Published By: Headline Review
Pages: 368
Released On: 29/01/2026
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.
*****
Thanks to NetGalley and Headline Review for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
It wouldn’t be a New Year without a brand new Jill Mansell book to curl up with.
We have a map!
There is absolutely nothing wrong with a happily-ever-after type rom-com, in fact they’re one of my favourite genres to read so this is in no way a negative reflection on them. But Jill’s romances always have more flesh to them, they’re not just about romance, they’re about humanity and community and belonging. There’s a story to enjoy but also to challenge.
I was worried that I wouldn’t keep up with all the characters because we’re introduced to quite a number of them in a short amount of time and I am rubbish at names, but seriously after reading each character’s first chapter, it was really easy to keep up. They all had their own personalities and were interesting to read individually and together.
It’s not a hugely long book but it is longer than some of the books I’ve been reading recently, but I read this quicker than some of the short books. It’s so easy to read I just zoomed through it. I started it one evening and it even kept me from my bed – and it’s a brave person who keeps me from my bed. I then picked it up once I woke up and finished it in a couple of hours.
There’s romance, adventure, love, humour, jealousy, secrets, second chances, friendship – old and new, sadness, happiness, grief, hope – it’s just got everything and more.
I won’t spoil it, obviously, but about half way through it takes a turn I wasn’t expecting and boy did it wind me. So tenderly and sensitively done. It turned the story down a different road than I thought it was going down and gave us a different aspect of the characters.
I know I say this with every one of her books but this is definitely her best one yet.
Books By Your Bedside 