International bestseller Jill Mansell is back with a new book about star-crossed lovers, family, and, importance of community.Is there ever a perfect time for love?When Mimi Huish first visits her dad’s new home in the Cotswolds, she falls in love with Goosebrook and the people who live there. There’s Paddy, with his electric-blue eyes and seductive charm. Friendly and funny Lois makes Mimi … Friendly and funny Lois makes Mimi laugh. And seriously gorgeous Cal Mathieson is welcoming and charismatic. Though Mimi loves her city life and her career, she’d be very happy to return to Goosebrook if it means seeing more of him.
Life is about to take some unexpected and shocking twists and turns. And Mimi’s path and Cal’s are set to cross again and again—but will it ever be the right time for both of them?
Praise for You and Me, Always:
“Vivid and enchanting.”—Kirkus Reviews
“A captivating read.”—Publishers Weekly
“Sure to delight.”—RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars
“A deliciously charming read from beginning to end!”—BookPage
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This book was both frustrating and fantastic. Frustrating because I just wanted Cal and Mimi finally figured out their relationship, but issue after issue kept popping up. Grrr!
However … Mansell created such a charming cast of characters that for as much as I wanted to find out what happened to Cal and Mimi, I also wanted to find out what happened to Marcus, Lois, and C.J. There was lots of heartbreak, but also so many mini-stories within the main story that I couldn’t skip anything. I wanted to see every step of the journey.
Like all romance novels, you know there’s going to be a happy ending, but this book’s subplots provide so many additional sigh-worthy sections. Predictable? A bit. But exactly the type of book I’d want to read when I need a pick me up. Plus, the British setting and dialogue are fantastic — it’s fun to pick up on some of the lingo. Brilliant!
I used to be an avid Jill Mansell reader but this is my first new Mansell read in awhile, as I have missed the last few books before this one. I am both pleased and disappointed to report that all the hallmarks of a Mansell read are represented here in full force. Disappointed because there are the same character tropes and archetypes as there were in many of the ones I read before my hiatus, and it makes me feel as though I’m reading the same book and the same story over and over. But pleased because there is also the likeable main and supporting characters, as well as the humour that is ever-present, and that is a comfort to me, and why I will always want to come back to reading Mansell again and again. Mimi is, I think, one if my favourite Mansell main characters. And I’m glad she got her HEA. Oh, and, it was lovely to see “the dashing Mr. Darcy,” such a fun Easter Egg.
I love this book! One of the reasons I enjoyed the plot is, knowing it is a Women’s Fiction book, I hope the ending will be happy. Yet, I also had no idea what was going to happen. I had hopes and wishes, but honestly, I was never certain of the outcome.
I am struggling to write a review, because I think “not knowing” too much about some books, before you read them is a good thing. Sometimes reviews will tell you more than you should know. They then, in my opinion, ruin the enjoyment of reading the book and letting your imagination and emotions go along with the ups and downs of the plot.
Therefore I am torn, how can I write about how great this book is, without talking about the plot? I guess my best try at this is the say that I think Jill Mansell is a fabulous writer! She has created another wonderful world in this book (as she has in her other books). I adore her characters. Each one is unique and memorable. Each person is the result of their past, and this is definitely shown in Jill’s wonderful character development.
Her scenery descriptions are just as great as her character development. I have never been to any area like in this book, yet I felt transported to each place.
Some parts of books I find funny, but they do not make me laugh out loud. This book did, several times! It was unexpected at times too! I was reading, so involved in the story, then Bam! I start laughing. There are some humorous situations and thoughts by the main female character that had me smiling quite a bit.
The book also had a very sad situation that was in the background of the plot most of the book. This made the story realistic to me and had me crying a few times. When a bad situation happens, there are two choices, to move forward, or be stuck in the rut of depression. This story has the characters moving forward and they find a brighter future as time goes by. The author pulled so much emotion from me while reading this fantastic story.
I want to thank NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for giving me the immense pleasure of reading this book. I hope that many readers find it and enjoy it as much as I did.
There were times in this book when Jill Mansell ripped my heart out.
Yes, Maybe This Time has the Jill Mansell touches you‘ve come to appreciate: humor, affection, quirky and dynamic characters, romance, hopefulness. But this book also addresses death, fear, and loss. It feels richer, in a way, although I always think Jill Mansell’s’ books are rich and vibrant. Perhaps the better way to put it is that this book feels more poignant?
Mimi and Cal meet cute in Cotswold village. She is drawn to his good looks, yes, but she’s also drawn to his humor and charisma. Can they be together, though? Can he be hers and she his?
The series of near- (and sometimes far) misses that Mimi and Cal experience runs the gamut of hilarious to heartbreaking. In one particular scene, Mimi believes that all hope for a relationship with Cal is ruined. Dear reader, I wept. A few scenes later, though, I guffawed. Such is the magic of Jill Mansell’s writing.
Mansell tells this tale solely through Mimi’s eyes. You stay in her head as she copes with heartache and betrayal, and you are with her when she celebrates love and hope. You will adore her. She is real and interesting, and she compels you to keep reading her story. Cal, too, is wonderful. You can feel his anguish and optimism, and you easily can see what Mimi sees in him.
I enjoyed this book so much. Any book that shouts out ABBA and Colin Firth has to be marvelous, non? When you get to know Mimi, Cal, and the rest of Goosebook, let me know what you think.
Pour Cal and Mimi, these two just can’t seem to catch a break. It takes five years and many things happening to keep these two apart. It was fun to follow these two as they navigate all the ups and downs they have to go through until they are finally together. The town they live in is quite quaint and a place i would love to see some day. If you are a fan of Jill Mansell you will enjoy this book. Though again I always wish she would put an epilogue in her books.
*I received a free copy of this book via the NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.*
This is my very first book from Jill Mansell! I loved Mimi’s character development and her sweet story from start to finish. Maybe This Time was a very realistic story, and less predictable than I originally anticipated. The book was filled with love, friendships, and lots of drama! A very cute summer read that I would recommend. Can’t wait to read more books from this author! P.S. Goosebrook sounds like the coziest little village and makes me want to visit!