. Perhaps this could be a bit claustrophobic in real life but it makes a nice change to read about people that care and want to help others.
There is always something rather special about a Jill Mansell book. It’s escapism at its very best and just for a while its a wonderful life to immerse yourself in. I think we all need an escape from reality at times and this will do very nicely thank you.
I loved everything about it, the setting, the characters and the humour. Definitely a recommended read.
Mimi’s first introduction to the Cotswold village of Goosebrook is not without incident. On her way to visit her father who has moved there with his partner Marcus, she encounters Cal, who appears to be attacking a sheep. Once the misunderstanding is sorted, Mimi realises that she would rather like him to be more than just a friend however Cal is not available. Mimi meanwhile has a busy PR career to look forward to and besides she will be coming back to Goosebrook regularly.
However fate has other ideas for Mimi and there are shocking and difficult times in store for her but never one to mope, she just gets on with it and finds herself being introduced to some totally outrageous but nevertheless wonderfully likeable characters. Yes, CJ I’m looking at you! Poor Mimi needed the patience of a saint to deal with author CJ although I was pleased to see that she gave as good as she got!
Throw together the gorgeous setting of the Cotswolds, add in the myriad of engaging characters including the charismatic and good looking, the charming, the completely OTT and the absolutely vile – and you have a book that is a joy to read.
Set over a timeline of a few years, this is not all fluff and lightness. Without giving any any spoilers, there is some sadness and there are some more difficult issues dealt with but overall it is such an uplifting and feel good read that you can’t help but smile at some of the witty one liners or the absurdity of some of the characters’ antics. What I particularly liked was the community feel to the village and the way that they all looked out for each other. Perhaps this could be a bit claustrophobic in real life but it makes a nice change to read about people that care and want to help others.
There is always something rather special about a Jill Mansell book. It’s escapism at its very best and just for a while its a wonderful life to immerse yourself in. I think we all need an escape from reality at times and this will do very nicely thank you.
I loved everything about it, the setting, the characters and the humour. Definitely a recommended read.
February 8, 2023
Mimi is unprepared for the sight that greets her when she arrives in Goosebrook, the Cotswolds village, where her father and his partner Marcus have moved to. A man is wrestling a sheep. On closer investigation the situation is not as she first thinks.. The man, Cal is very attractive. Sadly, Mimi finds out he can only be a friend as he is happily married to Stacey. They have a young daughter, Cora. So much for romance. Or is it? An accident claims the life of a couple of the villagers, one of which is Mimi’s father and another is seriously injured. Several stories of people in the village play out over the course of time.
This is going to be a short review as the first one somehow got deleted before posting. Covering, romance, friendship, family, and loss this sounded like it had all the ingredients to be a good read. Yet now, a number of days and a few more books read and enjoyed in the interim, I am struggling to remember much about this book. In so many ways it is predictable as Cal and Mimi circumnavigate circumstances that keep them apart. I felt it just went on too long, going round and round the same material. Out of all the characters my favourite was young Cora.
Not sure if it was me or the book but I found it just an okay read. Nothing memorable. Others may have a different view. So give it a go if it sounds like your thing.
This is going to be a short review as the first one somehow got deleted before posting. Covering, romance, friendship, family, and loss this sounded like it had all the ingredients to be a good read. Yet now, a number of days and a few more books read and enjoyed in the interim, I am struggling to remember much about this book. In so many ways it is predictable as Cal and Mimi circumnavigate circumstances that keep them apart. I felt it just went on too long, going round and round the same material. Out of all the characters my favourite was young Cora.
Not sure if it was me or the book but I found it just an okay read. Nothing memorable. Others may have a different view. So give it a go if it sounds like your thing.
March 16, 2019
Possibly even 1.5 stars...
I'm a devote Jill Mansell fan, so the fact I have had to give this book such a low rating is kind of painful. I desperately wanted to enjoy this but I just couldn't get into it.
All of Mansell's books are extremely formulaic and predictable - girl meets boy, they have instant chemistry, there is something that holds them back from one another, cue dilemma and then a happy ending. It happens in every one of her books (or at least the ones I have currently read by her) and I'm not saying this as a criticism, just stating a fact. I usually don't mind this; I quite like knowing there will be a happy ending and everything will be okay. It's comforting.
