Member Review

I absolutely loved this book- it had everything, believable characters, a beautiful setting, romance and yes sadness and heartbreak too.
Fen and her grandmother, Disa, embark on on a Venice cruise, along with several other wonderful characters, including best friends Leon and Jamie, Kayla who has won the trip, accompanied by her friend Hattie and even the unexpected appearance of Hattie’s ex husband Guy and his new partner does not detract from their enjoyment.
When Disa reveals a secret to Fen, she is shocked but it is something that eventually enhances the holiday and brings their small family much happiness - it’s the real reason for Dias’s plan to go to Venice.
There is also a lot of romance with various characters falling in love under the beautiful Venetian skies- the main ones being Fen and Leon.
However the return home brings unbearable heartbreak for some of the main protagonists and of course those reading the novel- I definitely had to wipe a tear from my eye as the story progressed.
This was my first book by Jill Mansell but it certainly won’t be my last. I whizzed through it in a couple of days and would definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy real life romance with well rounded, beautifully drawn characters who almost feel like friends by the end of the book.
I really liked all of them, particularly Fen, Leon and Jamie. Guy and Hattie made me laugh which lightened some of the more difficult parts of the story. Kayla and her gondolier was also an inspired part of the plot.
This was a five star read for me and I’m sure it will be the same for you.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.