Jill Mansell does it again with another cracking read. I really enjoyed this book, the characters were really likeable (even the less likeable characters) The time I took to read it was no reflection on the novel and more to do with not giving reading enough of a priority in my schedule. I am already looking forward to the next novel of Jill's I will read. ( )

I just love Nell. She's confident, kind, and takes everything in her stride. There's lots going on in this novel... Teenagers figuring out who they are, adults coping with infidelity, and class issues. But Nell's happily ever after is the most satisfying. ( )

This was the first Jill Mansell book I had read, and it was perfect for the car journey to visit family. It revolved around Nell and Marcus and their work to revive Kilburton Castle. The characters were OK, and the story was entertaining, but it didn't enthral me as much as other writers in the genre.

I found Nell to be an interesting character at times, with fortune telling and working hard to stand out from the others in her family (from time to time I am sure we have all done this) but I found it difficult to believe that she would be so loyal to the point of bankruptcy in her caring for Ben, and whilst I am sure there are parents as uncaring as Ben's in this world, I do find it difficult to believe that they would totally abandon their son emotionally and financially when learning of his predicament. Jemima too I found to be very annoying; I can believe that level of snobbery but she became a caricature, and I am not sure this is what Mansell wanted. Marcus was the most believable of them all!

The turning around of Kilburton's fortunes was miraculous, and having worked in heritage where visiting public is crucial to success, I can say that the level of organisation, licenses, insurances, health and safety checks and passes needed makes this a little too miraculous an event for me, but I suppose one could say being monied does help!

It is what it is, this book. It is Rom Com/ chick lit, an easy read and entertaining. Expect nothing more or less. ( )