Thinking of You: A hilarious and heart-warming romance novel

by Jill Mansell

Ginny Holland's daughter Jem has headed off to university, leaving single mum Ginny with a severe case of empty nest syndrome. To make matters worse, the first gorgeous man she's clapped eyes on in years has just accused Ginny of shoplifting. So Ginny decides to advertise for a lodger but what she gets is lovelorn Laurel, who can only talk about her ex-boyfriend. However Laurel has a dangerously charming brother, Perry, and add to that the offer of a great new job, and things are looking up!until Ginny realises that her potential boss is all too familiar. Is it too late for Ginny to set right the first impression she made when Finn Penhaligon got quite the wrong end of the stick? And is either Finn or Perry quite what they seem?

• ISBN10: 0755328116
• ISBN13: 9780755328116
• Publish Date: 25 January 2007
• Publish Status: Out of Print
• Out of Print: 11 November 2008
• Publish Country: GB
• Publisher: Headline Publishing Group
• Imprint: Headline Review
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 416
• Language: English

Reviews

[Cocktails and Books]

You can't help but love & identify with the main character, Ginny, in this book. She's a loving mother, a loyal friend, and has been burned by her ex. With her daughter Jem off to university, she needs more of a distraction than her slightly slutty friend & neighbor to keep her busy. She ends up with a job working for one of the last people on earth she thought would hire her--thank God he's good-looking!

She also decides to rent a room out in her house. This leads to a chance meeting with what could be the love of her life, Perry. Too bad her housemate turns out to be his lovelorn, depressed sister. She too has a redeeming quality at least--she bakes delicious cakes!

There's a lot happening in this book to entertain. Gavin (Ginny's obnoxious ex) is hilarious--I was totally picturing Bill Nighy the whole time & cracking up! He is blunt and to the point, but with good intentions.

Along with Gavin & other funny moments, this story also contains heartbreak & betrayal. It turns out that all of the characters in this book are affected by love and where the stories go will constantly surprise you. I don't want to give too much away, but I did love this quote from page 203 which refers to being betrayed by a friend with regards to love, ""with men, sooner or later you kind of deep down expected it."" You will not be expecting some of twists & turns Mansell throws in, but you will not be disappointed with how it all ends up!

Great book, I highly recommend it! And if it ever becomes a movie, don't forget Bill Nighy! Now who would play Finn....

Reviewed by Joelle for Cocktails and Books