❤️❤️❤️ out of 5
It has been years and years since I last read a Jill Mansell book so it took me ages to get into the swing of how she writes books. You get so involved in so many different characters and get to see so many different journeys but it takes A WHILE to get there!
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I loved the characters! It all starts with Essie who at Christmastime drunkenly decides to write a round robin about her life which then gets sent to everyone in her address book- including her boyfriend and boyfriend’s mother who there are a couple of not nice things written about. Suffice to say she becomes jobless, homeless and single all in one go. This sets of a chain of events that lead us to the rest of the merry band of characters.
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There is Zillah, an 83 year old fashionista who goes out of her way to atone for her past mistakes by trying to grant the wishes of the dying (I cried through every one). Then there is Conor, who was a lawyer but gave it up to become a gardener after seeing one too many of humanity’s scum. Lucas, the hot bar owner who steps in and takes the blame for something not his fault so family members wouldn’t hate each other. Lastly Scarlett, the girl with purple hair who has a massive crush on Conor, but Conor doesn’t like her at all.
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There is definitely romance woven all the way though this book but just not really what I was after if I’m honest. It took a long time to get there with lots of relationships getting caught up in between. However I genuinely think other people would like this.

I loved this book. So well written. Perfect summer read. It was so charming and I loved the aspect of so many different stories woven together.

After a particularly rough week here, last night I sat down and decided to find something light-hearted and fun from my NetGalley shelf, spotted This Could Change Everything, and dug in! I am so incredibly happy that I chose this for a fun, relaxing evening of reading because this new novel from Jill Mansell was absolute perfection!

Have you ever sent an e-mail but then realized it was sent to the wrong person or perhaps, more people than intended? That nightmare is the basis of Essie Phillips story where a funny holiday letter that was only intended for her best friend, Scarlett, gets sent out to everyone in her e-mail address book. Her “perfect boyfriend” kicks her out and she is fired by his mother, leading her to seek a new apartment, a new job, and a new life.

I immediately loved Essie and felt awful for her as she watched this mistake cause her life to unravel. However, the silver lining is the new people that she soon meets, the new flat she is renting, and all of her new adventures that begin. Zillah is hands-down my favorite character in the novel with her charm, class, and youthful spirit. I also loved Conor and the way he left his unhappy career and made a new life for himself. Lucas comes in as a close second regarding my favorite characters because he was gorgeous, sexy, smart, charming, and so on.

So much happens in this novel, it’s difficult to review without spoilers. But, I will share that all of the different characters are intertwined in each others’ lives at some point, and each of them experiences their own challenges and victories. The only complaint I can fathom up about This Could Change Everything, is that I wasn’t ready for it to end. I truly wanted to continue following along with all of the characters and learn more about their lives and relationships. Somehow, this is my first time reading Jill Mansell, but I am now a forever fan. Definitely add this one to your TBR because it is completely wonderful!

*Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Not a lot of plot but the characters, especially our elderly benefactor, made it a fun, entertaining read that’ll make you smile. A little romance, a little mystery tho it does move slowly

A page turner with delightful characters. Poor Essie writes about her boyfriend's mother and doesn't realize someone (well thousands) would see it. I loved Essie. You will too. Find out what happens to her. You won't be able to put this one down.

This was an enjoyable read just not memorable. The good has a great start, which hooked me on the first few chapters as I kept waiting for the next big thing. There are more than two main characters and all their stories intertwine as the story progresses. I have to same my favorite character of the lot was Zillah and her shenanigans. She was the most interesting character of all. Everyone else was kind of funny and somewhat engaging but not enough enough to care much about their lives and the turn of events. Overall, this was a good read. A bit slow at times but good overall.

i really, really, really like jill mansell books. i've only read a few - 4 or 5 maybe? i devoured the first one and then each one after has gone like this: oh, i should read this. i like her books. but i keep putting it off. better just start it, not really feeling it, but the release date has passed and i need to read the ARC, or the library book is due.. so I open it up, thinking okay, this will be enjoyable. I like jill mansell books. But for some reason, i'm never dying to open them - which sounds awful and is honestly stupid because the same thing happens every time: i. cannot. put. them. down.

her books are adorable. fluffy. sweet. light. fast paced. romantic.this one was no different. i loved all the characters. i loved the story, predictable or not. i don't read romance for the twists and shocking turns. i quite like predictability, as long as it's enjoyable getting there. though i will say there were several times in this one that i was thinking where the flip is this going?! i'm glad it all worked out. i really really enjoyed the characters in this one, they were all really interesting and lovely.

have i mentioned i really enjoy jill mansell books? i know exactly what i am getting and she disappoints. i highly recommend.

