It’s good to talk

Our latest fiction writing competition asked entrants to pen a love story, and we found find three romantic tales which we’re sure you’ll enjoy over the next few pages. Congratulations to Daniel Taylor with The Clockmaker’s Valentine , which you can read overleaf, along with two runners-up. Plus on page 58, find out details about our next themed short story competition...

‘He’s been a poppet, as always,’ Anne said when I arrived at her house to collect my son. On the days that I worked, my ex-mother-in-law picked Ezra up from school for me. She smiled indulgently. ‘He

MY goodness, Damien, it’s good to see you!” Adelaise Thierry gave her old friend a hug. She’d had a difficult time since coming to work at the Massiny estate and Damien’s friendly face really helped.

Sally Cutts, 45, from Fleet, Hampshire Aftertaste ...

I f the brighter days have inspired you ...

MEAT ✣ Medium whole chicken (1.6kg) ✣ 70g chorizo slices ✣ 500g beef mince (12% fat) DAIRY ✣ 150g pot natural yogurt ✣ 4 medium eggs ✣ 260g Cheddar cheese FRUIT/VEG ✣ 7 onions ✣ 1 red onion ✣ Garlic b