Full Description

Perfect Timing

When you meet the man of your dreams on girls night out, it's hardly…Perfect Timing

In this fresh and funny contemporary romance by bestselling author Jill Mansell, Poppy Dunbar's whole life gets turned upside down after a chance encounter with a handsome stranger...

Never a troublemaker, Poppy had always been content with the way things were supposed to be done—which included marrying predictable Rob McBride. But that was before she met Tom Kennedy the night before her wedding. Could she really be falling in love with a stranger?

Unable to forget Tom, or go through with the wedding, Poppy runs off to London. Her new life and colorful friends are anything but predictable. Misunderstandings, family secrets, and jealous quarrels ensue, but can Poppy stop running long enough to figure out what—or, rather, who—is in her heart?

PRAISE FOR JILL MANSELL:

"Pick this up at your peril: you won't get a thing done till it's finished."
Heat magazine

"Classy chick-lit that appeals to women of all ages. She [Jill Mansell] has a fantastic ability to keep a number of storylines running at the same time without losing the reader in a labyrinth."
Daily Express

"Slick, sexy, funny stories."
Daily Telegraph

"A romantic romp full of larger-than-life characters."
Express

"Fast, furious and fabulous fun. To read it is to devour it."
Company

" Expect to run the gamut of emotions, as this book is both laugh-outloud funny and tear-jerkingly sad. Basically, you won't put it down."
New Woman

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Excerpt

Excerpt

Reviews

Reviews

Publishers Weekly
Mansell’s Brit chick lit invasion continues with this enjoyable romp that begins with Poppy Dunbar meeting a charismatic stranger at her bachelorette party. Next thing you know, she’s abandoning her intended at the altar and heading to London, but not before she learns that her dad isn’t her biological father. In London, she shares a flat with spoiled but desperately insecure Claudia and roguish artist Caspar French, and sets out to find her mystery man and her real father. Soon, though, Poppy learns that getting what you want isn’t the same as getting what you need. While undoubtedly by-the-numbers, the story is elevated by strong characters; Poppy and Caspar in particular, and even Claudia, who could so easily be a cliché, earn the reader’s sympathy. The end result is thoroughly enjoyable. (Nov.)

Read with Tea Tea Kettle
"Perfect Timing" by Jill Mansell is a fantastic, fun, fabulous book. It’s impossible to throw the book down without dying to pick it up again. It’s a novel about friendship, romance, family and getting through the rough spots that come our way as we make our way down the road called life. Poppy Dunbar is one of my favorite characters. While in London she runs into all sorts of circumstances. These situations seem serentipitous and miraculous. It’s like her fairy godmother is waving a magical wand over Poppy giving her what she "thinks" she wants in her life or needs to know about her life.

These incidents lead Poppy to meet all sorts of characters. There is Alex and Rita. You have to love these two people. They are in love with one another. Age doesn’t hinder this couple. Rita and Alex party until the last light goes out. I can remember clearly Rita’s hot pink purse trimmed with golden elephants. Can you imagine? The way they wear their wealth, decorate their home and how they dine definitely makes the words "nouveau riche" come to mind. What happens between Poppy and Rita and Alex was enough for me to wet twenty hankies. It seems never to be a good day when you find an old unexplained photograph with a woman than yourself in the photo.

By the way if you love British conversation like "so tie that in your knickers," you can add this as another reason to read the book. I have only been over the pond through reading books and movies. The British terms were easy to define and enjoy at the same time. It was like playing a British word game. Plus, it really added atmosphere to "Perfect Timing."

I liked this book for so many reasons. The spontaneity is one reason. When the girls go to a Life Drawing class that one night of boldness will follow Poppy and Claudia a long way. As people say what we do in the dark will always come to light. This fits the window peeking incident when one of the girls ends up in the lights of a police car. There are all sorts of shenanigans going on between a small group of lovers and friends. All that I could ever wish for is in "Perfect Timing" including handsome guys, guys who know how to whisper the right words in your ear and terribly possessive guys. Poppy meets the possessive type and feels like she is drowning in his love. I would have felt the same way after wearing a long gown with a turtle neck. He doesn’t want anyone to appreciate her body except for himself.

I find in incredibly hard to believe Jill Mansell can work a reading wonder like this again. So, I’m going out to buy another one of her books. I know she won’t disappoint me. Jill Mansell is swell.

