First book I have read from this author, and I was pleasantly surprised.
The story is a light, feel good plot with well developed characters that made me feel like the story was really happening. There were lots of simple, little subplots taking place all at once that made the story seem even more real life. I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to more by this author.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This book felt like such a breath of fresh air. I forgot how much I love to read Jill Mansell books. Well written and was so looking forward at the end of each day

I have never read a book of Jill Mansell before, but I always heard that if you like nice, funny and light romances, you would like this. So I request it it.

This was a pretty good novel. This author definitely knows how to write likable characters and a engaging story.

Definitely reading some of this author previous novel’s.

All characters, whether it be Lainey, Marjella, or Sir Richard (of whom I could read an entire book) were vividly captured and all strong personalities shine through. The clear message that families are both chosen and created was on display during the entire book. I also enjoyed the sweetness and caring nature of Seth, both personally and his chosen career. Excellent read.

This book was so good. I didn't to put it down! The characters were well rounded, and the storyline sucked you into it and made you feel like you were really there. The author did an great job telling this story.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It Started With a Secret
Jill Mansell
6-11-20

What a fun, charming addictive read! This story started off strong and I had a hard time putting it down. I loved the characters Kit and Lainie teaming up telling a little white lie. Lots of other secrets to discover and loved reading the beautiful love story to end the winter blues....I enjoyed the character development especially Sir Richard and Majella and laughed out loud many, many times... Jill Mansel creates a lovely story that is chock filled with love, friendships and a deep chemistry between the characters. This is a wonderful story that will warm your heart as well as keep you thinking about these characters.

Thank you the NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for providing me the ARC for my honest review of It Started With A Secret.

If you are looking for a book that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and light up your day then look no further. IT STARTED WITH A SECRET by Jill Mansell is just what you are looking for. One delightful page after another Jill Mansell manages to captivate you with a collection of characters that are amazing individually but as a group well they defy imagination. The story builds with each chapter until you can’t help but consign yourself to the fact that there is practically nothing that will keep you from reaching the conclusion as quickly as possible.
IT STARTED WITH A SECRET seems like such a simple premise at the start. Two young people forced to look for a new position when their employers had to close their business. These two really loved working together and had become great friends. Kit and Lainey are splendid individuals and as a pair they are unstoppable.
So Kit and Lainie decide to answer an ad. Seems like a rather dysfunctional household needs a couple to tend to their home and family. Problem is Kit and Lainie are not a couple in the true sense of the word. But they decide to interview for this position as a couple – a couple of friends – but that small matter is left out of their application.
Kit and Lainie are quickly absorbed into the loving chaos at the Menhenick House home. The inhabitants of Menhenick House include an aging actor, his daughter-in-law, and his grandsons and twin granddaughters. Each one a challenge in their own way and yet this duo manages to keep everyone and everything in manner you could almost call normal. But this is IT STARTED WITH A SECRET and Jill Mansell is doing her best to prove that normal is totally overrated.
IT STARTED WITH A SECRET is one of the best comedies I’ve read in quite a time. I never pass up a chance to read Jill Mansell. Keep in mind that this is British humor so there is that slight learning curve but once you are up to speed it is clear sailing. And once you’ve met Jill Mansell you are guaranteed to become a fan.
The conversation between these characters is at many times laughable as are many of the situations they get themselves into. But have no fear Kit and Lainey – especially Lainey – is on the job. But as time goes on we realize that to Lainey this is no longer just a job. These people have become her family and it is very personal. Just as Lainey does, you too will become attached to the inhabitants of Menhenick House. It’s inevitable so don’t bother fighting it. Sir Richard is divine, Majella is hysterical, Harry is precocious, Violet is insightful and India is an original. And let’s not leave out Seth. Seth is the glue that holds this family of characters together. Seth is the core and his acceptance of Lainey is the basis for IT STARTED WITH A SECRET. Friendship is a wonderful way to begin a relationship. So just as the characters of IT STARTED WITH A SECRET do with the help of Jill Mansell’s pen you too will fall in love.

Main Thoughts:
I love a feel good book with characters that I adore - and this book definitely hit the mark! I really enjoyed the overall arc of the story - it felt like there was just enough suspense to keep me involved but not overkill (when I'm trying to read a feel good novel - I prefer to not be breaking out into a cold sweat like I am watching the latest episode of Scandal). This was my first Mansell novel and I would most definitely read one again. I could also totally see her being able to spin this novel off into a series (there are so many more stories to tell).

Things I Loved:
The Characters - Mansell did a fantastic job of creating a large varied cast of likable characters. From Lainey to Kit to Richard - I fell in love with all of them. I appreciated that none of the characters stories overshadowed another's and I felt like Mansell did a really nice job of crafting individual identities for the characters.

The Plot - Like the characters, Mansell did a really nice job of weaving together multiple stories throughout the novel. Each character had their own specific story arc - and while they were all related to one another -they still felt individual to the character's experience.

The Setting - This book definitely gave me beach/summer read vibes, however, it took place in England along the coast. It was a nice departure from the typical Nantucket/Hamptons/Hilton Head/you-name-the-eastern-searboard-coastal-town setting that a lot of feel good summer reads are set in.

