Cover Image: Should I Tell You?

Should I Tell You?

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Member Reviews

Should I Tell You is yet another feel good story by Jill Mansell. This author always able to come up with a plot that keeps the readers interested on the outcome.
A story about friendship, family, trust and most of all romance. European setting and so very romantic. Unfortunately, I got lost when I turn past halfway, I struggled to the finish line. At first the subtle love triangle between Amber, Rafaelle and Lachlan got me hooked. I mean any steamy gossip can be juicy but with too many characters popping in and out along the way, I lost my grip and had a hard time finding the thrill. I do like the ending of how everything fall into place, i love that there was a happy ending after all.

Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks for the chance to review this copy.

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I have always been a fan of Mansell's work and this was no exception. Amber, Lachlan and Raff got to know each other when they were all fostered by Teddy and May. May is gone but they are as tight as ever which works in their favour when Teddy finds a new love interest, Lachlan and Amber discover love and Raff faces two bits of life changing news. Along with the main characters, there are a raft of smaller characters who add more life and twists to this brilliant story. Loved it.

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Loved this book - Jill is just very good at telling stories and truly enveloping you in the surroundings. Should I tell you is set in Cornwall, and has an addicting plot, interesting characters and is truly touching to read! Definitely recommend this!

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Thank you netgalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review this arc honestly.

I’ve always enjoyed this author and this book is no exception. You feel like you’re part of the story and no matter how many characters there may be in a book you feel like you’re a part of that world and invested in these characters as well. This would be a perfect beach read or book club book to choose. Loved the characters, location, and story.

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I love Jill Mansell books. This is abook about friendship, family and love. I love how Jill Mansell writes her characters and how it is usually an uplifting book.

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An adorable story about finding your family and finding love. Lovable characters and feel-good storylines. A must read for fans of Jill Mansell and Sophie Kinsella.

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As I already mentioned in my last Jill Mansell’ review, I don’t understand how she does it. Jill’s stories are unique every single time. And still, from page one you just know it is a Jill Mansell story and that everything will work out. Same goes for should I tell you: a story about a foster parent and three of his protegees: Amber, Lachlan and Rafaelle.

And, of course, they all have their own story. Which Jill neatly weaves into one big heartfelt plot.

Should I Tell You is yet another wonder­ful read. I finished it nearly in one go, because I was curious to Vee’s story and what would happen to Rafaelle. And of course, the tension between Amber and Lachlan kept me up at night.

Five out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

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I struggled a bit with this story. I thought I'd be reading about Amber, Lachlan, and Raffaele, but there were so many other characters that this was really hard to follow at times. There were just too many smaller stories included that detracted from the main characters' stories. It was fairly predictable with a few surprises! Overall, not a bad read, but I won't be thinking about it long after.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC. My thoughts are my own.

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Jill Mansell does it again with a story of a foster family getting together when the foster father appears to have met a significant other his foster kids have reservation about. A life affirming and enticing story that I would recommend to anyone looking for a lighthearted read that will put a smile on their face.

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SHOULD I TELL YOU? is a heartwarming combination of comedy, tragedy and romance, along with Mansell’s trademark sparkling dialogue. Loved it!

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This was an enjoyable read. I enjoyed reading this book and I am glad I read it but it didn't wow me. I liked bothe the story line and characters. I just didn't connect fully with either as much as I wanted to. Obviously there are many Jill Mansell fans ever I have several on my shelf. I'm sure you will love this book more than I did. It just didn't grab me a single individual but don't let my review put you off. Many big retailers offer samples so you can see if it is for you.

I can definitely say this book will NOT put me off reading more from this wonderful author. Just remember it would be impossible to love every book you read.

Many thanks to the author and publishers for creating this enjoyable story. That I'm sure Jill Mansell fans will definitely be looking forward to reading.
The above review has already been placed on goodreads, waterstones, Google books, Barnes&noble, kobo, amazon UK where found and my blog https://ladyreading365.wixsite.com/website/post/should-i-tell-you-by-jill-mnasell-sourcebooks-3-stars either under my name or ladyreading365

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Just a truly well written story to read in comfy chair sitting by log fire to chill out with

Marvellous story enjoyed every minute of this book couldn't put it down didn't want it to end. Highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a romantic story.

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Jill Mansell has done it again! I loved this book, as I fully expected to. She is an auto buy author for me and once again, she did not disappoint. I revieved an ARC but all opinions are my own.

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Do you have a go to comfort read author? One of mine is Jill Mansell. There is something about her books that is like a warm blanket. And with things the way they are right now, these are days for comfort reads.

Her newest book, Should I Tell You is the story of three adults who were all in the same foster home at some point and that bond has connected them for life. Each one has things going on and their foster dad is in a new relationship with a much younger woman, uniting together against a common enemy. This book is all about friends, love and family - the family you are born with and the family your make. Was it is predicable? Absolutely. Did I still really enjoy it? Also absolutely. I love how she weaves her characters together so every single character is somehow tied into the larger story and each one has a purpose. I also love her use of snappy humor balanced with real emotions, adding some depth to the story. It made for a charming book that fully immersed me into their lives. And the setting of a British coastal village was absolute perfection.

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Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is a really perfect summer read – or a curled up under a blanket read! From the very beginning we are drawn into the lives of three friends who spent time together in a foster home where finally they felt part of a family.

It is family, connections, and responsibility which feature large in this very enjoyable romance. The constant fear for both Lachlan and Amber of revealing to the other how much they wanted to change from best friends to romantic partners, and being rejected, has held them back for years. The third in their trio, Raffaele, holds the key, but he too fears that it will cause a rift for him, so plots to maintain the status quo.

