The Unpredictable Consequences of Love by Jill Mansell

This is a really nice read - if a little uneventful. When I look back on it, there isn't much plot to the book, but I kept wanting to read on because I liked the main character, Sophie, and the setting by the sea. I thought the two main love interests were a little bit meek and too perfect to be realistic, but I loved all the other characters. Dot and Lawrence's plot was interesting to read. And Marguerite was a fascinating character, especially regarding her relationship with her nephew, Riley. What I liked about books like this are that they are like wearing a well-loved pair of snuggly pyjamas - they're comforting and reliable. I give this book 8/10.

Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan

I really loved reading this book. It's just my kind of story - a loveable main character who is down on their luck and manages to pull their life back together despite all of their issues. Polly was a really inspiring character and everything wasn't sugar-coated. For example, her relationship with Mrs. Manse was very rocky to begin with. And her love life was not a smooth ride, especially with several twists involving Tarnie that had me really surprised. The only thing that really let the story down was the character Reuben who was so ridiculously rich he could have solved everyone's problems with the drop of a hat but never bothered. His Star Wars themed wedding (whilst I realise this does happen in real life) was just silly and out of character. And the party he held at the end of the wake was really inappropriate, but none of the characters seemed to notice this! But other than that, it was a lovely read. I give this book 9/10.

Festival in Prior's Ford by Evelyn Hood

I think that the Prior's Ford books must be my favourite series of all time because they are just perfect easy reading. When I read one of the books, I feel like I'm being given a warm hug and that I'm getting to visit my favourite friends again! I was so disappointed when I finished this book because I have just got back into them again and there are no more to be read! I can't decide who my favourite character is. I enjoy reading about Clarissa because she is so brave to accept her love is so much younger than her. Stella is another favourite, mostly because she works on the mobile library! Her new love interest, Malcolm, is a great addition to the village. I have to give this book 10/10.

Tomorrow There Will be Apricots by Jessica Soffer

I enjoyed reading the majority of this book, although there were some parts that frustrated me about the main characters. Although they had their problems, I didn't feel all that empathetic towards them. Victoria never really explains why she didn't want to keep her baby, for example. And I didn't like the couple of scenes where Lorca's self-harming was described in a lot of detail, as I'm pretty squemish. But I did enjoy reading about Victoria and Lorca's growing friendship and of Lorca's relationship with Blot. Both characters had a lot of issues to overcome and it was interesting reading how they did it with help from each other and their shared love of cooking. I give this book 7/10.

A Short Book About Drawing by Andrew Marr

I was really looking forward to this book but was slightly disappointed. It was more a history of art, with dates and names of artists and paintings. I was expecting a little bit of easier reading but it turned out to be really pretentious. I didn't end up finishing it, I'm sad to say. Although I did look through all the pictures and Marr is very talented. I give this book 3/10.

The Heart Whisperer by Ella Griffin

I really didn't like this book when I first started it. I hated all of the main characters, especially Ray and Claire. They were so immature and in a world of their own and they just generally annoyed me. The worst point for me was when Claire tried to get rid of her father's dog so heartlessly by pretending he was a stray to the vet. I was tempted to stop reading but was glad I didn't, however, because things turned around about half way through as new plots were revealed and the main characters Claire, Ray and Nick all began to change for the better. Claire overcame her fear of dogs and fell in love with 'Dog'. Ray learnt that he actually enjoyed being a father. And Nick realised that he wasn't so perfect. The story line including the love interest Richard was good, and threw a few spanners in the works. And I really liked the ending, as I was worried that Ray and Claire would end up together, but the actual ending was much better. Overall I give this book 6/10.

Return to Prior's Ford by Evelyn Hood

Once again the Prior's Ford books have got me hooked! It's been a while since I read the previous ones in the series, and I was worried I wouldn't remember the characters, etc. But with the handy character descriptions at the start and some quick plot reminders as part of the narrative, it all came flooding back. And it's still full of its easy charm and stories which make me want to live there! There were a couple of plot twists, and the usual excellent storytelling - I can just picture all of the characters and settings. It's pure easy-reading but that is why I love it. And I can't wait to read the next one in the series, too. I give this book 10/10.