This is a book that made me smile. I’ll admit that at first, it was difficult to keep all the characters straight, but after a bit, I fully enjoyed the stories of each of the characters and how they were woven together! Loved it!

This was a wonderful story with real life characters. Jill Mansell, as always, has created a story that flows effortlessly from scene to scene and captivated me from the first page. Wonderful and uplifting.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

“Should I Tell You” follows multiple characters in the small, fictional English town of Lanrock whose lives all intertwine to varying degrees. Lachlan, Amber, and Raffaele all met as teenagers, when they were being fostered by two wonderful foster parents, Teddy and May. Now, a few years after May’s passing, Teddy has met a new woman who he is head over heels for. But Amber, Raffaele, and Lachlan aren’t sure if this new woman is with Teddy for the right reasons. As they set out to uncover the true motives of Teddy’s new love, they also begin untangling their own secrets and messy lives. We also follow the story of Benjie, a young man who runs an art gallery in Lanrock and experiences intense shyness and a strong stutter. Multiple secondary characters round out the uplifting, beautiful stories of the people in this book.

Usually in books that have multiple POVs and multiple storylines, I find myself having a favorite and preferring one or two storylines to all the rest — that was NOT the case with this book. I loved reading about every single character and I was always excited every time the point of view switched because it meant I got to see where each character’s story was going next. Even the secondary characters were very well-rounded.

This book does a phenomenal job of capturing how beautiful life can really be. Reading this book felt like getting a glimpse into real lives, despite the characters being fictional. This is the first book I’ve ever read by Jill Mansell, but it certainly won’t be the last! She is a skillful writer who, in this book, has carefully crafted a wonderful story.

Thank you to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I have read many of Jill Mansell’s previous books and always seek out her new releases. This book does NOT disappoint! I loved it from beginning to end. The story was a wonderful beachy read. It takes a while in the beginning to keep everyone straight, but they all come together into a wonderful tale. I don’t want to give too much of the story away as I don’t want to spoil your pleasure as the book unfolds. This one is a keeper.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Jill Mansell is always a dependable choice, and I often compare her books to comfort food. There is always a well-balanced cast of characters that rotate through, with their intertwining stories, but she especially excels at creating a sense of place that seems so cozy and inviting. I think the real stand-out stars of her books are always the idealized locations, and they make the perfect escape books for when you want something heartwarming to lose yourself into. I always recommend her to romance readers, and for others like myself, who won't go out of their way to read a romance but do like to daydream about what it would be like to live in these quaint towns surrounded by the quirky characters. Her formula doesn't change much but I also think that is part of what is comforting with her books. There may be some twists and turns, but everything is going to work out in the end.

I have been trying to get my hands on all Jill Mansell books so happy to get to read this new one. This story did not disappoint. From the first page it grabbed my attention. Initially I thought it was a love triangle story with three friends but it focuses on the relationship of each of them separately. I like the themes of friendship, loyalty and trust established among the characters. Jill Mansell has a way of creating stories with real life characters who you end up rooting and connecting with and they stay with you even when the sorry ends. I really enjoyed the ebb and flow of this one and would highly recommend it.

3.5 stars

I find that there isn’t much to share about the book without spoilers, and I don’t do that, so let me just write that Ms. Mansell is a brand new author to me and, although the writing here is a bit formulaic and it took me a bit of time to get invested here, ultimately I did enjoy this novel.



eARC kindly provided by Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley. Opinions shared are my own.

A Simply amazing five-star read. This will make you want to run away to the seaside and never come back. I have been a long time Jill Mansell fan, but this one just had that little extra sparkle to it. I loved how everyone had a voice and told their part of the story. It added a realness to the whole thing, made everyone feel multi-faceted and just made them all that much more relatable even when they are doing yoga on the beach in a bikini. There was something special about this one and it made me smile with every page. Amber, Lachlan and Raffaele will have a special place in my heart, as well as some of the others.

