The Time of My Life (2011)

Lucy Silchester may speak five languages but she often doesn't speak the truth. Ever since she split with her jetsetting boyfriend Blake, lost her job and moved into a tiny apartment with just a cat for company, Lucy has been down in the dumps. Then she is summoned to meet with her Life - an appointment she can't put off any longer. Will he be able to help Lucy get herself back on track? Ahern again injects quirky and magical elements into her storytelling, with the idea that your Life is in fact someone you can meet, who can force you to face up to your own deluded self-beliefs. There's lots of wry humour, particularly as Lucy, the narrator, recounts events by weaving in lies. But for a much-anticipated book of just under 400 pages, this just wasn't a story that enticed me to put my own life on hold to read it. And it doesn't really leave readers with much of an earth-shattering life lesson either.

The Book of Tomorrow (2009)

Teenager Tamara Goodwin has had to pack up her life after the death of her father, and move with her mother to her aunt and uncle's place in the shadow of Kilsaney castle. When a travelling library visits the village, Tamara finds a padlocked leather-bound book. It's only a blank journal but when she goes to write in it, discovers that it now contains a diary entry in her hand-writing all about tomorrow. When the events outlined in the book come true the next day, she realises she can use the book to help her grief-stricken mother and uncover what her aunt Rosaleen is hiding. A wonderfully written and mesmerising story with layers of mysteries to unravel.

Thanks for the Memories (2008)

Joyce Conway is given a blood transfusion after falling down some stairs and losing her unborn child. Justin Hitchcock is in Dublin to give an art lecture when he is persuaded to give blood. When Joyce finds she now knows all about architecture, can speak several languages and has memories that aren't her own, she begins to wonder about the person who helped save her life. Will they ever meet? There's no big twists but it's an enjoyable read. And Joyce's dad, Henry, is such a character (just loved the airport scenes) you'll be wanting to get along to his Monday Club.

If You Could See Me Now (2005) - Also known as A Silver Lining

Interior decorator Elizabeth Egan likes to keep everything organised. She has lots of responsibilities in her life, including bringing up her six-year-old nephew, Luke - son of her wayward sister Saoirse. Then Luke is befriended by Ivan. Elizabeth thinks he is one of his friend's fathers but there are much more magical elements at play.

Where Rainbows End (2004) - Also known as Rosie Dunne

Rosie Dunne and Alex Stewart have been friends since childhood. Just as they are reaching their final year at school, they are separated when Alex's family moves from Dublin to America. Rosie finds she's lost without him and applies to go to college in Boston so they can be reunited. Except on the eve of her departure, something happens that changes her life forever. Through marriages, divorces and work trials, Rosie and Alex are there for each other. But are they meant to be more than just good friends? One of my all-time favourite books.

PS I Love You (2004)

Holly's husband, Gerry, dies from a brain tumour, just as she is about to turn 30. Her parents pass on a parcel from him, which has 10 envelopes in it - each one listing a monthly mission for her to get her life back on track. With some help from her friends and family, Holly finds she can still laugh, sing and be brave - as the love of her life helps her learn that life goes on.

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