Thoughts from an Evil Overlord Elizabeth Bogardus
Perfect Timingby Jill Mansell is the first book I am reviewing for Sourcebooks, and I really enjoyed the breezy story of a young woman re-inventing her life. On the eve of her wedding, Poppy meets a man who could have been THE ONE. Thinking about this, she reevaluates her feelings for Rob and realizes that she cannot marry him. In the ensuing bru-ha-ha, it is revealed to Poppy that the man who has raised her is not her biological father. This suddenly puts a new perspective on their relationship, as Mervyn has always been distant with Poppy.

Armed with this information, Poppy is off to London to start a new life with broader perspectives and possibly find her father. Here she finds work as a waitress and in a vintage shop. The right circumstances give her a home renting a room from Caspar, an up and coming artist, who likes to have roommates in his large home. Along with their third roommate, Claudia, Poppy eventually forms a new family for herself.

Although Perfect Timingis Poppy’s story, Claudia and Caspar have their own sub plots, and since the book is written in the third person the reader is given insight to their opinions and feelings about different situations, which is something I liked. Even the secondary characters are given a little more life outside the realm of Poppy’s story, which I don’t often find in books of this genre. Jill Mansell is a huge author in the United Kingdom, and I’m surprised I haven’t run across her before this opportunity. She is now definitely on my TBR list, especially when I need a laugh, or a good book to take on vacation.

Bloody Bad Books Katrina Hall
Being a new Chic Lit convert, I really loved this book. The characters were so real and identifiable. Poppy’s ability to make decisions and rally when things got tough was inspiring. The book made me want to go out and experience what life can be like if I made different choices in my life. Then I got to know Dina, Poppy’s friend who has it all, a home, a wonderful husband and the cutest baby. She, too, wishes she could experience what life would be like if she had made different decisions. As they say, the grass is always greener. Oh, and I was hooked on poor Claudia and she struggles. Will she ever find some one who loves her for her? The love story, piece of this book was not over the top and puke worthy like your typical romance novel. It was there, it was a real piece of the story but it wasn’t The Story. I really appreciated that. This is one of those books that can pick you up and inspire you to take some action.

The Long and Short of It Camellia
Jill Mansell’s British humor wrapped up in an irresistible story of true love and the trials and tribulations endured to get to that true love is delightful.

Poppy Dunbar’s courage, humor, honesty, and ability to face some cruel facts of life and still forge ahead with her life, makes Perfect Timing a captivating novel. As Poppy interacts with a diverse array of people in her life, the reader gets to go along for the remarkable adventures and misadventures with poetic justice being meted out from time to time.

While outrageous at times and giggling funny at other times, Perfect Timing has an undercurrent of Poppy’s quest for the true person she really is—a quest that is enthralling.

The story absolutely bubbles with life as the characters, who come from all levels of the socio-economic structure, work and play together, love and hate each other, and generally meddle in each other’s lives. The dysfunctional but highly successful artist Casper; the well-to-do but insecure Claudia; the unconcerned-about-statues antique dealer Jake, and the outrageous Rita and Alex are just a few of the characters that make Poppy’s life vibrate with love and laughter.

Jill Mansell’s sparkling writing style propels Perfect Timing along at breakneck speed from wild partying to serious commitment that is totally satisfying.

Perfect Timing is superb entertainment. Loved it!

Book Tumbling Christine Zegelis
Perfect Timing by Jill Mansell is chick lit done right! Poppy Dunbar meets the man of her dreams the day before her wedding. The chance encounter is the catalyst needed to call off her wedding and embark on an adventure in London with hopes of finding Mr. Right again. Of course, she meets an array of delightful and quirky characters along the way. Her room mates Caspar (the terribly popular and successful artist) and Claudia (well-to-do but never happy with anything or anyone), her boss Jake (handsome yet could give a hoot about appearances or status) and the outrageous couple Rita and Alex (who just may be her father?).

It was such fun to tag along for the ride as these seemingly mismatched group of individuals live a roller coaster existence. Poppy was a joy to get to know. Sometimes a little over the top (she could have been nick named positive Polly) yet it works. Each character is so entertaining and written with such sparkle and wit. The interaction and meddling with each had just enough realism without losing any of the fun. Even those folks that were only mentioned in page left a mark due to short but witty descriptions. These quick meetings with others added that sensation of reading someone’s diary where every detail of a night out, no matter how small, is noted because it is important to create a complete picture of the situation.

Does Claudia run into Mr. Right? Will Claudia ever be happy? Will Caspar ever settle down? Is Max the father Poppy never knew? And poor dowdy Jake, will he ever come out of his shell? I could not wait to see what Ms. Mansell had in mind for everyone!

