There once was a time I didn’t read any Feel Good books. I was all fantasy and historical fiction. And then one day I picked up a really cheap edition of Jill Mansell’s The One You Really Want and I fell in love with her writing style, but also the genre in general. Jill Mansell was my introduction to feel good as a genre and over the years I have been recommending her books to friends and colleagues; because you just can’t go wrong with a book of hers. When I saw an ARC was available of her new book Maybe This Time I realized that I have been recommending her a lot, but I haven’t read anything new myself by her hand for a couple years now. So time to see if I still love her stories as much as I once did.

Let’s just be frank, I loved it. And I am kind of wondering why I don’t read stories by her more often. The main story-line in this book is one of the tropes I absolutely love. Mimi feels butterflies in her stomach from the first moment she meets Cal. But Cal is happily married, father of a beautiful daughter. So over the years they develop a strong friendship, but the question in the background is always “could it be more, if it was ever the right time. And will it ever be the right time?” I absolutely love this trope. Characters who have a strong connection, but the timing is always wrong.

I also love following characters for a longer period of time. And this is exactly what we do in Maybe This Time. We follow Mimi through several years of her life, which gave me as a reader more connection to Mimi as a character. You follow her trough many emotions. Dealing with serious grief after her father passes away, but also living abroad, making friends for life in the little village of Goosebrook. At the same time it makes the story feel more real. You see life altering changes happening, but in a realistic time setting. Not everything happens in one week like some books want us to believe.

The story is geographically set in three background settings. Goosebrooke, Londen en Puerto Pollensa on Mallorca. I absolutely loved the addition of Mallorca to the story, because it just gave it a little bit extra. I don’t know, maybe it was the sun shining outside but it gave the story a little extra glamour. I really loved how the little village of Puerto Pollensa brought a vacation feeling to the story.
Apart from giving it an exotic feel, it gave Mimi’s character more depth. Because of course this is a story about finding love, but it is more than that. Showing Mimi on her own, making a life for herself, made her a stronger character in my opinion. The story didn’t revolve only around her romantic feelings, but it was also about her exploring what she wanted in life and what she could be on a professional level.

A new Jill Mansell book is always a treat. But this one really captured a place in my heart. When I turned the last page I wasn’t ready to let go of the lovely people in Goosebrook and of Mimi. I would have liked to see a more elaborate ending. But that just because I am a sucker for a good epilogue set in the future. I just want to know if the characters become truly happy. But hey, that is just me. This is a brilliant book. I would highly recommend to read during one of those long summer days by the pool.

Full review will be posted on my blog on 27/05/2019

This book just knocked me out of a slight reading slump I was having. Right off the bat, I was dragged into Mimi's world and fell in love with the cast of characters in the small town in the Cotswolds. I just love when a book knows how to build characters around the main protagonist so that the reader can easily keep track of them and also care about them as individuals and this book does so wonderfully. I really enjoyed the tragic twist in the beginning that I did not see coming and how, even though the book did not choose to solely focus on it, it instead put more emphasis on the impact it left behind. It did not darken the overall happy and hopeful glow of the story and this accomplishment by the author was impressive.

Even though at times the "will they, won't they" question of Call and Mimi was stretched too thin, I still enjoyed the ride it provided. I liked that nothing seemed rushed or fake with their relationship and enjoyed that they incorporated Cal's daughter, Cora, as a main character of the story. She really helped to keep the story moving forward and because a strong character in her own right.

Overall, I greatly enjoyed reading this novel. It was light yet extremely well written and that's something you don't necessarily find very often. I look forward to reading much more of Jill Mansell's backlist.

Maybe this time follows the life of Mimi Huish. Mimi gets off a train to visit her dad for the first time in his new town of Goosebrook. She meets a mean woman who refuses to give her a ride to town and ends up walking. On her way she ends up seeing a man (who she thinks is killing a sheep) and rushes to the rescue, only to find out the sheep is pregnant and can't get up. She is instantly taken with Cal who ends up having a wife and daughter. Stacey, Cal's wife is so lovable and so is his daughter Cora. Stacey plays a big part in helping Mimi get her father and step dad to mingle with the locals. During some shocking events Mimi finds herself crossing paths with the locals of Goosebrook again and again. This is a story about missed opportunities and bad timing! This book will have you falling in love with all the characters and their stories. I will admit at first I had a hard time getting completely into the story. Sometimes if flashes forward and Mimi is somewhere else and you're not sure how much time has passed. I would say that this book was a solid 3.8 stars. I wish there was a little bit more depth in the characters! I did enjoy this book and I think this is the perfect easy summer read!
Thank you to Source Books Landmark for the advance copy!

