Santa Baby by Katie Price

Anyone who has read a Katie Price book before definitely knows what to expect! As cheesy as it is, you can't but help enjoy this book. It is such an easy read - you can pick it up and put it down anytime, yet the story returns to you instantly.

 

The book feels like real life and it is rather believable giving you an insight into what it would be like to be famous! It ties in with previous books, but also works as a book on its own. It deals with normal thoughts and feelings and does not try to make everything too complicated, but yet it is still gripping. A tale of a family, celebrity life, love and new beginnings it is captivating and a good read (although I hate to admit it!)

Overall rating: 8/10 - it is a book you can read all year round not just at Christmas. A perfect holiday read as it is such an easy can't put down book. I would recommend it to anyone who likes a book that you can power through quickly as you just can't put it down. Those who also like the classic chick flick books will love this. Perfect for anyone going on a winter get-away holiday as well! 

Welcome to Rosie Hopkins Sweet Shop of Dreams by Jenny Colgan

Jenny Colgan never disappoints and I have loved all her previous books. The sweet shop theme of the book takes you back to your childhood which you can't help but love. Every chapter starts off with describing a traditional old fashion sweet which really makes the book different and quirky. You get a good picture of what the sweet shop this book is set in would really be like.

This book also has an insight into the main characters aunt's life too through flashbacks throughout which makes it exciting. All the characters are very lovable and you really get an insight into the village life. It definitely is a book that makes you want to read on, but at the same time you want to savour the next chapter so that you can feel that excitement of being in a sweet shop again.

Overall rating: 7/10 as it has more than one dimension and it is fantastic the way it captures what it would actually be like to live in a village and own a sweet shop! I would recommend this to anyone that likes a book that has more than one story running at the same time, who enjoys an insight into village life and of course anyone who loves sweets! 

The Garden Party by Sarah Challis

This book follows the story of one main central character (Alice) and her grown-up children. They all have complicated lives and the whole book leads up to a celebratory garden party. The book had it's ups and downs, sections of it are very addictive and you want to read on, but as there are so many characters in the book it can get quite confusing remembering who exactly everyone is.

As there are so many characters you do have the benefit of multiple side plots going on all at the same time. It is nice to see a book with characters going through day-to-day worries that readers may have faced.

Overall rating: 6/10 - Too many characters to keep track of and you start to loose your interest. This would appeal to those who want to their full attention to a book - it is not one to pick up and put down too often. It would also interest those who like idyllic and happy ending reads.

Amy's Honeymoon by Julia Llewellyn

An unexpectedly fun, easy read. This grabbed my attention due to the honeymoon title and very much so exceeded my expectations. The way it the book has snippets of flashbacks creates interest and makes you want to read on. It's nice to read a book set in Rome, with a celebrity as a main character so you get a glimpse of Hollywood life!

It has that ability in a book for you to love and hate some characters which makes you feel more involved in the story. To me it leaves you guessing as to how it will end. There are a few different ways that it could finish and I think the author Julia Llewellyn does a great job in not going for a real cheesy end!

Overall rating: 7/10 - A really easy gripping read and a classic chick-lit. Appeals to anyone on holiday in Rome or enjoys an upbeat read and likes a bit of romance. 

Finding Mr Flood by Ciara Geraghty

This is a book takes a while to get into. The story kicks off straight away, but I felt that you did not warm to the characters until a few chapters in. Do not give up though, as the story really does draw you in with a love interest developing along the way. The main character Dora is a lovable, vulnerable women and you feel you grow with her in such a crucial stage in her life.

All she wants to do is help her Sister who she is so faithful to and on the way she discovers who she is too. The ending is a good one and unexpected and definitely made me shed a tear which is rather unusual for me!

Overall Rating: 6/10 - due to such a slow start - I did nearly give up but glad I stuck with it. This book would appeal to those interested in complicated family life, a less traditional chick-lit book as it contains more emotion and has lots of ups and downs. Would appeal to those who likes a book to develop to build up to a grand finale.

The Real Katie Lavender by Erica James

A real heart-warming book based on a women trying to discover herself and a family she did know existed! The characters in this book are all very loveable and you can really lose yourself into the family. Written fantastically so that you really get a sense of being part of the family and you can just imagine that you are at the country house it's set in with them all.

There was a real risk of feeling that the storyline was a bit far-fetched, however you do get involved and the plot seems rather normal! Decisions taken are done with a sense of honesty and the main character Katie has a vulnerable side to her.

Overall Rating: 8/10 - as it leaves you with that "ahhh" feeling inside. This book would appeal to people who love happy endings, romantics and anyone who enjoys an easy (but addictive) read.

White Wedding by Milly Johnson

Anyone who recently got married or is planning a wedding will know that you are instantly drawn to wedding related books! Having recently got married myself, I am obsessed with anything wedding related. White Wedding draws you in right from the beginning splitting the book into 3 weddings intertwined into each other. Who could not love a book set around choosing the perfect wedding dress?

It's short chapters makes you eager to keep reading and turns this book into one of "those" you can't put down. As always things don't turn out as you would think, but this book really tugs at your heart strings with the coming together of such lovable characters.

Overall rating: 7/10 - due to its addictiveness, but it is admittedly a very "girly" book. If you love romance and love weddings (like me) then this is a winner! Stay away from it if you don't like the lovey dovey type books!