But the predictability of this novel just bored me. The first 50 pages moved very quickly, spanning a huge chunk of time, and as I was reading it I was mentally writing a list of what I knew would later happen in the plot. And none of those things excited me. I didn't care about Mimi or Cal, neither one of them striking a chord with me like some of Mansell's other protagonists. I found Mimi's POV fairly dull and uninteresting. Cal, equally, became kind of redundant to me as a potential suitor.
(On a separate note, I did find that this was written in a slightly different way to her other books. There was less focus on secondary characters, the vast majority of this book purely about Mimi and Cal. I liked this. Usually, I find there is at least one sub-plot in her books that I don't care about, and I always skip over those sections.)
I mostly skim-read the last 200 pages, simply so I could finish this and move onto something else. I'm really disappointed with this one, but it won't stop me from picking up Mansell's other books. I do rate her as an author, despite not enjoying this. Maybe This Time is not the worst book of hers I have read (that is still Mixed Doubles...) but it's by no means her best, either.
I'm a devote Jill Mansell fan, so the fact I have had to give this book such a low rating is kind of painful. I desperately wanted to enjoy this but I just couldn't get into it.
All of Mansell's books are extremely formulaic and predictable - girl meets boy, they have instant chemistry, there is something that holds them back from one another, cue dilemma and then a happy ending. It happens in every one of her books (or at least the ones I have currently read by her) and I'm not saying this as a criticism, just stating a fact. I usually don't mind this; I quite like knowing there will be a happy ending and everything will be okay. It's comforting.
But the predictability of this novel just bored me. The first 50 pages moved very quickly, spanning a huge chunk of time, and as I was reading it I was mentally writing a list of what I knew would later happen in the plot. And none of those things excited me. I didn't care about Mimi or Cal, neither one of them striking a chord with me like some of Mansell's other protagonists. I found Mimi's POV fairly dull and uninteresting. Cal, equally, became kind of redundant to me as a potential suitor.
(On a separate note, I did find that this was written in a slightly different way to her other books. There was less focus on secondary characters, the vast majority of this book purely about Mimi and Cal. I liked this. Usually, I find there is at least one sub-plot in her books that I don't care about, and I always skip over those sections.)
I mostly skim-read the last 200 pages, simply so I could finish this and move onto something else. I'm really disappointed with this one, but it won't stop me from picking up Mansell's other books. I do rate her as an author, despite not enjoying this. Maybe This Time is not the worst book of hers I have read (that is still Mixed Doubles...) but it's by no means her best, either.
May 4, 2021
It kā mana iecienītā lubeņu autore un it kā jau viss jauki, bet tomēr atstāja mazuma piegaršu. Uz vecumu Mensela sākusi pavisam šķīsti rakstīt - šito varētu lasīt pat pamatskolnieks vai Saeimas deputāts un nekļūt necik samaitāts. Kamēr autore ierastajā stilā atrisināja piecu (vai cik nu tur) citu pāru problēmas, galvenajam pārim atlika laiks tikai vienai bučiņai pēdējās piecās lappusēs. Ugh.
July 13, 2019
Read this almost in one sitting. Lovely book. I want to move to Goosebrook now.
April 15, 2020
Have you ever had a blind date with a book? It’s this thing where libraries and bookstores wrap up books in paper so you can’t see the title or author and then print a handful of clues on the package to pique your interest and help you decide if it’s a book you might enjoy. That’s how I got this book. It was a gift from my bosom buddy Christina, selected mainly because it had the word “Cotswolds” on it--she knows me well! Adam and I loved our time in the Cotswolds when we went on our trip to the UK, so much so that it’s high up on our list of places we’d love to return to when travel is someday safe again. Until that happens, reading a book set there is the next best thing, and this is such a cute one!
Mimi comes to Goosebrook, quite possibly the quaintest, most postcard-perfect town in the Cotswolds, to visit her father and his husband, and in the process of encouraging them to get involved in village life finds herself immersed as well in the goings-on of the adorably bustling town. The first person she meets is Cal and she’s immediately taken with him, but things never seem to click for them. The timing is never quite right, they’re at different places in their lives, involved with other people, consumed with work and family obligations, endless etceteras. Over the years, as Mimi keeps coming back for visits, some longer, some shorter, seeing Cal is always the part she secretly looks forward to most.
