Who’ll mend a family in a fix?
A NEW book by the megapopular, internationally bestselling Kinsella is a major event. I love her humour, humanity and compulsively readable writing and am thrilled to report that this latest is just as satisfying as her previous titles.
Our protagonist here is Fixie, a perfect name for this out-ofcontrol people-pleaser who is so busy making sure everyone else is okay she barely considers her own needs.
Fixie is the youngest of three and the hardest worker at Farr’s, the family homeware shop which was the pride and joy of their late father.
While Fixie and her mother want to stick to the status quo in his honour, brother Jake is intent on turning the shop into a posh deli, and sister Nicole has designs on using it for yoga.
Then there’s Ryan, Jake’s school friend, with whom Fixie has been obsessed forever and will stop at nothing to help, however much it costs her personally. I adored it. author — indeed, this is her 30th novel in this genre. And all that practice does make perfect, because it’s clear from the start — as I have found with lots of her impeccably-plotted books — that you’re in good hands.
Here, our likeable heroine Mimi is distraught when she catches her boyfriend in bed with her best friend. Given that the boyfriend is also her boss and the best friend is also her flatmate, she’s suddenly out of a job and a home, as well as a relationship.
Mimi decamps to her dad’s place in the Cotswolds and meets loads of new friends, including Cal, who she would definitely like to know better. However, time never seems to be on their side. Mimi gets her hopes up again and again, only for them to be dashed equally as often.
Mansell has delivered another winner with this compelling, thoughtful, emotionally intelligent book about love, friendship and not giving up.
THIS warm, moreish tale is about a large, appealing family in transition.
The Mortimers are charismatic and successful and used to things going their way. It’s fair to say they feel secure in and of themselves — well, until now anyway. The surprise appearance of a previously unknown daughter and sister in the middle of a celebratory party means each member has to re-evaluate their own place in the family hierarchy, not to mention history.
A few shockwaves inevitably ensue and it quickly becomes obvious that the new arrival isn’t the only secret in their midst. Long-held beliefs and loyalties are changed and challenged, and difficult conversations must take place.
Secrets keep us sick, as the saying goes, and the Mortimers provide a great example of honest communication being the key to change in dark times. Perfect for curling up with on a wintry afternoon.