Published by Headline

Publication date – 25 January 2018

Source – review copy

On the one hand, if Essie hadn’t written that letter – the one that only her best friend was meant to see – then she’d still be living like an actual proper grown-up, tucked up with Paul in his picture-perfect cottage, maybe even planning their wedding…

On the other hand (if her true feelings hadn’t accidentally taken the internet by storm, that is) she wouldn’t have moved into the attic flat on the square. She would never have met Conor. Or got to know Lucas…

And she wouldn’t have found herself falling in love with someone she really, really shouldn’t fall in love with…

Essie’s life changes dramatically when a joke round robin, meant only for the eyes of her friend, makes it to everyone on her email list. That email list included her boyfriend’s mother, who happened to be the subject of the round robin. Essie finds herself jobless and homeless but is luckily saved when Zillah steps in and offers her the flat above her home. Essie soon makes friends with Zillah and her other neighbour Conor. And when Essie gets a job in the pub across the road she thinks she’s set. Then she meets Lucas, though things aren’t as easy as all that….

I’ve always found Jill Mansell’s books a joy to read, This Could Change Everything is no different. Funny, moving, warm and wonderfully entertaining, it was a lovely way to while away a few hours.

The characters are all well drawn. Zillah is a wonderful character, kind, generous and mischevious, and is Essie’s saviour when she gives her a place to live, and a new friend in Conor, who also has a flat in the same building. Essie’s friend Scarlett brings humour to the story. Paul, Essie’s ex-boyfriend is juxtaposed excellently by Lucas, both of whom torment Essie in their own way.

The book is peppered with humour, Scarlett often provides light relief with the scrapes she gets herself into. There are also very moving, thought-provoking scenes as Zillah offers her own kind of make a wish treats. She, in particular, shows that kindess and thoughtfulness are often the most important things we can offer to others.

Jill Mansell books are a literary cuddle. You can’t help but feel warm and cosseted whilst lost in the pages. I picked This Could Change Everything up early one morning and turned the last page that same evening.

This Could Change Everything is a lovely book to while away a winter evening or to read during a hazy summer day. I’m already looking forward to the next book from Jill Mansell.

Recommended.

About the author

Jill Mansell is the author of over twenty Sunday Times bestsellers including MEET ME AT BEACHCOMBER BAY, YOU AND ME, ALWAYS, THE ONE YOUR REALLY WANT and THREE AMAZING THINGS ABOUT YOU. TAKE A CHANCE ON ME won the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s Romantic Comedy Prize, and in 2015 the RNA presented Jill with an outstanding achievement award.

Jill keeps in touch with her readers on Twitter – @JillMansell – and Facebook – /OfficialJillMansell.

She lives in Bristol with her family.