"Dexter Yates loves his fun, carefree London life. But everything changes overnight when his sister dies, leaving him in charge of her eight - month - old daughter Delphi. Comic strip artist Molly Hayes lives in the beautiful village of Briarwood. When it comes to relationships, she has a history of choosing all the wrong men... Dex moves to Briarwood - a better place to work on his parenting skills - and he and Molly become neighbours. There's an undeniable connection between them.But if Dexter's going to adapt, he first has a lot to learn about Molly, about other people's secrets ... and about himself."I'd never read a Jill Mansell book before this one, I picked this one up on offer in a supermarket alongside a Katie Fforde one. The title 'You know its love when you ... DONT WANT TO MISS A THING' stood out to me on the shelf straight away, which I think is important as a lot of chick lit books tend to just blend in to one. I read the blurb and if I'm honest, I knew straight away what type of book this was going to be. I'm a sucker for a happy ending, and instead of the usual boy meets girl scenario the added addition of an adoptive daughter to a guy who leads quite a voyeuristic lifestyle had me hooked almost instantly. Mansell's characterisation of the relationship between Uncle & Niece was fantastic especially as the story progressed and *spoiler* Dex ends up adopting his niece and deciding to raise her. Mansell shows how people's lives can change in an instant, if and when the situation calls for it. The added addition of Molly, who is arguably Dexter's other half, encompassing everything that he's missing, gives hope to the reader that this voyeuristic guy can find someone who can make him change his ways and for once this isn't just some girl who will instantly fall for him. He has to work for her and really earn the privilege of her being in his life. I really liked how Mansell used several different stories to give the several characters and this small village a life. Whether its new love beginning again or old love rekindling several years later and being as true as it was back then. Although the book is predictable, it's also heartwarming and wonderful and perfect to sink in to when you need some escapism. I found myself falling in love with the characters and felt assured that if these people were real their stories would have played out this way. I will definitely have to get through some more of Mansell's books! Ok, to begin with I guess I should state that Jill Mansell is amazing! She is one of my favorite authors – I love her books so much that I order them from Amazon UK and have them shipped over so I can read them – like I said: amazing!Anyway, with that out of the way…I have recently read to of her amazing books and will be reviewing them today. On a sad note, this means I am all caught up on her books – even the titles that were not released in the US and I special ordered…which means I will have to wait for a new one. This kind of makes me want to cry because like I said – I love her books!If you are a fan of chick lit, story lines that revolve around multiple characters, contemporary adult, and/or UK authors – then these are definitely books for you. Go now – run, don’t walk and try out a book by Jill Mansell!As with all Jill Mansell books, we are introduced to an assorted cast of intriguing and engaging characters, each of different ages and experiences.The settings, as to be expected, are charming English ones that just pull at you and makes you wish you were there. Each story feels real to me, has pieces and characters that feel real to life – and I often find myself wanting to be friends with the characters. Each story is filled with moments of love, laughter and tears – these books are perfect. They are the books I look forward to after a long, stressful day – I just want to sit with a warm blanket, my pups, and warm beverage and one of these books to relax with.Highlights:First, I once again loved the characters, and I loved the sub-plots. I adored the village and the neighbors – I wanted to go live there while reading! I found Molly (one of the main characters) to be very relatable, and warm – I just really enjoyed her: bad decision making and all.I really enjoyed that the story was made up of both serious and light moments. I found myself absorbed in the story from start to finish and was very sad when it came to an end. The writing flows, and really draws you in.I really enjoyed the Molly and Dex story line; I also really adored the Dex and Delphi storyline. I loved that the story was about a love that grows, that starts as friendship and just progresses over time – I’d like to see more stories like that.Wishes:I know many people would state the predictability of the story and wish it was less so…however I just can’t do that. You see, I actually expect and enjoy some predictability in my Chick Lit. I want the couple to get together in the end, I want a happy ending that cheers me up and gives me hope. For me, the enjoyment of the story is in the journey the how and why of reaching the happy ending, and yeah a bit in the ending itself and it’s resolution – each one is a little different.So I can’t really complain or have any wishes with this book. At times I found myself frustrated with characters like Dex and Frankie’s husband, but ultimately it was part of the journey and growth of the characters. I also really liked these characters and found them relatable because of their flaws and frustrating bits.Overall, I would definitely give it a thumbs up and recommend it - so go ahead and grab yourself a copy and a cozy spot to read and relax! :)Recommendations:If you enjoyed this book and are looking for more romantic, Chick Lit type reads:I’ve Got Your Number – Sophie KinsellaLucky Dog Matchmaking Service – Beth KendrickDo or Di– Eileen CookThe Little Lady Agency – Hester BrowneFaking It – Jennifer CrusieRating: 4 out of 5 Doxies – Liked it a lot, definitely worth a read!
What do You think about Szerepcsere (2014)?
I did not want this book to end. it was charming and fun with characters you just had to care about.
—jtranese
