“You know, I think it’s a pretty good job I’m here,” she told Ginny. “Because, basically, you’re pretty hopeless. You’ve been wrong about everyone so far.”
(from Thinking of You)
Thinking of You is another lighthearted British chick lit novel by Jill Mansell, whose books never fail to bring a smile to my face. The heroine of Mansell’s latest U.S. release is Ginny Holland, a woman struggling with a newly empty nest and the fact that her daughter, Jem, is doing just fine without her at university. After mistakenly thinking a roommate would liven up the house and supply her with a new best friend, Ginny takes a waitressing job, only to learn that the owner of the restaurant/antiques shop, the irresistibly handsome Finn, is the same man who nearly had her arrested for shoplifting.
While Ginny struggles to get back in the dating game, her ex-husband, Gavin, continues chasing 20-somethings in miniskirts; her daughter, Jem, learns that the freedom to make your own decisions often is accompanied by huge mistakes; her best friend, Carla, lets her down big time; and her roommate, Laurel, can’t move past a failed relationship. As always, Mansell gives her secondary characters plenty of time in the spotlight, and they are always just as interesting as the main characters.
Thinking of You is a great escapist read. I found myself cringing with every mistake and misunderstanding and laughing at every embarrassment. I wasn’t fully convinced by the main love story, mostly because I don’t think it was as developed as it could have been, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying the book. Mansell is my go-to author for comfort reads that let me just go with the flow, and Thinking of You didn’t disappoint, even if it isn’t my favorite of her books.
I love how Mansell’s heroines are endearingly flawed women to whom I can relate in some way, and I love how she manages to balance weightier issues with humor so her books never feel too heavy. In Thinking of You, she has created a sweet tale about the bonds between mothers and daughters and the power of female friendships.
Disclosure: I received Thinking of You from Sourcebooks for review.
© 2013 Anna Horner of Diary of an Eccentric. All Rights Reserved. Please do not reproduce or republish content without permission.
This sounds like a charming, plausible story. I love the peacock motif on the cover. Fabulous review, Anna!
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Thanks, Suko! I think all the Mansell covers are well done.
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Second review within half an hour! like the cover as well.
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It sure is eye-catching!
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I love the cover of this book…
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Everyone seems to like it! 🙂
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I could use a book like this right about now.
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I have one unread Mansell book I snagged at a library sale that I’m saving for my vacation. I can’t wait!
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It’s great to have a fun book you can escape to.
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Yes, I find I need those a lot lately!
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For all the reasons you mentioned , is why Mansell is also a go to read for me also. Sometimes I prefer the side characters more than the main ones. Glad you enjoyed it!
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Mansell has a knack for creating believable, endearing characters. I can’t wait to read more from her!
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She sure is good
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Yes, she is!
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I agree with you that the love story aspect should’ve been developed more, but still I really enjoyed this one!
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I always enjoy Mansell. I like some more than others, but I can always count on her to bring a smile to my face!
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I love these escapist reads
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Me, too!
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I can’t believe I still haven’t picked up a Mansell book, knowing how much you and so many others love her. I really need to do that soon!
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I do hope you give her a try soon. Her books are great fun!
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I do need a new comfort read author and I really want to try Mansell.
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Her books make for great summer reading!
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I love her books! I am a few behind though with her newer releases. thanks for the review!
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I have one older book that I found at a library sale, and then I’m going to have to buy the ones I haven’t read through the Book Depository. I really have to read them all! 😉
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I’m a huge Mansell fan but it’s been awhile since i’ve picked up one of her books. I need to fix that!
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Yes, but at least they make for great summer reading! 😀
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I find Mansell’s books entertaining and am looking forward to this one.
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They’re just feel-good, light reads, and I can’t get enough of them.
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I’ve never read this author, but the story sounds good.
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I’ve enjoyed all of the Mansell books I’ve read, so I hope you give them a try!
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Glad to hear you enjoyed this one too. Her books never fail to bring a smile to my face too. That’s what I love about them – they are just comfort reads and oh so good.
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She never lets me down!
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