Drey’s Library Audrey Salick
Oh, Poppy. Such a well-meaning girl. Such a silly girl. Walking away from tying the knot because you think you’re marrying the wrong man, even though you know nothing at all about the guy you’d just met. In any case, she walks. And finds herself in London, alone, with the newfound knowledge that her father, really isn’t. Now, her mission is two-fold: find the stranger that she only knows as Tom, and find her father.

Poppy is a funny, warm, sympathetic character. She is lucky, too—-finding herself a room while working at an event, getting a job with a boss who puts up with her flightiness… Her roommates are quirky and amusing-—Caspar more than Claudia, who can be just a witch. As time goes by, and Poppy achieves some of her goals, she learns that you don’t always want what you thought you did, once you get it. And that some things are best left unsaid.

Perfect Timing is quirky chick-lit that you will breeze through in a flash.

Booking Mama Julie Peterson
Sometimes I think that, at 40, I might be a getting too old for chick lit books. But then, I realize that I still enjoy reading a "good one" every once in awhile. Sometimes it’s just nice to sit back and read a book that deals with love, romance, and relationships. And it’s an added bonus when the book can make me laugh. Jill Mansell’s latest U.S. release PERFECT TIMING fits the bill on all of these accounts.

I thoroughly enjoyed PERFECT TIMING, and I definitely recommend this novel to fans of British chick lit; however, I have to admit that I don’t think it’s my favorite Mansell book. MIRANDA’S BIG MISTAKE (my review) still holds that honor! I thought the premise of PERFECT TIMING sounded cute though. Poppy meets the man of her dreams the night before her wedding at her bachelorette party. She ends up calling off her wedding and ruffling a few feathers along the way. Poppy then decides that she needs a new start and leaves her hometown for London. PERFECT TIMING is really about her new life in London — her jobs, her friends, and her love-life.

While I did like all of the characters and their side stories, it took me a little while to really "get into" the story and appreciate all of the characters. I don’t think I was able to relate to Poppy as quickly as I did with some of Mansell’s other characters. Poppy’s roommate Claudie, and her best friend Rita were also hard to really appreciate at first — although I know that was the author’s intent for these characters. They both were extremely self-centered; however, I did find many of their actions to be very entertaining and quite funny! The character that I immediately found myself liking, though, was Poppy’s landlord, the gorgeous artist Caspar. His relaxed attitude and artist mentality made him very attractive!

It wasn’t until about halfway through this book that the story really took off for me. At that point, I started to recognize all of the things that I love about Jill Mansell’s stories and characters. As far as I’m concerned, she is one of the very best writers in the chick lit genre. What always amazes me about Ms. Mansell’s novels is the sheer size of them (they always seem to be over 400 pages.) But what impresses me even more is how fast I devour her books. The books are fast-paced and extremely readable.

I love that Ms. Mansell’s books are so entertaining because they deal with love, relationships, and friendships — the normal chick lit fare. What is more fun that just love wishing that the characters would realize their true feelings? However, I also truly appreciate how she tackles some serious issues. I don’t want to give away too much of the story, but I think Ms. Mansell does a wonderful job of mixing the lighter moments with the serious ones. I think showing both sides of the characters definitely makes them more real to me and actually brings her chick-lit books to a whole new level.

Savvy Verse & Wit Serena Cox-Agusto
I’m now a Jill Mansell junkie! Perfect Timing is an ironic title for this British chicklit novel because nothing is perfectly timed in this novel, from Poppy’s last minute decision to jilt her fiance hours before their wedding to finding her biological father after years of not knowing she wasn’t living with him.

"’The thing is,’ Poppy prevaricated, ’my room’s only tiny.’

’And who am I, two-ton Tess? All I’m asking for is a bit of floor space.’ Dina was wheedling now. ’I’ll sleep under the bed if it makes you happier. In the bath, even.’" (Page 106 of ARC)

Poppy Dunbar is a twenty-something mess of a girl, who thinks she has her life figured out until she meets Tom at a bar during her bachelorette party. After giving Rob the brush off, she packs up and moves from Bristol to London to start her life over and to find her biological father. She works two jobs, lands a room in a house with a famous painter Caspar French and a haughty socialite Claudia Slade-Welch, but seems content.

"’Try patches. They worked for my agent and he was a twenty-a-dayman.’

Only a lifelong non-smoker, Rita thought affectionately, could think twenty-a-day was a lot.

