The mark of a successful author is apparent when their books are published and republished and Jill Mansell is such an author. This book was originally published in 2004, but I received a new copy in 2016. I am kicking myself for taking so long to read it as this book was fabulous.

This story is full of unique characters with vibrant personalities who all contribute to this story in different ways. At first glance, a reader may be put off by so many characters, all with their own voices and back stories, but it works beautifully here. I couldn’t pick a favorite character as they all wormed their way into my heart. These are people I would choose to spend my free time with and enjoy every minute of it. No story is complete without some vile characters and Jill Mansell doesn’t disappoint here either. Additionally, she includes some characters I didn’t care for at all but surprised me and turned out to be likable.

I love a book that makes me feel all the feels while anticipating what will happen next, and The One You Really Want delivers on all levels. This book offers romance, humor, apprehension, annoyance, grief and fear as I witnessed first-hand what these characters endure. I felt great empathy for them, crying in commiseration with them and laughing and cheering them on.

My Final Verdict: Overall, I highly recommend this book to readers of contemporary romance and women’s fiction as well as readers who enjoy stories that are character driven with people who come from various walks of life, societal statuses and wealth and poverty levels to remind us that first impressions might matter but if you don’t delve deeper, you may miss out on knowing some amazing people.

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

I am a fan of Jill Mansell's books and The One You Really Want was no exception. The story revolves around two childhood friends Nancy and Carmen and I really enjoyed that the story is built around the women's friendship. Carmen lives in London and is a widow struggling to move on after the death of her rock star husband. Nancy lives near Edinburgh and thanks to a gifting mix-up involving a lawnmower realizes that her marriage is less than stellar. Going to London to stay with her friend changes things for both women in many unexpected ways.

I really enjoyed the colourful cast of characters. Though it departs from traditional romance book style, I actually really liked that both women were at the centre of the story. And even though it seemed like there are a lot of characters introduced into the story, they all had a part to play and Jill Mansell tied things together in a very satisfying way.

This is a really fun summer/beach read. Fans of romance stories, or those already familiar with Jill Mansell's work will not want to miss this one.

A big thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Silly but cute British chick lit. When the book starts Nancy has just discovered her husband is cheating on her, while her best friend Carmen is still struggling several years after the overdose death of her rock star husband, and invites Nancy to come live with her in London. (Oddly I believe both characters are described as being in their 20s; clearly this book is not set in NYC.) The book is told from both of their perspectives, as well as occasionally various relatives, friends, and neighbors in their orbit. This book was the kind of middle of the road chick lit that I'm sure I won't remember in the slightest a year from now, but nonetheless was a fun read.

The One You Really Want is exactly what I love from a Jill Mansell book- an ensemble of characters from all walks of life that become a found family of sorts. Nancy has just discovered her husband is having an affair. Her best friend Carmen is finally ready to move on with life after mourning her rock star husband for three years, Carmen's brother-in-law Rennie is tired of living a rock star lifestyle. Nancy's mother Rose has just lost her job. Connor's daughter Mia has decided to live with him. Zac needs a new receptionist. The story just kind of tumbles together in a light fluffy way that I really enjoyed. Great read for when you need a little pick me up.

I always enjoy Jill Mansell's books! They are hilarious romps that help you escape from the everyday. I love the multitude of characters and how they always, through twists, end up connected-- usually in a way I don't see coming. Her books are my go to when I need a palette cleanse. So much fun!

Jill Mansell is a new-to-me author. I’d picked up a couple of her ebooks free over the last few years, but I hadn’t read any of them yet. That will change, as I enjoyed this one and those others have now moved up my far-too-long TBR list. Reading this was a bit like watching a rom-com movie, the characters are sometimes funny, sometimes aggravating, often in denial. 
And while you’re pretty sure you know where things are going, there’s a bit of doubt up until the end. Overall, even though there are also parts of the characters’ pasts that are more dark/serious it was ultimately a fun, light read, and I look forward to reading more by Jill Mansell.

This one by Mansell has heartache, romance, humor and a great cast of characters. The storyline in this touching book kept me interested from beginning until the end.

I always enjoy Jill Mansell's books and this one was no exception. Well written with a storyline that's enjoyable even if it is a little bit predictable. Perfect if you're looking for a light, feel good romance.