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Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Review: Take a Chance on Me by Jill Mansell

Take a Chance on Me by Jill Mansell
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Genre: Romance, British chic-lit
Paperback, 432 pages
Book Source:  Sourcebooks
My Rating: 95/100

From Goodreads:

Living in a small town like Channings Hill, there are some people you just can't avoid, no matter how much you really, really want to. When Cleo's job throws her into constant contact with her childhood nemesis, Johnny LaVenture, she can't leave the past behind. But for someone she'd rather have nothing to do with, Johnny is impossible to ignore... Then shocking discoveries of past scandals, unrequited loves, old grudges, and not-so-ex-wives throw Cleo's family and friends into chaos. Life in sleepy Channings Hill may be about to get very complicated, but it's definitely never been more exciting.

3 Reasons Review

I am trying out a new review format today called "3 Reasons Review". Staci from Life in the Thumb and myself have chatted about coming up with a simple review format.  Something with just the basics of what readers would want to know about a book.  Some books do not require an in-depth analysis, yet as reviewers we still strive to get the important bits across to our readers. Therefore, the 3 Reasons, came from what Staci and I think are most important. Didn't come up with a fancy button yet, but working on it.
(If you have suggestions about this new format, please let me know.)

1.) Reasons you chose this book

I accepted this book to review because I had previously reviewed one of Mansell's books, and loved it. British chic-lit is definitely for me so when the opportunity for this one came up, I jumped at it.

2.) Reasons you liked or disliked this book

I loved this book! All of the characters are adorable and quirky, and I like the crazy situations or occurrences they always seem to find themselves in.

  • Cleo is the main character. She works as a limo driver, and can't seem to find the right guy. Cleo is not looking for anything fancy, but someone who is kind, honest, and loving. Not like Johnny who lives across the way from her, and teased her mercilessly growing up.

  • Johnny grew up with Cleo, and has a become a successful artist. Johnny is easy on the eyes, possess a smart ass mouth, and has come to realize he may have feelings for Cleo after all this time. If only she would notice the real him.

  • Ash lives next door to Cleo, and is her best friend. Ash is also hoping to settle down soon, and thinks he is found the one in Fia. Unlike his outgoing zany radio personality side, when Ash sees Fia he is so shy and tongue tied that he can't bring himself to even speak to Fia properly. Ash's view of himself (he has some meat on his bones) doesn't help his situation either. How will he get Fia to go out with him?

  • Fia is a new comer to Channings Hill. Her heart and trust have recently been stomped on, so Fia is hoping for a fresh start. If only Johnny would notice her....

So since this one, likes that one, but that one doesn't know, and likes so and so instead, you can see how the reader is in for some funny moments. Everyone one in this novel needs to take a chance on someone, or else they may lose out on a great love affair.

The only aspect I didn't like was Cleo's sister Abbie. There are aspects of her character that I disliked from the beginning, however her inability to speak up for herself grated my nerves. When her husband accusing Abbie of inappropriate behavior due to a misunderstanding, Abbie allows him to yell at her and walk away, never defending herself, and explaining the situation. Get a word in edgewise girl! If you have been married that long then you should know better. I pretty much didn't like Abbie's plot line in the story, however there are elements of it that are required for the other characters. So I accepted it and moved on.


3.) Reasons you are recommending this book

I would recommend this book highly, especially if you are looking for something to help you escape the grind of daily life. This book is fun, relaxing, and makes me want to visit a small English village. It is escapism at it's best, and I plan on reading the rest of Mansell's work in the future.

For more information about Jill Mansell, please visit her website at http://www.jillmansell.co.uk/

Thanks to Danielle from Sourcebooks for sending me this ARC.


2010 Challenges Met: 100+, Reading Romance

 

Comments (21)

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What a great review! Very thorough :)

I like the name Fia :)
1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago
Thanks. Me too. It's short for Sofia, which I also like. Good classic name.
I have problems with characters that don't stand up for them selves too. I've even given up on shows and movies that feature those kinds of characters. I don't know why but I get soo frustrated for them.
I have not read Jill Mansell, but so many bloggers love her. I will be on the look out for her books.
1 reply · active 751 weeks ago
I think you would definitely enjoy her. Nice, easy, breezy and fun!
Love it, and so gonna use it. I am often trying short review formats, and this one looks good. Get a button and I am there
1 reply · active 751 weeks ago
Absolutely! I will try my best on the button thing.
I really have liked the Jill Mansell books that I have read over the years. Haven't read one for a while now though.
1 reply · active 751 weeks ago
Make her your first for 2011. You have been reading those Deanna Rayborn's I can't get to though. I am jealous ;)
Yes...this review rocked!! I'm in love with the format and will be using it a lot!! I could so hear your voice coming through on this one. I felt the same way about Abbie too. She needed to stand up for herself and I wanted to kick her in the pants more than once!! I loved it too and will be reading more Mansell that's for sure!
1 reply · active 751 weeks ago
I'm glad I'm not the only one about Abbie. If that was me, expletives would have been flying, and I would have made sure my voice was heard. Thanks for the kind remarks :)
This sounds like something I might like-- I could use a light read. I like the new review format too. Gets all the information you want without having to search for it.
1 reply · active 751 weeks ago
That was what I was aiming for with this style. Thanks Ash. And this book would be good in between semesters. Something light.
Love the review, the format, style, everything!! So glad you loved this one too, I've borrowed it from Alaine who also raved about it :)
1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago
Thanks girlie! I look forward to your thoughts on this one. Gotta love friends with the same interests.
I haven't read any of her books but I'm constantly seeing Jill Mansell's books around the blogosphre and want to try one out someday.
1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago
I never heard of her until, I guess it was last year. Apparently she has written quite a few books. Definitely give her a try.
Thank you Emeraldfire! This is too kind of you :)
Jill Mansell's avatar

Jill Mansell · 750 weeks ago

Hi, and many thanks for the fab review. I loved your new format and thought it worked really well. As for Abbie, I think she felt guilty at having done the wrong thing. Also, a book needs to feature a variety of personalities - everyone can't be the same. But I shall definitely take the constructive criticism onboard!
And thank you for liking my writing.
Best
Jill x
1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago
Hi Jill,

Thanks so much for stopping by! I am honored that you like both the format and the review. I tried my best without giving everything away. I really do like your writing and your books, that is no b.s. It is intelligent chic-lit.

I understand the Abbie's necessity to round the cast of characers out. There was just something about her...can't put my finger on it. And hey, that's just me :)
Have a wonderful weekend and thanks again for stopping by.

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