Today I am over the moon to be a stop on the blog tour for Jill Mansell’s most recent book, You and Me, Always. Keep reading to find out what I thought, and you could even win yourself your very own copy!
After losing her mum at the age of eight, Lily has always looked forward to her birthdays. Each and every year, a new letter from her late mother is waiting for her. On her twenty-fifth birthday, however, Lily receives her very last one, and it’s the one that changes everything.
Reading the letter, Lily learns all about the only real love of her mum’s life, and she is determined to find out more. On the very same day, Lily meets Eddie Tessler, a man hiding from fame who could totally spin Lily’s life around. But when old time friend, Dan, has his own reasons for wanting the relationship to fail, and secrets start to emerge, the lives of Lily and the friends and family surrounding her will never be the same again…
” ‘If they hadn’t done that, everything would have been different,’ Lily marvelled. There were so many what-ifs; life was like a ball of string with three hundred ends.”
Book lovers around the world are going to gasp in horror as I admit this: I’ve never read a Jill Mansell book before this one. Argh. I know. Slap my wrist. But don’t worry; her wonderful writing style and perfectly flowing words have definitely added Jill Mansell to my go-to authors list… I have plenty of catching up to do!
You and Me, Always* takes place in the idyllic village of Stanton Langley in the Cotswolds, and Jill Mansell has done a fabulous job of creating a charming setting with an endearing community. I could have happily jumped into the book to stroll past the scenery, spend time at Star Inn, and become one of the locals.
At the start of the book, we are immediately thrown into laughs as we first meet the characters and come across Mr Turquoise-Lycra-Leggings, and then we move on to the tender moment of Lily opening and reading the letter from her mum. Before the story even truly begins, we get an insight into the characters lives, and I found myself liking each and every one of them.
” ‘I didn’t plan for it to happen quite like this, but I’m saying it now… I’d still love you. I just would. Because… I already do.’ “
The diverse and vibrant characters throughout You and Me, Always* are all incredibly well developed and realistic, and my heart truly warmed to them all, from the village ladies’ man Dan, to lonely and grieving Coral, who is determined to start living again. Every time we met someone new in this wonderful tale of loss, love and friendship, they left footprints on both the story and on me as we realise just how their past experiences in life have shaped them.
Although primarily a story focussed on Lily finding her way in life, we
as readers get to witness so many other dynamics and relationships. Observing the world through different eyes and minds throughout the book, we begin to see the paths of each heart-warming character intertwine time and time again until their relationships and feelings emanate from the pages and into our hearts. Although I predicted some of the relationships that were yet to form, I enjoyed watching them unfold page by page nonetheless, and I became sincerely invested in everybody’s outcome.
Filled with laughter and tears, friendship and love, You and Me, Always* is an uplifting tale filled with soul stirring characters that is perfect for travelling the countryside, all whilst sat on your sofa.
And now the part you’ve been waiting for… a chance to win your very own copy of this fabulous book! Simply enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. It’s open to UK only and closes at midnight on Tuesday 16th February. Good luck!
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looks a really emotional read x
I'm a huge Jill Mansell fan and this looks like another amazing book from Jill. Lx
It looks a really enjoyable book.
It would be great to take on holiday. A good read to dip in and out of whilst the little ones are in the pool with Daddy
Love delving into peoples lives in a book. makes me think about my own and which way to turn next.would love to find out the outcome of every character as well as Lily.
Just love reading always want to try something new
I love reading and this sounds like my kind of book. Mr Turquoise Lycra Pants is a fab name!! It makes me think of Enid Blyton character names. I too have never read a Jill Mansell book before but going by your review, regardless of whether I win or not, I think I need to seek out some of her books.
I am such a bookworm! I am always looking for new books to read as I think I have already read the entire fiction section of our small local library. I have read Jill Mansell before and love her novels!
This sounds intriguing. Like you Ive not read her books before and would love to
its sounds nice for wet weekends away in my motorhome.
I love Jill's books.
I love Jill's books.
I love Jill Mansel books and need another good read for my boring commutes to and from work 🙂
looks a good read
Love Jill Mansell and it's the only one I haven't read. Enjoyed all her other books. There's always laughter, tears and happiness with a bit of love thrown in. 🙂
It sounds like a heartwarming book & I love Jill Mansells other books
Kelly Ellen Hirst
I love Jill's other books and the description of this book looks fab
I would love to win this as Jill Mansell is my favourite author! I forgot to pre order her new book as i usually do as ive just had a baby 🙂
I've enjoyed Jill Mansell books before but not for a while, would love to read again
I love Jill's books, it would be great to read this one.
I think Jill Mansell is brilliant so, this book is a must.
Like Jill's books and really like connecting with the different characters in books
This looks really interesting with great characters, I think I would not be able to put this book down .
I think I'd love this book because I love reading and finding new Authors too! This seems like the genre of book that I normally go for.
Sinead | http://subject-beauty.blogspot.co.uk/
xx
These seems like a lovely easy to read book 🙂
These seems like a lovely easy to read book 🙂
I LOVE Jill Mansell. I have a collection on my book shelves of her books, my favourite so far would have to be Unpredictable consequences of love OR Don't want to miss a thing. Her books are just such an easy read too!Can't to read this one now :)))
Abby x
ohabbyjane.blogspot.co.uk