I loved that we got to see how they have developed their careers, and been successful in very different fields, even if all drawn to stay in the town where Teddy, their widowed foster father, lives. His cruise adventure and Olga, the Russian girlfriend who comes home with him, add some interesting colour to the already bright storyline.

An easy read with plenty to interest and entertain and the very best kind of ending.

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Jill Mansell can do no wrong! Her books are automatic buys for me. I don’t even have to second guess whether it will be enjoyable enough! I’m obsessed with everything about this story! I need a physical copy asap!!

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4.5 stars

Amber, Lachlan, and Raffaelle had tough starts in their lives. Their parents couldn't care for them, whether it was because of cancer, indifference, or drug abuse, Thankfully, they lucked out in the often horrific foster-care system - they were placed with Teddy and May Penhaligan. With the love and guidance they received from Teddy and May, the three are now functional adults who found their passions and are in thriving careers.

Sadly, May passed away a few years ago and Teddy has been bereft. That is until he goes on a cruise and meets the beautiful Olga - a Russian immigrant with a wardrobe more in common with Dolly Parton than with his late wife May. When Olga comes home with Teddy afterward, his three "kids" are pretty worried that the glamourous Olga is out to fleece the stodgy Teddy.

In the meantime, Raffaelle is on the outs with his one true love, Vee. Vee has been unbearable lately, prone to outbursts of anger and cruelty. Lachlan, a successful chef and serial dater, secretly longs for Amber but is afraid that their friendship might take a hit if they cross the line from friends to lovers. Little does he know that Amber feels the same way...

I almost DNF'd this book. The first few chapters didn't pull me - then I was all-in. It's a lovely story about letting go of preconceptions and learning to take a chance on love.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read a digital ARC in return for an honest review.

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Amber, Lachlan and Raffaele have been friends for many years. From the time they met at a foster home, they have looked out for each other and now find themselves looking out for the best interests of former foster father, Teddy. As Amber and Lachlan try to deny their growing feelings for each other, Raffaele is still trying to find an answer to his failed relationship with Vee. This book is all about relationships and that family can include all those who are closest to us. A lovely, uplifting read.

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Thank you NetGalley, Sourcebooks and Jill Mansell for a digital ARC of this book. Close-knit Amber, Raffaele and Lachlan spent their teenage years as much loved foster children in Teddy’s home. He is now a widower and madly in love with a much younger woman he has met on a cruise. Naturally, the three are worried she is a gold-digger and are keeping a close eye on the relationship. They are all now back in Teddy’s small seaside town pursuing very successful careers. There are multiple story lines in this book, all of which are well developed. The characters are very likable and relatable. This is a warm and uplifting book with substance. Fans of Jill Mansell will not be disappointed and those new to the author are in for a treat. Readers who enjoy Sophie Kinsella, Jenny Colgan and Marian Keyes will enjoy this book.

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SHOULD I TELL YOU? – Jill Mansell
Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN: 978-1-7282-5253-7
July 5, 2022
Contemporary Fictionn

Lanrock, England – Present Day

Amber Nicholls, Lachlan McCarthy, and Raffaele Wright all ended up in the same foster home and were raised to adulthood by Teddy Penhaligon and his late wife, May. Teddy is on a cruise and calls home to let them know that he’s found himself a girlfriend, Olga, and is bringing her back home. Amber, Lachlan, and Raffaele are afraid that Olga is a gold digger looking to cash in on a wealthy elderly man. They decide to investigate Olga, though nothing comes up to give them ammunition. After Teddy arrives home with Olga, she turns out to be nice to them, yet they still feel suspicious about her. Are they right in feeling that way?

Lachlan is a top-notch chef and owns his own restaurant. Amber does work for him and has watched the women come on to him through the years. While he’s had girlfriends off and on, there is never one who sticks around. As they work on investigating Olga, Lachlan and Amber become closer. Will it lead to something finally happening between them?

Raffaele had a long-time girlfriend, Vee, but she has recently broken off their relationship and refuses to talk to him without becoming angry. He’s baffled at what he can do to get back with her, or if it’s even worth a try.

There are several other characters in SHOULD I TELL YOU?, including Benjie, who has become more than friends with Jo. But after he learns a secret as to why she’s hanging around him, he breaks it off and starts an online friendship with Dani, and things seem to be going well, except he hasn’t met her yet. What about Jo, who remains in the background. She’s sorry for what happened and wants to make amends.

It’s like a community of characters in SHOULD I TELL YOU? by Jill Mansell. The novel mostly focuses on Amber, Lachlan, and Raffaele, though there are other points of view presented. Their shared experiences of growing up without one or two parents have helped them forge a tight relationship. While Amber has looked at Lachlan longingly over the years, he’s never looked her way. Raffaele has built up his barbershop business to one that is doing well, especially after he got national exposure for doing free haircuts for the homeless. But it is Vee who he misses the most in his life. Without her, he feels like he is floundering. Meanwhile, Olga is turning out to be an interesting character. Is she the right choice for Teddy? Or is she taking him to the cleaners? As this tale nears the end, Lachlan, Amber, and Raffaele are surprised at what they learn about Olga.

Given the number of characters and their storylines in SHOULD I TELL YOU?, readers might find navigating this tale a bit confusing. It really wasn’t until midway through that I got a good grasp on who was who. The main plot is finding out if Olga is a gold digger, but that is pushed to the background mostly. It’s all about the characters and the growth they experience. A nice, sweet tale of friends helping each other just like a family would, don’t miss SHOULD I TELL YOU?

Patti Fischer

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