A Walk in the Park by Jill Mansell

It's been a while, but Lara Carson's back in Bath and lives are set to change as a result. Because Lara left her family and boyfriend Flynn eighteen years ago without a word to anyone. Why has no one heard from her since? Her childhood best friend Evie is thrilled Lara's back and able to share her happiness. Evie's about to walk down the aisle with her dream man, Joel. Or so she thinks... Then there's Flynn Erskine, even more attractive now and stunned to see Lara again. The spark between them is as strong as ever, but how's Flynn going to react when he discovers the secret she's been keeping from him? Oh yes, there's a lot of catching up to be done..

I think I've read almost every book Jill Mansell has wrote.  She's an auto-read.  The only problem I have with her books is that they are like potato chips.  Once I start, I can't stop.  So I waited until I had a nice long evening where I would be uninterrupted to delve into A Walk in the Park. 

Whew!What a fabulous read! When Lara's mother died, her father took up with another woman and married her.  Janice never liked Lara and wanted her gone and used every thing she could think of to make it happen.  But Lara made these easy for her - by creating common teenage mistakes.  Most parents would live and learn but Lara's father throws her out of the house.  She's only sixteen.

She makes her way to her Aunt Nettie's and there she stays for years - until her dad dies.  Then she goes back for the funeral, but only because the solicit needs her for the will reading.  She finds out she inherited the house and decides to move in and get a job.  What she doesn't count on is her old boyfriend, Flynn, still single, handsome and available.  He makes no secret of the fact he wants to pick up where they left off years ago.

Then there is Harry, who owns a clothing store where Lara spent her teen years.  He's got troubles of his own - in the way of a popular rap star.  The rapper keeps putting Harry's shirts on his website and the orders are piling in.  The fans can't get enough of stodgy British Harry and the rapper and it makes for great publicity and shirt sales!

Then there is Lara's best friend, Evie.  She's about to get married when everything begins to fall apart.  Her love life, along with the ups and downs of Lara's life, will keep you thoroughly entertained! From romance, to laugh out loud moments, heartwarming and sweet, A Walk in the Park is anything but.  I totally loved it and recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good British Chick-lit novel!  

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.