Linda

I don't have an opinion as to whether this whether an accurate portrayal of Tara's life or not. It really doesn't matter when it comes to the story itself. I don't think anyone is completely accurate when it comes to remembering their life.

The main problem I had with the story was that I found the abuse in the novel disturbing and many times I had to put it up, as I even found myself angry with Tara for not only putting up with the abuse and not reaching out to anyone for help, but doing things to try and act as though it wasn't a problem.

I know this is part of being abused and I understand that. It's just difficult to not scream at the novel, “Don't go home!”, “Stay away from these people!”.

Would I recommend it? Probably not. It dragged on far past the point that it needed to and I still felt like she didn't really fit in anywhere by the end of the novel, so it didn't really feel like a “happy ending” either. Until nearly the end, she was still trying to fit in with her family. It was sad really.

This is a story about Karen, Elliot and their family and friends. Karen was married before and has two children. Her husband Ray ran out on her and later she met and fell in love with Elliot and married him.

Elliot decides to buy a gym with some other guys from their small town and Karen is worried about the money he is spending and the fact that he didn't talk to her about a lot of it because he knew how she was about money and he was trying not worry her. Most of the book is taken up with Karen's fears and insecurities about money and the love of her husband.

The secondary characters are interesting and the whole small town atmosphere is lovely. I did find the book dragged in parts though and I was very tired of reading about their marital problems by the end of it. They both could have used counseling.

A beautifully written story about a man who's son has special needs and he's trying to prepare him to be a responsible man. His son has so much love to give and when he hears about the animal shelter having a “Dog for Christmas” program he begs to get involved.

This story has well thought out characters and some sweet family moments. It's perfect for Christmas and is bound to have you rooting for everything to work out.

Another winner by Mary Higgins Clark. Very fast paced and engaging with some interesting characters. An easy relaxing read.

I really enjoyed this book. It reminded me in some ways of A Man Called Ove. Eleanor Oliphant is a woman with very few social skills and as the story unfolds we begin to learn why. The relationship she has with “Mummy” is toxic and has coloured and shaped her entire life.

She begins to grow and change though when she meets a unlikely friend at work and learns how to interact with the world. Gail Honeyman takes you on a fascinating ride with Eleanor and although I was never really sure if I “liked” her, I did begin to root for her to have a better life.