An Almost Perfect Summer – Jill Mansell | Book Review | #AnAlmostPerfectSummer @headlinepg

Nick is the most intriguing man Nella has met in a while. He’s a 9 in the looks department (no one gets a 10), he makes her laugh, and he keeps her company when she ends up in A&E. But they live hundreds of miles apart.

Then Nella loses her job. There’s a perfect role on offer at a Cotswolds holiday retreat. The catch is that her boss would be Nick. And that makes Nick the one man she can’t risk falling in love with.

While Nella struggles with her feelings, a Hollywood star has found a haven at the retreat. Lizzie’s sworn off people – especially men – until her friendly new neighbours entice her out of her shell. Maybe she needs a flirtation – with gorgeous Nick, perhaps? Not with taciturn local Matthew, though, who definitely isn’t a member of her fan club. Then an astonishing secret revealed changes everything . . .

The scene is set for a fabulous new novel full of friendship, warmth and romance.


MY THOUGHTS


My thanks to Anne of Random Things Tours for the tour invitation and to the publisher for the gorgeous hardback copy to review. An Almost Perfect Summer is published by Headline and available in ebook, audiobook and hardback formats (16 January 2025) with the paperback to follow on 8 May 2025.

I’ve been reading Jill’s books since forever and they never disappoint. Many are reviewed on this blog (just type her name into the search bar). I love the escapism they provide – idyllic settings (books set in the Cotswolds are a favourite), characters that would make fabulous friends and of course the will they/won’t they element of romance. Although as many romance readers know by now there will be a HEA, its just a question of how they get there.

I devoured the latest book, An Almost Perfect Summer in just over a day, I just kept wanting to pick it up. This story is set in the Cotswolds village of Starbourne and at the centre, a complex of luxury holiday houses for that much needed retreat or just for some self indulgence. A full concierge service is provided and nothing is too much trouble. In charge of all this, is Nick; being quite a catch he caught the attention of our female main characters, Nella and Hollywood actress Lizzie. Normally, there is always one person that you hope will be part of that perfect love match but here, honestly, I loved both the characters of Nella and Lizzie and if either could steal Nick’s heart then I would be happy. Nella had grown up in the village and despite making her life elsewhere, Starbourne felt like home. She was super organised, totally unflappable and the job suited her perfectly. Lizzie’s intention had been to have a break from her relentless acting schedule and have a few months of solitude and rest but it seems the universe had other plans.

There were many characters here, all with their own story and I loved seeing how they all connected, at times quite unexpectedly. Every character had a reason to be in the story and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each of them. From clubland wars to ghostwriting, emotional baggage, secrets and of course a shedload of humour, this was such a joyous and uplifting read. With its fantastic community vibes, the value of friendship is at the fore here.

I say this every time but this might be my favourite Jill Mansell book! If you’re looking for a super read with heart and warmth then look no further. (And did I mention there is a map!).


Jill Mansell’s books are full of love, life and friendship and have been bringing joy to readers for twenty-five years. She started writing fiction while working in the NHS, after joining a local creative writing class. She has since written over twenty Sunday Times bestsellers, including MAYBE THIS TIME, THIS COULD CHANGE EVERYTHING and YOU AND ME, ALWAYS, and her books have sold over 11 million copies around the world.

Jill’s hobbies include buying stationery, particularly magical new colours of ink for the fountain pen she uses to write all her books – Jill is one of the few authors who still write their books by hand. Jill also loves people-watching and finding new characters to put in her novels. So when you’re out, make sure to always be on your best behaviour. And beware of beady-eyed authors carrying notebooks . . .

Author links: Website | X/Twitter | Facebook | IG | Amazon UK

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