Best of Friends by Cathy Kelly

This was a nice read, but I didn't think it was one of Cathy Kelly's best novels. I felt connected to all of the main women in different ways. Lizzie was perhaps my favourite because she really overcame her challenges throughout the book. The topic of breast cancer and Sally's death were dealt with superbly and it was a great way of showing that good things can come out of horrible situations. The main disappointment I had with this book was that the three main women didn't seem genuine friends, more just acquaintances, and I believe that was what the book was meant to be about. They barely saw each other and didn't seem to know each other that well. However, the book was well written, and each individual's story was well told and fun to read. I give this book 8/10.

The Tenderness of Wolves by Stef Penney

I still can't decide whether I enjoyed this book. It was ok, and some bits were interesting, but I just wasn't gripped. The main problem was that there were just too any characters it took a while for me to figure who was who and what was what. I was also disappointed by the ending - it was very abrupt and nothing came from it. It sounds mean, but I basically found it quite boring. Not a lot happened and not a lot was revealed. I did feel empathetic towards some of the characters, such as Laurent, Mrs. Ross and Francis. But I felt I was reading it just to finish rather than because I was enjoying it. I give this book 4/10.

An Auctioneer's Lot by Philip Serrell

I did enjoy this book but must say it was a bit slow going. It took a while to get into it, too. Each chapter tells a funny story of Serrell's auctioneering life which included some very interesting characters who made me chuckle. The main problem was that the narrative included a lot of unnecessary details and went on quite a bit! I would have preferred more succinct stories and a larger quantity. Even though it's not related to the story, I very much liked the illustrations at the beginning of each chapter! I give this book 6/10.

Christmas at Rosie Hopkins' Sweet Shop by Jenny Colgan

This was a nice read, set in an idyllic English village with some eccentric but loveable characters, such as Lilian and Hetty. Rosie is a good main character as she is down-to-earth and is described as a fuller figure, which is more like the 'real' world so easier to identify with. The main problem I had with this book was Rosie's boyfriend, Stephen. I think he is supposed to be written as a dark and mysterious character, a Mr. Darcy type. But to me, he just came across as rude, stubborn and spoilt, and I didn't like him at all. Lilian's story line was a good one, with an unexpected twist which was interesting and emotional to follow. And the book had a very nice Christmassy feel (even though it is no longer Christmas!). Overall, I give this book 7/10.