The Accidental Tourist by Anne Tyler

This was an unusual book and I'm still a little undecided as to whether I liked the main character, Macon, or not. I see that Tyler was trying to show his flaws and how his journey throughout the book changed him. But even by the end of the book, I couldn't warm to him fully. I did feel pity for him quite a lot during the book, especially because of the death of his son, the strange rituals which ruled his life, and his wife leaving him. The arrival of Muriel marked the beginning of his change, but Muriel herself actually irritated me, even though her quirkiness is supposed to be endearing. All of the characters, from his boss, to his brothers and sister, and even his dog, were unconventional and a bit strange, although I did enjoy reading about them. The main disappointment for me was how the book ended. Up until the last paragraph, I thought the book would end with Macon breaking free from both Muriel and his wife and move on to a fulfilling life. The fact that during the final paragraph he chooses Muriel was a little disappointing because I never felt she was really right for him. But I did enjoy reading the book and give it 6/10.

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.