’I was a fifty-a-day woman.’ She looked depressed. ’Anyway, why d’you suppose I’m wearing long sleeves? I’ve already got a week’s supply slapped all over me. Underneath this dress I look like Mr. Blobby.’" (Page 391 of ARC)

Mansell’s writing style draws readers quickly into the drama as they watch Poppy grow, mature, and find her center. The dialogue between Poppy, Caspar, Claudia, and Poppy’s boss, Jake, will have readers laughing out loud on their transit commutes, in their bedrooms, on their sofas, or wherever they happen to read.

Poppy is a disaster, but so are Caspar, Claudia, and Jake. It’s a wonder they ever get it together in this book. Some of the funniest scenes are when Jake leaves Poppy along to bid at auctions and estate sales. Readers will enjoy how easily Poppy takes leaps into the unknown and how blind she is to the love and family she has in front of her. Mansell has another winner with Perfect Timing.

Debbie’s World of Books Debbie Suzuki
This was your typical fun chick lit book. Poppy is so oblivious and kind hearted that you can’t help but like her even as you shake your head over her bumbling. The rest of the crew was just as interesting with Dina, the girl you have to hate for the way she treats her husband and neglects her baby and Claudia who you want to hate and yet still feel sympathy for. The story definitely keeps you guessing as to who Poppy will ultimately end up with. Will it be Tom, the man who caused Poppy to call off her wedding, Jake her kind hearted boss who takes Poppy under his wing or Caspar, her handsome, playboy of a landlord. I think this is one of the few chick lit book that I was not sure what would happen early on so it definitely kept me turning the pages. I know who I had my heart set on and I was hoping that would be the ultimate ending. If you enjoy the Sophie Kinsella type books I think you will enjoy this one.

Virginie Barbeau Virginie Barbeau
“A cherub with cheekbones.” This is how Poppy Dunbar describes Tom – the man she meets the night before her wedding. She ends up cancelling that wedding much to the chagrin of many people close to her. On her own, Poppy ends up meeting a multitude of new people – Casper, Claudia, new boss, Jake, and more - when she moves from Bristol to London to live and work. Of course, she has ulterior motives for choosing London. One reason is to find Tom. The other is to find her real father.

Of course, things never end up happening as planned. Sometimes they end up better.

The characters in the book, all written brilliantly by Jill Mansell, are multi dimensional and all have their own stories to tell – those stories are interesting, heartwarming and unpredictable. Jill’s writing style and ability to tell a funny, romantic story, which is also tearful and dramatic at times, kept me reading well into the night. It really is Brit Chick Lit at its best. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I know it won’t be the last.

Jenny Loves to Read Jennifer Ritter
My Thoughts:

This book is much more than Poppy and her story. The characters are all super likable and their individual faults only endear them to the reader. The main characters are:

Caspar, the hot, flighty, but caring artist

Claudia, the jaded and cynical woman who is just trying to find herself a good man, preferably rich.

Jake the nerdy and shy guy who is scared of opening himself up to another person

And last but not least, Poppy, the vibrant, honest, sweet kid (she’s 22) who falls into great situations and has some crazy things happen to her. Poppy hasn’t been kicked around by life yet, and even if she were, I think she would still see something good in it. That is what makes her so endearing. The promise that her life holds and her joie de vive. Poppy does mature a wee bit throughout the story, and I’m very glad she saw the light before it was too late.

Each one of these characters eventually recognize their shortcomings and correct them to find happiness. But their journey getting there was hilarious and fun. I felt like I was watching a show on BBC America. Mansell is British so she writes with British colloquialism. I enjoy that because it puts you right in the story. (I think subconsciously I wished I lived in London.)

The chapters read quickly and I was sorry to see this story end. I believe Mansell is classified as chick-lit, but to me it was more romantic comedy. I don’t read American chick-lit stories because I have trouble identifying or connecting with the characters, but with Mansell’s book this was not the case. I really liked everybody in the book, even Claudia’s mom.

Overall this was a great read and I would definitely read another of Mansell’s books.

Cheryl’s Book Nook Cheryl Koch
Poppy Dunbar is about to get married. She and her friends got out for a ladies night. Poppy tumbles down some stairs and lands practically at the feet of a handsome stranger. His name is Tom. Tom and Poppy feel an instant connection. Tom invites Poppy to meet him at a café. Poppy doesn’t hook up with Tom. Meeting Tom did teach Poppy one thing…that the guy she is about to marry is not for her. She calls off the wedding and moves to London.

Poppy has a shocking discovery, involving her family. Poppy moves in with a woman, who she met while catering a party at. Claudia and Poppy don’t hit things off at first. Their other flat mate, Caspar is a brooding type. Poppy lands a job at an antique shop. Her boss Jake tolerates her. Poppy is moving on with her new life. There is just one problem…she still thinks about Tom and what may have been. What happens when Tom and Poppy are given a second chance…it is called Perfect Timing.