Maybe This Time is a great story that will leave you smiling. I loved Mimi and her character development. Jill Mansell is a master at storytelling. She captures the feeling of the family and community while making you feel like you could actually be a part of the story.

Is it just me or when the title of a book mirrors the lyrics of a song, do you get the song stuck in your head in a loop? Ever since I picked up Maybe This Time by Jill Mansell (in stores June 4), I have Liza Minnelli’s voice in my head—not that I ever mind a good Broadway soundtrack every now and then. But that’s beside the point.

I was looking for something a little lighter to read while I was on vacation, and this ended up being a perfect read. It was much more plot-driven than the typical beach read (which I really appreciate) and the story was a mixture of heartwarming and heartbreaking and really made me feel. I’ve never read anything by Jill Mansell before, but this definitely won’t be my last.

Synopsis
When Mimi first visits her dad’s new home in the Cotswolds, she quickly falls in love with Goosebrook and its inhabitants. (Well, maybe not rude Henrietta, who lets Mimi walk miles in the rain rather than give her a lift.) There’s Paddy, with his flashing eyes and seductive charm. Friendly and funny Lois makes her laugh. And seriously gorgeous Cal is welcoming and charismatic. Mimi would be more than happy to return to Goosebrook if it means bumping into him again…

Time passes and Mimi comes and goes, and concentrates on her career. Yet as their lives continue to intersect over the years and emotions (or relationships) become tangled, it’s Cal who makes her feel most welcome whenever she does return to Goosebrook. But if he’s The One, will it ever be the right time for them both?

My musings
I appreciate the fact that Jill Mansell sets up a world with many developed characters with intertwined stories that make me feel like Goosebrook is a real place and that I want to visit the pub to hang out with the residents on a nightly basis. I love that we get to know the characters with Mimi, first as an outsider, and then on a more deeper level as she becomes more integrated into the community. Her relationships with the people of the town seem genuine as we get to see them develop over many years.

There is a tragic event that happens pretty early on in the book and the rest of the book deals with the aftermath beyond what we would normally get in this type of novel. We see how this catastrophe affected everyone in this little town over the next few years and how relationships needed to grow or change to make it through.

The central love story of the story is a slow burn, and I love it. It’s a true testament to missed chances, timing not working out quite right and miscommunication that is much more realistic than falling in love over a long weekend vacation. I was expecting more of the former, so I’m very happy we had time to get to know them and fall in love with them, too.

4.5 STARS

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the advanced copy, and to Ivy Barn on Unsplash for the featured photo of the Cotswolds.

This review will appear on my blog The Modest Reader on May 27 at 7 am (https://themodestreader.com/2019/05/27/maybe-this-time/)

I both enjoyed and was irritated by this book at the same time,
Im a long time Jill Mansell reader, and fan, she offers utterly unbelievable stories - bringing the prince charming story to the modern reader - and whilst some parts really do irk, overall I still keep coming back for more as ultimately you always know you will be rewarded with a smile.

A touching book about the importance of family, friends and relationships.

Mimi is devastated after the loss of her best friend, boyfriend and job. This is her story of recovery, full of mishaps, new friends and experiences. The characters are diverse, the village life is fun, and, in spite of heartache, Mimi is resilient throughout.

Another successful read

This is my very first book from Jill Mansell! I loved Mimi’s character development and her sweet story from start to finish. Maybe This Time was a very realistic story, and less predictable than I originally anticipated. The book was filled with love, friendships, and lots of drama! A very cute summer read that I would recommend. Can’t wait to read more books from this author! P.S. Goosebrook sounds like the coziest little village and makes me want to visit!