What makes the book so charming is that while you’re on the will-they-won’t-they rollercoaster, you’re accompanied by the entire town of Goosebrook, and they’re an entertaining bunch. I fell in love with the townsfolk at least as much as I fell in love with Cal. So I’d characterize this book more on the women’s fiction side rather than romance--it’s really about Mimi’s growth as a person and how she comes to be a part of the town in her own right.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to stare at photos from our trip and pretend I’m back in Lower Slaughter, drinking cider on a pristine green lawn outside a pub on a beautiful sunny day.
Mimi comes to Goosebrook, quite possibly the quaintest, most postcard-perfect town in the Cotswolds, to visit her father and his husband, and in the process of encouraging them to get involved in village life finds herself immersed as well in the goings-on of the adorably bustling town. The first person she meets is Cal and she’s immediately taken with him, but things never seem to click for them. The timing is never quite right, they’re at different places in their lives, involved with other people, consumed with work and family obligations, endless etceteras. Over the years, as Mimi keeps coming back for visits, some longer, some shorter, seeing Cal is always the part she secretly looks forward to most.
What makes the book so charming is that while you’re on the will-they-won’t-they rollercoaster, you’re accompanied by the entire town of Goosebrook, and they’re an entertaining bunch. I fell in love with the townsfolk at least as much as I fell in love with Cal. So I’d characterize this book more on the women’s fiction side rather than romance--it’s really about Mimi’s growth as a person and how she comes to be a part of the town in her own right.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to stare at photos from our trip and pretend I’m back in Lower Slaughter, drinking cider on a pristine green lawn outside a pub on a beautiful sunny day.
January 23, 2020
THIS WAS SO CUTE. Such an original story, I loved every second of it. Couldn't put it down. And goshhhhh the biggest slow burn ever. I just wanted 5 more chapters of the main couple being cute and in love together. The story ended way too soon!
February 27, 2019
Jill Mansell is one of my favorite author, I used to read a lot of books written by her and then I started to read other authors. It has been a little while since I didn't read a book from Jill Mansell and I had the opportunity to read "Maybe This Time" thanks to Netgalley. And wow! Jill Mansell's writing is even better than before! I have been hooked to the story from first to last page! There is romance, drama, sad moments, happy moments and also funny moments. I have never been bored with this book! I am so happy to have read it! This is very good chicklit, very very very good! I recommend this book to all of you ladies!!!!
February 19, 2019
Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review!
Oh Gosh! This was such a fun read! I felt like i knew what was going to happen all along - and when it finally did - it was like a happily ever after!
What i did like was the whole book could easily be made into a rom-com. It was screaming 'when harry met sally' or 'notting hill' or any of the awesome 1990's romantic movies which are classics now.
I liked Mimi and Cora and Cal and even Stacey.
This is a book you can take to the beach along with a margarita!
Oh Gosh! This was such a fun read! I felt like i knew what was going to happen all along - and when it finally did - it was like a happily ever after!
What i did like was the whole book could easily be made into a rom-com. It was screaming 'when harry met sally' or 'notting hill' or any of the awesome 1990's romantic movies which are classics now.
I liked Mimi and Cora and Cal and even Stacey.
This is a book you can take to the beach along with a margarita!
April 10, 2023
Ik vond het een heerlijk en hartverwarmend verhaal. Ik zat lichtelijk in een reading slump en dit boek was precies wat ik nodig had om daar weer uit te komen. Er zit genoeg romantiek in, maar er komen ook genoeg andere dingen aan bod.
February 16, 2019
Well, I didn't expect it to be anything less than 5 stars. She's my favourite author and this one didn't disappoint.
April 13, 2019
4;5 *
Zo’n leuk, luchtig, grappig, verdrietig, melig boek ....
Juist wat ik nodig had :))
Zo’n leuk, luchtig, grappig, verdrietig, melig boek ....
Juist wat ik nodig had :))
Read
July 28, 2020ah mm yis good literature yiss
November 14, 2024
Una lettura leggera e scorrevole nonostante affronti tematiche delicate, che trasporta il lettore nella deliziosa cittadina di Goosebrook dove tutti si conoscono e sono amici fraterni.
Molto belle le descrizioni e l’ambientazione tra le colline inglesi che l’autrice riesce a farti visualizzare con facilità e meraviglia.
Una storia d’amore che racconta di un incontro stravagante e singolare, talmente speciale da essere rimasto nel cuore di Mimi a lungo. I tempi però non erano maturi allora ma a distanza di anni i protagonisti si rivedono e succede la magia: dapprima diventano amici affettuosi e leali per poi innamorarsi.