In This Could Change Everything, author Jill Mansell weaves a lighthearted British romantic tale of friendship, love and second chances.

Set in Bath, the reader is easily drawn into this witty and caring story as they follow a group of friends who help each other navigate the trials and tribulations of life and love.

Twenty-five-year-old Essie Phillips wrote a Christmas round robin newsletter that was meant only for her best friend Scarlett's eyes ... but when the email is mistakenly sent to everyone on her email list, Essie's world is turned upside down, and she is forced to move forward in a new direction.

Thirty-two-year-old Conor McCauley is an ex-attorney who changed his career to pursue his passion for landscaping fulltime and photography on the side. What Conor is missing in life is a romantic relationship, and a series of events will lead him to a chance at finding true love.

Lucas Brook is the owner of the Red House pub. Lucas' pub is successful, but a troubled family past affects his chance of having a fulfilling life, that is until he unexpectedly meets Essie and events lead to a chance at happiness and love.

Finally, we have eighty-three-year-old Zillah Wash, who is the center of this group of friends. Zillah is the enchanting grande dame of their street, but she has demons from the past that haunt her, and her guilt drives her to atone for her past misbehavior by providing last wishes for terminally ill people.

Together this endearing group of friends will learn that choices made could change everything! The awesome message that the author provides the reader is this wonderful quote that Scarlett states in the book: "Every day, we do things that are capable of changing everything, and that's what makes life exciting." No truer words have been spoken, this quote will make the reader ponder about the choices and decision that they make in their lives, and how that change/decision can ultimately change everything ... especially if its for the better!

This Could Change Everything is a wonderful story that will keep the reader engaged as they follow each of the friends' personal journeys. I really enjoyed following each of the friends' journeys as they struggled to overcome life issues and find the determination to move forward with their lives. There was a great mixture of emotion, drama, and humor mixed in this story, you can't help but feel like you are transported right into the middle of the friends' lives! I would be remiss if I didn't mention how much I enjoyed Zilla's journey the most, this cheeky older lady made me smile and I couldn't help but appreciate her dedication to providing terminally ill people with a final wish, that act of kindness simply stirs the soul!

This Could Change Everything is a lighthearted and sweet story that has enough emotional depth, drama, romance, and witty banter, that is a delightfully entertaining must-read summer tale for chick lit, romance, and women's fiction fans.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot.com/2018/06/this-could-change-everything-by-jill.html

I love the central concept Jill Mansell focuses on in this book: one little moment--one little happenstance--can take you in a direction you never anticipated. 

Mansell connects her characters to this idea in different ways. For instance, there is an octogenarian who happens to discover a sort of late-in-life calling. Essie writes a scathing round-robin Christmas letter that goes viral, and Conor has an epiphany about his love life. In Lucas's case, his life is drastically altered by someone else's little moment. 

This is part romance, part story of friendship, part story of personal growth. Jill Mansell makes you want to live where she sets her books, just as she makes you laugh, cry, and feel hopeful. She puts you right there with Essie as she tries to find her way after a breakup. She makes you feel like you're standing next to Conor as he takes his photos and that you're in the room with Lucas when he receives some life-changing news, and she fills you with anxiety as you wait with Zillah. 

This is what I love about Jill Mansell's books: the feeling that I am there. I also love the messages. In this case, she makes me wonder about the little moments that changed everything in my life. 

I should add that I really, really love Lucas. I love him a whole lot.

Bristol, England

Zillah Walsh, age 83, enjoys life. Today, she is watching a teenage boy prepare to shoplift. Hating to see him get caught, she pretends she has sent him into the store and calls to him to give him money to pay. They have a nice chat. He does not have money, but he tells her that his dream is to work at the Bristol Zoo.

