I can't help but compare this book to Bridget Jones -- same character type (young British woman, mediocre job, unlucky in love, parental problems) -- which is why I was kind of disappointed in it. I did enjoy it to an extent, and thought there were a few funny moments, but for a truly enjoyable read of this genre I would say Bridget Jones blows Helen Bradshaw out of the water.

Several scenes were just a bit farfetched and Helen herself became more annoying than quirky. I would not call this book a waste of time, but would not say it was one of the best I've read lately.

Read it if you have the time, but don't make time in your schedule for it.

Well, it's the second Christmas in a row that I have ventured to make cookies from this recipe book. Last year's "Mexican Wedding Cakes" cookies were a total disaster----couldn't even get a dough to form. Today I made the "Mom's Coconut Kisses" with some degree of success, but baking time was too long and I burnt the first batch. What is with these recipes? I am a decent cook, can certainly follow directions, and yet keep getting disappointed. Perhaps you will have better luck than I.

The book has photos of all of the recipes, which is nice, but is very wordy in terms of directions: the author includes every imaginable way of mixing the cookies and lists specific directions for each. While helpful, it makes each recipe look quite daunting.

I'm sure there are many other recipe books that include just as many nice recipes but actually work....