Taken From Headline’s Website
From the No. 1 bestselling author comes a delightful, heart-breaking romantic novel about a young woman whose time is running out.
Jill Mansell’s enchanting new novel will drive readers to seize life with both hands and make the most of every minute…
Hallie has a secret. She’s in love. He’s perfect for her in every way, but he’s seriously out of bounds. And her friends aren’t going to help her because what they doknow is that Hallie doesn’t have long to live. Time is running out…
Flo has a dilemma. She really likes Zander. But his scary sister won’t be even faintly amused if she thinks Zander and Flo are becoming friends – let alone anything more.
Tasha has a problem. Her new boyfriend is the adventurous type. And she’s afraid one of his adventures will go badly wrong.
THREE AMAZING THINGS ABOUT YOU begins as Hallie goes on a journey. A donor has been found and she’s about to be given new lungs. But whose?
Review
Firstly, thank you to Headline and NetGalley for allowing me to review this book. I have read a number of Jill Mansell’s books and was very excited to give this one a go.
This is a thoroughly delightful book following the stories of three separate couples whose lives eventually become entwined through the best and worst of circumstances (I can’t say much more without giving too much of the story away!).
Hallie, suffers from Cystic Fibrosis, as we discover in the very first page of the book. The story begins as a donor is found and Hallie is about to get a new paid of lungs, something which will change her life. It is unusual for a main character in a book of this genre to have a life-limiting condition, however the author looks beyond the debilitating nature of her condition and creates a character who does not feel sorry for herself but rather makes the most of the limited life she can lead. It is impossible not to immediately warm to Hallie and her courageous and positive outlook on life. Hallie was a great character to read about and a definite favourite for me.
Our first meeting with Tasha is a perfect comedy moment. Tasha and her boyfriend provide, for me, the stereotypical love story. They are, however, like chalk and cheese and Tasha cannot shake her fears that his adventurous nature will lead to a disaster. Throughout the story, I did not feel as though I learned quite as much about Tasha and her partner, as in comparison to Hallie, however they are still fun and likeable characters.
Finally, there is warm, generous kind-hearted Flo and her prince charming, Zander. They come from different paths in life and their first meeting is not under the best of circumstances. As they grow closer, his difficult sister does all she can to come between them. It is their story which brought tears to my eyes.
The supporting characters are fabulous and one of the main highlights of the book for me – the childish, obnoxious and demanding Lena, the scruffy, warm and friendly Patrick, haughty furry Jeremy and the squabbling mock-hatred of Joe and Carmel. These characters really helped to support the story throughout. The characters all felt real to me, well-rounded and likeable.
In such stories, you cannot expect the path of true love to run smoothly and, after several months of bliss, the couples are faced with a difficult periods in their relationships which is the point where the three stories start to cross.
The plot/storyline starts on a very calm, measured note. It does not drag, but takes time to introduce us to all parties involved and explain them to the reader. It does, however, feel somewhat like the ‘calm before the storm’. You know that the story is building up to an event that will shake their lives in one way or another. This adds an element of suspense that will make you keep on reading. The story then develops in a number of twists, turns and surprises which I do not intend to spoil for you in this review!
To me, this is a story of love and hope, of looking past tragedy and dragging yourself out the other side in the knowledge that there will be something more for you around the corner. It is a truly heart warming story highlighting the importance of family, friends and living life to the full, never knowing what your future holds.
I have been waiting impatiently to publish this review as I loved the book so much! It was written with such humour and sensitivity that it made me both laugh and cry whilst leaving me feeling lucky to have my own lot in life. It made me remember that things really aren’t that bad most of the time.
This is an original, clever, warm and romantic read with a perfect balance between witty humour and emotion. Whilst it deals with a difficult and emotive topic, it is still an easy and entertaining read with a lovely ending. I have no doubt that this book will become Ms Mansell’s next bestseller.
A final warning to readers – you will not be able to put this book down!
Rating: 4/5
This book is due to be released on 15th January 2015, so not long to wait!
The Curious Ginger Cat 
Great review, I loved this one too, such a talented author xx
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Thanks and I totally agree, she's one of my all-time favourite authors! xx
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