Conor McCauley is watching a violinist play for coins when a lovely young woman starts dancing to the music and then quickly disappears. He is taken with her happy abandon.

Essie and Scarlett are long time friends. Essie is currently living with her boyfriend, Paul. He has a nice apartment with lovely furnishings and he likes things to be perfect. He got Essie a job as a receptionist at his mother’s dental practice. However, they woman is also a dragon. One night when Paul is away on business, Essie and Scarlett decide to write a funny round robin Christmas letter which no one will ever see. It’s just a joke that they will read to each other, laugh, and then destroy. But it happens that Essie’s brother and a friend crash at her place after a drunken party and the next morning Essie finds that her letter has been sent to everyone in her email list! Oh no! Paul immediately returns, kicks her out of his place, and his mother fires her.

Without much money for rent, Essie happens upon Zillah, who is a widow, and lives alone in a lovely home. She wants to rent out the top floor to someone to provide a bit of security and companionship. Essie jumps on it and finds a job literally next door waitressing in a pub with her friend, Scarlett.

Conor is a friend of Zillah’s. He was a solicitor who was fired for trying to do a will for a dying woman for free. He decided to pursue his love of gardening and took that up for a living. He is also a talented photographer. He works with Zillah at times who enjoys volunteering at a hospice helping to fulfill patients' dreams.

The story revolves around these basic characters and more as they interact in one another’s lives. There are times of happiness, love, and sadness, but it’s all a part of life.

I found this to be a fairly interesting story but I think it ran on much longer than it should. It’s meant to be a nostalgic, feel good look at life. I’m sure readers will enjoy it.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I loved the characters in this book! They were so fun and easy to relate to. This was a feel good read, perfect for a weekend or vacation.

A thoroughly enchanting, uplifting and beautiful read by Jill Mansell. I love all her books and didn’t expect to be disappointed with this latest novel - I wasn’t - I read it in a couple of days (which is pretty fast for me). The first character we meet is Zillah, an eccentric 80-something year old well-off lady who is trying to do good in the world. I liked her instantly. We then follow the story of the unlucky Essie, who makes a major mistake and has to pay for it big time, through no real fault of her own. Their paths entwine by fate and many more characters are introduced into the story. Some of the book is pretty predictable, yes, however some is not, and I found it a nice relaxed read with plenty of escapism. At times it did feel a little ‘busy’ with things all happening in the background of the main story, but I guess that added to the charm in the way it ties together eventually. The life changing moment for Essie turns out to be not such a bad thing to happen after all, and follows a strong theme that everything happens for a reason. “What if” this didn’t happen & “what if” she’d chosen a different path is quite prevalent to the storyline. There’s a couple of love interests as Essies story progresses, and a few surprises along the way. I loved her friend Scarlett, adorable Lucas, and Conor the boy-next-door type. Quite a few characters in the book, these ones stood out for me and stay with you after, wondering whats going on in their lives now...
All in all a nice feel-good story that won’t disappoint - and makes you truly think, everything happens for a reason!

This Could Change Everything is Jill Mansell’s latest contemporary novel that debuted on Tue 6/5. The feel good witty novel follows Essie, who was recently dumped by her boyfriend, kicked out of her apartment, and lost her job because a private rant email about her mean boss was accidentally sent to her full contacts list. She picks up the pieces of her life by moving to a new town, finding a new job, and making new friends, but it’s not as simple as it sounds. I’ve been wanting to read this novel since I first heard about it in January. This is your typical heartfelt chicklit where the ending is predictable, but the twists and turns make it worthwhile to read. I loved how endearing the characters were even though the situations are a bit out there. My favorite character was Zillow. I loved that there were some subplots among the other characters and it was a quick breezy read. I highly recommend if you love romance novels or if you’re looking for a fun lighthearted read. This novel releases on Tue 6/5.