Ma lentamente. Si perché il loro rapporto evolve nel corso della lettura e soltanto verso fine libro assistiamo ad una resa totale all’amore.
Ho amato particolarmente il personaggio di Marcus che col suo comportamento amorevole nei confronti della sua figlioccia ci dà un bell’insegnamento.
Una lettura commovente e profonda sull'amicizia, l'amore e il coraggio di non arrendersi, che consiglio.
Molto belle le descrizioni e l’ambientazione tra le colline inglesi che l’autrice riesce a farti visualizzare con facilità e meraviglia.
Una storia d’amore che racconta di un incontro stravagante e singolare, talmente speciale da essere rimasto nel cuore di Mimi a lungo. I tempi però non erano maturi allora ma a distanza di anni i protagonisti si rivedono e succede la magia: dapprima diventano amici affettuosi e leali per poi innamorarsi.
Ma lentamente. Si perché il loro rapporto evolve nel corso della lettura e soltanto verso fine libro assistiamo ad una resa totale all’amore.
Ho amato particolarmente il personaggio di Marcus che col suo comportamento amorevole nei confronti della sua figlioccia ci dà un bell’insegnamento.
Una lettura commovente e profonda sull'amicizia, l'amore e il coraggio di non arrendersi, che consiglio.
March 23, 2019
I listened to this on audiobook.
I am a massive fan of Jill Mansell, and have read/listened to all her books to date.
This one has been thoroughly enjoyable, a truly delightful story with such wonderful characters. As always with Jill books, there were a fair few moments that had me laughing out loud, not ideal when your on bus but I didn't care lol.
I loved that there was a couple of cameo appearances of a couple of characters from previous books, so wasn't expecting that.
As always I can highly recommend Jill Mansell books and if you haven't discovered her wonderful heartfelt and entertaining reads yet then please do not delay anymore.
I am a massive fan of Jill Mansell, and have read/listened to all her books to date.
This one has been thoroughly enjoyable, a truly delightful story with such wonderful characters. As always with Jill books, there were a fair few moments that had me laughing out loud, not ideal when your on bus but I didn't care lol.
I loved that there was a couple of cameo appearances of a couple of characters from previous books, so wasn't expecting that.
As always I can highly recommend Jill Mansell books and if you haven't discovered her wonderful heartfelt and entertaining reads yet then please do not delay anymore.
April 5, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Mimi in the Cotswolds! The cast of characters are fun and well developed. I loved the way the author communicates the special relationship between Cal and Cora, the courage of Lois, and the ability of the community to celebrate life at every opportunity. The section of the book that Mimi works for CJ was enjoyable, but perhaps a little too long in my opinion as I simply wanted Mimi to return to the Cotswolds and its lovable characters.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good romantic comedy! I rate it 4.5/5 stars.
I received an ARC in from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good romantic comedy! I rate it 4.5/5 stars.
I received an ARC in from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
February 13, 2019
This was an enjoyable reading for me! It had romance, drama and many funny moments. I liked the side characters and their stories, they were a great addition to the book, but at the same time I wished there was more focus on the progression of the main romance plot, in my opinion it developed too slowly, I couldn't really feel the chemistry between the main characters and resolution is only reached too close to the end. In general, it was entertaining, I would recommend it, but I didn't feel the spark necessary for this to be a page-turner for me.
January 23, 2019
In "Maybe This Time" we are introduced to Mimi, who's just leaving London for a few days to visit her Dad in Goosebrook in the Cotswolds. Already the first visit there is very adventurous and includes rescuing a sheep and being totally drenched. But people in Goosebrook - with one exception - are really, really friendly and so Mimi soon finds herself on the way again. However, she doesn't know that totally different circumstances are awaiting her this time... Fast forward some time and Mimi, after being betrayed by her best friend and her boyfriend, moves in her Dad and Marcus's house, hoping to start a new chapter in her life. Perhaps with an extremely handsome neighbour at her side?
