The Passion - Jeanette Winterson - An intriguing, rewarding story The thin plot, it's essentially a heightened fairytale.

The Nanny Diaries: A Novel - Emma McLaughlin, Nicola Kraus - Funny, moving, eye opening, easy to read. Characters a bit anonymous, a little bit predictable.

Bird in the Tree - Elizabeth Goudge - Excellent characters of all ages, Encouraging and moving, Gentle character-driven novel A bit long-winded at times

Apple Bough - Noel Streatfeild - Lovely nostalgic book, Range of emotions covered, Satisfactory ending A few characters rather typecast

Bread Alone - Judi Hendricks - Very believable characters, Fascinating recipes and information about bread, cleverly interspersed, Fast-paced and well-written with some wry humour It looks like 'chick-lit' from the coverAmerican lifestyle a bit jarring to begin with

Spies - Michael Frayn - Very enjoyable Perhaps a bit short