A Spring Affair by Milly Johnson.

I love Milly Johnson books but I had been saving this one for some time so that I could read it during Spring.  It's another great book, classic chick-lit full of strong loveable characters that make it a cute fun book to read.

The book starts with the main character Lou becoming hooked on clearing out her house and she has a major spring clean.  I loved this theme as I'm a big believer in clearing-out having a very therapeutic effect, and as a result of this book my spare bedroom has had a major overhaul.

Right from the start of the book you want the best for Lou and keep reading hoping she will come to her senses and see her husband the way you as a reader do.

As always with Milly Johnson books the characters face real issues that we can all relate to and meet characters, some of whom we realize we know only too well ourselves, and some we can only dream of meeting in real life. As a result you finish the book feeling like you have a real connection with story and the people in it.  Another brilliant example of feel-good fun chick-lit.

Now I just have to wait until summer time so that I can read A Summer Fling.  I have An Autumn Crush already lined up on my bookshelf too.

Title: A Spring Affair
Author: Milly Johnson

The Host by Stephanie Meyer.

As a big fan of the Twilight books I was excited to read the next book from Stephanie Meyer.  Unfortunately I was a little disappointed with The Host.

There was nothing in the book to keep you gripped to the story.  Somehow, I found myself half way through the book thinking that not much had happened and wondering why I was still reading as there was little suspense to keep you interested.

The main characters were not anywhere near as strong as her usual characters - and I do wonder why authors feel the need to give all their main characters similar names when it just makes it more confusing for you to figure out who is who when you first meet them, in this book we had Jamie, Jared and Jeb. I can't say I related to either Melanie or Wanda and didn't feel strongly either way about who I hoped would win safety in the end.

My main criticism of the book is that it is way too long.  With the lack of action in the story I'm sure it would have been possible to half its length.

I will still watch the film, if only to see how it interprets the internal dialogue between Melanie and Wanda, but I wouldn't recommend reading the book.

Title: The Host
Author: Stephanie Meyer.

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd.

I have never watched the film based on this book, and had no idea what it would be about.  In reading it I was reminded of The Help as in it's very basic form this book is a story of a white girl's friendship with black women; at a time when the two communities lived very different lives.

There were lots of strong characters in the book, my favourite being the main character Lily.  At only fourteen she was quite philosophical, which was interesting.  At times you really felt for Lily and her conflicting emotions but despite this I didn't seem to really bond with any of the characters and it wasn't the type of book that you're itching to read again each time you put it down.  Despite having no real expectations of the book, somehow I was reading it hoping for more to happen.

I would still like to watch the film but based more on the fact that there are some good actors in it rather than based on the strength of the storyline.

Title: The Secret Life Of Bees
Author: Sue Monk Kidd

The Birds And The Bees by Milly Johnson.

I'm a lover of Milly Johnson books, and this one didn't change my mind.

It's the story of two jilted lovers and their quest to win back their partners.  The main character Stevie is very down to earth and you spend the book routing for her, despite sometimes willing her to wish for something other than winning back her ex Matthew.  I wasn't so keen on Adam at the beginning but I don't think as a reader I was meant to be.  By the end though, you're hoping he'll have a happy ever after, just as you are with Stevie.

There aren't any major twists and turns in this book, but nonetheless it is a lovely read, full of likeable characters, romance and friendship.

Another good Milly Johnson book to add to the collection!

Title: The Birds And The Bees
Author: Milly Johnson

Build A Man by Talli Roland.

This is a great example of a fun chick-lit read.  There aren't many characters to get your head around and those that you do meet are likeable and easy to relate to.  The hero of the book is good looking, charming, rich and single - pretty much the perfect hero!

The setting of a plastic surgery clinic was interesting and the cut throat world of journalism was represented well.

The story was a good one and you really feel for the main character, despite realising some of her decisions were a little foolish.

This book has all the basics for a good chick-lit read: friendship, romance and plastic surgery!  Plus it's only 99p on Kindle - bargain.

Title: Build A Man
Author: Talli Roland

Smokey The Very Loud Purring Cat by Smokey and Ruth Adams.

This book is different to the average cat book.  Firstly there are more Forewords than I have ever seen within just one book.  There are lots of photos, plus illustrations; and the text is punctuated with Cat Facts and copies of newspaper articles featuring Smokey.  The main difference though is that whereas other cat books I have read tell the cat's story through the voice of the owner, in this one Smokey tells his own story.

Smokey's tale isn't the most exciting you'll ever read but it's a sweet story, and once you get used to hearing it through Smokey's own words it becomes quite endearing.  Cat owners will definitely relate to Smokey's views and his interpretation of his owner's actions.

Personally I would have preferred more focus to be placed on Smokey's true life story as opposed to his seven fictional past lives.

In addition to the feline theme of this book, in reading it you will also read about Guinness World Records and the science of sound, which I found quite interesting.  

In all in, a refreshing change from the 'usual' cat books out there.

Title: Smokey The Very Loud Purring Cat
Author: Smokey and Ruth Adams