Between a Mother and Her Child by Elizabeth Noble

This was a really lovely story, a heart lifting one which shows the journey of grief. It is tinged with some really sad, heartbreaking moments and lots of wonderful characters. As I got to know the characters, I learnt to love them more. Kate was my absolute favourite character. At the start, she had a couple of small chapters that seemed randomly placed and a little confusing. But once she became part of the main story, it all began to make sense. The relationship between the two sisters - Maggie and Liv - was lovely to read, especially as Liv began to live her own life more as Kate appeared. The book seemed a bit lengthy, and as I was about three quarters of the way through I thought it could all be wrapped up, but the rest of the story made it even better. I give this book 10/10.

The Patchwork Marriage by Jane Green

I enjoyed reading this book. Even though the storyline isn't an original one, it was still interesting to read. I liked the main character, Andi, and seeing the story from her side. Emily, the teenage daughter, was suitably horrible. However, I didn't like the chapters written from her perspective. It seems that reading her chapters are supposed to make the reader sympathise with her and gradually start to like her. However, I never grew to like her and she just irritated me the whole way through. I would have preferred it if the whole book was written from Andi's perspective. I didn't like how the story changed from third person to first person, and the tenses seemed a little mixed up, sometimes being obviously in present tense, other times it not being so clear. Overall, the story was good to read and I did enjoy it. I give this book 7/10.

Love and Dr. Devon by Alan Titchmarsh

This was a good read, but not my favourite book by Alan Titchmarsh. There were three main male characters, but I only really liked Christopher. Christopher's story of being left by his wife, and finding happiness within himself was lovely, especially as he started to fall for Maria. Gary and Tiger both irritated me - Tiger because he seemed so easily taken by the young co-pilot and Gary because he seemed a little slimy. However, the storyline with Mr. Tan and the mystery of Dr. Cummings and how they all tied in together was interesting to read. But I did enjoy reading it on the whole. I give this book 7/10.

Oh Dear Silvia by Dawn French

This was a really excellent read. The story was slightly more serious than what I would normally read, but it had me glued from the start. It was fascinating to hear all the different views of Silvia from her visitors, rather than herself. At the start, we are led to believe she is a horrible person, and she cannot defend herself (being in a coma, and all!) But as the story goes on, stories are revealed that show both Silvia and the other characters in a different light. Some of the revelations were a real shock, and kept me wanting to read more. Although the whole tone of the book was sad, there were some uplifting moments. The ending was just perfect, too. And the whole book was very well written. I give this book 10/10!

Is It Just Me? by Miranda Hart

This book was a funny read! It had all the typical 'Miranda' humour in it, and I read the entire book in my head as if it was in Miranda's voice. It touched on some funny subjects and stories, some of which actually made me laugh out loud. I liked how the narrative referred directly to me, 'My Dearest Reader Chum' or MDRC for short. It felt very personalised, as if she was talking directly to me! The only aspect of the book I didn't like were the conversations with 'Little Miranda', her 18 year old self. But what I really liked about this book was the overall message to accept yourself as you are and to follow your dreams, whilst enjoying what you have in the now. So a very enjoyable read overall. I give this book 9/10.

A Gift for My Sister by Ann Pearlman

I was very disappointed with this book, mostly because it attracted me with it's name, tagline and synopsis - all of which turned out to be false. I got the impression the book would be all homely, set in one place. Instead, most of the story was on the road, travelling across America, which does not appeal to me at all. Secondly, I didn't like either of the two sisters - Tara or Sky - who narrate the story. Tara was in a rap band (not my kind of thing at all) and talked about her music in a very pretentious manner. Although Sky was slightly better, there was just something I couldn't connect with. There were some interesting family dynamics and racial issues explored, and some good characters - such as their mum, Allie, Sissy and their children. However, I felt like I was reading this book just so I could get to the end and move onto my next book. Therefore, I give this book 3/10.

Vets In Love by Cathy Woodman

This was a really lovely read - another great story based around animals by Cathy Woodman. As a horse rider myself, I really loved reading about Nicci and her horse, Willow. Matt was a brilliant love interest, with his dog, Bobster (although the name is a bit strange!). The family dynamics between Nicci's mum and sister was interesting to read about, especially as more facts got leaked about why they fell out. Nicci's work as a GP ensured the story had other non-animal characters, some of which were amusing! But overall, it was just a genuinely lovely story, with Nicci overcoming some struggles in her life to become a deeper character who I was really fond of. I give this book 10/10!