Review--STAYING AT DAISY'S

Review for:
Staying at Daisy's, by Jill Mansell
ISBN: 9781402243844
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark

Jill Mansell is the international bestselling women's fiction author of such titles as: Taking a Chance on Me, Miranda's Big Mistake, Perfect Timing, Rumor Has It, An Offer You Can't Refuse, Millie's Fling, Falling for You, Open House, Mixed Doubles, and Thinking of You. When she's not plotting her next book, Jill enjoys gumdrops, TV, and watching the rugby players train in the field behind her house. She writes full time and resides in Bristol with her partner and children.

"Life is easy, it's men she'll never figure out." Daisy MacLean has had a rough year. Her husband died in a car accident, and Daisy discovered he was not only a liar, but cheated on her as well. Finally at a stage where she could move past the betrayal, she focuses on her job-- managing a popular hotel owned by her quirky and eccentric father. And the guests are just as crazy. But when cocky sports hero Dev Tyzack books a reservation, Daisy's inner alarm goes off to steer clear. Dev may be as sexy as they come, but he's also arrogant, sarcastic, and seems to get his jollies on poking fun at her. Except some people aren't always who they seem to be, and Dev is the one guest that Daisy can't bear to see leave.

Though a very recognizable name, this is my first book by this author, but it won't be the last. It's been awhile since I read a book by a British author, so it took me a bit to acclimate to the jargon, but oh-- how I missed that dry, sarcastic humor! The other notable and lovable attribute to British authors is the reader is not only in the main character's head, but every secondary character as well. It really makes for a full and enjoyable experience. The only fault I had for the book was after the first chapter, two and three seemed a tad slow-paced, but did not give me the desire to put it down.

This book had a lot going on. I don't want to issue a spoiler alert, so I'll just say that Daisy's husband's unexpected death left way more than her discovering he was a liar and cheat. The ramifications left ripples in the storyline that carried throughout the plot and into several secondary characters. It was interesting watching how decisions and actions can affect so many people. And speaking of secondary characters-- Daisy's father, Hector, and ex-boyfriend, Josh, were downright hilarious. If ever one wished for a character to be real, this was the instance. This book was not without it's heart-breaking moments, nor it's share of humor. Recommended!

Kelly Moran
Author and Reviewer
Bookpleasures