Hand Me Down Histories Judy Rose (Orion, £20)

If you keep all your old family photos jumbled up in a biscuit tin, this book might encourage you to sort them out and label them for future generations. It starts with social history about the 1930s, 40s and 50s, then gives some key dates - ending with 'Mini Madness' on August 26, 1959 when the Oxford-designed car was launched - a day after the first Notting Hill riots. There is a series of suggested questions to ask older relatives, hints on genealogical research, about ten photo album pages with stick-on corners, and a compartment for memorabilia. An ideal gift for anyone with an interest in family history - or perhaps for an older person to create a record for their grandchildren.

Agatha Raisin and Kissing Christmas Goodbye M. C. Beaton (Constable, £18.99)

Like Miss Marple, Agatha Raisin is a national treasure. She lives in a cute Cotswold village near Moreton-in-Marsh, but is most unlike Agatha Christie's sleuth. In between solving mysteries, she gets obsessed with unsuitable men, and is jealous of her new, sexy assistant detective Toni. At one point, she says: "All this Olde Englishe rubbish is getting on my nerves." This time (It's the 18th in the series), the plot is a bit thin, but good fun.

The Family Tree Barbara Delinsky (Harper, £6.99)

This tearjerking story about the family history uncovered after a black baby is born to a white couple reminded me of Anita Shreeve - a bit cliched, but very touching. A DNA test done to trace sickle-cell anaemia has unexpected results, and brings everyone face-to-face with their racial attitudes.

The Trouble with Marriage Debby Holt (Pocket, £6.99)

Tilly is pregnant with her third child. Her husband feels she doesn't understand him, so he shacks up with the gorgeous Louise, who understands him only too well. One to curl up with on a winter's evening when you've been dumped.