3.5 stars
I'm torn between what to say about this book. On the one hand, it tends towards formulaic and predictable. On the other hand, it has some really fun characters, a great underlying theme and even it's predictability couldn't stop me from rooting for the characters. so what I'm landing on is this: sometimes I watch an action flick because it's familiar and fun, not because it will win Oscars. And sometimes, I read a book, because it's familiar and fun, not because I expect it to win a Pulitzer. There's nothing wrong with writing for a certain niche and hitting the mark perfectly, and that's what Jill Mansell has done here. It's a fun, flirty, predictable rom-com that makes you feel good, has a ton of enjoyable and well-rounded characters and guarantees a happy ending. Ain't nothing wrong with that, if it's the mood you need to hit.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it. This is a story about Essie who makes a colossal mistake at the hand of another. Which then catapults her into a different life altogether and the new friends she makes. They all learn how to move forward from past mistakes. Learn that things are not always as they appear and how a little kindness goes a long way. I loved the several different stories going on at once and how they were all interconnected like three stories in one. It was a fast read for me!

I enjoyed this book. The characters were all developed enough to care about what happened to them. Finished reading this quickly. This was my first time reading a book by Jill Mansell and I will seek out more.

Delightful story of love gone wrong and right. Family, guilt and the human condition. I truly enjoyed all of it.
Life isn't easy but we go on.

Sometimes a disaster can change into a blessing if you are prepared to give it time. This is what Essie found out when a round-robin letter that she’s written to her best friend was forwarded to her whole address book with disastrous results. She lost her job because of it but worse still her boyfriend threw her out of their home and finished with her. What’s more she became notorious because the press got hold of the story and gave it their full attention. Even strangers recognised her on the street. She felt totally devastated and hoped that soon her back luck would change and she’d have some good luck – after all the letter was only meant to be seen by one person.
However if this misfortune hadn’t befallen her she wouldn’t have found a lovely new home in a beautiful flat with kind, elderly Zilla as her landlady. She wouldn’t have made a new friend who lived in a second flat in Zilla’s home, a man called Conor. And lastly she wouldn’t have found a job right on her (new) doorstep and in a prestigious area of the city, a job that suited her right down to the ground and she actually loved. Oh, and lastly she wouldn’t ever have had a hot new boss called Lucas (although he did have a gorgeous girlfriend whom he was besotted with). Yes, things were on the up, very much so – clouds really did have silver linings, given a little sprinkling of magic dust. Yes, her new life suited her just fine. That is until things started to take a turn for the worse.
This in the enchanting story of Essie and her new friends, beautifully written and with a host of fabulous (and not so fab) characters. The storytelling and story development is brilliant as well, as I’ve come to expect from talented and prolific author Jill Mansell. I admired how cleverly the stories were interwoven and soon I’d finished the novel with a smile on my face as the words raced to the finishing post. It’s a wonderful feeling when the story zips through and the ending is just as wonderful as the beginning and middle and that’s the feeling I love most of all. ‘This Could Change Everything’ is a very good, absorbing read. Thank you for my copy, received through my membership of NetGalley and from publisher Review, all in return for an honest unbiased review. It’s a 4.5* review from me.

Well that was a complete surprise. I didn’t really know what I was getting into, but it was definitely not getting succumbed this much into the story. I don’t think I can even fully comprehend everything. So I’ll try and keep this short.

At first I felt lost because there were so many characters to keep in mind and it was written in third-person POV. I’m not a huge fan of books with this perspective, but somehow it worked for this novel.

Now I feel like there’s one big message this book was portraying—faith. This book is the perfect example of “everything happens for a reason” approach whether it be good or bad. And that’s a big factor of why I loved this book. I am a strong believer of that outlook in life. I think it's a positive outlook that everyone should be following. The message of the story wasn’t delivered in a cheesy, corny way. It’s something that you will figure out yourself whilst reading it.

Another thing I loved is how the lives of the character unfolded in the novel. Everything is connected to everyone and it's just one big circle of life. I loved Essie and Zillah and Conor and Lucas and all the in-betweens. There's was curve ball after after curve ball and I can't help but root for these characters.

It was a surprisingly heart-warming story that I think everyone should read. This was my first from the author and definitely won't be the last one!

This is the ultimate feel good book and another brilliant one by Jill Mansell. The writing is warm and the story so easy to get engrossed in. I loved it and would strongly recommend as a fab summer read.