A Walk in the Park (2012)

It's been 18 years since Lara left Bath. She is returning now because her father has died and it seems that even though she never got on with him or her stepmother, she has inherited their house. It's also the perfect time to reconnect with her best friend Evie, who is about to get married. But Lara also has to face her childhood sweetheart Flynn and reveal why she left all those years ago without a word. With several surprises in store, this is another enjoyable story from Mansell. It features a strong supporting cast including rap star Enjay and clothing store owner Harry, whose unlikely friendship provides a funny side story.

To the Moon and Back (2011)

Ellie's husband, Jamie, died in a car accident - and 15 months later she's still talking to him. To get a fresh start, she moves into her film star father-in-law's spare flat in Primrose Hill and begins working for entrepreneur Zack. Zack is used to women falling for him, so why is the one woman he's interested in apparently immune to his charms? Meanwhile Ellie's bubbly neighbour, Roo, is seeing someone she shouldn't, and Ellie is thinking about dating someone she knows Jamie would approve of. Another wonderful story from Mansell, with various love story threads woven throughout. The best bit: the imaginary conversations between Ellie and her late husband are handled so beautifully that it all seems totally believable.

Take a Chance on Me (2010)

Jill Mansell is one of those authors you never have to take a chance on. This, her 21st novel, proves again that she always delivers easy-to-devour stories with engaging characters. For sisters Cleo and Abbie, the men in their lives both have secrets that are going to turn everything on its head. Cleo thinks she may have found The One in her new boyfriend Will but then why does she still let her teenage tormentor, Johnny LaVenture, get to her so much? And her sister Abbie makes a shocking discovery when she delves around in husband Tom's sock drawer - one that leaves her very much on the outer in her own home. This also has a strong supporting cast of characters, including a chubby radio DJ called Ash who finds he gets incredibly tongue-tied around the girl of his dreams, and Georgia, the girl who's going to iron her way to fortunes.

Rumour Has It (2009)

Tilly Cole comes home to find her boyfriend has packed up his stuff and left. So she quits her London life for a fresh start in the small town of Roxborough where her friend Erin lives. Tilly fits right into her new role as a Girl Friday for divorced father Max and his teenage daughter Louisa. And, despite her best intentions, she finds herself drawn to Max's friend Jack who has a terrible reputation around town for bedding every woman in sight. An easy-reading story filled with engaging characters including Lou's US-based soapie actress mum Kaye, who is run out of Hollywood after an unfortunate incident with a pampered pooch, and town gossip Stella who is bitter about her husband Fergus moving on. Just a shame about the rushed ending.

An Offer You Can't Refuse (2008)

Ten years ago, 17-year-old Lola was offered 10,000 pounds by her boyfriend's snobby mother to break up with him. At first she refused as Dougie was the love of her life. But after finding out her stepfather had serious gambling debts, she accepts and takes off to Majorca, leaving behind only a break-up letter for Dougie. A decade later, a Good Samaritan act by Lola, now a bookshop manager, brings her ex back into her life. But although Lola still has strong feelings for him, he finally discovers that she was paid off to dump him. Read it for the great characters, including the feisty heroine and her neighbours Sally - an immaculately dressed but sloppy flatmate who is also Doug's sister - and Gabe, possibly the world's most useless (but kind-hearted) paparazzo. The ending doesn't surprise but if you get an offer to read this book, don't refuse it.

Thinking of You (2007)

Gina Holland's nest is empty after her daughter Jem heads off to university. At only 38, she realises she'll have to kick-start a whole new life - and find a new man. But the first man she thinks is showing interest in her actually accuses her of shoplifting. Then she advertises for a lodger and believes she'll be sharing her home with the charismatic Perry. Instead the room's for his reclusive sister, Laurel, who is still obsessed about an ex-boyfriend. Even on the work front, Ginny finds she's left a disastrous first impression with new boss Finn. And just as she is getting to know him, someone from his past turns up on the doorstep.

