Don't Want to Miss a Thing

September 9, 2013
A little bundle of joy changes everything in this quirky chick-lit tale of baby love and grown-up commitment from prolific British author Mansell (Thinking of You). After Dexter Yates’s sister Laura, a single mom, suddenly dies, he decides to adopt his infant niece, Delphi. “Laura chose me to be Delphi’s guardian,” he says. “If I don’t do it, I’ll be letting her down.” The decision is an uncharacteristically responsible one by the London playboy’s standards, but Dex will ultimately chuck his sleek bachelor pad, busy sex life, and canary yellow Porsche to settle in quaint Briarwood with Delphi. He’s encouraged to work on his previously nonexistent daddy skills by his neighbor Molly Hayes, a gifted cartoonist with a messy romantic past. A shared love of Delphi provides the first connection for Dex and Molly, but trust will be far harder for the pair. This theme of broken and mended love plays out among the village’s other residents, including retired actress Hope, who reconnects with her true love, and barmaid Lois, who stumbles into bed with a dreamy-looking bore. While it’s no surprise when this mixed-up bunch finds the courage to trust their hearts, their meandering course to happiness is charmingly well charted. Agent: Jennifer Unter, RLR Associates.

November 1, 2013
When Dexter's beloved sister dies, he leaves behind his high-powered career, modern apartment, and busy social life to raise her baby daughter, Delphi, in the country. Though he often second-guesses his abilities, Dexter grows into the role of surrogate dad with some help. One new neighbor in particular, comely cartoonist Molly, has a special affect on him, but he must convince her she's more than just a friend and occasional babysitter. Unexpected parenthood is a popular plot device, but Mansell (Thinking of You, 2013) manages to make it fresh by weaving in the stories of the quirky townspeople who complete Dexter and Delphi's new circle, though a few plotlines do miss the mark. Mansell keeps churning out hits with her signature blend of humor, romance, and multiple happy endings, and this book follows that formula with aplomb. Though she sometimes veers toward stereotypes, these characters will strike a chord with readers.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)