Dear Maeve

By Maeve Binchy

Poolbeg Press, €5.99

For the reader that always loved buying the newest Maeve Binchy book, this is a final gift to enjoy. From a hilarious account of how to prevent a Christmas argument, to what exactly you say to a sick friend, Dear Maeve is real life through the eyes of one of Ireland’s best-loved authors. Behind her beautiful writing is an air of wisdom. All royalties for the book go to the Arthritis Foundation of Ireland.

A Year on our Farm

By Ann & Robin Talbot

Laois Education Publishing, €19.99, available through Easons or www.talbotsofcoolefarm.com

As we look to a new year, many of us reflect on the last. A Year on our Farm is written by Ann and Robin Talbot and reflects on the changing seasons at their home in Co Laois. As producers of beef cattle for the domestic and export market, the book captures the births and deaths, the splendours and hardship, all through the eyes of the family and their own photographs. As well as being a book that any farming family can relate to, it’s also a great gift for farmers abroad, giving them a glimpse of the Irish experience.

The House

By A O’Conner

Poolbeg Press, €14.99

The house is a fantastic story of a family home through generations of people. Back in the 1840s, Lord Edward Armstrong built the house for his bride, Anna, but its future was threatened when no heir was born. In the 1910s, Clara Armstrong becomes the Lady of the house, but life changes dramatically when World War II strikes. Today, Kate and her husband Tony try to restore its former beauty, but as they do, they discover the fates of its former occupiers. A page-turner filled with betrayal, deceit, revenge and obsession.

I heart Christmas

By Lindsey Kelk

Harper Collins, €9.99

Angela is planning her own fairytale of New York, complete with an enormous Christmas tree and a gorgeous man. But Santa’s throwing her some curveballs. From her baby-crazed best friend to her commitment-keen boyfriend, everyone around her wants to settle down. Throw in the pressure of a new job, and Angela’s merry Christmas cheer starts to crumble.

In the Picture

By Brian O’Connor

Poolbeg Press, €9.99

An ex-jockey and acclaimed artist, Luke Delamere’s world is turned upside down when his birth mother contacts him. The encounter leads him into the terrifying world of high art, big business and murderous criminals. With his only ally being a beautiful reporter, Luke has to pit his wits against elite European criminals before it is too late.

The Lie of the Land

By PJ Cunningham

Ballpoint Press, €14.99

The Lie of the Land by PJ Cunningham is a unique slice of life in rural Ireland. A collection of short stories, it deals with everything from religious fears and taboos, to alcoholism, arranged marriages and even a bit of superstition. How have the people transitioned from old Ireland to modern Ireland? It’s all captured in this book.

Wave Me Goodbye

By Ruby Jackson

Harper Collins, €9.99

Set in World War II, Grace, Sally, Rose and Daisy are keen to do their bit on the homefront. In fact, for orphan Grace, it’s her chance to make a fresh start. Sam, her unrequited love, is fighting away in far-flung places and she puts her best foot forward to start working on a farm. However, early morning milking and mucking out is a shock to the system. The grass always seems greener on the other side, but life isn’t as simple for her friends either. It’s trying times like this that will strengthen their friendship forever.

Christmas at Carrington’s

By Alexandra Brown

Harper Collins, €9.99

Georgie Heart loves Christmas time at Carrington’s department store, where she runs the luxury handbags department. But when Tom, her hunky boyfriend, springs a surprise, scuppering her Christmas plans, and a fashionable foe shows her up on a reality TV show, Georgie fears this will be the worst Christmas ever. That is until Santa leaves a little surprise in her stocking. CL