Falling For You * Jill Mansell

Falling For You by Jill Mansell

Summary:

NHS specs, unfortunate hair and wonky teeth were the curse of Maddy Harvey's teenage years. Thankfully she's blossomed since then.

But when she meets Kerr McKinnon one starry summer's night...well, that's when the problems really start. Because everyone in Ashcombe knows what happened eleven years ago and her mother, Marcella, would rather tear that family to pieces with her bare hands than see Maddy with a McKinnon.

And, OK, maybe Marcella isn't the real mother, but Maddy owes her so much. How can she possibly go against Marcella's wishes?

It's Romeo and Juliet all over again. Quick, hide those sharp knives and that bottle of poison...

What would you do if you fell in love with someone, but you're mother despised them and the person you love is from the same family that caused you're little sisters death?

Well, that's what it's like for Maddy Harvey.
When Maddy goes to a party one night she found herself jumping over a wall into the next door neighbours garden for a wee, since the door was locked to the house. But after failing to get back over, a young gentleman helps her back over, even if it does cause Maddy to accidentally show him her bright orange knickers through her ripped trousers.

But since that fateful night, Maddy soon had a feeling towards this man, and she couldn't stop thinking about him. Even though it was pitch black when she saw him. Though when Maddy goes on a sandwich delivery from Peach Tree deli and into Bath to Callaghan and Fox. Maddy is soon in doubt when then man she met that fateful night, turns out to be Kerr McKinnon.

Marcella, Maddy's mum, wanting nothing to do with any of the McKinnon's since the death of her step daughter years ago. But when Maddy ends up having a secret relationship with Kerr, and Marcella finally finds out. All hell breaks lose.

With Maddy finding it hard to cope with love, her friend Nuala who lives in the Angel pub with snotty boyfriend Dexter, she won't hear such nonsense that Dexter treats her like rubbish and that she is the only one who can't see for herself.

Kate who was Maddy's rival at school soon turns back up in Ashcombe, following a horrible accident to her face, Kate encloses herself to the outside world and decides to stay in Dauncey House, with her mother Estelle and her father, Oliver.

But Oliver has a few secrets tucked up his own sleeve about a certain someone who lives in Ashcome.

Meanwhile Jake, Maddy's brother basically sleeps with everyone woman he can get his hands on, Juliet, Maddy's work partner plans to keep her son, Tiff's real father a secret. Estelle has problems with her husband, Oliver. And Sophie, Jake's daughter, just loves Spiderman, playing with Tiff and Marcella's dog, Bean.

Throughout the story we meet many characters; Maddy, Kerr, Marcella, Jake, Juliet, Sophie, Tiff, Kate, Estelle, Oliver, Den, Pauline and Nuala. And of course the two dogs Bean and Norris.

We see each of their individual stories, the way they live and each of their secrets.

So what will happen between Maddy and Kerr?

What happened to Marcella's daughter years ago and how does it relate to the McKinnon's?

And what secret is Oliver hiding towards his family?

Falling For You by Jill Mansell, is a lovely heartwarming book about a couple who just can't be together, and no matter how hard they try it just doesn't work. Following the love life of Maddy and Kerr was just wonderful to read.

I really enjoyed this book, as it is my second one that I have read by Jill Mansell and I must say that I will be getting some more this Christmas and hopefully in the future.

The way that she describes the characters is amazing, and I love the fact that there's about four different stories going on at the same time throughout the book, or even more. But somehow they always get tied together, which I find an amazing writing skill.

The way that there are many characters in one book, and so many images that get your mind flowing with creativity and imagination is wonderful.

The only thing that I think there could of been more of, would be Maddy and Kerr, I know that it was all secretive, but it could of been more like it. As in more secret meeting up and things like that. The ending was lovely, but maybe a kiss in there at the end would of been nice too!

But other than those two things, I thought it was amazing. Another thing I like about it, is the short chapters. Which make each one snappy and by the end of the week you're already finished! Love that!

Go out and buy Jill Mansell's books, because I assure you that you won't be disappointed with them at all! There lovely, well written and beautiful story lines and imagery is created!

Rated: 9.5 / 10 :D