Review: Maybe This Time

Title: Maybe This Time

Author: Jill Mansell

Publisher: 4th June 2019 by Sourcebooks Landmark

Pages: 336 pages
How I Read It: ARC book
Genre: womens fiction

My Rating: 3.5 crowns

Synopsis:

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 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?

My Thoughts

I’ve wanted to read a Jill Mansell book for an awful long time ... it was worth the wait. You know how it is ... you’re looking for that ‘inbetween’ read, just to lighten things up but not be too syrupy. This most definitely fulfilled that wish. I enjoyed this story that is mostly set in a Cotswold village and takes place over a number of years, allowing characters to develop and grow. 

Mansell’s books follow that set formula - boy meets girl, they form a connection, there will be some dilemma or obstacle before you get your happy ending. Sometimes you just need to take that comforting journey, resting solid that you know where you will ultimately end up. This, however, was a step up from your usual ‘chick lit’ as I found it had a lot more substance. There is love and laughter but shade is also provided through grief and sadness. Jill provides the perfect balance. 

I appreciated the depth and breadth of characters provided in this tale and feel sure there will be either person or traits that the reader is sure to identify with. Jill takes everyday occurrences and in equal measure, either sheds light laughter or logic to make it an engaging read. I enjoyed the real community feel this village had in providing a solid base of the range of scenarios that were to play out. 

To have a range of people and situations did take away slightly from the main characters and their developing relationship with the ultimate happy ending. It does evolve rather slowly and at times somewhat frustratingly. All up, I enjoyed my first Jill Mansell read, the comforting tale that soothes our weary souls and confirms that love wins out in the end. 

‘This was the thing about people: you could be friends with them while at the same time being aware of their various faults.’

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This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.