This was such a delightful story that led me through several storylines with minor characters. In addition to the aww factor and humor I have come to expect from this brilliant author, I also got a little teary eyed and choked up. An author who can successfully draw out multiple emotions from the reader is an author that should be on everyone’s to be read list.

Janey and Maxine are sisters but are so different in personality, morals and ethics that I would never suspect they were related had I not known this going in. Where Janey is down to earth and grounded in her life, Maxine is very flighty and, at times, very selfish. I was surprised at how much I actually liked Maxine, however, but underneath her vain exterior she deeply cares about her sister and wants the best for her.

I thought Guy Cassidy was an intriguing character and his children were wonderful characters. I remained in the dark for most of the book with the direction the author was taking this character and have to applaud how it turned out because it was so apparent that Maxine had her sights on him, I could not picture Maxine as stepmother material.

In addition, the author created very vibrant and interesting characters with Bruno, the flirtatious restaurant owner, who is trying to seduce Janey even though he is in a relationship. Sculptress Thea, Janey and Maxine’s mother, who meets Oliver, Guy’s estranged father, and begins a whirlwind affair. Janey’s husband, Alan, who vanished without a trace two years ago and has left Janey wondering what life has in store for her next.

This story moves at a fairly moderate pace and I found the character’s behaviors appropriate for the situations they were in. I also thoroughly enjoyed the backstory about Guy and Oliver’s relationship as well as Thea’s with Janey and Maxine’s father. This story had so many details to take in but Mansell’s writing made it easy for the reader to understand all of the characters.

My Final Verdict: I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy happy endings even if the road getting there is long and twisty. Readers who enjoy contemporary romance and women’s fiction will enjoy the relationship driven plot of this story. Having read many of this author's books now, I am always excited to see her name come up in my new release notifications.

Thank you to the publisher, Sourcebooks Landmark, who provided an advance reader copy of this book via NetGalley.

This book is nearly seven years old and I still have not read it. While I hope that it was good, I do not have time to go back to it.

A number of years ago, I discovered the fun of ordering British books for delivery to the U.S. The very first novel that arrived was one by Jill Mansell. I went on to order a number of others. So, I was quite delighted when Mansell’s books began to be released in the U.S. and there were no more shipping charges.

Mansell’s books offer comfort reads. The characters are likeable, the plots are as involving as they to be with the sense generally that all will end well. That is the case in this case in this story that has warmth and humor.

Janey is rather rudely awakened one day when her sister Maxine arrives along with the police. What is going on? Well, Maxine wants to stay for a while. Will she and Janey get along? Will they find the relationships and lives that they want? Readers can guess the answer; the fun is in getting there.

This book was originally published in the 90s and has been reissued. It and the other books by this author are always entertaining reads.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this title. All opinions are my own.

I am not sure what I was expecting from Sheer Mischief, but it never completely delivered. I really disliked most of the characters - even Janey, the most likable of the bunch, tried my patience. The story was really predictable, which would have been forgivable if it hadn't dragged in large sections.
It seemed to have a hard time deciding what it wanted to be - irreverent fun, family drama, or a madcap sister story. It ended up being a hodge podge that never completely gelled for me.

Jill Mansel writes great love stories and writes fantastic humor. When wit and romance collide it makes the best stories and she is at the top of her game!

Such a light, fun, romantic read yet there are several twists and turns that take you by complete surprise.

Maxine shows up one very early morning on her sister's doorstep and things in here quaint village is never to be the same.

Janey's husband up and disappeared so she's excited to have her sister back home, however, things aren't exactly smooth sailing when a handsome photographer is involved.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for an e-ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review. I've gone back and forth over whether this should be 3 or 4 from me. If I could give 3.5 I would. I liked it, it's a light hearted, beachy kind of read. Some of the additional plot lines drug it down a bit, and that's the main reason I gave it a 3. If you want a light hearted book, but are willing to get through a bit of a slow middle, you will enjoy this.

Always love Jill Mansell’s books! Glad to have been approved for an advanced copy of this title. Four stars!

As usual, Jill Mansell has come through with yet another light romance with lots of comedy.

I found this one to be a funny, cozy romance that I just sped through. I loved Maxine!! I thought she was a hoot and I loved some of her comebacks.

And Alan, someone should shoot him . . . twice.

Another, IMHO, great read by Mansell that I totally enjoyed.

Thanks to Sourcebooks and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

A wonderful comedic romance that was fast paced and action filled. A lark to read, just plain fun and entertaining.

I love love love Jill Mansell. Any book of hers I’ll read

The characters is this one I fell in love with. Can’t wait to read more of this character

Jill Mansell's novels could so easily be made into romantic-comedy movies. This one is no exception, with a few outrageous characters and plot lines. I usually love Jill Mansell's novels - chick-lit with a lot of humor and clever dialogue. This one didn't have the depth of many of her books, but it looks like it was originally published 10 years or so ago (?), so I'm sure her writing was just not as mature then. It's very easy to figure out what will happen next and some of the characters are not as likeable as usual, but it's still a fun read - just what I needed during this very busy week. Many thanks to NetGalley and SourceBooks Landmark for the arc. 3.5 stars!

Another great story by hill. She's one of my favorites. Keep them coming!!