Rumor Has It by Jill Mansell

Rumor Has It

Author:  Jill Mansell

Publisher:  Sourcebooks Landmark

Genre:  Women's Fiction

Date Published:  May 1st 2010

From Goodreads:

Newly single Tilly Cole impulsively moves to a small town, only to find she's arrived in a hotbed of gossip, intrigue, and rampant rivalry for the most desirable man—Jack Lucas, whose reputation is beyond bad. Tilly has no intention of becoming another notch on his bedpost. But she finds the thoughtful, caring guy she comes to value as a friend doesn't seem to fit the town's playboy image. Should she listen to her friends or her heart? Is Tilly being mature and sensible—or running away from the love of her life?

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I have a up down relationship with Jill Mansell’s writing. Some of her books I’ve put in the DNF pile some I’ve devoured in a couple of days. With Rumor Has It Jill Mansell is on my awesome list again. I absolutely loved it, it’s become my favorite of hers.

I’m starting to realize that characters are a huge indicator of whether I will love the book or not. I completely fell for all the characters in Rumor Has It, even the deranged wannabe scorned soon to be ex wife, Stella. Tilly Cole has taken the job as a Girl Friday for interior decorator Max. She moves in with Max and his daughter Louisa, and quickly forms a friendship and bond with them that is wonderful to read. There interactions are witty and fun.  Max is such an endearing funny character. I instantly liked him, and how he ran his household.  Jack is the town male floozy, and most eligible bachelor in the small town of Roxborough. Jack has his sights on Tilly, but Tilly doesn’t want to be another notch on the belt.

The main story is about Tilly, but there are a couple of side stories in Rumor Has It. Tilly’s best friend just started seeing a recently separated man, and along for the ride is his soon to be ex wife, Stella. Max’s ex wife, and Lou’s mom, Kaye is a actress in a series in the states and is going through a rough time after some untrue bad publicity ends her job, and career. All these stories going on around Tilly’s makes Rumor Has It a fun page turning read.