Just One Look At You by Jill Mansell #JustOneLookAtYou #JOLY @JillMansell @headlinepg #BookReview #RespectRomFic #Venice

 

Venice. The perfect setting for romance, and for secrets to be shared.

Fen can't believe her luck. A luxury holiday with her beloved grandmother Disa - what could be more delightful? It doesn't cross her mind that she might fall in love. Or that love can bring complications . . .

Jamie can't help it that women always fall for him, rather than for his kind-hearted friend Leon. Nor that only one of them got the looks (that would be Jamie). But how will he feel if the girl he's drawn to only has eyes for Leon?

Disa has a secret. A few weeks ago, an old letter in a file revealed a shocking truth about her late husband. She's come to Venice to find out more.

There's news on the way that will reverberate through all their lives, as Jill Mansell's joyful, heartbreaking new novel takes readers on a roller coaster ride of emotion - and makes us believe in love again.

Just One Look At You by Jill Mansell is published on 29 January 2026 by Headline. My thanks to the publisher who sent my copy for review. 

January would not be January without a new Jill Mansell book. I've looked back through my blog and I've reviewed twelve of her novels on Random Things. In total, she's written thirty-seven books since 1991, and I am more than certain that I've read them all. Whilst I may be more well know for my love of crime fiction; Jill Mansell is and has always been one of my all time favourite authors.

I used to review for the Daily Express and in one of those reviews I called her 'the Queen of feelgood romance' ... that quote is still used on her books and I am chuffed! 

So back to her latest; Just One Look At You. It is utterly captivating; the Venice setting is sublime and the characters are, as always, perfectly formed. I am especially fond of Disa; a glamorous, beautifully dressed older woman - I think I'd like to be Disa! 

Disa and her granddaughter Fen are taking a five star river cruise in Venice. It's Disa's treat and Fen is delighted to accept. However, Disa has her own reason for visiting Venice. She recently discovered something shocking about her late husband, and this has led her to Venice. She is apprehensive about what she may discover, but determined to find out more. 

Meanwhile; handsome rugby star Jamie and his lifelong best friend Leon are also on board. Jamie has a speaking gig and Leon is along for the ride. Everyone always falls in love with Jamie, but Leon adores him too and doesn't really mind.  Things are a little different in Venice when it is Leon who attracts the girl, and Jamie is too much of a good friend to try to but in. 

This is a wonderful escape, perfect for these dreary grey January days. It is not all hearts and flowers though, there are some very emotional scenes, some that brought a huge lump to my throat. 

This is a tender, graceful, perfectly created novel of love, family, secrets, grief and healing. It is perfect and is Jill Mansell at her very very best. Highly recommended.

Jill Mansell started writing fiction while working in the NHS, after she read a magazine article that
inspired her to join a local creative writing class. 

Since then she has written over twenty-five Sunday Times bestsellers. 

Her acclaimed novels include The Wedding of the Year, Promise Me, Should I Tell You?, And Now You’re Back, It Started with a Secret and You and Me, Always. 

Jill’s books have sold over 14.5 million copies worldwide.

Jill lives in Bristol and for many years worked in the field of clinical neurophysiology. You’d think inventing characters and stories would be easier, but she can assure you it isn’t.

Twitter @Jill Mansell

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