I loved the characters in this book. Jill Mansell has talent to create relatable, warm and full of life characters that she so easily brings to life and the dynamics between them is captured in such a realistic, true to life way. There are plenty of characters in this novel but they're all so distinctive and different, and I never had a problem to know who is who and why, and I enjoyed all of them and their own stories. Mimi is so full of life, even though this life likes to challenge her, but she never gives up and I wanted to give her a standing ovation more than once. Even her crush on Cal was so charming - I know some may say, woman, get a grip, you're old enough, but it involved so many embarrassing moments and jumping to conclusions and I simply loved it. The short period of time when she was working in Puerto Pollensa in Mallorca was hilariously entertaining and I truly enjoyed this bossy side of her. Heck, she was a real renaissance woman, our Mimi, she could do anything she was asked for, and she always did it with a passion. There are of course many other brilliant characters, the already mentioned Cal and his daughter Cora, Mimi's Dad and Marcus and her new friends Lois, Paddy and Felix, and oh, of course, we can't forget Henrietta - you can't help but fell for them all, and you quickly become invested in their lives.
This book has it all what I know I can expect from Jill Mansell: it was light - hearted but with a depth, it was funny but also poignant, it was fast - paced and with brilliantly developed and fleshed out characters. I know that it's also a bit predictable, but firstly I haven't read it for its unpredictability, and secondly it was this kind of novel when predictable is good and comfortable. Although guys the author didn't make it so obvious for the character and the majority of the book I spent wondering, rolling my eyes at "not again!", wanting to bang my head on the wall - all of this I mean in a positive way! Because it was so obvious that those two should be together but the timing was never right, either there was another relationship, or they weren't in the same place, mostly in different country. It was simply brilliant!
This is a fast - paced story, sometimes too fast I would say, especially at the beginning when so many things happens, but I was immediately at the heart of this book, drawn in. It took me on a brilliant, entertaining and also thought - provoking ride, with all the ups and down and highs and lows, through some gorgeous settings. Goosebrooks has all what a perfect place needs - it's idyllic, there is of course this brilliant local pub and people who make this place so exceptional. As usual, the book dealt with a great range of topics and issues but there was not a single moment that it was too much or that I felt confused. It won't be a surprise to you then when I tell you that Jill Mansell is my auto - buy author, will it. Her books are really worth dropping anything you do and spending some relaxing me - time. I always finished reading her books with a grin on my face, and it was the same with "Maybe This Time". It was entertaining, funny and sometimes sad and I found myself engrossed in the story. Highly recommended!
Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
February 22, 2019
Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review!
Oh Gosh! This was such a fun read! I felt like i knew what was going to happen all along - and when it finally did - it was like a happily ever after!
What i did like was the whole book could easily be made into a rom-com. It was screaming 'when harry met sally' or 'notting hill' or any of the awesome 1990's romantic movies which are classics now.
I liked Mimi and Cora and Cal and even Stacey.
This is a book you can take to the beach along with a margarita!
Oh Gosh! This was such a fun read! I felt like i knew what was going to happen all along - and when it finally did - it was like a happily ever after!
What i did like was the whole book could easily be made into a rom-com. It was screaming 'when harry met sally' or 'notting hill' or any of the awesome 1990's romantic movies which are classics now.
I liked Mimi and Cora and Cal and even Stacey.
This is a book you can take to the beach along with a margarita!
March 23, 2019
Another fabulous Jill Mansell book. 100% loved it. Agonising slow burn romance, so torturous but worth it. The characters are so loveable, relatable and funny. You can’t put it down. I read this in one sitting. A great spring/summer read , light and happy but with plenty of emotion.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
November 15, 2020
Another great lighthearted book from Jill Mansell. Likeable characters, easy flowing storyline which may have been predictable in places, but there’s no harm in that, sometimes!
May 20, 2019
There once was a time I didn’t read any Feel Good books. I was all fantasy and historical fiction. And then one day I picked up a really cheap edition of Jill Mansell’s The One You Really Want and I fell in love with her writing style, but also the genre in general. Jill Mansell was my introduction to feel good as a genre and over the years I have been recommending her books to friends and colleagues; because you just can’t go wrong with a book of hers. When I saw an ARC was available of her new book Maybe This Time I realized that I have been recommending her a lot, but I haven’t read anything new myself by her hand for a couple years now. So time to see if I still love her stories as much as I once did.
Let’s just be frank, I loved it. And I am kind of wondering why I don’t read stories by her more often. The main story-line in this book is one of the tropes I absolutely love. Mimi feels butterflies in her stomach from the first moment she meets Cal. But Cal is happily married, father of a beautiful daughter. So over the years they develop a strong friendship, but the question in the background is always “could it be more, if it was ever the right time. And will it ever be the right time?” I absolutely love this trope. Characters who have a strong connection, but the timing is always wrong.
