Reviews

Open House made for the perfect Corona read. Although it was written in the early 1990s and might seem dated to some, (INXS, Nokia phones...) it continues to make for a truly good read in 202o. This in itself should indicate the power of Mansell's writing. Mansell writes in a manner that encompasses multiple characters' points of view & makes the transition from one to the other seamless. Her writing style is cheeky and her characters are lovable. Derry's escapades, Vanessa's cringe-inducing pushiness and young Marcus's glib attitude had me chortling well into the night. Mansell managed to make a protagonist named Petronella or rather, Nell - as she is referred to for a majority of the book, well liked. If that doesn't tell you something I don't know what will.

esli's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated

3.25

stephaniiesunshine's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted fast-paced

3.5

dobbyhasnomaster's review against another edition

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2.0

Eh. Geen spanning in het verhaal, te veel irrelevante personages, te veel onrealistische competitie tussen vrouwen (Jemima vs Nell), en het verhaal van Rachel vond ik ook iets te veel normaliseren dat vrouwen hun lichaam moeten haten als ze wat zwaarder zijn. In het kort, dit boek is niet echt goed oud geworden.

itchyfingers's review against another edition

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1.0

Nell O'Driscoll's known Marcus Kilburton for years - according to her diary, she even had a crush on him as a teenager. When he decides to open Kilburton Castle to the public, Nell takes a job as his assistant - and soon sparks are flying between them. But is Nell free to pursue Marcus, when a figure from her past refuses to let go? Meanwhile, Nell's best friend, Hetty Brewster, has other problems. Her husband has abandoned her for a bitchy but successful writer. Now the press is full of stories about the frumpy, boring wife losing out to a younger, slimmer model. But Hetty's about to get her chance for sweet revenge - if she can stop being a nice person long enough to take it!

"I did not like this book by Jill Mansell at all, one of the worst I've read from her by a mile. it was just such a slow and boring read that I actually had a hard time finishing the book."

f4rhana's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

An old favourite. This might have been the first Jill Mansell I ever read years ago. Was lovely to revisit. Needed something light after my last read which had me crying!

chrissireads's review against another edition

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I love reading books from Jill Mansell. I find her work so easy to read and satisfying. With this particular book I warmed to some characters and hated others! A good, easy, quick read for chick lit lovers.

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