This Year It Will Be Different- Maeve Binchy

Maeve Binchy has a very particular style of writing, and although it is hugely praised- I however don't applaud her so greatly. This was a novel including many short, short stories. They were all Christmas based tales and although they emphasised all the variations of celebrating it, it just didn't enthuse me. It would have been a wiser idea to read this nearer that particular type of year. There was one story however, that I shall not forget in a hurry. It was based on these two sisters running and OAP home, and changing the attitudes of the elderly about christmas during the seasonal time. I did get bored of reading this book, and that is because I would recommend a 12-15 year old to read it.
*- 1 Star Rating

This Book Will Save Your Life- A.M. Homes

Written in a truelly brilliant form of writing, simply captures the essence of the American dream, and LA lifestyle of many, many people. This book entertains, dotes on humour, if the title entails it is going to be deep and meaningful in any way- think again. The story is based around a man who has everything, but is trying to rekindle his relationship with his son and trying to build a social life again- which he manages with great success throughout. Throughout there are significant metaphors which can refer to many things in life, however this book is not cynical in any form, it just captures the pure essence of a lonely man's lifestyle and the changes that take place due to a hospital scare; it all begins when he enters the donut store and meets Anhil. I found this book fabulous in many ways, and I am very keen on reading further books by Homes. My mum didn't enjoy this book, as she said 'it wasn't my usual read'. I however, loved the american feel, and although it can seem ridiculous all these things popping up out of the blue- I loved the ending and I loved the general feel of the book.
****-4 Star Rating

Chez Moi- Agnes Desarthe

French author Agnes Desarthe, put together a beautiful and tasty ( in many ways ) a book all about the rediscovery of this woman's life- due to the opening of her very interestingly quirky restaurant. It has been translated into English, as she became hugely popular in the USA. I found the book wonderful, as I am very intrigued by the French culture, and throughout I pick up the French humour and culture. Although, it was not the kind of book I usually read, and was a bit worrying that she fell out with her son for so many years, due to her bizarre fascination with her son's friend ( her son was like 8 at the time, so was his friend ). However, it was an enjoyable read, and had a few inspiring lines throughout. 

**-2 Star Rating

On Chesil Beach- Ian McEwan

Ian McEwan is one of my most inspiring novelists. Not only does he capture the natural elements of relationships today, but in On Chesil Beach he manages to depict the pure essence of life, and regrets. This book I did find initially really weird, however once the book comes to it's ending chapter, everything seems to fit together like a puzzle. The story is not complicated, it just goes on and on about one particular evening the night of a marital commitment. It is a particularly sad novel, but yet it intrigued me, how you can love someone but yet due to stubbornness or protection of one self you let it pass you by- literally. Inspiring ending to a novel- made me think really, really deeply afterwards.
***- 3 Star Rating

Up All Night- Carmen Reid

Carmen Reid's target audience is usually the young female's, however this book definitively aims to interact with those in the familiar field as she; journalism. Now as a student studying journalism, I found the book insightful and easy to understand and read. I read this book whilst away on holiday with my family, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I have read some of Reid's other known books, and enjoyed each of them the same as I did this one. It is based on a character who has recently divorced, and is juggling her children and career. Yet the new experiences of sleeping with someone new- once again. 

***-3 Star Rating !

Sister- Rosamund Lupton

This novel is written in the form of a letter, and is Lupton's debut novel as she usually writes screenplays ( scripts). The format is written in prose of a sister writing to her sister ( I won't reveal why, or give out any spoilers- so do not fear ). The story is a gripping tale of how a bond between two sisters tries to uncover the disappearance of another. The story is charming and compelling, and not only is it a great thriller but an enjoyable easy read. Throughout the book I was trying to guess the ending, however when the end arrived I was gob smacked, and pleasantly surprised with how the book rounded things up. Not a happy read I will just say that- yet a cleverly written debut book. I would recommend to those who want a light thriller read. However, I have read a few reviews criticizing Luption's writing for being too cliche and faulting her narrative structure ( as she tells the story to the police man throughout the book ), but I feel this is extremely harsh and her writing is easily read, and easily understood.
****- 4 Star Rating

California Dreams- Belinda Jones

A beautiful summer read- best for those days you lounge aimlessly on the beach dreaming of a better life. Very easy, and quick to read only took me 2 days to indulge and get through. It involves plenty of humour, and awkward moments where you are literally cringing for the main characters. We all dream of mixing with the rich and famous, and Jones captures all the delights of doing so in this book. The male's in the book make the book a little less believable, however Marina's husband who is involved in the navy is a particularly warming character. The ending is less believable as Stella ( the main character ) ends up with her ex ( the man in the uniform who we finally meet at the end of the book ) and realises that she has had her fun with the rich and famous man of her dreams, and has and always will be in love with her ex. Pretty unoriginal, but that's a typical summer read for you. Enjoyable non the less.
****-4 Star Rating.