I always love Jill Mansell books and this was no exception! At first, there were a lot of characters and it took me a while to figure out who everyone was. Each chapter switches between the different characters. But after a little bit, I figured out how everyone was connected and I felt that the chapters flew by. Having the multiple story lines from different points of view and perspectives was what made the book so fast-paced. I honestly didn't want this story to end. I wish there was a sequel to this one!

Have you ever met someone with no filter. You know the type, think it - say it. Lachlan has no filter. He’s a genius chef with a thriving restaurant. But he gets into trouble with being blunt. His good friend Amber knows this about Lachlan but it is almost impossible to stop someone from blurting out an impromptu response.

Lachlan, Amber and Raffaele were part of almost eighty foster children that May and Teddy took in over the years. Each child treated to time with a loving family filled with good vibes and hugs. These three stayed in touch all the years after they left May and Teddy. And now as adults they have all settled back in Lanrock, the town where they experienced home.

The lives of foster children are very difficult. They lack any sort of concrete home life. No such thing as happily ever after. But the kids fortunate to be placed with May and Teddy were treated to a home albeit for a usually short time.

Now after Mays death Lachlan, Amber and Raffaele have become very protective of Teddy. Being back in what they consider their hometown they encouraged Teddy to get out there and enjoy life. So Teddy went on a cruise and met Olga. Now the kids are worried about this woman who has attached herself to their Teddy. What is her endgame.

Jill Mansell has infused SHOULD I TELL YOU with her special brand of British humor. Dry as can be expected but laugh out loud funny. That’s why SHOULD I TELL YOU is categorized as a romcom. Entertaining from beginning to end.

Jam packed with some of the best, and most eccentric characters you’ll ever meet thanks to the creative pen of Jill Mansell. Wait till you meet mom and son, Peggy and Benjie Smart. Two polar opposites. Peggy, outgoing to a fault. Benjie such a sweetheart but oh so introverted. Peggy hasn’t met a person who she wouldn’t bring into her camp. And Benjie, well after years of taunting, and bullying, he spends time making friends, the internet way.

Lachlan is a bit of a bounder and his friends remind him of that. His best friends Rafaelle and Amber hold a very special place in his heart. They are his family along with Teddy. But truth be told Lachlan looks at Amber with more than just BFF eyes. It is a line he would never cross, too much at stake. But even after all these years Amber is it for Lachlan. Something she will never know if it is up to him.

Raffaele is the one that is most difficult to pigeonhole. His salon is a success and his life seems complete but in truth you wonder just what he really wants his future to look like.

There are parts of SHOULD I TELL YOU that made me sad and that is because Jill Mansell made the angst of Rafael and Lachlan so real, palatable. Isn’t everyone entitled to evolve and admit to loving someone. To finding that person. Where Raffaele is certainly still healing from his breakup with his girlfriend Vee there is a part that wishes he finally lose his victim persona.

Lachlan needs to find a way to let his heart do the speaking for once in his life. Sure he has that reputation to outlive, but he has more than grown as a caring, loving man. And his love is genuine, even if it is still bothersome watching him play hero. Just when do youthful promises hit their expiration date.

Now onto Olga. Olga becomes quite an interesting characters as this story evolves. Olga is the perfect example of an old but useful phrase - don’t judge a book by the cover. Trust me this is one book that you will love from cover to cover as you slowly, like an onion, peel away all the goodies Jill Mansell has incorporated into what had appeared to be a simple romcom. No such thing for this amazing, creative author who has become a favorite of mine.

I have always been a big fan of Jill Mansells books. When I was younger, I read every single one she wrote. This one was cute, but I had a hard time getting into it at first. However, the ending made up for it!

I've long been a fan of Mansell's rom-coms, which tend to have a large cast of characters and happy ever afters that mean different things to different people. This was a fun, heartwarming story about three adults who met as children in a loving foster home. As they pursue their various love lives and careers, their widowed foster father is also looking to shake up his life. I loved the community and the many characters in the small town and how their lives intersected. The "main" romance of the book had a few too many ridiculous obstacles thrown in its path, and the way another, secondary romance found its footing felt like a soap opera plot, but I still thoroughly enjoyed this novel and look forward to Mansell's next one. Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for a digital review copy.

My thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read Jill Mansell's Should I Tell You?

Jill Mansell never disappoints. This was another heartwarming story with characters i loved spending time with.

I have enjoyed many of Jill Mansell's books. This one is up there with many of her best!
The story revolves around three young adults, Emma, Lachlan and Rafaelle. We learn that they are a tight-knit trio that formed this strong bond when they were in a foster home. They have remained in the small seaside town where they were raised by their now widowed Foster Father, Teddy. The story weaves between these four characters and their relationships struggle. They are also struggling to deal with Teddy's newfound love interest, who appears to be a bit of a gold digger. How will they all cope with relationships when their past has left them so vulnerable?

This book contains a wonderful cast of characters, and their storylines captivated my attention and provided a satisfying ending. Add this book to your list of great beach reads for the summer! Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I absolutely adore Jill Mansell and her latest offering didn't disappoint. Largely based in a Cornish Village it's an uplifting, cosy story of an unlikely family, with characters you'll really care about. If you're looking for a feel-good escapist read you've found it. 5 stars.

My first time reading a book from this author and it was amazing. Loved the writing style and it got me hooked.

The Japanese art of kintsugi: turning broken pottery into gold. Just like Teddy and May did, the children whom came into their care under the foster system had their lives turned into gold as love and care emanated from them. Raffaele and Vee: as initial partners in the hair salon, it was a health scare that reinvigorated their relationship into true love. Amber and Lanchlan: they may be creators of art in both sculptures and food, but in putting the broken pieces of themselves and letting each other in, did they find true love. Olga was the one who perhaps through the powers of the medovik, brought everyone together.

This is an okay story but I felt it was lacklustre? I enjoyed that they all knew each other and grew up together. Meeting in those hard circumstances then becoming successful adults. I couldn't find any connnect to the characters in honest I half heartedly read it.

This was a wonderful, feel-good story about a seemingly unlikely family, their trials, tribulations and ultimate happiness. I had never read anything by this author, but will most definitely look forward to more by Jill Mansell.

'Should I Tell You' is a cozy and charming read, one that soothes heart and brings a sense of calm. Packed with witty remarks, adorable bonds and hope, It managed to grab my attention in first few pages. To be honest, friends to lovers is one of my least favorite tropes. I believe friendships are precious connections to be loved and cherished dearly. Overstepping the lines and ruining the magic - it irks me so much. I had no idea what to expect but the story was brilliant! The characters are well-developed, matured and realistic. None of them are too unique or out of the world, yet every one of them added a bit of color and made it meaningful. I even got teary-eyed at one point! Lachlan, Amber and Raffaele found each other due to their dark past and extraordinary kindness of their foster parents, Teddy and May. Now grown ups and each having a successful career of their own, they again find themselves in Lanrock, the place where it all began. May is no longer alive, leaving Teddy all alone. When he falls in love with an energetic, peculiar Russian woman on a cruise, the kids are hesitant at first. Olga seems too nice to be real, always clinging to Teddy and making friends with anyone interested. Lachlan who has trouble trusting people, assumes her to be a gold digger but is tolerant out of respect to Teddy. Honestly, I had doubts of my own. Olga was quite unpredictable and kept surprising me. She is a very fascinating character and so is Peggy Smarts. Shy Benji, Sweet and cheerful Jo, charming Dom with unlimited supply of confidence, insecure and considerate Danny, gross Gerry Marsh, sassy and lovely Vee whose character took a turn for worse out of the blue - they are all so relatable and leave their marks. It's full of love for people who walked into their lives and stayed and the family they were born into. It's about letting go of the past, tackling difficult situations with grace and patience, taking wild, brave steps, going with the flow and giving people chances. Loved it so so much. It's my first book of Jill Mansell and definitely not the last.