Calling Mrs. Christmas by Carole Matthews

I did quite enjoy this book, but didn't think it was one of Carole Matthews's best novels. I loved the idea behind the book, and enjoyed reading about Cassie's new hope and career after such a period of unemployment. However, I felt it started to go downhill once she went on the holiday to Lapland with Carter. Carter was supposed to be charming, but I couldn't quite see it. He seemed too false and obsessed with money to be my kind of hero. I liked reading about Jim, his job, and the two youth offenders which he became fond of. Cassie did reach the right decision by the end of the book, but the fact that she was even considering the other option for so long made me hugely dislike her. I give this book 6/10.

The Summer House by Marcia Willett

I loved reading this book as the characters gave me a warm, fuzzy feeling inside. They all felt like family!  Lottie was my favourite character because she was so unique and loving. Imogen and Matt felt like brother and sister, and I just wanted to shout at them when they were doing stupid things throughout the book. The only part I didn't enjoy was how Matt 'discovered' the secret which had been plaguing him. Some 'strange' photos led him to a conclusion which he could not have possibly come to! The twist in the tale was a good one, but how is was revealed seemed to have been written as if the author couldn't think of any other way. The ending was a bit abrupt, but I was disappointed to have finished it, which is a good sign! I give this book 9/10.

How It All Began by Penelope Lively

I really enjoyed this book. It was short, and the story line was relatively simple - but that's exactly why I enjoyed it. I loved the premise behind the book, that one event that happens randomly can effect the lives of many unrelated people without them knowing it. I enjoyed reading about the variety of characters in the book, especially the relationship between Anton and Rose. Marion's journey to realising that her life needed to change was really inspiring. And I liked the fact that not all the characters were good. I enjoyed disliking slimy Jeremy and selfish Mark. And even though there was no closure to everyone's stories, I think this fitted in well with the idea behind the book. I give this book 9/10.

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Although I felt like the book had a bit of a slow start, once I got to a certain point, I could not put it down. I was hooked, desperate to know what would happen next - and always shocked as each new twist was revealed. At first, I hated Nick and felt sorry for Amy, then my feelings took a total u-turn, much like the public's opinion during the story. I felt the character Amy was very unique and really drove the plot forward. All the little clues she left were really cleverly thought out. The ending, however, whilst apt for the characters, left me feeling a little bit sad and worried about Nick's future. But I really enjoyed the book and give it 9/10.

The Uninvited Guests by Sadie Jones

I'm slightly confused as to whether I enjoyed this book. There were parts where I was really gripped, and I enjoyed getting to know all the characters at the beginning. However, whilst there were some odd aspects to the uninvited guests, especially Charlie, and it was clear they were supposed to be ghosts, I just don't think it was executed well enough. There were times where events were just trying a little too hard to be strange. But I did like all of the characters, especially Emerald, Ernest and Patience, which I feel is an important part of a story. Smudge was also a lovely character, and her quirks made me love her all the more. The ending did bring the story to a good conclusion, but it was just the main body which lacked something. I give this book 5/10.

A Tiny Bit Marvellous by Dawn French

I was quite disappointed with this book, as I'd really enjoyed Dawn French's second book, 'Oh Dear Silvia'. The main problem was that I didn't like any of the characters. Mo was drippy and depressing, but didn't seem to improve much until the last few pages. Dora was an irritating and extremely stupid teenager who acted more like a little child. The language used in her chapters, whilst probably accurate for girls her age, was painful to read. I'd rather it had been third person to avoid this. Oscar's chapters were more enjoyable and quite amusing, however. I found it hard to get into the story and to care about the characters. The ending was good, though, but it was far too late to rescue the book as a whole. I give this book 3/10.

The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards

This was a really moving and interesting book. After reading the synopsis where it explained that David Henry gave away his daughter because she had Down's Syndrome, I couldn't imagine how he could do it and how he could keep it secret, so just had to pick up the book. How the event affected his family without them knowing the truth was tragic yet fascinating to read. I wasn't sure whether to feel sorry for Norah, however, once she began cheating. Phoebe sounded absolutely lovely and I loved the character of Caroline Gill who seemed so brave and inspiring. The twist in the tale towards the end was a real shock, and I thought the ending was perfect. I give this book 9/10.