Book Review - An Almost Perfect Summer by Jill Mansell - #BlogTour

 The Amazon Purchase link below is an Amazon Affiliate link.

Amazon UK

Title: An Almost Perfect Summer

Author: Jill Mansell

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Headline Review

Publication Date: 16th January 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

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.

I think this could be summer's equivalent of Love Actually! There are so so many various characters and interlinking storylines, some connecting in ways you would never be able to guess to start with, with everything leaving me with a great big smile on my face. 

This is yet another stonkingly good read from Jill Mansell.  I loved the Cotswolds setting, and getting to know so many truly lovely characters. 

Even though possibly Nella and Lizzie are arguably the main characters of this book, I think it really is more of an ensemble piece.  It's a lovely community, and I loved all the ways everyone connects. 

There is so much more to all of our characters than first meets the eye and getting to know them over the course of the summer months that this book is set in, was a really enriching experience. 

There are many secrets to be uncovered, many very surprising indeed, and I was never sure what would happen next.  

This is what happens when mix so many different people together, including a famous actress, a ghost writer, a fixer / concierge, night club owners, some adorable dogs, and a whole lot more besides.  Just a fabulous example of brilliant character writing and development. 

Almost certainly one of my favourite books from this author (something I think I say every year with each new release - well I just love them all), this was absolutely brilliant and a joy to read. 

Thank you to Headline and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.