An Offer You Can’t Refuse by Jill Mansell

 

 

Seventeen-year-old Lola has no intention of accepting when her boyfriend’s snobbish mother offers her a huge bribe to break up with him. Then Lola discovers a secret that makes her think again, and the only way she can help one of the people she loves most in the world is to take the money and break Dougie’s heart.

Ten years later, when Lola meets Dougie again, her feelings for him are as strong as ever. She’ll do almost anything to get him back, but she can never tell him the truth. Can she overcome his bitterness and win his heart? She’s attractive, persuasive, and endlessly optimistic, but even Lola’s got her work cut out for her this time.

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I have been a big fan of chick lit for quite some time, so when I was offered the chance to review “An Offer You Can’t Refuse” by Jill Mansell I jumped at the chance.  And I am delighted to say that I was not disappointed!

This is the story of Lola Malone.  Lola is planning on spending the rest of her life with her boyfriend Dougie, and is shocked when Dougie’s mother comes to visit her at the fish and chips shop that she works at.  Adele Tennant is not the type of customer they normally see – wealthy, stylish, and perfectly coiffed, she is intimidating to say the least.  But she offers Lola a ride home in hopes of having a talk with her, a talk that will change things drastically. 

Adele does want her son to be happy, but not at the detriment of their family and reputation.  And Lola just doesn’t fit the ideal girl that she has in mind.  She tries to convince Lola that they should take some time apart, seeing as how Dougie is going off to college quite a few miles away.  But, when Lola doesn’t cave she decides to offer her a large sum of money to end their relationship.  Lola is inially appaled that Adele would think she could be bought off so easily, but circumstances change and she has no choice but to accept the offer of money that Adele has made.   

10 years pass and when Lola and Dougie cross paths again she finds that her feelings are as strong now as they were all those years ago.  She is hoping that they may be able to rekindle their romance, but when Dougie finds out about the payoff  he is angry and wants nothing to do with Lola.  She has a daunting task ahead of her if she is going to earn Dougie’s trust…and love…all over again.

To compare this to “Bridget Jones Diary” is, to coin an English expression, spot on.  I adored it, and even though it was a light read with not a very substantial plot I found it held my attention and was a great way to pass the weekend.  I am definitely looking forward to reading more by this author! 

Jill Mansell is a UK bestselling author, with over 4 million copies sold. She has written nearly 20 romances with multi-generational appeal. She worked for many years at the Burden Neurological Hospital, Bristol, and now writes full time. She lives with her partner and their children in Bristol, England.