I also love following characters for a longer period of time. And this is exactly what we do in Maybe This Time. We follow Mimi through several years of her life, which gave me as a reader more connection to Mimi as a character. You follow her trough many emotions. Dealing with serious grief after her father passes away, but also living abroad, making friends for life in the little village of Goosebrook. At the same time it makes the story feel more real. You see life altering changes happening, but in a realistic time setting. Not everything happens in one week like some books want us to believe.
The story is geographically set in three background settings. Goosebrooke, Londen en Puerto Pollensa on Mallorca. I absolutely loved the addition of Mallorca to the story, because it just gave it a little bit extra. I don’t know, maybe it was the sun shining outside but it gave the story a little extra glamour. I really loved how the little village of Puerto Pollensa brought a vacation feeling to the story.
Apart from giving it an exotic feel, it gave Mimi’s character more depth. Because of course this is a story about finding love, but it is more than that. Showing Mimi on her own, making a life for herself, made her a stronger character in my opinion. The story didn’t revolve only around her romantic feelings, but it was also about her exploring what she wanted in life and what she could be on a professional level.
A new Jill Mansell book is always a treat. But this one really captured a place in my heart. When I turned the last page I wasn’t ready to let go of the lovely people in Goosebrook and of Mimi. I would have liked to see a more elaborate ending. But that just because I am a sucker for a good epilogue set in the future. I just want to know if the characters become truly happy. But hey, that is just me. This is a brilliant book. I would highly recommend to read during one of those long summer days by the pool.
Let’s just be frank, I loved it. And I am kind of wondering why I don’t read stories by her more often. The main story-line in this book is one of the tropes I absolutely love. Mimi feels butterflies in her stomach from the first moment she meets Cal. But Cal is happily married, father of a beautiful daughter. So over the years they develop a strong friendship, but the question in the background is always “could it be more, if it was ever the right time. And will it ever be the right time?” I absolutely love this trope. Characters who have a strong connection, but the timing is always wrong.
I also love following characters for a longer period of time. And this is exactly what we do in Maybe This Time. We follow Mimi through several years of her life, which gave me as a reader more connection to Mimi as a character. You follow her trough many emotions. Dealing with serious grief after her father passes away, but also living abroad, making friends for life in the little village of Goosebrook. At the same time it makes the story feel more real. You see life altering changes happening, but in a realistic time setting. Not everything happens in one week like some books want us to believe.
The story is geographically set in three background settings. Goosebrooke, Londen en Puerto Pollensa on Mallorca. I absolutely loved the addition of Mallorca to the story, because it just gave it a little bit extra. I don’t know, maybe it was the sun shining outside but it gave the story a little extra glamour. I really loved how the little village of Puerto Pollensa brought a vacation feeling to the story.
Apart from giving it an exotic feel, it gave Mimi’s character more depth. Because of course this is a story about finding love, but it is more than that. Showing Mimi on her own, making a life for herself, made her a stronger character in my opinion. The story didn’t revolve only around her romantic feelings, but it was also about her exploring what she wanted in life and what she could be on a professional level.
A new Jill Mansell book is always a treat. But this one really captured a place in my heart. When I turned the last page I wasn’t ready to let go of the lovely people in Goosebrook and of Mimi. I would have liked to see a more elaborate ending. But that just because I am a sucker for a good epilogue set in the future. I just want to know if the characters become truly happy. But hey, that is just me. This is a brilliant book. I would highly recommend to read during one of those long summer days by the pool.
January 24, 2019
Mimi’s adventures in the Cotswolds won’t all be plain sailing!
Maybe This Time is wonderful. It can be tricky reading a book from a favourite author in case they disappoint, but I just loved Maybe This Time. It had everything I expect from Jill Mansell and so much more besides.
I found it impossible to drag myself away and when I wasn’t reading the story I was thinking about the characters. I often find children and animals in fiction quite stilted and unrealistic, but both Otto and Cora felt as vivid to me as any of the adults. I think it is the superb quality of the direct speech that creates this effect. Jill Mansell has the ability to make it sound so natural that it’s more like eavesdropping a conversation than reading it on the page.
I also really appreciated the balance of characters. Sometimes in women’s fiction it seems to me as if the writer is a misandrist, but in Maybe This Time, men were as equally well presented as women which I found hugely satisfying. Characters like Kendra and Rob gave a balance to Mimi and Cal. I thought Lois was inspired too because her vulnerability illustrates the warm humanity I expect from this author.