Author, Jill Mansell does it again with her latest release, Perfect Timing. She scores a smash hit! Poppy, Claudia, Caspar, and Jake are a hoot. If I lived in London and these characters were real, I would hang out with them. Poppy has this innocent about her that makes her very endearing. I didn’t like Claudia at first impressions. As the story progressed and I got to know Claudia better, she won me over. I am so glad Poppy found her Prince Charming. She deserved a happy ending. Ms. Mansell has just become my favorite British, romantic, comedic author.

Rundpinne Jennifer Higgins
Reading Perfect Timing is a brilliant way to spend an afternoon. Mansell writes with such an effusive manner that one cannot help but be enthralled and at times appalled at the cast of characters and their adventures and misadventures. From painfully shy and awkward Jake to the wildly outlandish and equally stylish Angie Slade-Welch, there is a character for every reader to love, admire and despise. Poppy, Casper, and Claudia make for the most intriguing of flatmates each seemingly different and yet underneath all of the primness, entitlement, flash, and eccentricities are they each not ultimately looking for the same thing, to be accepted and loved. Perfect Timing is an extraordinarily witty and at times wickedly sarcastic look at family, love, loss, betrayal, heartbreak, and true friendship. The characters come alive and the settings are so descriptively written one can easily imagine walking into a party on Cornwallis Crescent.
Perfect Timing is indeed a page-turner, and in this reviewer’s opinion, not the run of the mill chick-lit. I so thoroughly enjoyed this book, I surprised myself and I look forward to reading Mansell’s other novels. I would recommend this novel to anyone looking for lovely read.

Park Avenue Princess Amy Santos
I was so excited to have the opportunity to read this book. Perfect Timing is quintessential chick lit, which I love. Poppy thinks her life is just where it aught to be until she meets the man of her dreams the night before her wedding! Can you imagine? You are in love, about to marry that man and some dude changes everything. You realize this cannot be what life is all about. Although some might try to categorize this book as fluff, it is anything but. It is fun, spunky and humorous but it also makes you think. Could you drop everything in your life to go in search of a more satisfying and fulfilled life? I know you might want to answer yes right away but think about it. Leave the significant other, leave the family, leave the security of your home and find yourself? I am not sure I would have the bravery. If you enjoy books about self discovery and fulfillment, set in modern day London, this is the Perfect Timing to read this book.

Nikola’s Book Blog Nikola Septic
Reading Perfect Timing, I kept thinking how come this book wasn’t available on the American market sooner. It is a by numbers chick lit book that still sports enough surprises and good-natured humor to be distinguished from the overcrowded market. The best part of the book are the characters - Poppy being the girl next door everyone knows, Caspar being the hunky artistic type, and Tom... Well, I’m not giving that one away!

Although sometimes the book feels crowded with characters, I must mention Ms. Mansell’s ability to create believable characters and put them in believable situations. Although the book lacks the social commentary of, for example, Candace Bushnell’s books, or may not feel fresh at all times, it is still a great book to curl up with when it’s raining cats and dogs outside and you want to be transported to a world with happy ends.


RATING: 4/5

All About the {n} Nely Sanchez
Poppy Dunbar and her friends are out on the town - having a good ‘ol time celebrating Poppy’s last night as a single lady. But when Poppy stumbles - practically into Tom’s arms - he definitely throws a kink in her plans. Before the night is out, Poppy comes to terms that marrying Robbie might not be the best thing for her. She breaks the news to her father and to Robbie and his family and quickly packs up her bags and heads off on a new adventure.... a new life in London.

Poppy’s life in London - is the perfect romantic comedy. The acquaintances she makes, her new living arrangement, flatmates, possible love interests, and all these comic mishaps, that will have you laughing out loud.

This is my first Jill Mansell book - and I can’t believe what I’ve been missing out on. I need to get my hands on another one stat. This was fabulous. It is British Chick Lit and it is just plain wonderful. I loved Poppy and all the shenanigans that ensue shortly after you start reading about her. All the characters you meet along the way are just so unique and quite special really. This was a ton of fun to read, with plenty of nail-biting moments as to who Poppy’s love interest would finally be. I read this rather quickly as I was intrigued from the start. This is chick lit at it’s best - especially with all the hilarious situations Poppy finds herself in. I highly recommend.

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Specs / Support

Trade Paper Specfications

• Length: 8.00 in
• Width: 5.25 in
• Height: 0.00 in
• Weight: 17.00 oz
• Page Count: 448 pages