Well this has been my second encounter of the best kind with Jill Mansell. I had to tweak my brain to understand the British terminology and get the humor, but once I did, I absolutely fell in love with each and every character in MIXED DOUBLES. I didn’t want this book to come to an end or leave any of my new literary friends. And I am confident neither will you.

MIXED DOUBLES centers on three friends who couldn’t be any different and yet their connection is strong and enduring. Pru, Liz, and Dulcie are three women you won’t forget soon. Each has had a somewhat rocky road when it came to love or romance. Dulcie is married to Patrick and disappointed in their relationship. Liza’s love life is measured in weeks. That’s how long her interest seems to last. Pru is also married and loves her husband Phil. Unfortunately, Phil likes to share his affection, often and unapologetically it seems. Each of these marvelous characters is deeply flawed and that’s what makes them so real and humorous.

We don’t pick our friends because they do everything like we do or like the same things we do. This trio just loves each other in spite of their many issues. And because of that, we do as well.

Then there is the vast cast of supporting characters. Too numerous to mention, but once you connect all the dots you will be rewarded with a delightful comedy of life and relatives. In my humble opinion, no one does comedy better than Jill Mansell.

As I mentioned at the start MIXED DOUBLES is my return to the magical and interesting writing of Jill Mansell. What is really incredible is that all of it translates to a wondrous story about people. I cannot recommend MIXED DOUBLES enough and, for that matter, its author Jill Mansell.