I loved the plot. I was desperate for Mimi to have a happy ending but I had no real idea how, or even if, it would manifest itself, so that each event almost felt as if it were happening to me, never mind a character in a book, because I was so invested in the narrative. The small incidents that run alongside the main story add such a warmth and depth to the read that Maybe This Time has something to attract every reader. The themes of love and relationships, family and friendship, grief and joy all combine into a perfect blend of gorgeous storytelling. Jill Mansell’s style is so effortless to read so that I truly felt as if I were coming home to an old friend in reading this narrative. The descriptions too made Maybe This Time so lovely to read. I was able to place myself in Goosebrook particularly easily.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Anyone who loves Jill Mansell’s writing needs to know that Maybe This Time is her writing at her most glorious, and entertaining best and is an absolute joy to read.
https://lindasbookbag.com/2019/01/24/...
Maybe This Time is wonderful. It can be tricky reading a book from a favourite author in case they disappoint, but I just loved Maybe This Time. It had everything I expect from Jill Mansell and so much more besides.
I found it impossible to drag myself away and when I wasn’t reading the story I was thinking about the characters. I often find children and animals in fiction quite stilted and unrealistic, but both Otto and Cora felt as vivid to me as any of the adults. I think it is the superb quality of the direct speech that creates this effect. Jill Mansell has the ability to make it sound so natural that it’s more like eavesdropping a conversation than reading it on the page.
I also really appreciated the balance of characters. Sometimes in women’s fiction it seems to me as if the writer is a misandrist, but in Maybe This Time, men were as equally well presented as women which I found hugely satisfying. Characters like Kendra and Rob gave a balance to Mimi and Cal. I thought Lois was inspired too because her vulnerability illustrates the warm humanity I expect from this author.
I loved the plot. I was desperate for Mimi to have a happy ending but I had no real idea how, or even if, it would manifest itself, so that each event almost felt as if it were happening to me, never mind a character in a book, because I was so invested in the narrative. The small incidents that run alongside the main story add such a warmth and depth to the read that Maybe This Time has something to attract every reader. The themes of love and relationships, family and friendship, grief and joy all combine into a perfect blend of gorgeous storytelling. Jill Mansell’s style is so effortless to read so that I truly felt as if I were coming home to an old friend in reading this narrative. The descriptions too made Maybe This Time so lovely to read. I was able to place myself in Goosebrook particularly easily.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Anyone who loves Jill Mansell’s writing needs to know that Maybe This Time is her writing at her most glorious, and entertaining best and is an absolute joy to read.
https://lindasbookbag.com/2019/01/24/...
May 1, 2019
This is the very first book I have ever read by this author. To be honest, I am no sure if I will ever read any others of her books given the fact that from the very first chapter I knew exactly how the book was going to end and who the main character Mimi was going to end up being with. Don’t get me wrong, it was an easy read and well-written but I suppose I after reading the reviews and being rated slightly over 4 out of 5 stars, I was expecting a book with less predictable storyline.
Let me justify my low rating: although it was a page turner and I enjoyed reading it after a tiring day I would not recommend reading it hugely because:
a) the dialogues between the characters were so disappointing as I’ve read similar ones in a lot of books before. No dialogue was even close to knocking my socks off.
b) the buildup before each major turn of events was poor. I predicted exactly what was going to happen, especially when it came to the scene when Mimi’s flatmate and her boyfriend were going to be caught out to be having an affair behind her back.
The only chapter that took my by surprise was the car accident in which Mimi’s dad and Carl’s wife died. Saying that it also strengthened and confirmed my prediction that they were definitely going to end up being together.
I think I am being extremely polite by giving it 2 starts. I would expect a debuting author to write this book but not such an experienced writer.
Let me justify my low rating: although it was a page turner and I enjoyed reading it after a tiring day I would not recommend reading it hugely because:
a) the dialogues between the characters were so disappointing as I’ve read similar ones in a lot of books before. No dialogue was even close to knocking my socks off.
b) the buildup before each major turn of events was poor. I predicted exactly what was going to happen, especially when it came to the scene when Mimi’s flatmate and her boyfriend were going to be caught out to be having an affair behind her back.
The only chapter that took my by surprise was the car accident in which Mimi’s dad and Carl’s wife died. Saying that it also strengthened and confirmed my prediction that they were definitely going to end up being together.
I think I am being extremely polite by giving it 2 starts. I would expect a debuting author to write this book but not such an experienced writer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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