Things I Didn't Love
The Ending - Mansell did such a nice job of not rushing the book (in some parts it almost veered on a little slow) but I felt like the ending was a bit abrupt. It felt like Mansell was trying to tie up a bunch of loose ends neatly in the last 2-3 chapters and it felt like it didn't match the pace of the rest of the novel.

One Storyline - Without giving anything away, there was one storyline featuring a character's identity that I was really happy Mansell included. However, parts of their story felt rushed and not so realistic, and I questioned how quickly some of the events transpired.

I’m a fan of Jill Mansell and I received this book as an ARC from netgalley for an honest review.
This book has a LOT going on, and you need to pay attention due to the many subplots. All in all I did enjoy it but felt it dragged in places.

This is the first book I've read by Jill Mansell and I really enjoyed the story.
I thought it was going to be just another romcom type story, but it is more.
Lots of subplots going on keep the story moving along, and I liked the relationship between Lainey and Kit. Good character development makes this a book worth reading.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this book

****It Started with A Secret is a really good read. There are multiple stories going on with characters that are friends of friends or relatives or new acquaintances all revolving around Lainey and Kit who pretend to be a couple to obtain a job. Ms.Mansell has created interesting characters and a clever plot in such a way that the reader never gets lost in the multiple interactions. Her characters become real, all struggling to find happiness under different, often unique situations. This is a story with humor, longing, disappointment, romance and self realization. I have no problem recommending this book. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy from NetGalley.

Thank you Jill Mansell for this brilliant book that I enjoyed so much. I love how the characters have stories of their own but how they mix with the main plot.

It starts with a romantic proposal and ends with one too, very clever. Kit and Lainey have to find another job after the owners of the chateaux they were working in have to close for financial reasons. The pair are good friends but pretend to be in a romantic relationship to,secure a housekeeping job in Cornwall working for a chaotic family. I could picture the setting of the village in Cornwall with the house overlooking the beach and there were lots of laughable antics with the family, especially the retired actor and his following of fans.

There are lots of unexpected twists and I thoroughly enjoyed Marjella's blind date disasters. All in all a very enjoyable book that I just had to keep reading to find out what happened next.

I absolutely loved this book! I haven't read any of Jill Mansell's books before and this one definitely didn't disappoint. It was an enjoyable "beach" read, the characters likable, and the story was entertaining. A lot of laugh out loud moments, touching moments. A must read! I cannot wait for her next book!

Lainey and her friend Kit pose as a couple to get a job together, after being fired from a chateau where they both worked. One little lie....Kit is gay and they aren't really a couple. Will the secret be found out? What other secrets are there in the family? You have to read to find out!

Thank you @netgalley for the ARC of this book. My review is of my own.

Jill Mansell's books never disappoint! Will Lainey and Kit's little lies and hidden family secrets come back to haunt them?! It Started With a Secret is a sweet story about love and friendships on the idyllic English countryside. The characters and plot were so well developed, and I really enjoyed the authors descriptions of the beautiful setting in Cornwall. I recommend reading this book if you're into contemporary romance and feel good endings!

I always enjoy Jill Mansell’s books and this one is just as good as the others. Right from the beginning, you feel like you know the characters and you are rooting for them to get together. But, as in any good story, the road to romance is never straightforward. The main character Lainey pretends to be in a couple with her gay best friend to secure a position as housekeepers at a home in Cornwall. But complications arise when she falls in love with her bosses stepson. If you like contemporary, feel good romance then this book should be your next read.

JIll Mansell is a master of the cute, fun romance, and this latest is no exception.

The book is the tale of Lainey, who after losing her job, teams up with her gay best friend Kit to present themselves as a housekeeping couple for a dream job. Once in the job, Lainey finds herself very attracted to her employer's adult stepson.

The book has several smaller side plots filled with charm and character, and I really enjoyed this comforting read.

I always look forward to Jim Mansell's books. She has a deft touch with dialogue and humor and the romance is fun and sweet. My only complaint would be that I felt there were too many side plots in this particular book, and that kept me from being interested in all the characters.

Thanks to the author, publisher, and www.NetGalley.com for my ARC.

If you find yourself Bob the mood for a light read full of delightful characters there a few authors writing that perfect "beach read.". Jill Mansell is one of them, and this book will not disappoint.

I like Jillan Mansell books. However, I found myself skipping through arts of this novel. Scenes and dialogue felt presictable.

Another excellent book from Jill Mansell, this is a great weekend read for someone wanting something fun and light to read. It does seem like Jill is maturing in her writing and her stories have more substance in them. I would recommend this to anyone wanting to something warm and fuzzy to read.

Lainey and Kit are starting new jobs “taking a rambunctious family in hand”, but they have no idea what they have walked into. Every member of this family seems to be having some sort of crisis and all seem incapable of handling their problems. This, of course, is where Lainey and Kit are supposed to step in, but they soon find themselves swamped by the overpowering, if well-meaning family. This is a chaotic comedy with a few too many characters to follow, but is still an enjoyable, forget everything else kind of read