Classic Mansell book. Charming location, charming characters, charming dialogue, and charming family. A sweet book with a little romantic vibe and a family you just want to belong to. Puts me in a good mood when I read JM’s books.

Unfortunately this book was not my favorite. I didn't finish it.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

In typical Jane Mansell style this book is fun, lighthearted and will put a smile on your face. A great book for the summer reading. Thanks toNergalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review.

I would like to thank NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book even though I did not finish this book.

At the beginning of the book, I had mixed thoughts, but IT STARTED WITH A SECRET by Jill Mansell rapidly grew on me to the point I was hooked by the end of the book.

The protagonist of the story is Lainey, one day, suddenly, she’s out of a job at French Chateau, and she has to go back to England with her coworker and gay best friend, Kit. Luckily they found an ad with an open position in Cornwall; a couple is looking for another couple to help run their massive house in a beautiful seaside village. Lainey and Kit decide to lie, pose as a couple, and go for the job. The only problem is that the owner’s son Seth is exceptionally handsome and Lainey, who is not looking for love, finds herself attracted to him. The problem I mentioned before is that the thing is mutual, but Seth thinks she’s in a relationship with Kit. How will he react to the lies? You got to find out yourselves, guys, because I won’t add any spoiler!

The heartwarming story was fun and enjoyable with a great cast of characters that are full of life, you can picture them bantering or arguing, and that’s not always the case with some chick-lits, so kudos to Mansell. I have to admit I truly enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would.

It's a lovely read!

'IT STARTED WITH A SECRET is like a little blast of sunshine - uplifting, heartwarming and supremely feelgood' by fellow author Sophie Kinsella

This is the perfect way to describe this book! I had a blast reading it and would highly recommend it for a beach or vacation read. Cheers to a book taking me away from the winter blues.

A huge thank you to NetGalley, Jill Mansell and SOURCEBOOKS for providing me with an eARC of this publication which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

This is exactly the kind of novel the world needs right now. It’s happy and fun and I liked everybody.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. If you are looking for a light, easy read this is a great summer book for you. A story of family and friendship with a predictable ending.

4 stars! Jill Mansell writes a fun and infuriating, romantic comedy with likable characters and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it! It was nice to read something that allowed me to check out of reality for a little while and just relax.

I received an advance copy of this novel; all opinions are my own.

Jill Mansell is such a great story teller. Her novels are so funny and lighthearted but full of soul and depth. Her characters are flawed but so enjoyable.

A pleasant story, set in Cornwall, which contains the usual romance, quirky characters and lovely setting, and does not disappoint if you're looking for a light and undemanding read. The only downside for me is that it seems to have been written for American readers, so at times the English characters, in England, doing English things, use American words such as 'chips' and 'vacation' which seems a bit jarring. Otherwise a lovely read.

was able to read this book thanks to NetGalley. It was so sweet, fun, and I loved it! I was very invested in the characters and their stories. This is a must read for those who enjoy rom coms and I will be recommending it to my friends. I hope to see future books from this author in the future. Thanks again to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy f this book in exchange for an honest review.

Although this is not my favoured genre I do like Jill Mansell's books. Well written, good story and great characters. A recommended easy read.

I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Such a quick and easy read. It was such a great afternoon pallet cleanse.

Thank you kindly to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for this review copy.

The story line was a bit tedious at times ,with the developing of additional characters and their stories. Trying to keep the reader interested is something an author should be doing. In this case, I felt my eyes glazing over and the story rambling and uneventful.

2 friends lose their jobs and tell a lie to get another one. Together they set out to help organize a house. This is a fun, laugh out loud novel.. All the characters are likeable. Truly a good book

I think a lot of people would enjoy this book but I was not a fan . The book is about family and relationships which is a good thing . Just not my type of book but I can see the appeal it has if looking for a light fun read.

I knew from the synopsis that I would absolutely fall in love with this book. I did not, however, know just how well it would be written and how quickly I'd get through it.


This story was so much more than meets-the-eye. It wasn't just one love story; there were several. On top of that, one that wasn't even romantic, but familial and so fulfilling!


Jill Mansell is a new-to-me author and I can't wait to read more from her!

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book!

This was a fun summer read. I enjoy this author and this book was no exception. A very fun summer read full of fun. Exactly what I needed at this point. A charming light story that is full of engaging sweet characters. A Big Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.

This is a light and entertaining romance for a time when you don't want to tax your brain too much. There are many secrets in this book, but none of them is particularly earth-shattering and everything works out well in the end, as you would expect from a Jill Mansell novel.

I would have liked to see more character development; maybe having fewer characters would help provide the space needed to further flesh out the main characters. Everyone just seems so jolly and easy to get on with that I never really got invested in what was going on. Surely a real-life situation like this, with lots of people of different backgrounds thrown in together, would contain a few characters people were glad to see the back of. The romantic relationships were also quite unrealistic with so many ready-made partnerships within one social group.

I enjoyed it, but I found myself wanting just a little bit more substance to get my teeth into. It probably would have been just the ticket had I been lolling beside a pool sipping a pina colada. It's what people like to call a "great Summer read", but really it's great for any time you want something light and fun.