Making Your Mind Up (2006)

Lottie Carlyle, mum to Nat and Ruby, hasn't had a relationship, let alone a date, since divorcing her philandering husband Mario. In the luscious setting of Hestacombe Village in the Cotswolds, it seems as if her dreams have been answered when stylish Wall Street stockbroker Tyler Klein, seeking a change of lifestyle, buys the local cottages where she works. While Lottie has her eye on the target, her children have other ideas about Tyler and set out to ensure their relationship doesn't even get off the ground. Then Lottie meets confident and flamboyant Seb who takes her mind off Tyler; but working with him stirs the deep and hidden passion between them. Will they give in to their attractions? To help Lottie decide is her unwell former boss Freddie, friend Cressida and all of the other locals in the close-knit village. As if Lottie doesn't have enough to contend with in her own life, she tries to keep her ex-husband faithful to his current girlfriend whom the kids adore. When it turns out that Seb is not all that he appears to be, will Lottie and Tyler finally get together or will the stunning visitor from America steal his heart first? Mansell introduces some loveable characters with depth and reality. (LF)

Staying at Daisy's (2002)

Daisy MacLean has had her fair share of heartbreak. Her marriage seemed perfect to some outsiders but after her husband's death the cracks began to show. Especially after her husband's mistress, Mel, showed up in town. Years later she still hasn't put herself back out on the dating scene, instead she hides out in the hotel she manages - owned by her over-the-top father Hector. But she is forced to reassess her feelings when notorious womaniser Dev Tyzack checks in. Immediately she tells herself to stay away, yet she is drawn closer to him. This book is full of witty dialogue, mesmerising characters, and though it's obvious how things will end, it's enjoyable nonetheless. (SN)

Millie's Fling (2001)

Millie's boyfriend, Neil, is in the process of proposing to her when she notices a woman preparing to fling herself off a cliff. Deciding to save the woman, rather than her relationship, Millie soon talks the woman - bestselling romantic novelist Orla Hart - away from the edge. Orla later asks Millie to help with her next novel, with her real life, loves and friends providing the plot and characters. As Orla sets about finding a romantic leading man for her heroine, Millie finds a wallet which leads her to Hugh, a widower. Millie, with her roller-skating gorilla suit and fake accents, is one of those characters you want to just keep reading about. If only she was around in the days of blogs!

Miranda's Big Mistake (1999)

Hairdresser Miranda is the sort of girl who is only too happy to share her sandwich with a beggar or help her wheelchair-bound landlady. So maybe all that good karma is being repaid when she meets charming Greg at a charity function. But the truth is that Greg has just walked out on his wife Chloe when she revealed she was pregnant. With an engrossing storyline and some unexpected developments, this book is well worth a read. And Miranda, with her blue and green hair, is a wonderful, feisty heroine.

Mixed Doubles (1998)

Three friends make a new year's resolution. Liza, who never seems to stay interested in a guy, wants to get married. Dulcie, who's married to workaholic Patrick, wants to get divorced; and Pru, whose husband Phil has a roving eye, just wants to stay married. Are the women going to be able to stick to their resolutions - or does fate have a different plan?

Perfect Timing (1997)

Poppy Dunbar is out celebrating her hen's night when she meets Tom. Their instant connection makes her call off her wedding - even though she doesn't know if she'll ever see Tom again. Heading to London for a fresh start, Poppy moves in with artist Caspar and begins hunting for her real father and Tom.

Solo (1992)

Tessa Duval is a strong and independent struggling artist. She's self-sufficient and doesn't need a man to fulfill her life. Dragged along to a high society party, she meets bad boy, hotel owner Ross Monahan. Enjoying his charm for one night only means they will be forever intricately linked. Despite the consequences of that night, Tessa rejects him; a course of action the attractive and wealthy Ross is not used to. When she doesn't fall effortlessly for him, he becomes determined to win her over and prove he can be faithful to her and her alone. She is equally determined that she will not become involved with a man who doesn't understand the definition of monogamy. Just as Ross starts to pull at Tessa's heart, his string of past liaisons are destined to keep them apart. Ghastly best friend Holly is in love with Ross' self-indulgent, author brother, Max. A string of other key characters, past and present lovers, long-lost daughters and friends are woven in and out of the story through the doors of the hotel. Mansell keeps us guessing as to whether Tessa will give in to love and team up, or go it alone. (LF)

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