Alice Taylor's first novel The Woman of the House (Argosy, £9.99), is based on country life in the 1950s. It is an excellent book which deals with human emotions during times of prosperity and bereavement. The main characters are complex and interesting, they have something which appeals to every reader. The author focuses on a family living on a farm and how they cope with different aspects of their lives.

An intriguing book filled to capacity with suspense, tension, romance and drama. Well worth a read as it reflects our heritage and culture.