I love Jill Mansell's books and this one did not disappoint! I loved reading Mimi's story and meeting all of the people in the charming little village.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this book.
It's a nice easy read with a few devastating incidents that change the life of the main character, and a few others around her. Despite the sorrow, time moves on and slowly everyone is able to live life again.
I'm surprised that these events don't cause Mimi to be a bit more pro-active with her choices, seeing that life is short etc. Instead she hides away for most of it, only voicing her desires at the end.
I liked the story but would've been a bit happier if Mimi had been a bit stronger with voicing her feelings for Cal.

Another entertaining read from Jill Mansell, perfect for summer! I love her characters, she really makes them come to life and makes them into people you'd want to meet.

Mimi goes to visit her father and his partner in their village and meets their neighbors and friends. When a tragedy hits her and the village, Mimi moves to the village herself and changes her life.

I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. Thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Love Jill Mansell and have read pretty much all her books. you just cant go wrong. I love her style of writing and believeable character 5/5

This book was a slow start for me, but I ended up enjoying it despite its predictability. At the beginning of the story, the time period jumps ahead without warning, no indication that the narrative is now taking place 6 months after the previous chapter. It does get better through later chapters as the story levels out. This is a fun, light summer read. The characters are not very complex and the plot is your garden-variety “missed connection” star-crossed lovers doomed to never realize their feelings for each other. But enjoyable nonetheless.

Another great read by Jill Mansell. I loved the extended timelines and the way that you get sucked into the character's lives. I couldn't wait to keep reading it!

A great beach read! This is the first book that I've read from this author and I really enjoyed it. Nice writing and kept my attention.

Before writing this review I checked my Goodreads: yep... I've read almost every book of Jill Mansell. Why? Because if you are in need of a good and cosy read, Jill is my to-go-writer. And I don't know how she does it, but again a lovely read. Although I must admit: this time even I wasn't sure if Mimi would end up with the guy she fell for. It took a lot of twists and turns for Mimi throughout the book. It starts when she walks in on her boyfriend and her BFF having sex in their shared apartment. So, when she decides to get away, she ends up in Goosebrook with her father. Her (gay) father and his boyfriend have lived in Goosebrook for almost a year now, but they haven't socialized very much. They are wary of how people react to a gay couple. However, Mimi convinces them to start to integrate in the lovely village of Goosebrook with great succes.
The inhabitants are very friendly and both her father, Marcus and Mimi feel directly at home. So Mimi and her family start to make friends and enjoy everything, until disaster strikes. When Mimi decides to pick up the peaces and takes on a job in Mallorca, she regrets having to leave everyone behind. Especially Cal. But will there ever be a time for them together? Find out for yourself in this wonderful read. Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley.

Another great novel by Jill Mansell! Five Stars!
Jill gets you to fall in love with the many characters and their very different personalities. Jill's description of Goosebrook is so vivid you can picture yourself there. Mimi's dad and boyfriend live in Goosebrook, a small town in the Cotswolds. They have been keeping to themselves afraid of the townspeople's judgement of them. Mimi finally convinces them to go out with her during one of her visits to meets the neighbors. They find that everyone is very nice and accepting. A tragedy happens that changes a number of lives. Mimi has been betrayed by her best friend and her boss. Without telling anyone, Mimi packs up her things and gets a ride with her dad's boyfriend to Goosebrook. She moves in and starts to sort out what she wants to do with her life. She loves spending time with the locals whom she has grown close to over the years that she has been visiting. Cal and his daughter Cora are very special to Mimi but a job she has taken keeps her out of town a lot for almost a year. Cal and Mimi keep getting their wires crossed due to others tales and their own misconceptions. Will Mimi's love for Cal ever be returned?
I received an ARC for a review.

Another great beach read by Jill Mansell. I read plenty of Jill's books, because they are funny, heartfelt, romantic comedies, and this one does not disappoint. It is about Cal and Mimi and the way they find each other, cannot have each other, and then find each other again. Love the rural setting of this book, and the quirky characters of this village. A must summer read! Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.

#MaybeThisTime #NetGalley

I am a massive fan of Jill Mansell so I had high expectations of this book and it massively surpassed my expectations! It is funny, engaging, witty, captivating and full of love, warmth, heartache, healing, humour, friendship, community and much, much more. This is a must-read for 2019!

I am going to have to give up on this author. This is the second novel I've tried to read by Mansell and I just cannot get into her writing style. I like the cover, its bright and cheerful, but the story line didn't capture my attention. A major pass on this one.