Just finished my first Jill Mansell book, An Offer you can’t Refuse, and LOVED it.

I think I have found a new author to add to my favorite’s list in the Chick Lit genre.

This story is about Lola, a 17 year old, who is offered 10K from her boyfriend’s icy Mother to break up with her son, Dougie.  Lola is crazy about Dougie as is Dougie about Lola.

A very strong reason emerges for Lola to accept this money in order to take care of an unexpected emergency.  The heartbreak involved with breaking up with Dougie is severe, but she pushes through.

Fast forward ten years later when Lola and Dougie meet again in a very unusual circumstance.

The book’s focus is on the broken hearts of Lola and Dougie and trying to understand what happened 10 years ago.  You understand the confusion and hurt the two of them must work through and really grow to like each character separately as individuals.

Of course, since you like both characters, you naturally want the two to reconcile and get back together.  So, I found myself rooting for them as a couple throughout the book.

I really loved the secondary characters in this book as well including Sally, Dougie’s brother, Gabe, Lola’s neighbor, and Blythe, Lola’s Mother.  Stories about these characters are well developed and engaging as well.

I was gripped throughout the book , and just love Mansell’s writing style.

Although there are a few very welcome predictable parts, there are plenty of zingers throughout this story, which make it a pageturner.

You simply will not be able to put this book down until you find out what happens to Lola and Dougie.

With all of the twists and turns to this story, the likable characters, and the comical tone throughout, this really is a very enjoyable read.

Can’t wait to read another one from Mansell.

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