I couldn’t wait to start this as I love all of Jill Mansell’s books and I think this was her best yet.


I must have felt so many emotions as the story unfolded from pure joy to heartbreak at the cruel reality of life. It was such a beautiful story with wonderful characters who I grew to love as the book progressed.

I enjoyed how all the characters had stories of their own and how they all became part of each other’s lives in some way. (No spoilers)

Jamie was my favourite character with Guy a close second and I enjoyed all the true love that was in the book. Not just in a romantic way but also the strength of friendships and the love between two parents and their son.


A 5 start read which I would definitely recommend and I would love a sequel to see how everyone is doing in life.

Thanks to NetGalley, Jill Mansell and Headline for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Oh my goodness, this one hits you right in the feels! What a beautiful story - the characters are all wonderful, particularly Jamie, Fen and Leon, you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll love every second of it. Also, be prepared you may end up wanting to visit Venice! Go and get this book, pronto - you won’t regret it.

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.

"Just One Look at You" is a gorgeous tale of romance, heartbreak, friendship and love. Half of the story is set in the glorious city of Venice, a place famous for romance across the ages. Fen wasn't looking for love when she agreed to accompany grandmother Disa on a luxury break, but fate had other ideas. And Fen isn't the only one having a great time in Venice - romance is definitely in the air.

This wouldn't be a feel-good story without some tragedy along the way to add a touch of realism. In this case it a truly emotional event, portrayed touchingly by Jill Mansell. All in all this is another great novel from her.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.