Would I Lie To You? by Clare Dowling

A lovely tale of three friends who get together and catch up whilst holidaying in France. A more mature story than the normal chick flick, however it still draws you in and makes you want to read on. A lot of the story is set on a farm which makes it different and you can really imagine the characters on holiday together enjoying themselves.

The lead character Hannah and her two friends are all going through issues you can relate to, so it's easy to follow this book. The situation is based around something that you may have come across in the past and it's interesting to see what path the story takes. A good but not too predictable ending which leaves you with an overall happiness.

Overall rating: 7/10 - A good plot, different to the average chick-lit. You want to read on to find out how the situation is dealt with how the story will end. I would recommend to those who like a more mature book (characters are mid-thirties with families) and nothing too cheesy. It would also appeal to those travelling to France, a country home or someone who likes a more chilled out book. 

Don't You Forget About Me by Alexandra Potter

A very cleverly written book in the sense that you really want the main character Tess to end up with the right guy and not pick wrong one! The way it is written portrays one character as less endearing as the other, so you are rooting for the happy ending (which luckily does happen).

An easy read, however, it does not draw you in as much as other books I have read. For me personally it is based on an unrealistic storyline which always frustrates me in a book. A "wish" is granted and Tess' previous relationship is wiped away allowing her to start again. You almost can't relate to the book from the beginning due to this ridiculous plot.

Overall Rating: 6/10 - Ruined by the silly plot, but an easy read and nice romantic ending which is always heart-warming. I would recommend to those who like books that make you feel connected to the characters and happy endings. Would be a good book for anyone trying to get over an ex-boyfriend too! 

The Woman Who Went To Bed For a Year by Sue Townsend

A different type of book to my normal choice and I am not entirely sure that I enjoyed it! The storyline was a little ridiculous and to me it was too far-fetched to be enjoyable. The book had a mixed bunch of characters a lot of whom were unlovable and just in there to make it more humorous. However, this book didn't really make me chuckle - maybe I was missing the point of the book? If anything I found it quite a disturbing book in the sense that it reinforced how people break down in difficult times.

Throughout the book I found it hard to predict what was going to happen (which isn't always a bad thing) but I felt the ending was a slight let down, I was expecting more. It was however, an easy read and it did make you think about situations in life and how you would deal with them. It also emphasises the fact that judging people is wrong.

Overall rating: 4/10 - A bit pointless and couldn't relate to many of the characters as they had strange personalities. If anything I felt the book had an overall sadness. When you are on holiday you want to be reading a more uplifting book rather than one that makes you think. I would recommend to those who like an easy read, it is a book that makes you want to keep reading. Also this book makes you think so ideal for those who like more of a life lesson read.

The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins

Wow, wow and wow! It took a while to decide whether I was going to read The Hunger Games, the plot seemed a bit far fetched for me and I was not sure i could stomach a book involving a lots of fighting. But oh my gosh, this has to be one of my all time favourite books. The story is written in such a way that you need to keep reading with most chapters  ending on a cliff edge! There is a lot to take in and imagine, but it is written so well you can really picture the scenes and somehow it does not seem unrealistic.

As the plot develops the games begin and you really feel for the main character Katniss and you want her to win. Then you wonder at the end of the first book how on earth can they make 2 more books out of this? Well Suzanne did it and both the next 2 books had the same effect on me. I had to pace myself and read another book in between as I was just so obsessed with finding out what was next!

To me the real storyline was the love interest. As a romantic myself it was so lovely to see the relationship survive even though it was tested so much throughout the books. All 3 books were as good as each other and surprisingly for me a book i could never get bored of reading over and over again.

Overall rating: 10/10 - You have to read to see what all the fuss is about! Be sure to take all 3 books on holiday with you or you will regret! I would recommend to anyone who wants a break from the traditional chick flick and who likes a book that you can feel that you are there involved in the action. It would also appeal to those hopeless romantics like me too!

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.